bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multigene Panel Testing in Individuals With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Identifies Pathogenic Germline Variants
Authors: Mezina Anya , Philips Neil , Bogus Zoe , Erez Noam , Xiao Rui , Fan Ruoming , Olthoff Kim M. , Reddy K. Rajender , Samadder N. Jewel , Nielsen Sarah M. , Hatchell Kathryn E. , Esplin Edward D. , Rustgi Anil K. , Katona Bryson W. , Hoteit Maarouf A. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Wangensteen Kirk J.
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has well-defined environmental risk factors. In addition, epidemiologic studies have suggested hereditary risk factors. The goals of this study were to determine the rate of pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants in cancer predisposition genes in patients with HCC, possible enrichment of P/LP variants in particular genes, and potential impact on clinical management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study at a tertiary medical center enrolled 217 patients with a personal history of HCC. Multigene panel testing was performed for 134 cancer predisposition genes in all patients. The rate of P/LP variants was compared with population rates. A separate retrospective cohort included 219 patients with HCC who underwent testing at a commercial laboratory.

RESULTS

In the prospective cohort, P/LP germline variants were identified in 25 of 217 patients with HCC (11.5%). Four patients (1.8%) had P/LP variants in the highly penetrant cancer genes BRCA2 (n = 2), MSH6 (n = 1), and PMS2 (n = 1). In addition, multiple patients had P/LP variants in FANCA (n = 5) and BRIP1 (n = 4), which were significantly enriched in HCC compared with the general population. Detection of P/LP variants led to changes in clinical management in regard to therapy selection, screening recommendations, and cascade testing of relatives. In a separate retrospective analysis of 219 patients with HCC, 30 (13.7%) were positive for P/LP variants including 13 (5.9%) with highly penetrant genes APC (n = 2), BRCA1 (n = 1), BRCA2 (n = 6), MSH2 (n = 2), or TP53 (n = 2).

CONCLUSION

P/LP germline variants in cancer predisposition genes were detected in 11%-14% of patients with HCC. Inherited genetics should not be overlooked in HCC as there are important implications for precision treatment, future risk of cancers, and familial cancer risk.
Pubarche and Gonadarche Onset and Progression Are Differently Associated With Birth Weight and Infancy Growth Patterns
Authors: Wohlfahrt-Veje Christine , Tinggaard Jeanette , Juul Anders , Toppari Jorma , Skakkebæk Niels E , Main Katharina M
Published: June 2021

Context

Controversy exists regarding associations between early-life growth patterns and timing of puberty.

Objective

This work aims to investigate associations between birth anthropometry, early growth patterns, and onset/progression of pubertal milestones in boys and girls.

Methods

Among children examined at birth (1997-2003) and at age 36 months in a mother-child cohort, pubertal Tanner stages (B1-5, PH1-5, G1-5) and testicular volume were examined by trained physicians at 1 to 5 follow-up examinations during childhood and adolescence (672 girls and 846 boys, 2006-2013).

With parametric survival models we analyzed associations between birth weight, changes in SD scores (SDS) from birth to 36 months (ΔSDS 0-36 > 0.67 SD defining catch-up growth), and age at pubertal onset/attainment of late pubertal stages/menarche.

Results

A 1-kg higher birth weight was associated with earlier onset of B2+ (thelarche): –3.9 months (CI, –6.7 to –1.1 months), G2+ (gonadarche): –2.7 months (–5.3 to –0.1 months), Tvol3+ (testis size > 3 mL): –2.8 months (CI, –4.9 to –0.7 months), but with later G4+ and PH4+ in boys, and a slower progression from B2 to menarche (5.3 months [CI, 1.2 to 9.4 months]) in girls. Catch-up growth was associated with earlier PH2+ (pubarche) in girls (–4.1 months [CI, –7.6 to –0.6 months]), earlier PH2+ in boys (–3.4 months [CI, –6.6 to –0.2 months]), faster progression from B2 to menarche in girls (–9.1 months [CI, 14.6 to 3.5 months]), and earlier G4+ and PH4+ in boys.

Conclusion

Associations between birthweight and infancy catch-up growth differed for gonadarche and pubarche, and for early and late pubertal markers, with similar patterns in both sexes.
Deep Dreaming
Authors: Chávez Courtright Nicola
Published: June 2021

