bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiol pretreatment attenuates locomotor alterations and cytokine production in an autoimmune hepatitis model
Authors: Mesiakaris Konstantinos , Atsopardi Korina , Margarity Marigoula , Poulas Konstantinos
Published: April 2021

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major active component of the Cannabis plant (Cannabis Sativa L.), which unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is devoid of euphoria-inducing properties. Broadly, CBD has demonstrated anxiolytic-like, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Concanavalin A (ConA) is a lectin found in the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) and it has been associated with a variety of toxicological effects (upon them mitogenic, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic). Intravenous administration of ConA is widely used for the induction of a model to study autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in mice and the injury is mainly driven by activation and uptake of T-cells in liver. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CBD administration (20 mg/kg), on adult mice, on locomotor activity and inflammatory markers, upon induction of AIH by ConA administration (20 mg/kg) on Balb/C mice. Inflammatory analysis was assessed by determining the IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and INF-γ levels on plasma and sickness-like behavior assessed with open-field test. The results indicate that CBD pretreatment ameliorates impaired locomotor activity. IL-2, IL-4 and INF-γ levels on plasma were increased after ConA intoxication (inflammation index) and were reduced when mice were pre-treated with CBD. The detected IL-10 levels were increased when CBD pretreated, suggesting a protective anti-inflammatory effect.
Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting PBX1 Transcription Signaling as a Novel Cancer Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Shen Yao-An , Jung Jin , Shimberg Geoffrey D. , Hsu Fang-Chi , Rahmanto Yohan Suryo , Gaillard Stephanie L , Hong Jiaxin , Bosch Jürgen , Shih Ie-Ming , Chuang Chi-Mu , Wang Tian-Li
Published: April 2021

PBX1 (pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor 1) is a transcription factor involved in diverse cellular functions including organ development, stem cell renewal, and tumorigenesis. PBX1 is localized at chr1q23.3, a frequently amplified chromosomal region, and it is overexpressed in many human malignancies including breast, lung, melanoma, and ovarian carcinomas. Cancer cells with elevated PBX1 signaling are particularly vulnerable to PBX1-withdrawal. We designed a series of small molecule compounds capable of docking to the interface between PBX1 and its cognate DNA target sequence and identified a lead compound, T417, which efficiently hindered the formation of the PBX1 transcriptional complex and affected the transcription of PBX1 target genes. In cell-based assays, T417 significantly suppressed long-term self-renewal and proliferation of cancer cells expressing high levels of PBX1 but not of those expressing low levels of PBX1. T417 also re-sensitized platinum-resistant ovarian tumor cells to carboplatin and produced synergistic anti-tumorigenic effectsin vivoin combination with carboplatin. Normal tissues were spared, likely due to the lower PBX1 expression levels. Since PBX1 functions as a molecular hub in developing cancer recurrence and treatment resistance, our data highlight the potential of targeting the PBX-DNA interface as a therapeutic strategy for patients whose tumors rely on PBX1 activation for survival.
A SARS-CoV-2 targeted siRNA-nanoparticle therapy for COVID-19
Authors: Idris Adi , Davis Alicia , Supramaniam Aroon , Acharya Dhruba , Kelly Gabrielle , Tayyar Yaman , West Nic , Zhang Ping , McMillan Christopher L.D. , Soemardy Citradewi , Ray Roslyn , O’Meally Denis , Scott Tristan A. , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Morris Kevin V.
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in humans. Despite several emerging vaccines, there remains no verifiable therapeutic targeted specifically to the virus. Here we present a highly effective siRNA therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2 infection using a novel lipid nanoparticle delivery system. Multiple small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting highly conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were screened and three candidate siRNAs emerged that effectively inhibit virus by greater than 90% either alone or in combination with one another. We simultaneously developed and screened two novel lipid nanoparticle formulations for the delivery of these candidate siRNA therapeutics to the lungs, an organ that incurs immense damage during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Encapsulation of siRNAs in these LNPs followed byin vivoinjection demonstrated robust repression of virus in the lungs and a pronounced survival advantage to the treated mice. Our LNP-siRNA approaches are scalable and can be administered upon the first sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. We suggest that an siRNA-LNP therapeutic approach could prove highly useful in treating COVID-19 disease as an adjunctive therapy to current vaccine strategies.
Nanosecond timing and synchronization scheme for holographic pump–probe studies at the MID instrument at European XFEL
Authors: Osterhoff Markus , Vassholz Malte , Hoeppe Hannes Paul , Rosselló Juan Manuel , Mettin Robert , Hagemann Johannes , Möller Johannes , Hallmann Jörg , Scholz Markus , Schaffer Robert , Boesenberg Ulrike , Kim Chan , Zozulya Alexey , Lu Wei , Shayduk Roman , Madsen Anders , Salditt Tim
Published: April 2021

