bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abrasive leaders who changed: learning from their experience
Authors: Tucker Lori J. , Williams Peter E.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the experience of three formerly abrasive leaders who improved their conduct and management strategies following a workplace intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative inquiry, a personal and collaborative research method, revealed the experience of three leaders in their shift from destructive behaviors. Concepts from adult development, specifically Kegan's constructive-development theory (CDT) and Mezirow's transformative learning theory (TL), provided a lens to better understand the leaders' personal development.

Findings

This study culminated with three co-composed narrative accounts and an analysis of narrative threads. The focus of this paper is the interpretive narrative thread analysis. The developmental experience of these three leaders included disruption, awakening and equipping.

Research limitations/implications

This study included three leaders. The experience of these leaders may not be representative of other formerly abrasive leaders.

Practical implications

This initial exploratory study contributes to CDT and TL by suggesting leader interpersonal development is an intensely emotional experience that transcends the mechanics of developmental stages. In practice, this study indicates abrasive leaders may improve their conduct and management strategies with organizational support, including supervisor intervention and specialized professionals.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight for scholars and human resource (HR) professionals on the emotionally intense experiential journey of leaders who improved their interpersonal conduct. This study introduces concepts from CDT and TL into the study of workplace psychological aggression (WPA), and it expands the limited knowledge of how HR can support positive perpetrator change.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Islamic banks of Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Anowar Hossain , Darda Md. Abud , Hossain Md. Belal
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) influences an organization in deciding its ethical approaches in the corporate practices and also important to maintain sustainable development. Islamic banks are capturing almost 40% of the total bank account holders in Bangladesh and contributing to the socio-economic and environmental development of the country through their CSR activities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of CSR activities of Islamic banks for sustainable development in Bangladesh from the perception of the beneficiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a questionnaire survey of 200 conveniently selected beneficiaries from five purposively selected Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Respondents’ agreement score for various CSR-related activities has been observed in a five-point Likert scale and, finally, to identify the impact of CSR, exploratory factor analysis has been done.

Findings

Results revealed that respondents are expressing strong agreement for almost all the activities, and they are much satisfied with ongoing CSR activities by Islamic banks, which implies positive attitudes of beneficiaries regarding CSR activities. The results of factor analysis further confirm the perception of respondents toward CSR activities of Islamic banks in terms of social enhancement, education and health, socio-economic well-being and contemporary arts and culture.

Originality/value

The Islamic banks should enhance their CSR activities for socio-economic development, provide more allocation in education programs, increase sponsorship in sports events and assist in flourishing Bangladeshi arts and culture.
Effectiveness and safety of tacrolimus ointment combined with dupilumab for patients with atopic dermatitis in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Matsutani Masako , Imai Yasutomo , Inoue Yukako , Nakatani‐Kusakabe Minori , Natsuaki Masaru , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Kanazawa Nobuo
Published: June 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease affecting people of all age groups worldwide. To our knowledge, there are currently no studies estimating the effectiveness of tacrolimus ointment and dupilumab as a combination therapy for AD. Thus, here we describe the effectiveness and safety of tacrolimus ointment in combination with dupilumab for facial rashes in patients with AD. Overall, we included 109 patients who newly received dupilumab from April 2018 to July 2020 in the Dermatology Department of Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital. Of them, 60 patients were treated with tacrolimus ointment. Specifically, of the 60 patients, 40 were treated with dupilumab in combination with tacrolimus ointment and topical steroids, whereas the remaining 20 were prescribed tacrolimus ointment alone and were further analyzed. The analysis showed that the combination does not cause serious side‐effects at high frequency. The patients showed rapid improvement of facial dermatitis along with systemic dermatitis, and the rate of improvement of head/neck Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score significantly correlated with the rate of improvement of overall EASI score. In addition, there was no complication of herpes simplex observed in these 20 patients. Thus, tacrolimus ointment combined with dupilumab is an effective and safe treatment option for facial AD.
Using realist approaches in nutrition and dietetics research
Authors: Jenkins Gemma , Maugeri Isabella , Palermo Claire , Hardwick Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the use and future potential of realist approaches to research in nutrition and dietetics.

Methods

A targeted literature review was used to search key journals (n = 7) in nutrition and dietetics to identify existing research using a realist approach. A narrative synthesis was conducted to explore findings in relation to the research aim.

Results

Nine research papers (four realist evaluations, five realist reviews) describing seven nutrition interventions were found, which revealed the application of realist research in nutrition and dietetics has focused on public health interventions. Realist research provided a deeper, more nuanced understanding of varied outcomes including the role of context, and contributed to the development of theory about how and why interventions work. As a theory‐driven research method, realist research was able to assist in overcoming methodological shortcomings to contribute to meaningful, transferable findings.

