bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic literature review of the signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Colosia Ann , Costello Jessica , McQuarrie Kelly , Kato Kelly , Bertzos Kristi
Published: February 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for over 30 million lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and 3 million hospitalizations worldwide each year. Despite the risk RSV poses to young children, older adults, and individuals with comorbidities or suppressed immunity, there is limited understanding of RSV symptom presentation across these at‐risk groups, and there is no vaccine for RSV. We conducted two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) of studies that document signs and symptoms (S&S) of RSV in (1) children aged ≤5 years and (2) immunocompromised adolescents and adults, and adults at high risk for severe RSV due to age or comorbidities. Symptom duration and hospital length of stay (LOS) were explored. Electronic database searches were performed following PRISMA guidelines. Studies captured RSV S&S across community and hospital settings. Clinicians and caregivers reported (n = 25 studies) nasal discharge/congestion, cough, shortness of breath, feeding abnormalities, and fever in ≥40% of children across studies and settings. Median hospital stays for children ranged from 2 days in the United States to 7.5 days in China. High‐risk adults with RSV (n = 6 studies) commonly (≥40% of adults) reported cough, sputum, dyspnea, and fever/feverishness. Median length of hospital stay in adults ranged from 6 to 15 days across studies. Caregivers and clinicians reported similar RSV S&S in young children, including upper and lower respiratory and systemic symptoms. In high‐risk and immunocompromised adults, the most frequent (in multiple publications) and commonly reported RSV S&S were primarily LRTI symptoms. RSV symptoms could last for weeks and are variable based on geography.
Transcriptome analysis of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis gills under high temperature fluctuations
Authors: Li Danyang , Liu Yang , Tian Ying , Mao Junxia , Wang Xubo , Chang Yaqing , Hao Zhenlin
Published: February 2023

Temperature is one of the environmental factors affecting the physiological activities of aquatic animals. This study explored the gene expression and regulation mechanism in the gill tissues of the scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis under the stress of high temperature fluctuations. We designed a high temperature fluctuation experiment, in which the water temperature was raised from 20°C to 23°C and 26°C and then decreased from 26°C to 23°C and 20°C, with a rate of heating and cooling of 0.5°C/h. The experiment consisted of four cycles and lasted for 7.5 days. When the target temperature was reached and the next temperature increase or decrease began, the gills of scallops were collected to measure immune enzyme activities and for transcriptome analysis. Immunological results showed significant differences in enzyme activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and lysozyme in scallop gills at 20°C on the first day and 26°C on the fifth day. Therefore, we analyzed gene expression from gill samples from these two time points using transcriptomics. We referred to samples from these time points as the normal temperature group (NT) and high temperature group (HT). Transcriptome results indicated that 347 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in HT versus NT. Through gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, we found that these DEGs were mainly involved in metabolic pathways and protein synthesis pathways and had significant effects on oxidative stress, apoptosis, body metabolism, and protein folding in M. yessoensis. We selected 62 DEGs related to heat shock, immunity, and metabolism, including 47 upregulated and 15 downregulated DEGs. In a subset of these genes, quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis showed similar expression (R2 = 0.81), thus validating the transcriptome data. Our results provide a theoretical basis for further analysis of the response mechanism in M. yessoensis to high temperature stress and for the development of molecular breeding technology for high temperature tolerance.
The involvement of metallothioneins and stress markers in response to osmotic stress in Avena sativa L.
Authors: Konieczna Wiktoria , Mierek‐Adamska Agnieszka , Warchoł Marzena , Skrzypek Edyta , Dąbrowska Grażyna B.
Published: February 2023

Osmotic stress frequently caused by drought is the most threatening environmental stress that remarkably reduces crop yield. Oat (Avena sativa L.) is sensitive to water deficiency during growth. Plant metallothioneins (pMTs) show tremendous promise in enhancing general stress tolerance in plants. This study aimed to verify whether pMTs and elements of the antioxidant defence system protect oat against osmotic stress. Coding and genomic regions of A. sativa L. MTs belonging to three different types were cloned. To evaluate the role of MTs in osmotic stress, the expression of genes encoding AsMT1‐3 was checked by qRT‐PCR in the roots and shoots of oat plants growing in a hydroponic culture in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and mannitol. The expression of AsMT1‐3 changed in response to osmotic stress; however, the changes depended on the type of MT and the treatment. The amount of AsMT3 transcript was about five‐fold and nine‐fold higher in shoots and roots, respectively, in the presence of mannitol. To further analyse the response of oat to osmotic stress, the level of phenolic compounds, soluble sugars, abscisic acid, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were tested using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. During osmotic stress, the content of phenols, soluble sugars, abscisic acid, and the activity of catalase and peroxidase in shoots increased. In roots treated with PEG 6000, the amount of phenolic compounds was higher than that in roots treated with mannitol. The activity of superoxide dismutase was about 5‐fold higher in roots than in shoots. MTs are involved in plant response to osmotic stress. In the future, insight provided in this study will lead to application in agriculture either by using MTs as molecular markers for stress‐resistant crop cultivars or by a generation of genetically modified crops overexpressing MTs.
High photostrictive efficiency of Mg3V2O8 ceramics under visible light illumination
Authors: Boda Muzaffar Ahmad , Chen Chen , He Xiang , Wang Lu , Yi Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

