bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depletion of ALMS1 affects TGF-β signalling pathway and downstream processes such as cell migration and adhesion capacity
Authors: Bea-Mascato Brais , Neira-Goyanes Elena , Iglesias-Rodríguez Antía , Valverde Diana
Published: December 2021

Background

ALMS1 is a ubiquitous gene associated with Alström syndrome (ALMS). The main symptoms of ALMS affect multiple organs and tissues, generating at last, multi-organic fibrosis in the lungs, kidneys and liver. TGF-β is one of the main pathways implicated in fibrosis, controlling the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration, cell adhesion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Nevertheless, the role of ALMS1 gene in fibrosis generation and other implicated processes such as cell migration or cell adhesion via the TGF-β pathway has not been elucidated yet.

Methods

Initially, we evaluated how depletion of ALMS1 affects different processes like apoptosis, cell cycle and mitochondrial activity in HeLa cells. Then, we performed proteomic profiling with TGF-β stimuli in HeLa ALMS1 −/− cells and validated the results by examining different EMT biomarkers using qPCR. The expression of these EMT biomarkers were also studied in hTERT-BJ-5ta ALMS1 −/−. Finally, we also evaluated the SMAD3 and SMAD2 phosphorylation and cell migration capacity in both models.

Results

Depletion of ALMS1 generated apoptosis resistance to thapsigargin (THAP) and C2-Ceramide (C2-C), and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells. For mitochondrial activity, results did not show significant differences between ALMS1 +/+ and ALMS1 −/−. Proteomic results showed inhibition of downstream pathways regulated by TGF-β. The protein-coding genes (PCG) were associated with processes like focal adhesion or cell-substrate adherens junction in HeLa. SNAI1 showed an opposite pattern to what would be expected when activating the EMT in HeLa and BJ-5ta. Finally, in BJ-5ta model a reduced activation of SMAD3 but not SMAD2 were also observed. In HeLa models no alterations in the canonical TGF-β pathway were observed but both cell lines showed a reduction in migration capacity.

Conclusion

ALMS1 has a role in controlling the cell cycle and the apoptosis processes. Moreover, the depletion of ALMS1 affects the signal transduction through the TGF-β and other processes like the cell migration and adhesion capacity.
A widespread family of WYL-domain transcriptional regulators co-localises with diverse phage defence systems and islands
Authors: Picton David M. , Harling-Lee Joshua D. , Duffner Samuel J. , Went Sam C. , Morgan Richard D. , Hinton Jay C. D. , Blower Tim R.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Bacteria are under constant assault by bacteriophages and other mobile genetic elements. As a result, bacteria have evolved a multitude of systems that protect from attack. Genes encoding bacterial defence mechanisms can be clustered into “defence islands”, providing a potentially synergistic level of protection against a wider range of assailants. However, there is a comparative paucity of information on how expression of these defence systems is controlled. Here, we functionally characterise a transcriptional regulator, BrxR, encoded within a recently described phage defence island from a multidrug resistant plasmid of the emerging pathogen Escherichia fergusonii. Using a combination of reporters and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we discovered that BrxR acts as a repressor. We present the structure of BrxR to 2.15 Å, the first structure of this family of transcription factors, and pinpoint a likely binding site for ligands within the WYL-domain. Bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that BrxR homologues are widespread amongst bacteria. About half (48%) of identified BrxR homologues were co-localised with a diverse array of known phage defence systems, either alone or clustered into defence islands. BrxR is a novel regulator that reveals a common mechanism for controlling the expression of the bacterial phage defence arsenal.
Unconstrained coevolution of bacterial size and the latent period of plastic phage
Authors: Bonachela Juan A. , Choua Melinda , Heath Michael R.
Published: December 2021

Viruses play critical roles in the dynamics of microbial communities. Lytic viruses, for example, kill significant proportions of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. The dynamic interplay between viruses and microbes results from an overlap of physiological, ecological, and evolutionary responses: environmental changes trigger host physiological changes, affecting the ecological interactions of host and virus and, ultimately, the evolutionary pressures influencing the two populations. Recent theoretical work studied how the dependence of viral traits on host physiology (viral plasticity) affects the evolutionarily stable host cell size and viral infection time emerging from coevolution. Here, we broaden the scope of the framework to consider any coevolutionary outcome, including potential evolutionary collapses of the system. We used the case study of Escherichia coli and T-like viruses under chemo-stat conditions, but the framework can be adapted to any microbe-virus system. Oligotrophic conditions led to smaller, lower-quality but more abundant hosts, and infections that were longer but produced a reduced viral offspring. Conversely, eutrophic conditions resulted in fewer but larger higher-quality hosts, and shorter but more productive infections. The virus influenced host evolution decreasing host radius more noticeably for low than for high dilution rates, and for high than for low nutrient input concentration. For low dilution rates, the emergent infection time minimized host need/use, but higher dilution led to an opportunistic strategy that shortened the duration of infections. System collapses driven by evolution resulted from host failure to adapt quickly enough to the evolving virus. Our results contribute to understanding the eco-evolutionary dynamics of microbes and virus, and to improving the predictability of current models for host-virus interactions. The large quantitative and qualitative differences observed with respect to a classic description (in which viral traits are assumed to be constant) highlights the importance of including viral plasticity in theories describing short- and long-term host-virus dynamics.
Free lunch or vital support? Export promotion in The Netherlands
Authors: van den Berg Marcel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the debate concerning the merits of export promotion efforts by governments by investigating the effect of export promotion program (EPP) participation on the export performance of Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors confront participation data of an EPP targeting SMEs with rich firm-level data and use propensity score matching techniques combined with regression analysis.

