bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-based characteristics of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in an emerging country: is this a man’s world?
Authors: Sanchez-Riofrio Angelica Maria , Lupton Nathaniel C. , Camino-Mogro Segundo , Acosta-Ávila Álvaro
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Worldwide, Ecuador is one of the countries with the most entrepreneurial activity from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, the effect of adopting the US dollar (dollarization), over which the central bank has no control, combined with being mainly an exporter of primary products, as well as strategic currency devaluation by neighboring economies, has created a difficult situation, especially for Ecuadorian women’s MSMEs. This paper aims to study the relationship between female ownership and Ecuadorian MSMEs’ financial, economic and social outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compile a near-population panel of 617,804 firm-year observations representing an unbalanced panel of 112,917 MSMEs during the 2007–2016 sampling window. Panel (fixed effects) regression is used to test the hypotheses concerning the antecedents to firm financial performance, economic and social outcomes. Cox proportional hazards modeling is used to assess the impact of antecedents on firm survival.

Findings

First, firms providing more social benefits (e.g. employment and higher wages) have higher survival rates. Second, female ownership is negatively related with microenterprise financial performance, but positively associated with small-enterprise financial performance. Third, female-owned enterprises tend to provide higher wages per employee for all firm sizes. Fourth, although female-owned microenterprises are less efficient, they tend to provide more for their employees and possibly communities, through the economic stimulus they provide, in terms of the size of the financial outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper shows that, although this is a “man’s world,” women are learning earlier, developing faster professionally and overcoming stereotypes to focus on activities that generate both economic performance and social outcomes. Governmental policies that have contributed to MSMEs’ growth and women’s participation are identified. The findings suggest ways to improve and support both the creation of more women-owned MSMEs in emerging countries, such as Ecuador, and the survival of existing male- and female-owned MSMEs.
Study on vibrational spectroscopy, molecular property, UV-VIS, HOMO-LUMO energies and MEP analysis of N-[2-(4-Bromo-benzoyl)-benzofuran-3-yl]-acrylamide monomer by DFT method
Authors: Barim Esra , Akman Feride
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aimed the synthesis and theoretical/experimental characterization of novel benzofuran-based acrylamide monomer.

Design/methodology/approach

Novel N-substituted acrylamide monomer, i.e. N-[2–(4-Bromo-benzoyl)-benzofuran-3-yl]-acrylamide (BBFA), was synthesized by reacting (3-Amino-benzofuran-2-yl)-(4-bromophenyl) methanone with acryloylchloride at 0–5oC. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), infrared (FT-IR) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer were used to elucidate the chemical structure of BBFA. Computational studies were performed using the DFT (B3LYP) method on the basis of 6-31 + G (d, p) using Gaussian 09 W and Gauss View 5.0 package in addition to the VEDA program, gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods.

Findings

Molecular geometry and vibration assignments of the BBFA monomer were calculated. The molecular structure of the monomer was examined. Both longest and shortest bonds were determined in the structure. The nucleophilic and electrophilic regions of the monomer were determined. The theoretical spectroscopic data of the monomer were compared with the experimental data; both were consistent with each other. The chemical reactivity of the monomer was also determined.

Originality/value

The synthesized BBFA monomer can be evaluated in many areas; from medicine to industry (such as textiles) owing to the presence of various active functional groups. Indeed, acrylamide copolymers are remarkable materials for polymer science and industry. The data produced in this study is original and adds to the scientific community.
Joint inversion of Rayleigh wave fundamental and higher order mode phase velocity dispersion curves using multi‐objective grey wolf optimization
Authors: Vashisth Divakar , Shekar Bharath , Srivastava Shalivahan
Published: December 2021

Rayleigh wave dispersion curves can be inverted to retrieve subsurface seismic velocity profiles. The inverse problem is ill‐posed, nonlinear and poorly conditioned, necessitating the application of global optimization methods. We present the application of the multi‐objective grey wolf optimization algorithm to perform joint inversion of the phase velocity dispersion curves corresponding to the fundamental and higher order modes of Rayleigh waves to obtain shear (S‐) and primary (P‐) wave velocity profiles. Multi‐objective grey wolf optimization is an extension of the grey wolf optimization algorithm for application to multi‐objective optimization and can be adapted to solve joint inversion problems. We compare the joint inversion results obtained from the multi‐objective grey wolf optimizer with those obtained from Markov chain Monte Carlo and fundamental mode inversion using the grey wolf optimizer on synthetic examples. The errors associated with phase velocity measurements are simulated by adding frequency‐dependent noise, with a higher level of noise added to the phase velocities corresponding to lower frequencies as compared to the higher frequencies. In the multimode joint inversion problem, the multi‐objective grey wolf optimizer gives a suite of solutions corresponding to each model parameter. The suite of S‐wave and P‐wave velocity profiles estimated from the multi‐objective grey wolf optimizer matches closely with the true model for the synthetic case studies even in the presence of noise. However, the suite of solutions has a greater spread for the last few layers, qualitatively indicating a higher degree of uncertainty in the predicted model parameter. The uncertainty in the solution for the deeper layers is a consequence of the uncertainty in the phase velocity at lower frequencies. We demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm on recorded data from a shallow seismic survey conducted at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. The results from the multi‐objective grey wolf optimizer are in close agreement with those from Markov chain Monte Carlo, and the depth of investigation is found to be greater in comparison to results from refraction traveltime inversion.
Anthropogenic land‐use change shapes bird diversity along the eastern Himalayan altitudinal gradient
Authors: Penjor Ugyen , Jamtsho Rinzin , Sherub Sherub
Published: December 2021

