bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relation between early self‐regulation and classroom context: The role of adult presence, the task’s source of initiation, and social context
Authors: Zachariou Antonia , Whitebread David
Published: December 2021

Background

Recent research emphasizes the role of the classroom context in promoting self‐regulation development. However, the results are equivocal. Additionally, research tends to focus on studying the two extremes of classroom contexts (e.g., teacher fully involved vs. teacher absent during a task), which does not represent the everyday reality of the classroom.

Aims

To explore the extent to which children’s self‐regulation differs across activities with different instructional characteristics, while adopting a fine‐grained approach, which explores the middle ground between the two extremes of classroom contexts.

Sample

The participants were 36 children aged 6–8 (50% female).

Methods

The children participated in a variety of activities in classroom contexts that differed in terms of: (1) level of teacher involvement, (2) whether activities were teacher‐initiated and ‐led or child‐initiated and ‐led, and (3) social context, that is, individual, pair, or group tasks. More than 15,000 micro‐episodes of self‐regulatory behaviours were coded, based on the C.Ind.Le coding framework.

Results and Conclusions

The classroom context had an effect on children’s self‐regulation rates. The children showed significantly more self‐regulation when the teacher was absent, compared to involved in the activity, and more self‐regulation when the teacher was involved compared to just present. More self‐regulation was evident when the activity was either completely teacher‐initiated and led or child‐initiated and led, compared to teacher‐initiated but child‐led. Finally, the rate of self‐regulation was significantly higher in pair and individual activities, compared to larger‐group activities. These findings could support policy and practice to promote contexts that encourage self‐regulatory development.
Bioisosteric modification on benzylidene‐carbonyl compounds improved the drug‐likeness and maintained the antifungal activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis
Authors: Waller Stefanie Bressan , Cleff Marlete Brum , Ripoll Márcia Kutscher , Meireles Mário Carlos Araújo , Ferrarini Márcio , Varela Marina Themoteo , Fernandes João Paulo S.
Published: December 2021

Considering the emergence of antifungal resistance on Sporothrix brasiliensis, we aimed to assess new benzylidene‐carbonyl compounds against feline‐borne S. brasiliensis isolates. The compounds were designed as bioisosteres from previously reported benzylidene‐ketones generating the p‐coumaric (1), cinnamic (2), p‐methoxycinnamic (3) and caffeic acid (4) analogues. The corresponding compounds were tested against feline isolates of S. brasiliensis with sensitivity (n = 4) and resistance (n = 5) to itraconazole (ITZ), following the M38‐A2 protocol (CLSI, Reference method for broth dilution antifungal susceptibility testing of filamentous fungi M38–A2 Guideline, 2008). Eleven analogues showed activity against all fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ≤1 mg/ml (1a‐d, 2e, 3b, 3e, 4, 4a and 5e) and fungicidal concentrations (MFC) ≤1 mg/ml (1b, 1d, 3e and 4a), whereas 3 was the less active with both MIC and MFC values above 1 mg/ml. Compound 3e (4‐methoxy‐N‐butylcinnamamide) was the most potent (MICrange 0.08–0.16 mg/ml; MFCrange 0.32–0.64 mg/ml) from the set, suggesting a different role of the substituents in ester and amide derivatives. The designed compounds proved to be important prototypes with improved drug‐likeness to achieve compounds with higher activity against ITZ‐resistant S. brasiliensis.
Effect of Acinetobacter lwoffii on the modulation of macrophage activation and asthmatic inflammation
Authors: Kang Hanbit , Bang Ji‐Young , Mo Yosep , Shin Jae Woo , Bae Boram , Cho Sang‐Heon , Kim Hye Young , Kang Hye‐Ryun
Published: December 2021

Background

Although lung macrophages are directly exposed to external stimuli, their exact immunologic roles in asthma are still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐asthmatic effect of Acinetobacter lwoffii in terms of lung macrophage modulation.

Methods

Six‐week‐old female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) with or without intranasal administration of A. lwoffii during the sensitization period. Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation were evaluated. Using flow cytometry, macrophages were subclassified according to their activation status. In the in vitro study, a murine alveolar macrophage cell line (MH‐S) treated with or without A. lwoffii before IL‐13 stimulation were analysed by quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results

