bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of lactose intolerance severity on food intake and quality of life in adults with lactose intolerance in Turkey
Authors: Garipoğlu Gökçen , Ersoy Nesli , Gülşen Mustafa , Özgürtaş Taner
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Lactose intolerance is lactose digestive disorder due to lactase enzyme deficiency. This can affect the quality of life by restricting the intake of certain foods. The aim of this study is to show the lactose intolerance to the restriction in food intake and quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with adults aged 18–60 years. A survey was used to gather information on the demographic characteristics of the patients and their symptoms related to lactose intolerance. In addition, the Visual Analog Scale was administered to identify common symptoms and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-Bref Quality of Life Scale to determine their quality of life.

Findings

The average quality of life subscale scores was 56.25 ± 14.06 for physical, 58.29 ± 11.72 for mental, 63.28 ± 21.35 for social and 62.36 ± 16.37 for environmental. When VAS scores obtained for the common digestive system symptoms in lactose intolerance were compared with Quality of Life scores; it was found that physical life quality scores decreased (r = −0.239, p = 0.030) as the complaints of diarrhea increased and physical and environmental life quality decreased (r = −0.316, p = 0.004/r = −0.277, p = 0.012, respectively) as abdominal pain increased.

Originality/value

People reduce dairy consumption due to digestive system complaints. Therefore, it is important to inform the people about the effects of lactose intolerance because discomfort caused by intolerance can affect nutrient intake and lower the quality of life.
Librarians’ utilization of innovative information dissemination tools in reaching out to virtual users
Authors: Mashiyane Dina Mokgadi
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on innovative tools used by librarians in enhancing information dissemination.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review where previous research papers on the phenomenon of the study have been consulted.

Findings

The findings indicate that there are various tools available for use by librarians in reaching out to virtual users as far as information dissemination is concerned.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on current and future tools for enhancing information dissemination in libraries. This can also be used to initiate further research.
Decentering social innovation: the value of dispersed institutes in higher education
Authors: Lough Benjamin J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how dispersed institutes of social innovation operating as intermediary actors within higher education institutions (HEIs) may help overcome many of the institutional bureaucracies and structures that inhibit social innovation in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews core conditions for social innovation, along with the opportunities, challenges and tensions that emerge as HEIs work to apply these conditions in practice. It then describes how dispersed institutes enact principles of decentralization, localization and collaboration in pursuit of social innovation.

Findings

Five main ways that dispersed institutes enable social innovation were identified in this review, including bridging academic–practice divides, enabling co-creation and co-production with users, facilitating experiential and co-curricular education, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations and generating customized and place-based solutions.

Practical implications

Findings suggest four strategies that HEIs can use to support dispersed institutes, including prioritizing social purpose organizations as institutional partners, incentivizing public engagement and collaboration, leveraging their convening power to strengthen global networks among dispersed institutes and using budgeting models that reflect the importance of creating both economic and social value.

Originality/value

Although innovation labs in HEIs have long been a feature of natural sciences and technology services, they are still comparatively new for the social sciences and humanities. This paper addresses a gap in the literature on the value contributed by dispersed institutes of social innovation operating within HEIs such as living labs, makerspaces, incubators and excubators, social innovation parks, cooperation accelerators and technology transfer offices.
Supporting part-time students in doctoral programs: a technology-based situated learning model
Authors: Zhang Shaoan , Carroll Mark , Li Chengcheng , Lin Emily
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to expand the theory of situated learning with the application of technology and provides a technology-based situated learning model with suggestions for doctoral program design.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of the relevant topics was conducted. Themes emerged by the systematic review of the relevant studies and theoretical framework.

Findings

Studies reveal that part-time doctoral students often feel unsupported, dissatisfied and disconnected with their program. Many of these issues may be mitigated by faculty and peer mentoring, and various forms of asynchronous communication through a situated learning framework with interactive communication technologies.

Research limitations/implications

Research of doctoral education should pay more attention to part-time doctoral students and investigate the quality of their programs given their individual needs, and how their progression and completion can be achieved through the innovative approaches proposed in this study.

Practical implications

Program designers may use a technology-based situated learning approach in program design to fulfill part-time doctoral students’ needs toward enhancing mentorship, students’ academic self-efficacy and career preparation. Further support is offered through a virtual community of practice.

Social implications

This paper draws researchers’ attention to program design and part-time doctoral students’ retention and completion of a doctoral program.

