bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world outcomes with recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) prophylaxis: Longitudinal follow‐up in a national adult cohort
Authors: O'Donovan Mairead , Bergin Catherine , Quinn Eimear , Singleton Evelyn , Roche Sheila , Benson Julie , Bird Rachel , Byrne Mary , Duggan Cleona , Gilmore Ruth , Ryan Kevin , O'Donnell James S. , O’Connell Niamh M.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In 2017, all people with severe haemophilia B (PWSHB) in Ireland switched from standard half‐life (SHL) recombinant FIX (rFIX) to rFIX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) prophylaxis.

Aims

To evaluate prophylaxis regimens, bleeding rates and factor usage for two years of rFIXFc prophylaxis in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Data collected retrospectively from electronic diaries and medical records of PWSHB for a two‐year period on rFIXFc prophylaxis were compared with paired baseline data on SHL rFIX treatment.

Results

28 PWSHB (≥18 years) were enrolled, and at switchover 79% were receiving prophylaxis and 21% episodic treatment with SHL rFIX. At 24 months following switchover, all remained on rFIXFc prophylaxis with reduced infusion frequency; median dose per infusion once weekly (55 IU/kg, 20/28), every 10 days (63 IU/kg, 2/28) or every 14 days (98 IU/kg, 6/28). Median annualised bleed rate improved significantly on rFIXFc prophylaxis (2.0 versus 3.3 on SHL FIX) (p = 0.01). Median FIX trough level with once‐weekly infusions was 0.09 IU/ml (0.06–0.14 IU/ml). Management of bleeding episodes was similar with rFIXFc and SHL rFIX; one infusion was sufficient to treat 74% and 77% of bleeds, respectively, with similar total median treatment per bleeding episode. Factor consumption reduced by 28% with rFIXFc prophylaxis (57 IU/kg/week, range 40–86 IU/kg/week) compared with SHL rFIX (79 IU/kg/week, range 44–210 IU/kg/week) (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study provides important insights into real‐world experience of switching to rFIXFc prophylaxis in an adult population, demonstrating high rates of prophylaxis, with reduced infusion frequency, bleeding and FIX consumption.
Helicobacter pylori induces gastric cancer via down‐regulating miR‐375 to inhibit dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Chen Simiao , Fan Menghui , Ruan Guojing , Xi Tao , Zheng Lufeng , Guo Le , Ye Feng , Xing Yingying
Published: May 2021

Background

Recent studies and clinical samples have demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori could induce the downregulation of miR‐375 in the stomach and promote gastric carcinogenesis. However, whether the immune cells are affected by Helicobacter pylori due to the downregulation of miR‐375 is unclear.

Materials and methods

In this study, we constructed an overexpression and knockdown of miR‐375 and Helicobacter pylori infection cell models in vitro. In addition, the maturity of dendritic cells (DCs) and the expression of IL‐6, IL‐10, and VEGF at the transcriptional and translational levels were analyzed. Changes in the JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway were detected. In vivo, the number changes in CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells and the size changes of tumors via models of transplantable subcutaneous tumors were also analyzed.

Results

A cell model of Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer was used to identify the expression of miR‐375 and the maturity of dendritic cells. This study found that Helicobacter pylori could downregulate miR‐375, which regulates the expression of cytokines IL‐6, IL‐10, and VEGF in the stomach. MiR‐375 regulated the expression of cytokines IL‐6, IL‐10, and VEGF through the JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway in vitro. In addition, we found that Helicobacter pylori regulates the maturation of dendritic cells through miR‐375. These results were further verified in vivo, and miR‐375 diminishes tumor size was also demonstrated. This study showed that immature DCs caused a decrease in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori can inhibit miRNA‐375 expression in the stomach. Downregulated miR‐375 activates the JAK2‐STAT3 pathway. Activating the JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway promotes the secretion of IL‐6, IL‐10, and VEGF, leading to immature differentiation of DCs and induction of gastric cancer.
Development of originality under inbreeding: A case of life science labs in Japan
Authors: Shibayama Sotaro
Published: May 2021

Producing original knowledge is the foundation of scientific progress. Originality is associated with certain skills and practices that can be trained and socialised. This study investigates how inbreeding as a career practice influences the socialisation of originality. An analysis based on a sample of mid‐career life scientists in Japan finds that originality and associated practices are transferred to junior academics from their PhD supervisors, and that the inter‐generational transfer of the practices favourable for originality is reinforced when junior academics are inbred. Hence, if senior academics have orientation towards originality, inbred junior academics are likely to succeed the same orientation; whereas if supervisor lack orientation towards originality, inbred juniors also lack the orientation. Thus, inbreeding can be a double‐edged sword in developing originality.
Oseltamivir treatment of influenza A and B infections in infants
Authors: Mattila Janna‐Maija , Vuorinen Tytti , Waris Matti , Antikainen Petri , Heikkinen Terho
Published: May 2021

Background

Oseltamivir treatment is currently the only way of managing influenza in young infants for whom influenza vaccines are not licensed, but little data exist on the effectiveness of the treatment in this age group.

