bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrraline formation prevented by sodium chloride encapsulated by binary blends of different starches and gum Arabic in aqueous model systems and cookies
Authors: Liang Zhili , Chen Xu , Yang Zhao , Lu Jihuan , Huang Jiacheng , Liu Yingyi , Chen Lin , Xian Huiyi , Mo Jiajie , Huang Xiaosi , Chen Shaofu , Yang Jiabiao
Published: May 2021

Pyrraline is a common advanced glycation end product that is closely associated with various chronic diseases and frequently found in commonly consumed foods. In this study, pyrraline formation prevented by NaCl encapsulated by binary blends of different starches and gum arabic was investigated. The results show that in aqueous model systems with encapsulated NaCl addition, the reduction in pyrraline varied from 5.4% to 26.7%, with simultaneous decreases in the 3‐deoxyglucosone (3‐DG) concentration, which varied from 13.1% to 41.4%. In cookies with encapsulated NaCl addition, decreases in pyrraline varied from 10.2% to 31.6% accompanied by simultaneous decreases in 3‐DG, which varied from 14.2% to 39.4%. However, NaCl encapsulation had no impact on the browning extent in aqueous model systems and on the basic sensory indicators of the manufactured cookies, including colour and salty taste.
Fabrication of chitosan nanoparticles incorporated with Pistaciaatlantica subsp. kurdica hulls’ essential oil as a potential antifungal preservative against strawberry grey mould
Authors: Hesami Golnaz , Darvishi Sholeh , Zarei Mohammad , Hadidi Milad
Published: May 2021

Essential oil was extracted from Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica hulls and encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) by an emulsion‐ionic gelation method. A desirable retention rate (43.3–61.5%) of P. atlantica subsp. kurdica hulls’ essential oil (PAHEO) encapsulated in chitosan NPs was confirmed. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis results revealed the success of PAHEO encapsulation. The formed NPs illustrated a shrunk and spherical shape with a size range of 187.2–632.5 nm as indicated by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The encapsulated PAHEO had a high antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea under both the in vitro and in vivo conditions. It also significantly decreased the incidence and disease severity of grey mould on strawberries during storage. The spoilage process was postponed by the 8th days of storage at 4 °C in the strawberry fruit treated by PAHEO‐incorporated chitosan NPs. These findings imply that NP‐encapsulated PAHEO will have promising novel applications in food industries.
Functional compounds in dragon fruit peels and their potential health benefits: a review
Authors: Le Ngoc Lieu
Published: May 2021

Recovery of bioactive or functional compounds from fruit wastes is a current research trend, not only to lessen the waste disposal burden, but also to meet the increasing demand from the public for health‐beneficial plant‐based products. In this review, the main groups of functional compounds from dragon fruit peels including betalains, phenolics and dietary fibres are comprehensively scrutinised. The potential health benefits of these phytochemicals in individuals or in matrices are discussed, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic, prebiotic, antibacterial, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities, and blood lipid profile improvement. These analyses provide insights in the development of the products and bioactive compounds derived from dragon fruit peels for human consumption to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Microencapsulation of camellia oil to maintain thermal and oxidative stability with focus on protective mechanism
Authors: Wang Chenjie , Chen Yanting , Cui Yanru , Zhang Tianqi , Zhang Dongliang , Ma Chengye , Chen Shanfeng , Li Hongjun
Published: May 2021

Camellia oil (CO) microcapsules were developed using chitosan–soybean protein isolate (CS‐SPI) complexes as wall materials and transglutaminase (TGase) as the cross‐linking agent. Results indicated that CO/SPI under the ratio of 1:2 exhibited the highest microencapsulation efficiency and yield, possessing the best encapsulation effect. Morphology observation showed that CO microcapsules were intact, compact and nearly spherical. The microencapsulated CO exhibited the improved thermal resistance and significantly lower peroxide values after 3 days storage, demonstrating that the produced microcapsule was a promising way to maintain the thermal and oxidative stability of camellia oil. It could be found evidence from FTIR, which indicated that covalent cross‐linking and hydrogen bonding might be involved among wall materials, and physical interactions between the core and wall materials. Therefore, the produced CO microcapsules could be an effective way to protect camellia oil, which was helpful for improving the processing and storage qualities of camellia oil.
Gelatin hydrolysates from sliver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) improve the antioxidant and cryoprotective properties of unwashed frozen fish mince
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Zhang Yijun , Javed Miral , Cheng Mengying , Xiong Shanbai , Liu Youming
Published: May 2021

