bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Human Embryo Research Policies
Authors: Matthews Kirstin R. W. , Iltis Ana S. , Marquez Nuria Gallego , Wagner Daniel S. , Robert Jason Scott , de Melo‐Martín Inmaculada , Bigg Marieke , Franklin Sarah , Holm Soren , Metzler Ingrid , Molè Matteo A. , Taupitz Jochen , Testa Giuseppe , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: March 2021

It now seems technically feasible to culture human embryos beyond the “fourteen‐day limit,” which has the potential to increase scientific understanding of human development and perhaps improve infertility treatments. The fourteen‐day limit was adopted as a compromise but subsequently has been considered an ethical line. Does it remain relevant in light of technological advances permitting embryo maturation beyond it? Should it be changed and, if so, how and why? What justifications would be necessary to expand the limit, particularly given that doing so would violate some people's moral commitments regarding human embryos? Robust stakeholder engagement preceded adoption of the fourteen‐day limit and should arguably be part of efforts to reassess it. Such engagement could also consider the need for enhanced oversight of human embryo research. In the meantime, developing and implementing reliable oversight systems should help foster high‐quality research and public confidence in it.
Antenatal care and skilled birth in the fragile and conflict‐affected situation of Burundi
Authors: Ziegler Bianca R , Kansanga Moses , Sano Yuji , Kangmennaang Joseph , Kpienbaareh Daniel , Luginaah Isaac
Published: March 2021

Burundi is a fragile and conflict‐affected state characterized by persistent conflict and political violence. Amid this conflict, Burundi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally—548 per 100,000 births as of 2017, such deaths could be prevented with antenatal care (ANC). This cross‐sectional study aimed to examine the association between conflict and ANC and skilled birth attendant (SBA) utilization. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using the 2016–2017 Burundi Demographic and Health Survey (n = 8581), as well as a Near Analysis Geographic Information System exploration. Results show that women in extremely high conflict regions were less likely to have four antenatal visits (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79, p < 0.05). However, they were more likely to use a SBA (OR = 2.31, p < 0.001) and to deliver in a hospital (OR = 1.69, p < 0.001). As well, gender equality, education, and watching television were correlated with an increased likelihood of utilization. In contrast, unwanted pregnancies and increased parity were correlated with decreased use. Moreover, with renewed violence erupting in 2015, uptake of care has likely further stagnated or declined. If Sustainable Development Goal 3.1's objective of reducing maternal mortality globally is to be achieved, women's access to maternal healthcare services in conflicted‐affected areas such as Burundi must be improved.
Impacting the bottom line: Exploring the effect of a self‐efficacy oriented training intervention on unit‐level sales growth
Authors: Arciniega Luis M. , Servitje Anna , Woehr David J.
Published: March 2021

This study examines the impact of a specific training intervention on both individual‐ and unit‐level outcomes. We sought to examine the extent to which a training intervention incorporating key elements of error management training: (1) positively impacted sales specific self‐efficacy beliefs of trainees; and (2) positively impacted unit‐level sales growth over time. Results of an 11‐week longitudinal field experiment across 19 stores in a national bakery chain indicated that the sales self‐efficacy of trainees significantly increased between the levels they had 2 weeks before the intervention started and 4 weeks after it was initiated. Results based on a repeated measures ANOVA also indicated significantly higher sales performance in the intervention group compared with a non‐intervention control group. We also sought to address the extent to which individual‐level effects may be linked to the organizational level. We also provide evidence with respect to the extent to which changes in individual self‐efficacy were associated with unit‐level sales performance. Results confirmed this multi‐level effect as evidenced by a moderate significant correlation between the average self‐efficacy of the staff of each store and its sales performance across the weeks the intervention was in effect. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing direct evidence of the impact of an HRD intervention at multiple organizational levels.
Numerical and experimental investigation of a thermosiphon solar water heater system thermal performance used in domestic applications
Authors: Jasim Ayoob Khalid , Freegah Basim , Alhamdo Mohammed Hamed
Published: March 2021

The thermosiphon is a passive heat exchange method, which circulates a fluid within a system without the need for any electrical or mechanical pumps. The thermosiphon is based on natural convection where the thermal expansion occurs when the temperature difference has a corresponding difference in density across the loop. Thermosiphons are used in different applications such as solar energy collection, automotive systems, and electronics. The current study aims to investigate thermosiphon thermal performance used in domestic applications. The thermal performance of a thermosiphon has been studied by many researchers; however, according to the knowledge of the authors, the influence of the amount of the working fluid on the thermal output has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the influence of the amount of working fluid within the riser pipe has been investigated on the thermal performance of the thermosiphon. In the current study, a computational fluid dynamics model is involved. This model has been validated by comparison with experimental findings. The maximum variation between numerical and experimental results is 14.2% and 11.2% for the working fluid at the inlet and outlet of the absorber pipe, respectively. Furthermore, the results show that the amount of working fluid inside the closed thermosiphon has a great influence on the thermal performance of the system. Additionally, it is found that Case‐B, when the amount of working fluid is less than by 10% compared to the traditional model, is the best case among all cases under study. Furthermore, a correlation equation to predict water temperature at the exit of the absorber pipe has been established with an accuracy of 95.05%.
Examining homicides and suicides cross‐nationally: Economic factors, guns and video games
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J. , Smith Sven
Published: March 2021

