bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of smart biosensors during a food safety incident: Consumers' cognitive‐behavioural responses and willingness to pay
Authors: Nocella Giuseppe , Wu Junjie , Cerroni Simone
Published: May 2022

Intelligent and active packaging could allow consumers to control cognitive reactions linked to the risk of consuming food products contaminated by microbiological pathogens and thus mitigating negative consequences of food safety incidents. However, despite advances in technology, consumers' reactions and willingness to pay for active and intelligent packaging in the absence and presence of food safety incidents remain somewhat unexplored. To fill such a gap this study incorporates protection motivation theory (PMT) within a contingent valuation survey conducted in the UK to explore consumers' behavioural responses to risk communication in the absence and presence of a food safety incident. These responses were moderated by the possibility of buying hypothetical meat products marketed with biosensors informing consumers of the presence of bacteria post‐purchase. A singular approach was developed to identify the following four behavioural responses of the PMT's cognitive mediating process: no response, fear, low response and danger control. Results indicate that the theoretical components of PMT play a different role in the absence and presence of food safety incidents. Respondents who receive risk information are willing to pay more than other participants to adopt precautionary behaviour and that purchasing behaviour varied across these four cognitive‐behavioural responses. Governmental institutions, the food industry and retailers should consider working together to reassure consumers by investing in technology that may help consumers to mitigate fear during a food safety incident, but also to develop appropriate risk communication strategies that should focus more on the cognitive‐behavioural outcomes analysed in this study.
Effect and synergy of different exogenous additives on gel properties of the mixed shrimp surimi (Antarctic krill and white shrimp)
Authors: Zhang Biao , Guo Xuan , Lin Junxin , Sun Peizi , Ren Xiang , Xu Wei , Tong Yi , Li Dongmei
Published: May 2022

The object of this study was a high‐protein Antarctic krill ball which was made of mixed shrimp surimi (Antarctic krill and white shrimp). The effects of four different exogenous additives on gel properties and spatial structure of mixed shrimp surimi systems during processing were investigated by texture profile analysis, low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and rheology analysis, according to product formulation and processing conditions. Different exogenous additives improved distinctly the mixed shrimp surimi system. The use of the four exogenous additives combined had a synergistic promotional effect. Acetylated distarch adipate, egg white powder and soy protein isolate played a vital role in producing high‐protein Antarctic krill balls. The relatively limited improvement of transglutaminase could be attributed to processing temperature and the presence of autolytic enzymes originated intrinsically from Antarctic krill surimi.
Antioxidative, structural and thermal characterisation of simulated fermented matrix of quinoa, chia and teff with caseinate
Authors: Kataria Ankita , Sharma Savita , Khatkar Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2022

The present study was performed to study the simulated fermented matrix of quinoa, chia and teff with caseinate. Fermentation was carried out at a pH of 4.6, and complexes obtained upon 0, 2, 5 and 9 hours along with the final complex (pH 4.6) were analysed for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities. The highest values were obtained for chia‐caseinate complex (TPC—21 mg GAE/g, TFC—37 mg QE/g, DPPH—27 mM TE/g, ABTS—13 mM TE/g, FRAP—25 mM TE/g and reducing power—13 mg AAE/g). Structural characterisation via FTIR analysis revealed the formation of a stable complex held mainly by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, it also suggested destabilisation of β‐sheet structures and enhanced gelation property. The appearance of the unsaturated lipid peak (1744 cm‐1; 2924–2926 cm‐1) in the chia‐caseinate complex implied superior nutritional functionality. The thermal analysis confirmed the denaturation of proteins and degradation of starch crystallites in matrices and also suggested the formation of bioactive peptides. Thus, it was concluded that these simulated fermented matrices may be used as a base for designing functional foods to achieve techno‐biofunctionality.
Transglutaminase and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose enhance mechanical properties of whey protein concentrate film
Authors: Jiang Shujuan , Zhang Mengyuan , Jiang Shengnan , Tuo Yanfeng , Qian Fang , Mu Guangqing
Published: May 2022

Whey protein and cellulose derivatives are abundant and renewable raw materials that provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel sources used for food packaging. A novel biodegradable composite film comprising whey protein concentrates (WPC) aqueous solutions (10%, w/v) with different concentrations of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% of WPC) was prepared in the present study. The effect of transglutaminase (TG) on the functional properties of the film was investigated. SDS‐PAGE profiles indicated that TG modulated the formation of intermolecular cross‐linking of WPC. FT‐IR results showed that HPMC modified the mechanical properties of WPC. Incorporation of HPMC decreased the transparency and improved the tensile strength and extensibility of the film. TG addition led to a significant enhancement of the mechanical properties of the film. These findings indicated that TG promoted the formation of WPC‐HPMC composite film with improved mechanical properties.
Comparison of the effect of exopolysaccharide‐producing lactic acid bacteria from sourdough on dough characteristics and steamed bread quality
Authors: Sha Hui Ying , Wang Qing Qing , Li Zhi Jian
Published: May 2022

