bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities: Multiregional perspectives
Authors: Paul Alicia M. , Hussey Meghan M. , Woodman Ashley C. , Smith Ashlyn L. , Shriver Timothy P.
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study described the benefits, challenges, and support needs of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia‐Pacific.

Background

Growing up with a sibling with an intellectual disability can influence young people in various ways. Previous research has focused primarily on Western contexts and the use of parent rather than sibling perceptions.

Method

Twenty‐two siblings of people with intellectual disabilities between ages 8 and 25 years participated in three semistructured focus groups during Special Olympics Regional Sibling and Family Workshops. Participants discussed their personal experiences and perceived support needs. Transcripts were coded for themes and subthemes using an iterative process.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed positive themes related to valuing siblings with intellectual disabilities, close relationships, and personal growth. Challenging themes found were related to the self, family, and broader community. For supports needed, themes included future planning and services for siblings with intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion

Siblings from these regions described their experiences as a combination of benefits and challenges, noting the distinct influence of stigma on their relationships and the need for higher quality services.

Implications

Findings point to a need for a whole‐family‐centered approach to support siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in the Global South.
School‐age adopted children's early responses to remote schooling during COVID‐19
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , McCormick Nora , Virginia Haylie
Published: November 2021

Objective

This mixed‐methods exploratory study sought to address the experiences of 89 adoptive parents (heterosexual, lesbian, and gay) in the United States with school‐age children in relation to the transition to remote schooling and their children's mental health during the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

The transition to remote schooling and associated confinement during the COVID‐19 pandemic presents challenges for families, particularly when children are struggling with mental health and learning challenges.

Methods

Data were collected via an online survey between May and June 2020. Before the pandemic, almost half of the children received special education services.

Results

Findings revealed that although a minority of children were doing well with remote schooling, the majority were struggling due to lack of motivation and an inability to work independently. Some parents voiced challenges with teacher communication and inconsistencies across classes and were overwhelmed by the demands of their new role as proctor/teacher. Some were dissatisfied with how children's school services had been implemented and noted difficulties with the online format of various services (e.g., therapy was less engaging). Regarding children's mental health, half of parents said it had stayed the same, one third said it had worsened, and the remainder said it had improved. The mental health of children adopted via foster care seemed to have benefited from the additional time spent at home. Yet most children were described as struggling in part due to social isolation and loss of routine, which manifested in a variety of ways, including anxiety, schoolwork avoidance, and boundary testing. Most parents tried to show patience, tolerance, and reassurance, but more than one third reported stress and frustration associated with not knowing how to best support their children.

Conclusion

The transition to remote schooling during COVID‐19 may be especially challenging for adoptive families and other families whose children have higher levels of need.

Implications

Findings have implications for parents, teachers, school social workers and psychologists, and other professionals who work with children and families.
Interferon‐γ induces retinal pigment epithelial cell Ferroptosis by a JAK1‐2/STAT1/SLC7A11 signaling pathway in Age‐related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Wei Ting‐Ting , Zhang Meng‐Yuan , Zheng Xin‐Hua , Xie Tian‐Hua , Wang Wenjuan , Zou Jian , Li Yan , Li Hong‐Ying , Cai Jiping , Wang Xiaolu , Tan Jianxin , Yang Xusheng , Yao Yong , Zhu Lingpeng
Published: November 2021

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). An increase of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) levels was observed in patients with AMD, but whether inflammatory factors are causally related to AMD progression is unclear. Here, we demonstrate a direct causal relationship between IFN‐γ and RPE cell death. IFN‐γ induced human retinal pigment epithelial cell (ARPE‐19) death accompanied by increases in Fe2+, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) depletion, which are main characteristics of ferroptosis. Mechanistically, IFN‐γ upregulates the level of intracellular Fe2+ through inhibiting Fe2+ efflux protein SLC40A1 and induces GSH depletion by blocking cystine/glutamate antiporter, System xc‐. At the same time, treatment with IFN‐γ decreases the level of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), rendering the cells more sensitive to ferroptosis. JAK1/2 and STAT1 inhibitors could reverse the reduction of SLC7A11, GPx4 and GSH expression induced by IFN‐γ, indicating IFN‐γ induces ARPE‐19 cell ferroptosis via activation of the JAK1‐2/STAT1/SLC7A11 signaling pathway. The above results were largely confirmed in IFN‐γ‐treated mice in vivo. Finally, we used sodium iodate (NaIO3)‐induced retinal degeneration to further explore the role of ferroptosis in AMD in vivo. Consistent with the role of IFN‐γ, treatment with NaIO3 decreased SLC7A11, GPx4 and SLC40A1 expressions. NaIO3‐induced RPE damage was accompanied by increased iron, lipid peroxidation products (4‐hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde), and GSH depletion, and ferroptosis inhibitors could reverse the above phenomenon. Taken together, our findings suggest that inhibiting ferroptosis or reducing IFN‐γ may serve as a promising target for AMD.
Characterization of isothermal and cyclic thermal damage of EB‐PVD TBCs with the help of the 3D‐DIC technique
Authors: Yang Shun , Yuan Huang
Published: November 2021

The thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are working under complex elevated temperature loading conditions. In the present work, a damage model for the isothermal and cyclic thermal loads was developed to quantify the failure process of the coatings subjected to isothermal and cyclic thermal exposures. Effects of different damage mechanisms, such as thermal exposure, thermal cycling, aluminum migration, and thermal dwell times, were experimentally and computationally studied. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was introduced to evaluate degradation of TBCs. The complex damage can be quantified with the help of the DIC strain variations. The introduced model provides a general method to estimate the remaining life.
Extinction of rare fish predicts an abrupt loss of ecological function in the future of Amazonian streams
Authors: Colares Lucas Ferreira , Lobato Cleonice Maria Cardoso , Montag Luciano Fogaça de Assis , Dunck Bárbara
Published: November 2021

Species are going extinct 1,000 times faster than expected due to human impacts. When the extinction of species culminates in functional loss, ecosystem functioning is altered. Functional extinction risk depends on taxonomic and functional rarity, with the non‐redundant traits found in rare species being the most vulnerable.

To investigate the relationship between taxonomic rarity and functional extinction, we ran extinction simulations driven by taxonomic rarity. Firstly, we sampled the fish fauna of 40 pristine Amazonian streams and compiled functional traits related to the body size, defence, diet, stratification, and activity of species. Then, we removed species, beginning with the rarest and ending with the commonest (and vice‐versa) and compared the observed patterns with random extinction at local and regional scales.

Following the removal of rare species, the functional rarity and body size of the community both decreased, and functional extinctions occurred after less than 10% of extinction at both spatial scales. Otherwise, the removal of common species resulted in an increase in functional rarity at the local scale, although widespread species ensured the persistence of a set of unique functional traits at a regional scale. Additionally, more than 60% of the common species had to go extinct before any functional extinction occurred at either scale.

If the ongoing mass extinction targets rare species, Amazonian stream ecosystems will be impacted by the loss of fish species associated with vulnerable functions.

We propose an extinction risk assessment based on the ecosystem and recommend that future studies apply our approach to other taxa and ecosystems, to better understand the effects of human impacts on ecosystem functioning.
Fire management alters the thermal landscape and provides multi‐scale thermal options for a terrestrial turtle facing a changing climate
Authors: Robertson Ellen P. , Tanner Evan P. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Mays Jonathan D. , Knutson Jennifer , Weir John R. , Loss Scott R.
Published: November 2021

As effects of climate change intensify, there is a growing need to understand the thermal properties of landscapes and their influence on wildlife. A key thermal property of landscapes is vegetation structure and composition. Management approaches can alter vegetation and consequently the thermal landscape, potentially resulting in underappreciated consequences for wildlife thermoregulation. Consideration of spatial scale can clarify how management overlaid onto existing vegetation patterns affects thermal properties of landscapes relevant to wildlife. We examined effects of temperature, fire management, and vegetation structure on multi‐scale habitat selection of an ectothermic vertebrate (the turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis) in the Great Plains of the central United States by linking time‐since‐fire data from 18 experimental burn plots to turtle telemetry locations and thermal and vegetation height data. Within three 60‐ha experimental landscapes, each containing six 10‐ha sub‐blocks that are periodically burned, we found that turtles select time‐since‐fire gradients differently depending on maximum daily ambient temperature. At moderate temperatures, turtles selected sub‐blocks with recent (<1 year) time‐since‐fire, but during relatively hot and cool conditions, they selected sub‐blocks with later (2–3 year) time‐since‐fire that provided thermal buffering compared with recently burned sub‐blocks. Within 10‐ha sub‐blocks, turtles selected locations with taller vegetation during warmer conditions that provided thermal buffering. Thermal performance curves revealed that turtle activity declined as temperatures exceeded ~24–29°C, and on “heat days” (≥29°C) 73% of turtles were inactive compared with 37% on non‐heat days, emphasizing that thermal extremes may lead to opportunity costs (i.e., foregone benefits turtles could otherwise accrue if active). Our results indicate that management approaches that promote a mosaic of vegetation heights, like spatiotemporally dynamic fire, can provide thermal refuges at multiple spatial scales and thus be an actionable way to provide wildlife with multiple thermal options in the context of ongoing and future climate change.
Oral diadochokinesis and associated oro‐facial function in young and old German mother‐tongue speakers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schimmel Martin , Domioni Tania , Bukvic Hristina , Arakawa Itsuka , Seifert Eberhard , Abou‐Ayash Samir
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to compare oral diadochokinesis and to test associations with oro‐facial functional parameters in healthy young and old German speakers.