The Salvadoran postwar, animated by both Cold War detritus and a nascent neoliberalism, engendered a fragmented queer experientiality for emerging lesbian politics. This essay frames the work of early Salvadoran lesbian organizers as deep dreaming, denoting the profound reflection and imagination which broadened feminist horizons in neoliberal democracy. However, this essay also points to the uneven terrain in the global political economy of stillness associated with concerted reflection, as lesbians reconfigured social and political imaginaries in post-conflict Central America. In attending to contingency, this essay hints at the necessary work of political erotics and the imagination in renegotiating otherwise fraught social movement histories and epistemologies. Considering this moment, like any queer isthmian temporality, rife with dogged hope in the unknown, also presents a challenge to approach queer life oriented from positions of precarity with greater seriousness, opening space for generative seepages between modes of past and present isthmian sapphic living.
The role of Mfn2 in the structure and function of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial tethering in vivo
Authors: Han Song , Zhao Fanpeng , Hsia Jeffrey , Ma Xiaopin , Liu Yi , Torres Sandy , Fujioka Hisashi , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs) play an essential role in multiple cell physiological processes. Although Mfn2 was the first protein implicated in the formation of MERCs, there is debate as to whether it acts as a tether or antagonizer, largely based on in vitro studies. To understand the role of Mfn2 in MERCs in vivo, we characterized ultrastructural and biochemical changes of MERCs in pyramidal neurons of hippocampus in Mfn2 conditional knockout mice and in Mfn2 overexpressing mice, and found that Mfn2 ablation caused reduced close contacts, whereas Mfn2 overexpression caused increased close contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria in vivo. Functional studies on SH-SY5Y cells with Mfn2 knockout or overexpression demonstrating similar biochemical changes found that mitochondrial calcium uptake along with IP3R3-Grp75 interaction was decreased in Mfn2 knockout cells but increased in Mfn2 overexpressing cells. Lastly, we found Mfn2 knockout decreased and Mfn2 overexpression increased the interaction between the ER-mitochondria tethering pair of VAPB-PTPIP51. In conclusion, our study supports the notion that Mfn2 plays a critical role in ER-mitochondrial tethering and the formation of close contacts in neuronal cells in vivo.
JIP4 is recruited by the phosphoinositide-binding protein Phafin2 to promote recycling tubules on macropinosomes
Authors: Tan Kia Wee , Nähse Viola , Campsteijn Coen , Brech Andreas , Schink Kay Oliver , Stenmark Harald
Published: June 2021

Macropinocytosis allows cells to take up extracellular material in a non-selective manner into large vesicles called macropinosomes. After internalization, macropinosomes acquire phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) on their limiting membrane as they mature into endosomal-like vesicles. The molecular mechanisms that underlie recycling of membranes and transmembrane proteins from these macropinosomes still need to be defined. Here, we report that JIP4 (officially known as SPAG9), a protein previously described to bind to microtubule motors, is recruited to tubulating subdomains on macropinosomes by the PtdIns3P-binding protein Phafin2 (officially known as PLEKHF2). These JIP4-positive tubulating subdomains on macropinosomes contain F-actin, the retromer recycling complex and the retromer cargo VAMP3. Disruption of the JIP4–Phafin2 interaction, deletion of Phafin2 or inhibition of PtdIns3P production by VPS34 impairs JIP4 recruitment to macropinosomes. Whereas knockout of JIP4 suppresses tubulation, its overexpression enhances tubulation from macropinosomes. JIP4-knockout cells display increased retention of macropinocytic cargo in both early and late macropinosomes. Collectively, these data identify JIP4 and Phafin2 as components of a tubular recycling pathway that operates from macropinosomes.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Ανιχνεύοντας τις ενδείξεις δημιουργικότητας των παιδιών του νηπιαγωγείου στο πλαίσιο της Προσχολικής Εκπαίδευσης για την Αειφορία
Authors: Καλαφάτη Μαριάνθη
Published: June 2021

Η δημιουργικότητα αναγνωρίζεται διεθνώς ως μια ικανότητα-κλειδί την οποία χρειάζεται να αναπτύξει ο άνθρωπος, ώστε να ανταποκρίνεται στις προκλήσεις του σύγχρονου κόσμου. Ωστόσο, η σχέση της έννοιας με την εκπαίδευση παραμένει ένα πεδίο αρκετά ασαφές, με λιγοστά εμπειρικά δεδομένα που να τεκμηριώνουν πώς εκδηλώνεται, πώς νοηματοδοτείται και πώς αποτιμάται στο εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο. Επιπλέον, ελάχιστες ερευνητικές αναφορές μελετούν ειδικά τη σχέση της δημιουργικότητας και της δημιουργικής σκέψης των μαθητών με την Περιβαλλοντική Εκπαίδευση /Εκπαίδευση για την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη. Η παρούσα εργασία βασίζεται σε μια έρευνα-δράση διάρκειας ενός σχολικού έτους, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε από την εκπαιδευτικό μιας τάξης νηπιαγωγείου της Αττικής και εξέτασε τη δημιουργικότητα των μαθητών στο πλαίσιο της Προσχολικής Εκπαίδευσης για την Αειφορία. Ειδικότερα, εστιάζει στις ενδείξεις της δημιουργικής σκέψης των παιδιών, οι οποίες εκδηλώθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια διεξαγωγής μιας εκπαιδευτικής παρέμβασης με όχημα την τέχνη, με σκοπό την προσέγγιση ενός περιβαλλοντικού ζητήματος.
Υπεύθυνη κατανάλωση: μια κεντρική διάσταση της εκπαίδευσης για το περιβάλλον και την αειφορία
Authors: Λιαράκου Γεωργία
Published: June 2021

