bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially Situated Transmission: The Bias to Transmit Negative Information is Moderated by the Social Context
Authors: Fay Nicolas , Walker Bradley , Kashima Yoshihisa , Perfors Andrew
Published: September 2021

Cultural evolutionary theory has identified a range of cognitive biases that guide human social learning. Naturalistic and experimental studies indicate transmission biases favoring negative and positive information. To address these conflicting findings, the present study takes a socially situated view of information transmission, which predicts that bias expression will depend on the social context. We report a large‐scale experiment (N = 425) that manipulated the social context and examined its effect on the transmission of the positive and negative information contained in a narrative text. In each social context, information was progressively lost as it was transmitted from person to person, but negative information survived better than positive information, supporting a negative transmission bias. Importantly, the negative transmission bias was moderated by the social context: Higher social connectivity weakened the bias to transmit negative information, supporting a socially situated account of information transmission. Our findings indicate that our evolved cognitive preferences can be moderated by our social goals.
Challenging case of a locally recurrent adenoma in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Perrod Guillaume , Cellier Christophe , Rahmi Gabriel
Published: September 2021

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Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide induces lipolysis during stable basal insulin substitution and hyperglycaemia in men with type 1 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover clinical trial
Authors: Heimburger Sebastian M.N. , Nielsen Chris N. , Calanna Salvatore , Holst Jens J. , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K. , Christensen Mikkel B.
Published: September 2021

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) plays an important role in the glucose and lipid metabolism. We investigated the effects of exogenous GIP on lipid metabolism during time of stable insulin levels. Ten male patients with type 1 diabetes without endogenous insulin secretion (C‐peptide‐negative, mean [±SD] age 26 ± 4years, body mass index 24 [±2] kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin 56 [±8] mmol/mol or 7.3 [±0.8]%) were studied in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study with continuous intravenous infusions of GIP (4 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (saline), during two separate 90‐minute hyperglycaemic (12 mmol/L) clamps with basal insulin substitution (0.1‐0.2 mU/kg/min). Plasma glycerol concentrations increased from baseline during GIP infusion and decreased during placebo infusion (baseline‐subtracted area under the curve [bsAUC] 703 ± 407 vs. −262 ± 240 μmol/L × min, respectively; P < 0.001). Free fatty acids (FFAs) increased during GIP infusions (bsAUC 5505 ± 2170 μEq/L × min) and remained unchanged during placebo infusion (bsAUC −74 ± 2363 μEq/L × min), resulting in a significant difference between GIP and placebo infusions (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucagon were similar during GIP and placebo infusions. GIP increased plasma glycerol and FFAs in patients with type 1 diabetes during hyperglycaemia and stable basal insulin levels. This supports a direct lipolytic effect of GIP at high glucose and low levels of plasma insulin.
Antiobesity therapeutics with complementary dual‐agonist activities at glucagon and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptors
Authors: Park Bong Gyu , Kim Gyeong Min , Lee Hye‐Jin , Ryu Jae Ha , Kim Dong‐Hoon , Seong Jae‐Young , Kim Soojeong , Park Zee‐Yong , Kim Young‐Joon , Lee Jaemin , Kim Jae Il
Published: September 2021

Aim

To develop more effective and long‐lasting antiobesity and antidiabetic therapeutics by employing novel chemical modifications of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists.

Methods

We constructed novel unimolecular dual agonists of GLP‐1R and glucagon receptor prepared by linking sEx‐4 and native glucagon (GCG) via lysine or triazole [sEx4‐GCG(K) and sEx4‐GCG(T), respectively] and evaluated their antiobesity and antidiabetic efficacy in the diabetic and obese mouse model.

Results

Both sEx4‐GCG(K) and sEx4‐GCG(T) showed the beneficial metabolic effects of GLP‐1 and glucagon: they promoted weight loss and ameliorated insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. They also increased thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, and lipolysis and β‐oxidation in white adipose tissue, with concomitant suppression of lipogenesis. Furthermore, both dual agonists activated the 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway and prevented palmitate‐induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells.

Conclusion

Through their complementary dual agonism, sEx4‐GCG(T) and sEx4‐GCG(K) induce more marked weight loss and metabolic improvements than conventional agonists, and could be developed as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders in humans.
Business cycle synchronization in the CIS region
Authors: Kishor N. Kundan , Giorgadze Salome
Published: September 2021

This paper examines business cycle synchronization in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. We investigate the role of the global factor and the CIS factor in evolution of business cycles in the CIS countries by applying a dynamic factor model. In addition, we also examine whether the role of these two factors has changed over time. Results indicate that overall business cycle synchronization of these countries within the region and globally is low. Russia is the most globally integrated CIS country and Belarus displays the highest degree of co‐movement with the CIS factor. Our results show that 2014 Russo–Ukrainian conflict and subsequent Russian sanctions had a profound effect on the region leading to an increase in synchronization within the CIS and decline in the role of the global factor.
Factors associated with dropout in the longitudinal Vogel study of cognitive decline
Authors: Haberstumpf Sophia , Leinweber Jonas , Lauer Martin , Polak Thomas , Deckert Jürgen , Herrmann Martin J.
Published: September 2021

