bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compensatory effect of egg size dimorphism on hatching asynchrony in Magellanic penguin
Authors: Marchisio Nahuel , Barrionuevo Melina , Frere Esteban
Published: July 2021

Egg laying is one of the most important phases in a female bird's breeding cycle. Its cost is high because eggs contain all the resources needed for the development of an embryo. Variation in size and quality of eggs can have important long‐term consequences for offspring survival. Hatching asynchrony is known to influence sibling competition in many bird species. Last‐hatched chicks will have a competitive disadvantage throughout the pre‐fledgling period because they are smaller. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hatching asynchrony and egg size variation on the growth and fledging success of Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus chicks after disentangling the effects of parental condition. We simultaneously manipulated egg size dimorphism, hatching asynchrony and parental condition by performing a cross‐fostering experiment, creating broods with controlled egg size dimorphism and hatching asynchrony in a colony of Magellanic penguins located in Isla Quiroga, Santa Cruz, Argentina. We found that hatching asynchrony had a negative effect on last‐hatched chicks, but this disadvantage was mitigated by egg size dimorphism in their favor. Moreover, females in good condition invest more in second than in first chicks, which, added to a greater investment by foster fathers, leading to offspring fledging in good condition. On the contrary, for the first‐hatched chicks, we found that body condition of the biological father was an important factor for their growth. We conclude that raising more than one chick seems to be a decision based on parental condition throughout the breeding season.
Barred buttonquail males outlive females
Authors: Leitner Stefan , Brighton Roswitha , Voigt Cornelia
Published: July 2021

Sex differences in lifespan can vary considerably across species. Variance in lifespan depends on the progression of the mortality rate with age. Males are usually thought to have a shorter lifespan than females, which can be explained by sexual selection acting on secondary sexual traits that affect longevity. Such a bias in mortality between the sexes is also an indicator of the adult sex ratio. While there is evidence for this relationship from species with traditional sex‐roles, little is known about the sex difference in lifespan of species that exhibit a reversal of sex‐roles. Here we investigated sex differences in longevity and hatchling sex ratio in a captive population of barred buttonquails Turnix suscitator, a sex‐role reversed species with a classical polyandrous mating system. We found that males lived on average 1.7 times longer than females. Further, sex ratio at hatching did not divert significantly from parity. Our data suggest that in sex‐role reversed species selective forces act on females leading to a shorter lifespan.
Hybrid last mile delivery fleets with crowdsourcing: A systems view of managing the cost‐service trade‐off
Authors: Castillo Vincent E. , Bell John E. , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Stank Theodore P.
Published: July 2021

Retail firms now offer same‐day delivery via hybrid fleets that augment a privately owned delivery fleet with crowdsourced assets. As research on crowdsourced delivery continues to grow, it has implicitly assumed deliveries being conducted with an entirely crowdsourced fleet. In this study, we adopt a sociotechnical systems perspective to consider the phenomenon of combining privately owned delivery vehicles with crowdsourced assets into a hybrid fleet. In this exploratory effort, we examine how elements of the hybrid delivery system, namely, driver autonomy, compensation, fleet size, fleet mix, and demand intensity affect cost and service in last mile delivery. Using a multimethod simulation combining agent‐based and discrete event techniques with home delivery data from a major US retail pharmacy, we show how the emergent outcomes of this hybrid delivery system are a consequence of the constituent elements’ interdependence. Our experiments suggest a convex relationship between crowdsourced driver compensation and cost performance, such that low and high compensation amounts may actually increase unit delivery costs relative to a median compensation level, and a nonlinear negative relationship between compensation and fulfillment time. We find that these effects are moderated by fleet design (in terms of size and vehicle type mix) and order arrival rate intensity.
The development and construction of an AR‐guided learning model with focused learning theories
Authors: Hu Chih‐Hsiang , Barrett Neil E. , Liu Gi‐Zen
Published: July 2021

Background

Augmented reality (AR) has been incorporated in context‐aware ubiquitous learning (CAUL) designs to guide learners but few of the designs adopt specific learning theories. Furthermore, there are no CAUL design models that align learning theories to CAUL effectiveness. In addition, CAUL review papers have not documented CAUL developments since AR technology has become normalized.

Objectives

A phenomenological research method with expert design input was adopted to build theoretically informed CAUL design models and provide guidelines for AR‐driven CAUL.

Methods

The researchers reviewed 38 empirical AR studies in education from 2016 to 2019 in seven high‐impact journals of educational technology using a taxonomy based on CAUL learning theories. Seven domain experts reviewed the findings and provided insights into current developments, patterns of variables, and the proposed AR‐guided CAUL model. The expert feedback was used to refine the CAUL models.

Results and conclusions

Research into humanity‐related subjects are growing due to the features of AR, and the majority of studies were in primary education as AR corresponds well with lower‐level cognitive learning tasks. Many AR functions cooccurred with situated learning theory, inquiry‐based learning theory, and collaborative learning theory. A macro‐design model and three micro‐design models of AR‐guided CAUL with specific learning theories was proposed.

