bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away
Authors: Doering Zahava D.
Published: September 2020

This reviewer’s essay represents an odyssey, from question to print, that started in December 2019 with a visit to the exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. It was inspired by a view of New York's Statue of Liberty, seen through the rustling of tall trees, planted in 2003 by Holocaust survivors on New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage’s terrace. As she looked out – and for many days since – she’s worked to understand the “why” of this exhibition and others like it. This reflective essay begins with a descriptive, non‐judgmental account of the Auschwitz exhibition, followed by a review and discussion of the exhibition’s impact and strategies. It explores whether the Auschwitz exhibition does, live up to the potential and the promise of its title. The author views the exhibition’s effectiveness through a behavioral lens; i.e., activities and actions extending beyond the exhibition. The essay concludes with the broader question of whether Holocaust exhibitions, and other exhibitions that address inhumanity and traumatic subjects, are capable of building the necessary bridge between history, empathy, and action to ever live up to that promise.
Upstream or Downstream: Who Should Provide Trade‐in Services in Dyadic Supply Chains?*
Authors: Tang Fei , Ma Zu‐Jun , Dai Ying , Choi Tsan‐Ming
Published: September 2020

As observed in real‐world practices, trade‐ins can be offered by either the manufacturer or the retailer. The party offering the trade‐in program faces the trade‐off between the fixed trade‐in cost incurred and the additional revenue generated. By conducting a game‐theoretic study, we analytically explore in this article the optimal choice of trade‐in provider in a dyadic supply chain with a single manufacturer and a single retailer. We show that the trade‐in models can bear a much higher manufacturing cost and induce a higher new product sale than the benchmark case without trade‐ins. It is possible that both the manufacturer and retailer prefer to undertake the trade‐in program, which would lead to a conflict; or both firms prefer to be a free rider instead of being the trade‐in provider, which would fall into a prisoner's dilemma. Moreover, the powerful manufacturer has an incentive to delegate the trade‐in service to the retailer when facing a higher fixed trade‐in cost, but the delegation option is always worse off for the retailer compared to the scenario in which the retailer provides trade‐ins by herself. We also show that the trade‐in scenarios always benefit the environment and consumers of the replacement segment, but hurt the primary segment consumers. The social welfare would actually be higher in the scenarios with trade‐ins if the fixed trade‐in cost is relatively low and the residual value of old products is relatively high.
Clinical and cardiac structural predictors of atrial fibrillation persistence
Authors: Bhat Aditya , Chen Henry H. L. , Khanna Shaun , Gan Gary C. H. , Abhayaratna Walter P. , Nunes Maria Carmo P. , MacIntyre Chandini Raina , Tan Timothy C.
Published: September 2020

Aims

The persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with differential clinical outcomes, with studies showing that persistent and permanent AF results in increased morbidity and mortality when compared to the paroxysmal subtype. Given the established prognostic implications of AF subtype, we sought to discern the clinical and structural cardiac parameters associated with persistent/ permanent AF.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients admitted to our institution between January 2013 and January 2018 with a primary diagnosis of non‐valvular AF who underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography were retrospectively appraised. Assessment of clinical and echocardiographic parameters was undertaken and compared according to AF subtype.

Results

Of 1010 patients, 665 (mean age 66.8 ± 13.5 years, 53% men) had comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography on index admission and were included in the primary analysis. The majority of patients (n = 468; 70%) had paroxysmal AF while 197 (30%) had persistent/ permanent AF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that heart failure (adjusted OR 3.135; 95% CI 2.099 to 4.682, P < .001), right atrial (RA) area ≥18 cm2 (adjusted OR 2.147; 95% CI 1.413 to 3.261, P < .001) and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) ≤34% (adjusted OR 2.959; 95% CI 1.991 to 4.398, P < .001) were independent predictors of persistent /permanent AF.

Conclusions

The presence of heart failure, increased RA size and impaired LA function were associated with persistent/ permanent AF. These clinical and cardiac structural risk markers of AF persistence may identify a target population for early intervention to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Cannabis use and metabolic syndrome among clients with first episode psychosis
Authors: Stiles Erik , Alcover Karl C. , Stiles Bryan , Oluwoye Oladunni , McDonell Michael G.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To explore the relationship between cannabis use and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among those who have experienced first episode psychosis (FEP).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 404 participants enrolled in the Recovery After Initial Schizophrenia Episode‐Early Treatment Program (RAISE‐ETP) was conducted. Using multiple logistic regression, we investigated the correlation between cannabis use and rate of MetS at baseline and across time as well as the specific metabolic derangements among cannabis users and abstainers.

Results

Although cannabis users had similar rates of MetS at baseline when compared with abstainers, those who used cannabis at any time during the study period tended to have lower triglycerides and elevated high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). Cannabis users were less likely to develop MetS, relative to nonusers.