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a growing problem worldwide. Prevention or early detection of the disease or a prodromal cognitive decline is necessary. By means of our long‐term follow‐up ‘Vogel study’, we aim to predict the pathological cognitive decline of a German cohort (mean age was 73.9 ± 1.55 years at first visit) with three measurement time points within 6 years per participant. Especially in samples of the elderly and subjects with chronic or co‐morbid diseases, dropouts are one of the biggest problems of long‐term studies. In contrast to the large number of research articles conducted on the course of dementia, little research has been done on the completion of treatment. To ensure unbiased and reliable predictors of cognitive decline from study completers, our objective was to determine predictors of dropout. We conducted multivariate analyses of covariance and multinomial logistic regression analyses to compare and predict the subject's dropout behaviour at the second visit 3 years after baseline (full participation, partial participation and no participation/dropout) with neuropsychiatric, cognitive, blood and lifestyle variables. Lower performance in declarative memory, attention and visual–spatial processing predicted dropout rather than full participation. Lower performance in visual–spatial processing predicted partial participation as opposed to full participation. Furthermore, lower performance in mini‐mental status examination predicted whether subjects dropped out or participated partially instead of full participation. Baseline cognitive parameters are associated with dropouts at follow‐up with a loss of impaired participants. We expect a bias into a healthier sample over time.
PTXNet: An extended UNet model based segmentation of pneumothorax from chest radiography images
Authors: Patel Aarya , Vidyarthi Ankit
Published: September 2021

In the respiratory analysis of human beings, lungs play an important role and can be used to find several associated diseases. One of such conditions is called pneumothorax which occurs due to leaking of air into pleural space and results in lungs collapse. The traditional methodology uses chest radiography with the manual intervention of radiologists for the detection and segmentation of the affected areas. This paper introduces a deep neural network based methodology for the automatic localization and segmentation of the proper region‐of‐interest (RoI). The proposed approach is based on transfer learning where the existing UNet model is extended and redesigned to a new architecture named PTXNet for RoI segmentation. In PTXNet, the traditional encoder is redesigned with the use of EfficientNet, SE‐ResNeXt50 and Xception convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. Furthermore, residual blocks are introduced in the decoder phase and concatenation of the previous decoder stage feature maps in addition to standard global skip connections is performed. The PTXNet is trained on a dataset of more than 15,000 chest radiography and resulted in the mean dice coefficient of 84.89%. It is found that the proposed approach provides superior results than the UNet model with an increase in the mean dice coefficient of 18.76%.
Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) response of additively manufactured materials: A review
Authors: Caivano Riccardo , Tridello Andrea , Chiandussi Giorgio , Qian Guian , Paolino Davide , Berto Filippo
Published: September 2021

Recently, the diffusion of components produced through additive manufacturing (AM) processes has significantly increased. Concurrently, to ensure the safe employment of AM components, the research has focused on the assessment of their fatigue response. In the present paper, a comprehensive literature review on the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) response of materials produced through AM processes is provided. The experimental results on the VHCF response of Ti6Al4V, AlSi10Mg, AlSi7Mg, AlSi12, IN718, and 316L specimens produced through different AM processes are summarized. The main factors affecting the VHCF response of AM materials are finally compared and critically analyzed.
Ice matters: Life‐history strategies of two Antarctic seals dictate climate change eventualities in the Weddell Sea
Authors: Wege Mia , Salas Leo , LaRue Michelle
Published: September 2021

The impacts of climate change in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are not uniform and ice‐obligate species with dissimilar life‐history characteristics will likely respond differently to their changing ecosystems. We use a unique data set of Weddell Leptonychotes weddellii and crabeater seals' (CESs) Lobodon carcinophaga breeding season distribution in the Weddell Sea, determined from satellite imagery. We contrast the theoretical climate impacts on both ice‐obligate predators who differ in life‐history characteristics: CESs are highly specialized Antarctic krill Euphausia superba predators and breed in the seasonal pack ice; Weddell seals (WESs) are generalist predators and breed on comparatively stable fast ice. We used presence–absence data and a suite of remotely sensed environmental variables to build habitat models. Each of the environmental predictors is multiplied by a ‘climate change score’ based on known responses to climate change to create a ‘change importance product’. Results show CESs are more sensitive to climate change than WESs. Crabeater seals prefer to breed close to krill, and the compounding effects of changing sea ice concentrations and sea surface temperatures, the proximity to krill and abundance of stable breeding ice, can influence their post‐breeding foraging success and ultimately their future breeding success. But in contrast to the Ross Sea, here WESs prefer to breed closer to larger colonies of emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri). This suggests that the Weddell Sea may currently be prey‐abundant, allowing the only two air‐breathing Antarctic silverfish predators (Pleuragramma antarctica) (WESs and emperor penguins) to breed closer to each other. This is the first basin‐scale, region‐specific comparison of breeding season habitat in these two key Antarctic predators based on real‐world data to compare climate change responses. This work shows that broad‐brush, basin‐scale approaches to understanding species‐specific responses to climate change are not always appropriate, and regional models are needed—especially when designing marine protected areas.
Upregulation of oncogene Activin A receptor type I by Helicobacter pylori infection promotes gastric intestinal metaplasia via regulating CDX2
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yan , Hu Yi , Xu Xin‐Bo , Zhou Yan‐An , Li Nian‐Shuang , He Cong , Xie Chuan , Lu Nong‐Hua , Zhu Yin
Published: September 2021

