bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translational research in action: The use of technology to disseminate information to parents during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Laxton Debra , Cooper Linda , Younie Sarah
Published: May 2021

This paper addresses the research problem of how to reach, engage and support parents in home‐educating young children during the first national COVID‐19 lockdown in England (March–June 2020), which was addressed through using technology. An internet‐mediated research (IMR) approach is used to investigate the effectiveness of using technology and translational research as strategies for disseminating a rapidly produced digital guide, for promoting play‐based learning at home, to parents. Lockdown with the closure of early years provision led to parents finding themselves isolated at home with young children. Early years educators were managing a unique set of circumstances where communication with families, including those ‘harder‐to‐reach’ was contextually problematic. Qualitative data using IMR captured online interactions by unobtrusive and obtrusive methods; unsolicited emails and social media comments and questionnaire responses. Conventional content analysis identified emerging themes of access, availability, reliability and readability. Analysis showed a combination of factors impacted on the speed and scale of sharing and downloading the digital guide. First, being digitally ready as platforms were already used by early years educators and Local Authorities. Second, the professional drive of Local Authorities and early years educators to support families during the crisis and third, the availability of an easily accessible online resource seen as valuable in improving play‐based learning at home.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic?

There are high levels of digital readiness in the United Kingdom.

Technology is one method used by early years settings to communicate with parents.

Parental engagement is challenging.

What this paper adds?

A translational research strategy (to share research‐informed‐knowledge with stakeholders) and internet‐mediated research (to gather data from stakeholders) combine effectively for use within the early years sector to disseminate research knowledge to parents and support home learning environments.

The high levels of technology readiness of early years educators and parents in England provides opportunities for disseminating information and improving home learning environments.

Accessing and sharing documents online may involve parents but is insufficient to engage.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Early years settings need to be more proactive in engaging with parents online.

Technology provides opportunities to develop interaction and the sharing of information with parents.

Digital media should be used as additional communication strategies and should not replace the fundamental importance of face‐to‐face‐interaction.
Transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy and immune haematological complications following intestine‐containing organ transplantation: experience from over 100 consecutive cases
Authors: Thomas Will , Foukaneli Theodora , Cosgrove Joyce , Massey Dunecan , Woodward Jeremy , Middleton Stephen , Besser Martin , Russell Neil , Amin Irum , Butler Andrew , Sharkey Lisa
Published: May 2021

Descriptions of passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS), immune cytopenias and transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) after intestine‐containing transplants remain scarce. We describe our centre’s experience of these complications from 2007 to 2019. Ninety‐six patients received 103 transplants. PLS occurred in 9 (9%) patients (median 12 days post‐transplant); all due to ABO antibodies. There were 31 minor ABO mismatch transplants. No patient required change in immunosuppression. Immune cytopenias (excluding PLS) occurred in six patients at an incidence of 1·7/100 patient years; three immune haemolysis, one immune thrombocytopenia, one acquired Glanzmann’s and one immune neutropenia; 50% occurred with other cytopenias. All cases eventually responded to treatment, with a median of four treatments (range 1–8) and 5/6 were treated with rituximab. One patient with immune haemolysis required bortezomib. Complications were common in patients with immune cytopenias; 4/6 with infection needing intravenous antibiotics and 3/6 with venous thromboembolism. In 3/6 cases, a secondary cause for the immune cytopenia was evident. Switching from tacrolimus to ciclosporin was not necessary. There were five cases of transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA; 1·5/100 patient years) requiring calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal; two cases associated with acute rejection. Two cases were managed with plasma exchange, one with plasma infusions and one with eculizumab. Further research in this patient group is required.
A universal anti‐Xa assay for rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban measurements: method validation, diagnostic accuracy and external validation
Authors: Willekens Guido , Studt Jan‐Dirk , Mendez Adriana , Alberio Lorenzo , Fontana Pierre , Wuillemin Walter A. , Schmidt Adrian , Graf Lukas , Gerber Bernhard , Bovet Cedric , Sauter Thomas C. , Nagler Michael
Published: May 2021

A universal anti‐Xa assay for the determination of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban drug concentrations would simplify laboratory procedures and facilitate widespread implementation. Following two pilot studies analysing spiked samples and material from 698 patients, we conducted a prospective multicentre cross‐sectional study, including 867 patients treated with rivaroxaban, apixaban or edoxaban in clinical practice to comprehensively evaluate a simple, readily available anti‐Xa assay that would accurately measure drug concentrations and correctly predict relevant levels in clinical practice. Anti‐Xa activity was measured by an assay calibrated with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) in addition to ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). As an external validation, LMWH‐calibrated anti‐Xa activity was also determined in nine external laboratories. The LMWH‐calibrated anti‐Xa activity correlated strongly with rivaroxaban, apixaban or edoxaban drug levels [rs = 0·98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·98–0·98]. The sensitivity for the clinically relevant cut‐off levels of 30, 50 and 100 µg/l was 96·2% (95% CI 94·4–97·4), 96·4% (95% CI 94·4–97·7) and 96·7% (95% CI 94·3–98·1) respectively. Concordant results were obtained in the external validation study. In conclusion, a universal, LMWH‐calibrated anti‐Xa assay accurately measured rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban concentrations and correctly predicted relevant drug concentrations in clinical practice.
Two‐way ANOVA: Inferences about interactions based on robust measures of effect size
Authors: Wilcox Rand R.
Published: May 2021

