bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conquering the cytokine storm in COVID‐19‐induced ARDS using placenta‐derived decidua stromal cells
Authors: Sadeghi Behnam , Roshandel Elham , Pirsalehi Ali , Kazemi Sepide , Sankanian Ghazaleh , Majidi Mohammad , Salimi Maryam , Aghdami Nasser , Sadrosadat Hoda , Samadi Kochaksaraei Sarvenaz , Alaeddini Farshid , Ringden Olle , Hajifathali Abbas
Published: October 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common cause of death in COVID‐19 patients. The cytokine storm is the main driver of the severity and magnitude of ARDS. Placenta‐derived decidua stromal cells (DSCs) have a stronger immunosuppressive effect than other sources of mesenchymal stromal cells. Safety and efficacy study included 10 patients with a median age of 50 (range 14–68) years with COVID‐19‐induced ARDS. DSCs were administered 1–2 times at a dose of 1 × 106/kg. End points were safety and efficacy by survival, oxygenation and effects on levels of cytokines. Oxygenation levels increased from a median of 80.5% (range 69–88) to 95% (range 78–99) (p = 0.012), and pulmonary infiltrates disappeared in all patients. Levels of IL‐6 decreased from a median of 69.3 (range 35.0–253.4) to 11 (range 4.0–38.3) pg/ml (p = 0.018), and CRP decreased from 69 (range 5–169) to 6 (range 2–31) mg/ml (p = 0.028). Two patients died, one of a myocardial infarction and the other of multiple organ failure, diagnosed before the DSC therapy. The other patients recovered and left the intensive care unit (ICU) within a median of 6 (range 3–12) days. DSC therapy is safe and capable of improving oxygenation, decreasing inflammatory cytokine level and clearing pulmonary infiltrates in patients with COVID‐19.
Correlated evolution of larval development, egg size and genome size across two genera of snapping shrimp
Authors: Hultgren Kristin M. , Chak Solomon T. C. , Bjelajac Jeremy , Macdonald Kenneth S.
Published: October 2021

Across plants and animals, genome size is often correlated with life‐history traits: large genomes are correlated with larger seeds, slower development, larger body size and slower cell division. Among decapod crustaceans, caridean shrimps are among the most variable both in terms of genome size variation and life‐history characteristics such as larval development mode and egg size, but the extent to which these traits are associated in a phylogenetic context is largely unknown. In this study, we examine correlations among egg size, larval development and genome size in two different genera of snapping shrimp, Alpheus and Synalpheus, using phylogenetically informed analyses. In both Alpheus and Synalpheus, egg size is strongly linked to larval development mode: species with abbreviated development had significantly larger eggs than species with extended larval development. We produced the first comprehensive dataset of genome size in Alpheus (n = 37 species) and demonstrated that genome size was strongly and positively correlated with egg size in both Alpheus and Synalpheus. Correlated trait evolution analyses showed that in Alpheus, changes in genome size were clearly dependent on egg size. In Synalpheus, evolutionary path analyses suggest that changes in development mode (from extended to abbreviated) drove increases in egg volume; larger eggs, in turn, resulted in larger genomes. These data suggest that variation in reproductive traits may underpin the high degree of variation in genome size seen in a wide variety of caridean shrimp groups more generally.
Review of theLepadichthys lineatuscomplex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) with descriptions of three new species
Authors: Fujiwara Kyoji , Motomura Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

TheLepadichthys lineatuscomplex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) is defined by three unique characters withinLepadichthys: (a) upper‐jaw lip fused with snout skin, usually lacking a distinct groove between the dorsal lip margin and snout (if present, very weak, restricted to posterior portion of jaw); (b) snout tip well extended, distinctly beyond lower‐jaw tip; and (c) inner surface of both lips with oral papillae. A taxonomic review of the complex recognized four valid species:Lepadichthys geminussp. nov. (southern Japan and Indonesia),Lepadichthys heemstraorumsp. nov. (southwestern Indian Ocean),Lepadichthys polyastroussp. nov. (southwestern Indian Ocean) andL. lineatusBriggs, 1966 (Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Seychelles and Sri Lanka).L. geminusandL. lineatusare distinct fromL. heemstraorumandL. polyastrousin having a circular (vs. elliptical) disc and more posteriorly located anus [L. geminusandL. lineatuswith disc length and width 15.0–18.7 (mean 16.9) and 12.9–16.5 (14.6) %LS, respectively, and length to width ratio 1.03–1.25 cf.L. heemstraorumandL. polyastrous, 17.0–21.5 (18.9) and 11.6–15.2 (13.0) %LS, respectively, and 1.26–1.61; pre‐anus length and disc to anus length 65.1–73.6 (68.7) and 25.7–31.6 (28.6) %LS, respectivelyvs. 60.2–68.3 (65.3) and 21.6–28.9 (25.5) %LS, respectively]. Body depth (as % ofLS) is also useful to distinguishL. geminusandL. polyastrousfromL. heemstraorumandL. lineatus[viz., 12.7–16.1 (14.4) inL. geminusand 10.8–14.9 (13.1) inL. polyastrous vs. 15.0–17.1 (15.9) inL. heemstraorumand 14.6–18.9 (16.8) inL. lineatus].L. geminusdiffers distinctly from other species in the complex as follows: snout tip directed upward, usually on same horizontal level with lower margin of eye lens (lateral view) (vs. directed somewhat downward, horizontal level usually between lower margins of eye and eye lens inL. heemstraorumandL. lineatus, lower margin of eye inL. polyastrous); and lower abdomen with two yellow stripes (vs. a single stripe along ventral midline inL. polyastrousandL. lineatus, unknown inL. heemstraorum).L. polyastroushas unique patterns of yellow dots on the dorsal and ventral body surfaces, formingc. six to eight and three to five longitudinal rows, respectively [vs. usually formingc. three to five longitudinal rows and a single broken line, respectively, inL. geminusandL. lineatus; yellow dots usually absent inL. heemstraorum]. A poorly known species,Lepadichthys caritusBriggs, 1969, is regarded as a junior synonym ofL. lineatus.
Heat and mass transfer modeling of microwave infrared cooking of zucchini based on Lambert law
Authors: Yazicioglu Nalan , Sumnu Gulum , Sahin Serpil
Published: October 2021

