bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mcm10 and the MCM2–7 complex interact to initiate DNA synthesis and to release replication factors from origins
Authors: Homesley Lisa , Lei Ming , Kawasaki Yasuo , Sawyer Sara , Christensen Tim , Tye Bik K.
Published: November 2021

MCM2–7, a complex of six subunits, is an essential component of the prereplication chromatin that is assembled at Saccharomyces cerevisiae replication origins during G1 phase. It is also believed to be the processive helicase at growing forks. To elucidate the action of MCM2–7 during the transition from initiation to elongation replication, we have focused our studies on Mcm10, a replication initiation protein that physically interacts with members of the MCM2–7 complex. We show that Mcm10 is a chromatin-associated protein that mediates the association of the MCM2–7 complex with replication origins. Furthermore, diminished interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7, a subunit of the MCM2–7 complex, by a mutation in either Mcm10 or Mcm7 inhibits replication initiation. Surprisingly, a double mutant containing both the mcm10-1 and mcm7-1(cdc47-1) alleles restores interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7 and corrects all of the defects exhibited by each of the single mutants, including the stalling of replication forks at replication origins typically seen in mcm10-1 cells. This mutual compensation of defects between two independently isolated mutations is allele specific. These results suggest that Mcm10, like Mcm7, is a critical component of the prereplication chromatin and that interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7 is required for proper replication initiation and prompt release of origin-bound factors.
Two checkpoint complexes are independently recruited to sites of DNA damage in vivo
Authors: Melo Justine A. , Cohen Jen , Toczyski David P.
Published: November 2021

The Ddc1/Rad17/Mec3 complex and Rad24 are DNA damage checkpoint components with limited homology to replication factors PCNA and RF-C, respectively, suggesting that these factors promote checkpoint activation by “sensing” DNA damage directly. Mec1 kinase, however, phosphorylates the checkpoint protein Ddc2 in response to damage in the absence of all other known checkpoint proteins, suggesting instead that Mec1 and/or Ddc2 may act as the initial sensors of DNA damage. In this paper, we show that Ddc1 or Ddc2 fused to GFP localizes to a single subnuclear focus following an endonucleolytic break. Other forms of damage result in a greater number of Ddc1–GFP or Ddc2–GFP foci, in correlation with the number of damage sites generated, indicating that Ddc1 and Ddc2 are both recruited to sites of DNA damage. Interestingly, Ddc2 localization is severely abrogated inmec1cells but requires no other known checkpoint genes, whereas Ddc1 localization requires Rad17, Mec3, and Rad24, but not Mec1. Therefore, Ddc1 and Ddc2 recognize DNA damage by independent mechanisms. These data support a model in which assembly of multiple checkpoint complexes at DNA damage sites stimulates checkpoint activation. Further, we show that although Ddc1 remains strongly localized following checkpoint adaptation, many nuclei contain only dim foci of Ddc2–GFP, suggesting that Ddc2 localization may be down-regulated during resumption of cell division. Lastly, visualization of checkpoint proteins localized to damage sites serves as a useful tool for analysis of DNA damage in living cells.
Hypoxia in cartilage: HIF-1α is essential for chondrocyte growth arrest and survival
Authors: Schipani Ernestina , Ryan Heather E. , Didrickson Susanna , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Knight Melissa , Johnson Randall S.
Published: November 2021

Breakdown or absence of vascular oxygen delivery is a hallmark of many common human diseases, including cancer, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The chief mediator of hypoxic response in mammalian tissues is the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), and its oxygen-sensitive component HIF-1α. A key question surrounding HIF-1α and the hypoxic response is the role of this transcription factor in cells removed from a functional vascular bed; in this regard there is evidence indicating that it can act as either a survival factor or induce growth arrest and apoptosis. To study more closely how HIF-1α functions in hypoxia in vivo, we used tissue-specific targeting to delete HIF-1α in an avascular tissue: the cartilaginous growth plate of developing bone. We show here the first evidence that the developmental growth plate in mammals is hypoxic, and that this hypoxia occurs in its interior rather than at its periphery. As a result of this developmental hypoxia, cells that lack HIF-1α in the interior of the growth plate die. This is coupled to decreased expression of the CDK inhibitor p57, and increased levels of BrdU incorporation in HIF-1α null growth plates, indicating defects in HIF-1α-regulated growth arrest occurs in these animals. Furthermore, we find that VEGF expression in the growth plate is regulated through both HIF-1α-dependent and -independent mechanisms. In particular, we provide evidence that VEGFexpression is up-regulated in a HIF-1α-independent manner in chondrocytes surrounding areas of cell death, and this in turn induces ectopic angiogenesis. Altogether, our findings have important implications for the role of hypoxic response and HIF-1α in development, and in cell survival in tissues challenged by interruption of vascular flow; they also illustrate the complexities of HIF-1α response in vivo, and they provide new insights into mechanisms of growth plate development.
A systematic literature review of food safety management system implementation in global supply chains
Authors: Nguyen Tram Thi Bich , Li Dong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The study sets to summarise managerial requirements, analyse practices and tools to measure food safety management system (FSMS) implementation. Also, underpinned by critical success factors (CSFs) theory, the authors explore when food firms manage FSMS and which factors are critical to their implementation to identify promising research directions for researchers and suggestions for practitioners through a comprehensive analytical lens.

