bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth differentiation factor 15 increases in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum during pregnancy
Authors: Andersson-Hall Ulrika , Svedin Pernilla , Mallard Carina , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Holmäng Agneta
Published: May 2021

Aim

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) increases in serum during pregnancy to levels not seen in any other physiological state and is suggested to be involved in pregnancy-induced nausea, weight regulation and glucose metabolism. The main action of GDF15 is regulated through a receptor of the brainstem, i.e., through exposure of GDF15 in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The aim of the current study was to measure GDF15 in both CSF and serum during pregnancy, and to compare it longitudinally to non-pregnant levels.

Methods

Women were sampled at elective caesarean section (n = 45, BMI = 28.1±5.0) and were followed up 5 years after pregnancy (n = 25). GDF15, insulin and leptin were measured in CSF and serum. Additional measurements included plasma glucose, and serum adiponectin and Hs-CRP.

Results

GDF15 levels were higher during pregnancy compared with follow-up in both CSF (385±128 vs. 115±32 ng/l,P<0.001) and serum (73789±29198 vs. 404±102 ng/l,P<0.001). CSF levels correlated with serum levels during pregnancy (P<0.001), but not in the non-pregnant state (P= 0.98). Both CSF and serum GDF15 were highest in women carrying a female fetus (P<0.001). Serum GDF15 correlated with the homeostatic model assessment for beta-cell function and placental weight, and CSF GDF15 correlated inversely with CSF insulin levels.

Conclusion

This, the first study to measure CSF GDF15 during pregnancy, demonstrated increased GDF15 levels in both serum and CSF during pregnancy. The results suggest that effects of GDF15 during pregnancy can be mediated by increases in both CSF and serum levels.
The protein and volatile components of trail mucus in the Common Garden Snail, Cornu aspersum
Authors: Ballard Kaylene R. , Klein Anne H. , Hayes Richard A. , Wang Tianfang , Cummins Scott F.
Published: May 2021

The Common or Brown Garden Snail,Cornu aspersum, is an invasive land snail that has successfully colonized a diverse range of global environments. Like other invasive land snails, it is a significant pest of a variety of agricultural crops, including citrus, grapes and canola.Cornu aspersumsecretes a mucus trail when mobile that facilitates locomotion. The involvement of the trail in conspecific chemical communication has also been postulated. Our study found that anterior tentacle contact with conspecific mucus elicited a significant increase in heart rate from 46.9 to 51 beats per minute. In order to gain a better understanding of the constituents of the trail mucus and the role it may play in snail communication, the protein and volatile components of mucus trails were investigated. Using two different protein extraction methods, mass spectrometry analysis yielded 175 different proteins, 29 of which had no significant similarity to any entries in the non-redundant protein sequence database. Of the mucus proteins, 22 contain features consistent with secreted proteins, including a perlucin-like protein. The eight most abundant volatiles detected using gas chromatography were recorded (including propanoic acid and limonene) and their potential role as putative pheromones are discussed. In summary, this study has provided an avenue for further research pertaining to the role of trail mucus in snail communication and provides a useful repository for land snail trail mucus components. This may be utilized for further research regarding snail attraction and dispersal, which may be applied in the fields of agriculture, ecology and human health.
Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Chronic Hepatitis B Virus among post-conflict affected populations living in mid-Northern Uganda
Authors: Malamba Samuel S. , Muyinda Herbert , Ogwang D. Martin , Katamba Achilles , Zamar David S. , Jongbloed Kate , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Schechter Martin T. , Spittal Patricia M.
Published: May 2021

Background

The legacy of war in Northern Uganda continues to impact people’s health and wellbeing in the Acholi region. Despite increasing attention to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Uganda and globally, concerns remain that unique drivers of infection, and barriers to screening, and treatment, persist among those affected by conflict.

Methods

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) cohort survey involved conflict-affected adults aged 13–49 in three mid-Northern Uganda districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya). Baseline (2011–2012) samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV e-antigen (HBeAg), antibodies to HBV surface antigen (HBsAb), antibodies to HBV e-antigen (HBeAb), and antibodies to HBV core antigen (HBcAb). All HBsAg positive samples were tested for IgM antibodies to HBV B core antigen (HBc-IgM) and where available, >6-month follow-up samples were tested for HBeAg and HBV DNA. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 software. Logistic regression accounted for variance due to complex two-stage sampling that included stratification, unequal selection probabilities and community clustering. Odds ratios measured effect potential risk factors associated with chronic HBV infection.

