bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Don’t Mention the Diet! A health promotion initiative to support healthy diet and lifestyle decision‐making by people with intellectual disability
Authors: Martin Anne‐Marie , Divane Síle , Twomey Sandra , O’Neill Lucia , McCarthy Joseph , Egan Caroline , Dalton Caroline , Caples Maria
Published: March 2021

Accessible summary

People with intellectual disability have a right to have a say in how they want to live

Information about the importance of healthy eating and drinking can be difficult to understand

People with intellectual disability co‐produced an educational module around healthy eating and drinking and were actively involved in deciding what they wanted to learn about and planning how they would like to learn

This project helped people with intellectual disability to understand and make choices around their diet

Background

People with intellectual disability have a right to be involved in and make decisions that affect them. This paper presents a health promotion initiative that was co‐produced with people with intellectual disability called Don't Mention the Diet! Evidence suggests this group experience challenges related to health literacy. Further, health promotion materials can be inaccessible. This project demonstrates how active involvement of people with intellectual disability in the design and provision of appropriate educational supports can assist them to make informed decisions about their diets and lifestyle.

Methods

A collaborative patient and public involvement approach was adopted to ensure the development of a health promotion module that addressed the specific learning needs and knowledge gaps of students with intellectual disability in relation to diet and its impact on well‐being. An 8‐month module with a double‐helix structure intertwining educational and personal development elements was designed.

Outcomes

Students who completed the module enjoyed its person‐centred and interactive approach. Equipped with information about the benefits of diet, exercise and other health‐related behaviours, they were empowered to make informed decisions on whether or not to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusions

The education of students with intellectual disability was supported by tailoring the teaching methods to meet their learning abilities. Further, the inclusion of co‐designers with intellectual disability was key to ensuring the successful module design and delivery. Listening to the self‐identified health education needs and responding collaboratively resulted in an educational initiative that met student's needs.
TGFβ1 induces resistance of human lung myofibroblasts to cell death via down‐regulation of TRPA1 channels
Authors: Virk Harvinder S. , Biddle Michael S. , Smallwood Dawn T. , Weston Cathryn A. , Castells Emily , Bowman Viona W. , McCarthy Jamie , Amrani Yassine , Duffy S. Mark , Bradding Peter , Roach Katy M.
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

TGFβ1‐mediated myofibroblast activation contributes to pathological fibrosis in many diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where myofibroblast resistance to oxidant‐mediated apoptosis is also evident. We therefore investigated the involvement of redox‐sensitive TRPA1 ion channels on human lung myofibroblasts (HLMFs) cell death and TGFβ1‐mediated pro‐fibrotic responses.

Experimental approach

The effects of TGFβ1 stimulation on TRPA1 expression and cell viability was studied in HLMFs derived from IPF patients and non‐fibrotic patients. We also examined a model of TGFβ1‐dependent fibrogenesis in human lung. We used qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescent assays, overexpression with lentiviral vectors and electrophysiological methods.

Key Results

TRPA1 mRNA, protein and ion currents were expressed in HLMFs derived from both non‐fibrotic patient controls and IPF patients, and expression was reduced by TGFβ1. TRPA1 mRNA was also down‐regulated by TGFβ1 in a model of lung fibrogenesis in human lung. TRPA1 over‐expression or activation induced HLMF apoptosis, and activation of TRPA1 channel activation by H2O2 induced necrosis. TRPA1 inhibition following TGFβ1 down‐regulation or pharmacological inhibition, protected HLMFs from both apoptosis and necrosis. Lentiviral vector mediated TRPA1 expression was also found to induce sensitivity to H2O2 induced cell death in a TRPA1‐negative HEK293T cell line.

Conclusion and Implications

TGFβ1 induces resistance of HLMFs to TRPA1 agonist‐ and H2O2‐mediated cell death via down‐regulation of TRPA1 channels. Our data suggest that therapeutic strategies which prevent TGFβ1‐dependent down‐regulation of TRPA1 may reduce myofibroblast survival in IPF and therefore improve clinical outcomes.
Monitoring FTD in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer administered FTD plus bevacizumab as first‐line treatment
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshiaki , Oki Eiji , Qiu Shichao , Nakanishi Ryota , Makiyama Akitaka , Miyamoto Yuji , Kotaka Masahito , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Ando Koji , Kimura Yasue , Kitao Hiroyuki , Maehara Yoshihiko , Mori Masaki
Published: March 2021

Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) is an orally administrated anticancer drug with efficacy validated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) or gastric cancer. FTD, a key component of FTD/TPI, exerts antitumor effects via its incorporation into DNA. Using specific antibodies against bromodeoxyuridine, FTD incorporation into DNA is detected in tumors and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with mCRC who are administered FTD/TPI. The proportion of FTD‐positive PBMC fluctuates according to the schedule of treatment, although the association between the proportion of FTD‐positive PBMC and the clinical outcomes of patients is unknown. To answer this question, here we monitored the FTD‐positive PBMC of 39 elderly patients with mCRC enrolled in KSCC1602, a single‐arm phase 2 trial of FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab as a first‐line treatment, for 1 month, during the first cycle of treatment. The median values and interquartile ranges of the percentage of FTD‐positive PBMC on days 8, 15, and 29 were 39.3% (30.7%‐52.2%), 66.9% (40.0%‐75.3%), and 13.5% (5.7%‐26.0%), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the percentage of FTD‐positive PBMC on day 8 (the end of the first week of treatment) had moderate ability to accurately diagnose the occurrence of severe neutropenia and leukopenia within 1 month (area under the curve = 0.778 [95% confidence interval, 0.554‐0.993]). This result suggests that excess FTD incorporation into PBMC at the initial phase of FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab treatment is a risk factor for early onset of severe hematological adverse events.
Changed ophthalmic workload following introduction of digital retinal photography for retinopathy of prematurity screening
Authors: Tram Joshua S. , Golding Bernadette M. , Lim Christine , Kuschel Carl A. , Elder James E.
Published: March 2021

Background

ROP screening is vital in care of premature infants but is considered burdensome, difficult and time consuming for ophthalmologists. This study assessed the reduction in workload following the introduction of nurse‐led WFDRI to a large neonatal nursery.

Methods

We report a retrospective audit of 628 infants screened for ROP in the years 2010, 2013 and 2019 at the Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria. The last complete year of screening for ROP using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) alone (2010) was compared with two subsequent years after the introduction of nurse‐led WFDRI. The main outcome measures were the time taken to report and document WFDRI and the time taken to undertake BIO examination of a premature infant and document the results.

Results

The ophthalmologist's time taken to conduct BIO, review images and document the results per 100 patient examinations was reduced from 16.7 hours before introduction of WFDRI to 3.7 hours. Similarly, the weekly time spent on this component of ROP screening fell from 2.3 hours per week to 0.8 and 1.0 hours per week after introduction of WFDRI.

Conclusions

The introduction of nurse‐led WFDRI has resulted in a dramatic and sustained reduction in ophthalmologist workload involved in ROP screening in a large Australian neonatal nursery. This may result in improved retention of the ophthalmic workforce required to undertake ROP screening.
‘It's good because my sister is young, and she knows what's going on’: Children's views about their young kinship carers
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , Kertesz Margaret
Published: March 2021

Much literature about kinship care has focused on the issues facing grandparent carers. An Australian research project explored the experience and support needs of young kinship carers and children in their care through analysis of census data and in‐depth interviews with young kinship carers and children/young people. This article describes the views of 16 young people. These young people expressed satisfaction with their home life and spoke of improvement over time in their wellbeing, mental health, and schooling. While they appreciated their carers' attunement to the world of young people, they articulated many challenges for themselves and their carers, including the burden on their carers, the challenge of adjusting to their carers' parental role, and financial pressures. They wanted greater access to counselling and casework services in order to deal with the impacts of family trauma.
Research with young children: Exploring the methodological advantages and challenges of using hand puppets and draw and tell
Authors: Coyne Imelda , Mallon Deirdre , Chubb Emma
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the methodological advantages and challenges of participatory tools used in research with young children in Ireland. Taking a child‐centred approach, hand puppets and ‘draw and tell’ helped elicit children's expressions and meanings. Both techniques assisted in shifting the power balance between children and researchers, encouraged dialogue, created a fun atmosphere and promoted children's participation. When children are given the space, opportunity and means, and with skilled facilitation, they can clearly share their perspectives and meanings. It is important that researchers and practitioners use techniques that will facilitate and maximise young children's competencies, agency and preferences.
Cerebral palsy and the data of pain
Authors: Greene Amanda K
Published: March 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Garca Jalon et al. on pages 1085–1092 of this issue.
Effects of islet transplantation on microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Reid Laura , Baxter Faye , Forbes Shareen
Published: March 2021

Type 1 diabetes is associated with high morbidity and mortality from microvascular and macrovascular disease with considerable economic cost to society. Islet cell transplantation (ICT) is a treatment option recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for people with debilitating hypoglycaemia due to type 1 diabetes, including those with renal failure where kidney transplantation may also be indicated. The primary aim of ICT is to improve glycaemic control, reduce severe hypoglycaemia, stabilise glycaemic variability and restore awareness of hypoglycaemia where this is compromised. Insulin independence, although not a primary aim, should also be considered a therapeutic goal. The impact ICT has on the progression of microvascular and macrovascular diabetes complications is derived from small studies and has not been examined in large clinical trials. Lifelong immunosuppression, which is necessary to avoid transplant rejection, has adverse effects on lipid metabolism, hypertension and renal function, which must also be considered. In this review, we discuss the role of ICT in type 1 diabetes management and the available evidence with respect to microvascular and macrovascular disease progression post‐transplantation. We conclude that, following ICT, microvascular complications including retinopathy and neuropathy are stabilised or improved. Effects on nephropathy can be complicated by coexisting kidney transplantation and the impact of immunosuppression, the latter leading to an early decline in renal function; however, there is evidence to suggest stable renal outcomes in the long term. Short‐term studies have demonstrated a positive impact of ICT on surrogate markers of macrovascular disease; however, long‐term studies and trials in this area are lacking.
Reduced quality parameters in adult Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) after pupal irradiation and transportation
Authors: Dominiak Bernard C. , Gillespie Peter S. , Sharma Niharika , Balagawi Solomon , Barchia Idris M. , Reynolds Olivia L.
Published: March 2021