Background

Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) is involved in tumorigenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of ACVR1 in gastric cancer (GC) and its association with Helicobacter pylori remained unclear.

Materials and methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database were utilized to explore the ACVR1 expression in GC and normal control and its association with survival. The ACVR1 was knocked out using CRISPR/Cas‐9; RNA sequencing analysis was performed in AGS cells with ACVR1 knockout and normal control. Functional experiments (CCK‐8, colony‐forming, and transwell assays) were conducted to demonstrate the role of ACVR1 in cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. H. pylori‐infected C57/BL6 models were established. ACVR1, p‐Smad1/5, and CDX2 were detected in AGS cells cocultured with H. pylori strains. The CDX2 and key elements of BMP signaling pathway were detected in AGS cells with ACVR1 knockout and normal control. In addition, Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the ACVR1 and CDX2 expression in gastric samples.

Results

ACVR1 expression was higher in GC than normal control from TCGA, GEPIA, and samples collected from our hospital (p < 0.05). ACVR1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Both cagA+ and cagA− H. pylori could upregulate the expression ACVR1 (p < 0.05). Downregulation of ACVR1 inhibited the H. pylori‐induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (p < 0.05). H. pylori increased the expression of p‐Smad 1/5 and CDX2. The CDX2 and key elements of BMP signaling pathway were downregulated in AGS cells with ACVR1 knockout. ACVR1 and CDX2 were upregulated in the stage of intestinal metaplasia (IM). Moreover, ACVR1 and CDX2 expressions were higher in H. pylori‐positive group than H. pylori‐negative group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that H. pylori infection increases ACVR1 expression, promoting gastric IM via regulating CDX2, which is an essential step in H. pylori carcinogenesis.
In vitro caecum fermentation and in vivo (Gallus gallus) of calcium delivery systems fabricated by desalted duck egg white peptides and chitosan oligosaccharide on gut health
Authors: Zhao Mengge , Ma Aimin , He Hui , Zhang Xing , Jia Lei , Hou Tao
Published: September 2021

As calcium supplements, two novel calcium delivery systems were prepared with desalted duck egg white peptides (DPs) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) by Amadori‐linkage and transglutaminase (TGase)‐induced reaction, with high calcium‐binding ability of promoting calcium absorption in vivo and in vitro. However, there are relatively few studies on the gut health of calcium delivery systems. In this experiment, in vitro caecum fermentation experiment and Gallus gallus intra amniotic feeding model were used to assess the gut health of calcium delivery systems and phytic acid. Results showed that two calcium delivery systems improved the microbial community structure by inhibiting the proliferation of Escherichia coli, and promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The addition of calcium delivery systems significantly increased short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improved the boundary membrane function of brush nutrients by significantly increasing villi structure, surface area, cup cell expansion and production of associated genes (P < 0.05). Moreover, calcium delivery systems present significant reverse of the inhibitory effect of phytic acid on gut health through in vitro and in vivo experiments. This study suggested that DPs‐COS‐Ca systems were superior to the commercially available calcium supplement CaCO3 and had excellent calcium absorption and gut health regulating effects.
Recognition of Philadelphia chromosome‐like acute lymphoblastic leukemia as part of routine diagnostic work‐up
Authors: Podgornik Helena , Doplihar Kebe Ana , Klun Jurka , Reberšek Katarina , Šućurović Sandra , Škerget Matevž , Zver Samo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a biologically and clinically challenging subtype of B‐cell ALL which has been incorporated into the 2016 revision of the World Health classification of acute leukemia. It is independently associated with poor outcome. As it can only be reliably detected by expression profiling, it is difficult to diagnose with routine methods. Its recognition has become of greater importance due to prognostication and even more due to the new diagnostic options given by targeted therapies. There is still no standardized diagnostic test enabling its prompt recognition. Here, we introduce our approach how to detect it by combination of widely available techniques.

Methods

179 ALL patients diagnosed in our center during the last 8 years were included. Data on immunophenotype and cytogenetics were used to select patients with potentially Ph‐like ALL (65/179). CRLF2 gene rearrangement (CRLF2‐r) was tested by FISH in 59/65 patients, and next‐generation sequencing was done by Archer FusionPlex ALL kit in 34 patients. TSLPR expression was determined in 20 patients.

