bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of pubertal delay
Authors: Saengkaew Tansit , Howard Sasha R.
Published: October 2021

The timing of pubertal development is strongly influenced by the genetic background, and clinical presentations of delayed puberty are often found within families with clear patterns of inheritance. The discovery of the underlying genetic regulators of such conditions, in recent years through next generation sequencing, has advanced the understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders of pubertal timing and the potential for genetic testing to assist diagnosis for patients with these conditions. This review covers the significant advances in the understanding of the biological mechanisms of delayed puberty that have occurred in the last two decades.
Global corporate social responsibility reporting regulation
Authors: Wen Hui , Deltas George
Published: October 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has steadily grown in importance. We show government regulation on corporate reporting of CSR, aimed to spur its growth and increase transparency, has grown in tandem. Such reporting regulation is more readily observable than CSR itself and can be used as a proxy for the latter. We show that larger economies with higher institutional capacity find it easier to develop reporting regulations, and that international influences and local pollution increase concerns are important contributing factors. We show that such regulation also increases CSR, even after accounting for common unobserved factors that may affect both.
Understanding Miscommunication: Speech Act Recognition in Digital Contexts
Authors: Holtgraves Thomas
Published: October 2021

Successful language use requires accurate intention recognition. However, sometimes this can be undermined because communication occurs within an interpersonal context. In this research, I used a relatively large set of speech acts (n = 32) and explored how variability in their inherent face‐threat influences the extent to which they are successfully recognized by a recipient, as well as the confidence of senders and receivers in their communicative success. Participants in two experiments either created text messages (senders) designed to perform a specific speech act (e.g., agree) or interpreted those text messages (receivers) in terms of the specific speech act being performed. The speech acts were scaled in terms of their degree of face threat. In both experiments, speech acts that were more threatening were less likely to be correctly recognized than those that were less threatening. Additionally, the messages of the more threatening speech acts were longer and lower in clout than the less threatening speech acts. Senders displayed greater confidence in communicative success than receivers, but judgments of communicative success (for both senders and receivers) were unrelated to actual communicative success. The implications of these results for our understanding of actual communicative episodes are discussed.
Draw a Star and Make it Perfect: Incremental Processing of Telicity
Authors: Foppolo Francesca , Bosch Jasmijn E. , Greco Ciro , Carminati Maria N. , Panzeri Francesca
Published: October 2021

Predicates like “coloring‐the‐star” denote events that have a temporal duration and a culmination point (telos). When combined with perfective aspect (e.g., “Valeria has colored the star”), a culmination inference arises implying that the action has stopped, and the star is fully colored. While the perfective aspect is known to constrain the conceptualization of the event as telic, many reading studies have demonstrated that readers do not make early commitments as to whether the event is bounded or unbounded. A few visual‐world studies tested the processing of telic predicates during online sentence processing, demonstrating an early integration of aspectual and temporal cues. By employing the visual‐world paradigm, we tested the incremental processing of the perfective aspect in Italian in two eye‐tracking studies in which listeners heard durative predicates in the perfective form in a scenario showing a completed and a non‐completed event. Differently from previous studies, we compared telic durative predicates such as “coloring‐the‐star” to punctual predicates such as “lighting‐the‐candle.” While for punctual predicates, the inferences of telicity (the event has a telos) and of culmination (the telos is reached) are lexically encoded in the perfective verb, for durative predicates, the degree of event completion (visually encoded) needs to be integrated with perfective aspect (linguistically encoded) for the culmination inference derivation. By modulating the interaction of visual and linguistic stimuli across the two experiments, we show that the verb's perfective aspect triggers the culmination inference incrementally during sentence processing, offering novel evidence for the continuous integration of linguistic processing with real‐world visual information.
Colour stability of wood coatings pigmented with natural indigo from Isatis tinctoria after accelerated weathering
Authors: Jordan Juha , Helander Roosa , Laaksonen Päivi
Published: October 2021

An experimental study of artificial weathering of two outdoor coatings pigmented with natural indigo from Isatis tinctoria was carried out. The two coatings, natural indigo‐pigmented boat varnish and outdoor paint, were exposed to cycles of ultraviolet light, water condensation and water spray for 40 days in a QUV test chamber. Synthetic indigo and commercial ultramarine pigment were employed as reference materials. The effects of artificial weathering on the coatings were evaluated with CIELab parameters, as well as visual inspection. Coating and pigment stability during artificial weathering were studied with reflectance spectrometry, hyperspectral imaging technology and Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy. According to the results, coatings with indigo proved to be more resistant to visual and spectral changes than unpigmented or commercially pigmented coatings.
The use of mice in diabetes research: The impact of physiological characteristics, choice of model and husbandry practices
Authors: Daniels Gatward Lydia F. , Kennard Matilda R. , Smith Lorna I. F. , King Aileen J. F.
Published: October 2021

