bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do we and how should we deal with uncertainty in endodontics?
Authors: Pigg Maria , Brodén Joséphine , Fransson Helena ,   EndoReCo,   the Foresight Research Consortium, Vareman Niklas
Published: December 2021

In many clinical cases a dentist may feel certain when for example diagnosing, deciding on treatment, or assessing the prognosis—in other cases many dentists may feel a degree of doubt or uncertainty. This paper aims to explore the philosophical concept of uncertainty and its different dimensions, using the condition “persistent apical periodontitis associated with a previously root filled tooth” as an example. Acknowledging that uncertainty exists in any clinical situation can be perceived as uncomfortable, as some might regard it as a weakness. Whilst some types of uncertainty met in dental practice can be addressed and reduced, there are other types which are inevitable and must be accepted. To make sound decisions, it is pertinent that the dentist reflects on and values the consequences of uncertainty. In this paper, a conceptual model is presented by which the dentist can identify the type of uncertainty in a clinical case, making it possible to decide on a strategy on how to manage the uncertainty and its possible consequences, with the aim to support the dentist's care for their patients. The understanding that uncertainty exists and the ability to acknowledge and be comfortable with it when making decisions should be addressed throughout our professional career, and thus ought to be developed during undergraduate education. Some suggestions on how teachers could target this are given in the paper.
Management of compromised first permanent molars in a cohort of UK paediatric patients referred to hospital‐based services
Authors: AlKhalaf Reem , Neves Aline de Almeida , Warburton Fiona , Banerjee Avijit , Hosey Marie Therese
Published: December 2021

Background

There are diverse opinions among dentists about managing compromised first permanent molars (cFPMs) in children and a perceived lack of guidance to help them evaluate prognosis.

Aim

To evaluate the current management of cFPM in children referred to a UK hospital centre and to report the severity of the affected teeth.

Design

A service evaluation was undertaken, based on case records of medically fit children (6‐11 years) referred to for the management of cFPMs. The presence of hypomineralisation, post‐eruptive breakdown and the proposed care plans were recorded. Radiographic signs of severity were scored using the ICDAS index (intra/inter‐rater kappa 0.96/0.82).

Results

From 349 records screened over a 4‐month period, 249 met the selection criteria. Almost 81% were planned to have extraction of at least one cFPM, whereas 19.3% were managed without extraction. More than half of the extraction cases (n = 105) had radiographic radiolucencies not exceeding the middle third of dentine in the worst‐affected FPM. At the time of extraction, the mean age of the patients was 9.8 years (±0.9). GA was used in 196 (97.5%) cases, and 40.8% had not received previous treatment in any of their cFPMs.

Conclusion

Potentially restorable cFPMs in children is, most of the time, in a cohort of UK patients referred for tier 3 services, being managed by timed extractions under general anasethesia.
Migrants and default: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Jianwen , Hu Jinyan
Published: December 2021

Reform and opening up have stimulated internal migration; at the same time, home bias and regional discrimination have become pressing problems in China, even though the internet has reduced distance‐related informational frictions. Evidence from an emerging peer‐to‐peer lending platform shows that migration statuses can reveal additional information about borrowers' credit risk. Ceteris paribus, migrants, interprovincial migrants, upward‐moving migrants, and long‐distance migrants are less likely to default; this is especially true for migrants with stronger educational backgrounds and work experience. Further analyses show that migrants tend to have higher credit quality, lower financing costs, and better economic attributes and assimilate themselves to a higher trusted culture, allowing them to default less than nonmigrants. This means that lenders and trading platforms may rely on the informative content of migration to adjust their lending policies in a fashion that attracts more participation from creditworthy migrants.
Ban the Bag: Support for Plastic Bag Reduction Strategies in Northeast Ohio
Authors: Bartolotta Jill F. , Hardy Scott D.
Published: December 2021

Society's use of plastic is increasing, while the ability to properly manage plastic waste is decreasing. In response, improved waste management systems and the adoption of reusable products made from sustainable materials are needed. Municipal governments in the United States are beginning to institute policies reducing unlimited free access to plastic products such as bags, straws, and Styrofoam. However, some state governments in the Great Lakes region, and elsewhere, have responded by making these pro‐environmental policies illegal. Such policies shift the onus of using less plastic to local businesses and conscious consumers. In response, this project sought to determine the effectiveness of a plastic bag ban, supported by targeted education and outreach, at several local businesses in northeast Ohio. Results suggest that the initial implementation and non‐enforcement phase of the bag ban did not lead to a reduction in the use of plastic bags. However, survey respondents indicate they are supportive of policies reducing accessibility and unlimited availability of plastic bags. Results further show most people have access to their own reusable bags and support businesses who charge for, or no longer offer, plastic bags. In conclusion, voluntary reduction of bag use by customers is not effective and store policies or legislation is needed to reduce the use of plastic bags.
“Putting Suppliers on the Map:” Centering Upstream Voices in Water Funds Outreach
Authors: Prado Kelly Meza , Bremer Leah L. , Nelson Sara , Brauman Kate A. , Vargas Amalia Morales , Gould Rachelle K.
Published: December 2021