In this study, gelatin extracted from silver carp skin was hydrolysed by different enzymes (alcalase, papain and flavourzyme), aiming to improve the storage stability of unwashed fish mince during freeze‐thaw cycles. Flavourzyme hydrolysates exhibited the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (1.2‐fold of alcalase, 1.6‐fold of papain) and reducing ability (1.2‐fold of alcalase, 2.3‐fold of papain), while the alcalase hydrolysates demonstrated the highest Fe2+ chelating ability. Moreover, fish mince treated with the mixture of flavourzyme hydrolysates and sucrose exhibited higher sulfhydryl and salt‐soluble protein contents, greater Ca2+‐ATPase activity and better water holding capacity. Hence, the gelatin hydrolysates of flavourzyme from silver carp skin are promising candidates as natural and high‐performance antioxidant and cryoprotectants in fish mince processing.
Reclaiming the educative power of vocational placements: Experiences from agriculture education practice in Uganda
Authors: Jjuuko Robert , Tukundane Cuthbert , Zeelen Jacques
Published: May 2021

Amidst the global pressure on education systems to harness youth employability and transition to the world of work, there is increased interest in vocational placements. It is evident that Uganda's tertiary education sector, like others in similar context, is struggling to optimise vocational placements for better students’ learning and labour market outcomes. This article explores the “educative” potential of vocational placements offered as a component of study programmes by a public tertiary agricultural training institution in Uganda. It draws on data generated from a qualitative case study that engaged 70 stakeholders namely students, graduates, lecturers, administrators and workplace supervisors. Undertaken between 2016 and 2019, the study reveals the complexities and prospects associated with the design and delivery of vocational placements in stressed education and labour market contexts. From a social constructivist perspective, we make contextual pedagogical propositions for unleashing the educative power of vocational placements in Uganda and similar contexts.
Aggregation of autoimmunity in extended families of people with autoimmune Addison disease
Authors: Fichna Marta , Małecki Piotr P. , Gębarski Bolesław , Gębarska Helena , Ruchała Marek
Published: May 2021

Background

Autoimmunity accounts for 90% of cases of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease (AD)). Affected people present a significant co‐occurrence of autoimmune conditions; hence, clustering of autoimmunity is also predicted among their relatives.

Aims

To evaluate the burden of autoimmunity in families of people with AD.

Methods

A total of 116 individuals with AD was surveyed regarding the occurrence of 23 autoimmune diseases among their relatives.

Results

A total of 74.1% of persons with AD reported at least one relative with an autoimmune disorder – 257 cases were diagnosed in 221 relatives. Hashimoto thyroiditis was found in 100 individuals, followed by Graves disease and vitiligo, in 25 and 24 relatives respectively. Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 23 relatives, psoriasis in 15, rheumatoid arthritis in 12, pernicious anaemia in 11, multiple sclerosis in 8, and premature menopause in 8 women. AD was found in seven relatives, alopecia in six and celiac disease in five. Other conditions were rare. Significant correlation was noticed between the number of autoimmune conditions in AD proband and the number of affected relatives (P = 0.031). A total of 66.4% of people with AD had a first‐degree relative suffering from autoimmunity. Autoimmune conditions were more frequent among females: sisters (P < 0.001), mothers (P = 0.002) and grandmothers (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Considerable prevalence of autoimmune conditions in relatives of people with AD confirms substantial risk of autoimmunity, especially in females and relatives of patients affected by multiplex autoimmunity. Our data corroborate the recommendation of active screening for autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid disease, among AD family members.
Rational selection of bioactive principles for wound healing applications: Growth factors and antioxidants
Authors: Viaña‐Mendieta Pamela , Sánchez Mirna Lorena , Benavides Jorge
Published: May 2021

Wound healing is a complex process of communication between growth factors, reactive species of oxygen, cells, signalling pathways, and cytokines in the extracellular matrix, in which growth factors are the key regulators. In humans, the main regulators of the cellular responses in wound healing are five growth factors, namely EGF, bFGF, VEGF, and TGF‐β1. On the other hand, antioxidants such as astaxanthin, beta‐carotene, epigallocatechin gallate, delphinidin, and curcumin have been demonstrated to stimulate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, and control inflammation, to suggest a practical approach to design new strategies to treat non‐healing cutaneous conditions. Based on the individual effects of growth factors and antioxidants, it may be envisioned that the use of both types of bioactives in wound healing formulations may have an additive or synergistic effect on the healing potential. This review addresses the effect of growth factors and antioxidants on wound healing‐related processes. Furthermore, a prospective on their potential additive or synergistic effect on wound healing formulations, based on their individual effects, is presented. This may serve as a guide for the development of a new generation of wound healing formulations.
Liposuction treatment improves disease‐specific quality of life in lipoedema patients
Authors: Schlosshauer Torsten , Heiss Christian , von Hollen Ann‐Kathrin , Spennato Stefano , Rieger Ulrich M.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) in lipoedema patients undergoing treatment for the condition with liposuction. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients (n = 69) who underwent liposuction for treatment of lipoedema between 2004 and 2019, and gathered data on patient age, body mass index, the number of liposuction sessions, and the amount of fat removed per side. The study also prospectively evaluated the QoL in 20 lipoedema patients before and after liposuction using the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for lymphatic diseases questionnaire. The mean age was 50.6 ± 12.8 years, and the average number of liposuction sessions performed was 2.9 ± 1.9, with a mean volume of 1868 ± 885.5 mL of fat removed per side. Before treatment with liposuction, disease‐specific QoL in patients with lipoedema was low on every single subscale as well as on the global score and showed a significant improvement in all aspects after liposuction. There was a significant correlation between a higher number of liposuction treatment sessions and general health status in lipoedema patients (P = .007). Liposuction greatly improves the QoL in lipoedema patients. A higher number of liposuction treatment sessions seem to have a positive effect on general health status in these patients.
High‐temperature BiFeO3–PbTiO3‐Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 ternary ceramics with excellent piezoelectricity
Authors: Chen Yixuan , Jian Jie , Chen Jianguo , Cheng Jinrong
Published: May 2021