Results

Among 2,421 participants, 45.7% were still susceptible to HBV infection. HBsAg seropositivity was 11.9% (10.9–13.0), chronic HBV was 11.6% (10.4–12.8), acquired immunity resulting from vaccination was 10.9%, and prior natural infection was 31.5%. Older age (OR:0.570; 95%CI:0.368–0.883) and higher education (OR:0.598; 95%CI:0.412–0.868) were associated with reduced odds of chronic HBV infection. Being male (OR:1.639; 95%CI:1.007–2.669) and having been abducted (OR:1.461; 95%CI:1.055–2.023) were associated with increased odds of infection. Among women, having 1 or 2 pregnancies (compared to none or >2) was associated with increased odds of infection (OR:1.764; 95%CI:1.009–3.084).

Conclusion

Chronic HBV is endemic in Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya districts. Recommended strategies to reduce post-conflict prevalence include establishment of Northern Uganda Liver Wellness Centres, integration of screening and treatment into antenatal care, and roll out of birth-dose vaccination.
Development and validation of the Continuous Traumatic Stress Response scale (CTSR) among adults exposed to ongoing security threats
Authors: Goral Aviva , Feder-Bubis Paula , Lahad Mooli , Galea Sandro , O’Rourke Norm , Aharonson-Daniel Limor
Published: May 2021

Background

Current diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not include symptoms resulting from exposure to continuous or ongoing traumatic stress. Thus existing assessment tools do not fully capture stress symptoms associated with exposure to threats that extend over months or years. To address this void, we enumerated the symptoms associate with ongoing exposure to stress including those that are distinct from existing PTSD diagnostic criteria.

Objectives

To develop the Continuous Traumatic Stress Response Scale (CTSR) and assess its psychometric properties.

Method

We sampled 313 adults exposed and unexposed to ongoing security threat between December 2016 and February 2017. Respondents lived in communities bordering the Gaza Strip in southern Israel where they are exposed to frequent rocket attacks, requiring they locate and find shelter in 30 seconds or less. We assessed the concurrent validity of CTSR relative to the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS).

Results

On the basis of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), we retained 11 of 25 items measuring three distinct factors: exhaustion/detachment, rage/betrayal, and fear/helplessness. We found moderate concurrence between the scales; that is, the CTSR appears to measure a construct related to, but distinct from PTSD. This conclusion is supported by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicating that each factor significantly contributes to measurement of a higher-order, continuous traumatic stress latent construct.

Conclusions

These results support the psychometric properties of CTSR. Future research is required to confirm these findings in other countries and cultures and among individuals exposed to other forms of continuous traumatic stress.
Willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials; a survey among a population of healthcare workers in Uganda
Authors: Kitonsa Jonathan , Kamacooko Onesmus , Bahemuka Ubaldo Mushabe , Kibengo Freddie , Kakande Ayoub , Wajja Anne , Basajja Vincent , Lumala Alfred , Ssemwanga Edward , Asaba Robert , Mugisha Joseph , Pierce Benjamin F. , Shattock Robin , Kaleebu Pontiano , Ruzagira Eugene
Published: May 2021

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 and may therefore be a suitable population for COVID-19 vaccine trials. We conducted a survey to evaluate willingness-to-participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials in a population of HCWs at three hospitals in Uganda.

Methods

The survey was conducted between September and November 2020. Using a standardised questionnaire, data were collected on socio-demographics, previous participation in health research, COVID-19 information sources, underlying health conditions, and willingness-to-participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials. Data were analysed descriptively and a binomial generalised linear model with a log link function used to investigate factors associated with unwillingness to participate.

Results

657 HCWs (female, 63%) were enrolled with a mean age of 33 years (Standard Deviation, 10). Overall willingness-to-participate was 70.2%. Key motivating factors for participation were: hope of being protected against COVID-19 (81.1%), altruism (73.3%), and the opportunity to get health care (26.0%). Selected hypothetical trial attributes reduced willingness-to-participate as follows: weekly-quarterly study visits over a 12-month period (70.2%-63.2%, P = 0.026); provision of approximately 50ml of blood at each study visit (70.2%-63.2%, P = 0.026); risk of mild-moderate local adverse reactions (70.2%-60.3%, P<0.001); chance of receiving candidate vaccine or placebo (70.2%-56.9%, P<0.001); and delay of pregnancy [Overall, 70.2%-57.1% P<0.001); Female, 62.8%-48.4% (P = 0.002); Male, 82.5%-71.5% (P = 0.003)]. Collectively, these attributes reduced willingness-to-participate from [70.2%-42.2% (P<0.001) overall; 82.5%-58.1% (P<0.001) in men; 62.8%-32.6% (P<0.001) in women]. Among individuals that were unwilling to participate, the commonest barriers were concerns over vaccine safety (54.6%) and fear of catching SARS-CoV-2 (31.6%). Unwillingness to participate was associated with being female (aRR 1.97, CI 1.46–2.67, P<0.001) and having university or other higher-level education (aRR 1.52, CI 1.05–2.2, P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Willingness-to-participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials among HCWs in Uganda is high but may be affected by vaccine trial requirements and concerns about the safety of candidate vaccines.
Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies genes associated with chlorophyll levels and reveals photosynthesis in green flesh of radish taproot
Authors: Li Yuan-yuan , Han Min , Wang Rui-hua , Gao Ming-gang
Published: May 2021