Conclusion

The results highlight the potential contribution of the realist research in nutrition and dietetics to evaluate interventions and inform future practice.
Measuring the sports nutrition knowledge of elite Australian athletes using the Platform to Evaluate Athlete Knowledge of Sports Nutrition Questionnaire
Authors: Tam Ryan , Flood Victoria M. , Beck Kathryn L. , O'Connor Helen T. , Gifford Janelle A.
Published: June 2021

Aims

To evaluate the nutrition knowledge of elite Australian athletes, and to obtain feedback from sports dietitians on the Platform to Evaluate Athlete Knowledge of Sports Nutrition Questionnaires' (PEAKS‐NQ) suitability.

Methods

Sports dietitians from the National Institute Network across Australia recruited athletes to complete the online, 50‐item PEAKS‐NQ which contained two sections (General Nutrition and Sports Nutrition). Sports dietitians provided feedback on the PEAKS‐NQ using a 14‐item questionnaire (with two open‐ended items). The main outcome measures were nutrition knowledge score and tool suitability (usefulness, acceptability and feasibility) scores. For knowledge scores, independent t‐tests, ANOVA and Chi‐square tests were used to evaluate differences between groups. Suitability was evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

Twelve sports dietitians from the National Institute Network in Australia recruited a convenience sample of 240 athletes (21.3 ± 4.3 years, 63.5% female, 63.3% competed internationally). Athletes scored 70.7 ± 10.5%, with better general vs sports nutrition knowledge. Females had higher overall scores (P < .001) with no differences for age or sport played. University‐educated athletes scored higher than non‐tertiary educated athletes (P = .004). Knowledge gaps were identified in fats (role and food sources), recovery nutrition and managing body composition. Sports dietitians rated suitability of PEAKS‐NQ positively with complete agreement on 8 of 12 items.

Conclusions

Athletes have greater understanding of general nutrition compared to sports nutrition concepts and may benefit from education on applying nutrition in sports‐specific contexts. Sports dietitians' responses showed PEAKS‐NQ was a highly acceptable, feasible and useful measure.
Complexing hemp seed protein with pectin for improved emulsion stability
Authors: Feng Yiming , Yu Dajun , Lin Tiantian , Jin Qing , Wu Jian , Chen Chengci , Huang Haibo
Published: June 2021

Hemp seed protein has the potential to be used in food systems as an emulsifying agent; however, there are still some shortcomings associated with hemp seed protein, such as poor solubility and tendency to aggregate. This study aims to improve the dispersibility of hemp seed protein as an emulsifier by complexing with pectin, driven by electrostatic force. Three protein to pectin ratios were used for complexation, from 1:1, 2:1 to 4:1. The complexation improved the polydispersity of hemp seed protein when dispersed in the aqueous phase. The hemp seed protein displayed multimodal size distribution in water at pH = 3.0 due to aggregation, while the incorporation of pectin helped to diminish those aggregated proteins. When the hemp seed protein was used to stabilize the oil‐in‐water emulsion, its stabilized emulsion showed promising homogenous droplet size distribution after emulsification. However, during the accelerated storage conditions (55°C), the emulsion stabilized solely by hemp seed protein was subjected to extensive coalescence. From day 0 to 9, the droplet size (d4,3) increased by 50 folds from 3.215 to 161.6 µm. In contrast, the hemp seed protein–pectin complex exhibited extraordinary stability during the storage test, where size evolution in all three samples was negligible compared to the emulsion stabilized by hemp seed protein. Rheological characterization suggests that pectin provided physical strength, which may help the emulsion droplets to maintain structural integrity under environmental stress. The underlying mechanism could be associated with the formation of a three‐dimensional structure by pectin through bridging adjacent emulsion droplets.

Practical Application

Hemp seed protein is gaining more and more attention as an emerging plant protein. Recently, hemp seed protein has been explored as an emulsifier, but its stabilized emulsion encounters instability issues during storage. Our study suggests pectin could be used as a co‐stabilizer for hemp seed protein emulsions.
Inhibition of polymicrobial biofilm formation by saw palmetto oil, lauric acid and myristic acid
Authors: Kim Yong‐Guy , Lee Jin‐Hyung , Park Sunyoung , Kim Sanghun , Lee Jintae
Published: June 2021