In this study, the change in the temperature and moisture content of zucchini cooked in microwave and infrared combination oven were modeled by finite element method. The exact form of Lambert law was used to predict the microwave power. Experimental temperature data at different positions of zucchini and moisture content data were used to verify the models obtained for different microwave (10, 30, and 50%) and infrared power (10, 40, and 70%) combinations for 600 s. Measured data and the model were in good agreement with an average root mean square error of 5.66°C for temperature and 2.52% for moisture content. The effects of microwave and infrared powers on rate of heat and mass transfer of zucchini were analyzed.

Practical Applications

Microwave–infrared combination heating offers considerably faster heating with main disadvantage of hot and cold spots. By the help of mathematical explanation of systems, these problems can be eliminated. In this research, coupled three‐dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate heat and mass transfer of zucchini cooked in microwave and infrared combination oven. The microwave power was predicted by the Lambert law. In addition, this study presented the effect of microwave and infrared power on rate of heat and mass transfer of zucchini and the variation of temperature with respect to position in the zucchini sample.
Comparative studies of microbial and heavy metal safety assessment of the herbs cultivated in hydroponically and regular soil system
Authors: Sathyanarayana Sowmya R. , Warke Vishal G. , Mahajan Girish B. , Annapure Uday S.
Published: October 2021

Hydroponics was considered an effective method to practice sustainable agriculture. However, very few studies were carried out related to the microbial and heavy metal safety assessment of hydroponically grown produce. So the microbial and heavy metal quality of hydroponically grown produce needs to be paid attention. The present study's objective was to address microbial and heavy metal safety assessment of basil and coriander grown hydroponically compared with soil‐grown. Such data could be useful while proposing a scientifically validated report for consumers and farmers to reduce foodborne illness and food poisoning risk. The microbial study was carried out in three steps, that is, primary screening, secondary screening, and MALDI‐TOF biotyper based confirmation, whereas heavy metals were analyzed using ICP‐OES. Results from a study of the comparative analysis showed that basil and coriander collected from the hydroponic farm as well as soil farms had no pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella spp., and Campylobacter. The basil was not found to contain pathogens, yeasts, and molds. However, the coriander sample collected from soil‐grown contained Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the case of heavy metal assessment, the hydroponically grown contain no heavy metal content except copper, which is present within the permissible limit. However, soil‐grown basil and coriander had heavy metal content more than the permissible level. This study can infer that hydroponically grown herbs' microbial and heavy metal safety was better than soil grown.
Inactivating effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in various dried products
Authors: Lee Yun Jin , Yoon Ki Sun
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dielectric‐barrier discharges plasma (DBDP) treatment against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in different types of food matrix. Dried julienned squid (DS), squid powder (SP), beef jerky (BJ), and beef powder (BP) were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 or S. aureus and treated with DBDP. The treatment voltage varied at 6.11, 9.25, and 11.86 kV. Treatment time at each voltage was controlled at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. The most significant inhibition for E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus was observed in SP, followed by BP, DS, and BJ. The highest log reduction (2.67 log CFU/g) and injury (47.95%) were observed for E. coli O157:H7 in SP at 11.86 kV for 15 min. Overall, DBDP treatment was more effective in inactivating pathogens in powder type than in the solid type, regardless of pathogens. The DBDP treatment more effectively inactivated E. coli O157:H7 than S. aureus. Most E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus cells died with 20 min treatment. These results suggest that DBDP treatment is more effective against a gram‐negative pathogen in powder types of food such as spices and seasoning powder.
Antifungal activity of human gut lactic acid bacteria against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus MTCC 2798 and their potential application as food biopreservative
Authors: Parappilly Sherin Joy , Idicula Dona V. , Chandran Archana , Mathil Radhakrishnan Kavyakrishna , George Sumi Mary
Published: October 2021