The flesh of the taproot ofRaphanus sativusL. is rich in chlorophyll (Chl) throughout the developmental process, which is why the flesh is green. However, little is known about which genes are associated with Chl accumulation in this non-foliar, internal green tissue and whether the green flesh can perform photosynthesis. To determine these aspects, we measured the Chl content, examined Chl fluorescence, and carried out comparative transcriptome analyses of taproot flesh between green-fleshed “Cuishuai” and white-fleshed “Zhedachang” across five developmental stages. Numerous genes involved in the Chl metabolic pathway were identified. It was found that Chl accumulation in radish green flesh may be due to the low expression of Chl degradation genes and high expression of Chl biosynthesis genes, especially those associated with Part Ⅳ (from Protoporphyrin Ⅸ to Chl a). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes between “Cuishuai” and “Zhedachang” were significantly enriched in photosynthesis-related pathways, such as photosynthesis, antenna proteins, porphyrin and Chl metabolism, carbon fixation, and photorespiration. Twenty-five genes involved in the Calvin cycle were highly expressed in “Cuishuai”. These findings suggested that photosynthesis occurred in the radish green flesh, which was also supported by the results of Chl fluorescence. Our study provides transcriptome data on radish taproots and provides new information on the formation and function of radish green flesh.
The good life in rural and urban Senegal: A qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Duboz Priscilla , Macia Enguerran , Diallo Amadou H. , Cohen Emmanuel , Bergouignan Audrey , Seck Sidy M.
Published: May 2021

Very few studies have analyzed the influence of the environment, rural or urban, on the notion of good life and subjective well-being in sub-Saharan Africa and none, to our knowledge, has combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies for this purpose. The objectives of this interdisciplinary study were: a) to understand the emic representations of the good life in rural and urban Senegal and; b) to compare the levels and determinants of satisfaction with life between these two populations. This study was carried out in Dakar and in a very isolated rural area in the North East of Senegal: the sylvo-pastoral zone of Ferlo. A total of six focus groups were conducted for the qualitative phase, while the quantitative phase was conducted on representative samples of the populations living in Dakar (N = 1000) and Téssékéré (N = 500). Our results indicate that, against all expectations, life satisfaction is better in the Senegalese Ferlo than in the capital, Dakar. This difference may be the joint result of less meaningful social comparisons and a relationship with nature as a source of stress restoration in rural areas. However, the lifeworld of the rural Fulani of the Ferlo is being undermined by global climatic disturbances, which imposes rapid adaptations of pastoralism; otherwise this activity, that is not only subsistence but also identity-based, may disappear.
CurmElo: The theory and practice of a forced-choice approach to producing preference rankings
Authors: Sankaran Soham , Derechin Jacob , Christakis Nicholas A.
Published: May 2021

We introduce CurmElo, a forced-choice approach to producing a preference ranking of an arbitrary set of objects that combines the Elo algorithm with novel techniques for detecting and correcting for (1) preference heterogeneity induced polarization in preferences among raters, and (2) intransitivity in preference rankings. We detail the application of CurmElo to the problem of generating approximately preference-neutral identifiers, in this case four-letter and five-letter nonsense words patterned on the phonological conventions of the English language, using a population of Amazon Mechanical Turk workers. We find evidence that human raters have significant non-uniform preferences over these nonsense words, and we detail the consequences of this finding for social science work that utilizes identifiers without accounting for the bias this can induce. In addition, we describe how CurmElo can be used to produce rankings of arbitrary features or dimensions of preference of a set of objects relative to a population of raters.
Inhibiting adipose tissue M1 cytokine expression decreases DPP4 activity and insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse model
Authors: Chen Lee-Wei , Chen Pei-Hsuan , Yen Jui-Hung
Published: May 2021