Findings

The authors show that exports generated by participants do generally rise in the years after program entry, however, export growth does not outpace that of comparable, but unsupported firms. Nonetheless, there is some evidence suggesting that export shares in sales rise faster among program entrants, particularly in the first and second years after participation. Furthermore, the authors present evidence suggesting that the probability of becoming a permanent exporter is higher for participants relative to beginning exporters that did not receive support from the program.

Originality/value

The analysis contributes to the still relatively small literature dealing with the impact of government export promotion instruments on export performance using firm-level micro-data. The subject of analysis are Dutch small businesses. SMEs, particularly operating in advanced economies, are a group that is not frequently considered separately in this respect.
Trust and consumer confidence in the safety of dairy products in China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Guan Lijun , Jin Shaosheng
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the degree of Chinese consumers' trust and confidence in the Chinese dairy products supply chain and the relationships between trust and overall confidence in dairy products safety and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 1,278 respondents by field survey from five provinces of China. The data were analyzed using ordered logit model.

Findings

This study shows the following results: (1) Chinese consumer confidence in domestic dairy products and trust in actors of the dairy chain are at a moderate-to-low level. (2) Government regulators are considered to take the most responsibility, with both an optimism-enhancing and a pessimism-reducing effect (the former effect is greater), while perceived trust in dairy farmers and retailers has little effect. (3) Perceived care has both an optimism-enhancing and a pessimism-reducing effect, and the former effect is stronger. Competence and openness have an optimism-enhancing effect and a pessimism-reducing effect, respectively. (4) The importance of the three dimensions of trust related to optimism-increasing and pessimism-reduction is limited, except in the case of government regulators.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of consumer trust in food safety and also help demonstrate to the actors and institutions involved in the dairy supply chain the best way to improve the performance of their duties to meet the consumers' needs for safe and quality dairy products.
3D virtual fit assessment and modeling: liquid cooling and ventilation garment
Authors: Weiss Hannah , Hernandez Yaritza , Kim K. Han , Rajulu Sudhakar L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The suboptimal fit of a spacesuit can interfere with a crewmember's performance and is regarded as a potential risk factor for injury. To quantify suit fit, a virtual fit assessment model was previously developed to identify suit-to-body contact and interference using 3D human body scans and suit CAD models. However, ancillary suit components and garments worn inside of the suit have not been incorporated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted to predict a 3D model of the liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) from an arbitrary person's body scan. A total of 14 subjects were scanned in a scan wear and LCVG condition. A statistical model was generated using principal component analysis and random forest regression technique.

Findings

The model was able to predict the geometry of the LCVG layer at the accuracy of 5.3 cm maximum error and 1.7 cm root mean square error. The errors were more pronounced for the arms and lower torso, while the thighs and upper torso regions, which are critical for suit fit assessments, show more accurate predictions. A case study of suit fit with and without the LCVG model demonstrated that the new model can enhance the scope and accuracy of future spacesuit assessments.

Originality/value

The capabilities resulting from these modeling techniques would greatly expand the assessments of fit of the garment on various anthropometries. The results from this study can significantly improve the design process modeling and initial suit sizing efforts to optimize crew performance during extravehicular activity training and missions.
Role of place satisfaction and residents’ ambassadorship behaviours (RAB) on place attachment to city and neighbourhood
Authors: Swapan Mohammad Shahidul Hasan , Sadeque Saalem , Ashikuzzaman Md.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how place satisfaction (SAT) and residents’ ambassadorship behaviour (RAB) are related to residents’ place attachment (PAtt). In addition, this relationship is examined at the city and the neighbourhood levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a questionnaire survey of 1,160 residents from Khulna city in Bangladesh. This research model is tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings support the four-dimensional (place dependence, place social bonding, place identity and place affect) second-order construct of PAtt. It also highlights that RAB mediates the relationship between residents’ SAT and PAtt at the city and neighbourhood levels.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can investigate how RAB changes over time. In addition, the research model can be tested in multi-city and multi-country contexts.