Methods

In a prospective study, we enrolled 431 newborn infants and followed them up for 10 months during their first respiratory season (September 2017‐June 2018). During each respiratory illness, we examined the infants and obtained nasopharyngeal specimens for determination of the viral etiology. Infants with influenza were re‐examined at short intervals, and additional nasopharyngeal specimens were obtained at each visit for measuring the viral load. All infants with symptoms <48 hours received oseltamivir treatment. The parents filled out daily symptom diaries.

Results

Among 23 infants with influenza A, the mean total duration of illness in oseltamivir recipients was 82.1 hours, compared with 253.5 hours in infants without treatment (P = .0003). For infants with influenza B, the corresponding durations were 110.0 and 173.9 hours, respectively (P = .03). In infants with influenza A, total symptom scores were significantly lower in oseltamivir‐treated infants at all time points between days 3 and 11 after the onset of therapy. In most children with either influenza A or B, viral antigen concentrations declined rapidly within 1‐2 days after the initiation of oseltamivir treatment.

Conclusions

Oseltamivir treatment of infants with influenza rapidly decreased the viral load in nasopharyngeal secretions and shortened the duration and severity of symptoms. The clinical effectiveness of oseltamivir appeared to be greater against influenza A than against influenza B infections.
Seasonal impact on surgical site infections and wound healing disturbance in carpal tunnel surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Froschauer Stefan Mathias , Raher Wolfgang , Holzbauer Matthias , Brett Elizabeth , Kwasny Oskar , Duscher Dominik
Published: May 2021

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment syndrome of a peripheral nerve. The gold standard treatment is open carpal tunnel release which has a high success rate, a low complication rate, and predictable postoperative results. However, it has not been analysed yet if there is a seasonal influence on complications for carpal tunnel release, a highly elective procedure. In this retrospective study, we determine whether there is a seasonal impact on surgical site infections (SSI) and wound healing disorders (WHD) in primary carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. Between 2014 and 2018, we have assessed 1385 patients (65% female, 35% male) at a mean age of 61.9 (SD 15.3) years, which underwent open carpal tunnel release because of primary carpal tunnel syndrome. The seasonal data such as the warm season (defined as the period from 1st of June until 15th of September), the average daily and monthly temperature, and the average relative humidity were analysed. Patient demographics were examined including body mass index, alcohol and nicotine abuse, the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs as well as comorbidities. These data were correlated regarding their influence to the rate of surgical site infections and wound healing disorders in our study collective. A postoperative SSI rate of 2.4% and a WHD rate of 7% were detected. Our data confirms the warm season, the average monthly temperature, and male sex as risk factors for increasing rates of WHDs. Serious SSIs with subsequent revision surgery could be correlated with higher age and higher relative humidity. However there is no seasonal impact on SSIs. We therefore advise considering the timing of this elective surgery with scheduling older male patients preferably during the cold season to prevent postoperative WHDs.
Caged‐in: Successful percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage with Watchman‐FLX in the presence of proximal thrombus
Authors: Briosa e Gala Andre , Pope Michael T. B. , Newton James D. , Dawkins Sam , Betts Timothy R.
Published: May 2021

Percutaneous mechanical closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a valuable stroke prevention strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication to oral anticoagulation. LAA thrombus is a common finding in patients with atrial fibrillation and frequently fails to resolve despite therapeutic anticoagulation. In this scenario, LAA occlusion device implant is generally discouraged due to the high risk of thrombus dislodgement and embolization; however, alternative management options are limited. We report the first case of a successful LAA occlusion device (Watchman‐FLX) implant in the presence of a proximal thrombus.
Galangin suppresses RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis via inhibiting MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways
Authors: Li Xiucheng , Jiang Jiawei , Yang Zhifan , Jin Songtao , Lu Xuanyuan , Qian Yu
Published: May 2021

Osteoclasts play a critical role in osteoporosis; thus, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis is a therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis. Galangin, a natural bioflavonoid extracted from a traditional Chinese herb, possesses a variety of biological activities, including anti‐inflammation and anti‐oxidation. However, its effects on osteoporosis have not been elucidated. In this study, we found that galangin treatment dose‐dependently decreased osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs). Moreover, during osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast‐specific genes, such as tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CtsK), ATPase, H + transporting, lysosomal V0 subunit D2 (V‐ATPase d2) and dendritic cell–specific transmembrane protein (DC‐STAMP), were down‐regulated by galangin treatment. Furthermore, the results of the pit formation assay and F‐actin ring staining revealed impaired osteoclastic bone resorption in the galangin‐treated group compared with that in the control group. Additionally, galangin treatment also inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK of MAPK signalling pathway, as well as downstream factors of NFATc1, C‐Jun and C‐Fos. Consistent with our in vitro results, galangin suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption via inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that galangin is a promising natural compound for the treatment of osteoporosis and may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways.
Nesfatin‐1 inhibits myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury through activating Akt/ERK pathway‐dependent attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Su Rui‐Ying , Geng Xiao‐Yong , Yang Yang , Yin Hong‐Shan
Published: May 2021