Conclusions

Cannabis use may be associated with lower incidence of MetS in patients who have experienced FEP. Further research is indicated to develop these observations.
A hybrid model for financial time‐series forecasting based on mixed methodologies
Authors: Luo Zhidan , Guo Wei , Liu Qingfu , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a hybrid model that combines ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and Taylor expansion using a tracking differentiator to forecast financial time series. Specifically, the financial time series is decomposed by EEMD into some subseries. Then, the linear portion of each subseries is forecasted by the linear ARIMA model, while the nonlinear portion is predicted by the nonlinear Taylor expansion model. The forecasting results of the linear and nonlinear models are combined into the predicted result of each subseries. The final prediction result is obtained by combining the prediction values of all the subseries. The empirical results with real financial time series data demonstrate that this new hybrid approach outperforms the benchmark hybrid models considered in this paper.
The complex network analysis of liner shipping networks: Lessons from the merger between COSCO and CSCL
Authors: Wang Liehui , Zhang Nanyi , Ye Fei , Lau Yui‐yip , Ducruet César
Published: September 2020

COSCO and China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) merged and reorganized as COSCO Shipping Lines in 2016. Through using a complex network methodology, we analyze the spatial patterns of their shipping networks before and after the merger. We evaluate the integration effects based on two main dimensions: network and hub economies. While complementarities are found between COSCO and CSCL networks before the merger, COSCO Shipping Lines increased the total number of service nodes and shipping routes significantly. The merger also had the effect of strengthening the hub capacity of 7 of the top 15 hub ports in the main markets covered by the new company. Results underline that this strategy of overseas pivotal ports promoted the development of hub economy and regional market expansion.
EMS‐induced mutations in common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and two mutants without anthocyanin accumulation showing increased cold tolerance
Authors: Shi Haifan , Geng Bohao , Zhao Yulong , Liu Yajie , Huang Risheng , Zhao Peiyi , Guo Zhenfei
Published: September 2020

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a leguminous plant used as forage and cover crops. A protocol of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced mutations was established in the present study, based on analysis of seed germination and emergence rate, seedling growth and abnormal plant percentage as affected by combinations of EMS concentration and treatment time. Treatment of seeds with 0.1% EMS for 9 and 12 hr or 0.5% EMS for 6 and 9 hr led to 43%–66% normal plants, which was suggested to be used for EMS‐induced mutations in common vetch. The wild‐type common vetch showed red with accumulation of anthocyanins in winter, and two lines showing separation of anthocyanin accumulation (labeled as A+) and without anthocyanin accumulation (labeled as A–) plants were selected from M2 plants induced by EMS in the field. The A– plants showing green color had higher plant height and fresh shoot weight than the A+ plants during wintering, with lower ion leakage after freezing treatment, indicating that the green mutants (A–) had increased cold tolerance. Compared to A+ plants, the green mutants had significantly increased ascorbate (AsA) level in response to low temperature treatment. The results suggest that the increased AsA level under low temperature was associated with the increased cold tolerance in the green mutants.
Differences in grain yield responses to planting density in twin and narrow row cultivation between early and late maize cultivars
Authors: Liang Song , Yoshihira Taiki , Sato Chihiro
Published: September 2020

We investigated how two planting patterns, twin row (TR) and narrow row (NR), affected maize grain yield compared with conventional row (CR) cultivation at five different planting densities, ranging from 7 to 12 plants/m2, over 2 years using early and late cultivars. For all the planting patterns, the relationship between grain yield and planting density could be fit using the quadratic curve Y = a (X − b)2 + c at the <1% level of significance, where a represents grain yield response to planting density, and c represents the maximum yield. Regardless of the cultivar’s maturation period, the magnitude of a was smaller for TR than for NR and CR. Although the late cultivar had a higher c value than the early cultivar, the a value and annual difference were larger. For the early and late cultivars, TR at 10.8 and 9.9 plants/m2, respectively, easily achieved stable high grain yields. The large magnitude of the grain yield response to planting density for the late cultivar was caused by the large decrease in the number of grains per ear and the harvest index at an above optimum planting density. This large decrease and instability in yield‐related traits resulted from a high maximum leaf area index, the frequent mutual shading of leaf blades and the large differences between the years.
COMMUNICATION AND MARKET SHARING: AN EXPERIMENT ON THE EXCHANGE OF SOFT AND HARD INFORMATION
Authors: Freitag Andreas , Roux Catherine , Thöni Christian
Published: September 2020