Adipose tissue inflammation is a major cause of the pathogenesis of obesity and comorbidities. To study the involvement of M1/M2 cytokine expression of adipose tissue in the regulatory mechanisms of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) and insulin resistance in diabetes, stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) were purified from inguinal adipose tissue of diabetic (Leprdb/db) and non-diabetic (Lepr+/+) mice followed by analysis of M1/M2 cytokine expression. SVFs of Leprdb/db mice exhibited increased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL2, and DPP4 mRNA expression but decreased IL-10 mRNA expression. Plasma from Leprdb/db mice induced TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL2, and DPP4 mRNA expression and plasma from Lepr+/+ mice induced IL-10 mRNA expression in SVFs from Leprdb/db mice. Injection of Lepr+/+ plasma into the adipose tissue of Leprdb/db mice decreased mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL2, and DPP4 and protein expression of pJNK and DPP4 in SVFs, reduced mRNA expression of ICAM, FMO3, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and DPP4 and protein expression of ICAM, FMO3, and DPP4 in liver, and suppressed mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and DPP4 in Kupffer cells. Plasma from Leprdb/db mice did not induce M1 cytokine expression in SVFs from Leprdb/db-Jnk1-/- mice. Altogether, we demonstrate that diabetes induces M1 but decreases M2 cytokine expression in adipose tissue. Diabetic plasma-induced M1 expression is potentially through pJNK signaling pathways. Non-diabetic plasma reverses M1/M2 cytokine expression, plasma CCL2 levels, DPP4 activity, and Kupffer cell activation in diabetes. Our results suggest M1/M2 cytokine expression in adipose tissue is critical in diabetes-induced DPP4 activity, liver inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Prevalence of and risk factors for post-intensive care syndrome: Multicenter study of patients living at home after treatment in 12 Japanese intensive care units, SMAP-HoPe study
Authors: Unoki Takeshi , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Uemura Sakura , Tsujimoto Takahiro , Yamaguchi Takako , Shiba Yuko , Hino Mayumi , Kuribara Tomoki , Fukuda Yuko , Nagao Takumi , Kitayama Mio , Shirasaka Masako , Haruna Junpei , Satoi Yosuke , Masuda Yoshiki ,   on behalf of the SMAP-HoPe Study Project
Published: May 2021

Few studies have examined the epidemiology of post-intensive care syndrome in Japan. This study investigated the mental health and quality of life of patients living at home in Japan after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Additionally, we examined whether unplanned admission to the ICU was associated with more severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms. An ambidirectional cohort study was conducted at 12 ICUs in Japan. Patients who stayed in the ICU for > 3 nights and were living at home for 1 year afterward were included. One year after ICU discharge, we retrospectively screened patients and performed a mail survey on a monthly basis, including the Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IER-S), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and the EuroQOL—5 Dimension (EQ-5D-L) questionnaires. Patients’ characteristics, delirium and coma status, drugs used, and ICU and hospital length of stay were assessed from medical records. Descriptive statistics and multilevel linear regression modeling were used to examine our hypothesis. Among 7,030 discharged patients, 854 patients were surveyed by mail. Of these, 778 patients responded (response rate = 91.1%). The data from 754 patients were analyzed. The median IES-R score was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1‒9), and the prevalence of suspected PTSD was 6.0%. The median HADS anxiety score was 4.00 (IQR = 1.17‒6.00), and the prevalence of anxiety was 16.6%. The median HADS depression score was 5 (IQR = 2‒8), and the prevalence of depression was 28.1%. EQ-5D-L scores were lower in our participants than in the sex- and age-matched Japanese population. Unplanned admission was an independent risk factor for more severe PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Approximately one-third of patients in the general ICU population experienced mental health issues one year after ICU discharge. Unplanned admission was an independent predictor for more severe PTSD symptoms.
Is orthostatic hypotension and co-existing supine and seated hypertension associated with future falls in community-dwelling older adults? Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: Donoghue Orna A. , O’Connell Matthew D. L. , Bourke Robert , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: May 2021

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) often co-exists with hypertension. As increasing age affects baroreflex sensitivity, it loses its ability to reduce blood pressure when lying down. Therefore, supine hypertension may be an important indicator of baroreflex function. This study examines (i) the association between OH and future falls in community-dwelling older adults and (ii) if these associations persist in those with co-existing OH and baseline hypertension, measured supine and seated. Data from 1500 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) were used. Continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure was measured using digital photoplethysmography during an active stand procedure with OH defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥20 mmHg and/or ≥10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 minutes of standing. OH at 40 seconds (OH40) was used as a marker of impaired early stabilisation and OH sustained over the second minute (sustained OH) was used to indicate a more persistent deficit, similar to traditional OH definitions. Seated and supine hypertension were defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate relative risk of falls (recurrent, injurious, unexplained) and syncope occurring over four year follow-up. OH40 was independently associated with recurrent (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02,1.65), injurious (RR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.13,1.79) and unexplained falls (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.13,2.13). Sustained OH was associated with injurious (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18,2.05) and unexplained falls (RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.06,2.50). OH and co-existing hypertension was associated with all falls outcomes but effect sizes were consistently larger with seated versus supine hypertension. OH, particularly when co-existing with hypertension, was independently associated with increased risk of future falls. Stronger effect sizes were observed with seated versus supine hypertension. This supports previous findings and highlights the importance of assessing orthostatic blood pressure behaviour in older adults at risk of falls and with hypertension. Observed associations may reflect underlying comorbidities, reduced cerebral perfusion or presence of white matter hyperintensities.
Spatial heterogeneity of cutaneous blood flow respiratory-related oscillations quantified via laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Mizeva Irina , Potapova Elena , Dremin Viktor , Kozlov Igor , Dunaev Andrey
Published: May 2021