Diabetes mellitus is characterised by hyperglycaemia, which results from an absolute or relative lack of insulin. Chronic and acute hyperglycaemia are associated with a range of health complications and an overall increased risk of mortality. Mouse models are vital in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and its complications, as well as for developing new diabetes therapeutics. However, for experimental questions to be suitably tested, it is critical that factors inherent to the animal model are considered, as these can have profound impacts on experimental outcome, data reproducibility and robustness. In this review, we discuss key considerations relating to model choice, physiological characteristics (such as age, sex and genetic background) and husbandry practices and explore the impact of these on common experimental readouts used in preclinical diabetes research.
Hyperglycaemia‐induced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell proliferation through ROS‐mediated P38 activation is effectively inhibited by a xanthophyll carotenoid, lutein
Authors: Maradagi Tehreem , Kumar Ravi , Ponesakki Ganesan
Published: October 2021

Aims

Diabetic population have a twofold to threefold increased risk of developing liver cancer, and hyperglycaemia is a prime causative factor that propends the tumour cells to undergo aggressive metabolic growth. In this study, we aimed to examine the molecular mechanism by which lutein inhibits hyperglycaemia‐induced human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell proliferation.

Methods

The effect of lutein on high glucose‐induced proliferation was measured using the WST‐1 reagent. Its effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels was measured by DCF assay. The effect on the expression of antioxidant enzymes, cell cycle regulatory proteins and intracellular protein kinases was analysed by western blotting. The modulatory effect of lutein on different phases of the cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

The data showed that lutein at 5 µM concentration significantly blocked glucose‐promoted HepG2 cell proliferation. Suppression of high glucose‐induced cell proliferation by lutein was not associated with apoptosis induction, but it was linked with inhibition of hyperglycaemia‐mediated elevated ROS and upregulated expression of high glucose‐mediated repressed heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Furthermore, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and associated phosphorylation of Cdk1 and P53 were found to be linked with suppressed hyperglycaemia‐mediated cell proliferation by lutein. In addition, lutein inhibited hyperglycaemia‐induced activation of P38 which relates to high glucose‐induced ROS‐mediated growth suppression and modulated the phosphorylation of Erk, JNK and Akt in hyperglycaemic HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

Our findings portray that sufficient intake of lutein may offer a negative impact on diabetes‐associated tumour growth.
Effects of short‐acting exenatide added three times daily to insulin therapy on bone metabolism in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Johansen Nicklas J. , Dejgaard Thomas F. , Lund Asger , Schlüntz Camilla , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Vilsbøll Tina , Andersen Henrik U. , Knop Filip K.
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of the short‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, exenatide, added to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers.

Materials and Methods

In a randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group trial, 108 individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 18 years or older on basal‐bolus therapy with HbA1c 59‐88 mmol/mol (7.5%‐10.0%) and body mass index of more than 22.0 kg/m2 were randomized (1:1) to preprandial subcutaneous injection of 10 μg exenatide (Byetta) before breakfast, lunch, and dinner over 26 weeks as add‐on treatment to insulin therapy.

Results

Exenatide elicited a body weight reduction of 4.4 kg compared with placebo, but no between‐group differences in bone mineral density, as assessed by whole‐body, hip, lumbar, and forearm dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry following 26 weeks of treatment, were observed. Fasting plasma levels of C‐terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, a marker of bone resorption, and amino‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, a marker of bone formation, were unchanged by exenatide compared with placebo after 26 weeks.

Conclusions

Despite an exenatide‐induced body weight reduction, no changes in bone metabolism were observed with exenatide added to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes after 26 weeks.
City health departments, public health expenditures, and urban mortality over 1910–1940
Authors: Hoehn‐Velasco Lauren , Wrigley‐Field Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

Over the early twentieth century, urban centers adopted full‐time public health departments. We show that opening full‐time administration had little observable impact on mortality. We then attempt to determine why health departments were ineffective. Our results suggest that achievements in public health occurred regardless of health department status. Further, we find that cities with and without a full‐time health department allocated similar per capita expenditures towards health administration. This health department funding also better predicts infant mortality declines. Our conclusions indicate that specific campaigns, public health systems, and funding may have been more meaningful for local health over this era.
Status for the good guys: An experiment on charitable giving
Authors: Dannenberg Astrid , Johansson‐Stenman Olof , Wetzel Heike
Published: October 2021