Practical implications

The results from this study emphasise the need for urban planners to satisfactorily meet the needs of the residents to engender positive word-of-mouth, which can lead to greater PAtt.

Originality/value

This study contributes by improving the understanding of the way PAtt is influenced by SAT and RAB. Furthermore, it shows that this influence varies across city and neighbourhood levels.
COVID’s impact on small business: the case of SPR industries a distributor of PPEs
Authors: Jaiswal Mayank , Josephs Daniel
Published: December 2021

Theoretical basis

The case delves into supply, demand, price gouging, hoarding and capabilities of the firm. The theories/concepts and a short overview are covered below. These theories and concepts are then referenced as appropriate in the “Answers to Discussion Questions” section as follows: Supply Demand Theory; Price Gouging, Speculation and Hoarding; Resources, Capabilities and Activities; Friedman’s and Porter’s view of goals of a firm; Corporate Social Responsibility.

Research methodology

The case was motivated after a discussion with Mr Matthew Roberts, who is the Chief Operating Officer of SPR Industries. Several subsequent interviews were conducted with Matt. Matt also became the chief protagonist of the case. Matt provided multiple quotes and anecdotes. The protagonist Matt and the focal organization (SPR Industries) are disguised. The financial figures have also been disguised using a multiplier. However, the material facts of the case are authentic.

Case overview/synopsis

This case sheds light on the impact of the COVID pandemic on a small business in the personal protective equipment industry. The students will get an understanding of the supply and demand forces in a market. Furthermore, the case bears out how unpredictable situations such as the pandemic lead to speculation and price gouging opportunities but not in all products affected by it. The case explores the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of firms regarding price gouging in their products. Students will also get an appreciation of how an industry and its participants change in response to such black swan events as the COVID pandemic. Finally, the case presents a small enterprise’s decision choices Ã¢?? Should they maintain the status quo, become a sub-broker or become a wholesaler.

Complexity academic level

This case is designed to target undergraduate students of strategic management or entrepreneurship. It could be appropriate for upper level courses such as Strategic Management, Small Business Management and maybe even Family Business Management. It could be taught in the latter half of the course after the basic concepts have been covered. This case could bring together many of the concepts into a real-life setting.
The Royal Bay Bakery
Authors: Krusekopf Charles , Wilson-Mah Rebecca Frances
Published: December 2021

Theoretical basis

There are a range of business evaluation methods that can be applied to determine the value of a business. Ultimately, the valuation of a business is what someone will pay for it when the sale transaction is completed. When determining the value of their own business, business owners are often influenced by how hard they have worked to start and build up the business, what the business represents and their projections for the future (Hawkey, 2017). This case provides an opportunity for students to consider exit strategy planning and how to establish a fair market price for a business, how to consider the value of good will and, in particular, the value associated with running an environmentally conscious bakery operation. The trend toward environmental responsibility and green practices in the small business community has started to have an impact on the value of small companies (Inc. 2021). Finally, the case raises the issue of the personal values of the owners and the related implication of finding a buyer with similar values and interests for a bakery business.

Research methodology

This case was field researched and the company and individuals are not disguised. One of the authors interviewed the two owners of The Royal Bakery. There were three interviews over a six-month period. The interviews were audio recorded. An ethical review for this research was completed at the co-authors’ institution, and a case release was signed.

Case overview/synopsis

The Royal Bay Bakery presents Dave Grove and Gwen Snyder who, with over 30 years in the bakery business, had started to consider next steps toward retirement. Royal Bay Bakery was profitable and growing. As they prepared to retire and sell the business, they were unsure about how to maximize the value of the business. They also wanted to find a buyer who would recognize and continue their business commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

Complexity academic level

This case may be taught in a class on exit strategies for small family businesses in the context of a small business course. This case is appropriate for both undergraduate seniors and graduate students. The case may be used to help students understand small business valuation, family ownership and exit strategies and environmental practices in small businesses. Instructors may choose to emphasize specific conceptual tools, including SWOT analysis, and business valuation. The case may also be used to reinforce applications of exit strategy for small, family-owned businesses.
Characteristic nail lesions in Kawasaki disease: Case series and literature review
Authors: Mitsuishi Tsuyoshi , Miyata Kazunori , Ando Akiko , Sano Kentaro , Takanashi Jun‐ichi , Hamada Hiromichi
Published: December 2021