Design/methodology/approach

It is difficult to ensure food safety from farm to fork worldwide. The paper addresses this challenge from the angle of how firms measure and improve the implementation of the FSMS in global food supply chains by a systematic review combined with biological mapping analysis (VOS viewer) on 81 peer-reviewed papers published from 2005 to 2020.

Findings

Mandatory and voluntary regulations and standards are the most critical part of international requirements to assure integrated, proactive, risk-based approaches as well as continuous improvement in the FSMS in global food chains. To measure the FSMS, only a limited number of measurement tools for the FSMS have been identified. External and internal factors, and technology adoption that significantly impact the management of the FSMS implementation still require more future works.

Research limitations/implications

Several FSMS research gaps observed during the content analysis of selected papers within 15 years are presented along with ten future research questions.

Practical implications

A systematised list of published papers that have been studied and reported in this research could be a useful reference point for practitioners in the food industry.

Originality/value

This study set out to summarise managerial requirements for the FSMS from the existing research, analyse practices and tools to measure FSMS implementation, explore when food firms manage the FSMS, which factors are critical to their implementation, and identify promising research directions for researchers and useful suggestions for practitioners.
Fostering sustainability: reinventing SME strategy in the new normal
Authors: Hu Meng Kui , Kee Daisy Mui Hung
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to deliberate the significant impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also discusses SMEs’ practical approaches to capitalise on the renewed opportunity in the new normal by expanding their businesses regionally and globally. This paper also discusses the tactical and strategic interventions SMEs need to take to charge forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The resource-based view of the firm (Barney, 1991) is used to explain how SMEs develop a sustainable competitive advantage in the new normal. The resource-based view focuses on the link between strategy and firm internal resources. Drawing from the resource-based view of the firm, internal analysis of the resources that are regarded as sources of competitive advantage controlled by the SMEs is imperative in today’s business environment. Based on the resource-based view theory, this paper focuses on reinventing SME’s strategies in the new normal to foster sustainability.

Findings

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, SMEs must essentially be dynamic, forward-looking and transformational in capturing the regional and global markets’ opportunities. They need to sharpen their internal competencies and realign their effective business strategy in seizing the vast opportunities in the international markets.

Practical implications

How SMEs respond to COVID-19 has important implications for subsequent performance in the new normal. This study focuses on the different potential SMEs’ reactions to COVID-19 and how their strategy affects SMEs performance and fosters sustainability in the new normal.

Social implications

The sustainability of SMEs is critical for the nation’s socio-economy. This study offers a holistic view of how SMEs respond to their challenges and help them choose the right business options.

Originality/value

This paper’s contents are solidly based on accumulated evidence, observation and critical arguments on the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that caused numerous challenges faced by the SMEs, with a specific focus on SMEs operating in Malaysia.
Multi-objective robust optimization for multi-stage-multi-product agile closed-loop supply chain under uncertainty in the context of circular economy
Authors: Jafarzadeh Ghoushchi Saeid , Hushyar Iman , Sabri-Laghaie Kamyar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A circular economy (CE) is an economic system that tries to eliminate waste and continually use resources. Due to growing environmental concerns, supply chain (SC) design should be based on the CE considerations. In addition, responding and satisfying customers are the challenges managers constantly encounter. This study aims to improve the design of an agile closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) from the CE point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a new multi-stage, multi-product and multi-period design of a CLSC network under uncertainty is proposed that aligns with the goals of CE and SC participants. Recycling of goods is an important part of the CLSC. Therefore, a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model (MILP) is proposed to formulate the problem. Besides, a robust counterpart of multi-objective MILP is offered based on robust optimization to cope with the uncertainty of parameters. Finally, the proposed model is solved using the e-constraint method.

Findings

The proposed model aims to provide the strategic choice of economic order to the suppliers and third-party logistic companies. The present study, which is carried out using a numerical example and sensitivity analysis, provides a robust model and solution methodology that are effective and applicable in CE-related problems.

Practical implications

This study shows how all upstream and downstream units of the SC network must work integrated to meet customer needs considering the CE context.