We study the social status motive in an experiment at an art‐house cinema in Germany where movie‐goers can make monetary contributions to help the cinema become climate neutral. Our key result is that offering high contributors a “social status gift” that displays their good deed increases both the likelihood of a high contribution and mean contributions. It performs significantly better than previously studied mechanisms, such as the removal of anonymity, the provision of a reference point, or a neutral thank‐you gift, and it also performs better than offering high contributors publicity through social media.
Surface values, volumetric measurements and radiomics of structural MRI for the diagnosis and subtyping of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Shi Liting , Liu Xuechun , Wu Keqing , Sun Kui , Lin Chunsen , Li Zhengmei , Zhao Shuying , Fan Xiuqin
Published: October 2021

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed subjectively based on an individual's behaviour and performance. The clinical community has no objective biomarker to inform the diagnosis and subtyping of ADHD. This study aimed to explore the potential diagnostic biomarkers of ADHD among surface values, volumetric metrics and radiomic features that were extracted from structural MRI images. Public data of New York University and Peking University were downloaded from the ADHD‐200 Consortium. MRI T1‐weighted images were pre‐processed using CAT12. We calculated surface values based on the Desikan–Killiany atlas. The volumetric metrics (mean grey matter volume and mean white matter volume) and radiomic features within each automated anatomical labelling (AAL) brain area were calculated using DPABI and IBEX, respectively. The differences among three groups of participants were tested using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test depending on the normality of the data. We selected discriminative features and classified typically developing controls (TDCs) and ADHD patients as well as two ADHD subtypes using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and support vector machine algorithms. Our results showed that the radiomics‐based model outperformed the others in discriminating ADHD from TDC and classifying ADHD subtypes (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.78 and 0.94 in training test; 0.79 and 0.85 in testing set). Combining grey matter volumes, surface values and clinical factors with radiomic features can improve the performance for classifying ADHD patients and TDCs with training and testing AUCs of 0.82 and 0.83, respectively. This study demonstrates that MRI T1‐weighted features, especially radiomic features, are potential diagnostic biomarkers of ADHD.
The kinship matrix: inferring the kinship structure of a population from its demography
Authors: Coste Christophe F. D. , Bienvenu François , Ronget Victor , Ramirez‐Loza Juan‐Pablo , Cubaynes Sarah , Pavard Samuel
Published: October 2021

The familial structure of a population and the relatedness of its individuals are determined by its demography. There is, however, no general method to infer kinship directly from the life cycle of a structured population. Yet, this question is central to fields such as ecology, evolution and conservation, especially in contexts where there is a strong interdependence between familial structure and population dynamics. Here, we give a general formula to compute, from any matrix population model, the expected number of arbitrary kin (sisters, nieces, cousins, etc) of a focal individual ego, structured by the class of ego and of its kin. Central to our approach are classic but little‐used tools known as genealogical matrices. Our method can be used to obtain both individual‐based and population‐wide metrics of kinship, as we illustrate. It also makes it possible to analyse the sensitivity of the kinship structure to the traits implemented in the model.
Six‐year population dynamics of seven passalid species in a humid tropical rainforest in Borneo
Authors: Ueno Hiroto , Araya Kunio , Meleng Paulus , Kaliang Clement Het , Sakai Shoko , Kishimoto‐Yamada Keiko , Kon Masahiro , Itioka Takao , Satake Akiko
Published: October 2021

Phenology of insect abundance in less seasonal tropical regions is well recognized. Even in Bornean tropical forests in Malaysia, where there is no distinct dry season, there are insect species that behave as if their environments were highly seasonal. How such seasonal dynamics are shaped and what factors determine the seasonality remains largely unresolved. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying population dynamics in relatively stable tropical environments, we classified monthly samples collected with light traps at Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysia, and generated long‐term time‐series data for the family Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea), which spend nearly their entire life cycle within or beneath decayed wood. Analyses of our data (20 species and 768 individuals) revealed that there were clear abundance peaks in April and October at the community level. We analyzed the data together with climate data using a nonlinear time‐series analysis called convergent cross mapping. The causal relationship between adult population dynamics of the dominant species (Leptaulax planus) and temperature was detected, which shows that the population dynamics of L. planus are driven by cool temperatures approximately 1 month before emergence. Our study indicates that even in perpetually wet tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, insect population dynamics respond to climatic factors and show seasonal population dynamics.
Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Risk factors for horse falls and unseated riders during the cross‐country phase (2008‐2018)
Authors: Bennet Euan D. , Cameron‐Whytock Heather , Parkin Tim D. H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Eventing is an equestrian sport that tests athletes’ and horses’ skill over three phases: dressage, jumping and cross‐country. Falls during the cross‐country phase can have very serious outcomes up to and including death for both horse and athlete. Therefore, understanding risk factors associated with falls is essential for improving equine and human welfare.

Objectives

To provide descriptive statistics and identify risk factors at the horse‐, athlete‐ and course‐level affecting horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG) and World Equestrian Games (WEG) competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factor candidates for inclusion in the final multivariable logistic regression model. Models were constructed stepwise using a bi‐directional process and assessed using the Akaike information criterion.