Originality/value

This study provides an innovative synergetic model that helps administrators and program designers to design doctoral programs and motivates researchers to conduct research regarding part-time doctoral students.
Growth of the acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii on glycerol and dihydroxyacetone
Authors: Trifunović Dragan , Moon Jimyung , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Müller Volker
Published: April 2021

More than 2 million tons of glycerol are produced during industrial processes each year and, therefore, glycerol is an inexpensive feedstock to produce biocommodities by bacterial fermentation. Acetogenic bacteria are interesting production platforms and there have been few reports in the literature on glycerol utilization by this ecophysiologically important group of strictly anaerobic bacteria. Here, we show that the model acetogen Acetobacterium woodii DSM1030 is able to grow on glycerol, but contrary to expectations, only for 2–3 transfers. Transcriptome analysis revealed the expression of the pdu operon encoding a propanediol dehydratase along with genes encoding bacterial microcompartments. Deletion of pduAB led to a stable growth of A. woodii on glycerol, consistent with the hypothesis that the propanediol dehydratase also acts on glycerol leading to a toxic end‐product. Glycerol is oxidized to acetate and the reducing equivalents are reoxidized by reducing CO2 in the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, leading to an additional acetate. The possible oxidation product of glycerol, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), also served as carbon and energy source for A. woodii and growth was stably maintained on that compound. DHA oxidation was also coupled to CO2 reduction. Based on transcriptome data and enzymatic analysis we present the first metabolic and bioenergetic schemes for glycerol and DHA utilization in A. woodii.
Sub‐lithic photosynthesis in hot desert habitats
Authors: Gwizdala Michal , Lebre Pedro H. , Maggs‐Kölling Gillian , Marais Eugene , Cowan Don A. , Krüger Tjaart P. J.
Published: April 2021

In hyper‐arid soil environments, photosynthetic microorganisms are largely restricted to hypolithic (sub‐lithic) habitats: i.e., on the ventral surfaces of translucent pebbles in desert pavements. Here, we combined fluorometric, spectroscopic, biochemical and metagenomic approaches to investigate in situ the light transmission properties of quartz stones in the Namib Desert, and assess the photosynthetic activity of the underlying hypolithic cyanobacterial biofilms. Quartz pebbles greatly reduced the total photon flux to the ventral surface biofilms and filtered out primarily the short wavelength portion of the solar spectrum. Chlorophylls d and f were not detected in biofilm pigment extracts; however, hypolithic cyanobacterial communities showed some evidence of adaptation to sub‐lithic conditions, including the prevalence of genes encoding Helical Carotenoid Proteins, which are associated with desiccation stress. Under water‐saturated conditions, hypolithic communities showed no evidence of light stress, even when the quartz stones were exposed to full midday sunlight. This initial study creates a foundation for future in‐situ and laboratory exploration of various adaptation mechanisms employed by photosynthetic organisms forming hypolithic microbial communities.
Environmental dissolved DNA harbours meaningful biological information on microbial community structure
Authors: Aldeguer‐Riquelme Borja , Ramos‐Barbero María Dolores , Santos Fernando , Antón Josefa
Published: April 2021

Extracellular DNA (eDNA) comprises all the DNA molecules outside cells. This component of microbial ecosystems may serve as a source of nutrients and genetic information. Hypersaline environments harbour one of the highest concentrations of eDNA reported for natural systems, which has been attributed to the physicochemical preservative effect of salts and to high viral abundance. Here, we compared centrifugation and filtration protocols for the extraction of dissolved DNA (dDNA, as opposed to eDNA that also includes DNA from free viral particles) from a solar saltern crystallizer pond (CR30) water sample. The crystallizer dDNA fraction has been characterized, for the first time, and compared with cellular and viral metagenomes from the same location. High‐speed centrifugation affected CR30 dDNA concentration and composition due to cell lysis, highlighting that protocol optimization should be the first step in dDNA studies. Crystallizer dDNA, which accounted for lower concentrations than those previously reported for hypersaline anoxic sediments, had a mixed viral and cellular origin, was enriched in archaeal DNA and had a distinctive taxonomic composition compared to that from the cellular assemblage of the same sample. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that nanohaloarchaeal viruses could be a cause for these differences.
Multiple roots of the populist radical right: Support for the Dutch PVV in cities and the countryside
Authors: HARTEVELD EELCO , VAN DER BRUG WOUTER , DE LANGE SARAH , VAN DER MEER TOM
Published: April 2021

Populist radical right parties are considerably more popular in some areas (neighbourhoods, municipalities, regions) than others. They thrive in some cities, in some smaller towns, and in some rural areas, but they are unsuccessful in other cities, small towns, and rural areas. We seek to explain this regional variation by modelling at the individual level how citizens respond to local conditions. We argue that patterns of populist radical right support can be explained by anxiety in the face of social change. However, how social change manifests itself is different in rural and urban areas, so that variations in populist radical right support are rooted in different kinds of conditions. To analyse the effects of these conditions we use unique geo‐referenced survey data from the Netherlands collected among a nationwide sample of 8,000 Dutch respondents. Our analyses demonstrate that the presence of immigrants (and particularly increases therein) can explain why populist radical right parties are more popular in some urban areas than in others, but that it cannot explain variation across rural areas. In these areas, local marginalization is an important predictor of support for populist radical right parties. Hence, to understand the support for the populist radical right, the heterogeneity of its electorate should be recognized.
Extraction of protein from food waste: An overview of current status and opportunities
Authors: Kamal Hina , Le Cheng Foh , Salter Andrew M. , Ali Asgar
Published: April 2021