Understanding why different nations have different homicide and suicide rates has been of interest to scholars, policy makers and the general public for years. Multiple theories have been offered, related to the economy, presence of guns and even exposure to violence in video games. In the current study, several factors were considered in combination across a sample of 92 countries. These included income inequality (Gini index), Human Capital Index (education and employment), per capita gun ownership and per capita expenditure on video games. Results suggest that economic factors primarily were related to homicide and suicide cross‐nationally. Video game consumption was not a major indicative factor (other than a small negative relationship with homicides). More surprisingly, per capita gun ownership was not an indicator factor cross‐nationally. The results suggest that a focus on economic factors and income inequality are most likely to bear fruit regarding reduction of violence and suicide.
Counterstories: Reimagining Youth in Multiethnic Short‐Story Anthologies
Authors: Sybil Durand E.
Published: March 2021

This forum reviews youth literature from around the world to examine the diverse settings and social, historical, and political contexts that shape youth identities and experiences.
Single‐Cell RNA‐Sequencing Reveals the Breadth of Osteoblast Heterogeneity
Authors: Yoshioka Hirotaka , Okita Saki , Nakano Masashi , Minamizaki Tomoko , Nubukiyo Asako , Sotomaru Yusuke , Bonnelye Edith , Kozai Katsuyuki , Tanimoto Kotaro , Aubin Jane E , Yoshiko Yuji
Published: March 2021

The current paradigm of osteoblast fate is that the majority undergo apoptosis, while some further differentiate into osteocytes and others flatten and cover bone surfaces as bone lining cells. Osteoblasts have been described to exhibit heterogeneous expression of a variety of osteoblast markers at both transcriptional and protein levels. To explore further this heterogeneity and its biological significance, Venus‐positive (Venus+) cells expressing the fluorescent protein Venus under the control of the 2.3‐kb Col1a1 promoter were isolated from newborn mouse calvariae and subjected to single‐cell RNA sequencing. Functional annotation of the genes expressed in 272 Venus+ single cells indicated that Venus+ cells are osteoblasts that can be categorized into four clusters. Of these, three clusters (clusters 1 to 3) exhibited similarities in their expression of osteoblast markers, while one (cluster 4) was distinctly different. We identified a total of 1920 cluster‐specific genes and pseudotime ordering analyses based on established concepts and known markers showed that clusters 1 to 3 captured osteoblasts at different maturational stages. Analysis of gene co‐expression networks showed that genes involved in protein synthesis and protein trafficking between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi are active in these clusters. However, the cells in these clusters were also defined by extensive heterogeneity of gene expression, independently of maturational stage. Cells of cluster 4 expressed Cd34 and Cxcl12 with relatively lower levels of osteoblast markers, suggesting that this cell type differs from actively bone‐forming osteoblasts and retain or reacquire progenitor properties. Based on expression and machine learning analyses of the transcriptomes of individual osteoblasts, we also identified genes that may be useful as new markers of osteoblast maturational stages. Taken together, our data show much more extensive heterogeneity of osteoblasts than previously documented, with gene profiles supporting diversity of osteoblast functional activities and developmental fates. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Accuracy of Incident Vertebral Fracture Detection in Children Using Targeted Case-Finding Approaches
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Siminoski Kerry , Wang Peiyao , Jaremko Jacob L , Koujok Khaldoun , Matzinger Mary Ann , Shenouda Nazih , Lentle Brian , Alos Nathalie , Cummings Elizabeth A , Ho Josephine , Houghton Kristin , Miettunen Paivi M , Scuccimarri Rosie , Rauch Frank , Ward Leanne M ,   the Canadian STOPP Consortium
Published: March 2021

