bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping from proximity traces to socio‐spatial behaviours and student progression at the school
Authors: Yan Lixiang , Martinez‐Maldonado Roberto , Gallo Cordoba Beatriz , Deppeler Joanne , Corrigan Deborah , Gašević Dragan
Published: February 2022

Identifying students facing difficulties and providing them with timely support is one of the educator's key responsibilities. Yet, this task is becoming increasingly challenging as the complexity of physical learning spaces grows, along with the emergence of novel educational technologies and classroom designs. There has been substantial research and development work focused on identifying student social behaviours in digital platforms (eg, the learning management system) as predictors of academic progression. However, little work has investigated such relationships in physical learning spaces. This study explores the potential of using wearable trackers for the early detection of low‐progress students based on their social and spatial (socio‐spatial) behaviours at the school. Positioning data from 98 primary school students and six teachers were automatically captured over a period of eight weeks. Fourteen socio‐spatial behavioural features were extracted and processed using a set of machine learning classifiers to model students’ learning progression. Results illustrate the potential of prospectively identifying low‐progress students from these features and the importance of adapting classroom learning analytics to differences in pedagogical designs.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Learning analytics research on predicting students’ academic progression is emerging in both digital and physical learning spaces.

Students’ social behaviours in learning activities is a key factor in predicting their academic progression.

Emerging sensing technologies can provide opportunities to study students’ real‐time social behaviours in physical learning spaces.

What this paper adds

Fourteen progression‐related socio‐spatial behavioural features are extracted from students’ physical (x‐y) positioning traces.

Predictive learning analytics that achieved 81% accuracy in prospectively identifying low‐progress students from their real‐time socio‐spatial behaviours.

Empirical evidence to support the need for classroom learning analytics to have instructional sensitivity (ie, be calibrated according to the learning design).

Implications for practice and/or policy

Sensing technologies and machine learning algorithms can be used to capture and generate valuable insights about higher‐order learning constructs (eg, performance and collaboration) from students' physical positioning traces in classrooms.

Researchers and practitioners should be cautious with generalised classification algorithms and predictive learning analytics that do not account for the pedagogical differences between different subjects or learning designs.

Researchers and practitioners should consider the potentially unforeseen ethical issues that can emerge in using sensing technologies and predictive learning analytics in authentic, physical classroom settings.
Glial activation in prion diseases is selectively triggered by neuronal PrPSc
Authors: Lakkaraju Asvin K. K. , Sorce Silvia , Senatore Assunta , Nuvolone Mario , Guo Jingjing , Schwarz Petra , Moos Rita , Pelczar Pawel , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: February 2022

Although prion infections cause cognitive impairment and neuronal death, transcriptional and translational profiling shows progressive derangement within glia but surprisingly little changes within neurons. Here we expressed PrPC selectively in neurons and astrocytes of mice. After prion infection, both astrocyte and neuron‐restricted PrPC expression led to copious brain accumulation of PrPSc. As expected, neuron‐restricted expression was associated with typical prion disease. However, mice with astrocyte‐restricted PrPC expression experienced a normal life span, did not develop clinical disease, and did not show astro‐ or microgliosis. Besides confirming that PrPSc is innocuous to PrPC‐deficient neurons, these results show that astrocyte‐born PrPSc does not activate the extreme neuroinflammation that accompanies the onset of prion disease and precedes any molecular changes of neurons. This points to a nonautonomous mechanism by which prion‐infected neurons instruct astrocytes and microglia to acquire a specific cellular state that, in turn, drives neural dysfunction.
Intergroup power dynamics during the idea journey: A two‐way relationship between power and social identity
Authors: Malherbe Magali , Simon Fanny
Published: February 2022

Organizational creativity has been described as a dynamic process throughout which an idea is framed by the interactions between idea supporters and audiences. Such interactions involve different forms of power, which determine what is considered creative by the involved audiences and their commitment to the idea journey. Power can then be a productive or repressive force for the creative process. However, we lack of an understanding of the particular circumstances that explain those two processes. Social psychology works, which have already demonstrated the influence of power on group identification and vice versa, offer a promising approach. Thus, we offer a new perspective by questioning the relations between power, social identification and creativity. We highlight different scenarios concerning the exercise of power that explain levels of commitment to ideas. We also stress the impacts of power on identity attributes and how they frame cross‐cutting identities. Finally, we explain how power emerges from confrontations among groups invoking different attributes and the resulting outcomes. In doing so, we demonstrate the existence of a two‐way relationship between power and social identity during the idea journey.
COVID‐19 pandemic and economic scenarios for Ontario
Authors: Casares Miguel , Gomme Paul , Khan Hashmat
Published: February 2022