Originality/value

The main goal of the CE is to optimize resources, reduce the use of raw materials, and revitalize waste by recycling. In this study, a comprehensive model that can consider both SC design and CE necessities is developed that considers all SC participants.
“My colleague is a robot” – exploring frontline employees' willingness to work with collaborative service robots
Authors: Paluch Stefanie , Tuzovic Sven , Holz Heiko F. , Kies Alexander , Jörling Moritz
Published: November 2021

Purpose

As service robots increasingly interact with customers at the service encounter, they will inevitably become an integral part of employee's work environment. This research investigates frontline employee's perceptions of collaborative service robots (CSR) and introduces a new framework, willingness to collaborate (WTC), to better understand employee–robot interactions in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on appraisal theory, this study employed an exploratory research approach to investigate frontline employees' cognitive appraisal of service robots and their WTC with their nonhuman counterparts in service contexts. Data collection consisted of 36 qualitative problem-centered interviews. Following an iterative thematic analysis, the authors introduce a research framework of frontline employees' WTC with service robots.

Findings

First, this study demonstrates that the interaction between frontline employees and service robots is a multistage appraisal process based on adoption-related perceptions. Second, it identifies important attributes across three categories (employee, robot and job attributes) that provide a foundation to understand the appraisal of CSRs. Third, it presents four employee personas (supporter, embracer, resister and saboteur) that provide a differentiated perspective of how service employee–robot collaboration may differ.

Practical implications

The article identifies important factors that enable and restrict frontline service employees' (FSEs’) WTC with robots.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that investigates the appraisal of CSRs from the perspective of frontline employees. The research contributes to the limited research on human–robot collaboration and expands existing technology acceptance models that fall short to explain post-adoptive coping behavior of service employees in response to service robots in the workplace.
Molecular signatures in cetacean morbillivirus and host species proteomes: Unveiling the evolutionary dynamics of an enigmatic pathogen?
Authors: Zinzula Luca , Mazzariol Sandro , Di Guardo Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infects marine mammals often causing a fatal respiratory and neurological disease. Recently, CeMV has expanded its geographic and host species range, with cases being reported worldwide among dolphins, whales, seals, and other aquatic mammalian species, and therefore has emerged as the most threatening nonanthropogenic factor affecting marine mammal's health and conservation. Extensive research efforts have aimed to understand CeMV epidemiology and ecology, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its transmission and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. In particular, the field suffers from a knowledge gap on the structural and functional properties of CeMV proteins and their host interactors. Nevertheless, the body of scientific literature produced in recent years has inaugurated new investigational trends, driving future directions in CeMV molecular research. In this mini‐review, the most recent literature has been summarized in the context of such research trends, and categorized into four priority research topics, such as (1) the interaction between CeMV glycoprotein and its host cell receptors across several species; (2) the CeMV molecular determinants responsible for different disease phenotype; (3) the host molecular determinants responsible for differential susceptibility to CeMV infection; (4) the CeMV molecular determinants responsible for difference virulence among circulating CeMV strains. Arguably, these are the most urgent topics that need to be investigated and that most promisingly will help to shed light on the details of CeMV evolutionary dynamics in the immediate future.
Entrepreneurs’ Learning from Business Failures: An Emerging Market Perspective
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Khan Zaheer , Ifere Simeon Emezana , Nyuur Richard B. , Khan Huda
Published: November 2021

This paper extends prior scholarly works on entrepreneurial failure, entrepreneurial resilience and learning from failure by examining how the effects of prior experiences of entrepreneurial business failure (EBF) manifest in the entrepreneurial process of subsequent venture formation. We elucidate the pre‐founding and post‐founding effects of prior EBF via insights drawn from 25 serial entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The findings demonstrate that entrepreneurs were often motivated to start another venture as a result of the economic hardship and social stigmatization that occurs after business closure. We identified a three‐stage fine‐grained process perspective of successive entrepreneurial engagement (e.g. pre‐founding, formation and development, and post‐founding conditions and effects on subsequent entrepreneurial ventures). These stages shed light on entrepreneurial fragility, entrepreneurial resiliency and the development of anti‐fragility capabilities that are conducive to subsequent venture formation and survival. We shed light on how individual‐level factors shape how prior failure experiences can shift from liability immediately after business collapse and at pre‐founding to become an asset during and after new‐venture formation. Such learning from past failure is vital in adapting to dynamic environmental changes, especially those observed in emerging‐market settings. Taken together, we demonstrate how entrepreneurs bounce back from errors, failures and setbacks.
Upadacitinib in patients from China, Brazil, and South Korea with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to conventional therapy
Authors: Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhao Dongbao , Radominski Sebastiao C. , Keiserman Mauro , Lee Chang K. , Meerwein Sebastian , Enejosa Jeffrey , Sui Yunxia , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F. , Park Won
Published: November 2021

Aim

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA), in combination with conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), in Chinese, Brazilian, and South Korean patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response (IR) to csDMARDs.

Methods

Patients on stable csDMARDs were randomized (1:1) to once‐daily UPA 15 mg or matching placebo (PBO) for a 12‐week, double‐blind period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at week 12.

