bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Quantitative Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging With OPTIMUM—Optimized Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting Using a Stationary Steady-State Cartesian Approach and Accelerated Acquisition Schedules
Authors: Sarracanie Mathieu
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of the proposed work is to develop model-based, fast multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in field regimes where signal-to-noise ratio is poor, such as encountered at low-field and in low γ nuclei.

Materials and Methods

A custom, optimized MRI pipeline was developed at low field (0.1 T) that relies on the magnetic resonance fingerprinting framework, called OPTIMUM. An optimization algorithm was used to select a short acquisition schedule (n = 18 images) that favors maximal discrimination across varying magnetic properties (T
1, T
2) and off-resonance effects while maintaining high transverse magnetization at the steady state. In the presented study, a stationary balanced steady-state approach was investigated that allows for Cartesian (used here) and non-Cartesian acquisition schemes. Images were collected in calibrated samples containing different concentrations of manganese(II) chloride (MnCl2) in deionized water and compared with gold standard techniques (ie, inversion recovery for T
1, Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill for T
2). Images were then collected in vivo in the human hand and wrist.

Results

OPTIMUM successfully provided sets of quantified maps (T
1, T
2, T
2*, M
0, ΔB
0, B
1

+
) in calibrated samples and in vivo in the human hand and wrist in 3 dimensions, in ~8.5 minutes, with a voxel resolution of [1.5 ×1.5 × 6.5] mm3. Relaxation parameters (T
1, T
2) scale linearly with [MnCl2] and are in good agreement with the calibrations performed for T
1, with a consistent trend to underestimate T
2.

Conclusion

We show that low-field MRI can benefit from innovative multiparametric approaches to gain speed and become realistic in clinical environments. For the first time, we report simultaneous, multiparametric imaging (6 quantitative maps) in 3 dimensions, in vivo in the human hand and wrist, obtained in just 8.5 minutes. It is sometimes overlooked that low magnetic fields provide higher dispersion of nuclear spin relaxation rates. Rapid quantification such as offered by OPTIMUM could be an enabling technology to explore new metrics and contrasts in point-of-care MRI diagnosis, making it an important step toward broad democratization.
Intracavernous Schwannoma Characterized With 18F-FDG, 68Ga-DOTATOC, and 18F-Choline PET
Authors: Farce Julien , Lecouillard Isabelle , Carsin Nicol Béatrice , Bretonnier Maxime , Girard Antoine
Published: October 2021

We report the case of a 75-year-old man with history of prostate cancer whose left intracavernous lesion was successfully characterized by 3 PETs performed successively with different tracers. This poorly characterized tumor was initially discovered on an MRI conducted to investigate an acute diplopia and slowly growing during follow-up. On 18F-FDG PET, the lesion showed no significant uptake, and no extracranial lesion was found nor did it have increased 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake. Finally, this tumor displayed a high 18F-choline uptake, and no extracranial lesion was revealed with this tracer. The diagnosis of schwannoma without malignancy criterion was proven by biopsy.
Sagittal Cephalometric Evaluation Without Point Nasion: Sagittal G-Triangle Analysis
Authors: Li Boxiu , Zhang Zhuomin , Lin Xinping , Dong Yan
Published: October 2021

This study aims to introduce a new sagittal cephalometric measurement, the sagittal G-triangle analysis, to accurately and reproducibly assess the sagittal jaw relationship. Sagittal G-triangle analysis, which consists of angles AXK and BXK, is based on an equilateral triangle (Bo–X–K) constructed using 5 cephalometric landmarks (Ba, Bo, Po, Or, and G). To test the diagnostic efficiency of this analysis, pretreatment cephalometric radiographs of 120 female and 120 male Chinese patients were randomly selected. For each enlisted subject, angles SNA and SNB as well as angles AXK and BXK were measured and recorded. On the basis of the SNA and SNB results, subjects were categorized into 6 groups: maxillary retrognathism, normal maxilla, maxillary prognathism, mandibular retrognathism, normal mandible, and mandibular prognathism. The diagnostic efficiency of angles AXK and BXK were evaluated using various statistical tests. A high correlation was detected between angles SNA and AXK as well as between angles SNB and BXK. Female patients with angle AXK between −2.255° and 2.860° and male patients with angle AXK between −2.615° and 2.120° were considered to have a normal maxilla position. Female patients with angle BXK between −2.61° and 2.93° and male patients with angle BXK between −2.275° and 0.610° were considered to have a normal mandible position. In conclusion, sagittal G-triangle analysis could be used as an alternative method for the evaluation of the sagittal position of the maxilla and mandible in cephalometric analysis.
Long-term trends in the occupancy of ants revealed through use of multi-sourced datasets
Authors: Sheard Julie K. , Rahbek Carsten , Dunn Robert R. , Sanders Nathan J. , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: October 2021