Major takeaways

This study offers a set of AR‐guided CAUL design models aligned with established learning theories. The variables in the CAUL studies are linked with learning theories to clearly show how AR guides learning. The models can guide instructors to meet their students' needs.
Anti‐inflammatory mechanisms and research progress of colchicine in atherosclerotic therapy
Authors: Li Yuyu , Zhang Yuxin , Lu Jianrong , Yin Yong , Xie Jun , Xu Biao
Published: July 2021

Inflammatory responses play a vital role in the onset and development of atherosclerosis, and throughout the entire process of the chronic disease. The inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis are mainly mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream inflammatory factors. As a powerful anti‐inflammatory medicine, colchicine has a history of more than 200 years in clinical application and is the first‐choice treatment for immune diseases such as gout and familial Mediterranean fever. In atherosclerosis, colchicine can inhibit the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome via various mechanisms to effectively reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, thereby reducing the inflammation. Recent clinical trials show that a low dose of colchicine (0.5 mg per day) has a certain protective effect in stable angina patients or those with acute myocardial infarction after PCI. This article summarizes and discusses the mechanisms of colchicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis and the latest research progress.
The role of YTH domain containing 2 in epigenetic modification and immune infiltration of pan‐cancer
Authors: Zhang Chiyuan , Guo Cuishan , Li Yan , Ouyang Ling , Zhao Qi , Liu Kuiran
Published: July 2021

YTH domain containing 2 (YTHDC2) is the largest N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) binding protein of the YTH protein family and the only member containing ATP‐dependent RNA helicase activity. For further analysing its biological role in epigenetic modification, we comprehensively explored YTHDC2 from gene expression, genetic alteration, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, immune infiltration, diagnostic value and prognostic value in pan‐cancer, using a series of databases and bioinformatic tools. We found that YTHDC2 with Missense mutation could cause a different prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), and its different methylation level could lead to a totally various prognosis in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and UCEC. The main molecular mechanisms of YTHDC2 focused on catalytic activity, helicase activity, snRNA binding, spliceosome and mRNA surveillance. Additionally, YTHDC2 was notably correlated with tumour immune infiltration. Moreover, YTHDC2 had a high diagnostic value for seven cancer types and a prognostic value for brain lower grade glioma (LGG), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Collectively, YTHDC2 plays a significant role in epigenetic modification and immune infiltration and maybe a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in certain cancers.
Behavioral, neurocognitive, polysomnographic and cardiometabolic profiles associated with obstructive sleep apnea in adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Puzino Kristina , Bourchtein Elizaveta , Calhoun Susan L. , He Fan , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Liao Duanping , Bixler Edward O. , Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio
Published: July 2021

Background

A high comorbidity between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as well as similar impairments across neurobehavioral outcomes has been described in children. However, there is a paucity of research examining the comorbidity of these two disorders in adolescents. This study examined the association of OSA with sleep, neurobehavioral, and cardiometabolic outcomes in adolescents with ADHD from the general population.

Methods

421 adolescents (16.9 ± 2.3 years, 53.9% male) underwent 9‐hr polysomnography, neurobehavioral, and physical evaluation. ADHD was ascertained by a parent‐or‐self‐report of a lifetime diagnosis/treatment of ADHD. OSA was defined as an apnea hypopnea index of ≥2 events/hour. Groups of controls (n = 208), OSA‐alone (n = 115), ADHD‐alone (n = 54), and ADHD+OSA (n = 44) were studied. Multivariable‐adjusted general linear models tested group differences in PSG parameters, neurobehavioral, and cardiometabolic outcomes after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, age, and/or body mass index percentile.

Results

The ADHD+OSA group had significantly longer sleep onset latency, shorter total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, and higher percent of stage 1 sleep, as compared with all other groups, however, these differences were diminished by excluding adolescents on psychoactive medication. The ADHD‐alone group showed significantly higher periodic limb movements than controls. The ADHD+OSA and ADHD‐alone groups did not significantly differ on any measure of neurocognitive or behavioral functioning. The ADHD+OSA and OSA‐alone groups showed significantly worse cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers when compared to controls or the ADHD‐alone, but did not significantly differ between each other.

Conclusions

Adolescents with a diagnosis ADHD+OSA showed phenotypic risk factors for OSA (i.e., overweight/obesity, visceral adiposity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation) but not worse neurobehavioral outcomes when compared with ADHD‐alone. While comorbidity is possible, these data support that adolescents with a suspicion of ADHD should be screened for OSA, before a diagnosis is reached and psychoactive medication initiated.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korean adults: A multi‐institutional joint research
Authors: Song Sun Ok , Yun Jae‐Seung , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Ahn Yu‐Bae , Kim Bo‐Yeon , Kim Chul‐Hee , Jeon Ja Young , Kim Dae Jung , Seo Da Hae , Kim So Hun , Noh Jung Hyun , Lee Da Young , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Kim Soo‐Kyung ,   the Type 1 Diabetes Study Group of Gyeonggi‐Incheon Branch of the Korean Diabetes Association
Published: July 2021

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to determine the hospital‐based prevalence and clinical features of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korea.

Materials and Methods

We identified all patients with diabetes who regularly visited the Endocrinology outpatient clinics at eight centers for a period >1 year between January 2012 and June 2017. We investigated their medical records retrospectively.