Η υπεύθυνη κατανάλωση αποτελεί μια έννοια κλειδί στην εκπαίδευση για το περιβάλλον και την αειφορία καθώς βρίσκεται στον πυρήνα όλων των ζητημάτων που πραγματεύεται. Βασική άλλωστε επιδίωξη της εκπαίδευσης αυτής είναι να γίνουν οι εκπαιδευόμενοι παράγοντες της αλλαγής προς περισσότερο αειφόρα καταναλωτικά πρότυπα. Γιατί όμως η κατανάλωση συνδέεται τόσο άμεσα με τα σημερινά ζητήματα του περιβάλλοντος και της αειφορίας; Ποιοι είναι οι παράγοντες που έχουν διαμορφώσει το σύγχρονο καταναλωτικό μοντέλο; Σε αυτές τις ερωτήσεις θα επιχειρήσουμε να απαντήσουμε σε αυτό το κείμενο. Θα εξετάσουμε ακόμα το εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο της υπεύθυνης κατανάλωσης, τους παράγοντες που επιδρούν στην αλλαγή της καταναλωτικής συμπεριφοράς καθώς και τα αμφιλεγόμενα ζητήματα που ενυπάρχουν στην εκπαίδευση για την υπεύθυνη κατανάλωση. Τέλος θα συζητήσουμε τρόπους για την ένταξή της στην εκπαιδευτική πράξη.
An initiative to develop a public engagement ecosystem in Ghana: a case of WACCBIP’s High Schools’ Engagement Programme
Authors: Danquah Stefan , Donkoh Simon , Akuamoah Boateng Kyerewaa , Menka Sika , Katachie Solomon , Arthur Patrick Kobina , Quaye Osbourne , Awandare Gordon
Published: June 2021

Background: The High Schools Engagement Programme (HSEP), is a West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) public engagement initiative that targets students in under-resourced high schools in Ghana. Annual programmes are directed towards providing information on prospective careers in Science and discussing the causes of and preventive measures against endemic infectious diseases. Using peer-learning strategies, post-undergraduate research trainees (graduate interns) encourage collective action against the diseases and work to inspire high school students to consider scientific research as a career, either directly or in support roles. The objective of this study was to explore the outcomes of the HSEP, specifically revealing how it met its initial objectives, and other relevant unintended outcomes.

Methods: An evaluation design, which relied on a survey and interviews of 138 high school students, 9 graduate interns, and 3 teachers who participated in the 2019 edition of the HSEP, was employed.

Results: The HSEP presented a likelihood of improving the academic performance of high school students and provided motivation for them to pursue careers in scientific research. The programme also equipped the students with requisite knowledge to contribute to the prevention of infectious diseases prevalent in their communities. As trainee scientists, graduate interns also developed awareness on the need for public engagement, the challenges of STEM education in Ghana and the need to make efforts to address these challenges, and also developed key leadership and soft skills.

Conclusions: Overall, the HSEP could potentially be a model for developing a public engagement ecosystem in Ghana. It is recommended that the programme is scaled up to include master’s degree and PhD researchers as facilitators to further widen the favorable impacts.
Identification of thresholds for accuracy comparisons of heart rate and respiratory rate in neonates
Authors: Coleman Jesse , Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Macharia William M. , Ochieng Roseline , Zhou Guohai , Dunsmuir Dustin , Karlen Walter , Ansermino J. Mark
Published: June 2021

Background: Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) can be challenging to measure accurately and reliably in neonates. The introduction of innovative, non-invasive measurement technologies suitable for resource-constrained settings is limited by the lack of appropriate clinical thresholds for accuracy comparison studies.

Methods: We collected measurements of photoplethysmography-recorded HR and capnography-recorded exhaled carbon dioxide across multiple 60-second epochs (observations) in enrolled neonates admitted to the neonatal care unit at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Trained study nurses manually recorded HR, and the study team manually counted individual breaths from capnograms. For comparison, HR and RR also were measured using an automated signal detection algorithm. Clinical measurements were analyzed for repeatability.

Results: A total of 297 epochs across 35 neonates were recorded. Manual HR showed a bias of -2.4 (-1.8%) and a spread between the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of 40.3 (29.6%) compared to the algorithm-derived median HR. Manual RR showed a bias of -3.2 (-6.6%) and a spread between the 95% LOA of 17.9 (37.3%) compared to the algorithm-derived median RR, and a bias of -0.5 (1.1%) and a spread between the 95% LOA of 4.4 (9.1%) compared to the algorithm-derived RR count. Manual HR and RR showed repeatability of 0.6 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.5-0.7), and 0.7 (IQR 0.5-0.8), respectively.

Conclusions: Appropriate clinical thresholds should be selected a priori when performing accuracy comparisons for HR and RR. Automated measurement technologies typically use median values rather than counts, which significantly impacts accuracy. A wider spread between the LOA, as much as 30%, should be considered to account for the observed physiological nuances and within- and between-neonate variability and different averaging methods. Wider adoption of thresholds by data standards organizations and technology developers and manufacturers will increase the robustness of clinical comparison studies.
A summer of phobias: media discourses on ‘radical’ acts of dissent against ‘mass tourism’ in Barcelona
Authors: Araya López Alexander
Published: June 2021

In the summer of 2017, the young groupArrancoordinated a series of protests in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to denounce the negative effects of global mass tourism. These acts of dissent fueled a heated public debate in both Spanish and international press, mainly due to the ‘radical’ tactics employed by the demonstrators. Following the narratives about these protest acts across a diversity of media outlets, this article identifies the complex power struggles between the different actors involved in the discussion on the benefits and externalities of global mass tourism, offering an extensive analysis of the political uses of the term ‘turismofobia’ (tourismphobia) and a revisited interpretation of the notion of the ‘protest paradigm’. This qualitative analysis was based on more than 700 media texts (including news articles, op eds and editorials) collected through the database Factiva, from January 2014 to December 2017.
Soft female leadership (SFL) framework for driving the gender equality change in engineering education: learning outcomes of leader and leadership development
Authors: Zabaniotou Anastasia
Published: June 2021

