bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a novel roseophage and the morphological and transcriptional response of the sponge symbiont Ruegeria AU67 to infection
Authors: Baum Lisa , Nguyen Mary T. H. D. , Jia Yunke , Biazik Joanna , Thomas Torsten
Published: March 2021

Sponges have recently been recognized to contain complex communities of bacteriophages; however, little is known about how they interact with their bacterial hosts. Here, we isolated a novel phage, called Ruegeria phage Tedan, and characterized its impact on the bacterial sponge symbiont Ruegeria AU67 on a morphological and molecular level. Phage Tedan was structurally, genomically and phylogenetically characterized to be affiliated with the genus Xiamenvirus of the family Siphoviridae. Through microscopic observations and transcriptomic analysis, we show that phage Tedan upon infection induces a process leading to metabolic and morphological changes in its host. These changes would render Ruegeria AU67 better adapted to inhabit the sponge holobiont due to an improved utilization of ecologically relevant energy and carbon sources as well as a potential impediment of phagocytosis by the sponge through cellular enlargement. An increased survival or better growth of the bacterium in the sponge environment will likely benefit the phage reproduction. Our results point towards the possibility that phages from host‐associated environments require, and have thus evolved, different strategies to interact with their host when compared to those phages from free‐living or planktonic environments.
Can agglomeration of producer services reduce urban–rural income inequality? The case of China
Authors: Zhao Jun , Dong Xiucheng , Dong Kangyin
Published: March 2021

In this study, we construct a theoretical model and investigate the impact of agglomeration of producer services (APS) on urban–rural income inequality in China. The mediating effects are explored. Results indicate that the growth of APS can not only narrow China's urban–rural income gap directly, but also have an indirect negative effect on income inequality by promoting urbanisation evolution and human capital accumulation. Furthermore, the agglomeration of six sub‐industries is conducive to reducing the income gap. Among them, the agglomeration of the traffic, transport, storage and post has the greatest effect, while the effect of information transfer, computer services and software agglomeration is not significant. In addition, the results of regional heterogeneity show that only in the low APS region can APS and income inequality show bidirectional causality.
Cold plasma an emerging nonthermal technology for milk and milk products: A review
Authors: Rathod Nikheel Bhojraj , Kahar Suraj Prembahadur , Ranveer Rahul Chudaman , Annapure Uday Shriramrao
Published: March 2021

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is under wide evaluation for the preservation of highly perishable foods, including milk and milk products. Cold plasma (CP) techniques have been promoted as a novel nonthermal technology for the preservation of milk and milk products. Apart from maintaining the nutritive value, CP also inactivates microorganisms without any chances of developing resistance. Cold plasma was also found to deactivate enzymes that are responsible for browning (colour change) reactions and generation of an off flavour. This review will describe the action of CP and its effect on the nutritional quality of milk and milk products.
Operational Modeling with Health Economics to Support Decision Making for COPD Patients
Authors: Yakutcan Usame , Demir Eren , Hurst John R. , Taylor Paul C. , Ridsdale Heidi A.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the impact of interventions for improving the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically increased use of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on patient outcomes and cost‐benefit analysis.

Data Sources

We used the national Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) datasets in England, local data and experts from the hospital setting, National Prices and National Tariffs, reports and the literature around the effectiveness of PR programs.

Study Design

The COPD pathway was modeled using discrete event simulation (DES) to capture the patient pathway to an adequate level of detail as well as randomness in the real world. DES was further enhanced by the integration of a health economic model to calculate the net benefit and cost of treating COPD patients based on key sets of interventions.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

A total of 150 input parameters and 75 distributions were established to power the model using the HES dataset, outpatient activity data from the hospital and community services, and the literature.