Results

In total, 338 patients were randomized and treated, of whom 310 (91.7%) completed the double‐blind phase. The study met the primary endpoint of ACR20 at week 12 for UPA 15 mg vs PBO (71.6% vs 31.4%, P < .001), with a treatment difference observed as early as week 1. All ranked and other key secondary endpoints, including more stringent responses such as ACR50, ACR70 (≥50%/70% improvement in ACR criteria), and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using C‐reactive protein <2.6, were met for UPA 15 mg vs PBO. The incidence of serious infections (2.4% vs 0.6%) and herpes zoster (HZ: 1.8% vs 0.6%) was higher with UPA 15 mg vs PBO. There was one case of venous thromboembolism reported in the UPA group.

Conclusion

UPA 15 mg in combination with csDMARDs demonstrated clinical and functional improvement and an acceptable safety profile over 12 weeks among patients from China, Brazil, and South Korea who had moderately to severely active RA and an IR to csDMARDs.
Use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) as a nonprescription analgesic and semen quality in young men: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Østergaard Cecilie Schmidt , Ernst Andreas , Gaml‐Sørensen Anne , Brix Nis , Toft Gunnar , Hærvig Katia Keglberg , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Bonde Jens Peter , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia Høst
Published: November 2021

Background

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a frequently used nonprescription analgesic with suggested endocrine‐disrupting properties. Epidemiological evidence on the effect of paracetamol on male fecundity is sparse.

Objectives

To investigate if the use of paracetamol as an oral nonprescription mild analgesic was associated with semen quality in young men.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study was based on data from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS; 2017–2019) cohort of 1058 young men (18–21 years) included in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Participants completed a comprehensive online questionnaire on health behavior including analgesic use and provided a semen sample. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the percentage differences (adjusted mean ratios [aMR]) in semen quality characteristics according to paracetamol use (no; yes) and frequency of use (almost never; <1/month; ≥1/month; ≥1/week).

Results

In total, 28% of the 913 participants with available data reported the use of paracetamol within the last 6 months. We found a slightly higher total sperm count (aMR 1.13 95% CI [0.99–1.30]) in users compared to nonusers but other semen characteristics were unaffected. The frequency of use was suggestive of lower total sperm count and morphologically normal sperm cells primarily among users ≥1/week, however, CIs were wide.

Discussion

We were unable to account for the underlying reason for paracetamol use, which may induce confounding by indication. Exposure misclassification due to recall is likely but probably nondifferential due to the participants’ young age and unawareness of semen quality. Due to the rapid plasma half‐life of paracetamol and few frequent users, it was not possible to conclude on potential high‐dose effects.

Conclusion

Our findings do not suggest any strong detrimental effect of paracetamol use on semen quality within this sample of young Danish men. However, the effects of high dose and frequent use cannot be excluded.
Associations between systemic medications and development of wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Auvinen Anssi , Haukka Jari
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To examine whether systemic medications are associated with the subsequent development of wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A retrospective study of 259 562 individuals based on registry data, from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2017. End‐point event was the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 diagnosis for wet AMD. Association between use of systemic medication covering 85 generic drugs categorized according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes and the incidence of wet AMD was evaluated using multivariate Poisson regression model (adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, cancer and socioeconomic group) and nested case‐control design.

Results

The mean length of follow‐up was 9.84 years. The number of cases with wet AMD was 2947 and incidence rate was 1.15 per 1000 person‐years. After adjustment, we observed an increased risk for the development of wet AMD for patients exposed to amlodipine (IRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16–1.53), or felodipine (1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.50). Similarly, an increased risk of wet AMD was associated with the use of bicalutamide (2.14, 95% CI 1.14–4.02), estradiol (1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40) and atorvastatin (1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.43). Of note, digoxin (0.72, 95% CI 0.57–0.91), and ramipril (0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.99) users had a lower incidence of wet AMD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the use of second‐generation calcium channel blockers could be associated with an increased risk for wet AMD development. Of note, the incidence of wet AMD seemed to be lower in patients using ramipril and digoxin. More studies are needed to elucidate the associations further.
Trust in medical professionals and its influence on the stress experience of parents of premature infants
Authors: Mause Laura , Hoffmann Jan , Reimer Alinda , Dresbach Till , Horenkamp‐Sonntag Dirk , Klein Melanie , Scholten Nadine ,   Neo‐CamCare
Published: November 2021

Aim

To examine parents' perceptions of stress and their trust in physicians and nursing staff and to investigate whether trust influences the parental perceptions of potential stressors resulting from their infant's hospitalisation in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

Parents of very and extremely low birth weight infants were surveyed in a nationwide retrospective cross‐sectional study 6–18 months after their child's birth. Parental stress was measured utilising the PSS:NICU_German/2‐scales, and trust was measured by the scales Trust in Physicians and Trust in Nursing Staff. In addition to descriptive analyses, multiple linear regression models were conducted.

Results

The change in parents' anticipated roles was assessed as more stressful than their infant's appearance and behaviour. Trust in nursing staff significantly influenced the parental stress level. Although the level of trust in physicians was rated higher than trust in nursing staff, trust in physicians did not yield a significant effect on the parental stress experience.