Results

During this period, 76,309 patients with diabetes had been regularly followed up. Among them, 913 (1.2%) patients had type 1 diabetes mellitus . There were 462 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus whose data at the time of the first diagnosis could be identified (359 and 103 with non‐ketosis and ketosis onset, respectively). Of these, 15 (3.2% of type 1 diabetes mellitus, 14.6% of ketosis onset diabetes) patients had fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. The median ages at diagnosis were 40 and 27 years in the fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus and non‐fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus groups, respectively. The patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus had higher body mass index, lower glycated hemoglobin and fasting/peak C‐peptide, and lower frequent glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody‐positive rate (P =0.0010) at diagnosis. Furthermore, they had lower glycated hemoglobin at the last follow‐up examination than those with non‐fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

In this study, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus was 1.2% among all patients with diabetes, and that of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus was 3.2% among those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The glycated hemoglobin levels were lower in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus than in those with non‐fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus at diagnosis and at the last follow‐up examination.
Support needs of parents in neonatal intensive care unit: An integrative review
Authors: Adama Esther Abena , Adua Eric , Bayes Sara , Mörelius Evalotte
Published: July 2021

Background

Having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with intense emotional stress for both mothers and fathers. However, with the right support from staff, this stress can be reduced significantly. Although evidence on needs of parents in the neonatal unit exists, there is lack of a systematic integrative review on the support needs of parents in the neonatal unit. Current review evidence is needed to support busy neonatal unit clinicians in their practice.

Aim and objectives

The purpose of this integrative review is to explore the current available evidence to describe and understand the support needs of parents of infants in the NICU.

Methods

The integrative review process of Whittemore and Knafl (2005) was used to guide this study. Six databases—MEDLINE, CINHAL, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and PsycINFO—were searched for eligible studies using relevant keywords. Primary studies published in English language from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed following a pre‐determined inclusion criteria. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The review report is guided by the PRISMA 2020 checklist for systematic reviews.

Results

Overall, 24 primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included in the review. Analysis of included studies resulted in six themes that demonstrate the support needs of parents in the NICU; 1. Information needs; 2. Emotionally intelligent staff; 3. Hands‐on support; 4. Targeted support; 5. Emotional needs; and 6. Practical needs.

Conclusion

This review has presented the current evidence on the needs of parents from their own perspective. Healthcare workers’ understanding and supporting these needs in the NICU is likely to increase parental satisfaction and improve health outcomes for parents, infants and their family.

Relevance to clinical practice

Parents of infants in the NICU require staff support to enhance their experiences, well‐being, caring and parenting confidence during admission and post‐discharge. As parents are in constant need for informational, emotional and practical support, continuing professional development for NICU staff should place emphasis on effective communication strategies, enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy among staff. NICU staff should build positive ongoing relationships with parents and provide targetted support for mothers and fathers.
Ignorance illusion in decisions under risk: The impact of perceived expertise on probability weighting
Authors: Baars Maren , Goedde‐Menke Michael
Published: July 2021

Current decision‐making models assume that an individual's attitude towards risk is unique. Hence, a decision maker's processing of probabilities and the resulting degree of probability weighting should not vary within the domain of risk. This paper provides evidence that challenges this assumption. We conduct two experiments involving different gambles, that is, risky games where objective probabilities are known, no further information‐based advantages exist, and outcomes are independent of knowledge. Even though all probabilities are explicitly provided, we find that individuals exhibit more pronounced inverse‐S‐shaped probability weighting if they perceive their level of expertise regarding a gamble to be lower. This result suggests that individuals are subject to ignorance illusion in decisions under risk, constituting expertise‐dependent risk attitudes. We document that ignorance illusion stems from the wrongly assigned importance of perceived expertise in the decision‐making process and that it occurs in both the gain and the loss domain.
A computational framework for finite element modeling of traveling loads on bridges in dynamic regime
Authors: De Risi Raffaele
Published: July 2021

The rigorous modeling of traveling loads on bridges in a dynamic regime is not an easy task as the traveling load contributes to the dynamic of the structural system with its mass and damping. In this paper, a simplified approach for traveling loads on bridges in dynamic regime is proposed. The main simplification consists in neglecting the traveling mass. The validity of the proposed simplification is checked with a sensitivity analysis considering a few realistic case‐study bridges. The ranges of velocity and traveling‐force/bridge‐weight ratio are identified. Eventually, the proposed methodology is applied to two case studies, (i) an existing Italian reinforced concrete viaduct and (ii) a pedestrian bridge. The applications show that the proposed simplified approach can be applied to a range of civil engineering problems such as the quantification of the structural reliability of existing structures or the assessment of pedestrian comfort.
Temperature during seed maturation controls seed vigour through ABA breakdown in the endosperm and causes a passive effect on DOG1 mRNA levels during entry into quiescence
Authors: Chen Xiaochao , Yoong Fei‐Yian , O'Neill Carmel M. , Penfield Steven
Published: July 2021

Temperature variation during seed set is an important modulator of seed dormancy and impacts the performance of crop seeds through effects on establishment rate. It remains unclear how changing temperature during maturation leads to dormancy and growth vigour differences in nondormant seedlings.