As water funds and other watershed investment programs expand around the world, there is growing interest in designing equitable programs that provide both upstream and downstream benefits. While research demonstrates that diverse values underlie upstream participation, existing communication and outreach materials from non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, development banks, and others tend to highlight the goals of downstream actors (e.g., improving water supply for cities), with little attention to upstream perspectives. We present a case study in response to this gap, where we collaborated with a water fund and a river users association in Colombia to co‐produce a website entitled “Putting Suppliers on the Map” in which interviews and photography illuminate the perspectives of upstream participants and the intermediary organization. The website offers multiple lessons for communication and environmental education in water funds by shifting focus to the motivations of upstream participants, including trust‐building among upstream and downstream participants via intermediary actors, and informing downstream water users of the essential role of these processes for program success. Analyzing the website testimonials, we show that the vast majority of participants were motivated not only by overlapping instrumental and relational values associated with conservation, but also by a variety of personal and community goals. We found that the largest barrier to participation over time was the need to build trust between the water fund and rural communities and to align water fund goals with participants' motivations. By making visible the motivations and challenges of upstream actors, the website reverses the standard direction of environmental education (in which high‐level actors or downstream groups educate upstream residents). In‐so‐doing, the website aims to help downstream actors envision more productive and equitable ways of interacting with upstream participants.
Informing the Development of the Coast Model of the Watershed Game
Authors: Bareford Karen , Hagley Cynthia , Bilotta John , Miller‐Way Tina , Rodman Madison , Schomberg Jesse , Sweetman Brenna
Published: December 2021

Since 2006 the Watershed Game, a role‐playing simulation and serious game focused on managing nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale, has been used across the U.S. to improve understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in watershed‐scale management. Stakeholder or student participants manage a fictitious watershed to meet a “Clean Water Goal.” Designed for freshwater watersheds, the game is available in local leader and classroom versions, and play is led by trained facilitators or educators. To inform the expansion of the Watershed Game to include coastal watersheds, a needs assessment was conducted to identify water quality and management challenges in coastal regions, using the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic as a case study. Several methods for assessing critical coastal management challenges and key land uses to prioritize in the game were employed: a review of reports, expert focus group, survey of Gulf and South Atlantic regional experts, second survey of coastal experts from the National Sea Grant Network to verify widespread applicability, and finally pilot tests of the draft game. Results showed high agreement among assessment methodologies regarding the most critical coastal challenges and important land uses to feature in the game. As a result, the Coast Model of the Watershed Game focuses on three primary nonpoint source pollutants, excess nitrogen, excess phosphorus, and excess sediment. Additionally, results indicated a need to integrate a new game element, resilience to flooding, which has been added to the challenge of winning the game by meeting the Clean Water Goal.
Is classroom political discussion able to reduce anti‐immigrant attitudes in adolescents? Testing the effect of frequency, length, and topic of classroom political discussions on anti‐immigrant attitudes
Authors: Kudrnáč Aleš
Published: December 2021

Anti‐immigrant attitudes are associated with many social problems and reduction of negative attitudes toward immigrants is one of many actions which can assist in preventing these problems, promote better relations within society, and subsequently, create a better quality of life. School is one of the environments that provide opportunity to reduce anti‐immigrant attitudes by implementing curriculums that require teachers to encourage discussions on the issue of immigrants and immigration. Previous research has shown that political discussions have positive effect on development of anti‐immigrant attitudes. However, there has been little research on classroom political discussions. Using Czech High School Survey panel data (N = 902; 53 classrooms) that include information from adolescents and their civics teachers, this study examines the role of classroom political discussions on the development of adolescents’ anti‐immigrant attitudes. The results show that adolescents experiencing classroom political discussions more often have lower levels of anti‐immigrant attitudes than adolescents that are exposed to discussions less frequently. Furthermore, adolescents from classrooms that discussed immigration during their civics classes also report less negative anti‐immigrant attitudes. Additionally, moderation analyses reveal that more frequent political discussions reduce anti‐immigrant attitudes for those who experienced on average longer political discussions and those that discussed immigration during their civics classes. These findings support the argument for enforcing school discussions on various political topics because as results of this article suggest, classroom discussions have positive impact on how adolescents view immigrants if discussed frequently and thoroughly and may in turn reduce the negative consequences associated with anti‐immigrant attitudes.
Freeze–thaw enhanced stability and mechanical strength of polysaccharide‐based sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid films
Authors: Li Cai‐Yun , Zhang Yu‐Bin , Han Yun , Zhao Xi‐Ya , Tian Fa‐Dong
Published: December 2021