The use of exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is promising in sourdough fermentation. However, the knowledge of the effects of various species of LAB on steamed bread making remains limited. In this study, the effects of two LAB with high EPS‐producing capacity, namely Weissella cibaria L32 and Lactobacillus brevis L17 on dough fermentation and steamed bread quality were estimated. The addition of these two LAB strains significantly increased the titratable acidity and protease activity during the dough fermentation, especially L. brevis L17. Although the in situ EPS synthesised by LAB could improve the steamed bread quality, excessive acidification of L. brevis L17 would still increase the protease activity and thus destroy its gluten network structure. As a result, the steamed bread fermented with L. brevis L17 had the lowest specific volume and hardest texture in comparison with the steamed bread fermented with W. cibaria L32 and with added EPS produced by W. cibaria L32 and L. brevis L17. These results indicated that different EPS‐producing LAB exhibited distinctive dough fermentation characteristics, and the in situ EPS‐producing W. cibaria L32 could improve steamed bread quality, which confirmed its potential application in steamed bread making.
Umami and umami‐enhancing peptides from myofibrillar protein hydrolysates in low‐sodium dry‐cured Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) under the action of Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Bai Weidong , Liang Jinxin , Zhao Wenhong , Qian Min , Zeng Xiaofang , Tu Juncai , Yang Juan
Published: May 2022

Lactobacillus plantarum was involved in producing low‐salt (2%, w/w) dry‐cured Spanish mackerel, and its effect on the degradation of myofibrillar protein and production of umami peptides was investigated. Results showed that the dominant microbiome of the sample was Lactobacillus plantarum, accounting for 95.7% of the microbial community. The umami peptides in this dry‐cured mackerel were extracted and separated by ultra‐filtration and gel filtration chromatography and further identified by Nano‐LC–MS/MS. Five umami‐enhancing peptides, including TFYNELRV (1040 Da), TFYNELR (941 Da), TLFQPSF (838 Da), LYANNVL (805 Da) and FAGDDAPRAVFPS (1348 Da), were identified to be derived from myofibrillar protein, and the percentage of their hydrophobic amino acid were 42.85%, 33.33%, 57.14%, 57.14% and 53.84%, respectively. The synthetic peptides of these five umami peptides showed an umami‐enhancing threshold value ranging from 0.34 to 0.45 mg mL−1 through sensory evaluation. The SDS‐PAGE analysis exhibited that actin band intensity was decreased during the processing of dry‐cured mackerel. Therefore, Lactobacillus plantarum has the potential to improve the hydrolysis of myofibrillar protein to produce umami peptides in dry‐cured mackerel.
Validation of a single tube 3‐colour immature red blood cell screening assay for the detection and enumeration of small, medium and large paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clones by flow cytometry
Authors: Marinov Iuri , Richards Stephen J. , Pešek Adam , Illingworth Andrea J. , Sutherland D. Robert
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The reliable diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) by flow cytometry is based on mandatory analysis of the erythroid, neutrophilic and monocytic lineages. In this study, we have evaluated the performance characteristics of a recently published immature red blood cell (iRBC) assay as a potential screening test for PNH by flow cytometry.

Methods

Intra‐ and inter‐assay imprecision were determined in five replicates of small, medium and large PNH iRBC clones. Analytical and functional sensitivity was assessed by performing spiking tests for five replicates. Thirty healthy donors and 441 PNH patients were tested for evaluation of clinical specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values.

Results

Coefficients of variation (CV) for intra‐/inter‐assay imprecision analyses were 1.31/1.50, 3.19/2.61 and 3.99/1.58 for the big, medium and small clone sizes, respectively. Absolute values (100%) were found for both clinical specificity and sensitivity as well as for both positive and negative predictive values. The CV from 5 replicate results for 10 clustered events was 15.7%. The coefficient of determination (r2), Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and Bland–Altman mean bias were 0.9436/0.9234/1.7 for PNH iRBC compared to PNH neutrophils and 0.9553/0.9387/2.1 for PNH iRBCs compared to PNH monocytes.

Conclusion

Our results confirm very good performance characteristics, high analytical and functional sensitivity, absolute clinical specificity and sensitivity as well as favourable correlation between PNH iRBCs and both PNH neutrophils and monocytes, suggesting that this cost‐effective 3‐colour iRBC assay can be used as a reliable screening test for evaluation of small, medium and large PNH clones by flow cytometry.
Evolution of tricuspid valve regurgitation after implantation of a leadless pacemaker: A single center experience, systematic review, and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haeberlin Andreas , Bartkowiak Joanna , Brugger Nicolas , Tanner Hildegard , Wan Elaine , Baldinger Samuel H. , Seiler Jens , Madaffari Antonio , Thalmann Gregor , Servatius Helge , Roten Laurent , Noti Fabian , Reichlin Tobias
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Conventional transvenous pacemaker leads may interfere with the tricuspid valve leaflets, tendinous chords, and papillary muscles, resulting in significant tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR). Leadless pacemakers (LLPMs) theoretically cause less mechanical interference with the tricuspid valve apparatus. However, data on TR after LLPM implantation are sparse and conflicting. Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of significant TR before and after LLPM implantation.

