bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metagenome-wide association study of gut microbiome features for myositis
Authors: Li Yimin , Xu Jun , Li Zijun , Guo Yixue , Xing Xiaoyan , Cao Shixiong , Zhufeng Yunzhi , Wang Ziye , Li Ruoxi , Lu Dan , Liu Xu , He Jing , Li Yuhui , Sun Xiaolin
Published: December 2021

Objective

The clinical relevance and pathogenic role of gut microbiome in both myositis and its associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gut microbiome in myositis through comprehensive metagenomic-wide association studies (MWAS).

Methods

We conducted MWAS of the myositis gut microbiome in a Chinese cohort by using whole-genome shotgun sequencing of high depth, including 30 myositis patients and 31 healthy controls (HC). Among the myositis patients, 11 developed rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and 10 had chronic ILD (C-ILD). Our MWAS consisted of both overall distribution level of the bacteria analysis and pathway analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to identify novel gut bacterial species associated with myositis or myositis-associated RP-ILD, and to evaluate their diagnostic values.

Results

Apparent discrepancy in β diversities of metagenome was found in the comparison of myositis and HC, RP-ILD and C-ILD in myositis. Analysis for overall distribution level of the bacteria showed Alistipes onderdonkii, Parabacteroides distasonis and Escherichia coli were upregulated, Lachnospiraceae bacterium GAM79, Roseburia intestinalis, and Akkermansia muciniphila were downregulated in patients with myositis compared to HC. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Parabacteroides distasonis and Escherichia coli were upregulated, Bacteroides A1C1 and Bacteroides xylanisolvens were downregulated in RP-ILD cases compared with C-ILD cases. A variety of biological pathways related to metabolism were enriched in the myositis and HC, RP-ILD and C-ILD comparison. And in the analyses for microbial contribution in metagenomic biological pathways, we have found that E. coli played an important role in the pathway expression in both myositis group and myositis-associated RP-ILD group. Anti-PL-12 antibody, anti-Ro-52 antibody, and anti-EJ antibody were found to have positive correlation with bacterial diversity (Shannon-wiener diversity index and Chao1, richness estimator) between myositis group and control groups. The combination of E. coli and R. intestinalis could distinguish myositis group from Healthy controls effectively. R. intestinalis can also be applied in the distinguishment of RP-ILD group vs. C-ILD group in myositis paitents.

Conclusion

Our MWAS study first revealed the link between gut microbiome and pathgenesis of myositis, which may help us understand the role of gut microbiome in the etiology of myositis and myositis-associated RP-ILD.
Home monitoring of HbA1c in diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and narrative synthesis on reliability, accuracy, and patient acceptability
Authors: Colley Jack , Dambha-Miller Hajira , Stuart Beth , Bartholomew Jazz , Price Hermione
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Worldwide there are an estimated 463 million people with diabetes. [1] In the UK people with diabetes are offered an annual review including monitoring of Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). [2] [3] This can identify people with diabetes who are not meeting their glycaemic targets, enabling early intervention. Those who do not attend these reviews often have higher HbA1c levels and poorer health outcomes. [4] During the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a 77% reduction in monitoring of HbA1c in the UK. [5] We hypothesise that people with diabetes could take finger-prick samples at home for the measurement of HbA1c.

Method and Analysis

We will perform a systematic review of current evidence for capillary blood collected at home for the measurement of HbA1c. We will examine the validity, reliability, safety, and patient acceptability of the use of capillary blood compared with the usual standard of care of venous blood. We will explore variables which affect validity of results. Using core terms of ‘Diabetes’, ‘HbA1c’ and ‘Capillary sampling’ we will search MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar, Open Grey and other grey literature from database inception until 2021. Risk of bias will be assessed using the ‘COSMIN risk of bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error’. Database searches and data extraction for primary outcomes will be conducted in duplicate. We will produce a narrative synthesis exploring how variables of capillary blood collection impact on validity, as well as exploring the safety and acceptability of patient self-collection.

Ethics and Dissemination

This review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed open-access journal. We will present our results at both national and international conferences. As a systematic review with no primary participant data or involvement, ethical approval is not applicable.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021225606

Strengths and limitations of this study

To our knowledge this is the first systematic review to explore all postal methods of capillary blood collection for the measurement of HbA1c.

This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, which offers transparency and enhances reproducibility.

Due to anticipated heterogeneity in statistical approaches, summary analyses, sample storage, transportation, extraction, and assay, meta-analysis is unlikely to be appropriate and therefore narrative synthesis will be used.