Results

Factors associated with increased risk of falls and or unseated rider included: higher event levels, longer course distances, more starters at cross‐country phase and less experienced horses and athletes.

Main limitations

The data set is geographically comprehensive but covers only FEI competitions, not National Federation events, that is not every competition started by every individual horse. Nor does the data set include any prior veterinary information or data on training or schooling.

Conclusions

This is the first large‐scale epidemiological study of cross‐country falls in FEI eventing. Results suggest that a potential risk profile can be constructed for each horse‐athlete combination prior to entering a given competition, based on individual histories and course‐level factors. This could lead to interventions that can reduce the number of falls, thus protecting equine and human welfare.
The couple’s tree of life: Promoting and protecting relational identity
Authors: Chimpén‐López Carlos A. , Pacheco Meritxell , Pretel‐Luque Teresa , Bastón Rebeca , Chimpén‐Sagrado Daniel
Published: October 2021

We present The Couple’s Tree of Life (CTOL) as a new collective narrative methodology to strengthen couple relationships and prevent conflicts. The CTOL, based on the tree of life methodology (Ncube & Denborough, Tree of Life, mainstreaming psychosocial care and support: a manual for facilitators, REPSSI, 2007), aims to reinforce the identity and strengths of the couple. We explain the CTOL implementation process and illustrate it step by step with a group of 14 adult heterosexual Caucasian couples who belonged to Protestant churches in Madrid (Spain). As a way to assess its usefulness before applying the CTOL to other groups of couples, we conducted a pre‐post evaluation using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale of Spanier(1976). We found an improvement in dyadic adjustment, quality, understanding of, and satisfaction with, the relationship. The results, though not generalizable at this stage, suggest that the CTOL could reinforce the couple’s identity while maintaining individual identities. We also discuss the possible applications of couples therapy.
A Clockwork Bleb: cytoskeleton, calcium, and cytoplasmic fluidity
Authors: Ikenouchi Junichi , Aoki Kana
Published: October 2021

When the plasma membrane (PM) detaches from the underlying actin cortex, the PM expands according to intracellular pressure and a spherical membrane protrusion called a bleb is formed. This bleb retracts when the actin cortex is reassembled underneath the PM. Whereas this phenomenon seems simple at first glance, there are many interesting, unresolved cell biological questions in each process. For example, what is the membrane source to enlarge the surface area of the PM during rapid bleb expansion? What signals induce actin reassembly for bleb retraction, and how is cytoplasmic fluidity regulated to allow rapid membrane deformation during bleb expansion? Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells use blebs for invasion, but little is known about how molecules that are involved in bleb formation, expansion, and retraction are coordinated for directional amoeboid migration. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of blebs, which have been revealed by various experimental systems.
Global impacts of invasive species on the tipping points of shallow lakes
Authors: Reynolds Sam A. , Aldridge David C.
Published: October 2021

There is growing acknowledgement that human‐induced change can push ecosystems beyond tipping points, resulting in the dramatic and sudden loss of vital ecosystem services. Invasive non‐native species (INNS) are spreading rapidly due to anthropogenic activities and climate change and can drive changes to ecosystem functioning by altering abiotic conditions and restructuring native communities. Shallow lake ecosystems are especially vulnerable to perturbation from INNS as they can exist in two alternative stable states: either clear water with an abundance of vegetation or turbid, unvegetated and dominated by phytoplankton. Through a global meta‐analysis of studies observing the effects of INNS on recipient lake ecosystems, we found that certain INNS drive significant changes in the abundance of key taxa and conditions that govern the balance of alternative equilibria in shallow lakes. Invasive fish and crustaceans demonstrated effects likely to lead to early ecosystem collapse to a turbid state and delay ecosystem recovery. Invasive molluscs presented opposite effects, which may delay ecosystem collapse and encourage ecosystem recovery. Our results demonstrate that INNS could significantly alter the tipping points of ecosystem collapse and recovery, and that not all invasive species may initiate system collapse. Our results provide guidance for managers of invaded shallow lake ecosystems, which provide diverse services including sanitation, potable water supply, industrial cooling, aquaculture and recreational resources. Moreover, our approach could be applied to identify key potential drivers of change in other crucial ecosystems which demonstrate alternative equilibria, such as coral reefs and kelp forests.
Sequential droughts: A silent trigger of boreal forest mortality
Authors: Sánchez‐Pinillos Martina , D’Orangeville Loïc , Boulanger Yan , Comeau Phil , Wang Jiejie , Taylor Anthony R. , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: October 2021