Methods

Patients who received a leadless LLPM (Micra™ TPS, Medtronic) between May 2016 and May 2021 at our center were included in this observational study if they had at least a pre‐ and postinterventional echocardiogram (TTE). The evolution of TR severity was assessed. Following a systematic literature review on TR evolution after implantation of a LLPM, data were pooled in a random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

We included 69 patients (median age 78 years [interquartile range (IQR) 72–84 years], 26% women). Follow‐up duration between baseline and follow‐up TTE was 11.4 months (IQR 3.5–20.1 months). At follow‐up, overall TR severity was not different compared to baseline (p = .49). Six patients (9%) had new significant TR during follow‐up after LLPM implantation, whereas TR severity improved in seven patients (10%). In the systematic review, we identified seven additional articles that investigated the prevalence of significant TR after LLPM implantation. The meta‐analysis based on 297 patients failed to show a difference in significant TR before and after LLPM implantation (risk ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.53, p = .11).

Conclusion

To date, there is no substantial evidence for a significant change in TR after implantation of a LLPM.
Glycated hemoglobin level on admission associated with progression to severe disease in hospitalized patients with non‐severe coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Numaguchi Ryutaro , Kurajoh Masafumi , Hiura Yoshikazu , Imai Takumi , Morioka Tomoaki , Saito Mika , Shiraishi Satoshi , Emoto Masanori , Nishiguchi Yukio
Published: May 2022

Aims/Introduction

Poor glycemic control is known to be associated with severe infection development. This retrospective observational study examined whether glycemic control before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) onset contributes to progression from non‐severe to severe COVID‐19.

Materials and Methods

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured on hospital admission in 415 patients with non‐severe COVID‐19. The outcome was determined from time of hospital admission to severe progression, based on clinical practice guidelines for COVID‐19 in Japan.

Results

The median value for HbA1c on admission was 6.1%, with diabetes present in 138 patients (33.3%). Among the total cohort, 93 (22.4%) progressed to severe COVID‐19 with a median (interquartile range) time of 4 days (3–7 days), whereas 322 (77.6%) were discharged after 13 days (10–17 days). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that HbA1c level on admission was independently associated with progression to severe COVID‐19 (hazard ratio for 1% increase 1.237, 95% confidence interval 1.037–1.475; P = 0.018), with findings consistent among several sensitivity analyses. In subgroup analyses, such an association was significant in patients with diabetes, as well as older age, current smoking habit, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher C‐reactive protein level, moderate II COVID‐19, dyslipidemia and chronic respiratory disease, with no remarkable inconsistency among the subgroups. Finally, higher HbA1c level (≥7%) was more strongly associated with severe COVID‐19 progression than diabetes.

Conclusions

The results suggest that poor glycemic control before COVID‐19 onset contributes to progression from non‐severe to severe COVID‐19, even in patients with severe COVID‐19 risk factors regardless of the presence of diabetes.
Guideline adherence of physiotherapists in the treatment of patients with low back pain: A qualitative study
Authors: Lemmers Gijs Petrus Gerardus , Bier Jasper Daniël , van Lankveld Wim , Westert Gerard Pieter , Staal Jacobus Bart , van der Wees Philip Jan
Published: May 2022

Rationale

Adherence rates to guidelines show room for improvement, and increase in adherence to guidelines may potentially lead to better outcomes and reduced costs of treatment. To improve adherence, it is essential to understand the considerations of physiotherapists regarding the assessment and management of low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study is to gain insight in the considerations of Dutch physiotherapists on adherence to the national physiotherapy guideline in the treatment of patients with LBP.

Methods

This is a qualitative study, using an interpretive approach of semi‐structured interviews with 14 physiotherapists who regularly treat patients with LBP. Thematic analysis was conducted with open coding using an existing framework. This framework distinguishes five components to adherence based on patient factors, provider factors, guideline characteristics, institutional factors and the implementation process.

Results

Participating physiotherapists mentioned that the guideline should provide more information about psychosocial prognostic factors and psychosocial treatment options. The participants experienced difficulties in addressing patient expectations that conflict with guideline recommendations. The implementation process of the guideline was considered insufficient. Physiotherapists might rely too much on their experience, and knowledge of evidence‐based treatment might be improved. In general, the interviewed physiotherapists thought they were mainly non‐adherent to the guidelines. However, when comparing their considerations with the actual guideline recommendations they were mainly adherent.

Conclusion

To improve adherence, the guideline should provide more information about addressing psychosocial prognostic factors, and Dutch physiotherapists might be trained in communication skills to better address patient expectations. A more extensive implementation process is warranted for the next guideline to increase the physiotherapists' knowledge of evidence‐based treatment.
A survey of colonoscopists with and without in‐depth knowledge of water‐aided colonoscopy
Authors: Leung Felix W , Cadoni Sergio , Koo Malcolm , Yen Andrew W , Siau Keith , Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Ishaq Sauid , Cheng Chi‐Liang , Ramirez Francisco C , Bak Adrian W , Karnes William , Bayupurnama Putut , Leung Joseph W , de Groen Piet C
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Endoscopy featured water‐aided colonoscopy (WAC) as novel in the Innovation Forum in 2011. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published a modified Delphi consensus review (MDCR) that supports WAC for clinical practice in 2021. We tested the hypothesis that experience was an important predictor of WAC use, either as water immersion (WI), water exchange (WE), or a combination of WI and WE.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent by email to the MDCR authors with an in‐depth knowledge of WAC. They responded and also invited colleagues and trainees without in‐depth knowledge to respond. Logistic regression analysis was used with the reasons for WAC use treated as the primary outcome. Reports related to WAC post MDCR were identified.