Due to the exclusion criteria, our findings may not be generalisable to a wider population including children, and those with haemoglobinopathies, high erythrocyte turnover or other conditions likely to affect HbA1c result.
Co-flow injection for serial crystallography at X-ray free-electron lasers
Authors: Doppler Diandra , Rabbani Mohammad T. , Letrun Romain , Cruz Villarreal Jorvani , Kim Dai Hyun , Gandhi Sahir , Egatz-Gomez Ana , Sonker Mukul , Chen Joe , Koua Faisal H. M. , Yang Jayhow , Youssef Mohamed , Mazalova Victoria , Bajt Saša , Shelby Megan L. , Coleman Matt A. , Wiedorn Max O. , Knoska Juraj , Schön Silvan , Sato Tokushi , Hunter Mark S. , Hosseinizadeh Ahmad , Kuptiz Christopher , Nazari Reza , Alvarez Roberto C. , Karpos Konstantinos , Zaare Sahba , Dobson Zachary , Discianno Erin , Zhang Shangji , Zook James D. , Bielecki Johan , de Wijn Raphael , Round Adam R. , Vagovic Patrik , Kloos Marco , Vakili Mohammad , Ketawala Gihan K. , Stander Natasha E. , Olson Tien L. , Morin Katherine , Mondal Jyotirmory , Nguyen Jonathan , Meza-Aguilar José Domingo , Kodis Gerdenis , Vaiana Sara , Martin-Garcia Jose M. , Mariani Valerio , Schwander Peter , Schmidt Marius , Messerschmidt Marc , Ourmazd Abbas , Zatsepin Nadia , Weierstall Uwe , Bruce Barry D. , Mancuso Adrian P. , Grant Thomas , Barty Anton , Chapman Henry N. , Frank Matthias , Fromme Raimund , Spence John C. H. , Botha Sabine , Fromme Petra , Kirian Richard A. , Ros Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) is a powerful technique that exploits X-ray free-electron lasers to determine the structure of macromolecules at room temperature. Despite the impressive exposition of structural details with this novel crystallographic approach, the methods currently available to introduce crystals into the path of the X-ray beam sometimes exhibit serious drawbacks. Samples requiring liquid injection of crystal slurries consume large quantities of crystals (at times up to a gram of protein per data set), may not be compatible with vacuum configurations on beamlines or provide a high background due to additional sheathing liquids present during the injection. Proposed and characterized here is the use of an immiscible inert oil phase to supplement the flow of sample in a hybrid microfluidic 3D-printed co-flow device. Co-flow generation is reported with sample and oil phases flowing in parallel, resulting in stable injection conditions for two different resin materials experimentally. A numerical model is presented that adequately predicts these flow-rate conditions. The co-flow generating devices reduce crystal clogging effects, have the potential to conserve protein crystal samples up to 95% and will allow degradation-free light-induced time-resolved SFX.
Organizational health between theory and practice field research in the General Company for Petroleum Products
Authors: Taher Majeed Hameed , Muhsen Namariq Abdulkareem , Hameed Luma Majid
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to measure the basic foundations of organizational health in the General Company for Food Products and to indicate the extent of its presence or not within the company under investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was completed using a descriptive and analytical approach using a sample of 97 employees from the General Company for Petroleum Products. Calculating the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and confirmatory factor analysis are all part of the data processing process.

Findings

The basic components of organization health are present in the General Company for Petroleum Products, but they have not reached high levels to be called regulatory health.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can provide important information about the impact of basic organizational health components on the general level of companies, particularly the General Company for Oil Products and its prominent role in its leadership in strengthening the organizational climate with a healthy, pressure-free environment that contributes to raising employee and organizational performance levels.
How leadership styles influence organizational outcomes: an empirical study in Vietnamese SMEs
Authors: Le Dat Tien , Christopher Selvarajah , Nguyen Thuy Thi Thu , Pham Hong Thi Thanh , Nguyen Phuong Thi Lan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of leadership styles on different organizational outcomes and value structure such as: overall business performance, working style, motivation and trust of employees, management efficiency and corporate culture in the context of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a qualitative analysis and gather data by conducting conversational semi-structured interviews with 51 SME managers from different industries. Data were analyzed using a step-by-step approach following Creswell.

Findings

The study explores the effects of leadership styles on various organizational outcomes. Given the features of SMEs, it sheds light on the significance of leadership styles in changing work environment, increasing staff retention, and promoting the viability of SMEs. It also discusses the selection of leadership styles in accordance with Vietnamese culture.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications on human resource management in the context of SMEs. SME managers, training providers and support agencies may utilize the research outcomes to raise the awareness of SMEs leaders. Based on the research findings, appropriate training programs should be developed to assist managers in tackling major problems.