We combined participatory science data and museum records to understand long-term changes in occupancy for 29 ant species in Denmark over 119 years. Bayesian occupancy modelling indicated change in occupancy for 15 species: five increased, four declined and six showed fluctuating trends. We consider how trends may have been influenced by life-history and habitat changes. Our results build on an emerging picture that biodiversity change in insects is more complex than implied by the simple insect decline narrative.
Longitudinal evidence that older parents produce offspring with longer telomeres in a wild social bird
Authors: Brown Antony M. , Wood Emma M. , Capilla-Lasheras Pablo , Harrison Xavier A. , Young Andrew J.
Published: October 2021

As telomere length (TL) often predicts survival and lifespan, there is considerable interest in the origins of inter-individual variation in TL. Cross-generational effects of parental age on offspring TL are thought to be a key source of variation, but the rarity of longitudinal studies that examine the telomeres of successive offspring born throughout the lives of parents leaves such effects poorly understood. Here, we exploit TL measures of successive offspring produced throughout the long breeding tenures of parents in wild white-browed sparrow weaver (
Plocepasser mahali
) societies, to isolate the effects of within-parent changes in age on offspring TLs. Our analyses reveal the first evidence to date of a positive within-parent effect of advancing age on offspring TL: as individual parents age, they produce offspring with longer telomeres (a modest effect that persists into offspring adulthood). We consider the potential for pre- and post-natal mechanisms to explain our findings. As telomere attrition predicts offspring survival to adulthood in this species, this positive parental age effect could impact parent and offspring fitness if it arose via differential telomere attrition during offspring development. Our findings support the view that cross-generational effects of parental age can be a source of inter-individual variation in TL.
Anchored linear oligonucleotides: the effective tool for the real-time measurement of uracil DNA glycosylase activity
Authors: Ligasová Anna , Rosenberg Ivan , Bocková Markéta , Homola Jiří , Koberna Karel
Published: October 2021

Base excision repair is one of the important DNA repair mechanisms in cells. The fundamental role in this complex process is played by DNA glycosylases. Here, we present a novel approach for the real-time measurement of uracil DNA glycosylase activity, which employs selected oligonucleotides immobilized on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles and Förster resonance energy transfer. We also show that the approach can be performed by surface plasmon resonance sensor technology. We demonstrate that the immobilization of oligonucleotides provides much more reliable data than the free oligonucleotides including molecular beacons. Moreover, our results show that the method provides the possibility to address the relationship between the efficiency of uracil DNA glycosylase activity and the arrangement of the used oligonucleotide probes. For instance, the introduction of the nick into oligonucleotide containing the target base (uracil) resulted in the substantial decrease of uracil DNA glycosylase activity of both the bacterial glycosylase and glycosylases naturally present in nuclear lysates.
Flavobacterium hydrocarbonoxydans sp. nov., isolated from polluted soil
Authors: Jung Da Min , Kim Yeong Seok , Bang Jeong Hwan , Kim Seung Bum
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a polyphasic taxonomic study of a Gram-stain-negative bacterium designated GA093T, a soil isolate capable of benzo(α)pyrene degradation. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain GA093T is a member of the genus

Flavobacterium

, and formed an independent phylogenetic line while clustering with the type strains of

Flavobacterium hibernum

,

Flavobacterium branchiarum

and

Flavobacterium hydatis

. Strain GA093T was facultatively anaerobic, and could grow at 4–33 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6–11 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Strain GA093T was capable of producing acid from various carbon sources, which was comparable to other related species of

Flavobacterium

. The strain contained MK-6 as the only isoprenoid quinone, iso-C15 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acid, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as diagnostic polar lipids, and sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain GA093T were consistent with the general properties of