Conclusion

Efforts to foster parental trust in nursing staff may reduce the parental stress level and hence enable parents to better cope with the situation. The parental resources unleashed in this way can be employed to enhance parenting.
Calculating dolium capacities and material use
Authors: Cheung Caroline , Chang Stanley , Tibbott Gina
Published: November 2021

In the ancient Mediterranean, large ceramic storage containers known as dolia, which ranged in capacity from 150 to over 1,000 liters, were important farm equipment for the storage of wine, olive oil, and other foods. Because they are often poorly preserved, little is known about how they were made, much less the scale of their production. This paper draws on data from Pompeii to discuss how mathematical modeling can help us estimate their capacities and weight, and thus what their production and procurement entailed. The paper presents methods adaptable for a range of applications.
Sustainable medicines use in clinical practice: A clinical pharmacological view on eco‐pharmaco‐stewardship
Authors: Adeyeye Elizabeth , New Benjamin Jaa Ming , Chen Fangyue , Kulkarni Spoorthy , Fisk Marie , Coleman Jamie J.
Published: November 2021

Climate change continues to pose a dangerous threat to human health. However, not only is health impacted by this crisis, healthcare itself adds to the problem, through significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for an estimated 4% of the overall national carbon footprint. Medicines account for a quarter of this and whilst they are vital for health now, through sustainable use they can also positively influence the environmental health of the future. In this review, we explore how clinical pharmacologists and other health care professionals can practice sustainable medicines use or eco‐pharmaco‐stewardship. We will discuss current and near future environmental practices within the NHS, which we suspect will resonate with other health systems. We will suggest approaches for championing eco‐pharmaco‐stewardship in drug manufacturing, clinical practice and patient use, to achieve a more a sustainable healthcare system.
Discussion on “distributional independent component analysis for diverse neuroimaging modalities” by Ben Wu, Subhadip Pal, Jian Kang, and Ying Guo
Authors: Keeratimahat Kan , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: November 2021

Wu et al. have made an important contribution to the methodology for data‐driven analysis of MRI data. However, we wish to challenge the authors on new potential applications of their approach beyond diffusion tensor imaging data, and to think carefully about the impact of random initialization implicit in their method. We illustrate the variability found from re‐analyzing the supplied demonstration data multiple times, finding that the discovered independent components have a wide range of reliability, from nearly perfect overlap to no overlap at all.
Prematurity, maternal emotional distress, and infant social responsiveness among Arab‐Bedouin families: The role of social support as a resilience factor
Authors: Assal‐Zrike Shuaa , Marks Kyla , Atzaba‐Poria Naama
Published: November 2021

This study investigated predictors of early infant social development and the role of social support as a resilience factor among Arab‐Bedouin families. We propose a mediation model in which social support will be related to maternal postpartum emotional distress (PPED), which in turn will be related to infant social responsiveness. One hundred five Arab‐Bedouin mothers (age range = 17–44 years) and their preterm (n = 48) and full‐term (n = 57) infants were recruited shortly after birth and were followed up at age 12 months. Findings demonstrate that, among the preterm group, higher levels of social support predicted lower levels of maternal PPED, and this, in turn, predicted higher levels of infant social responsiveness.
Scaffolding the emergence of infant helping: A longitudinal experiment
Authors: Dahl Audun , Goeltz Mary Taylor , Brownell Celia A.
Published: November 2021

Early social experiences, such as caregiver scaffolding, play a crucial but disputed role in the emergence of prosociality. A longitudinal experiment examined how explicit scaffolding—such as encouragement or praise—influences helping late in the first year, when helping emerges. Eighty‐three infants (40 female, 6–9 months, 54% White, 17% Hispanic/Latinx, 16% Asian) participated in up to 10‐weekly home visits in which they could help an experimenter in a novel activity. Data were collected in Santa Cruz, CA between February 2018 and August 2019. Compared to the control condition, explicit scaffolding increased helping by handing out‐of‐reach objects, η2 = .02, and, among younger infants, by cleaning up. Helping also increased with age and visit number. Using a new paradigm, this research provides experimental evidence for how adults’ scaffolding shapes the emergence of helping in infancy.
Effect of pharmacological interventions on lipid profiles and C‐reactive protein in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed A. , Shah Najeeb , Deshmukh Harshal , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Östlundh Linda , Al‐Rifai Rami H. , Atkin Stephen L. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: November 2021

Context

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition affecting women of reproductive age. It is associated with dyslipidaemia and elevated plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), which increase the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objective

To review the existing evidence on the effects of different pharmacological interventions on lipid profiles and CRP of women with PCOS.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in April 2020 and updated the results in March 2021.

Study Selection

The study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and follows the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Data Extraction

Two independent researchers extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Covidence systematic review software were used for blinded screening and study selection.