Vertebral fractures are clinically important sequelae of a wide array of pediatric diseases. In this study, we examined the accuracy of case-finding strategies for detecting incident vertebral fractures (IVF) over 2 years in glucocorticoid-treated children (n = 343) with leukemia, rheumatic disorders, or nephrotic syndrome. Two clinical situations were addressed: the prevalent vertebral fracture (PVF) scenario (when baseline PVF status was known), which assessed the utility of PVF and low lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS BMD; Z-score <−1.4), and the non-PVF scenario (when PVF status was unknown), which evaluated low LS BMD and back pain. LS BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, vertebral fractures were quantified on spine radiographs using the modified Genant semiquantitative method, and back pain was assessed by patient report. Forty-four patients (12.8%) had IVF. In the PVF scenario, both low LS BMD and PVF were significant predictors of IVF. Using PVF to determine which patients should have radiographs, 11% would undergo radiography (95% confidence interval [CI] 8–15) with 46% of IVF (95% CI 30–61) detected. Sensitivity would be higher with a strategy of PVF or low LS BMD at baseline (73%; 95% CI 57–85) but would require radiographs in 37% of children (95% CI 32–42). In the non-PVF scenario, the strategy of low LS BMD and back pain produced the highest specificity of any non-PVF model at 87% (95% CI 83–91), the greatest overall accuracy at 82% (95% CI 78–86), and the lowest radiography rate at 17% (95% CI 14–22). Low LS BMD or back pain in the non-PVF scenario produced the highest sensitivity at 82% (95% CI 67–92), but required radiographs in 65% (95% CI 60–70). These results provide guidance for targeting spine radiography in children at risk for IVF. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Causal Associations of Anthropometric Measurements With Fracture Risk and Bone Mineral Density: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ma Baoshan , Li Chongyang , Pan Jianqiao , Zhang Shuzheng , Dong Heng , Wu Yiming , Lv Jun
Published: March 2021

Uncovering additional causal clinical traits and exposure variables is important when studying osteoporosis mechanisms and for the prevention of osteoporosis. Until recently, the causal relationship between anthropometric measurements and osteoporosis had not been fully revealed. In the present study, we utilized several state-of-the-art Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate whether height, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), hip circumference (HC), and waist circumference (WC) are causally associated with two major characteristics of osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures. Genomewide significant (p  ≤ 5 × 10−8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the five anthropometric variables were obtained from previous large-scale genomewide association studies (GWAS) and were utilized as instrumental variables. Summary-level data of estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) and fractures were obtained from a large-scale UK Biobank GWAS. Of the MR methods utilized, the inverse-variance weighted method was the primary method used for analysis, and the weighted-median, MR-Egger, mode-based estimate, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier methods were utilized for sensitivity analyses. The results of the present study indicated that each increase in height equal to a single standard deviation (SD) was associated with a 9.9% increase in risk of fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.099; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.067–1.133; p = 8.793 × 10−10) and a 0.080 SD decrease of estimated bone mineral density (95% CI −0.106–(−0.054); p = 2.322 × 10−9). We also found that BMI was causally associated with eBMD (beta = 0.129, 95% CI 0.065–0.194; p = 8.113 × 10−5) but not associated with fracture. The WHR adjusted for BMI, HC adjusted for BMI, and WC adjusted for BMI were not found to be related to fracture occurrence or eBMD. In conclusion, the present study provided genetic evidence for certain causal relationships between anthropometric measurements and bone mineral density or fracture risk. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Integrating non‐targeted metabolomics and toxicology networks to study the mechanism of Esculentoside A‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: He Tao , Liu Chuanxin , Li Mengyu , Wang Mingshuang , Liu Ning , Zhang Dan , Han Shuang , Li Wenxian , Chen Shilin , Yuan Ruijuan , Huang Jianmei
Published: March 2021

Esculentoside A (EsA) is a kind of triterpenoid saponins from the root tuber of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. It has extensive medicinal activity, such as antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, immune regulation, and cell proliferation inhibition. However, some researches suggested that EsA can cause hepatotoxicity, whose mechanism is not precise. To ensure the safety and reliability in the clinical use of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., it is necessary to establish a rapid and accurate method to evaluate the toxicity, analyze and verify the toxicity mechanism of EsA. Therefore, this research explored the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by EsA in rats and analyzed endogenous metabolites' changes in rat plasma by combining network toxicology with non‐targeted metabolomics. We obtained 58 critical targets of EsA induced hepatotoxicity in rats based on the strategy of network toxicology, including albumin, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1, Caspase‐3, etc. Many important pathways were obtained by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, such as HIF‐1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, IL‐17 signaling pathway, and other concerning pathways. Sixteen biomarkers, including 5‐hydroxykynurenamine, N‐acetylserotonin, palmitic acid, etc., were screened from rat plasma using Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS), mainly involve Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Tryptophan metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. Further analysis showed that EsA may induce liver injury by activating oxidative stress and energy metabolism disorders, triggering inflammation and apoptosis.
Treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection with double‐filtration plasmapheresis, low dose IVIg plus rituximab after kidney transplantation
Authors: Naciri Bennani Hamza , Daligault Mélanie , Noble Johan , Bardy Béatrice , Motte Lionel , Giovannini Diane , Emprou Camille , Fiard Gaëlle , Imerzoukene Farida , Bourdin Anne , Masson Dominique , Janbon Bénédicte , Malvezzi Paolo , Rostaing Lionel , Jouve Thomas
Published: March 2021

Antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) at early or late post‐transplantation remains challenging. We performed a single‐center single‐arm study where four cases of acute ABMR and nine cases of chronic active ABMR (defined by Banff classification) were treated with double‐filtration plasmapheresis (two cycles of three consecutive daily sessions with a 4‐day gap between). At the end of the third and sixth DFPP sessions, the patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2. After a median follow‐up of 1078 (61‐1676) days, kidney‐allograft survival was 50%. Before DFPP/rituximab therapy, the median donor‐specific alloantibody (DSA) mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 9160 (4000‐15 400); 45 days (D45) later it had significantly decreased to 7375 (215‐18 100) (P = .018). In addition, at one‐year (Y1) post‐therapy, MFI had decreased further, that is, 4060 (400‐7850) (P = .001). In two patients, DSA MFIs decreased and remained below 2000. The slope of estimated glomerular‐filtration rate within the 6 months preceding intervention was −1.18 mL/min/month and remained unchanged at −1.29 mL/min/month within the year after intervention. Proteinuria remained unchanged. Baseline Banff scores on repeat allograft biopsies (post‐therapy D45, Y1) did not show any improvement. Side‐effects were mild to moderate. We conclude that the combined DFPP/rituximab significantly decreased DSAs in ABMR kidney‐transplant recipients but did not improve renal function or renal histology at 1‐year follow‐up.
Stress of university students before and after campus closure in response to COVID‐19
Authors: von Keyserlingk Luise , Yamaguchi‐Pedroza Katsumi , Arum Richard , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: March 2021

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, universities were forced to adopt a remote learning model, which introduced a number of stressors into college students' everyday life and study habits. The current study investigates if students' study‐related stress increased after the pandemic's onset and how individual and contextual factors moderate this potential stress increase. Longitudinal survey data about students' stress levels and self‐efficacy in self‐regulation were collected before and after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic at a public university (N = 274). Regression analysis results show an overall increase in study‐related stress levels after the onset of the pandemic. Students with self‐efficacy in self‐regulation reported lower stress increases; students with higher mental health impairment and limited time for coursework reported larger stress increases. To address students' stress levels and strengthen coping resources, universities should consider providing students with resources to improve their self‐regulation and time‐management skills.
The impact of early life stress and immune challenge on behavior and glia cells alteration in late adolescent rats
Authors: Réus Gislaine Z. , Giridharan Vijayasree V. , de Moura Airam B. , Borba Laura A. , Botelho Maria Eduarda M. , Behenck João Paulo , Generoso Jaqueline S. , Selvaraj Sudhakar , Bhatti Gursimrat , Barichello Tatiana , Quevedo João
Published: March 2021

Maternal deprivation (MD) is known to be related to long‐term changes that could influence the onset of psychiatric disorders. Studies have demonstrated that early life stress makes the cells in the brain more susceptible to subsequent stressors. To test it, we used an animal model of MD conducted from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 10. Deprived and non‐deprived rats (control) were randomized to receive or not lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 5 mg/kg on PND 50. The behavior and glial cells activation were evaluated in all groups from 51 to 53 PND. There was an increase in the immobility time in the MD and MD+LPS groups. The spontaneous locomotor activity was not changed between groups. We found elevated ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1)‐positive cells levels in the control+LPS and MD+LPS groups. In the MD+LPS group, it was found an increase in Iba‐positive cells compared to the MD+sal group. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells were also increased in the MD+LPS, compared to control+sal, control+LPS, and MD+sal groups. Immune challenge by LPS in late adolescence, which was subjected to MD, did not influence the depressive‐like behavior but exerted a pronounced effect in the microglial activation and astrocyte atrophy.
Maternal exposure to high‐fat diet modifies anxiety‐like/depression‐like behaviors and compounds of Serotonergic System in offspring: A preclinical systematic review
Authors: da Silva Luana Olegário , da Silva Aragão Raquel , Duarte Barros Manuella da Luz , Nogueira Ferraz‐Pereira Kelli , Lins Pinheiro Isabeli , Galindo Lígia Cristina Monteiro
Published: March 2021

Maternal nutrition affects offspring physiology and behavior including susceptibility to mental health‐related states. Perinatal high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption has been associated with lower levels of serotonin as well as the development of anxiety‐like and depression‐like behaviors in offspring. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of maternal HFD during pregnancy and/or lactation on these behaviors and on some aspects of the serotonergic system. Criteria for eligibility included studies of offspring of rodents and non‐human primates exposed to HFD at least during pregnancy and/or lactation, offspring that showed outcomes related to anxiety‐like and depression‐like behaviors and to the serotonergic system. The searches were realized in the LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The systematic review protocol was registered on the CAMARADES website. The internal validity was assessed by the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The Kappa index was used for analyzing agreement among the reviewers. In addition, the PRISMA statement was used to report this systematic review. Sixteen articles were included in this review. Most of which studied HFD prior to mating and during pregnancy and lactation. All studies analyzed outcomes related to emotional behavior; three analyzed outcomes related to serotonin system compounds. Maternal consumption of HFD was found to be associated with an inconsistent pattern of the expression of TPH2 as well as reduced the immunoreactivity of 5‐HT in the prefrontal cortex and increased 5‐HT1A receptor expression in the dorsal raphe of offspring. An association between an HFD and alterations in emotional behavior was found in most of the studies selected.
Helping young children understand inherited cancer predisposition syndromes using bibliotherapy
Authors: Schlub Georgina M. , Crook Ashley , Barlow‐Stewart Kristine , Fleming Jane , Kirk Judy , Tucker Kathy , Greening Sian
Published: March 2021