Nesfatin‐1 (encoded by NUCB2) is a cardiac peptide possessing protective activities against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. However, the regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 and the molecular mechanisms underlying its roles in MI/R injury are not clear. Here, by investigating a mouse MI/R injury model developed with transient myocardial ischaemia followed by reperfusion, we found that the levels of NUCB2 transcript and nesfatin‐1 amount in the heart were both decreased, suggesting a transcriptional repression of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 in response to MI/R injury. Moreover, cardiac nesfatin‐1 restoration reduced infarct size, troponin T (cTnT) level and myocardial apoptosis, supporting its cardioprotection against MI/R injury in vivo. Mechanistically, the Akt/ERK pathway was activated, and in contrast, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was attenuated by nesfatin‐1 following MI/R injury. In an in vitro system, similar results were obtained in nesfatin‐1‐treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. More importantly, the treatment of wortmannin, an inhibitor of Akt/ERK pathway, abrogated nesfatin‐1 effects on attenuating ER stress and H/R injury in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, nesfatin‐1‐mediated protection against H/R injury also vanished in the presence of tunicamycin (TM), an ER stress inducer. Lastly, Akt/ERK inhibition reversed nesfatin‐1 effects on mouse ER stress and MI/R injury in vivo. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 inhibits MI/R injury through attenuating ER stress, which relies on Akt/ERK pathway activation. Hence, our study provides a molecular basis for understanding how NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 reduces MI/R injury.
Umbilical cord‐derived MSC and hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively protected the brain in rat after acute intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Yip Hon‐Kan , Lin Kun‐Chen , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Chiang John Y. , Yin Tsung‐Cheng , Wu Re‐Wen , Chen Kuan‐Hung
Published: May 2021

This study tested the hypothesis that combined therapy with human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCDMSCs) and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) was superior to either one on preserving neurological function and reducing brain haemorrhagic volume (BHV) in rat after acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) induced by intracranial injection of collagenase. Adult male SD rats (n = 30) were equally divided into group 1 (sham‐operated control), group 2 (ICH), group 3 (ICH +HUCDMSCs/1.2 × 106 cells/intravenous injection at 3h and days 1 and 2 after ICH), group 4 (ICH +HBO/at 3 hours and days 1 and 2 after ICH) and group 5 (ICH +HUCDMSCs‐HBO), and killed by day 28 after ICH. By day 1, the neurological function was significantly impaired in groups 2‐5 than in group 1 (P < .001), but it did not differ among groups 2 to 5. By days 7, 14 and 28, the integrity of neurological function was highest in group 1, lowest in group 2 and significantly progressively improved from groups 3 to 5 (all P < .001). By day 28, the BHV was lowest in group 1, highest in group 2 and significantly lower in group 5 than in groups 3/4 (all P < .0001). The protein expressions of inflammation (HMGB1/TLR‐2/TLR‐4/MyD88/TRAF6/p‐NF‐κB/IFN‐γ/IL‐1ß/TNF‐α), oxidative stress/autophagy (NOX‐1/NOX‐2/oxidized protein/ratio of LC3B‐II/LC3B‐I) and apoptosis (cleaved‐capspase3/PARP), and cellular expressions of inflammation (CD14+, F4/80+) in brain tissues exhibited an identical pattern, whereas cellular levels of angiogenesis (CD31+/vWF+/small‐vessel number) and number of neurons (NeuN+) exhibited an opposite pattern of BHV among the groups (all P < .0001). These results indicate that combined HUCDMSC‐HBO therapy offered better outcomes after rat ICH.
Applications of nano‐materials in food packaging: A review
Authors: Adeyeye Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan , Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua
Published: May 2021

This review assesses applications of nano‐materials in food packaging. The review also discusses the features and uses of major nano‐materials that are commonly used in food and food products packaging. Migration research, consumer safety issues, and public health concerns are also discussed. Nano‐materials particularly nanoparticles due to their mechanical, optical, catalytic, and antimicrobial properties could play a major role in food packaging. Nano‐materials like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nanoclay are currently major nano‐enabled food and food products packaging materials available in the market. Nano‐zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium are also available in the market but to a less extent. Nano‐materials could be as antimicrobial to control microbial growth as well as improving barrier properties of food packages to increase the shelf life and freshness of packaged food products. However, despite the advantages of nano‐materials in food packaging, there is growing concern about the safety and potential risks due to migration of nano‐particles from food and food products contact materials to fish and fish products. In conclusion, for breakthrough in the use of nano‐materials in food and food products packaging, consumer acceptance challenges, technologies of manufacturing, costs and the regulation need to be given right perspective.