Here we take advantage of the large seed size in Brassica oleracea to analyse effects of temperature on individual seed tissues.

We show that warm temperature during seed maturation promotes seed germination, while removal of the endosperm from imbibed seeds abolishes temperature‐driven effects on germination. We demonstrate that cool temperatures during early seed maturation lead to abscisic acid (ABA) retention specifically in the endosperm at desiccation. During this time temperature affects ABA dynamics in individual seed tissues and regulates ABA catabolism. We also show that warm‐matured seeds preinduce a subset of germination‐related programmes in the endosperm, whereas cold‐matured seeds continue to store maturation‐associated transcripts including DOG1 because of effects on mRNA degradation before quiescence, rather than because of the effect of temperature on transcription.

We propose that effects of temperature on seed vigour are explained by endospermic ABA breakdown and the divergent relationships between temperature and mRNA breakdown and between temperature, seed moisture and the glass transition.
A systematic review and meta‐analyses of food preference modifications after bariatric surgery
Authors: Guyot Erika , Dougkas Anestis , Nazare Julie‐Anne , Bagot Sarah , Disse Emmanuel , Iceta Sylvain
Published: July 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analyses aimed to synthesize evidence of the link between bariatric surgery and changes in food preferences, considering the method of assessment. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cinahl, PsychINFO, ProQuest, and Open grey were searched incorporating two blocks of terms (“Intervention” and “Food Preferences”). Interventional or observational studies involving patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg m−2) with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and a control group were included. Meta‐analyses were performed comparing the standardized daily mean percentage energy from proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids between preoperative and postoperative patients. Fifty‐seven studies concerning 2,271 patients with RYGB and 903 patients with SG met the inclusion criteria, of which 24 were eligible for meta‐analysis. Despite a total reduction in macronutrient intakes, the meta‐analyses revealed a postoperative increase in percentage energy from proteins at 12 months (0.24, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.46, {I2} = 73%) and a decrease in percentage energy from fat at 1 month (−0.47, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.09, {I2} = 72%), up to 24 months (−0.20, 95% CI: −0.31, 0.08, {I2} = 0%). In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta‐analyses showed changes of food preferences in terms of macronutrient, food selection and, overall food appreciation up to 5 years following bariatric surgery.
Assessment of environmental implications of energy consumption towards sustainable development in G7 countries
Authors: Gyamfi Bright Akwasi , Bein Murad A. , Bekun Festus Victor , Yaw Sarpong Steve , Vinh VO Xuan
Published: July 2021

Following universal debate for energy sources and sustainable development across the globe, with its far‐reaching implications on the environment, this crusade aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs). The study variables are based on the SDGs‐7, 8, and 13 that highlights access to clean energy, sustainable economic growth and mitigation of climate change issues. Awareness of environmental sustainability has received much consideration because of the hazards associated with climate change issues in recent times. Studies on environmental quality and pollution emissions (CO2) are becoming increasingly interesting. It is reported that human activities and increasing economic issues resolve environmental‐related challenges. In the light of this, we assess how employment moderates energy consumption and climate change for G7 countries. We utilise panel co‐integration and long‐run regression using dynamic ordinary and fully modified ordinary least squares to institute the magnitude of long‐run elasticity among the outlined variables. Panel heterogeneous techniques are used to detect the direction of causality for the annual data from 1990 to 2016. The empirical result shows a clear significant correlation between variables and the long‐run relationship between pollutant releases and energy utilisation, employment and real output. The study finds an inverse relationship between trade and pollutant emissions, thus suggesting that openness trade mitigates against environmental degradation in the sampled blocs. The causality analysis reveals a bidirectional causality between emissions and employment and a unidirectional causality between emissions, real GDP, energy utilisation and trade. These results have far‐reaching outcomes on environmental fronts and economic growth highlighted in this study.
Gastric emptying time of two different quantities of clear fluids in children: A double‐blinded randomized controlled study
Authors: Taye Sunny , Mohammed Sadik , Bhatia Pradeep , Kumar Mritunjay , Chhabra Swati , Kumar Rakesh , Kumari Kamlesh
Published: July 2021

Background

Perioperative pulmonary aspiration risk increases with increased preoperative gastric volume; hence traditionally, healthy children are kept fasted overnight before surgery. Current guidelines recommend 2‐h clear fluids fasting prior to anesthesia. However, emerging evidence favors allowing 3 ml/kg clear fluids up to 1‐h before anesthesia. We compared the gastric volume and gastric emptying time after ingestion of 3 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg of clear fluids.

Methods

The present study enrolled 44 children, aged between 6 and 14 years. On the day of surgery, baseline gastric volume was estimated using ultrasound and patients were randomly allocated into two groups of equal number, that is, Group 3 and Group 5 (patients received 3 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg 5% Dextrose respectively). Repeated gastric ultrasound was performed at every 5 min until the gastric volume reached baseline levels. The primary objective of the study was to compare gastric emptying time. Secondary objectives included comparison of antral cross‐sectional area and gastric volume.