The foundation of gender equality was built some decades ago, but higher education institutions are far from achieving it. Perhaps the leadership needs to integrate new narratives for a greater commitment especially, in engineering and new tools for the existing toolbox. This study aims to share the outcomes of soft female leadership (SFL) development for gender equality at the RMEI network, entailing the commitment of top-managers from engineering schools, creation of new leaders to lead the change at their institutions, students acting as change-agents, and an active community of practice. The SFL toolbox comprises self-awareness, humanistic care, intuition, creativity, and trust. The transformation of mindset, skillset, and culture entails using Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ‘Systemic View of Life’ arguments, and drawing knowledge from organizational learning frameworks, scientific phenomena, and mechanisms, such as a) The 4I-Intuiting-Interpreting-Integrating-Institutionalizing organizational learning process starting from intuition to achieve an institutional change; b) The ‘Stigmergy’ scientific mechanism of self-organized collective schemes with coordinated actions and interactions, in which the action performed by an agent leaves a trace in the environment that stimulates subsequent actions; c) The ‘Spillover’ phenomenon advocating that the behavior of an agent can bring the adoption of related behaviors by other agents. RMEI gender equality plan was evaluated by the HORIZON2020 TARGET project consortium. The SFL excelled as successful in setting goals, articulating a policy that integrates systems approach frameworks, insights from science and technology, innovation, ecology, philosophy, self-awareness, ethics, and values. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted physical meetings, but the process of change was not ceased at the network because we disrupted the disruption by boosting collaborative knowledge consolidation and dissemination processes. The SFL framework integrates context, regional, and temporal characteristics, alongside cognitive, affective, and motivational outcomes over behavioral outcomes, new mindsets beyond organizational skills, and collaborative learning over individual learning.
Ethnic differences in the incidence of clinically diagnosed influenza: an England population-based cohort study 2008-2018
Authors: Davidson Jennifer , Banerjee Amitava , Mathur Rohini , Ramsay Mary , Smeeth Liam , Walker Jemma , McDonald Helen , Warren-Gash Charlotte
Published: June 2021

Background: People of non-White ethnicity have a higher risk of severe outcomes following influenza infection. It is unclear whether this is driven by an increased risk of infection or complications. We therefore aimed to investigate the incidence of clinically diagnosed influenza/influenza-like illness (ILI) by ethnicity in England from 2008-2018.

Methods: We used linked primary and secondary healthcare data (from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink [CPRD] GOLD and Aurum databases and Hospital Episodes Statistics Admitted Patient Care [HES APC]). We included patients with recorded ethnicity who were aged 40-64 years and did not have a chronic health condition that would render them eligible for influenza vaccination. ILI infection was identified from diagnostic codes in CPRD and HES APC. We calculated crude annual infection incidence rates by ethnic group. Multivariable Poisson regression models with random effects were used to estimate any ethnic disparities in infection risk. Our main analysis adjusted for age, sex, and influenza year.

Results: A total of 3,735,308 adults aged 40-64 years were included in the study; 87.6% White, 5.2% South Asian, 4.2% Black, 1.9% Other, and 1.1% Mixed. We identified 102,316 ILI episodes recorded among 94,623 patients. The rate of ILI was highest in the South Asian (9.6 per 1,000 person-years), Black (8.4 per 1,000 person-years) and Mixed (6.9 per 1,000 person-years) ethnic groups. The ILI rate in the White ethnic group was 5.7 per 1,000 person-years. After adjustment for age sex and influenza year, higher incidence rate ratios (IRR) for ILI were seen for South Asian (1.70, 95% CI 1.66-1.75), Black (1.48, 1.44-1.53) and Mixed (1.22, 1.15-1.30) groups compared to White ethnicity.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that influenza infection risk differs between White and non-White groups who are not eligible for routine influenza vaccination.
The role and influence of advertising and public authorities on the health-related behaviours development among lower secondary
Authors: Olejniczak Dominik , Płusa Aneta , Religioni Urszula
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Adolescence is the period during which a man shapes his habits, attitudes and health behaviours. This is the time when man searches authorities who can be the role models for young people. According to the definition, authority is a social recognition, prestige of individuals, groups and social institutions based on the reputable values of a given society Aim. The aim of the study was to determine what elements of advertising affect the health behaviours of young people and to what degree. Matherial and methods. The study was conducted among 187 students of lower secondary school, inhabitants of the city of Kielce. The surveyed group consisted of 45 students aged 14, 78 at the age of 15, and 57 at the age of 16. Among lower secondary school students, 48% were girls, while 52% were boys. An anonymous questionnaire was used to achieve the aim of this study. The questionnaire consisted of 19 closed questions. Results. Fifty-six percent of girls and 45% of boys believe that advertising has an impact on people. For the large part of girls (33%) the most important was the musical setting and for 31% of boys, concrete facts and information about the product were essential. What is more, 72% of girls and 50% boys pay attention to the information about famous people presented in the mass media. Disscusion. Sixty percent of respondents believe that stimulants are attractive. Similarly, the research conducted by Borzucka-Sitkiewicz shows that the influence of peers and fashion are the most important factors influencing the decisions to reaching for cigarettes. According to own research, 72% of respondents aged 14-16, draw attention to the information about well-known people placed in the mass media. Similar results are indicated in the study “Stars and rumours”, according to which 86% of respondents confirmed they were interested in this subject. Conclusions. Smoking cigarettes and consumption of alcohol by young people are the components of family, peers and the media influence. In addition, public awareness-raising campaigns related to health topics can have the impact on the lifestyle of young people.
Personal health coach – competence and social-professional role
Authors: Nowak Paweł F.
Published: June 2021