Globally, the conversion of natural forest into agricultural land and human settlement has altered avian diversity and structure often leading to functional and/or phylogenetic homogenisation. While the effects of land‐use change on avian functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) is well studied in the tropics, it is poorly understood and scarcely studied in the Himalayas let alone in eastern Himalayan bird communities.

Using data from replicated transect surveys, we investigated the effects of land‐use change (agriculture, settlement and forest) on the community diversity and structure of 336 bird species while accounting for imperfect detection across 679‐point count locations along an elevational gradient in the eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot of Bhutan.

The main findings of our study are (a) bird community occupancy along the elevational gradient is negatively associated with human land use (agriculture and settlement), (b) bird assemblages at higher elevations were functionally and phylogenetically clustered and (c) agriculture and settlement harboured disproportionately higher FD and PD whereas forest had phylogenetically diverse communities within functionally convergent traits.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that high functional diversity in agriculture and settlement offers an opportunity for a broad range of ecosystem services such as pollination, insect‐ and rodent‐pest control. Agricultural practices that protect and improve bird‐friendly habitats (particularly for insectivores) should be promoted. To facilitate coexistence, educational programmes on the importance of the functional roles of birds should be implemented to raise farmers' awareness of the importance of farmland biodiversity. Management interventions should seek to integrate bird conservation and farm production. Safeguarding edge habitats and forests abutting human settlements would be key to promoting phylogenetically diverse assemblages and ecological functions in Himalayan working landscapes.
The widespread trade in stingless beehives may introduce them into novel places and could threaten species
Authors: dos Santos Charles Fernando , Acosta André Luis , Halinski Rosana , Souza‐Santos Patrick Douglas , Borges Rafael Cabral , Gianinni Tereza Cristina , Blochtein Betina
Published: December 2021

Animal trade, such as birds, mammals and reptiles, is a common human activity. Among insects, few are as charismatic as bees. Their hives are commonly commercialized for multiple purposes, such as honey production, crop pollination and leisure. However, hive trade has the potential to adversely introduce species into novel places in a widespread way.

Our main objectives were to evaluate the trade flow of stingless beehives in Brazil by comparing the geographical distances and climatic features between origin and destination as well as by determining the potential impact on endangered (EN) native bee species.

We performed species distribution modelling to estimate their respective natural habitats. After that, we carried out a principal component analysis characterizing the climatic features found within their natural habitats and those where bees were negotiated. Subsequently, we applied hierarchical clustering followed by a Procrustes analysis to evaluate the contrast between the climatic niches of original and destination places. We also checked the conservation status of each species being commercialized and whether exotic species could be introduced within their areas.

At least nine species of stingless bees were negotiated during the surveyed period. The hives were requested for almost 100 different localities. Over 40% of sellers and buyers were located outside the natural range of the stingless bee species being negotiated, and half of interested people were as far as 320 km. Climatic features vary considerably between natural habitat and traded regions. This implies that some species might suffer and perish due to intolerance to new climatic features. Nonetheless, species can be taken to new areas that are climatically suitable, creating a risk of biological introduction and invasion events. Finally, most hives were requested in places where equivalent bee species are under EN status.

Synthesis and application. Even if managed in hives, exotic stingless bees are flying insects, meaning that they may interact and compete for resources with local bee populations. Therefore, stingless beehive displacement for non‐native places and at large spatial scales should be prevented in negotiations to safeguard their welfare and the sustainability of local populations in the long term.
Soil fauna accelerate litter mixture decomposition globally, especially in dry environments
Authors: Njoroge Denis Mburu , Chen Si‐Chong , Zuo Juan , Dossa Gbadamassi G. O. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: December 2021

More than half of the net primary production in terrestrial ecosystems returns to the soil through leaf litter fall and decomposition. In terrestrial ecosystems, litter constitutes a mixture of mainly senescent foliage from multiple species. Yet, the effect of litter mixing on litter decomposition rate remains ambiguous. Quantification of the soil fauna contribution and inclusion of their interaction with litter could remove the prevailing ambiguity, as soil fauna might influence the direction and magnitude of litter mixture effects on decomposition.

We carried out a global meta‐analysis to elucidate how soil fauna influenced litter mixture decomposition rate based on 55 published studies with 873 fauna inclusion/exclusion observations in field litterbag experiments. We hypothesized that soil fauna inclusion in litter mixture experiments would cause a positive change in the magnitude of mixed litter decomposition. That is, the presence of soil fauna would lead to synergistic litter mixture effects while the absence of soil fauna would lead to antagonistic litter mixture effects. Furthermore, we hypothesized that soil fauna would have a greater positive impact on the litter mixture effect in environments with low precipitation.