Single-pulse holographic imaging at XFEL sources with 1012 photons delivered in pulses shorter than 100 fs reveal new quantitative insights into fast phenomena. Here, a timing and synchronization scheme for stroboscopic imaging and quantitative analysis of fast phenomena on time scales (sub-ns) and length-scales (≲100 nm) inaccessible by visible light is reported. A fully electronic delay-and-trigger system has been implemented at the MID station at the European XFEL, and applied to the study of emerging laser-driven cavitation bubbles in water. Synchronization and timing precision have been characterized to be better than 1 ns.
Reduced crop density increases floral resources to pollinators without affecting crop yield in organic and conventional fields
Authors: Sidemo‐Holm William , Carrié Romain , Ekroos Johan , Lindström Sandra A. M. , Smith Henrik G.
Published: April 2021

Effective weed control in agricultural crop fields increases yields, but simultaneously reduces floral resources for pollinators because many weed species provide pollen and nectar. Consequently, efforts to enhance crop yields on organic farms by using effective weed control methods risk compromising positive effects of organic farming on pollinating insects. Thus, it is important to find management strategies that alleviate the trade‐off between crop yields and flowering weeds on organic farms.

We investigated the relationship between cereal yields, flowering weeds and bumblebees on organic and conventional arable land. We also investigated the potential of adjusting crop sowing density to benefit flowering weed species richness and floral resources to bumblebees without affecting crop yield.

Floral resources and species richness of flowering weeds were higher in organic compared to conventional fields and were negatively related to crop yield in organic but not conventional fields (where the variation of floral resources and flowering weed species richness was comparatively low). Bumblebee species richness was higher in organic compared to conventional fields, and abundance was twice as high in organic as in conventional fields, but not significantly so. Yields in organic fields were two thirds of those in conventional fields. When simultaneously testing the effect of farming type (organic vs. conventional), crop yield and floral resources, only floral resources were related significantly to bumblebee abundance and species richness. A lower sowing density of the crop increased floral resources without negatively affecting crop yield.

Synthesis and applications. We show that organic farming practices in cereals benefit bumblebees by allowing more flowering weeds, but at a cost in terms of lower yields. However, adjusting crop sowing density provides an opportunity to attain increased floral resources without negatively affecting crop yields. Thus, by increasing floral resources, adjusting crop sowing density may contribute to supporting high bumblebee densities, which in turn sustain pollination services to wild plants and insect‐pollinated crops, such as oilseed rape and field beans, in agricultural landscapes. We suggest that sowing strategies have the potential to contribute to ecological intensification by supporting organisms that provide ecosystem services to agriculture.
Identification and characterization of magnetotactic Gammaproteobacteria from a salt evaporation pool, Bohai Bay, China
Authors: Liu Peiyu , Tamaxia Alima , Liu Yan , Qiu Hao , Pan Juntong , Jin Zhongke , Zhao Xiang , Roberts Andrew P. , Pan Yongxin , Li Jinhua
Published: April 2021

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are phylogenetically diverse prokaryotes that can produce intracellular chain‐assembled nanocrystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). Compared with their wide distribution in the Alpha‐, Eta‐ and Delta‐proteobacteria classes, few MTB strains have been identified in the Gammaproteobacteria class, resulting in limited knowledge of bacterial diversity and magnetosome biomineralization within this phylogenetic branch. Here, we identify two magnetotactic Gammaproteobacteria strains (tentatively named FZSR‐1 and FZSR‐2 respectively) from a salt evaporation pool in Bohai Bay, at the Fuzhou saltern, Dalian City, eastern China. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that strain FZSR‐2 is the same species as strains SHHR‐1 and SS‐5, which were discovered previously from brackish and hypersaline environments respectively. Strain FZSR‐1 represents a novel species. Compared with strains FZSR‐2, SHHR‐1 and SS‐5 in which magnetite particles are assembled into a single chain, FZSR‐1 cells form relatively narrower magnetite nanoparticles that are often organized into double chains. We find a good relationship between magnetite morphology within strains FZSR‐2, SHHR‐1 and SS‐5 and the salinity of the environment in which they live. This study expands the bacterial diversity of magnetotactic Gammaproteobacteria and provides new insights into magnetosome biomineralization within magnetotactic Gammaproteobacteria.
Combined hormonal contraceptives are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women
Authors: Mihajlovic Jovana , Leutner Michael , Hausmann Bela , Kohl Gudrun , Schwarz Jasmin , Röver Hannah , Stimakovits Nina , Wolf Peter , Maruszczak Katharina , Bastian Magdalena , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Berry David
Published: April 2021

Recent human and animal studies have found associations between gut microbiota composition and serum levels of sex hormones, indicating that they could be an important factor in shaping the microbiota. However, little is known about the effect of regular hormonal fluctuations over the menstrual cycle or CHC‐related changes of hormone levels on gut microbiota structure, diversity and dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CHCs on human gut microbiota composition. The effect of CHC pill intake on gut microbiota composition was studied in a group of seven healthy pre‐menopausal women using the CHC pill, compared to the control group of nine age‐matched healthy women that have not used hormonal contraceptives in the 6 months prior to the start of the study. By analysing the gut microbiota composition in both groups during one menstrual cycle, we found that CHC usage is associated with a minor decrease in gut microbiota diversity and differences in the abundance of several bacterial taxa. These results call for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying hormonal and hormonal contraceptive‐related changes of the gut microbiota and the potential implications of these changes for women's health.
Pollen and yeast change nectar aroma and nutritional content alone and together, but honey bee foraging reflects only the avoidance of yeast
Authors: Rering Caitlin C. , Rudolph Arthur B. , Beck John J.
Published: April 2021