To study the efficacy of the public policy response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, we develop a model of the rich interactions between epidemiology and socioeconomic choices. Preferences feature a “fear of death” that lead individuals to reduce their social activity and work time in the face of the pandemic. The aggregate effect of these reductions is to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. We calibrate the model, including public policies, to developments in Ontario in the spring of 2020. The model fits the epidemiological data quite well, including the second wave starting in late 2020. We find that socioeconomic interventions work well in the short term, resulting in a rapid drop‐off in new cases. The long run, however, is governed chiefly by health developments. Welfare cost calculations point to synergies between the health and socioeconomic measures.
Comparing Trudeau and Harper Canadian federal appointments to agencies, boards, and commissions
Authors: Miljan Lydia , Romualdi Tyler
Published: February 2022

This article assesses the outcome of the Liberal reforms to the Canadian public appointments policy after Justin Trudeau vowed to enhance the diversity of federal board members. We compare 1,174 Liberal Governor‐in‐Council (GIC) with 1,409 GIC appointments made by the Conservative government during its final term in office. Examining all appointees’ place of residence, educational background, occupational history, Indigeneity, and estimated ethnicity revealed that public member representation within federal agencies, boards, and commissions has shifted. Consequently, we find that the Trudeau government succeeded in its quest to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations more effectively than its predecessor, albeit with room for progress.
Liver pathological alterations in fetal rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Pelizzo Gloria , Peiro José L. , Villanacci Vincenzo , Sbragia Laurenço , Oria Marc , De Silvestri Annalisa , Mazzon Emanuela , Calcaterra Valeria
Published: February 2022

To date, fetal liver implication is not a well‐understood phenomenon in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We evaluated the fetal morphologic changes on liver growth after surgical procedure in CDH experimental model. A diaphragmatic defect at gestational day E25 and tracheal occlusion (TO) at E27 were surgically created in rabbit fetuses. Five experimental groups were assessed: control group, left CDH, right CDH, CDH + TO, and TO alone. Body and organ growth were measured. For histological evaluation of the CDH effect, liver sections were collected. Left‐CDH group had livers with increased leukocyte infiltration in comparison with controls (p = 0.02). Increased capillary sinusoid congestion and hepatocyte vacuolation were greater in left‐CDH compared with the right‐CDH group (p = 0.05). Capillary sinusoid congestion and interstitial edema were more evident in the left‐CDH compared with CDH + TO group (p = 0.05). Increases in sinusoid congestion, hepatocyte vacuolation, and interstitial edema were also greater in the CDH + TO compared with controls (p ≤ 0.02). Intrathoracic liver weight was higher in right‐CDH compared with left‐CDH group (p < 0.001). Total lung weights (TLW) were significantly lower in both left‐CDH compared with controls (p < 0.001), CDH + TO (p = 0.01), and TO (p < 0.01) and in right‐CDH compared with CDH + TO (p < 0.01) and TO (p < 0.01). Decreased kidney and heart weights were also recorded. Hemodynamics and structural fetal liver changes in laterality were noted in CDH model. Regulation of intrathoracic liver weights seems to be disturbed by the absence of diaphragmic contact. Pulmonary injury is supported by the effect of a first hit, while the growth of internal organs suggests a multisystemic remodeling related to the fetal adaptation.
Structured diabetes self‐management education and glycaemic control in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Lamptey Roberta , Robben Maud P. , Amoakoh‐Coleman Mary , Boateng Daniel , Grobbee Diederick E. , Davies Melanie J. , Klipstein‐Grobusch Kerstin
Published: February 2022

Aim

To determine the association between structured diabetes self‐management education (DSME) and glycaemic control in persons living with diabetes (PLD) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to June 2020 for intervention studies on the effect of structured DSME on glycaemic control in PLD in LMICs (PROSPERO registration CRD42020164857). The primary outcome was reduction in glycated haemoglobin. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias (RoB) with the Cochrane RoB tool for randomised trials. Findings were summarized in a narrative synthesis.

Results

Out of 154 abstracts retrieved and screened for eligibility, nine studies with a total of 1389 participants were included in the review. The structured DSME interventions were culturally tailored and were delivered in‐person. They were associated with reductions in glycated haemoglobin in all studies: mean/median reduction ranged between 0.5% and 2.6% relative to baseline.

Conclusions

There is a dearth of literature on the association between structured DSME and glycaemic control among PLD in LMICs. The evidence available suggests that in LMICs; particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, structured DSME is associated with reduction in glycated haemoglobin. We recommend further intervention studies on the effects of structured DSME in LMICs.
INTERmittent FASTing in people with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus – the INTERFAST‐2 study protocol
Authors: Obermayer Anna , Tripolt Norbert J. , Pferschy Peter N. , Kojzar Harald , Jacan Angela , Schauer Markus , Aziz Faisal , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Aberer Felix , Sourij Caren , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Sourij Harald
Published: February 2022

Aim

Intermittent fasting, a dietary intervention of alternate eating and fasting, has gained popularity in people trying to lose weight. Intermittent fasting could provide an alternative to classic caloric restriction in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of a 12‐week intermittent fasting regimen compared with usual care in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin therapy.