While litter mixture had a neutral effect on decomposition on average across studies, non‐additive mixture effects were common, with a key role for soil fauna, which generally enhanced decomposition rate compared to the component single‐species litters. In contrast, fauna exclusion resulted in diminished decomposition rate overall. The overall synergistic soil fauna effect on litter mixture decomposition increased under low precipitation. Under high precipitation, the litter mixture effect was positive in the absence of soil fauna but non‐significant in the presence of fauna. Climate imposes a great effect on litter mixture, with synergistic effects increasing towards the equator.

Synthesis. These results highlight the importance of soil fauna in mixed litter decomposition, most strongly in dry environments. In this era of global climate change, where some regions are projected to become drier, soil fauna might compensate the expected slower decomposition of litter by increasingly enhancing litter mixture decomposition.
Moral reasoning, emotion understanding, and callous‐unemotional traits in early‐to‐middle childhood
Authors: Northam Jaimie C. , Kurukulasuriya Nadezhda , Hunt Caroline , Hawes David J.
Published: December 2021

Relatively little is known about features of moral reasoning among young children with callous‐unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., lack of guilt and empathy). This study tested associations between CU traits and emotion attributions (i.e., identification of others’ emotional states) and justifications (i.e., explanations for those emotional states), across social scenarios involving discreet versus salient distress cues. The participants were boys aged 6‐to‐10 years (N = 50; Mage = 7 years 7 months), who were interviewed about 12 hypothetical scenarios (eight with discreet and four with salient distress cues). Regression models indicated that CU traits, in interaction with high levels of antisocial behaviour, were associated with reduced emotion attributions of fear in discreet but not salient immoral scenarios. Higher CU traits were also associated with reduced justifications referencing others’ welfare in discreet scenarios, and increased references to action‐orientated justifications in salient scenarios. These findings suggest that CU traits are associated with early moral reasoning impairments and that salience of distress may be important to these processes.
Design, synthesis, and molecular modeling of quinoline‐based derivatives as anti‐breast cancer agents targeting EGFR/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Batran Rasha Z. , El‐Daly Sherien M. , El‐Kashak Walaa A. , Ahmed Eman Y.
Published: December 2021

Two series of quinoline–thiazole and quinoline–thiazolidinone hybrids were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antitumor activity on MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. In comparison with lapatinib (IC50 = 4.69 µM), compounds 4b and 6b exhibited the best antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 33.19 and 5.35 µM, respectively. Although compound 6b showed higher cytotoxicity, compound 4b exhibited better inhibitory activity toward the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway than compound 6b as represented by the significant reduction in the EGFR kinase activity and the levels of phosho‐EGFR and phosho‐AKT when compared to lapatinib as a reference standard. Moreover, compound 4b was capable of down‐regulating the anti‐apoptotic genes Bcl‐2 and survivin and up‐regulating the level of the pro‐apoptotic gene BAX. Molecular modeling study was carried out to predict the binding interactions of both compounds into the target kinase. Finally, the physicochemical properties were investigated in silico as well.
Some important inhibitors and mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Huang Gangliang
Published: December 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that seriously affects human health and quality of life, and it is one of the main causes of labor loss and disability. Many countries have listed rheumatoid arthritis as one of the national a key diseases to tackle. The pathogenesis of RA in humans is still unknown, and medical researchers believe that the pathogenesis of RA may be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. RA is an incurable condition that can only be controlled and treated with conventional drugs. In this paper, the pathologic features and pathogenesis of RA were introduced, and the research progress of new anti‐rheumatoid arthritis chemical drugs in recent years was reviewed.
Risk of malignancy and outcomes of surgically resected presacral tailgut cysts: A current review of the Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Broccard Sacha P. , Colibaseanu Dorin T. , Behm Kevin T. , Mishra Nitin , Davis Peter , Maimone Kristi L. , Mathis Kellie L. , Stocchi Luca , Dozois Eric J. , Merchea Amit
Published: December 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical management, outcomes and risk of malignancy of presacral tailgut cysts.

Method

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent resection of tailgut cyst at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota between 2008 and 2020 was performed. Demographics, presentation, evaluation, surgical approach, postoperative complications, pathology and recurrence rates were reviewed.

Results

Seventy‐three patients were identified (81% female) with a mean age of 45 years. Thirty‐nine patients (53%) were symptomatic, most commonly with pelvic pain (26 patients). Digital rectal examination identified a palpable mass in 68%. Mean tumour size was 6 cm. Resection was primarily performed through a posterior approach (77%, n = 56), followed by a transabdominal approach (18%, n = 13) and a combined approach (5%, n = 4). Six patients underwent a minimally invasive resection (laparoscopic/robotic). Coccygectomy or distal sacrectomy was performed in 41 patients (56%). Complete resection was achieved in 94% of patients. Thirty‐day morbidity occurred in 18% and was most commonly wound related; there was no mortality. Malignancy was identified in six patients (8%). For the 30 patients with follow‐up greater than 1 year, the median follow‐up was 39 months (range 1.0–11.1 years). Local recurrence was identified in three patients and distant metastatic disease in one patient.