In conditions of civilizational hurry and, at the same time, specialisation and professionalization of almost ever sphere of life, the need of consultancy services is emerging. The aim of this work is to present a new social phenomenon of the increasing popularity of personal health coaches, who provide consultancy in the field of preventive medicine and health promotion. The study shows the positive role of personal health coaches in social area and attempts to determine their competence in offered services e.g. organizing, planning and conducting individual health training. The fact of overly narrow understanding of the training of health and the concept of health coach, using only the resources in the area of physical culture, has been noted.
Women’s attitude in Poland and Belarus toward the issue of induced abortion
Authors: Jaszkiewicz Anna , Zalewski Jerzy , Surdyka Justyna , Heimrath Jerzy
Published: June 2021

Introduction. In most countries, abortion is allowed to save woman’s physical and mental health. In Poland, women have no right to abortion on demand; the procedure is illegal and punishable by imprisonment up to 3 years. In the neighbouring country of Belarus, induced abortion on demand is legal through the 12th week of pregnancy, while for social reasons and on demand, through the 22nd week of pregnancy, in governmental hospitals only. Abortion deserves the name of one of the most serious contemporary ethical dilemmas and constitutes one of the most difficult problems in medical ethics. Performing abortion continues to be opposed by many individuals and communities. Aim. The study of the attitude of women in Poland toward the problem of induced abortion and the comparison of their attitude with that of women in Belarus.
Material and methods. The method used to conduct this study was a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this work. The study was conducted among women in Poland and Belarus. The group surveyed was comprised primarily of young women of reproductive age, with the desire to conceive, have families or plan to have families. Two hundred surveys, properly filled out, 100 from Poland and 100 from Belarus, qualified for the analysis.
Results. The comparative analysis of the responses of the women surveyed in Poland and Belarus demonstrated that in both countries attitudes toward the problem of induced abortion and women’s opinions on the use of induced abortion are still divided.
Conclusions. Women of Belarus are more supportive of abortion and they consider it less shocking and more common than women from Poland.
The ‘loneliness pandemic’: implications for gerontological nursing
Authors: Laranjeira Carlos
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled states to limit free movement, in order to protect at-risk and more vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. Due to old age or debilitating chronic diseases, this group is also more vulnerable to loneliness (perceived discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships) and social isolation (feeling that one does not belong to society). This forced isolation has negative consequences for the health of older people, particularly their mental health. This is an especially challenging time for gerontological nursing, but it is also an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes reinforced with COVID-19, to urge the measurement of loneliness and social isolation, and to rethink how to further adjust interventions in times of crisis, such as considering technology-mediated interventions in these uncertain times.
Have the NMC educational standards become overly adult-centric?
Authors: Glasper Alan , Fallon Debbie
Published: June 2021

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, and Debbie Fallon, Chair of the Children's and Young People's Nursing Academics of the United Kingdom group, explore concerns raised by academic nurses regarding the Nursing and Midwifery Council standards for pre-registration nursing education
Optimization of Compositions for Kombucha with Rubus coreanus
Authors: Ryu Su-Jeong , Lee Chang-young , Kang Gyeong-Seok , Kim Sang-Gwan , Kim Seong-Hak , Seo Dong-Ho
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to manufacture a Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus) Kombucha by combining black tea liquor with Bokbunja sugar syrup and inoculating it with an Acetobacter sp. and Lactobacillus spp. The biochemical and antioxidant properties of the manufactured Kombucha were then investigated. Using response surface methodology (RSM), a total of 9 combinations of Bokbunja Kombucha were made using various combination ratios. These were then fermented to select the best antioxidant activity, acidity, and organic acid content. Fermentation was carried out with the best Bokbunja Kombucha mixture ratio, and the experimental values were compared with the antioxidant activity, acidity, and organic acid content of the predicted RSM values. Additionally viable cell count and total polyphenols were also measured. After fermentation, Bokbunja Kombucha contained acetic acid at 3,705.34 mg/100 mL, followed by lactic acid at 117.95 mg/100 mL. The total polyphenol content increased from 480.83 μg catechin equivalents (CE)/mL to 763.33 μg CE/mL, and the ABTS radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity decreased from 96.12% to 89.81% and 74.05% to 46.09%, respectively.
Comparison of the Quality Characteristics of Kimchi Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. spp. Pekinensis) by Month
Authors: Lee Hye-Jin , Min Sung gi , Hwang So Jeong , Seo Hye-Young
Published: June 2021