Methods

This open, single‐centre, randomized controlled trial investigates participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy and a glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≥53 mmol/mol (≥7.0%) and a minimum insulin dose of 0.3 IU/kg body weight per day. Participants are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either 12 weeks of intermittent fasting or the standard care group. All participants receive dietary counselling, continuous glucose monitoring, measurement of the resting metabolic rate, an oral glucose tolerance test, body composition measurement via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and stool samples for microbiome analyses at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Two co‐primary outcomes (analysed in hierarchical order) were chosen for the study: (i) the difference in the change of HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks and (ii) the difference in the number of participants achieving a combined end point encompassing a body weight reduction of at least 2%, an insulin dose reduction of at least 10% and an absolute HbA1c reduction of at least 3 mmol/mol (0.3%) between the two groups.
Human‐mediated trophic mismatch between fire, plants and herbivores
Authors: Lashley Marcus A. , Chitwood M. Colter , Dykes Jacob L. , DePerno Christopher S. , Moorman Christopher E.
Published: February 2022

Trophic mismatches are commonly reported across a wide array of taxa and can have important implications for species participating in the interaction. However, to date, examples of trophic mismatch have centrally focused on those induced by shifts in climate. Here we report on the potential for humans to induce trophic mismatch by shifting the phenology of fire. Globally, anthropogenic fire ignitions are phenologically mismatched to that of historic lightning ignitions but the effects of this phenological mismatch on trophic interactions are poorly understood. Using fire records from 1980 to 2016 from the southeastern USA, a hotspot of anthropogenic fire, we demonstrate that there is a temporal mismatch between anthropogenic and lightning lit fires in this region. The peak of anthropogenic ignitions (i.e. 45% during March and April) occurred 3 months earlier than the peak in lightning‐ignited fires (i.e. 44% occurred during June and July), a pattern consistent with reports from several other regions and continents. We demonstrate with a field experiment conducted at a nutrient‐poor site in the southeastern U.S., that anthropogenic fire phenology shifts nutrient pulses in resprouting plants so that they mismatch herbivore reproductive demands. Consequently, plant nutrient quality in four commonly consumed forages was below the threshold to meet lactation requirements. Neonates subsequently were more likely to starve when born far from areas burned during the peak month of lightning fire phenology. Our data indicate that human activities may be an additional causative agent of trophic mismatch.
Megafruit and megafauna diversity are positively associated, while megafruit traits are related to abiotic factors, in tropical Asia
Authors: McConkey Kim R. , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa , Corlett Richard T. , Sushma Hosur Subbarao , Ong Lisa , Brodie Jedediah F.
Published: February 2022

Aim

For tens of millions of years, herbivorous megafauna were abundant across the globe, fulfilling important ecological roles including seed dispersal. Megafruits are very large fruits that are dispersed most effectively by megafauna. However, megafruits also occur in ecosystems where megafauna are extinct or were never present, emphasizing our incomplete understanding of megafauna–megafruit relationships. Here we use the complex biogeography of tropical Asia to investigate how megafruit diversity and traits are associated with the diversity of megafauna, smaller animals, and abiotic factors.

Location

Tropical Asia, from the Indian subcontinent in the west to tropical China in the north to the Maluku archipelago (Indonesia) in the east.

Time period

Late Pleistocene to the present day.

Major taxa studied

Megafauna (body weight > 500 kg) that consume fruits, including stegodons, elephants, rhinoceroses, giant tapirs, and large bovids. Fleshy‐fruited plant species across the region with a fruit width > 40 mm (i.e., megafruits).

Methods

We compiled a list of all megafruits along with selected plant, fruit, and seed traits in 16 subregions across tropical Asia. We explored biogeographical patterns in megafruit diversity and traits in relation to the diversities of past and present megafauna, large‐ and medium‐sized animals and abiotic factors (mean temperature, mean precipitation, precipitation seasonality, insularity).

Results

We identified 496 megafruits in tropical Asia. Megafruit diversity was highest in subregions with high megafaunal diversity, particularly extant species. Megafruit traits were influenced most strongly by abiotic factors (mainly temperature and land area), and weakly by megafauna and smaller dispersers.

Main conclusions

Our results are consistent with megafauna maintaining or responding to megafruit diversity, but variation in megafruit traits is primarily associated with abiotic factors. Given the massive megafaunal losses in tropical Asia since the Late Pleistocene, it is important to identify fruit traits that can increase megafauna‐dependence and thus vulnerability to these losses.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Person‐Centered Care Assessment Tool
Authors: Yumoto Yoshie , Hiroyama Natsuko , Sasaki Miki , Fujinami Keiko , Otsuka Saki , Togari Taisuke , Edvardsson David , Ogata Yasuko
Published: February 2022

Aim

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Person‐Centered Care Assessment Tool (P‐CAT‐J) in a Japanese long‐term care setting.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey using self‐administered questionnaires distributed among the nurses or care staff of 2000 special nursing homes randomly selected nationwide using stratified random sampling according to each prefectureʼs ratio of numbers of facilities. The internal consistency of the tool was calculated using Cronbachʼs α and construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The criterion‐related validity of the scale was based on the partial correlation between the possible outcomes of person‐centered care (PCC).

