bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanopore-based DNA sequencing sensors and CMOS readout approaches
Authors: Habibi Mehdi , Dawji Yunus , Ghafar-Zadeh Ebrahim , Magierowski Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Nanopore-based molecular sensing and measurement, specifically DNA sequencing, is advancing at a fast pace. Some embodiments have matured from coarse particle counters to enabling full human genome assembly. This evolution has been powered not only by improvements in the sensors themselves, but also in the assisting microelectronic CMOS readout circuitry closely interfaced to them. In this light, this paper aims to review established and emerging nanopore-based sensing modalities considered for DNA sequencing and CMOS microelectronic methods currently being used.

Design/methodology/approach

Readout and amplifier circuits, which are potentially appropriate for conditioning and conversion of nanopore signals for downstream processing, are studied. Furthermore, arrayed CMOS readout implementations are focused on and the relevant status of the nanopore sensor technology is reviewed as well.

Findings

Ion channel nanopore devices have unique properties compared with other electrochemical cells. Currently biological nanopores are the only variants reported which can be used for actual DNA sequencing. The translocation rate of DNA through such pores, the current range at which these cells operate on and the cell capacitance effect, all impose the necessity of using low-noise circuits in the process of signal detection. The requirement of using in-pixel low-noise circuits in turn tends to impose challenges in the implementation of large size arrays.

Originality/value

The study presents an overview on the readout circuits used for signal acquisition in electrochemical cell arrays and investigates the specific requirements necessary for implementation of nanopore-type electrochemical cell amplifiers and their associated readout electronics.
The association between the vaginal microenvironment and fecundability: a register‐based cohort study among Chinese women
Authors: Hong X , Zhao J , Zhu X , Dai Q , Zhang H , Xuan Y , Yin J , Zhang Yue , Yang X , Fang S , Wang Q , Shen H , Zhang Yiping , Yan D , Wang Y , Peng Z , Zhang Ya , Wang B , Ma X
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between the vaginal microenvironment and fecundability among women.

Design

Register‐based nationwide cohort study.

Setting

Chinese National Free Pre‐conception Check‐up Project from 2015 to 2018.

Population

Our study included a total of 3 388 554 eligible women who were attempting to become pregnant.

Method

We assessed the vaginal microenvironment at baseline by considering four indices: vaginal pH, clue cell examination, whiff test and vaginal cleanliness grading. If any of these indicators was abnormal, the vaginal microenvironment was defined as poor. Propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounders and reduce bias. Logistic models were used to estimate the fecundability odds ratios (FORs) after adjustment for covariates.

Main outcome measures

Achievement of a pregnancy within 1 year.

Results

Of the total study population, 379 718 women (11.2%) had a poor vaginal microenvironment and their pregnancy rate after 1 year was significantly lower than the group with a normal microenvironment (71.8% versus 76.1%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the women with a poor vaginal microenvironment were associated with a 9% reduction in fecundability compared with the normal microenvironment group (FOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90–0.92). The adverse effects of a poor vaginal microenvironment were stronger among multipara (FOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.90) or women with irregular menstruation (FOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.89).

Conclusion

There was a negative association between a poor vaginal microenvironment and the fecundability of women. These findings highlight the significance of assessing the vaginal microenvironment during pre‐pregnancy health examinations.

Tweetable abstract

Women with a poor vaginal microenvironment were associated with a reduction in fecundability.
The association between age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and albuminuria in Chinese adults: A nationwide population study
Authors: Wu Shujing , Zhao Zhiyun , Liu Shanshan , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Wang Shuangyuan , Xu Min , Chen Yuhong , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Yu Xuefeng , Tang Xulei , Hu Ruying , Ye Zhen , Shi Lixin , Su Qing , Yan Li , Qin Guijun , Wan Qin , Chen Gang , Gao Zhengnan , Wang Guixia , Shen Feixia , Luo Zuojie , Qin Yingfen , Chen Li , Huo Yanan , Li Qiang , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Deng Huacong , Chen Lulu , Zhao Jiajun , Mu Yiming , Xu Yiping , Bi Yufang , Lu Jieli , Xu Yu , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: July 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed at a younger age worldwide and in China. Limited data are available regarding the association between age at diabetes diagnosis and risks of albuminuria. This study sought to examine the independent effect of age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes on the risk of albuminuria.

Methods

We used data from a nationwide multicenter study with 207 961 participants in mainland China. Age, sex, and study site were matched for 31 366 screen‐detected type 2 diabetes cases and 31 366 normal controls. Age, sex, study site, and diabetes duration were matched for 7490 self‐reported type 2 diabetes cases and 7490 normal controls. Risks of having albuminuria in matched type 2 diabetes vs controls were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis in strata of age at diabetes diagnosis.

Results

Although the absolute rate of albuminuria is higher in older adults, the odds ratio of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes vs matched controls decreased with increasing age at diagnosis. For participants with diabetes diagnosed at an age of <50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, or ≥70 years, the multivariable adjusted risk of albuminuria increased by 81%, 60%, 45%, and 33% for screen‐detected diabetes, and 135%, 121%, 90%, and 58% for self‐reported diabetes compared with their normal controls, respectively.