Flavobacterium

except the presence of phosphatidylinositol, which distinguished it from other related species. The total stretch of the obtained genome of GA093T was 5.05 Mbp, and the DNA G+C content was 34.79 mol%. The genome contained genes potentially related to the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. On the basis of the present polyphasic analysis, strain GA093T was found to have properties that distunguished it as representing a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which the name Flavobacterium hydrocarbonoxydans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GA093T (=KCTC 72594T=LMG 31760T).
SARS-CoV-2 variant transmission in a community-health population (Mexico City, Mexico)
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Martinez Marcela , Davis Brian D , Chen Stephanie S , Martinez Jorge Sincuir , Corona Clara , Diaz Guadalupe , Makhoul Elias , Heneidi Saleh , Goldberg Jorge , Plummer Jasmine T , Vail Eric
Published: October 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.519, arose in North and Central America, circulating primarily in Mexico. We demonstrate that this variant peaked during the second wave of COVID-19 in Mexico City in the spring of 2021. This variant is likely more infectious, attributed to mutation in the RBD of the spike protein T478K also seen in the alpha variant (B.1.1.7). However the time dynamics of the spread of this variant drastically changed upon the introduction of delta (B.1.617.2) to the country in which we observe a shift from 0% in May 2021 to 55% delta in the span of one month. Since the delta variant has dominantly spread across the globe, we investigated the increasing frequency of the Mexico variant, B.1.1.519, in the public community within Mexico City. Once present, the delta variant was 78% of the Mexico City catchment in July 2021, a time which marked the commencement of Mexico’s third wave. Our data supports the growing concern that the delta variant is closely associated with the massive infection spread of the VOC in Central and South America. While the T478K mutation, also seen in the alpha variant, has evidence for increased transmissibility, these data suggest that the delta variant shows overall increased fitness seeing as it outcompeted the B.1.1519 this Mexico community.
Perceived quality of care among households ever enrolled in a community-based health insurance scheme in two districts of northeast Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Hussien Mohammed , Azage Muluken , Bayou Negalign Berhanu
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine how clients perceived about the quality of health care they received and to identify associated factors at the individual and facility-level.

Design

A community-based, cross-sectional study

Setting

Health centers in two districts

Participants

1081 rural households who had ever been enrolled in a community-based health insurance and had visited a health center at least once in the previous 12 months, as well as 194 health care providers working in 12 health centers.

Outcome measures

The outcome variable of interest was the perceived quality of care, which was measured using a 17-item scale. Respondents were asked to rate the degree to which they agreed on 5-point response items relating to their experiences with health care in the outpatient departments of nearby health centers. A multilevel linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of perceived quality of care.

Results

The mean perceived quality of care was 70.28 (SD=8.39). Five dimensions of perceived quality of care were extracted from the factor analysis, with the patient-provider communication dimension having the highest mean score (M=77.84, SD=10.12), and information provision having the lowest (M=64.67, SD=13.87). Wealth status, current insurance status, perceived health status, presence of chronic illness, time to a recent health center visit, work experience of health care providers and patient volume were the factors significantly associated with perceived quality of care. An interaction term between patient volume and staff job satisfaction also showed significant association.

Conclusions

Much work remains to improve the quality of care, especially on information provision and access to care quality dimensions. A range of individual and cluster-level characteristics influence the perceived quality of care. For a better quality of care, it is vital to optimize the patient-provider ratio, and enhance staff job satisfaction.

Strengths and limitations of this study

▸

The study tried to assess the quality of care from the clients’ point of view using a validated multidimensional scale.

▸

This is the first cross-sectional study in Ethiopia, which considered health center (cluster) level variables that have association with perceived quality of care.

▸

We tested for the existence of endogeneity between current insurance status and quality of care. Although the results indicated no evidence of endogeneity, it is still possible due to omitted variables. Active insurance members may report a higher perception score quality of care as a result of their desire to stay in the scheme.

▸

Because of the cross-sectional nature of the study, it is impossible to establish a cause- and-effect relationship.
Transcriptome data from human nasal epithelial cells infected by H3N2 influenza virus indicate early unbalanced ROS/RNA levels, temporarily increased aerobic fermentation linked to enhanced α-tubulin and rapid energy-dependent IRF9-marked immunization
Authors: Costa José Hélio , Aziz Shahid , Noceda Carlos , Arnholdt-Schmitt Birgit
Published: October 2021