Data Synthesis

In 29 RCTs, there were significant reductions in triglycerides with atorvastatin versus placebo [mean difference (MD): −0.21 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.39, −0.03, I2 = 0%, moderate grade evidence]. Significant reductions were seen for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) with metformin versus placebo [standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.41; 95% CI: −0.85, 0.02, I2 = 59%, low grade evidence]. Significant reductions were also seen for total cholesterol with saxagliptin versus metformin (MD: −0.15 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.23, −0.08, I2 = 0%, very low grade evidence). Significant reductions in C‐reactive protein (CRP) were seen for atorvastatin versus placebo (MD: −1.51 mmol/L; 95% CI: −3.26 to 0.24, I2 = 75%, very low‐grade evidence).

Conclusion

There were significant reductions in the lipid parameters when metformin, atorvastatin, saxagliptin, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone were compared with placebo or other agents. There was also a significant reduction of CRP with atorvastatin.
Exposing Individuals to Foreign Accent Increases their Trust in What Nonnative Speakers Say
Authors: Boduch‐Grabka Katarzyna , Lev‐Ari Shiri
Published: November 2021

People are more likely to believe things that are easier to process. Foreign‐accented speech is relatively difficult to process, and prior research shows that, correspondingly, people believe information less when it is delivered in a foreign accent rather than a native accent. Here we show that a short exposure to foreign accent can reduce this bias, and that the reduction in bias is due to improvement in the processing of the accent. These results demonstrate how cognitive aspects of language processing can influence attitudes. The results also suggest that ensuring exposure to foreign accent can reduce discrimination against nonnative speakers.
Post‐COVID‐19 vaccination IgA vasculitis in an adult
Authors: Grossman Marc E. , Appel Gerald , Little Alicia J. , Ko Christine J.
Published: November 2021

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis has been reported in the setting of COVID‐19 infection and post‐COVID‐19 vaccination. We report a case of IgA vasculitis (IgAV) post‐COVID‐19 vaccination, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) immune deposits in the skin and renal involvement. SARS‐CoV spike protein immunohistochemical staining was negative. IgAV with skin and renal involvement is a potential reaction to COVID‐19 vaccination.
Impacts of the 2012–2015 Californian drought on carbon, water and energy fluxes in the Californian Sierras: Results from an imaging spectrometry‐constrained terrestrial biosphere model
Authors: Antonarakis Alexander S. , Bogan Stacy A. , Goulden Michael L. , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: November 2021

Accurate descriptions of current ecosystem composition are essential for improving terrestrial biosphere model predictions of how ecosystems are responding to climate variability and change. This study investigates how imaging spectrometry‐derived ecosystem composition can constrain and improve terrestrial biosphere model predictions of regional‐scale carbon, water and energy fluxes. Incorporating imaging spectrometry‐derived composition of five plant functional types (Grasses/Shrubs, Oaks/Western Hardwoods, Western Pines, Fir/Cedar and High‐elevation Pines) into the Ecosystem Demography (ED2) terrestrial biosphere model improves predictions of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and gross primary productivity (GPP) across four flux towers of the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory (SSCZO) spanning a 2250 m elevational gradient in the western Sierra Nevada. NEP and GPP root‐mean‐square‐errors were reduced by 23%–82% and 19%–89%, respectively, and water flux predictions improved at the mid‐elevation pine (Soaproot), fir/cedar (P301) and high‐elevation pine (Shorthair) flux tower sites, but not at the oak savanna (San Joaquin Experimental Range [SJER]) site. These improvements in carbon and water predictions are similar to those achieved with model initializations using ground‐based inventory composition. The imaging spectrometry‐constrained ED2 model was then used to predict carbon, water and energy fluxes and above‐ground biomass (AGB) dynamics over a 737 km2region to gain insight into the regional ecosystem impacts of the 2012–2015 Californian drought. The analysis indicates that the drought reduced regional NEP, GPP and transpiration by 83%, 40% and 33%, respectively, with the largest reductions occurring in the functionally diverse, high basal area mid‐elevation forests. This was accompanied by a 54% decline in AGB growth in 2012, followed by a marked increase (823%) in AGB mortality in 2014, reflecting an approximately 10‐fold increase in per capita tree mortality from ~55 trees km−2 year−1in 2010–2011, to ~535 trees km−2 year−1in 2014. These findings illustrate how imaging spectrometry estimates of ecosystem composition can constrain and improve terrestrial biosphere model predictions of regional carbon, water, and energy fluxes, and biomass dynamics.
What drives people to repost social media messages during the COVID‐19 pandemic? Evidence from the Weibo news microblog
Authors: Pei Jiayin , Lu Zhi , Yang Xiaoming
Published: November 2021