In a murine asthma model, the number of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and eosinophils, decreased in mice treated with A. lwoffii (A. lwoffii/OVA group) compared with untreated mice (OVA group). The enhanced expression of MHCII in macrophages in the OVA group was decreased by A. lwoffii treatment. M2 macrophage subtypes were significantly altered. A. lwoffii treatment decreased CD11b+M2a and CD11b+M2c macrophages, which showed strong positive correlations with Th2 cells, ILC2 and eosinophils. In contrast, CD11b+M2b macrophages were significantly increased by A. lwoffii treatment and showed strong positive correlations with ILC1 and ILC3. In vitro, A. lwoffii down‐regulated the expression of M2 markers related but up‐regulated those related to M2b macrophages.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Intranasal A. lwoffii exposure suppresses asthma development by suppressing the type 2 response via modulating lung macrophage activation, shifting M2a and M2c macrophages to M2b macrophages.
Neuroimaging alterations in dementia with Lewy bodies and neuroimaging differences between dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease: An activation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Wen‐ying , Tian Min‐jie , Yao Qun , Li Qian , Tang Fan‐yu , Xiao Chao‐yong , Shi Jing‐Ping , Chen Jiu
Published: December 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify brain regions with local, structural, and functional abnormalities in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and uncover the differences between DLB and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The neural networks involved in the identified abnormal brain regions were further described.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library databases were used to identify neuroimaging studies that included DLB versus healthy controls (HCs) or DLB versus AD. The coordinate‐based meta‐analysis and functional meta‐analytic connectivity modeling were performed using the activation likelihood estimation algorithm.

Results

Eleven structural studies and fourteen functional studies were included in this quantitative meta‐analysis. DLB patients showed a dysfunction in the bilateral inferior parietal lobule and right lingual gyrus compared with HC patients. DLB patients showed a relative preservation of the medial temporal lobe and a tendency of lower metabolism in the right lingual gyrus compared with AD. The frontal‐parietal, salience, and visual networks were all abnormally co‐activated in DLB, but the default mode network remained normally co‐activated compared with AD.

Conclusions

The convergence of local brain regions and co‐activation neural networks might be potential specific imaging markers in the diagnosis of DLB. This might provide a pathway for the neural regulation in DLB patients, and it might contribute to the development of specific interventions for DLB and AD.
Segregation and integration of the functional connectome in neurodevelopmentally ‘at risk’ children
Authors: Jones Jonathan S. ,   The CALM Team, Astle Duncan E.
Published: December 2021

Functional connectivity within and between Intrinsic Connectivity Networks (ICNs) transforms over development and is thought to support high order cognitive functions. But how variable is this process, and does it diverge with altered cognitive development? We investigated age‐related changes in integration and segregation within and between ICNs in neurodevelopmentally ‘at‐risk’ children, identified by practitioners as experiencing cognitive difficulties in attention, learning, language, or memory. In our analysis we used performance on a battery of 10 cognitive tasks alongside resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging in 175 at‐risk children and 62 comparison children aged 5–16. We observed significant age‐by‐group interactions in functional connectivity between two network pairs. Integration between the ventral attention and visual networks and segregation of the limbic and fronto‐parietal networks increased with age in our comparison sample, relative to at‐risk children. Furthermore, functional connectivity between the ventral attention and visual networks in comparison children significantly mediated age‐related improvements in executive function, compared to at‐risk children. We conclude that integration between ICNs show divergent neurodevelopmental trends in the broad population of children experiencing cognitive difficulties, and that these differences in functional brain organisation may partly explain the pervasive cognitive difficulties within this group over childhood and adolescence.
Does democracy protect? The United Kingdom, the United States, and Covid‐19
Authors: Keen David
Published: December 2021

The Covid‐19 crises in the United Kingdom and the United States show how democracies may struggle to confront disasters that are increasingly impinging on the Global North. This paper highlights the extent to which disasters are now ‘coming home’ to Western democracies and it looks at some of the principal reasons why democracy has not been especially protective, at least in the case of the UK and the US. These include: reconceptualising disaster as a good thing (via ‘herd immunity'); the influence of neoliberalism; and the limitations in the circulation of information. A key pandemic‐related danger is the conclusion that democracy itself is discredited. Disasters, though, call for a reinvigoration of democracy, not a knee‐jerk invocation of autocratic ‘emergency’ rule. A fundamental problem in the UK and US is that these countries were not democratic enough. The paper underlines the risk of a move towards a disaster‐producing system that is self‐reinforcing rather than self‐correcting.
The cost‐effectiveness of reflectance spectroscopy for estimating soil organic carbon
Authors: Li Shuo , Viscarra Rossel Raphael A. , Webster Richard
Published: December 2021

