bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyocyanin biosynthesis protects Pseudomonas aeruginosa from nonthermal plasma inactivation
Authors: Zhou Huyue , Yang Yi , Shang Weilong , Rao Yifan , Chen Juan , Peng Huagang , Huang Jingbin , Hu Zhen , Zhang Rong , Rao Xiancai
Published: March 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic human pathogen, which raises a worldwide concern for its increasing resistance. Nonthermal plasma, which is also called cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is an alternative therapeutic approach for clinical infectious diseases. However, the bacterial factors that affect CAP treatment remain unclear. The sterilization effect of a portable CAP device on different P. aeruginosa strains was investigated in this study. Results revealed that CAP can directly or indirectly kill P. aeruginosa in a time‐dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope showed negligible surface changes between CAP‐treated and untreated P. aeruginosa cells. However, cell leakage occurred during the CAP process with increased bacterial lactate dehydrogenase release. More importantly, pigmentation of the P. aeruginosa culture was remarkably reduced after CAP treatment. Further mechanical exploration was performed by utilizing mutants with loss of functional genes involved in pyocyanin biosynthesis, including P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain‐derived phzA1::Tn, phzA2::Tn, ΔphzA1/ΔphzA2, phzM::Tn and phzS::Tn, as well as corresponding gene deletion mutants based on clinical PA1 isolate. The results indicated that pyocyanin and its intermediate 5‐methyl phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (5‐Me‐PCA) play important roles in P. aeruginosa resistance to CAP treatment. The unique enzymes, such as PhzM in the pyocyanin biosynthetic pathway, could be novel targets for the therapeutic strategy design to control the growing P. aeruginosa infections.
Can right ventricular assessments improve triaging of low risk pulmonary embolism?
Authors: Raper Jaron D. , Thomas Alyssa M. , Lupez Kathryn , Cox Carly A. , Esener Dasia , Boyd Jeremy S. , Nomura Jason T. , Davison Jillian , Ockerse Patrick M. , Leech Stephen , Johnson Jakea , Abrams Eric , Murphy Kathleen , Kelly Christopher , O'Connell Nathaniel S. , Weekes Anthony J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Identifying right ventricle (RV) abnormalities is important to stratifying pulmonary embolism (PE) severity. Disposition decisions are influenced by concerns about early deterioration. Triaging strategies, like the Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI), do not include RV assessments as predictors or early deterioration as outcome(s). We aimed to (1) determine if RV assessment variables add prognostic accuracy for 5‐day clinical deterioration in patients classified low risk by sPESI, and (2) determine the prognostic importance of RV assessments compared to other variables and to each other.

Methods

We identified low risk sPESI patients (sPESI = 0) from a prospective PE registry. From a large field of candidate variables, we developed, and compared prognostic accuracy of, full and reduced random forest models (with and without RV assessment variables, respectively) on a validation database. We reported variable importance plots from full random forest and provided odds ratios for statistical inference of importance from multivariable logistic regression. Outcomes were death, cardiac arrest, hypotension, dysrhythmia, or respiratory failure within 5 days of PE.

Results

Of 1736 patients, 610 (35.1%) were low risk by sPESI and 72 (11.8%) experienced early deterioration. Of the 610, RV abnormality was present in 157 (25.7%) by CT, 121 (19.8%) by echocardiography, 132 (21.6%) by natriuretic peptide, and 107 (17.5%) by troponin. For deterioration, the receiver operating characteristics for full and reduced random forest prognostic models were 0.80 (0.77–0.82) and 0.71 (0.68–0.73), respectively. RV assessments were the top four in the variable importance plot for the random forest model. Echocardiography and CT significantly increased predicted probability of 5‐day clinical deterioration by the multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions

A PE triaging strategy with RV imaging assessments had superior prognostic performance at classifying low risk for 5‐day clinical deterioration versus one without.
COVID‐19: Financial well‐being of older Australians in times of crisis
Authors: Jhuremalani Arti , Potter Rachael , Lushington Kurt , Lowies Braam
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the financial well‐being of older Australian retirees.

Methods

Thirty Australian retirees (16 females and 14 males), older than 65 years of age, were asked ‘Have your finances been affected by the events surrounding COVID‐19?’. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six‐step approach, and Bronfenbrenner’s socio‐ecological model was utilised to analyse thematic responses at individual, household, community and societal levels.

Results

Two COVID‐19‐related themes emerged from interviews: COVID‐19 and increased financial stress and COVID‐19 and frustration with digital banking.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the financial well‐being of older Australians and especially self‐funded retirees has been negatively impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants felt financially worse off primarily due to the volatility of the financial markets, the need to support adult children and the increased cost of living. Also, participants expressed their hesitation and frustration with digital banking services, and their desire for greater personal contact with financial institutions, particularly during times of uncertainty.
The impact of the introduction of intrapartum fetal ECG ST segment analysis. A population study
Authors: Blix Ellen , Eskild Anne , Skau Irene , Grytten Jostein
Published: March 2022

Introduction

ST segment analysis (STAN) of the fetal electrocardiogram was introduced as an adjunct to cardiotocography for intrapartum fetal monitoring 30 years ago. We examined the impact of the introduction of STAN on changes in the occurrence of fetal and neonatal deaths, Apgar scores of <7 at 5 min, intrapartum cesarean sections, and instrumental vaginal deliveries while controlling for time‐ and hospital‐specific trends and maternal risk factors.