Conclusions

A younger age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is associated with a more significantly elevated risk of albuminuria than an older age at diagnosis in Chinese adults.
A chromosome‐scale assembly of the bilberry genome identifies a complex locus controlling berry anthocyanin composition
Authors: Wu Chen , Deng Cecilia , Hilario Elena , Albert Nick W. , Lafferty Declan , Grierson Ella R. P. , Plunkett Blue J. , Elborough Caitlin , Saei Ali , Günther Catrin S. , Ireland Hilary , Yocca Alan , Edger Patrick P. , Jaakola Laura , Karppinen Katja , Grande Adrian , Kylli Ritva , Lehtola Veli‐Pekka , Allan Andrew C. , Espley Richard V. , Chagné David
Published: July 2021

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) belongs to the Vaccinium genus, which includes blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and cranberry (V. macrocarpon). Unlike its cultivated relatives, bilberry remains largely undomesticated, with berry harvesting almost entirely from the wild. As such, it represents an ideal target for genomic analysis, providing comparisons with the domesticated Vaccinium species. Bilberry is prized for its taste and health properties and has provided essential nutrition for Northern European indigenous populations. It contains high concentrations of phytonutrients, with perhaps the most important being the purple colored anthocyanins, found in both skin and flesh. Here, we present the first bilberry genome assembly, comprising 12 pseudochromosomes assembled using Oxford Nanopore (ONT) and Hi‐C Technologies. The pseudochromosomes represent 96.6% complete BUSCO genes with an assessed LAI score of 16.3, showing a high conservation of synteny against the blueberry genome. Kmer analysis showed an unusual third peak, indicating the sequenced samples may have been from two individuals. The alternate alleles were purged so that the final assembly represents only one haplotype. A total of 36,404 genes were annotated after nearly 48% of the assembly was masked to remove repeats. To illustrate the genome quality, we describe the complex MYBA locus, and identify the key regulating MYB genes that determine anthocyanin production. The new bilberry genome builds on the genomic resources and knowledge of Vaccinium species, to help understand the genetics underpinning some of the quality attributes that breeding programs aspire to improve. The high conservation of synteny between bilberry and blueberry genomes means that comparative genome mapping can be applied to transfer knowledge about marker‐trait association between these two species, as the loci involved in key characters are orthologous.
Organizational social context and psychopathology of youth in residential care: The intervening role of youth–caregiver relationship quality
Authors: Silva Carla Sofia , Calheiros Maria Manuela , Carvalho Helena , Magalhães Eunice
Published: July 2021

Drawing on an ecological approach with multiple informants, this study investigated the mediating role of youth–caregiver relationship quality in associations between different features of residential care settings' organizational social context and youth's psychopathology. Participants were 378 youth aged between 12 and 25 years old, and 54 caregivers aged between 24 and 57 years old, from 29 generalist residential youth care settings in Portugal. Given the hierarchical structure of data, analyses were performed using multilevel modeling. Results revealed that organizational social contexts characterized by higher levels of engagement, stress, and centralization, as perceived by the caregivers, were associated with lower levels of youth's externalizing problems (e.g., aggressive behavior and delinquency), reported by the caregivers, via better youth–caregiver relationship quality, perceived by the youth in care. These findings highlight the relevance of creating an organizational social context in residential care settings that supports caregivers in establishing high‐quality relationships with the youth in care, thereby promoting their mental health. This study contributes to the clarification of conflicting findings in previous studies of this field, by offering further empirical investigation of these issues.
Abacavir pharmacokinetics in African children living with HIV: A pooled analysis describing the effects of age, malnutrition and common concomitant medications
Authors: Tikiso Tjokosela , McIlleron Helen , Burger David , Gibb Diana , Rabie Helena , Lee Janice , Lallemant Marc , Cotton Mark F. , Archary Moherndran , Hennig Stefanie , Denti Paolo
Published: July 2021

Aims

Abacavir is part of WHO‐recommended regimens to treat HIV in children under 15 years of age. In a pooled analysis across four studies, we describe abacavir population pharmacokinetics to investigate the influence of age, concomitant medications, malnutrition and formulation.

Methods

A total of 230 HIV‐infected African children were included, with median (range) age of 2.1 (0.1–12.8) years and weight of 9.8 (2.5–30.0) kg. The population pharmacokinetics of abacavir was described using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling.

Results

Abacavir pharmacokinetics was best described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination, and absorption described by transit compartments. Clearance was predicted around 54% of its mature value at birth and 90% at 10 months. The estimated typical clearance at steady state was 10.7 L/h in a child weighing 9.8 kg co‐treated with lopinavir/ritonavir, and was 12% higher in children receiving efavirenz. During coadministration of rifampicin‐based antituberculosis treatment and super‐boosted lopinavir in a 1:1 ratio with ritonavir, abacavir exposure decreased by 29.4%. Malnourished children living with HIV had higher abacavir exposure initially, but this effect waned with nutritional rehabilitation. An additional 18.4% reduction in clearance after the first abacavir dose was described, suggesting induction of clearance with time on lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapy. Finally, absorption of the fixed dose combination tablet was 24% slower than the abacavir liquid formulation.