Background

Transcriptome studies of a selected gene set (ReprogVirus) had identified unbalanced ROS/RNS levels, which connected to increased aerobic fermentation that linked to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and cell cycle control, as a major complex trait for early de novo programming (CoV-MAC-TED) upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, CoV-MAC-TED was confirmed as promising marker by using primary target human nasal epithelial cells (NECs) infected by two SARS-CoV-2 variants with different effects on disease severity. To further explore this marker/cell system as a standardized tool for identifying anti-viral targets in general, testing of further virus types is required. Results: Transcriptome level profiles of H3N2 influenza-infected NECs indicated ROS/RNS level changes and increased transcript accumulation of genes related to glycolysis, lactic fermentation and α-tubulin at 8 hours post infection. These early changes linked to energy-dependent, IRF9-marked rapid immunization. However, ReprogVirus-marker genes indicated the absence of initial cell cycle progress, which contrasted our findings during infections with two SARS-CoV-2 variants, where cell cycle progress was linked to delayed IRF9 response. Our results point to the possibility of CoV-MAC-TED-assisted, rapid individual host cell response identification upon virus infections. Conclusion: The complex trait CoV-MAC-TED can identify similar and differential early responses of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H3N2 viruses. This indicates its appropriateness to search for anti-viral targets in view of therapeutic design strategies. For standardization, human NECs can be used. This marker/cell system is promising to identify differential early cell responses upon viral infections also depending on cell origins.
Ochratoxin A induces behavioral and neurochemical changes in adult zebrafish
Authors: Valadas Jéssica , Sachett Adrieli , Marcon Matheus , Bastos Leonardo M. , Piato Angelo
Published: October 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by species of filamentous fungi widely found as a contaminant in food and with high toxic potential. Studies have shown that this toxin cause kidney and liver damage, however, data on the effects of exposure to OTA on the central nervous system are still scarce. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a teleost often used in translational research due to its physiological, genetic, and behavioral homology with mammals, in addition to being useful as an environmental bioindicator. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to OTA on behavioral and neurochemical parameters in adult zebrafish. The animals were treated with different doses of OTA (1.38, 2.77, and 5.53 mg/kg) and submitted to behavioral evaluations in the open tank and social interaction tests. Subsequently, they were euthanized, and the brains were used to assess markers associated with oxidative status. In the open tank test OTA induced changes in distance, absolute turn angle, mean speed, and time-freezing. However, no significant effects were observed in the social interaction test. Moreover, OTA also induced alterations in neurochemical parameters with changes in non-protein thiols (NPSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR). This study showed that OTA can affect neurobiological aspects in zebrafish even at low doses.
Functional connectome of arousal and motor brainstem nuclei in living humans by 7 Tesla resting-state fMRI
Authors: Singh Kavita , Cauzzo Simone , García-Gomar María Guadalupe , Stauder Matthew , Vanello Nicola , Passino Claudio , Bianciardi Marta
Published: October 2021

Brainstem nuclei play a pivotal role in many functions, such as arousal and motor control. Nevertheless, the connectivity of arousal and motor brainstem nuclei is understudied in living humans due to the limited sensitivity and spatial resolution of conventional imaging, and to the lack of atlases of these deep tiny regions of the brain. For a holistic comprehension of sleep, arousal and associated motor processes, we investigated in 20 healthy subjects the resting-state functional connectivity of 18 arousal and motor brainstem nuclei in living humans. To do so, we used high spatial-resolution 7 Tesla resting-state fMRI, as well as a recently developed in-vivo probabilistic atlas of these nuclei in stereotactic space. Further, we verified the translatability of our brainstem connectome approach to conventional (e.g. 3 Tesla) fMRI. Arousal brainstem nuclei displayed high interconnectivity, as well as connectivity to the thalamus, hypothalamus, basal forebrain and frontal cortex, in line with animal studies and as expected for arousal regions. Motor brainstem nuclei showed expected connectivity to the cerebellum, basal ganglia and motor cortex, as well as high interconnectivity. Comparison of 3 Tesla to 7 Tesla connectivity results indicated good translatability of our brainstem connectome approach to conventional fMRI, especially for cortical and subcortical (non-brainstem) targets and to a lesser extent for brainstem targets. The functional connectome of 18 arousal and motor brainstem nuclei with the rest of the brain might provide a better understanding of arousal, sleep and accompanying motor function in living humans in health and disease.
Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 over distances greater than two metres: a rapid systematic review
Authors: Palmer Jennifer C , Duval Daphne , Tudge Isobel , Sarfo-Annin Jason Kwasi , Pearce-Smith Nicola , O’Connell Emer , Bennett Allan , Clark Rachel
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the potential for long-distance (over two metres) airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor community settings and investigate factors which may impact this transmission.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data source

MEDLINE, Embase, medRxiv, Arxiv and WHO COVID-19 Research Database for studies published from 27 July 2020 to 21 April 2021; existing relevant rapid systematic reviews for studies published between 1 January to 27 July 2020.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

Observational studies that included a thorough epidemiological assessment of routes of transmission and which reported on the likelihood of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at a distance greater than two metres in indoor community settings.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and independently checked by a second reviewer. Primary outcomes were COVID-19 infections via airborne transmission over distances greater than two metres and any factors that may have modified transmission risk. Included studies were rated using a quality criteria checklist (QCC) for primary research and certainty of key outcomes was determined using GRADE. Narrative synthesis was themed by setting.

Results

Of the 3,780 articles screened for inclusion, 15 publications reporting on 13 epidemiological investigations were included (three high, six medium and four low quality). Airborne transmission at distances greater than two metres was likely to have occurred for some or all transmission events in 12 studies and was unclear in one study (GRADE: very low certainty). In all studies, one or more factors plausibly increased the likelihood of long-distance airborne transmission occurring, particularly insufficient air replacement (GRADE: very low certainty), recirculating air flow (GRADE: very low certainty) and singing (GRADE: very low certainty). In nine studies, the primary cases were reported as being asymptomatic, presymptomatic or around symptom onset at the time of transmission.