Ternary ceramics of (0.87−x)BiFeO3–xPbTiO3–0.13Ba(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BF–xPT–0.13BZT, 0.27 ≤ x ≤ 0.37) were prepared by the traditional solid state reaction methods. X‐ray diffraction results display that BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics of x ≥ 0.29 exhibit the perovskite structure with dominant tetragonal (T) phases mixed with a small amount of rhombohedral (R) phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal that the average grain size of BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics is in a range of 10–11 μm, increasing first and then decreasing with the increase of PbTiO3 (PT) content. The low tanδ of about 0.015 and high Curie temperature Tc of above 450°C were obtained for BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics. Moreover, the fluctuation of piezoelectric coefficient d33 is less than ±10% over a broad temperature range of 30°C–400°C. BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics for x = 0.33 possess the maximum Tc and d33 of 470°C and 320 pC/N respectively, with the room temperature resistivity of about 1011 Ω·cm. These results indicate that BF‐xPT‐0.13BZT ternary ceramics for x = 0.33 with both excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature have promising applications in high‐temperature piezoelectric devices.
The development and psychometric validation of the interpersonal geriatric care relationship (InteGer) tool
Authors: Riviere Melissa , Duprez Veerle , Dufoort Heidy , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: May 2021

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool.

Background

The quality of nursing care is highly influenced by the quality of the interpersonal care relationship, yet there are no tools available that capture the conceptual breadth of the interpersonal care relationship.

Design

Instrument development and psychometric testing of the content and construct validity, factor structure and reliability.

Methods

A four‐phased validation procedure was conducted (January 2016–April 2019): defining the construct measured by the tool, tool development, content validation and psychometric evaluation.

Results

The 30‐item Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool was subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Four components (humanization, attentiveness, interest and accessibility) were extracted. The tool demonstrated discriminating power and good internal consistency. Cronbach's alphas for the components ranged between 0.69 and 0.84.

Conclusion

The Interpersonal Geriatric care relationship tool is a valuable measure that can be used by scientists, educators and healthcare professionals to benchmark the interpersonal care relationship culture in hospitals and optimize the quality of care.
Association of clinic and ambulatory blood pressure with new‐onset atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Coccina Francesca , Pierdomenico Anna M. , De Rosa Matteo , Cuccurullo Chiara , Pierdomenico Sante D.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the association of clinic and daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h blood pressure with the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation. We conducted a literature search through PubMed, Web of science, and Cochrane Library for articles evaluating the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in relation to the above‐mentioned blood pressure parameters and reporting adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. We identified five studies. The pooled population consisted of 7224 patients who experienced 444 cases of atrial fibrillation. The overall adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.05 (0.98‐1.13), 1.19 (1.11‐1.27), 1.18 (1.11‐1.26), and 1.23 (1.14‐1.32), per 10‐mmHg increment in clinic, daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure, respectively. The degree of heterogeneity of the hazard ratio estimates across the studies (Q and I‐squared statistics) were minimal. The results of this meta‐analysis strongly suggest that ambulatory systolic blood pressure prospectively predicts incident atrial fibrillation better than does clinic systolic blood pressure and that daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure are similarly associated with future atrial fibrillation.
High glucose protects cardiomyocytes against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing myocardiocyte apoptosis via circHIPK3/miR‐29b/AKT3 signalling
Authors: Cheng Nan , Jin Chang , Jin Ping , Zhu Dan , Hou Zuoxu
Published: May 2021