Conclusion

In this pooled analysis we found that children on lopinavir/ritonavir or efavirenz had similar abacavir exposures, while concomitant TB treatment and super‐boosted lopinavir gave significantly reduced abacavir concentrations.
Future minds and a new challenge to anti‐natalism
Authors: Gould Deke Caiñas
Published: July 2021

Some futurists and philosophers have urged that recent developments in biotechnology promise advancements that challenge standard accepted views of human nature, the self, and ethical obligation. Additionally, some have urged that developments in artificial intelligence similarly raise interesting new challenges to our conceptions of the mind, morality, and the future direction for conscious entities generally. Some have even gone so far as to argue in defense of “artificial replacement,” which is the view that humanity should be prepared to “hand over the keys,” so to speak, to a new sort of intelligent collection of entities and that we should go extinct gracefully. These views suggest a new challenge to the anti‐natalist view that people should stop procreating: perhaps humanity is obligated to not allow itself to go extinct quite yet, at least until we have ensured that these next stages of intelligent entity have emerged. When we take into consideration some possibilities for entities with minds relevantly different from our own, we confront a challenge to the asymmetry argument that concerns human‐like minds. Call this the “future minds challenge to anti‐natalism.” I will examine some assumptions that underlie such a challenge, and I will argue that some famous articulations of the anti‐natalist stance should be revised in light of such technological advancements.
Supporting innovation processes using material artefacts: Comparing the use of LEGO bricks and moderation cards as boundary objects
Authors: Zenk Lukas , Hynek Nicole , Krawinkler Stephanie A. , Peschl Markus F. , Schreder Günther
Published: July 2021

Various collaborative innovation methods are increasingly used in strategy development and the implementation of organizational challenges. The aim of applying them is to involve different agents of an organization and support them in generating new ideas in a joint effort. For this research, an experimental field study was conducted in the course of an innovation workshop for 80 top managers in the public sector using a quantitative questionnaire and an ethnographic observation. A novel workshop format was designed using different materials to support the beginning of this innovation process. The groups used either traditional workshop materials, that is, moderation cards (small sheets of colored paper), or novel workshop materials, that is, LEGO bricks. Our results show that both materials significantly influenced the human experience in the workshop. The use of LEGO bricks was perceived as more enjoyable, active, and inspiring than the use of moderation cards. However, the perceived group outcome using moderation cards was rated higher than that working with LEGO bricks. We discuss how using novel workshop materials changes the experience of an innovation workshop, but we also highlight that additional factors, including translation effects, trained facilitators, and specific innovation phases, must be considered to outperform the use of traditional materials.
Exome sequencing of familial adenomatous polyposis‐like individuals identifies both known and novel causative genes
Authors: Xavier Alexandre , Scott Rodney J. , Talseth‐Palmer Bente
Published: July 2021

Inherited polyposis syndromes are predominantly caused by pathogenic variants in APC and are linked to familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). However, after clinical screening, 20%–30% of individuals diagnosed with FAP do not carry a pathogenic variant in APC (often categorised as FAP‐like). Other known inherited adenomatous polyposis syndromes such as MUTYH, POLD1/E, or NTHL1‐associated polyposis only account for, 3 a fraction of the remaining cases. A cohort of 48 individuals clinically diagnosed with a FAP‐like phenotype was selected based on a strong family history of colorectal cancer and no previous pathogenic variant found in APC and/or MUTYH, by genetic screening. Using whole exome sequencing, FAP‐like patients were found to carry pathogenic variants in MUTYH, APC, POLE and TP53, as well as DNA‐repair genes and inflammation related genes. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of copy number variation revealed two loci of interest that appeared to be associated with polyposis risk. In total, 6 out of 48 polyposis were explained through re‐sequencing. This study highlights the potential role of DNA‐repair as well as inflammation‐related variants towards polyp development.
Anything you don’t know is invisible to your eyes: Educational interventions for serrated polyps can increase their detection
Authors: Imai Kenichiro
Published: July 2021

This Editorial refers to the article by J. Lee et al., p 180‐190 of this issue.
Reasons for not providing initial support to a colleague, friend, or family member experiencing a mental health problem or crisis
Authors: Morgan Amy J. , Rossetto Alyssia
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate reasons for not helping a person experiencing a mental health problem, and explore factors associated with not offering help.

Methods

Data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial evaluating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the workplace conducted with 608 Australian adults. Participants were asked if a colleague, friend, or family member had any mental health problem in the last 12 months, whether they had tried to help them, and reasons for not helping. These reasons were content analysed and predictors of not helping were explored with logistic regression.