Kawasaki disease (KD) is vasculitis of unknown etiology in infants and young children. The diagnostic criteria for KD include major and minor symptoms, but various nail lesions are not described in detail. The aim of this study was to identify symptoms that are relatively found in nail of KD as diagnostic markers. After literature review, various nail lesions are classified as Beau’s lines, leukonychia, onychomadesis, orange‐brown chromonychia, and pincer nail deformity. The orange‐brown chromonychia is the most common nail lesion in KD. In this study, the authors found three cases of KD with orange‐brown chromonychia; two of these cases included rare dotted or splinter hemorrhages in the nail bed that were found on dermoscopic examination. The authors propose that these nail lesions, including hemorrhage of the nail bed, could be included as a helpful diagnosis of KD.
Using the patient‐acceptable symptom state to evaluate patients' perspectives of living with psoriasis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chularojanamontri Leena , Wongpraparut Chanisada , Silpa‐archa Narumol , Chaiyabutr Chayada , Apinuntham Chalermkwan , Pruksaeakanan Chutipon , Wongdama Supisara , Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena
Published: December 2021

Background

Taking the perspectives of patients into consideration is of the utmost importance when defining treatment goals for psoriasis. The patient‐acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a dichotomised question that captures patients' perceptions of their overall health state.

Objectives

To evaluate PASS and determine the factors associated with a satisfactory PASS for psoriatic patients.

Methods

Three questions were asked: (Q1) Considering the ways that your skin symptoms affect your functioning, is your current skin psoriasis satisfactory? (Current PASS), (Q2) Considering the ways that your psoriasis is affecting you, if you were to remain in this state for the next few months, would this be satisfactory? (Future PASS) and (Q3) If you were to remain for the rest of your life as you were during the last 48 hours, would this be satisfactory? (Lifelong PASS). Disease severity, symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were collected.

Results

Of 140 patients, 74.3%, 70.0% and 85.7% expressed satisfaction with their current, future and lifelong skin psoriasis conditions respectively. A satisfactory PASS was significantly associated with older and married patients; lower disease severity; fewer skin symptoms; and a higher HRQoL. A multivariate analysis revealed that the independent factors associated with a satisfactory PASS were being older than 40 years, being married, practising meditation, not having extensive lesions at sensitive areas and having a high HRQoL.

Conclusions

PASS is a simple and easily administered questionnaire that reflects both disease severity and HRQoL. Understanding patients' needs and satisfaction levels will result in better care for psoriatic patients than otherwise.
Preliminary assessment of the efficacy of nano–MgO–based dispersion for the consolidation of artificial weathered sandstone
Authors: Xie Lina , Chen Xue‐Qiang , Zhang Bingjian , Hu Yulan
Published: December 2021

The consolidation of weathered sandstone has been an important subject in cultural heritage conservation. Due to the loss of cementing materials, the structure of sandstone becomes loose, thus mechanical strength decreases dramatically. To restore cohesion between sand grains, a novel nano‐MgO‐based consolidant (MMH dispersion) is studied. In this paper, the MMH dispersions with different concentrations and number of applications are applied on artificial weathered sandstone specimen with trickling infiltration treatment to select the optimal consolidation method. The consolidation products that formed in the pores between sand grains are characterized through XRD analysis and SEM observation. The effectiveness of consolidation treatment is evaluated in terms of mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strength and surface hardness) and compatibility (i.e., color variation and capillary water absorption). Due to the formation of 5 Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O, sand grains are more effectively bonded. Therefore, the treated specimens experience a significant improvement in mechanical strength. Finally, the specimens are subjected to a salt crystallization test, the results of which show that the MMH consolidant increased the durability of the specimens. After treatment, the intermediate concentration of MMH consolidant with five applications reveals the best potential to act as a promising consolidation method for the conservation of the weathered sandstone.
Association of weekly or biweekly use of 50 000 IU vitamin D3 with hypervitaminosis D
Authors: Hashemipour Sima , Ghobadi Arefeh , Hadizadeh Khairkhah Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Ranjbaran Mehdi , Badri Milad , Ghafelehbashi Seyyed Hamidreza , Gheraati Maryam
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, many Iranian people have been taking 50 000 IU of vitamin D3 on weekly or biweekly bases in order to enhance their immune system function. This cross‐sectional study was conducted on the patients of endocrinology clinic to compare 25(OH)D levels of weekly or biweekly consumption with the monthly users of vitamin D3 50 000 IU. The level >100 ng/mL of 25(OH)D was defined as hypervitaminosis D. In total, 211 patients (108 and 103 patients in monthly and weekly/biweekly groups, respectively) were studied. In the subgroups of weekly and biweekly users, the rates of hypervitaminosis were 18.9% and 4.5%, respectively. In contrast, only 0.9% of monthly users had hypervitaminosis D. The highest vitamin D value of 185 ng/mL was detected in a patient who had consumed 50 000 IU vitamin D3 weekly for 6 years. No hypercalcaemia was detected in patients with hypervitaminosis D.
Recruitment of lysosomal cathepsins B, L and D as digestive enzymes in Coleoptera
Authors: Silva Carlos P. , Dias Renata O. , Bernardes Vanessa , Barroso Ignacio G. , Cardoso Christiane , Ferreira Clelia , Terra Walter R.
Published: December 2021