Material and Methods

Data were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway from 1985 to 2014. Individual data were linked to the Education Registry and the Central Person Registry. The study sample included 1 132 022 singleton births with a gestational age of 36 weeks or beyond. Information about the year of STAN introduction was collected from every birth unit in Norway using a questionnaire. Our data structure consisted of a hospital‐year panel. We applied a linear probability model with hospital‐fixed effects and with adjustment for potentially confounding factors. The prevalence of the outcomes before and after the introduction of STAN were compared within each birth unit.

Results

In total, 23 birth units, representing 76% of all births in Norway, had introduced the STAN technology. During the study period, stillbirths declined from 2.6 to 1.9 per 1000 births, neonatal deaths declined from 1.7 to 0.7 per 1000 live births, babies with Apgar score <7 at 5 min after birth increased from 7.4 to 9.5 per 1000 births, intrapartum cesarean sections increased from 6.4% to 9.5%, and instrumental vaginal deliveries increased from 7.8% to 10.9%. Our analyses found that the introduction of STAN was not associated with the decline in proportion of stillbirths (p =0.76) and neonatal deaths (p =0.76) or with the increase in intrapartum cesarean sections (p =0.92) and instrumental vaginal deliveries (p =0.78). However, it was associated with the increased occurrence of Apgar score <7 at 5 min (p =0.01).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that the introduction of STAN contributed to changes in the rates of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, intrapartum cesarean sections, or instrumental vaginal deliveries. There was an association between the introduction of STAN and a small increase in neonates with low Apgar scores.
Carcass characteristics and selected meat quality traits from commercial broiler chickens of different origin
Authors: Kokoszyński Dariusz , Żochowska‐Kujawska Joanna , Kotowicz Marek , Sobczak Małgorzata , Piwczyński Dariusz , Stęczny Kamil , Majrowska Michalina , Saleh Mohamed
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to compare carcass and meat quality traits in 42‐day‐old Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Forty carcasses were studied. Acidity (pH24) and electrical conductivity (EC24) of pectoralis major muscle and drumstick were determined 24 h postmortem. After carcass cutting, samples of breast and leg meat were collected for determination of quality traits. Broiler genotype had a significant effect on abdominal fat content in carcass and on water, protein, fat, sodium, and magnesium content in breast meat. Bird origin had an effect on the lightness, yellowness, horizontal diameter of muscle fiber, horizontal:vertical (H:V) diameter ratio, and most textural characteristics of pectoralis major muscle, as well as on the pH (pH24), electrical conductivity (EC24), and yellowness (b*) of leg muscles. Sex of birds had a significant effect on carcass weight, water, fat and collagen content, L*, a*, b* color attributes, and chewiness and gumminess of breast meat and on water and protein content in leg muscles. The present study provided information on the differences in carcass and meat quality between Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler chickens.
Classification of adult‐type diffuse gliomas: Impact of the World Health Organization 2021 update
Authors: Whitfield Benjamin T. , Huse Jason T.
Published: March 2022

Over the last decade, developments in molecular profiling have radically altered the diagnosis, classification, and management of numerous cancer types, with primary brain tumors being no exception. Although historically brain tumors have been classified based on their morphological characteristics, recent advances have allowed refinement of tumor classification based on molecular alterations. This shift toward molecular classification of primary brain tumors is reflected in the 2021 5th edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors (WHO 2021). In this review, we will discuss the most recent updates to the classification of adult‐type diffuse gliomas, a group of highly infiltrative and largely incurable CNS malignancies. It is our hope continued that refinement of molecular criteria will improve diagnosis, prognostication, and eventually treatment of these devastating tumors.
Intervention programme for fathers who use domestic and family violence: Results from an evaluation of Caring Dads
Authors: Hine Lorelei , Meyer Silke , McDermott Liane , Eggins Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

This article presents findings from an evaluation of a trial of the Caring Dads programme in an Australian jurisdiction. Caring Dads is a nonmandated group‐based programme for fathers who have been physically and/or emotionally abusive towards their children, their children's mothers or both. The programme aims to engage men around their fathering and is ultimately vested in and focused on children's safety, well‐being and the intrinsic link this has with the safety of the mother. Fathers undertaking the programme (n = 40), and associated mothers (n = 17), participated in a mixed‐methods self‐report questionnaire administered at programme commencement and conclusion. This article presents findings related to change in fathers' use and mothers' experiences of domestic and family violence, shared parenting experiences, mother safety and levels of psychological distress between the two points of data collection. Results align with those produced by other national and international Caring Dads evaluations and show overall positive outcomes for mother experiences of violence, psychological well‐being and safety, along with fathers' increased awareness and understanding of what constitutes abusive behaviour. Implications for father‐focused interventions around domestic and family violence and the role of victim‐survivor voices in delivering and evaluating father and family‐focused interventions are discussed.
Coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy: A cohort study of NHS practice in England using Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Powell Steven , Tweedie Daniel J. , Jonas Nicolaas E. , Bateman Neil D. , Keltie Kim , Sims Andrew J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To identify paediatric intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy procedures from routine administrative data in England, and determine their safety.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study of four ENT centres using routine data from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

Setting

Acute NHS trusts in England conducting exclusively intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy.

