bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of a sphingomyelinase‐coding gene from Trichoderma harzianum conferred bacterial tolerance in tobacco
Authors: Berbert Pedro S. , Vieira Pabline M. , Cabral Glaucia B. , Martins Elaine C. , Wulff Nelson A. , Ulhoa Cirano J. , Aragão Francisco J. L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDiseases caused by bacteria are an important and widespread constraint, occurring in almost all crops, including vegetables, pulses, cereals, ornamentals, fruit and forages. Although several strategies have been developed to obtain disease resistance in plants using genetic engineering, few studies have effectively demonstrated the control of bacterial diseases. It has previously been reported that a gene encoding a sphingomyelinase (ThSMase), identified in Trichoderma harzianum, is up‐regulated during biocontrol against phytopathogens, and this may have biotechnological applications. SMases are involved in multiple cellular functions, including the immune response against pathogens. We hypothesized that the expression of this gene from fungi in transgenic tobacco could generate resistance to plant pathogens. ThSMase was cloned under control of the double CaMV 35S promoter plus a leader sequence from alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and stably introduced and expressed in tobacco. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the ThSMase gene was expressed at similar levels in all transgenic lines tested. Our results showed no statistically significant difference in susceptibility after challenging transgenic and nontransgenic lines with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, transgenic tobacco plants revealed a significant resistance to the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci, and a tolerance to Xylella fastidiosa. Our results demonstrated the strong potential of ThSMase in biotechnological processes such as molecular breeding of the plants.
Dorsal‐to‐ventral imbalance in the superior longitudinal fasciculus mediates methylphenidate’s effect on beta oscillations in ADHD
Authors: Mazzetti Cecilia , Gonzales Damatac Christienne , Sprooten Emma , ter Huurne Niels , Buitelaar Jan K. , Jensen Ole 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWhile pharmacological treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) is a first line intervention for ADHD, its mechanisms of action have yet to be elucidated. We here seek to identify the white matter tracts that mediate MPH’s effect on beta oscillations. We implemented a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover design, where boys diagnosed with ADHD underwent behavioral and MEG measurements during a spatial attention task while on and off MPH. The results were compared with an age/IQ‐matched control group. Estimates of white matter tracts were obtained using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Via a stepwise model selection strategy, we identified the fiber tracts (regressors) significantly predicting values of the dependent variables of interest (i.e., oscillatory power, behavioral performance, and clinical symptoms): the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), the superior longitudinal fasciculus (“parietal endings”) (SLFp), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (“temporal endings”) (SLFt). ADHD symptoms severity was associated with lower fractional anisotropy (FA) within the ATR. In addition, individuals with relatively higher FA in SLFp compared to SLFt, led to stronger behavioral effects of MPH in the form of faster and more accurate responses. Furthermore, the same parietotemporal FA gradient explained the effects of MPH on beta modulation: subjects with ADHD exhibiting higher FA in SLFp compared to SLFt also displayed greater effects of MPH on beta power during response preparation. Our data suggest that the behavioral deficits and aberrant oscillatory modulations observed in ADHD depend on a possibly detrimental structural connectivity imbalance within the SLF, caused by a diffusivity gradient in favor of parietal rather than temporal, fiber tracts.
How do interests, ideas, and institutions affect multisectoral governance? The case of tobacco governance in two Pacific small island developing states
Authors: Patay Dori , Friel Sharon , Schram Ashley , Sell Susan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMultisectoral governance has been recognized to be vital to regulate harmful commodity industries, yet countries struggle with reaching policy coherence due to government agencies' conflicting mandates and industry interference. Limited empirical evidence is available on how interests, ideas, and institutions intersect and influence multisectoral governance in low‐ and middle‐income countries, particularly in Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS), often exploited by vested industry interests and whose non‐communicable disease crisis commands urgent action to regulate harmful commodities. This study assessed the ways interests, ideas, and institutions intersect and shape multisectoral tobacco governance in PSIDS. Interviewee data collected in Fiji and Vanuatu show that the idea of individual responsibility, the limited recognition of commercial determinants of health, the centralization of authority, and the vulnerabilities of small island developing states, (including small population, land, economy, geographic isolation, and status as a developing economy), prevent these states from achieving policy coherence in multisectoral tobacco governance.
Between a boy and a girl: Measuring gender identity on a continuum
Authors: Gülgöz Selin , Edwards Deja L. , Olson Kristina R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStudies of gender development typically use binary, discrete measures of identity. However, growing literature indicates that some children might not identify with a binary gender. We tested a continuous measure of felt gender identity with gender‐non‐conforming children, socially transitioned transgender children, cisgender siblings, and unrelated cisgender children. In two studies, we found that transgender and cisgender children did not differ in their degree of identifying as their current gender, that they showed more binary identities compared with gender‐ non‐conforming children, and that the continuum was a valid predictor of other measures of gender development. We also found that children's use of the continuous measure was stable over time. Our results demonstrate the test–retest reliability and validity of a new single‐item continuous measure of gender.