Background

Oral diadochokinesis is a key component in the concept of oro‐facial hypofunction and relates to tongue and lip motor function but may depend on the linguistic background.

Materials and methods

Healthy German speakers with a minimum of 20 teeth were recruited to form a young (<60 years) and an older group (≥60 years). Oral diadochokinesis was assessed as the number of repetitions/s for the monosyllables /pa/, /ta/ and /ka/ to evaluate movement capacity of the lip, the anterior region of the tongue and the posterior region of the tongue, respectively. Maximum voluntary lip force, maximum voluntary bite force, masticatory performance, maximum voluntary tongue pressure, xerostomia and swallowing function were assessed with validated instruments. Results are presented as median (IQR).

Results

Sixty participants formed the younger group (n = 35, 30.0 years [24.0‐49.0]) and the older group (n = 25, 64.0 years [62.0‐72.0]). Counts/s of /ta/ were different between age groups (younger group: 6.0 vs older group: 5.4) but not for syllables /pa/ (younger group: 6.0 vs older group: 5.8) and /ka/ (younger group: 5.6 vs older group: 5.0). The oral diadochokinesis with /pa/ was overall associated with maximum voluntary lip force; oral diadochokinesis performed with /ta/ was associated with tongue pressure, and oral diadochokinesis with /ka/ with swallowing function. Masticatory performance was not associated with oral diadochokinesis but with maximum voluntary bite force, xerostomia and with maximum voluntary tongue pressure.

Conclusions

The published thresholds for oral diadochokinesis should be reconsidered in non‐Japanese mother‐tongue speakers. However, they still play an important role in the overall concept of oro‐facial functional assessment.
Effects of Spatiotemporal Constraints on Geostatistical Analysis of Groundwater Depth
Authors: Hellman Amit , Pe'er Gilboa , Kniffin Maribeth L. , Kamai Ronnie
Published: November 2021

Geostatistical evaluation of the groundwater depth (GWD) in California's South Coast hydrologic region, and its sensitivity to different spatiotemporal assumptions, is presented in this paper. We obtain a pseudo‐stationary representation of the groundwater depth, using the publicly available, online database from the GAMA GeoTracker project, while tracking the associated uncertainty throughout the process. We create nine different sub‐datasets, using different temporal constraints, such as seasonal partitioning and different long‐term variability filtering criteria. The geostatistical analysis and comparison between the different maps highlight the trade‐off between spatial and temporal accuracy. For example, when moving to stricter filtering criteria, despite removing a large number of sites from the interpolation, the root mean squared error (RMSE) calculated in the analysis either decreased or only slightly increased. This suggests that the long‐term variability filter is a good representation of the GWD accuracy and that the cross‐validation RMSE captures both the stability effect as well as spatial density of the measurement points. We further find that the point‐specific standard error is strongly correlated with the associated GWD prediction and that the mean relative error is approximately 60% of the prediction. Hence, it is highly recommended to account for such error in a forward‐engineering application, by introducing a GWD distribution rather than a single value into the analysis. Finally, we analyze seasonal fluctuations in the study region and find that they are on average 2.5 m with a standard deviation of 8 m.
Guild‐level response to Hurricane Carlotta among birds in a Mexican wetland
Authors: Ruiz Mateo D. M. , Rangel Salazar José Luis
Published: November 2021

We analysed 36 months of point count data to determine the influence of Hurricane Carlotta on species composition in trophic guilds of birds in mangrove and marsh wetlands on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico. We predicted that post‐hurricane composition in guilds would respond to hurricane effects where bird species relied on resources from systems with previous local stability. Post‐hurricane turnover in composition was marked among terrestrial insectivores in mature mangroves, but not in early successional stages in marshland. Turnover was unexceptional among mangrove plant‐consumers that relied on trophic resources from surrounding ecosystem types, and among trophic guilds associated with highly dynamic aquatic systems.
Synergistic effect of high‐intensity ultrasound and β‐cyclodextrin treatments on browning control in apple juice
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Li Junjie , Murtaza Ayesha , Iqbal Aamir , Zhu Lijuan , Ali Shinawar Waseem , Usman Muhammad , Yameen Roshan , Pan Siyi , Hu Wanfeng
Published: November 2021