Principal Findings

The simulation model showed that increasing referral to PR (by 10%, 20%, or 30%) would be cost‐effective (with a benefit‐cost ratio of 5.81, 5.95, and 5.91, respectively) by having a positive impact on patient outcomes and operational metrics. Number of deaths, admissions, and bed days decreased (ie, by 3.56 patients, 4.90 admissions, and 137.31 bed days for a 30% increase in PR referrals) as well as quality of life increased (ie, by 5.53 QALY among 1540 patients for the 30% increase).

Conclusions

No operational model, either statistical or simulation, has previously been developed to capture the COPD patient pathway within a hospital setting. To date, no model has investigated the impact of PR on COPD services, such as operations, key performance, patient outcomes, and cost‐benefit analysis. The study will support policies around extending availability of PR as a major intervention.
GRP75‐mediated upregulation of HMGA1 stimulates stage I lung adenocarcinoma progression by activating JNK/c‐JUN signaling
Authors: Qiao Guo‐Bing , Wang Ren‐Tao , Wang Shu‐Nan , Tao Shao‐Lin , Tan Qun‐You , Jin Hua
Published: March 2021

Background

Recurrence is a major challenge in early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) treatment. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of high‐mobility group AT‐hook 1 (HMGA1) and glucose‐regulated protein 75‐kDa (GRP75) in stage I LUAD and evaluated their potential as biomarkers for predicting the recurrence and prognosis of stage I LUAD.

Methods

The TCGA dataset was used to investigate the clinical significance of HMGA1 and GRP75 in early‐stage LUAD. The biological functions of HMGA1 and GRP75 in LUAD were investigated both in vitro and in vivo through overexpression and knockdown experiments. The interaction and regulation between HMGA1 and GRP75 were evaluated with coimmunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays. The downstream signaling pathway of the GRP75/HMGA1 axis was investigated by mRNA‐sequencing analysis.

Results

Both HMGA1 expression levels and GRP75 expression levels were associated with recurrence in stage I LUAD patients. In particular, HMGA1 had potential as an independent prognostic factor in stage I LUAD patients. Overexpression of GRP75 or HMGA1 significantly stimulated LUAD cell growth and metastasis, while silencing GRP75 or HMGA1 inhibited LUAD cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, GRP75 inhibited ubiquitination‐mediated HMGA1 degradation by directly binding to HMGA1, thereby causes HMGA1 upregulation in LUAD. In addition, the GRP75/HMGA1 axis played its role by activating JNK/c‐JUN signaling in LUAD.

Conclusions

The activation of GRP75/HMGA1/JNK/c‐JUN signaling is an important mechanism that promotes the progression of stage I LUAD, and a high level of HMGA1 is a novel biomarker for predicting recurrence and a poor prognosis in stage I LUAD patients.
Healthcare provision inside immigration removal centres: A social identity analysis of trust, legitimacy and disengagement
Authors: Këllezi Blerina , Wakefield Juliet , Bowe Mhairi , Stevenson Clifford , McNamara Niamh
Published: March 2021

The stressors of immigration detention and negative host country experiences make effective access to health care vital for migrant detainees, but little is known regarding the health experiences of this populations and the barriers to healthcare access. The present research investigates immigration detainees’ experiences of health‐related help‐seeking in the distressing and stigmatised environment of UK immigration removal centres (IRCs), as well as staff members’ experiences of providing help. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 detainees and 21 staff and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis guided by the social identity approach. The findings indicate that the practical constraints on help provision (e.g. lack of time and resources, the unpredictable nature of detention) are exacerbated by the complex and conflictual intergroup relationships within which these helping transactions occur. These transactions are negatively affected by stigma, mutual distrust and reputation management concerns, as well as detainees’ feelings of powerlessness and confusion around eligibility to receive health care. Some detainees argued that the help ignores the systematic inequalities associated with their detainee status, thereby making it fundamentally inappropriate and ineffective. The intergroup context (of inequality and illegitimacy) shapes the quality of helping transactions, care experiences and health service engagement in groups experiencing chronic low status, distress and uncertainty.
Millennial‐scale deglaciation across the European Alps at the transition between the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene – evidence from a new cosmogenic nuclide chronology
Authors: Protin Marie , Schimmelpfennig Irene , Mugnier Jean‐Louis , Buoncristiani Jean‐François , Le Roy Melaine , Pohl Benjamin , Moreau Luc ,   ASTER Team
Published: March 2021