The recruitment of the lysosomal cathepsins B (CAB), L (CAL) and D (CAD) as luminal digestive enzymes was investigated in 3 species of beetles. Gene expression was determined by RNA‐seq in different regions of the midgut and in the carcasses from the transcriptomes of Dermestes maculatus, Tenebrio molitor and Zabrotes subfasciatus. These data together with phylogenetic analyses, allowed us to identify the sequences of the gene coding for digestive and lysosomal CABs, CADs and CALs in T. molitor and Z. subfasciatus and observe the absence of digestive cathepsins in D. maculatus. Comparisons of structures based on the overall similarity of modelled structures were performed and subsite residues in the lysosomal and digestive CALs were identified by molecular docking. The data showed that S2 subsites are very variable, probably as an adaption to a luminal digestive role. The survey of sequences of the gene coding for cathepsins in the genomes of 13 beetle species from different phylogenetic groups showed that expansion of CAL and CAB genes occurred only in the Cucujiformia clade. Several digestive CABs have a reduced occluding loop, probably to act as digestive enzymes. Pollen‐feeding was proposed to be the selective pressure to recruit cathepsins as digestive enzymes in Cucujiformia beetles.
Selective isolation, antimicrobial screening and phylogenetic diversity of marine actinomycetes derived from the Coast of Bejaia City (Algeria), a polluted and microbiologically unexplored environment
Authors: Ouchene Rima , Intertaglia Laurent , Zaatout Nawel , Kecha Mouloud , Suzuki Marcelino T.
Published: December 2021

Aims

The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of actinomycetes in the Coast of Bejaia City using selective isolation, as well as their bioactivity and phylogenitic diversity.

Methods and Results

Different selective media and methods were used, leading to the isolation of 103 actinomycete strains. The number of strains was influenced by isolation procedures and their interactions based on a three-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test, which revealed that using M2 medium, dilution of samples followed by moderate heat treatment, and sampling at 10–20 m yielded the highest numbers of actinomycetes. The isolates were screened for their antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic microorganisms using agar and well diffusion methods. Of all the isolates, ten displayed activity against at least one Gram-positive bacterium, of which P21 showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis, with a diameter of 32, 28 and 25 mm respectively. Subsequently, active isolates were assigned to Streptomyces spp. and Nocardiopsis spp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, including a putative new Streptomyces species (S3). The phenotypic characteristics of the P21 strain were determined, and interesting enzymatic capacities were shown.

Conclusion

The recovery of actinomycetes along the Coast of Bejaia City was influenced by the isolation procedure. Ten strains displayed interesting antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, of which the P21 strain was selected as the most active strain.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This work provides a new insight into the occurrence of actinobacteria in the Coast of Bejaia. It suggests also that polluted environments such as Bejaia Bay could provide access to interesting actinomycetes as sources of antibiotic leads.
Explaining Sub‐Federal Variation in Trade Agreement Negotiations: The Case of CETA
Authors: Broschek Jörg , Goff Patricia M.
Published: December 2021

Sub‐federal units have emerged as increasingly important actors in international trade policy. This is puzzling as they usually have no formal competencies in this area. Using the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union as a case study, this article examines one key driver behind this development ‐ the provisions in new free trade agreements. The article conceptualizes such provisions as instances of negative and positive integration. We show that while the Canadian provinces largely supported both types of provisions, sub‐federal units in Belgium, Germany and Austria resisted unfettered liberalization through negative integration and market‐creating positive integration. At the same time, they demanded stronger market‐correcting positive integration measures. Three categories of sub‐federal interests explain these differences in motivation. The Canadian province's engagement was motivated by (regional) economic interests, whereas bureaucratic self‐interest and political interests mobilized sub‐federal units in the European federations.
Influence of photoperiod and protocol length on metabolic rate traits in ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta
Authors: Hvas Malthe
Published: December 2021