Practical Application

In recent time, researches have directed at improving knowledge of composition, processing and packaging technologies of food and food products by both developed and developing countries. Food and food products are bio‐systems that undergo deterioration immediately after harvesting or slaughtering as the case may be. This requires special handling to prevent food spoilage through contamination. Quality of food and food products can only be maintained when processed and packaged in appropriate packaging materials. The use of nano‐materials in food and food products packaging is promising area to improve packaging functionality, however, the knowledge about particle migration and toxicity remains limited. It is therefore necessary that food and food products should be handled with utmost care by using good and appropriate packaging materials that are non‐toxic, safe and environmental friendly.
A comparison of intravenous methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone for the treatment of acute inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Schauer Cameron , Avery Victoria , Seleq Sam , Garg Paras , Wang Michael T M , Chieng Michael , Rowan Charlotte , Sekra Anurag , Lane Mark , Walmsley Russell
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Despite widespread recommendations and use of intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) for the treatment of acute flares of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, limited evidence exists comparing outcomes of the two most common regimens, intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and intravenous hydrocortisone (IVHC). IVHC has stronger mineralocorticoid effects compared with IVMP and may cause higher rates of hypokalemia. We aimed to determine differences in clinical outcomes including requirement for inpatient rescue therapy, bowel resection, and rates of hypokalemia.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter cohort study of all adult patients admitted with an acute flare of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to the three tertiary hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand, where the protocol at each institution is either IVMP 60 mg daily or IVHC 100 mg four times daily. All patients requiring IVCS between 20 June 2016 and 30 June 2018 were included. The IVCS protocol was then changed at one hospital, where further data were collected for a further 12 months from 30 January 2019 until 30 December 2019.

Results

There were 359 patients, including 129 (35.9%) patients receiving IVMP and 230 (64.1%) patients receiving IVHC. IVMP treatment was associated with a greater requirement for rescue therapy than IVHC (36.4% vs 19.6%, P = 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64–4.75, P < 0.001), but also reduced rates of hypokalemia (55.8% vs 67.0%, P = 0.04; OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30–0.81, P = 0.005). There was no difference between treatment groups for the median length of admission (5 days, interquartile range [IQR] 3–8), median duration of IVCS treatment (3 days, IQR 2–5), or bowel resection within 30 days of admission (12.4% vs 11.7%; OR = 1.04).

Conclusion

For the treatment of an acute flare of IBD, treatment with IVMP results in significantly more requirement for inpatient rescue biologic or cyclosporin. In addition, it causes statistically significant less hypokalemia than IVHC, although in practice differences are negligible.
Converging Educational Differences in Parents' Time Use in Developmental Child Care
Authors: Cha Yun , Park Hyunjoon
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examines parents' time use in developmental child care by parental education and assesses whether the educational gap has widened or narrowed over the period of 2003–2017.

Background

The diverging trends in work hours between mothers with different levels of education since the early 2000s, along with the proliferation of the ideal of intensive parenting, suggest that education disparities in developmental child care time have likely converged, opposite to the widening trend before then.

Method

Using the 2003–2017 American Time Use Survey (N = 30,072), ordinary least squares regression models estimate minutes per day mothers and fathers with children under age 5 spend on developmental child care, after accounting for demographic characteristics, family income, and hours at work. The interaction terms between parental education and years estimate the trend in the educational gap.

Results

The educational disparity in developmental child care has narrowed between 2003 and 2017 due to opposite trends at both ends of the educational spectrum: whereas time spent among parents with a bachelor's degree or higher has stalled, time spent among counterparts with high school or less education has continuously increased. For mothers, the converging trend is partly attributable to differential trends in hours at work by education.

Conclusion

In contrast to the claim of diverging destinies, parents' time use in developmental child care is likely not contributing to diverging resources for children between more‐ and less‐educated parents.
Digital Workflow for Full‐Arch Immediate Implant Placement Using a Stackable Surgical Guide Fabricated Using SLM Technology
Authors: Yang Jing‐Wen , Liu Qi , Yue Zhao‐Guo , Hou Jian‐Xia , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I.
Published: May 2021