Sterile insect technique is an effective tool to manage a range of pest insects, including the true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). As part of the process, pupae are dispatched from a mass‐rearing facility for several hundred km to a rearing out centre typically located near the release sites. Transportation of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), pupae from mass production facilities to field release sites is known to negatively affect fly quality. To determine which quality parameters are affected, we assessed adult emergence, flight ability, and rate of fliers between irradiated and non‐irradiated flies that were or were not transported long distance. Pupal weight was not affected by irradiation or transport. We found that transportation and irradiation of pupae resulted in a decrease in percentage fly emergence, flight ability, and fliers. Transportation and irradiation both resulted in 8% reduction in emergence of flies. Additionally, we found that transportation resulted in an increase in the rate of deformity by 65% and irradiation could increase deformity by 75%. Compounding these losses, both transportation and irradiation resulted in the decline of number of fliers by approximately 23% each.
Age‐related changes in gait speeds and asymmetry during circular gait and straight‐line gait in older individuals aged 60–79 years
Authors: Hirono Tetsuya , Ikezoe Tome , Yamagata Momoko , Kato Takehiro , Umehara Jun , Yanase Ko , Nakao Sayaka , Tsuboyama Tadao , Tabara Yasuharu , Matsuda Fumihiko , Ichihashi Noriaki ,   Nagahama Study Group
Published: March 2021

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the age‐related changes in gait speeds and asymmetry during circular and straight‐line gaits among older adults aged 60–79 years.

Methods

The study included 391 community‐dwelling older adults aged >60 years, who participated in the Nagahama cohort study. They were assigned to four age groups: 60–64 years (early 60s), 65–69 years (late 60s), 70–74 years (early 70s) and 75–79 years (late 70s). For the circular gait test, the time required to walk twice around a 1‐m diameter circle for right and left rotations were measured. The average time of the two trials was measured as the circular gait time, and the side‐to‐side difference in the circular gait times was calculated as an asymmetry index. Walking speed, asymmetry of step length, and asymmetry of stance duration time during straight‐line gait at comfortable and maximal walking pace were measured.

Results

Circular gait time in older women in the late 70s group was significantly slower than that in other age groups; however, no age‐related change was observed in older men. Maximal gait speeds in the early and late 70s groups were significantly slower than those in the early 60s group.

Conclusions

Age‐related decline in circular gait speed was observed in older women aged ≥75 years, but not in older men. Maximal straight‐line gait speed decreased significantly in both genders after the age of 70 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 404–410.
Marked point process analysis of epidermal nerve fibres
Authors: Ghorbanpour Farnaz , Särkkä Aila , Pourtaheri Reza
Published: March 2021

Epidermal nerve fibre (ENF) density and summed length of ENFs per epidermal surface area are reduced, and ENFs may appear more clustered within the epidermis in subjects suffering from diabetic neuropathy compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial behaviour of ENFs in healthy and neuropathy subjects. By using confocal microscopy data , we study the spatial structure of epidermal nerves by regarding the nerve tree locations as realizations of marked point processes . The termination points of the fibres of a nerve tree are used to define a reactive territory which is taken as a mark for the nerve tree location. We study the differences in the spatial pattern of ENFs between healthy subjects and subjects suffering from mild diabetic neuropathy by using Ripley's function and the mark correlation function. In addition, we propose a marked sequential point process model for the nerve tree locations. Data are replicated point patterns, where we have several patterns from each subject and from each group.
Compliance with a physical activity guideline among junior high school students
Authors: Tanaka Chiaki , Abe Takafumi , Takenaga Rie , Suzuki Takahiro , Noi Shingo , Tanaka Shigeho , Miyachi Motohiko , Inoue Shigeru , Hatamoto Youichi , Reilly John J.
Published: March 2021

Background

There were no nationwide moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity (MVPA) data relating to Japanese adolescents. This study assessed compliance with an MVPA guideline by adolescents, using a random sampling survey in Japan. The factors associated with compliance with the guideline were also examined.

Methods

Participants were first‐ to third‐grade Japanese junior high school students (307 boys and 255 girls). We analyzed data from the National Sports‐Life Survey of Teens 2019, which used the Japanese version of physical activity (PA) questions in the World Health Organization Health Behavior in School‐aged Children survey and potential correlates of MVPA.

Results

Compliance with the PA guideline by the World Health Organization for Japanese students was 19.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.8–22.3). The compliance of boys was significantly higher than that of girls (23.1%; 95% CI, 18.4–27.8; vs 14.1%; 95% CI, 9.8−18.4). The odds of meeting the PA guideline were significantly higher for boys in the second grade than boys in the first grade (odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95% CI, 1.02–3.09), liking PA (for all: OR: 2.97; 95% CI, 1.32–6.69; for girls: OR: 2.99; 95% CI, 1.01–8.81), and sports participation (for all: OR: 4.77; 95% CI, 2.32–9.80; for boys: OR: 6.00; 95% CI, 1.81–19.89; for girls: OR: 4.08; 95% CI, 1.63–10.21).

