bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unequal sample sizes according to the square‐root allocation rule are useful when comparing several treatments with a control
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus , Mackowiak Malwina M. , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: September 2021

A common situation in experimental science involves comparing a number of treatment groups each with a single reference (control group). For example, we might compare diameters of fungal colonies subject to a range of inhibitory agents with those from a control group to which no agent was applied. In this situation, the most commonly applied test is Dunnett's test, which compares each treatment group separately with the reference while controlling the experiment‐wise Type I error rate. For analyses where all groups are treated equivalently, statistical power is generally optimised by dividing subjects equally across groups. Researchers often still use balanced groups in the situation where a single reference group is compared with each of the others. In this case, it is in fact optimal to spread subjects unequally: with the reference group getting a higher number of subjects (n0) than each of the k treatment groups (n in each case). It has been previously suggested that a simple rule of thumb, the so‐called square‐root allocation rule n0 = , offers better power than a balanced design, without necessarily being optimal. Here, we show that this simple‐to‐apply rule offers substantial power gains (over a balanced design) over a broad range of circumstances and that the more‐challenging‐to‐calculate optimal design often only offers minimal extra gain. Thus, we urge researchers to consider using the square‐root allocation rule whenever one control group is compared with a number of treatments in the same experiment.
Social dominance does not increase oxidative stress in a female dominance hierarchy of an African cichlid fish
Authors: Funnell Tyler R. , Fialkowski Robert J. , Dijkstra Peter D.
Published: September 2021

In many group living animal species, individuals use aggression to gain and maintain social dominance to secure access to ecological resources and potential mates. While social dominance has many fitness benefits, there are also potential costs associated with frequent agonistic interactions and status display. One potential cost of social dominance is oxidative stress, the imbalance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity. In the cichlid species Astatotilapia burtoni, dominant males are aggressive, hold a breeding territory, and have an activated reproductive system resulting in larger gonads. Subordinate males are submissive, school with females, and are nonreproductive. Females are submissive under natural conditions, but in a female‐only group, a dominance hierarchy will form with dominant females taking on male‐typical behaviours including aggression, territory defence, and increased androgen levels. However, in contrast to males, social dominance is not linked to increased activation of the reproductive system in females, allowing us to test whether social dominance alone exposes individuals to increased oxidative stress. We compared dominant and subordinate females in female‐only groups in five markers of oxidative stress. Dominant females did not have higher levels of oxidative damage compared to same‐sex subordinates. This result contrasted to the trend in males in which dominant males had higher oxidative damage than their subordinate counterparts. Our findings suggest that the oxidative cost of social dominance is limited and support the notion that previously reported associations between high rank and increased oxidative stress is most likely driven by increased investment in reproduction.
“Oral Nutritional Supplements: Sugar Content and Potential Dental Implications”
Authors: Coffey Niamh , O’ Leary Fiona , Burke Francis , Roberts Anthony , Howlett Ciara , Plant Barry , Hayes Martina
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The objectives of this article are to list the most commonly prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements in the UK and Ireland and their sugar content; and to raise awareness among the dental profession regarding their uses and potential dental risks involved.

Background

Many older patients benefit from Oral Nutritional Supplements. Prescribers may not consider dental implications of these. Patients may not think to disclose these medications to their dentist.

Materials and Methods

A list of commonly prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements in the UK and Ireland was compiled. Nutritional information was obtained from the manufacturers’ website and arranged in order of decreasing sugar content. Potential dental implications are discussed and recommendations made for dental practitioners.

Results

Pre‐formed Oral Nutritional Supplements can contain between 6.6 and 27.2 g of sugar per serving. Powdered Oral Nutritional Supplements, which are to be mixed with 200 ml whole milk, contain between 16.4 and 35.0 g sugar per serving. The “shot”‐type Oral Nutritional Supplements contain less sugar, ranging from 0.0 to 4.0 g per serving.

Conclusions

The sugar content of frequently prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements can be high. While they are beneficial in assisting the patient to maintain a healthy BMI, they may increase the risk of dental caries. Dental professionals should enquire specifically about Oral Nutritional Supplements during history taking, particularly in groups who are likely to be prescribed such supplements. Consideration should also be given to increasing caries‐preventive measures for patients who take these supplements.
Replacement of owl monkey centromere satellite by a newly evolved variant was a recent and rapid process
Authors: Nishihara Hidenori , Stanyon Roscoe , Tanabe Hideyuki , Koga Akihiko
Published: September 2021