Results

The demographic profile, preoperative fasting duration for clear fluids, and baseline gastric volume were comparable between groups. In both groups, compared to baseline the antral cross‐sectional area and gastric volume increased significantly following fluid ingestion and then decreased exponentially to reach baseline within 1‐h. The median (IQR) (range) gastric emptying time (minutes) [35.0 (28.8, 40.0) (20.0–45.0) in group 3 and 40.0 (28.8, 45.0) (20.0−50.0) in group 5] and emptying half‐time (minutes) [17.0 (15.7, 21.5) (14.4–24.0) in group 3 and 18.6 (16.0, 22.0) (15.1–23.8) in group 5] were comparable [median difference −5 (95% CI −7.8 to 2.1) and –1.5 (95% CI −2.3 to 1.0), respectively] (p = .16 andp = .44, respectively).

Conclusion

As the gastric volume returned to baseline within 1‐h even after ingesting 5 ml/kg clear fluids, the preoperative fasting time can be reduced to 1‐h and healthy children undergoing elective procedure can be safely allowed to drink up to 5 ml/kg clear fluids.
Perceived parenting before adolescence and parity have direct and indirect effects via depression and anxiety on maternal–infant bonding in the perinatal period
Authors: Fukui Naoki , Motegi Takaharu , Watanabe Yuichiro , Hashijiri Koyo , Tsuboya Ryusuke , Ogawa Maki , Sugai Takuro , Egawa Jun , Enomoto Takayuki , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: July 2021

Aim

This study was aimed towards detecting how perceived parenting practices before adolescence affect maternal–infant bonding in the perinatal period, considering factors such as depression, anxiety, and parity.

Methods

We used the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to examine perceived parenting practices. Participants included 1301 pregnant women who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mother‐to‐Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at three time points: early pregnancy (approximately 12–15 weeks), late pregnancy (approximately 30–34 weeks) and postpartum (4 weeks after childbirth). We performed a path analysis with factors including parity, PBI subscales (paternal care, paternal overprotection, maternal care and maternal overprotection), HADS and MIBS.

Results

Perceived paternal or maternal low care parenting predicted higher HADS and MIBS scores in early pregnancy. Moreover, perceived maternal low care parenting predicted higher HADS scores at postpartum and higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy. Perceived paternal or maternal overprotective parenting predicted higher HADS scores in the pregnancy period. Furthermore, perceived maternal overprotective parenting predicted higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy. Being primipara predicted higher HADS scores at postpartum and higher MIBS scores in early pregnancy and at postpartum. Being multipara predicted higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study suggests that perceived negative parenting before adolescence has indirect effects (via anxiety and depression) and direct effects on maternal–infant bonding in the perinatal period.
Clinical study of graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric nonmalignant diseases with different doses anti‐human T‐lymphocyte immunoglobulin
Authors: Atay Didem , Akcay Arzu , Yenigurbuz Fatma Demir , Akinci Burcu , Bagirova Konul , Hasanova Samira , Ozturk Gulyuz
Published: July 2021

Background

Anti‐human T‐lymphocyte immunoglobulin is commonly used as prophylaxis for graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors. The studies according to optimum dose of ATLG especially in pediatric patients are limited.

Patients and Methods

Outcomes of 99 pediatric patients diagnosed with nonmalignant diseases, who received ATLG as GVHD prophylaxis for matched unrelated donor HSCT at a dose of 10 mg/kg (group 1), 20 mg/kg (group 2), and 30 mg/kg (group 3), were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The incidences of acute and chronic GVHD were statistically not different between three groups (p = .20 and p = .13), but we did not observe chronic GVHD in group 3 patients. Cox regression analysis showed that ATLG dose of 10 mg/kg (p = .007) and severe acute GVHD (p = .001) were significant prognostic factors for inferior overall survival. Although ATLG dose of 10 mg/kg is effective in pediatric patients on acute and chronic GVHD prevention, TRM and overall survival were superior in ATLG doses ≥20 mg/kg (p = .04 and p = .037) with no difference between 20 and 30 mg/kg.

Conclusion

Although ATLG dose of 10 mg/kg is effective in pediatric patients on acute and chronic GVHD prevention and safe from the point of infection, TRM and OS were superior in ATLG doses ≥20 mg/kg with no difference between 20 and 30 mg/kg. These observations should be supported with other multicenter prospective studies including larger patient population.
Barriers related to COVID‐19 testing intention
Authors: Shahrour Ghada , Jaradat Diana , Dardas Latefa Ali
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Although vaccination against the COVID‐19 disease has recently become available, individuals are expressing fear and hesitancy towards receiving it. As a result, testing for COVID‐19 is still considered a vital method to contain infection. For testing to be effective, barriers towards testing intention need to be investigated; and available literature on the challenges are scarce. This study aimed to investigate barriers of COVID‐19 testing among a sample of Jordanian adults and predict testing intention within the context of these barriers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, descriptive, and predictive design was employed in this study among a sample of 1074 Jordanian adults.

Results

Three clusters of barriers predicted testing intention; perceived discrimination at work, concerns of individual's privacy, and having negative feelings towards testing. While perceived discrimination at work and privacy concerns were negatively associated with individuals’ intention for testing, experiencing negative feelings towards COVID‐19 testing was a positive predictor.