In order to compare the quality characteristics in accordance with the cultivation period of Kimchi cabbage, the growth, physicochemical, and microbial characteristics of Kimchi cabbage were analyzed and cluster analysis was performed. The cluster analysis produced 5 groups: May-June (I), July and October (II), August-September (III), November, December and January (IV), and February-April (V). The classification coincided mainly with the cultivation type of Kimchi cabbage. The characteristics of each group were examined through principle component analysis (PCA), and the results showed that the number of microorganisms in (I), the water content in (II) and (III), and the weight of head and free sugar content in (IV) and (V) were high. For the quality characteristics of the Kimchi cabbage, there was a high correlation between the head weight and the head formation index and between the solid content and the free sugar content. In particular, the solid content and the free sugar content can be expressed by a regression equation as Y (free sugar content) = 0.8195X (solid content) − 1.2451, and it is expected that the free sugar content can be estimated from the solid content of Kimchi cabbage. The quality characteristics of Kimchi cabbage by month based on this study are expected to be utilized as basic data for manufacturing kimchi.
Effect of Non-thermal Pasteurization on Minced Chicken Meat Based Pet Food and Its Quality Attributes through Gamma Ray and Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Kang Su Wang , Hwang Jeong Hyeon , Jung Ah Hyun , Park Eunyoung , Park Sangeun , Yoon Yohan , Park Sung Hee
Published: June 2021

The potential of non-thermal pasteurization was evaluated for elimination of hazardous pathogenic microorganisms in feed ingredients for pet food. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were inoculated into minced chicken based feed ingredients at 6.05±0.75 and 6.80±0.14 log CFU/g, respectively. Feed ingredients were irradiated at a dose of 3, 5, 7 and 10 kGy of gamma ray and electron beam irradiation. In the gamma ray irradiation, the microbial population of both Salmonella and E. coli was reduced to the limit of detection (LOD) level from the lowest dose of 3 kGy. Electron beam irradiation also inactivated both microorganisms under the LOD at 3 kGy. The lowest dose level of 3 kGy was sufficient to provide a pasteurization effect for both Salmonella and E. coli. For the quality attributes, gamma ray and electron beam irradiation did not show any detrimental effect on pH and color of minced chicken meat. Electronic nose analysis indicated an off flavor in irradiated chicken meat. With gamma ray irradiation, the off flavor was detected from the 3 kGy dose, showed similar levels up to 7 kGy, and then increased markedly after 10 kGy irradiation. Electron beam irradiation also induced the off flavor from 3 kGy, and this gradually increased in accordance with rises in the dose level.
Effects of Oyster Mushroom Addition on Physicochemical Properties of Full Fat Soy-based Meat Analog by Extrusion Process
Authors: Cho Sun Young , Ryu Gi Hyung
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oyster mushroom addition on the physicochemical properties of full fat soy (FFS)-based extruded meat analog. The meat analog blend was FFS, wheat gluten, and corn starch (0.5:0.4:0.1), and oyster mushroom was added to the base formulation (0, 4, 8, and 12%). The extrusion condition was set to 55% feed moisture, 170°C barrel temperature, and screw speed of 150 rpm by using the twin-screw extruder equipped with a cooling die. The hardness, chewiness, cutting strength, and integrity index of the FFSbased extruded meat analog increased with the increase in oyster mushroom contents, while its nitrogen solubility index (NSI) decreased. The cohesiveness, springiness, and water holding capacity revealed the inconstant patterns with the increase in oyster mushroom contents. The total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity significantly increased with the increase in oyster mushroom contents. In conclusion, the incorporation of the oyster mushroom into the FFS-based meat analog enhanced the textural properties and antioxidant activity.
In situ diagnosis of mature HLB-asymptomatic citrus fruits by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Yao Mingyin , Fu Gangrong , Xu Jiang , Li Tao , Zhang Linying , Liu Muhua , Yang Ping , Xu Yuan , Rao Honghui
Published: June 2021

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising alternative to conventional methods in classifying citrus huanglongbing (HLB). Mature citrus fruits with similar features were picked and divided into healthy and HLB-asymptomatic groups. LIBS spectra and images were collected by focusing a laser on fresh fruit surfaces without sample preparation. The pH value and soluble solids content of juice as the indicators of acidity and sugar were detected, and the content of Ca, Zn, and K in peel and pulp was analyzed. The characteristic lines from LIBS spectra were extracted by continuous wavelet transform and principal component analysis (PCA). The

t

-test of these indicators displayed significant difference between the two groups. Fisher discriminant analysis and multilayer perception neural network (MLP) were applied to identify the disease. The classification accuracy reached 100% by PCA-MLP. The results show that LIBS can realize in situ detection of citrus HLB fruits.
Meat species identification accuracy improvement using sample set portioning based on joint x–y distance and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Lianbo , Zheng Weinan , Chen Feng , Wang Weiliang , Zhang Deng , Hu Zhenlin , Chu Yanwu
Published: June 2021

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was suitable for the identification of meat species due to fast and less sample preparation. However, the problem of low accuracy rate of the recognition model caused by improper selection of training set samples by random split has severely restricted the development of LIBS in meat detection. Sample set portioning based on the joint x–y distance (SPXY) method was applied for dividing the meat spectra into a training set and a test set. Then, the five kinds of meat samples (shrimp, chicken, beef, scallop, and pig liver) were classified by the support vector machine (SVM). With the random split method, Kennard–Stone method, and SPXY method, the recognition accuracies of the SVM model were 90.44%, 91.95%, and 94.35%, respectively. The multidimensional scaling method was used to visualize the results of the sample split for the interpretation of the classification. The results showed that the identification performance of the SPXY method combined with the SVM model was best, and the accuracy rates of shrimp, chicken, beef, scallop, and pig liver were 100.00%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 78.57%, and 92.00%, respectively. Moreover, to verify the broad adaptability of the SPXY method, the linear discriminant analysis model, the K-nearest neighbor model, and the ensemble learning model were applied as the meat species identification model. The results demonstrated that the accuracy rate of the classification model can be improved with the SPXY method. In light of the findings, the proposed sample portioning method can improve the accuracy rate of the recognition model using LIBS.
Exceptional point magneto-optic isolators
Authors: Grede Alex J. , Krainova Nina , Giebink Noel C.
Published: June 2021