Alpha satellite DNA is a major DNA component of primate centromeres. We previously reported that Azara's owl monkey has two types of alpha satellite DNA, OwlAlp1 and OwlAlp2. OwlAlp2 (344 bp) exhibits a sequence similarity throughout its entire length with alpha satellite DNA of closely related species. OwlAlp1 (185 bp) corresponds to the part of OwlAlp2. Based on the observation that the CENP‐A protein binds to OwlAlp1, we proposed that OwlAlp1 is a relatively new repetitive DNA that replaced OwlAlp2 as the centromeric satellite DNA. However, a detailed picture of the evolutionary process of this centromere DNA replacement remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of OwlAlp1 and OwlAlp2 sequences, and also compared our results to alpha satellite DNA sequences of other primate species. We found that: (i) OwlAlp1 exhibits a higher similarity to OwlAlp2 than to alpha satellite DNA of other species, (ii) OwlAlp1 has a single origin, and (iii) sequence variation is lower in OwlAlp1 than in OwlAlp2. We conclude that OwlAlp1 underwent a recent and rapid expansion in the owl monkey lineage. This centromere DNA replacement could have been facilitated by the heterochromatin reorganization that is associated with the adaptation of owl monkeys to a nocturnal lifestyle.
Measurement of multiple spleen lengths is not necessary for non‐invasive prediction of high‐risk esophagogastric varices
Authors: Hirooka Masashi , Tanaka Takaaki , Koizumi Yohei , Yano Ryo , Sunago Kotarou , Watanabe Takao , Yoshida Osamu , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: September 2021

Aim

To validate an appropriate spleen size measurement technique for the prediction of high‐risk esophagogastric varices.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included 369 patients who underwent ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) of the spleen and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2018 and December 2020. Maximum spleen length, width, and craniocaudal length were measured in a longitudinal view. The two‐dimensional (2D) spleen index (maximum length × maximum width in the longitudinal view) was calculated. A three‐dimensional (3D) spleen index was then defined as follows: 2D spleen index × maximum length in the transverse view. The similarity in spleen volume measured by CT and ultrasonography (spleen index) was assessed by the correlation coefficient. The diagnostic accuracies of the spleen index, platelet/spleen length, and platelet/spleen index were calculated to determine the overall diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Compared to the other spleen indices, our 3D spleen index was significantly better correlated with spleen volume on CT (r = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.92, p < 0.001). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses revealed no significant difference between the 3D and 2D indices (p = 0.228) but did show a significant difference between the 3D and one‐dimensional indices (p = 0.020). Although the area under the curve for the platelet count combined with the spleen index or length was higher than that for our 3D index, there was no significant difference between platelet count and spleen index or length (p = 0.078).

Conclusions

Platelet/spleen length has a reasonable ability to predict high‐risk esophagogastric varices, even though measurement of two or three factors can be correlated with spleen volume.
Role of fiber–matrix adhesion at CFRP stage on microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite
Authors: Dai Jixiang , Zhang Zhaofu , Zu Yufei , Sha Jianjun
Published: September 2021

In order to understand the role of fiber–matrix adhesion (FMA) at carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) stage on the microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite via liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process, the FMA was adjusted by thermal treatment of carbon fibers at different temperatures and evaluated by means of single fiber push‐out technique. The microstructure was characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured by the double‐notched shear test, three‐point flexural test, and single edge‐notched beam test, respectively. Results indicated that the microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite via LSI were closely associated with the FMA at CFRP stage. The microstructure of C/C–SiC composite fabricated by using the CFRP with high FMA presented nonhomogeneous distribution and concentration of SiC matrix. In contrast, the C/C–SiC composite fabricated by using the CFRP with low FMA, the high content of SiC distributed homogeneously and surrounded the fiber, which resulted in a strong bonded C–SiC interface. The strong C–SiC interface is detrimental to the fracture toughness, but it is beneficial to the improvement of oxidation resistance. To obtain desired mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite, the control of interface bonding is important, which can be realized by modifying the FMA at CFRP stage.
Nitrous oxide‐induced neurological disorders: an increasing public health concern
Authors: Redmond Jessica , Cruse Belinda , Kiers Lynette
Published: September 2021

Background

Neurological presentations resulting from nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse are increasing in Australia and worldwide. Despite known neuropsychiatric sequelae, N2O canisters remain readily available and its use unregulated.

Aims

To examine the demographics, clinical and electrophysiological findings of patients presenting with neurological complications of N2O abuse, and thus inform clinicians and public health decision‐makers of the significant public health concerns of this increasing practice.

Methods

Consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary referral metropolitan hospital were included in this series. Patients were identified by a search of discharge summaries of patients admitted with acute or subacute neuropathy or myelopathy and a history of N2O abuse, and from the electrophysiology database.