Results

Philadelphia chromosome‐like aberrations were confirmed in 9 patients. In 10% of tested samples, CRLF2‐r was confirmed. Due to a lack of material, NGS was done only in a half of potentially Ph‐like cases. In 10%, other Ph‐like fusions were found by NGS.

Conclusions

The obtained frequencies, and genetic and patients' characteristics are in concordance with the literature data, ensuring a reliable detection of this challenging ALL subtype. The proposed algorithm allows detection of Ph‐like ALL at reasonable cost and acceptable workload.
Competition, stress and benefits: Trees and crops in the transition zone of a temperate short rotation alley cropping agroforestry system
Authors: Swieter Anita , Langhof Maren , Lamerre Justine
Published: September 2021

Tree strips on agricultural production sites offer many economic, ecological and social advantages. However, the introduction of trees creates a transition zone between tree strips and crop land. Here, trees and crop plants compete for resources such as space, nutrients, water and light, which causes stress in the low‐competitive system. On the other hand, facilitation such as additional nutrient input through tree leaf litter and fine roots are possible. This study aims to provide indications for competition and benefits that can arise for plants growing in the transition zone of a temperate short rotation alley cropping agroforestry system (SRACS). Various climatic and plant‐growth parameters were investigated between 2013 and 2019 at different positions of an SRACS with fast‐growing poplars in northern Germany. Reduced yield of wheat, oilseed rape and silage maize close to the tree strip was associated with greater soil water tension in 30 and 60 cm soil depth due to the presence of poplar roots, reduced solar radiation due to tree shading and leaf litter coverage. In contrast, poplars growing in the outer rows produced more biomass than those in the inner rows due to the additional availability of space, light and nutrients taken from the crop field. Trees in the transition zone seem to be competitive with arable crops, but without effect on the average long‐term yield of arable crops.
The impact of age and 24‐h blood pressure on arterial health in acute ischemic stroke patients: The Norwegian stroke in the young study
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Waje‐Andreassen Ulrike , Naess Halvor , Fromm Annette , Nilsson Peter M.
Published: September 2021

The impact of age and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) on arterial stiffness and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in ischemic stroke patients younger than 60 years of age is poorly explored. A total of 385 acute ischemic stroke patients (aged 49.6±9.7 years, 68% men) were prospectively included and grouped in younger (15–44 years, n = 93) and middle‐aged (45–60 years, n = 292). Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and cIMT by carotid ultrasound. 24‐h ABPM was recorded. The middle‐aged stroke patients had higher prevalence of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia, and had higher PWV and cIMT (all p < .05). In multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for sex, BMI, smoking, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, eGFR, systolic BP and concomitant antihypertensive treatment, 1SD (4.4 years) higher age was associated with higher PWV (β = 0.44,R2 = 0.46, p < .001) in the younger group, and with higher mean cIMT (β = 0.16, R2 = 0.21, p = .01) in the middle‐aged group. In the middle‐aged group, 24‐h pulse pressure had a significant association with PWV (β = 0.18, R2 = 0.19, p = .009), while the association with cIMT was attenuated (β = 0.13, R2 = 0.16, p = .065). 24‐h diastolic BP was associated with higher cIMT in the middle‐aged group (β = 0.24, p < .001, R2 = 0.23), but not with PWV in either age groups. Among ischemic stroke patients < 60 years, higher age was associated with increased arterial stiffness for patients up to age 44 years, and with cIMT in middle‐aged patients. 24‐h pulse pressure was associated with arterial stiffness, and 24‐h diastolic BP was associated with cIMT only in middle‐aged patients.
Myeloid malignancies with translocation t(4;12)(q11‐13;p13): molecular landscape, clonal hierarchy and clinical outcomes
Authors: Parinet Vincent , Chapiro Elise , Bidet Audrey , Gaillard Baptiste , Maarek Odile , Simon Laurence , Lefebvre Christine , Defasque Sabine , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joelle , Quinquenel Anne , Decamp Matthieu , Lifermann François , Ali‐Ammar Nadia , Maillon Agathe , Baron Marine , Martin Mélanie , Struski Stéphanie , Penther Dominique , Micol Jean‐Baptiste , Auger Nathalie , Bilhou‐Nabera Chrystèle , Martignoles Jean‐Alain , Tondeur Sylvie , Nguyen‐Khac Florence , Hirsch Pierre , Roos‐Weil Damien ,   on behalf the FILO (French Innovative Leukemia Organization), GFCH (Groupe Francophone de Cytogénétique Hématologique) groups
Published: September 2021