Conclusion

The rate of malignancy in presacral tailgut cysts based on this current review was 8%. Overall recurrence was 5% at a median of 24 months.
Usefulness of linked color imaging for the detection of obscure early gastric cancer: Multivariate analysis of 508 lesions
Authors: Khurelbaatar Tsevelnorov , Miura Yoshimasa , Osawa Hiroyuki , Nomoto Yoshie , Tokoro Shinnosuke , Tsunoda Masato , Sekiguchi Hiromi , Kobayashi Takuma , Funayama Yohei , Nagayama Manabu , Takezawa Takahito , Mieno Makiko , Ueno Takashi , Fukuda Hisashi , Iwashita Chihiro , Takahashi Haruo , Ino Yuji , Kawarai Lefor Alan , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Early gastric cancers (EGCs) of the elevated type or with submucosal invasion are easily found by routine endoscopy. However, most early cancers are challenging to detect because of subtle morphological or color differences from surrounding atrophic mucosa and intestinal metaplasia. Linked color imaging (LCI) enhances mucosal color difference, making it easier to detect EGCs. The aim of this study is to clarify the advantages and possible disadvantages of LCI for screening for obscure EGC.

Methods

A total of 665 malignant gastric lesions resected using endoscopic submucosal dissection between January 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Obviously detectable lesions were not included in the main analysis when determining the target lesion. White light imaging (WLI)/LCI images of 508 endoscopically obscure malignant lesions were included in the final analysis and evaluated by three non‐expert and three expert endoscopists using visibility scores for detection and extent.

Results

The detection visibility scores using LCI were significantly higher than those using WLI regardless of lesion characteristics including location, size, histological type, depth of invasion, and Helicobacter pylori status. The detection score improved in 46.4% cases and deteriorated in 4.9% when the modality changed from WLI to LCI. A mixed‐effects multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that use of LCI (odds ratio [OR] 2.57), elevated type (OR 1.92), invasion to submucosa (OR 2.18) were significantly associated with improved visibility of EGC.

Conclusions

Linked color imaging significantly improves visibility of EGC regardless of differences in lesion morphology, histology, location, depth of invasion, and H. pylori status compared to conventional WLI.
Humanitarians' ethics: the role of face‐to‐face experiences in humanitarian aid workers' motivation
Authors: Friesen Ina
Published: December 2021

This paper analyses the significance of specific ethical experiences for humanitarian aid workers' motivation. Following Emmanuel Levinas's understanding of ethics as arising from intersubjective face‐to‐face encounters, the study illuminates the experiential origins of the humanitarian commitment by analysing James Orbinski's memoir entitled An Imperfect Offering: Dispatches from the Medical Frontline. Orbinski, a former International Council President at Médecins Sans Frontières, was directly involved in humanitarian responses to several major crises during the 1990s, including those in Somalia, Afghanistan, Rwanda, and what was then Zaire. This paper explores three formative experiences from Orbinski's childhood and teenage years to analyse the personal ethics of humanitarian aid workers and to illuminate the intersection of the personal and professional level of humanitarian aid work. Illustrating that Orbinski's humanitarian commitment is a surrendering to the other's call, the paper argues for stronger inclusion of aid workers' lives and experiences to achieve a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian work.
Impact of the special care dentistry education on Malaysian students’ attitudes, self‐efficacy and intention to treat people with learning disability
Authors: Mohamed Rohani Maryani , Ahmad Fuad Natrah , Ahmad Mas Suryalis , Esa Rashidah
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) education has been introduced in Malaysia, but there are limited number of studies about its impact to students. Thus, this study aimed to explore the level of students’ readiness to treat people with learning disability (PWLD) based on their attitudes, self‐efficacy and intention to treat.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed based on the Dental Student Attitude to the Handicapped Scale, Scale of Attitudes to the Disabled Persons and Health Action Process Approach. The self‐administered, validated questionnaire was tested for reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .71–.81), before being distributed to clinical dental students of both genders from two universities (University A, n = 176 and University B, n = 175). Quantitative data were analysed via t test and ANOVA (p < .05) using the SPSS software.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean total attitude score between the universities, although dental students from University A, who mostly reported having received hands‐on clinical experience in SCD and exposure to Disability Equality Training (DET), showed significantly higher individual mean attitude score for 5 (out of 24) attitudinal items. The mean total self‐efficacy score and individual mean self‐efficacy score for 1 (out of 5) self‐efficacy items were also significantly higher amongst University A dental students. The intention to treat PWLD was not significantly influenced by university, gender or year of study.