Reflectance spectra of soil can be used to estimate the concentrations of organic carbon in soil (SOC). The estimates are more or less imprecise, but spectroscopy is quicker, less laborious and cheaper than conventional dry combustion analysis. Are the greater economy and efficiency sufficient to justify the loss of information arising from errors in estimation? We measured soil spectra with three instruments: a bench‐top mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) (mid‐IRb) spectrometer, a portable mid‐IR (mid‐IRp) spectrometer and a portable visible–near infrared (vis–NIRp) spectrometer. We calculated a quantity E to express the cost‐effectiveness of spectroscopic estimates relative to the conventional analysis, by accounting for their inaccuracy, their cost and their capacity, namely the maximum number of samples that can be prepared and measured daily. In all, 562 samples of soil were collected from 150 locations at four depths on a farm. The samples were dried and ground to particle sizes of ≤2 and ≤0.5 mm before measurements were made by dry‐combustion analysis. The machine learning algorithm Cubist was used to derive spectroscopic models of SOC concentrations and their uncertainties. We found that the mid‐IRb on the ≤0.5 mm samples was the most accurate and expensive but nevertheless sufficiently cost‐effective (large value of E) for determining the organic C. The mid‐IRp was somewhat more accurate, but its E was smaller than vis–NIRp on corresponding samples because it required more time to record the spectra. We also found that, with the portable spectrometers, the SOC predictions made on the ≤0.5 mm samples were somewhat more accurate than those made on the ≤2 mm samples, but their E was smaller because of the additional cost of sample preparation. The vis–NIRp on the ≤2 mm samples was the most cost‐effective for estimating SOC because it is cheap, accurate and has a large capacity for measurements.

Highlights

Concentrations of soil organic carbon (SOC) were determined by standard dry combustion and estimated from reflectance spectra recorded by three instruments.

The labour required for each of the techniques and the cost, including that of the equipment, were recorded.

A quantity E, expressing the cost‐effectiveness relative to dry combustion was calculated for each spectral technique, taking into account both accuracy and cost.

Dry combustion was always more accurate than estimates from spectra for individual samples, and the technique was also more cost‐effective for small numbers of samples.

The cost‐effectiveness of the spectral techniques varied among themselves, but all were more cost‐effective than dry combustion for large numbers of samples.
Tuna is women's business too: Applying a gender lens to four cases in the Western and Central Pacific
Authors: Barclay Kate M. , Satapornvanit Arlene N. , Syddall Victoria M. , Williams Meryl J.
Published: December 2021

The USD6 billion Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) tuna fisheries produce over half the world's tuna and are important for coastal countries. Tuna fisheries policy, management and research currently focus on fisheries resources and industrial fishing on offshore vessels with all male crews, although women, as much as men, are employed in tuna processing and trading in domestic, informal and export value chains. We apply a gender lens to four WCPO case‐study tuna industries: Suva and Levuka in Fiji, Bitung in Indonesia, General Santos City in the Philippines and Western Province including Noro in Solomon Islands. The gender divisions of labour, livelihood opportunities and social impacts vary greatly across the value chain nodes, depending on the size, quantity and quality of fish handled, and the scale of operations. The gender lens also reveals the social impacts of fishing when husbands/fathers/sons are killed or injured, absent for long periods and engage in sex, drugs and alcohol behaviours in port. Despite the centrality of women in tuna industries, and the gendered social impacts, regional and national policies largely omit gender. The tuna discourse should be broadened from that of male‐dominated industrial fishing to whole of value chains including domestic and informal enterprises in which women are equally involved. Progress on gender equity needs collaboration by multiple stakeholders including industrial firms employing people in factories, offices and on fishing vessels, regional bodies and national governments responsible for policy, monitoring and regulation, and research agencies to build knowledge.
Can the urban spatial structure accelerate urban employment growth? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiao Wei , Liu Wenhua , Li Chunzhi
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the effects of urban spatial structure on urban employment growth in China by focusing on two dimensions, monocentricity, and compactness. Theoretically, the urban spatial structure affects urban employment through its effects on transportation costs, the concentration of economic activities, and urban amenities. Our empirical analysis verifies a nonlinear U‐shaped relationship between the monocentricity of a city and the growth rate of urban employment. Additionally, we find that a high level of compactness accelerates urban employment growth. Furthermore, cities that are more monocentric and more compact experienced more rapid urbanization during our sample period. We then use an instrumental variable approach to identify causal effects, and we obtain similar results. Our findings indicate that to accelerate the transfer of labor to urban sectors, governments in developing countries should pay attention to the planning of the urban spatial structure.
Impact of performance contest on local transformation and development in China: Empirical study of the National Civilized City program
Authors: Li Ding , Xiao Han , Ding Junsong , Ma Shuang
Published: December 2021

The performance contest model (PCM) has greatly promoted the transformation of China's development mode. This study investigates the effect of the PCM on local governance in China through an empirical study of the National Civilized City (NCC) program. The effect is examined with panel data of city development, household happiness, and municipal leadership. Our research has the following findings: (a) Civilized Cities exhibit significant improvements in public services that are closely related to national well‐being but have long been neglected such as education, science and technology, ecology, culture, and public health. (b) Civilized Cities exhibit a significant improvement in the subjective perceptions of citizens, where the happiness of local residents improved by approximately 3.9%. (c) The NCC program has a considerable effect on motivating local officials. Moreover, leaders of Civilized Cities have a significantly higher probability of being promoted, which increased by 13.1% and 15.9% in the second and third years after the award of the Civilized City title, respectively. This study contributes to a better understanding of China's local governance and improves the guidance and regulation of local developments.
The triggers and consequences of audit team stress: Qualitative evidence from engagement teams
Authors: Annelin Alice , Svanström Tobias
Published: December 2021