Floral nectar often contains pollen and microorganisms, which may change nectar's chemical composition, and in turn impact pollinator affinity. However, their individual and combined effects remain understudied. Here, we examined the impacts of the nectar specialist yeast, Metschnikowia reukaufii, and the addition of sunflower (Hellianthus annus) pollen. Pollen grains remained intact, yet still increased yeast growth and amino acid concentrations in nectar, whereas yeast depleted amino acids. Pollen, but not yeast, changed nectar sugar concentrations by converting sucrose to its monomers. Both pollen and yeast contributed emissions from nectar, though yeast volatiles were more abundant than pollen volatiles. Yeast volatile emission was positively correlated with pollen concentration and cell density, and yeast depleted a subset of pollen‐derived volatiles. Honey bees avoided foraging on yeast‐inoculated nectar and foraged equally among uninoculated nectars regardless of pollen content, underscoring the importance of microbial metabolites in mediating pollinator foraging.
Molecular mechanisms underlying glyphosate resistance in bacteria
Authors: Hertel Robert , Gibhardt Johannes , Martienssen Marion , Kuhn Ramona , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: April 2021

Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide that kills weeds and other plants competing with crops. Glyphosate specifically inhibits the 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate (EPSP) synthase, thereby depleting the cell of EPSP serving as a precursor for biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. Glyphosate is considered to be toxicologically safe for animals and humans. Therefore, it became the most‐important herbicide in agriculture. However, its intensive application in agriculture is a serious environmental issue because it may negatively affect the biodiversity. A few years after the discovery of the mode of action of glyphosate, it has been observed that bacteria evolve glyphosate resistance by acquiring mutations in the EPSP synthase gene, rendering the encoded enzyme less sensitive to the herbicide. The identification of glyphosate‐resistant EPSP synthase variants paved the way for engineering crops tolerating increased amounts of the herbicide. This review intends to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying glyphosate resistance in bacteria. Bacteria can evolve glyphosate resistance by (i) reducing glyphosate sensitivity or elevating production of the EPSP synthase, by (ii) degrading or (iii) detoxifying glyphosate and by (iv) decreasing the uptake or increasing the export of the herbicide. The variety of glyphosate resistance mechanisms illustrates the adaptability of bacteria to anthropogenic substances due to genomic alterations.
Impact of the 1115 behavioral health Medicaid waiver on adult Medicaid beneficiaries in New York State
Authors: Frimpong Eric Y. , Ferdousi Wahida , Rowan Grace A. , Radigan Marleen
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the Health and Recovery Plan (HARP), a capitated special needs Medicaid managed care product that fully integrates physical and behavioral health delivery systems in New York State.

Data Sources

2013‐2019 claims and encounters data on continuously enrolled individuals from the New York State Medicaid data system.

Study Design

We used a difference‐in‐difference approach with inverse probability of exposure weights to compare service use outcomes in individuals enrolled in the HARP versus HARP eligible comparison group in two regions, New York City (NYC) pre‐ (2013‐2015) versus post‐ (2016‐2018) intervention periods, and rest of the state (ROS) pre‐ (2014‐2016) versus post‐ (2017‐2019) intervention periods.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

HARPs were associated with a relative decrease in all‐cause (RR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.68‐0.90), behavioral health‐related (RR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60‐0.96), and nonbehavioral‐related (RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.78‐0.97) stays in the NYC region. In the ROS region, HARPs were associated with a relative decrease in all‐cause (RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.80‐0.94) and behavioral health‐related (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.70‐0.91) stays. Regarding outpatient visits, the HARPs benefit package were associated with a relative increase in behavioral health (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.13‐1.28) and nonbehavioral health (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01‐1.15) clinic visits in the NYC region. In the ROS region, the HARPs were associated with relative increases in behavioral health (RR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.32‐1.64) and nonbehavioral health (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11‐1.25) clinic visits.