Communication with children about hereditary conditions in the family can be difficult for parents. Yet, good communication strategies are leading determinants of adaptation and resilience. With inherited cancer predisposition syndromes that can affect young children such as Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and hereditary pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndrome (HPPS), genetic testing and subsequent surveillance in at‐risk children is the optimal intervention. Given testing often commences early, providing children and their parents with appropriate genetic counseling and communication strategies is important for informed decision making. To inform such communication strategies, we used a bibliotherapeutic framework, where stories are delivered prescriptively (i.e., ‘bibliotherapy’), to develop a psycho‐educational resource for children aged 5–10 years old at risk of either LFS or HPPS. Illustrated storybooks for children were created based on models of developmental comprehension. To ascertain their experience, parents were invited to read a storybook to their child/ren and participate in semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a general inductive approach. The bibliotherapeutic resource reportedly supported parents with communication about these issues without raising emotional distress in either themselves or their children. The key stages of a bibliotherapeutic interaction were facilitated by the use of this resource, and all parents reported that it would have been useful when their children were first tested and/or diagnosed. This study lays the foundation for the application of bibliotherapy as a psycho‐educational intervention in genetic counseling and demonstrates that bibliotherapy may improve the process of communication between parents and children regarding pediatric‐inherited cancer syndromes.
Education in youth‐friendly genetic counseling
Authors: Holland Lucy , Young Mary‐Anne , Lewin Jeremy , Pearce Angela , Thompson Kate
Published: March 2021

Genetic counselors have long recognized the challenges of working with adolescents and young adults (AYA) and their families. In 2010, a framework of Youth‐friendly Genetic Counseling was developed by an expert reference group with the aim to improve both care for AYAs and the experience of health professionals delivering that care. Subsequently, an education workshop was developed aimed to upskill genetic health professionals in youth‐friendly genetic counseling. The workshop was piloted with genetic counselors in Australia and New Zealand. A purpose designed, pre‐ and post‐workshop survey and post‐workshop focus group was utilized for evaluation. Mean confidence scores increased pre‐ and post‐workshop. Participants also demonstrated increases in knowledge regarding: adolescent development; developmental theory; social factors impacting on health; the needs of young people; practice challenges; youth‐friendly engagement, communication, consent and confidentiality; practice approaches; principles of adolescent healthcare; ethical issues; and available services and resources. Focus group data revealed several themes relating to practice challenges, learning gains, barriers, and enablers to clinical translation and workshop feedback. Results demonstrate utility of the workshop in up‐skilling genetic health professionals in the provision of youth‐friendly genetic counseling. Consideration of adaptation and sustainability, by embedding this theoretical and skills‐based workshop as a module within genetic counseling education, is required to ensure practice competence and the best health outcomes for young people and their families.
Examining career shadowing in genetic counseling: Perspectives of shadowees, program directors, and genetic counselors
Authors: Agre Katherine , Essendrup Anna , Koellner Christine , Rust Laura , Deyle David
Published: March 2021

Career shadowing can be a valuable opportunity for individuals to experience the daily activities of a working professional. However, there is no published research regarding the impact of shadowing for individuals hoping to pursue a career as a genetic counselor (GC) (termed ‘shadowees’). Additionally, little is known about the impact of shadowing on practicing GCs, nor the value of shadowing in the application and admission process for genetic counseling graduate programs. For this study, three independent surveys were developed and sent to three stakeholder groups: shadowees in the Minnesota Genetic Counseling Experience Program, program directors within the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors, and members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on responses. The survey of shadowees (n = 55) found that the majority believed that shadowing had either a ‘very’ or ‘somewhat positive’ impact on their decision to become a GC and on their application to a genetic counseling graduate program (81.8% and 91.3%, respectively). Of the participating program director respondents (n = 43), the majority indicated that having shadowing experience was either ‘moderately’ or ‘extremely important’ in offering an interview or for acceptance into a graduate program (63% and 56%, respectively). While programs differ in evaluation of shadowing experiences, most program directors indicated that an applicant's ability to speak to their shadowing experience was the most important factor in admissions consideration (71%). Among the GCs surveyed (n = 325), 69.2% have hosted shadowees; of these, 82.7% indicated that hosting a shadowee decreases their efficiency at work. Despite this drawback, the majority of respondents expressed a willingness and motivation to host shadowees to help the shadowee (64.8%) and to promote the genetic counseling profession (32.6%). These findings suggest the need for additional research and the development of resources for GCs to increase access of career shadowing.
Optimizing HIV retesting during pregnancy and postpartum in four countries: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Meisner Julianne , Roberts D Allen , Rodriguez Patricia , Sharma Monisha , Newman Owiredu Morkor , Gomez Bertha , de Mello Maeve B , Bobrik Alexey , Vodianyk Arkadii , Storey Andrew , Githuka George , Chidarikire Thato , Barnabas Ruanne , Farid Shiza , Essajee Shaffiq , Jamil Muhammad S , Baggaley Rachel , Johnson Cheryl , Drake Alison L
Published: March 2021