An edible polysaccharide film with high tensile strength and biodegradability was prepared by freeze–thaw treatment with sodium alginate (SA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and cross‐linking with calcium lactate. The SA/HA ratio, the calcium concentration, the number of freeze–thaw cycles, and the calcification time all have significant effects on the tensile strength of SA/HA films. An increase in tensile strength was obtained due to the reaction of 3% calcium lactate with 60% SA. Compared with the control group, the tensile strength of the SA/HA films developed in this study increased by 214% from 3.188 to 10.02 MPa. The compatibility of films was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; the absorption peaks of SA and sodium hyaluronate had shifted to a wavelength of 3,403 ~ 3,411 cm−1 after freeze–thaw treatment, and a strong interaction occurred at a wavelength of 1,328 cm−1. In addition, the swelling and solubility of the SA/HA film decreased by half during the freeze–thaw period. Further, scanning electron microscopy showed that the cross sections of the films were uniform and compact after two freeze–thaw treatments. SA/HA films that exhibited increased tensile strength and that had the potential to overcome the poor water vapor barrier problems traditionally experienced with these films were developed in this study.
Alpine subduction zone metamorphism in the Palaeozoic successions of the Monti Romani (Northern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Papeschi Samuele , Pontesilli Alessio , Romano Claudia , Rossetti Federico , Theye Thomas
Published: December 2021

The hinterland of the Cenozoic Northern Apennines fold‐and‐thrust belt exposes the metamorphic roots of the chain, vestiges of the subduction‐related tectono‐metamorphic evolution that led to the buildup of the Alpine orogeny in the Mediterranean region. Like in other peri‐Mediterranean belts, the tectono‐metamorphic evolution of the Palaeozoic continental basement in the Apennines is still poorly constrained, hampering the full understanding of their Alpine orogenic evolution. We report the first comprehensive tectono‐metamorphic study of the low‐grade metasedimentary (metapsammite/metapelite) succession of the Monti Romani Complex (MRC) that formed after Palaeozoic protoliths and constitutes the southernmost exposure of the metamorphic domain of the Northern Apennines. By integrating fieldwork with microstructural studies, Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous material and thermodynamic modelling, we show that the MRC preserves a D1/M1 Alpine tectono‐metamorphic evolution developed under HP–LT conditions (~1.0–1.1 GPa at T ~ 400°C) during a non‐coaxial, top‐to‐the‐NE, crustal shortening regime. Evidence for HP–LT metamorphism is generally cryptic within the MRC, dominated by graphite‐bearing assemblages with the infrequent blastesis of muscovite ± chlorite ± chloritoid ± paragonite parageneses, equilibrated under cold palaeo‐geothermal conditions (~10°C/km). Results of this study allow extending to the MRC the signature of subduction zone metamorphism already documented in the hinterland of the Apennine orogen, providing further evidence of the syn‐orogenic ductile exhumation of the HP units in the Apennine belt. Finally, we discuss the possible role of fluid‐mediated changes in the reactive bulk rock composition on mineral blastesis during progress of regional deformation and metamorphism at low‐grade conditions.
Cannabinoid and vanilloid pathways mediate opposing forms of synaptic plasticity in corticotropin‐releasing hormone neurons
Authors: Jamieson Bradley B. , Kim Joon S. , Iremonger Karl J.
Published: December 2021

Activity‐dependent release of retrograde signaling molecules form micro‐feedback loops to regulate synaptic function in neural circuits. Single neurons can release multiple forms of these signaling molecules, including endocannabinoids and endovanilloids, which act via cannabinoid (CB) receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. In hypothalamic corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, endocannabinoids acting via CB1 receptors have been shown to play an important role in regulating excitability and hence stress hormone secretion. However, the importance of endovanilloid signaling in CRH neurons is currently unclear. Here, we show that, in response to postsynaptic depolarization, CRH neurons release endocannabinoid/endovanilloid molecules that can activate CB1 and TRPV1 receptors. Activation of CB1 receptors suppresses glutamate neurotransmission whereas activation of TRPV1 enhances spontaneous glutamate transmission. However, the excitatory effects of TRPV1 are normally masked by the inhibitory effects of CB1. When the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) was inhibited, this revealed tonic activation of CB1 receptors, suggesting tonic endocannabinoid release. However, we found no evidence for tonic activation of TRPV1 receptors under similar conditions. These findings show that activation of CRH neurons can drive the release of signaling molecules that activate parallel endocannabinoid and endovanilloid receptor pathways to mediate opposing forms of synaptic plasticity.
Development of the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone system
Authors: Duittoz Anne H. , Forni Paolo E. , Giacobini Paolo , Golan Matan , Mollard Patrice , Negrón Ariel L. , Radovick Sally , Wray Susan
Published: December 2021