Results

Thirteen patients were identified, most presenting with subacute paraesthesia, sensory ataxia and lower limb weakness. Eleven had low serum vitamin B12. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with subacute combined degeneration in eight. Nerve conduction studies revealed a motor or sensorimotor axonal neuropathy (three with motor predominance). There was a bimodal demographic distribution consisting of socially isolated, international university students and local residents with a history of mental illness and polydrug abuse.

Conclusions

Recreational N2O use is an emerging health problem in Australia. International university students and patients with pre‐existing mental illness or polydrug use appear to be at increased risk. A severe motor neuropathy may emerge following vitamin B12 replacement. Public health measures are required to limit the availability of N2O and to educate adolescents and young adults about the potential for significant harm.
Understanding the experiences of teacher candidates related to online flipped learning in relation to Community of Inquiry framework
Authors: Özüdoğru Melike
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a scarcity of studies on online flipped learning in teacher education classes. Many studies have found that student learning is improved in flipped learning environments; however, this is still an open question. Much of the literature employs quantitative methods to reveal the effect of flipped learning on certain variables such as engagement, performance, and so on, but there have been few studies that investigate the Community of Inquiry variables perceived by learners in flipped learning environments.

Objectives

This study investigated the levels of teaching, social, and cognitive presence of teacher candidates in an online flipped learning community, whether these variables were related to academic achievement, and teacher candidates' experiences with the online flipped learning approach.

Methods

A case study research design was used in this study. Without any face‐to‐face meetings, the course was delivered using an online flipped learning approach. While quantitative data were collected from 34 teacher candidates, 16 teacher candidates participated in the qualitative part of the study. Focus group interviews, an open‐ended questionnaire, a Community of Inquiry Scale, and teacher candidates' course grades were used to collect data. Both descriptive and content analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results and Conclusions

In the current study, effective online flipped learning design fostered teaching presence, with perceived teaching presence having the highest mean and perceived social presence having the lowest. Course videos prepared by the instructor, as well as synchronous activities such as peer presentations, questions, and video discussion, all contributed to cognitive presence through the practice of theoretical knowledge. Although none of the variables in the community of inquiry were related to academic achievement, computer‐based games like Kahoot contribute to a positive online flipped learning community. Many benefits of online flipped learning have been stated, including providing active, flexible, autonomous, and interactive instruction through the use of technology, creating a fun learning environment, and increasing perceived learning and interaction with the instructor.
Characterization of an outbreak of cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) in young Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L
Authors: Fritsvold Camilla , Mikalsen Aase B , Poppe Trygve T , Taksdal Torunn , Sindre Hilde
Published: September 2021

Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) is the most common viral cardiac disease in Norwegian Atlantic salmon farming and typically affects large, market size fish. Only six months after seawater transfer, Atlantic salmon were diagnosed with CMS at a fish farm in the south‐western part of Norway. Due to the unexpected young age and the remarkable large amounts of virus‐specific RNA (Ct <10), the fish group was monitored with five additional samplings until slaughtered almost 10 months later. At three weeks after the first CMS diagnosis (weeks post‐diagnosis, wpd) and at slaughter (39 wpd), more comprehensive samplings were performed of the study cage, with specific focus on three different cardiac compartments. The clinical, autopsy and histopathological findings at first diagnosis and at all succeeding samplings were similar to previous descriptions of typical CMS. A slightly elevated mortality was observed in the cage with diseased fish at the time of the first CMS diagnosis and continued throughout the study. The prevalence and load of PMCV‐specific RNA in the fish remained high until slaughtering, with similar amounts in all sampled cardiac compartments. No fish from the other five cages at the site were diagnosed with CMS, until fish sampled from the last cage at the site were diagnosed 10 weeks after slaughtering of the study cage (49 wpd). Sequence analysis of the PMCV on the site showed that the outbreak virus was similar to PMCV variants previously sequenced from Norwegian field outbreaks. In conclusion, CMS in young Atlantic salmon had clinical signs and histopathological cardiac lesions typical for the disease, and diseased fish could be found in the study cage until slaughtering.
Analysis of the diffusion characteristics and activation energy of rice drying using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Che Gang , Wan Lin
Published: September 2021

This research was conducted to determine the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and activation energy of rice using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR). The results showed that the evaporable water was rapidly removed under high‐temperature drying in the early stages of drying. The diffusion rate of evaporable water at different temperatures in the later stages of drying was not significant. Besides, the activation energy in rice was divided into the activation energy of the conversion of the chemically bound water (15.04–25.69 kJ/mol) to evaporable water and the activation energy of the diffusion of evaporable water from rice (6.42–16.42 kJ/mol), indicating that more energy was needed to dry the chemically bound water from rice. A new method for obtaining the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and the activation energy was proposed based on the relaxation time distribution profiles, revealing the internal relationship between various phase moisture and activation energy. These results will provide a theoretical guidance for the drying process.

