bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaches of the didactic contract as a driving force behind learning and non-learning: a story of flaws and wants
Authors: Strømskag Heidi , Chevallard Yves
Published: February 2022

In agreement with the main tenets of the anthropological theory of the didactic (ATD), this study uncovers dependencies between what students can learn, the established curriculum and the current state of mathematicians’ mathematics (‘scholarly mathematics’). One main result is that the mathematics taught, too often taken for granted by curriculum developers and teachers, is in fact problematic not only to students but also to teachers and curriculum developers and is sometimes a challenge even to current scholarly mathematics. The mathematics taught during a given historical period within a given institution contains flaws that, when they cease to go unnoticed, generate crises, in the form of breaches of the prevailing didactic contract. The resolution of these crises allows the institution and its actors—in particular students and teachers—to learn new contents and often also leads to the more or less damaging unlearning of old contents. This key phenomenon is illustrated, at the triple level of the classroom, the curriculum and scholarly mathematics, with regard to elementary algebra and mathematical analysis, most importantly in the case of maxima and minima problems.
Prioritizing Elective Surgical Cases During a Pandemic or Global Crisis: The Elective-Pediatric Orthopedic Surgical Timing (E-POST) Score
Authors: Truong Walter H. , Ramo Brandon , Birch Craig , Dodwell Emily , Johnson Megan , Lebel David E. , McIntosh Amy , Miller Dan , Snyder Andrew , Sturm Peter , Guillaume Tenner
Published: February 2022

Background:

As the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic stabilized and resources became more readily available, elective surgery was reinitiated and hospitals realized that there was little guidance on how to prioritize elective cases.

Methods:

A prioritization tool was formulated based on clinically relevant elements and previous literature. Nine pediatric orthopaedic surgeons from North American institutions evaluated 25 clinical scenarios on 2 occasions separated in time. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were calculated [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)]. Surgeons also ranked the importance of each element and how confident they were with scoring each factor.

Results:

Intra-rater ICC for total score showed good to excellent consistency; highest at 0.961 for length of stay (LOS) and lowest at 0.705 for acuity. Inter-rater ICC showed good to excellent agreement for American Society of Anesthesiologists score, LOS, duration of surgery, and transfusion risk and moderate agreement for surgical acuity and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Transfusion risk and duration of surgery were deemed least important, and surgeons were least confident in scoring PPE and transfusion risk. Based on findings, the novel Elective-Pediatric Orthopedic Surgical Timing (E-POST) score for prioritizing elective cases was developed, consisting of 5 factors: surgical acuity, global health status, LOS, duration of surgery, and PPE requirement.

Conclusions:

The E-POST numeric total score or subscore may help objectively prioritize elective cases during a global crisis.

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Uncorrected Pelvic Obliquity Is Associated With Worse Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Children and Their Caregivers at the End of Surgical Treatment for Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS)
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroko , Fano Adam N. , Ball Jacob , Roye Benjamin D. , George Ameeka , Garg Sumeet , Erickson Mark , Samdani Amer , Skaggs David , Roye David P. , Vitale Michael G. ,   Pediatric Spine Study Group
Published: February 2022

Background:

While largely of concern in nonambulatory patients, pelvic obliquity (PO) can be found in many patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) and may remain following surgery. However, its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and their caregivers at the end of treatment is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between residual PO and HRQoL in children and their caregivers at the end of surgical treatment in ambulatory patients with EOS.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, a multicenter EOS registry was queried to identify ambulatory patients who underwent definitive posterior spinal fusion (PSF) from 2012 to 2019. Patients with fusions extending to the pelvis were excluded. PO was measured at least 1 year following PSF. HRQoL, Parental Burden, Financial Burden, and Satisfaction were assessed through the 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) also at a minimum of 1 year following PSF.

Results:

A total of 155 patients (12.5±2.1 y, 73.5% female) were included. Etiology distribution was 30.3% congenital, 12.9% neuromuscular, 21.3% syndromic, and 35.5% idiopathic. In congenital patients, those with residual PO >8 degrees had worse Satisfaction by 23.2 points compared with those with PO ≤8 degrees. In neuromuscular patients, those with residual PO >7 degrees had worse HRQoL by 16.1 points and Parental Burden by 22.3 points compared with their counterparts. In syndromic patients, those with residual PO >8 degrees had worse HRQoL by 14.8 points, Parental Burden by 16.4 points, and Satisfaction by 21.2 points compared with their counterparts. In idiopathic patients, those with >9 degrees of residual PO had worse HRQoL by 15.0 points and Financial Burden by 26.8 points compared with their counterparts.