Results

In total, 324 samples were analyzed after excluding samples with incomplete P‐CAT‐J. Cronbachʼs α value for the entire P‐CAT‐J was adequate, although internal consistency values for each factor were not strong. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable value after adjusting for error variables. The partial correlation coefficients among workplace satisfaction, quality of care, PCC implementation and total P‐CAT‐J score were significantly correlated.

Conclusions

The overall P‐CAT‐J was developed with good reliability and acceptable criteria based on the responses of long‐term care staff in Japan. The P‐CAT‐J has the potential for international comparison and can provide long‐term care staff with PCC examples to learn relevant actions and concepts. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 344–349.
ERNST TOLLER'S LIVING NEWSPAPERS AND THE FEDERAL THEATRE PROJECT
Authors: Pilz Michael
Published: February 2022

During his first trip to the US in 1929 Ernst Toller was impressed by the Newsreel cinemas of William Fox. In his words – ‘die Zeitung ist lebendig geworden’ – the films were a sort of ‘living newspaper’. He tried to write such a ‘Living Newspaper’ in his first radio play Berlin, letzte Ausgabe! (1930), as well as in one of his last texts for the stage which was found among his literary remains: ‘Forget Europe!’ is a short concept paper he wrote for Hallie Flanagan's Federal Theatre Project (FTP) in the late 1930s. This article compares the different conceptions of the FTP's ‘Living Newspaper’‐plays with Toller's own ideas about bringing the news to the stage. Reflecting on Toller's poetics, I trace why the exiled author ultimately failed to finish his ‘Living Newspaper’ for the FTP.
Does voluntary cooperation in member state implementation require top‐down steering? The case of regional policy in Switzerland
Authors: Wittwer Stefan , Sager Fritz , Huegli Eveline
Published: February 2022

This article studies the institutional conditions that facilitate voluntary member state cooperation in the implementation of regional development policy in Switzerland. Cooperation is crucial for the implementation of regional development policies given that functional perimeters do generally not coincide with institutional borders. Research on the governance of horizontal interorganizational cooperation often focuses on local entities and institutionalized networks, we examine the voluntary cooperation of higher‐tier subnational entities. We apply the institutional collective action framework to the implementation of a regional policy in highly federalist Switzerland where subnational entities have considerable discretionary power. The empirical analysis of comprehensive data on implemented development projects and a survey of all responsible subnational actors show that cooperation between higher‐tier subnational entities faces strong institutional constraints. We conclude that more top‐down guidance is necessary when horizontal cooperation is a condition for policy success.
Private management of public networks? Unpacking the relationship between network management strategies in infrastructure implementation
Authors: Busscher Tim , Verweij Stefan , van den Brink Margo
Published: February 2022

With the aim to successfully implement infrastructure, implementation arrangements increasingly assign responsibilities for network management to private actors. In the literature, two types of network management strategies are distinguished: process design and institutional design. To date, research has focused on either of these strategies. Moreover, while private actors aim to use the institutional capital built in the network before the private actor was introduced, the role of institutional capital in network management is often overlooked. Taking these research gaps together, we aim to explore the relationship between the two network management strategies and the intermediating role of institutional capital. We compare three cases of infrastructure implementation from the Netherlands. We find that institutional design strategies, through setting the network rules in the implementation arrangement, can ignite a virtuous or a vicious circle, respectively, hindering or enhancing opportunities for network management through process design.
Ask us! Adjusting experience‐based codesign to be responsive to people with intellectual disabilities, serious mental illness or older persons receiving support with independent living
Authors: Heerings Marjolijn , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Cardol Mieke , Bal Roland
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Experience‐based codesign (EBCD) is a valuable tool for participatory quality improvement. However, the EBCD process needs to be adjusted to make it suitable for long‐term care. The focus of the improvement process needs to shift to the care relationship, as this is an important part of the quality of care in these settings. Furthermore, the EBCD process needs to be made more accessible to vulnerable populations.

Methods

Through a participatory research approach, EBCD was adjusted to long‐term care. The research was conducted in two care organisations: one supporting people with serious mental illness and intellectual disabilities in independent living and one providing homecare services for older persons.