Biofilms are communities of bacteria, fungi or yeasts that form on diverse biotic or abiotic surfaces, and play important roles in pathogenesis and drug resistance. A generic saw palmetto oil inhibited biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and fungal Candida albicans without affecting their planktonic cell growth. Two main components of the oil, lauric acid and myristic acid, are responsible for this antibiofilm activity. Their antibiofilm activities were observed in dual‐species biofilms as well as three‐species biofilms of S. aureus, E. coli O157:H7 and C. albicans. Transcriptomic analysis showed that lauric acid and myristic acid repressed the expressions of haemolysin genes (hla and hld) in S. aureus, several biofilm‐related genes (csgAB, fimH and flhD) in E. coli and hypha cell wall gene HWP1 in C. albicans, which supported biofilm inhibition. Also, saw palmetto oil, lauric acid and myristic acid reduced virulence of three microbes in a nematode infection model and exhibited minimal cytotoxicity. Furthermore, combinatorial treatment of fatty acids and antibiotics showed synergistic antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7. These results demonstrate that saw palmetto oil and its main fatty acids might be useful for controlling bacterial infections as well as multispecies biofilms.
Age‐related changes in metabolites in young donor livers and old recipient sera after liver transplantation from young to old rats
Authors: Han Qunhua , Li Hui , Jia Mengyuan , Wang Lin , Zhao Yulan , Zhang Mangli , Zhang Qin , Meng Zhuoxian , Shao Jimin , Yang Yunmei , Zhu Lijun
Published: June 2021

Liver ageing not only damages liver function but also harms systemic metabolism. To better understand the mechanisms underlying liver ageing, we transplanted the livers of young rats to young and old rats and performed untargeted metabolomics to detect changes in the metabolites in the liver tissues and sera. A total of 153 metabolites in the livers and 83 metabolites in the sera were different between the old and young rats that did not undergo liver transplantation; among these metabolites, 7 different metabolites were observed in both the livers and sera. Five weeks after liver transplantation, the levels of 25 metabolites in the young donor livers were similar to those in the old rats, and this result probably occurred due to the effect of the whole‐body environment of the older recipients on the young livers. The 25 altered metabolites included organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid‐like molecules, etc. In the sera, the differences in 78 metabolites, which were significant between the young and old rats, were insignificant in the old recipient rats and made the metabolic profile of the old recipients more similar to that of the young recipients. Finally, combining the above metabolomic data with the transcriptomic data from the GEO, we found that the altered metabolites and genes in the liver were enriched in 9 metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, histidine and linoleate. Thus, this study revealed important age‐related metabolites and potential pathways as well as the interaction between the liver and the whole‐body environment.
Long‐term growth in offspring of infertile parents: A 20‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Hinchely Ebdrup Ninna , Hohwü Lena , Bay Bjørn , Obel Carsten , Knudsen Ulla Breth , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Long‐term growth has been poorly investigated in boys and girls born to parents receiving fertility treatment. This study aimed to investigate the growth of children born following fertility treatment up to adulthood hypothesizing comparable growth in children born to parents receiving fertility treatment or to subfertile parents conceiving spontaneously to that in children spontaneously conceived by fertile parents.

Material and methods

In this historical long‐term follow‐up study the study population consisted of 4151 singletons born at term in the Aarhus Birth Cohort between 1990 and 1992. Parental lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics together with multiple measurements of weight and height were collected up to 20 years of age (6.1% of children contributed with at least one measurement for height or weight at age 20 years). The main outcome was difference in z‐score for height (m) and weight (kg) between children conceived spontaneously (reference) and children conceived following fertility treatment, children conceived spontaneously by subfertile parents, or unplanned. Results were adjusted for pre‐pregnancy maternal and paternal body mass index, maternal educational level, smoking during pregnancy, maternal age, and parity.

Results

Singletons conceived following fertility treatment (n = 164; 4.0%) or by subfertile parents (n = 271; 6.5%) had comparable magnitude of weight estimates to children conceived spontaneously (difference in z‐score per year 0.0148 [95% CI 0.0026–0.0270] and 0.0069 [95% CI –0.0028 to 0.0165], respectively). Height estimates were also comparable between groups of children conceived following fertility treatment or by subfertile parents (difference in z‐score per year 0.0022 [95% CI –0.0075 to 0.0119]) compared with children conceived spontaneously (difference in z‐score per year –0.0026 (95% CI –0.0103 to 0.0052). From the beginning of adolescence, we found lower weight for children born to subfertile parents and to parents receiving fertility treatment compared with spontaneously conceived children.

Conclusions

The main finding was equal long‐term growth for children born at term by parents who received fertility treatment or parents waiting more than 12 months to conceive compared with spontaneously conceived children.
Microvascular alterations detected by optical coherence tomography angiography in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chou Yuyu , Zhang Bilei , Ma Jin , Zhong Yong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and the unaffected fellow eyes.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases through 6 September 2020, to identify the studies on NAION and the unaffected fellow eyes using OCTA. Eligible studies and data of interest were extracted and analysed by RevMan Software v. 5.4 and Stata Software v.14.0. The weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the association.