We show that operating magneto-optic coupled ring isolators near an exceptional point (EP) fundamentally improves their tradeoff between isolation bandwidth and insertion loss. In analogy to EP sensors, operating a coupled ring isolator at an EP causes its isolation bandwidth to depend on the square root of the nonreciprocal phase shift (NRPS) instead of the usual linear dependence, thereby enhancing the bandwidth when the NRPS is small. In cases of practical interest, this behavior enables more than a 50% increase in 20 dB isolation bandwidth at 3 dB insertion loss for a given pair of rings. The advantage of EP operation grows in the vicinity of magneto-optic material resonances and should extend to other types of on-chip isolators that rely on similarly weak nonreciprocal perturbations.
Phase-sensitive detection of gas-borne Si nanoparticles via line-of-sight UV/VIS attenuation
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Menser Jan , Endres Torsten , Dreier Thomas , Daun Kyle , Schulz Christof
Published: June 2021

The distinct optical properties of solid and liquid silicon nanoparticles are exploited to determine the distribution of gas-borne solid and liquid particles in situ using line-of-sight attenuation measurements carried out across a microwave plasma reactor operated at 100 mbar. The ratio between liquid and solid particles detected downstream of the plasma varied with measurement location, microwave power, and flow rate. Temperatures of the liquid particles were pyrometrically-inferred using a spectroscopic model based on Drude theory. The phase-sensitive measurement supports the understanding of nanoparticle formation and interaction and thus the overall gas-phase synthesis process.
Spatial phase-shifting profilometry by use of polarization for measuring 3D shapes of metal objects
Authors: Xiang Gang , Zhu Huijie , Guo Hongwei
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a polarization spatial phase-shifting method for fringe projection profilometry. It enables us to measure the three-dimensional shape of a metal object in a fast way requiring only a single-shot implementation. With this method, a couple of projectors are equipped, in front of their lens, with linear polarization filters having orthogonal polarization directions, so that they can simultaneously cast two sinusoidal fringe patterns having different phase shifts onto the measured metal surfaces without mixture. To register the two projected patterns, we suggest a fringe alignment method based on the epipolar geometry between the projectors. By taking advantage of the property of metal surfaces in maintaining polarization state of incident light, the deformed fringe patterns on the measured surfaces are captured by using two coaxially-arranged polarization cameras. As a result, the fringe phases are calculated by using a two-step phase-shifting algorithm and further the 3D shapes of the measured surfaces are reconstructed. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed method to be valid and efficient in measuring metal objects.
Schreibcoaching als Begleitinstrument im Promotionsprozess – Konzeptualisierung eines komplexen Interventionsformats
Authors: Geuen Vanessa , Henning Ute
Published: June 2021

Was heißt und umfasst Schreibcoaching für Promovierende und welchen Beitrag kann es leisten, um den Promotionsprozess zielführend zu begleiten? Obwohl Schreibberatung und/oder Schreibcoaching für Promovierende an zahlreichen Universitäten im deutschsprachigen Raum seit Jahren praktiziert wird, liegt bislang kein umfassendes Konzept hierfür vor. In diesem Beitrag wird auf Basis einer Darstellung der wesentlichen Herausforderungen Promovierender beim Schreiben das Schreibcoaching als Begleitinstrument im Promotionsprozess theoretisch fundiert und konzeptionell reflektiert. Dazu werden verschiedene Beratungsansätze für Schreibberatung/-coaching vorgestellt, zueinander in Beziehung gesetzt und in Bezug auf das Schreibcoaching für die Zielgruppe der Promovierenden kritisch reflektiert. Die bislang weitgehend synonyme oder undifferenzierte Verwendung der Begriffe Schreibberatung und Schreibcoaching wird adressiert. Schreibcoaching wird als angemessenes Format der Begleitung Promovierender beim Schreiben vorgestellt.
Selective transport of fluorescent proteins into the phage nucleus
Authors: Nguyen Katrina T. , Sugie Joseph , Khanna Kanika , Egan MacKennon E. , Birkholz Erica A. , Lee Jina , Beierschmitt Christopher , Villa Elizabeth , Pogliano Joe
Published: June 2021

Upon infection of Pseudomonas cells, jumbo phages 201Φ2–1, ΦPA3, and ΦKZ assemble a phage nucleus. Viral DNA is enclosed within the phage-encoded proteinaceous shell along with proteins associated with DNA replication, recombination and transcription. Ribosomes and proteins involved in metabolic processes are excluded from the nucleus. RNA synthesis occurs inside the phage nucleus and messenger RNA is presumably transported into the cytoplasm to be translated. Newly synthesized proteins either remain in the cytoplasm or specifically translocate into the nucleus. The molecular mechanisms governing selective protein sorting and nuclear import in these phage infection systems are currently unclear. To gain insight into this process, we studied the localization of five reporter fluorescent proteins (GFP+, sfGFP, GFPmut1, mCherry, CFP). During infection with ΦPA3 or 201Φ2–1, all five fluorescent proteins were excluded from the nucleus as expected; however, we have discovered an anomaly with the ΦKZ nuclear transport system. The fluorescent protein GFPmut1, expressed by itself, was transported into the ΦKZ phage nucleus. We identified the amino acid residues on the surface of GFPmut1 required for nuclear targeting. Fusing GFPmut1 to any protein, including proteins that normally reside in the cytoplasm, resulted in transport of the fusion into the nucleus. Although the mechanism of transport is still unknown, we demonstrate that GFPmut1 is a useful tool that can be used for fluorescent labelling and targeting of proteins into the ΦKZ phage nucleus.
Tribological performance of organic molybdenum in the presence of organic friction modifier
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Song Qimin , Zhang Xindi , Jiao Shengkai , Xu Yao , Xu Quanda , Sheng Dezun
Published: June 2021