Everyday Activities
Authors: Schultheis Holger , Cooper Richard P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe ease with which humans usually perform everyday activities masks their inherit complexity. Tasks such as setting a table prior to a meal or preparing a hot beverage require the coordination of several cognitive abilities. At the same time, many everyday activities are simple enough to afford investigation in controlled lab settings. One main goal of this issue is to raise awareness of everyday activities as a topic and a field of study in its own right, which allows investigating (a) selected cognitive abilities with high ecological validity and (b) the interplay and integration of key cognitive abilities. To this end, this topic consists of eight papers that span different aspects of everyday activities, ranging from neuroscience through philosophical considerations and implications to lessons from robotics.
CiKN1 and CiKN6 are involved in leaf development in citrus by regulating CimiR164
Authors: Zeng Ren‐Fang , Fu Li‐Ming , Deng Luo , Liu Mei‐Feng , Gan Zhi‐Meng , Zhou Huan , Hu Si‐Fan , Hu Chun‐Gen , Zhang Jin‐Zhi 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARYLeaf shape is an important agronomic trait that is involved in plant photosynthesis, flowering, disease resistance, and yield. In recent years, many leaf shape‐related genes have been identified in model plants, but the precise regulatory network of leaf shape development remains unclear, particularly in woody plants. Transcriptome analysis of trifoliate orange and lemon leaves revealed that two citrus Knotted1‐like (CiKN1 and CiKN6) genes might participate in leaf development. Overexpression of CiKN1 displays lobed leaves in simple leaf Arabidopsis and lemon. Further protein interaction analysis revealed that CiKN6 interacted with CiKN1, whose overexpression resulted in deeper lobed leaves in transgenic Arabidopsis and lemon. Suppressing CiKN6 expression also affected the development of lemon leaves. Furthermore, we found that the CiKN1–CiKN6 complex specifically binds to the citrus miR164a promoter and suppresses its expression. In addition, a SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein‐like (SPL) gene (CiSPL11) was identified using yeast one‐hybrid assays and was found to promote CiKN6 transcription by binding to its promoter. Transgenic Arabidopsis showed that CiSPL11 might be involved in the development of citrus leaves. These results suggested that the CiKN1–CiKN6 complex and miR164a interact to regulate leaf development in citrus.
ZmCOI2a and ZmCOI2b redundantly regulate anther dehiscence and gametophytic male fertility in maize
Authors: Qi Xiaolong , Guo Shuwei , Wang Dong , Zhong Yu , Chen Ming , Chen Chen , Cheng Dehe , Liu Zongkai , An Tai , Li Jinlong , Jiao Yanyan , Wang Yuwen , Liu Jinchu , Zhang Yuling , Chen Shaojiang , Liu Chenxu 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARYIn higher plants, the generation and release of viable pollen from anthers is vital for double fertilization and the initiation of seed development. Thus, the characterization of genes related to pollen development and anther dehiscence in plants is of great significance. The F‐box protein COI1 plays a crucial role in the jasmonate (JA) signaling pathway and interacts with many JAZ family proteins in the presence of jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) or coronatine (COR). The mutation of AtCOI1 in Arabidopsis leads to defective anther dehiscence and male sterility (MS), although COI has not been shown to affect fertility in Zea mays (maize). Here we identified two genes, ZmCOI2a and ZmCOI2b, that redundantly regulate gametophytic male fertility. Both ZmCOI2a and ZmCOI2b are highly homologous and constitutively expressed in all tissues tested. Subcellular localization revealed that ZmCOI2a and ZmCOI2b were located in the nucleus. The coi2a coi2b double mutant, generated by CRISPR/Cas9, had non‐dehiscent anthers, delayed anther development and MS. In addition, coi2a coi2b male gametes could not be transmitted to the next generation because of severe defects in pollen germination. The JA content of coi2a coi2b anthers was unaltered compared with those of the wild type, and the exogenous application of JA could not rescue the fertility defects of coi2a coi2b. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of genes involving the JA signaling transduction pathway, including ZmJAZ3, ZmJAZ4, ZmJAZ5 and ZmJAZ15, was affected in coi2a coi2b. However, yeast two‐hybrid assays showed that ZmJAZs interacted with ZmCOI1s, but not with ZmCOI2s. In conclusion, ZmCOI2a and ZmCOI2b redundantly regulate anther dehiscence and gametophytic male fertility in maize.