The materials showing significant photostrictive effect under visible light are of great interest for the development of advanced micro‐optomechanical systems (MOMS). Till date, ferroelectrics have remained the most widely investigated materials for photostriction, but due to wide bandgap their efficiency remains poor in visible light. Herein, magnesium orthovandate (Mg3V2O8) ceramics, showing a bandgap of 2.43 eV, is demonstrated for significant photostrictive efficiency (η) under visible light. In the illumination of laser  655 nm, it shows η = 1.5 × 10−11 m3/W, the highest efficiency ever reported for any ceramic under visible light, and under laser405 nm, shows η = 1.0 × 10−11 m3/W, the efficiency higher than most of the reported materials in similar illumination conditions. The in situ X‐ray diffraction patterns collected under external laser illumination in conjunction with power dependent Raman spectroscopy indicates that the photostriction of Mg3V2O8 ceramics is attributed to light induced distortion of its VO4 tetrahedrons and MgO6 octahedrons. Whilst, comparative analysis of Raman modes identified experimentally and modes calculated by density functional theory reveals that the light‐triggered electron–phonon resonating interactions and light‐induced phase transition are the most likely origin of large polyhedral distortions and hence higher value of η at specific light intensity of lasers 655 and 405 nm, respectively. These results show considerable advantage of Mg3V2O8 ceramics for MOMS and other light‐driven applications.
Engaging Students with Art‐Based S‐R‐C (Sense of Belonging, Resistance, and Coalition Building) Strategies for Anti‐Racism
Authors: Shin Ryan , Lim Maria , Hsieh Kevin
Published: February 2023

In this article, we discuss our struggles and efforts to respond to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate crimes and anti‐Asian racism, as well as explore ways to address the issues of anti‐Asian racism, violence, myths, and stereotypes in the art classroom. We researched and learned from contemporary Asian American artists, attended anti‐racism virtual talks, and examined various anti‐racism pedagogical approaches. As an outcome of our research to confront anti‐racism, we developed S‐R‐C strategies to engage students with art‐based anti‐racism, which include facilitating a sense of belonging (S), resisting anti‐Asian racism (R), and coalescing with other minority groups and allies (C). These strategies were developed to fully embrace the equity, diversity, and inclusivity of AAPI sequentially and holistically. This article also reports how we use the S‐R‐C strategies to guide our pre‐service art teachers to confront anti‐Asian racism and advocate for anti‐racism teaching practices.
Integrative study of the reproductive biology and growth of Acestrorhynchus pantaneiro Menezes, 1992 (Characiformes, Acestrorhynchidae)
Authors: Piazza Yanina G. , Lozano Ismael E. , Llamazares Vegh Sabina , Lo Nostro Fabiana L. , Fuentes Carlos M.
Published: February 2023

We studied the reproductive strategy, sexual system and growth of dientudo paraguayo Acestrorhynchus pantaneiro. After 2 years of monitoring in shallow areas of a floodplain lake from the lower Paraná basin (Argentina), it was evidenced that water temperature modulated gonadal maturation, but it was the river water level the synchronising stimulus that triggered spawning. This species exhibited a single annual breeding period from October to January, with most spawning activity in November. According to the von Bertalanffy growth curve, fish would reach autumn to winter months with LS of ~120 mm, already mature males. The first mature females were found at LS of 210 mm, becoming sexually mature between the second and third breeding seasons. This is the first integrative study that includes the body‐length frequency distribution and sex differential size at first maturity and growth, and reports the presence of intersex gonads questioning its sexual pattern from gonochoristic to sequential hermaphrodite species. The sexual pattern, the multiple spawning behaviour and a medium to high absolute fecundity support the opportunistic and invasive behavior observed in previous contributions for this characiform species.
Mitochondrial diversity and genetic structure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Pearl River and Nandujiang River
Authors: Shuli Zhu , Weitao Chen , Zhi Wu , Yuefei Li , Jie Li , Xinhui Li , Jiping Yang
Published: February 2023