Participants

Children (≤16 years old) undergoing bilateral intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy.

Main outcome measures

Number of procedures, readmissions for pain, readmissions for bleeding and requirement for additional surgery for regrowth.

Results

A total of 5525 procedures were identified. The median patient age was 4 (IQR 2–5). In‐hospital complications occurred in 1%, with 0.1% returning to theatre for arrest of primary tonsil bleeding. Almost half of the procedures were conducted as a day‐case (44%), with only a small proportion staying in hospital more than one night (7%). Within 28 days, 1.2% of patients were readmitted with bleeding, 0.7% with infection and 0.3% with pain; 0.2% of patients required return to theatre for control of secondary haemorrhage. Longitudinal follow‐up has found that revision tonsil surgery is 0.3% at 1 year (n = 4498), 1.1% at 2 years (n = 2938), 1.7% at 3 years (n = 1781), 1.9% at 4 years (n = 905) and 2.2% at 5 years (n = 305).

Conclusions

Intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy safety outcomes in this study show primary and secondary bleeding rates and emergency return to theatre rates are lower than all tonsillectomy techniques reported in the National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit and also lower than previously published Hospital Episode Statistics analysis of tonsillectomy procedures.
Synthesizing habitat connectivity analyses of a globally important human‐dominated tiger‐conservation landscape
Authors: Schoen Jay M. , Neelakantan Amrita , Cushman Samuel A. , Dutta Trishna , Habib Bilal , Jhala Yadvendradev V. , Mondal Indranil , Ramakrishnan Uma , Reddy P. Anuradha , Saini Swati , Sharma Sandeep , Thatte Prachi , Yumnam Bibek , DeFries Ruth
Published: March 2022

As ecological data and associated analyses become more widely available, synthesizing results for effective communication with stakeholders is essential. In the case of wildlife corridors, managers in human‐dominated landscapes need to identify both the locations of corridors and multiple stakeholders for effective oversight. We synthesized five independent studies of tiger (Panthera tigris) connectivity in central India, a global priority landscape for tiger conservation, to quantify agreement on landscape permeability for tiger movement and potential movement pathways. We used the latter analysis to identify connectivity areas on which studies agreed and stakeholders associated with these areas to determine relevant participants in corridor management. Three or more of the five studies’ resistance layers agreed in 63% of the study area. Areas in which all studies agree on resistance were of primarily low (66%, e.g., forest) and high (24%, e.g., urban) resistance. Agreement was lower in intermediate resistance areas (e.g., agriculture). Despite these differences, the studies largely agreed on areas with high levels of potential movement: >40% of high average (top 20%) current‐flow pixels were also in the top 20% of current‐flow agreement pixels (measured by low variation), indicating consensus connectivity areas (CCAs) as conservation priorities. Roughly 70% of the CCAs fell within village administrative boundaries, and 100% overlapped forest department management boundaries, suggesting that people live and use forests within these priority areas. Over 16% of total CCAs’ area was within 1 km of linear infrastructure (437 road, 170 railway, 179 transmission line, and 339 canal crossings; 105 mines within 1 km of CCAs). In 2019, 78% of forest land diversions for infrastructure and mining in Madhya Pradesh (which comprises most of the study region) took place in districts with CCAs. Acute competition for land in this landscape with globally important wildlife corridors calls for an effective comanagement strategy involving local communities, forest departments, and infrastructure planners.
Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators
Authors: Stobo‐Wilson Alyson M. , Murphy Brett P. , Legge Sarah M. , Caceres‐Escobar Hernan , Chapple David G. , Crawford Heather M. , Dawson Stuart J. , Dickman Chris R. , Doherty Tim S. , Fleming Patricia A. , Garnett Stephen T. , Gentle Matthew , Newsome Thomas M. , Palmer Russell , Rees Matthew W. , Ritchie Euan G. , Speed James , Stuart John‐Michael , Suarez‐Castro Andrés F. , Thompson Eilysh , Tulloch Ayesha , Turpin Jeff M. , Woinarski John C.Z.
Published: March 2022

Aim

Introduced predators negatively impact biodiversity globally, with insular fauna often most severely affected. Here, we assess spatial variation in the number of terrestrial vertebrates (excluding amphibians) killed by two mammalian mesopredators introduced to Australia, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus). We aim to identify prey groups that suffer especially high rates of predation, and regions where losses to foxes and/or cats are most substantial.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We draw information on the spatial variation in tallies of reptiles, birds and mammals killed by cats in Australia from published studies. We derive tallies for fox predation by (i) modelling continental‐scale spatial variation in fox density, (ii) modelling spatial variation in the frequency of occurrence of prey groups in fox diet, (iii) analysing the number of prey individuals within dietary samples and (iv) discounting animals taken as carrion. We derive point estimates of the numbers of individuals killed annually by foxes and by cats and map spatial variation in these tallies.