Originality/value

Although several previous studies have tried to investigate the influence of leadership styles on organizational outcomes, this is the first research to explore the topic in the context of SMEs and in conjunction with the Vietnamese culture.
The effect of COVID-19 on the Egyptian exchange using principal component analysis
Authors: Ezzat Heba M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Since the beginning of 2020, economies faced many changes as a result of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The effect of COVID-19 on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) is investigated in this research.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the impact of COVID-19, three periods were considered: (1) 17 months before the spread of COVID-19 and the start of the lockdown, (2) 17 months after the spread of COVID-19 and the during the lockdown and (3) 34 months comprehending the whole period (before and during COVID-19). Due to the large number of variables that could be considered, dimensionality reduction method, such as the principal component analysis (PCA) is followed. This method helps in determining the most individual stocks contributing to the main EGX index (EGX 30). The PCA, also, addresses the multicollinearity between the variables under investigation. Additionally, a principal component regression (PCR) model is developed to predict the future behavior of the EGX 30.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the first three principal components (PCs) could be considered to explain 89%, 85%, and 88% of data variability at (1) before COVID-19, (2) during COVID-19 and (3) the whole period, respectively. Furthermore, sectors of food and beverage, basic resources and real estate have not been affected by the COVID-19. The resulted Principal Component Regression (PCR) model performs very well. This could be concluded by comparing the observed values of EGX 30 with the predicted ones (R-squared estimated as 0.99).

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, no research has been conducted to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 on the EGX following an unsupervised machine learning method.
Dimensions of gastronomic experience affecting on sharing experience: place attachment as a mediator and length of stay as a moderator
Authors: Soonsan Nimit , Somkai Umaporn
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of gastronomic experience on sharing experiences, as well as place attachment as a mediator and length of stay as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative method was used in this study. The paper conducted an online survey from 717 international tourists who visited Phuket, a city of gastronomy.

Findings

The result revealed that four dimensions of gastronomic experience – entertainment, escapist, education and aesthetic – affected sharing experience. The mediating role of place attachment was documented. As expected, the length of stay moderated the effect of the gastronomic experience on sharing experience through place attachment as a mediator.

Practical implications

These results could help destination managers to develop tourist experiences and enhance customers' length of stay and place attachment. On the other hand, this research contributes to the understanding of the factors that affect sharing experience in the tourism industry with a special focus on the city of gastronomy.

Originality/value

Prior research shows that tourism experience provides a future tourist behavior based on effective attitudinal variables. At the present, this research provides researchers with information on how to narrow the behavior gap through a range of marketing. This study gives additional insights into the indications of what visitors will transfer into behavior and why an area that has not been addressed previously in this context.
Does eWOM influence entrepreneurial firms’ rate of diffusion of innovation?
Authors: Ahmad Alaeddin , AlMallah Manar Mousa , AbedRabbo Majd
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the influence of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on the diffusion rate of innovation in the context of entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets. It examines a comprehensive model for the effect of eWOM dimensions (including Content, Intensity, Positive Valence and Negative Valence) on the diffusion of innovations. Thus, it provides new insights on how entrepreneurial firms can use eWOM as a communication tool to facilitate the diffusion rate of innovations in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted, consisting of 215 responses from Jordan. Data were analysed using Linear regression analysis tools.

Findings

A significant relationship exists between eWOM dimensions (Content, Intensity, Positive Valence and Negative Valence) and the Diffusion Rate of Innovations. In emerging markets, eWOM content highlights critical information regarding consumers’ sentiments towards new products (including features, price, design), which consumers use in judging innovations. Especially when there is a high volume of eWOM about a new product, consumers are likely to gain reassurances regarding their purchase decisions. Specifically, the valence of eWOM (including reviews, complaints and suggestions) generate adoption/risk-aversion attitudes towards new products. Consequently, entrepreneurial firms must carefully analyse eWOM regarding their products and integrate them into their marketing strategy. 10;

Originality/value

This research extends the eWOM literature by developing a comprehensive model for the effect of eWOM dimensions on the diffusion of innovations. Additionally, it sheds new light on the effect of eWOM valence on consumers’ attitudes towards innovations. Finally, it provides significant theoretical and managerial implications and future research direction to deepen our understanding of the effect of eWOM on entrepreneurial firms.
Environmental disclosure on mandatory and voluntary reporting of Portuguese listed firms: the role of environmental certification, lucratively and corporate governance
Authors: Monteiro Albertina Paula , Pereira Cláudia , Barbosa Francisco Manuel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to construct two environmental disclosure indices (EDI), one obtained from the mandatory reporting (annual report) and the other from the voluntary reporting (sustainability report), to compare their evolution. In addition, the authors developed and evaluated a conceptual model that aims to analyse if the two EDI are affected by industry, environmental certification, lucratively and corporate governance attributes. The legitimacy, signalling and voluntary disclosure theories are used to support the theoretical relationship between the company’s characteristics, corporate governance and environmental disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the content analysis technique, the authors have developed two indices to assess the level of environmental disclosure in the companies’ mandatory and voluntary reporting. In addition, to analyse the determinants of EDI, the authors applied the technique of multiple linear regression using panel data.