Consider a two‐way ANOVA design. Generally, interactions are characterized by the difference between two measures of effect size. Typically the measure of effect size is based on the difference between measures of location, with the difference between means being the most common choice. This paper deals with extending extant results to two robust, heteroscedastic measures of effect size. The first is a robust, heteroscedastic analogue of Cohen's d. The second characterizes effect size in terms of the quantiles of the null distribution. Simulation results indicate that a percentile bootstrap method yields reasonably accurate confidence intervals. Data from an actual study are used to illustrate how these measures of effect size can add perspective when comparing groups.
Zinc attenuates ferroptosis and promotes functional recovery in contusion spinal cord injury by activating Nrf2/GPX4 defense pathway
Authors: Ge Ming‐hao , Tian He , Mao Liang , Li Dao‐yong , Lin Jia‐quan , Hu Heng‐shuo , Huang Shuo‐cheng , Zhang Chuan‐jie , Mei Xi‐fan
Published: May 2021

Aim

Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves multiple pathological processes. Ferroptosis has been shown to play a critical role in the injury process. We wanted to explore whether zinc can inhibit ferroptosis, reduce inflammation, and then exert a neuroprotective effect.

Methods

The Alice method was used to establish a spinal cord injury model. The Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), Nissl staining, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, and immunofluorescence analysis were used to investigate the protective effect of zinc on neurons on spinal cord neurons and the recovery of motor function. The regulation of the nuclear factor E2/heme oxygenase‐1 (NRF2/HO‐1) pathway was assessed, the levels of essential ferroptosis proteins were measured, and the changes in mitochondria were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethyl‐imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC‐1) staining. In vitro experiments using VSC4.1 (spinal cord anterior horn motor neuroma cell line), 4‐hydroxynonenal (4HNE), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxides, and finally the levels of inflammatory factors were detected to assess the effect of zinc.

Results

Zinc reversed behavioral and structural changes after SCI. Zinc increased the expression of NRF2/HO‐1, thereby increasing the content of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), SOD, and GHS and reducing the levels of lipid peroxides, MDA, and ROS. Zinc also rescued injured mitochondria and effectively reduced spinal cord injury and the levels of inflammatory factors, and the NRF2 inhibitor Brusatol reversed the effects of zinc.

Conclusion

Zinc promoted the degradation of oxidative stress products and lipid peroxides through the NRF2/HO‐1 and GPX4 signaling pathways to inhibit ferroptosis in neurons.
Incidence, risk factors, and long‐term outcomes associated with antibody‐mediated rejection — The long‐term Deterioration of Kidney Allograft Function (DeKAF) prospective cohort study
Authors: Hart Allyson , Schladt David P. , Matas Arthur J. , Itzler Robbin , Israni Ajay K. , Kasiske Bertram L.
Published: May 2021

Major gaps remain in our understanding of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney transplant. We examined the incidence, risk factors, response to treatment, and effects on outcomes of AMR at seven transplant programs in the long‐term Deterioration of Kidney Allograft Function prospective study cohort. Among 3131 kidney recipients, there were 194 observed AMR cases (6.2%) during (mean ± SD) 4.85 ± 1.86 years of follow‐up. Time to AMR was 0.97 ± 1.17 (median, 0.48) years. Risk factors for AMR included younger recipient age, human leukocyte antigen DR mismatches, panel‐reactive antibody >0%, positive T‐ or B‐cell cross‐match, and delayed graft function. Compared with no AMR, the adjusted time‐dependent hazard ratio for death‐censored graft failure is 10.1 (95% confidence interval, 6.5‐15.7) for all AMR patients, 4.0 (2.5, 9.1) for early AMR (<90 days after transplant), and 24.0 (14.0‐41.1) for late AMR (≥90 days after transplant). Patients were treated with different therapeutic combinations. Of 194 kidney transplant recipients with AMR, 50 (25.8%) did not respond to treatment, defined as second AMR within 100 days or no improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate by 42 days. Long‐term outcomes after AMR are poor, regardless of the initial response to treatment. Better prevention and new therapeutic strategies are needed to improve long‐term allograft survival.
Attention directed to proprioceptive stimulation alters its cortical processing in the primary sensorimotor cortex
Authors: Piitulainen Harri , Nurmi Timo , Hakonen Maria
Published: May 2021