Conclusions

Compared to patients with similar clinical needs, HARPs were associated with a relative increase in services used and led to a better engagement in the HARPs group regardless of the overall decline in services used pre‐ to postperiod.
Introduction to the symposium ‘Transforming our future: a new social contract at work’?
Authors: Lansbury Russell D
Published: April 2021

Contributors to this symposium argue that a new social contract at work is needed to ensure that the mutual expectations of workers, employers and communities can be achieved in relation to work and employment relationships. Russell Lansbury advocates that this should be built on three pillars: full employment, revitalisation of post‐secondary education and industrial relations reforms. Glenn O’Rourke argues for a new workplace model which meets the work and lifestyle preferences of employees, fosters strong team connections and high performance. Robin Kramar urges the adoption of ‘sustainable HRM’ which seeks broader performance outcomes beyond profit maximisation. Finally, Thomas Kochan draws on research in the US to argue for the transformation of labour policy, rebuilding worker voice and life‐long learning. This symposium concludes that a new social contact should be based on increased collaboration across key interest groups and institutions, new workplace models, sustainable HR practices and genuine work reforms.
Implementation of the polycystic ovary syndrome guidelines: A mixed method study to inform the design and delivery of a lifestyle management program for women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Pirotta Stephanie , Joham Anju E. , Moran Lisa J. , Skouteris Helen , Lim Siew S.
Published: April 2021

Aim

The 2018 evidence‐based polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) guidelines recommend lifestyle management as first‐line treatment. This study aims to understand the preferred intervention characteristics of a PCOS lifestyle program from the perspectives of women with PCOS to inform the translation of the guidelines into practice.

Methods

Women with self‐reported PCOS residing in Australia took part in semi‐structured interviews (n = 20) and an online survey (n = 286). The survey and interview schedule were developed using the template for intervention description and replication checklist.

Results

Women want to take part in a lifestyle program (94.6%) and use government‐subsidised sessions to attend (83%). Sessions of 45 to 60 minutes (75%) costing less than AUD$50 are preferred (60%). Topics of most interest related to sustainable daily physical activity (58%), overcoming non‐hungry eating (54%), PCOS‐specific diets (51%) and how to overcome barriers to behaviour change (45%). A delivery mode that combines online and in‐person support is preferred (53%). Women are in need of long‐term professional lifestyle support (6‐12 months) that provides evidence‐based, PCOS‐specific, personalised prescription. Multidisciplinary support from a range of PCOS‐trained professions is also preferred to address women's physical, psychological and emotional needs.

Conclusion

Women with PCOS are willing to take part in lifestyle programs that are low cost, long term, evidence based, PCOS‐specific and provide practical strategies for nutrition and physical activity changes. Future online and in‐person PCOS programs are strongly recommended to incorporate these findings to improve program engagement and patient satisfaction.
Effects of macronutrient intake on sleep duration and quality: A systematic review
Authors: Du Chen , Almotawa Juman , Feldpausch Clare E. , Folk Sara Yi Ling , Parag Hanah , Tucker Robin M.
Published: April 2021

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to characterise and synthesise the literature that explores the effects of macronutrient manipulation on sleep outcomes in order to provide dietary recommendations for sleep improvement.

Methods

Intervention studies that evaluated the effects of macronutrient manipulations on sleep were identified using four databases. A study was included if it: (a) delivered a macronutrient‐based dietary intervention, regardless of length; (b) included healthy human participants aged 18 and older; and (c) measured some aspect of sleep, for example, duration or quality, in some manner.

Results

A total of 17 papers and 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were organised into acute studies lasting less than 24 hours (n = 4), longer‐term (≥24 hours) studies (n = 10), and energy restriction studies (n = 5). The greatest amount of support was observed for longer‐term administration of higher carbohydrate diets. These interventions positively influenced rapid eye movement sleep; however, non‐rapid eye movement sleep was negatively affected. The overall health outcomes of these changes are difficult to assess. Limited evidence suggests higher protein diets under conditions of energy restriction can improve sleep quality, but these effects might be restricted to individuals with overweight or obesity. Current evidence does not support the effects of acute macronutrient manipulation, defined as less than 24 hours, on sleep outcomes.

Conclusions

Manipulating carbohydrate intake for at least 24 hours appears to alter sleep outcomes among healthy individuals. Interventions were highly varied and methodological shortcomings were identified. More work is required to fully understand how macronutrient intake affects sleep outcomes.
Epigenetic insight into regulatory role of chromatin covalent modifications in lifecycle and virulence of Phytophthora
Authors: Rojas‐Rojas Fernando Uriel , Vega‐Arreguín Julio C.
Published: April 2021

The Oomycota phylum includes fungi‐like filamentous microorganisms classified as plant pathogens. The most destructive genus within oomycetes is Phytophthora, which causes diseases in plants of economic importance in agriculture, forestry and ornamental. Phytophthora species are widespread worldwide and some of them enable adaptation to different hosts and environmental changes. The development of sexual and asexual reproductive structures and the secretion of proteins to control plant immunity are critical for the adaptative lifestyle. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of Phytophthora to different hosts and environmental changes are poorly understood. In the last decade, the role of epigenetics has gained attention, and important evidence has demonstrated the potential role of chromatin covalent modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation/methylation, in the regulation of gene expression during Phytophthora development and plant infection. Here, we review for the first time the evidence of the potential role of chromatin covalent modifications in the lifecycle of the phytopathogenic genus Phytophthora, including virulence, and host and environment adaptation processes.
A cost‐effective video system for a rapid appraisal of deep‐sea benthic habitats: The Azor drift‐cam
Authors: Dominguez‐Carrió Carlos , Fontes Jorge , Morato Telmo
Published: April 2021

Deep‐sea exploration relies on cutting‐edge technology, which generally requires expensive instruments, highly specialized technicians and ship time. The increasing need to gather large‐scale data on the distribution and conservation status of deep‐sea benthic species and habitats could benefit from the availability of low‐cost imaging tools to facilitate the access to the deep sea world‐wide.