Translocation t(4;12)(q11‐13;p13) is a recurrent but very rare chromosomal aberration in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) resulting in the non‐constant expression of a CHIC2/ETV6 fusion transcript. We report clinico‐biological features, molecular characteristics and outcomes of 21 cases of t(4;12) including 19 AML and two myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Median age at the time of t(4;12) was 78 years (range, 56–88). Multilineage dysplasia was described in 10 of 19 (53%) AML cases and CD7 and/or CD56 expression in 90%. FISH analyses identified ETV6 and CHIC2 region rearrangements in respectively 18 of 18 and 15 of 17 studied cases. The t(4;12) was the sole cytogenetic abnormality in 48% of cases. The most frequent associated mutated genes were ASXL1 (n = 8/16, 50%), IDH1/2 (n = 7/16, 44%), SRSF2 (n = 5/16, 31%) and RUNX1 (n = 4/16, 25%). Interestingly, concurrent FISH and molecular analyses showed that t(4;12) can be, but not always, a founding oncogenic event. Median OS was 7.8 months for the entire cohort. In the 16 of 21 patients (76%) who received antitumoral treatment, overall response and first complete remission rates were 37% and 31%, respectively. Median progression‐free survival in responders was 13.7 months. Finally, t(4;12) cases harboured many characteristics of AML with myelodysplasia‐related changes (multilineage dysplasia, MDS‐related cytogenetic abnormalities, frequent ASXL1 mutations) and a poor prognosis.
Emerging roles of circular RNAs in osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Weichun , Zhang Baozhong , Chang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Osteoporosis is one bone disease characterized with skeletal impairment, bone strength reduced and fracture risk enhanced. The regulation processes of bone metabolism are associated with several factors such as mechanical stimulation, epigenetic regulation and hormones. However, the mechanism of osteoporosis remains unsatisfactory. Increasing high‐throughput RNA sequencing and circular RNAs (circRNAs) microarray studies indicated that circRNAs are differentially expressed in osteoporosis. Growing functional studies further pinpointed specific deregulated expressed circRNAs (e.g., circ_28313, circ_0016624, circ_0006393, circ_0076906 and circ_0048211) for their functions involved in bone metabolism, including bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, CircRNAs (circ_0002060, Circ_0001275 and Circ_0001445) may be acted as diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis. This review discussed recent progresses in the circRNAs expression profiling analyses and their potential functions in regulating BMSCs differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis.
Developmental trajectories of empathic concern in infancy and their links to social competence in early childhood
Authors: Paz Yael , Davidov Maayan , Orlitsky Tal , Roth‐Hanania Ronit , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn
Published: September 2021

Background

Empathic concern is an important component of children’s social competence. Yet, little is known about the role of the development of concern for others during infancy as a predictor of social competence in early childhood.

Methods

Israeli infants (N = 165, 50% girls) were observed five times, from 3 to 36 months. Empathic concern was assessed at ages 3–18 months using observations, and four components of social competence were assessed at 36 months using observations and teacher reports.

Results

Four groups with distinct developmental trajectories of empathic concern from 3 to 18 months were identified: early‐onset (starting high and increasing), low‐empathy (starting low with minimal increase), rising (starting low and increasing considerably), and a very small group with a negative slope (decreasing). The first three trajectories differed on aspects of social competence at 36 months. Early‐onset children continued to exhibit the highest empathic concern. Both the early‐onset and rising groups had greater affective knowledge than the low‐empathy group. Moreover, the rising group had better peer relations compared with low‐empathy trajectory children.

Conclusions

Children who exhibit high levels of empathy early in infancy are likely to show high social competence later on. However, even when initial empathy levels are low, subsequent growth in empathy from 3 to 18 months can occur, with positive consequences for children’s social competence at 36 months. Only children with low initial empathic concern and minimal growth across infancy are at increased risk of having poorer socioemotional capabilities in early childhood.
Classification of bananas during ripening using peel roughness analysis—An application of atomic force microscopy to food process
Authors: Khodabakhshian Rasool , Baghbani Reza
Published: September 2021

To monitor banana surface (peel) roughness changes during ripening treatment, atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a novel and emerging technique was used in this study. The roughness of banana peel was studied using the arithmetic mean between peaks and troughs (Ra) and the root‐mean‐square roughness (Rq). It was concluded that with changing the ripening stages, the behavior of the roughness changes significantly. With advancing fruit ripening, the extending of the epicarp and the decrease of the surface (peel) roughness were found due to enlarging of fruit volume. The highest mean roughness was found to be at stage 1, Ra = 8.25 and Rq = 9.65 nm. Based on two‐dimensional profile results, the surface (peel) roughness was affected strongly by studied different ripening stages. It was concluded that the peak values in the ripple profiles become smaller with advancing fruit ripening. However, the effects of noise in the profiles appeared to increase. So, in all the initial stages of banana fruit ripening, the noise was found to be minimal. Consequently, the AFM technique was found to be a promising tool for quantification of the peel roughness or glossiness and also could help in the quality control of banana fruit on the nanoscale.
Assessment of physical and aerodynamic properties of corn kernel (KSC 704)
Authors: Ahmadi Chenarbon Hossein , Movahhed Sara
Published: September 2021