Findings

Based on Portuguese listed companies (Euronext-Lisbon), the results, from 2015 to 2017, exhibited an increase of 14.6% and 25.8% for the EDI obtained from the annual reports and for EDI obtained from the sustainability reporting, respectively. In addition, the results revealed that the environmental certification, lucratively, number of members on board and number and proportion of women of the board directors tend to affect the annual reporting EDI. Regarding the sustainability reporting EDI, the results showed that the environmental certification, lucratively and proportion of independent members of the board of directors have an impact on it.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on quantitative rather than qualitative disclosures and it brings some insights to the theoretical field.

Practical implications

The results obtained can assist corporate decision-making processes regarding the improvement of environmental disclosure, both on the mandatory annual report and on voluntary sustainability reports.

Originality/value

This study brings new perspectives to this topical issue in accounting. Originally, this study is applied to Portuguese listed companies and it shows different trends and determinants of environmental disclosure when included in the annual reporting or sustainability reporting.
Reaching up and out: the audit society
Authors: Spence Crawford , Toh Dorothy
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to show how The Audit Society was oriented towards, not just accounting scholars but also towards social scientific enquiry more broadly.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflective review of the impact that Mike Power’s The Audit Society has had on social science.

Findings

The authors find that The Audit Society successfully built conceptual bridges “up” and “out” towards other social science disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

The authors highlight the importance of theorizing “up” and “out” for present day accounting scholars.

Originality/value

The authors offer a personal reflection on The Audit Society which has influenced the own study in various ways.
Factors effecting customer satisfaction of mobile banking in Bangladesh: a study on young users' perspective
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Shahria Golam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In Bangladesh, the banking companies have huge opportunity to capture market share by properly understanding the critical aspect of customer satisfaction. This paper mainly focuses on young generation as target group to find out their differential perception. This study aims to identify most influencing factors and determine their influencing power on young customer's satisfaction and retention in mobile banking.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a quantitative research with self-administered questionnaire as primary data collection instrument. Existing literature and published articles are reviewed as secondary data for hypothesis development. Out of 300 questionnaires, 279 usable questionnaires were returned and these collected data were analyzed by partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with the use of Smart_PLS (V 327) to validate the model and test the hypothesis.

Findings

The findings of the research revealed that expense, responsiveness and relative advantage have significant influence while security and convenience have insignificant influence on satisfaction. But they are not directly related with loyalty although satisfaction and loyalty strongly related with each other.

Originality/value

Although mobile banking is not a new issue in Bangladesh, the use of PLS_SEM to measure young user's satisfaction as the customer of mobile banking is not available in literature. So, this paper is an attempt to fill up this gap. In spite of having some limitation the research provides some practical implication for banks with better strategic insight to design mobile banking services to yield higher customer satisfaction.
Identification of defected sensors in an array of amperometric gas sensors
Authors: Dmitrzak Marta , Kalinowski Pawel , Jasinski Piotr , Jasinski Grzegorz
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Amperometric gas sensors are commonly used in air quality monitoring in long-term measurements. Baseline shift of sensor responses and power failure may occur over time, which is an obstacle for reliable operation of the entire system. The purpose of this study is to check the possibility of using PCA method to detect defected samples, identify faulty sensor and correct the responses of the sensor identified as faulty.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the authors present the results obtained with six amperometric sensors. An array of sensors was exposed to sulfur dioxide at the following concentrations: 0 ppm (synthetic air), 50 ppb, 100 ppb, 250 ppb, 500 ppb and 1000 ppb. The damage simulation consisted in adding to the sensor response a value of 0.05 and 0.1 µA and replacing the responses of one of sensors with a constant value of 0 and 0.15 µA. Sensor validity index was used to identify a damaged sensor in the matrix, and its responses were corrected via iteration method.

Findings

The results show that the methods used in this work can be potentially applied to detect faulty sensor responses. In the case of simulation of damage by baseline shift, it was possible to achieve 100% accuracy in damage detection and identification of the damaged sensor. The method was not very successful in simulating faults by replacing the sensor response with a value of 0 µA, due to the fact that the sensors mostly gave responses close to 0 µA, as long as they did not detect SO2 concentrations below 250 ppb and the failure was treated as a correct response.