In this study, ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta were subjected to either a conventional 1‐day or an extended 5‐day respirometry protocol. Additionally, in the 5‐day protocol the fish were subjected to a 12 h light–dark cycle to assess the effects of photoperiods on metabolic rates (ṀO2). Diurnal patterns in routine and resting ṀO2 were not observed, suggesting that circadian rhythms in metabolism largely are driven by activity patterns rather than being of endogenous origin. Moreover, lack of a detectable circadian ṀO2 may be an adaptation to lower costs of living in ballan wrasse. Protocol length influenced standard metabolic rates (SMR) where estimates decreased by 13% and 17% when using 48 h and 5 days, respectively, compared to 24 h. The maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and the derived absolute aerobic scope (MMR‐SMR) were unaffected by protocol length. However, factorial scopes (MMR/SMR) were reduced from 8.5 to 6.4 in the 5‐day protocol, showing that factorial scopes are more sensitive to how SMR are obtained. The critical oxygen tension (Pcrit) was reduced from 15% PO2 in the 1‐day group to 11% PO2 in the 5‐day group. However, ṀO2 in response to decreasing PO2 was similar, which together with a similar oxygen extraction coefficient, α (ṀO2/PO2), suggested that the higher Pcrit in the 1‐day group was an artefact of overestimating SMR. Finally, α was 12% lower at MMR compared to at Pcrit, which either means that MMR was underestimated in proportion to this difference or that α is not constant in the entire PO2 range. In summary, this study found that a conventional 1‐day respirometry protocol may overestimate SMR and thereby alter the derived Pcrit and aerobic scope, while α is unaffected by protocol length. Moreover, alternating light conditions in the absence of other stressors did not influence ṀO2 in ballan wrasse.
Standardization of topical preparations for finger‐tip unit—Awareness and attitudes among pharmacists and dermatologists and suggestions to improve standardization of topical drug dosing—A two‐phase cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Asif Afzal Haq , Kaliyadan Feroze , Gite Vikas V. , Al‐Dhubiab Bandar E. , Nanjappa Shivakumar H. , Meravanige Girish , Sreeharsha Nagaraja
Published: December 2021

Background

Standardization of topical therapy dosage is important to ensure optimum use and dosage of topical medications. One of the concepts frequently used in the standardization of topical treatment is the Finger‐tip unit (FTU). While practitioners, both dermatologists and pharmacists, are generally aware of FTU, practical use is less.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate views and practices related to FTU among both dermatology and pharmacy faculty and to elicit and validate suggestions for improving standardization.

Methods

We surveyed a group of Dermatologists and Pharmacists—in two phases—in phase 1 (n = 44), an electronic survey was used as a tool to understand their practices regarding FTU, and to obtain suggestions regarding standardization of topical medication delivery. In phase 2 (n = 40), the main suggestions for improvement were resent to the group to rate and validate the same.

Results

The awareness of FTU was high among the experts, but practical use of the FTU for patient counselling was less frequent. The group gave suggestions to standardize applications. All these suggestions got high ratings on both feasibility and possible effectiveness in the second phase, with the highest rating being for the suggestion of “Placing QR codes on ointment/cream tubes which link to websites with educational materials/ videos on FTU/topical drug dosing.”

Conclusion

Awareness regarding FTU is high among both dermatologists and pharmacists, however practical use is less. Strategies to improve standardization of topical drug dosing can be formulated through collaboration involving both dermatologists and pharmacists.
Effect of Rhus coriaria L. methanolic fruit extract on wound healing in diabetic and non‐diabetic rats
Authors: Alsarayreh Ahmad Za’al , Oran Sawsan Atallah , Shakhanbeh Jumah Mutie
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study assessed the effects of topical application of R. coriaria extract on the rate of wound closure. The rate of wound contraction was used to assess the wound healing efficacy of the R. coriaria fruit methanolic extract.

Methods

Using excision and burn model of wound repair in diabetic male Wistar rats. Also, hydroxyproline, collagen content, and proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines levels were determined in this study.

Results

During the early wound healing phase, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels were found to be decreased by R. coriaria treatment and increased the level of interleukin 10 (IL‐10). Increased wound contraction augmented with hydroxyproline and collagen content, supporting the early wound healing exhibited by R. coriaria. The epithelialization, neovascularization and enhanced hydroxyproline and collagen expression were strongly associated with the healing pattern.

Conclusion

This study indicating that R. coriaria methanolic fruit extract has a potent wound healing capacity. And may be effective in the topical therapy of wound healing.
Prevalence of Suspected Concussions Among K‐12 Students in Utah: Findings From Utah's Student Injury Reporting System
Authors: Waltzman Dana , Daugherty Jill , Sarmiento Kelly , Haarbauer‐Krupa Juliet , Campbell Hillary , Ferrell Deanna
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

To inform prevention strategies, this study provides incidence, factors, and actions taken when a suspected concussion occurred in K‐12 schools in Utah.

METHODS

Data were collected using Utah's Student Injury Reporting System (SIRS) from the academic years 2011‐2012 to 2018‐2019. SIRS is a unique online system that tracks injuries that occur in the school setting among K‐12 students in Utah. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize students with a suspected concussion. Chi‐square (χ2) analysis looking at characteristics by school level was also conducted.