Movement‐evoked fields to passive movements and corticokinematic coherence between limb kinematics and magnetoencephalographic signals can both be used to quantify the degree of cortical processing of proprioceptive afference. We examined in 20 young healthy volunteers whether processing of proprioceptive afference in the primary sensorimotor cortex is modulated by attention directed to the proprioceptive stimulation of the right index finger using a pneumatic‐movement actuator to evoke continuous 3‐Hz movement for 12 min. The participant attended either to a visual (detected change of fixation cross colour) or movement (detected missing movements) events. The attentional task alternated every 3‐min. Coherence was computed between index‐finger acceleration and magnetoencephalographic signals, and sustained‐movement‐evoked fields were averaged with respect to the movement onsets every 333 ms. Attention to the proprioceptive stimulation supressed the sensorimotor beta power (by ~12%), enhanced movement‐evoked field amplitude (by ~16%) and reduced corticokinematic coherence strength (by ~9%) with respect to the visual task. Coherence peaked at the primary sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the proprioceptive stimulation. Our results indicated that early processing of proprioceptive afference in the primary sensorimotor cortex is modulated by inter‐modal directed attention in healthy individuals. Therefore, possible attentional effects on corticokinematic coherence and movement‐evoked fields should be considered when using them to study cortical proprioception in conditions introducing attentional variation.
T cell numbers correlate with neuronal loss rather than with seizure activity in medial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Tröscher Anna R. , Sakaraki Eirini , Mair Katharina M. , Köck Ulrike , Racz Attila , Borger Valeri , Cloppenborg Thomas , Becker Albert J. , Bien Christian G. , Bauer Jan
Published: May 2021

Objective

Medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a drug‐resistant focal epilepsy that can be caused by a broad spectrum of different inciting events, including tumors, febrile seizures, and viral infections. In human epilepsy surgical resections as well as in animal models, an involvement of the adaptive immune system was observed. We here analyzed the presence of T cells in various subgroups of MTLE. We aimed to answer the question of how much inflammation was present and whether the presence of T cells was associated with seizures or associated with hippocampal neurodegeneration.

Methods

We quantified the numbers of CD3+ T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in the hippocampus of patients with gangliogliomas (GGs; intrahippocampal and extrahippocampal, with and without sclerosis), febrile seizures, and postinfectious encephalitic epilepsy and compared this with Rasmussen encephalitis, Alzheimer disease, and normal controls.

Results

We could show that T cell numbers were significantly elevated in MTLE compared to healthy controls. CD3+ as well as CD8+ T cell numbers, however, varied highly among MTLE subgroups. By comparing GG patients with and without hippocampal sclerosis (HS), we were able to show that T‐cell numbers were increased in extrahippocampal GG patients with hippocampal neuronal loss and HS, whereas extrahippocampal GG cases without hippocampal neuronal loss (i.e., absence of HS) did not differ from healthy controls. Importantly, T cell numbers in MTLE correlated with the degree of neuronal loss, whereas no correlation with seizure frequency or disease duration was found. Finally, we found that in nearly all MTLE groups, T cell numbers remained elevated even years after the inciting event.

Significance

We here provide a detailed histopathological investigation of the involvement of T cells in various subgroups of MTLE, which suggests that T cell influx correlates to neuronal loss rather than seizure activity.
Dubiofossils from a Mars‐analogue subsurface palaeoenvironment: The limits of biogenicity criteria
Authors: McMahon Sean , Ivarsson Magnus , Wacey David , Saunders Martin , Belivanova Veneta , Muirhead David , Knoll Pamela , Steinbock Oliver , Frost Daniel A.
Published: May 2021

The search for a fossil record of Earth's deep biosphere, partly motivated by potential analogies with subsurface habitats on Mars, has uncovered numerous assemblages of inorganic microfilaments and tubules inside ancient pores and fractures. Although these enigmatic objects are morphologically similar to mineralized microorganisms (and some contain organic carbon), they also resemble some abiotic structures. Palaeobiologists have responded to this ambiguity by evaluating problematic filaments against checklists of “biogenicity criteria”. Here, we describe material that tests the limits of this approach. We sampled Jurassic calcite veins formed through subseafloor serpentinization, a water–rock reaction that can fuel the deep biosphere and is known to have occurred widely on Mars. At two localities ~4 km apart, veins contained curving, branched microfilaments composed of Mg‐silicate and Fe‐oxide minerals. Using a wide range of analytical techniques including synchrotron X‐ray microtomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that these features meet many published criteria for biogenicity and are comparable to fossilized cryptoendolithic fungi or bacteria. However, we argue that abiotic processes driven by serpentinization could account for the same set of lifelike features, and report a chemical garden experiment that supports this view. These filaments are, therefore, most objectively described as dubiofossils, a designation we here defend from criticism and recommend over alternative approaches, but which nevertheless signifies an impasse. Similar impasses can be anticipated in the future exploration of subsurface palaeo‐habitats on Earth and Mars. To avoid them, further studies are required in biomimetic geochemical self‐organization, microbial taphonomy and micro‐analytical techniques, with a focus on subsurface habitats.
Manufacture and thermomechanical characterization of wet filament wound C/C‐SiC composites
Authors: Frieß Martin , Böyükbas Muhammed , Vogel Felix , Cepli Daniel , Schatz Oliver , Süß Fabia , Shi Yuan
Published: May 2021