Physical and aerodynamic properties of agricultural products have been used to precision design of the machinery and different postharvest operations. In this study, some physical and aerodynamic properties of corn kernels were investigated as a function of size at three levels of small, medium, and large (8.41 mm, 9.60 mm, and 11.62 mm, respectively) and moisture content in the range of 10 to 25% (wet basis). According to results, with increasing the moisture content from 10 to 25%, the length; width; thickness; geometric mean diameter; mass; and volume of the small, medium, and large kernels linearly increased by 2.22%, 2.40%, and 1.68%; 3.76%, 1.82%, and 1.55%; 3.98%, 2.49%, and 2.67%; 3.29%, 2.23%, and 1.93%; 8.44%, 7.38%, and 8.12%; and 11.32%, 10.71%, and 10.21%, respectively. In this regard, the projection area of the specimens increased nonlinearly by 6.06%, 4.26%, and 3.26%, respectively; whereas, true density decreased nonlinearly by 2.65%, 2.91%, and 1.90%, respectively. The maximum terminal velocity (12.41 m/s) and Reynolds number (6,037.44) were observed in large kernels and the moisture content of 25%; whereas, the minimum terminal velocity (8.32 m/s) and Reynolds number (3,016.55) were observed in small kernels and the moisture content of 10%. Maximum and minimum drag coefficients (1.014 vs. 0.302) were observed in small kernels at the moisture of 10% and large kernels at the moisture of 25%, respectively. The polynomial model was chosen as a suitable model in order to foretell the terminal velocity, Reynolds number, and drag coefficient of kernels as a function of moisture content and size.

Practical Applications

Mechanical damages to seeds at harvesting, transporting, and threshing are major concerns for farmers and farming experts. All the processes of wind transfer, flotation, and seed removal from seed mixture and the stalks and husks depend on the behavior of the seeds in the wind flow. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the physical and aerodynamic properties of various crops to analyzing their behavior during transport, processing, and precise design of farm equipment and machines to minimize wastes.
Families' experiences of grief and bereavement in the emergency department: A scoping review
Authors: Ito Yoshiyasu , Tsubaki Michihiro , Kobayashi Masahiro
Published: September 2021

Aim

Death is a frequent event in the emergency department, and many family members experience grief and bereavement. However, little is known about what families experience. The aim of this study was to explore previous findings about families’ experiences of grief and bereavement in the emergency department to clarify and understand their experience.

Methods

A scoping review was chosen as the design for this research. Studies were searched from four electronic databases. The obtained studies were screened independently by two reviewers and selected by mutual agreement of the entire team based upon the eligibility criteria. All relevant data were extracted, and thematic analysis was conducted to assess families' grief and bereavement experiences in the emergency department.

Results

The database searches initially resulted in 982 studies; these were finally narrowed to 20 studies for data extraction. Publication years ranged from 1987 to 2020. The studies were conducted across nine countries; most were from the United States and had a qualitative research design. Analysis elicited the following themes: “lack of information,” “breaking bad news,” “being present during resuscitation,” “chaotic environment,” “psychosocial reaction in bereavement,” and “support and care needs from healthcare professionals.”

Conclusion

These themes reveal challenges in providing support and care from emergency nurses to bereaved families, including inadequate provision of information, poor design of the emergency department due to the lack of privacy, and families’ unmet support and care needs. Emergency nurses need to better understand families’ experience of grief and bereavement.
Factors affecting the quality of dementia care at acute care hospitals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Urashima Shoko , Greiner Chieko , Ryuno Hirochika , Yamaguchi Yuko
Published: September 2021

Aim and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate which factors are associated with the quality of dementia care in acute care hospitals.

Background

The number of people with dementia who are admitted to acute care hospitals is increasing. Improving the quality of dementia care in acute care hospitals is an important issue. Prior studies have demonstrated that not only knowledge and nursing experience, but also psychological factors and the nursing practice environment are related to high‐quality care on general wards.

Design

Cross‐sectional hypothesis‐testing design.

Methods

Participants were nurses providing care to people with dementia at acute care hospitals. Questionnaires were distributed to 300 acute care hospitals in Japan, 10 copies each and 773 valid responses were received. Based on the hypothesis model, variables were tested using multiple regression analysis. The model described the relationship between quality of care, personal attributes and the nursing practice environment. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was used.

Results

Almost 90% of the study sample was female, the mean age was 37.4 ± 9.3 years, and the mean nursing experience was 14.0 ± 8.7 years. The results showed that nursing foundations for quality of care, staffing and resource adequacy, specialist consultation, promoting systematic recreation and exchange, knowledge, and feelings towards people with dementia were associated with the quality of dementia care in acute care hospitals. The adjusted coefficient of determination was 0.367.

Conclusion

This study identified factors associated with the quality of dementia care in acute care hospitals. Knowledge and feelings towards people with dementia are important, and the nursing practice environment plays an important role in improving the quality of dementia care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Not only improving nurse's practical ability but also a supportive nursing practice environment enhances the quality of dementia care in acute care hospitals.
A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy, tolerability, and cost of oral iron preparations in iron‐deficiency anemia in pregnancy
Authors: Gamad Nanda , Saha Pradip Kumar , Sharma Prashant , Suri Vanita , Chakrabarti Amitava , Saha Lekha
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and cost of four commonly prescribed oral iron preparations: ferrous sulfate (FS), ferrous fumarate (FF), ferrous ascorbate (FA), and carbonyl iron (CI) in the treatment of iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women.