High glucose promoted expression of AKT3, a direct target gene of miR‐29b, by regulating circHIPK3 that functioned as ceRNA to sponge and down‐regulate miR‐29b. As a potential target gene of miR‐29b, AKT3 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and this study aimed to investigate the potential role of high glucose in the outcome of I/R injury. qPCR and luciferase assay were carried out to investigate the relationship between the expression of circHIPK3, miR‐29b and ATK3 mRNA. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL were performed to analyse the relationship between AKT3 expression and apoptosis of myocardiocytes in vivo. No obvious difference in myocardial functions was observed between I/R and control rats under hyperglycaemia (HG) and normal glucose (NG) conditions, except that the infarct size/area at risk (IS/AR) ratio and the amount of h‐FABP expression were different under HG and NG conditions. The expression of circHIPK3 and ATK3 was significantly elevated in the rats preconditioned by NG, whereas the expression of miR‐29a was remarkably decreased. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of myocardial tissue was reduced in the rats preconditioned by NG. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐29a played a repressive role in the expression of circHIPK3 and ATK3. And subsequent study indicated that the over‐expressed AKT3 could rescue the increased cell apoptosis rate induced by the knockdown of circHIPK3. In this study, we demonstrated that high glucose protects cardiomyocytes against I/R associated injury by suppressing apoptosis and high glucose promoted the expression of AKT3 by regulating the expression of circHIPK3/miR‐29b.
miR‐20a/TCF4 axis‐mediated inhibition of hepatocytes proliferation impairs liver regeneration in mice PHx model by regulating CDC2 and CDC6
Authors: Tu Wei , Gong Jin , Song Jun , Tian Dean , Wang Zhijun
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs have emerged as essential regulators in the biological process of liver regeneration by modulating the post‐transcriptional expression of the target genes. In the present study, we found miR‐20a expression is decreased remarkably in three rodent liver regeneration models using miRNA PCR array and Venn diagram analysis. Inhibition of miR‐20a expression enhanced hepatocytes proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, overexpression of miR‐20a reduces hepatocytes proliferation and subsequently impaired liver regeneration in the mouse PHx model. Moreover, we have identified TCF4 as a target gene of miR‐20a using the PCR Array and luciferase assay. Next, mice with TCF4 deficiency were used to establish the PHx model and subjected to the examination of liver regeneration capacity. We found TCF4‐deficient mice exhibited impaired liver regeneration compared with control. Given that TCF4 acts as a transcription factor, we sort to elucidate the downstream genes involved in liver regeneration. Promoter analysis and Chip assay confirmed that TCF4 enhances CDC2 and CDC6 expression through binding to the promoter region and leads to the proliferation and cell cycle progression in hepatocytes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the miR20a‐TCF4‐CDC2/6 axis plays an essential role during liver regeneration.
SIRT7 regulates lipogenesis in adipocytes through deacetylation of PPARγ2
Authors: Akter Fatema , Tsuyama Tomonori , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Sobuz Shihab U. , Yamagata Kazuya
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ2 is a transcription factor crucial for regulating adipogenesis and glucose/lipid metabolism, and synthetic PPARγ ligands, such as thiazolidinediones, are effective oral medication for type 2 diabetes. Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐dependent deacetylase, also controls metabolism. However, it is not known whether SIRT7 regulates the function of PPARγ2 by its deacetylation.

Materials and Methods

Physical interaction between SIRT7 and PPARγ2, the effect of SIRT7 on PPARγ2 acetylation, and the deacetylation residue targeted by SIRT7 were investigated. The effects of PPARγ2 K382 acetylation on lipid accumulation, gene expression in C3H10T1/2 cell‐derived adipocytes, and ligand‐dependent transactivation activity were also evaluated.

Results

We demonstrated that SIRT7 binds to PPARγ2 and deacetylates PPARγ2 at K382. C3H10T1/2‐derived adipocytes expressing PPARγ2K382Q (a mimic of acetylated K) accumulated much less fat than adipocytes expressing wild‐type PPARγ2 or PPARγ2K382R (a mimic of nonacetylated K). Global gene expression analysis of adipocytes expressing PPARγ2K382Q revealed that K382Q caused the dysregulation of a set of genes involved in lipogenesis, including Srebp1c, Acaca, Fasn, and Scd1. The rosiglitazone‐dependent transcriptional activity of PPARγ2K382Q was reduced compared with that of PPARγ2K382R.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that SIRT7‐dependent PPARγ2 deacetylation at K382 controls lipogenesis in adipocytes.
Which economic uncertainty measure matters for households' portfolio decision?
Authors: Lee Kiryoung , Jeon Yoontae , Kim Insik
Published: May 2021

In this study, we address two research questions: Do recently developed economic uncertainty measures matter for household portfolio choices? If so, which measure is most important? Using household data, we compare 16 uncertainty measures in our unified framework. We find that the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) measure is the most important for household portfolios. We further find that married, more educated, older, and wealthier households are more sensitive to EPU. Finally, our findings highlight the importance of labor income in the sensitivity of households' portfolio decisions to uncertainty.
Advance care planning by proxy in German nursing homes: Descriptive analysis and policy implications
Authors: in der Schmitten Jürgen , Jox Ralf J. , Pentzek Michael , Marckmann Georg
Published: May 2021

Background

Legally recognized advance directives (ADs) have to be signed by the person to whom the decisions apply. In practice, however, there are also ADs written and signed by legal proxies (surrogates) on behalf of patients who lack decision‐making capacity. Given their practical relevance and substantial ethical and legal implications, ADs by proxy (AD‐Ps) have received surprisingly little scientific attention so far.