This study investigates audit team stress, its triggers and consequences to provide qualitative evidence about what audit team stress is and how its triggers and consequences can influence team stress and audit quality. Audit teams in three different audit firms, including different audit team ranks, discussed team stress experiences from one specific engagement during group and individual interviews. Audit work can be stressful, and its consequences can threaten audit quality. Additionally, shared team stress differs from individual personal stress. This research discusses how audit team stress, its triggers and consequences can occur at an interteam stress level, when all team members experience the same stress, and at an intrateam stress level, when individuals feel stress from a team experience. Contributions are made to audit literature and practitioners about audit experiences at a team level and its influence on audit quality, including new insights about time budget pressures and auditor affect.
Progress of ice slurry in food industry: application, production, heat and mass transfer
Authors: Lyu Fei , Zhu Rongrong , Tang Wei , Ding Yuting , Liu Jianhua
Published: December 2021

Clean label foods have gained a lot of attention because it satisfies consumers' interest in minimally processed foods with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. The growing concern about food quality has stimulated the integration of ice slurry technology in food processing. An ice slurry is a two‐phase system colding medium composed of ice crystals, liquid water and some additives. Ice slurry with ice fraction of 5%–30% was 5–6 times than that of conventional chilled water under the same conditions. The appearance of the food is less likely to be damaged by the ice slurry while also being able to cool down quickly compared to traditional ice preservation methods. It further extends the shelf life of food products. The purpose of this review is to provide an understanding and practical suggestions for the application of ice slurry in the food industry. The methods of producing ice slurry and their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed, and the current applications and heat and mass transfer characteristics of ice slurry in the food industry are also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for ice slurry production and application were pointed out.
Performance evaluation of the new platelet measurement channel on the BC‐6800 Plus automated hematology analyzer
Authors: Guo Ping , Cai Qi , Mao Minjing , Lin Han , Chen Liting , Wu Fang , Wang Jianbiao
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the performance of new optical platelet measurement channel on the BC‐6800 Plus automated blood cell analyzer.

Methods

The basic PLT count performance of the BC‐6800 Plus was evaluated according to the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) Document H26‐A2. In addition, low‐PLT‐value specimens, red blood cell debris specimens, small red blood cell specimens, and giant PLT specimens were detected with the blood cell analyzer and a flow cytometer. Whole‐blood specimens in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or sodium citrate anticoagulant tubes from 20 patients with EDTA‐dependent PLT aggregation were determined in CDR mode of the analyzer.

Results

Blank counting and the carryover contamination rate of PLTs using the BC‐6800 Plus both met the technical requirements. For abnormal PLT specimens, PLT‐O 8× and PLT‐I both exhibited high comparability with flow cytometry. The comparability of PLT‐O 8× with flow cytometry was better than that of PLT‐I. In EDTA‐anticoagulated blood specimens from 20 patients with EDTA‐dependent PLT aggregation, the results of PLT‐O were significantly higher than those for PLT‐I using samples from the same tubes (P < .001). However, the PLT counts were similar between these two methods for sodium citrate‐anticoagulated blood specimens (P = .263).

Conclusion

The performance of PLT‐O 8× in the BC‐6800 Plus met the technical requirements. PLT‐O 8× exhibited better reproducibility than did PLT‐I for low‐PLT‐value samples. Reexamination of abnormal PLT specimens using PLT‐O 8× yielded more accurate results. PLT‐O performed significantly better than PLT‐I in the detection of EDTA‐dependent PLT‐aggregation specimens.
Persistence of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status disparities among non‐institutionalized patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 in Connecticut, July to December 2020
Authors: Chiumento Geena , Yousey‐Hindes Kimberly , Edmundson Alexandra , Hadler James L.
Published: December 2021

Background

COVID‐19 hospitalizations of non‐institutionalized persons during the first COVID‐19 wave in Connecticut disproportionately affected the elderly, communities of color, and individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES). Whether the magnitude of these disparities changed after the initial lockdown and before vaccine rollout is not well documented.

Methods

All first‐time hospitalizations with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 during July to December 2020, including patients' geocoded residential addresses, were obtained from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Those living in congregate settings, including nursing homes, were excluded. Community‐dwelling patients were assigned census tract‐level poverty and crowding measures from the 2014–2018 American Community Survey by linking their geocoded addresses to census tracts. Age‐adjusted incidence and relative rates were calculated across demographic and SES measures and compared with those from a similar analysis of hospitalized cases during the initial wave.