Despite great concern for drought‐driven forest mortality, the effects of frequent low‐intensity droughts have been largely overlooked in the boreal forest because of their negligible impacts over the short term. In this study, we used data from 6876 permanent plots distributed across most of the Canadian boreal zone to assess the effects of repeated low‐intensity droughts on forest mortality. Specifically, we compared the relative impact of sequential years under low‐intensity dry conditions with the effects of variables related to the intensity of dry conditions, stand characteristics, and local climate. Then, we searched for thresholds in forest mortality as a function of the number of years between two forest surveys affected by dry conditions of any intensity. Our results showed that, in general, frequent low‐intensity dry conditions had stronger effects on forest mortality than the intensity of the driest conditions in the plot. Frequent low‐intensity dry conditions acted as an inciting factor of forest mortality exacerbated by stand characteristics and environmental conditions. Overall, the mortality of forests dominated by shade‐tolerant conifers was significantly and positively related to frequent low‐intensity dry conditions, supporting, in some cases, the existence of thresholds delimiting contrasting responses to drought. In mixtures with broadleaf species, however, sequential dry conditions had a negligible impact. The effects of frequent dry conditions on shade‐intolerant forests mainly depended on local climate, inciting or mitigating the mortality of forests located in wet places and dominated by broadleaf species or jack pine, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of assessing not only climate‐driven extreme events but also repeated disturbances of low intensity. In the long term, the smooth response of forests to dry conditions might abruptly change leading to disproportional mortality triggered by accumulated stress conditions. Forest and wildlife managers should consider the cumulative effects of climate change on mortality to avoid shortfalls in timber and habitat.
Single centre, real‐world experience of perioperative rFIXFc use in adult patients with haemophilia B undergoing major and minor surgery
Authors: O'Donovan Mairead , Singleton Evelyn , Roche Sheila , McGowan Mark , Benson Julie , Bergin Catherine , Bird Rachel , Byrne Mary , Duggan Cleona , Gilmore Ruth , Ryan Kevin , Dougall Alison , O'Donnell James S. , O'Connell Niamh M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Recombinant factor IX fusion protein concentrate (rFIXFc) is increasingly used for prophylaxis in people with haemophilia B (PWHB), but experience in the perioperative setting is limited.

Aims

To evaluate real‐world perioperative factor usage, bleeding and complications in PWHB (≥18 years) who received rFIXFc for surgical haemostasis and to describe the treatment regimens used.

Methods

Single centre, retrospective review of all PWHB who underwent a major or minor surgical procedure between June 2017 and July 2020 and received rFIXFc perioperatively for maintenance of surgical haemostasis.

Results

A total of 56 PWHB (45 male and 11 female), including people with mild (n = 32), moderate (n = 4) and severe (n = 20) haemophilia B, underwent 11 major and 131 minor procedures with rFIXFc for surgical haemostasis. Haemostasis was rated as excellent (9/11) or good (2/11) in all major procedures. Median total rFIXFc consumption for orthopaedic surgeries was 972 IU/kg (range 812–1031 IU/kg) and for other major (non‐orthopaedic) surgeries was 323 IU/kg (range 167–760 IU/kg). The median number of perioperative rFIXFc infusions was 19 (range 17–26) for orthopaedic surgery and 7 (range 5–17) for other major surgeries. The number of infusions in the postoperative period was determined by procedure and patient factors. Complications included bowel ileus and wound infection. Most minor procedures were managed with single infusion of rFIXFc, with no bleeding complications in 95% of minor procedures. There were no thromboembolic events or inhibitor formation.

Conclusion

This unique data provides real‐world evidence that rFIXFc is safe and effective in achieving haemostasis in PWHB undergoing surgery.
Increased endoglin levels correlated with angiogenesis‐associated angiopoietin‐2 in haemophilia patients
Authors: Karaman Kubra , Celik Aybuke , Aytac Selin , Bakar‐Ates Filiz
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of coagulation factors, and the angiogenesis process is an important process underlying the pathophysiology of haemophilic arthropathy. The role of the new adipocytokine endoglin (ENG) in patients with haemophilia is not yet known.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between ENG protein and angiogenesis‐related cytokines in patients with haemophilia for the first time.

Methods

Plasma protein levels and mRNA expressions of ENG and various angiogenesis‐associated cytokines were compared in blood samples collected from 28 patients with haemophilia A or B and 29 healthy volunteers. The relationship between the cytokines and ENG were determined by correlation analysis.

Results

Plasma ENG levels and angiogenic markers were found to be significantly higher in patients with haemophilia compared to controls. Real‐time PCR studies showed that mRNA expressions of ENG, vascular endothelial growth factor A, hypoxia‐inducible factor A, and prostaglandin E2 increased in patients with haemophilia. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between ENG and angiopoietin‐2 levels in the haemophilia group. Besides, a significant decrease in annexin‐V binding to platelets in haemophilia patients compared to control was found to be related to the bleeding profiles in the patients.