Reconstructing the spatial and temporal response of mountain glaciers to rapid climate change in the past provides access to the effects of current climate change. Yet, the spatial and temporal variability of past glacier fluctuations is not fully understood. In this study, we focus on the timing of glacier fluctuations in the European Alps during the Younger Dryas/Early Holocene (YD/EH) transition. In an effort to elucidate whether glacier fluctuations were synchronous during this period, we present a new chronology of the Alpine Talèfre glacier, based on 14 new 10Be ages of moraines and roches moutonnées. The retreat of Talèfre glacier was initiated during the mid‐YD (~12.4 ka), then it experienced a gradual retreat punctuated by at least three oscillations until ∼11 ka before shrinking substantially within its Little Ice Age limits (13th−19th centuries). Comparison of our findings with published glacier chronologies in the Alpine region highlights broadly synchronous behaviour of glaciers across the Alps between 12 and 10 ka. The coeval glacier fluctuations at a regional scale suggest that common regional climate conditions had a major impact on Alpine glacier variations during the YD/EH transition. The similarity of glacier behaviour and independent temperature records in both the Alpine region and the northern high latitudes suggests a teleconnection between these regions, but differences in the amplitude of the mean annual temperature signals relative to summer temperature indicate pronounced changes in seasonality between the YD and the EH.
Transfers in the gravity equation
Authors: Kruse Hendrik W. , Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada
Published: March 2021

This study integrates development aid into a theoretically founded structural gravity model that considers primary and secondary effects of aid as an income transfer and as a bilateral trade cost determinant. We identify the parameters of our model using a two‐stage approach that includes a state‐of‐the‐art Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood gravity estimation for a sample of 132 countries over the period 1995 to 2012. The main findings indicate that bilateral aid only increases bilateral trade for countries that do not have a common language, a past colonial relationship or an RTA. On average, 1 USD of additional foreign aid from all donors increases recipients’ net imports by around 0.36 USD. Our comparative statics indicate that donors experience a reduction in real consumption due to aid and recipients an increase. We also analyze the effect on third countries. The modelling framework also applies to the study of other transfers such as remittances.
Debate: Child and adolescent mental health services in Pakistan; Do we need in‐patient mental health facilities for children and young people?
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill‐e‐ , Tamizuddin‐Nizami Asad
Published: March 2021

Depression and anxiety are leading causes of morbidity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Pakistan, young people are exposed to many chronic adversities including violence, social and economic inequalities, and are at greater risk of developing mental health problems. Yet there is a lack of trained human resources, in‐patient child and adolescent mental healthcare facilities, and training opportunities in child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health in Pakistan. Given the poor economic condition of the country, which has been made even worse by the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is very unlikely that dedicated resources will be made available in near future to develop specialist child and adolescent mental health services in Pakistan. To bridge this treatment gap, we propose a multitiered, transdiagnostic, task‐shifting strategy‐based model for child and adolescent mental health services in Pakistan.
A bioisostere of Dimebon/Latrepirdine delays the onset and slows the progression of pathology in FUS transgenic mice
Authors: Chaprov Kirill , Rezvykh Alexander , Funikov Sergei , Ivanova Tamara A. , Lysikova Ekaterina A. , Deykin Alexei V. , Kukharsky Michail S. , Yu. Aksinenko Alexey , Bachurin Sergey O. , Ninkina Natalia , Buchman Vladimir L.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To assess effects of DF402, a bioisostere of Dimebon/Latrepirdine, on the disease progression in the transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by expression of pathogenic truncated form of human FUS protein.