Conclusion

Within the context of the study findings, public health nurses need to promote safety at the workplace, protect an individual's privacy, and eliminate negative feelings towards testing uptake through the provision of accurate and up‐to‐date information regarding the COVID‐19 disease.
Their OSCE, not your Oscar: Simulated Patients’ Perspectives
Authors: Sullivan Clare , Condron Claire M. , O'Connor Laura , Pawlikowska Teresa , Murray James M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Simulated patients (SPs) are involved widely in the support of health care education for communication and consultation skills teaching. This study aimed to explore SPs' perspectives of their role and contribution to health professions education.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used. Twenty‐two SPs (actor and non‐actor) involved in teaching at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) participated in one of four focus groups, which were audiorecorded. Two focus groups involved professional actors (n = 7), and two focus groups involved non‐actor SPs (n = 15). Transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The first theme ‘Reward of Contribution’ highlights how the SP role is situated in a position of mutual benefit for both SP and student. The second theme ‘Multiple Personas’ demonstrates the complexity of SP role portrayal. The third theme ‘Culture and Communication’ is a new finding and demonstrates the role SPs feel they have in helping to change the culture of health care practice. The fourth theme ‘A touchy subject’ addresses the preferences of SPs concerning involvement in both intimate and nonintimate physical examination.

Conclusions

SPs believe they have an important role to play in health care education and they also learn from their involvement. SPs' perspectives need to be considered to ensure they feel supported in their role and that their unique insights remain beneficial for student learning.
MSI4/FVE is required for accumulation of 24‐nt siRNAs and DNA methylation at a subset of target regions of RNA‐directed DNA methylation
Authors: Huang Pei , Huang Huan , Lin Xueqiang , Liu Pan , Zhao Lun , Nie Wen‐Feng , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Lang Zhaobo
Published: July 2021

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark. In plants, de novo DNA methylation occurs mainly through the RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. Researchers have previously inferred that a flowering regulator, MULTICOPY SUPPRESSOR OF IRA1 4 (MSI4)/FVE, is involved in non‐CG methylation at several RdDM targets, suggesting a role of FVE in RdDM. However, whether and how FVE affects RdDM genome‐wide is not known. Here, we report that FVE is required for DNA methylation at thousands of RdDM target regions. In addition, dysfunction of FVE significantly reduces 24‐nucleotide siRNA accumulation that is dependent on factors downstream in the RdDM pathway. By using chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP‐seq), we show that FVE directly binds to FVE‐dependent 24‐nucleotide siRNA cluster regions. Our results also indicate that FVE may function in RdDM by physically interacting with RDM15, a downstream factor in the RdDM pathway. Our study has therefore revealed that FVE, by associating with RDM15, directly regulates DNA methylation and siRNA accumulation at a subset of RdDM targets.
Overexpression of a wheat α‐amylase type 2 impact on starch metabolism and abscisic acid sensitivity during grain germination
Authors: Zhang Qin , Pritchard Jenifer , Mieog Jos , Byrne Keren , Colgrave Michelle L. , Wang Ji‐Rui , Ral Jean‐Philippe F.
Published: July 2021

Despite being of vital importance for seed establishment and grain quality, starch degradation remains poorly understood in organs such as cereal or legume seeds. In cereals, starch degradation requires the synergetic action of different isoforms of α‐amylases. Ubiquitous overexpression of TaAmy2 resulted in a 2.0–437.6‐fold increase of total α‐amylase activity in developing leaf and harvested grains. These increases led to dramatic alterations of starch visco‐properties and augmentation of soluble carbohydrate levels (mainly sucrose and α‐gluco‐oligosaccharide) in grain. Interestingly, the overexpression of TaAMY2 led to an absence of dormancy in ripened grain due to abscisic acid (ABA) insensitivity. Using an allosteric α‐amylase inhibitor (acarbose), we demonstrated that ABA insensitivity was due to the increased soluble carbohydrate generated by the α‐amylase excess. Independent from the TaAMY2 overexpression, inhibition of α‐amylase during germination led to the accumulation of soluble α‐gluco‐oligosaccharides without affecting the first stage of germination. These findings support the hypotheses that (i) endosperm sugar may overcome ABA signalling and promote sprouting, and (ii) α‐amylase may not be required for the initial stage of grain germination, an observation that questions the function of the amylolytic enzyme in the starch degradation process during germination.
Impact of imperfect corrugated interface in piezoelectric-piezomagnetic composites on reflection and refraction of plane waves
Authors: Ray Anusree , Singh Abhishek K.
Published: July 2021