The chief intent of this review is to explain the different extraction techniques and efficiencies for the recovery of protein from food waste (FW) sources. Although FW is not a new concept, increasing concerns about chronic hunger, nutritional deficiency, food security, and sustainability have intensified attention on alternative and sustainable sources of protein for food and feed. Initiatives to extract and utilize protein from FW on a commercial scale have been undertaken, mainly in the developed countries, but they remain largely underutilized and generally suited for low‐quality products. The current analysis reveals the extraction of protein from FW is a many‐sided (complex) issue, and that identifies for a stronger and extensive integration of diverse extraction perspectives, focusing on nutritional quality, yield, and functionality of the isolated protein as a valued recycled ingredient.
Study on the structure and digestibility of high amylose Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) starch‐flavonoid prepared by different methods
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Shichou , Zhou Yiming
Published: April 2021

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is the only food rich in flavonoid bioactive substances in grains. Studies have shown that flavonoids interaction with amylose has an important impact on the physical and chemical properties and structure of starch. In this study, Tartary buckwheat was used as a raw material. It was then threshed with pullulanase, and a high amylose Tartary buckwheat starch flavonoid complex (HBS/BF) was prepared by physical mixing (PM), water bath treatment (WT), acid–base precipitation (AP), microwave treatment (MT), and ultrasonic treatment (UT); the physical and chemical properties were then evaluated. The results show that HBS/BF‐UT and HBS/BF‐MT have a higher iodine binding rate than HBS/BF‐PM; X‐ray diffraction results show that HBS/BF‐AP has a V‐type crystal form, but the relative crystallinity was reduced. Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed that there is no new covalent bond between Tartary buckwheat starch and flavonoids. In vitro digestion showed that adding flavonoid significantly increased the digestibility of Tartary buckwheat starch.

Practical Application

These results will provide a theoretical basis for further starch anti‐digestion mechanisms and the preparation of resistant starch. These steps will provide insights into the application of Tartary buckwheat starch and flavonoids in the food industry.
Improved de novo chromosome‐level genome assembly of the vulnerable walnut tree Juglans mandshurica reveals gene family evolution and possible genome basis of resistance to lesion nematode
Authors: Yan Feng , Xi Rui‐Min , She Rui‐Xue , Chen Peng‐Peng , Yan Yu‐Jie , Yang Ge , Dang Meng , Yue Ming , Pei Dong , Woeste Keith , Zhao Peng
Published: April 2021

Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) is a synonym of J. cathayensis, a diploid, vulnerable, temperate deciduous tree valued for its wood and nut. It is also valued as a rootstock for Juglans regia because of its reported tolerance of lesion nematode. Reference genomes are available for several Juglans species, our goal was to produce a de novo, chromosome‐level assembly of the J. mandshurica genome. Here, we reported an improved assembly of J. mandshurica with a contig N50 size of 6.49 Mb and a scaffold N50 size of 36.1 Mb. The total genome size was 548 Mb encoding 29,032 protein coding genes which were annotated. The collinearity analysis showed that J. mandshurica and J. regia originated from a common ancestor, with both species undergoing two WGD events. A genomic comparison showed that J. mandshurica was missing 1657 genes found in J. regia, and J. mandshurica includes 2827 genes not found in of the J. regia genome. The J. mandshurica contained 1440 unique paralogues that were highly enriched for flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant‐pathogen interaction. Four gene families related to disease resistance notable contraction (rapidly evolving; LEA, WAK, PPR, and PR) in J. mandshurica compared to eight species. JmaPR10 and JmaPR8 contained three orthologous gene pairs with J. regia that were highly expressed in root bark. JmaPR10 is a strong candidate gene for lesion nematodes resistance in J. mandshurica. The J. mandshurica genome should be a useful resource for study of the evolution, breeding, and genetic variation in walnuts (Juglans).
Resilience and ongoing quality care for cancer clinical trials during COVID‐19: Experience from a tertiary hospital in Australia
Authors: Ives Amy , Pusztai Tricia , Keller Jacqui , Ahern Elizabeth , Chan Bryan , Gasper Harry , Wyld David , Kennedy Glen , Dickie Graeme , Lwin Zarnie , Roberts Natasha A.
Published: April 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced rapid system‐wide changes to be implemented within cancer care at an alarming pace. Clinical trials are a key element of comprehensive cancer care. Ensuring the continuing safe conduct of cancer clinical trials in the context of a pandemic is challenging.

Methods

We aimed to describe the COVID‐19 pandemic response of a Cancer Care Clinical Research Unit (CRU) of a tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. We used a mixed methods approach for this case study. Emailed directives from CRU managers to all CRU staff sharing were qualitatively analysed and mapped against our unit activities over longitudinal time points. Data from patient recruitment and protocol deviations were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Mapping activity from 11 March to 30 September 2020 revealed rapid change during the first 2 weeks. Four key strategies to accommodate change were identified: supporting patients and families, introduction of telehealth, accessing investigational product, and social distancing. Early in the pandemic we recognised that our core key stakeholders were integral to our response. When compared to the previous 12 months, our recruitment numbers dropped markedly in early phases of the response but recovered over time, as we accommodated internal and external impacts.