This review summarizes the current understanding of the development of the neuroendocrine gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) system, including discussion on open questions regarding (1) transcriptional regulation of the Gnrh1 gene; (2) prenatal development of the GnRH1 system in rodents and humans; and (3) paracrine and synaptic communication during migration of the GnRH cells.
Home–hospital care for children with acute illnesses: A 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Cabrera López Isabel M , Agúndez Reigosa Beatriz , Adrados García Sandra , Villalobos Pinto Enrique , Cano Fernández Julia , Jiménez García Raquel
Published: December 2021

Aim

Procedures normally performed in the hospital setting are increasingly delivered as part of hospital at home (HAH) programmes. The aim of this study is to describe the procedures and diseases treated during the first 2 years of a new paediatric HAH programme.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study conducted in the HAH programme of Niño Jesús Children's Hospital (Spain). We included demographic data, diagnosis and procedures delivered to patients admitted to the HAH programme from November 2018 to November 2020.

Results

There were 935 admissions of 833 patients. The median age was 5 years (interquartile range 2.3–9.5). Seventy‐five percent of patients were previously healthy. The most frequent illnesses were acute infections (37%) (e.g. complicated appendicitis and ENT, genitourinary, skin and soft tissue infections) and acute respiratory diseases (17.3%) (e.g. asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia). Thirty‐six percent of admissions underwent nocturnal polysomnography. The median length of stay was 4 days (SD 4.9 days). Eight percent of the episodes studied required care in the emergency department due to condition worsening (55.3%) and problems with devices (36.1%). Hospital readmission was required in 5.6% of cases, 42.4% of which later resumed care in the HAH. The estimated daily cost of HAH is 330.65 euros, while the hospital per‐day costs of polysomnography, asthma and endovenous therapy are 1899.24, 1402.5, and 976.26 euros. Ninety percent of families reported a high level of satisfaction.

Conclusions

Paediatric HAH programmes are a feasible, cost‐effective alternative to hospital care. Further studies should compare the evolution of patients treated in the traditional hospital setting and those in HAH.
Genomic analyses reveal range‐wide devastation of sea otter populations
Authors: Beichman Annabel C. , Kalhori Pooneh , Kyriazis Christopher C. , DeVries Amber A. , Nigenda‐Morales Sergio , Heckel Gisela , Schramm Yolanda , Moreno‐Estrada Andrés , Kennett Douglas J. , Hylkema Mark , Bodkin James , Koepfli Klaus‐Peter , Lohmueller Kirk E. , Wayne Robert K.
Published: December 2021

The genetic consequences of species‐wide declines are rarely quantified because the timing and extent of the decline varies across the species’ range. The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a unique model in this regard. Their dramatic decline from thousands to fewer than 100 individuals per population occurred range‐wide and nearly simultaneously due to the 18th–19th century fur trade. Consequently, each sea otter population represents an independent natural experiment of recovery after extreme population decline. We designed sequence capture probes for 50 Mb of sea otter exonic and neutral genomic regions. We sequenced 107 sea otters from five populations that span the species range to high coverage (18–76×) and three historical Californian samples from ~1500 and ~200 years ago to low coverage (1.5–3.5×). We observe distinct population structure and find that sea otters in California are the last survivors of a divergent lineage isolated for thousands of years and therefore warrant special conservation concern. We detect signals of extreme population decline in every surviving sea otter population and use this demographic history to design forward‐in‐time simulations of coding sequence. Our simulations indicate that this decline could lower the fitness of recovering populations for generations. However, the simulations also demonstrate how historically low effective population sizes prior to the fur trade may have mitigated the effects of population decline on genetic health. Our comprehensive approach shows how demographic inference from genomic data, coupled with simulations, allows assessment of extinction risk and different models of recovery.
Corporate debt, endogenous dividend rate, instability and growth
Authors: Parui Pintu
Published: December 2021