Conclusions:

Remaining PO at the end of surgical treatment is associated with worse HRQoL in ambulatory children and their caregivers. These results suggest that correction of PO should remain a primary goal of treatment in patients with EOS undergoing surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—multicenter retrospective cohort study investigating prognosis.
Effect of Test Interface on Respiratory Muscle Activity and Pulmonary Function During Respiratory Testing in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sajjadi Elaheh , Mabe Patrick C. , Seven Yasin B. , Smith Barbara K.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The mouthpiece is the standard interface for spirometry tests. Although the use of a mouthpiece can be challenging for patients with orofacial weakness, maintaining a proper seal with a facemask can be an issue for healthy individuals during forceful efforts. We compared respiratory muscle activity and tests using a mouthpiece and facemask in healthy adults to investigate whether they can be used interchangeably.

Methods:

In this observational study, subjects (n = 12) completed forced vital capacity, maximal respiratory pressure, and peak cough flow with a mouthpiece and facemask. Root mean square values of the genioglossus, diaphragm, scalene, and sternocleidomastoid were compared between conditions.

Results:

When switching from a mouthpiece to a facemask, significantly higher values were seen for peak cough flow (average bias = −54.36 L/min, P < .05) and the difference seen with maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were clinically significant (average bias: MEP = 27.33, MIP = −5.2). In addition, the submental activity was significantly greater when MIP was conducted with a mouthpiece. No significant differences were seen in respiratory muscle activity during resting breathing or spirometry.

Conclusions:

There are clinically significant differences with cough and MEP tests, and neck muscles are activated differently based on interface. Considering the small sample size, our findings suggest a facemask may be used to complete some pulmonary function tests.
Clinical Characteristics and Etiology of Community-acquired Pneumonia in US Children, 2015–2018
Authors: Yun Ki Wook , Wallihan Rebecca , Desai Ankita , Alter Sherman , Ambroggio Lilliam , Cohen Daniel M. , El-Assal Ossama , Marzec Sarah , Florin Todd A. , Keaton Meghan , Shah Samir S. , Ruddy Richard M. , Sharpe Samantha , Leber Amy L. , Everhart Kathy , Mejias Asuncion , Ramilo Octavio ,   on behalf of the Children’s Hospitals Initiative for Research in Pneumonia
Published: February 2022

Background:

Pneumonia has a major impact on childhood health and health care costs. This study was designed to obtain contemporary information on the clinical characteristics and etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children from both inpatient and outpatient settings in the USA.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study of CAP among previously healthy children 2 months to 18 years of age in 6 children’s hospitals in Ohio from 2015 to 2018. For pathogen detection, nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from all subjects. Blood and pleural fluid cultures were available per standard of care.

Results:

We enrolled a convenience sample of 441 patients: 380 hospitalized and 61 outpatients. Tachypnea and radiologic findings of consolidation and pleural effusion were more frequent among inpatients than outpatients. A pathogen was detected in 64.6% of patients: viruses in 55.6%, atypical bacteria in 8.8% and pyogenic bacteria in 4.3%. Eighteen (4.1%) patients had both viruses and bacteria detected. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV; 18.6%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 16.8%) were the viruses most frequently detected, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (8.2%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2.3%) were the most common bacteria. Except for S. pneumoniae, which was identified more frequently in inpatients, there were no significant differences between inpatients and outpatients in the proportions of children with specific pathogens detected.

Conclusions:

Rhinovirus/enterovirus and RSV among viruses and M. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae among bacteria were the most common pathogens detected in children with CAP. Tachypnea and chest radiographs with consolidation and/or pleural effusion were associated with hospitalization.
Childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Millan Pamela , Gavcovich Tara B. , Abitbol Carolyn
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Takayasu arteritis is a rare chronic granulomatous large vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects the aorta and its branches. The purpose of this review is to unite the current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, cause, and epidemiology as well as diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this condition in children.

Recent findings

Although the etiopathogenesis is not fully understood, studies suggest an autoimmune basis for the disease as well as a genetic predisposition. It is a disease primarily affecting young women with up to a third of cases with onset in childhood. There are distinct features of childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis (cTA) that merit this separate review. Diagnostic criteria and clinical manifestations are unique in pediatric patients with renovascular hypertension being the most prevalent presentation. Traditional treatments involving high-dose corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents are being reconsidered for less toxic contemporary biologic agents. Current algorithms for treatment include early introduction of corticosteroid-sparing agents, such as methotrexate or mycophenolate as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor (infliximab, adalimumab) and/or interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor (tocilizumab).

Early diagnosis of cTA with goals to develop effective and well tolerated treatment paradigms are essential to improve the long-term prognosis of this rare and devastating disease.
Incidence and risk factors for recurrent sexually transmitted infections among MSM on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Zeggagh Jérémy , Bauer Rebecca , Delaugerre Constance , Carette Diane , Fressard Lisa , Charreau Isabelle , Chidiac Christian , Pialoux Gilles , Tremblay Cécile , Cua Eric , Robineau Olivier , Raffi François , Capitant Catherine , Spire Bruno , Meyer Laurence , Molina Jean Michel ,   and the Ipergay Study Group
Published: February 2022

Objective:

High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been reported among pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. We wished to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrent STIs.