Conclusion

Our experience of agility as a necessity, adapting to support patients, and managing both clinical research activity and sponsors during the height of the pandemic response is presented here in order to inform future disaster response planning by clinical trial organisations.
Ultrasound aspects of symptomatic versus asymptomatic forms of male accessory gland inflammation
Authors: La Vignera Sandro , Crafa Andrea , Condorelli Rosita A. , Barbagallo Federica , Mongioì Laura M. , Cannarella Rossella , Compagnone Michele , Aversa Antonio , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: April 2021

Background

The ultrasound (US) evaluation of the male sex accessory gland inflammation (MAGI) helps the clinicians to understand the severity of this condition, allowing them to distinguish the uncomplicated form (prostatitis) from the complicated ones (prostate‐vesiculitis and prostate‐vesiculitis‐epididymitis), as well as the unilateral from the bilateral forms, the fibrosclerotic and the hypertrophic‐congestive form.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the US features of MAGI patients with active symptoms compared to patients without sexual, voiding, and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Materials/Methods

To achieve this aim, an analysis of the prevalence of MAGI US criteria was carried out on a very large series of over 500 patients diagnosed with MAGI classified according to the different symptom profile evaluated through a dedicated questionnaire (previously conceived and published by our group) arbitrarily named “structured interview about MAGI” (SI‐MAGI) for sexual, voiding, and ejaculatory disorders reported by these patients.

Results

The results of this study revealed that US criteria most frequently detected in patients with severe urinary symptoms were the presence of areas of high echogenicity (almost exclusively in the periurethral prostatic zone) together with the presence of single or multiple areas of acinar ectasia of the prostate. The presence of seminal vesicles with polycyclic areas within the glandular lumen separated by hyperechoic septa represented US criterion most frequently detected in patients with severe spontaneous or post‐ejaculate pain. Finally, US criterion most frequently detected in patients with severe sexual dysfunction was the dilation of the periprostatic venous plexus, suggesting the hypothesis of a possible alternative therapeutic approach.

Conclusion

The data of the present study suggest that symptoms may associate with US signs in patients with MAGI. Also, specific US signs may associate with specific symptoms. Further studies are needed to understand whether patients with specific US signs may in turn benefit from a personalized therapeutic choice.
Analysis of perioperative glucose metabolism using an artificial pancreas
Authors: Okazaki Mitsuyoshi , Hayashi Hironori , Gabata Ryousuke , Ohbatake Yoshinao , Shinbashi Hiroyuki , Nakanuma Shinichi , Makino Isamu , Tajima Hidehiro , Takamura Hiroyuki , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: April 2021

Hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance is common in surgical patients with and without diabetes and is associated with poor surgical outcomes. Several studies have recently shown that a closed‐loop blood glucose monitoring system in the form of an artificial pancreas is safe and effective for surgical patients. In this study, we analyzed the risk factors for insulin resistance in patients using an artificial pancreas. We investigated 109 patients who underwent surgical management by an artificial pancreas for 24 hours from the start of surgery during either major hepatectomy (MH), defined as resection of more than two liver segments, or pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The target glucose range was from 80 to 110 mg/dL using an artificial pancreas. We analyzed the risk factors for and predictors of a high insulin dose, including sarcopenia markers, according to the median 24‐hour total insulin infusion. The median total insulin dose and glycemic control rate (GCR), which is the rate of achieving the target blood glucose range, per 24 hours were 78.0 IU and 30.4% in the MH group and 82.6 IU and 23.5% in the PD group, respectively. The muscle volume was the only independent factor in the high‐dose subgroup, and the GCR was significantly lower in the high‐dose subgroup despite a high insulin dose in both the MH and PD groups. The results of this study suggest that preoperative sarcopenia is closely associated with insulin resistance in the perioperative period. Clinicians must effectively manage sarcopenia, which may result in improved perioperative glycemic control and reduced postoperative complications.
Effectiveness of routine population‐wide orthoptic preschool vision screening tests at age 6–24 months in the Netherlands
Authors: Sloot Frea , Telleman Marieke Alberdina Johanna , Benjamins Janine , Sami Aya , Hoogendam Jacob Pieter , Simonsz Huibert Jan ,   Orthoptic Research Group
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The effectiveness of preverbal orthoptic tests at age 6, 9, 14 and 24 months in population‐wide screening was assessed.

Methods

Two consecutive birth cohorts at 134 centres were compared. At general health screening visits, children born July–December 2011 were vision screened four times between 6 and 24 months with inspection, pupillary reflexes, eye motility, Hirschberg, cover test and monocular pursuit. Children born January–June 2012 were vision screened at general screening visits only in case of visually apparent abnormalities or positive family history. After referral, cause and severity of amblyopia were determined. Visual acuity was measured in all children at 36 and 45 months.