Defects such as imperfect geometric/mechanical/dielectric/magnetic interfaces affect the performance and life of structural components used in aircraft technology and underwater navigation. The major drawback of an imperfect interface in a system is its disability to transfer stress or potential across the surface effectively. Nondestructive evaluation, particularly P-wave reflection imaging, contributes significantly to detecting defects and in situ conditions of such structural components. The present study encapsulates the reflection/refraction phenomenon of quasi-pressure waves when they strike the mechanically/dieletrically/magnetically imperfect corrugated interfaces of piezoelectric and piezomagnetic half-spaces. The reflected/refracted wave fields not only consist of regular bulk and surface waves but also a spectrum of irregular bulk waves, arising as the result of geometrical irregularities at the interface. The reflection and refraction coefficients (RECs/RACs) of all regular/irregular waves are derived analytically by using Rayleigh's method of slope approximation (first iteration of small perturbation). The existence of the critical angle is interpreted from the slowness curves of the bulk waves. The influences of the corrugation, angular frequency, and interface imperfection on the RECs/RACs are the major findings reported in the study. The reflected/refracted potential waves diminish for the dielectrically/magnetically imperfect interface. The energy coefficients of the reflected/refracted waves are derived, and the energy conservation law is satisfied.
Characterization of Falcon 9 launch vehicle noise from far-field measurements
Authors: Mathews Logan T. , Gee Kent L. , Hart Grant W.
Published: July 2021

This study investigates source-related noise characteristics of the Falcon 9, a modern launch vehicle with a high operational tempo. Empirical prediction of the noise characteristics of launched rockets has long been a topic of study; however, there are relatively few comparisons with high-fidelity, far-field data, and historical inconsistencies persist. Various quantities are considered: overall directivity, overall sound power, maximum overall sound pressure level (OASPL), and peak frequency. The noise directivity of the Falcon 9 vehicle is shown to be between two disparate ranges given in the historical literature, but the observed peak directivity angle is well represented using convective Mach number concepts. A comparison between mechanical and acoustic power yields a radiation efficiency is consistent with the literature. Two independent methods of predicting maximum OASPL produce results accurate within 2 dB, even at distances of several kilometers. Various scaling parameters are calculated for observed spectral peak frequency and connect these measurements with prior observations. Finally, the impact of terrain shielding on levels and spectra is assessed. These determined source characteristics of the Falcon 9 vehicle provide a connection to prior launch vehicle acoustics studies, which helps identify useful models and methods for understanding rocket noise.
D614G Substitution of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Increases Syncytium Formation and Virus Titer via Enhanced Furin-Mediated Spike Cleavage
Authors: Cheng Ya-Wen , Chao Tai-Ling , Li Chiao-Ling , Wang Sheng-Han , Kao Han-Chieh , Tsai Ya-Min , Wang Hurng-Yi , Hsieh Chi-Ling , Lin You-Yu , Chen Pei-Jer , Chang Sui-Yuan , Yeh Shiou-Hwei
Published: July 2021

Analysis of viral genomes and monitoring of the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 over time has identified the D614G substitution in spike (S) as the most prevalent expanding variant worldwide, which might confer a selective advantage in transmission. Several studies showed that the D614G variant replicates and transmits more efficiently than the wild-type virus, but the mechanism is unclear.
Cellular 5′-3′ mRNA Exoribonuclease XRN1 Inhibits Interferon Beta Activation and Facilitates Influenza A Virus Replication
Authors: Liu Yen-Chin , Mok Bobo Wing-Yee , Wang Pui , Kuo Rei-Lin , Chen Honglin , Shih Shin-Ru
Published: July 2021

A novel mechanistic discovery reveals that the host decay factor XRN1 contributes to influenza A virus replication, which exploits XRN1 activity to inhibit RIG-I-mediated innate immune response. Here, we identified a novel interaction between viral NS1 and host XRN1.
CCR2 Signaling Promotes Brain Infiltration of Inflammatory Monocytes and Contributes to Neuropathology during Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Xu Jintao , Ganguly Anutosh , Zhao Jessica , Ivey Michel , Lopez Rafael , Osterholzer John J. , Cho Clifford S. , Olszewski Michal A.
Published: July 2021

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) causes nearly 200,000 deaths worldwide each year, and survivors frequently develop long-lasting neurological sequelae. The high rate of mortality and neurologic sequelae in CM patients indicate that antifungal therapies alone are often insufficient to control disease progression.
Plasmodium vivax Infection Alters Mitochondrial Metabolism in Human Monocytes
Authors: Diniz Suelen Queiroz , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Figueiredo Maria Marta , Costa Pedro Augusto Carvalho , Rocha Bruno Coelho , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Gonçalves Ricardo , Pereira Dhélio Batista , Tada Mauro Shugiro , Oliveira Fabiano , Gazzinelli Ricardo Tostes , Antonelli Lis Ribeiro do Valle
Published: July 2021

Plasmodium vivax
is the most widely distributed causative agent of human malaria. To achieve parasite control, the human immune system develops a substantial inflammatory response that is also responsible for the symptoms of the disease.
Recovery from Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Development of Anamnestic Immune Responses in T Cell-Depleted Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Hasenkrug Kim J. , Feldmann Friederike , Myers Lara , Santiago Mario L. , Guo Kejun , Barrett Bradley S. , Mickens Kaylee L. , Carmody Aaron , Okumura Atsushi , Rao Deepashri , Collins Madison M. , Messer Ronald J. , Lovaglio Jamie , Shaia Carl , Rosenke Rebecca , van Doremalen Neeltje , Clancy Chad , Saturday Greg , Hanley Patrick , Smith Brian J. , Meade-White Kimberly , Shupert W. Lesley , Hawman David W. , Feldmann Heinz
Published: July 2021