Design:

The ANRS IPERGAY trial was a prospective study investigating PrEP among MSM and transgender women in outpatient clinics in France and Canada. In all, 429 participants were enrolled, offered up to 4 years of PrEP and screened for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea) at baseline and every 6 months.

Methods:

STIs incidence was calculated yearly. Cox proportional hazards model regression was used to explore associations between participants characteristics at baseline and recurrent STI during follow-up.

Results:

Over a median follow-up of 23 months, bacterial STI incidence was 75, 33, 13, 32 and 30 per 100 person-years for all STIs, rectal STIs, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, respectively. STI incidence significantly increased from the first year to the fourth year of the study (55 vs. 90 per 100 person-years, P < 0.001). During the study period, 167 participants (39%) presented with more than one bacterial STIs which accounted for 86% of all STIs. Baseline risk factors associated with recurrent STIs in a multivariate analysis were an STI at baseline [hazards ratio: 1.48 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–2.07), P = 0.02], more than eight sexual partners in prior 2 months [hazards ratio: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.21–2.43), P = 0.002] and the use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate [hazards ratio: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.16–2.38), P = 0.005].

Conclusion:

STI incidence was high and increased over time. Most STIs were concentrated in a high-risk group that should be targeted for future interventions.
Synchronous Reconstruction of the Jaw Using a “One and a Half”-Barrel Fibular Bone Graft for Ossifying Fibroma Patients
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhou Qian , Ding Zhangfan , Xuan Ming , Wang Xiaoyi , Xie Huixu
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ossifying fibroma is one of the common benign tumors that affect the appearance and functions of the jaw. Ossifying fibroma may exhibit a wide range of biological behaviors, leading to deformities involving the jaw and other secondary facial deformities. Hence, to improve the function of the jaw and the patient’s general facial appearance (bearing in mind each patient’s facial shape and, or appearance), the authors thus, however, used a ‘‘one and a half”-barrel fibular bone graft to achieve the ideal height and radian of the bone graft.

Case Presentation:

Between July 2017 and January 2021, the authors retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical and surgical data from 39 patients who had undergone operations in our hospital. Twenty patients were operated on using our new surgical method, whereas 19 patients received conventional or debulking operation. Clinical factors associated with the operation were assessed, including classification of the jaw defects, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

All the flaps ultimately survived. According to the postoperative satisfaction survey, patients who underwent reconstruction were satisfied with their postoperative facial appearance, with an average of 8.5 out of 10. Based on the preoperative clinical data, 26 patients had suitable bone grafts for dentures to improve their oral function.

Conclusions:

A ‘‘one and a half’’-barrel fibular bone graft effectively improves the facial appearance of patients and as well as provides an appropriate height and radian for the bone graft.
The neglected pathogen: case reports of severe lower respiratory tract infection by human coronavirus 229E
Authors: Paul Diptanu , Gupta Akshita , Bhatia Vikram , Gupta Ekta
Published: February 2022

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues, other previously ignored viruses must be taken into account as causes of severe acute respiratory distress, influenza-like illness and pneumonia. In this article, we report two cases of pneumonia in chronic liver disease patients where human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E was identified as the only infecting pathogen. Both the patients presented with fever, cough and respiratory distress, along with radiological findings suggestive of pneumonia. Multiplex real-time PCR for various respiratory viruses (FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2 plus) detected HCoV-229E in both cases. Both cases were managed with prophylactic antibiotics, steroids and supplemental oxygen therapy, after which they recovered completely and were discharged.
A new immunocompetent rectal cancer model to study radiation therapy
Authors: Kim Jin K. , Wu Chao , Del Latto Michael , Gao Yajing , Choi Seo-Hyun , Kierstead Maria , Sauvé Charles-Etienne Gabriel , Firat Canan , Perez Almudena Chaves , Sillanpaa Jussi , Chen Chin-Tung , Lawrence Kayla E. , Paty Philip B. , Barriga Francisco M , Shia Jinru , Sawyers Charles L. , Lowe Scott W. , García-Aguilar Julio , Romesser Paul B. , Smith J. Joshua
Published: February 2022

We describe a new mouse model of rectal cancer (RC) involving rapid tumor organoid engraftment via orthotopic transplantation; the resulting RC tumors invaded inward from the mucosal surface and metastasized to distant organs. Histologically the tumors closely resemble human RC and mirror remodeling of the tumor microenvirnoment (TME) in response to radiation. This murine RC model thus recapitulates the pathogenesis of human RC, thereby fulfilling the need for a physiologically accurate model for preclinical efficacy studies.
Biosynthesis and apoplast accumulation of the apocarotenoid pigment azafrin in parasitizing roots of Escobedia grandiflora
Authors: Cardona-Medina Edison , Santos Marisa , Nodari Rubens , Hornero-Méndez Damaso , Peris Arnau , Wong Darren C. J. , Matus José Tomás , Rodríguez-Concepción Manuel
Published: February 2022

The herbaceous hemiparasite Escobedia grandiflora (Orobanchaceae) is used in traditional medicine in the Andean region. Their roots accumulate an orange pigment with a significant relevance as a cooking dye that exhibits antioxidant and cardioprotective properties.