Objectives

To study the form, content, validity, and applicability of AD‐Ps among German nursing home residents and develop policy implications.

Methods

Secondary analysis of two independent cross‐sectional studies in three German cities, comprising 21 nursing homes and 1528 residents. The identified AD‐Ps were analyzed in parallel by three independent raters. Inter‐rater agreement was measured using free‐marginal multi‐rater kappa statistics.

Results

Altogether, 46 AD‐Ps were identified and pooled for analysis. On average (range), AD‐Ps were 1 (1‐7) year(s) old, 0.5 (0.25–4) pages long, signed by 1 (0–5) person, with evidence of legal proxy involvement in 35%, and signed by a physician in 20% of cases. Almost all the AD‐Ps reviewed aimed to limit life‐sustaining treatment (LST), but had widely varying content and ethical justifications, including references to earlier statements (30%) or actual behavior (11%). The most frequent explicit directives were: do‐not‐hospitalize (67%), do‐not‐tube‐feed (37%), do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation (20%), and the general exclusion of any LST (28%). Inter‐rater agreement was mostly moderate (kappa ≥0.6) or strong (kappa ≥0.8).

Conclusions

Although AD‐Ps are an empirical reality in German nursing homes, formal standards for such directives are lacking and their ethical justification based on substituted judgment or best interest standard often remains unclear. A qualified advance care planning process and corresponding documentation are required in order to safeguard the appropriate use of this important instrument and ensure adherence to ethico‐legal standards.
Sarcopenia is associated with incident Alzheimer's dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitive decline
Authors: Beeri Michal S. , Leugrans Sue E. , Delbono Osvaldo , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S.
Published: May 2021

Objective

We examined whether sarcopenia is associated with the occurrence of late‐life cognitive impairment.

Methods

Nondemented older adults (N = 1175) underwent annual testing with 17 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score. A composite sarcopenia score was constructed based on muscle mass measured with bioelectrical impedance and muscle function based on grip strength. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to examine associations of sarcopenia with incident Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Linear mixed‐effect models determined the association of sarcopenia with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race, and height squared.

Results

Average follow‐up was 5.6 years. More severe sarcopenia at baseline was associated with a higher risk of incident AD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.20–1.86]; p < 0.001) and of MCI (1.21 [1.01–1.45]; 0.04) and a faster rate of cognitive decline (estimate = −0.013; p = 0.01). Analyses of the individual components of sarcopenia showed that muscle function was associated with incident AD, incident MCI, and cognitive decline with and without a term for lean muscle mass in the model. In contrast, lean muscle mass was not associated with incident cognitive impairment or cognitive decline when a term for muscle function was included in the model.

Conclusions

Poor muscle function, but not reduced lean muscle mass, drives the association of sarcopenia with late‐life cognitive impairment. Further work is needed to identify features of muscle structure, which may increase the specificity of sarcopenia for identifying older adults at risk for late‐life cognitive impairment.
Chinese Exchange Rate Policy: Lessons for Global Investors
Authors: Melvin Michael , Westermann Frank
Published: May 2021

In 2015, the People's Bank of China announced a new exchange rate policy where the RMB central parity rate is determined each morning by the previous day's closing rate, market demand and supply, and valuations of other currencies. This policy suggests an implementable investment strategy for trading the CNH. We create a forecasting model that can be used to manage the global investor's problem of mitigating the currency risk inherent in Chinese equity positions. A dynamic currency overlay strategy, where the forecasting model is used as a trading signal to take long and short positions in CNH, performs particularly well.
Experiences of fathers regarding the diagnosis of their child with autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the international research
Authors: Brown Michael , Marsh Lynne , McCann Edward
Published: May 2021

Aim and objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to identify the views and experiences of fathers regarding their child's Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

Background

The diagnosis of a child's Autism Spectrum Disorder may be a stressful experience, creating uncertainty for parents. There has been a limited research focus on the views and experiences of fathers in relation to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder of their child.

Design

A systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods research studies.

Data Sources

Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO.

Methods

From August to October 2020, two authors independently performed a systematic data extraction and appraised the studies using a recognised instrument. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review.

Results

Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: (a) gradual recognition of developmental delay, (b) an emotional time, (c) coping and adaptation and (d) ongoing adjustments to the fathering role.

Conclusions

Nurses and other professionals need to work collaboratively with fathers to improve their experiences and provide supports at the time of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Prevalence and factors associated with ulcer‐related pain in persons with chronic leg ulcers—an explorative study
Authors: Leren Lena , Johansen Edda Aslaug , Eide Hilde , Sørum Falk Ragnhild , Ljoså Tone Marte
Published: May 2021

Aims and Objectives

The aims of this study were to explore the prevalence of background pain and identify demographic, clinical and psychosocial factors associated with moderate to severe background pain in persons with leg ulcers.