COVID‐19 poses an unprecedented challenge to human society. To cope with the pandemic, people seek information from various communication channels. Microblog websites are highly influential information channels for the public to get timely information during the pandemic. Building on the heuristic‐systematic processing model, this study identifies the multiple characteristics (content, author, and social features) that may play a role in triggering long cascades of reposts of COVID‐19‐related news microblogs. With a large‐scale news microblog database collected from Weibo and an innovative information gain method, we find that heuristic thinking plays a dominant role in COVID‐19 pandemic‐related news microblog reposting decisions and further discloses the specific influencing factors of such behavior.
Debonding of orthodontic appliance changes salivary physicochemical properties and favors regression of active caries lesions: A 13‐week follow‐up study
Authors: Cardoso Andreia Alves , de Sousa Emerson Tavares , Steiner‐Oliveira Carolina , Nobre‐dos‐Santos Marinês
Published: November 2021

Aim

This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate whether orthodontic appliance removal (OAR) combined with caries‐preventive strategies and fluoride varnish treatments alters salivary physicochemical properties, changes the activity of carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VIACT) and α‐amylase (α‐AMLACT), and favors the regression of active caries lesions (ACL).

Design

Twenty‐two individuals aged between 13 and 24 years were assessed for the presence of visible biofilm, daily sugar exposure, caries activity, salivary flow rate (SFR), pH, buffering capacity (BC), and CA VIACT and α‐AMLACT activity at baseline, and 1, 5, and 13 weeks after OAR. Variables were assessed using repeated‐measures analysis of variance, Cochran's Q and McNemar's test, and Pearson's correlation.

Results

We observed a significant decrease in the number of ACL at the 5‐week (29% reduction) and 13‐week follow‐ups (58% reduction). At the 5‐ and 13‐week follow‐ups, the percentage of visible biofilm and sugar exposure decreased, whereas the salivary pH and α‐AMLACT activity significantly increased. BC and CA VIACT remained unchanged throughout the follow‐up.

Conclusion

OAR combined with caries‐preventive strategies and fluoride varnish treatments favored the regression of ACL and increased salivary pH and α‐AMLACT activity, whereas BC and CA VIACT remained stable.
Effects of climate on bill morphology within and across Toxostoma thrashers
Authors: Probst Charlotte M. , Ralston Joel , Bentley Ian
Published: November 2021

Bird bills possess an important thermoregulatory function as they are a site for environmental heat exchange. Previous studies have demonstrated that birds in warmer climates have larger bills than those living in colder climates, as larger bills can dissipate more heat. Because this dry heat transfer does not incur water loss, it may be additionally advantageous in water‐restricted habitats. Here, we examine the influence of climate on bill morphology in Toxostoma thrashers, a group of 10 North American species that varied in bill morphology and occupied climate niche, with several species inhabiting arid climates. Past examinations of thrasher bill morphology have only considered foraging, leaving unanswered the role of climate in morphological divergence within this group. We photographed 476 Toxostoma museum specimens encompassing all 10 species and calculated bill measurements from the photos using a MATLAB‐based program. For each species, we calculated occupied climate niche using data from WorldClim describing temperature and precipitation. We found no reliable significant relationships between climate variables and bill morphology across species, suggesting that other factors such as foraging behavior may be more important in shaping bill morphology in this genus. Within species, we found three Toxostoma species have significant relationships between bill morphology and climate that follow Allen's rule. However, we also found the relationships between climate and bill morphology varied in strength and direction across species. Notably, we found a negative relationship between maximum temperature of the hottest month and bill surface area in LeConte's thrasher, which occupies the hottest and most arid climates of the thrashers. This adds to the evidence that Allen's rule may reverse in extremely hot climates when the bill may become a heat sink instead of a heat radiator. These results demonstrate the importance of considering the generality of ecogeographical rules across lineages that occupy extreme climates.
Pharmacological interventions for periorificial (perioral) dermatitis in children and adults: a systematic review
Authors: Gray N.A. , Tod B. , Rohwer A. , Fincham L. , Visser W.I. , McCaul M.
Published: November 2021

The plethora of pharmacologic treatments used for periorificial dermatitis (POD) makes clinical decision‐making challenging. The objectives of this review were to assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for POD in children and adults. The search was performed on 2 February 2021 and included seven databases and trial registries, with no date or language restrictions Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed independently and in duplicate by two authors, in accordance with a prespecified protocol. Meta‐analyses were performed and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Where meta‐analysis was not possible, a narrative synthesis was performed and reported in accordance with SWiM guidelines. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Eleven studies representing 733 participants were included. Oral tetracycline may improve physician‐reported severity of POD from day 20 onwards (low certainty evidence). Adverse effects may include abdominal discomfort, facial dryness and pruritus. Pimecrolimus cream may improve physician‐reported severity slightly after 4 weeks of treatment (MD −0.49, 95% CI −1.02 to 0.04, n = 164, low certainty evidence). Adverse effects may include erythema, herpes simplex virus infection, burning and pruritus. Azelaic acid gel may result in no change in either physician‐ or patient‐reported severity after 6 weeks of treatment. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of praziquantel ointment on physician‐reported severity and skin‐related quality of life after 4 weeks of treatment. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide on physician‐reported severity. The body of evidence to inform treatment of POD currently consists of low and very low certainty evidence for important outcomes. Well‐designed trials are needed to further investigate treatment options. Data are required for children and from low‐middle income countries to improve external validity. Future trials should also include adequate post‐treatment follow‐up and standardized outcome measures.
An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine Simian Varicella Virus antibody titers in infected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Gray Wayne L. , Wichman Grant , Das Arpita , Traina‐Dorge Vicki
Published: November 2021