Methods

Mice received DF402 from the age of 42 days and the onset of clinical signs, the disease duration and animal lifespan were monitored for experimental and control animals, and multiple parameters of their gait were assessed throughout the pre‐symptomatic stage using CatWalk system followed by a bioinformatic analysis. RNA‐seq was used to compare the spinal cord transcriptomes of wild‐type, untreated, and DF402‐treated FUS transgenic mice.

Results

DF402 delays the onset and slows the progression of pathology. We developed a CatWalk analysis protocol that allows detection of gait changes in FUS transgenic mice and the effect of DF402 on their gait already at early pre‐symptomatic stage. At this stage, a limited number of genes significantly change expression in transgenic mice and for 60% of these genes, DF402 treatment causes the reversion of the expression pattern.

Conclusion

DF402 slows down the disease progression in the mouse model of ALS, which is consistent with previously reported neuroprotective properties of Dimebon and its other bioisosteres. These results suggest that these structures can be considered as lead compounds for further optimization to obtain novel medicines that might be used as components of complex ALS therapy.
The impact of frailty on epistaxis admission, a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Davies Timothy , Alatsatianos Anton , Slim Mohd Afiq Mohd , Royce William , Whymark Andrew
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Epistaxis is frequently managed with intra‐nasal packing devices, traditionally requiring patient admission. Current COVID‐19 guidelines encourage ambulatory care where possible in this patient cohort. This paper aims to establish the impact of the Clinical Frailty Scale, anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapeutics and season variation on pre‐pandemic admissions to help identify patients suitable for ambulatory epistaxis management.

Design

Retrospective cohort study

Setting

Scottish Regional Health Board

Participants

Adult patients attending secondary care with epistaxis between March 2019 and March 2020.

Main outcome measures

Likelihood of epistaxis hospital admission based on Clinical Frailty Scale.

Results

299 epistaxis presentations were identified, of which 122 (40.8%) required admission. Clinical Frailty Scale of ≥4 had an increased likelihood of admission (OR 3.15 (95% CI:1.94–5.16), P < .05). In the majority of presentations (66.2%), patients were taking either an antiplatelet or anticoagulant. Of these presentations, the use of an anticoagulant (OR: 2.00 (95% CI: 1.20‐3.33), P < .05 and dual antiplatelet (OR: 2.82 (95% CI: 1.02‐7.86), P < .05) demonstrated increased likelihood of admission.

Conclusions

We have shown that frailty increases the risk of admission in adult patients presenting with epistaxis. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) could be utilised in risk stratification to identify suitable patients for outpatient management. Patients with CFS ≤ 3 could be considered for outpatient management of their epistaxis. It is likely that patients with CFS ≥4 on anticoagulant or dual antiplatelet will require admission.
Attention Does Not Affect the Speed of Subjective Time, but Whether Temporal Information Guides Performance: A Large‐Scale Study of Intrinsically Motivated Timers in a Real‐Time Strategy Game
Authors: van der Mijn Robbert , van Rijn Hedderik
Published: March 2021

Many prepared actions have to be withheld for a certain amount of time in order to have the most beneficial outcome. Therefore, keeping track of time accurately is vital to using temporal regularities in our environment. Traditional theories assume that time is tracked by means of a clock and an “attentional gate” (AG) that modulates subjective time if not enough attentional resources are directed toward the temporal process. According to the AG theory, the moment of distraction does not have an influence on the subjective modulation. Here, we show, based on an analysis of 28,354 datasets, that highly motivated players of the online multiplayer real‐time strategy game StarCraft2 indeed respond later to timed events when they are distracted by other tasks during the interval. However, transient periods of distraction during the interval influence the response time to a lesser degree than distraction just before the required response. We extend the work of Taatgen, van Rijn, and Anderson (2007) and propose an alternative active check theory that postulates that distracted attention prevents people from checking their internal clock; we demonstrate that this account better predicts variance observed in response time. By analyzing StarCraft2 data, we assessed the role of attention in a naturalistic setting that more directly generalizes to real‐world settings than typical laboratory studies.
Adjectives Modulate Sensorimotor Activation Driven by Nouns
Authors: Garofalo Gioacchino , Marino Barbara F. M. , Bellelli Stefano , Riggio Lucia
Published: March 2021