Results

Of 100 respondents, > 80% indicated willingness to adopt and modify practice to accommodate WAC. Higher adenoma detection rate (ADR) incentivized WE use. Procedure time slots ≤ 30 and > 30 min significantly predicted WI and WE use, respectively. Co‐authors of the MDCR were significantly more likely to perform WAC (odds ratio [OR] = 7.5, P = 0.037). Unfamiliarity with (OR = 0.11, P = 0.02) and absence of good experience (OR = 0.019, P = 0.002) were associated with colonoscopists less likely to perform WAC. Reports related to WAC post MDCR revealed overall and right colon WE outcomes continued to improve. Network meta‐analyses showed that WE was superior to Cap and Endocuff. On‐demand sedation with WE shortened nursing recovery time.

Conclusions

An important predictor of WAC use was experience. Superior outcomes continued to be reported with WE.
The interaction between Alternative Healthy Eating Index and MC4R rs17782313 gene variants on central and general obesity indices in women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zarei Mahtab , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzababaei Atieh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that the C allele of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) rs17782313 and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) are separately associated with obesity. However, the present study aimed to investigate the interaction between MC4R rs17782313 variants and the AHEI and their association with central and general obesity indices, which has not been assessed previously.

Methods

In total, 291 women with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg m–2 and aged 18–48 years enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. All participants were assessed for body composition, anthropometric measures, dietary intake, and blood parameters. After obtaining data of dietary intake from the 147‐item food frequency questionnaire, the AHEI was calculated. MC4R rs17782313 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction length polymorphism method.

Results

After adjustment for age, energy intake, physical activity, marital status, and economic status, the interaction between MC4R rs17782313 and the AHEI was associated with hip circumference [β = −0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.77 to −0.05, p = 0.02], BMI (β = −0.15, 95% CI = −0.29 to −0.02, p = 0.02), fat mass (kg) (β = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.56 to −0.01, p = 0.03), visceral fat area (β = −5.68, 95% CI = −9.55 to −1.80, p = 0.004). The other measures that appear to be suggestively related to this interaction (0.05 < p < 0.07) are waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, trunk fat (%), trunk fat (kg), fat mass (%) and fat mass index.

Conclusions

The interaction between MC4R rs17782313 and the AHEI can be related to central and general obesity indices in overweight/obese women.
A realist evaluation of a community of practice for dietitians and nutritionists working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Authors: Wilson Annabelle , Cornett Marian , Delbridge Robyn , Mackean Tamara , Palermo Claire
Published: May 2022

Background

Communities of practice have been proposed as a workforce development strategy for developing dietitians, yet little is known about how they work and for whom, as well as under what circumstances. We aimed to understand the mechanisms by which dietitians working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health benefit from communities of practice.

Methods

A realist evaluation of 29 interviews with non‐Indigenous dietitians and nutritionists was employed, which was conducted over the course of two communities of practice (2013 and 2014) and follow‐up interviews in 2019. Programme theory was developed from analysis of initial interviews and used to recode all interviews and test theory. The identification of patterns refined the programme theory.

Results

Six refined theories were identified: (1) a community of practice fosters the relationships that support navigation of the many tasks required to become more responsive health professionals; (2) committed and open participants feel supported and guided to be reflexive; (3) sharing, reflexivity, feedback and support shift awareness to one's own practice to be able to manoeuvre in intercultural spaces; (4) through sharing, feedback, support and collaboration, participants feel assured and affirmed; (5) connection through feelings of understanding and being understood contributes to commitment to remain working in the area; and (6) through sharing, feedback, support and collaboration, participants with varied experience and roles see the value of and gain confidence in new perspectives, skills and practices.

Conclusions

Further research is required to test this model on a much larger scale, with communities of practice inclusive of Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal health professionals together, and across a diverse group of dietitians.
First report on herpesvirus in black‐fronted titi (Callicebus nigrifrons) kept under human care
Authors: Malaga Soraya Kezam , Balbueno Melina Castilho de Souza , Martins Jéssica Amâncio , Swarg Ticiana , Guerra Juliana Mariotti , Fernandes Natalia , Coelho Cidéli de Paula
Published: May 2022

Keeping Neotropical primates in captivity puts them at great risk of illness because of their susceptibility to human herpesvirus. This is the first report on herpesvirus in Callicebus nigrifrons that developed clinical disease and was confirmed by immunohistochemical and RT‐PCR. Diagnosis and prevention are essential for the conservation of species.
From dorsomobility to dorsostability: A study of lumbosacral joint range of motion in artiodactyls
Authors: Belyaev Ruslan I. , Kuznetsov Alexander N. , Prilepskaya Natalya E.
Published: May 2022