Results

During July to December 2020, there were 5652 COVID‐19 hospitalizations in community residents in Connecticut. Incidence was highest among those >85 years, non‐Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic/Latinx compared with non‐Hispanic Whites {relative rate (RR) 3.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.83–3.32) and 5.9 (95% CI 5.58–6.28)}, and persons living in high poverty and high crowding census tracts. Although racial/ethnic and SES disparities during the study period were substantial, they were significantly decreased compared with the first wave of COVID‐19.

Conclusions

The finding of persistent, if reduced, large racial/ethnic disparities in COVID‐19 hospitalizations 2–7 months after the initial lockdown was relaxed and before vaccination was widely available is of concern. These disparities cause a challenge to achieving health equity and are relevant for future pandemic planning.
3D culture of cancer cells in alginate hydrogel beads as an effective technique for emergency cell storage and transportation in the pandemic era
Authors: Alallam Batoul , Oo May Kyaw , Ibrahim Wisam Nabeel , Doolaanea Abd Almonem
Published: December 2021

Due to the restrictions in accessing research laboratories and the challenges in providing proper storage and transportation of cells during the COVID‐19 pandemic, having an effective and feasible mean to solve these challenges would be of immense help. Therefore, we developed a 3D culture setting of cancer cells using alginate beads and tested its effectiveness in different storage and transportation conditions. The viability and proliferation of cancer cells were assessed using trypan blue staining and quantitative CCK‐8 kit, respectively. The developed beads allowed cancer cells survival up to 4 weeks with less frequent maintenance measures such as change of the culture media or subculture of cells. In addition, the recovery of cancer cells and proliferation pattern were significantly faster with better outcomes in the developed 3D alginate beads compared to the standard cryopreservation of cells or the 2D culture conditions. The 3D alginate beads also supported the viability of cells while the shipment at room temperature for a duration of up to 5 days with no humidity or CO2 support. Therefore, 3D culture in alginate beads can be used to store or ship biological cells with ease at room temperature with minimal preparations.
Factors affecting the efficacy of attracticidal spheres for management of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera Drosophilidae)
Authors: Nixon Laura J. , Cloonan Kevin , Rugh Anthony , Jones Sharon , Evans Breyn , Rice Kevin , Kirkpatrick Danielle , Short Brent , Rodriguez‐Saona Cesar , Leskey Tracy C.
Published: December 2021

Spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is an invasive pest in the United States, Europe and South America. Females are able to oviposit in intact soft‐skinned fruit, resulting in significant economic losses due to larval feeding. Attracticidal spheres, originally developed for the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh, have been used as a management tool for D. suzukii in a few studies, but little is known about their longevity as a killing device and their performance under varying pest densities. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of attracticidal spheres, containing 1% spinetoram, when stored for 6 and 12 months and when deployed to manage low (4 adults/plant), moderate (16 adults/plant) and high (64 adults/plant) density populations in blueberry and raspberry plants. Additionally, the effects of simulated (rainfall, sunlight and rainfall/sunlight combinations) and field‐based weathering for periods of 6 and 12 weeks on attracticidal spheres containing 1% thiamethoxam, fenpropathrin, spinetoram, methomyl, spinosad, dinotefuran and lambda‐cyhalothrin were evaluated. Sphere caps stored for up to 12 months yielded no significant decrease in mortality of exposed flies compared with spheres fitted with newly produced caps. For both raspberries and blueberries protected by 1% spinetoram attracticidal spheres, high relative densities of D. suzukii yielded significantly greater levels of infestation compared with moderate or low relative densities. Simulated and field‐based weathering yielded reduced fly mortality for most insecticide materials, indicating that spheres may need to be replaced at 6 weeks or less to maximize their efficacy. In general, attracticidal spheres can assist in the management of D. suzukii, but likely will not serve as a stand‐alone tool, particularly under high pest densities.
Aeromonas veronii virulence and adhesion attenuation mediated by the gene aodp
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jin Shengnan , Feng Chao , Song Haichao , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Yu Huabo , Zhang Liang , Chi Teng , Qi Yanling , Zhang Dongxing , Qian Aidong , Liu Ning , Shan Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) is an opportunistic pathogen of fish–human–livestock, which poses a threat to the development of aquaculture. Based on our previous studies on proteomics and genomics, we found out that the aodp gene may be related to the virulence of A. veronii TH0426. However, aodp gene encodes a hypothetical protein with an unknown function, and its role in A. veronii TH0426 is not clear. Here, we first constructed a mutant strain (△‐aodp) to investigate the functional role of aodp in A. veronii TH0426. Compared with the wild strain A. veronii TH0426, the growth rate of strain △‐aodp was slower and was resistant to neomycin and kanamycin, but sensitive to cephalexin. The swimming and swarming ability of △‐aodp strain decreased, and the pathogenicity to mice decreased by 15.84‐fold. Besides, the activity of caspase‐3 in EPCs infected with △‐aodp strain was 1.49‐fold lower than that of the wild strain. We examined 20 factors closely related to A. veronii virulence, among them 17 genes were down‐regulated as a result of aodp deficiency. This study laid a foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis of A. veronii.
Dementia screening in rural‐dwelling Chinese older adults: The utility of a smell test and the self‐rated AD8
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Yongxiang , Liu Keke , Hou Tingting , Han Xiaolei , Cong Lin , Ren Yifei , Zhang Qinghua , Tang Shi , Ekström Ingrid , Laukka Erika J. , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: December 2021