RESULTS

Over 63,000 K‐12 students in Utah sustained an injury at school during the study period. Suspected concussions comprised 10% of all injuries. The prevalence of concussions was highest among males (60.6%) and elementary school students (42.6%) and most often occurred outdoors (57.6%) or on a playground/playfield (33.9%), and in sports‐ and recreation‐related activities (75.1%) (specifically contact sports, 24.0%). Most students with a suspected concussion were absent 1 day or less from school (71.4%) but about 68% were seen by a medical professional. Further, there were differences by school level. Females and students playing contact sports had a higher percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased, whereas males and concussions sustained during school hours had a lower percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRS enables schools in Utah to identify groups at risk for concussion, as well as activities most commonly associated with these injuries, within the school environment. Using this information, schools may implement targeted prevention strategies to protect students.
Contrasting gene‐level signatures of selection with reproductive fitness
Authors: Bush Stephen J. , Murren Courtney J. , Urrutia Araxi O. , Kover Paula X.
Published: December 2021

Selection leaves signatures in the DNA sequence of genes, with many test statistics devised to detect its action. While these statistics are frequently used to support hypotheses about the adaptive significance of particular genes, the effect these genes have on reproductive fitness is rarely quantified experimentally. Consequently, it is unclear how gene‐level signatures of selection are associated with empirical estimates of gene effect on fitness. Eukaryotic data sets that permit this comparison are very limited. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, for which these resources are available, we calculated seven gene‐level substitution and polymorphism‐based statistics commonly used to infer selection (dN/dS, NI, DOS, Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D*, Fay and Wu's H, and Zeng's E) and, using knockout lines, compared these to gene‐level estimates of effect on fitness. We found that consistent with expectations, essential genes were more likely to be classified as negatively selected. By contrast, using 379 Arabidopsis genes for which data was available, we found no evidence that genes predicted to be positively selected had a significantly different effect on fitness than genes evolving more neutrally. We discuss these results in the context of the analytic challenges posed by Arabidopsis, one of the only systems in which this study could be conducted, and advocate for examination in additional systems. These results are relevant to the evaluation of genome‐wide studies across species where experimental fitness data is unavailable, as well as highlighting an increasing need for the latter.
Efficacy of behavioral interventions in managing gestational weight gain (GWG): A component network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ranasinha Sanjeeva , Hill Briony , Teede Helena J. , Enticott Joanne , Wang Rui , Harrison Cheryce L.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To identify the most effective behavioral components within lifestyle interventions to optimize gestational weight gain (GWG) to inform guidelines, policy and translation into healthcare.

Methods

Behavioral components were identified from study level data of randomized antenatal lifestyle interventions using a behavioral taxonomy framework and analyzed using component network meta‐analysis (NMA). The NMA ranked behavioral combinations hierarchically by efficacy of optimizing GWG. Direct and estimated indirect comparisons between study arms (i.e., control and intervention) and between different component combinations were estimated to evaluate component combinations associated with greater efficacy.

Results

Overall, 32 studies with 11,066 participants were included. Each intervention contained between 3 and 7 behavioral components with 26 different behavioral combinations identified. The majority (n = 24) of combinations were associated with optimizing GWG, with standard mean differences (SMD) ranging from −1.01 kg (95% CI −1.64 to −0.37) and −0.07 kg (−0.38 to 0.24), compared with controls. The behavioral cluster identified as most effective, included components of goals, feedback and monitoring, natural consequences, comparison of outcomes, and shaping knowledge (SMD −1.01 kg [95% CI −1.64 to −0.37]).

Conclusion

Findings support the application of goal setting, feedback and monitoring, natural consequences, comparison of outcomes, and shaping knowledge as essential, core components within lifestyle interventions to optimize gestational weight gain.
Why I'm not a Humean
Authors: Friend Toby
Published: December 2021

There is an inconsistency between the access we have to our conscious lives and the Humean thesis of causal generalism. This was first drawn attention to by John Hawthorne, whose argument withstands a number of objections. Nevertheless, it has weaknessess. The first premise must be weakened if Humeans are to be compelled to accept it, and consequently, the second premise will have to be stronger to retain validity. I shore up the case against Humeanism by providing revised premises along with new defences of them. I show why this also provides a lesson for non‐Humeans about the epistemology of causal relations.
Radial spiky steady states of a flux‐limited Keller–Segel model: Existence, asymptotics, and stability
Authors: Wang Zhi‐An , Xu Xin
Published: December 2021

This paper is concerned with the radial stationary problem of a flux‐limited Keller–Segel model derived in a multidimensional bounded domain with Neumann boundary conditions. With the global bifurcation theory and Helly compactness theorem by treating the chemotactic coefficient as a bifurcation parameter, we establish the existence of nonconstant monotone radial stationary solutions and further show that the radial stationary solution will tend to a Dirac delta mass as the chemotactic coefficient tends to infinity. By using the stability criterion of Crandall and Rabinnowitz, we prove the linearized stability of bifurcating stationary solutions near the bifurcation points.
The expression of histone lysine demethylase 2B in canine hemangiosarcoma is associated with disease progression
Authors: Gulay Kevin Christian M. , Aoshima Keisuke , Kim Sangho , Kitaguchi Ryusei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kimura Takashi
Published: December 2021

Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a highly fatal mesenchymal tumour of dogs, originates from the endothelial cells lining of blood vessels. It is characterized by a short survival time with a mean survival time of only 4 months. Recently, we showed that histone lysine demethylase 2B (KDM2B) was highly expressed in canine HSA and was important in HSA tumour cell survival by positively regulating DNA repair mechanisms. KDM2B has been reported to be related to disease progression and patient survival in several human cancers. Thus, in this study, we studied the relationship of KDM2B expression levels with several patient clinical profiles to investigate the role of KDM2B in clinical HSA tumours. We analysed 37 canine HSA cases and found that KDM2B is highly expressed in stage 3 HSA compared to stage 1 HSA. High KDM2B expression was also found in male dogs compared to female dogs. No correlation was observed between KDM2B expression and age. Classifying HSA patients into high and low KDM2B expression groups revealed that the high KDM2B group showed shorter overall survival than the low KDM2B group. Based on these results, we suggest that KDM2B expression is associated with disease progression in HSA.
Assessment of tear film osmolarity using the IPen®Vet osmometer in Pug and Shih‐Tzu dogs with and without keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Brito Fábio L. da C. , Voitena Jéssica N. , Marinho Tatiane O. C. , Moore Bret A. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: December 2021

Objective

To establish tear film osmolarity (TFO) values in Pugs and Shih‐Tzus, with and without keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Animals studied

A total of 82 adult dogs were evaluated.

Procedure

The inclusion criteria for the healthy group was a Schirmer tear test (STT‐1) ≥15 mm/min with no clinical signs of KCS, whereas those with KCS had clinical signs and a STT‐1 ≤10 mm/min. All animals underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation prior to STT‐1 and TFO. Student's t tests were used to compare STT‐1 and TFO in KCS and healthy eyes as well as possible differences in TFO between breeds. In addition, a linear regression to model the relationship between the two variables (STT‐1 and TFO) was performed. A P‐value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

STT‐1 results were significantly lower (p = 0.0001) in the KCS group (4.46 ± 1.74) compared with the control group (18.80 ± 2.02). Mean TFO results were significantly higher in the KCS group (353.02 ± 16.58 mOsm/L) (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group (315.27 ± 6.15 mOsm/L). The formula Y = 365.059–2.625 * X significantly predicts (p < 0.001) the value of the variable Y (TFO mOsm/L) as a function of the variable X (STT‐1 mm/min), with a coefficient of determination of 0.71.

Conclusions

The results revealed differences in TFO and STT‐1 between KCS and healthy dogs. Additionally, STT‐1 and TFO values were correlated with the aim to use STT‐1 values to predict TFO values in brachycephalic breeds.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF REINFORCED CONCRETE CORBELS WITH DIFFERENT LAYUP SCHEMES OF CFRP LAMINATES
Authors: Shabazi Ghozani Omid , Moghadasi Mostafa , Taeepoor Soheil
Published: December 2021

Reinforced concrete short corbels are widely used in engineering structures, such as bridges and precast structures. Therefore, the present comparative study was conducted on the structural behavior of the reinforced concrete corbels strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. For this purpose, numerical analysis was done using the finite element method. Therefore, nine models consisting of eight corbels strengthened with different CFRP arrangements in addition to an unstrengthened model were studied. The maximum load capacity, stiffness, ductility, and amount of absorbed energy were compared. In one of the above structure models, an innovative hunch was added at the top side of the corbel to column connection to investigate the differences with ordinary types of connections. Results revealed that the model used three bonded CFRP laminates all around the column and outside edges showed an 81% increase in loading capacity. Moreover, the corbel equipped with hunches had an 8% increase in stiffness compared to an ordinary corbel.
Switched Fractional Order Model Reference Adaptive Control for First Order Plants: A Simulation-Based Study
Authors: Aguila-Camacho Norelys , García-Bustos Jorge E. , Castillo-López Eduardo I. , Gallegos Javier A. , Travieso-Torres Juan C.
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the results and analysis of an exhaustive simulation study where switched fractional order model reference adaptive control (SFOMRAC) is used for first order plants, along with the analytical proof of boundedness and convergence of the scheme. The analysis is focused on the controlled system behavior through the integral of the time-weighted squared control error (ITSE) and on the control energy through the integral of the squared control signal (ISI). Controller parameters such as fractional order, adaptive gain, and switching time are varied along the simulation studies, as well as plant parameters and reference models. The results show that SFOMRAC controllers can be found for every plant and reference model used such that both system behavior and control energy can be improved, compared to equivalent nonswitched fractional order and integer order control strategies.