LSCI technique provides experimental data which can be considered in the context of spatial blood flow coherency. Analysis of vascular tone oscillations gives additional information to ensure a better understanding of the mechanisms affecting microvascular physiology. The oscillations with different frequencies are due to different physiological mechanisms. The reasons for the generation of peripheral blood flow oscillations in the 0.14–0.6 Hz frequency band are as follows: cardio-respiratory interactions, pressure variations in the venous part of the circulatory system, and the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the vascular tone. Earlier, we described the spatial heterogeneity of around 0.3 Hz oscillations and this motivated us to continue the research to find the conditions for the occurrence of spatial phase synchronization. For this purpose, a number of physiological tests (controlled respiration, breath holder, and venous occlusion tests) which influence the blood flow oscillations of 0.14–0.6 Hz were considered, an appropriate measurement system and the required data processing algorithms were developed. At spontaneous respiration, the oscillations with frequencies around 0.3 Hz were stochastic, whereas all the performed tests induced an increase in spatial coherence. The protocols and methods proposed here can help to clarify whether the heterogeneity of respiratory-related blood flow oscillations exists on the skin surface.
Latent transition analysis of cardiac arrest patients treated in the intensive care unit
Authors: Xing Lifeng , Yao Min , Goyal Hemant , Hong Yucai , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: May 2021

Background and objective

Post-cardiac arrest (CA) syndrome is heterogenous in their clinical presentations and outcomes. This study aimed to explore the transition and stability of subphenotypes (profiles) of CA treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Patients and methods

Clinical features of CA patients on day 1 and 3 after ICU admission were modeled by latent transition analysis (LTA) to explore the transition between subphenotypes over time. The association between different transition patterns and mortality outcome was explored using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We identified 848 eligible patients from the database. The LPA identified three distinct subphenotypes: Profile 1 accounted for the largest proportion (73%) and was considered as the baseline subphenotype. Profile 2 (13%) was characterized by brain injury and profile 3 (14%) was characterized by multiple organ dysfunctions. The same three subphenotypes were identified on day 3. The LTA showed consistent subphenotypes. A majority of patients in profile 2 (72%) and 3 (82%) on day 1 switched to profile 1 on day 3. In the logistic regression model, patients in profile 1 on day 1 transitioned to profile 3 had worse survival outcome than those continue to remain in profile 1 (OR: 20.64; 95% CI: 6.01 to 70.94; p < 0.001) and transitioned to profile 2 (OR: 8.42; 95% CI: 2.22 to 31.97; p = 0.002) on day 3.

Conclusion

The study identified three subphenotypes of CA, which was consistent on day 1 and 3 after ICU admission. Patients who transitioned to profile 3 on day 3 had significantly worse survival outcome than those remained in profile 1 or 2.
Maternal obesity and metabolic disorders associate with congenital heart defects in the offspring: A systematic review
Authors: Hedermann Gitte , Hedley Paula L. , Thagaard Ida N. , Krebs Lone , Ekelund Charlotte Kvist , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Christiansen Michael
Published: May 2021

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformations. The aetiology of CHDs is complex. Large cohort studies and systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on these have reported an association between higher risk of CHDs in the offspring and individual maternal metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, all conditions that can be related to insulin resistance or hyperglycaemia. However, the clinical reality is that these conditions often occur simultaneously. The aim of this review is, in consequence, both to evaluate the existing evidence on the association between maternal metabolic disorders, defined as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, dyslipidaemia and CHDs in the offspring, as well as the significance of combinations, such as metabolic syndrome, as risk factors.

Methods

A systematic literature search of papers published between January 1, 1990 and January 14, 2021 was conducted using PubMed and Embase. Studies were eligible if they were published in English and were case-control or cohort studies. The exposures of interest were maternal overweight or obesity, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and/or metabolic syndrome, and the outcome of interest was CHDs in the offspring. Furthermore, the studies were included according to a quality assessment score.

Results

Of the 2,250 identified studies, 32 qualified for inclusion. All but one study investigated only the individual metabolic disorders. Some disorders (obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertension) increased risk of CHDs marginally whereas pre-gestational diabetes and early-onset preeclampsia were strongly associated with CHDs, without consistent differences between CHD subtypes. A single study suggested a possible additive effect of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes.

Conclusions

Future studies of the role of aberrations of the glucose-insulin homeostasis in the common aetiology and mechanisms of metabolic disorders, present during pregnancy, and their association, both as single conditions and–particularly–in combination, with CHDs are needed.
Exploring the diagnostic potential of adding T2 dependence in diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the prostate
Authors: Syversen Ingrid Framås , Elschot Mattijs , Sandsmark Elise , Bertilsson Helena , Bathen Tone Frost , Goa Pål Erik
Published: May 2021

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential in the detection and staging of prostate cancer. However, improved tools to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk cancer are needed in order to select the appropriate treatment.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic potential of signal fractions estimated from a two-component model using combined T2- and diffusion-weighted imaging (T2-DWI).