Conclusion

This rapid systematic review found evidence of long-distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor community settings and identified factors that likely contributed to this transmission in all included studies. These results strengthen the need for adequate mitigation measures in indoor community settings, particularly adequate ventilation with fresh air, and caution required with the use of recirculating air flow systems.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021236762
Psychological, social and financial impact of COVID-19 on culturally and linguistically diverse communities: a cross-sectional Australian study
Authors: Muscat Danielle M , Ayre Julie , Mac Olivia , Batcup Carys , Cvejic Erin , Pickles Kristen , Dolan Hankiz , Bonner Carissa , Mouwad Dana , Zachariah Dipti , Turalic Una , Santalucia Yvonne , Chen Tingting , Vasic Gordana , McCaffery Kirsten J
Published: October 2021

Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological, social, and financial impacts of COVID-19 on culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia.

Design: Cross-sectional survey informed by the Framework for Culturally Competent Health Research conducted between March and July, 2021.

Setting: Participants were recruited from Greater Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Participants: 708 community members who speak a language other than English at home participated (mean age: 45.4years [range 18 to 91]; 88% [n=622] born outside of Australia).

Outcome measures: Fifteen items regarding impacts of COVID-19, adapted from validated scales, previous surveys or co-designed in partnership with Multicultural Health and interpreter service staff. Logistic regression models (using post-stratification weighted frequencies) identified factors associated with psychological, social, and financial impacts. Surveys were available in English or translated (11 languages).

Results: Even prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, 25% of the sample reported feeling nervous or stressed most/all of the time and 22% felt lonely or alone most/all of the time. One quarter of participants reported negative impacts on their spousal relationships as a result of COVID-19 and most parents reported that their children were less active (64%), had more screen time (63%), and were finding school harder (45%). Mean financial burden was 2.9/5 (95%CI=2.8 to 2.9). Regression analyses consistently showed distinct impact patterns for different language groups and more negative outcomes for those with comorbidities.

Conclusion: Culturally and linguistically diverse communities experience significant psychological, social and financial impacts of COVID-19, with distinct impact patterns across language groups. A whole-of-government approach with policy and sustainable infrastructure is needed to co-design innovative, tailored and culturally-safe COVID-19 support packages.
Repurposed nystatin to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and mutants in the GI tract
Authors: Virág Eszter , Seffer Dénes , Pénzes-Hűvös Ágota , Varajti Krisztina , Hegedűs Géza , Jankovics István , Pallos József Péter
Published: October 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 infections are considered as respiratory system diseases, mostly. In COVID-19, it might also be the infection of gastrointestinal (GI) tract too, especially at patients in severe clinical condition. SARS-CoV-2 can destroy the intestinal barrier, capable to spread into internal organs via blood and/or lymphatic circulation, and to cause serious damage there. Infected GI tract of COVID-19 patients is ideal environment for the coronavirus infection, replication and as virus reservoir might be the major source of pandemic reinfections, too. The process of virus budding is dependent on the host cell lipid rafts containing membrane-sterols, mainly cholesterol. The viral envelope may be challenged by polyene antibiotics, such as nystatin, which has strong affinity to sterols. Nystatin may block the establishment of the virus-host cell connection, too. In this study, the nystatin was investigated, as antiviral agent to SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrated by tests in Vero E6 cell based cytopathic assay, nystatin blocked the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in concentration 62.5 μg/ml (IC50) at Wuhan and British mutant strains. No efficient SARS-CoV-2 antiviral agent is known so far to alleviate pandemic, to disinfect GI tract, where vaccines might have limited effect, only. Nystatin might be the first one with emergency use authorization, either, as a safe and efficient non-systemic antiviral drug, with well-established use, since decades.
Preparation of ingestible antibodies to neutralize the binding of SarsCoV2 RBD (receptor binding domain) to human ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Kadiyala Gopi , Iyer Subramanian , Meher Kranti , Vangala Subhramanyam , Chandran Satish , Saxena Uday
Published: October 2021

COVID19 continues to be a serious threat to human health and mortality. There is dire need for new solutions to combat this pandemic especially for those individuals who are not vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated and continue to be exposed to the SARSCoV2. In addition, the emergence of new more transmissible variants such as delta pose additional threat from this virus.