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an important valuable cyprinid in China and has been a popular cultured aquaculture species around the globe. Understanding the genetic diversity of wild native common carp not only provides basic data for the protection and utilisation of common carp resources but also assesses the effect of human activities on the genetic diversity of this species. In this study, genetic diversity and population structure of the common carp from 15 sampling populations in the Pearl River and Nandujiang River were determined using a coalescent mitochondrial locus (MLS), including mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (Cytb) and a control region (D‐loop) segment. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.962 and 0.00628 in the Pearl River and 0.808 and 0.00376 in the Nandujiang River, respectively. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses indicated that three sub‐species (a) C. c. rubrofuscus, (b) C. c. haematopterus and (c) C. c. carpio all occur in both rivers. AMOVA revealed that the variation within populations (86.2%) was the main source of the total variation. Statistically significant genetic differentiation among different Pearl River populations of C. c. rubrofuscus (Fst = 0.05–0.25) and relatively high genetic differentiation between the Nandujiang River population and the Pearl River populations (Fst > 0.238) are apparent. Bayesian clustering analyses detected that global populations consisted of eight genetic clusters and examined that Nandujiang River population included relatively pure genetic clusters. Neutrality tests suggested that native populations experienced recent population expansion, and Extended Bayesian Skyline Plot indicated that the common carp populations likely experienced a historical expansion during 0.125–0.250 MYA. Artificial fish propagation and release, escape from fish farms and Fang Sheng may explain the invasion of non‐native sub‐species in many river sections, such as Laibin, Rongjiang, Huizhou, Heyuan and Zhaoqing. To conserve the native common carp populations, release station should be established to culture native common carp fry. Overall, the findings can be contributed to complementing scientific knowledge for conservation and management of the wild native common carp.
Challenges and strategies among family care partners of community‐dwelling persons with dementia nearing end of life
Authors: McDarby Meghan , Russell David , King Lori , Kozlov Elissa , Luth Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

Background

A growing number of persons living with dementia (PLwD) die at home with hospice care. However, there is limited information describing the needs of dying, community‐dwelling persons with dementia and their family care partners (FCPs). Understanding the range of challenges faced by these FCPs is requisite to developing resources and refining support infrastructure. The current study identifies caregiving challenges unique to this population and strategies FCPs use to address those challenges.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 current or recently bereaved FCPs of home hospice patients living with dementia, recruited from geriatrics clinics and a hospice agency in the New York metropolitan area. A thematic analysis guided by deductive and inductive approaches was used to code interview transcripts, identify broader conceptual categories, and search for themes.

Results

Three themes were identified related to challenges faced by FCPs: (1) managing emotions and reacting to behaviors associated with advanced dementia; (2) lack of knowledge and adequate information related to dementia: disease progression and caregiving skills; and (3) maintaining FCP well‐being: self‐care and caregiver burden. Three themes were identified that describe strategies FCPs of PLwD employ to cope with end‐of‐life caregiving demands: (1) accepting help from professional caregivers and hospice support services; (2) getting knowledge and information about dementia; and (3) pragmatic approaches and acceptance of signs and symptoms of disease progression.

Conclusions

FCPs of PLwD near the end of life (EOL) face caregiving challenges unique to dementia and dying. While FCPs are resourceful in identifying novel strategies for managing burden and caregiving responsibilities, our results point to gaps in the current support infrastructure for this population at the EOL. Findings also identify areas of need for care partners navigating end‐of‐life issues.
Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary telemedicine clinic for older patients with cancer—Preliminary data
Authors: Alexander Koshy , Hamlin Paul A. , Tew William P. , Trevino Kelly , Tin Amy L. , Shahrokni Armin , Meditz Elissa , Boparai Manpreet , Amirnia Farnia , Sun Sung Wu , Korc‐Grodzicki Beatriz
Published: February 2023

Background

Frailty assessment is an important marker of the older adult's fitness for cancer treatment independent of age. Pretreatment geriatric assessment (GA) is associated with improved mortality and morbidity outcomes but must occur in a time sensitive manner to be useful for cancer treatment decision making. Unfortunately, time, resources and other constraints make GA difficult to perform in busy oncology clinics. We developed the Cancer and Aging Interdisciplinary Team (CAIT) clinic model to provide timely GA and treatment recommendations independent of patient's physical location.

Methods

The interdisciplinary CAIT clinic model was developed utilizing the surge in telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The core team consists of the patient's oncologist, geriatrician, registered nurse, pharmacist, and registered dietitian. The clinic's format is flexible, and the various assessments can be asynchronous. Patients choose the service method—in person, remotely, or hybrid. Based on GA outcomes, the geriatrician provides recommendations and arrange interventions. An assessment summary including life expectancy estimates and chemotoxicity risk calculator scores is conveyed to and discussed with the treating oncologist. Physician and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

Between May 2021 and June 2022, 50 patients from multiple physical locations were evaluated in the CAIT clinic. Sixty‐eight percent was 80 years of age or older (range 67–99). All the evaluations were hybrid. The median days between receiving a referral and having the appointment was 8. GA detected multiple unidentified impairments. About half of the patients (52%) went on to receive chemotherapy (24% standard dose, 28% with dose modifications). The rest received radiation (20%), immune (12%) or hormonal (4%) therapies, 2% underwent surgery, 2% chose alternative medicine, 8% were placed under observation, and 6% enrolled in hospice care. Feedback was extremely positive.