Originality/value

This work was inspired by methods of simulating the most common failures that occurs in amperometric gas sensors. For this purpose, simulations of the baseline shift and faults related to a power failure or a decrease in sensitivity were performed.
Age‐dependent alteration in metabolism of vitamin B6, neurotransmitters, and amino acids after 4′‐O‐methylpyridoxine administration in rats
Authors: Zhu Jin‐Peng , Gong Hao , Labreche Faiza , Kou Xiao‐Hong , Wu Cai‐E , Fan Gong‐Jian , Li Ting‐Ting , Wang Jia‐Hong , Shen Dong‐Bei
Published: December 2021

4′‐O‐methylpyridoxine (MPN), a recognized antivitamin B6 compound, is a potentially poisonous substance found in Ginkgo biloba L. In this work, the effects of MPN on the metabolism of vitamin B6, neurotransmitters, and amino acids were compared in the plasma and brain of young and adult rats under various administration times. Results showed that the contents of MPN residues in the plasma and brain of young rats were 12.72 and 14.76 µM higher than adult rats, respectively. Moreover, the levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in the brain of young rats have decreased by 13.78% and 7.19%, respectively, compared with the control group, at 2 h after MPN administration. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed that MPN was an important contributor to the amino acid composition in the brain of young rats. These results suggest that age may lead to different toxic effects of MPN.

Practical Application

4ʹ‐O‐methylpyridoxine is primarily responsible for poisoning due to overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds. This study will provide an exploratory understanding of the age‐dependent toxicity of 4ʹ‐O‐methylpyridoxine.
Effects of an environmental endocrine disruptor, para‐nonylphenol on the cell growth of Euglena gracilis: association with the cellular oxidative stress
Authors: Okai Yasuji , Okuwa‐Hayashi Hirotaka , Higashi‐Okai Kiyoka , Yamane Takuya , Tanaka Yoshiharu , Inui Hiroshi , Sakamoto Tatsuji , Nakano Yoshihisa
Published: December 2021

Effects of an environmental endocrine disruptor, para‐nonylphenol (NP) on the cell growth of a photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganism, Euglena gracilis were analysed under different cell culture conditions. Although NP did not show significant inhibitory effects on the cell growth of E. gracilis (Z and SM strains) under light culture condition, NP exhibited significant suppressive effects under dark culture condition. Exogenous supplementation with lipophilic antioxidants (α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene or 6‐O‐palmitoyl‐ascorbic acid) to E. gracilis caused strong preventive effects against NP‐induced cell growth inhibition under dark culture condition, but hydrophilic antioxidants [ascorbic acid, glutathione and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)] did not show significant preventive effects. NP caused significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in E. gracilis under dark culture condition, but E. gracilis under light culture condition did not show significant increase in ROS generation. Supplementation with lipophilic antioxidants to E. gracilis caused significant suppressive effects against NP‐induced cellular ROS generation under dark culture condition, but hydrophilic antioxidants did not show significant suppressive effects. Furthermore, the productivities of typical cellular antioxidants (α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene and ascorbic acid) in E. gracilis under light culture conditions were much higher than those under dark culture conditions.
Constructing and Navigating Belonging along Local, National, and Transnational Dimensions: Inclusive Refugee Education for Syrian Refugee Youth in Jordan
Authors: Cohen Elisheva
Published: December 2021

This study examines the construction, navigation, and contestation of belonging for Syrian refugee youth in the context of inclusive refugee education in Jordan, where refugee students study alongside Jordanian nationals. I demonstrate how belonging is always in flux and constantly being negotiated across local, national, and transnational scales, at times reinforcing belonging and at other times contradicting and challenging it. I argue that these contradictions comprise the ongoing process of navigating and negotiating belonging.
1968 and the Fight for Democracy in Australia: Don Dunstan, Student Activism, and the End of the South Australian “Playmander”
Authors: Woollacott Angela
Published: December 2021

The historiographical debate about the significance of 1968 — the year of transnational political protests and strikes — for Australia has centred on the questions of how derivative and imitative protests in Australia were, and whether 1968 was a singular year here in the longer period of activism. This article presents a fresh angle on the debate by looking at the vital role of students in turning the Dunstan Labor government's electoral loss (in terms of seats, despite winning 54 per cent of the vote) in South Australia into a constitutional struggle. The state's gerrymander (or egregious electorate malapportionment), and questions of electoral reform and democracy in Australia, were specific, local issues, distinct from issues that sparked student protests from Paris to Chicago. When Don Dunstan refused to step aside after the election on 2 March 1968 for six weeks, he created a space for political debate and protests. Blue‐collar unions and other concerned citizens were important participants, but arguably it was students who grabbed the most media attention with their noisy demonstrations. The article contends that the transnational protest moment added to Australian students' radicalisation by the National Service scheme, and that students' role in Dunstan's campaign for electoral reform proved a decisive factor.
Association of public explanations of why children struggle and support for policy solutions using a national sample
Authors: Klevens Joanne , Treves‐Kagan Sarah , Metzler Marilyn , Merrick Melissa , Reidy Mary Clare , Herbst Jeffrey H. , Ports Katie
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Despite evidence showing the importance of structural determinants for child well‐being and the existence of policies that can promote child well‐being, many communities are not adopting these policies. Limited awareness of structural determinants may explain this gap. This study establishes the public's recognition of structural determinants and their associations with support for policies that promote child well‐being.