Background

All chronic leg ulcers are potentially painful. Research indicates that 80% of persons with chronic leg ulcers experience wound‐related background pain. However, studies on factors associated with pain have small samples and findings are inconclusive.

Design

Exploratory cross‐sectional study.

Method

This quantitative study recruited persons with chronic leg ulcers (N = 252) from two wound care clinics using consecutive sampling method. Data were obtained through screening interview, clinical examination and questionnaires. Logistic regression with stepwise backwards elimination was used to identify factors associated with moderate to severe background pain. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used for reporting this study.

Results

Background pain was reported by 64% of the participants. Inferential statistical analyses suggest that between 58% and 69% of persons with chronic leg ulcers suffer from this type of pain. Factors associated with moderate to severe pain were older age, female gender, reduced sleep quality and diminished health status. In the final model, reduced sleep quality increased the likelihood of having moderate to severe pain in persons with good health status while not in persons with diminished health status.

Conclusion

Ulcer‐related background pain is common in persons with chronic leg ulcers. Older females reporting insomnia symptoms also had increased risk of moderate to severe ulcer‐related background pain. These participants also perceived their health status to be better.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study demonstrates that ulcer‐related background pain and associated factors needs more attention in clinical practice. Furthermore, nurses and other healthcare professionals should integrate biopsychosocial strategies to assess and manage ulcer‐related background pain.
The role of health beliefs in affecting patients’ chronic diabetic complication screening: a path analysis based on the health belief model
Authors: Jiang Lingjun , Liu Suzhen , Li Hang , Xie Linna , Jiang Yuan
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

To explore the role of health beliefs in affecting patients’ chronic diabetic complication (CDC) screening.

Background

Patients’ adherence to the guideline‐recommended CDC screening was far from optimal. While many demographic and clinical characteristics were documented to influence patients’ adherence, psychological profiles, such as health beliefs, were not well studied before. It is crucial to understand how health beliefs affect patients’ CDC screening behaviour and thus to provide implications for future intervention programmes.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted.

Methods

785 type 2 diabetes were enrolled from the community health centre in Wuhou District, Chengdu, China. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data regarding the demographic and clinical information, knowledge about CDC, health belief model constructs and CDC screening behaviour. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the mechanisms of health belief model constructs on CDC screening behaviour. The study methods were compliant with the STROBE checklist.

Results

Knowledge had a significant indirect effect on CDC screening behaviour through perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and self‐efficiency. Cues to action exerted both significant direct and indirect effects on CDC screening behaviour. The indirect effects of cues to action were exerted through perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers and self‐efficiency.

Conclusion

Health beliefs played vital roles in mediating the effects of knowledge and cues to action on patients’ CDC screening behaviour. Health beliefs should be assessed and modified through creative educational methods. Strategies aimed at increasing cues to action are also expected to facilitate patients’ CDC screening behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practices

The study contributes to the exploration of how health beliefs affect patients’ CDC screening behaviour. The results could be used to inspire future community‐based intervention programmes.
Innovation in Malmö after the Öresund Bridge
Authors: Ejermo Olof , Hussinger Katrin , Kalash Basheer , Schubert Torben
Published: May 2021

We analyze the effect of the Öresund Bridge, a combined railway and motorway bridge between Swedish Malmö and the Danish capital Copenhagen, on inventive activity in the region of Malmö. Applying difference‐in‐difference estimation on individual‐level data, our findings suggest that the Öresund Bridge led to a significant increase in the number of patents per individual in the Malmö region as compared with the two other major regions in Sweden, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. We show that a key mechanism is the attraction of highly qualified workers to the Malmö region following the construction of the bridge.
Use of School Wellness Policy Templates in One Texas Public Health Region: A Mixed‐Methods Analysis
Authors: Szeszulski Jacob , Walker Timothy J. , McCurdy Sheryl A. , Hoelscher Deanna M.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Federal law requires most school districts to develop school wellness policies (SWPs), which state agencies assist in by providing templates. Templates provide standard language, which districts may edit for numerous reasons. We aimed to identify the frequency/consistency of template usage and identify the types of edits districts make when using SWP templates.

METHODS

We identified SWPs (N = 117) and templates (N = 2) from districts in 1 Texas public health region. We developed template specific coding guides, which allowed us to examine the frequency SWPs used template text within multiple areas (eg, nutrition goals, reporting). We also collected/categorized SWP edits from the template text and conducted a thematic analysis of locally developed SWPs and SWP templates.

RESULTS

Of 117 SWPs, 81.2% used a 2020 template, 13.7% used a 2005 template, and 5.1% created their own SWP. Across template‐based SWPs, 44 content edits (0.4 per policy) occurred in 9 categories. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) locally developed SWPs created an informed mission statement linked to their goals; (2) Locally developed SWPs provided details that the current template includes in wellness plans.