Results

The participatory research resulted in the development of ‘Ask us!’—a method for critical reflective codesign. The research furthermore provided valuable lessons for participatory projects with vulnerable clients. A common problem with participatory research in long‐term care is ensuring the involvement of clients and informal carers. We report on various strategies developed to include experiences of a diverse set of services users, such as combining interviews with participant observation, photo‐voice and involving experts‐by‐experiences as co‐ethnographers. In close collaboration with an inclusive theatre company, these experiences were translated into 42 short videos on complex situations in the care relationship from the perspective of clients, professionals or informal carers. These videos instigate critical reflection and accelerate the participatory quality improvement process. Moreover, practical tools were developed to overcome barriers regarding the involvement of people with disabilities. These include the use of photo‐elicitation to enable participation of clients with disabilities in heterogeneous group discussions and involving experts‐by‐experience as proxies to share experiences of clients for whom participation in the ‘Ask us’ method remains inaccessible.

Conclusion

The result of a robust participatory process, ‘Ask us!’ is a promising method for participatory quality improvement in long‐term care. The research furthermore generated lessons for involving vulnerable populations in participatory research and codesign.

Patient or Public Contribution

Clients were involved as informants, sharing their experiences with the care relationship in interviews, photovoice and observations. They were also involved as consultants, helping to analyse input for the film scripts during data validation sessions.
Obesity in women living with HIV aged 45–60 in England: An analysis of the PRIME study
Authors: Ashraf Asma N. , Okhai Hajra , Sabin Caroline A. , Sherr Lorraine , Haag Katharina , Dhairyawan Rageshri , Gilson Richard , Burns Fiona , Pettitt Fiona , Tariq Shema
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Menopause contributes to weight gain in women. We explored factors associated with obesity in women with HIV aged 45–60 years.

Methods

The present study is an analysis of cross‐sectional questionnaire and clinic data from the Positive Transitions Through the Menopause (PRIME) Study. We categorized body mass index (BMI) as normal/underweight (< 25 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (> 30 kg/m2). We used logistic regression to explore demographic, social, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with BMI.

Results

We included 396 women in this analysis. Median age was 49 years [interquartile range (IQR): 47–52]. Most (83.6%) were not UK‐born; the majority (69.4%) were black African (BA). Median (IQR) BMI was 28.6 (24.6–32.6) kg/m2; and 110 (27.8%), 127 (32.1%) and 159 (40.1%) of the women were normal/underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Median (IQR) BMI did not differ in pre‐, peri‐ and post‐menopausal women (p = 0.90). In univariable analysis, being non‐UK‐born was associated with BMI > 30 kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–3.53]. Compared with BA women, women of other black ethnicities were more likely to be obese (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.02–5.50) whereas white British women were less likely to be obese (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.68). Current smoking and increasing number of comorbid conditions were associated with increased BMI. We found no association between obesity and socioeconomic status. On multivariable analysis, only ethnicity remained associated with obesity (compared with BA: white British, OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.68; other black, OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.07–5.82).

Conclusions

Nearly two‐fifths of women had BMI > 30 kg/m2. Obesity was associated with black ethnicities but not with menopausal status. The combination of obesity and HIV may place women at increased risk of co‐morbidities, requiring tailored and culturally appropriate interventions.
Consumers going online for big‐box retailers: Exploring the role of feeling disconnected during a pandemic
Authors: Youn Song‐yi , Rana Md. Rafiqul Islam , Kopot Caroline
Published: February 2022

Drawing from the theories of protection motivation (PMT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study aims to understand the role of psychological distress (i.e., feeling disconnected) in retail consumer's attitude and behavior toward online shopping during COVID‐19 pandemic. An analysis of the data set collected from an online survey (n = 839) shows that the experience of online shopping at big‐box retailers during a pandemic provides not only a novel experience for consumers (i.e., the TAM perspective) but also a coping mechanism to mitigate the risk of infection (i.e., the PMT perspective). The result indicates that the experience (i.e., utility and enjoyment) of online shopping positively influenced consumer attitudes toward it while protection motivation (i.e., severity, self and response efficacy) also has positive effects on the attitude. Furthermore, feeling disconnected (i.e., less connected/more connected/no difference) moderated the effects on consumers’ attitudes to the online service. The study finds that the experience of online shopping at big‐box retailers during a pandemic provides an implication that consumers’ hedonic and utilitarian values and their protection motivations cater to the social and psychological condition within the extended theoretical framework.
Influence of different solid lipids on the properties of a novel nanostructured lipid carrier containing Antarctic krill oil
Authors: Lin Yunwei , Yin Wenting , Li Yujie , Liu Guoqin
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of solid lipids (lauric acid (LAU), myristic acid (MYR), stearic acid (STE), glycerol monostearate (GMS), glycerol 1,3‐distearate (GDS), glycerol tristearate (GTS), glycerol trimyristate (GTM) and glycerol trilaurate (GTL)) on the characteristics of novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) containing Antarctic krill oil through ultrasound. The fatty acids (LAU, MYR, STE and GMS) were unsuitable solid lipid materials, as apparent stratification was quickly observed during the NLC preparation. NLCs were successfully prepared using GTS, GTM, GTL and GDS. The zeta potential of all NLCs exceeded −30 mV indicating good uniformity and stability. These NLCs appeared spherical or oval. Differential calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed these NLCs formed imperfect crystals. As the carbon chain length of triglycerides increased from C12 to C18, the particle size of NLCs increased from 235.8 ± 2.3 nm to 340.5 ± 2.2 nm, the degree of recrystallisation increased from 39.06% to 49.99%, while the EPA encapsulation efficiency decreased from 88.72 ± 0.47% to 72.86 ± 1.06%. NLC prepared with GDS had the smallest particle size (112.4 ± 0.4 nm), the lowest recrystallisation and the highest EPA encapsulation efficiency (>99%). GDS was the most suitable to prepare high encapsulate efficiency krill oil‐loaded NLC.
Functional, amino acid composition and protein profiling of protein isolates from different pigmented, nonpigmented and improved rice varieties and their effects on starch thermal and dynamic rheological behaviour
Authors: Kaur Parmeet , Singh Narpinder , Pal Priyanka , Kaur Amritpal
Published: February 2022