Here we describe the Azor drift‐cam, a cost‐effective video platform designed to conduct rapid appraisals of deep‐sea benthic habitats. Built with off‐the‐shelf components, the Azor drift‐cam should be regarded as an effective, affordable, simple‐to‐assemble, easy‐to‐operate, resilient, operational and reliable tool to visually explore the deep sea to 1,000 m depth.

Its performance was assessed during the MapGES_2019 cruise, where 135 successful dives between 100 and 800 m depth were carried out in 22 working days, providing over 100 hr of images for almost 80 km of seabed, mostly in areas that had never been explored before.

The system does not aim to become a substitute for more sophisticated underwater video and photography platforms, such as ROVs, AUVs or manned submersibles. Rather, it aims to provide the means to perform quick assessments of deep‐sea benthic habitats in a simple and affordable manner.

This drift‐cam system has the potential to make deep‐sea exploration more accessible, playing an important role in the Deep‐Ocean Observing Strategy and measuring some of the Essential Ocean Variables for deep‐sea monitoring and conservation strategies.
Anaemia among intensive care unit survivors and association with days alive and at home: an observational study
Authors: van der Laan S. , Billah T. , Chi C. , Lai C. , Litton E.
Published: April 2021

Anaemia is highly prevalent at the time of intensive care unit discharge and is persistent for a high proportion of intensive care unit survivors. Whether anaemia is a driver of impaired recovery after critical illness is uncertain. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that, in adult intensive care survivors, anaemia at the time of intensive care unit discharge independently predicts decreased days at home‐90. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary intensive care unit in Perth, Western Australia. All patients aged ≥ 16 years, discharged alive from their index intensive care unit admission and without documented treatment limitations were included. Median (IQR [range]) age of the 6358 participants was 61 (46–72 [16–95]) years and included 3385 (53.2%) unplanned admissions. Intensive care unit discharge with a haemoglobin concentration < 100 g.l‐1 occurred in 2886 (45.4%) patients, a threshold that identified a cohort with significantly lower days at home‐90 (median (IQR [range]) 80 (64–85 [0–90]) days vs. 85 (77–88 [0–90]) days (median difference 5 days, 95%CI 4.4–5.5, p < 0.0001). The association followed a severity‐response relationship with more severe anaemia predicting lower days at home‐90. When accounting for prespecified covariates including admission haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell transfusion, anaemia at intensive care unit discharge remained a significant predictor of decreased days at home‐90, relative risk 0.96 (0.93–0.98), p < 0.002. These findings support the need for interventional trials investigating whether this risk is modifiable.
Development level of the country of parental origin on dental caries in children of immigrant parents in Sweden
Authors: Julihn Annika , Cunha Soares Fernanda , Hjern Anders , Dahllöf Göran
Published: April 2021

Aim

To study the association of parental country of origin—expressed as low‐, medium‐ and high‐Human Development Index (HDI) countries—with caries experience in children of immigrant families in Stockholm.

Methods

This registry‐based cohort study included all children born in 2000–2003 who resided in Stockholm County, Sweden, at age 3 years (n = 83,147) with follow‐up at 7 years of age. A logistic regression was performed for the multivariate analysis with adjustments for socio‐demographic factors.

Results

After adjustments, logistic regression analyses revealed that, compared with Swedish children of the same age, the risk of caries was highest when the immigrant parents originated in a medium (OR 4.22 (95% CI 3.99:4.47)) or low (OR 2.80 (95% CI 2.56:3.06)) income country background at age 7 years, but was increased also for high‐income country background, OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.52–2.05). Furthermore, the risk of presenting with caries experience at age 7 years increased for all children in the 1st (lowest) household income quintile in the host country Sweden.

Conclusion

This study shows that the developmental level of the parental country of birth as well as the family socioeconomic position in Sweden influence the risk for caries development in their children.
Resilience in the face of interpersonal loss: The role of character strengths
Authors: Blanchard Tamar , McGrath Robert E. , Jayawickreme Eranda
Published: April 2021