This work evaluated the synergistic effects of combined high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) treatments on inhibiting browning of apple juice and explored the mechanism through simulation system. The combined treatment of 300 W HIU with 0.006 g mL−1 β‐CD had a synergistic impact on maintaining juice colour, resulting in a 39.06% reduction in browning degree, only a 36.64% decrease in total phenolic content, and a 17.82% reduction in PPO activity. The inhibition of enzymatic browning in simulated system revealed that HIU suppressed the enzyme (Polyphenol oxidase, PPO) and β‐CD inhibited enzyme (PPO) and embedded substrate (polyphenol). The results of spectroscopic analysis showed that the particle‐size distribution of PPO narrowed, the content of α‐helix in the secondary structure increased, the fluorescence intensity increased, and the maximum wavelength was red‐shifted after HIU and β‐CD treatment. Changes in structure could further result in PPO activity loss. Hence, the combined treatment could synthetically alleviate the browning of apple juice.
Impact of nonthermal food processing techniques on mycotoxins and their producing fungi
Authors: Drishya C. , Yoha K.S. , Perumal Anand Babu , Moses Jeyan A , Anandharamakrishnan C. , Balasubramaniam V. M.
Published: November 2021

Mycotoxins are a significant threat to food safety and quality. Over the years, mycotoxins have been detected in almost all food and feed crops without any regional barrier. Conventional techniques for decontamination of mycotoxin involve physical, chemical, and biological methods, but these technologies often impact the quality of food in terms of changes in nutritional and sensory attributes. We examined the effects of nonthermal techniques on mycotoxins and their producing fungi to remove or reduce mycotoxin levels in food products without compromising food quality. Nonthermal technologies employ different lethal agents (including ozone, cold plasma, light, pressure, radiation, ultrasound, electric field, and magnetic field) to degrade mycotoxins while minimising product thermal exposure. However, the degradation pathway and toxicology of treated products need further research for a better understanding. With such food process development and optimisation efforts, food processors can employ various nonthermal technologies as tools for delivering consumer‐desired mycotoxin‐free food products with intact nutritional and sensory quality.
High‐pressure processing applied for enhancing the antioxidant content of minimally processed peaches
Authors: Denoya Gabriela Inés , Polenta Gustavo Alberto , Apóstolo Nancy Mariel , Budde Claudio Olaf , Cristianini Marcelo , Vaudagna Sergio Ramón
Published: November 2021

In addition to the capacity of high‐pressure processing (HPP) to preserve fruits, recent studies highlight the ability of this technology to increase the content of antioxidants. The aim of this work was to find the HPP conditions able to maximise the increase in antioxidants in minimally processed peaches without affecting the overall quality, complemented by a microstructural study to better understand the observed effects. Therefore, minimally processed peaches were subjected to HPP treatment with different pressure levels (100, 300 and 500 MPa) and holding times (1,5 min). Results showed that 300 and 500 MPa induced a significant increase in the antioxidant content, which can be partially linked to the increase in the extractability of these compounds brought about by the changes in the microstructure. It can be concluded that a treatment at 300 MPa for 1 min is enough to induce a significant increase in antioxidants, without causing deterioration of the product.
Physicochemical, sensorial and microcosmic properties of Chinese dried noodles fortified with unhulled and hulled flaxseed flour
Authors: Duan Yiting , Zhou Sheng , Liu Rui , Wen Yuxiu , Xing Yanan , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: November 2021

Chinese dried noodles (CHDNs) were fortified with unhulled flaxseed flour (UHFF) and hulled flaxseed flour (HFF), and textures, antioxidant activities, sensory properties and microstructure were investigated. The optimal levels of UHFF and HFF added to CHDNs were 5% and 10%, respectively. Compared with HFF, UHFF addition enhanced the in vitro antioxidant activities but significantly decreased the colour of CHDNs. The addition of UHFF and HFF increased the cooking loss and decreased the hardness, firmness force, tensile strength and fracture distance ratio of cooked CHDNs in a dose‐dependent manner. The addition of levels of 5% UHFF, as well 5% and 10% HFF increased the flaxseed aroma of CHDNs. Both UHFF and HFF decreased the gaps in the internal structure of CHDNs. UHFF remarkably increased the roughness of CHDNs compared with HFF. In summary, UHFF and HFF have the potential to improve the overall quality of CHDNs without compromising the eating quality.
Psychosocial vulnerability among carers of persons living with a chronic illness: A scoping review
Authors: Cormican Orlaith , Meskell Pauline , Dowling Maura
Published: November 2021

Aims

To outline and examine evidence related to the meaning of ‘psychosocial vulnerability’ among caregivers of persons with chronic illnesses.

Background

The number of informal caregivers continues to rise globally. Their risk of psychosocial vulnerability is frequently overlooked, but understanding their psychosocial vulnerability may offer insights into meeting their needs.

Design

Scoping review following the PRISMA 2020 extension guidelines.

Data sources

The databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Lenus and ProQuest were systematically searched to identify original research. No date limit was set, and 23 studies were included.

Review methods

A five‐step approach using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Thematic analysis guided data analysis.

Results

Carers' psychosocial vulnerability occurs when they experience barriers to resources while access and use of supports reduce risk. Antecedents of psychosocial vulnerability include a carer's age and sex, socioeconomic status and their health and wellbeing. Psychosocial vulnerability affects carers' relationships and causes personal losses.