Conclusion

Incorporation of SCD education in the undergraduate curriculum, with hands‐on clinical experience and exposure to DET, is recommended to equip students to be efficient oral healthcare providers for PWLD.
How Did Students Engage with a Remote Educational Assessment? A Case Study
Authors: Guo Hongwen
Published: December 2021

Many educational summative and formative assessments have been transferred to a remote online setting because of the pandemic. Educational professionals and stakeholders have shown interest in learning how this change in the test mode influenced test takers; that is, whether test‐taking experiences in a remote test setting were different from those in a standard test center setting. We propose an innovative approach that makes use of log data collected from the digital platforms of a high‐stakes international test and applies data‐mining techniques to address the mode effect. In the study, the test‐taking behaviors were measured by where students spent their time during the test, extracted from log files collected from both remote test and test center modes. Results showed that four distinct clusters existed among students' test‐taking behaviors, regardless of the test modes and students' test scores. Within each cluster, statistically significant behavioral differences existed between the two mode groups; however, the magnitude of the mode effect was limited by where students spent their time during the test.
First reported case of fragile foal syndrome type 1 in the Thoroughbred caused by PLOD1 c.2032G>A
Authors: Grillos Alexandra S. , Roach Jessica M. , de Mestre Amanda M. , Foote Alastair K. , Kinglsey Nicole B. , Mienaltowski Michael J. , Bellone Rebecca R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 (WFFS) is an autosomal recessive disorder reported previously only in warmbloods and thought to be caused by a variant in the gene procollagen‐lysine,2‐oxoglutarate 5‐dioxygenase 1 (PLOD1, c.2032G>A, p.Gly678Arg). Given the presentation of this Thoroughbred case, we hypothesised that a similar genetic mechanism caused this phenotype.

Objectives

To describe the pathological and genetic findings on a foal presenting to a veterinary practice in the UK with skin lesions similar to other Ehlers‐Danlos Syndromes, including those documented for warmbloods with WFFS.

Study design

A single case report describing a genetic investigation.

Methods

A Thoroughbred foal presenting as dystocia was euthanised for multiple skin lesions and developmental abnormalities. DNA extracted from the foal was tested for the PLOD1 variant (c.2032G>A, p.Gly678Arg) using the commercially available assay. To confirm causality and further interrogate potential novel causes of Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome, 1799 functional candidate genes, including PLOD1, were analysed using whole genome sequencing data generated from DNA extracted from the foal's muscle. These data were compared to 34 control samples from at least 11 other breeds. Variants were prioritised for further evaluation based on predicted impact on protein function.

Results

Post‐mortem evaluation concluded that this foal suffered from a condition of collagen dysplasia. The foal was homozygous for the c.2032G>A PLOD1 variant. Only two other missense variants identified from whole genome sequencing data were also computationally predicted to be deleterious to protein function, (NPHP3 c.1253T>C, p.Leu418Pro, EPDR1 c.154G>C, p.Glu52Gln). Neither of these genes have been linked to similar phenotypes, or Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome in humans or other species and thus further investigation of these variants as the cause of EDS was not warranted.

Main limitations

This study is a single case report in the Thoroughbred with no additional cases from this breed yet identified to replicate this finding.

Conclusions

Given the clinical presentation similar to WFFS, homozygosity for the PLOD1 variant, and absence of another more plausible causal variant from the WGS experiment, we conclude that PLOD1 c.2032G>A is the likely cause of this foal's condition. This is the first documented evidence of fragile foal syndrome caused by the PLOD1 variant in a breed outside of warmbloods, the Thoroughbred. We therefore recommend a change in the name of this disorder to fragile foal syndrome type 1 (FFS) and utilisation of genetic testing in Thoroughbreds to avoid producing affected foals.
Changes in Life Satisfaction in Couples after Successful In vitro Fertilization and Natural Pregnancy
Authors: Kiesswetter Manuel , Danay Erik , Duschek Stefan
Published: December 2021

Background

Previous research suggested reduced well‐being and quality of life in couples with an unfulfilled desire to have a child. However, changes in psychological variables in infertile couples after successful in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) have been scarcely investigated.

Purpose

This prospective study explored changes in life satisfaction, stress burden and habitual worry related to the birth of a child in couples undergoing IVF, and in those experiencing natural pregnancy.

Methods

In total, 77 couples with successful IVF and 50 couples with natural pregnancy completed the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Questionnaire and Penn State Worry Questionnaire; data were recorded before pregnancy (baseline) and 6 and 12 months after childbirth. Multi‐level models were applied for data analysis.

Results

Couples with IVF reported lower life satisfaction, and higher stress burden and worry, than those with natural pregnancy at baseline. Moreover, they showed a steep increase in life satisfaction at 6 and 12 months after childbirth, and decreased stress and worry. In couples with natural pregnancy, life satisfaction scores decreased, and those of stress and worry increased, at month 6 after childbirth and returned to initial state at month 12.