Practical applications

The moisture diffusion characteristics and activation energy of rice were determined using low‐field NMR signal quantities, which were important parameters for optimizing the drying process. In addition, the variable temperature drying method was conducive to the rapid diffusion of moisture in the rice. The chemically bound water within rice required more energy to diffuse than other forms of water components. An internal relationship between moisture content and the activation energy was established to provide a theoretical reference for high‐quality drying techniques.
Motorists' willingness to drive through flooded roads: Evidence from a stated preference experiment
Authors: Ahsanuzzaman  , Messer Kent D.
Published: September 2021

We conduct a stated‐preference choice experiment to reveal motorists' driving‐related behavioral responses to different types of signs indicating that the road is flooded and travel costs associated with avoidance of the flooded road. We use three flood‐indicating visualization treatments and control group to identify the effects of particular road signs and identify associations between drivers' behavior and their demographic characteristics and the cost (time) of taking an alternate route. Using responses from 714 adult participants from the coastal area of the Mid‐Atlantic of the United States, we estimate willingness to drive additional minutes to avoid flooded roads using a random utility framework. Our results suggest that individuals are more likely to avoid flooded roads when shown flood‐indicating road signs that do not indicate the exact depth of the water and signs that indicate that the water is relatively deep (more than 12 in.). We further find that individuals tend to persist in their initial choices. They often make risky choices when high risk‐indicating information is presented at the beginning of the decision‐making process. The results of this study can help inform the sign design choices of transportation managers to help ensure driver safety in flood conditions.
Medicare payment policy in skilled nursing facilities: Lessons from a history of mixed success
Authors: Prusynski Rachel
Published: September 2021

The current policy environment for rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is complex and dynamic, and SNFs are facing the dual challenges of recent Medicare payment policy change that disproportionately impacts rehabilitation for older adults and the COVID‐19 pandemic. This article introduces an adapted framework based on Donabedian's model for evaluating quality of care and applies it to decades of Medicare payment policy to provide a historical view of how payment policy changes have impacted rehabilitation processes and patient outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries in SNFs. This review demonstrates how SNF responses to Medicare payment policy have historically varied based on organizational factors, highlighting the importance of considering such organizational factors in monitoring policy response and patient outcomes. This historical perspective underscores the mixed success of previous Medicare policies impacting rehabilitation and patient outcomes for older adults receiving care in SNFs and can help in predicting SNF industry response to current and future Medicare policy changes.
Better safe than sorry: Registered nurses’ strategies for handling difficult calls to emergency medical dispatch centres – An interview study
Authors: Holmström Inger K. , Kaminsky Elenor , Lindberg Ylva , Spangler Douglas , Winblad Ulrika
Published: September 2021

Aims and objectives

To describe strategies employed by registered nurses for handling difficult calls to emergency medical dispatch centres.

Background

At emergency medical dispatch centres, registered nurses encounter a range of difficult calls in their clinical practice. They often use clinical decision support systems, but these may be of limited help if the caller is for instance abusive or has limited language proficiency. Much can be learnt from strategies developed by registered nurses for handling difficult calls.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.

Methods

A purposeful sample of 24 registered nurses from three different emergency medical dispatch centres were interviewed. The transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was applied.

Results

An overarching theme was established: “Using one’s nursing competence and available resources for a safe outcome”, based on three sub‐themes: Use one’s own professional and personal resources, Use resources within the organisation and Use external resources. The themes in turn consist of ten categories.

Conclusions

Registered nurses employed a range of strategies to deal with difficult calls, often in combination. They used their personal resources, resources within their own organisation, and collaboration partners to make safe triage decisions and use resources wisely. The effectiveness of these strategies, however, remains unknown. When registered nurses were unable to rule out a high‐acuity condition, they used safety‐netting and sent an ambulance. Evaluating current strategies and making strategies explicit could further improve the ability of nurses to handle difficult calls.

Relevance to clinical practice

The strategies described by registered nurses for handling difficult calls to EMDCs included using a consecutive set of strategies. Some of the strategies seemed to be used deliberately, while others seemed tacit and applied in a routinised way. These strategies could potentially be useful for RNs working with telephone triage in different contexts.
Study on the correlation between the ultrasound phenotype and copy number variation of abnormal embryo in spontaneous abortion
Authors: Tan Shuyin , Pan Pingshan , Yang Zuojian , Su Jiasun , Wei Hongwei
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the correlation between the ultrasound phenotype and copy number variation (CNV) of abnormal embryos in spontaneous abortion by investigating the abnormal chromosome copy number of embryos at different developmental stages in early spontaneous abortion.