In a neo‐Kaleckian growth‐model, we endogenize the dividend rate and corporate debt in the long run and investigate the possibility of multiple equilibria and instability in the economy. We find that the economy is in a wage‐led demand and debt‐burdened growth regime. However, both debt‐led and debt‐burdened demand regimes are possible. In some instances, the speed of the adjustment parameter related to the dividend dynamics plays a crucial role in stabilizing the economy. Otherwise, the economy may lose its stability and gives birth to limit cycles. A rise in the floor level of the targeted dividend–capital ratio has a destabilizing effect on the economy. The same is true for a rise in the interest rate. Moreover, a significant rise in the interest rate may cause instability in the economy. Therefore, a lower value of the floor level of the targeted dividend–capital ratio and a lower level of interest rate are desirable for promoting stability in the economy.
A New Proposal about ‘the Fruits of the Mass’
Authors: Crean Thomas
Published: December 2021

An unresolved question in sacramental theology is whether the Mass is to be considered as limited or unlimited in its efficacy, and in what sense. In modern times, this question has been less discussed, in part from a concern that it is incorrect to attempt to speak of spiritual realities in quantitative terms. I defend the use of such quantitative language, and its application to the so-called special fruit of the Mass, understood both ‘intensively’ and ‘extensively’. I then summarise the two principal positions taken on the question of the efficacy of the Mass, referring to an important representative of each, Cajetan and Bellarmine. I argue that neither position is fully satisfying. I note that authors have generally failed to find a coherent position in Aquinas's two treatments of the question. I argue that these two positions are in fact coherent, and when combined allow for a new proposal about the fruits of the Mass, integrating the insights of all parties. This proposal may be summed up as intensive infinitude and extensive finitude. I finish by an analogy between the Mass thus understood and one aspect of Aquinas's Christology.
Heterogeneity of outcome measures in the clinical trials of treatment for oral submucous fibrosis—Systematic review
Authors: Gondivkar Shailesh M. , Yuwanati Monal , Sarode Sachin C. , Gadbail Amol R. , Gondivkar Rima S.
Published: December 2021

Objective

This systematic review was performed to evaluate the range of outcome measures used in interventional trials for oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2004 to 2018 about OSF treatment. All the outcome measures and measurement methods mentioned in the trials were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Out of 120 published papers, 12 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were included. A total of 38 single outcome measures and 29 composite outcome measures were considered under four different outcome domains, of which clinical symptoms and clinical response were the most commonly used. The linear measurement of mouth opening (11 trials; 91.66%) and Visual Analogue Scale (10 trials, 83.33%) were the predominant measurement methods.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the high heterogeneity in outcome measures in therapeutic RCTs of OSF. This lack of widely agreed standard outcome measures in OSF is a great concern as it prevents the comparison of studies and meta‐analyses to gather evidence. There is a dire need of establishing a core outcome set for reporting in the future clinical trials that may help facilitate treatment choice for OSF to improve life quality of patients.
A reflection of changing priorities? The reallocative impact of priority‐based budgeting in US municipalities
Authors: Mitchell David , Larson Sarah E. , Henley Terry , Spranger Auria , Myser Suzette
Published: December 2021

Implemented in over 200 North American local governments, priority‐based budgeting (PBB) reflects a contemporary attempt to systematically determine and implement desired budgetary reallocation. The study utilizes a lagged dependent variable alternative to difference in difference analysis to examine reallocation patterns for 32 early‐adopting US cities before and after PBB implementation. The findings suggest that PBB fulfills its promise, as low‐priority departmental budgetary allocations shrink by 2%–3% following PBB implementation. These PBB early adopters offer evidence that PBB can effectively transcend the marginal, transactional nature of incremental budgeting practices; however, its effectiveness must be weighed against potentially substantial costs of implementation.
Medication errors' causes analysis in home care setting: A systematic review
Authors: Dionisi Sara , Di Simone Emanuele , Liquori Gloria , De Leo Aurora , Di Muzio Marco , Giannetta Noemi
Published: December 2021

Many studies analyze the medication errors in the hospital setting, but the literature involving the home care setting seems scarce. The aim of this study is to identify the main risk factors that affect the genesis of medication errors and the possible solutions to reduce the phenomenon in the home care setting. This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The critical analysis of the literature shows that medication errors in home care occur mainly during transitional care. The main risk factors related to transitional care are poor interprofessional communication, lack of a standardized process for medication reconciliation, the widespread use of computerized tools, and the inadequate integration of the pharmacist into the care team. The strategies to reduce the risk of errors from therapy at home are the implementation of the pharmacist in the health team to ensure accurate medication reconciliation and the use of computerized tools to improve communication between professionals and to reduce the dispersion of information.
Low oxygen concentration improves yak oocyte maturation and inhibits apoptosis through HIF‐1 and VEGF
Authors: He Honghong , Zhang Huizhu , Pan Yangyang , Zhang Tongxiang , Yang Shanshan , Liu Minqing , Robert Niayale , Wang Jinglei , Zhao Tian , Zhao Ling , Fan Jiangfeng , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu
Published: December 2021