Background

Olfactory impairment is associated with dementia in clinical settings. We examined the relationship of olfactory identification function with all‐cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) and assessed the discriminative ability of the Sniffin' Sticks Identification Test (SSIT), the self‐rated Ascertain Dementia 8‐item Questionnaire (AD8), and their combination for dementia detection among rural‐dwelling older adults in China.

Methods

This population‐based cross‐sectional study included 4481 participants (age ≥ 65 years; 56.8% women; 38.1% illiteracy) living in rural communities. The 16‐item SSIT was performed to assess olfactory identification function. The self‐rated AD8 was administered to participants for cognitive status. We diagnosed dementia, AD, and VaD following the international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Of the 4481 participants, dementia was diagnosed in 139 persons (3.1%), including 92 with AD and 42 with VaD. The SSIT score (range, 0–16) was associated with multiadjusted odds ratios of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79–0.88) for dementia, 0.84 (0.79–0.90) for AD, and 0.79 (0.71–0.87) for VaD. The area under the curve for the discrimination between participants with and without dementia was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69–0.77) for SSIT score ≤ 8 alone, 0.86 (0.82–0.89) for self‐rated AD8 score ≥ 3 alone, and 0.89 (0.86–0.92) for their combination using a logistic model.

Conclusions

Olfactory impairment is a clinical marker for all‐cause dementia, AD, and VaD. The smell identification test, in combination with the brief self‐rated cognitive screening tool, is accurate for screening dementia among rural‐dwelling Chinese older adults with no or limited education.
Efficacy of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation for the treatment of hair loss in Covid‐19‐induced persistent Telogen Effluvium—A prospective, clinical, single‐blind study
Authors: Shome Debraj , Kapoor Rinky , Surana Monika , Vadera Sapna , Shah Ronak
Published: December 2021

Background

Telogen Effluvium (TE) in a post‐Covid‐19 patient causes excessive shedding of hair. No definite treatment is available till now. Past studies demonstrates that QR678Neo® has shown promising results in various types of Alopecia.

Aim

In this study, we aim to establish efficacy of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation administration in Covid‐19‐induced persistent TE for treatment of hair loss and for hair regrowth.

Material & Method

Twenty adult patients (all females) presenting with persistent TE starting few weeks after recovery from Covid‐19 infection, and continuing beyond 6 months were included for the study. A 1.5 mL solution of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation was administered in the scalp per session. A total of 8 sessions (one session every 4 weeks) were done. The results were assessed at the baseline, after 4thsession, and 1 month after 8th session.

Results

Most of the patients showed significant reduction in hair fall; 89% patients showed excellent hair growth. Global photographic assessment score showed marked improvement, which maintained even post therapy. Videomicroscopic assessment showed increase in the hair count (mean =29.32) after 8th session, that further improved even post therapy. The subjective assessment scores for overall hair growth, appearance of hair, reduction in visibility of the scalp, and hair loss were 4, 4.5, 4.25, and 5, respectively.

Conclusion

Management of Covid‐19‐induced persistent Telogen Effluvium has been unclear and futile so far. Intra‐dermal administration of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation in the scalp, reduces hair fall, improves hair regrowth, and increases the hair density.
Nurses' perceptions and beliefs related to the care of adults living with multimorbidity: A systematic qualitative review
Authors: Whitehead Lisa , Palamara Peter , Allen Jacqueline , Boak Jennifer , Quinn Robyn , George Cobie
Published: December 2021

Aims and objectives

To identify and synthesise the available qualitative evidence on nurses’ perceptions and beliefs related to the care of adults living with multimorbidity.

Background

The rising prevalence of adults living with multimorbidity has increased demand for health care and challenges nursing care. No review has been conducted to date of the studies of nurses’ perceptions and beliefs related to the provision of care to guide policy makers, practitioners and further research to identify and deliver quality care for persons living with multimorbidity.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative studies conducted in line with the PRISMA checklist.

Methodology

Eight electronic publication databases and sources of grey literature were searched to identify original qualitative studies of the experience of nurses caring for adults with multiple chronic conditions with no restrictions on the date of publication or study context. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute standardised data extraction tool for qualitative research. Data synthesis was undertaken through meta‐aggregation.

Results

Eleven qualitative studies were included in the review. All studies met eight or more of the 10 assessment criteria of the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Four synthesised findings were generated from the aggregated findings: (i) the challenge of providing nursing care; (ii) the need to deliver holistic and person‐centred nursing care; (iii) the importance of developing a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship, and (iv) delivering nursing care as part of an interprofessional care team.