We study the role of communication in collusive market sharing. In a series of Cournot oligopoly experiments with multiple markets, we vary the information that firms can exchange: hard information—verifiable information about past conduct—and soft information—unbinding information about future conduct. We find that the effect of communication on the firms' ability to collude depends on the type of information available: Whereas market prices increase only slightly with hard information, the price raise due to soft information is substantial. Our results point to the types and contents of communication that should be of particular concern to antitrust authorities.
Dynamic prediction of relapse in patients with acute leukemias after allogeneic transplantation: Joint model for minimal residual disease
Authors: Huang Aijie , Chen Qi , Fei Yang , Wang Ziwei , Ni Xiong , Gao Lei , Chen Li , Chen Jie , Zhang Weiping , Yang Jianmin , Wang Jianmin , Hu Xiaoxia
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Relapse remains the leading cause of treatment failure after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in leukemia. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that minimal residual disease (MRD) before or after alloHSCT is prognostic of relapse risk. These MRD data were collected at specific checkpoints and could not dynamically predict the relapse risk after alloHSCT, which needs serial monitoring.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed MRD measured with multi‐parameter flow cytometry in 207 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (acute promyelocytic leukemia excluded), and 124 acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. A three‐step method based on joint model was used to build a relapse risk prediction model.

Results

The 3‐year overall survival and relapse‐free survival rates of the entire cohort were 67.1% ± 2.8% and 61.6% ± 2.8%, respectively. The model included disease status before alloHSCT, acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, and serial MRD data. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristics was used to evaluate the ability of the model. It fitted well with actual incidence of relapse. The serial MRD data collected after alloHSCT had better discrimination capabilities for recurrence prediction with the area under the curve from 0.67 to 0.91 (AML: 0.66‐0.89; ALL: 0.70‐0.96).

Conclusion

The joint model was able to dynamically predict relapse‐free probability after alloHSCT, which would be a useful tool to provide important information to guide decision‐making in the clinic and facilitate the individualized therapy.
“Macaíba,” an emerging oil crop: Nutritional evaluation of the pulp and kernel fruits from semi‐arid and coastal zone of northeast Brazil
Authors: Barbosa da Silva Raquel , da Silva‐Júnior Edvaldo Vieira , Trigueiros Larissa Maria Barreto de Medeiros , Santos Rayza Helen Graciano dos , Aquino Jailane de Souza , Campos Ana Regina Nascimento , de Oliveira Antônio Fernando Morais
Published: September 2020

Many native species of the Brazilian flora are still little explored economically in the country. An example is Acrocomia intumescens, a palm tree that in recent studies has shown some industrial potential still unexplored. The present study evaluates the proximate composition, including minerals, and total carotenoid content of A. intumescens fruits from three different locations in Pernambuco State, north‐east Brazil, with distinct climatic characteristics. A. intumescens fruits showed that nutritional composition, mineral profile and total carotenoid content varied between fruit parts and between locations. A. intumescens pulp is rich in moisture (35.96%–40.97%), lipids (31.88%–43.22%), ashes (3.63%–4.95%) and total carotenoids (106.69–265.23 µg/g), while the kernel stands out for its high content of lipids (52.08%–56.67%) and proteins (16.49%–21.88%). The main A. intumescens minerals present in the pulp were K (max. 241 mg/100 g) and Mg (max. 153.38 mg/100 g), while P (max. 92.51 mg/100 g) predominated in the kernel. Multivariate analysis (PCA) indicates that location with higher rainfall and temperature produces fruits with higher macro‐ and micronutrient contents.
Sexual behaviour, STI knowledge and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) prevalence in an asymptomatic cohort in Ruhr‐area, Germany: PreYoungGo study
Authors: Skaletz‐Rorowski A. , Potthoff A. , Nambiar S. , Wach J. , Kayser A. , Kasper A. , Brockmeyer N.H.
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

STIs present a significant threat to individual and public health, disproportionately affecting youth. The study aimed to evaluate (a) the prevalence of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among youth using a rapid assay platform, (b) the participants' sexual behaviour and STI knowledge, (c) the utility of the rapid assay in reducing diagnosis‐to‐treatment time.

Methods

In this study, 272 subjects (14–31 years) were included between 12/2016 and 7/2018. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, sexual behaviour and STI knowledge. Prevalence of CT and NG infections were tested from oral, vaginal and anal swabs for women and oral, anal swabs and urine for men, using the Cepheid Xpert® CT/NG assay. Time intervals between (i) test to the time the patient were informed of the result (turn around time – TAT) and (ii) test to therapy initiation was documented.

Results

Of the 272 subjects (48.9% female, 48.9% male, undisclosed 2.2%), 56.6 % reported university education. 46.6% were men who have sex with men (MSM), and 47.4% of women and 63.1% of men had anal intercourse. 59.9% had previously been tested for HIV, while only 39.7% had for CT, 20.6% for NG. Among these asymptomatic youth 7.7% were positive for CT and 5.5% for NG. The localization of CT were 3.7% genital, 5.5% anal and 2.2% oral, while the corresponding localization of NG were 0.4%, 2.9%, 4.4% respectively. 91.8% of the participants were informed of a positive result within 24 h with a median TAT of 03:09 h. 73.3% initiated therapy within 24 h, with a median time from testing to therapy initiation being 06:50 h.