The gas‐phase environment of in vitro culture system plays an important role in the development of oocytes, and oxygen concentration is one of the important factors. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of different oxygen concentrations (20%, 10%, 5% or 1% O2) in yak oocyte maturation and to detect the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cell apoptosis in yak COCs. First, the maturation rate of oocytes, cleavage rate and blastocysts rate following parthenogenetic activation in the group with 5% oxygen concentration were significantly higher (p < .05) than the other groups. Then, TUNEL analysis showed that the 5% oxygen concentration group significantly inhibited apoptosis of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) compared to the other group, and the transcription and protein levels of pro‐apoptotic factor Bax, HIF‐1α and VEGF in yak COCs significantly reduced, while anti‐apoptotic factor Bcl‐2 significantly increased. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining results indicated that HIF‐1α protein was mainly located in theca follicle interna, mural follicular stratum granulosum, corona radiata and ovarian stroma in the follicular ovarian tissue, while VEGF protein was mainly located in the granulosa and theca cell layers. In summary, our findings demonstrate that 5% oxygen concentration may promote maturation and inhibit apoptosis of oocytes through HIF‐1α‐mediated VEGF expression.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*01:406 allele by two next generation sequencing methods
Authors: Walencik Alexandre , Calvo De Olmos Orane , Bonneville Francoise , Blanchet Gaelle , Cesbron‐Gautier Anne
Published: December 2021

The novel HLA‐A*01:406 allele was characterized using two next generation sequencing technologies.
Impact of donor multidrug‐resistant organisms on solid organ transplant recipient outcomes
Authors: Anesi Judith A. , Blumberg Emily A. , Han Jennifer H. , Lee Dong Heun , Clauss Heather , Hasz Richard , Molnar Esther , Alimenti Darcy , Motzer Andrew R. , West Sharon , Bilker Warren B. , Tolomeo Pam , Lautenbach Ebbing ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: December 2021

Background

The impact of donor colonization or infection with multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) on solid organ transplant (SOT) recipient outcomes remains uncertain. We thus evaluated the association between donor MDROs and risk of posttransplant infection, graft failure, and mortality.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed. All SOT recipients with a local deceased donor were included. The cohort was divided into three exposure groups: recipients whose donors had (1) an MDRO, (2) a non‐MDRO bacterial or candidal organism, or (3) no growth on cultures. The primary outcomes were (1) bacterial or invasive candidal infection within 3 months and (2) graft failure or death within 12 months posttransplant. Mixed effect multivariable frailty models were developed to evaluate each association.

Results

Of 658 total SOT recipients, 93 (14%) had a donor with an MDRO, 477 (73%) had a donor with a non‐MDRO organism, and 88 (13%) had a donor with no organisms on culture. On multivariable analyses, donor MDROs were associated with a significantly increased hazard of infection compared to those with negative donor cultures (adjust hazard ratio [aHR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.01–2.62, p = .04) but were not associated with graft failure or death (aHR 0.45, 95% CI 0.15–1.36, p = .16).

Conclusions

MDROs on donor culture increase the risk of early posttransplant infection but do not appear to affect long‐term graft or recipient survival, suggesting organ donors with MDROs on culture may be safely utilized. Future studies aimed at reducing early posttransplant infections associated with donor MDROs are needed.
Strategies of tolerance reflected in two North American maple genomes
Authors: McEvoy Susan L. , Sezen U. Uzay , Trouern‐Trend Alexander , McMahon Sean M. , Schaberg Paul G. , Yang Jie , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: December 2021

Maples (the genus Acer) represent important and beloved forest, urban, and ornamental trees distributed throughout the Northern hemisphere. They exist in a diverse array of native ranges and distributions, across spectrums of tolerance or decline, and have varying levels of susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stress. Among Acer species, several stand out in their importance to economic interest. Here we report the first two chromosome‐scale genomes for North American species, Acer negundo and Acer saccharum. Both assembled genomes contain scaffolds corresponding to 13 chromosomes, with A. negundo at a length of 442 Mb, an N50 of 32 Mb, and 30 491 genes, and A. saccharum at a length of 626 Mb, an N50 of 46 Mb, and 40 074 genes. No recent whole genome duplications were detected, though A. saccharum has local gene duplication and more recent bursts of transposable elements, as well as a large‐scale translocation between two chromosomes. Genomic comparison revealed that A. negundo has a smaller genome with recent gene family evolution that is predominantly contracted and expansions that are potentially related to invasive tendencies and tolerance to abiotic stress. Examination of RNA sequencing data obtained from A. saccharum given long‐term aluminum and calcium soil treatments at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest provided insights into genes involved in the aluminum stress response at the systemic level, as well as signs of compromised processes upon calcium deficiency, a condition contributing to maple decline.
WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT AS A PREDICTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG LOW-INCOME EARNERS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: Kamalulil Errna Nadhirah , Panatik Siti Aisyah
Published: December 2021