Results

A minority of participants did not offer help, with reasons for not helping (n = 107) related to the recipient already being helped, characteristics of the recipient such as perceived illness type, the type of relationship between helper and recipient, distance or time barriers, and a lack of skills or knowledge.

Conclusions

Some reasons for not helping cannot be modified but others could be used to inform the curricula of MHFA or other gatekeeper training.
Diarrhoea with the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril + valsartan: A pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Guion‐Firmin Julia , Tessier Samuel , Lepelley Marion , Faillie Jean‐Luc , Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2021

Diarrhoea is an adverse drug reaction of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril + valsartan. It was also described with olmesartan and more recently with other angiotensin receptor blockers. The study was performed to compare diarrhoea reports in pharmacovigilance databases with sacubitril + valsartan and valsartan. The study used reports of diarrhoea with the ARNI sacubitril + valsartan registered: first in the French PharmacoVigilance Database (FPVD) and second in Vigibase®, the WHO Global Individual Case Safety Report database. After description of the main characteristics, disproportionality analyses were performed. Results are reported as reporting odds ratios (ROR) with 95% confidence interval. We found 29 reports of diarrhoea with sacubitril + valsartan in the FPVD and 686 in Vigibase®. With sacubitril + valsartan, diarrhoea occurred more frequently in males around 70 years with a median delay of 3 days. With valsartan, diarrhoea occurred more frequently in females around 68 years with a median delay of 0.5 days. In the FPVD, a significant association was found with sacubitril + valsartan in comparison with valsartan alone before (ROR = 8.78 [5.19–14.85]) and after (ROR = 11.19 [5.89–21.25]) exclusion of concomitant drugs known to be associated with diarrhoea. A significant association was also found in Vigibase® after adjustment on age, sex, reporter and its location (ROR = 1.31 [1.14–1.50]). Diarrhoea reported with sacubitril + valsartan has marked differences in gender, delay of occurrence and frequency of reporting in comparison with diarrhoea with valsartan. From a pharmacodynamic point of view, these results suggest a specific role of sacubitril in diarrhoea.
Hot moments drive extreme nitrous oxide and methane emissions from agricultural peatlands
Authors: Anthony Tyler L. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: July 2021

Agricultural peatlands are estimated to emit approximately one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from croplands, but the temporal dynamics and controls of these emissions are poorly understood, particularly for nitrous oxide (N2O). We used cavity ring‐down spectroscopy and automated chambers in a drained agricultural peatland to measure over 70,000 individual N2O, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes over 3 years. Our results showed that N2O fluxes were high, contributing 26% (annual range: 16%–35%) of annual CO2e emissions. Total N2O fluxes averaged 26 ± 0.5 kg N2O‐N ha−1y−1and exhibited significant inter‐ and intra‐annual variability with a maximum annual flux of 42 ± 1.8 kg N2O‐N ha−1y−1. Hot moments of N2O and CH4emissions represented 1.1 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.2% of measurements, respectively, but contributed to 45 ± 1% of mean annual N2O fluxes and to 140 ± 9% of mean annual CH4 fluxes. Soil moisture, soil temperature, and bulk soil oxygen (O2) concentrations were strongly correlated with soil N2O and CH4emissions; soil nitrate () concentrations were also significantly correlated with soil N2O emissions. These results suggest that IPCC benchmarks underestimate N2O emissions from these high emitting agricultural peatlands by up to 70%. Scaling to regional agricultural peatlands with similar management suggests these ecosystems could emit up to 1.86 Tg CO2e y−1(range: 1.58–2.21 Tg CO2e y−1). Data suggest that these agricultural peatlands are large sources of GHGs, and that short‐term hot moments of N2O and CH4are a significant fraction of total greenhouse budgets.
Pathological characteristics of liver sinusoidal thrombosis in COVID‐19 patients: A series of 43 cases
Authors: Kondo Reiichiro , Kawaguchi Nao , McConnell Matthew J. , Sonzogni Aurelio , Licini Lisa , Valle Clarissa , Bonaffini Pietro A. , Sironi Sandro , Alessio Maria Grazia , Previtali Giulia , Seghezzi Michela , Zhang Xuchen , Sun Zhaoli , Utsumi Teruo , Strazzabosco Mario , Iwakiri Yasuko
Published: July 2021

Aim

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is characterized by pneumonia with secondary damage to multiple organs including the liver. Liver injury (elevated alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) often correlates with disease severity in COVID‐19 patients. The aim of this study is to identify pathological microthrombi in COVID‐19 patient livers by correlating their morphology with liver injury, and examine hyperfibrinogenemia and von Willebrand factor (vWF) as mechanisms of their formation.

Methods

Forty‐three post‐mortem liver biopsy samples from COVID‐19 patients were obtained from Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, Italy. Three morphological features of microthrombosis (sinusoidal erythrocyte aggregation [SEA], platelet microthrombi [PMT], and fibrous thrombi) were evaluated.