Conclusions

The successful development of the CAIT clinic model provides strong support for the potential dissemination across services and institutions.
Wearable device use in older adults associated with physical activity guideline recommendations: Empirical research quantitative
Authors: Jiang Yun , Zeng Kai , Yang Rumei
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

To (1) describe the socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics of older adults who use wearable devices for physical activity monitoring and (2) explore whether wearable device use increases the possibilities of meeting physical activity guideline recommendations among older adults and older adults with known cardiovascular disease or risk.

Background

Finding ways to increase physical activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk among older adults is a public health priority. Wearable technology has great potential for promoting physical activity among older adults.

Design

A secondary analysis of the national data.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of older adults aged 65 years and older (mean age = 73.79 years, N = 1484) and a subsample of older adults with known cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk (mean = 74.32 years, N = 1098) was used in the analysis. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex survey design. This study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Results

The overall prevalence of wearable device use among older adults and older adults with cardiovascular disease risk was 16% and 14%, respectively. Older adults with higher household incomes, better self‐rated health, and greater exercise enjoyment were more likely to use wearable devices. Compared with non‐users, older adult users were more likely to meet the recommended levels of moderate (55% vs. 31%) and strengthening activity guidelines (46% vs. 25%), but not of the sedentary behaviour guideline (69% vs. 62%). Similar findings were also seen in older adults with known cardiovascular disease or risk.

Conclusion

The uptake of wearable devices in older adults, particularly those with known cardiovascular disease or risk is still low. The use of wearable devices is an important facilitator of physical activity. It is critical to provide individualised support for their engagement.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Age‐friendly design and individualised support are recommended to increase older adults' adoption of wearable devices to improve their physical health.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was involved in this study since we used publicly available data.
Bulevirtide‐based treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis delta: A review
Authors: Degasperi Elisabetta , Anolli Maria Paola , Lampertico Pietro
Published: February 2023

Chronic hepatitis Delta (CHD) is a rare and severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Until recently, the only therapeutic approach has been the off‐label use of a 48 weeks course of PegInterferon alpha (PegIFNα), that was characterized by suboptimal efficacy and burdened by significant side effects that limited treatment applicability in patients with advanced liver disease. In July 2020, European Medicines Agency (EMA) conditionally approved the entry inhibitor Bulevirtde (BLV) at the dose of 2 mg/day for the treatment of adult patients with compensated CHD. Efficacy and safety of BLV in CHD have been evaluated in clinical trials either as monotherapy or in combination with PegIFNα. These results were confirmed by real‐life studies, which also evaluated long‐term BLV monotherapy in patients with advanced compensated cirrhosis. Notwithstanding these promising results there are still several issues to be addressed, such as the optimal duration of the treatment, the rates of off‐therapy responses, as well as the long‐term clinical benefits. This review summarizes updated and current literature data about clinical trials and real‐life studies with BLV monotherapy and/or in combination with PegIFNα.
Taste for pollen comes in different shapes: Consumption by tadpoles from three divergent ecomorphotypes
Authors: Kloh J. S. , Figueredo C. C. , Provete D. B. , Eterovick P. C.
Published: February 2023

Pollen is a nutritive resource, but its role in aquatic food webs is little studied. Successful pollen acquisition may require behavioral adaptations for tadpoles with certain morphologies; however, pollen coats are hard to break to enable content assimilation. We investigated the consumption of pollen by tadpoles from three ecomorphotypes adapted to feed on the surface (neustonic), the water column (nektonic) and the bottom (benthic). We sampled three developmental stage ranges at both wet and dry seasons at a site in southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the pollen content and coat‐breaking level in three sections of tadpole guts and in their feces. We compared pollen composition in tadpole guts among groups based on species and developmental stages and between seasons. We also compared the total number of pollen grains and proportion of broken grains (as a surrogate for digestion capacity) in the guts among species, developmental stages, and between seasons. Ecomorphotype, developmental stage, and season influenced both composition and quantity of pollen consumed. Neustonic tadpoles in general consumed a greater amount of pollen grains and broke them faster, compared to the other ecomorphotypes. Tadpoles showed some variation in the amount of pollen consumed among developmental stages, which interacted with species, but developmental stages of the same species did not differ. Pollen consumption only varied between seasons for the nektonic tadpoles, being greater in the dry season. The high nutritive value of pollen is likely to make consumption by tadpoles rewarding and has an important effect in aquatic food webs, reinforcing the importance of conserving riparian habitats and their vegetation.
Differential feeding rates of native and alien predators on the invasive Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia (Benson in cantor, 1842) in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon
Authors: Cabiddu Serenella , Addis Pierantonio , Palmas Francesco , Pusceddu Antonio
Published: February 2023