Conclusions

The complexity of multimorbidity and the predominant single‐disease model of chronic care present challenges for the delivery of nursing care to adults living with multimorbidity.

Relevance to clinical practice

The nursing care of persons with multimorbidity needs to incorporate holistic assessment and person‐centred care principles as part of a collaborative and interprofessional team approach.

PROSPERO Registration

CRD42020186773.
Neuroimaging phenotypes of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy: Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and imaging recommendations
Authors: Mickeviciute Goda‐Camille , Valiuskyte Monika , Plattén Michael , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Andersen Oluf , Danylaité Karrenbauer Virginija , Ineichen Benjamin V. , Granberg Tobias
Published: December 2021

Colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)‐related leukoencephalopathy is a rare but fatal microgliopathy. The diagnosis is often delayed due to multifaceted symptoms that can mimic several other neurological disorders. Imaging provides diagnostic clues that help identify cases. The objective of this study was to integrate the literature on neuroimaging phenotypes of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed for neuroimaging findings of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy via PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase on 25 August 2021. The search included cases with confirmed CSF1R mutations reported under the previous terms hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids, pigmentary orthochromatic leukodystrophy, and adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia. In 78 studies providing neuroimaging data, 195 cases were identified carrying CSF1R mutations in 14 exons and five introns. Women had a statistically significant earlier age of onset (p = 0.041, 40 vs 43 years). Mean delay between symptom onset and neuroimaging was 2.3 years. Main magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were frontoparietal white matter lesions, callosal thinning, and foci of restricted diffusion. The hallmark computed tomography (CT) finding was white matter calcifications. Widespread cerebral hypometabolism and hypoperfusion were reported using positron emission tomography and single‐photon emission computed tomography. In conclusion, CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy is associated with progressive white matter lesions and brain atrophy that can resemble other neurodegenerative/‐inflammatory disorders. However, long‐lasting diffusion restriction and parenchymal calcifications are more specific findings that can aid the differential diagnosis. Native brain CT and brain MRI (with and without a contrast agent) are recommended with proposed protocols and pictorial examples are provided.
Food allergy and hypersensitivity reactions in children and adults—A review
Authors: Tedner Sandra G. , Asarnoj Anna , Thulin Helena , Westman Marit , Konradsen Jon R. , Nilsson Caroline
Published: December 2021

Adverse reactions after food intake are commonly reported and a cause of concern and anxiety that can lead to a very strict diet. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on the type of food and mechanism, and it is not always easy to disentangle different hypersensitivity diagnoses, which sometimes can exist simultaneously. After a carefully taken medical history, hypersensitivity to food can often be ruled out or suspected. The most common type of allergic reaction is immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated food allergy (prevalence 5–10%). Symptoms vary from mild itching, stomach pain, and rash to severe anaphylaxis. The definition of IgE‐mediated food allergy is allergic symptoms combined with specific IgE‐antibodies, and therefore only IgE‐antibodies to suspected allergens should be analyzed. Nowadays, methods of molecular allergology can help with the diagnostic process. The most common allergens are milk and egg in infants, peanut and tree nuts in children, and fish and shellfish in adults. In young children, milk/egg allergy has a good chance to remit, making it important to follow up and reintroduce the food when possible. Other diseases triggered by food are non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy, for example, eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome, and hypersensitivity to milk and biogenic amines. Some of the food hypersensitivities dominate in childhood, others are more common in adults. Interesting studies are ongoing regarding the possibilities of treating food hypersensitivity, such as through oral immunotherapy. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the most common types of food hypersensitivity reactions.
Incidence and survival of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A population‐based cohort study from England
Authors: West Joe , Card Tim R. , Bishton Mark J. , Lanyon Peter , Ban Lu , Bythell Mary , Elliss‐Brookes Lucy , Manson Jessica J. , Nanduri Vasanta , Rankin Judith , Tattersall Rachel S. , Crooks Colin J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyper‐inflammatory condition with poor outcomes.

Objectives

Few population‐based estimates of the incidence and survival in adults exist. We aimed to provide these data for England.

Methods

We used population‐based linked data from primary care, secondary care, cancer registries and mortality databases in England to identify people diagnosed with HLH between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2016. We calculated annual incidence rates by age and sex, modelled change in incidence over time with Poisson regression, calculated overall 1‐year survival using Kaplan–Meier methods and estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of death using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

We identified 214 patients with HLH. The reported age and sex‐adjusted incidence increased twofold over the period, from around one to around two per million. Incidence was highest in those below 1 year (14.6 per million) and ≥75 years (2.2 per million), and lowest in those aged 15–44 years (0.8 per million). One‐year survival varied by age and sex from 77% (95% confidence interval [CI] 63%–86%) in those <15 years to 30% (95% CI 14%–49%) in those ≥75. In patients with haematological cancer, the adjusted HR for death was 2.60 (95% CI 1.45–4.66) compared to patients with no malignant or rheumatological disease.