Results

Seventeen observational comparative studies, including 379 eyes with NAION, 175 unaffected contralateral eyes and 470 eyes of healthy controls, were identified. Compared to those of the healthy controls, the perfusion density (PD) of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) and peripapillary superficial capillary plexus (ppSCP) of NAION were significantly lower. Moreover, the PD of the macular SCP (mSCP) in NAION was significantly reduced in the whole image, superior quadrant and temporal quadrant, while the macular deep capillary plexus (mDCP) showed a decreasing PD only within the whole image. Between unaffected fellow eyes and healthy eyes, significant differences of PD were demonstrated in the whole image and some peripapillary regions of the RPC and ppSCP.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that compared to those of healthy controls, the eyes affected by NAION and unaffected fellow eyes demonstrated significant microvascular impairments in different regions. Between acute and non‐acute NAION, macular OCTA parameters showed different characteristic patterns.
How to deal with uncertainty in prenatal genomics: A systematic review of guidelines and policies
Authors: Klapwijk Jasmijn E. , Srebniak Malgorzata I. , Go Attie T. J. I. , Govaerts Lutgarde C. P. , Lewis Celine , Hammond Jennifer , Hill Melissa , Lou Stina , Vogel Ida , Ormond Kelly E. , Diderich Karin E. M. , Brüggenwirth Hennie T. , Riedijk Sam R.
Published: June 2021

Exome sequencing (ES) enhanced the diagnostic yield of genetic testing, but has also increased the possibility of uncertain findings. Prenatal ES is increasingly being offered after a fetal abnormality is detected through ultrasound. It is important to know how to handle uncertainty in this particularly stressful period. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of guidelines available for addressing uncertainty related to prenatal chromosomal microarray (CMA) and ES. Ten uncertainty types associated with prenatal ES and CMA were identified and defined by an international multidisciplinary team. Medline (all) and Embase were systematically searched. Laboratory scientists, clinical geneticists, psychologists, and a fetal medicine specialist screened the papers and performed the data extraction. Nineteen papers were included. Recommendations generally emphasized the importance of trio analysis, clinical information, data sharing, validation and re‐analysis, protocols, multidisciplinary teams, genetic counselling, whether to limit the possible scope of results, and when to report particular findings. This systematic review helps provide a vocabulary for uncertainties, and a compass to navigate uncertainties. Prenatal CMA and ES guidelines provide a strong starting point for determining how to handle uncertainty. Gaps in guidelines and recommendations were identified and discussed to provide direction for future research and policy making.
School bullying and the ongoing social dynamics: A thematic analysis of young peoples' perspectives on a specific bullying case
Authors: Forsberg Camilla
Published: June 2021

Based on analyses of six individual interviews with young people from a sixth‐grade school class, this study explores how young people talk about bullying and a particular bullying case in their class from various positions. Utilising thematic analysis, three themes were conceptualised as crucial in bullying: social status, powerful positions and fragile social positions. Symbolic interactionism, emphasising perspectives as constructed in interaction, were used to understand these social dynamics and bullying as a group phenomenon. The findings demonstrate the social landscape in which young people navigate, where social positions are in process but affected by their group norms.
Histone H2B ubiquitination mediated chromatin relaxation is essential for the induction of somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Wang Liying , Xu Zhiliang , Wang Libin , Liu Chao , Wei Huafang , Zhang Ruidan , Chen Yinghong , Wang Lina , Liu Wenwen , Xiao Sai , Li Wei , Li Wei
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Cell reprogramming has significant impacts on their potential application in regenerative medicine. Chromatin remodelling plays a very important role in cell reprogramming, but its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.

Materials and methods

RNA‐seq, quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis were applied to study the role of RNF20 and H2B ubiquitination during mouse somatic cell reprogramming. Chromatin structure and the recruitment of transcription factors were analysed by ChIP‐seq, micrococcal nuclease sensitivity assays and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

We show that RNF20 is highly expressed at the early stage of reprogramming along with the accumulation of H2B ubiquitination at the same stage, and Rnf20 knockout results in the failure of reprogramming at the initial stage but not the maturation and stabilization stages. RNA‐seq showed that Rnf20 knockout mainly affects the early stage of cell reprogramming by impairing the transcription of MET‐related genes and early pluripotency genes. Importantly, Rnf20 knockout results in a more compacted chromosomes structure in reprogrammable cells, suppressing the recruitment of reprogramming transcription factors to their proper locations on the chromosomes, and finally resulting in the failure of pluripotent gene network establishment.