The alien Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia inhabits several coastal environments worldwide. This species can form dense mats where individuals attach through byssus threads, thus altering the structure, functioning and biodiversity of the native communities. We investigated the feeding preference of different predators on this alien species in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon. To do this, a mesocosm experiment was conducted using two crab species (the Mediterranean green crab Carcinus aestuarii) and the Say mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi, and one gastropod, the banded dye‐murex Hexaplex trunculus as predators of A. senhousia with or without byssus mats. Our data suggest that C. aestuarii is a more effective predator against A. senhousia than D. sayi, and that H. trunculus is almost ineffective. A possible implication of this result is the potential use of the native crab C. aestuarii for limit the formation of the byssus mats, thus mitigating their potential negative effects on the native communities.
Host phylogeny and functional traits differentiate gut microbiomes in a diverse natural community of small mammals
Authors: Brown Bianca R. P. , Goheen Jacob R. , Newsome Seth D. , Pringle Robert M. , Palmer Todd M. , Khasoha Leo M. , Kartzinel Tyler R.
Published: February 2023

Differences in the bacterial communities inhabiting mammalian gut microbiomes tend to reflect the phylogenetic relatedness of their hosts, a pattern dubbed phylosymbiosis. Although most research on this pattern has compared the gut microbiomes of host species across biomes, understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes that generate phylosymbiosis requires comparisons across phylogenetic scales and under similar ecological conditions. We analysed the gut microbiomes of 14 sympatric small mammal species in a semi‐arid African savanna, hypothesizing that there would be a strong phylosymbiotic pattern associated with differences in their body sizes and diets. Consistent with phylosymbiosis, microbiome dissimilarity increased with phylogenetic distance among hosts, ranging from congeneric sets of mice and hares that did not differ significantly in microbiome composition to species from different taxonomic orders that had almost no gut bacteria in common. While phylosymbiosis was detected among just the 11 species of rodents, it was substantially weaker at this scale than in comparisons involving all 14 species together. In contrast, microbiome diversity and composition were generally more strongly correlated with body size, dietary breadth, and dietary overlap in comparisons restricted to rodents than in those including all lineages. The starkest divides in microbiome composition thus reflected the broad evolutionary divergence of hosts, regardless of body size or diet, while subtler microbiome differences reflected variation in ecologically important traits of closely related hosts. Strong phylosymbiotic patterns arose deep in the phylogeny, and ecological filters that promote functional differentiation of cooccurring host species may disrupt or obscure this pattern near the tips.
Revealing the impact of the hidden curriculum on faculty teaching: A qualitative study
Authors: Lee Ciara Ann , Wilkinson Timothy James , Timmermans Julie Anita , Ali Anthony Naushad , Anakin Megan Grayce
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In health professions education, faculty may feel frustrated or challenged by aspects of their teaching. The concept of a hidden curriculum for students describes the expectations and assumptions enacted in educational programmes that tacitly impact students' learning experiences. A hidden curriculum has been suggested as a possible influence on faculty but has not been well explored. The aim of this study was to explain how a hidden curriculum might operate for faculty in health professions education.

Methods

An interpretivist perspective was used to frame this qualitative study that examined one‐on‐one interview data generated with 16 faculty members from six different health care professions. Participants were asked to describe teaching experiences that they perceived as demanding. Using a hidden curriculum framework, descriptions of demanding teaching experiences were analysed inductively to identify relationships between a teacher's intended practice and what they could accomplish. These relationships were interpreted as the possible ways that a hidden curriculum was operating for faculty.

Results

A hidden curriculum for faculty was found to operate in three ways by undervaluing the importance of having teaching expertise, undermining teaching goals through institutional conventions and perpetuating feelings of isolation.

Discussion

A hidden curriculum for faculty can be represented as multiple overlapping domains and shape how faculty experience their teaching roles. The results provide examples that reveal how a hidden curriculum may operate for faculty. Faculty developers may find the insights provided by this study useful to make the hidden curriculum visible and help their faculty make sense of and navigate demanding teaching experiences.
Efficacy of aprepitant as a prophylactic medication in adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Patel Milan , Partovi Omeed , Mooers Harrison , Kovacic Katja , Garacchi Zhuping , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: February 2023

Background

Aprepitant is a neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist, and recent guidelines by the American Neurogastoenterology and Motility Society recommend its use as prophylaxis in moderate‐to severe cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). Data are limited to small studies in children. We aimed to determine its efficacy in adults with CVS.

Methods

A retrospective review of CVS patients diagnosed using Rome criteria at a tertiary referral center was conducted. Drug response was defined as >50% reduction in symptoms and/or healthcare utilization. An intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was conducted.

Key Results

Of 96 patients prescribed aprepitant, 26 (27%) were unable to start due to cost/lack of insurance coverage. Of 70 receiving therapy, mean age was 33 ± 11 years; 51 (73%) were female and 56 (80%) Caucasian. The majority (93%) were refractory to other prophylactic medications. Aprepitant was taken thrice weekly in 51 (73%), daily in 16 (23%) and a few times a month in 3 (4%) due to cost. Fifty (71.4%) had a global symptom response to aprepitant. There was significant reduction in the number of CVS episodes (14.5 ± 11.7 to 6.2 ± 8.0, p < 0.0001), emergency department visits (4.2 ± 7.7 to 1.8 ± 3.4, p = 0.006), and hospital admissions (1.6 ± 3.9 to 0.8 ± 2.1, p = 0.02) in patients treated with aprepitant. Seven (10%) discontinued the drug due to minor side effects.