Conclusions

The results suggest that more than 80% of junior high school students were insufficiently physically active in Japan. Preferences for PA and sports participation may be important correlates of sufficient PA.
Syllable Inference as a Mechanism for Spoken Language Understanding
Authors: Brown Meredith , Tanenhaus Michael K. , Dilley Laura
Published: March 2021

A classic problem in spoken language comprehension is how listeners perceive speech as being composed of discrete words, given the variable time‐course of information in continuous signals. We propose a syllable inference account of spoken word recognition and segmentation, according to which alternative hierarchical models of syllables, words, and phonemes are dynamically posited, which are expected to maximally predict incoming sensory input. Generative models are combined with current estimates of context speech rate drawn from neural oscillatory dynamics, which are sensitive to amplitude rises. Over time, models which result in local minima in error between predicted and recently experienced signals give rise to perceptions of hearing words. Three experiments using the visual world eye‐tracking paradigm with a picture‐selection task tested hypotheses motivated by this framework. Materials were sentences that were acoustically ambiguous in numbers of syllables, words, and phonemes they contained (cf. English plural constructions, such as “saw (a) raccoon(s) swimming,” which have two loci of grammatical information). Time‐compressing, or expanding, speech materials permitted determination of how temporal information at, or in the context of, each locus affected looks to, and selection of, pictures with a singular or plural referent (e.g., one or more than one raccoon). Supporting our account, listeners probabilistically interpreted identical chunks of speech as consistent with a singular or plural referent to a degree that was based on the chunk's gradient rate in relation to its context. We interpret these results as evidence that arriving temporal information, judged in relation to language model predictions generated from context speech rate evaluated on a continuous scale, informs inferences about syllables, thereby giving rise to perceptual experiences of understanding spoken language as words separated in time.
Increasing brain palmitoylation rescues behavior and neuropathology in Huntington disease mice
Authors: Virlogeux Amandine , Scaramuzzino Chiara , Lenoir Sophie , Carpentier Rémi , Louessard Morgane , Genoux Aurélie , Lino Patricia , Hinckelmann Maria-Victoria , Perrier Anselme L. , Humbert Sandrine , Saudou Frédéric
Published: March 2021

Restoring huntingtin-mediated intracellular trafficking rescues Huntington disease mice.
Performing calculus: Asymmetric adaptive stimuli-responsive material for derivative control
Authors: Gonuguntla Spandhana , Lim Wei Chun , Leong Fong Yew , Ao Chi Kit , Liu Changhui , Soh Siowling
Published: March 2021

Stimuli-responsive material coupled with asymmetric reaction diffusion responds to the temporal derivative for advanced control.
Precise multispecies agricultural gas flux determined using broadband open-path dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Herman Daniel I. , Weerasekara Chinthaka , Hutcherson Lindsay C. , Giorgetta Fabrizio R. , Cossel Kevin C. , Waxman Eleanor M. , Colacion Gabriel M. , Newbury Nathan R. , Welch Stephen M. , DePaola Brett D. , Coddington Ian , Santos Eduardo A. , Washburn Brian R.
Published: March 2021

Open-path dual-comb spectroscopy measures multispecies livestock emissions, enabling future field-scale ecological studies.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from a Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Choi Hosoon , Jinadatha Chetan , Chatterjee Piyali , Hwang Munok , Navarathna Dhammika H.
Published: March 2021

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain 9120005127 was isolated from a wound infection. We describe the draft genome sequence and antibiotic susceptibility of this strain.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 Strain Isolated in Gilgit, Pakistan
Authors: Javed Aneela , Niazi Saifullah Khan , Ghani Eijaz , Yamin Maham , Saqib Muhammad , Janjua Hussnain A. , Zohaib Ali
Published: March 2021

Here, we report the coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate obtained from a nasopharyngeal swab from the first patient with COVID-19 in Gilgit, Pakistan.
Supplemental Material: Postcaldera intrusive magmatism at the Platoro caldera complex, Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field, Colorado, USA
Authors: Gilmer A.K. , al. et
Published: March 2021

Table S1: Whole-rock compositions of analyzed samples. Table S2: Major and trace element geochemistry of feldspar. Table S3: Major and trace element geochemistry of pyroxene. Table S4: Major and trace element geochemistry of biotite. Table S5: Major and trace element geochemistry of amphibole. Table S6: Zircon geochronology and trace element geochemistry. Table S7: Lutetium and hafnium isotopic compositions of zircon. Table S8: Amphibole-plagioclase thermometry. Table S9: Sample locations and lithologies.
Predictive utilities of lipid traits, lipoprotein subfractions and other risk factors for incident diabetes: a machine learning approach in the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Varga Tibor V , Liu Jinxi , Goldberg Ronald B , Chen Guannan , Dagogo-Jack Samuel , Lorenzo Carlos , Mather Kieren J , Pi-Sunyer Xavier , Brunak Søren , Temprosa Marinella
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Although various lipid and non-lipid analytes measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been associated with type 2 diabetes, a structured comparison of the ability of NMR-derived biomarkers and standard lipids to predict individual diabetes risk has not been undertaken in larger studies nor among individuals at high risk of diabetes.