Conclusions

Histone H2B ubiquitination mediated chromatin relaxation is essential for the induction of somatic cell reprogramming.
From Safe Motherhood to Cognitive Ability: Exploring Intrahousehold and Intergenerational Spillovers
Authors: Chatterjee Somdeep , Poddar Prashant
Published: June 2021

Empirical evidence on conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in the education domain suggests increases in school participation but minimal effects on learning. In this paper, we find strong evidence for intrahousehold spillover effects of a CCT programme on children's academic performance, but interestingly, the CCT was not conditioned on education. We study a flagship health and safe motherhood programme from India, and by exploiting plausible exogenous variation in exposure to the programme, show positive effects on reading, writing and maths test scores for non‐targeted elder children in the household whose mothers or aunts were potentially exposed to the policy. Our results can be viewed as intergenerational effects of CCTs because the estimated benefits accrue to the future generations of the potential recipients of the transfer payments. We identify higher expenditure on private tutoring as a potential mediating channel for the effects. We also find changes in fertility preferences of women, suggesting a longer‐term mediating channel applicable in a standard quantity–quality trade‐off setting.
The function‐dominance correlation drives the direction and strength of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships
Authors: Crawford Michael S. , Barry Kathryn E. , Clark Adam T. , Farrior Caroline E. , Hines Jes , Ladouceur Emma , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Maréchaux Isabelle , May Felix , Mori Akira S. , Reineking Björn , Turnbull Lindsay A. , Wirth Christian , Rüger Nadja
Published: June 2021

Community composition is a primary determinant of how biodiversity change influences ecosystem functioning and, therefore, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF). We examine the consequences of community composition across six structurally realistic plant community models. We find that a positive correlation between species’ functioning in monoculture versus their dominance in mixture with regard to a specific function (the “function‐dominance correlation”) generates a positive relationship between realised diversity and ecosystem functioning across species richness treatments. However, because realised diversity declines when few species dominate, a positive function‐dominance correlation generates a negative relationship between realised diversity and ecosystem functioning within species richness treatments. Removing seed inflow strengthens the link between the function–dominance correlation and BEF relationships across species richness treatments but weakens it within them. These results suggest that changes in species’ identities in a local species pool may more strongly affect ecosystem functioning than changes in species richness.
Long‐term geothermal warming reduced stocks of carbon but not nitrogen in a subarctic forest soil
Authors: Peplau Tino , Schroeder Julia , Gregorich Edward , Poeplau Christopher
Published: June 2021

Global warming is accelerating the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). When predicting the net SOM dynamics in response to warming, there are considerable uncertainties owing to experimental limitations. Long‐term in situ whole‐profile soil warming studies are particularly rare. This study used a long‐term, naturally occurring geothermal gradient in Yukon, Canada, to investigate the warming effects on SOM in a forest ecosystem. Soils were sampled along this thermosequence which exhibited warming of up to 7.7℃; samples were collected to a depth of 80 cm and analysed for soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) content, and estimates made of SOC stock and fractions. Potential litter decomposition rates as a function of soil temperature and depth were observed for a 1‐year period using buried teabags and temperature loggers. The SOC in the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–80 cm) responded similar to warming. A negative relationship was found between soil temperature and whole‐profile SOC stocks, with a total loss of 27% between the warmest and reference plots, and a relative loss of 3%℃−1. SOC losses were restricted to the particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fractions with net whole‐profile depletions. Losses in POM‐C accounted for the largest share of the total SOC losses. In contrast to SOC, N was not lost from the soil as a result of warming, but was redistributed with a relatively large accumulation in the silt and clay fraction (+40%). This suggests an immobilization of N by microbes building up in mineral‐associated organic matter. These results confirm that soil warming accelerates SOC turnover throughout the profile and C is lost in both the topsoil and subsoil. Since N stocks remained constant with warming, SOM stoichiometry changed considerably and this in turn could affect C cycling through changes in microbial metabolism.
Development and characterization of a Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach) mapping population for flowering‐time‐ and biomass‐related traits reveal individuals with exceptional potential and hybrid vigor
Authors: Sinche Marco , Kannan Baskaran , Paudel Dev , Corsato Carlos , Lopez Yolanda , Wang Jianping , Altpeter Fredy
Published: June 2021

Napier grass is a tropical perennial C4 grass with superior biomass yield and quality. It is an important forage crop and a promising feedstock for lignocellulosic biofuel production. However, precise phenotyping and genotyping data to support the molecular breeding of Napier grass are scarce. A Napier grass F1 mapping population (segregating pseudo‐F2 population) was generated by hybridizing genetically distant parents (N190 × N122) with contrasting flowering‐time‐ and biomass‐related traits. True F1 hybrids were confirmed with a simple sequence repeat marker, vegetatively propagated, and phenotyped in replicate field plots for 2 years (2 harvests per year) in Citra, FL, USA (29.40N). Near‐normal distributions were observed for flowering date, plant height, number of tillers, stem diameter, and leaf width, confirming the quantitative nature of these traits. The annual dry biomass yield of F1 hybrids varied between 21.0 and 41.1 t ha−1. The highest‐yielding F1 hybrids showed remarkable hybrid vigor exceeding the annual biomass production of the highest‐yielding parental accession (26.9 t ha−1) by 52% and the biomass yield of the control “Merkeron” cultivar (29.2 t ha−1) by 41% over 2 years. F1 hybrids with delayed flowering time along with significantly increased biomass yield were also identified. Late‐flowering accessions allowed maximum biomass harvest before formation and dispersal of seeds, reducing invasion risk. The developed mapping population will be an excellent resource for identifying quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for flowering‐ and biomass‐related traits in Napier grass that will accelerate the improvement of this non‐domesticated bioenergy crop.
Gynaecological perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa): comparative analysis of proposed algorithms for prediction of clinical outcome
Authors: Shukla Pratibha Sharma , Xia Rong , Lin Lawrence Hsu , Schwartz Christopher J.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumours that coexpress smooth muscle and melanocytic markers. They have a predilection for gynaecological organs, where they present a unique diagnostic challenge, because of morphological and immunohistochemical overlap with more common smooth muscle and stromal tumours. Limited information regarding the natural history, owing to the rarity of this tumour, makes accurate risk stratification difficult. We aimed to review clinicopathological features of gynaecological PEComa and compare accuracy of five different classification systems for prediction of prognosis.