Conclusions and Inferences

Aprepitant is a safe and effective prophylactic medication in adults with refractory CVS. Adequate insurance coverage is a major barrier preventing its use.
MOTHER‐OF‐FT‐AND‐TFL1 regulates the seed oil and protein content in soybean
Authors: Cai Zhandong , Xian Peiqi , Cheng Yanbo , Zhong Yiwang , Yang Yuan , Zhou Qianghua , Lian Tengxiang , Ma Qibin , Nian Hai , Ge Liangfa
Published: February 2023

Soybean is a major crop that produces valuable seed oil and protein for global consumption. Seed oil and protein are regulated by complex quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and have undergone intensive selections during the domestication of soybean. It is essential to identify the major genetic components and understand their mechanism behind seed oil and protein in soybean.

We report that MOTHER‐OF‐FT‐AND‐TFL1 (GmMFT) is the gene of a classical QTL that has been reported to regulate seed oil and protein content in many studies.

Mutation of MFT decreased seeds oil content and weight in both Arabidopsis and soybean, whereas increased expression of GmMFT enhanced seeds oil content and weight. Haplotype analysis showed that GmMFT has undergone selection, which resulted in the extended haplotype homozygosity in the cultivated soybean and the enriching of the oil‐favorable allele in modern soybean cultivars.

This work unraveled the GmMFT‐mediated mechanism regulating seed oil and protein content and seed weight, and revealed a previously unknown function of MFT that provides new insights into targeted soybean improvement and breeding.
Climate and intraspecific variation in a consumer species drive ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Raffard Allan , Cucherousset Julien , Santoul Frédéric , Di Gesu Lucie , Blanchet Simon
Published: February 2023

Climate change is altering the multifunctionality of ecosystems worldwide and is often associated with changes in biodiversity that can modulate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems through interactive effects. Genetic and phenotypic variation within species are particularly influenced by climatic conditions, and can mediate several ecosystem processes. Here, we tested whether temperature can interact with intraspecific variation to drive ecosystem multifunctionality. Using a common gardening experiment, we test the consequences of intraspecific variation (population identity and trait variation) of a consumer fish species (European minnow Phoxinus phoxinus) and temperature on ecosystem multifunctionality, as well as on the biomass of a subsequent fish generation (long‐term effects). We found that individuals from different populations affect ecosystem multifunctionality independently of temperature, and that multifunctionality differed between cold and warm mesocosms. Moreover, when investigating sub‐components of multifunctionality, we found a positive relationship between individual metabolic rate and multifunctional primary production in warm mesocosms, whereas this relationship was reversed in cold mesocosms. We similarly found evidence that the long‐term effect of intraspecific trait variation on the biomass of the next fish generation was temperature‐dependent. These findings demonstrate that differences among populations can have strong consequences on ecosystem multifunctionality, and that intraspecific variation must be considered in addition to other components of global change to predict the impacts of global change on ecosystem multifunctionality.
Estimating the effects of stressors on the health, survival and reproduction of a critically endangered, long‐lived species
Authors: Pirotta Enrico , Schick Robert S. , Hamilton Philip K. , Harris Catriona M. , Hewitt Joshua , Knowlton Amy R. , Kraus Scott D. , Meyer‐Gutbrod Erin , Moore Michael J. , Pettis Heather M. , Photopoulou Theoni , Rolland Rosalind M. , Tyack Peter L. , Thomas Len
Published: February 2023

Quantifying the cumulative effects of stressors on individuals and populations can inform the development of effective management and conservation strategies. We developed a Bayesian state–space model to assess the effects of multiple stressors on individual survival and reproduction. In the model, stressor effects on vital rates are mediated by changes in underlying health, allowing for the comparison of effect sizes while accounting for intrinsic factors that might affect an individual's vulnerability and resilience. We applied the model to a 50‐year dataset of sightings, calving events and stressor exposure of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis. The viability of this population is threatened by a complex set of stressors, including vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and fluctuating prey availability. We estimated that blunt and deep vessel strike injuries and severe entanglement injuries had the largest effect on the health of exposed individuals, reinforcing the urgent need for mitigation measures. Prey abundance had a smaller but protracted effect on health across individuals, and estimated long‐term trends in survival and reproduction followed the trend of the prey index, highlighting that long‐term ecosystem‐based management strategies are also required. Our approach can be applied to quantify the effects of multiple stressors on any long‐lived species where suitable indicators of health and long‐term monitoring data are available.
Incorporating vertical dimensionality improves biological interpretation of hidden Markov model outputs
Authors: Heit David R. , Wilmers Christopher C. , Ortiz‐Calo Waldemar , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: February 2023