The paper presents manufacture of C/C‐SiC composite materials by wet filament winding of C fibers with a water‐based phenolic resin with subsequent curing via autoclave as well as pyrolysis and liquid silicon infiltration (LSI). Almost dense C/C‐SiC composite materials with different winding angles ranging from ±15° to ±75° could be obtained with porosities lower than 3% and densities in the range of 2 g/cm3. Thermomechanical characterization via tensile testing at room temperature and at 1300°C revealed higher tensile strength at elevated temperature than at room temperature. Thus, C/C‐SiC material obtained by wet filament winding and LSI‐processing has excellent high‐temperature strength for high‐temperature applications. Crack patterns during pyrolysis, microstructure after siliconization, and tensile strength strongly depend on the fiber/matrix interface strength and winding angle. Moreover, calculation tools for composites, such as classical laminate and inverse laminate theory, can be applied for structural evaluation and prediction of mechanical performance of C/C‐SiC structures.
Consumption practices during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Gordon‐Wilson Sianne
Published: May 2021

This research draws on protection motivation theory, temporal construal theory, and self‐determination theory to understand consumption practices during a pandemic crisis by looking at the narratives of British consumers during the COVID‐19 crisis. A two‐stage design is adopted: the first stage adopts an exploratory strategy to identify consumption‐related themes using netnography, while the second stage explores these themes further to gain a deeper insight through 13 semi‐structured interviews. Three themes emerge relating to different aspects of consumption practices. These themes are found to link to the self‐control research area and include consumers' self‐control changing their shopping behaviour, having less self‐control over unhealthy snack consumption and having less self‐control concerning alcohol. These lead to changes in other consumption practices, including store format and type of shopping. Different initiatives are discussed to help retailers retain their new lockdown customers to help manufacturers provide healthier options and to help weight management businesses and the National Health Service reduce unhealthy consumption habits.
Phenolic composition, antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of aqueous‐methanol extract from Anneslea fragrans leaves as affected by drying methods
Authors: Cui Qimin , Wang Yudan , Zhou Wenbing , He Shuyue , Yang Meilian , Xue Qingwang , Wang Yifen , Zhao Tianrui , Cao Jianxin , Khan Afsar , Cheng Guiguang
Published: May 2021

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of three different drying methods, including shade drying (SD), freeze drying (FD) and hot air dying (HAD), on the chemical components, antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of aqueous‐methanol extracts from A. fragrans leaves. The total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined by spectroscopic methods, whereas the chemical profile of different extracts was determined by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS). A total of thirteen compounds were characterised and 9 phenolic compounds have been quantified. Two dihydrochalcone glycosides named confusoside and vacciniifolin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the SD extract of A. fragrans leaves, which also showed the strongest antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. The results showed that shade drying is an efficient method for preserving the chemical constituents and maintaining the antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of A. fragrans leaves.
The comparison of several lipid extraction methods on infant formula for 3‐monochloropropanediol esters and glycidyl esters analysis
Authors: Faridah Didah Nur , Ulfa Masayu Nur , Andarwulan Nuri
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to determine the best lipid extraction method for infant formula; therefore, it can be used as a routine analysis. The samples were some commercial infant formulas in Indonesia. The research was conducted with three steps: (i) Lipid extraction of infant formula using five lipid extraction methods; (ii) 3‐monochloropropanediol esters (3‐MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) analysis of lipid extract from three lipid extraction methods in the first step; and (iii) 3‐MCPDE and GE analysis of six commercial infant formulas using the best lipid extraction method. The results showed that lipid extraction using the Dubois method gave the best results than other lipid extraction methods. The level of 3‐MCPDE and GE also had no significant difference with the addition of NaCl in the Folch method, compared with the addition of Na2SO4. The level of 3‐MCPDE and GE using the Dubois method was significantly different and higher compared with the other lipid extraction methods. 3‐MCPDE and GE levels of commercial infant formula were 6.62–52.84 µg kg−1 and <1.43–17.06 µg kg−1, respectively. The values obtained were still within the standard according to Commission Regulation EU 2018/290 by the European Food Safety Authority (125 µg kg−1 for 3‐MCPDE (on progress) and 50 µg kg−1 for GE).
Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, shelf‐life and reconstitutability of okra seeds powder: influence of milling and sieving processes
Authors: Miganeh Waiss Idriss , Kimbonguila André , Mohamed Abdoul‐Latif Fatouma , Nkeletela Laurette Brigelia , Scher Joël , Petit Jérémy
Published: May 2021