Methods

Secondary analyses of survey data collected in 2019 from a random sample of 2496 adults in the United States. This survey asked why some children “struggle” (e.g., do poorly in school, use drugs, or get involved in crime). Respondents could select individual (e.g., lack of effort) and structural (e.g., low wages) explanations. Respondents were also asked about their support for policies that are supportive of children and families.

Results

Stronger beliefs of structural explanations were associated with greater support for policies that strengthen family economics, family‐friendly work, and afford access to high‐quality early childcare and education. Beliefs in individual explanations were inversely associated with support for these policies.

Conclusions

These findings suggest increasing recognition of the structural determinants that hinder child development may help increase support for policies that are effective in improving children's outcomes.
No evidence of aberrant amyloid β and phosphorylated tau expression in herpes simplex virus‐infected neurons of the trigeminal ganglia and brain
Authors: Tran Diana N. , Bakx Amy T. C. M. , van Dis Vera , Aronica Eleonora , Verdijk Robert M. , Ouwendijk Werner J. D.
Published: December 2021

Increasing evidence supports the role of neurotropic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is unclear whether previously reported findings in HSV‐1 cell culture and animal models can be translated to humans. Here, we analyzed clinical specimens from latently HSV‐1 infected individuals and individuals with lytic HSV infection of the brain (herpes simplex encephalitis; HSE). Latent HSV‐1 DNA load and latency‐associated transcript (LAT) expression were identical between trigeminal ganglia (TG) of AD patients and controls. Amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) were not detected in latently HSV‐infected TG neurons. Aging‐related intraneuronal Aβ accumulations, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), and/or extracellular Aβ plaques were observed in the brain of some HSE patients, but these were neither restricted to HSV‐infected neurons nor brain regions containing virus‐infected cells. Analysis of unique brain material from an AD patient with concurrent HSE showed that HSV‐infected cells frequently localized close to Aβ plaques and NFT, but were not associated with exacerbated AD‐related pathology. HSE‐associated neuroinflammation was not associated with specific Aβ or pTau phenotypes. Collectively, we observed that neither latent nor lytic HSV infection of human neurons is directly associated with aberrant Aβ or pTau protein expression in ganglia and brain.
A coordinated national UK liver transplant program response, prioritizing waitlist recipients with the highest need, provided excellent outcomes during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Masson Steven , Taylor Rhiannon , Whitney Julie , Adair Anya , Attia Magdy , Gibbs Paul , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Isaac John , Marshall Aileen , Mirza Darius , Prachalias Andreas , Watson Sarah , Manas Derek , Forsythe John , Thorburn Douglas
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Healthcare provision has been severely affected by COVID‐19, with specific challenges in organ transplantation. Here, we describe the coordinated response to, and outcomes during the first wave, across all UK liver transplant (LT) centers.

Methods

Several policy changes affecting the liver transplant processes were agreed upon. These included donor age restrictions and changes to offering. A “high‐urgency” (HU) category was established, prioritizing only those with UKELD > 60, HCC reaching transplant criteria, and others likely to die within 90 days. Outcomes were compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019.

Results

The retrieval rate for deceased donor livers (71% vs. 54%; P < .0001) and conversion from offer to completed transplant (63% vs. 48%; P < .0001) was significantly higher. Pediatric LT activity was maintained; there was a significant reduction in adult (42%) and total (36%) LT. Almost all adult LT were super‐urgent (n = 15) or HU (n = 133). We successfully prioritized those with highest illness severity with no reduction in 90‐day patient (P = .89) or graft survival (P = .98). There was a small (5% compared with 3%; P = .0015) increase in deaths or removals from the waitlist, mainly amongst HU cohort.

Conclusions

We successfully prioritized LT recipients in highest need, maintaining excellent outcomes, and waitlist mortality was only marginally increased.
Potential biomarkers identified by tandem mass tags based quantitative proteomics for diagnosis and classification of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Ding Yaowei , Shi Yijun , Wang Lijuan , Li Guoge , Osman Rasha Alsamani , Sun Jialu , Qian Lingye , Zheng Guanghui , Zhang Guojun
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system. Currently, valid biomarkers are unavailable for the diagnosis of GBS.