Methods and results

We have described the clinicopathological features of 13 new cases and tested five prognostic algorithms in a total of 67 cases of gynaecological PEComa. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated to evaluate predictive accuracy.

The modified gynaecological‐specific algorithm showed high sensitivity and specificity and yielded the highest AUC (0.864). It’s earlier version, the gynaecological‐specific algorithm, suffered from lower specificity (AUC = 0.843). The post‐hoc McNemar test confirmed significant differences between the performances of the modified gynaecological‐specific algorithm and the gynaecological‐specific algorithm (P = 0.008). The original Folpe algorithm for PEComas of all sites showed low specificity, had a lower AUC (0.591), and was inapplicable in 18% of cases. Its two later versions (the revised Folpe algorithm and the modified Folpe algorithm) also yielded lower AUCs (0.690 and 0.591, respectively).

Conclusion

We have shown that the modified gynaecological‐specific algorithm predicts the clinical outcome of gynaecological PEComa with high accuracy, and have validated its use for prognostic stratification of gynaecological PEComa.
Signet‐ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma of the axilla: a clinicopathological and genetic analysis of 11 cases, review of the literature, and comparison with potentially related tumours
Authors: Goto Keisuke , Kukita Yoji , Honma Keiichiro , Ogawa Kohei , Nishida Haruto , Takai Toshihiro , Oishi Takuma , Hishima Tsunekazu , Tanaka Masaru , Isei Taiki
Published: June 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of axillary signet‐ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma (SRCHC) and the relationship between axillary SRCHC, eyelid SRCHC, and conventional apocrine carcinoma (AC).

Methods and results

Eleven cases of axillary SRCHC, four cases of eyelid SRCHC, eight cases of axillary AC and five cases of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) were retrieved. Additionally, 14 axillary and 43 eyelid SRCHC cases from the literature were reviewed. Male predominance was prominent for axillary SRCHC (24:1) and eyelid SRCHC (42:5). Axillary SRCHC formed a circumscribed plaque or nodule, unlike eyelid SRCHC. Lymph node metastasis was predominantly seen in axillary SRCHC cases (72%, 18/25), but not in eyelid SRCHC cases (19%, 9/47). Axillary SRCHC and eyelid SRCHC were histopathologically similar and showed rare tubular formations. Immunoexpression of cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19, mucin 1, mucin 5AC, BerEP4 and androgen receptor was seen in all tested cases of the four diseases. Oestrogen and progesterone receptors were negative in both types of SRCHC and AC, but were strongly positive in ILCs. Complete loss of E‐cadherin expression was seen in approximately one‐quarter of both types of SRCHC and in all ILCs. PIK3CA mutations were detected in all three sequenced cases (two axillary SRCHCs and one eyelid SRCHC).

Conclusion

The histopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic findings suggest that both types of SRCHC are phenotypic variants of AC, although there are differences in sex, macroscopic findings and the frequency of lymph node metastasis among the three. In contrast, ILC differs from the other three tumour types.
Crystalline ytterbium disilicate environmental barrier coatings made by high velocity oxygen fuel spraying
Authors: Wolf Markus , Mack Daniel Emil , Mauer Georg , Guillon Olivier , Vaßen Robert
Published: June 2021