With the enhanced use of chemical preservatives and the survival of foodborne pathogens, lactic acid bacteria and its metabolic product have received increased attention as a potential food preservative. Even though the antibacterial property of lactic acid bacteria is well known, its antifungal property and application in food preservation have not been widely exploited. Considering these facts, this study was conducted to investigate the antifungal properties of three human gut lactic acid bacterial isolates, Lactobacillus plantarum AL1, Lactobacillus fermentum AL2, and Weissella confusa AL3 antifungal activity of the isolates were studied against the aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus MTCC 2798, using the agar overlay method and inhibition of fungal mycelium (co‐culture method). These LAB isolates were also potent producers of antimicrobial compounds like lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and diacetyl. GC–MS analysis of the methanolic extract of the three LAB isolates detected two antifungal bioactive compounds like cyclo (leucyloprolyl) and 1,2‐benzenedicarboxylic acid in extracts. The hemolysis results provided an important insight that the human gut lactic acid bacteria can be used as protective cultures in the biopreservation. The antifungal activity of human gut LAB AL1, AL2, and AL3 against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus MTCC 2798 and its ability extend the shelf life of peanuts prove as a natural preservative for food products.
PIOT‐Hub ‐ A collaborative cloud tool for generation of physical input–output tables using mechanistic engineering models
Authors: Vunnava Venkata Sai Gargeya , Shin Jaewoo , Zhao Lan , Singh Shweta
Published: October 2021

Mapping material flows in an economy is crucial to identifying strategies for resource management toward lowering the waste and environmental impacts of society, a key objective of research in industrial ecology. However, constructing models for mapping material flows at a sectoral level, such as in physical input–output tables (PIOTs) at highly disaggregated levels, is tedious and relies on a large amount of empirical data. To overcome this challenge, a novel collaborative cloud platform PIOT‐Hub is developed in this work. This platform utilizes a Python‐based simulation system for extracting material flow data from mechanistic models, thus semi‐automating the generation of PIOTs. The simulation system implements a bottom‐up approach of utilizing scaled engineering models to generate physical supply tables (PSTs) and physical use tables (PUTs) which are converted to PIOTs (described in (Vunnava & Singh, 2021)). Mechanistic models can be uploaded by users for sectors on PIOT‐Hub to develop PIOTs for any region. Both models and resulting PST/PUT/PIOTs can be shared with other users utilizing the collaborative platform. The automation and sharing features provided by PIOT‐Hub will help to significantly reduce the time required to develop PIOT and improve the reproducibility/continuity of PIOT generation, thus allowing the study of the changing nature of material flows in regional economy. In this paper, we describe the simulation system MFDES and PIOT‐Hub architecture/functionality through a demo example for creating PIOT in agro‐based sectors for Illinois. Future work includes scaling up the cloud infrastructure for large scale PIOT generation and enhancing the tool compatibility for different sectors in economy.
A critical review on the potential role of adipose‐derived stem cells for future treatment of hypertrophic scars
Authors: Putri Karina Teja , Prasetyono Theddeus Octavianus Hari
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) have recently gained researchers’ interest as a solution to various diseases and conditions, including hypertrophic scar. This literature review aims to elucidate ASCs as a potential solution to alleviate hypertrophic scar in human subjects.

Methods

Literature search was done in databases which includes PubMed, MEDLINE, and ProQuest using terms ‘adipose derived stem cells’, ‘adipose cells’, ‘fat graft’, ‘fat grafting’, ‘autologous fat graft’, ‘fat injection’, ‘lipofilling’, ‘scar management’, ‘scar treatment’, ‘burn scar’, and ‘wound management’. The included articles which were published during year 2000‐November 2020 must describe the use of ASCs or fat grafting or lipofilling as an attempt to alleviate hypertrophic scar.

Remarks

Clinically, ASCs improve hypertrophic scars in terms of scar color, elasticity, texture, thickness, and size. Histologically, ASCs promotes healthy tissue regeneration, reduction in fibroblasts, and reorganisation of collagen, resembling those of normal skin. In terms of molecular aspects, ASCs alleviates hypertrophic scars through direct differentiation and paracrine mechanisms.

Conclusion

Adipose‐derived stem cells, emerge to be a potential solution for alleviating hypertrophic scar, as demonstrated in various studies. However, there has been no studies conducted in human subjects to investigate the effect of ASCs on hypertrophic scar.
From Seats at the Table to Voices in the Discussion: Antecedents of Underrepresented Director Participation in Board Meetings
Authors: Tuggle Christopher S. , Sirmon David G. , Borgholthaus Cameron J. , Bierman Leonard , Bass A. Erin
Published: October 2021

A corporate board’s work is largely dependent on the collective contributions of individual directors. Thus, greater board diversity, with its commensurate knowledge complementarity, should stimulate better board discussions when members actively participate. Without the participation of underrepresented directors, however, the potential benefits of board diversity are lost. Herein we examine the drivers of underrepresented directors’ participation in board meetings. Departing from prior studies that often used a single‐level, compositional view of board diversity, we explore the antecedents of individual underrepresented director participation with a multi‐level, multi‐theoretic model. We find strong empirical support for our model, derived from detailed board of director meeting transcripts, offering several theoretical contributions to the literature.
Aetiology, Prevention and Management of Alveolar Osteitis—A Scoping Review
Authors: Ghosh Anna , Aggarwal Vishal R. , Moore Richard
Published: October 2021

Background

Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a poorly understood, common, painful complication following exodontia. It is sometimes managed by inappropriate prescription of antibiotics which contributes to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. Use of intra‐alveolar chlorhexidine also presents a serious risk of anaphylaxis to the patient.