Conclusion

Asypmtomatic CT and NG infections are common and often not tested in persons at risk. The Cepheid Xpert® CT/NG assay is an effective strategy as it reduces STI diagnosis‐to‐treatment time to less than a day.
The effect of temperature on ability of Lepeophtheirus salmonis to infect and persist on Atlantic salmon
Authors: Dalvin Sussie , Are Hamre Lars , Skern‐Mauritzen Rasmus , Vågseth Tone , Stien Lars , Oppedal Frode , Bui Samantha
Published: September 2020

The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is an ecologically and economically important parasite of salmonid fish. Temperature is a strong influencer of biological processes in salmon lice, with development rate increased at higher temperatures. The successful attachment of lice onto a host is also predicted to be influenced by temperature; however, the correlation of temperature with parasite survival is unknown. This study describes the effects of temperature on infection success, and survival on the host during development to the adult stage. To accurately describe infection dynamics with varying temperatures, infection success was recorded on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) between 2 and 10°C. Infection success ranged from 20% to 50% and was strongly correlated with temperature, with the highest success at 10°C. Parasite loss was monitored during development at eight temperatures with high loss of lice at 3 and 24°C, whilst no loss was recorded in the temperature range from 6 to 21°C. Sea temperatures thus have large effects on the outcome of salmon louse infections and should be taken into account in the management and risk assessment of this parasite. Improving understanding of the infection dynamics of salmon lice will facilitate epidemiological modelling efforts and efficiency of pest management strategies.
Influence of voltage and distance on quality attributes of mixed fruit beverage during pulsed light treatment and kinetic modeling
Authors: Dhar Rishab , Chakraborty Snehasis
Published: September 2020

The study investigates the influence of pulsed light (PL) processing parameters on quality of mixed fruit beverage followed by kinetic modeling. The attributes tested were aerobic mesophiles (AM), yeast and mold (YM) counts, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, color change (ΔE*), browning index (ΔBI), antioxidant capacity (AOC), and ascorbic acid (AA) content at varying voltage (1.8–2.4 kV), the number of pulses (2–187), and distance (2.4–9.6 cm). Weibull model described the PL inactivation rate of AM and YM and nth order kinetic model estimated the inactivate rate of PPO, POD, and AA. The maximum inactivation of PPO, POD, and AA content were 41, 51, and 36%, respectively. At the most severe PL condition, ΔE* was 6.4, ΔBI was 5.6 with 14% increment in phenolics. A secondary kinetic model adequately predicted the ratio of rate constant and fluence‐based rate (k/kF) for PPO, YM, and AA correlating voltage (V) and lamp distance (x). PL‐induced pasteurization of the beverage is possible at the fluence rate of 17.42 W/cm2 for 3 min.

Practical Applications

Exposing the food material to a high intensity pulsed light (PL) is a nonthermal way of food preservation for the shelf‐life extension. The potential of PL treatment (PLT) has been explored for a mixed fruit beverage in terms of its microbial, enzymatic, and nutritional quality. An optimized PLT condition is proposed to obtain a microbially safe fruit beverage along with a minimal loss in bioactive compounds. Subsequently, the kinetic data related to microbial and enzyme inactivation and degradation of vitamins will help in deciding the process parameters like treatment time, lamp voltage, and sample distance from the light source. The secondary kinetic model will eventually help to design a robust PL process condition for similar fruit beverages to obtain a microbiologically safe product with a minimal loss in vitamins.
Evidence of NAAG‐family tripeptide NAAG2 in the Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Kozik Emily M. , Marzluff Elaine M. , Lindgren Clark A.
Published: September 2020

N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is a common neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system; however, it has never been reported in the nervous system of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using antiserum against NAAG, we localized NAAG‐like immunoreactivity to neurons in the ventral nerve cord and to type Is glutamatergic nerve terminals in larval neuromuscular junctions. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), we failed to find NAAG but found the related peptide N‐acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate (NAAG2) in Drosophila CNS and body wall tissue. This is the first report of any NAAG‐family peptide in the nervous system of Drosophila and is also the first report of NAAG2 being present in a much higher concentration than NAAG in the nervous system of any species. Thus, the larval fruit fly presents an interesting model for the study of the functional role of NAAG2 of which very little is known—especially in the absence of an abundance of NAAG.

image
A review of fatty acids influencing skin condition
Authors: Yang Manli , Zhou Mingyue , Song Liya
Published: September 2020

Background

Fatty acids are common raw materials in cosmetics and also are an important component of skin surface lipids, and their composition and amount affect the skin condition.

Aims

The purpose of this article was to review the results of basic research on fatty acids as skin surface lipids.

Methods

An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for articles on fatty acids from 1993 to 2020.

Results

This article provides an overview of the mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis and its metabolic pathways as skin surface lipids in the context of sebaceous and intercellular lipids. The three mechanisms by which fatty acids affect the skin condition are also reviewed.