Results

Foxes kill more reptiles, birds and mammals (peaking at 1071 km−2 year−1) than cats (55 km−2 year−1) across most of the unmodified temperate and forested areas of mainland Australia, reflecting the generally higher density of foxes than cats in these environments. However, across most of the continent – mainly the arid central and tropical northern regions (and on most Australian islands) – cats kill more animals than foxes. We estimate that foxes and cats together kill 697 million reptiles annually in Australia, 510 million birds and 1435 million mammals.

Main conclusions

This continental‐scale analysis demonstrates that predation by two introduced species takes a substantial and ongoing toll on Australian reptiles, birds and mammals. Continuing population declines and potential extinctions of some of these species threatens to further compound Australia's poor contemporary conservation record.
Effects of competition and habitat heterogeneity on native‐exotic plant richness relationships across spatial scales
Authors: Rossignaud Laureline , Kimberley Mark O. , Kelly Dave , Fei Songlin , Brockerhoff Eckehard G.
Published: March 2022

Aim

The biotic resistance hypothesis posits that greater native species richness limits invasions of exotic species. However, negative native‐exotic richness relationships (NERRs) may reverse with increasing spatial scale, seemingly refuting the hypothesis. Here, we explore the effects of species competitive interactions, environmental factors, habitat heterogeneity and vertical vegetation tiers on the NERRs across spatial scales in native forests.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

We combined vegetation, land cover and climate data to predict exotic richness from native richness at different vertical tiers (ground to canopy), land cover, plant competition (tree basal area, native ground cover), mean annual temperature and total rainfall. We considered four spatial scales, from single 20 × 20 m plots on an 8‐km grid to groups of plots across grids up to 128 km. Habitat heterogeneity was measured using the variance of climatic conditions among plots within a group.

Results

A negative native tree‐exotic richness relationship (NTERR) was observed at plot level but reversed with increasing spatial scale. Species competitive interactions showed a negative relationship with exotic richness at small/intermediate scales (≤32 km). Rainfall and temperature heterogeneity contributed to the positive NTERR at the largest scale. Adjacent exotic grassland cover had a positive relationship with exotic richness across all scales but did not prevent the NTERR from reversing.

Main conclusions

Our analysis shows the importance of considering vegetation structure and adjacent land covers, along with spatial heterogeneity and climatic factors, when testing the biotic resistance hypothesis in forest ecosystems. There is a clear indication that biotic resistance is primarily driven by native trees in the overstorey, probably by limiting resources available to ground tier plants. The results support the notion that the NERR is driven by competitive interspecific interactions at small spatial scales and by habitat heterogeneity at larger scales.
Driver collusion in ride‐hailing platforms
Authors: Tripathy Manish , Bai Jiaru , Heese H. Sebastian (Seb)
Published: March 2022

Many on‐demand service platforms employ state‐dependent pricing strategies to balance supply capacity and customer demand. In the context of ride‐hailing platforms, it has been observed that drivers strategically exploit the structure of such pricing policies by coordinating with each other to deactivate some drivers in order to create an artificial shortage of supply capacity and trigger so‐called surge pricing. We develop a simple and high‐level analytical framework to structurally characterize the drivers of such collusive behavior and the consequences for drivers and the platform. We find that collusive driver behavior is more likely in settings where customers exhibit moderate sensitivity to waiting time. For some of these cases, if customers continue to request service under driver collusion, the platform may benefit from the higher surge prices. For settings where driver collusion is harmful to the platform, we consider two possible mitigation strategies: a bonus payment structure to eliminate the drivers' incentives to collude, which comes at a direct cost to the platform, and a freeze period after deactivating the app during which drivers cannot reactivate. We show that with the appropriate duration, such a freeze period can effectively eliminate driver collusion without any direct costs to the platform.
Graded‐risk sensitivity in northern European mixed‐species flocks of tit and nuthatch species
Authors: Benson Scott A. , Kelly Jeffrey R. , Kullberg Cecilia , Krama Tatjana , Vrublevska Jolanta , Krams Indriķis , Freeberg Todd M.
Published: March 2022