Material and methods

62 patients with prostate cancer and 14 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) underwent combined T2-DWI (TE = 55 and 73 ms, b-values = 50 and 700 s/mm2) following clinical suspicion of cancer, providing a set of 4 measurements per voxel. Cancer was confirmed in post-MRI biopsy, and regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated based on radiology reporting. Signal fractions of the slow component (SFslow) of the proposed two-component model were calculated from a model fit with 2 free parameters, and compared to conventional bi- and mono-exponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) models.

Results

All three models showed a significant difference (p<0.0001) between peripheral zone (PZ) tumor and normal tissue ROIs, but not between non-PZ tumor and BPH ROIs. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve distinguishing tumor from prostate voxels was 0.956, 0.949 and 0.949 for the two-component, bi-exponential and mono-exponential models, respectively. The corresponding Spearman correlation coefficients between tumor values and Gleason Grade Group were fair (0.370, 0.499 and -0.490), but not significant.

Conclusion

Signal fraction estimates from a two-component model based on combined T2-DWI can differentiate between tumor and normal prostate tissue and show potential for prostate cancer diagnosis. The model performed similarly to conventional diffusion models.
Nitrogen and boron nutrition in grafted watermelon II: Impact on nutrient accumulation in fruit rind and flesh
Authors: Gülüt Kemal Yalçın , Duymuş Ebru , Solmaz İlknur , Torun Ayfer Alkan
Published: May 2021

Turkey ranks second in watermelon (Citrullus lunatus L.) production globally and the highest production is witnessed for Çukurova plains the country. Although watermelon is extensively cultivated in the Çukurova region, studies on optimum nitrogen (N) and boron (B) doses for watermelon cultivation are quite limited. This study, evaluated the impact of increasing N (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) and B (0 and 2 kg ha-1 B) doses on nutrient uptake in rind (exocarp) and flesh (endocarp) of watermelon fruit. Grafted watermelon variety ‘Starburst’, widely cultivated in the region was used as experimental material. The concentrations of different macro and micronutrients were analyzed from fruit rind and flesh. Individual and interactive effect of N and B doses significantly altered macro and micronutrients’ uptake in rind and flesh. Higher amounts of macro and micronutrients were accumulated in rind than flesh. Nutrients’ uptake was increased with increasing N doses, whereas B had limited impact. The accumulated nutrients were within the safe limits for human consumption. The N concentrations of rind and flesh increased with increasing N dose. Similarly, B concentration in rind and flesh and N concentration in rind significantly increased, while N concentration in flesh decreased with B application. It was concluded that 270 kg ha-1 N and 2 kg ha-1 B are optimum for better nutrient uptake in watermelon fruit. Thus, these doses must be used for watermelon cultivation in Çukurova plains of the country.
TMEM41B is a host factor required for the replication of diverse coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Trimarco Joseph D. , Heaton Brook E. , Chaparian Ryan R. , Burke Kaitlyn N. , Binder Raquel A. , Gray Gregory C. , Smith Clare M. , Menachery Vineet D. , Heaton Nicholas S.
Published: May 2021

Antiviral therapeutics are a front-line defense against virally induced diseases. Because viruses frequently mutate to escape direct inhibition of viral proteins, there is interest in targeting the host proteins that the virus must co-opt to complete its replication cycle. However, a detailed understanding of the interactions between the virus and the host cell is necessary in order to facilitate development of host-directed therapeutics. As a first step, we performed a genome-wide loss of function screen using the alphacoronavirus HCoV-229E to better define the interactions between coronaviruses and host factors. We report the identification and validation of an ER-resident host protein, TMEM41B, as an essential host factor for not only HCoV-229E but also genetically distinct coronaviruses including the pandemic betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. We show that the protein is required at an early, but post-receptor engagement, stage of the viral lifecycle. Further, mechanistic studies revealed that although the protein was not enriched at replication complexes, it likely contributes to viral replication complex formation via mobilization of cholesterol and other lipids to facilitate host membrane expansion and curvature. Continued study of TMEM41B and the development of approaches to prevent its function may lead to broad spectrum anti-coronavirus therapeutics.
Exploring critical conceptual space in hospitality higher education
Authors: Zhang Kelvin
Published: May 2021