Conclusions

The group difference at baseline underlines the psychosocial burden of infertility. However, the increase in life satisfaction and decreases in stress and worry suggest that the burden is lessened after the birth of a child. The changes in couples with natural pregnancy reflect the impact of the typical challenges posed by childbirth and successful readjustment during the first year of the child´s life.
How to best monitor bivalirudin anticoagulant effect for ECMO and VAD—Comparison of four assay methods
Authors: Teruya Jun , Bruzdoski Karen , Hensch Lisa , Hui Shiu‐Ki Rocky , Kostousov Vadim
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Unfractionated heparin is widely used as an anticoagulant for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and usually monitored with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Due to its limitations in pediatric populations and interferences with monitoring, bivalirudin is being utilized more frequently in these settings. For bivalirudin, other tests have emerged such as dilute thrombin time (dTT) and ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA); however, their utilities in pediatrics are unexplored. Development of suitable, accurate testing for bivalirudin monitoring is paramount to prevent complications. We sought to compare aPTT, aPTT with heparinase (HPTT), dTT1:4, modified dTT1:10, and ECA for monitoring of pediatric ECLS patients anticoagulated with bivalirudin.

Methods

aPTT, HPTT, dTT1:4, dTT1:10, and ECA were measured in 51 specimens from 17 children on bivalirudin‐anticoagulated ECLS. Normal pooled plasma was spiked with various bivalirudin concentrations, and aPTT, dTT1:4, dTT1:10, and ECA were measured. In addition, dTT assays were performed using plasma from normal donors spiked with bivalirudin, heparin, and cryoprecipitate.

Results

dTT1:4 showed excellent correlation with ECA, while dTT1:4 correlated moderately with aPTT or HPTT. Fifty to 75% of specimens showed discordant results between dTT1:4 and HPTT. We found that dTT1:4 and ECA prolongations are associated with bivalirudin infusion rate; however, there are age‐based differences that should be accounted for. The performance of dTT1:10 was similar to dTT1:4, though it was less sensitive to interfering factors (heparin or hyperfibrinogenemia).

Conclusion

dTT1:10 appears to be more suitable for routine practice due to fewer variations and lower cost for monitoring bivalirudin in pediatric ECLS.
Double‐negative T cells: Setting the stage for disease control or progression
Authors: Velikkakam Teresiama , Gollob Kenneth J. , Dutra Walderez Ornelas
Published: December 2021

Double‐negative (DN) T cells are present at relatively low frequencies in human peripheral blood, and are characterized as expressing the alpha‐beta or gamma‐delta T‐cell receptor (TCR), but not the CD4 nor the CD8 co‐receptors. Despite their low frequencies, these cells are potent producers of cytokines and, thus, are key orchestrators of immune responses. DN T cells were initially associated with induction of peripheral immunological tolerance and immunomodulatory activities related to disease prevention. However, other studies demonstrated that these cells can also display effector functions associated with pathology development. This apparent contradiction highlighted the heterogeneity of the DN T‐cell population. Here, we review phenotypic and functional characteristics of DN T cells, emphasizing their role in human diseases. The need for developing biomarkers to facilitate the translation of studies from animal models to humans will also be discussed. Finally, we will examine DN T cells as promising therapeutic targets to prevent or inhibit human disease development.
Pupil size and pupillary light reflex in early infancy: heritability and link to genetic liability to schizophrenia
Authors: Portugal Ana Maria , Taylor Mark J. , Viktorsson Charlotte , Nyström Pär , Li Danyang , Tammimies Kristiina , Ronald Angelica , Falck‐Ytter Terje
Published: December 2021

Background

Measures based on pupillometry, such as the pupillary light reflex (PLR) and baseline pupil size, reflect physiological responses linked to specific neural circuits that have been implicated as atypical in some psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods

We investigated the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the baseline pupil size and the PLR in 510 infant twins assessed at 5 months of age (281 monozygotic and 229 dizygotic pairs), and its associations with common genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and mental health (bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia) conditions using genome‐wide polygenic scores (GPSs).

Results

Univariate twin modelling showed high heritability at 5 months for both pupil size (h2 = .64) and constriction in response to light (h2 = .62), and bivariate twin modeling indicated substantial independence between the genetic factors influencing each (rG = .38). A statistically significant positive association between infant tonic pupil size and the GPS for schizophrenia was found (β = .15, p = .024), while there was no significant association with the GPS for autism or any other GPSs.

Conclusions

This study shows that some pupil measures are highly heritable in early infancy, although substantially independent in their genetic etiologies, and associated with common genetic variants linked to schizophrenia. It illustrates how genetically informed studies of infants may help us understand early physiological responses associated with psychiatric disorders which emerge much later in life.
Addition of 4‐oxoisophorone improves performance of bisexual lure for Autographa gamma (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Nagy Antal , Szarukán István , Szalárdi Tímea , Szanyi Szabolcs , Jósvai Júlia K. , Tóth Miklós
Published: December 2021