Conclusions

This study determined that ENG protein may be involved in the formation of angiogenesis in haemophilia patients and its effects may be related to angiogenetic marker angiopoietin‐2 in this process. Our findings contribute to the literature during the determination of target proteins in haemophilia treatment.
COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIA IN MATCHING MODELS WITH FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Herings P. Jean‐Jacques , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2021

We consider a matching with contracts model in which buyers face financial constraints. In this model, a competitive equilibrium may fail to exist. We therefore propose the new notion of quantity‐constrained competitive equilibrium (QCCE). At a QCCE, buyers form expectations about the expected supply of trades. A buyer may expect that a trade is not to be supplied if the corresponding financial constraint is binding. We show the existence of QCCEs via a dynamic process that updates prices and quantity constraints, the equivalence between QCCE outcomes and stable outcomes, and some other properties of QCCEs like the lattice property.
Gene expression in Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii identifies shared and microbe‐specific induction of immune genes
Authors: McKenna C. H. , Asgari D. , Crippen T. L. , Zheng L. , Sherman R. A. , Tomberlin J. K. , Meisel R. P. , Tarone A. M.
Published: October 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a continuing challenge in medicine. There are various strategies for expanding antibiotic therapeutic repertoires, including the use of blow flies. Their larvae exhibit strong antibiotic and antibiofilm properties that alter microbiome communities. One species, Lucilia sericata, is used to treat problematic wounds due to its debridement capabilities and its excretions and secretions that kill some pathogenic bacteria. There is much to be learned about how L. sericata interacts with microbiomes at the molecular level. To address this deficiency, gene expression was assessed after feeding exposure (1 h or 4 h) to two clinically problematic pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The results identified immunity‐related genes that were differentially expressed when exposed to these pathogens, as well as non‐immune genes possibly involved in gut responses to bacterial infection. There was a greater response to P. aeruginosa that increased over time, while few genes responded to A. baumannii exposure, and expression was not time‐dependent. The response to feeding on pathogens indicates a few common responses and features distinct to each pathogen, which is useful in improving the wound debridement therapy and helps to develop biomimetic alternatives.
Usefulness and yield of routine electroencephalogram: a retrospective study
Authors: Phamnguyen Thienan John , Szekely Alison , Swinburn Samuel , Babu Sangamithra , Boland‐Freitas Robert , Reutens David , Wolfe Nigel
Published: October 2021

Background

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a common diagnostic tool used to investigate patients for various indications including seizure disorders.

Aims

To investigate factors that predict the presence of epileptiform abnormalities on EEG and review the common indications for ordering an EEG.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all routine adult EEG performed in a hospital over a 6‐month period. Data collated included patient demographics, clinical indication for EEG, setting in which EEG was performed, activation procedures utilised, history of epilepsy, and whether the patient was on antiepileptic medication. Our primary objective was to evaluate the factors that were predictive of an EEG with epileptiform abnormalities.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐nine routine EEG were included with indications, including first seizure (25.9%), known epilepsy (25.1%), cognitive change (15.9%), syncope (15.0%), movement disorder (6.7%), psychogenic non‐epileptic events (5.4%), unresponsiveness/intensive care unit (4.6%) and psychiatric presentation (1.3%). Most (48.1%) EEG were normal; 8.9% of the EEG demonstrated epileptiform abnormalities. Using multivariate logistic regression, three variables proved significant in predicting an EEG with epileptiform abnormalities. Any seizure as an indication (first seizure or seizure in known epileptic), increasing patient age, and EEG conducted in an inpatient setting and within 48 h of seizure event were all statistically more likely to yield epileptiform abnormalities on EEG.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that careful selection of patients based on appropriate indications for EEG referral would likely improve the yield of an EEG. Depending on the indication, a normal EEG result can be of similar usefulness to an abnormal EEG demonstrating epileptiform abnormalities.
Potential predictors of quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers: A cross‐sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Hsiao‐Ching , Fang Chien‐Liang , Hung Chang‐Chiao , Fan Jun‐Yu
Published: October 2021