This study aimed at relating phytochemical properties (total phenolic content and antioxidant activity), reconstitutability (water absorption capacity and water solubility index) and preservation ability (water activity) of okra seed powders to physicochemical properties (particle size distribution and moisture content). Okra seed powders were produced at three different milling frequencies, and then, each obtained sample was sieved with 180, 315 and 500 μm sieves. An increased milling frequency resulted in lower median particle size, water activity and moisture content. The maximal water activity and moisture content were 0.583 ± 0.010 and 12.07 ± 0.05% (w/w), respectively, showing the good preservation ability of okra seed powders. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were raised at higher milling frequency. Reconstitutability was significantly enhanced at higher milling frequency and/or for smaller median particle size. Thus, the successive milling and sieving process was successful in improving physicochemical and functional properties of okra seed powders, especially for smaller particles.
iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteomic analysis of the effect of heat shock on freeze‐drying of Lactobacillusacidophilus ATCC4356
Authors: Liu Mingxue , Zeng Xiaoqun , He Yating , Xia Chaoran , Cheng Lu , Wu Zhen , Lan Hangzhen , Pan Daodong
Published: May 2021

In order to investigate the mechanism by which heat shock improves the survival rate of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) following lyophilisation, we performed proteomic analysis based on isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) on Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) ATCC4356. Among the 75 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 16 and 59 were up‐ and downregulated, respectively, mainly related to amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, ABC transportation, transcription and translation. MrnC, tuf, recG, ychF, purB, dtpT, LBA1220, LBA0434 and LBA0921 were identified as key genes mediating tolerance to freeze‐drying. Energy supply was enhanced by regulating amino acid metabolism and glycolysis, while energy consumption was decreased by downregulating most translation‐related proteins. DNA and the cellular internal environment were stabilised, and ABC transporters assisted adaptation to freeze‐drying. The results provide new insight for understanding tolerance to freeze‐drying in LAB following heat shock treatment.
Exploring relationships between satiation, perceived satiety and plant‐based snack food features
Authors: Ni Dongdong , Gunness Purnima , Smyth Heather E. , Gidley Michael J.
Published: May 2021

We aimed to identify relations between satiation and subsequent satiety for six plant‐based foods (apple, avocado, banana, carrot, chick pea and macadamia) using a panel of ten healthy participants and a complete crossover randomised design. Food was served as a mid‐morning snack ad libitum over 20 min until participants were comfortably full, and subsequent satiety was monitored for up to 180 min. Carrot and macadamia had significantly higher perceived fullness during eating, but also significantly lower perceived satiety per gram than other foods. Food energy factors had no strong relationship with perceived fullness, but were significantly positively correlated with satiety. Mastication number had significant effects on both perceived fullness (negative) and satiety (positive). This pilot study showed that plant food factors affecting perceived fullness during eating and subsequent satiety are different, and suggests how portion control through satiation for different plant‐based snacks may influence both energy intake and subsequent satiety.
Prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in red chilli pepper (Capsicum annum L.) from India
Authors: Rajendran Sasireka , Shunmugam Ganapathy , Mallikarjunan Kumar , Paranidharan Vaikuntavasan , Venugopal Arun Prasath
Published: May 2021