Introduction

HIV retesting during late pregnancy and breastfeeding can help detect new maternal infections and prevent mother‐to‐child HIV transmission (MTCT), but the optimal timing and cost‐effectiveness of maternal retesting remain uncertain.

Methods

We constructed deterministic models to assess the health and economic impact of maternal HIV retesting on a hypothetical population of pregnant women, following initial testing in pregnancy, on MTCT in four countries: South Africa and Kenya (high/intermediate HIV prevalence), and Colombia and Ukraine (low HIV prevalence). We evaluated six scenarios with varying retesting frequencies from late in antenatal care (ANC) through nine months postpartum. We compared strategies using incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) over a 20‐year time horizon using country‐specific thresholds.

Results

We found maternal retesting once in late ANC with catch‐up testing through six weeks postpartum was cost‐effective in Kenya (ICER = $166 per DALY averted) and South Africa (ICER=$289 per DALY averted). This strategy prevented 19% (Kenya) and 12% (South Africa) of infant HIV infections. Adding one or two additional retests postpartum provided smaller benefits (1 to 2 percentage point increase in infections averted versus one retest). Adding three retests during the postpartum period averted additional infections (1 to 3 percentage point increase in infections averted versus one retest) but ICERs ($7639 and in Kenya and $11 985 in South Africa) greatly exceeded the cost‐effectiveness thresholds. In Colombia and Ukraine, all retesting strategies exceeded the cost‐effectiveness threshold and prevented few infant infections (up to 31 and 5 infections, respectively).

Conclusions

In high HIV burden settings with MTCT rates similar to those seen in Kenya and South Africa, HIV retesting once in late ANC, with subsequent intervention, is the most cost‐effective strategy for preventing infant HIV infections. In these settings, two HIV retests postpartum marginally reduced MTCT and were less costly than adding three retests. Retesting in low‐burden settings with MTCT rates similar to Colombia and Ukraine was not cost‐effective at any time point due to very low HIV prevalence and limited breastfeeding.
Consideration of a metabolic disorder in the differential of mild developmental delay: A case of nonketotic hyperglycinemia revisited 36 years later
Authors: Tramontana Timothy F. , Wilson Theodore E. , Hainline Bryan E.
Published: March 2021

We present a 53‐year‐old male with nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) who presented in decompensated state to our university hospital several months prior to a primary diagnosis of multifocal pneumonia accompanied by reports of seizure‐like activity, altered mental status, tremors, and fever. He was initially diagnosed with NKH in his preschool years, over 40 years previously, along with his younger sister. At that time, he had developmental and physical delays (which his sister also experienced). His health course has been relatively uneventful otherwise, as regards decompensation of his disease, and he has not been on the standard regimens of reduced dietary glycine intake along with dextromethorphan and sodium benzoate. Recent molecular confirmation of NKH was completed and both he and his sibling likely have an attenuated form of NKH mediated by the combined effects of their variants. This paper presents what we believe to be report of the oldest surviving individuals with attenuated NKH.
The link between microglia and the severity of COVID‐19: The “two‐hit” hypothesis
Authors: Bouayed Jaouad , Bohn Torsten
Published: March 2021

Highlights

Neurological manifestations constitute a serious cause of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Microglial hyperactivation by the two‐hit process.

Severe COVID‐19 patients carry pre‐activated microglia following a first immune challenge.