Conclusions

This information will aid further understanding of the mechanism of the fatty acid role in skin function maintenance and provide new perspectives for the management of skin health.
Alpha‐lipoic acid improves the reproduction performance of breeder hens during the late egg‐laying period
Authors: Dai Hongjian , Lv Zengpeng , Hu Chenhui , Shi Zhicheng , Wei Xihui , Jin Song , Yuan Yunwei , Yu Debing , Shi Fangxiong
Published: September 2020

Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA), a multifunctional antioxidant, can promote fatty acid mobilization, energy expenditure and scavenge free radicals. The effects of dietary ALA on the reproductive performance of breeder hens were investigated in the current study. In the 5‐week experiment, 180 54‐week‐old Qiling breeder hens were randomly divided into three treatments with five replicates and supplemented with three levels of ALA (0, 300 and 600 mg/kg) in the basic corn‐soya bean meal diets. 600 mg/kg ALA treatment group (HLA) significantly improved the eggshell thickness and strength (p < .05). ALA‐treated groups improved egg‐laying rate compared with the CON group, but with no statistically significant difference (p > .05). The levels of HDL‐C, ALB and estradiol (E2) of the serum in the HLA group were elevated compared with the CON group (p < .05). In addition, ALA (600 mg/kg) treatment exhibited a reduced level of serum AST and TG (p < .05). Dietary ALA increased the activity of hepatic lipase in liver (p < .05). Supplemental 600 mg/kg ALA also improved the SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity level, along with a decreased MDA in ovarian tissue (p < .05). Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of ESR1, ESR2, VTG2 and ApoB in the liver and FSHR in follicles were upregulated in the HLA group (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg ALA during the late egg‐laying period could improve lipid metabolism and reproductive performance of breeder hens.
Integration of waking experience through dreams considered in light of individual differences in implicit learning ability
Authors: Wang JiaXi , Li XinQuan , He JingYu , Ma HuiYing , Bin Ting , Wan Jing , Feng XiaoLing , Zemmelman Steve , Shen HeYong
Published: September 2020

The present study explored whether individual differences in implicit learning were related to the incorporation of waking events into dreams. Participants (N = 60) took part in a sequence learning task, a measure of implicit learning ability. They were then asked to keep a record of their waking experiences (personally significant events [PSEs]/major concerns), as well as their nightly dreams for a week. Of these, the responses of 51 participants were suitable for further analysis in which participants themselves and three independent judges rated the correlation between waking events and dreams of the same day. Implicit learning ability was found to significantly correlate with the incorporation of PSEs into dreams. The present results may lend support to the Horton and Malinowski autobiographical memory (AM) model, which accounts for the activation of memories in dreams as a reflection of sleep‐dependent memory consolidation processes that focusses in particular on the hyperassociative nature of AM during sleep.
Terrestrial target and melting site of Libyan Desert Glass: New evidence from trace elements and Sr isotopes
Authors: Sighinolfi Giampaolo P. , Lugli Federico , Piccione Federica , Michele Vincenzo DE , Cipriani Anna
Published: September 2020

Strontium isotopes and selected trace elements (Rb, Sr, REE, Zr, Hf, Th, and U) were measured on samples of Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) and a series of terrestrial materials (rocks, LDG‐bearing soils, eolic sand) collected over a large area of southwestern Egypt to identify the LDG terrestrial parent material and the site where impact melting occurred. Samples include Upper Cretaceous hypersilicic sandstones outcropping at or near the LDG strewn field and Lower Cretaceous to Silurian sandstones from the Gilf Kebir Plateau highlands. Strontium isotopes and partially Zr, Hf, Th, and U, possibly reflecting the composition of detrital zircon grains, are effective indicators of the geochemical affinity between terrestrial materials and LDG, unlike Rb, Sr, and REE abundances. The best geochemical affinity with LDG was found in LDG‐bearing soils collected at the base of intradunal corridors in the Great Sand Sea. Remarkably, abundances of the Zr group elements of the LDG Zr‐bearing phase are distinct from all terrestrial detrital zircons from the area. We suggest a mixture of weathering products from sandstones of different ages, including Devonian and Silurian rocks from the Gilf Kebir highlands, as the most likely source for LDG. A loose sedimentary formation exposed 29 Ma ago at the Earth’s surface, superimposed over hard bedrock, might have been the true terrestrial target of the impact, but because of its incoherent nature, it was rapidly destroyed, explaining the complete absence of any evidence of an impact structure.
Professional expectations of perfection stymy remediation and growth
Authors: Burgess Raquel , Vanstone Meredith , Grierson Lawrence
Published: September 2020

How might we improve remediation processeses? To start, we need to interrogate and improve medical education culture to endorse development, growth, and lifelong learning.
Molecular mechanisms controlling fructose‐specific memory and catabolite repression in lactose metabolism by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A.
Published: September 2020