The present work combined metabolic and cytological analyses with de novo transcriptome assembly, gene expression studies, and phylogenetic analyses to confirm the chemical identity of the pigment and investigate its biosynthesis and function in Escobedia roots.

The pigment was conclusively shown to be azafrin, an apocarotenoid likely derived from the cleavage of β-carotene. Candidate genes for the production of azafrin in Escobedia roots are proposed based on RNA-seq supported by RT-qPCR and phylogeny reconstruction analyses. In particular, our data suggest that azafrin production relies a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) different from CCD7 and similar to CCD4 enzymes. We also show that azafrin is delivered to the root apoplast and that it accumulates in the area where the Escobedia haustorium contacts the host’s root, suggesting a role of azafrin in the parasitization process.

Altogether, our work represents an unprecedented step forward in our understanding of the Escobedia parasitization system, but it also provides vital information towards the eventual domestication of this valuable medicinal plant.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide enclosed hollow gold nanostructure with tunable surface plasmon resonances to promote near-infrared photothermal conversion
Authors: Yuan Muzhaozi , Feng Xuhui , Yan Tian-Hao , Chen Jingfan , Ma Xuezhi , Cunha Preston , Lan Shoufeng , Li Ying , Zhou Hong-Cai , Wang Ya
Published: February 2022

In this study, to enhance deep tissue penetration by near-infrared (NIR) light, a novel superparamagnetic iron oxide enclosed hollow gold nanoshell (SPIO-HGNS) structure with tunable size and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the NIR range was designed and synthesized through a 2-step template-enabled galvanic replacement reaction. Here, Ag coated SPIO (SPIO-Ag) was prepared as a template with tunable outer diameters by way of adjusting the Ag content. SPIO-HGNS with variable hollow gold inner diameters can then be synthesized based on the determined outer diameter of the SPIO-Ag template through a galvanic replacement reaction between HAuCl3 and Ag coating on the SPIO surface. With incrementing amounts of Ag, three SPIO-HGNS structures were synthesized with comparable shell thicknesses around 6.7 nm and an average inner diameter of 38.7, 39.4, and 40.7 nm, respectively, evidenced by TEM and ICP results. The structure of SPIO-HGNS was confirmed by identifying Au111 lattice and the elemental mapping of Fe and Au using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Ultraviolet-Visible-NIR absorption spectra showed red-shifted SPR peaks (820, 855, and 945 nm) with the increasing inner diameters of SPIO-HGNS, which was also supported by an absorption cross-section simulation. The photothermal results showed that the three SPIO-HGNS structures, when exposed to ~30 s of 400 mW laser irradiation, exhibited photothermal temperature rises of 5.9, 4.6, and 2.9 °C, respectively. This study explored the tuning of SPR properties in NIR-responsive magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles through a facile preparation procedure, paving the way for potential applications in photothermal therapies.
Ingestion of microplastic fibres, but not microplastic beads, impacts growth rates in the tropical house cricket Gryllodes sigillatus
Authors: Fudlosid Serita , Ritchie Marshall W. , Muzzatti Matthew J. , Allison Jane E. , Provencher Jennifer , MacMillan Heath A.
Published: February 2022

Microplastic is a growing concern as an environmental contaminant as it is ubiquitous in our ecosystems. Microplastics are present in terrestrial environments, yet the majority of studies have focused on the adverse effects of microplastics on aquatic biota. We hypothesized that microplastic ingestion by a terrestrial insect would have localized effects on gut health and nutrient absorption, such that prolonged dietary microplastic exposure would impact growth rate and adult body size. We further hypothesized that plastic form (fibres vs. beads) would influence these effects because of the nature of gut-plastic interactions. Freshly hatched tropical house crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) were fed a standard diet containing different concentrations of either fluorescent polyethylene microplastic beads (75-105 μm), or untreated polyethylene terephthalate microfibers (<5 mm) until they died or reached adulthood (approximately 8 weeks). Weight and body length were measured weekly and microplastic ingestion was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and visual inspection of the frass. While, to our surprise, we found no effect of polyethylene bead ingestion on growth rate or final body size of G. sigillatus, females experienced a reduction in size and weight when fed high concentrations of polyethylene terephthalate microfibers. These results suggest that high concentrations of polyethylene beads of the 100 μm size range can pass through the cricket gut without a substantial negative effect on their growth and development time, but high concentrations of polyethylene terephthalate microfibers cannot. Although we report the negative effects of microplastic ingestion on the growth of G. sigillatus, it remains uncertain what threats microplastics pose to terrestrial insects.
Estimation of COVID-19 cases prevented by vaccination in California
Authors: Tan Sophia , Park Hailey , Rodríguez-Barraquer Isabel , Rutherford George W. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Lo Nathan C.
Published: February 2022

Importance

Despite widespread vaccination against COVID-19 in the United States, there are limited empirical data quantifying the public health impact in the population.