Background

Simian varicella virus (SVV) is a primate herpesvirus that causes a natural varicella‐like disease in Old World monkeys and may cause epizootics in facilities housing nonhuman primates. SVV infection of nonhuman primates is used as an experimental model to investigate varicella pathogenesis and to develop antiviral strategies.

Methods

An indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect SVV antibodies in infected rhesus macaque monkeys.

Results

An ELISA determined SVV antibody titers following experimental infection. SVV IgG was detected by day 14 post‐infection and remained elevated for at least 84 days.

Conclusions

The SVV ELISA is a safe and rapid approach to confirm SVV seropositivity and to determine SVV antibody titers in naturally and experimentally SVV‐infected monkeys. In addition to being a useful diagnostic assay to rapidly confirm acute disease or past SVV infection, the SVV ELISA is a valuable epidemiological tool to determine the incidence of SVV in non‐human primate facilities.
The majority of brain palmitic acid is maintained by lipogenesis from dietary sugars and is augmented in mice fed low palmitic acid levels from birth
Authors: Smith Mackenzie E. , Cisbani Giulia , Metherel Adam H. , Bazinet Richard P.
Published: November 2021

Previously, results from studies investigating if brain palmitic acid (16:0; PAM) was maintained by either dietary uptake or de novo lipogenesis (DNL) varied. Here, we utilize naturally occurring carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C; δ13C) to uncover the origin of brain PAM. Additionally, we explored brain and liver fatty acid concentration, brain metabolomics, and behavior. BALB/c dams were equilibrated onto either a low PAM diet (LP; <2%) or high PAM diet (HP; >95%) prior to producing one generation of offspring. Offspring stayed on the respective diet of the dam until 15‐weeks of age, at which time the Open Field test was conducted, prior to euthanasia and tissue lipid extraction. Although liver PAM was lower in mice fed the LP diet, as well as female mice, brain PAM was not affected by diet or sex. Across mice of either sex on both diets, brain 13C‐PAM revealed compared to dietary uptake, DNL from dietary sugars contributed 68.8%–79.5% and 46.6%–58.0% to the total brain PAM pool by both peripheral and local brain DNL, and local brain DNL alone, respectively. DNL was augmented in mice fed the LP diet, and the ability to up‐regulate DNL in the liver or the brain depended on sex. Anxiety‐like behaviors were decreased in mice fed the LP diet and were correlated with markers of LP diet consumption including increased liver 13C‐PAM, warranting further investigation. Altogether, our results indicate that DNL from dietary sugars is a compensatory mechanism to maintain brain PAM in response to the LP diet.

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A thermal adaptation landscape related to virulence in Mucor irregularis transcriptional profiles
Authors: Zhang Meijie , Liang Guanzhao , Dong Jiacheng , Zheng Hailin , Mei Huan , Zha Fuxing , Liu Weida
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Our study aimed to better understand the different thermal adaptation in Mucor irregularis (M. irregularis) strains under high temperature and the involved virulence‐related genes, and to offer more appropriate explanation for the diverse pathogenicity of M. irregularis in human infections.

Methods

M. irregularis isolates were incubated at 30 and 35°C for Illumina HiSeq technology (RNA‐seq), as well as the virulence difference detected through Galleria mellonella infection models. We verified their transcriptional profile with RT‐PCR and analysed differentially expressed genes with GO and KEGG annotations.

Results

All 25 isolates formed the biggest colonies at 28°C and did not grow at 37°C, while were differently inhibited at 22 and 35°C. Six selected M. irregularis displayed virulence in sync with their growth condition at high temperature. From the outcomes of RNA‐seq, a total of 1559 differentially expressed genes (FC ≥ 2, FDR < 0.05) were obtained, of which 1021 genes were upregulated, and 538 genes were downregulated. Cell wall structure genes related to Ras‐like and GH16 proteins, influx‐efflux pumps consist of transmembrane proteins as ABC and MFS proteins, and metabolic genes as DGKɛ and Hsfs, seem to be essential in thermal adaptation and virulence of M. irregularis.

Conclusion

We found some common genes expressed at high temperature, while some others specifically related to M. irregularis isolates with different virulence and thermal adaptation. Further research of genes involved in the pathogenic process is needed for the development of potential targeted antifungal.