Conclusions

The concept of carers' psychosocial vulnerability is complex. Recognition of carers at risk for psychosocial vulnerability would help nurses direct relevant support and information to carers who need it most.
Vibrational spectroscopy analysis of silica and silicate glass networks
Authors: Liu Hongshen , Kaya Huseyin , Lin Yen‐Ting , Ogrinc Andrew , Kim Seong H.
Published: November 2021

Vibrational spectroscopy has been widely used to investigate various structural aspects of the glass network, and there are a plethora of papers reporting subtle but consistent changes in infrared and Raman spectral features of glass upon alterations of glass compositions, thermal histories, mechanical stresses, or surface treatments. However, interpretations of such spectral features are still obscured due to the lack of well‐established physical principles accurately describing vibrational modes of the non‐crystalline glass network. Due to the non‐equilibrium nature of the glass network, three‐dimensionally connected without any long‐range orders, vibrational spectral features of glass cannot be interpreted using the analogy with those of isolated molecular moieties or crystalline counterparts. This feature article explains why such comparisons are outdated and describes the recent advances made from theoretical calculations of vibrational spectral features of amorphous networks or comparisons of computational results with experimental data. For the interpretation of vibrational spectral features of silica and silicate glasses, the following empirical relationships are suggested: (i) the intensity‐weighted peak position of the Si‐O‐Si stretch mode negatively correlates with the weighted average of the Si‐O bond length distribution, and (ii) the broad band of the Si‐O‐Si bending mode negatively correlates with the Si‐O‐Si bond angle distribution. Selected examples of vibrational spectroscopic imaging of surface defects are discussed to deliberate the implication of these findings in the structure‐property relationship of silica and silicate glass materials. Unanswered questions and continuing research challenges are identified.
A histological study of the atria in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral regurgitation with and without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kalpana Saligrama R. , Shenthar Jayaprakash , Padmanabhan Deepak , Rai Maneesh K. , Singh Ankit , Banavalikar Bharatraj , Kalyani Ravikumar N. , Kamalapurkar Giridhar
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral regurgitation (MR). The histopathologic changes in the atria of patients with isolated rheumatic MR with and without AF are unknown.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the histological findings in patients with isolated severe rheumatic MR with and without AF.

Methods

Patients with severe isolated rheumatic MR undergoing valve replacement surgeries underwent endocardial biopsies from right atrial appendage, left atrial appendage, right free wall, left free wall, left posterior wall, and mitral valve. Group I consisted of patients in sinus rhythm (SR), and Group II included patients with AF. We analyzed and compared these 10 histological features in the biopsies of patients in Groups I and II.

Results

Of the 25 patients, 12 were in Group I and 13 in Group II. In Group I, patients had severe myocyte hypertrophy (60% vs. 18%, p = .04) that was significantly more in the right atrium (22.7% vs. 11.4%, p = .059). Interstitial adipose tissue deposition was more common in Group I (30% vs. 25%, p = .06). Interstitial fibrosis was evenly distributed at all sites without significant difference between the two groups. Group II patients had a higher prevalence and severity of vacuolar degeneration (91% vs. 60%, p = .09).

Conclusions

Patients with isolated severe rheumatic MR and AF have more vacuolar degeneration in the atrial tissue. Patients with SR have myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial adipose tissue deposition. Interstitial fibrosis is uniformly distributed in patients in SR and AF.
Exosomal miR‐21‐5p derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion by targeting PIK3R1
Authors: Qi Jin , Zhang Ruihao , Wang Yapeng
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of pluripotent cells that can release a large number of exosomes which act as paracrine mediators in tumour‐associated microenvironment. However, the role of MSC‐derived exosomes in pathogenesis and progression of cancer cells especially osteosarcoma has not been thoroughly clarified until now. In this study, we established a co‐culture model for human bone marrow‐derived MSCs with osteosarcoma cells, then extraction of exosomes from induced MSCs and study the role of MSC‐derived exosomes in the progression of osteosarcoma cell. The aim of this study was to address potential cell biological effects between MSCs and osteosarcoma cells. The results showed that MSC‐derived exosomes can significantly promote osteosarcoma cells’ proliferation and invasion. We also found that miR‐21‐5p was significantly over‐expressed in MSCs and MSC‐derived exosomes by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), compared with human foetal osteoblastic cells hFOB1.19. MSC‐derived exosomes transfected with miR‐21‐5p could significantly enhance the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays validated the targeted relationship between exosomal miR‐21‐5p and PIK3R1; we further demonstrated that miR‐21‐5p‐abundant exosomes derived human bone marrow MSCs could activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by suppressing PIK3R1 expression in osteosarcoma cells. In summary, our study provides new insights into the interaction between human bone marrow MSCs and osteosarcoma cells in tumour‐associated microenvironment.
Numerical study of initially frozen rice congee with thin film resonators package in microwave domestic oven
Authors: Klinbun Waraporn , Rattanadecho Phadungsak
Published: November 2021