Quantifying animal movement is a central component of ecological inquiry. Movement patterns provide insights into how animals make habitat decisions in pursuit of their life‐history requirements. Within this context, animals are expected to modulate their movement when navigating landscape complexities like steep or uneven slopes. However, the analytical tendency to predict animal movement as a function of bivariate (x, y) telemetry data (i.e. 2D methods) excludes such complexities and presumes that the landscapes over which this movement occurs are completely flat. Failure to consider vertical dimensionality may inhibit quantification and interpretation of animal behaviors, such as outputs of hidden Markov models (HMMs) built upon geometric measurements of animal movement like step length and turning angle. To explore the analytical consequences of this assumption, we utilized a dataset of GPS collared pumas Puma concolor in the Santa Cruz mountains of central California. We fit HMMs using traditional 2D step lengths and turning angles and compared them to HMMs built upon movement geometries in which we incorporated vertical dimensionality (i.e. 2D+). We then used a combination of quantitative inspection of model outputs and visual evaluation in 3D rendering software to understand what new states and biological interpretations can be facilitated by using 2D+ data. We found that 2D+ HMMs outperformed 2D HMMs in their ability to explain variation in vertical dimensionality. Furthermore, 2D+ models were able to isolate distinctive behavioral states associated with vertical dimensionality, such as movements on and off ridgelines. Our results show that 2D+ techniques enable researchers to directly investigate variation in animal movement and behavioral states across complex landscapes. We discuss the implications of our results for future study of animal behavior and energetics as well as illustrate how our methods can be tractably incorporated into HMMs to enable researchers to gain greater insights into animal movement ecology.
Refractive development I: Biometric changes during emmetropisation
Authors: Rozema Jos J.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although there are many reports on ocular growth, these data are often fragmented into separate parameters or for limited age ranges. This work intends to create an overview of normal eye growth (i.e., in absence of myopisation) for the period before birth until 18 years of age.

Methods

The data for this analysis were taken from a search of six literature databases using keywords such as “[Parameter] & [age group]”, with [Parameter] the ocular parameter under study and [age group] an indication of age. This yielded 34,409 references that, after screening of title, abstract and text, left 294 references with usable data. Where possible, additional parameters were calculated, such as the Bennett crystalline lens power, whole eye power and axial power.

Results

There were 3422 average values for 17 parameters, calculated over a combined total of 679,398 individually measured or calculated values. The age‐related change in refractive error was best fitted by a sum of four exponentials (r2 = 0.58), while all other biometric parameters could be fitted well by a sum of two exponentials and a linear term (‘bi‐exponential function’;r2range: 0.64–0.99). The first exponential of the bi‐exponential fits typically reached 95% of its end value before 18 months, suggesting that these reached genetically pre‐programmed passive growth. The second exponentials reached this point between 4 years of age for the anterior curvature and well past adulthood for most lenticular dimensions, suggesting that this part represents the active control underlying emmetropisation. The ocular components each have different growth rates, but growth rate changes occur simultaneously at first and then act independently after birth.

Conclusions

Most biometric parameters grow according to a bi‐exponential pattern associated with passive and actively modulated eye growth. This may form an interesting reference to understand myopisation.
Mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight infants in Japan, 2015
Authors: Miyazawa Tokuo , Arahori Hitomi , Ohnishi Satoshi , Shoji Hromichi , Matsumoto Atsushi , Wada Yuka Sano , Takahashi Naoto , Takayanagi Toshimitsu , Toishi Satoshi , Nagaya Ken , Hasegawa Hisaya , Hayakawa Masahiro , Hida Mariko , Fukuhara Rie , Yamada Yasumasa , Kawai Masahiko , Takashi Kusaka , Wada Kazuko , Morioka Ichiro , Mizuno Katsumi
Published: February 2023

Background

In Japan, the mortality rate of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is notably low in comparison with other developed countries, but the prevalence of chronic lung disease (CLD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is relatively high. This study aimed to estimate the mortality and morbidity of ELBW infants born in 2015 who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan and to examine the factors that affected the short‐term outcomes of these infants. We also compared the mortality of ELBW infants born in 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Methods

We analyzed the mortality, morbidity, and factors related to short‐term outcomes of ELBW infants, using data from 2782 infants born in 2015 and registered at NICUs in Japan.

Results

The mortality rates during NICU stays were 17.0%, 12.0%, and 9.8% for ELBW infants born in 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively. Among ELBW infants born in 2015, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that short gestational age and low birthweight Z‐score contributed to the increased risk of death. Births by cesarean section and antenatal corticosteroid administration were significantly associated with a reduced risk of death. Among infants who survived, CLD was observed in 53.1% and ROP requiring treatment was observed in 30.4%.