Objective

To estimate the number of cases of COVID-19 averted due to COVID-19 vaccination

Design, Setting, and Participants

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provided person-level data on COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 vaccine administration. To estimate the number of COVID-19 cases that would have occurred in the vaccine era in absence of vaccination, we applied a statistical model that estimated the relationship of COVID-19 cases in the pre-vaccine era between the unvaccinated age group (<12 years) and vaccine-eligible groups (≥12 years) to COVID-19 case data after the start of vaccination. The primary study outcome was the difference between predicted number of COVID-19 cases in absence of vaccination and observed COVID-19 cases with vaccination. As a sensitivity analysis, we developed a second independent model that estimated the number of vaccine-averted COVID-19 cases by applying published data on vaccine effectiveness to data on COVID-19 vaccine administration and estimated risk of COVID-19 over time.

Intervention

COVID-19 vaccination

Main Outcomes and Measures

COVID-19 cases

Results

There were 4,585,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases in California from January 1, 2020 to October 16, 2021, during which 27,164,680 vaccine-eligible individuals ≥12 years were reported to have received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the vaccine era (79.5% of the eligible population). We estimated that 1,523,500 [95% prediction interval (976,800-2,230,800)] COVID-19 cases were averted and there was a 34% [95% prediction interval (25-43)] reduction in cases due to vaccination in the primary model. Approximately 66% of total cases averted occurred after the delta variant became the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in California. Our alternative model identified comparable findings.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study provides robust evidence on the public health impact of COVID-19 vaccination in the United States and further supports the urgency for continued vaccination.

Key Points

Question

How many COVID-19 cases have been prevented by COVID-19 vaccination in California?

Findings

In this empirical analysis of California using data from the Department of Public Health, we estimated that COVID-19 vaccination has prevented over 1.5 million COVID-19 cases from the introduction of vaccination through October 16, 2021.

Meaning

These findings support that COVID-19 vaccination had a large public health impact in California in terms of averted cases of COVID-19 and can be generalized across the United States.
Comparative transcriptomics unveil distinctive metabolic pathway of phosphonate utilization by diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Shu Huilin , You Yanchun , Wang Hongwei , Wang Jingtian , Li Ling , Lin Xin , Ma Jian
Published: February 2022

Phosphonates are important constituents of marine organic phosphorus, however, the bioavailability and catabolism of phosphonates by eukaryotic phytoplankton remain enigmatic. Here, we use diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to investigate the bioavailability of phosphonates and elaborate the underlying molecular mechanism. Our results showed that 2-aminoethylphosphonic (2-AEP) can be utilized as alternative phosphorus source. Comparative transcriptomics unveil the 2-AEP utilization comprising two steps, molecular uptake through clathrin-mediated endocytosis and incorporation into the membrane phospholipids in the form of diacylglyceryl-2-AEP (DAG-2-AEP). In the global ocean, we found the prevalence of key genes responsible for vesicle formation (CLTC, AP-2) and DAG-AEP synthesis (PCYT2 and EPT1) in diatom assemblage. In accordance with the observation of elevated transcript abundance in cold waters, our culture experiments showed that cells grown in 2-AEP are more active at lower temperature. This study elucidated a distinctive mechanism of phosphonate utilization by diatom and inspected the ecological implications in adaptive mechanism.
An intergeneric recombinant geminivirus causes soybean stay-green disease
Authors: Cheng Ruixiang , Mei Ruoxin , Yan Rong , Chen Hongyu , Miao Dan , Cai Lina , Fan Jiayi , Li Gairu , Xu Ran , Lu Weiguo , Gao Yu , Ye Wenwu , Su Shuo , Han Tianfu , Gai Junyi , Wang Yuanchao , Tao Xiaorong , Xu Yi
Published: February 2022