Results

The control and intervention group comprised 5649 versus 5162 children. Amblyopia was diagnosed in 185 (3.3%) versus 159 children (3.1%), outside of screening in 21 (11.4%) versus 25 (15.7%). Between 6 and 24 months, 44 (23.8%) versus 27 (17%) (RR = 0.67 [95% CI 0.42, 1.09]) were referred and after visual acuity (VA) measurement 120 (64.9%) versus 107 (67.3%). Of 109 versus 108 children with refractive or bilateral amblyopia, 94 (86.2%) versus 92 (85.2%) were detected with VA measurements. Visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, after referral, was not significantly different between groups (p 0.896), nor was the time to amblyopia diagnosis (intention to screen [p 0.55]; per protocol [p 0.11]).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of vision screening was not influenced by omission of orthoptic tests at general health screening at 6–24 months. Refractive and bilateral amblyopia were almost exclusively found by VA measurements.
Metabolic phenotyping of opioid and psychostimulant addiction: A novel approach for biomarker discovery and biochemical understanding of the disorder
Authors: Caspani Giorgia , Sebők Viktoria , Sultana Nowshin , Swann Jonathan R. , Bailey Alexis
Published: April 2021

Despite the progress in characterising the pharmacological profile of drugs of abuse, their precise biochemical impact remains unclear. The metabolome reflects the multifaceted biochemical processes occurring within a biological system. This includes those encoded in the genome but also those arising from environmental/exogenous exposures and interactions between the two. Using metabolomics, the biochemical derangements associated with substance abuse can be determined as the individual transitions from recreational drug to chronic use (dependence). By understanding the biomolecular perturbations along this time course and how they vary across individuals, metabolomics can elucidate biochemical mechanisms of the addiction cycle (dependence/withdrawal/relapse) and predict prognosis (recovery/relapse). In this review, we summarise human and animal metabolomic studies in the field of opioid and psychostimulant addiction. We highlight the importance of metabolomics as a powerful approach for biomarker discovery and its potential to guide personalised pharmacotherapeutic strategies for addiction targeted towards the individual's metabolome.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Building Bridges in Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.8/issuetoc
Spatial cost–benefit analysis of blue restoration and factors driving net benefits globally
Authors: Stewart‐Sinclair Phoebe J. , Klein Carissa J. , Bateman Ian J. , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: April 2021

Marine coastal ecosystems, commonly referred to as blue ecosystems, provide valuable services to society but are under increasing threat worldwide due to a variety of drivers, including eutrophication, development, land‐use change, land reclamation, and climate change. Ecological restoration is sometimes necessary to facilitate recovery in coastal ecosystems. Blue restoration (i.e., in marine coastal systems) is a developing field, and projects to date have been small scale and expensive, leading to the perception that restoration may not be economically viable. We conducted a global cost–benefit analysis to determine the net benefits of restoring coral reef, mangrove, saltmarsh, and seagrass ecosystems, where the benefit is defined as the monetary value of ecosystem services. We estimated costs from published restoration case studies and used an adjusted‐value‐transfer method to assign benefit values to these case studies. Benefit values were estimated as the monetary value provided by ecosystem services of the restored habitats. Benefits outweighed costs (i.e., there were positive net benefits) for restoration of all blue ecosystems. Mean benefit:cost ratios for ecosystem restoration were eight to 10 times higher than prior studies of coral reef and seagrass restoration, most likely due to the more recent lower cost estimates we used. Among ecosystems, saltmarsh had the greatest net benefits followed by mangrove; coral reef and seagrass ecosystems had lower net benefits. In general, restoration in nations with middle incomes had higher (eight times higher in coral reefs and 40 times higher in mangroves) net benefits than those with high incomes. Within an ecosystem type, net benefit varied with restoration technique (coral reef and saltmarsh), ecosystem service produced (mangrove and saltmarsh), and project duration (seagrass). These results challenge the perceptions of the low economic viability of blue restoration and should encourage further targeted investment in this field.
The differential impact of size mismatch in live versus deceased donor kidney transplant
Authors: Vinson Amanda , Skinner Tom , Kiberd Bryce , Clark David , Tennankore Karthik
Published: April 2021

Background

The impact of weight mismatch between donors and recipients (D‐R) undergoing living‐donor kidney transplant (LDKT) versus weight‐matched deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT) is not established.

Aim

To determine whether absolute weight mismatch between D‐R affects graft survival following LDKT and how this relates to graft outcomes with DDKT when D‐R are weight matched.

Materials & Methods

We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to determine the association of weight‐mismatched D‐R (>50 kg, 30–50 kg or 10–30 kg ((D < R); (D > R) and <10 kg (D = R)) with death‐censored graft failure in US LDKT recipients from 2006 to 2017. We also explored outcomes relative to weight‐matched DDKT and finally, the impact of combined D‐R weight‐sex mismatch.