This study is the first analysis of mobility in the lumbosacral joint of even‐toed ungulates covering the full range of body masses and running forms. In this study, we modified a previously developed osteometry‐based method to calculate the available range of motion (aROM) in the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls. We quantified all three directions of intervertebral mobility: sagittal bending (SB), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). This research covers extant artiodactyls from 10 families, 57 genera, and 78 species. The lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls is on average almost twice as mobile in SB as the average intralumbar joint (aROM 15.68° vs 8.22°). In all artiodactyls, the first sacral prezygapophyses are equipped with postfacet fossae determining the available range of lumbosacral hyperextension. SB aROM in the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls varies almost sevenfold (from 4.53° to 31.19°) and is closely related to the body mass and running form. An allometric equation was developed for the first time, for the joint angular amplitude of motion, exemplified by the artiodactyl lumbosacral SB aROMs, as a power function of body mass, the power coefficient value being close to −0.15. High SB aROM at the lumbosacral joint is characteristic of artiodactyls with at least one of the following characteristics: high cumulative and average SB aROM in the lumbar region (Pearson r = 0.467–0.617), small body mass (r = −0.531), saltatorial or saltatorial‐cursorial running form (mean = 16.91–18.63°). The highest SB aROM in the lumbosacral joint is typical for small antelopes and Moschidae (mean = 20.24–20.27°). Among these artiodactyls SB aROMs in the lumbosacral joint are on par with various carnivores. Large and robust artiodactyls, adapted predominantly to mediportal and stilt (running on extremely tall limbs) running forms, have 2–3 times smaller SB aROMs in the lumbosacral joint. Adaptation to endurance galloping in open landscapes (cursorial running form) is accompanied by smaller lumbar and lumbosacral SB aROMs compared to that in saltatorial‐cursorial artiodactyls of the same body mass. The wide range of species studied makes it possible to significantly expand the knowledge of relations of the mobility of the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls to body mass and running form.
Reclaiming “Natural Partnership and Communication”
Authors: O’Neill Brett
Published: May 2022

The massive scale of forced displacement across the globe discloses the fractured state of the modern international order. Francisco de Vitoria’s theological approach to the law of nations, in the context of the Spanish conquest of the Americas, had a significant influence on this order’s development. This paper argues that recovering his innovative insights today can help refurbish a collective sense of international responsibility for refugees. Vitoria’s bold assertion of indigenous Americans’ dominion affirmed all human beings as members of a world commonwealth with equal claims to basic rights. The “right to travel” he articulated, by its orientation to “natural partnership and communication,” can promote refugee rights and global fraternity.
Rapid detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae targeting the apxIVA gene for diagnosis of contagious porcine pleuropneumonia in pigs by polymerase spiral reaction
Authors: Sarkar R. , Roychoudhury P. , Kumar S. , Dutta S. , Konwar N. , Subudhi P. K. , Dutta T. K.
Published: May 2022

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the primary aetiological agent of contagious porcine pleuropneumonia associated with serious economic impact on pig husbandry worldwide. Diagnosis of the disease by existing techniques including isolation and identification of bacteria followed by serotyping, serological techniques, conventional PCR, real-time PCR and LAMP assays are cumbersome, time-consuming, costly and not suitable for rapid field application. A novel isothermal polymerase chain reaction (PSR) technique is standardized for all the reagents, incubation time and incubation temperature against A. pleuropneumoniae. The sensitivity of the assay was determined against various dilutions of purified DNA and total bacterial count. The specificity of the assay was determined against 11 closely related bacterial isolates. The relative sensitivity and specificity were compared with bacterial isolation, conventional PCR and real-time PCR assays. The PSR assay for specific detection was standardized at 64°C for 30 min of incubation in a water bath. The result was visible by the naked eye after centrifugation of the reaction mixture or after incorporation of SYBR Green dye as yellowish-green fluorescence. The technique was found to be 100% specific and equally sensitive with real-time PCR and 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR. The PSR assay could be applicable in the detection of the organisms in porcine nasal swabs spiked with A. pleuropneumoniae. This is the first-ever report on the development of PSR for specific detection of A. pleuropneumoniae and can be applied for early diagnosis at the field level.
Uptake of hepatitis B antiviral treatment: A panel data analysis of 31 provinces in China (2013–2020)
Authors: Cheng Hanchao , Liu Shiyang , Luo Simon , Chan Polin , Chen Zhongdan , Le Linh‐Vi , Sun Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

China has made substantial efforts aimed to promote the uptake of antiviral treatment of hepatitis B (HB). It is unclear whether these policies achieved the desired impact. This study adopted medicines procurement data from 31 provinces to generate the first evidence about the number of standard antiviral treatment of HB overtime at both national and provincial levels in China.

Methods

We performed the panel data analyses and quasi‐experimental design with the time‐varying difference‐in‐difference method combined with the event study approach to estimate the uptake of HB antiviral treatment before and after national policy changes.