Soybean is one of the most valuable legume crops in the world with high nutritional value. Recently, the outbreak of soybean stay-green syndrome has swept the soybean production in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China, resulting in huge yield losses, which has become an epidemic and prominent problem in soybean production. However, the cause of the stay-green syndrome remains obscure. Here, we report a novel intergeneric recombinant geminivirus which causes soybean stay-green symptoms. Viral small RNA-based screening identified a new recombinant geminvirus from field soybean stay-green samples. The complete genome sequence of the virus contains 2762 nucleotide (nt) and appears to be an intergeneric recombinant virus in which protein coding for coat protein (V1) is similar to member of genus Mastrevirus, whereas proteins coding for V2, C2, C3 are most similar to those of viruses in the Maldovirus genus, and C1 and C4 are most similar to virus in genus Begomovirus. Inoculation of the infectious clone of the recombinant geminivirus through Agrobacterium rhizogenes causes typical soybean stay-green syndrome which resembles field symptoms including delayed leaf senescence, flat pods and abnormal seeds. The recombinant geminivirus can be detected in seed coat but not in cotyledon and embryo, thus failing to be transmitted by seeds. Moreover, the genome variation and epidemiological dynamic analysis were also carried out to help the continuous epidemiological surveillance of this emerging geminivirus. Collectively, this new geminivirus is tentatively named soybean stay-green associated virus (SoSGV). Our determination of the causal agent of soybean stay-green disease will bolster efforts to develop effective management strategies to control this prevalent disease in the field.
Flavobacterium johnsoniae Tyrosine Ammonia Lyase (FjTAL) in-silico Structure Prediction and Molecular Docking to L-Tyrosine, p-Coumaric Acid (pHCA) and Caffeic Acid
Authors: Majd Seyyed Amirreza Mousavi
Published: February 2022

Responsible for the conversion of L-tyrosine to p-coumaric acid in Flavobacterium johnsoniae, FjTAL has drawn the attention of many biochemical engineers who wish to carry out a sustainable biosynthetic scheme for the production of aromatic compounds. In this study, with the aid of various computational tools, the secondary and tertiary structures of FjTAL have been predicted. The results suggest that FjTAL forms a homo-tetramer when active as a cytosolic enzyme and it is mostly consisted of alpha helices. With the aid of molecular docking, one can hypothesize that FjTAL is likely to bind to L-tyrosine, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid with a similar molecular mechanism and thus, p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid may exhibit a negative feedback response toward the enzyme and inhibit its activity competitively. Two distinct binding pockets have been discovered, one of which contains highly conserved residues among several species. The residues which form the prosthetic group 3,5-dihydro-5-methylidene-4H-imidazol-4-one (MIO) also emerge in the evolutionary conserved binding pocket. The other discovered cavity, could either be a second binding site for the ligands or simply an artifact of the molecular docking task.
Pancreas resident macrophage-induced fibrosis has divergent roles in pancreas inflammatory injury and PDAC
Authors: Baer John M. , Zuo Chong , Kang Liang-I , Alarcon de la Lastra Angela , Borcherding Nicholas C. , Knolhoff Brett L. , Bogner Savannah J. , Zhu Yu , Lewis Mark A. , Zhang Nan , Kim Ki-Wook , Fields Ryan C. , Mills Jason C. , Ding Li , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , DeNardo David G.
Published: February 2022

Tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) are long-lived cells that maintain locally and can be phenotypically distinct from monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). However, whether TRMs and MDMs have functional distinction under differing pathologies is not understood. Here, we show a significant portion of macrophages that accumulated during pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer were expanded from TRMs. We further established that pancreas TRMs have a distinct extracellular matrix remodeling phenotype that was critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis during inflammation. Loss of TRMs led to exacerbation of severe pancreatitis and animal death, due to impaired acinar cell survival and recovery. In pancreatitis, TRMs elicited protective effects by triggering the accumulation and activation of fibroblasts, which was necessary for initiating fibrosis as a wound healing response. The same TRM-driven fibrosis, however, drove pancreas cancer pathogenesis and progression. Together, these findings indicate that TRMs play divergent roles in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis and cancer through regulation of stromagenesis.
The effect of anodizing electrolyte composition on electrochemical properties of anodized magnesium
Authors: Mousavian Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Tabaian Seyed Hadi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electrolyte compounds on the anodizing process. Magnesium and its alloys have low corrosion resistance. Anodizing operation is performed to increase the corrosion resistance of magnesium. Anodizing solution compounds have a great effect on the oxide coating formed on the substrate. The effect of anodizing electrolyte composition on the corrosion behavior of magnesium was investigated in the simulated body fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

Three pure magnesium samples were anodized separately at 15 min, a constant voltage of 9 volts and room temperature. Three different solutions were used, which are the anodizing solution by the Harry A. Evangelides (HAE) method, the sodium hydroxide solution and the anodizing solution of the HAE method without potassium permanganate. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to examine the surface of the anodized oxide layer and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used for electrochemical corrosion evaluations.

Findings

The results of corrosion tests showed that the sample anodized in the solution without potassium permanganate has had the highest corrosion resistance. Also, microscopic images showed that the surface of the oxide layer of this sample had a uniform structure and is somewhat smooth. It seems that in the anodizing process by HAE method at 9 volts and for 15 min, the absence of potassium permanganate improves the corrosion resistance of magnesium. Also, anodizing in HAE solution gives more positive results than anodizing in sodium hydroxide solution.