Results

In LDKT, the risk of graft loss was highest in the setting of D < R (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.56 for >50 kg difference relative to D = R); however, this was still lower risk than weight‐matched DDKT. D‐R sex and combined weight‐sex mismatch were only important for male recipients (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.27–1.71 for a male recipient >30 kg larger than their female donor, relative to weight‐matched male donor‐male recipient). This remained superior to weight‐sex‐matched DDKT however.

Conclusion

D‐R weight‐sex mismatch is important in LDKT; however, graft survival remains superior to proceeding with matched DDKT. Optimizing D‐R matching in LDKT could be facilitated through a national kidney‐paired donation registry. LDKT weight‐sex mismatch should not be deferred in favor of DDKT.
Exploiting motherhood: Do mummy drinking sites offer real support or are they mainly alcohol marketing?
Authors: Bosma Linda M. , Giesbrecht Norman , Laslett Anne‐Marie
Published: April 2021

Even as women's roles have expanded substantially beyond traditional sex stereotypes, women are still commonly portrayed as uncomplaining caregivers, long‐suffering intimate partners and in control of family matters, all while maintaining a sexualised femininity. Nowhere are these stereotypes and expectations more apparent than for mothers. However, some social media are exploiting mothers by inappropriately offering alcohol consumption as a solution to the challenges of parenting. This is a very timely topic, given the impacts of COVID‐19 on family and home life, and potential for an increase in alcohol‐related problems and health harms. We address these issues and offer alternatives to alcohol consumption as an easy solution to countering challenges of parenthood.
Making the process of strategy choice visible: Inhibition and motor demands impact preschoolers’ real‐time problem solving
Authors: DeMasi Aaron , Berger Sarah E.
Published: April 2021

To examine the real‐time process of strategy choice and execution and the role of inhibition in problem solving, 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children were asked to navigate a ball around a maze board under high‐ and low‐precision motor demands. Employing a motor problem‐solving task made normally hidden cognitive processes observable. Sequential analysis revealed two subtypes of inhibition (response and attentional) that are involved in problem solving and different developmental trajectories for each. Cognition‐action trade‐offs due to motor and inhibition demands adversely impacted children's strategy choices, but contributed to heightened variability of strategies. Children used fewer strategies with age, reflecting more efficient problem solving due to increasing inhibitory control. When solutions required precision, preschoolers were more likely to have difficulty inhibiting irrelevant and distracting strategies and maintaining appropriate strategies. By preschool age, executive functioning serves to make strategic motor control possible. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCLxK7dvheE.
Haloperidol‐induced catalepsy as an animal model for parkinsonism: A systematic review of experimental studies
Authors: Waku Isabelle , Magalhães Mylena S. , Alves Camila O. , de Oliveira Amanda R.
Published: April 2021

Several useful animal models for parkinsonism have been developed so far. Haloperidol‐induced catalepsy is often used as a rodent model for the study of motor impairments observed in Parkinson's disease and related disorders and for the screening of potential antiparkinsonian compounds. The objective of this systematic review is to identify publications that used the haloperidol‐induced catalepsy model for parkinsonism and to explore the methodological characteristics and the main questions addressed in these studies. A careful systematic search of the literature was carried out by accessing articles in three different databases: Web of Science, PubMed and SCOPUS. The selection and inclusion of studies were performed based on the abstract and, subsequently, on full‐text analysis. Data extraction included the objective of the study, study design and outcome of interest. Two hundred and fifty‐five articles were included in the review. Publication years ranged from 1981 to 2020. Most studies used the model to explore the effects of potential treatments for parkinsonism. Although the methodological characteristics used are quite varied, most studies used Wistar rats as experimental subjects. The most frequent dose of haloperidol used was 1.0 mg/kg, and the horizontal bar test was the most used to assess catalepsy. The data presented here provide a framework for an evidence‐based approach to the design of preclinical research on parkinsonism using the haloperidol‐induced catalepsy model. This model has been used routinely and successfully and is likely to continue to play a critical role in the ongoing search for the next generation of therapeutic interventions for parkinsonism.
Cervical spinal degenerative disease in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chhugani Simran , Agarwal Nivedita , Sheikh Faraz , Borca Florina , Spanoulis Aginor , Galea Ian
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

Root and cord irritation from cervical spinal degenerative disease (SDD) may share clinical features with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), so diagnostic overshadowing may occur. We hypothesized that cervical stenotic SDD is commoner in people with progressive MS, compared to controls.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study of 111 cases (56 with progressive MS and 55 age‐ and sex‐matched controls) was conducted. Five types of cervical SDD (disc degeneration, posterior disc protrusion, endplate changes, canal stenosis and foraminal stenosis) were assessed objectively on magnetic resonance imaging using published scales. Multivariable regression analysis was performed.

Results

Moderate‐to‐severe cervical spinal degeneration occurred more frequently in progressive MS, compared to controls. In multivariable regression, foraminal stenosis was three times more likely in progressive MS (odds ratio 3.20, 95% confidence interval 1.27, 8.09; p = 0.014), and was more severe (p = 0.009). This finding was confirmed on retrospective evaluation of clinical radiology reports in the same population. Foraminal stenosis was twice as likely in progressive MS, compared to relapsing‐remitting MS.