The amino acids composition, protein profiling and functional properties of protein isolates from different pigmented rice (PR), nonpigmented rice (NPR) and improved rice (IR) varieties were determined and their effects of incorporation on starch thermal, and dynamic rheological were evaluated to know the possible interactions in food matrix. Protein isolates (PI) from PR and IR showed better foaming capacity and, foam stability than those from NPR. PI from both the PR and IR showed higher proportion of histidine, threonine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine and isoleucine. PI from IR showed higher accumulations of glutelins (31 and 33kDa, 21 and 22 kDa) and prolamins (15kDa, 16kDa, 17 kDa and 20kDa) than those from rice types. Starches from IR showed higher storage modulus (Gʹ) and loss modulus (Gʺ) than that from PR, and NPR, and decreased on addition of PI. PI from PB1121 IR was more suitable for protein enrichment due to more lightness value, and superior functionality (emulsification and foaming properties). Starch‐protein interaction affects the functionality, and behaviour of matrix and, developing hypoallergenic infant formulations or other food products.
Synthesis and flash sintering of zirconium nitride powder
Authors: Das Suprabha , Dubois Diego , Sozal Md Shariful Islam , Emirov Yusuf , Jafarizadeh Borzooye , Wang Chunlei , Drozd Vadym , Durygin Andriy , Cheng Zhe
Published: February 2022

Zirconium nitride (ZrN) is a transition metal nitride of great interest due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. This study aims to synthesize ZrN fine powders by a facile and low‐cost urea route that avoids the use of any solvent. ZrCl4 and urea mixtures were heat‐treated at up to 1600˚C in nitrogen gas. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of different processing parameters such as metal to urea molar ratio, heat treatment temperature, and dwelling time on the product phase and stoichiometry were studied to understand the synthesis method. In addition, synthesized ZrN powder was consolidated into near fully dense single‐phase bulk ceramic with a homemade flash sintering setup. A constant DC electrical field of ∼80 V/cm and pressure of ∼14 MPa at room temperature triggered flash sintering without pre‐heating, and the entire process finished in 200 s. The composition, microstructure, density, hardness, and oxidation properties of the sintered pellet were also characterized.
Antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide, docking and molecular dynamics studies against clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Silva Shellygton Lima , de Oliveira Pereira Fillipe , Cordeiro Laisa Vilar , Neto Hermes Diniz , dos Santos Maia Mayara , da Silva Souza Helivaldo Diogenes , de Athayde-Filho Petrônio F. , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Scotti Luciana , de Oliveira Lima Edeltrudes
Published: February 2022

Aims

This study evaluated the antifungal, antibiofilm and molecular docking of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis.

Methods and results

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the test drugs was determined by microdilution. A1Cl obtained MIC values ranging from 16 and 256 μg/ml. Fluconazole MIC ranging from 16 and 512 μg/ml. MIC of A1Cl showed fungicide activity, emphasizing the solid antifungal potential of this drug. An association study was performed with A1Cl and fluconazole (checkerboard), revealing indifference by decreasing. Thus, we conducted this study using A1Cl isolated. In the micromorphological assay, the test drugs reduced the production of virulence structures compared to the control (concentration-dependent effect). A1Cl inhibited in vitro biofilm formation at all concentrations tested (1/4MIC to 8 × MIC) (p < 0.05) and reduced mature biofilm biomass (p < 0.05) against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis. In the ex vivo biofilm susceptibility testing (human nails fragments), A1Cl inhibited biofilm formation and reduced mature biofilm biomass (p < 0.05) more than 50% at MIC. Fluconazole had a similar effect at 4 × MIC. In silico studies suggest that the mechanism of antifungal activity of A1Cl involves the inhibition of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) rather than geranylgeranyltransferase-I.

Conclusions

The results suggest that A1Cl is a promising antifungal agent. Furthermore, this activity is related to attenuation of expression of virulence factors and antibiofilm effects against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis.