The failing dentition of partially edentulous individuals may be used as an initial reference for stackable restrictive surgical guides during full‐arch immediate implant placement. The stackable guide option derived from a digital workflow increases the predictability of the performance of bone reduction, immediate implant placement, and immediate loading of provisional implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses. The present paper aims to report a practical approach to design and produce a metal framework with occlusal rests to facilitate the use of a tooth‐supported surgical guide when full‐arch immediate implant placement is indicated in patients with failing dentition.
Cyclic alternating pattern in obstructive sleep apnea: A preliminary study
Authors: Gnoni Valentina , Drakatos Panagis , Higgins Sean , Duncan Iain , Wasserman Danielle , Kabiljo Renata , Mutti Carlotta , Halasz Peter , Goadsby Peter J. , Leschziner Guy D. , Rosenzweig Ivana
Published: May 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and dementia. The precise nature of the association between respiratory events in obstructive sleep apnea, cortical or subcortical arousals, and cognitive, autonomic and oxidative stress consequences remains incompletely elucidated. Previous studies have aimed to understand the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and arousal patterns, as defined by the cyclic alternating pattern, but results have been inconsistent, in part likely due to the presence of associated comorbidities. To better define this relationship, we analysed cyclic alternating patterns in patients with obstructive sleep apnea without any additional comorbidities. We identified 18 adult male, non‐obese subjects with obstructive sleep apnea and no other comorbidities or medication history, who underwent whole‐night electroencephalography and polysomnography. Cyclic alternating pattern analysis was performed and verified by certified somnologists. Pairwise linear regression analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between obstructive sleep apnea severity and cyclic alternating pattern subtype A1, and a direct correlation with cyclic alternating pattern subtype A3. Cyclic alternating pattern subtypes A1 prevail in milder obstructive sleep apnea phenotype, whilst cyclic alternating pattern subtypes A2 and A3 overcome among moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea patients. The milder obstructive sleep apnea group also presented higher sleep efficiency, and increased percentages of non‐rapid eye movement stage 3 and rapid eye movement sleep, as well as longer cyclic alternating pattern sequences in N3, while severe obstructive sleep apnea patients spent more time in lighter sleep stages. These results imply/suggest a balance between cyclic alternating pattern’s adaptive and maladaptive arousal processes in obstructive sleep apnea of differing severities. In milder obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index < 20), sleep continuity may be reinforced by cyclic alternating pattern subtype A1, whereas in more severe obstructive sleep apnea, decompensation of these sleep‐stabilizing mechanisms may occur and more intrusive cyclic alternating pattern fluctuations disrupt sleep circuitry.
Mother–infant interactions and infant intake during breastfeeding versus bottle‐feeding expressed breast milk
Authors: Ventura Alison , Hupp Megan , Lavond Joseph
Published: May 2021

Bottle‐fed infants are at higher risk for rapid weight gain compared with breastfed infants. Few studies have attempted to disentangle effects of feeding mode, milk composition and relevant covariates on feeding interactions and outcomes. The objective of the present study was to compare effects of breastfeeding directly at the breast versus bottle‐feeding expressed breast milk on feeding interactions. Mothers with <6‐month‐old infants (n = 47) participated in two counterbalanced, feeding observations. Mothers breastfed their infants directly from the breast during one visit (breastcondition) and bottle‐fed their infants expressed breast milk during the other (bottlecondition). Masked raters later coded videos using the Nursing Child Assessment Parent–Child Interaction Feeding Scale. Infant intake was assessed. Mothers self‐reported sociodemographic characteristics, infant feeding patterns (i.e. percentage of daily feedings from bottles) and level of pressuring feeding style. Mother and infant behaviours were similar duringbreastandbottleconditions. Percent bottle‐feeding moderated effects of condition on intake (P = 0.032): greater percent bottle‐feeding predicted greater intake during thebottlecompared withbreastcondition. Effects of feeding mode were not moderated by parity or pressuring feeding style, but, regardless of condition, multiparous mothers fed their infants more than primiparous mothers (P = 0.028), and pressuring feeding style was positively associated with infant intake (P = 0.045). Findings from the present study do not support the hypothesis that feeding mode directly impacts dyadic interaction for predominantly breastfeeding mothers and infants, but rather suggest between‐subject differences in feeding experiences and styles predict feeding outcomes for this population.
Commodities fluctuations, cross border flows and financial innovation: A stock‐flow analysis
Authors: Nalin Lorenzo , Yajima Giuliano Toshiro
Published: May 2021

At the beginning of the 2000s, Latin America countries experienced rising commodities prices and, in turn, foreign investors shifted part of their portfolio composition toward the region. Unlike past episodes, more integrated financial markets allowed international players to invest in a wider range of financial instruments, usually related to composite commodity indexes. We investigate the macroeconomic implications of such innovative practices, focusing in particular on currency swings, by adopting a stock‐flow consistent (SFC) framework. The element of novelty of our contribution consists in depicting a financial sector, which issues Commodity‐Linked Notes (CLNs) to be sold to households in the developed country.
Effect of different types of regular exercise on physical fitness in adults with overweight or obesity: Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: van Baak Marleen A. , Pramono Adriyan , Battista Francesca , Beaulieu Kristine , Blundell John E. , Busetto Luca , Carraça Eliana V. , Dicker Dror , Encantado Jorge , Ermolao Andrea , Farpour‐Lambert Nathalie , Woodward Euan , Bellicha Alice , Oppert Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2021