Methods

A total of 539 patients who had early spontaneous abortion in our hospital between 2015 and 2019 were divided into seven groups according to the phenotype of abnormal embryonic development during pregnancy, and the embryonic tissues of the patients were subjected by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray.

Results

Among 377 cases with abnormal CNV, 295 (78.25%) cases had chromosome trisomy, and 28 (7.43%) cases had a combination of more than two chromosomes. Triploidy, tetraploidy, chromosome microdeletion/duplication, uniparental disomy, and monosomy 45,X were found in 32 (8.48%), five (1.32%), 31 (8.22%), four (1.02%), and eight (2.12%) cases, respectively. Two (0.53%) cases had autosomal chromosome 21 monosomy. Normal karyotype had the highest proportion in the empty sac group; trisomy 16 accounted for the bulk of chromosomes in the normal yolk sac group, complex triploidy occupied the most part in the abnormal yolk sac group, and no remarkable difference in chromosomal abnormality proportion was found between the normal and abnormal yolk sac groups; the most frequent chromosomal anomaly in a group of germ without cardiac activity and germ<5 mm was trisomy 16; triploidy was the most common in the group with 5 mm ≤ germ ≤ 15 mm, whereas the main distribution of chromosome karyotype was normal, followed by trisomy 13 in a group with germ>15 mm.

Conclusion

Abnormal embryos with different ultrasound phenotypes in early spontaneous abortion have various CNV types and characteristic distribution. Thus, ultrasound combined with SNP array can provide a basis for the etiological analysis of embryos in spontaneous abortion.
Survey on spontaneous miscarriage and induced abortion surgery safety at less than 12 weeks of gestation in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Eishin , Kobayashi Kosuke , Sekizawa Akihiko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Takai Yasushi ,   Medical Safety and Education Committee of the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG), Tokyo, Japan
Published: September 2021

Aim

In Japan, dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a common procedure for spontaneous miscarriage and induced abortion, and its safety has long been an issue. Electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) is also common, but manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) was introduced recently, with medical abortions using mifepristone or misoprostol which are not yet legally accepted. This nationwide retrospective study surveyed the surgical methods and complications associated with spontaneous miscarriage and induced abortion at less than 12 weeks of gestation in Japan to assess their safety, in comparison with a similar survey for induced abortions in 2012.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 4176 facilities with a license for induced abortion surgeries in 2019. The questions included were the methods used, number of spontaneous miscarriages and induced abortions, and number of complications (uterine perforation, incomplete abortion, and gross bleeding requiring blood transfusion).

Results

Responses were received from 1706 facilities (40.9%). Although EVA with sharp curettage was the most common surgical method, which was used for 11 953 spontaneous miscarriages (28.9%) and 24 045 induced abortions (37.3%), the most common surgical method per facility was D&C, and the rates of D&C for spontaneous miscarriages (38.4%) and induced abortions (44.7%) performed in general hospitals were significantly higher than those in clinics (24.1% and 22.0%, respectively). There was no significant difference in the complication incidence rate among surgical methods for spontaneous miscarriages. However, in induced abortion surgery, the total complication and incomplete abortion incidence rates for D&C were significantly higher than those for EVA without sharp curettage (47/15 162 [0.31%] vs. 29/18 693 [0.16%], p = 0.00362, 45/15 162 [0.30%] vs. 27/18 693 [0.14%], p = 0.00285, respectively). There was no significant difference in the complication incidence rate between MVA and other surgical methods for each abortion surgery.

Conclusion

In Japan, especially in general hospitals, D&C is still widely used for miscarriage and induced abortion surgery. Its complication‐incidence rates significantly decreased compared with that of the nationwide survey in 2012, but were still significantly higher than EVA without sharp curettage. Few facilities used MVA, but its complication rate was comparable with those of other surgical methods.
Tastes, emotions, and social cohesion: Toward a cultural theory of social exchange
Authors: Vanzella‐Yang Adam , Abrutyn Seth
Published: September 2021

The Affect Theory of Social Exchange (ATSE) research program has produced cumulative insights on how instrumental exchanges lead to the development of affectual attachments. With its focus on task responsibilities, ATSE leaves space to interrogate how factors not related to task execution are at play in the production of interpersonal bonds. In this paper, we integrate insights from social psychology, cultural sociology and organizational research to develop a theoretical framework suggesting (a) why and how cultural tastes contribute to social cohesion and (b) the conditions under which cultural tastes remain a source of strategic advantage or, worse, symbolic exclusion. Our theory rests on the basic proposition that shared cultural tastes increase the likelihood of experiencing positive emotions, which in turn are key in the development and maintenance of affectual attachments. Variations to this proposition are subsequently introduced, considering culture in declarative and nondeclarative forms.
Japanese biotechnology regulation and life science (gene) patenting
Authors: Karky Ramesh B.
Published: September 2021