Originality/value

The solution without potassium permanganate was studied for the first time and also the effect of these three anodizing electrolytes was compared together for the first time. Effect of anodizing at 15 min and constant voltage of 9 volts. Sample’s electrochemical behavior in the body's simulation environment has been investigated. Improvement of electrochemical properties in the solution of the HAE method without potassium permanganate.
Efforts are made but food wastage is still going on: a study of motivation factors for food waste reduction among household consumers
Authors: Matharu Manita , Gupta Neha , Swarnakar Vikas
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The goal of this research is to find the components that can inspire people to reduce food waste at household consumer level. The components were created by combining the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), theory of interpersonal behaviour (TIB) and motivation opportunity ability (MOA) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the content analysis, which identifies the motivating factors for food waste reduction at the consumer household level. A total of 12 motivating factors are identified across extensive literature reviews along with opinions of experts. Then, the recognized motivating factors are analysed for causal interrelationship using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Data were collected from 95 experts, selected using purposive sampling, through a questionnaire survey.

Findings

A total of 95 household experts expressed their views on food waste reduction motivation factors, and a decision matrix has been developed based on that. Then, opinions are analysed using the DEMATEL approach, and it was found that “perceived behavioural control (PBC)” is the most influential motivating factor for food reduction at the household consumer level. Results also showed that “knowledge and skills about proper food management at home” are the least affected factor among the others.

Practical implications

Minimizing food wastes at the consumer and household level can provide the benefits to both people and environment in multiple ways. The problem of food waste necessitates a multifaceted response, and this study aims to address consumers' motivation and capabilities to lessen food waste behaviour. Since the benefits of minimizing food wastes have often remained untapped and neglected, educational efforts should be used by policymakers to enhance household awareness of food waste.

Social implications

The present study contributes to the inadequate research on household food waste in India and is expected to facilitate sustainable consumption.

Originality/value

Food waste management is particularly difficult for developing countries, like India, which have little resources and are environmentally vulnerable. Not only is there a dearth of study on household food waste, but most of the research has been conducted in developed economies. Also, a novel applied method has been utilized in this study.
Antecedents of corporate social responsibility disclosure: evidence from the UK extractive and retail sector
Authors: Wang Yan , Yekini Kemi , Babajide Bola , Kessy Miriama
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure among the UK extractive and retail sectors and consequently ascertain whether corporate board characteristics and firm characteristics can explain observable differences in the extent of CSR disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the KPMG survey 2017, the sample comprises all the firms in the extractive industries, such as mining and oil and gas and also retail industries, such as food and drug retailers and general retailers for the sample period of 2005 to 2018.

Findings

The findings show that the level of CSR disclosure from extractive sector is much higher than that of their counterparts in retail sector. In addition, the multiple regression results show that CSR disclosure is positively and significantly associated with board gender diversity, board independence, board size. Nevertheless, the results show that board meetings and Chief Executive Officer duality do not have a significant impact on CSR disclosure.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on CSR in that it advances the understanding of the interaction between governance mechanisms and specific firm characteristics of two distinct sectors of the UK economy and how this in turn influences the CSR in the two sectors.
Is financial development crucial to achieving the “2030 agenda of sustainable development”? Evidence from Asian countries
Authors: Khemani Purnima , Kumar Dilip
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) demands mobilising finance and aligning it with elements of sustainability. This study, thus, aims to investigate the impact of financial development of an economy on the achievement of SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse a sample of 35 Asian countries based on their SDG trends and representative SDG indicators. An ordered probit model is employed for analysing the impact of financial development on the SDG trend. Subsequently, pairwise Granger causality test is employed for investigating the causality between the SDG and the financial development.

Findings

The findings indicate that financial development positively impacts the progress towards SDG achievement in the areas: (1) gender equality, (2) economic growth, (3) industry, innovation and infrastructure and (4) sustainable cities and communities; and adversely impacts the climate action. The causality test indicates a bidirectional causality for financial development and industry, infrastructure and innovation, financial development and sustainable cities and communities and financial development and climate action, and unidirectional causality from gender equality to financial development.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have implications for the government of a nation as well as the private businesses. The goals allow businesses to implement well-articulated strategies which pay attention to the SDGs.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is that the authors provide evidence supporting the view that focusing on building a resilient and robust financial system is of importance for the achievement of SDGs.
The interactive effect of Islamic work ethics and leader-member exchange on workplace deviance behaviour and adaptive performance
Authors: Zia Muhammad Qamar , Naveed Muhammad , Fasih Syeda Tayyaba , Aleem Muhammad Usman , Ramish Muhammad Sufyan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon conservation of theory, this study aims to extend the scant literature on the effect of leader-member exchange (LMX) on workplace deviance behaviour (WDB) and adaptive performance by investigating the role of Islamic work ethics as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged and multi-source data of (269 paired responses) of employees working in Islamic banks were used for hypotheses testing.