Internationally, the impact of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) on the quality of life is well recognised; however, in Taiwan, the focus is only on chronic wound management. This cross‐sectional correlational study conducted at the cardiovascular and plastic surgery clinics of a regional teaching hospital between August 2019 and June 2020 investigates venous clinical severity, pain, fatigue, depression, sleep quality, quality of life, and related factors among 167 patients with VLUs. The potential predictors of the quality of life in terms of activities were venous clinical severity (P < 0.001), pain (P = 0.004), and fatigue (P < 0.001) after adjusting for covariates. The potential predictors of the quality of life in terms of the psychological domain were marital status (single/divorced) (P = 0.016), marital status (widowed) (P = 0.027), venous clinical severity (P < 0.001), pain (P = 0.001), and fatigue (P = 0.002). The potential predictors of the quality of life with regard to symptoms were venous clinical severity (P < 0.001), pain (P < 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.001), and depression (P = 0.038). These potential predictors can serve as the basis of interventions for patients with VLUs, such as those related to nutrition or training in wound dressing.
Integrated LaB6/g‐C3N4 solar absorber for solving dye accumulation during solar steam generation
Authors: Yuan Baohua , Wei Lili , Yang Lixia , Bai Liangjiu , Yang Huawei , Wei Donglei , Wang Feng , Wang Wenxiang , Chen Hou
Published: October 2021

Solar steam generation has attracted considerable interest due to its easy accessibility and sustainability. However, dye molecules were gradually concentrated on bulk water or the surface of solar absorbers during the disposal of dye wastewater. Herein, LaB6/g‐C3N4 composites were immobilized on porous cotton cloth, served as a solar absorber resistant to dye clogging. The optimal solar absorber possessed solar harvesting of 92.3% and showed great application potential in the field of the treatment of dye wastewater. This study presented a new approach for the treatment of dye wastewater.
Toward revealing atomic deformation mechanics in lithium disilicate and β‐quartz containing glass‐ceramics
Authors: Deng Binghui , Harris Jason T. , Smith Charlene M. , Luo Jian
Published: October 2021

The mechanics of glass‐ceramics subjected to sharp contact or other loading conditions remain elusive, even after being commercialized in many industrial applications. We present work herein to reveal atomic details of such deformations that are otherwise extremely difficult to probe experimentally for a lithium disilicate (LS2) and β‐quartz containing glass‐ceramics via molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, the materials are comprised of LS2 and β‐quartz nanocrystals in a residual glass matrix. Regardless of the deformation mechanism, whether it be nanoindentation or crack propagation for samples with pre‐existing flaws, we observe that the LS2 nanocrystal itself undergoes substantial deformation, either by activating dislocations, forming an amorphization zone, or by initiating microcracks at glass‐crystal interfaces or weak crystallographic planes. In contrast, the β‐quartz nanocrystal is not easily deformed and remains almost intact with minimal plastic deformation, thereby forcing shear flow and crack propagation pathways to predominately occur in the residual glass and/or at interfaces. The dramatic difference between the crystalline phases also manifests itself in the deformation mode of interfaces under pure shear loading, in which shear bands preferably occur at the LS2‐glass interfaces, while cavities form at the β‐quartz‐glass interfaces. These observations significantly advance our understanding of glass‐ceramics and pave ways to exploit the understanding for more applications.
Higher education students' experiences and opinion about distance learning during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Stevanović Aleksandra , Božić Radoslav , Radović Slaviša
Published: October 2021

Background

The Covid‐19 pandemic has created significant challenges for the global higher education community. Understanding of students' perception has important implications for the quality of the learning process, as it affects students' engagement in learning, helps educators rethink the principles of the learning design and further improve the developed programs.

Objectives

Understanding of how rapid and necessary changes of learning caused by the pandemic are related to students' intrinsic motivation and awareness.

Methods

There were 832 participants in this study. Quantitative and qualitative research methods employing relevant statistical techniques were used to research students' opinions regarding the distance learning process.

Results and Conclusions

Our analysis showed that first‐year students were significantly less motivated during the learning process than older students, they saw distance learning as less valuable and less interesting than the others. Our research found several positive consequences of the pandemic: working according to students' own schedule in a relaxed environment, looking at the lecture again if necessary, feeling free to ask questions and communicate with teachers and saving travel time.

Implications

Teachers should have more understanding for the first‐year students who are threatened when it comes to developing motivation to learn and help them cope with learning anxieties, encourage their self‐belief and give them extra support during the learning process.
Aucubin prevents steroid‐induced osteoblast apoptosis by enhancing autophagy via AMPK activation
Authors: Yue Chen , Jin Hongting , Zhang Xue , Li Wuyin , Wang Deli , Tong Peijian , Liu Youwen , Tan Zhen
Published: October 2021