Exaggerated response of sensitized microglia to COVID‐19, the second immune challenge.
Engaging general practice and patients with AusTAPER, a pharmacist facilitated web‐based deprescribing tool
Authors: Parkinson Lynne , Magin Parker , Etherton‐Beer Christopher , Naganathan Vasi , Mangin Derelie
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to explore the Australian general practitioner (GP) and patient experience of AusTAPER, a pharmacist facilitated web‐based deprescribing tool, within a pilot implementation of the tool. This qualitative study of experiences of using AusTAPER in clinical practice used one‐on‐one interviews with patients (≥70 years, taking ≥5 medicines) and GPs. Thematic content analyses for patients and GPs were triangulated to synthesise findings. Nine patients and two GPs responded. Three main themes arose from the synthesised results: ‘engagement of GPs and patients’; ‘pharmacist as central’; and ‘patient outcomes’. AusTAPER prompted qualitative deprescribing and was acceptable to both GPs and patients. Patients appreciated medicines being monitored by pharmacists. There was evidence of synergy of GP and pharmacist opinion in facilitating patient understanding and shared decision‐making. These qualitative findings provide evidence that AusTAPER engaged GPs and patients and prompted judicious medicine review and deprescribing.
Thermometry by vibrational Raman spectroscopy of nitrogen: Identification and impact of spatial averaging effects
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Stodt Malte F. B. , Fritsching Udo
Published: March 2021

Thermometry utilizing the vibrational spectrum of nitrogen is a very common tool in combustion diagnostics via spontaneous and coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy. In the presence of strong temperature gradients, however, it is likely that hot and cold gas portions contribute to the signal. This is known as spatial averaging, and it can result in severe measurement errors. The present work proposes and demonstrates two straightforward approaches that allow the identification of spatial averaging as well as estimating the resulting error. For this purpose, simulated Raman spectra are considered in order to avoid any impact from experimental artifacts. The first approach utilizes difference spectra, whereas the second one is based upon principal component analysis (PCA). Two scenarios were tested: (1) spectra of 50:50 mixtures exhibiting a common mean temperature and (2) spectra of mixtures with systematically varied fractions of hot (2000 K) and cold (300 K) gas. It is shown that the resulting measurement error can be as high as 500 K.
Effect of basil seed gum and κ‐carrageenan on the rheological, textural, and structural properties of whipped cream
Authors: Biglarian Niloofar , Rafe Ali , Shahidi Seyed‐Ahmad
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Basil seed gum (BSG) is a novel polysaccharide that has been found wide application in the food industry. It can be used in whipped cream due to its thickening and emulsifying properties. The effect of BSG and κ‐carrageenan on the structure‐rheology relationships of whipped cream was evaluated.

RESULTS

The viscosity of cream containing BSG was higher than that of carrageenan. Basil seed gum resulted in a strong capacity to improve the viscosity of the cream. Rheological results showed the low‐frequency dependence of the elastic modulus was improved by BSG, which had a strong effect on the rigidity of the emulsion. The fracture strain of the creams containing BSG or κ‐carrageenan was between the normal cream and acidified caseinate stabilized emulsion foam. It was found that the protein segments of BSG could be adsorbed at the oil–water interface, resulting in the formation of a pseudo‐gel network, which creates a stronger molecular protein network in the whipped cream. Microstructure study revealed that whipped cream containing κ‐carrageenan exhibited some flocculation, which could be caused by non‐adsorbed polysaccharides or proteins. In contrast, cream containing BSGshowed more voids, which have considerably decreased by fat content and enhance the foam structure.

CONCLUSION

As a result, synergistic interactions between proteins and polysaccharides (BSG and κ‐carrageenan) could promote the development of a cross‐linked network. Indeed, due to its high levels of hydrophilicity, BSG absorbs water, acts as a thickening agent, and competes against caseinate at the interfaces and is incorporated into whipped cream to provide a more desirable physical structure for the product. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Biofumigation activities of volatile compounds from two Trichoderma afroharzianum strains against Fusarium infections in fresh chilies
Authors: Khruengsai Sarunpron , Pripdeevech Patcharee , D'Souza Priya E , Panuwet Parinya
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Two Fusarium fungi, F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum, have been recognized as major pathogenic fungi that cause postharvest decay of chili fruits. Ozone and some toxic chemicals are used to control pathogenic infections, leading to longer storage lives of agricultural commodities. However, these chemicals may pose some risks to the applicators and the environment. Therefore, alternative, easy‐to‐use fumigants for effective control of Fusarium infections in harvested fresh chilies are needed.

RESULTS

Two endophytic fungi, Trichoderma afroharzianum strain MFLUCC19‐0090 and T. afroharzianum strain MFLUCC19‐0091, were isolated from Schefflera leucantha leaves. Their volatile compounds were investigated for antifungal activities against F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum. In vitro results showed that the volatile compounds produced by each strain inhibited pathogen growth. Additionally, the Trichoderma‐derived volatile compounds significantly reduced Fusarium‐related disease severity and incidence percentages in the inoculated fresh chilies. Antifungal properties of the volatile compounds were found to be specific to the species of the tested pathogens (MFLUCC19‐0090 greatly suppressed F. oxysporum and MFLUCC19‐0091 greatly suppressed F. proliferatum). Seventy‐three volatile compounds were detected from both strains. Among the major volatile compounds detected, phenyl ethyl alcohol was found to possess the strongest antifungal activity against both pathogens.