Results

The overall trends in HB antiviral treatment at the national level increased incrementally during 2013–2020. There was 2.8862 million 12‐month (person‐year) antiviral standard treatment in 2020, which was only 8.93% of the eligible people estimated to need treatment. The number of monthly antiviral standard treatment increased by 42.4% (p = .001) overall following the nationwide adoption of the ‘4 + 7’ pilot‐pooled procurement prices in 2019, which brought substantial price reduction of core antivirals.

Conclusions

A low treatment rate is a critical issue in reaching the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat in China. Affordability is an important but not the only factor that determines the uptake of hepatitis treatment. Further scaling up and acceleration of treatment uptake will need strategies improving public awareness of HB, strengthening diagnosis, linking people who are infected to chronic care, reducing loss to follow‐up, and ensuring people who are eligible get timely treatment.
Relative skull size evolution in Mesozoic archosauromorphs: potential drivers and morphological uniqueness of erythrosuchid archosauriforms
Authors: Bestwick Jordan , Godoy Pedro L. , Maidment Susannah C. R. , Ezcurra Martín D. , Wroe Mia , Raven Thomas J. , Bonsor Joseph A. , Butler Richard J.
Published: May 2022

Little is known about the large‐scale evolutionary patterns of skull size relative to body size, and the possible drivers behind these patterns, in Archosauromorpha. For example, the large skulls of erythrosuchids, a group of non‐archosaurian archosauromorphs from the Early and Middle Triassic, and of theropod dinosaurs are regarded as convergent adaptations for hypercarnivory. However, few investigations have explicitly tested whether erythrosuchid and theropod skulls are indeed disproportionately large for their body size, and whether this trend is driven by hypercarnivory. Here, we investigate archosauromorph relative skull size evolution, examining the scaling relationships between skull and body size of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic archosauromorphs using a robust phylogenetic framework and assessing the influence of potential drivers, such as taxonomy, diet, locomotory mode and inhabited biotope. Our results show that archosauromorph relative skull sizes are largely determined by phylogeny and that the other drivers have much weaker levels of influence. We find negative allometric scaling of skull size with respect to body size when all studied archosauromorphs are analysed. Within specific groups, skull size scales with positive allometry in non‐archosaurian archosauromorphs and, interestingly, scales isometrically in theropods. Ancestral reconstructions of skull–femur size ratio reveal a disproportionately large skull at the base of Erythrosuchidae and proportionately sized skulls at the bases of Theropoda, Carnosauria and Tyrannosauroidea. Relative skull sizes of erythrosuchids and theropods are therefore distinct from each other, indicating that disproportionately large skulls are not a prerequisite for hypercarnivory in archosauromorphs, and that erythrosuchids exhibit a bauplan unique among terrestrial Mesozoic carnivores.
Your Mother Should Know: Pregnancy, the Ethics of Abortion and Knowledge through Acquaintance of Moral Value
Authors: Woollard Fiona
Published: May 2022

An important strand in the debate on abortion focuses on the moral status of fetuses. Knowledge of the moralvalueof fetuses is needed to assess fetuses' moral status. As Errol Lord argues, acquaintance plays a key role in moral and aesthetic knowledge. Many pregnant persons have acquaintance with their fetus that provides privileged access to knowledge about that fetus' moral value. This knowledge is (1) very difficult to acquire without being pregnant and (2) relevant for assessing the moral status of fetuses. This has implications for public debate on abortion and the research methods of philosophers working on abortion.
Recovery of lymphocyte subpopulations is incomplete in the long‐term setting in pediatric solid tumor survivors
Authors: Yao Zhijian , Fukushima Hiroko , Suzuki Ryoko , Yamaki Yuni , Hosaka Sho , Inaba Masako , Fujiyama Satoshi , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: May 2022

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) may have comorbidities including a long‐term abnormality in the immune system. Immune reconstitution in CCSs after treatment for acute leukemia has been reported previously, while analyses of immune reconstitution in CCSs with solid tumors have been limited.

Methods

Childhood cancer survivors who received chemotherapy for solid tumors and who visited University of Tsukuba Hospital between November 2019 and March 2021 were included the study. Peripheral blood was collected for flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Forty‐nine samples from 35 CCSs (18 male, 17 female) were included in the study. High‐dose chemotherapy and cerebral spinal irradiation were conducted in 14 CCSs (40%) and in five CCSs (14%), respectively. The median time between the completion of chemotherapy and the collection of the present samples was 15.0 months (range, 0–286 months). The total lymphocyte count, B cells, and CD8‐positive T cells recovered to the normal range of controls (NR‐CTLs) in 0 (0%), four (66.7%), and four (66.7%) of six samples at 0–3 months after the completion of chemotherapy, and in three (60%), four (80%), and three (60%) of five samples at 3–12 months after the completion of chemotherapy, respectively. Meanwhile, CD4‐positive T cells remained lower than NR‐CTLs in 0 (0%) of six samples, one (20%) of five samples, and seven (63.7%) of 11 samples at 0–3, 3–12 and 12–60 months after the completion of chemotherapy, respectively.