Research design and methods

Cumulative discriminative utilities of various groups of biomarkers including NMR lipoproteins, related non-lipid biomarkers, standard lipids, and demographic and glycemic traits were compared for short-term (3.2 years) and long-term (15 years) diabetes development in the Diabetes Prevention Program, a multiethnic, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial of individuals with pre-diabetes in the USA (N=2590). Logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards model and six different hyperparameter-tuned machine learning algorithms were compared. The Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) was used as the primary measure of discriminative utility.

Results

Models with baseline NMR analytes and their changes did not improve the discriminative utility of simpler models including standard lipids or demographic and glycemic traits. Across all algorithms, models with baseline 2-hour glucose performed the best (max MCC=0.36). Sophisticated machine learning algorithms performed similarly to logistic regression in this study.

Conclusions

NMR lipoproteins and related non-lipid biomarkers were associated but did not augment discrimination of diabetes risk beyond traditional diabetes risk factors except for 2-hour glucose. Machine learning algorithms provided no meaningful improvement for discrimination compared with logistic regression, which suggests a lack of influential latent interactions among the analytes assessed in this study.

Trial registration number

Diabetes Prevention Program:NCT00004992; Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study:NCT00038727.
Effects of nutrition education using a food-based approach, carbohydrate counting or routine care in type 1 diabetes: 12 months prospective randomized trial
Authors: Sterner Isaksson Sofia , Bensow Bacos Margareta , Eliasson Björn , Thors Adolfsson Eva , Rawshani Araz , Lindblad Ulf , Jendle Johan , Berglund Agneta , Lind Marcus , Axelsen Mette
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Evidence on the effects of structured nutrition education is weak in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) with moderately impaired glycemic control. Objective was to compare the effects of different types of nutrition education programs on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, diet quality and food choices in T1D.

Research design and methods

A 12 months randomized controlled study conducted at nine diabetes specialist centers with three parallel arms: (i) a food-based approach (FBA) including foods with low glycemic index or (ii) carbohydrate counting (CC) according to today’s standard practice or (iii) individual sessions according to routine care (RC). The primary end point was difference in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between groups at 12 months.

Results

159 patients were randomized (FBA: 51; CC: 52; RC: 55). Mean (SD) age 48.6 (12.0) years, 57.9% females and mean (SD) HbA1c level 63.9 (7.9) mmol/mol, 8% (0.7%). After 3 months, HbA1c improved in both FBA and CC compared with RC. However, there were no significant differences at 12 months in HbA1c; FBA versus RC (−0.4 mmol/mol (1.3), 0.04% (0.1%)), CC versus RC (−0.8 mmol/mol (1.2), 0.1% (0.1%)), FBA versus CC (0.4 mmol/mol (0.3), 0.04% (0.01%)). At 12 months, intake of legumes, nuts and vegetables was improved in FBA versus CC and RC. FBA also reported higher intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats compared with RC, and dietary fiber, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats compared with CC (all p values <0.05). There were no differences in blood pressure levels, lipids, body weight or quality of life.

Conclusions

Nutrition education using an FBA, CC or RC is equivalent in terms of HbA1c and cardiovascular risk factors in persons with T1D with moderately impaired glycemic control. An FBA had benefits regarding food choices compared with CC and RC.
DOES ISLAMIC FINANCE FOLLOW FINANCIAL HIERARCHY? EVIDENCE FROM THE MALAYSIAN FIRMS
Authors: NAGANO MAMORU
Published: March 2021

Focusing on the sukuk market in Malaysia from 2000–2017, this study estimates the degree of each sample issuer information asymmetry and investigates how it influences sukuk issuance and how it differs by sukuk type. First, we find that a cost-plus-sales-based Murabahah sukuk is available for all sukuk issuers, even though the degree of information asymmetry is high. Second, a lease-based Ijarah sukuk can be chosen by high information asymmetric firms only when the firm has qualified collateral assets. Third, only a low information asymmetric firm can choose a profit-and-loss sharing-based Musyarakah sukuk. Therefore, we conclude that sukuk issuance also follows a financial hierarchy in accordance with the agency costs of each financial methodology required when a specific sukuk is chosen.
STOCHASTICITY AND COOPERATIVE HUNTING IN PREDATOR–PREY INTERACTIONS
Authors: HU XIAOCHUAN , JANG SOPHIA R.-J.
Published: March 2021

We derive models of stochastic differential equations describing predator–prey interactions with cooperative hunting in predators based on a deterministic system proposed by Alves and Hilker. The deterministic model is analyzed first by providing a critical degree of cooperation below which the predators go extinct globally. Above the critical threshold, the deterministic model has two coexisting steady states and predators may persist depending on initial conditions. One of the stochastic models is derived from a continuous-time Markov chain while the other is based on a mean reverting process. Using Euler–Maruyama approximations, we investigate the stochastic systems numerically by providing estimated probabilities of predator extinction in the parameter regimes for which the predators cooperate intensively. It is found that predators may go extinct in the stochastic setting when they can otherwise survive indefinitely in the deterministic setting. The estimated probabilities of extinction are overall larger if populations are oscillating in the ODE system.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERED CARTILAGE PRODUCT FROM BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS: AN EXAMPLE IN TAIWAN
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Liu Hwa-Chang , Lin Feng-Huei , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: March 2021