Japanese patenting system on biotechnological inventions is unique. In 1979, before the US Supreme court's decision in the Chakrabarti case (1980), the Japanese Patent Office (JPO) had issued the “Implementing Guidelines for the Invention of Microorganisms,” and microorganism was considered as patentable. Japan lacks case laws. However, we can find cases like the Engineered Mice case. This study paper critically surveys and focuses on the Japanese life science (Gene/DNA) patenting system and its prevailing issues. This paper critically analyzes the current position and practices of the JPO on DNA patenting, including induced pluripotent stem cells as well as CRISPR gene‐editing technique, its challenges, and its potential future courses on this issue; the basis of granting a patent for DNA in Japan; Japanese outlook at ethical (living organisms) aspects of DNA patenting; depository system in Japan; the impacts of the tragedy of anticommons in Japan; “Creative Commons” movement; and others.
A Systematic Review of Mathematics Interventions for Middle‐School Students Experiencing Mathematics Difficulty
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Mason Erica N. , Bos Samantha E. , Hirt Stacy , Ketterlin‐Geller Leanne R. , Lembke Erica S.
Published: September 2021

In this systematic review, we explored mathematics interventions for middle school (Grades 6, 7, and 8) implemented with students who experienced difficulty in the area of mathematics, including students with an identified learning disability in mathematics. A total of 72 single‐subject and group comparison studies met inclusion criteria, with 59 studies demonstrating positive effects on student‐level mathematics outcomes. The majority of mathematics interventions focused on foundational, prealgebraic skills (e.g., operations and problem solving) related to algebraic reasoning. To understand the landscape of effective mathematics interventions and inform instruction within mathematics intervention, we identified six instructional components used with regularity within the effective studies. These components included explicit instruction, multiple representations, problem‐solving instruction, mathematical language, mnemonics, and graphic organizers.
The maintenance of polymorphism in an ancient social supergene
Authors: Purcell Jessica , Lagunas‐Robles German , Rabeling Christian , Borowiec Marek L. , Brelsford Alan
Published: September 2021

Supergenes, regions of the genome with suppressed recombination between sets of functional mutations, contribute to the evolution of complex phenotypes in diverse systems. Excluding sex chromosomes, most supergenes discovered so far appear to be young, being found in one species or a few closely related species. Here, we investigate how a chromosome harbouring an ancient supergene has evolved over about 30 million years (Ma). The Formica supergene underlies variation in colony queen number in at least five species. We expand previous analyses of sequence divergence on this chromosome to encompass about 90 species spanning the Formica phylogeny. Within the nonrecombining region, the gene knockout contains 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are consistently differentiated between two alternative supergene haplotypes in divergent European Formica species, and we show that these same SNPs are present in most Formica clades. In these clades, including an early diverging Nearctic Formica clade, individuals with alternative genotypes at knockout also have higher differentiation in other portions of this chromosome. We identify hotspots of SNPs along this chromosome that are present in multiple Formica clades to detect genes that may have contributed to the emergence and maintenance of the genetic polymorphism. Finally, we infer three gene duplications on one haplotype, based on apparent heterozygosity within these genes in the genomes of haploid males. This study strengthens the evidence that this supergene originated early in the evolution of Formica and that just a few loci in this large region of suppressed recombination retain strongly differentiated alleles across contemporary Formica lineages.
Tick gut barriers impacting tick–microbe interactions and pathogen persistence
Authors: Kitsou Chrysoula , Foor Shelby D. , Dutta Shraboni , Bista Sandhya , Pal Utpal
Published: September 2021

Ticks are regarded as one of the most ancient, unique, and highly evolved ectoparasites. They can parasitize diverse vertebrates and transmit a number of widespread infections. Once acquired from infected hosts, many tick‐borne pathogens, like Borrelia burgdorferi, are confined within the tick gut lumen and are surrounded by discrete gut barriers. Such barriers include the peritrophic membrane (PM) and the dityrosine network (DTN), which are in close contact with resident microbiota and invading pathogens, influencing their survival within the vector. Herein, we review our current state of knowledge about tick–microbe interactions involving the PM and DTN structures. As a model, we will focus on Ixodes ticks, their microbiome, and the pathogen of Lyme disease. We will address the most salient findings on the structural and physiological roles of these Ixodes gut barriers on microbial interactions, with a comparison to analogous functions in other model vectors, such as mosquitoes. We will distill how this information could be leveraged towards a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gut biology and tick–microbial interactions, which could contribute to potential therapeutic strategies in response to ticks and tick‐borne infections.
An analysis of antibody responses and clinical sequalae of the Sinopharm HB02 COVID19 vaccine in dialysis patients in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Holt Stephen Geoffrey , Mahmoud Sally , Ahmed Wasim , Acuna Juan Manuel , Al Madani Ayman Kamal , Eltantawy Islam , Zaher Walid Abbas , Goodier Gareth John , Al Kaabi Nawal Ahmed , Al Obaidli Ali Abdulkareem
Published: September 2021