Packaging plays a crucial role in microwave processing of foods. However, the characteristics of frozen food and the resonance package are not well understood and inadequate. In this work, the approach is mainly based on a coupled electric‐thermal model. The numerical model of the microwave heating of frozen rice congee with resonance package is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 4.4 software to examine the effects of metal film as a resonator and the port power position on heating patterns and rates in domestic microwave oven. The simulation model food of stationary is placed in the center of the domestic microwave oven. The sample is heated from the room temperature for 60 s, 800 W, and 2.45 GHz. The dielectric properties are measured as a function of the temperature and the thermal properties are calculated from chemical composition of frozen rice congee. In order to validate the results of simulation, a series of experiments were performed with three replicates at each case. The temperature is recorded using fiber‐optic sensors and thermal imaging camera. The results show good agreement with simulated results. The difference in results is found by 5–10%. The results in this work indicate that the temperature of frozen food after subjected to microwave is highest in case no metal film on package for both top and side port power. Further investigation showed that the metal film area on package affects heating uniformity. The top port power increases more than 25% of sample temperature.

Practical Applications

The popularity of microwave ovens has led food producers to develop a new generation of microwave heating products. Many products can be heated and served in their packages. However, the big problem in the microwave heating of food is nonuniform heating. The metal microwaveable packaging is developed as one solution of how to overcome this problem. The reason is that the metal film can change the electric distribution pattern because of changing heating profile. This work examines the effects of metal film area and port power position on heating uniformity and thawing time in microwave process. The application of this work can be used to optimize the port position and food package modification to achieve more uniform heating.
A novel approach for determining integrated water discharge from the ground surface to trunk sewer networks for fast prediction of urban floods
Authors: Wu Lianhui , Tajima Yoshimitsu , Sanuki Hiroshi , Shibuo Yoshihiro , Furumai Hiroaki
Published: November 2021

Many urban flood models employ coarse grids to reduce the computational cost of real‐time forecasting. Such a coarse grid, however, may result in poor predictions of the discharge rate of surface water because of difficulties in representing the detailed features of drainage facilities. In the present study, an urban flood model that consists of a one‐dimensional (1D) river flow model, a two‐dimensional (2D) ground surface flow model, and a 1D sewer network model was developed. A coarse grid is used for the 2D ground surface flow model, and the tail networks of the sewer systems are neglected to reduce computational cost. A novel approach is proposed for determining the integrated water discharge from the ground surface to the trunk sewer network to retain the accuracy of a simplified coarse‐grid system. Numerical experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Measured water levels at manholes were employed to examine the accuracy of the model. The results show that this approach significantly improves the accuracy of the simulated water level in a sewer network with enhanced computational efficiency.
Persistence of pain and cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: Bell Tyler , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S.
Published: November 2021

Background

No studies have examined the longitudinal association between the persistence of pain and its relationship to cognitive problems in older adults. The objective of this study was to examine how the persistent of pain associates with cognitive performance, cognitive impairment, and subjective memory decline.

Methods

Across 10 biennial waves, 8515 adults ages 65 and over were assessed from the Health and Retirement Study (Mage = 74.17, SD = 6.87, 59.2% female). At each wave, individuals were asked to report on pain presence, and if present, rate its intensity and interference with daily activities such as housework or chores. Using running frequencies or averages, we calculated the persistence of pain using these three pain measures. Cognition was assessed using cognitive performance and different cognitive impairment cutoffs. Incident subjective memory decline was additionally measured as new self‐reported memory change in the last 2 years. General estimating equations examined concurrent associations between persistence of pain and cognitive variables, adjusting for demographics, depressive symptoms, and medical comorbidities.

Results

Persistence of pain presence was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Only persistence of pain interference, not pain intensity, was significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance or being classified as cognitively impaired. For every 2 years, persistence of pain interference was associated with 21% increased odds of cognitive impairment. Only one of three pain variables was related to incident subjective memory decline.

Conclusions

Persistence of pain is associated with poorer cognitive performance in community‐dwelling older adults, especially when involving ongoing interference in chores and work. Facilitating pain management might be important for helping to maintain later‐life cognition and reduce dementia risk.
Strategies associated with COVID‐19 vaccine coverage among nursing home staff
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Baier Rosa R. , Syme Maggie , Gouskova Natalia , Bishnoi Courtney , Patel Urvi , Leitson Michael , Gharpure Radhika , Stone Nimalie D. , Link‐Gelles Ruth , Gifford David R.
Published: November 2021

Background

After the first of three COVID‐19 vaccination clinics in U.S. nursing homes (NHs), the median vaccination coverage of staff was 37.5%, indicating the need to identify strategies to increase staff coverage. We aimed at comparing the facility‐level activities, policies, incentives, and communication methods associated with higher staff COVID‐19 vaccination coverage.