The tribological performance of organic molybdenum in the present of organic friction modifier was investigated in this study. Three types of organic friction modifiers were selected, which are Glycerol monooleate, Pentaerythritol and N,N-Dimethylhexadecylamine. The organic molybdenum are MoDTC, MoDDP and molybdenum amide. Friction coefficient and wear were studied in block-on-ring test rig with steel test specimens. Experimental results indicate the Pentaerythritol shows synergistic effect with MoDTC in wide range temperature, while increased the friction coefficient of molybdenum amide in high temperature. N,N-Dimethylhexadecylamine shows synergistic effect with molybdenum amide, while hindered the friction reduction performance of MoDTC in low temperature. The presence of Glycerol monooleate reduced friction coefficient of MoDTC in low temperature, while increased the friction coefficient of molybdenum amide in most situations. All the tested organic friction modifiers improved the friction reduction performance of MoDDP. Most of the tested organic friction modifiers reduced the wear of organic molybdenum. The PT shows the best anti-wear performance with MoDTC. The tribo-chemical products in test specimens lubricated with different lubricant formulas indicate that the presences of Pentaerythritol promotes the production of MoS2 in MoDTC. N,N-Dimethylhexadecylamine promotes the production of MoS2 in molybdenum amide. The side products of MoO1.6S1.6 and Cr/MoS2 of MoDDP in high temperature lead to high friction coefficient.
A microbotanical and microwear perspective to plant processing activities and foodways at Neolithic Çatalhöyük
Authors: Santiago-Marrero Carlos G. , Tsoraki Christina , Lancelotti Carla , Madella Marco
Published: June 2021

Çatalhöyük is a renowned archaeological site in central Anatolia, best known for its Neolithic occupation dated from 7100 to 6000 cal BC. The site received worldwide attention early on for its large size, well-preserved mudbrick architecture, and elaborate wall paintings. Excavations at the site over almost three decades have unearthed rich archaeobotanical remains and a diverse ground stone assemblage produced by what once was a vibrant farming community. The study presented here adds to our understanding of crops and plant processing at Çatalhöyük by integrating phytoliths and starch analyses on grinding implements found at three domestic contexts attributed to the Middle (6700–6500 cal BC) and Late (6500–6300 cal BC) period of occupation. Our results reveal a rich microbotanical assemblage that testifies the use of a wide range of geophytes and wild seasonal resources previously unknown at the site. Moreover, by comparing results from the microbotanical proxies and microscopic wear patterns on artefacts, we are also able to discern various plant processing practices the analysed artefacts were employed for. In sum, this work further expands our understanding of plants and crop processing activities performed by the inhabitants of Neolithic Çatalhöyük.
Personalized tumor-specific DNA junctions to detect circulating tumor in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Grassi Tommaso , Harris Faye R. , Smadbeck James B. , Murphy Stephen J. , Block Matthew S. , Multinu Francesco , Schaefer Klein Janet L. , Zhang Piyan , Karagouga Giannoula , Liu Minetta C. , Larish Alyssa , Lemens Maureen A. , Sommerfield Marla Kay S. , Cappuccio Serena , Cheville John C. , Vasmatzis George , Mariani Andrea
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There are no reliable blood biomarkers for monitoring endometrial cancer patients in the current clinical practice. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a promising non-invasive method to measure tumor burden, define prognosis and monitor disease status in many solid cancers. In this pilot study, we investigated if unique tumor-specific DNA junctions can be used to detect ctDNA levels in patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods

Chromosomal rearrangements in primary tumors of eleven patients with high-grade or advanced stage endometrial cancer were determined by whole-genome Mate-Pair sequencing. Identified unique tumor-specific junctions were evaluated in pre- and six-week post-surgery patient plasma using individualized quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The relationship between clinicopathological features and detection of ctDNA was investigated.

Results

CtDNA was detected in 60% (6/10) of cases pre-surgery and in 27% (3/11) post-surgery. The detection of ctDNA pre-surgery was consistent with clinical indicators of aggressive disease such as advanced stage (80% - 4/5), lymphatic spread of disease (100% - 3/3), serous histology (80% - 4/5), deep myometrial invasion (100% - 3/3), lympho-vascular space invasion (75% - 3/4). All patients in which ctDNA was detected post-surgically had type II endometrial cancer.

Discussion

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using personalized tumor-specific junction panels for detecting ctDNA in the plasma of endometrial cancer patients. Larger studies and longer follow-up are needed to validate the potential association between pre-surgical ctDNA detection and the presence of cancers with aggressive pathologic tumor characteristics or advanced stage observed in this study.