Avian species often use anti‐predator calls such that the costs and benefits of vigilance are distributed within the group. Some species respond differentially to graded risk by attending to relevant predator cues, such as head orientation and gaze direction. One benefit of graded‐risk sensitivity is fewer missed foraging opportunities. It is not known how the makeup of risk response behaviors in mixed‐species flocks may relate to the relative nuclearity of each species in the flock. In the current study, predator models were presented to two nuclear and two satellite species of passerines that frequently occur in natural mixed flocks. Predator models either faced toward or away from a nearby stocked feeder to simulate high and low risk of predation, and calling and seed‐taking rates of the present flock were recorded. The nuclear species, great tits (Parus major) and crested tits (Lophophanes cristatus), took more seeds when the predator faced away from the feeder than toward it. The satellite species, Eurasian nuthatches (Sitta europaea) and willow tits (Poecile montanus), did not show an effect of predator orientation. No species showed consistent differences in calling behavior relative to predator orientation, although insufficient calling data for great tits prevented analysis for this species. The results of this study suggest that one aspect of nuclearity in mixed‐species flocks is a tendency for graded‐risk sensitivity, or alternatively, that satellite species are more sensitive to mere predator presence rather than to predator orientation cues.
Prison staff's perceptions of procedural justice in English and Welsh prisons: A quantitative study
Authors: Wakeling Helen , Fitzalan Howard Flora
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to develop a measure of procedural justice (PJ) perceptions for prison staff, and used this to explore perceptions. A measure of PJ perceptions was created, which had good reliability and validity. Exploration of PJ perceptions found that male, older, more experienced and disciplinary staff held significantly less positive PJ perceptions. Positive PJ perceptions were associated with improved staff motivation and commitment, reduced stress, reduced sickness, and a more positive orientation towards prison residents. Better staff PJ was also associated with better prison residents’ PJ. The importance of ensuring staff feel that their workplace is fair is discussed.
Effects of the proteins of indica rice and indica waxy rice on the formation of volatiles of sweet rice wine
Authors: Yang Yurong , Zhong Haiyan , Yang Ning , Zhu Dongcai , Li Jie , Yang Zhilong , Yang Tao
Published: March 2022

The proteins in the raw materials affect the formation of flavour during fermentation. Among all the fermentation broth of protein fraction in the study, the rice prolamin and albumin effectively promoted floral, honey and fruity characteristics in fermentation with higher level of β‐phenylethyl alcohol, 2,4‐dimethyl‐benzaldehyde and ethyl hexadecanoate than those in the fermentation of globulin and glutelin; albumin is with higher level of higher alcohols, but higher alcohols are not good for health because of their acute toxicity and neurotoxic effects. In a further fermentation experiment of addition of prolamin, extra prolamin significantly promoted the formation of aroma volatiles, especially medium and long fatty acid esters and β‐phenylethyl alcohol and its acetate, and the content of β‐phenethyl acetate in sweet rice wine with added prolamin was more than twice that of single sweet rice wine. This study demonstrates that the different rice protein components significantly affect the volatiles generated by microorganism metabolism to impact the flavour of sweet rice wine, and the flavour quality of sweet rice wine can be enhanced by increasing the prolamin content.
Investigation of using possibility of grape pomace in wafer sheet for wheat flour substitution
Authors: Altinok Emir , Kurultay Sefik , Boluk Esra , Atik Didem Sozeri , Kopuk Berkay , Gunes Recep , Palabiyik Ibrahim , Konar Nevzat , Toker Omer Said
Published: March 2022

In this study, grape pomace (GP), a by‐product consisting of grape skins and seeds rich in dietary fibres and polyphenols, was used in wafer sheets at different concentrations [5.00 (GP5), 10.0 (GP10), and 15.0 g 100 g−1(GP15)] for the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) and improve the functionality of wafer sheets. The GP inclusion at concentrations higher than 5.00 g 100 g−1significantly affected the texture of sheets as well as the flow behaviour of batters, resulting in softer sheets and more viscous batters (P < 0.05). Moisture contents did not significantly change after GP addition (P > 0.05). After the addition of GP, the L* values decreased and the a* values increased, making the wafers darker (P < 0.05). Moreover, under simulatedin vitrodigestion conditions, the bioaccessibility of total phenolic compounds in saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal juice was significantly higher than control even at the lowest GP concentration (P < 0.05). Regarding sensory properties, only smoothness and crispness were significantly affected by GP addition, and samples were found to be crisper with higher concentrations of GP. In conclusion, it is possible to partially replace the WF in wafers with GP at a concentration of 5.00 g 100 g−1to develop a product with higher functionality and nutrient content.
Effect of glucose levels on the rheo‐fermentation properties of dough during fermentation
Authors: Xie Dongdong , Lei Yanan , Sun Yingqi
Published: March 2022

In this study, recombinant dough and simulated dough medium were used to study the effect of different glucose levels on quality of dough. With the increase of glucose levels (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 g/100 g mixed flour) in recombinant dough, the water absorption and extensibility of the dough decreased significantly. Compared with the sugar‐free medium, the maximum height of the dough added with glucose gradually increased, and the CO2 retention rate decreased slightly. The glucose levels in the dough changed the water mobility and distribution. Compared with 3% glucose levels, yeast produced much more glycerol content and ethanol content in 6% and 15% glucose medium, which affected rheological properties of dough. Different glucose levels affected the fermentation state of yeast and metabolites significantly, 3% glucose medium was more suitable for the dough fermentation and growth of yeast during dough fermentation.
Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) loss‐of‐function variants in an Australian inflammatory bowel disease population
Authors: Afrin Sadia , Simms Lisa A. , Lord Anton , Radford‐Smith Graham L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Thiopurine‐related adverse events such as leukopenia, liver dysfunction and pancreatitis are associated with variants in the NUDT15 gene. Loss‐of‐function (low or no enzyme activity) alleles are more common in Asian and Hispanic populations. The prevalence of these variants in the Australian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population has not yet been reported.