Methods

Design. Case–control analysis.

Setting. Nationally stratified random sample of 1338 U.S. NHs participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long‐Term Care Program.

Participants. Nursing home leadership.

Measurement. During February 4–March 2, 2021, we surveyed NHs with low (<35%), medium (40%–60%), and high (>75%) staff vaccination coverage, to collect information on facility strategies used to encourage staff vaccination. Cases were respondents with medium and high vaccination coverage, whereas controls were respondents with low coverage. We used logistic regression modeling, adjusted for county and NH characteristics, to identify strategies associated with facility‐level vaccination coverage.

Results

We obtained responses from 413 of 1338 NHs (30.9%). Compared with facilities with lower staff vaccination coverage, facilities with medium or high coverage were more likely to have designated frontline staff champions (medium: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–10.3; high: aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1–7.7) and set vaccination goals (medium: aOR 2.4, 95% 1.0–5.5; high: aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–8.3). NHs with high vaccination coverage were more likely to have given vaccinated staff rewards such as T‐shirts compared with NHs with low coverage (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3–11.0). Use of multiple strategies was associated with greater likelihood of facilities having medium or high vaccination coverage: For example, facilities that used ≥9 strategies were three times more likely to have high staff vaccination coverage than facilities using <6 strategies (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.9).

Conclusions

Use of designated champions, setting targets, and use of non‐monetary awards were associated with high NH staff COVID‐19 vaccination coverage.
Natural alleles of a uridine 5ʹ‐diphospho‐glucosyltransferase gene responsible for differential endosperm development between upland rice and paddy rice
Authors: Wu Zihao , Zhang Xiao , Chang Guimei , Yang Jun , Wan Jinpeng , Wang Feijun , Tao Dayun , Zhou Jiawu , Shang Lianguang , Xu Peng , Yu Diqiu
Published: November 2021

Traditional upland rice generally exhibits insufficient grains resulting from abnormal endosperm development compared to paddy rice. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of this trait is poorly understood. Here, we cloned the uridine 5ʹ‐diphospho (UDP)‐glucosyltransferase gene EDR1 (Endosperm Development in Rice) responsible for differential endosperm development between upland rice and paddy rice by performing quantitative trait loci analysis and map‐based cloning. EDR1 was highly expressed in developing seeds during grain filling. Natural variations in EDR1 significantly reduced the UDP‐glucosyltransferase activity of EDR1YZN compared to EDR1YD1, resulting in abnormal endosperm development in the near‐isogenic line, accompanied by insufficient grains and changes in grain quality. By analyzing the distribution of the two alleles EDR1YD1 and EDR1YZN among diverse paddy rice and upland rice varieties, we discovered that EDR1 was conserved in upland rice, but segregated in paddy rice. Further analyses of grain chalkiness in the alleles of EDR1YD1 and EDR1YZN varieties indicated that rice varieties harboring EDR1YZN and EDR1YD1 preferentially showed high chalkiness, and low chalkiness, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that the UDP‐glucosyltransferase gene EDR1 is an important determinant controlling differential endosperm development between upland rice and paddy rice.
Couple and family interventions for high mortality health conditions: A strategic review (2010–2019)
Authors: Lamson Angela L. , Hodgson Jennifer L. , Pratt Keeley J. , Mendenhall Tai J. , Wong Alison G. , Sesemann Erin M. , Brown Braden J. , Taylor Erika S. , Williams‐Reade Jacqueline M. , Blocker Daniel J. , Harsh Caspari Jennifer , Zubatsky Max , Martin Matthew P.
Published: November 2021

The earliest publications in the field of marriage and family therapy introduced interventions conducted with families experiencing complex health conditions. This strategic review captures an evaluation of efficacy for 87 couple and family interventions published between 2010 and 2019 with a focus on the leading causes of mortality in the United States. These health conditions include chromosomal anomalies and accidents with infants aged 0–4 years; accidents and cancer among children aged 5–14; accidents among adolescents aged 15–24; and heart disease, cancer, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, and nephritis/nephrosis among adults 25 and older. Results support the need for greater inclusion of couples and families in assessments and interventions. The greatest chasm in efficacy research was with minoritized couples and families. Implications include ways to initiate couple and family interventions in the context of health conditions with attention given to accessibility, recruitment, retention, and evaluation.
Nurses’ experiences of emergency department triage during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Indonesia
Authors: Mulyadi Mulyadi , Dedi Blacius , Hou Wen‐Li , Huang I‐Chin , Lee Bih‐O
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To explore the experiences of nurses working in emergency departments in selecting and triaging patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive phenomenology was applied in this study.