Aim

To establish the responses to the Sinopharm HB02 COVID‐19 vaccination in the dialysis population, which are not well established. We examined the humoral responses to the Sinopharm COVID vaccine in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

Standard vaccinations (two doses at interval of ~21 days) were given to all consenting haemodialysis patients on dialysis (n = 1296). We measured the antibody responses at 14–21 days after the second vaccine to define the development of anti‐spike antibodies >15 AU/ml after vaccination and observed the clinical effects of vaccination.

Results

Vaccination was very well tolerated with few side‐effects. In those who consented to antibody measurements, (n = 446) baseline sampling showed 77 had positive antibodies, yet received full vaccination without any apparent adverse events. Positive anti‐spike antibodies developed in 50% of the 270 baseline negative patients who had full sampling, compared with 78.1% in the general population. COVID infection continues to occur in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, but in the whole group vaccination appears to have been associated with a reduction in the case fatality rate.

Conclusion

The humoral immune responses to standard HB02 vaccination schedules are attenuated in a haemodialysis cohort, but likely the vaccine saves lives. We suggest that an enhanced HB02 vaccination course or antibody checking may be prudent to protect this vulnerable group of patients.

We suggest a booster dose of this vaccine at 3 months should be given to all dialysis patients, on the grounds that it is well tolerated even in those with good antibody levels and there may be a survival advantage.
Living, loving and letting go‐navigating the relational within palliative care of older people in long‐term care facilities: An action research study
Authors: Molloy Una , Phelan Amanda
Published: September 2021

Background

Long term care facilities are important environments for the delivery of palliative care, which includes end of life care. Despite this, staff may feel this care focus is separate to their roles. Consequently, this study explores and makes visible how palliative care is understood in long term residential care facilities for older people. It focuses on how relationships with residents and families are experienced by nurses and health care assistants and how this influences the introduction and provision of palliative care to older people in long term care facilities.

Objectives

To develop an understanding of what palliative care means to staff caring for older people in residential care.

Methods

A co‐operative inquiry action research approach was used. A total of 18 healthcare assistants and 16 registered nurses in two older person long term care facilities participated in co‐operative inquiry groups. Co‐inquirers reflected on deaths that occurred over a 6‐month period and generated narratives on their relationships in the context of palliative care.

Results

Three themes were identified to describe relationships which were immersed in an ethos of person‐centred care. These were living, loving and letting go. Living rather than dying was the predominant focus of care. Loving described deep engagement with older people and families while letting go navigated the dying process.

Conclusions

Staff in nursing homes experience deep attachments to residents when delivering palliative care and end of life care. There is a need to understand these relationships and how they impact on the understanding and integration of palliative care in older person residential care as well as acknowledging and addressing staff’s grief processes to enhance resilience.
Unveiling the Mechanism for the Photochemistry and Photodegradation of Vanillin
Authors: Gawargy Teresa A. , Wang Bowen , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: September 2021

The photolysis of vanillin produces a short‐lived triplet state where its lifetime is controlled by efficient self‐quenching (kSQ ~ 2 × 109 m−1 s−1) which also generates radicals. Free radical reactions, including vanillin dimer formation, are responsible for the degradation of vanillin and is accompanied by yellowing of the acetonitrile solutions. Laser flash photolysis studies reveal a triplet absorbing at 390 nm, readily quenched by naphthalenes, conjugated dienes and oxygen. Vanillin is also a good singlet oxygen sensitizer as revealed by its characteristic NIR emission at 1270 nm.
Unpacking the Realities and Complexities of Sensemaking: Government Practitioners’ Experiences of Emergency Risk Communication
Authors: Thomas Madeleine , Klemm Celine , Hutchins Brett , Kaufman Stefan
Published: September 2021