Steroid‐induced osteoblast apoptosis is a crucial pathological process in steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). Autophagy can resist apoptosis and AMPK plays an important role in autophagy regulation. Aucubin from the small tree Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., which has a long history of use in orthopaedics and traumatology in Asian medicine, can promote bone formation, but whether it can slow or prevent steroid‐osteoblast apoptosis is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the pathogenesis of SONFH and how the osteoblast responds to aucubin under the dexamethasone stimulation. In human femoral head osteonecrosis specimens, we found that the autophage and apoptosis level were increased, and the AMPK signalling was crucial to autophagy. We observed that aucubin could prevent dexamethasone‐induced apoptosis in osteoblasts by enhancing the level of autophagy. Further, we confirmed that the regulatory effect of aucubin on autophagy and apoptosis was achieved by activating AMPK signalling. We have demonstrated a mechanism of disease progression and shown that aucubin could enhance autophagy through AMPK signalling to prevent osteoblast apoptosis. These findings provide a basis for the further investigation of the potential therapeutic role of aucubin in the SONFH.
Development and characterization of five novel cell lines from snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii (Lacepede, 1801), and their application in gene expression and virological studies
Authors: Abdul Nafeez Ahmed , Seepoo Abdul Majeed , Gani Taju , Sugumar Vimal , Selvam Suryakodi , Allahbagash Badhusha , Abdul kuthoos Abdul Nazar , Palsamy Ramesh Kumar , Kishore M. Paknikar , M. Rajwade Jyutika , Azeez Sait Sahul Hameed
Published: October 2021

Five novel permanent cell lines have been established from gill, heart, kidney, eye and fin of snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii. They were designated as snubnose pompano gill (SPG), snubnose pompano heart (SPH), snubnose pompano kidney (SPK), snubnose pompano eye (SPE) and snubnose pompano fin (SPF), respectively. All these cell lines were characterized and cryopreserved successfully at different passage levels. Cell lines were passaged every alternate day; SPG, SPH, SPK, SPE and SPF cell lines attained passage levels of 68, 74, 82, 79 and 106, respectively, since the initiation of their development in 2019. The cell lines grew well in Leibovitz's 15 medium containing 15% foetal bovine serum at 28°C. Immunophenotyping of the cell lines revealed the presence of fibronectin and pancytokeratin. No mycoplasma contamination was found. The transfection study revealed the gene expression efficiency of these cell lines by expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The authentication on origin of cell lines from T. blochii was confirmed by amplification of species‐specific mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. The results showed the susceptibility of these cell lines to fish nodavirus (FNV) and tilapia lake virus (TiLV) and resistance to cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2). The FNV infection in the cell lines was confirmed by RT‐PCR, Western blot, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, while TiLV infection was confirmed by RT‐PCR assay. These results revealed that these cell lines are suitable for virological and foreign gene expression studies.
Using Theories of Posttraumatic Stress to Inform Perinatal Care Clinician Responses to Trauma Reactions
Authors: Granner Josephine R. , Seng Julia S.
Published: October 2021

Understanding of the importance of addressing trauma in health care is increasing rapidly. Health care providers may be actively seeking ways to address trauma sequelae affecting their patients with a trauma‐informed continuum of care. Such a continuum includes a universal approach, targeted interventions (ie, practices and programs), and specialist treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as responses to historic and intergenerational trauma. Client presentations and their needs are highly individualized. Therefore, an understanding of prominent theories of what causes PTSD may assist perinatal care professionals in adapting their practice to be trauma‐informed and trauma‐specific. The purpose of this article is to review 4 theories of PTSD relevant to perinatal practice and present an evidence‐based practice framework that encourages collaborative choices consistent with client values and preferences. A brief summary of current evidence‐based PTSD treatment guidelines is presented.
A Student‐Driven Community Engagement Model for School Nutrition Education Programs
Authors: Cory Megan , Johnston Bryan , Nelson David
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Parental engagement in nutrition education programs often focuses on direct communication with parents. While this is an important component for the success of nutrition education, the role that students can play in connecting the program to their home is often overlooked.

METHODS

Feedback from students participating in a nutrition education program was used to develop an intervention that allowed students to take snacks they prepared in class home to their families. Change in parental awareness and family communication about the program was assessed in response to this intervention. A total of 257 third‐grade students and 80 of their parents completed surveys to assess communication and interest in learning more about nutrition through the program.

RESULTS

A significant increase in family awareness and communication about the nutrition program was reported in response to the intervention that gave the students the ability to share food they made in class with their families.

CONCLUSIONS

Community engagement for school nutrition education programs is effective in stimulating family conversation about nutrition when methods are cognizant of students potential and motivation for driving these conversations. Our model for student‐centered community engagement can be used by nutrition education programs to increase parental engagement.
First report of root rot disease on Solanum lycopersicum L. caused by Fusarium vanettenii in India
Authors: Debbarma Rubin , Kamil Deeba , Maya Bashyal Bishnu , Choudhary Shiv Pratap , Thokla Prameeladevi
Published: October 2021

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable crops throughout India. Typical symptoms of root rot were observed in an experimental field of ICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (India), during July‐August 2019 with an incidence of 25%. Based on morphological characteristics and multi‐locus sequence‐based analyses, the pathogen was identified as Fusarium vanettenii. The pathogenicity test was also done to prove Koch's postulate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. vanettenii causing root rot disease on tomato in India.