The present study assessed whether seven specific character strengths may function to promote resilience or growth following interpersonal loss. A sample of 3710 adults, including 557 who experienced a recent interpersonal loss (defined as death of a first‐degree relative or divorce in the previous six months), completed questionnaires at least once across three time points to evaluate the extent to which character strengths predicted the presence of or changes in depression and functional impairment over a six‐month period. Exploratory analyses also assessed changes in character strengths over time after loss. Results indicated that depression generally decreased over time and was unrelated to loss. Further, higher scores on the examined strengths predicted resilience, in that they predicted consistently lower levels of depression and impairment over time, regardless of loss. Thus, the seven examined strengths appeared to protect against depression and impairment over time. The loss group demonstrated higher levels of hope and gratitude across time points. Consistent with the concept of post‐traumatic growth, results suggest that these strengths may be particularly salient when confronted with loss. Contrary to predictions of post‐traumatic growth theory, however, there was little change in strengths over time.
A creative problem solving‐based flipped learning strategy for promoting students’ performing creativity, skills and tendencies of creative thinking and collaboration
Authors: Hsia Lu‐Ho , Lin Yen‐Nan , Hwang Gwo‐Jen
Published: April 2021

In most performing classes, such as dance or performing arts, students passively follow the scripts or demonstration provided by the teacher, and focus on imitating the acts and practicing repeatedly. Although researchers have begun trying out flipped learning to provide students with opportunities for self‐learning and to increase the time for in‐class collaborative learning and interactions, students’ performing creativity is generally ignored. As a result, the present study proposes a creative problem solving‐based flipped learning (CPS‐based flipped learning) approach to guide students to comprehend the pre‐class materials and to develop their creativity through creative thinking. Moreover an experiment was conducted in a choreography activity of a dance course. A total of 125 university students were recruited and divided into the CPS‐based flipped learning (CPS‐FL) group, the conventional flipped learning (FL) group, and the conventional technology‐based learning (TBL) group for an 18‐week teaching experiment. The results showed that the CPS‐based flipped learning approach could significantly increase students' choreography creativity, dance skills and creative thinking tendency. In addition, the FL group also outperformed the TBL group on choreography creativity and dance skills. No significant differences between the three groups’ collaboration tendency could be found. Lastly, from the students' feedback, it was learned that the CPS‐based flipped learning approach was conducive to stimulating students' inspiration for creation, enhancing their ability to appreciate dance programs and improving their implementation and practice abilities.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

In traditional performing classes, students generally passively follow the examples of demonstration provided by the teacher and focus on repetitive practice.

Flipped learning enables students to have more opportunities to practice and interact with peers and the teacher in the class.

In flipped learning, proper learning design could be beneficial to increasing students' creativity.

What this paper adds

A creative problem solving‐based flipped learning approach is proposed.

An experiment was conducted in a university dance course to evaluate the impacts of the proposed approach.

In addition to performing skills, the proposed approach enhanced the students' creativity performances and learning perceptions.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Creative problem solving‐based flipped learning has great potential in promoting students’ Creative thinking.

Such a learning approach could bring novel ideas into the fields related to creative thinking in addition to arts or performing art courses.
A meta‐analysis of tropical land‐use change effects on the soil microbiome: Emerging patterns and knowledge gaps
Authors: Díaz‐Vallejo Emily Judith , Seeley Megan , Smith A. Peyton , Marín‐Spiotta Erika
Published: April 2021

Modifications to vegetation and soil due to changes in land use have the potential to alter the soil microbiome, with consequences for carbon and nutrient cycling. Despite the important function of soil microorganisms, little is known about their response to land‐use change, especially in tropical regions where current rates of land conversion are greatest. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to examine how land‐use change influences soil microbial properties in tropical ecosystems and to identify current trends and knowledge gaps in the literature. We identified 83 published paired studies that reported data on microbial biomass, abundance, composition, and enzyme activity under representative land‐use changes in the tropics. We calculated response ratios for studies that compared the following: reference forests to (a) agriculture, (b) pastures, (c) plantations, and (d) secondary forests. Soil microbial biomass decreased with forest conversion to agriculture and plantations. Microbial biomass response to land‐use change depended on rainfall classes, although this was the only microbial variable which had sufficient data to test for a rainfall effect. Microbial abundance and enzyme activity showed variable results depending on the type of forest conversion. Microbial diversity and richness did not show any pattern with forest conversion or recovery to secondary forests. Published studies were not representative of the range of biophysical conditions observed in the tropics. Sites in moist regions in the American tropics were overrepresented. To better predict how land‐use change affects the soil microbiome and its contribution to nutrient cycling, research should reflect observed environmental variation in the tropics.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
CD21low B cells are predictive markers of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Visentini Marcella , Pellicano Chiara , Leodori Giorgia , Marrapodi Ramona , Colantuono Stefania , Gigante Antonietta , Casato Milvia , Rosato Edoardo
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of CD21low B cells as markers of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. Peripheral blood B cell subpopulations and clinical assessments have been evaluated in 74 systemic sclerosis patients at baseline and after a 12-month follow-up. After a 12-month follow-up, 23 (31.1%) systemic sclerosis patients developed new digital ulcers. The median percentage of CD21low B cells was significantly higher in patients with than without new digital ulcers [10.1 (4.3–13.6) versus 4.8 (3.5–7.4); p < 0.01]. The 10% cut-off shows good diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.732, confidence interval (CI) = 0.587–0.878; P = 0.01]. Kaplan–Meier curves show a significantly reduced free survival from new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients with CD21low B cells ≥ 10% (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, CD21low B cells ≥ 10%, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) are associated with the development of new digital ulcers. We hypothesize that CD21low B cells are a predictive marker of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients.
Starting age of oestrogen‐progestin therapy is negatively associated with bone mineral density in young adults with Turner syndrome independent of age and body mass index
Authors: Nishigaki Satsuki , Itonaga Tomoyo , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Kawai Masanobu
Published: April 2021

Objective

Osteoporosis is an important health issue in patients with Turner syndrome (TS), and oestrogen sufficiency has been implicated in increased bone mineral density (BMD); however, the impact of the starting age of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density remains unclear, particularly during young adulthood.