Low-income earners have always been identified as a group that encounter mental health issue due to interpersonal conflicts. As indicated by numerous studies across disciplines, work-family conflict is found to be one of the important predictors of mental health. However, studies on work-family conflict as predictor of mental health among low-income earners specifically in the Malaysia context remains scarce. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of work-to-family conflict dimensions (i.e., behavior-based conflict time-based conflict and strain-based conflict) on mental health dimensions (i.e., stress, anxiety and depression) among low-income earners working at public sectors. Quantitative and cross-sectional research design were utilized in this study. By using a convenience sampling technique, 265 respondents from eight Johor Local Authorities participated via online survey using Google Form. Data were gathered using demographic and socioeconomic status questionnaires, Work-family Conflict Scale (WFCS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data preparation was conducted using SPSS Version 26.0 while inferential was performed through SmartPLS Version 3.0 structural equation modeling. This study found that strain-based conflict established significant positive influence on stress, anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, behavior-based conflict was found to significantly predict anxiety and depression only. The findings from this study provide insight to the organization, especially public sector to re-design work in order to enhance mental health well-being among the low-income earners.
UNTAPPED ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGES: THE MISSING LINKAGES IN SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF GRASSROOTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Ariffin Aini Suzana
Published: December 2021

Investing at the grassroots level is an essential intervention to achieve the goals that the international and national communities have set in terms of sustainable development. However, substantial performance remains the concern of the many developing countries in establishing a strong strategy on education in supporting grassroots economies. The general objective of this paper is to engage in discussion on how the country's strategy is designed to meet the intended results in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. The specific objectives first will focus on critical analysis on the level of matching of the designed strategy and the implementation and secondly on the role of social innovations and the motivations of social entrepreneurs in supporting socioeconomic progress and employment creation. The paper outlined key issues from Malaysia and Zanzibar experiences using a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that in Zanzibar the grassroots entrepreneurs were dominated by weak education, mindset, and traditional experiences in transforming their practices using emerged innovation initiatives, there is also a weak government initiative on innovative measures and a lacks policy initiatives. While in Malaysia the grassroots entrepreneurs failed to use the existing opportunities of the STI initiative to transform themselves into global and regional opportunities. It is suggested that to realize the effective role of entrepreneurship in supporting SGD's goals in employment, quality life, and poverty reduction, there is a need for a paradigm shift to support entrepreneurship education which will support socio-economic development at all levels.
Observing secondary-electron yield and charging in an insulating material by ultralow-voltage scanning electron microscope
Authors: Bizen Daisuke , Ishizaka Fumiya , Sakakibara Makoto , Suzuki Makoto , Tsuno Natsuki , Yokosuka Toshiyuki , Kazumi Hideyuki
Published: December 2021

Secondary-electron yield (SEY) and surface charging of various insulating materials under irradiation of primary electrons (PEs) with energy of lower than 100 eV were investigated. Irradiation energy of the PEs with SEY of 1 (E1) for SiO2 and Si3N4 was about 20 eV and that for the resist using in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography was about 40 eV. Additionally, it was found that E1 corresponds to the lower limit for obtaining scanning electron microscope images of the EUV resist pattern. The surface potential of the pattered EUV resist modulated by PE irradiation was estimated by using a retarding-field energy filter. It was found that the surface potential varies with the width and pitch of the EUV resist pattern. The variation of surface potential depends on the width and pitch due to the fact that the secondary electrons emitted from the space of the resist pattern are absorbed in the sidewalls of the resist pattern as it becomes denser.
Ion energy control in an industrial ICP etch chamber without bias power usage
Authors: Klick Michael , Maucher Hans-Peter
Published: December 2021