Conclusions

Recovery to the NR‐CTLs was rapidly achieved in B cells and CD8‐positive T cells, while the recovery was slower and incomplete in CD4‐positive T cells. Careful observation of infection in long‐term follow‐up clinics is needed.
Why collaborate? Exploring the role of organizational motivations in cross‐sector watershed collaboration
Authors: Diaz‐Kope Luisa , Morris John C.
Published: May 2022

As governments turn to cross‐sector collaboration to address complex watershed pollution problems, questions of how to manage collaborative efforts are brought to the fore. Chief among the challenges is how to determine the necessary stakeholders to bring to the table and, concomitantly, how to incentivize organizations from different sectors to work collaboratively in order to address these complex problems. While work has been done to explore individual motivations, little research has been conducted to examine organizational motivations for collaboration. This study explores the motivational determinants that drive local cross‐sector watershed collaboration. Key findings of the study identify variations in the level of prevalence in the motivational determinants among organizations from different sectors that partner with the focal organization.

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Neill, Katharine A., and John C. Morris. 2012. “A Tangled Web of Principals and Agents: Examining the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill through a Principal–Agent Lens.” Politics & Policy 40(4): 629–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00371.x.

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Red for Ed? Heterogeneous support for increased school spending in a conservative state
Authors: Anglum J. Cameron , Rhinesmith Evan
Published: May 2022

Objective

Following the Red for Ed movement and recent pandemic‐era impacts on public school spending, we explore preferences for increased school expenditures in conservative political contexts, including total spending, teacher salaries, and taxation.

Methods

Examining survey data from a representative sample of Missouri voters, including data from embedded experiments on the provision of school spending information, we estimate spending preferences using regression analyses.

Results

Although a majority of Missouri voters favor higher teacher salaries and maintaining or increasing total school spending, opinions vary significantly by political ideology and perception of local school quality. Preferences for modes of taxation are similarly heterogeneous. Voters are sensitive to the provision of information pertaining to school spending practices but insensitive to similar teacher salary information.

Conclusion

Our findings help inform policy deliberations in conservative settings, where though differences in spending preferences persist, the average opinion may still favor increased school spending and associated tax increases.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐DRB1*07:136 allele in a Taiwanese patient
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Tan Trander , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: May 2022

One nucleotide substitution in codon 107 of HLA‐DRB1*07:01:01:01 results in a novel allele HLA‐DRB1*07:136.
Plasma enhanced atomic layer etching of high-k layers on WS2
Authors: de Marneffe J.-F. , Marinov D. , Goodyear A. , Wyndaele P.-J. , St. J. Braithwaite N. , Kundu S. , Asselberghs I. , Cooke M. , De Gendt S.
Published: May 2022

The etching of HfO2 and ZrO2 high-k dielectrics is studied using plasma enhanced atomic layer etching. The etching method relies on a continuous argon inductively coupled plasma discharge in which reactive gases are pulsed, followed by substrate biasing; both steps are separated by purge periods. It is found that pure BCl3 is too chemically active while a Cl2–BCl3 allows a high process synergy; in addition, the latter gives a high selectivity to SiO2. The optimal etch conditions are applied to high-k layers deposited on top of WS2 transition metal dichalcogenide. Postetch analysis shows negligible tungsten and sulfur depletion as well as negligible change in optical (Raman) response of the 2D layer, indicating that atomic layer etching concepts allows us to prevent WS2 material loss or damage.
Intelligibility of medically related sentences in quiet, speech-shaped noise, and hospital noise
Authors: Bent Tessa , Baese-Berk Melissa , Ryherd Erica , Perry Sydney
Published: May 2022

Noise in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, often exceeds levels recommended by health organizations. Although researchers and medical professionals have raised concerns about the effect of these noise levels on spoken communication, objective measures of behavioral intelligibility in hospital noise are lacking. Further, no studies of intelligibility in hospital noise used medically relevant terminology, which may differentially impact intelligibility compared to standard terminology in speech perception research and is essential for ensuring ecological validity. Here, intelligibility was measured using online testing for 69 young adult listeners in three listening conditions (i.e., quiet, speech-shaped noise, and hospital noise: 23 listeners per condition) for four sentence types. Three sentence types included medical terminology with varied lexical frequency and familiarity characteristics. A final sentence set included non-medically related sentences. Results showed that intelligibility was negatively impacted by both noise types with no significant difference between the hospital and speech-shaped noise. Medically related sentences were not less intelligible overall, but word recognition accuracy was significantly positively correlated with both lexical frequency and familiarity. These results support the need for continued research on how noise levels in healthcare settings in concert with less familiar medical terminology impact communications and ultimately health outcomes.
The CD8α–PILRα interaction maintains CD8
+
T cell quiescence
Authors: Zheng Linghua , Han Xue , Yao Sheng , Zhu Yuwen , Klement John , Wu Shirley , Ji Lan , Zhu Gefeng , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Tobiasova Zuzana , Yu Weiwei , Huang Baozhu , Vesely Matthew D. , Wang Jun , Zhang Jianping , Quinlan Edward , Chen Lieping
Published: May 2022