In field trapping tests the addition of 4‐oxoisophorone (2,6,6‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐ene‐1,4‐dione) to the known ternary bisexual lure (consisting of phenylacetaldehyde + benzyl acetate + eugenol) significantly increased catches of the silver Y moth Autographa gamma, an important migratory noctuid pest. Both female and male moths were attracted, supposedly in the natural sex ratio of the local population. Traps baited with the quaternary lure caught 27.9% of the number of moths in traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone (all males), and the two types of lures showed similar seasonal trends when following the quantitative changes in moth flight throughout the whole season. This suggests that the improved quaternary bisexual lure could be efficient enough to yield a new tool for detection and monitoring of A. gamma, resulting in more reliable plant protection decisions based on female catches, and can provide data for studies where the catch of females and data on sex ratio are indispensable.
A preliminary evaluation of the impact of pulsed electric field and high‐pressure processing treatments on mobility of norbixin molecules through rennet‐induced casein matrices
Authors: Alehosseini Ali , Wall Catherine , Segat Annalisa , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Sharma Prateek , Kelly Alan L. , Sheehan Jeremiah J.
Published: December 2021

Considering the turnover of global cheese industry and while colored cheese is a subset of this, the issue of producing colored cheese without compromising the quality and economic value of the whey stream is a significant one. In this work, the potential of two pilot‐scale processes—pulsed electric field (PEF) and high‐pressure processing (HPP)—to increase the diffusion rate of norbixin molecules through a casein model system, rennet‐induced micellar casein concentrate, and Cheddar cheese, were evaluated independently. Varying PEF treatments (2.4 kV cm−1, pulse widths: 5–7 μs) were applied to alter the degree of sample permeabilization; however, the migration patterns of norbixin molecules were not statistically affected. Cheddar cheese samples were also subjected to high pressure (HP) treatments (250–400 MPa, 10 min). Confocal laser scanning micrographs of the HP‐treated samples showed more distinct spherical fat globules surrounded by the continuous protein phase, suggesting HP‐treatment considerably assists hydration of the protein phase and induces the distinctive fat mass appearance. However samples L*, a*, and b* color values were not altered significantly other than minor colorant diffusion through surface crevices. While the operational parameters, at the range applied in this work, did not significantly increase the penetration rate of norbixin through the samples, the resulting findings do significantly add to the current knowledge and through further research should considerably shorten the path to achieving a practical solution.

Practical Applications

The two industrially scalable approaches (i.e., PEF and HPP) that have been evaluated in the current research have not previously been applied to increase the migration of norbixin molecules through the renneted casein structure. Furthermore, the application of PEF to cheeses is one in which interest is now growing. The current authors believe that the current study has a high degree of commercial importance and could be used as a catalytic study for further research around manipulating the relevant parameters and optimizing the process, so that PEF and HPP can finally be used at industrial scale.
Association between placental implantation abnormalities and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Zheng Panchan , Chen Dan , Ye Baoying , Yang Xingyu , Cheng Weiwei
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the association between placental implantation abnormalities (PIAs) and gestational hypertension‐preeclampsia (GH‐PE) in pregnant women.

Methods

Patients were recruited from 2010 to 2019 into this retrospective study at the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital. PIAs were classified as follows: placenta previa (PP), low‐lying placenta (LP), placenta accreta, and placenta adherence (PA). Logistic regression models were constructed to analyze the associations between placental abnormalities and GH‐PE. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to reduce confounders. The relationship between PP with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and GH‐PE were assessed.

Results

In total, 5527 women were recruited, and 2614 women had an abnormal placenta (992 with LP; 749 with PP 839 and PA; and 34 with placenta accreta). There were 296 patients with GH‐PE in those groups. After adjustments for confounding factors, women with PP had a lower risk of PE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–0.86, p = 0.025) than those in the control group. Women with PA had a higher risk of GH‐PE (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.05–1.99, p = 0.022). In addition, we categorized PP into marginal, complete, and partial PP and investigated these associations. We found a lower risk of PE in complete PP (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.44, p = 0.020) than in marginal or partial PP. There was no significant difference regarding GH‐PE in the PP with PAS group (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.82–2.34, p = 0.525).

Conclusion

PP, especially complete PP, is associated with a lower risk of PE. PA is associated with higher risks of GH‐PE.
The Impact of Waivers on Summer Meal Participation in Maryland
Authors: Harper Kaitlyn , Lu Stacy V. , Gross Julia , Obudulu Chinwe , Wilson Michael J. , Gross Susan M.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program that serves free, nutritious meals during the summer months. In 2019, 6 federal waivers that previously helped sponsors serve meals were rescinded. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the impact of the waiver rescission on the experiences of SFSP sponsors in Maryland.

METHODS

This study analyzed responses from Maryland SFSP sponsors in a quantitative online survey and linked meal participation data for 2018 and 2019 (n = 29) and in‐depth interviews (n = 11) about their experiences serving summer meals.

RESULTS

Most respondents reported that the waiver rescission significantly impacted their experience serving meals, including increases in workload, spending and staffing; reductions in meal types (eg, breakfast); fewer meals served; and changing closed sites to open. Sponsors expressed desire for the state to apply for waivers on behalf of all SFSP sponsors in future years.