Cartilage can redistribute human body’s daily loads and decrease the friction force in the diarthrodial joints. However, it may be injured due to trauma, sports injury, biomechanical imbalance, and genetic disease. Microfracture (MF), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) are the most common treatment procedures in the hospital. Recently, the concept of tissue engineering involving the combination of cells, scaffolds, and bioactive signals has inspired researchers. Our team of researchers synthesized a tri-copolymer from biological polymer by using gelatin, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and hyaluronic acid through cross-linking reaction. Lacuna formation could be seen in the tri-copolymer surrounding the chondrocytes, and some newly formed glycosaminoglycan was found in the engineered cartilage. Considering the dedifferentiation possibility of chondrocyte, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) become an ideal cell source for cartilage tissue regeneration, since they can be easily harvested from adult tissue, and be expanded in vitro. In an in-vivo porcine pilot study, the results showed that the defect site could be regenerated by BMSCs/collagen gel, and is formed with fibro/hyaline mixed cartilage tissue after implantation for six months. Several clinical studies using BMSCs for cartilage defect treatment were also conducted recently; clinical outcomes such as IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores improved when the cartilage defects were repaired by several millions of mesenchymal stem cells, and there is no tumor formation after being treated with BMSCs during the 10-year follow-up. Moreover, recently a commercial BMSCs/collagen gel composite for cartilage repair was developed in Taiwan and clinical trial was conducted in 2008; the results showed that there is an improvement in IKDC and MRI scores during the nine-year follow-up. It seems that using an engineered cartilage made from BMSCs/collagen gel for cartilage defect treatment is a promising method.
Point Defect Model Description of the Formation of Anodic Gold Oxide in H2SO4 Solution
Authors: Ghelichkhah Zahed , Ferguson Gregory S. , Macdonald Digby D. , Sharifi-Asl Samin
Published: March 2021

An impedance-based Point Defect Model (PDM) was developed for the potentiostatic, anodic formation of gold oxide at potentials of 1.40–1.70 V vs SHE in H2SO4 (0.1 M and 0.5 M). Film thickness and refractive indices were determined at each oxide formation potential using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The thickness of the oxide increases linearly with increasing potential. Mott-Schottky analysis shows that the oxide exhibits both n-type and p-type character and the dominant defect density is calculated to be in the order of 1021−1022 (1 cm−3). The PDM was optimized upon experimental EIS data to extract values for model parameters and accounts well for the experimental observations in both the steady-state time and frequency domains.
Stabilizing Capacity Retention of Li-Ion Battery in Fast-Charge by Reducing Particle Size of Graphite
Authors: Zhang Sheng S. , Ma Lin , Allen Jan L. , Read Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2021

Li plating at the graphite anode and the resultant reaction with electrolyte solvents is a mainstream mechanism for the performance degradation of Li-ion batteries in fast-charge. In this work, we assemble two-electrode and three-electrode graphite/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Li-ion cells with a relatively low cathode-to-anode capacity ratio to avoid Li plating, finding that the breakage of solid electrolyte interphase on the surface of the graphite anode and the resultant structural exfoliation of graphite and progressive decomposition of electrolyte solvents play a critical role in the performance degradation. Such breakage is suppressed by reducing the particle size of graphite. However, the reduction in the particle size of graphite does not show significant improvement on the charging rate capability of Li-ion cells because the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode is the rate-determining component. Owing to the weak Van der Waals forces between the layered graphene stacks of graphite, the large particle size of graphite can be easily reduced by increasing the milling time in the slurry-making process of the graphite electrode. The results of this work shed new insight into the performance degradation of Li-ion batteries in fast-charge, and suggest a direction for stabilization of capacity retention.
Electrochemical Production of Al-Si Alloys in Cryolitic Melts in a Laboratory Cell
Authors: Awayssa Omar , Saevarsdottir Gudrun , Meirbekova Rauan , Haarberg Geir Martin
Published: March 2021

Direct production of aluminium-silicon alloy during aluminium electrolysis in fluoride-based melts was studied. Experiments were carried out in a laboratory cell dedicated to current efficiency measurements. Electrolysis was run at 960 °C, 970 °C, and 980 °C at a fixed cathodic current density (CCD) of 0.9 A cm−2 and a cryolite ratio (CR) of 2.2. Silicon content was up to 4 wt.% added via SiO2 precursor. SEM/EDX and ICP-MS were carried out for some of the deposits to characterize the solidified deposit surface of the produced metal and to estimate the current efficiency for Al-Si alloy. It was possible to produce alloys of at least 9.0 wt.% Si in Al with an estimated alloy current efficiency of approximately 63%. The presence of silica in the melt brought a rise in the recorded cell voltage which implies a lowering of the electrolyte conductivity.
The Chalkboard: The Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Authors: Ramani Vijay , Russell Kunz H. , Fenton James M.
Published: March 2021