Aim

To evaluate the presence of NUDT15 loss‐of‐function alleles *2,*3,*9 in the Australian IBD population.

Methods

The NUDT15 screening cohort included 423 IBD patients from Brisbane, Australia. Study patients were recruited by: (i) retrospective review of clinical charts for thiopurine‐related severe adverse events; (ii) pathology data (white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts). NUDT15 genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐high‐resolution melt (HRM), TaqMan genotyping and Sanger sequencing.

Results

NUDT15 mutation R139C (allele *3) was identified in 8 of 423 (1.9%) IBD patients. Seven of eight patients were R139C heterozygous (C/T) and one patient was R139C homozygous (T/T). One of the C/T group and the T/T patient developed thiopurine‐induced myelosuppression (TIM) within 60 days of dosing. One patient in the C/T group developed TIM after 60 days of thiopurine dosing. The remaining five patients in the C/T group did not show TIM; however, other thiopurine‐related events could not be ruled out and therefore careful monitoring over a long period is recommended.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report the frequency of NUDT15 haplotypes *2,*3,*9 in an Australian IBD population. The most common variant detected was the R139C mutation. PCR and Sanger sequencing are efficient and cost‐effective approaches for NUDT15 genotyping.
The effect of institutional factors and people’s preferences on expenditure for social protection
Authors: Vinci Vincenzo , Gassmann Franziska , Mohnen Pierre
Published: March 2022

This article analyses whether and to what extent social protection expenditure varies with institutional quality and people’s preferences using cross‐section and cross‐country panel data. It uses data on expenditure taken from the International Labour Office database focusing on 52 low‐ and middle‐income countries and on 80 high‐, low‐ and middle‐income countries. The results show that both factors have an impact for the group of low‐ and middle‐income countries, but also for all the countries in the sample. The estimates are robust to different definitions of the dependent variables and different measures for the quality of institutions. Our results suggest that it is worthwhile to continue enhancing the capacity of institutions and public authorities as well as to channel people’s preferences on social protection interventions into the planning and budgeting process where the decisions on social protection programmes are taken and resources allocated.
Efficacy and safety of pectoralis muscle flap combined rectus abdominis muscle sheath fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of sternal infection
Authors: Yu Chieh‐Ming , Yu Chia‐Meng , Yao Wen‐Teng , Chen Yu‐Fan , Lee An‐Li , Liu Ying‐Chun , Tu Chih‐Peng , Huang Wen‐Chen , Tung Kwang‐Yi , Tsai Ming‐Feng
Published: March 2022

Few studies have assessed the efficacy and safety of reconstruction of sternal infection using a pectoralis muscle flap combined with a rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) sheath fasciocutaneous flap. We report here our experience with this procedure to reconstruct the sternal defect in patients (n = 46) with a deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after cardiac surgery. After wound reconstruction, the proportion of prolonged mechanical ventilation use and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were 17.4% (n = 8) and 21.7% (n = 10), respectively. The 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 15.2%; recurrence rate was 17.4%; postoperative complications were 15.2%; and median hospital stay was 31 (0‐157) days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension (β = 21.32, 95%CI 4.955‐37.68, P = .014), drainage‐tube use (β = 0.944, 95%CI 0.273‐1.614, P = .008), and prolonged intensive care unit stay (β = 53.65, 95%CI 31.353‐75.938, P < .001) were significantly correlated with hospital stay. In conclusion, a procedure including surgical debridement, sternal reconstruction with bilateral PM and RAM sheath flap, long‐term antibiotics, and adequate drainage is a beneficial technique in the reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. Duration of drainage tube use may be as an index for a hospital stay or wound healing.
Isolation and characterization of competitive exclusion microorganisms from animal wastes–based composts against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Wang Hongye , Jiang Xiuping
Published: March 2022

Aim

To isolate the slow-growing or viable but non-culturable competitive exclusion (CE) microorganisms from composts and then verify the anti-Listeria monocytogenes activities of those CE isolates in compost.

Methods and Results

CE strains were isolated from composts using double- or triple-layer agar methods, purified, and then characterized. Both compost extracts and solid compost samples were spiked with a cocktail of 3 L. monocytogenes strains which were co-inoculated with or without CE strain cocktail and incubated at both 22 and 35°C for 168 h. Results indicated that the addition of resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf) promoted the growth of slow-growing species from composts. About 50% of the isolated CE strains (n = 40) were identified as Bacillus spp., 17 strains can inhibit more than 10 tested L. monocytogenes strains, and nine strains were motile and competitive biofilm formers. In compost extracts, the growth potentials of L. monocytogenes were reduced up to 2.2 logs when co-culturing with CE strains. In compost samples, the addition of CE strains reduced L. monocytogenes population by ca. 1.3 log CFU/g at 22°C after 24–168 h incubation.