CONCLUSION

The federal rescission of USDA summer meals waivers created substantial barriers for sponsors. To address the issues created by policy decisions, school food authorities and other SFSP should continue to work with researchers and antihunger advocates to share their experiences in order to shape state programs and policies.
Latinx youth's ethnic‐racial identity in context: Examining ethnic‐racial socialization in a new destination area
Authors: Witherspoon Dawn P. , Wei Wei , May Emily M. , Boggs Saskia , Chancy Daphney , Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y. , Bhargava Sakshi
Published: December 2021

The current study examined how ethnic‐racial socialization (i.e., ERS; cultural socialization, preparation for bias) is shaped by neighborhood characteristics and parents’ perceived discrimination, as well as how ERS shapes youth ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) among Latinx parent‐adolescent dyads (N= 69) living in a new destination area (i.e., not historically settled by Latinx populations). Results showed that neighborhood diversity was positively associated with parents’ ERS beliefs, which in turn were associated with youth's perceptions of parents’ ERS behaviors, which predicted youth ERI outcomes (i.e., centrality and private regard). Neighborhood problems were negatively associated with youth public regard. Neither neighborhood problems nor parents’ perceived discrimination was associated with ERS. The current study adds to limited empirical evidence on how neighborhood structural and social characteristics impact ERS, and in turn, ERI, among Latinx families. Overall, study findings advance knowledge on how cultural and contextual factors shape ERS in an understudied context.
Effect of washing units of canine red blood cells on storage lesions
Authors: Coll Ashley C. , Ross Matthew K. , Williams Matthew L. , Wills Robert W. , Mackin Andrew J. , Thomason John M.
Published: December 2021

Background

In humans, washing stored blood products before transfusion reduces storage lesions and incidence of transfusion reactions, but the effectiveness of washing canine blood is unknown.

Objectives

The objective was to determine if manually washing units of stored blood would reduce storage lesions without adversely affecting erythrocytes. We hypothesized that washing stored units would reduce concentrations of storage lesions and cause minimal erythrocyte damage.

Animals

Eight healthy research dogs.

Methods

Repeated measure cohort study. Units of whole blood were stored for 28 days and washed 3 times with 0.9% NaCl. Blood samples were collected before and after storage, after each wash, and after being held at a simulated transfusion temperature. Variables measured included CBC variables, blood gas analysis, erythrocyte morphology, mean corpuscular fragility (MCF), and eicosanoid concentrations. A Friedman's test was used to evaluate changes in variables (P < .05 was considered significant).

Results

After the first wash, compared to values after storage, there was a significant decrease in potassium (4.3 mmol/L [4.0‐4.7] to 1.2 mmol/L [1‐1.6]; P < .0001, median [range]), lactate (1.45 mmol/L [1.07‐1.79] to 0.69 mmol/L [0.39‐0.93]; P = .002), and partial pressure carbon dioxide (102 mm Hg [80.2‐119.2] to 33.7 mm Hg [24.5‐44.5]; P < .0001), and increase in MCV (69.3 fL [65.7‐72.3] to 74 fL [69.6‐79.5]; P = .0003), and MCF (0.444 fL [0.279‐0.527] to 0.491 fL [0.43‐0.616]; P = .0006).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A single wash of stored whole blood significantly reduces most extracellular storage lesions, and additional washing might cause hemolysis.
Application of a RiboTag‐based approach to generate and analyze mRNA from enteric neural cells
Authors: Leven Patrick , Schneider Reiner , Siemens Kevin D. , Jackson Walker S. , Wehner Sven
Published: December 2021

Background

Transcriptional profiling of specific intestinal cell populations under health and disease is generally based on traditional sorting approaches followed by gene expression analysis. Therein, specific cell populations are identified either by expressing reporter genes under a cell type‐specific promotor or by specific surface antigens. This method provides adequate results for blood‐derived and tissue‐resident immune cells. However, in stromal cell analysis, cellular stress due to digestion often results in degraded RNA. Particularly, ramified cells integrated into the tissue, such as enteric neurons and glial cells, suffer from these procedures.

These cell types are involved in various intestinal processes, including a prominent immune‐regulatory role, which requires suitable approaches to generate cell‐specific transcriptional profiles.

Methods

Sox10iCreERT2 and choline acetyltransferase (ChATCre) mice were crossed with mice labeling the ribosomal Rpl22 protein upon Cre activity with a hemagglutinin tag (Rpl22‐HA, termed RiboTag). This approach enabled cellular targeting of enteric glia and neurons and the immediate isolation of cell‐specific mRNA from tissue lysates without the need for cell sorting.

Key results

We verified the specific expression of Rpl22‐HA in enteric glia and neurons and provided gene expression data demonstrating a successful enrichment of either Sox‐10+ glial or ChAT+ neuronal mRNAs by the RiboTag‐mRNA procedure using qPCR and RNA‐Seq analysis.

Conclusions and inferences

We present a robust and selective protocol that allows the generation of cell type‐specific transcriptional in vivo snapshots of distinct enteric cell populations that will be especially useful for various intestinal disease models involving peripheral neural cells.