T cell quiescence is essential for maintaining a broad repertoire against a large pool of diverse antigens from microbes and tumors, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. We show here that CD8α is critical for the maintenance of CD8
+
T cells in a physiologically quiescent state in peripheral lymphoid organs. Upon inducible deletion of CD8α, both naïve and memory CD8
+
T cells spontaneously acquired activation phenotypes and subsequently died without exposure to specific antigens. PILRα was identified as a ligand for CD8α in both mice and humans, and disruption of this interaction was able to break CD8
+
T cell quiescence. Thus, peripheral T cell pool size is actively maintained by the CD8α–PILRα interaction in the absence of antigen exposure.
Dynamic interplay between metal nanoparticles and oxide support under redox conditions
Authors: Frey H. , Beck A. , Huang X. , van Bokhoven J. A. , Willinger M. G.
Published: May 2022

The dynamic interactions between noble metal particles and reducible metal-oxide supports can depend on redox reactions with ambient gases. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI)–induced encapsulation of platinum particles on titania observed under reducing conditions is lost once the system is exposed to a redox-reactive environment containing oxygen and hydrogen at a total pressure of ~1 bar. Destabilization of the metal–oxide interface and redox-mediated reconstructions of titania lead to particle dynamics and directed particle migration that depend on nanoparticle orientation. A static encapsulated SMSI state was reestablished when switching back to purely oxidizing conditions. This work highlights the difference between reactive and nonreactive states and demonstrates that manifestations of the metal-support interaction strongly depend on the chemical environment.
Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function
Authors: Harris-Tryon Tamia A. , Grice Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2022

Human skin forms a protective barrier against the external environment and is our first line of defense against toxic, solar, and pathogenic insults. Our skin also defines our outward appearance, protects our internal tissues and organs, acts as a sensory interface, and prevents dehydration. Crucial to the skin’s barrier function is the colonizing microbiota, which provides protection against pathogens, tunes immune responses, and fortifies the epithelium. Here we highlight recent advances in our understanding of how the microbiota mediates multiple facets of skin barrier function. We discuss recent insights into pathological host–microbiota interactions and implications for disorders of the skin and distant organs. Finally, we examine how microbiota-based mechanisms can be targeted to prevent or manage skin disorders and impaired wound healing.
No model is perfect, but some are useful
Authors: Ofițeru Irina D. , Picioreanu Cristian
Published: May 2022

Agent-based model should inform the action plan to curb algal blooms in Lake Erie
Implied but unseen
The Elephant in the Universe: Our Hundred-Year Search for Dark Matter
Govert Schilling
Belknap Press, 2022. 376 pp.
Authors: Heymans Catherine
Published: May 2022

A journalist probes dark matter and those who study it
Structural basis for RNA-guided DNA cleavage by IscB-ωRNA and mechanistic comparison with Cas9
Authors: Schuler Gabriel , Hu Chunyi , Ke Ailong
Published: May 2022

Class 2 CRISPR effectors Cas9 and Cas12 may have evolved from nucleases in IS200/IS605 transposons. IscB is about two-fifths the size of Cas9 but shares a similar domain organization. The associated ωRNA plays the combined role of CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and trans-activating CRISPR RNA
(
tracrRNA) to guide double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) cleavage. Here we report a 2.78-angstrom cryo–electron microscopy structure of IscB-ωRNA bound to a dsDNA target, revealing the architectural and mechanistic similarities between IscB and Cas9 ribonucleoproteins. Target-adjacent motif recognition, R-loop formation, and DNA cleavage mechanisms are explained at high resolution. ωRNA plays the equivalent function of REC domains in Cas9 and contacts the RNA-DNA heteroduplex. The IscB-specific PLMP domain is dispensable for RNA-guided DNA cleavage. The transition from ancestral IscB to Cas9 involved dwarfing the ωRNA and introducing protein domain replacements.
Monkeypox outbreak questions intensify as cases soar
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: May 2022

Rapid emergence of hundreds of cases around the world alarms public health officials and scientists
Japan tries—again—to revitalize its research
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: May 2022

Latest effort would spend billions on a few universities, but skeptics give it long odds
Coronavirus, adenovirus, or both? Hepatitis poses mystery
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: May 2022

Researchers scramble for data on the cause—and therefore the treatment—of liver disease in children
Engineered tomatoes get a healthy dose of vitamin D
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: May 2022

Knocking out a gene boosts precursors of essential nutrient
Evolution-Informed Discovery of the Naphthalenone Biosynthetic Pathway in Fungi
Authors: Mosunova Olga V. , Navarro-Muñoz Jorge C. , Haksar Diksha , van Neer Jacq , Hoeksma Jelmer , den Hertog Jeroen , Collemare Jérôme
Published: May 2022

Fungi have provided us with life-changing small bioactive molecules, with the best-known examples being the first broad-spectrum antibiotic penicillin, immunosuppressive cyclosporine, and cholesterol-lowering statins. Since the 1980s, exploration of chemical diversity in nature has been highly reduced.