This systematic review examined the effect of exercise training interventions on physical fitness in adults with overweight or obesity and compared the effectiveness of different types of exercise training. Four electronic databases were searched. Articles were included if they described randomized controlled trials of exercise training interventions and their effect on maximal oxygen consumption or muscle strength in adults with overweight or obesity. Changes in outcome parameters were analyzed using random effects meta‐analyses for different training types (aerobic, resistance, combined aerobic plus resistance, and high‐intensity interval training). Eighty‐eight articles satisfied the inclusion criteria of which 66 (3964 participants) could be included in the meta‐analyses. All training types increased VO2max (mean difference 3.82 ml/min/kg (95% CI 3.17, 4.48), P < 0.00001; I2 = 48%). In direct comparisons, resistance training was less effective in improving VO2max than aerobic training, HIIT was slightly more effective than aerobic training, and no difference between aerobic and combined aerobic plus resistance training was found. For muscle strength benefits, incorporation of resistance exercise in the training program is indicated. Exercise training increases VO2max and muscle strength in adults with overweight or obesity. Differences between training types should be weighed with other needs and preferences when health professionals advise on exercise training to improve physical fitness.
Proline‐Serine–Threonine Phosphatase‐Interacting Protein 2 Alleviates Diabetes Mellitus‐Osteoarthritis in Rats through Attenuating Synovial Inflammation and Cartilage Injury
Authors: Li Ming , Xiao Yan‐bo , Wang Xin‐tao , Zhuang Jin‐peng , Zhou Chang‐long
Published: May 2021

Objective

To explore the possible way of proline‐serine–threonine phosphatase‐interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2) influencing diabetes mellitus‐osteoarthritis (DM‐OA) progression.

Methods

In vivo, eight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were induced with DM‐OA by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin with high‐fat diet feeding and intra‐articular injection of monoiodoacetate. PSTPIP2 overexpression was achieved by intra‐articular injection of lentivirus vectors. PSTPIP2 expression was verified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Histological changes were examined by hematoxylin/eosin and safranin‐O/fast‐green staining. In vitro, rat synovial fibroblasts were induced DM‐OA by stimulation of high glucose (HG) and interleukin (IL)‐1β. PSTPIP2 overexpression was achieved by lentivirus infection. U0126 was added as an ERK inhibitor. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3, MMP‐13, aggrecanase‐2 (ADAMTS‐5), intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and phospho‐ERK (p‐ERK) was detected by Western blotting.

Results

In DM‐OA rats, PSTPIP2 relative messenger RNA (mRNA) level was significantly decreased compared to control rats. The protein expression was also decreased obviously. Inflammation score in synovium was dramatically increased, accompanying with increased TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β levels. Osteoarthritis research society international (OARSI) score in cartilage was markedly increased, along with increased MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, ICAM‐1, ERK and p‐ERK expression. In PSTPIP2‐overexpressed DM‐OA rats, PSTPIP2 mRNA level and protein expression was increased compared to DM‐OA rats received negative‐control lentivirus vectors. The inflammation score, as well as TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β levels were dramatically decreased. Also, the OARSI score and protein expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, ICAM‐1, ERK and p‐ERK were decreased. In HG+IL‐1β‐treated rat synovial fibroblasts, PSTPIP2 protein expression was decreased compared to normal glucose (NG)‐treated cells. Levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, as well as expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, ICAM‐1, ERK and p‐ERK were increased. After cells were infected with PSTPIP2‐overexpressed lentivirus, levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, and expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, ICAM‐1, ERK and p‐ERK were obviously decreased compared to cells infected with NC lentivirus. In addition, ERK inhibitor U0126 treatment also decreased the TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1βlevels and MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, ICAM‐1, ERK and p‐ERK expression in HG + IL‐1β treated rat synovial fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Overexpression of PSTPIP2 alleviates synovial inflammation and cartilage injury during DM‐OA progression via inhibiting ERK phosphorylation.
Specific and multiple‐target gene silencing reveals function diversity of BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1 in Brassica napus
Authors: He Mingliang , Zhang Cheng , Chu Liuyang , Wang Sheliang , Shi Lei , Xu Fangsen
Published: May 2021

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an economically important oilseed crop in the world, but its production is strongly dependent on boron (B) supplies. Major intrinsic protein NIP5;1 is essential for B uptake and plant development under B limitation. In this study, phylogenetic and expression analyses identified two NIP5;1 orthologue genes, BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1, which are mainly expressed in roots of B. napus. Specific and multiple‐target RNAi was used to suppress BnaA3.NIP5;1 or both BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1 expression in B‐efficient rapeseed Qingyou 10 (QY10), respectively, for revealing the roles of BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1 in low‐B tolerance in B. napus. We found that both BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1 are important for B. napus normal growth under low‐B conditions, while these two genes have distinct roles. BnaA2.NIP5;1 is mainly expressed in the epidermis cells, which is required for efficient B uptake into roots, hence for B translocation to the shoots. BnaA3.NIP5;1 is specifically localized in the distal part of lateral root cap cells to promoter root elongation under low‐B conditions, which is important for seed production in the maturity stage of B. napus. Taken together, our specific and multiple‐target RNAi strategy provides novel insights into the gene function diversification between BnaA2.NIP5;1 and BnaA3.NIP5;1, such an approach can be potentially applicable to other polyploid crops.
Social support reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy in a low‐income population
Authors: Feld Hartley , Barnhart Sheila , Wiggins Amanda T. , Ashford Kristin
Published: May 2021

Almost half of all pregnancies (45%) in the United States (US) are unintended, with the highest concentration in women with low incomes. Targeted research is warranted to identify risk and protective factors that influence pregnancy intention to improve maternal/child health.