Methods

A comparative proteomics analysis was performed on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 10 patients with GBS and 10 patients with noninflammatory neurological disease (NND) using the tandem mass tags technique. The differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics, and then the candidate proteins were validated by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method in another cohort containing 160 samples (paired CSF and plasma of 40 patients with GBS, CSF of 40 NND patients and plasma of 40 healthy individuals).

Results

In all, 298 proteins were successfully identified in the CSF samples, of which 97 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the GBS and NND groups. Three key molecules were identified as candidate molecules for further validation. The CSF levels of TGOLN2 and NCAM1 decreased in GBS patients compared with NND patients, whereas the CSF levels of APOC3 increased. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results were consistent with our proteomics analysis. Interestingly, in the validation cohort, serum APOC3 levels in the GBS group were consistent with those in the CSF samples and significantly higher than those in the healthy control group.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggest that the CSF protein expression profile of patients with GBS is different from that of patients with NND. Moreover, alterations of TGOLN2, NCAM1and APOC3 may be used as novel biomarkers for identifying patients with GBS.
Fulton v. City of Philadelphia: How no one paid any attention to children's rights
Authors: Guggenheim Martin
Published: December 2021

As part of the special issue on foster care and Fulton v. City of Philadelphia (2021), this essay provides a brief history of the role of race and religion in the foster care system. It critiques the case for failing to address the foster care system itself, and argues that Fulton essentially endorses a system that may make it impossible for state officials to ensure that the children will thrive in the homes they are obligated to find for them.
Toxicological Study of Fluorescent Hydrologic Tracer Dye Effects on Cave Bacteria
Authors: Kieft Thomas L. , Byrd Evelyn , Veni George
Published: December 2021

Fluorescent dyes are commonly used as hydrologic tracers in a variety of surface and subsurface environments, including karst aquifers and caves, but the fragile nature of karstic groundwater ecosystems suggests a cautious approach to selecting dyes. This study tested the effects of four fluorescent dye tracers (uranine, eosin, pyranine, sulforhodamine B) on microorganisms from Fort Stanton Cave, New Mexico, United States. Toxicity of the dyes was tested on bacteria isolated from the cave and on a sediment sample collected adjacent to Snowy River in Fort Stanton Cave. The isolates showed minimal inhibition by the four dyes in an agar diffusions assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations calculated from liquid culture assays of one isolate were 35 g/L for uranine, 3.5 g/L for eosin, 0.1 g/L for pyranine, and 10 mg/L for sulforhodamine B. A 14C‐glucose radiotracer experiment showed zero inhibition of overall microbial activity in a sediment sample at all dye concentrations, except at 350 g/L eosin. Thus, there are no cave‐specific findings to indicate that Fort Stanton's microbes are especially sensitive to these commonly used dyes. Moreover, a literature survey of mutagenicity tests on these dyes indicates they are safe for environmental use. These results corroborate previous dye toxicity tests and suggest that these four dyes are suitable for use at Fort Stanton Cave in the concentration ranges commonly used for groundwater tracing. While broader testing of dyes with microbes from other caves is advised, the results suggest the dyes may be safe for all karst aquifers.
Comparison of planktonic bacterial communities indoor and outdoor of aquaculture greenhouses
Authors: Zhao Shuang , He Wenhui , He Peimin , Li Kejun
Published: December 2021

Aims

Greenhouses are widely used in agriculture systems to shield crops from unfavourable weather to achieve a year-round food supply. In recent years, aquaculture ponds have been placed in greenhouses in many regions. The impacts of the greenhouses on planktonic bacterial communities should be uncovered.

Methods and Results

In this study, two polyolefin film greenhouses accommodating aquaculture ponds were established and planktonic bacterial communities were compared from samples taken in aquaculture ponds inside and outside the greenhouses, using Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing.

Conclusions

The results showed there were significant variations in bacterial community structure between indoor and outdoor samples. Obvious differences were also found between two greenhouses, whereas the differences in indoor samples were weaker than outdoor samples. Significantly higher temperature (in summer), pH and permanganate index were found in the outdoor pond samples. Results of redundancy analysis showed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were positively related to the dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus, and Actinobacteriota were positively related to pH, temperature and permanganate index, whereas Cyanobacteria were positively related to the salinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids and ammonia nitrogen.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The results of this study revealed that greenhouses significantly influenced planktonic bacterial communities in aquaculture ponds. This study is expected to provide a scientific basis for aquaculture in greenhouses.
Relationships between feeding problems, eating behaviours and parental feeding practices in children with Down syndrome: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rogers Samantha L. , Smith Bobbie , Mengoni Silvana E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Research investigating feeding problems in children with Down syndrome is scarce. This study investigated feeding problems, eating behaviours and parental feeding practices in children with Down syndrome (n = 40), and typically developing (TD) children of the same age and sex (n = 40).