Results

We found liver sinusoidal microthrombosis in 23 COVID‐19 patients (53%) was associated with a higher serum ALT and AST level compared to those without (ALT: 10‐fold, p = 0.04; AST: 11‐fold, p = 0.08). Of 43 livers, PMT and SEA were observed in 14 (33%) and 19 (44%) cases, respectively. Fibrous thrombi were not observed. Platelet microthrombi were associated with increased ALT (p < 0.01), whereas SEA was not (p = 0.73). In COVID‐19 livers, strong vWF staining in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells was associated with significantly increased platelet adhesion (1.7‐fold, p = 0.0016), compared to those with weak sinusoidal vWF (2‐fold, p < 0.0001). Sinusoidal erythrocyte aggregation in 19 (83%) liver samples was mainly seen in zone 2. Livers with SEA had significantly higher fibrinogen (1.6‐fold, p = 0.031) compared to those without SEA in COVID‐19 patients.

Conclusions

Liver PMT is a pathologically important thrombosis associated with liver injury in COVID‐19, while SEA is a unique morphological feature of COVID‐19 patient livers. Sinusoidal vWF and hyperfibrinogenemia could contribute to PMT and SEA formation.
Distinct dynamics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations in two farming models
Authors: Yang Qian , Wang Qingyao , Wu Junmin , Zhang Yixiang , Wei Dawei , Qu Baocheng , Liu Ying , Fu Songzhe
Published: July 2021

Aims

Despite the recent prosperity of shrimp cultivation in China, very little is known about how different shrimp farming models influence the dynamics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations and the antibiotic resistance of this bacterium.

Methods and Results

To this end, we conducted continuous surveillance of V. parahaemolyticus on four farms over 3 years: two traditional shrimp farms with daily water exchange and two farms operated in the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). No antibiotics were used in these farms to exclude the potential impacts of antibiotics on the emergence of antibacterial resistance. Multilocus sequence typing was utilized to characterize the dynamics of V. parahaemolyticus populations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted to determine the representative sequence types (STs) at each farm. Results revealed that the population structure of V. parahaemolyticus remained stable over time in both RAS farms, with only nine and four STs observed at each. In contrast, annual replacement of V. parahaemolyticus populations was observed in traditional farms with 26 and 28 STs identified in rearing water. WGS of 50 isolates divided them into five clusters, of which ST917a isolates harboured a genomic island that disrupted the gene recA. Pair-wised genomic comparison of isolates from the same STs showed that they were genetically related but belonged to different clones associated with geographical distribution.

Conclusions

These results suggested that RAS presented a specific ecological niche by minimizing the water exchanges with the external environment. In contrast, traditional farming might pose a food safety issue by introducing new V. parahaemolyticus populations with antibiotic resistance genes.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our results expose the potential food safety issue associated with conventional agriculture and should encourage the development of preventive strategies to reduce the emergence of resistant V. parahaemolyticus populations.
Drying of persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.) pretreated by different osmotic processes
Authors: Corrêa Jefferson Luiz Gomes , Lopes Francemir José , de Mello Júnior Ronaldo Elias , de Jesus Junqueira João Renato , de Mendonça Kamilla Soares , Macedo Leandro Levate , Salvio Luís Gustavo Amaral
Published: July 2021

Persimmon is a short shelf life fruit with interesting potential for application in different industrial segments. The immersion of food in a hypertonic (30 and 45 °Brix) or even hypotonic medium can be used as a pretreatment for the drying process. In this study, the convective drying of persimmons was preceded by osmotic dehydration (OD) with fructose in a standard atmosphere, pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD), ultrasound (US)‐assisted OD, and US pretreatment in distilled water. Pretreatment times were 0, 10, and 30 min. The samples were subjected to convective drying at 40 and 60°C, 0.5 m s−1. The effects of the pretreatments on the drying kinetics, volumetric shrinkage, and rehydration capacity were investigated. Fick's model and the Dincer and Dost model were used to fit the drying evolution. In addition to the influence of the osmotic solution concentration, moisture content and solid gain were functions of the treatment type. Convective drying required 260–740 min. The use of PVOD and US pretreatments resulted in the shortest drying times. The dried fruits showed particular characteristics with each different pretreatment. Both tested models presented satisfactory adjustments, but Fick's model was the best approach. In general, the treatments caused structural modifications in the persimmon fruits that modified the drying kinetics and the properties of the dried food.