CONCLUSIONS

Most districts used exact template language when writing their SWP. Adding spaces where districts can specify details could improve SWP content.
The view from within: Gendered language ideologies of multilingual speakers in contemporary Berlin
Authors: Truan Naomi , Oldani Martina
Published: May 2021

Drawing on interview data on Kiezdeutsch, we argue that a focus on gendered language ideologies is much needed to understand the social meanings ascribed to multiethnolectal practices. By attuning carefully to the nuanced, subjective ideological stances of young multilingual women, we show that at the interactional level, Kiezdeutsch is constructed as a consequence of the interviewees' multilingual practice and thus activates a sense of belonging and entitlement. At the macro level, however, the belonging to a multilingual speech community is tied up with the representation of a racialized and ethnicized ‘other’ in the mainstream, dominant public discourse prevalent in Germany. As young males are the more salient figure in the construction this racialized and ethnicized ‘other’, Kiezdeutsch then becomes indexed with masculinity—even within the peer group. Saying that Kiezdeutsch is used among friends thus presents only a partial picture on how, for girls and young women, using Kiezdeutsch becomes socially sanctioned both in the public sphere and in private settings.
Dental amalgam restorations in nationally representative sample of US population aged ≥15 years: NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Estrich Cameron G. , Lipman Ruth D. , Araujo Marcelo W. B.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Estimate the proportion of amalgam restorations among the US population.

Methods

Data from ≥15 year old clinically examined dentate participants in three 2‐year survey cycles (NHANES 2011–2016) were analyzed. The 2015–2016 data include restorative material type, allowing for the first time a US estimate of amalgam‐restored teeth.

Results

The percent of the US population with at least one restoration (65.8 ± 1.4) was relatively constant in 2011–2016. Among those with restored teeth, the mean number of teeth with amalgam restorations increased with age from 4.71 among 15–24 year olds to 7.03 among those ≥75 years. Non‐Hispanic Whites with restored teeth had the highest mean of teeth with amalgam restorations (5.94), while non‐Hispanic Blacks had the lowest (5.08).

Conclusion

In 2015–2016, about half (51.5 percent) of restored teeth in the US population contained amalgam. Amalgam presence varied by age, tooth type, and race/ethnicity, but not by sex. These estimates can be used to assess future US caries prevention and dental amalgam reduction efforts.
Long‐term changes in self‐reported sleep quality and risk of chronic musculoskeletal pain: The HUNT Study
Authors: Skarpsno Eivind Schjelderup , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Hagen Knut , Mork Paul Jarle
Published: May 2021

We examined the association between long‐term (~10 years) changes in self‐reported sleep quality and risk of any chronic musculoskeletal pain and chronic widespread pain. The study comprised data on 6,033 people who participated in three consecutive surveys in the Norwegian HUNT Study (1995–1997, 2006–2008 and 2017–2019) and who were without chronic musculoskeletal pain at the first two surveys. We used a modified Poisson regression model to calculate adjusted risk ratios for chronic pain at follow‐up (2017–2019) associated with categories of poor and good sleep quality reported in 1995–1997 and 2006–2008. Compared with people who reported good sleep at both surveys (crude absolute risk: 32.4%), the risk ratios of any chronic pain were 1.20 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.41) for those who changed from poor to good sleep; 1.25 (95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.39) for those who changed from good to poor sleep; and 1.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.21–1.63) for those who reported long‐term poor sleep. The corresponding risk ratios for chronic widespread pain were 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–2.23), 1.55 (95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.12) and 2.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.38–3.17), respectively. In conclusion, these findings indicate that people with long‐term poor sleep quality have a markedly higher risk of chronic musculoskeletal pain and chronic widespread pain, compared with people who remain good sleep quality.
Biopsy of an intracardiac paraganglioma in a dog using a fluoroscopically guided endovascular technique
Authors: Raleigh Joseph S. , Culp William T. N. , Brady Rachel , Al‐Nadaf Sami , Kent Michael S. , Kaplan Joanna L. , Stern Joshua A. , Visser Lance C. , Niedringhaus Kevin D. , Wolf Tatiana G. , Choi Eunju , Affolter Verena K.
Published: May 2021

A 10‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog was evaluated for diarrhea and vomiting. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated the presence of an intracardiac mass. A modified Seldinger technique was used to access the right jugular vein, and an endomyocardial biopsy forceps was introduced through a sheath to obtain several biopsies. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated a paraganglioma. The dog underwent 1 fraction of radiotherapy andl‐asparaginase chemotherapy and was discharged. The dog developed a pulmonary thromboembolism 2 days after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the owner elected humane euthanasia. Although long‐term assessment of treatment response was unable to be performed, this novel diagnostic option could be considered for similar cases due to success in obtaining a histopathologic diagnosis, which is essential in developing a disease‐specific treatment plan. This report also describes the use of radiotherapy for primary treatment of an intracardiac neoplasm, which can be a consideration in the future.
Genomic and fitness consequences of inbreeding in an endangered carnivore
Authors: Hasselgren Malin , Dussex Nicolas , von Seth Johanna , Angerbjörn Anders , Olsen Remi‐André , Dalén Love , Norén Karin
Published: May 2021