Impact of disasters on blood donation rates and blood safety: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Laermans Jorien , O Dorien , Van den Bosch Emma , De Buck Emmy , Compernolle Veerle , Shinar Eilat , Vandekerckhove Philippe 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTimely and adequate access to safe blood forms an integral part of universal health coverage, but it may be compromised by natural or man‐made disasters. This systematic review provides an overview of the best available scientific evidence on the impact of disasters on blood donation rates and safety outcomes.Materials and MethodsFive databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched until 27 March 2020 for (un)controlled studies investigating the impact of disasters on blood donation rates and/or safety. Risk of bias and overall certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.ResultsEighteen observational studies were identified, providing very low certainty of evidence (due to high risk of bias, inconsistency and/or imprecision) on the impact of natural (12 studies) and man‐made/technological (6 studies) disasters. The available evidence did not enable us to form any generalizable conclusions on the impact on blood donation rates. Meta‐analyses could not detect any statistically significant changes in transfusion‐transmissible infection (TTI) rates [hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1/2, human T‐lymphotropic virus I and II (HTLV‐I/II) and syphilis] in donated blood after a disaster, either in first‐time or repeat donors, although the evidence is very uncertain.ConclusionThe very low certainty of evidence synthetized in this systematic review indicates that it is very uncertain whether there is an association between disaster occurrence and changes in TTI rates in donated blood. The currently available evidence did not allow us to draw generalizable conclusions on the impact of disasters on blood donation rates.
Computed tomographic assessment of fracture characteristics and subchondral bone injury in Thoroughbred racehorses with lateral condylar fractures and their relationship to outcome
Authors: Cianci Justine M. , Wulster Kathryn B. , Richardson Dean W. , Stefanovski Darko , Ortved Kyla F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of fracture characteristics and concurrent subchondral bone pathology identified with computed tomography (CT) on the racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses with fractures of the MC3/MT3 lateral condyle.Study designRetrospective cohort study.Sample populationThoroughbred racehorses (n = 50) with a fracture of the MC3/MT3 lateral condyle, which had preoperative CT and internal fixation performed.MethodsMedical records were reviewed for age, sex, limb, and surgical treatment. Computed tomography scans were evaluated to determine fracture characteristics including length, whether the fracture was incomplete or complete, and displacement. The presence of subchondral bone injury (SBI), sesamoid bone fracture, articular comminution, and fragmentation in the joint was noted. Racing data was obtained from an online database. Univariable and multivariable analyses determined associations between independent variables and outcomes.ResultsThirty‐three (66%) horses raced after surgery. Horses with sesamoid bone fractures (P = .021), MC3/MT3 comminution (P = .016) and intra‐articular fragmentation (P = .015) were less likely to race postoperatively. Concurrent SBI did not affect outcome. In the final multivariable model, sex (P = .015) and whether a fracture was incomplete or complete (P = .007) were the most significant predictors of racing postoperatively with females and horses with complete fractures being less likely to race.ConclusionThe prognosis for racing after a lateral condylar fracture is favorable but is decreased in horses with complete fractures and certain concurrent joint pathology.Clinical significanceHorses presenting with lateral condylar fractures commonly have concurrent joint pathology. Computed tomography can aid in preoperative evaluation and prognostication by enabling more complete fracture assessment.
Disparities in cardiometabolic risk profiles and gestational diabetes mellitus by nativity and acculturation: findings from 2016–2017 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Ogunwole S Michelle , Turkson-Ocran Ruth-Alma N , Boakye Ellen , Creanga Andreea A , Wang Xiaobin , Bennett Wendy L , Sharma Garima , Cooper Lisa A , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy with implications for cardiovascular health. Among reproductive-aged women, less is known about nativity-related disparities in cardiometabolic risk profiles and GDM history. We examined how cardiometabolic risk profiles and GDM history differed by nativity and explored associations between acculturation, cardiometabolic risk profiles and GDM history.Research design and methodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2016–2017 National Health Interview Survey among reproductive-aged women (18–49 years) who both reported ever being pregnant and answered the question on GDM history. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the percentage with GDM history and compared cardiometabolic profiles by nativity status and acculturation (duration of US residence).ResultsOf 9525 women, 22.5% were foreign-born. Also, 11.7% of foreign-born women had a GDM history vs 9.6% of US-born women. Foreign-born women with ≥10 years US residence had the highest age-standardized percentage with GDM history (11.0%) compared with US-born women (9.2%) and foreign-born women with <10 years US residence (6.7%). US-born women had a higher prevalence of hypertension, current smoking, and alcohol use than foreign-born women. Among foreign-born women, those with ≥10 years US residence had a higher prevalence of hypertension, current smoking, and alcohol use than those with <10 years US residence. In the fully adjusted model, foreign-born women with ≥10 years US residence had higher odds of GDM history than US-born women (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.76) while foreign-born women with <10 years US residence and US-born women has similar odds of GDM history.ConclusionsGreater duration of US residence may be associated with nativity-related disparities in GDM. Acculturation, including changing health-related behaviors may explain the disparities among foreign-born women and should be further investigated to appropriately target interventions to prevent GDM and future cardiometabolic diseases.