Methods

It was a prospective, randomized, open‐label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) design with four parallel active control groups: FS, FF, FA, CI. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants becoming non‐anemic (Hb ≥ 11 g%) at the end of the study period. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants achieving normal red blood corpuscular indices such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; the proportion of participants achieving normal iron indices such as serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron‐binding capacity, and transferrin saturation; and comparison of incidence of any adverse events between treatment groups and comparison of costs of individual drug therapy between treatment groups.

Results

One hundred and twenty patients were randomized to four different groups (n = 30). The results of the present study show that all the four iron salts at the dose of 200 mg elemental iron per day were equally effective in improving hemoglobin concentration and other hematological parameters. The adverse effects were more common in the FF group (56.7%). The pharmacoeconomic analysis showed that all the drugs are equally cost‐effective.

Conclusion

To conclude from the results of the present study, it can be said that FS, FF, FA, and CI are equally effective in treating IDA and they can be prescribed interchangeably.
Attitude changes toward prenatal testing among women with twin pregnancies after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing: A single‐center study in Japan
Authors: Ogawa Masanobu , Hasuo Yasuyuki , Taura Yumiko , Tsunematsu Ryosuke , Shikada Sawako , Matsushita Yuki , Sato Kazuo
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate changes in prenatal testing among women with twin pregnancies before and after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). To date, no consensus on prenatal testing for twin pregnancies has been reached in Japan.

Methods

Women pregnant with twins who requested prenatal testing at Kyushu Medical Center from 2005 to 2018 were included in this study. Genetic counseling was provided to all participants. Their chosen methods of testing were collected and classified as invasive diagnosis (ID), noninvasive screening (NIS), and no test requested (NR). Parity, chorionicity, and methods of conception were assessed as attributes. The study period was divided into three terms according to testing availability in our center.

Results

After NIPT was introduced in our center, the use of ID methods decreased and eventually disappeared while NIS came to the forefront. NR was also the preferred choice of women with twin pregnancies before the introduction of NIPT and decreased but did not disappear after introducing NIPT. Women with twin pregnancies who underwent assisted reproduction initially showed hesitation to undergo testing but showed a strong preference for NIS after the introduction of NIPT. Differences in choice according to parity, chorionicity, and methods of conception were found before the introduction of NIPT but disappeared after introducing NIPT.

Conclusion

Increasing information about NIPT has apparently influenced the attitudes of women with twin pregnancies to prenatal testing in Japan. In particular, those who conceive through assisted reproductive technologies exhibited a strong preference for NIPT.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in dogs
Authors: Selman J. , Towle Millard H.
Published: September 2021

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is an uncommon orthopaedic disease that affects young, growing dogs. Aetiology is currently unknown; however, several unproven etiologies have been theorised in the literature including canine distemper virus, previous vaccination, hereditary causes and auto‐immune disorders. Affected animals often present with varying degrees of lameness, lethargy, pyrexia and/or distal metaphyseal swelling of affected limbs. An index of suspicion is based on clinical signs. Confirmation is obtained with radiographs of the affected limb(s) by the presence of a “double physis,” or a radiolucent line that is parallel to the physis. Treatment varies depending on degree affected, but generally consists of anti‐inflammatory steroids, pain medications, gastrointestinal support, nutritional management and appropriate supportive care. Critically affected patients require intensive monitoring and more aggressive supportive care for prevention of life‐threatening sequalae. Prognosis is very favourable with mildly and moderately affected patients, but good to guarded in severely affected patients.
Sleep and circadian rhythm characteristics in individuals from the general population during the French COVID‐19 full lockdown
Authors: Bertrand Léa , Schröder Carmen , Bourgin Patrice , Maruani Julia , Atoui Yasmine , d’Ortho Marie‐Pia , Lejoyeux Michel , Geoffroy Pierre A.
Published: September 2021

The full 2‐month lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in 2020 led to substantial disruption of daily life and routines. The present study aimed to comprehensively identify the lockdown’s effects on sleep, daily rhythms and emotions of the French population. A survey was published online during the last week of the 2‐month full lockdown and 1,627 individuals completed the online survey. The survey was self‐administered and included standardised questionnaires. Sleep schedules were delayed during lockdown in more than half of the participants. New severe delayed sleep phase affected 10% of participants with sleep schedules delayed by ≥3 hr during the lockdown compared to before. A significant decrease in exposure to morning (p < 0.001) and evening natural light (p < 0.001), a significant increase in screen exposure time (with a significant screen exposure >3 hr during the evening for 45% of the participants during lockdown versus 18% before lockdown, p < 0.001), an increase in substance use for one‐quarter of participants, a poorer sleep quality in 56% of participants, and less regular sleep schedules in 48% of participants were observed. We also found a poorer sleep quality in women than men during lockdown (p = 0.004). The French full lockdown had a severe impact on sleep quality, sleep–wake rhythms, and sleep behaviours. The implementation of public health strategies for the prevention and care of sleep–wake cycles during lockdown are therefore essential.
Autistic autobiography and hermeneutical injustice
Authors: Dinishak Janette
Published: September 2021