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly to electrical energy. They typically consist of an electrolyte medium sandwiched between two electrodes called the anode and cathode.
Hydrogen Production from Fossil Fuels with High Temperature Ion Conducting Ceramics
Authors: Wachsman Eric D. , Williams Mark C.
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical-energy resource in the world, but unlike oil and natural gas it is an energy carrier not an energy source. There are no hydrogen wells available in the world. Further, we do not have a hydrogen infrastructure. The longest pipeline in the world is only 950 miles long.
Don’t tell anyone: the importance of no-report paradigms in neuroscience of consciousness
Authors: Del Vecchio Maria
Published: March 2021

The neural correlates of perceptual awareness are usually investigated by comparing experimental conditions in which subjects are aware or not aware of the delivered stimulus. This, however, implies that subjects report their experience, possibly biasing the neural responses with the postperceptual processes involved. This Neuro Forum article reviews evidence from an electroencephalography (EEG) study by Cohen and colleagues (Cohen M, Ortego K, Kyroudis A, Pitts M. J Neurosci 40: 4925–4935, 2020) addressing the importance of no-report paradigms in the neuroscience of consciousness. In particular, authors show that P3b, one of the proposed canonical “signatures” of the conscious processing, is strongly elicited only when subjects have to report their experience, proposing a reconsideration in the approach to the neuroscience of consciousness.
Estimates of persistent inward currents increase with the level of voluntary drive in low-threshold motor units of plantar flexor muscles
Authors: Orssatto Lucas B. R. , Mackay Karen , Shield Anthony J. , Sakugawa Raphael L. , Blazevich Anthony J. , Trajano Gabriel S.
Published: March 2021

Animal experiments and computational models have shown that motor neurons can amplify the synaptic input they receive via persistent inward currents. Here we show in humans that this amplification varies proportionally to the magnitude of the voluntary drive to the muscle.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyamidoamine G2.0-Hematin as a Biocatalyst for Fabricating Catecholic Gelatin Hydrogel
Authors: Ton Tan Phuoc , Tran Thi Yen Nhi , Dang Le Hang , Nguyen Kim Thi Hoang , Doan Phuong , Nguyen Van Toan , Nguyen Dinh Trung , Le Bao Huy , Tran Ngoc Quyen , Nguyen Bich Tram
Published: March 2021

In this study, we report that an enzyme-mimicking biocatalyst polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G2.0-hematin (G2.0-He) was fabricated successfully. The chemical structure of G2.0-He was verified by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. G2.0-He exhibited a size distribution from

11.6
±
1.7
 
nm

to

12.5
±
2.9
 
nm

and a zeta potential from 32.5 mV to 25.6 mV along with the enhancement of the hematin conjugation degree. The relative activity of G2.0-He was evaluated based on pyrogallol oxidation reactions at

pH
=
7

. The results showed that G2.0-He was more stable than horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme in high H2O2 concentrations. The HRP-mimic ability of G2.0-He was also confirmed by the catalyzation when preparing catecholic gelatin hydrogels under mild conditions. Moreover, our results also revealed that these hydrogels performed with excellent cytocompatibility in an in vitro study and could be used as a potential scaffold for adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast cells. The obtained results indicated that G2.0-He is a suitable platform for altering the HRP enzyme in several biomedical applications.
Failure Mechanism and Effect of Nozzle Parameters on Abrasive Water Jet Rock Breaking
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Zhu Yujie , Du Shujian
Published: March 2021

Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) technology has vast application prospects in the assisted drill‐blasting of tunnel excavation, with the advantages of fast‐breaking speed, low tool wear, less dust, and good mobility. Nevertheless, AWJ technology has some limitations and shortcomings, such as the small effective fracturing range and parameter mismatch, which influence the fracturing effect of AWJ. To solve the abovementioned issues, it is necessary to study the failure mechanism of rock impacted by AWJ and nozzle parameter effects on rock fragmentation. Based on the coupling algorithm of Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics and Finite Element Method (SPH‐FEM), in this research, the numerical model of AWJ impacting rock was established, and the result was verified with Computed Tomography (CT) scanning after the AWJ impacting rock experiment and image processing technology. Through the analysis of the stress characteristics of typical particles in the rock model at different stages and positions, the formation and expansion mechanisms of the crater and the cracks were revealed. Additionally, in this research, the comprehensive damage factor of rock (X) representing the fragmentation degree was defined. By comparatively analyzing X‐values with certain technical parameters of AWJ, the importance ranking of the nozzle parameters, the effect of each nozzle parameter on the rock fragmentation, and the optimal parameter combination were also investigated.
Numerical Investigation on Cavitation Suppression of Microchannel over a NACA0012 Hydrofoil
Authors: Shi Zhouhao , Xie Zhanshan , Shi Weidong , Zhang Qinghong , Tan Lingwei
Published: March 2021