CONCLUSION

These Trichoderma‐derived volatile compounds may be used as alternative fumigants for controlling Fusarium rot in harvested fresh chilies. The successful use of volatile compounds as biofumigants can prevent significant market losses and, more importantly, may reduce the health hazards caused by Fusarium‐associated mycotoxin exposures among consumers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Half‐Century Winter Duck Abundance and Temperature Trends in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways
Authors: Meehan Timothy D. , Kaminski Richard M. , Lebaron Geoffrey S. , Michel Nicole L. , Bateman Brooke L. , Wilsey Chad B.
Published: March 2021

Increasing concerns exist about possible decreased wintering duck abundance and hunting opportunities in the southern regions of the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways of North America. Researchers suggest these decreased abundances of ducks may be related to winter warming and related climatic phenomena. Accordingly, we tested predictions that duck abundance was increasing more at northern than southern latitudes, and that trends were related to average winter temperatures (Dec–Jan). We tested predictions using National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data collected during December 1969 through January 2019 from 31 states in the United States and 6 Canadian provinces that comprise the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways for 16 species of dabbling and diving ducks (Anatinae). We found support for the prediction that CBC trends in duck abundance vary with latitude, and mean winter temperature explained nearly half the variation in CBC trends for 12 of 16 species. For some species, trends were negative in warmer regions and positive in colder regions. For others, trends were stable or slightly positive in warmer regions but more positive in colder regions. These results provide empirical evidence supporting climate‐influenced winter range changes by important game duck species and suggest challenges and opportunities for waterfowl population, habitat, and hunting management in North America and the northern hemisphere. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Is unnatural unhealthy? Think about it: Overcoming negative halo effects from food labels
Authors: Sundar Aparna , Cao Edita , Wu Ruomeng , Kardes Frank R.
Published: March 2021

Consumer advocates and regulators champion the view that transparent labeling practices will help consumers make better decisions. However, it is unclear how unnatural nutritional claims (e.g., artificial ingredients, food additives, genetically modified organisms) affect perceptions of packaged food. Many researchers have cautioned that such labels can be commonly misinterpreted and can further stigmatize food produced by conventional processes. Building on the selective accessibility model, we propose that unnatural nutritional claims on front‐of‐package food labeling may induce a negative health halo effect. Accessibility of information consistent with a target concept (e.g., a claim on a food label) shapes consumer inferences and evaluations of an associated product (e.g., the packaged food) in the same direction. We propose that such nutritional claims can lead to higher calorie estimates and therefore biased food decisions. Furthermore, we examine the moderating effect of dispositional critical thinking, priming opposing beliefs, and activating causal reasoning to help mitigate on the negative health halo. We test these predictions across five experiments. Together, these findings advance our understanding of the halo effect, inference, and persuasion, and they suggest strategies for helping consumers make more informed health‐related judgments and decisions.
A new boundary element formulation for modeling and simulation of three‐temperature distributions in carbon nanotube fiber reinforced composites with inclusions
Authors: Fahmy Mohamed Abdelsabour
Published: March 2021

A new boundary element method (BEM) formulation is developed in this paper for modeling and simulation of nonlinear three‐temperature (3T) distributions in carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber‐reinforced composites embedded with many rigid‐line inclusions that can be treated as having constant temperature distributions. The fast multipole method (FMM) has been applied to accelerate the proposed BEM solution of the considered problem of a large number of nano‐inclusions, and therefore, the computational complexity and computational time are reduced. The CPU time and memory requirement are also reduced by implementing generalized modified shift‐splitting (GMSS) iteration method which does not require the entire matrix to be stored in the memory. Then, we introduced a new formula which can play an important role in solving thermal problems arising in CNT nanotechnology. Effective thermal conductivity of fiber‐reinforced composites can be evaluated using the computed temperature and heat flux fields. The fast multipole BEM results are depicted graphically to show the effects of CNT manufacturing methods and thermal conductivities of different CNT composites on the temperature and heat flux distributions. The computational performance of the proposed methodology has been demonstrated. The fast multipole BEM results are compared graphically with the finite element method (FEM) results and with the experimental results reported in the literature. Excellent agreements are found in both cases, which clearly demonstrate the validity, accuracy, and efficiency of our proposed algorithm and modeling and simulation technique. The findings and solutions of this study contribute to the further development of CNT nanotechnology applications and devices.
Recovering the source term for parabolic equation with nonlocal integral condition
Authors: Duc Phuong Nguyen , Baleanu Dumitru , Thanh Phong Tran , Dinh Long Le
Published: March 2021

The main purpose of this article is to present a Tikhonov method to construct the source function f(x) of the parabolic diffusion equation. This problem is well known to be severely ill‐posed. Therefore, regularization is required. The error estimates between the sought solution and the regularized solution are obtained under an a priori parameter choice rule and an a posteriori parameter choice rule, respectively. One numerical test illustrates that the proposed method is feasible and effective.