Design

A retrospective study from three tertiary care hospitals in Japan.

Patients

One hundred and three patients with TS aged between 18 and 30 years of age who underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Measurements

Anthropometric parameters, lumbar bone mineral density (L‐BMD), including areal BMD (aBMD) and volumetric BMD (vBMD), karyotypes, the presence of spontaneous menarche, the starting ages of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and oestrogen‐progestin therapy (EPT), and the duration between starting ages of oestrogen replacement therapy and oestrogen‐progestin therapy were investigated. vBMD was calculated based on the Kröger method.

Results

aBMD was lower in young adults with TS than in an age‐matched reference population. L‐BMD positively correlated with weight and body mass index (BMI). L‐BMD was higher in subjects with spontaneous menarche (N = 22) than in those without. A dose escalation regimen of oestrogen replacement therapy was used in 84% of subjects without spontaneous menarche (N = 81). The starting age of oestrogen replacement therapy and the duration between the starting ages of oestrogen replacement therapy and oestrogen‐progestin therapy negatively and independently correlated with aBMD, but not with vBMD, after adjustment with age and BMI. The starting age of oestrogen‐progestin therapy negatively correlated with L‐BMD independent of age and BMI.

Conclusions

Early introduction of hormone replacement therapy, particularly oestrogen‐progestin therapy, is important to accrue better L‐BMD in young adults with TS.
The use of indocyanine green fluorescence to define bowel microcirculation during laparoscopic surgery for acute small bowel obstruction
Authors: Guerra Francesco , Coletta Diego , Greco Paola Antonella , Eugeni Emilio , Patriti Alberto
Published: April 2021

Aim

Although there is growing evidence to support the feasibility of a minimally invasive approach for acute small bowel obstruction, the inability to adequately evaluate compromised bowel segments has been cited as a major limitation. The aim of this work is to report a novel application of extemporaneous indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence to assess bowel viability where there is a concern for ischaemic damage.

Method

After the cause of obstruction has been identified and resolved, and where there are dubious signs of bowel ischaemia present, fluorescent selective angiography is undertaken. The segment of bowel in question is observed under both normal and fluorescent light to assess local microcirculation. The adequacy of both the arterial supply and the venous drainage is thus appraised to define bowel viability.

Results

Among 71 patients who have undergone surgery for acute small bowel obstruction with a laparoscopic approach, seven received extemporaneous ICG fluorescence assessment of bowel viability. Different presentations with their relevant management are described.

Conclusions

Selective use of intraoperative fluorescent angiography may overcome some of the intrinsic limitations of laparoscopy in assessing bowel viability during surgery for acute small bowel obstruction.
Tree‐Huggers Versus Human‐Lovers: Anthropomorphism and Dehumanization Predict Valuing Nature Over Outgroups
Authors: Rottman Joshua , Crimston Charlie R. , Syropoulos Stylianos
Published: April 2021

Previous examinations of the scope of moral concern have focused on aggregate attributions of moral worth. However, because trade‐offs exist in valuing different kinds of entities, tabulating total amounts of moral expansiveness may conceal significant individual differences in the relative proportions of moral valuation ascribed to various entities. We hypothesized that some individuals (“tree‐huggers”) would ascribe greater moral worth to animals and ecosystems than to humans from marginalized or stigmatized groups, while others (“human‐lovers”) would ascribe greater moral worth to outgroup members than to the natural world. Additionally, because moral valuation is often treated as being zero‐sum, we hypothesized that there would be no difference in aggregate levels of moral concern between tree‐huggers and human‐lovers. Finally, because attributions of mental capacities substantially contribute to moral valuation, we predicted that tree‐huggers and human‐lovers would show different patterns of mind attribution for animals versus humans. Three studies (N= 985) yielded evidence in support of our hypotheses. First, over one‐third of participants valued nature over outgroups. Second, extending moral value to animals and nature was not indicative of more expansive moral concern overall; instead, tree‐huggers and human‐lovers were identical in their aggregate ascriptions of moral worth. Third, tree‐huggers had relatively amplified tendencies to attribute mental capacities to animals and relatively reduced tendencies to attribute mental capacities to outgroup members—thus having elevated rates of both anthropomorphism and dehumanization. These findings necessitate a reconceptualization of both the extension of moral worth and the attribution of minds.
On the Generalization of Simple Alternating Category Structures
Authors: Kurtz Kenneth J. , Wetzel Matthew T.
Published: April 2021