To explore another solution for prevention and treatment of COVID 19, we have produced chicken egg derived IgY antibodies against the Receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARSCoV2 spike protein which is involved in binding to human cell ACE2 receptors. The – RBD IgY effectively neutralize the binding of RBD to ACE2 and prevent pseudovirus entry in a PRNT assay. Importantly our anti-RBD IgY also neutralize the binding of Sars CoV2 delta variant RBD to ACE2. Given that chicken egg derived IgY are safe and permissible for human consumption, we plan to develop these ingestible antibodies for prevention of viral entry in the oropharyngeal and digestive tract in humans as passive immunotherapy.
A dual involvement of Protocadherin-18a in stromal cell development guides the formation of a functional hematopoietic niche
Authors: Touret Anne-Lou , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne , Herbomel Philippe , Murayama Emi
Published: October 2021

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) emerge from the aorta and migrate to the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) of zebrafish larvae, the hematopoietic equivalent of the mammalian fetal liver, for their proliferation and differentiation. We previously reported that somite-derived stromal cells were a key component of the CHT niche. Here we found that the cell adhesion protein protocadherin-18a (Pcdh18a) is expressed in the stromal cell progenitors (SCPs) emigrating from somites toward the future CHT. Deletion of most of the intracellular domain of Pcdh18a caused a decrease in the number of SCPs, the directionality of their migration, and the cell-contact mediated repulsion that normally occurs between migrating SCPs. These defects were followed by abnormal morphogenesis of the venous plexus that forms the CHT framework, and the inability of the resulting CHT to function as a niche for HSPCs. Finally, we found that the extracellular domain of Pcdh18a mediates trans heterophilic adhesion of stromal cells to endothelial cells in vivo and thereby the reticular vs. perivascular fate of SCPs. Our study demonstrates that Pcdh18a expression in SCPs is essential for the proper development of the hematopoietic niche.
Prenatal hydrops fetalis associated with infantile free sialic acid storage disease due to a novel homozygous deletion in the SLC17A5 gene
Authors: Hasnain Afia , Burnett Sherri , Agatep Ronald , Spriggs Elizabeth , Chodirker Bernard , Mhanni Aizeddin (Aziz) A.
Published: October 2021

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis, the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the subcutaneous tissues and serous cavities of the fetus, has many possible etiologies, providing a diagnostic challenge for the physician. Lysosomal storage diseases have been reported in up to 5%–16% of nonimmune hydrops fetalis pregnancies. Infantile free sialic acid storage disease (ISSD) (OMIM #269920) is a severe form of autosomal recessive sialic acid storage disease. ISSD is caused by mutations in SLC17A5 (OMIM #604322), which encodes sialin, a lysosomal-membrane sialic acid transporter. We describe a case of fetal hydrops due to a novel homozygous deletion in the SLC17A5 gene. Prenatal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis was performed on amniocytes after the discovery of fetal hydrops at 24 wk gestation revealing no copy-number variants. The SNP array, however, reported several regions of homozygosity (ROHs) including one on Chromosome 6 encompassing the SLC17A5 gene. High levels of urine sialic acid in the newborn were detected. SLC17A5 gene sequencing was initiated with no sequence variants identified; however, the assay failed to amplify exons 8 and 9, prompting an exon-level copy-number analysis that revealed a novel homozygous deletion of exons 8 and 9, inherited from heterozygous carrier parents. ISSD should be considered in the workup of patients with nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and analysis for SLC17A5 deletions should be carried out when variants are not detected by gene sequencing.
Symmetry and chirality in crystals
Authors: Nespolo Massimo , Benahsene Amani Hind
Published: October 2021

A classification scheme relating the chirality of molecules to the type of crystal structures (chiral or achiral) they may form is presented. With respect to similar classifications proposed in the past, some corrections and extensions are introduced. In particular, (1) it is shown that chiral crystal structures from achiral molecules can occur in 28 types of space group having screw axes np
, with p ≠ n/2, not in any Sohncke type of space group; (2) it is shown that the restriction on Z′ > 1 for kryptoracemates is contradicted by examples with Z′ = 1; and (3) the case of scalemic enantioenriched solutions, absent from most classifications, is included. Chiral crystal structures from purely inorganic (non-molecular) compounds are addressed too.
Estimating electron density at the bond critical point through atomic Hirshfeld surfaces
Authors: Pinto Camila B. , Rodrigues Bernardo L. , Dos Santos Leonardo H. R.
Published: October 2021

Interatomic surfaces often carry information related to the electron distribution in a molecule or crystal, not only being a visual aid but also enabling quantitative analyses. Under certain conditions, atomic Hirshfeld surfaces present a high resemblance to the interatomic surfaces obtained through the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), with the advantage of being easily calculated, even for crystal structures determined at low resolutions (i.e. when a charge-density refinement is not performed). Here an empirical relation between the curvedness property of the Hirshfeld surfaces and the electron density at the bond critical point for certain types of covalent and coordination interactions involving carbon atoms has been obtained. The exponential function was tested to estimate the electron density in different crystalline systems, and the highest deviation from reference values obtained through QTAIM was just 16%. Additionally, fine details of this fit may be salient to the difference in electronegativity of the atoms involved in the bond.
Evaluation of design criteria for mini unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) applications
Authors: P.S. Ramesh , J.V. Muruga Lal Jeyan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the factors that dictate the design of a mini unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses various dimensions that dictate the design criteria for a mini UAS.