Conclusion

The incidence of HLH diagnosis in England has increased between 2000 and 2016 and occurs in all ages with varying underlying diseases. One‐year survival varies substantially, being particularly poor in those aged over 75 years and those with haematological malignancy.
The Party Personnel Datasets: Advancing Comparative Research in Party Behavior and Legislative Organization Across Electoral Systems
Authors: Bergman Matthew E. , Struthers Cory L. , Shugart Matthew S. , Pekkanen Robert J. , Krauss Ellis S.
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces eight country‐level datasets with >50,000 observations that can be used to analyze novel comparative questions concerning party personnel strategies—how parties recruit candidates and allocate members across party, legislative, and cabinet positions. We make these datasets public to inspire comparative research, especially from an electoral systems perspective; electoral systems shape constituency representation and influence how parties recruit candidates and organize members in legislative and government bodies. In this paper, we first briefly review the relevant literature on electoral nomination and post‐election appointment and then describe our motivations for constructing multi‐country datasets that can be used to further comparative research. To illustrate the possibilities in these new datasets, we show how recruitment and placement of parliamentarians with particular personal characteristics correlates with their placement onto specific committees and cabinet posts. A conclusion identifies other areas of research that might benefit from using the party personnel datasets.
Extracellular vesicles: Their functions in plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Zhou Qingfeng , Ma Kang , Hu Huanhuan , Xing Xiaolong , Huang Xuan , Gao Hang
Published: December 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are rounded vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane, released by eukaryotic cells and by bacteria. They carry various types of bioactive substances, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Depending on their cargo, EVs have a variety of well‐studied functions in mammalian systems, including cell‐to‐cell communication, cancer progression, and pathogenesis. In contrast, EVs in plant cells (which have rigid walls) have received very little research attention for many decades. Increasing evidence during the past decade indicates that both plant cells and plant pathogens are able to produce and secrete EVs, and that such EVs play key roles in plant–pathogen interactions. Plant EVs contains small RNAs (sRNAs) and defence‐related proteins, and may be taken up by pathogenic fungi, resulting in reduced virulence. On the other hand, EVs released by gram‐negative bacteria contain a wide variety of effectors and small molecules capable of activating plant immune responses via pattern‐recognition receptor‐ and BRI1‐ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE‐ and SUPPRESSOR OF BIR1‐mediated signalling pathways, and salicylic acid‐dependent and ‐independent processes. The roles of EVs in plant–pathogen interactions are summarized in this review, with emphasis on important molecules (sRNAs, proteins) present in plant EVs.
Lung clearance index predicts persistence of preschool wheeze
Authors: Safavi Shahideh , Dai Ruixue , Breton Vanessa L. , Emmerson Melanie N. , Kowalik Krzysztof , Lu Zihang , Lou Wendy , Dubeau Aimée , DeLorenzo Stephanie , Azad Meghan B. , Becker Allan B. , Mandhane Piush J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Gustafsson Per , Lefebvre Diana L. , Sears Malcolm R. , Moraes Theo J. , Subbarao Padmaja
Published: December 2021

Background

The lung clearance index (LCI) is a measure of pulmonary function. Variable feasibility (50‐>80%) in preschool children has been reported. There are limited studies exploring its relationship to respiratory symptoms and how it predicts persistent wheeze. We aimed to assess the association with respiratory symptoms in preschool‐aged children with LCI and determine its utility in predicting persistent wheeze.

Methods

LCI was measured in a subcohort of the CHILD Cohort Study at age 3 years using SF6 multiple breath washout test mass spectrometry. Respiratory symptom phenotypes at age 3 were derived from children's respiratory symptoms reported by their parents. Responses were used to categorize children into 4 symptom groups: recurrent wheeze (3RW), recurrent cough (3RC), infrequent symptoms (IS), and no current symptoms (NCS). At age 5 years, these children were seen by a specialist clinician and assessed for persistent wheeze (PW).

Results

At age 3 years, 69% (234/340) had feasible LCI. Excluding two children with missing data, 232 participants were categorized as follows: 33 (14%) 3RW; 28 (12%) 3RC; 17 (7%) IS; and 154 (66%) NCS. LCI z‐score at age 3 years was highest in children with 3RW compared to 3RC (mean (SD): 1.14 (1.56) vs. 0.09 (0.95), p < .01), IS (mean (SD): −0.14 (0.59), p < .01), and NCS (mean (SD): −0.08 (1.06), p < .01). LCI z‐score at age 3 was predictive of persistent wheeze at age 5 (PW) (AUROC: 0.87).

Conclusions

LCI at age 3 was strongly associated with recurrent wheeze at age 3, and predictive of its persistence to age 5.