Practical Applications

Convective drying is a food processing method used to extend the shelf life of fruits, such as persimmons. The use of pretreatments is an interesting strategy to improve the drying process. However, the combination of these technologies can influence drying kinetics. Therefore, the use of mathematical models is important to represent the behavior of these processes.
Changing aetiology of paediatric septic arthritis
Authors: Yagupsky Pablo
Published: July 2021

The management of septic arthritis in children requires the prompt administration of antibiotic therapy and the identification of the causative pathogen. In the past, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b were considered the main causative agents of the disease, but a substantial fraction of presumptive joint infections remained unconfirmed by conventional bacteriologic cultures. In the last two decades, our knowledge of the aetiology of paediatric infectious arthritis has substantially changed as the result of the implementation of vaccination programmes against H. influenzae type b and pneumococci, and by the use of improved detection methods. In 1988, the inoculation of synovial fluid aspirates into blood culture vials revealed that Kingella kingae, a commensal member of the oropharyngeal microbiota, was the prime aetiology of skeletal system infections in children aged 6–48 months. The clinical presentation of K. kingae arthritis is subtle, and the disease is frequently missed by classic clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria. Many children are afebrile, the acute phase reactants levels and the white blood cell counts in the blood and synovial fluid specimens are frequently normal, requiring a high clinical acumen. Increasing use of sensitive molecular methods in recent years, and particularly nucleic acid amplification tests that target K. kingae‐specific genes, has further improved the detection of this elusive pathogen, demonstrated that it is responsible for 30–93% of all cases of septic arthritis below 4 years of age and reduced the fraction of culture‐negative infections.
Comparison of nonenhanced computed tomography and ultrasonography for detection of ureteral calculi in cats: A prospective study
Authors: Testault Isabelle , Gatel Laure , Vanel Maïa
Published: July 2021

Background

Radiographs and ultrasound (US) are the primary imaging modalities used to assess ureteral calculi in cats. Reports describing the use of nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) are scarce.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare US and nonenhanced CT for detection, number and localization of ureteral calculi in cats.

Animals

Fifty‐one cats with at least 1 ureteral calculus, and 101 ureters.

Methods

Prospective case series. All cats underwent an US followed by a nonenhanced CT. Cats were included in the study if at least 1 ureteral calculus was diagnosed on either modality. Number of calculi and their localization (proximal, middle, and distal) were recorded on both modalities. Pelvic dilatation and maximal ureteral diameter were recorded with US.

Results

More calculi were detected by nonenhanced CT (126) compared to US (90), regardless of localization (P < .001). More ureters were affected on nonenhanced CT (70) compared to US (57; P < .001). The number of calculi detected was significantly different between US and nonenhanced CT in the proximal (P = .02) and distal ureteral region (P < .001). Bilateral calculi were more frequent with nonenhanced CT (19 cats) compared to US (9 cats; P < .001). A pelvic size superior to 5 mm and a maximal ureteral diameter value superior to 3 mm were always associated with ureteral calculi.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Computed tomography is an emerging imaging modality in cats with a suspected ureteral obstruction. Combination of CT and US can be beneficial for case management.
Syntactic Prediction Adaptation Accounts for Language Processing and Language Learning
Authors: Havron Naomi , Babineau Mireille , Fiévet Anne‐Caroline , de Carvalho Alex , Christophe Anne
Published: July 2021

A previous study has shown that children use recent input to adapt their syntactic predictions and use these adapted predictions to infer the meaning of novel words. In the current study, we investigated whether children could use this mechanism to disambiguate words whose interpretation as a noun or a verb is ambiguous. We tested 2‐ to 4‐year‐old French children using the phrase la petite followed by a homophone that could be interpreted as either a noun or a verb. We assigned the children to a noun condition or a verb condition. Before the test, those in the noun condition were exposed to sentences where la petite predicted nouns, and those in the verb condition to sentences where la petite predicted verbs. At testing, 3‐ to 4‐year‐olds, but not 2‐year‐olds, from the verb condition looked at the verb interpretation longer than did the children in the noun condition. This suggests a progression in children's ability to rely on input to adapt their predictions in language comprehension.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐positive women's perspectives on breastfeeding with antiretrovirals: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Li Kan Man Carmen , Li Kan Yan Chloe , Bick Debra , Chang Yan‐Shing
Published: July 2021

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive women can breastfeed with minimal risk of mother‐to‐child transmission if taking antiretrovirals. Guidelines surrounding infant feeding for HIV‐positive women have evolved several times over the last two decades. Our review aimed to explore perspectives of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals from HIV‐positive women since the World Health Organization (2010) infant feeding and antiretroviral guidelines. HIV‐positive pregnant and postnatal women from all countries/settings were eligible. HIV‐positive women were either on an antiretroviral regimen at the time of the study, previously on an antiretroviral regimen, not initiated on a regimen yet, or enrolled in prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) care. Quality assessment of all included studies were conducted. Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) were searched for studies conducted from January 2010 to October 2020. Nine papers were included in the review, of which two presented findings from the same study. Five analytical themes were developed via thematic synthesis: (1) awareness of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals, (2) turmoil of emotions, (3) coping mechanisms, (4) the intertwining of secret, stigma and support and (5) support needed. Support from family and health care professionals and coping approaches were important to overcome stigma and the emotional challenges of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals. Health care professionals should be familiar with the most updated national and local guidance surrounding infant feeding and antiretrovirals. Further research into interventions to encourage HIV‐positive women to adhere and commit to lifelong antiretroviral treatment (Option B+) for breastfeeding is required.
“Non‐convulsive status epileptics associated with diabetic ketosis: Case report and literature review”
Authors: Kamath Sneha Dayanand , Manisha Gupta , Lanka Vivek , Holla Vikram Venkappayya , Saini Jitender , Netravathi M.
Published: July 2021