Dense environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are an essential prerequisite to exploit the advantages offered by SiC‐based fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to increase efficiency in gas turbines. Today's state‐of‐the art materials for application as EBCs are rare‐earth (RE) silicates which, however, form amorphous phases upon rapid quenching from the melt. This makes their processing by thermal spray a challenge. Recently, high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying was proposed as potential solution since the melting degree of the feedstock can be controlled effectively. This work studies the deposition of ytterbium disilicate (YbDS) at short stand‐off distances and variant total feed rates and oxy‐fuel ratios of the working gas. It was found that the overall degree of crystallinity could be kept at high level above 90%. The kinetic energy transferred by impinging particles was found to be an effective parameter to control the densification of the coatings. Porosities well below 10% were achieved while fully dense coatings were impeded due to the progressive accumulation of stresses in the coatings.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the diagnosis of new leprosy cases in Northeastern Brazil, 2020
Authors: Matos Thais Silva , do Nascimento Vanessa Almeida , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano , Moreno de Oliveira Fernandes Tânia Rita , de Souza Carlos Dornels Freire , da Silva Tarcísio Fulgêncio Alves
Published: June 2021

This study analyzed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the detection of new cases of leprosy in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The periods January–September 2019 and January–September 2020 were compared. There was a 44.40% reduction in the diagnosis of leprosy when comparing the two periods (1,705 in 2019 and 948 in 2020). There was a reduction in the number of municipalities with reported cases: 251 municipalities in 2019 and 202 in 2020, expressing a reduction of 24.25%. Considering only the months following the arrival of the virus (April–September), the reduction was 51.10%. An inverse correlation was observed between the number of new cases of leprosy and the cumulative number of cases of COVID‐19 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.840; P < 0.001) and the number of new monthly cases of COVID‐19 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.817; P < 0.001). A slight increase was also observed in the proportion of multibacillary cases in the state (70.38% in 2019 and 72.69% in 2020) as well as in the proportion of individuals with the degree of physical disability not assessed at diagnosis, whose proportion rose from 16.39% in 2019 to 22.53% in 2020. The negative impact of COVID‐19 in tackling leprosy should be seen as a warning sign for health and political authorities.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a review
Authors: Ashton Catherine , Paramalingam Shereen , Stevenson Brittany , Brusch Anna , Needham Merrilee
Published: June 2021

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is the umbrella term including dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), overlap myositis (OM), sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) and necrotising autoimmune myopathy (NAM), also known as immune‐mediated necrotising myopathy. There is some debate as to whether PM exists as a discrete entity, or perhaps is an overly generalising term encompassing connective tissue disease associated myositis, or OM, and the previously poorly recognised NAM. As such, PM will not be covered in detail in this review. DM, OM and NAM all present similarly, with proximal weakness and elevated creatine kinase (CK) level. By contrast, IBM preferentially involves the long finger flexors and quadriceps, and presents with a normal or only mildly elevated CK. Developments in serological testing and imaging are shifting the diagnostic paradigm away from a reliance on histopathology. The therapeutic armamentarium for IIM continues to evolve, with intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab proving to be successful for refractory disease. This review will provide a diagnostic algorithm for the clinician to help distinguish between IIM subtypes – with emphasis on clinical assessment, serology and imaging, as well as discussion of therapeutic options and escalation of immunotherapy.
Comparing genderblind and colorblind ideologies in public and private contexts
Authors: Koenig Anne M.
Published: June 2021

People endorse colorblind and genderblind ideologies to appear unbiased toward race or gender, but although they have similar meanings these two ideologies have not been compared across public and private contexts. Given that laws make both gender and race discrimination illegal in public settings, such as schools and workplaces, people may hold similar ideologies in public, professional settings. However, differences in how gender and race are viewed in private contexts, such as friendships or families, could contribute to differential endorsement and use of the ideologies. The current research measured the self‐reported endorsement of genderblind or colorblind ideologies in different contexts (Studies 2 and 3) and a behavioral manifestation of blindness within a decision‐making paradigm (Studies 1, 2, and 3). In this paradigm, participants imagined themselves in an academic and/or social situation and chose which of two targets of different genders or races should join them in a group. Being blind to race or gender involved opting out of this choice. Participants also rated the appropriateness of using gender and race to make these decisions (Study 3). As predicted, in private, social situations participants (a) endorsed colorblindness more than genderblindness, (b) were more likely to show blind decision‐making in cross‐race than cross‐gender choices, and (c) perceived race‐based decisions as more inappropriate than gender‐based decisions. In public (academic and work) situations, colorblind and genderblind measures were equivalent. Thus, people's beliefs about the value of being blind to gender and race differ in social situations and this difference has implications for equality.
Response of Consumer Debt to Income Shocks: The Case of Energy Booms and Busts
Authors: BROWN JASON P.
Published: June 2021

Consumer debt is an important vehicle for smoothing through income shocks. I study localized income shocks from oil and gas development to investigate consumer response. Using quarterly information on consumer debt and oil and gas activity between 2000 and 2016, I find that consumer debt increased at a peak of $660 per capita, equivalent to 1.3% of median household income in counties with shale endowment and increased drilling. Shocks to local wages via drilling revealed a marginal propensity to borrow of 0.45. Relative to areas with oil and gas development experience, the marginal propensity to borrow was two times larger in previously undeveloped areas.
Superficial X‐ray‐induced hyperpigmentation in postoperative keloid radiotherapy: A study of 70 keloids to identify clinical features and risk factors
Authors: Li Li , Yuan Chen , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Baoxi , Yan Yan
Published: June 2021

Background

Postoperative radiation is one of the most effective treatments for keloid. Radiation‐induced hyperpigmentation is, however, a concern for both patients and dermatologists.