We performed three experiments to investigate whether adjectives can modulate the sensorimotor activation elicited by nouns. In Experiment 1, nouns of graspable objects were used as stimuli. Participants had to decide if each noun referred to a natural or artifact, by performing either a precision or a power reach‐to‐grasp movement. Response grasp could be compatible or incompatible with the grasp typically used to manipulate the objects to which the nouns referred. The results revealed faster reaction times (RTs) in compatible than in incompatible trials. In Experiment 2, the nouns were combined with adjectives expressing either disadvantageous information about object graspability (e.g.,sharp) or information about object color (e.g.,reddish). No difference in RTs between compatible and incompatible conditions was found when disadvantageous adjectives were used. Conversely, a compatibility effect occurred when color adjectives were combined with nouns referring to natural objects. Finally, in Experiment 3 the nouns were combined with adjectives expressing tactile or shape proprieties of the objects (e.g.,longorsmooth). Results revealed faster RTs in compatible than in incompatible condition for both noun categories. Taken together, our findings suggest that adjectives can shape the sensorimotor activation elicited by nouns of graspable objects, highlighting that language simulation goes beyond the single‐word level.
Conditional political budget cycles: The role of time preference
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas P. , Okabe Tomohito , Roca‐Sagalés Oriol
Published: March 2021

We revisit work that has indicated that the presence and strength of political budget cycles depend on a range of conditioning factors. We point to the importance of voter time preference and argue that, in relatively poorer countries, high discount rates will lead impatient voters to value immediate consumption due to fiscal expansions over the future benefits from fiscally responsible policies. Consistent with this assertion, our empirical evidence, based on a sample of up to 67 low‐ and high‐income countries over the period 1995 to 2016, indicates that budget cycles emerge in countries with a GDP per capita below a threshold of around 30,000 PPP‐adjusted constant 2017 U.S. dollars. This goes beyond previous explanations of budget cycles based on voters with short memories who underestimate the costs of expansionary policies, voters with little experience with democracy or voters who are poorly informed about the competence or policy preferences of political candidates.
A tipping point in carbon storage when forest expands into tundra is related to mycorrhizal recycling of nitrogen
Authors: Clemmensen Karina Engelbrecht , Durling Mikael Brandström , Michelsen Anders , Hallin Sara , Finlay Roger D. , Lindahl Björn D.
Published: March 2021

Tundra ecosystems are global belowground sinks for atmospheric CO2. Ongoing warming‐induced encroachment by shrubs and trees risks turning this sink into a CO2 source, resulting in a positive feedback on climate warming. To advance mechanistic understanding of how shifts in mycorrhizal types affect long‐term carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, we studied small‐scale soil depth profiles of fungal communities and C–N dynamics across a subarctic‐alpine forest‐heath vegetation gradient. Belowground organic stocks decreased abruptly at the transition from heath to forest, linked to the presence of certain tree‐associated ectomycorrhizal fungi that contribute to decomposition when mining N from organic matter. In contrast, ericoid mycorrhizal plants and fungi were associated with organic matter accumulation and slow decomposition. If climatic controls on arctic‐alpine forest lines are relaxed, increased decomposition will likely outbalance increased plant productivity, decreasing the overall C sink capacity of displaced tundra.
Thalamic oscillatory activity may predict response to deep brain stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus
Authors: Deutschová Barbora , Klimeš Petr , Jordan Zsofia , Jurák Pavel , Erőss Lorand , Lamoš Martin , Halámek Josef , Daniel Pavel , Rektor Ivan , Fabo Daniel
Published: March 2021