Methods

Data were collected from nurses working at hospitals in Indonesia using snowball sampling and telephone interviews. A total of 10 emergency nurses participated, and Colaizzi's method of data analysis was applied.

Findings

Six themes and 10 subthemes emerged. The main themes were “extreme challenges in triage,” “feeling of responsibility under uncontrolled spread and infection,” “physical and psychological exhaustion,” “discovering strategies under difficult circumstances,” “looking for positive reinforcement,” and “optimism in togetherness.” Nurses had to deal with the challenge of COVID‐19 in the ED triage, interestingly so, the nurses they have shown the development of professional responsibility. Nurses are also experienced in finding patient selection and triage strategies and the sense of optimism that may influence strategy and practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

This findings identify nurses’ experiences in dealing with the extreme challenges of emergency department triage as well as their associated strategies and optimism.

Clinical relevance

Providing support to emergency nurses, improving emergency department triage, and community empowerment are suggested as strategies to improve nursing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The combined effect of psychological and social capital in registered nurses experiencing second victimization: A structural equation model
Authors: (Terri) Hinkley Teresa‐Lynn
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study examined the combined role psychological capital and social capital play in the severity of second victim syndrome experienced by registered nurses.

Design

This research study was an ex post facto, cross‐sectional, non‐experimental survey design. Data were collected from October to December 2018. The study sample was composed of 1167 nurses recruited through 12 professional nursing associations in the United States.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires were administered to measure psychological capital (Psychological Capital Questionnaire), social capital (Social Capital Outcomes for Nurses) and second victim syndrome (Second Victim Experience and Support Tool). Data cleaning and analysis of 1167 cases were conducted via SPSS v25 and structural equation modeling of 999 cases was conducted with AMOS v25.

Findings

The SEM analysis demonstrated that psychological capital, on its own, had no effect on the severity of the second victim experience. Social capital, on its own, had a statistically significant relationship with second victim severity. The combined impact of social capital and psychological capital had a statistically significant effect on second victim severity.

Conclusions

The results of this study have practical implications that include unit‐based peer support programs and an increased focus on supportive workplace cultures. Programmatic efforts should also focus on social capital at the team level as well as the importance of building self‐efficacy through increasing mastery experiences, modeling of behavior, social persuasion and monitoring one's physiological responses.

Clinical relevance

These findings demonstrate the importance of social capital to mitigation of second victim experiences, while also demonstrating that psychological capital has no effect on second victim severity. Building social capital and collective efficacy are critical to mitigation of second victim syndrome.
Skin injuries associated with severe life‐threatening situations: A new conceptual framework
Authors: García‐Fernández Francisco Pedro , Soldevilla‐Agreda J. Javier , Rodriguez‐Palma Manuel , Pancorbo‐Hidalgo Pedro L.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To create a conceptual framework for skin injuries developing in patients whose lives are severely compromised or who are expected to die within a short period of time. To name and classify these types of skin injuries. To describe the clinical features of the different types of skin injuries that may occur in terminally ill and/or dying patients.

Design

A sequential design with several different phases (a literature review, a nominal group, and a consensus conference) was used.

Methods

Six experts with extensive knowledge of these types of injuries were selected for the nominal group. The traditional eight‐phase nominal group technique was followed. The consensus conference consisted of participants voting on different options based on the statements elaborated with the expert panel summarizing the best scientific evidence available.

Findings

Using all these elements, a conceptual framework was constructed to identify skin injuries associated with severe life‐threatening situations (SI‐SLTSs), defined as unpredictable and therefore unpreventable injuries indicating a serious threat to life or even imminent death. These injuries can occur in two forms: (a) as skin injuries associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (SI‐MODSs) or (b) as skin injuries associated with severe vasoconstriction (SI‐ESVs). SI‐MODSs develop very quickly and suddenly. They progress from superficial to deep stages abruptly, even within hours. The severity of the injuries does not reflect the care provided to the patient. Individuals suffering from these injuries have an irreversible clinical condition. SI‐ESVs also appear in individuals who are in a very critical, even terminal, clinical condition. They are frequently treated in the ICU and may exhibit severe vasoconstriction due to their disease process (e.g., shock), sometimes exacerbated by vasoconstriction caused by various drugs (e.g., noradrenaline).

Conclusions

We have developed a conceptual framework for skin injuries developing in patients whose lives are severely compromised or who are expected to die within a short period of time and have named them SI‐SLTSs, distinguishing between SI‐MODSs and SI‐ESVs.

Clinical relevance

This new conceptual framework may help clinicians understand the mechanisms and the pathophysiology of skin injuries that develop in terminally ill and/or dying patients associated with multi‐organ failure. Through this new framework these injuries can be identified and differentiated from pressure injuries or other dependence‐related skin lesions.