New‐onset seizures in the elderly are a challenging presentation in the emergency department. Most of the cases have reported seizures on a background of non‐ketotic hyperglycemia. We hereby present an elderly patient with non‐convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) following ketotic hyperglycemia. Patient presented with visual disturbances in the form of episodic polyopsia, metamorphopsia, and visual hallucinations for 2 weeks. MRI brain showed T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity in left occipito‐temporal cortex with subcortical hypointensity. EEG revealed spikes in bilateral occipito‐temporal regions suggestive of NCSE. Patient showed gradual improvement with correction of hyperglycemia. In conclusions, non‐convulsive status epilepticus is an important consideration in an elderly diabetic with recent onset of confusional state.
A case of intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor with EWSR1:CREM fusion in an adult female: Extensive immunohistochemical evaluation
Authors: Kambe Atsushi , Kuwamoto Satoshi , Shimizu Tsuyoshi , Amisaki Hidefumi , Sakamoto Makoto , Inagaki Hirotaka , Kurosaki Masamichi
Published: July 2021

Intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor (IMMT) is a recently described, extremely rare group of neoplasms characterized by fusions between the female‐expressed transcript (FET) family genes and the cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) family genes. Controversy persists regarding whether the tumor is a myxoid variant of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma or a completely distinct clinicopathological entity. Here, we report a case of IMMT arising in the posterior fossa in a 65‐year‐old woman with a history of breast cancer. We performed total removal of the tumor, which histologically demonstrated features characteristic of IMMT but also bore a partial resemblance to conventional angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were diffusely positive for desmin, vimentin, cluster of differentiation (CD) 99 (CD99), glucose transporter‐1, and cytokeratin (CK) 8/18 (CK8/18), and focally positive for CK7, epithelial membrane antigen, mucin 4, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, calponin, and CD68. Molecular genetic analysis revealed a fusion between the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene (EWSR1) and the cAMP‐responsive element modulator (CREM) gene (CREM) called EWSR1:CREM fusion, which confirmed the diagnosis. The overlap of the pathological features of IMMTs and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas may support the recent theory that these tumors are two manifestations of a single entity. Moreover, our study indicated the broad spectrum of immunohistochemical phenotypes of these tumors, which should be noted during diagnosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the histopathological concept, long‐term prognosis, optimal treatment strategy, and factors associated with the prognosis and therapeutic options of this condition.
Genetic variability and nitrogen response indices in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars under contrasting nitrogen environments
Authors: Zeffa Douglas M. , Moda‐Cirino Vânia , Nogueira Alison F. , Delfini Jéssica , de Arruda Isabella M. , dos Santos Neto José , Gepts Paul , Scapim Carlos A. , Gonçalves Leandro S. A.
Published: July 2021

Although common bean plants can fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2), this process is insufficient to meet the total nitrogen (N) demand of the crop. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare different N‐responses indices of common bean cultivars in contrasting N fertilization environments. In addition, the genetic variability of the cultivars was verified using SNP and AFLP markers. Cultivars that showed high tolerance to low‐N (LNTI) generally had low N‐agronomic efficiency (NAE), confirming the complexity of simultaneously selecting for genotypes that show both traits. The performance under contrasting N (PCN) index presented the highest heritability and selective accuracy estimates, suggesting PCN may be the most appropriate index to select genotypes. The cultivars were grouped into four groups using molecular markers. Based on the PCN index, cultivars assigned to molecular groups 1 (‘IAC Sintonia’, ‘IPR Bem‐te‐vi’, ‘BRS Notável’, ‘IPR Juriti’, and ‘BRSMG Pioneiro’) and 2 (‘IPR Sabiá’, ‘IPR Quero‐Quero’, and ‘IPR Campos Gerais’) were recommend for future crosses aiming at developing cultivars less dependent on N fertilizers.
Urgent need to strengthen school health in Asia and the Pacific islands
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Takeuchi Rie , Toyama Yuko , Gregorio Ernesto R. , Kadriyan Hamsu , Estrada Crystal Amiel M. , Motomura Makoto , Wake Norie , Yamada Kyoko , Ishikawa Ryuji , Takakura Minoru
Published: July 2021

In Asia and the Pacific island region, strengthening of school health activities and measures is urgently recommended to deal with the impact of the increasing risk of potential school closures due to continuation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in 2021. As the incidence of COVID‐19 in 2020 was relatively low in these regions, many of the countries were able to avoid prolonged school closures. However, even if vaccination is expanded in the future and the pandemic tends to come to an end, the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants spreading among children will also increase, and the possibility of having to close schools again will also increase.
Associations between child theory of mind, mutuality in father‐preschooler dyads, and household chaos
Authors: McCormick Sarah A. , Chary Mamatha , Deater‐Deckard Kirby
Published: July 2021