To find a better method to suppress cavitation, a microchannel design connecting the internal low‐pressure area with the outside is proposed for the first time in this paper; the method was adopted to replenish fluid in the interior of the low‐pressure area to inhibit cavitation. Through numerical simulation, it is found that the size and position of microchannel have a certain influence on the cavitation inhibition. The results show that the generation and development of cavitation, under the same working conditions, can be effectively restrained by adopting appropriate microchannel (x = 0.05 c, d = 6 cm). Compared with the original hydrofoil, the scale of cavitation is reduced by nearly 50%, and its turbulent kinetic energy remains unchanged. Therefore, it is considered that microchannel technology, as a new means of cavitation suppression, is of great significance to other types of fluid machinery.
Endocarditis infecciosa en hospital clínico Herminda Martín de Chillán: experiencia de los últimos cinco años.
Authors: Roa Danitza , Silva Valentina , Hernández Rocío
Published: March 2021

Introducción: la endocarditis infecciosa es una afección con elevada morbilidad y mortalidad, con una incidencia en Chile de 2-3 casos por 100.000 habitantes al año, con una edad de presentación en ascenso y una clínica diversa e inespecífica que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario para el manejo de estos pacientes. Materiales y métodos:  estudio observacional descriptivo, se consideró el número total de fichas clínicas del hospital clínico Herminda Martín de Chillán durante los años 2015 al 2019, con diagnóstico confirmado de endocarditis infecciosa. Los datos se registraron en la hoja de recolección de datos elaborada, realizándose los análisis estadísticos pertinentes. Resultados: la muestra (n=17) que pudo ser analizada tenía una edad promedio de 53,5 años; 70,5% (DE 14.50) fueron hombres y el agente más común identificado fue Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina. En promedio los pacientes recibieron 28,8 días de antibióticos y la válvula más afectada fue la aórtica. Conclusiones: la endocarditis infecciosa es una patología con una gran morbimortalidad, que presenta un cuadro clínico inespecífico capaz de simular cualquier enfermedad. Se requieren aún de más estudios que reflejen la realidad nacional.
(duro) camino de las mujeres
Authors: Cortes Claudia
Published: March 2021

A mediados del año 2018, la revista Nature, quizás la revista más importante del mundo científico (ISI 42.77) dedicó su portada y un número especial a la #MujerEnLaCiencia, haciendo un acto de contrición por los años en que las mujeres fueron sub representadas en su línea editorial (Anon, 2018). En la edición online actual, de otra revista de alto prestigio, la revista Science (ISI 41.84), se puede acceder a un número especial que lleva el mismo título y que se enfoca principalmente en la igualdad de género en la ciencia (Anon, 2021). Este no es un tema nuevo debido a que el acceso a puestos universitarios, altos cargos y posiciones de prestigio en instituciones académicas y empresas, así como la obtención de recursos financieros –de fondos públicos y privados– para la investigación, siguen siendo en mucho menor frecuencia otorgados a mujeres.
Pterygium Complicating Nail Psoriasis and Trachyonychia: Is It Rare?
Authors: Grover Chander , Singal Archana , Bhattacharya Sambit Nath
Published: March 2021

Pterygium is an irreversible scarring of the nail matrix resulting in a split nail. The deformity is most often post-traumatic, though it can be the end result of aggressive inflammatory diseases involving the nail matrix like nail lichen planus, graft versus host disease, or autoimmune bullous disorders like cicatricial pemphigoid. It is thought to be a result of lymphocytic inflammation-mediated damage to the nail matrix, initiating a fibrotic process which slowly fuses the nail fold with the nail matrix and bed, destroying the nail plate. We report an interesting observation in a series of patients of various ages with nail and/or skin psoriasis, and trachyonychia associated with pterygium formation in multiple nails. Insidious progression to anonychia was also observed despite initiating adequate treatment. This report highlights the potential of irreversible nail damage occurring in reportedly benign nail conditions like psoriasis and trachyonychia, emphasizing the need for early recognition and aggressive management in such cases.
Can Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Create a New Perspective for the IMDC Scoring System in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Authors: Bugdayci Basal Fatma , Karacin Cengiz , Bilgetekin Irem , Oksuzoglu Omur Berna
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate impact of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) on prognosis and survival within the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) score groups. Methods: The records of 187 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were reviewed retrospectively. The SII was calculated as follows: SII = Neutrophil × Platelet/Lymphocyte. The patients were categorized into 2 groups based on a median SII of 730 (×109 per 1 L) as SII low (<730) and SII high (≥730). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and a Cox regression model was utilized to determine independent predictors of survival. Results: The median age was 61 years (range: 34–86 years). Kaplan-Meier tests revealed significant differences in survival between the SII-low and SII-high levels (27.0 vs. 12.0 months, respectively, p < 0.001). The Cox regression model revealed that SII was an independent prognostic factor. The implementation of the log-rank test in the IMDC groups according to the SII level provided the distinction of survival in the favorable group (SII low 49.0 months vs. SII high 11.0 months, p < 0.001), in the intermediate group (SII low 26.0 vs. SII high 15.0 months, p = 0.007), and in the poor group (SII low 19.0 vs. SII high 6.0 months, p = 0.019). Conclusion: The SII was an independent prognostic factor and provided significant differences in survival for the favorable, intermediate, and poor IMDC groups. Thus, the SII added to the IMDC score may be clinically beneficial in predicting survival.