Conclusions

Mortality in ELBW infants decreased significantly from 2005 to 2015. As CLD and ROP may affect quality of life and long‐term outcomes of infants who survived, prevention strategies and management for these complications are critical issues in neonatal care in Japan.
Efficacy of cEEG and hepatic function to diagnose early acute encephalopathy
Authors: Sakurai Yoshio , Osada Kohei , Sakamoto Wataru , Uchida Yuta , Kawano Akiko , Kobayashi Shingo , Chikaishi Maki , Kojima Hideo , Ozawa Junichi , Sakai Hirokazu , Moriwaki Koichi , Yamanouchi Hideo
Published: February 2023

Background

Early treatment may improve the prognosis of acute encephalopathy (AE). However, methods for early diagnosis have not yet been established. In this paper, we examined methods for the early diagnosis of AE.

Methods

We extracted data on patients with febrile status epilepticus from the electronic medical records in our department between March 2016 and April 2021. Among these, 79 patients who underwent continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) were included in this study. Patients who exhibited psychomotor retardation or abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were assigned to Group E (n = 20), and the remaining patients were the control group (Group C, n = 59). The following tests were compared retrospectively between these two groups on admission: cEEG, serum hepatic function tests, and blood coagulation tests.

Results

The percentage of patients who exhibited high‐amplitude slow waves or flat waves on cEEG at the time of admission was statistically significantly higher in Group E than in Group C (p < 0.01). Moreover, the percentage of patients whose high‐amplitude slow waves or flat brain waves on admission disappeared within 6 h after an initial episode of convulsion was statistically significantly lower in Group E than in Group C (p < 0.01). Furthermore, all the items in the coagulation and the hepatic function tests were statistically significantly different in Group E from those in Group C (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results showed that cEEG together with hepatic function and coagulation tests may be useful for the differential diagnosis of AE.
Floral colour variation ofNicotiana glaucain native and non‐native ranges: Testing the role of pollinators' perception and abiotic factors
Authors: Costa A. , Moré M. , Sérsic A. N. , Cocucci A. A. , Drewniak M. E. , Izquierdo J. V. , Coetzee A. , Pauw A. , Traveset A. , Paiaro V.
Published: February 2023

Invasive plants displaying disparate pollination environments and abiotic conditions in native and non‐native ranges provide ideal systems to test the role of different ecological factors driving flower colour variation.

We quantified corolla reflectance of the ornithophilous South AmericanNicotiana glaucain native populations, where plants are pollinated by hummingbirds, and in populations from two invaded regions: South Africa, where plants are pollinated by sunbirds, and the Balearic island of Mallorca, where plants reproduce by selfing. Using visual modelling we examined how corolla reflectance could be perceived by floral visitors present in each region. Through Mantel tests we assessed a possible association between flower colour and different abiotic factors.

Corolla reflectance variation (mainly along medium to long wavelengths,i.e.human green‐yellow to red colours) was greater among studied regions than within them. Flower colour was more similar between South America and South Africa, which share birds as pollinators. Within invaded regions, corolla reflectance variation was lower in South Africa, where populations could not be distinguished from each other by sunbirds, than in Spain, where populations could be distinguished from each other by their occasional visitors. Differences in corolla colour among populations were partially associated with differences in temperature.

Our findings suggest that shifts in flower colour ofN. glaucaacross native and invaded ranges could be shaped by changes in both pollination environment and climatic factors. This is the first study on plant invasions considering visual perception of different pollinators and abiotic drivers of flower colour variation.
Social equity in federal contracting during emergencies: A portfolio management perspective
Authors: Dimand Ana‐Maria , Patrucco Andrea S. , Rodriguez‐Plesa Evelyn , Hiriscau Andra M.
Published: February 2023

While the U.S. federal government strives to advance social equity in government contracting through various policies to support small disadvantaged business enterprises (SDBEs), entry barriers persist. Drawing on federal government spending data from the initial response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, this study estimates logistic and multinomial logistic regressions using portfolio management theory to understand what factors can favor SDBE participation in government contracts during the immediate response to emergencies and whether these factors differ when governments award strategic versus non‐strategic contracts. The results show that governments do not necessarily have to reduce competition to favor SDBE participation in government contracts, as some of these suppliers can participate and win competitive procedures. Although non‐SDBE suppliers were still more likely to be awarded contracts during the initial emergency response, SDBE suppliers were more likely to win procedures for strategic and important supplies.
The potential of international ‘State‐as‐polluter’ litigation
Authors: Lorteau Steve
Published: February 2023

National fossil fuel companies, public utilities and other State entities are responsible for vast amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. The pollution of these State entities represents a substantial departure from the due diligence standards of international law. This article evaluates the promise of international climate litigation against State pollution sources, or international ‘State‐as‐polluter’ litigation, as a tool to overcome the gap between international norms and State conduct. The analysis shows that the conduct of State‐controlled polluters may be attributable to States in certain situations. It further suggests that States can incur international responsibility for their failure to comply with heightened due diligence obligations in relation to State‐controlled polluters.