Conclusions

People with progressive MS are susceptible to foraminal stenosis. A higher index of suspicion for cervical SDD is required when appropriate neurological symptoms occur in the setting of progressive MS, to guide appropriate treatment or monitoring.
Leukoencephalopathy with transient splenial lesions related to 5‐fluorouracil or capecitabine
Authors: Perrain Valentine , Bihan Kevin , Bompaire Flavie , Houillier Caroline , Jomier Fanny , Leclercq Delphine , Combret Sandrine , Mahé Julien , Ricard Damien , Berzero Giulia , Psimaras Dimitri
Published: April 2021

Background

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) and its oral prodrug capecitabine have been rarely but consistently associated with acute central nervous system toxicity, including transient leukoencephalopathies involving the splenium of the corpus callosum.

Methods

We performed a retrospective search in the French Pharmacovigilance database (FPDB) (January 1985−July 2020) for adult patients affected by solid cancers who developed acute toxic leukoencephalopathies with splenial lesions following treatment with 5‐FU or capecitabine. A comprehensive review of the literature helped to circumstantiate our findings.

Results

Our research in the FPDB identified six patients who, within 3 days from their first cycle of 5‐FU or capecitabine, developed acute neurological symptoms, including gait ataxia (n = 4), dysarthria (n = 3), dysmetria (n = 2), headache (n = 2), and confusion (n = 2). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T2/FLAIR (fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery) hyperintensities in the corpus callosum, with diffusion restriction and no contrast enhancement, generally accompanied by additional alterations in the bilateral supratentorial white matter (n = 5). All patients discontinued the agent supposedly responsible for the toxicity and experienced full recovery after a median of 8.5 days from symptom onset. Control MRI showed a progressive normalization of acute MRI abnormalities. Literature review identified 26 cases with similar clinical and paraclinical characteristics. A single patient from the literature resumed 5‐FU at a lower dose, with no recurrent toxicity.

Conclusions

5‐FU and capecitabine might be responsible for acute leukoencephalopathies with transient splenial lesions that are generally reversible upon drug discontinuation. Resuming the agent responsible for toxicity might be feasible in selected cases, after having excluded dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency, if expected benefits outweigh the risks.
Diverse genetic causes of polymicrogyria with epilepsy
Authors:   Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project, Epi4K Consortium
Published: April 2021

Objective

We sought to identify novel genes and to establish the contribution of known genes in a large cohort of patients with nonsyndromic sporadic polymicrogyria and epilepsy.

Methods

We enrolled participants with polymicrogyria and their parents through the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project. We performed phenotyping and whole exome sequencing (WES), trio analysis, and gene‐level collapsing analysis to identify de novo or inherited variants, including germline or mosaic (postzygotic) single nucleotide variants, small insertion‐deletion (indel) variants, and copy number variants present in leukocyte‐derived DNA.

Results

Across the cohort of 86 individuals with polymicrogyria and epilepsy, we identified seven with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in PIK3R2, including four germline and three mosaic variants. PIK3R2 was the only gene harboring more than expected de novo variants across the entire cohort, and likewise the only gene that passed the genome‐wide threshold of significance in the gene‐level rare variant collapsing analysis. Consistent with previous reports, the PIK3R2 phenotype consisted of bilateral polymicrogyria concentrated in the perisylvian region with macrocephaly. Beyond PIK3R2, we also identified one case each with likely causal de novo variants in CCND2 and DYNC1H1 and biallelic variants in WDR62, all genes previously associated with polymicrogyria. Candidate genetic explanations in this cohort included single nucleotide de novo variants in other epilepsy‐associated and neurodevelopmental disease‐associated genes (SCN2A in two individuals, GRIA3, CACNA1C) and a 597‐kb deletion at 15q25, a neurodevelopmental disease susceptibility locus.

Significance

This study confirms germline and postzygotically acquired de novo variants in PIK3R2 as an important cause of bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, notably with macrocephaly. In total, trio‐based WES identified a genetic diagnosis in 12% and a candidate diagnosis in 6% of our polymicrogyria cohort. Our results suggest possible roles for SCN2A, GRIA3, CACNA1C, and 15q25 deletion in polymicrogyria, each already associated with epilepsy or other neurodevelopmental conditions without brain malformations. The role of these genes in polymicrogyria will be further understood as more patients with polymicrogyria undergo genetic evaluation.
Transmission ofHelicobacter pyloribetween a human and two dogs: A case report
Authors: Kubota‐Aizawa Sanae , Matsubara Yasuo , Kanemoto Hideyuki , Mimuro Hitomi , Uchida Kazuyuki , Chambers James , Tsuboi Masaya , Ohno Koichi , Fukushima Kenjiro , Kato Naoya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: April 2021

Background

Whereas non‐Helicobacter pylorihelicobacters, which are frequently detected in the stomachs of dogs and cats as a source of zoonoses, have attracted considerable attention, the role of pets inH. pyloriepidemiology is unclear. In our previous study, anH. pyloriinfection was detected in the stomach of a dog (Dog 1). Here, we investigated theH. pyloriinfection status in the female offspring of Dog 1 (Dog 2) and its owner within the same household.