Method

Parents of children aged 6‐months to 5‐years in the UK completed questionnaires assessing their child's feeding problems and eating behaviours and parental feeding practices.

Results

For children with Down syndrome, feeding problems were: significantly greater than for TD children; negatively associated with breast milk duration and appetite during exclusive milk feeding; and positively associated with drinking more slowly. For both groups, feeding problems were significantly correlated with more food avoidant eating behaviours.

Conclusions

This study provides new information about the relationships between feeding problems and eating behaviours in early development. Longitudinal research is needed to further investigate these relationships, so that effective support can be developed for families.
Text highlighting for attitude measurement in cross‐cultural consumer research: A methodological study
Authors: Ares Gastón , Jaeger Sara R.
Published: December 2021

Text highlighting was explored as a new method for direct attitude measurement in cross‐cultural research. Participants in an online survey read a text about vertical farming. They used highlighter functions to mark parts of the text they “liked” and “disliked”. Four countries were included in the research—United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, and China (637–683 adults per country). The percentage of participants who highlighted words as “like” and “dislike” was calculated for each of the sentences and countries. Analysis of the highlighting responses did not point to response style or systematic differences in responding. This supported the use of text highlighting in cross‐cultural research. Groups of consumers with different sentiment towards specific sentences in the text highlighting task (Positive, Neutral/Ambivalent, or Negative) showed predictable differences in their average scores for attitudinal statements.

Practical Implications

Likert scales are ubiquitous in attitude measurement but subject to response styles which is a hindrance in cross‐cultural research. This suggests the need to develop scale‐free methods. Results from the present research confirmed the ability of text highlighting to capture specific attitudes towards vertical farming across countries and languages, as well as its ability to overcome response style differences.
Examining religious/spiritual change among women with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Kraus Rachel
Published: December 2021

To what extent and how does religion/spirituality change after a terminal breast cancer diagnosis? Utilizing a nationwide survey and semistructured interviews, I examine how prayer, meditation, religious service attendance, importance of religion, and religiosity may change after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Results from the survey show that most people experienced change on at least one religious/spiritual indicator. “No change” is the most common response for religiosity, importance of religion, and religious service attendance, while prayer and meditation increased. Themes from the interviews shed light on coping mechanisms, such as the increased consumption of religious texts and writings, leaning on God, (re)commitment to religious institutions, prayer, and meditation. Religion (or lack thereof) remained consistent for some of the participants. A decrease in religion was less common. The results of this study have important implications for how women with a terminal disease use religious coping to manage their illness experiences.
Brain TDP‐43 pathology in corticobasal degeneration: Topographical correlation with neuronal loss
Authors: Sainouchi Makoto , Tada Mari , Fitrah Yusran Ady , Hara Norikazu , Tanaka Kou , Idezuka Jiro , Aida Izumi , Nakajima Takashi , Miyashita Akinori , Akazawa Kohei , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Onodera Osamu , Kakita Akiyoshi
Published: December 2021

Aims

Neuronal and glial inclusions comprising transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) have been identified in the brains of patients with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and a possible correlation between the presence of these inclusions and clinical phenotypes has been speculated. However, the significance of TDP‐43 pathology in the pathomechanism of CBD has remained unclear. Here, we investigated the topographical relationship between TDP‐43 inclusions and neuronal loss in CBD.

Methods

We estimated semi‐quantitatively neuronal loss and TDP‐43 pathology in the form of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs), astrocytic inclusions (AIs), oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs), and dystrophic neurites in 22 CNS regions in 10 patients with CBD. Then, the degree of correlation between the severity of neuronal loss and the quantity of each type of TDP‐43 inclusion was assessed. We also investigated tau pathology in a similar manner.

Results

TDP‐43 pathology was evident in nine patients. The putamen and globus pallidus were the regions most frequently affected (80%). NCIs were the most prominent form, and their quantity was significantly correlated with the severity of neuronal loss in more than half of the regions examined. The quantities of TDP‐43 NCIs and tau NCIs were correlated in only a few regions. The number of regions where the quantities of TDP‐43 AIs and GCIs were correlated with the severity of neuronal loss was apparently small in comparison with that of NCIs.

Conclusions

TDP‐43 alterations in neurons, not closely associated with tau pathology, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying neuronal loss in CBD.

There was a significant topographical correlation between neuronal cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP‐43 and neuronal loss in CBD, suggesting that TDP‐43 protein aberration might be associated with neuronal degeneration in CBD. There was no close correlation between the burden of TDP‐43 and that of tau in neurons.