The aflatoxin contamination of chilli pepper grown and marketed in Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state, was assessed. Chilli samples were collected at different stages of the value chain and were quantified using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Forty‐two representative samples were collected from four districts identified as the hub for production, distribution, agro‐processing industries and retail stores. In addition, interviews were conducted among the chilli farmers, vendors and agro‐industrialists across the hubs to assess their knowledge on aflatoxin contamination and safe handling practices. The maximum aflatoxin content determined in the chilli pepper was 37.8 µg kg−1. Almost 66.7% of samples collected from the retail outlets had aflatoxin values above 10 µg kg−1. The total aflatoxin content in the samples collected across the value chain was in the range of 3.83 to 37.80 µg kg−1. Statistical analysis on aflatoxin contents showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the districts representing different operations of value chain. The detected aflatoxin content was highest in samples collected from Dindigul district and least in Erode district. The results of the perception study showed that respondents into farming and trade activities had very little or no knowledge of aflatoxin contamination of chilli. The prevalence of unacceptable levels of aflatoxin in the chilli supply chain in the districts studied is probably due to tropical climatic conditions and poor handling practices of chilli.
Effects of soaking and sprouting on bioactive compounds of black and red pigmented rice cultivars
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahirul , Shim Min‐Jung , Jeong Su‐Yeon , Lee Young‐Tack
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of steeping and sprouting on bioactive compounds of five pigmented rice, including two black and three red rice cultivars, and one ordinary rice. Dehulled rice samples were soaked in distilled water at 25 °C for different durations (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and allowed to germinate under the dark condition at 25 °C and 95% humidity for 3 days. As the steeping time progressed up to 24 h, the germination rate and sprout growth of pigmented rice increased, and decreased at 48 h. During the soaking process, a gradual decrease in L* value (lightness) of soaking water was observed, with the highest reduction observed in Bosukheugchal (waxy black rice cultivar), indicating a considerable loss of anthocyanin during soaking. Black rice cultivars had the highest level of anthocyanin content, which was significantly reduced after germination. γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) content (6.68–74.58 µg g−1) of pigmented rice cultivars increased significantly (226.36–339.91 µg g−1) (P ≤ 0.05) after germination. Germinated rice had 3.55 to 33.88 ‐times higher GABA content than non‐germinated rice. Total phenolic and flavonoid content in pigmented rice cultivars also increased after germination.
Changes in physicochemical properties and myofibrillar protein properties in grass carp salted by brining and injection
Authors: Wu Han , Wang Yixin , Jiang Qingqing , Jiang Xin , Feng Qian , Shi Wenzheng
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in physicochemical properties and myofibrillar protein properties of grass carp meat during brining and brine injection at 4 °C. The time reached equilibrium was 7 h in brining group and 5 h by injection, where the salt content was about 1.76%. The water content, water holding capacity and yield in injection group (86.59%, 9.18% and 110%, respectively) were higher than brining group (84.76%, 11.47%, and 108%, respectively) at equilibrium point significantly (P < 0.05). This was attributed to the more swollen filament lattices and disordered protein structure in injection group (P < 0.05). The myofibrillar protein structure was compared, including sulphydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern and secondary structure. The injection group presented the better quality of salted fish meat in shorter time.
Effect of proanthocyanidin‐rich extracts from Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) fruit on the physical and oxidative stability of sunflower oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Lv Ting‐Ting , Qin Zhao , Wang Shou‐Tao , Liu Hua‐Min , Ma Yu‐Xiang , Zheng Yong‐Zhan , Wang Xue‐De
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the effect of Chinese quince proanthocyanidins (PAs) on the physical and oxidative stability of sunflower oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions during storage, three proanthocyanidin (PA)‐rich extracts, namely water extract (WE), ethanol extract (EE), and acetone extract (AE), were prepared. When added to O/W emulsions, all the three extracts inhibited the increase in droplet size and the absolute zeta‐potential value during storage (55 °C, 24 days). All three extracts also exhibited superior antioxidative activity in the O/W emulsions. WE showed the highest efficacy in retarding lipid oxidation as proved by its lower conjugated dienes (8.18 ± 0.49 mmol L−1) and thiobarbituric substances values (0.68 ± 0.0025  mg MDA L−1), and such efficacy was similar to that of BHA at the same level. Lower molecular weight and degree of polymerisation have a positive effect on antioxidant activity of PA‐rich extracts. According to these results, all three PA‐rich extracts are potential natural antioxidants for improving the stability of food‐grade emulsions.
Regional characteristics and discrimination of the fermentation starter Hong Qu in traditional rice wine brewing
Authors: Lin Xiaozi , Ren Xiangyun , Huang Yingying , Liang Zhangcheng , Li Weixin , Su Hao , He Zhigang
Published: May 2021

Hong Qu (HQ) is a fermentation starter used to brew Hong Qu rice wine (HQ wine). The regional characteristics and discrimination of HQ are not fully understood. This study elucidates fermentation characteristics of HQ through sensory evaluation and the analysis of six physicochemical characteristics of HQ wine brewed by twenty‐nine HQ from different regions. Results showed that the complex physicochemical indices of HQ wine would be reduced to three principal components – total acidity, total sugars and non‐sugar solids by principal component analysis. Twenty‐nine HQ samples were classified into four clusters by hierarchical cluster analysis – Cluster A, B, C and D. Cluster B only included Gutian HQ (GTQ) brewing base liquors with a fresh and soft taste, the highest sensory scores and low coefficient of variation (CV). The rest three Clusters mainly included Wuyi HQ (WYQ) brewing base liquors with full‐bodied and tasteful flavours, high CV values and different sensory scores. WYQ could brew more good and less below standard liquors, while the quality of HQ wine brewed using GTQ was more even than that of WYQ. Conclusively, the geographical location and processing technology of HQ are the main external factors contributing to the regional characteristics of HQ wine.
Effects of germination time on the structural, physicochemical and functional properties of brown rice
Authors: He Lin‐yang , Yang Yang , Ren Li‐kun , Bian Xin , Liu Xiao‐fei , Chen Feng‐lian , Tan Bin , Fu Yu , Zhang Xiu‐min , Zhang Na
Published: May 2021

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a gluten‐free food raw material. Its tissue structure, physicochemical properties and functional properties depend on the germination time. In this study, rapid viscosity analyses, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction et al were used to analyse the structural, physicochemical and functional changes in brown rice (BR) during germination. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenolic compound, glutathione (GSH) and amino acid contents increased during germination. GBR exhibited the highest GSH (22.70 mg per 100 g) and amino acid (8.02 mg per 100 g) contents at 24 h and the highest GABA content (253.35 mg per 100 g) at 36 h. Furthermore, BR germinated for 36 h showed greater enthalpy (ΔH) than ungerminated BR. Although GBR showed less crystallinity than ungerminated BR, germination did not change the crystalline structure type of starch (A‐type). These results inform choices of the appropriate applications of GBR to promote its utilisation in the food industry.
Evaluation of the composition and functional properties of whole egg plasma obtained by centrifugation
Authors: Puertas Gema , Vázquez Manuel
Published: May 2021