Aims

To identify clinical features and risk factors of superficial X‐ray‐induced hyperpigmentation in postoperative keloid radiotherapy.

Patients/Methods

From November 2019 to November 2020, 70 keloids in 55 patients were treated with superficial X‐ray after surgery. Patient data and treatment‐related parameters were collected. Follow‐up photographs were taken one month after radiotherapy. Three independent dermatologists assessed photographs for pigmentation. The clinical characteristics and severity of pigmentation were summarized. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with occurrence and severity of hyperpigmentation.

Results

The pigmentation was a well‐defined rectangular brown macule consistent with the unprotected area that involves normal skin, and 82.9% of keloids displayed pigmentation induced by superficial X‐ray at one month after treatment. All keloids of trunk appeared to be mild‐to‐moderately hyperpigmented (100%); 92.89% of limb keloids displayed mainly severe pigmentation. Keloid location was an independent risk factor for the incidence and severity of pigmentation. Longer incision length was also predictive of increased hyperpigmentation severity.

Conclusions

Superficial X‐ray‐induced hyperpigmentation was common and severe in postoperative keloid radiotherapy. The incidence and severity of pigmentation can be predicted by the location and incision length of the keloid.
Thymol in fattening rabbit diet, its bioavailability and effects on intestinal morphology, microbiota from caecal content and immunity
Authors: Placha Iveta , Bacova Kristina , Zitterl‐Eglseer Karin , Laukova Andrea , Chrastinova Lubica , Madarova Michaela , Zitnan Rudolf , Strkolcova Gabriela
Published: June 2021

To our knowledge, no study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of thymol sustained administration on gut health and immune response in terms of its bioavailability in the rabbit organism. A total of 48 rabbits were randomly divided at 35 days of age into two dietary treatment groups (C/control or T/thymol at 0.025% addition). Thymol was added for 21 days and then withdrawn for 7 days. Thymol content in faeces (p < 0.001) and caecal content (p < 0.05) was significantly higher than in plasma during the thymol addition and withdrawal (2442 ± 451.4, 881.9 ± 231.3 ng/g DM and 46.2 ± 28.4 ng/ml, respectively; 149.5 ± 40.54, 45.76 ± 12.44 ng/g DM and 2.73 ± 0.45 ng/ml, respectively). Increasing of villi height to crypt depth ratio in small intestinal wall (p < 0.01), phagocytic activity in blood (p < 0.0001) and lactic acid bacteria in caecal appendix (p < 0.01) and faeces (p < 0.05) was still presented after withdrawn of thymol. The thymol at this concentration demonstrated its biological properties and was able to positively affect gut health and immune response of rabbits.
Historical and current environmental selection on functional traits of trees in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Silva José Luiz Alves , Souza Alexandre F. , Vitória Angela Pierre
Published: June 2021

Questions

How is community functional composition associated with environmental and historical factors and how is this relationship mediated by spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelation?

Location

Atlantic Forest of South America.

Methods

We compiled abundance data of 2,122 species (most trees) distributed across 281 communities, seven functional traits, and 29 environmental and historical predictors. We mapped traits using community‐weighted means, and related traits to predictors by combining the fourth‐corner and the extended RLQ approaches.

Results

We found that decreases in rainfall, soil nutrition, biome stability in the last 120 kyr, and the increase in thermal variability were associated with high specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N content, and reduced leaf thickness. In addition, increased temperature and soil sand content, and low biome stability in the last 21 kyr were associated with high wood density and leaf dry matter content, and reduced maximum plant height. Tree communities rich in taxa with N‐rich thin leaves and high SLA were mostly located in semideciduous and deciduous forests (e.g., Fabaceae), while communities rich in taxa with N‐poor thick leaves and low SLA were mostly found in rain forests (e.g., Myrtaceae and Lauraceae). Species with short stature, high wood density and heavy leaves were particularly abundant in the northern part of the Atlantic Forest (e.g., Myrtaceae), whereas tall species with light wood and leaves were abundant in the south (e.g., Lauraceae). There was not a particular direction in which seed dry mass increased most in response to predictors.

Conclusions

Our study reinforces the view that the multifaceted nature of community assembly needs analytical approaches that integrate abundance, functional, phylogenetic, and spatial data to properly understand how environmental and historical factors determine the dominance of functional traits. The observed patterns suggest that different regions of a given biome function in different ways, and probably provide different ecosystem services.