Patients with severe COVID-19 often have decreased numbers of T cells, a cell type important in fighting most viral infections. However, it is not known whether the loss of T cells contributes to severe COVID-19 or is a consequence of it.
Ecological Adaptation and Succession of Human Fecal Microbial Communities in an Automated
In Vitro
Fermentation System
Authors: Gnanasekaran Thiyagarajan , Assis Geraldo Juliana , Ahrenkiel David Wilczek , Alvarez-Silva Camila , Saenz Carmen , Khan Adnan , Hanteer Obaida , Gunalan Vithiagaran , Trost Kajetan , Moritz Thomas , Arumugam Manimozhiyan
Published: July 2021

In vitro
fermentors that can host complex gut microbial communities are promising tools to investigate the dynamics of human gut microbiota. In this work, using an automated
in vitro
gut fermentor consisting of different colon compartments, we investigated the adaptation dynamics of two different human fecal microbial communities over 22 and 31 days.
Deciphering Symbiotic Interactions of “
Candidatus
Aenigmarchaeota” with Inferred Horizontal Gene Transfers and Co-occurrence Networks
Authors: Li Yu-Xian , Rao Yang-Zhi , Qi Yan-Ling , Qu Yan-Ni , Chen Ya-Ting , Jiao Jian-Yu , Shu Wen-Sheng , Jiang Hongchen , Hedlund Brian P. , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Li Wen-Jun
Published: July 2021

Recent advances in sequencing technology promoted the blowout discovery of super tiny microbes in the
Diapherotrites
,
Parvarchaeota
,
Aenigmarchaeota
,
Nanoarchaeota
, and
Nanohaloarchaeota
(DPANN) superphylum. However, the unculturable properties of the majority of microbes impeded our investigation of their behavior and symbiotic lifestyle in the corresponding community.
Cambrian–Lower Ordovician of SW Quebec–NE New York
Authors: Hersi Osman Salad , Landing Ed , Franzi David , Hagadorn James
Published: July 2021

The Ottawa aulacogen/graben on the NE US—Canadian (SW Quebec and eastern Ontario) border is a long ENE-trending structure formed with initial late Neo proterozoic rifting of the Rodinia supercontinent. This rifting formed the active spreading arms (New York Promontory and Quebec Reentrant) along the (presently) NE margin of the new Laurentia paleocontinent, with the Ottawa aulacogen commonly regarded as a failed arm of the rifting. However, no sediment accumulation in the aulacogen is recorded until the late early Cambrian subsidence of a SE- trending belt that includes the aulacogen and its extension, the Franklin Basin, in NW Vermont. Late early Cambrian marine onlap (Altona Formation) followed by more rapid late middle Cambrian subsidence and deposition of fluviatile arkoses (Covey Hill Formation of SW Quebec and Ausable Formation/Member of eastern New York) record rapid foundering of this “failed arm.” Subsequent deposition (latest middle Cambrian–Early Ordovician) in the Ottawa aulacogen produced a vertical succession of lithofacies that are fully comparable with those of the shelf of the New York Promontory. One of the greatest challenges in summarizing the geological history of the Ottawa aulacogen is the presence of a duplicate stratigraphic nomenclature with lithostratigraphic names changing as state and provincial borders are crossed.
Bone suture anchor repair and functional outcome of a triceps tendon rupture, a rare clinical entity
Authors: Lozekoot Pieter Willem Johannes , Tegels Juul Jeanne Wilhelmus , van Vugt Raoul , de Loos Erik Robert
Published: July 2021

Triceps tendon rupture is rare and easily missed on presentation. A 58-year-old man was seen in our accident and emergency department with an inability to extend his right elbow against gravity after he fell. Ultrasound and MRI confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a traumatic triceps tendon rupture and excluded additional injuries. Surgical repair was carried out by a bone anchor suture reinsertion of the tendon to the olecranon. After 2 weeks of cast immobilisation, an early active range of motion (ROM) rehabilitation schedule was followed, resulting in excellent elbow function at 12 weeks postoperatively.

In conclusion, it is important to suspect this rare injury and use additional studies to confirm the diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture. Also, good clinical outcome with regards to function can be achieved using bone anchor suture repair and an early active ROM rehabilitation schedule.
Acute oesophageal necrosis: an important differential in the elderly population with haematemesis
Authors: Laverick Sophie , Ogbuneke Udoka , Koumoutsos Ioannis , Ahmed Zahed
Published: July 2021

Acute oesophageal necrosis is a rare cause of haematemesis associated with high mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Acute oesophageal necrosis is thought to be caused by a combination of hypoperfusion, vascular disease and duodenal disease causing transient gastric outlet obstruction and therefore reflux of gastric contents. The subsequent necrosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of an 83-year-old man presenting with sepsis secondary to gallstone cholangitis, who developed haematemesis 2 days post admission. Oesopho-gastro-duodenoscopy demonstrated necrosis to the oesophagus and duodenal ulceration. This was the first case of acute oesophageal necrosis observed within our hospital. We review the literature on the management of acute oesophageal necrosis and discuss the impact of acute oesophageal necrosis and its complications on the patient’s long-term outcome.