Hen eggs have many applications in the food industry. Centrifugation split liquid whole egg in two fractions: supernatant plasma and precipitate granules. Plasma can be used directly by the food industry. The aim of this study was to analyse how the operational conditions affect the composition and functional properties of plasma obtained by centrifugation. Protein and cholesterol contents, dry matter, emulsion activity and foam activity were evaluated. Plasma showed lower protein content and dry matter than liquid whole egg. Within the operational conditions studied, plasma contained 74–85% of egg cholesterol, maintaining the emulsifying activity and increasing the foaming properties. Prediction models were obtained for all the parameters studied except for emulsifying activity. Plasma doubled the foam capacity and increased until almost 15% the foam stability compared with liquid whole egg. Whole egg plasma could be a great substitute of whole egg for the food industry.
Application of chemometric tools in the development of food bars based on cocoa shell, soy flour and green banana flour
Authors: de Barros Hanna Elisia Araújo , Natarelli Caio Vinicius Lima , de Abreu Danilo José Machado , de Oliveira Ana Lázara Matos , do Lago Rafael Carvalho , Dias Laryanne Lopes de Carvalho , de Carvalho Elisângela Elena Nunes , Bilal Muhammad , Ruiz Héctor A. , Franco Marcelo , Vilas Boas Eduardo Valério de Barros
Published: May 2021

In this study, exploratory methods and the simplex‐centroid design were applied in the development of food bars with cocoa shell, soy and green banana flours that were evaluated sensorially. The results of the chemical composition and texture were submitted to the Scott‐Knott test and the Principal Component Analysis, and was observed a significant difference between the treatments (P < 0.05), as well as a tendency to form five groups, according to its nutritional characteristics. The design used to optimise the sensorial acceptance of the food bars was effective, whose contour surface indicated an optimal region with greater acceptance, with all formulations having good acceptance (scores above 5.52). Check‐All‐That‐Apply, Contingency Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis allowed describing the products, demonstrating the sensory differences between treatments with the presence/absence of cocoa shell. It is concluded that the studied ingredients can be used in food bars, providing nutritional and sensory characteristics acceptable to the consumer.
Detection of alternative splicing in western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in association with eCry3.1Ab resistance using RNA‐seq and PacBio Iso‐Seq
Authors: Zhao Z. , Elsik C.G. , Hibbard B.E. , Shelby K.S.
Published: May 2021

Alternative splicing is a common feature in eukaryotes that not only increases the transcript diversity, but also has functional consequences. In insects, alternative splicing has been found associated with resistance to pesticides and Bt toxins. Up to date, the alternative splicing in western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) has not been studied. To investigate its alternative splicing pattern and relation to Bt resistance, we carried out single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) transcript sequencing and Iso‐seq analysis on resistant, eCry3.1Ab‐selected and susceptible, unselected, western corn rootworm neonate midguts which fed on seedling maize with and without eCry3.1Ab for 12 and 24 h. We present transcriptome‐wide alternative splicing patterns of western corn rootworm midgut in response to feeding on eCry3.1Ab‐expressing corn using a comprehensive approach that combines both RNA‐seq and SMRT transcript sequencing techniques. The results showed genes in western corn rootworm are highly alternatively spliced, which happens on 67.73% of multi‐exon genes. One of the alternative splicing events we identified was a novel peritrophic matrix protein with two alternative splicing isoforms. Analysis of differential exon usage between resistant and susceptible colonies showed that in eCry3.1Ab‐resistant western corn rootworm, expression of one isoform was significantly higher than in the susceptible colony, while no significant differences between colonies were observed with the other isoform. Our results provide the first survey of alternative splicing in western corn rootworm and suggest that the observed alternatively spliced isoforms of peritrophic matrix protein may be associated with eCry3.1Ab resistance in western corn rootworm.
Social movement unionism through radical democracy: The case of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and climate change
Authors: Parker Jane , Alakavuklar Ozan Nadir , Huggard Sam
Published: May 2021

Union‐civil alliances have garnered scholarly and practitioner attention in many nations. Drawing on extensive documentary evidence, this qualitative study examines the rationales for this, focusing on coalitions involving New Zealand's peak labour body and its affiliates around climate change and workplace issues. Laclau and Mouffe's (2001) seminal political theory on radical democracy frames a critical reading of social movement unionism and union‐civil alliances as an effort to build new hegemony against dominant neo‐liberal discourses and practices. Emergent themes suggest a degree of change by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliates in their emphasis of wage and conditions vis‐à‐vis wider issues, and developing alternative forms of representation and solidarities involving unions. However, early initiatives seem unlikely to gain more traction other than via a radicalised democratic approach involving multi‐interest approaches, their urgency underscored by irreversible environmental imperatives.
Burnout and self‐regulation failure: A diary study of self‐undermining and job crafting among nurses
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: May 2021

Aim

The objective was to test how nurse burnout impairs day‐to‐day adaptive self‐regulation strategies that link levels of regulatory resources with employee job performance.