Purpose

To identify individual and interpersonal level associations to pregnancy intention to use as leverage points to build resilience.

Method

A cross‐sectional, secondary analysis of Medicaid eligible pregnant women in Kentucky (n = 309).

Results

Sixty‐two percent reported their current pregnancy was unintended. Older age, partnered, negative drug screen, and increased social support were associated with decreased odds of unintended pregnancy. For every 1 unit increase of belonging and tangible social support, women were 13% and 14% (respectively) less likely to have an unintended pregnancy (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78–0.97, p = .011, OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.77–0.95, p = .005). A positive drug screen was associated with an almost three‐fold increase in the odds of unintended pregnancy (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.49–5.58, p = .002).

Conclusion:

Public health nurses can play a critical role in reducing unintended pregnancy rates by promoting social support, inclusion, and acceptance. There remains a critical need to identify barriers and facilitators to pregnancy planning for persons who use illicit drugs.
Efficacy of the parenting support program on child behavior problems
Authors: Eşkisu Mustafa , Kapçı Emine GÜl
Published: May 2021

The study aimed to examine the efficacy of the Parenting Support Program (PSP) for reducing problem behaviors and increasing adaptive behaviors in young children aged 3 to 6. The PSP focuses on effective parenting skills and building positive interactions between parents and their children. Parents of children (n = 18 mothers and 11 fathers) were randomly assigned to an experiment group (EG) and a wait‐list (WL) group. The EG attended a total of 12 individually delivered sessions. Data was gathered via parent and teacher report measures, observation and semi‐structured interviews. The PSP was effective in increasing adaptive behaviors and decreasing behavior problems in children. The change in the children’s score which fulfills the Reliable Change Index criteria in the EG was found to be higher than the WL group. However, fathers reported fewer improvements than mothers in the EG. Qualitative data supported the experimental study results demonstrating the efficacy of the PSP, and met the expectations of parents. Consequently, the PSP could be used as an intervention tool to decrease behavior problems and increase adaptive behaviors in young children.
Disinfectant testing for veterinary and agricultural applications: A review
Authors: Wales Andrew D. , Gosling Rebecca J. , Bare Harriet L. , Davies Robert H.
Published: May 2021

Disinfectants for veterinary and livestock use, plus skin antiseptics, are critical elements for the control of infectious agents, including zoonotic and antimicrobial‐resistant micro‐organisms, in managed animal species. Such agents impact animal welfare, economic performance and human health. Testing of disinfectants is needed for safety, efficacy and quality control. The present review examines the principal types of test (carrier, suspension, surface and field) that have been developed or attempted, plus the features inherent in the respective tests, particularly with respect to variability. Elements of testing that have to be controlled, or which can be manipulated, are discussed in the context of real‐world scenarios and anticipated applications. Current national and international testing regimes are considered, with an emphasis on the UK, continental Europe and North America, and with further detail provided in theSupporting Information. Challenges to disinfectant efficacy include: the nature of the biological targets (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, spores, viruses and prions), the need for economical and safe working concentrations, the physical and chemical nature of contaminated surfaces, constraints on contact times and temperatures, the presence of organic soil and other barrier or neutralising substances (including biofilms), and thoroughness of pre‐cleaning and disinfectant application. The principal challenges with veterinary disinfectant testing are the control of test variability, and relating test results to likely performance in variable field conditions. Despite some ambitions to develop standardised field tests for disinfectants, aside from skin antiseptic trials the myriad problems such tests pose with respect to cost, reproducibility and generalisability remain intractable.
Impact of acute changes in blood pressure and arterial stiffness on cerebral pulsatile haemodynamics in young and middle‐aged adults
Authors: Lefferts Wesley K. , Lefferts Elizabeth C. , Hibner Brooks A. , Smith Kurt J. , Fernhall Bo
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does cerebrovascular pulsatility respond differently to acute increases in arterial stiffness in middle‐aged compared with young adults?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Compared with young adults, middle‐aged adults exhibited similar changes in cerebral pulsatile damping despite attenuated changes in carotid diameter and cerebrovascular pulsatility during blood pressure‐dependent, but not blood pressure‐independent, increases in large artery stiffness.