Biomarker identification using dynamic time warping analysis: a longitudinal cohort study of patients with COVID-19 in a UK tertiary hospital
Authors: Burke Hannah , Freeman Anna , O’Regan Paul , Wysocki Oskar , Freitas Andre , Dushianthan Ahilanandan , Celinski Michael , Batchelor James , Phan Hang , Borca Florina , Sheard Natasha , Williams Sarah , Watson Alastair , Fitzpatrick Paul , Landers Dónal , Wilkinson Tom 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesCOVID-19 is a heterogeneous disease, and many reports have described variations in demographic, biochemical and clinical features at presentation influencing overall hospital mortality. However, there is little information regarding longitudinal changes in laboratory prognostic variables in relation to disease progression in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.Design and settingThis retrospective observational report describes disease progression from symptom onset, to admission to hospital, clinical response and discharge/death among patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary centre in South East England.ParticipantsSix hundred and fifty-one patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 between March and September 2020 were included in this analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the HRA Specific Review Board (REC 20/HRA/2986) for waiver of informed consent.ResultsThe majority of patients presented within 1 week of symptom onset. The lowest risk patients had low mortality (1/45, 2%), and most were discharged within 1 week after admission (30/45, 67%). The highest risk patients, as determined by the 4C mortality score predictor, had high mortality (27/29, 93%), with most dying within 1 week after admission (22/29, 76%). Consistent with previous reports, most patients presented with high levels of C reactive protein (CRP) (67% of patients >50 mg/L), D-dimer (98%>upper limit of normal (ULN)), ferritin (65%>ULN), lactate dehydrogenase (90%>ULN) and low lymphocyte counts (81%<lower limit of normal (LLN)). Increases in platelet counts and decreases in CRP, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (p<0.001), lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil counts, urea and white cell counts (all p<0.01) were each associated with discharge.ConclusionsSerial measurement of routine blood tests may be a useful prognostic tool for monitoring treatment response in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Changes in other biochemical parameters often included in a ‘COVID-19 bundle’ did not show significant association with outcome, suggesting there may be limited clinical benefit of serial sampling. This may have direct clinical utility in the context of escalating healthcare costs of the pandemic.
Healthcare workers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme: a rapid qualitative appraisal
Authors: Manby Louisa , Dowrick Anna , Karia Amelia , Maio Laura , Buck Caroline , Singleton Georgina , Lewis-Jackson Sasha , Uddin Inayah , Vanderslott Samantha , Martin Sam , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesWhile there is research relating to perceptions of vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs), the evidence base in relation to COVID-19 remains limited. The aim of this study was to explore HCWs’ perceptions and attitudes towards vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK, including their expectations and views on promoting vaccination to others.DesignThis study was designed as a rapid qualitative appraisal, integrating data from a review of UK policies and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination with data from in-depth semistructured telephone interviews with frontline HCWs in the UK. Data were analysed using framework analysis.ParticipantsInterviews were carried out with a purposive sample of HCWs from two large London-based hospital Trusts (n=24) and 24 government policies, and guidelines on the vaccination programme were reviewed.ResultsThe level of uncertainty about the long-term safety of vaccines and efficacy against mutant strains made it difficult for HCWs to balance the benefits against the risks of vaccination. HCWs felt that government decisions on vaccine rollout had not been supported by evidence-based science, and this impacted their level of trust and confidence in the programme. The spread of misinformation online also impacted HCWs’ attitudes towards vaccination, particularly among junior level and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) HCWs. Most HCWs felt encouraged to promote vaccination to their patients, and the majority said they would advocate vaccination or engage in conversations about vaccination with others when relevant.ConclusionIn order to improve HCWs’ trust and confidence in the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, there needs to be clarity about what is known and not known about the vaccines and transparency around the evidence-base supporting government decisions on vaccine rollout. Effort is also needed to dispel the spread of vaccine-related misinformation online and to address specific concerns, particularly among BAME and junior-level HCWs.