Findings

Compared to civil applications, design of mini UAS for military application is much more challenging owing to combat restrictions. Topics related to civil applications dominate research in the field of mini UAS, with over 60% of the papers accounting for civil applications. Limited published articles related to military applications are available. While 86% of the in-production mini UAS is primarily meant for military applications, only 9% of the research is devoted to military applications of mini UAS. Most mini UAS, although designed primarily for military applications, are also extensively used for various civil applications. Critical aspects that influence the employment of mini UAS in the tactical battlespace are area of interest, type of operation, type of operational tasks, terrain and network-centric operations. All these factors collectively impact the design of a mini UAS.

Practical implications

According to various studies, mini UAS is the fastest growing segment amongst all classes of UAS. This paper will provide vital inputs to the designers and manufacturers of mini UAS for both military and civil applications.

Social implications

Mini UAS are in the list of “must-have” for modern militaries across the world and is also growing exponentially in the civil domain. Therefore, it is important to understand the critical factors that dictate the design of mini UAS.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such an analysis is not available in the open domain.
Buyer–supplier collaborative cost sharing and the performance of fresh agricultural produce cold chains: a retailer fairness concern perspective
Authors: Zi Wucheng , Li Guodong , Li Xiaolin , Zhou JiaYu
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study explores how collaborative cost sharing between the buyer and the supplier in cold chain equipment and marketing and advertising affects the performance of a fresh agricultural produce supply chain (FAP-SC).

Design/methodology/approach

We use a contingency approach to modeling different scenarios and analyzing how fairness perception, interplaying with corporative–retailer cost sharing., influences the performance of fresh agricultural produce cold chains.

Findings

The findings of the research highlight the crucial role of the retailer's fairness concern. When the retailer's fairness concern is absent, cost sharing (in cold chain equipment and marketing and advertising) is found to help boost demand and enhance the profits of members of the supply chain; bilateral cost sharing is found to have a more significant impact than unilateral cost sharing. When the retailer's fairness concern is taken into account, however, cost sharing is found to reduce demand at a lower level of fairness coefficient but increases demand at a higher level of fairness coefficient; bilateral cost sharing boosts both demand and profit of the supply chain when the retailer is in a “high concern, high anger” state.

Originality/value

The findings of the research highlight the important role of the buyer's farness perception when supply chain partners adopt collaborative cost sharing programs. This study contributes significantly to research and practice in supply chain collaboration and agricultural cold chain performance.
Meat-free diets and their relationship with the meaning of food and eco-friendly purchase and consumption behaviours
Authors: Chinea Montesdeoca Cristina , Suárez Ernesto , Hernández Bernardo , Rolo-González Gladys
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to determine whether people with different eating patterns, specifically meat-free diets, engage in other types of eco-friendly behaviours and whether the meanings attributed to food allow for a better understanding of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected between 2019 and 2020, on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Different instruments were used: The meaning of food in life questionnaire (MFLQ; Arbit et al., 2017); the dietarian identity questionnaire (DIQ; Rosenfeld and Burrow, 2018) and the frugal behaviour scale (Muiños et al., 2015) and two items were used to identify the frequency with which participants purchased ecological or second-hand products. The final sample consisted of 202 participants who ate a vegan, vegetarian or omnivorous diet. Spearman's Correlations were performed and the Kruskal–Wallis statistical test was used.

Findings

People with a vegan or vegetarian diet purchased ecological (p ≤ 0.001) and second-hand products (p = 0.006) more frequently compared to omnivores. Furthermore, the meanings attributed to food, specifically the moral, sacred and health meanings, were related to differences in eating patterns (p ≤ 0.001), while also being related to some eco-friendly purchase and consumption behaviours. Lastly, frugal behaviour was only found to be related to the health factor of meaning in food (rs = 0.27).

Research limitations/implications

The measurement used to evaluate the purchase of ecological and second-hand products is very simple/the role of the meaning of food in guiding more eco-friendly behaviours and promoting less ecologically impactful eating patterns.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable information on how vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous diets relate to eco-friendly behaviours.
Board human capital diversity and corporate innovation: a longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of board human capital diversity on corporate innovation. Moreover, it examines the moderating effect of internal social capital on the relationship between board human capital diversity and corporate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using a data set on Standard & Poor’s 1500 firms from 2000 to 2015. To overcome omit variable bias and reverse causality, this paper uses change-on-change regression by exploring the exogenous shock of the death of the directors.