Objective

This scoping review aims to investigate the aetiology, prevention and management of AO and highlight the extent of inappropriate prescribing and intra‐alveolar chlorhexidine use.

Design

A scoping review was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Ovid and Pubmed were searched between 2010 and 2020, from which 63 studies were selected for review that related to the aetiology, prevention or management of AO. Data were analysed for frequency of studies reporting information on risk factors for aetiology, prevention strategies and management including inappropriate management using antibiotic prescribing and intra‐alveolar chlorhexidine.

Results

Impaired immune response, surgical technique and age were identified as significant factors in the development of AO, while there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of smoking and gender. With regard to prevention, the use of prophylactic antibiotics is not supported within the literature. Saline irrigation and eugenol pastes used preventively have been shown to be cheap and effective alternatives to chlorhexidine with no adverse effects. Hyaluronic acid and low‐level laser therapies showed a significant reduction in pain and soft‐tissue inflammation in the management of AO compared to Alveogyl.

Conclusions

Further understanding of the pathophysiology of AO is needed, in addition to large high‐quality RCTs or long‐term observational studies into the aetiology, prevention, and management of AO to produce up‐to‐date evidence‐based clinical guidelines. Clinicians should also be mindful of their contribution to growing antimicrobial resistance and avoid inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. Saline should replace chlorhexidine as the intra‐alveolar irrigant of choice.
The Bond Strength of a Universal Adhesive System with Silane to Lithium Disilicates in Comparison with an Isolated Silane Coupling Agent
Authors: Almaskin Danah , Alzaher Zahra A. , Qaw Masoumah , Al‐Thobity Ahmad M. , Alshahrani Abdullah , Alsalman Abdulmohsen , Akhtar Sultan , Shetty Ashwin C , Gad Mohammed M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different durations of silane coupling agent application compared to a universal adhesive system regarding the shear bond strength of two ceramic materials.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 human molars were ground to the dentinal coronal third and then fixed into an acrylic resin holder. Lithium disilicate specimens were divided into two main groups according to the ceramic type: computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing IPS e.max CAD and heat‐pressed Initial LiSi Press GC (dimensions of 4 × 3× 3 mm). Each main group was subdivided into 6 subgroups (n = 10) according to the duration of the silane and universal adhesive system application (20, 60, or 120 seconds) on the ceramic surface before cementation; then, the cementation procedures were performed. All specimens were subjected to 5000 thermal cycles at 5 and 55°C before testing. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test multiple comparisons tests were conducted (α = 0.05).

Results

The shear bond strength increased as the duration of the silane and universal adhesive system application increased. The highest bond value for each material was found for the silane application at 120 seconds, with a significant difference between 120 and 60, and 20 seconds for both e. max CAD and Initial LiSi materials (p = 0.029 and p ˂ 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found between 60 and 20 seconds when silane and universal adhesive system were applied for both e. max CAD and Initial LiSi materials (p = 0.169 and p = 0.120, respectively). All groups treated with the silane primer showed significantly higher values than the universal adhesive system for each application time (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusion

Increasing the duration of the silane coupling agent and universal adhesive system application to 120 seconds on the ceramic surface before cementation improved the shear bond strength of the ceramic‐cement interface. Ceramic pretreatment with silane could be an essential step for bonding ceramic to dentin regardless of silane presence in the universal adhesive system.
Trends in access to care among rural patients served at HRSA‐funded health centers
Authors: Pourat Nadereh , Lu Connie , Chen Xiao , Zhou Weihao , Hair Brionna , Bolton Joshua , Sripipatana Alek
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Nearly one‐fifth of Americans live in rural areas and experience multiple socioeconomic and health disparities. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)‐funded health centers (HCs) provide comprehensive primary care in rural communities. However, no prior research has examined trends in access to care in rural HC patients. We examined the change in access to care among patients served at rural HRSA‐funded HCs in the United States between 2009 and 2014.

Methods

We compared patients by year to examine measures of access using multilevel generalized structural equation logistic regression models with random effects. We used the 2009 and 2014 cross‐sectional Health Center Patient Surveys and identified 2,625 adult rural HC patients. Dependent variables were subjective (unmet need/delay in medical care, mental health, dental care, and prescription medications) and objective measures (preventive care and other health care utilization) in access to care. Our independent variable of interest was time, comparing access in 2009 and 2014.