A fundamental question in the study of human cognition is how people learn to predict the category membership of an example from its properties. Leading approaches account for a wide range of data in terms of comparison to stored examples, abstractions capturing statistical regularities, or logical rules. Across three experiments, participants learned a category structure in a low‐dimension, continuous‐valued space consisting of regularly alternating regions of class membership (A B A B). The dependent measure was generalization performance for novel items outside the range of the training space. Human learners often extended the alternation pattern––a finding of critical interest given that leading theories of categorization based on similarity or dimensional rules fail to predict this behavior. In addition, we provide novel theoretical interpretations of the observed phenomenon.
“The SDGs are not God”: Policy‐makers and the queering of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa
Authors: Izugbara Chimaraoke , Sebany Meroji , Wekesah Frederick , Ushie Boniface
Published: April 2021

Motivation

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are globally touted as an opportunity for more strategic policy and programmatic focus on marginalized groups, including sexual minorities.

Purpose

To explore Togolese, Nigerian, and Ugandan policy‐makers’ views and experiences of harnessing SDG‐era national policies and programmes to address the exclusion and marginalization of sexual minorities

Methods and approach

We relied on qualitative data collected through in‐depth interviews (IDIs) with key policy‐makers in the study countries.

Findings

Policy officials acknowledged the wide range of challenges facing LGBT people in their countries, disapproved of LGBT‐privileging SDGs policies, and challenged the notion that LGBT inclusion in SDGs policy‐making requires their targeted integration in policies. Policy‐makers’ anxieties and apprehension that LGBT‐favouring SDGs policies will indicate national support for homosexuality prompted them to equate defence of heteronormative SDGs policy‐making with the defence of their countries’ civility and sovereignty. Their efforts to include LGBT people in SDG policies involved a dialectical dance, in which they showed neither vested interest in troubling existing homophobic narratives nor in preserving them using policies and programmes.

Conclusion

Translating the aims of the SDGs into reality for LGBT people in countries with homophobic laws would require supporting policy‐makers to navigate the challenges they face in balancing the policy needs of marginalized groups and local mores and politics, even as pressures for legal change continue to build.
Emotional Pathways of Embodied Health Vulnerability: Maternal Health Risk and Emotional Distress among First‐ and Second‐Generation Immigrants on the US‐Mexico Border
Authors: Heckert Carina
Published: April 2021

This article draws on interviews with pregnant and postnatal first‐ and second‐generation immigrant women in the US‐Mexico border region to explore the relationship among immigration‐related concerns, emotional distress, and birth outcomes. Maternal stress is associated with a range of maternal and infant health complications, making it important to understand how immigration‐related apprehensions shape the emotional experience of pregnancy. In analyzing women's narratives, this article expands on theoretical conceptions of embodiment to explore how a range of immigration‐related anxieties can shape women's emotions in ways they perceived as contributing to health vulnerabilities. In doing so, it examines emotional pathways of embodiment in relation to: (1) the embodiment of immigration‐related precarity, or how one's immigration status generates vulnerability; (2) corporeal kinship effects of migration, or the ways immigration concerns over family generate vulnerability; and (3) embodied histories of migration‐related vulnerability, or the ways past experiences of precariousness can mark one's physiology.
Effects of home‐based exercise on motor, non‐motor symptoms and health‐related quality of life in Parkinsonʼs disease patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Pei‐Ling , Lee Megan , Wu Shey‐Lin , Ho Hsueh‐Hou , Chang Ming‐Hong , Lin Hsia‐Sui , Huang Tzu‐Ting
Published: April 2021

Aim

To explore the effect of home‐based exercise on motor symptoms (MS), non‐motor symptoms (NMS), and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in Parkinsonʼs disease (PD) patients.

Methods

This study was a randomized control trial with a convenience sample of 98 PD patients. Data were collected at baseline and interventions after 4 and 8 weeks. The exercise group was instructed to perform 150 min/week of exercise at home; the control group maintained their regular lifestyle. Questionnaires measured MS, NMS, and HRQOL. We also compare compliance and non‐compliance subgroups of the exercise group. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to determine the exercise effect of 120 and 150 min per week after testing for exercise times was at six time points (90–140 min).

Results

The exercise (n = 49) and control groups (n = 49) were homogeneous except for disease stage at baseline. Significant differences were found for depression, HRQOL, motor ability, activity of daily living, and fatigue (p < .000) between the exercise and control groups, and also between the compliance and non‐compliance subgroups (p < .05). The GEE revealed that exercising 150 min/week significantly improved HRQOL, depression, motor ability, ADL, fatigue, and sleep quality (p < .05), though not anxiety, and exercising 120 min/week was also effective.

Conclusions

This home‐based exercise was effective in improving MS, NMS, and HRQOL. We recommend PD patients to exercise 30–50 min at least three times a week, or 10–15 min per session daily, to accumulate 120–150 min per week.