Findings

Findings show that board industry diversity has a curvilinear relationship with corporate innovation. In addition, the board co-tenure experience, a key factor of internal social capital, can mitigate the risk of board industry diversity and improve corporate innovation.

Originality/value

Prior studies mostly considered the demographic dimension of diversity and, therefore, have overlooked how other dimensions influence firms. This paper considers the human capital dimension of board diversity and investigates the effect of board industry diversity on the firm’s innovation outcome. In addition, this paper also addresses the question of whether the interaction of different director attributes, namely, board human capital and board internal social capital, can complement each other to enhance corporate innovation.
Profiling the “big fish in a small pond” and examining which one swims the most happily
Authors: Boulet Maude
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To disentangle the impact of each type of overqualification, the author created four profiles of overqualified workers based on the metaphor of the big fish in a small pond: “the fish that fits the pond,” “the unaware big fish in a small pond,” “the fish fitting the pond, but feeling cramped” and “the aware big fish in a small pond.”

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Canadian representative survey, the author examined the distinctive effect of objective and subjective overqualification on job satisfaction among recent graduate workers. The subjective measure is based on the individual's perception of the match of his/her education level, training and experience with the requirements of his/her job; and the objective measure assesses the match between the individual's educational attainment and the skill level associated with his/her occupational group.

Findings

The results show that only the “the fish fitting the pond, but feeling cramped” and “the aware big fish in a small pond” profiles of overqualified workers lead to a lower probability of being satisfied with their job compared to “fish that fits the pond.”

Originality/value

The current study is original because the findings reveal that being objectively overqualified without feeling cramped has no consequence on workers' job satisfaction, while feeling cramped without being objectively overqualified leads to lower job satisfaction. Recruiters should therefore avoid to focus on overeducation since it has no impact on their job satisfaction. They should pay more attention to the feeling of being cramped when they look for the best candidates. Even if the candidate's diploma corresponds to that required by the position, this feeling reduces their chances to be satisfied with the job.
Triggering events in the decision to be an entrepreneur: an analysis of their influence on higher education graduates
Authors: Ruiz-Rosa Inés , Gutiérrez-Taño Desiderio , García-Rodríguez Francisco J. , Gil-Soto Esperanza
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The present research focuses on an understudied field in the entrepreneurial process: the events that transform intention into effective entrepreneurial behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a comparative analysis, using the t-test on related samples, is made of the perceptions of these triggering events of a group of graduates who showed entrepreneurial intention in higher education but, up to now, had not taken the decision to start a business with those of a group who had started a business. To do this, a sample of 227 graduates from a medium-sized European University located in Spain, with manifest entrepreneurial intention was used.

Findings

The results show that there are important differences between perceptions of entrepreneurship triggering events of potential entrepreneurs who have yet to start a company compared to entrepreneurs who have actually started a company. In this sense, the overevaluation by those who have not yet become entrepreneurs of events related to access to finance and the greater relevance for those with entrepreneurial experience of having a good team and contacts consisting of other entrepreneurs, mentors and advisers stand out.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the limitations observed in this work are related to the size of the sample analyzed. In the future, the study should be broadened, and different entrepreneurial behavior by academic specialization, gender, sector and/or type of activities should be investigated.

Originality/value

Our study focuses on the phase of the entrepreneurship process in which intention becomes action and, more specifically, on those events that favor this change in behavior.
Engaging students in experiential learning through a public health campaign: a pre–post survey on hypertension and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yeong Siew-Wei , Kon Zhien-Hung , Ong Siew-Chin , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study looked at the impact of a community-based public health campaign on hypertension and diabetes mellitus awareness and prevention, as well as student experiential learning in a campaign conducted by pharmacy students.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling cross-sectional pre–post survey was done to assess disease awareness and knowledge among those who attended the health campaign. The data analysis includes a total of 230 participants with complete data. After the campaign, the pharmacy students used self-assessment to reflect their learning experience.

Findings

Most participants were unaware of their blood pressure and blood glucose readings, but they reported improved awareness of diseases and prevention of hypertension and diabetes after the health campaign. Although most participants correctly identified the common signs and symptoms of hypertension, few could associate it with overweight. Most participants were unaware of the 5 g per day salt intake limit for controlling hypertension before the campaign. Most participants were less aware that diabetes is associated with impaired vision, peripheral neuropathy, renal and heart diseases. Students expressed increased confidence in leadership, teamwork and communication abilities after the campaign based on self-assessment.

Practical implications

A health campaign enhances the disease knowledge of the general public. It has been suggested that experiential learning be encouraged in the pharmacy curriculum.

Originality/value

This study adds to the knowledge on the roles of community-based health campaigns and the value of pharmacy students’ involvement in experiential learning.