Results

Rural HC patients reported higher predicted probability of influenza vaccine receipt (37% vs 51%), and lower unmet (25% vs 14%) and delayed medical care (36% vs 18%) between 2009 and 2014. Any emergency department visits in the last year increased (32% vs 46%) and mammogram (70% vs 55%) and Pap test (83% vs 72%) screening rates decreased.

Conclusions

Observed increases in access to care among rural HC patients are positive developments but the challenges to access care still persist. Remote services, such as telehealth, could be cost‐effective means of improving access to care among rural patients with limited provider supply.
Night moves: nocturnal movements of endangered spotted turtles and Blanding's turtles
Authors: Hjort Toms A. , Browning L. V. T. , Paterson J. E. , Angoh S. Y. J. , Davy C. M.
Published: October 2021

Diel activity patterns in animals can be diurnal (concentrated during daylight), nocturnal (concentrated during darkness), cathemeral (both daylight and darkness) or crepuscular (concentrated at twilight). Freshwater, Nearctic turtles are typically considered diurnal, apart from crepuscular or nocturnal nesting migrations by mature females. However, some crepuscular and nocturnal activity has been observed in non‐nesting freshwater turtles. There are no quantitative studies of nocturnal movements in freshwater turtles, but GPS‐tracking devices provide an opportunity to collect and archive locations for 24 h, providing the GPS antenna is exposed above water. We collected GPS locations and shell temperatures from mature spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata, n = 12) and Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii, n = 12) from May to July 2018 in southern Ontario, Canada. We compared the minimum distance moved by turtles during the day and night, and we tested previously proposed hypotheses that nocturnal movement is linked to nesting or thermoregulatory benefits. Blanding's turtle movements were primarily diurnal, but spotted turtles were cathemeral. Nocturnal activity by spotted turtles was not restricted to the nesting season and did not confer thermoregulatory benefits. We hypothesize that nocturnal exposure and movement by spotted turtles provide increased time for foraging or mate‐seeking, allowing daytime hours to be used for basking. Our study demonstrates cathemeral diel patterns in spotted turtles and quantitatively tests hypotheses about the drivers of nocturnal behaviour in freshwater turtles. Future research should use observational methods in order to better understand the purpose of nocturnal activity in Nearctic, freshwater turtles.
The burden and sexual dimorphism with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Asian children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zou Zi‐Yuan , Zeng Jing , Ren Tian‐Yi , Huang Lei‐Jie , Wang Meng‐Yu , Shi Yi‐Wen , Yang Rui‐Xu , Zhang Qian‐Ren , Fan Jian‐Gao
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite substantial attention paid to the epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults, data on the burden and sexual dimorphism of NAFLD in Asian children have not yet been synthesized.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of 735 references up to April 2021. Pooled analyses, stratified analyses and meta‐regression were all performed.

Results

Thirty‐three study populations were finally included. Nine of them comprising 20 595 children showed an overall NAFLD prevalence of 5.53% (95% CI 3.46%‐8.72%), in which, 36.64% (95% CI, 27.99%‐46.26%) NAFLD subjects had elevated levels of ALT. The prevalence rate of NAFLD increased about 1.6‐fold from 2004 to 2010 to the last decade. Male predominant trends were observed in paediatric NAFLD (boys: 8.18%, 95% CI 4.93%‐13.26%; girls: 3.60%, 95% CI 1.60%‐7.87%). Moreover, meta‐analysis showed that after 10 years of age, boys were more prone to have NAFLD than girls (OR = 1.75; P = .0012). In addition, the pooled prevalence of NAFLD increased sequentially in normal‐weight (1.49%, 95% CI 0.88%‐2.51%, n = 2610), overweight (16.72%, 95% CI 7.07%‐34.65%, n = 1265) and obese children (50.13%, 95% CI 41.99%‐58.27%, n = 6434 individuals). After full covariate adjustment, the multivariate meta‐regression also showed that boy percentage (P = .0396) and body mass index (P < .0001) were positively correlated with prevalent NAFLD.

Conclusions

In Asia, paediatric NAFLD is becoming prevalent over the recent decades, particularly among obese children and boys after 10 years old. The hormonal and chromosomal origins of paediatric NAFLD dimorphism need further investigation.
Complementary nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies of Mo and W in chondrules and matrix in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite: The case for hydrothermal metamorphism and its implications
Authors: Sanders Ian S. , Scott Edward R. D.
Published: October 2021