Background

Regulatory resources help employees manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours on a daily basis. On days when these resources are low, employees may engage in maladaptive self‐regulation: more self‐undermining (i.e. creating additional obstacles) and less job crafting (i.e. optimizing job demands and resources), which debilitates their work performance. We expected that self‐regulation is impaired especially when individuals exhibit low motivation and low ability to regulate their behaviour, that is, when they experience elevated burnout.

Design

This research used a daily diary design. Nurses responded to a general survey and then completed daily diary surveys in three different moments: before, during and after work for 10 consecutive workdays (total reports N = 732).

Method

A sample of 81 nurses from Polish hospitals and primary healthcare centres completed self‐reported questionnaires between January and March 2018. Hypotheses were tested using multilevel modelling in Mplus.

Results

Momentary self‐regulatory capacity before work was negatively related to self‐undermining and positively related to job crafting, and it indirectly predicted daily job performance. As hypothesized, these indirect relationships were moderated by general, chronic burnout. We found that only for employees with low levels of burnout, daily self‐regulation was linked with better functioning via increased job crafting and decreased self‐undermining.

Conclusion

Chronic burnout disturbs day‐to‐day behaviour regulation. Individuals with elevated burnout symptoms have difficulty to translate momentary boosts in regulatory resources into adaptive strategies that are linked with higher performance.

Impact

Our findings call for better recovery programmes, strategic Human Resource Management practices aimed at reducing factors that deplete daily self‐regulatory resources, and finally top‐down interventions preventing burnout among employees in the healthcare system.
Political ideology in M&A
Authors: Alnahedh Saad , Alhashel Bader
Published: May 2021

We study the effect of shared political identity between acquirers and targets on merger outcomes. In a sample of public US mergers, we find that targets are more likely to merge with firms of similar political orientation. We document that acquirers in politically matched mergers experience significantly worse cumulative abnormal returns around the merger announcement, compared to their non‐politically matched counterparts. Acquirers in those mergers pay lower takeover premiums, experience worse post‐merger operating performance, retain more from the target management, and receive larger bonuses. Our results indicate that politically matched mergers create less value to shareholders.
Freedom of the press and corporate misconduct
Authors: Nguyen Trang
Published: May 2021

This study examines how freedom of the press affects corporate misconduct, focusing mainly on earnings management. I find that firms engage more in earnings management when they have a high percentage of sales in countries with restricted media freedom. I find that the influence of foreign partners’ media freedom on earnings management depends on how domestic investors process information about firm export markets and how multinational firms shape their relationship with stakeholders. Additionally, the presence of analysts in foreign countries reduces firms’ incentives to exploit media restriction to manipulate earnings. Finally, I further show that insiders of these firms tend to be involved in opportunistic insider trading, which could indicate corporate misconduct. Overall, these results show that corporate misconduct can be in part explained by a spill‐over effect of the media freedom of export markets.
Ultrahigh density atrio‐ventricular dual‐chamber mapping as a next generation tool for ablation of accessory pathways
Authors: Mori Hitoshi , Kawano Daisuke , Sumitomo Naokata , Muraji Shota , Nabeshima Taisuke , Tsutsui Kenta , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Iwanaga Shiro , Nakano Shintaro , Muramatsu Toshihiro , Kobayashi Toshiki , Kato Ritsushi , Matsumoto Kazuo
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Detailed three‐dimensional (3D) mapping has been useful for effective radiofrequency catheter ablation. The Rhythmia system can create atrio‐ventricular dual‐chamber mapping, which reveals the atrial and ventricular potentials all at once in the same map. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of mapping the atrium and ventricle simultaneously with a high‐density 3D mapping system for the ablation of accessory pathways (AP).

Methods

From July 2015 to August 2020, 111 patients underwent ablation of APs. Dual‐chamber maps were created in 50 patients (median age 15 [10–54], 32 male [64.0%]), while 61 patients underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation with conventional single‐chamber 3D maps. The background characteristics and procedural details were compared between the dual‐chamber mapping group and the conventional single‐chamber mapping group.

Results

The number of RF applications (median [IQR]; 1.0 [1.0–3.0] vs. 3.0 [1.0–6.0], p = .0023), RF time (median [IQR], s; 9.2 [2.0–95.7] vs. 95.6 [4.1–248.7], p = .0107), and RF energy (median [IQR], J; 248.4 [58.7–3328.2] vs. 2867.6 [134.2–7728.4], p = .0115) were significantly lower in the dual‐chamber group. The fluoroscopy time (median [IQR], min; 19.9 [14.2–26.1] vs. 26.5 [17.7–43.4], p = .0025) and fluoroscopy dose (median [IQR], mGy; 52.5 [31.3–146.0] vs. 119.0 [43.7–213.5], p = .0249) were also significantly lower in the dual‐chamber than single‐chamber mapping group.

Conclusion

The dual‐chamber mapping was useful for ablating accessory pathways and reducing the number of RF applications, total RF energy, and radiation exposure as compared with traditional mapping techniques.