Reduced fitness through genetic drift and inbreeding is a major threat to small and isolated populations. Although previous studies have generally used genetically verified pedigrees to document effects of inbreeding and gene flow, these often fail to capture the whole inbreeding history of the species. By assembling a draft arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) genome and resequencing complete genomes of 23 additional foxes born before and after a well‐documented immigration event in Scandinavia, we here look into the genomic consequences of inbreeding and genetic rescue. We found a difference in genome‐wide diversity, with 18% higher heterozygosity and 81% lower FROH in immigrant F1 compared to native individuals. However, more distant descendants of immigrants (F2, F3) did not show the same pattern. We also found that foxes with lower inbreeding had higher probability to survive their first year of life. Our results demonstrate the important link between genetic variation and fitness as well as the transient nature of genetic rescue. Moreover, our results have implications in conservation biology as they demonstrate that inbreeding depression can effectively be detected in the wild by a genomic approach.
Optimum distribution of seismic energy dissipation devices using neural network and fuzzy inference system
Authors: Noureldin M. , Ali A. , Nasab M. S. E. , Kim J.
Published: May 2021

The current study proposes a framework to provide an optimal distribution of energy dissipation devices for low‐ and mid‐rise framed buildings using an artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy inference system (FIS). Three illustrative framed buildings to be retrofitted using steel slit dampers are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Two hundred natural earthquake records are used to consider variability in seismic ground motions, and 33,600 nonlinear time history analyses (NLTHAs) are conducted to train the framework. Three engineering demand parameters are used to represent the strength and serviceability requirements concurrently, and the fuzziness of structural limit states is also included within the framework. The framework is fine‐tuned by carrying out sensitivity exercises based on different sample sizes to select the most appropriate training algorithm, activation function, and ANN architecture. After that, the proposed framework is compared with three different supervised machine learning classification algorithms; namely, support vector machine, decision tree, and bagged ensemble. The results show the superiority of the proposed framework compared to the conventional machine learning algorithms in predicting the ranking and obtaining the optimum retrofit scheme for low‐ and mid‐rise framed buildings. Finally, NLTHAs are conducted to validate the results produced by the framework, which are found to be in good agreement with the NLTHAs testing results.
Identifying potential candidate Culicoides spp. for the study of interactions with Candidatus Cardinium hertigii
Authors: Pilgrim J. , Siozios S. , Baylis M. , Venter G. , Garros C. , Hurst G. D. D.
Published: May 2021

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors responsible for the transmission of several viruses of veterinary importance. Previous screens of Culicoides have described the presence of the endosymbiont Candidatus Cardinium hertigii (Bacteroidetes). However, any impacts of this microbe on vectorial capacity, akin to those conferred by Wolbachia in mosquitoes, are yet to be uncovered and await a suitable system to study Cardinium‐midge interactions. To identify potential candidate species to investigate these interactions, accurate knowledge of the distribution of the endosymbiont within Culicoides populations is needed. We used conventional and nested PCR assays to screen Cardinium infection in 337 individuals of 25 Culicoides species from both Palearctic and Afrotropical regions. Infections were observed in several vector species including C. imicola and the Pulicaris complex (C. pulicaris, C. bysta, C. newsteadi and C. punctatus) with varying prevalence. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Gyrase B gene grouped all new isolates within ‘group C’ of the genus, a clade that has to date been exclusively described in Culicoides. Through a comparison of our results with previous screens, we suggest C. imicola and C. sonorensis represent good candidates for onward study of Cardinium‐midge interactions.
DNA identification of species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and first record of An. daciae in Belgium
Authors: Smitz N. , De Wolf K. , Gheysen A. , Deblauwe I. , Vanslembrouck A. , Meganck K. , De Witte J. , Schneider A. , Verlé I. , Dekoninck W. , Gombeer S. , Vanderheyden A. , De Meyer M. , Backeljau T. , Müller R. , Van Bortel W.
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed at identifying the members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) occurring in Belgium. Therefore, the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS2) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) loci were sequenced in 175 and 111 specimens, respectively, collected between 2007 and 2019. In parallel, the suitability of two species‐diagnostic PCR‐RFLP assays was tested. The identified specimens included: An. maculipennis s.s. (N = 105), An. daciae (N = 62), An. atroparvus (N = 6) and An. messeae (N = 2). Each species was characterized by unique ITS2 haplotypes, whereas COI only supported the monophyly of An. atroparvus, a historical malaria vector in Belgium. Species identification results were further supported by unique PCR‐RFLP banding patterns. We report for the first time An. daciae in Belgium, where it was found to co‐occur with An. maculipennis s.s. The latter was the most prevalent in the collection studied (60%) and appears to have the widest distribution in Belgium. As in other studies, An. daciae and An. messeae appeared the most closely related species, up to the point that their species status remains debatable, while their ecological differences, including vector competences, need further study.