The remarkable complementary isotopic relationship in the Allende chondrite between chondrules (depleted in s‐process molybdenum and tungsten) and matrix (enriched in these nuclides) has been interpreted as evidence that the anomalies were established during chondrule formation, and that chondrules were, therefore, not made by planetesimal collisions. We question this interpretation, and to better understand the complementary relationship, we review nucleosynthetic isotopic variations of Mo and W in bulk carbonaceous chondrites, their components, and acid leachates extracted from them. Mo isotopic data almost always track a mixing line between pure s‐process Mo and s‐process‐depleted Mo (i.e., with excess p‐process and r‐process Mo in a fixed ratio). Tungsten data track an equivalent mixing line. Guided by our review, we develop a model suggesting how the isotopic variations in Allende’s chondrules and matrix could be attributable to hydrothermal alteration in the parent body. In our model, anomalous Mo and W, both depleted in s‐process isotopes, are easily leached from their carriers in the matrix, then transported in solution and precipitated preferentially in water‐deficient components, such as chondrules, where the aqueous solvent is consumed. The model operates after accretion so does not inform chondrule‐forming mechanisms. It also goes some way to explaining variations of Mo and W isotopes in Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions in Allende, and variations of s‐process Mo in bulk carbonaceous chondrites.
On the relativity of species, or the probabilistic solution to the species problem
Authors: Kollár Jan , Poulíčková Aloisie , Dvořák Petr
Published: October 2021

For centuries, both scientists and philosophers have discussed the nature of species resulting in c. 35 species concepts proposed to date. However, in our opinion, none of them incorporated neither recent advances in evolutionary genomics nor dimensionality of species in befitting depth. Our attempt to do so resulted in the following conclusions. Due to the continuous nature of evolution (regardless of its rate and constancy), species are inevitably undefinable as natural discontinuous units (except those originating in saltatory speciation) whenever the time dimension is taken into consideration. Therefore, the very existence of species as a natural discontinuous entity is relative to its dimensionality. A direct consequence of the relativity of species is the duality of speciators (e.g., incipient species) meaning that, in a given time, they may be perceived as both being and not being a species. Finally, the most accurate way to reflect both the relativity of species and the duality of speciators in species delimitation is probabilistic. While the novelty of these ideas may be questionable, they still deserve more extensive attention from the biological community. Here, we hope to draw such attention by outlining one of the possible pathways towards a new kind of probabilistic species delimitation methods based on the probability of irreversible divergence of evolutionary lineages. We anticipate that our probabilistic view of speciation has the potential to facilitate some of the most serious and universal issues of current taxonomy and to ensure unity of the species‐level taxonomy across the tree of life.
Perspectives of operational staff working in residential care and aged care reforms
Authors: Monro Cathy , Mackenzie Lynette , O'Loughlin Kate , Low Lee‐Fay
Published: October 2021

Australia is undergoing major aged care reforms, changing from the previous service provider‐driven approach to consumer‐directed care principles. In residential aged care, this has resulted in a significant reduction in government funding in order to support reform initiatives in home and community‐based care. There has been limited research on the impact of structural aspects of the reforms such as the effect of changes in funding focus. Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology, this study explores the impact of the reforms on staff at various levels of operational responsibility in residential aged care. Issues identified by participants centered on the capacity to deliver care in three areas, the impact of funding reduction, challenges in meeting increasingly complex needs of residents and their families, and new requirements for care roles within current limitations. This paper provides an insight into how and why operational issues have informed the findings of the current Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It identifies areas of support for the aged care workforce that are crucial in fulfilling consumer‐focused care delivery.
Turkish validation of the family presence during resuscitation risk‐benefit scale
Authors: Öztürk Esma Ayşe , Koç Zeliha
Published: October 2021

Background

There are no validated tools to examine the risk and benefits of family presence and nurses' self‐confidence during resuscitation in Turkey.

Aim

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the family presence risk‐ benefit scale and the family presence self‐confidence scale in Turkish as well as its psychometric characteristics.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of 427 nurses. The forward‐backward translation method was used. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the factor structure and construct validity of the scales. In order to evaluate the time invariances of the scales, the relationship between the scores obtained from the first and second applications was examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

The Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO) value of the family presence risk‐benefit scale was found to be 0.876 while the KMO value of the family presence self‐confidence scale was found to be 0.927. Positive linear correlations with high levels of significance and respective values of 82.5% and 93.5% were found between the total scores of the family presence risk–benefit and family presence self‐confidence scales and their retest scores.

Conclusion

The Turkish versions of the family presence during resuscitation risk‐ benefit scale and the family presence self‐confidence scale were found to be valid and reliable tools that could be used to determine the perceptions of nurses regarding the risks and benefits of family presence during resuscitation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using the family presence risk–benefit and family presence self‐confidence scales, both of which have been tested for validity and reliability in Turkish, the perceptions of intensive care nurses regarding the risks and benefits of family presence during resuscitation can be determined as well as their self‐confidence on the subject, making the development of policies on the subject possible.
Gastric half emptying time (T½) for 4‐h gastric emptying scintigraphy simplifies reporting but reduces detection of gastroparesis
Authors: Gardella Rebecca , Silver Paul J. , Shahsavari Dariush , Maurer Alan H. , Parkman Henry P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) reports percent retention at 1, 2, and 4 h. Time to empty half the meal (T½) could simplify GE reporting.

Aims

To compare the performance of GES T½ to 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐h retention.

Methods

GES studies were reviewed; results determined according to retention at 1, 2, and 4 h. T½ was determined using 3 methods: (1) GES curve fitting using 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h data; (2) linear interpolation using 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h data; and (3) linear interpolation using only 0, 1, 2, and 4 h data.