This article employs criticality, a concept that embodies various intellectual values, to evaluate the forms and degree of criticality currently manifested in hospitality higher education. Criticality is discussed in relation to the academic well-being of hospitality as an academic subject. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 academics working in nine universities in the United Kingdom, capturing how they interpret criticality in relation to teaching hospitality courses and conducting hospitality research. The study revealed that conceptualizations of criticality in relation to the academic subject of hospitality largely occupy an uncritical conceptual space. Hospitality is restrictively understood with its commercial manifestations, namely ‘the hotel industry’, with alternative understandings of hospitality and hospitality offerings largely missing. The primary purpose of teaching criticality is perceived as an essential competency crucial for graduate employability. Critical research is perceived as studies that are relevant and applicable to ‘the hotel industry’. The conceptualizations of criticality revealed an unwelcoming academic community, whereby a dismissive attitude was expressed towards alternative approaches to the study of hospitality. With the prevalent neo-liberal influences on higher education, an uncritical conceptual space of hospitality raises serious concerns regarding the future development of hospitality as an academic subject in higher education.
Stakeholder theory in the hospitality field: Insights drawn from a systematic literature review
Authors: Barakat Simone R. , Wada Elizabeth K.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to review and analyse the state of stakeholder theory in hospitality scholarship in terms of its themes, contexts, theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. The authors gathered and summarized relevant theory and empirical research findings that allowed for further theoretical insights to be drawn. A total of 91 articles published between 1984 and 2018 were analysed using a systematic literature review. The review indicates that stakeholder theory offers an important approach for understanding hospitality because of the following benefits: it leads to reflections on the interests and influences of all those involved in the value creation process; it is a holistic approach, integrating economic, social and ethical considerations; it adopts a relational approach rather than just a transactional approach and it provides a strategic framework that managers can use. The study’s findings show that stakeholder-related research remains underexplored in the hospitality field. There is, however, great potential for developing the theory by exploring the connections that exist between the principles of stakeholder theory and knowledge of hospitality. The article also provides suggestions for future applications of stakeholder theory in academic research and highlights its relevance to managerial practice.
Qualitative Research on Hungarian Mothers’ Social Situation and Mental Health During the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Geambașu Réka , Gergely Orsolya , Nagy Beáta , Somogyi Nikolett
Published: May 2021

Due to the social distancing measures ordered as protection against mass
infection during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, most Hungarian families were
confined to home quarantine. Schools, kindergartens, and nursery schools were
closed between 16 March and early June. Because grandparents belonged to
one of the most vulnerable groups, families were asked not to involve them
in childcare until the end of the pandemic in order to avoid their infection by
younger family members. Companies switched to using the home office when
possible, and the government asked the population not to leave their homes
except for essential reasons. As a result, many parents worked from home and
provided care for their children at the same time.
In Trust We Thrive: What Drives the Sharing Economy?
Authors: Szabó Kinga , Gupta Gauri Shankar
Published: May 2021

Rapid growth of sharing economy in the last two decades may signal a paradigm shift in global capitalism and societal values. Digital platforms have brought together strangers with under-utilized capacities and assets with those who need them without looking for ownership. The radius of trust which was initially confined to family, friends and local communities; now encompasses strangers who speak no common language and who live oceans apart. Trust driven by Digital Identity (DI) and Trust and Reputation Information (TRI) have enabled what was considered as improbable or even impossible some years ago. Further expansion and deepening of trust, based on new technologies combined with international legal framework, has the potential to rewrite the apparatus of modern capitalism and societal values. Civil society and governments need to engage on this issue to guide them to a direction most beneficial for the society. However, the current extraordinary situation due to the Corona Virus pandemic, coupled with foreseeable tendencies for complete digital control, is likely to have far-reaching impact on the future development of sharing economy.
Hungary in Mask/MASZK in Hungary
Authors: Karsai Márton , Koltai Júlia , Vásárhelyi Orsolya , Röst Gergely
Published: May 2021

Social interactions represent one of the most important routes of transmission of COVID-19 as they influence the potential patterns of diffusion of infection throughout different segments of the population. Despite their utmost importance, the scientific community is currently lacking data collection methods that record social interactions dynamically and in detail, and in a privacy-respecting, representative way, even on an aggregated level. Here we summarize the motivation, methodology, and some early results of a coordinated process of data collection in Hungary designed to track the social mixing patterns of people in different age groups in real time during the pandemic. The Hungarian Data Provider Questionnaire (MASZK7) was released in late March 2020 during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hungary. This is an ongoing effort to anonymously collect age contact matrices of a voluntary population online. Moreover, it is accompanied with a nationally representative data collection campaign via telephone survey to ensure data quality. This unique process of combined data collection is an important step towards developing more precise modelling of the spread of the epidemic, and could thus contribute to the reduction of the medical and economic burden of the pandemic in Hungary.
Development of E Waste based Composite Microwave Absorbing Material
Authors: Verma Anshika , Narang Naina , Singh Dharmendra , Varma Ghanshyam Das
Published: May 2021

Microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) are widely researched due to their use in many practical applications including both civil and defense sectors. Irrespective of the humongous efforts of various researchers, the development of a wide bandwidth, thin coating thickness, and low-cost microwave absorber is still a challenging task. The existing materials have not been able to meet all the specifications together at once and require a trade-off in the performance parameters. In this paper, we have empirically corroborated a cost-effective technique using E-waste material for synthesising composite MAM. It is herein shown that the addition of different wt% of copper, graphite, and titanium dioxide in the E-waste successfully resulted in enhanced absorption due to altered electrical properties of the E-waste suitable for microwave absorption. The multilayering technique with the help of a genetic algorithm has also been used to broaden the bandwidth. As a result, a three-layer MAM with the total coating thickness of 3.2 mm has been synthesised showing the wideband absorption bandwidth of 8.47 GHz in the frequency range from 6.92 to 15.39 GHz. The results suggested that microwave absorption of E-waste can be drastically improved by appropriately tailoring electrical parameters such as permittivity and permeability.
Effect of Beam tunnels on Resonant Frequency of Cylindrical Reentrant Cavity
Authors: Bansiwal Ashok , Raina Sushil , Vinoy K. J. , Datta Subrata Kumar
Published: May 2021

Analytical formulations for the resonant frequency of a reentrant cavity for klystron are available in the literature only for such cavities having a single beam-tunnel. An improved analytical formulation has been proposed in this paper for the calculation of cavity gap-capacitance of reentrant cavities having single and multiple beam-tunnels and its effects on the resonant frequency are studied. The results obtained through analysis have been validated against those obtained from the 3D electromagnetic field simulations and measurements. The proposed analytical formulation provides good estimation of resonant frequency of cavity with single and multiple beam-tunnels.
More Money — More Births? Estimating Effects of 2007 Family Policy Changes on Probability of Second and Subsequent Births in Russia
Authors: Бирюкова Светлана Сергеевна , Синявская Оксана Вячеславовна
Published: May 2021

From 2007 to 2015 total fertility rate in Russia increased from 1.42 to 1.78, following a long period of decline in 1990-1999 and stagnation in 2000-2006. Politicians attribute this growth to a package of pro-natalist policy measures introduced in 2007 and particularly to the maternity (family) capital program, the most well-known innovation of the 2007 reform. Existing studies, although sparse, have not actually proven this point of view clearly yet. This paper aims to reveal whether the pro-natalist measures of 2007 have influenced probability of second and consequent births in Russia. Since in 2007 several family policy measures were introduced simultaneously, and the authors estimate their cumulative effect applying a set of binary logistic regressions on the panel of Russian Generations and Gender Survey data collected in 2004, 2007, and 2011. The study reveals that the probability of second and subsequent births before the introduction of policy measures does not differ significantly from that observed after it. The authors find no effect of 2007 family policy changes on probability of second and consequent births in Russia. The data shows some signs of selective influence of the 2007 policy changes on women with lower human capital and incomes, however, further studies on bigger samples are needed to prove this fact. The study extends the academic discussion and adds to the pool of empirical evidence on the pro-natalist policy effects on fertility. By demonstrating no significant effects of Russian 2007 family policy measures the paper contributes to the overcoming of existing publication bias in the field.

Acknowledgements. The authors are grateful for the support granted to the research within the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE).
Effects of mechanical vibration on designed steel-based plate geometries: behavioral estimation subjected to applied material classes using finite-element method
Authors: Lenggana Bhre Wangsa , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah , Imaduddin Fitrian , Surojo Eko , Nubli Haris , Adiputra Ristiyanto
Published: May 2021

A research subject in structural engineering is the problem of vibration under a loading object. The two-dimensional (2D) model of a structure under loading is an example. In general, this case uses an object that is given a random frequency, which then causes various changes in shape depending on the frequency model. To determine the difference in performance by looking at the different forms of each mode, modal analysis with ANSYS was used. The samples to be simulated were metal plates with three variations of the model, namely, a virgin metal plate without any holes or stiffness, plates with given holes, and metal plates with stiffness on one side. The model was simulated with modal analysis, so that 20 natural frequencies were recorded. The sample also used different materials: low-carbon steel materials (AISI 304), marine materials (AISI 1090), and ice-class materials (AR 235). Several random-frequency models proved the deformation of different objects. Variations of sheet-metal designs were applied, such as pure sheet metal, giving holes to the sides, and stiffening the simulated metal sheet.
On the equivalence between weak BMO and the space of derivatives of the Zygmund class
Authors: Kwessi Eddy
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we will discuss the space of functions of weak bounded mean oscillation. In particular, we will show that this space is the dual space of the special atom space, whose dual space was already known to be the space of derivative of functions (in the sense of distribution) belonging to the Zygmund class of functions. We show, in particular, that this proves that the Hardy space

H

1

{H}^{1}

strictly contains the special atom space.