Acute manipulation of arterial stiffness through interventions that increase sympathetic activity might provoke cerebral pulsatility and damping and reveal whether cerebrovascular haemodynamics respond differently to transient elevations in arterial stiffness in middle‐aged compared with young adults. We compared cerebral pulsatility and damping in middle‐aged versus young adults during two different sympathetic interventions [cold pressor test (CP) and lower‐body negative pressure (LBNP)] that increase arterial stiffness acutely. Cerebrovascular haemodynamics were assessed in 15 middle‐aged (54 ± 7 years old; 11 female) and 15 sex‐matched young adults (25 ± 4 years old) at rest and during the CP test (4 min, 6.4 ± 0.8°C) and LBNP (6 min, −20 mmHg). Mean blood pressure was measured continuously via finger photoplethysmography. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid stiffness were measured via tonometry and ultrasound. Blood velocity pulsatility index (PI) was measured at the middle cerebral (MCA) and common carotid artery (CCA) using Doppler, with pulsatile damping calculated as CCA PI divided by MCA PI. Increases in cfPWV were driven by changes in mean pressure during CP but not during LBNP in both groups (P < 0.05). Pulsatile damping decreased in both groups (P < 0.05) despite reductions in MCA PI and greater carotid dilatation during CP in young compared with middle‐aged adults (P < 0.05). Pressure‐independent increases in cfPWV during LBNP did not alter pulsatile damping but decreased MCA PI in both young and middle‐aged adults (P < 0.05). These data suggest that changes in carotid diameter and cerebrovascular pulsatility differ between young and middle‐aged adults despite similar changes in cerebral pulsatile damping during blood pressure‐dependent, but not blood pressure‐independent, increases in large artery stiffness.
Relation Between Cyclone Evolution and Fetch Associated With Extreme Wave Events in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Gramcianinov C. B. , Campos R. M. , de Camargo R. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: May 2021

The goal of this work is to investigate the fetch patterns and configurations associated with extratropical cyclones that promote extreme wave events in the western portion of the South Atlantic Ocean. Cyclones are identified and tracked using an objective algorithm and linked to winter extreme Hs events in 10 years of ERA5. The results show the occurrence of 10.7 ± 3.2 winter storms associated with extreme waves within the domain. The cyclone size and intensity show that extreme waves occurring within the domain are mainly related to the intensification stage of the cyclones in the region. There is no relevant difference between mean wind and wave direction during the event, being the SW/W directions dominant. The analysis of the fetch evolution during the lifecycle of the cyclones associated with the most extreme events showed that the surface winds present their maximum usually 10 h–24 h before the maximum Hs. Although large fetches develop along the continental shelf, usually within the cold sector of the cyclone, the Hsmax are located northwestward from the cyclone's center, in the downwind end of the fetch. At the end of the event, the extreme region detaches from the cyclone fetch while still propagating northeastward. At this stage, the swell waves are dominant, with a large peak period and wave age.
A Four-Step Safety Integrity Level Analysis of Numerous Subsea Control System Components
Authors: Mahmoudi Jafar
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a four-step safety integrity level (SIL) analysis is developed to analyze numerous components of the subsea control system based on the OREDA database. For this purpose, initially, a failure mode classification table is provided, aiming to identify the number of dangerous as well as the prevalent failure modes. Then, several parameters including component inventory, installation inventory, equipment units, failure events, and total time in service (per hour) are calculated. Also, failure rates are evaluated and the software checking is provided as the final step of the proposed framework. The results show that the dangerous failure modes occur in about 80 cases, and the leakage in the closed position is the failure mode occurring more than the other ones. Moreover, calculations indicate that the process isolation valve of the subsea X-mass tree has the largest values in all the referred parameters. Moreover, hydraulic coupling of the choke module and HC leak sensor are the two components with the highest value of failure rates.
Seminal article about model-based space-time array processing
Authors: Gupta Ananya Sen
Published: May 2021

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Language-familiarity effect on voice recognition by blind listeners
Authors: Zhang Linjun , Li Yu , Zhou Hong , Zhang Yang , Shu Hua
Published: May 2021

The current study compared the language-familiarity effect on voice recognition by blind listeners and sighted individuals. Both groups performed better on the recognition of native voices than nonnative voices, but the language-familiarity effect is smaller in the blind than in the sighted group, with blind individuals performing better than their sighted counterparts only on the recognition of nonnative voices. Furthermore, recognition of native and nonnative voices was significantly correlated only in the blind group. These results indicate that language familiarity affects voice recognition by blind listeners, who differ to some extent from their sighted counterparts in the use of linguistic and nonlinguistic features during voice recognition.
Novel Mycoviruses Discovered in the Mycovirome of a Necrotrophic Fungus
Authors: Ruiz-Padilla Ana , Rodríguez-Romero Julio , Gómez-Cid Irene , Pacifico Davide , Ayllón María A.
Published: May 2021

The results obtained here have expanded our knowledge of mycoviral diversity, horizontal transfers, and putative cross-kingdom events. To date, this study presents the most extensive and wide diversity collection of mycoviruses infecting the necrotrophic fungus
B. cinerea
.