Results

Of 495 patients, 265 had normal GE, 4 rapid GE (<30% retention at 1 h), and 226 delayed GE: 17 delayed only at 2 h (>60% ret); 94 delayed only at 4 h (>10% ret); and 115 delayed at both 2 h and 4 h. Strong correlations were seen between each T½ method and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h %‐empty values: curve‐fit T½ (r = −0.851, −0.942, −0.864, −0.744), linear T½ using all imaging times (r = −0.848, −0.972, −0.878, −0.763), and linear T½ using standard imaging times (r = −0.853, −0.974, −0.868, −0.760). The 132 min cutoff for delayed GE captures 99.1% to 100% of delayed GE at both 2 h and 4 h, 76.5% to 94.1% delayed at 2 h only, but only 36.7% to 39.4% delayed at 4 h only; 3.5 to 11.3% of patients with normal GE miscategorized as delayed.

Conclusions

GES T½ correlates more strongly with retention at 2 h than at 4 h. T½ alone may misclassify patients, particularly those with late‐phase (4 h only) delays, reducing its utility for diagnosing gastroparesis.
Prevalence of disordered eating in adults with gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Peters Jessica E. , Basnayake Chamara , Hebbard Geoffrey S. , Salzberg Michael R. , Kamm Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with gastrointestinal disorders are prone to heightened awareness of dietary intake. When diet‐related thoughts or behaviors are excessive, they may lead to psychological distress, nutritional compromise, and impair medical treatment. Identification of disordered eating behavior and eating disorders is crucial for effective management, but data on their prevalence within this population remain scarce. We conducted a systematic review of the prevalence of disordered eating behavior and eating disorders in adults with gastrointestinal disorders.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycInfo databases were searched up to June 2021. Studies examining disordered eating in adult patients with a primary gastrointestinal diagnosis were included.

Key Results

A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The range of gastrointestinal disorders examined included disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI), coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The methods for examining disordered eating were highly variable. The prevalence of disordered eating ranged from 13–55%. The prevalence was higher in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) than in those with organic gastrointestinal disorders. Factors associated with disordered eating included female sex, younger age, gastrointestinal symptom severity, anxiety and depression, and lower quality of life.

Conclusions & Inferences

Disordered eating is highly prevalent in adult patients with gastrointestinal illness, particularly those with DGBI. Understanding whether a patient's primary underlying diagnosis is that of an eating disorder or gastroenterological disorder remains a challenge for clinicians. There is an unmet need to identify at‐risk patients so that psychological intervention can be included in the therapeutic strategy.
Transitional attitudes and the unmooring view of higher‐order evidence
Authors: Staffel Julia
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a novel answer to the question of what attitude agents should adopt when they receive misleading higher‐order evidence that avoids the drawbacks of existing views. The answer builds on the independently motivated observation that there is a difference between attitudes that agents form as conclusions of their reasoning, calledterminal attitudes, and attitudes that are formed in a transitional manner in the process of reasoning, calledtransitional attitudes. Terminal and transitional attitudes differ both in their descriptive and in their normative properties. When an agent receives higher‐order evidence that they might have reasoned incorrectly to a belief or credence towardsp, then their attitude towardspis no longer justified as aterminalattitude towardsp, but it can still be justified as atransitionalattitude. This view, which I call theunmooring view, allows us to capture the rational impact of misleading higher‐order evidence in a way that integrates smoothly with a natural picture of epistemic justification and the dynamics of deliberation.
Early spring flowers rely on xylem hydration but are not limited by stem xylem conductivity
Authors: McMann Natalie , Peichel Alexander , Savage Jessica A.
Published: October 2021

Many woody plants produce large floral displays early in the spring when xylem transport can be variable and often reduced. To determine whether stem hydraulics impact floral water use, we quantified floral transpiration and tested whether it was correlated with stem xylem conductivity in five temperate woody species that flower before producing leaves.

We measured inflorescence gas exchange, examined the relationship between diffusive conductance and inflorescence morphology, and estimated the amount of water supplied to an inflorescence by the phloem. We also tested for correlation between transpiration and native stem xylem conductivity for branches with leaves and branches with flowers.

The flowers of our study species obtain most of their water from the xylem. Diffusive conductance was higher in small inflorescences, but water content and daily transpiration rates were greater for larger inflorescences. We found no correlation between floral transpiration per branch and stem xylem conductivity within species.

The data suggest that inflorescence water loss during anthesis is not limited by the xylem in our study species. We highlight the impact of floral morphology on hydraulic traits and encourage exploration into temporal shifts in floral hydration.
Abscisic acid employs NRP‐dependent PIN2 vacuolar degradation to suppress auxin‐mediated primary root elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wu Yanying , Chang Yue , Luo Liming , Tian Wenqi , Gong Qingqiu , Liu Xinqi
Published: October 2021

How plants balance growth and stress adaptation is a long‐standing topic in plant biology. Abscisic acid (ABA) induces the expression of the stress‐responsive Asparagine Rich Protein (NRP), which promotes the vacuolar degradation of PP6 phosphatase FyPP3, releasing ABI5 transcription factor to initiate transcription. Whether NRP is required for growth remains unknown.