Materials and Methods

Biopsy specimens were obtained from the dog's owner and tested forH. pylori. DNA from gastric biopsy samples of Dog 1, gastric fluid sediment of Dog 2, and bacteria from the stomach of the owner was obtained, andHelicobactergenus‐ and species‐specific PCRs were performed. Then, sequence analyses of the partial region of theureABgene were conducted.

Results

Samples from both dogs and the owner reacted positively in the genus‐specific PCR and negative in theHelicobacter felis‐,Helicobacter bizzozeronii‐, andHelicobacter heilmanniisensu stricto‐specific PCRs. All three samples also reacted positively in theH. pylori‐specific PCR. Sequences of the partialureABgene from all subjects were identical.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the two dogs and their owner were infected with an identicalH. pyloristrain. This report is the first to demonstrate thatH. pylorican be transmitted between humans and dogs. Further studies are required to investigate the risk factors for the transmission ofH. pyloribetween humans and dogs from the perspective of preventive epidemiology.
The use of mobile devices in‐store and the effect on shopping experience: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Cavalinhos Sílvia , Marques Susana Henriques , de Fátima Salgueiro Maria
Published: April 2021

The use of mobile devices continues to change the in‐store shopping experience and constantly increases curiosity among academics and retailers. However, in spite of the emergence of studies on this topic, the information about the effects of their use is still scattered. The aim of this research is to provide an overview on what is currently known about the effect of the use of mobile devices in‐store on the shopping experience, and describe the most important findings. Furthermore, future research directions are also provided in order to extend the existing knowledge. This systematic literature review has analysed a top‐quality poll of papers, published in the past decade. As a result, it contributes to a better understanding of this focal phenomenon by analysing the different types of use and the value added to the shopping experience. Our framework provides a systematization of these findings.
Crude and refined millet bran oil alleviate lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress and affect the gut microbiota composition in high‐fat diet‐induced mice
Authors: Yin Ruiyang , Fu Yongxia , Yousaf Laraib , Xue Yong , Hu Jinrong , Hu Xiaosong , Shen Qun
Published: April 2021

To investigate crude millet bran oil (MBO) and refined millet bran oil (MRO) consumption on lipid metabolism in obese mice, C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD/MBO and MRO (2 g kg−1 bw per day) for 12 weeks. Both MBO and MRO supplementation effectively alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, which was associated with downregulation of the expression levels of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (Acaca), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), perilipin‐2 (Plin2) and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (Scd). Only MBO supplementation significantly decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), catalase (CAT), hepatic lipid peroxidation and hepatic oxidative stress. It also increased the abundance of Akkermansia. The refining process caused a reduction of bioactive components (phytosterols, tocopherols and pigments) and a decrease in associated health benefits of MBO. Therefore, MBO can be moderately refined and still retain some health benefits, but new refining methods are needed to enhance the content of active compounds and improve the physiological efficacy of MRO.
Effect of in vitro gastro‐pancreatic digestion on antioxidant activity of low‐molecular‐weight (<3.5 kDa) peptides from dry‐cured pork loins with probiotic strains of LAB
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna
Published: April 2021

The antioxidant properties of low‐molecular‐weight peptides (<3.5 kDa) obtained from the dry‐cured pork loins inoculated with probiotic and potentially probiotic lactic acid bacterial strains were tested after two‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis under in vitro conditions. The water soluble fraction (WSF) was found to be a better substrate for enzymatic hydrolysis by proteolytic enzymes, especially when they were extracted from the meat product after 12 months of ageing. Furthermore, protein hydrolysates extracted from the salt soluble fraction (SSF) exhibited better or similar ABTS free radical scavenging activity and Fe2+‐chelating activity than those extracted from WSF (despite their less quantity). Moreover, both SSF and WSF exhibited weak ferric‐reducing antioxidant activity after two‐step enzymatic hydrolysis (A700 averaged 0.138 for the WSF and 0.088 for the SSF). These results might be useful to the meat‐processing industry in developing innovative and functional meat products.
Occupational segregation of female and male immigrants in Europe: Accounting for cross‐country differences
Authors: PALENCIA‐ESTEBAN Amaia
Published: April 2021

This article studies occupational segregation in Europe by gender and immigration status using the European Labour Force Survey for 2005–19. Unlike previous studies, it quantifies levels of segregation separately for female and male immigrants in each country. Overall, male immigrants experience lower occupational segregation than their female counterparts and the second generation is less segregated than the first. Segregation is generally lower in North‐Western Europe and higher in the South‐East. A counterfactual analysis reveals that immigrants' characteristics explain a small part of these cross‐country differences. Institutional setting, integration policies and country‐specific norms might play a major role.