Significance and impact of the study

Our study provides the first evidence that A1Cl, a novel synthetic drug, has fungicidal effects against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis. Furthermore, in vitro and ex vivo biofilms assays have demonstrated the potential antibiofilm of A1Cl. The mechanism of action involves inhibiting the enzyme DHFR, which was supported by in silico analyses. Therefore, this potential can be explored as a therapeutic alternative for onychomycosis and, at the same time, contribute to decreasing the resistance of clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis.
Replication of gene polymorphisms associated with periodontitis‐related traits in an elderly cohort: the Washington Heights/Inwood Community Aging Project Ancillary Study of Oral Health
Authors: Yang Teresa , Cheng Bin , Noble James M. , Reitz Christiane , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: February 2022

Aim

We sought to replicate findings from published genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), linking specific candidate gene loci with periodontitis‐related clinical/microbial traits.

Materials and Methods

In the published GWAS, a total of 2196 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with periodontitis‐related traits at a p ≤ 5 × 10−6 and mapped to 136 gene loci. The replication cohort included 1124 individuals, 65–98 years old (67% female, 45% Hispanic, 30% Black, 23% White) with available genome‐wide genotypes and full‐mouth periodontal status. Microbial profiles using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization and 16SrRNA sequencing were available from 912 and 739 participants, respectively.

Results

Using gene‐specific p‐values after linkage disequilibrium pruning, the following gene/phenotype associations replicated successfully: CLEC19A with edentulism and %teeth with pocket depth (PD) ≥4 mm; IL37, HPVC1, TRPS1, ABHD12B, LDLRAD4 (C180rF1), TGM3, and GRK5 with %teeth with PD ≥4 mm; DAB2IP with presence of PD ≥6 mm; KIAA1715(LNPK), ROBO2, RAB28, LINC01017, NELL1, LDLRAD4(C18orF1), and CRYBB2P1 with %teeth with clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥3 mm; RUNX2 and LAMA2 with %teeth with CAL ≥5 mm; and KIAA1715(LNPK) with high colonization by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, CLEC19A, IQSEC1, and EMR1 associated with microbial abundance based on checkerboard data, LBP and NCR2 with abundance based on sequencing data, and NCR2 with microbial diversity based on sequencing data.

Conclusions

Several gene loci identified in published GWAS as associated with periodontitis‐related phenotypes replicated successfully in an elderly cohort.
Commentary: The origins of intellectual disability
Authors: Plomin Robert
Published: February 2022

Despite the importance and prevalence of intellectual disability (ID), its origins have not been well understood until now. Lichtenstein et al. report in this issue findings from a population‐based sample four times larger than all previous family studies of ID put together (Lichtenstein et al., 2022). From more than four million people, 37,787 individuals were identified with ID. Relative risks (RRs) are reported for relatives of ID probands (55,000 first‐degree, 55,000 second‐degree, and 170,000 third‐degree) as compared with matched relatives of individuals without ID. These relatives plus 400 pairs of twins in which at least one twin was diagnosed with ID yield an astonishing estimate of 95% heritability with no evidence for shared environmental influence in their model. Another important finding is that maternal half‐siblings of ID individuals were at greater risk than paternal half‐siblings, a maternal effect that could indicate X‐chromosome linkage. Finally, profound and severe ID is etiologically distinct from the normal distribution, due in part to noninherited (de novo) genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. However, 90% of individuals with ID are moderate or mild, and these represent the low end of the normal distribution of genetic influence on cognitive ability, which has important implications for DNA research on ID.
Factors associated with hospital admission and severe outcomes for older patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Kim Jiyu , Blaum Caroline , Ferris Rosie , Arcila‐Mesa Mauricio , Do Hyungrok , Pulgarin Claudia , Dolle Johanna , Scherer Jennifer , Kalyanaraman Marcello Roopa , Zhong Judy
Published: February 2022

Background

Morbidity and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) experienced by older adults in nursing homes have been well described, but COVID‐19's impact on community‐living older adults is less studied. Similarly, the previous ambulatory care experience of such patients has rarely been considered in studies of COVID‐19 risks and outcomes.

Methods

To investigate the relationship of advanced age (65+), on risk factors associated with COVID‐19 outcomes in community‐living elders, we identified an electronic health records cohort of older patients aged 65+ with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 with and without an ambulatory care visit in the past 24 months (n = 47,219) in the New York City (NYC) academic medical institutions and the NYC public hospital system from January 2020 to February 2021. The main outcomes are COVID‐19 hospitalization; severe outcomes/Intensive care unit (ICU), intubation, dialysis, stroke, in‐hospital death), and in‐hospital death. The exposures include demographic characteristics, and those with ambulatory records, comorbidities, frailty, and laboratory results.