We generated an nrp1 nrp2 double mutant, which had a dwarf phenotype that can be rescued by inhibiting auxin transport. Insufficient auxin in the transition zone and over‐accumulation of auxin at the root tip was responsible for the short elongation zone and short‐root phenotype of nrp1 nrp2.

The auxin efflux carrier PIN2 over‐accumulated in nrp1 nrp2 and became de‐polarized at the plasma membrane, leading to slower root basipetal auxin transport. Knock‐out of PIN2 suppressed the dwarf phenotype of nrp1 nrp2. Furthermore, ABA can induce NRP‐dependent vacuolar degradation of PIN2 to inhibit primary root elongation. FyPP3 also is required for NRP‐mediated PIN2 turnover.

In summary, in growth condition, NRP promotes PIN2 vacuolar degradation to help maintain PIN2 protein concentration and polarity, facilitating the establishment of the elongation zone and primary root elongation. When stressed, ABA employs this pathway to inhibit root elongation for stress adaptation.
Tandem gene amplification restores photosystem II accumulation in cytochrome b559 mutants of cyanobacteria
Authors: Chiu Yi‐Fang , Fu Han‐Yi , Skotnicová Petra , Lin Keng‐Min , Komenda Josef , Chu Hsiu‐An
Published: October 2021

Cytochrome (Cyt) b559 is a key component of the photosystem II complex (PSII) that is essential for its proper functioning and assembly. Site‐directed mutants of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 with mutated heme axial ligands of Cyt b559 have little PSII and are therefore unable to grow photoautotrophically.

Here we describe two types of Synechocystis autotrophic transformants that retained the same mutations in Cyt b559 but are able to accumulate PSII and grow photoautotrophically. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that all of these autotrophic transformants carried a variable number of tandem repeats (from 5 to 15) of chromosomal segments containing the psbEFLJ operon.

RNA‐seq analysis showed greatly increased transcript levels of the psbEFLJ operon in these autotrophic transformants. Multiple copies of the psbEFLJ operon in these transformants were only maintained during autotrophic growth, while its copy numbers gradually decreased under photoheterotrophic conditions. Two‐dimensional PAGE analysis of membrane proteins revealed a strong deficiency in PSII complexes in the Cyt b559 mutants that was reversed in the autotrophic transformants.

These results illustrate how tandem gene amplification restores PSII accumulation and photoautotrophic growth in Cyt b559 mutants of cyanobacteria, and may serve as an important adaptive mechanism for cyanobacterial survival.
In vivo monitoring of drought‐induced embolism in Callitris rhomboidea trees reveals wide variation in branchlet vulnerability and high resistance to tissue death
Authors: Johnson Kate M. , Lucani Christopher , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: October 2021

Damage to the plant water transport system through xylem cavitation is known to be a driver of plant death in drought conditions. However, a lack of techniques to continuously monitor xylem embolism in whole plants in vivo has hampered our ability to investigate both how this damage propagates and the possible mechanistic link between xylem damage and tissue death.

Using optical and fluorescence sensors, we monitored drought‐induced xylem embolism accumulation and photosynthetic damage in vivo throughout the canopy of a drought‐resistant conifer, Callitris rhomboidea, during drought treatments of c. 1 month duration.

We show that drought‐induced damage to the xylem can be monitored in vivo in whole trees during extended periods of water stress. Under these conditions, vulnerability of the xylem to cavitation varied widely among branchlets, with photosynthetic damage only recorded once > 90% of the xylem was cavitated.

The variation in branchlet vulnerability has important implications for understanding how trees like C. rhomboidea survive drought, and the high resistance of branchlets to tissue damage points to runaway cavitation as a likely driver of tissue death in C. rhomboidea branch tips.
Orthodontic extraction of deeply impacted lower third molar with temporary anchorage device on the ramus
Authors: Bai Yanjie , Tao Tingting , Wang Xiao , Li Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the usage of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) at the ramus for the orthodontic extraction of the deeply impacted lower third molar.

Method

Thirteen patients were involved in this study, surgical exposure, miniscrew insertion and orthodontic attachments bonding were carried out at one visit, all the extraction appliances were sutured under the flap. The elastic chain was changed every 4 weeks. When the root/roots were separated apart from the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal, tooth was easier and quicker to surgically extract. Data were analysed by paired t‐test.

Result

All the patient's M3s were successfully and easily removed without neurological complication. The average orthodontic traction time was 15.4 ± 6.7 weeks, and average root movement was 3.9 ± 1.5 mm. The traction time seemed associated with gender, the traction time of female was 12.0 ± 4.9 weeks and male was 17.5 ± 7.1 weeks (p < 0.05). The linear and angular changes indicated that the M3s were distally upright.

Discussion

To avoid IAN injury, coronectomy and orthodontic extraction were investigated by many studies, TADs at the ramus were demonstrated to be a reliable method for orthodontic extraction. Larger sample number and randomized controlled trial are recommended.