This paper examines epistemic injustice in knowledge production concerning autism. Its aim is to further our understanding of the distinctive shapes of the kinds of epistemic injustices against autists. The paper shows how Ian Hacking’s work on autistic autobiography brings into view a form of hermeneutical injustice that autists endure with respect to their firsthand accounts of their experiences of autism. It explores how understanding the distinctive shape of this hermeneutical injustice can help us further appreciate dangers and harms of using interpretive frameworks for autistic experience that neglect autists’ own contributions to the formation of words and concepts for capturing their experiences. In particular, the paper argues that even when autists are included in knowledge production concerning autistic experience, they remain vulnerable to forms of hermeneutical marginalization that can stifle the coming into being of autistic experience.
Arbitrariness and Uniqueness
Authors: Meacham Christopher J. G.
Published: September 2021

Evidential Uniquenessis the thesis that, for any batch of evidence, there's a unique doxastic state that a subject with that evidence should have. One of the most common kinds of objections to views that violate Evidential Uniqueness are arbitrariness objections – objections to the effect that views that do not satisfy Evidential Uniqueness lead to unacceptable arbitrariness. The goal of this paper is to examine a variety of arbitrariness objections that have appeared in the literature, and to assess the extent to which these objections bolster the case for Evidential Uniqueness. After examining a number of different arbitrariness objections, I'll conclude that, by and large, these objections do little to bolster the case for Evidential Uniqueness.
Effectiveness of restoration plantings withPachira aquaticain swamps
Authors: Sánchez‐Luna Oscar , López Rosas Hugo , Toledo Aceves Tarin , Moreno‐Casasola Patricia
Published: September 2021

Tropical freshwater swamps provide essential ecosystem services, such as flood mitigation and control. Land use changes cause alterations in their hydrology, increasing risks of degradation caused by extreme events like storms and hurricanes. We evaluated the effectiveness of different strategies to control opportunistic herbaceous vegetation, as a factor limiting the establishment of the dominant money treePachira aquaticafor the restoration of swamps in the coastal floodplains of the Gulf coast in Mexico.Pachira aquaticasaplings were planted in four treatments: (1) Control (saplings without further intervention), (2) Cut (herbaceous vegetation removal), (3) cutting with Vegetation mulch, and (4) cutting with Plastic cover. The effect of treatments on survival and relative growth rate (RGR) ofP. aquaticasaplings and on the herbaceous cover was measured after 2 years. Costs per treatment were also calculated. Saplings in the Control had the lowest survival (5.0%; only one seedling survived), followed by Cut (35.0 ± 12.75%), Vegetation mulch (70.0 ± 9.35%), and Plastic cover (95.0 ± 5.0%). Sapling height and RGR were similar among treatments. The herbaceous layer cover was reduced to ~30% in Vegetation mulch and Plastic cover in comparison to Control and Cut treatments with ~94%. The most cost‐effective treatment was Vegetation mulch, with almost half the cost of Plastic cover. Our results support the establishment of restoration plantings withP. aquaticato assist the recovery of swamps and highlight the need to include complementary interventions, to ensure higher tree sapling survival and to avoid total restoration failure in this system.
A life‐of‐mine approach to fauna monitoring is critical for recovering functional ecosystems to restored landscapes
Authors: Cross Sophie L. , Bradley Holly S. , Tudor Emily P. , Craig Michael D. , Tomlinson Sean , Bamford Michael J. , Bateman Philip W. , Cross Adam T.
Published: September 2021

Mineral extraction activities are intensely disruptive to ecosystems and their associated fauna. Few countries globally have comprehensive legislation surrounding mine site restoration, but within Australia, restoration of discontinued mine sites is a legislative requirement. However, substantial ambiguity regarding the optimal techniques for restoring biodiverse and functional fauna assemblages remains, and monitoring activities typically focus on vegetation communities despite functioning ecosystems being reliant on key trophic interactions involving fauna. When fauna are considered, monitoring efforts typically yield baseline surveys of species richness and the presence or absence of conservation‐significant taxa. Even where complete ecosystem recovery is not the goal of post‐mining ecological recovery, we argue that there is a critical need for a life‐of‐mine approach to fauna monitoring underpinned by greater dialog between researchers, environmental regulators, and the mining industry. Environmental Impact Assessments should include requirements for the consideration of all potential impacts of mining on the structure, behavior, and ecological roles of fauna communities, restoration practices must facilitate the return of functional, resilient, and biodiverse fauna communities to restored post‐mining landscapes, and the scope of monitoring practices should be broadened to a holistic examination of fauna communities. Recognizing, quantifying, and monitoring the impacts of mining activities and subsequent rehabilitation or restoration on fauna is vital to understanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect natural ecosystems, and in assisting in the successful recovery of ecosystem functionality to areas that have been damaged, degraded, or destroyed.