Conclusion

Our modified double/triple-layer agar procedure with Rpf as growth supplement coupled with spot-on-lawn testing can be a quick and efficient method for isolating CE candidates from composts. The efficacy of CE strains against L. monocytogenes in compost extracts and compost samples was affected by compost type, nutrient level, and incubation temperature.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Compost is a rich source of CE microorganisms, and compost-adapted CE microorganisms have the potential as a biological agent to control L. monocytogenes in agricultural environments.
Historical biogeography shapes functional ecology: Inter‐continental contrasts in responses of savanna ant communities to stress and disturbance
Authors: Andersen Alan N. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: March 2022

Most comparative studies of biological communities in different biogeographical regions highlight ecological convergence under matched environments. Here we use savanna ant communities as a striking example where such convergence has not occurred. The savanna ant faunas of Australia, Brazil and Africa have very different functional composition due to their highly contrasting evolutionary origins.We synthesise the literature relating to the diversity and composition of savanna ant communities in the three continents, along with ant community responses to fire and aridity.Australian savannas evolved in association with a desert biome and its fauna is strongly arid adapted: it is exceptionally thermophilic, granivorous species are extremely diverse and abundant, high diversity is maintained with increasing aridity, and communities are highly resilient to simplification of vegetation structure induced by frequent fire. Brazilian savannas evolved surrounded by rainforest and have a forest‐derived ant fauna; this fauna is not so highly thermophilic, granivory is almost absent, diversity declines with increasing aridity and communities are highly sensitive to fire‐induced vegetation change. Africa has a very generalised ant fauna that has moderate representations of highly thermophilic and granivorous species, diversity appears to decline with increasing aridity, but communities are highly resilient to fire.The different biogeographical histories of tropical savannas in Australia, Brazil and Africa have led to functionally distinct ant faunas that display contrasting responses to environmental stress and disturbance. Phylogenetic niche conservatism seems to be particularly strong for granivory and thermophilia. Such intercontinental differences have important implications for understanding biodiversity responses to land management and climate change.
The riddle of PHACE syndrome
Authors: Gelmetti C.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: O. Letertre et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 610–614. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17907.
A review of giants: Examining the species identities of the world's heaviest extant bony fishes (ocean sunfishes, family Molidae)
Authors: Sawai Etsuro , Nyegaard Marianne
Published: March 2022

The world's heaviest extant bony fish has long been considered the ocean sunfish Mola mola (family Molidae). However, recent taxonomic research suggests the world record specimen (2300 kg) was actually a misidentified giant sunfish M. alexandrini. Moreover, the history of taxonomic confusion in the genus Mola, combined with anecdotal size information perpetuated in both media and literature, has resulted in uncertainty in regard to species identity and actual weights of very large Mola specimens. In this study, we searched for records of molid specimens with reported body mass over 2000 kg, with a focus on the north‐west and south‐west Pacific. For each specimen, we reviewed the species identification and assessed the reliability of the information, including if the specimen had actually been weighed. Of the 15 specimens uncovered, we identified one M. mola and 14 M. alexandrini, and found that only five had actually been weighed (one with the viscera removed). Furthermore, we collected length–weight data for verified M. alexandrini specimens from the literature and museum specimens, and established the first length–weight relationship for this species [body mass (kg) = 1.1 × 10−5 × total length (cm)3.3248 (29–330 cm total length, n = 20)]. These findings are discussed in the context of other extant bony fish species, which allegedly also exceed 2000 kg in body mass, i.e., other Molidae species and the beluga sturgeon Huso huso. Overall, we conclude that M. alexandrini is the only extant bony fish species we could confirm that exceeds 2000 kg, and that basic biological information is generally not collected when very large molid specimens occasionally are stranded or are caught. Finally, we confirm that the world's heaviest extant bony fish specimen actually weighed was a female M. alexandrini (2300 kg, 272 cm total length) captured from Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on August 16, 1996.
Integrated opto‐mechanical cantilever sensor with a rib waveguide
Authors: Zhang Hongru , Fan Guofang , Li Shi , Cai Xiaoyu , Wei Jiasi , Jing Gaoshan , Li Yuan , Zhang Zhiping
Published: March 2022

An integrated opto‐mechanical cantilever sensor with a rib waveguide is reported in this paper. The device consists of a rib waveguide cantilever with buried waveguides on silicon. The rib cantilever is introduced to match better with the buried waveguide, further for increasing the interface coupling efficiency. With this configuration, single‐mode operating can be achieved in transverse direction without decreasing the width of optical waveguide cantilever. The system sensitivity is 1.1 μm–1 which is increased by about 21%, compared with the conventional structure.
The diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy
Authors: Hamblin Ross , Coulden Amy , Fountas Athanasios , Karavitaki Niki
Published: March 2022