Results

The 31,770 patients with an ambulatory history had a median age of 74 years; were 47.4% male, 24.3% non‐Hispanic white, 23.3% non‐Hispanic black, and 18.4% Hispanic. With increasing age, the odds ratios and attributable fractions of sex, race–ethnicity, comorbidities, and biomarkers decreased except for dementia and frailty (Hospital Frailty Risk Score). Patients without ambulatory care histories, compared to those with, had significantly higher adjusted rates of COVID‐19 hospitalization and severe outcomes, with strongest effect in the oldest group.

Conclusions

In this cohort of community‐dwelling older adults, we provided evidence of age‐specific risk factors for COVID‐19 hospitalization and severe outcomes. Future research should explore the impact of frailty and dementia in severe COVID‐19 outcomes in community‐living older adults, and the role of engagement in ambulatory care in mitigating severe disease.
Safeguarding patients while implementing mechanical restraints: A qualitative study of nurses and ward staff’s perceptions and assessment
Authors: Bachmann Liv , Vatne Solfrid , Mundal Ingunn Pernille
Published: February 2022

Aims and Objectives

To explore nurses’ and ward staff's perceptions and assessments of patient care while implementing mechanical restraints.

Background

To prevent the risks associated with the use of restraints in psychiatry and ensure safe mental health care, it is necessary to know more about how the nursing staff experiences, comprehends and intervenes in managing patients subjected to coercive measures.

Design

This study employed a qualitative descriptive design, in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 nurses and ward staff aged between 22 and 45 years old, who had experience implementing mechanical restraints. Data were digitally audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12.

Results

The participants believed that mechanical restraints should be used as a last resort and that safeguarding patients during implementation is important; however, their assessments of the patients’ physical and mental conditions varied. A clear difference emerged in how management qualified professionals handled situations prior to and during the implementation of mechanical coercive measures.

Conclusions

The findings emphasise the need to focus on the assessment of patients prior to and during restraint, ensure the quality of safe implementation in a risk‐of‐harm situation, prioritise competence in education, and practice, and improve management.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings highlight the importance of assessing the physical and mental condition of patients while implementing restraints, as well as aiding the management, nurses and ward staff in tailoring safety procedures.
Infant sleep patterns and maternal postpartum fatigue: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yan Shuhan , Chen Jing , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2022

Aim

Unpredictable nature of infant sleep–wake cycles go against that of the adult sleep. Maternal sleep quality is acknowledged as a main factor to postpartum fatigue. This study explored the effects of infant sleep patterns on maternal postpartum fatigue.

Methods

A total of 319 mothers of infants from two teaching hospitals in the Nantong City were enrolled. Maternal fatigue status and infant sleep patterns were assessed by the Fatigue Scale (FS‐14) and the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ). Generalized estimating equation analyses were perform to explored the effect of infant sleep patterns on maternal fatigue.

Results

Sleep‐onset time later than 10 p.m., and nocturnal wakefulness more than 60 min were risk factors of postpartum fatigue. After controlling the confounding variables, infant sleep patterns were still the determinant factors of postpartum fatigue.

Conclusion

Infant sleep pattern is a factor of maternal postpartum fatigue. It is recommended to promote infant sleep so as to improve maternal sleep quality and finally alleviate postpartum fatigue.
Progesterone receptor genetic variants in pregnant women and fetuses as possible predictors of spontaneous premature birth: A preliminary case–control study
Authors: Kadivnik Mirta , Kralik Kristina , Muller‐Vranješ Andrijana , Vučemilović‐Jurić Valentina , Šijanović Siniša , Wagner Jasenka
Published: February 2022

Aim

To evaluate the roles of four selected genetic variations in fetal and maternal progesterone receptor gene (PGR) and to identify women who may have higher or lower odds for spontaneous premature birth compared to the general population.

Methods

A preliminary case–control study with two groups of pregnant women (with term and premature delivery, 218 in total) and two groups of newborns (term and preterm, 218 in total) was performed. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the progesterone receptor gene (rs1042838, rs1042839, rs10895068, and rs1942836) were genotyped.

Results

There was statistically significant difference between cases and controls in the distribution of newborns' allele frequency of minor C allele of the PGR SNP rs1942836 (p = 0.03, Fishers' exact test) in favor of premature birth. A statistically significant difference between the frequency of the mothers' minor T allele of rs1042838 (p = 0.005; chi‐squared test) and the mothers' minor T allele of rs1042839 (p = 0.005; chi‐squared test) in favor of extremely premature birth has been found. There was a statistically significant difference between the frequency of the newborns' minor C allele of rs1942836 (p = 0.03; chi‐squared test) and newborns' heterozygotes CT genotype of rs1942836 (p = 0.03; Fishers' exact test) when comparing the group of term births and the group of early premature birth.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that patients with selected genetic variants of the progesterone receptor gene could have greater odds for premature birth compared to term birth. Replication studies with a larger population and different ethnicity are needed in order to confirm these findings.