Lactose is an abundant dietary carbohydrate metabolized by the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Lactose metabolism presents both classic diauxic behaviors and long‐term memory, where the bacteria can pause for >11 h before initiating growth on lactose. Here, we explored mechanisms contributing to unusual aspects of regulation of the lac operon. The fructose‐phosphate metabolites, F‐1‐P and F‐6‐P, could modulate the DNA‐binding activities of the lactose repressor. Recombinant LacR proteins bound upstream of lacA and Gal‐6‐P induced the formation of different LacR‐DNA complexes. Deletion of lacR resulted in strain‐specific growth phenotypes on lactose, but also on a number of mono‐ and di‐saccharides that involve the glucose‐PTS or glucokinase in their catabolism. The phenotypes were consistent with the novel findings that loss of LacR altered glucose‐PTS activity and expression of the gene for glucokinase. CcpA was also shown to affect lactose metabolism in vivo and to bind to the lacA promoter region in vitro. Collectively, our study reveals complex molecular circuits controlling lactose metabolism in S. mutans, where LacR and CcpA integrate cellular and environmental cues to regulate metabolism of a variety of carbohydrates that are critical to persistence and pathogenicity of S. mutans.
The public health rationale for promoting plant protein as an important part of a sustainable and healthy diet
Authors: Lonnie M. , Johnstone A. M.
Published: September 2020

Sustainable diets are proposed as a means to improve public health and food security and to reduce the impact of the food system on the environment. Guidance around sustainable diets includes a reduction of animal products in order to move towards a more plant‐based diet, meaning that plant‐originated foods are a predominant, but not the sole component of a diet. The main principles of a sustainable diet (as provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization) are to consume a variety of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, mainly as wholegrains, pulses, fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of eggs, dairy, poultry and fish and modest amounts of ruminant meat, which are consistent with the current UK healthy eating recommendations (e.g. Eatwell Guide). The aim of this review was twofold: (i) to discuss public health challenges associated with consumers’ knowledge regarding protein sustainability, healthier protein sources and protein requirements, and (ii) to review potential approaches to facilitate the shift towards a more sustainable diet. Consumers would benefit from receiving clear guidance around how much protein is needed to meet their daily requirements. The public health message directed to a consumer could highlight that desired health outcomes, such as muscle protein synthesis and weight control, can be achieved with both sources of protein (i.e. animal and plant‐based), and that what is more important is the nature of the ‘protein package’. Health promotion and education around the benefits of plant‐based protein could be one of the strategies encouraging the wider population to consider a shift towards a predominantly plant‐based diet.
Rising to the challenges: Solution‐based case studies highlighting innovation and evolution in reformulation
Authors: Poole J. , Bentley J. , Barraud L. , Samish I. , Dalkas G. , Matheson A. , Clegg P. , Euston S.R. , Kauffman Johnson J. , Haacke C. , Westphal L. , Molina Beato L. , Adams M. , Spiro A.
Published: September 2020

Over the last few years, food research and development have increasingly focused on reformulation, balancing desired dietary changes with environmental considerations and consumer acceptability. This article includes a selection of case studies, from across food industry sectors, which have responded to health and sustainability trends and challenges with creative solutions. These include innovative ingredients that may facilitate sugars and saturated fat reduction and increase the amount of fibre and healthy fats in products. The case studies, written by company personnel and academic researchers, illustrate the breadth of food and nutrition‐related initiatives that are currently being undertaken to help develop potentially healthier, more nutritious or more environmentally responsible foods for the future, whilst at the same time helping to satisfy consumer demand for cleaner labels. They were selected by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) as useful examples of ongoing innovation in this field. BNF also invited Jon Poole from the Institute of Food Science and Technology to describe some of the key challenges for reformulation and new product development.
Public health rationale for reducing sugar: Strategies and challenges
Authors: Stanner S. A. , Spiro A.
Published: September 2020

The continuing global increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly amongst children, attracts widespread public and political attention. Obesity is a complex condition, with multi‐faceted determinants, and prevention strategies require consideration of dietary and lifestyle patterns alongside a range of environmental factors. Reduction in intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages and foods is advised around the world as part of healthier dietary patterns to help reduce energy intakes, obesity risk and obesity‐related disorders. Current intakes indicate that this is challenging and will likely require a concerted approach with a broad range of interventions including fiscal measures. In recent years, after some notable success with salt and trans fats, there has been considerable focus on food reformulation to support the reduction in population intakes of free sugars from manufactured foods, often without need for consumer behaviour change. In some products, particularly sugar‐sweetened beverages, reformulation is relatively easy and has been widely achieved, as the sweetness of sugars can be replaced with low‐calorie sweeteners. However, other products, in which sugar delivers a variety of functional properties, are more challenging to reformulate to maintain consumer acceptance and achieve a reduction in energy, alongside sugar, content. This paper will look at current definitions and recommendations for free (or added) sugars, as well as key dietary sources and trends in intakes, and explore various strategies to promote population reductions in intake of sugars for public health, including the opportunities and challenges presented by reformulation using low‐calorie sweeteners. Ultimately strategies to promote sugar reduction, including reformulation, should adopt a holistic approach that considers wider dietary recommendations.
Autopsy of malignant paraganglioma causing compressive myelopathy due to vertebral metastases
Authors: Sakuma Miho , Hiroi Atsuko , Yamamoto Tomoko , Sawada Tatsuo , Ichihara Atsuhiro , Sakai Shuji , Amano Tomonari , Kobayashi Daisuke , Shibata Noriyuki , Nagashima Yoji
Published: September 2020

Paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine tumor arising from extra‐adrenal sites in the peripheral nervous system. Although malignant paraganglioma is known to metastasize to bones, including vertebral bodies, there is little literature on the compressive myelopathy accompanied by sphincter dysfunction; to our knowledge, only 12 cases have been reported. Moreover, neuropathological investigations of the spinal cord in this state have not been well‐documented. This autopsy report describes a 55‐year‐old man with malignant paraganglioma and compression myelopathy caused by vertebral metastasis. The present case showed a gradual numbness and a sudden onset of irreversible paraplegia with sphincter dysfunction, which were not palliated these neurologic dysfunctions despite radiotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple metastases to the bones, lymph nodes, and lungs when he was diagnosed with malignant paraganglioma. At the same time, he had numbness, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple diffuse metastatic lesions in the vertebral bodies. Following abrupt onset of paralysis, MRI showed fractured third and sixth thoracic vertebral bodies. An autopsy revealed residual vertebral metastases with fractures of the third and sixth thoracic vertebral bodies, resulting in compressive myelopathy at the fourth thoracic segment, which was characterized by complete spinal cord destruction. Destructive spinal cord lesion‐induced secondary degeneration was observed in the gracile fasciculus at the rostral side and in the pyramidal tract at the caudal side, which showed Wallerian degeneration. Such pathology was consistent with the presenting neurological symptoms, including paraplegia and somatic sensory loss below the fourth thoracic spinal cord segment. Although it is difficult to identify the pathognomonic morphological changes responsible for the sphincter dysfunction, the present case suggests a supranuclear dysregulation of the somatosensory and central autonomic nervous systems involved in urination and defecation. Based on a review of the literature and the features of the present case, paraganglioma can metastasize aggressively even with a low pathological grading. This case of vertebral metastasis as a result of malignant paraganglioma may not be extraordinary but the autopsy report is rare. This autopsy revealed transverse myelopathy as a result of malignant vertebral metastasis of malignant paraganglioma.
Nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding physical restraint in Turkish intensive care units
Authors: Ertuğrul Büşra , Özden Dilek
Published: September 2020

Background

Physical restraint is still widely used despite studies supporting a reduction in its use. The development of guidelines to reduce the use of PR first requires the identification of factors related to the use of alternative methods.

Aim

This study aimed to determine factors associated with the use of alternatives to physical restraint (PR) in intensive care units.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected from adult intensive care units of three hospitals in Turkey using the Physical Restraint Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Scale and a questionnaire including open‐ended questions.

Results

Overall, 202 nurses (80% response rate) completed the questionnaire. Nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice scores regarding PR were 6.89 ± 1.79, 29.85 ± 4.93, and 36.76 ± 3.36, respectively. PR was reported to be necessary for patients at risk of self‐harm, with dangerous behaviours, and who were trying to remove their catheters. Most nurses (64.9%) stated that they needed a written doctor's order. Analysis of free‐text responses showed that patient disorientation (because of delirium, sedation, or agitation), nurses' workload, and lack of training regarding restraint were the primary reasons why nurses could not use alternatives. The main alternatives suggested by nurses were categorized as sedation, communication, and environmental regulation. Logistic regression analysis identified training (P = .009), working unit (P = .001), and nurses' practice score to use PR (P = .004) as independent risk factors for not using alternative methods of PR.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed a moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice among nurses regarding the use of PR. Thus, education of nurses about the prevention of delirium and alternatives to PR according to the characteristics of their units is required.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinical guidelines and in‐service training need to be developed to increase the use of alternatives to PR and delirium management.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐B*13:68 allele, identified by full‐length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: Chi Xiaoyun , Pang Shutao , Hu Bin , Jiao Shuxian
Published: September 2020

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*13:68 was identified by group‐specific sequencing in a Chinese individual.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01:06 allele identified in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alanazi Hanan , Alqasem Afnan , Aloufi Faisal , Alanazi Aisha , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: September 2020

HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01:06 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution in intron 2.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*26:206N allele by next generation sequencing in an Emirati bone marrow donor
Authors: Alvares Marion , Al Mahri Ayeda , Jannang Raysha , Al Yafei Zain , ElGhazali Gehad
Published: September 2020

Nucleotide sequence of HLA‐A*26:206N differs from HLA‐A*26:01:01 at genomic position g.1183 G>A.
Ex vivo electroretinograms made easy: performing ERGs using 3D printed components
Authors: Bonezzi Paul J. , Tarchick Matthew J. , Renna Jordan M.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Rod and cone photoreceptors convert light into electrochemical signals that are transferred to second order cells, initiating image‐forming visual processing.