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is rarely encountered during pregnancy. Clinical and biochemical changes in healthy pregnancy overlap with those seen in pregnancy complicated by CS; the diagnosis is therefore challenging and can be delayed. During normal gestation, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, corticotrophin‐releasing hormone, cortisol, and urinary free cortisol levels rise. Dexamethasone administration fails to fully suppress cortisol in pregnant women without CS. Localisation may be hindered by non‐suppressed adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels in a large proportion of those with adrenal CS; smaller corticotroph adenomas may go undetected as a result of a lack of contrast administration or the presence of pituitary hyperplasia; and inferior petrosal sinus sampling is not recommended given the risk of radiation and thrombosis. Yet, diagnosis is essential; active disease is associated with multiple insults to both maternal and foetal health, and those cured may normalise the risk of maternal–foetal complications. The published literature consists mostly of case reports or small case series affected by publication bias, heterogeneous definitions of maternal or foetal outcomes or lack of detail on severity of hypercortisolism. Consequently, conclusive recommendations, or a standardised management approach for all, cannot be made. Management is highly individualised: the decision for surgery, medical control of hypercortisolism or adoption of a conservative approach is dependent on the timing of diagnosis (respective to stage of gestation), the ability to localise the tumour, severity of CS, pre‐existing maternal comorbidity, and, ultimately, patient choice. Close communication is a necessity with the patient placed at the centre of all decisions, with risks, benefits, and uncertainties around any investigation and management carefully discussed. Care should be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team, with the resources and expertise available to manage such a rare and challenging condition during pregnancy.
The mechanism underlying the pubertal increase in pulsatile GnRH release in primates
Authors: Terasawa Ei
Published: March 2022

In primates, the gonatotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory system, consisting of GnRH, kisspeptin, and neurokinin B neurons, is active during the neonatal/early infantile period. During the late infantile period, however, activity of the GnRH neurosecretory system becomes minimal as a result of gonadal steroid independent central inhibition, and this suppressed GnRH neurosecretory state continues throughout the prepubertal period. At the initiation of puberty, the GnRH neurosecretory system becomes active again because of the decrease in central inhibition. During the progress of puberty, kisspeptin and neurokinin B signaling to GnRH neurons further increases, resulting in the release of gonadotropins and subsequent gonadal maturation, and hence puberty. This review further discusses potential substrates of central inhibition and subsequent pubertal modification of the GnRH neurosecretory system by the pubertal increase in steroid hormones, which ensures the regulation of adult reproductive function.
Management of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color: A short review
Authors: Anvery Noor , Christensen Rachel E. , Dirr McKenzie A.
Published: March 2022

Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common cosmetic complaint affecting patient quality of life. PIH has been proven to disproportionately affect skin of color. While several treatment options exist, special consideration must be given when managing PIH in patients of color, as topical treatments and aesthetic procedures, such as chemical peels and lasers, may either exacerbate or prove ineffective against PIH.
Associated factors of discrepancy between older adults and their family caregivers in reporting elder abuse
Authors: Fang Boye , Li Danyu , Yan Elsie , Zhou Yi , Yu Zhuopeng , Hu Jian
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

This study focuses on elder abuse against older adults with mild‐to‐moderate cognitive and physical impairment who were receiving family care in Chinese context. Specifically, the study examined the associated factors of discrepancy between family caregiver and care recipient reports of elder abuse committed by the caregivers.

Background

Many studies identified the discrepancies between caregivers and care recipients reports of elder abuse, but they did not examine factors contributing to such discrepancies. Various cultural factors may contribute to the accuracy of elder abuse reports.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 1,002 older adults with mild‐to‐moderate cognitive and physical impairment and their family caregivers was surveyed.

Design

Quantitative study with cross‐sectional design.

Results

Moderate‐to‐substantial agreement in caregiver and care recipient reports was found for all forms of abuse (Cohen’s kappa = 0.39 to 0.76). Care recipient reports consistently generated higher rates than caregiver reports for psychological abuse (51.1% vs. 42.8%), physical abuse (1.2% vs. 1.0%), caregiver neglect (65.0% vs. 50.2%) and financial exploitation (40.8% vs. 34.2%). Similar factors were found for dyadic discrepancy in the reporting of various forms of elder abuse, which included desire to gain face, fear of losing face and sense of familism in the caregivers, as well as older age, cognitive impairment and female gender of the care recipient. This study was presented in adherence to the Strobe Checklist.

Conclusions

The results suggest that family caregivers might not be reliable as the sole informants to report their care recipients’ victimization experiences. Information from multiple parties should be gathered and synthesized to obtain more accurate reporting of the frequency and severity of elder abuse. Meanwhile, cultural factors should be taken into account when seeking information related to elder abuse.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for multiple parties to provide and report information about the elder abuse. It is also need to consider cultural factors when detecting and intervening elder abuse.