During public health emergencies, government practitioners must rapidly make sense of the risk to human health and the emergency risk communication (ERC) options available. These practitioners determine what, how, and when information is communicated to the public. Recurring criticism of ERC indicates that the communication is not meeting the needs of the community. To improve ERC practice, it is therefore critical to understand practitioners’ sensemaking in these complex and time‐critical settings. This article unpacks the realities and complexities of sensemaking, the process by which practitioners create meaning from the information they receive about an emergency as it unfolds. Qualitative interviews gathered practitioners’ lived experiences of public health emergencies, namely, smoke events (e.g., wildfires and industrial facility fires), and thematic analysis drew on sensemaking literature. The evidence shows that sensemaking is challenging, as practitioners experience pressure from the emergency context and organizational, political, and social expectations. Sensemaking for ERC comes with an underlying imperative to accurately make sense of the situation, in a timely manner and in a way that leads to the best health outcomes. Practitioners must balance creating plausible meaning (sensemaking) with the accuracy expected by stakeholders. The analysis also highlights how sensemaking scope is delimited by professional expert identities and roles within the emergency management system; that is, practitioners’ understanding of their expertise and role, and that of other practitioners. Past lived experiences are viewed as key facilitators of both individual and collective sensemaking, and the history of similar public health events shapes sensemaking in this context.
Introduction to the Special Issue Culture and Cognition: New Approaches and New Applications
Authors: Leschziner Vanina , Cerulo Karen A.
Published: September 2021

In recent decades, a burgeoning literature finds cultural sociologists incorporating ideas from the cognitive sciences—cognitive anthropology, cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and philosophy——and significantly reshaping sociologists’ approach to culture, both theoretically and methodologically. Elsewhere, we have reviewed the cognitive turn in cultural sociology (Cerulo, Leschziner and Shepherd, 2021). But in this special issue, authors capitalize on new directions in culture and cognition, providing 12 original articles that forward new theoretical ideas, offer novel methodologies, provide exciting empirical tests of current theories, and suggest possible applications of the culture and cognition lens to other sub‐disciplines in sociology.
The Effects of Applied and Sport-Specific Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Training on Mindfulness Skills, Flow, and Emotional Regulation in National Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Meggs Jenny , Chen Mark
Published: September 2021

These case studies examined the effects of mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) programs on competitive swimming performance, flow experience, and emotional regulation. Sixteen national competitive adolescent swimmers were randomly allocated into MSPE (n = 9) and relaxation training (n = 7) groups for 8 weeks. In the second phase of the intervention, the 16 participants were evenly split into an MSPE group for swimming and a control group for 5 weeks. The participants completed measures of trait and state flow, and mindfulness pre- and postintervention. The data analysis revealed that mindfulness had significant effects on both action–awareness merging and clear goals subscales. Further analysis revealed that the MSPE for swimming group significantly improved in terms of presence relative to the control group. In conclusion, general and sport-specific mindfulness interventions can psychologically benefit adolescent competitive swimmers.
Exercise and the Effects of Hydration on Blood Viscosity in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Tufano Leslie , Hochstetler Jon , Seminerio Timothy , Lopez Rebecca M.
Published: September 2021

Clinical Question: During bouts of exercises in a hypohydrated state, do patients with sickle cell trait compared with patients without sickle cell trait demonstrate higher blood viscosity? Clinical Bottom Line: There is evidence that there is a difference in hematocrit levels in patients with sickle cell trait and patients without sickle cell trait both pre- and postexercise with suboptimal hydration status. Moreover, the effects on hematocrit levels increase over baseline levels in the recovery stages postexercise in patients with sickle cell trait.
Mental Fatigue Over 2 Elite Netball Seasons: A Case for Mental Fatigue to be Included in Athlete Self-Report Measures
Authors: Russell Suzanna , Jenkins David G. , Halson Shona L. , Juliff Laura E. , Connick Mark J. , Kelly Vincent G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Mental fatigue is emerging as an important consideration for elite sporting performance, yet it is rarely monitored. The present study assessed changes in mental fatigue in professional team-sport athletes across 2 seasons and examined the relationship between mental fatigue and other athlete self-report measures of well-being. Methods: Elite netballers contracted to all teams competing in Australia’s premier professional netball competition during the 2018 and 2019 seasons (N = 154) participated. Using 5-point Likert scales, mental fatigue, fatigue (physical), tiredness, sleep quality, stress, mood, and motivation were assessed daily across 2 seasons composed of 14 round and finals series. Results: The ratings of mental fatigue significantly changed during both seasons. In 2018, lower ratings of mental fatigue were reported in round 1 versus 3, 4, 6, 8, and 14; round 7 versus 6; and round 6 versus 10 (P < .05). In 2019, lower ratings of mental fatigue were identified for round 1 versus 3, 9, 10 to 14, and semifinal; round 2 versus 10 to 13; and 5 versus 10 to 12 (P < .05). Ordinal regression revealed significant differences between mental fatigue and physical fatigue (P < .001), tiredness (P < .001), stress (P < .001), mood (P < .001), and motivation (P < .05). Conclusions: The present study found mental fatigue to significantly fluctuate across a season in elite netballers. Moreover, perceived mental fatigue differed from physical fatigue, tiredness, stress, mood, and motivation. The data impress the need for mental fatigue to be included as an independent measure of athlete well-being. Monitoring of mental fatigue can allow practitioners to implement strategies to manage its influence on performance.