Electroretinograms (ERGs) can detect the associated light‐induced extracellular transretinal events, allowing for physiological assessment of cellular activity from morphologically intact retinas.

We outline a method for economically configuring a traditional patch‐clamp rig for performing high signal‐to‐noise ex vivo ERGs.

We accomplish this by incorporating various 3D printed components and by modifying existing light pathways in a typical patch‐clamp rig.

This methodology provides an additional set of tools to labs interested in studying the physiological function of neuronal populations in isolated retinal tissue.

Rod and cone photoreceptors of the retina are responsible for the initial stages in vision and convey sensory information regarding our visual world across a wide range of lighting conditions. These photoreceptors hyperpolarize in the presence of light and subsequently transmit signals to second‐order bipolar and horizontal cells. The electrical components of these events are experimentally detectable, and in conjunction with pharmacological agents, can be further separated into their respective cellular contributions using electroretinograms (ERGs). Extracellular activity from populations of rods and cones generate the negative‐going a‐wave, while ON‐bipolar cells generate positive‐going b‐waves. ERGs can be performed in vivo or alternatively using an ex vivo configuration, where retinas are isolated and transretinal photovoltages are recorded at high signal‐to‐noise ratios. However, most ERG set‐ups require their own unique set of tools. We demonstrate how, at low cost, to reconfigure a typical patch‐clamp rig for ERG recordings. The bulk of these modifications require implementation of various 3D printed components, which can alternatively aid in generating a stand‐alone ERG set‐up without a patch‐rig. Further, we discuss how to configure an ERG system without a patch‐clamp rig. Compared to in vivo ERGs, these are superior when measuring small responses, such as those that are cone‐evoked or those from immature mouse retinae. This recording configuration provides high signal‐to‐noise detection of a‐waves (300–600 µV) and b‐waves (1–3 mV), and is ultimately capable of discerning small (1–2 µV) photovoltages from noise. These quick and economical modifications allow researchers to equip their technical arsenal with an interchangeable patch‐clamp/ERG system.
Chronic cold exposure induces mitochondrial plasticity in deer mice native to high altitudes
Authors: Mahalingam Sajeni , Cheviron Zachary A. , Storz Jay F. , McClelland Grant B. , Scott Graham R.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Small mammals native to high altitude must sustain high rates of thermogenesis to cope with cold. Skeletal muscle is a key site of shivering and non‐shivering thermogenesis, but the importance of mitochondrial plasticity in cold hypoxic environments remains unresolved.

We examined high‐altitude deer mice, which have evolved a high capacity for aerobic thermogenesis, to determine the mechanisms of mitochondrial plasticity during chronic exposure to cold and hypoxia, alone and in combination.

Cold exposure in normoxia or hypoxia increased mitochondrial leak respiration and decreased phosphorylation efficiency and OXPHOS coupling efficiency, which may serve to augment non‐shivering thermogenesis. Cold also increased muscle oxidative capacity, but reduced the capacity for mitochondrial respiration via complex II relative to complexes I and II combined.

High‐altitude mice had a more oxidative muscle phenotype than low‐altitude mice.

Therefore, both plasticity and evolved changes in muscle mitochondria contribute to thermogenesis at high altitude.

Small mammals native to high altitude must sustain high rates of thermogenesis to cope with cold and hypoxic environments. Skeletal muscle is a key site of shivering and non‐shivering thermogenesis, but the importance of mitochondrial plasticity in small mammals at high altitude remains unresolved. High‐altitude deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and low‐altitude white‐footed mice (P. leucopus) were born and raised in captivity, and chronically exposed as adults to warm (25°C) normoxia, warm hypoxia (12 kPa O2), cold (5°C) normoxia, or cold hypoxia. We then measured oxidative enzyme activities, oxidative fibre density and capillarity in the gastrocnemius, and used a comprehensive substrate titration protocol to examine the function of muscle mitochondria by high‐resolution respirometry. Exposure to cold in both normoxia or hypoxia increased the activities of citrate synthase and cytochrome oxidase. In lowlanders, this was associated with increases in capillary density and the proportional abundance of oxidative muscle fibres, but in highlanders, these traits were unchanged at high levels across environments. Environment had some distinct effects on mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity between species, but the capacity of complex II relative to the combined capacity of complexes I and II was consistently reduced in both cold environments. Both cold environments also increased leak respiration and decreased phosphorylation efficiency and OXPHOS coupling efficiency in both species, which may serve to augment non‐shivering thermogenesis. These cold‐induced changes in mitochondrial function were overlaid upon the generally more oxidative phenotype of highlanders. Therefore, both plasticity and evolved changes in muscle mitochondria contribute to thermogenesis at high altitudes.