Early theory of mind development is influenced by a variety of experiences and contexts. Social interactions with parents and others are important for developing a theory of mind, but these social processes may be disrupted by aspects of the proximal home environment. The current study observed father‐child dyadic mutuality (a construct representing responsiveness, reciprocity, and cooperation during a structured interaction) and its associations with child theory of mind and household chaos in a sample of fathers and their 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children (N = 88 dyads). Dyadic mutuality was coded from videotaped structured tasks, household chaos was self‐reported by fathers through a questionnaire, and child theory of mind was measured through behavioral tasks. Measures of child expressive language ability, child executive function, and family socioeconomic status are included as covariates. Results show no main effect of either dyadic mutuality or household chaos on child theory of mind, but that the association between dyadic mutuality and child theory of mind was moderated by household chaos, whereby the association between higher observed dyadic mutuality and better child theory of mind abilities was evident only at low and mean levels of chaos. Findings suggest that higher levels of household chaos may disturb the beneficial social interactions between parents and children that influence theory of mind development. Additional contextual variables and processes are discussed.
“Let's hang out!”: Understanding social ties among linguistically diverse youth in urban afterschool programs
Authors: Hwang Sophia H. J. , Cappella Elise , Kieffer Michael J. , Yates Miranda
Published: July 2021

This study examines the associations among cross‐linguistic social ties, individual‐level social network and demographic characteristics, and academic and social‐emotional outcomes in a sample of third to eighth grade Latine and Black youth attending urban afterschool programs. Guided by social capital and social learning perspectives, this study is one of the first to explore the associations of social ties among Spanish‐speaking bilingual youth and native English‐speakers in the afterschool setting. We found that youth who have more ties in the classroom social network have more cross‐linguistic connections than would be expected given the afterschool classroom composition. Moreover, having more cross‐linguistic ties at the start of the year was associated with higher academic and social self‐concept in the spring, adjusting for baseline skills and other covariates. These findings suggest that cross‐linguistic ties in the afterschool setting may contribute to positive social and developmental outcomes in late childhood and early adolescence.
Prolonged incubation period of hepatitis B in a recipient of a nucleic acid amplification test‐negative hepatitis B virus window donation
Authors: Matsuno Takahiro , Matsuura Hideaki , Fujii Sumie , Tanaka Ami , Satake Masahiro , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Tomita Akihiro , Matsui Yusuke , Sugiura Yukari , Miura Yasuo
Published: July 2021

Background

The occurrence of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has fallen dramatically due to continuous improvements in pre‐transfusion laboratory testing. However, the characteristics of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection caused by individual donor nucleic acid amplification test (ID‐NAT)‐negative blood products are unclear.

Case Presentation

A 76‐year‐old woman with acute myeloid leukemia was diagnosed with transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection after receiving apheresis platelets derived from an ID‐NAT‐negative blood donation. This case was diagnosed definitively as transfusion‐mediated because complete nucleotide homology of a 1556 bp region of the HBV Pol/preS1‐preS2‐S genes and a 23 bp region of the HBV core promoter/precore between the donor and recipient strains was confirmed by PCR‐directed sequencing. The case is uncommon with respect to the unexpectedly prolonged HBV‐DNA incubation period of nearly 5 months after transfusion (previously, the longest period observed since the recent implementation of ID‐NAT pre‐transfusion laboratory testing in Japan was 84 days). Slow‐replicating HBV genotype A2 may contribute to the prolonged incubation period; also, the quantity of apheresis platelets delivered in a large volume of plasma, and/or the immune response of the recipient suffering from a hematological neoplasm, may have contributed to establishment of HBV infection in the recipient. This was supported by analysis of three previously documented cases of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection by blood products derived from ID‐NAT‐negative donations in Japan.

Conclusion

Continuous monitoring of HBV infection for longer periods (>3 months) may be required after transfusion of blood components from an ID‐NAT‐negative HBV window donation.
Global macroeconomic impacts of demographic change
Authors: Liu Weifeng , McKibbin Warwick
Published: July 2021

The world has been experiencing dramatic demographic change since the 1950s, with almost all countries facing ageing challenges this coming century. However, the timing and speed of this demographic transition are significantly asymmetric across countries. This paper examines the impacts of global demographic change on macroeconomic conditions, international trade and capital flows in major economies in a global multi‐region and multi‐sector general equilibrium model. We separately simulate demographic shocks in six regions of the world economy to understand how each shock individually affects the world economy and then combine these shocks to obtain the consequences of global demographic change. The paper finds that future demographic change will significantly impact each region's GDP, changing the landscape of the world economy. However, the spillover effects on GDP across the countries are relatively small. In young economies such as emerging Asia and Africa, while economic growth will significantly benefit from demographic dividends, demographic change does not improve per capita GDP. In ageing economies such as Japan and Europe, population ageing will decrease the real interest rate. However, this impact will be offset by rising interest rates in young economies. Due to the differential real interest rates, capital will flow from more ageing to less ageing economies. These capital flows can be substantial and beneficial for all economies.