This investigation focuses on process control for commercial inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etchers under manufacturing conditions. Plasma processes close to active zones of surface-sensitive devices are critical, demanding minimal damage caused by ion bombardment and so an excellent process understanding and control. In order to get the ion energy below the surface damage limit, RF biasing at the substrate is switched off. The plasma process then works in a downstreamlike mode. Without Faraday shielding, capacitive coupling must always be considered. Also with very low bias power, the ion energy can still be too high. Without bias power, bias matchbox capacitances are used as control elements for the ion energy. To ensure a high reliability for this control solution in a running production line, a combined RF and plasma model of the entire system with this special setup is presented and validated. The etch rate shows that the RF peak voltage measurement in the bias matchbox does not represent the ion energy at the substrate. The sheath voltage provided by the model is closely related to the ion energy and shows a reasonable correlation with the etch rate of the photoresist on test wafers. This relation shows the transition of chemical etching at low ion energies to ion-assisted etching with increasing sheath voltage.
Bilateral Throw Execution in Young Judokas for a Maximum All Year Round Result
Authors: Šimenko Jožef , Hadžić Vedran
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study investigates bilateral performance with the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and its associations with competition performance (CP) and competition volume (CV) in judo. Methods: The SJFT compared movement patterns of the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) sides on a sample of 27 youth judoka. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences in SJFT execution to the D and ND side, and for associations, the Pearson correlation was used (P < .05). Results: The total number of throws is significantly higher on the D side, with better performance in the final SJFT index. The CP showed positive correlations with the D side of SJFT executions in the second part of SJFT (P = .042) and the total number of throws (P = .036). On the ND side, the CP showed a positive correlation with the second part of the SJFT (P = .014), a negative correlation with the third part of the SJFT (P = .035), and a positive correlation in the total number of throws (P = .027). CV shows significant correlations with all parameters of the SJFT in the D and ND sides, with stronger correlations on the ND side. Conclusions: The study presents significantly better performance in judokas’ D side in SJFT. Associations between CP and CV with the SJFT were significant in connection to both body sides. It highlights the importance of bilateral movement development and good execution of the throwing techniques for the D and ND body sides of youth judoka to achieve greater CP all year round.
The Effects of an Acute Maximal Seated Lumbar Spine Flexion Exposure on Low Back Mechanical Pain Sensitivity
Authors: Viggiani Daniel , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: December 2021

Viscoelastic creep generated in the lumbar spine following sustained spine flexion may affect the relationship between tissue damage and perceived pain. Two processes supporting this altered relationship include altered neural feedback and inflammatory processes. Our purpose was to determine how low back mechanical pain sensitivity changes following seated lumbar spine flexion using pressure algometry in a repeated-measures, cross-sectional laboratory design. Thirty-eight participants underwent a 10-minute sustained seated maximal flexion exposure with a 40-minute standing recovery period. Pressure algometry assessed pressure pain thresholds and the perceived intensity and unpleasantness of fixed pressures. Accelerometers measured spine flexion angles, and electromyography measured muscular activity during flexion. The flexion exposure produced 4.4° (2.7°) of creep that persisted throughout the entire recovery period. The perception of low back stimulus unpleasantness was elevated immediately following the exposure, 20 minutes before a delayed increase in lumbar erector spinae muscle activity. Women reported the fixed pressures to be more intense than men. Sustained flexion had immediate consequences to the quality of mechanical stimulus perceived but did not alter pressure pain thresholds. Neural feedback and inflammation seemed unlikely mechanisms for this given the time and direction of pain sensitivity changes, leaving a postulated cortical influence.
Evidence for Rehabilitation Interventions After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains in Athletes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tee Eugene , Melbourne Jack , Sattler Larissa , Hing Wayne
Published: December 2021

Context: Acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury in athletes and is often associated with decreased athletic performance and, if treated poorly, can result in chronic ankle issues, such as instability. Physical performance demands, such as cutting, hopping, and landing, involved with certain sport participation suggests that the rehabilitation needs of an athlete after LAS may differ from those of the general population. Objective: To review the literature to determine the most effective rehabilitation interventions reported for athletes returning to sport after acute LAS. Evidence Acquisition: Data Sources: Databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro were searched to July 2020. Study Selection: A scoping review protocol was developed and followed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines and registered (https://osf.io/bgek3/). Study selection included published articles on rehabilitation for ankle sprain in an athletic population. Data Extraction: Parameters included athlete and sport type, age, sex, intervention investigated, outcome measures, measurement tool, and follow-up period. Data Synthesis: A qualitative synthesis for all articles was undertaken, and a quantitative subanalysis of randomized controlled trials and critical methodological appraisal was also conducted. Evidence Synthesis: A total of 37 articles were included in this review consisting of 5 systematic and 20 narrative reviews, 7 randomized controlled trials, a single-case series, case report, position statement, critically appraised topic, and descriptive study. Randomized controlled trial interventions included early dynamic training, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. Conclusions: Early dynamic training after acute LAS in athletes results in a shorter time to return to sport, increased functional performance, and decreased self-reported reinjury. The results of this scoping review support an early functional and dynamic rehabilitation approach when compared to passive interventions for athletes returning to sport after LAS. Despite existing research on rehabilitation of LAS in the general population, a lack of evidence exists related to athletes seeking to return to sport.