Findings

Taken together, the findings revealed that Leader Member Exchange (LMX) has a positive and significant impact on adaptive performance and is negatively related to employees’ WDB. The results of the moderation effect showed the positive relationship of LMX with adaptive performance and the negative relationship with WDB is stronger for high Islamic work ethics (IWE).

Practical implications

This study provides practical insight that Islamic business ethics plays a significant role in fostering adaptive performance and reducing the deviance behaviour of employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examined the moderating role of IWE between LMX-adaptive performance and LMX-WDB. This study has also filled the gap of scant literature about the impact of LMX on adaptive performance and WDB.
The association between internal control quality and audit report lag in the French setting: the moderating effect of family directors
Authors: Gontara Hela , Khelil Imen , Khlif Hichem
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the association between internal control quality (ICQ) and audit report lag (ARL) and to test whether family directors affect the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

ICQ is measured by using the framework developed by Michelon et al. (2015), while ARL is measured as the number of days from fiscal year-end to the date of the auditor's report.

Findings

Using a sample of 190 French companies over the period of 2016–2019, the authors document that ICQ is negatively associated with ARL, suggesting that ICQ represents a key determinant of audit delay. When testing for the moderating effect of family directors on this relationship, findings show that under high percentage of family directors on the board, this relationship becomes insignificant.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous research on audit delays by investigating the moderating effect of family directors on the relation between ICQ and ARL in the French setting. The empirical evidence highlights the adverse effect of the concentration of family directors on the board on timely disclosure as proxied by ARL.
Restaurant employees' attitudinal reactions to social distancing difficulties: a multi-wave study
Authors: Huo Meng-Long , Jiang Zhou , Cheng Zhiming , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Grounded in the job demands–resources (JD-R) theory, this study investigates how the difficulty in social distancing at work, resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, may lead to intention to quit and career regret and how and when these effects may be attenuated.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-wave survey data were collected from 223 frontline service workers in a large restaurant company during the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

The results show that difficulty in social distancing reduced employees' work engagement, and consequently, increased their turnover intention and career regret. These relationships were moderated by external employability, such that the influence of difficulty in social distancing weakened as external employability increased.

Originality/value

Social distancing measures have been applied across the globe to minimize transmission of COVID-19. However, such measures create a new job demand for service workers who find it difficult to practice social distancing due to the high contact intensity of service delivery. This study identified personal resources that help service workers cope with the demand triggered by COVID-19.
Changes in quality parameters and microbial stability of hog plum (Spondias mombin Linn.) juice during ambient and refrigerated storage
Authors: Adeboyejo Folasade Olabimpe , Aderibigbe Olaide Ruth , Ojo Fehintola Oluwatosin , Fagbemi Steven Akintomide
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Several factors may play critical roles in alterations to product quality during storage of hog plum juice. This study aims to evaluate variations to physicochemical, antioxidant, anti-nutritional properties and microbial stability of hog plum juice during storage.

Design/methodology/approach

Juice was produced from hog plum fruits and stored for eight weeks at refrigerated and ambient conditions. Physicochemical, antioxidant properties, antinutritional factors and microbial properties of juices were determined using standard procedures

Findings

Degradation of ascorbic acid was higher in juices stored at ambient conditions (64.4%) compared to those stored by refrigeration (44.4%). Trends were similar for total phenolic, total flavonoid and total carotenoid contents. Total phenolic, total carotenoid and lycopene contents of fresh juice were 3.9 mg GAE/mL, 4.0 mg/mL and 1.3 mg/mL, which were not significantly different (at p = 0.08, 0.07 and 0.08, respectively) from the values at two weeks of storage at refrigerated conditions (3.9 mg GAE/mL, 3.9 mg/mL and 1.3 mg/mL). A sharp decrease of more than 40% (p = 0.02) in lycopene was recorded after four weeks, irrespective of storage temperature. Pasteurized hog plum juice showed no microbial growth until after four weeks of refrigerated storage when 1 CFU/mL each of bacterial and fungal growth were recorded. The juices, however, showed higher susceptibility to fungal growth as storage period increased.

Research limitations/implications

Other variables not considered in this study such as nature of packaging materials may have significantly contributed to the observed data set. Further studies may, therefore, widen the scope of discussion to evaluate the associated relationship of these variables. Hog plum juice retained a considerable amount of bioactive components during refrigerated storage, which makes it a viable nutraceutical drink with industrial potentials and possible positive health implications for consumers.

Practical implications

This study provides new information that support the possible classification and use of hog plum juice as a safe functional beverage for human consumption.

Originality/value

Although the effect of storage temperature was significant in most of the properties studied, storage duration seems to have a greater influence on the stability of quality parameters during the storage of hog plum juice.