We hypothesized that local/regional properties of stimulated structure/circuitry contribute to the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS). We analyzed intracerebral electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from externalized DBS electrodes targeted bilaterally in the anterior nuclei of the thalamus (ANT) in 12 patients (six responders, six nonresponders) with more than 1 year of follow‐up care. In the bipolar local field potentials of the EEG, spectral power (PW) and power spectral entropy (PSE) were calculated in the passbands 1–4, 4–8, 8–12, 12–20, 20–45, 65–80, 80–200 and 200–500 Hz. The most significant differences between responders and nonresponders were observed in the BRIDGE area (bipolar recordings with one contact within the ANT and the second contact in adjacent tissue). In responders, PW was significantly decreased in the frequency bands of 65–80, 80–200, and 200–500 Hz (p < .05); PSE was significantly increased in all frequency bands (p < .05) except for 200–500 Hz (p = .06). The local EEG characteristics of ANT recorded after implantation may play a significant role in DBS response prediction.
Building patient‐specific models for receptor tyrosine kinase signaling networks
Authors: Ebata Kyoichi , Yamashiro Sawa , Iida Keita , Okada Mariko
Published: March 2021

Cancer progresses due to changes in the dynamic interactions of multidimensional factors associated with gene mutations. Cancer research has actively adopted computational methods, including data‐driven and mathematical model‐driven approaches, to identify causative factors and regulatory rules that can explain the complexity and diversity of cancers. A data‐driven, statistics‐based approach revealed correlations between gene alterations and clinical outcomes in many types of cancers. A model‐driven mathematical approach has elucidated the dynamic features of cancer networks and identified the mechanisms of drug efficacy and resistance. More recently, machine learning methods have emerged that can be used for mining omics data and classifying patient. However, as the strengths and weaknesses of each method becoming apparent, new analytical tools are emerging to combine and improve the methodologies and maximize their predictive power for classifying cancer subtypes and prognosis. Here, we introduce recent advances in cancer systems biology aimed at personalized medicine, with focus on the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling network.
Library and knowledge staff in England share similar perceptions of the roles and personal characteristics of the clinical librarian
Authors: Rudd Sarah , Harding Sam
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Indications on the development of the health library and knowledge workforce (LKS) in England suggest that more staff may need to shift into clinical librarian (CL) roles. Anecdotal evidence suggested that CL roles have changed recently.

Objectives

To examine perceptions of CL tasks and required personal characteristics of CLs, amongst both practising CLs and other LKS staff in England.

Methods

An online survey was followed by descriptive statistical and content analysis to identify any differences in perceptions between the CL and non‐CL staff groups.

Results

Response rate: 10% (123/1181). Both staff groups identified literature searching as the top core task and agreed on the main CL roles. Perceptions on the necessary personal characteristics were also similar. Ranking differed for a few tasks: non‐CL staff may ascribe more importance to some tasks (evidence synthesis, critical appraisal training and attending ward rounds/team meetings) than the CL staff state. CLs spent more time on staff management, and less time on study skills training than non‐CL staff perceived.

Discussion

Results indicated that CL roles are continuing to develop, but that CLs are more integrated into library administration than some non‐CL staff believe.

Conclusion

Shared perceptions around CL roles should help workforce development.
Sedimentary records of the late Early Cretaceous compressional setting in the South China block: A case study of the Xingning Basin, Guangdong Province
Authors: Kong Jintao , Xu Zhongjie , Liang Yunyi , Cheng Rihui
Published: March 2021

Recently, some scholars have proposed that the South China Block (SCB) was controlled by a compressive tectonic regime in the middle–late Early Cretaceous, challenging the belief that the SCB was under an extensional setting during the Cretaceous. The Early Cretaceous tectonic setting constraint in the SCB can offer vital insight to clarify the Mesozoic subduction history of the Paleo‐Pacific. Therefore, to determine the SCB tectonic regime during the Early Cretaceous, this study investigated sedimentary rocks from the Lower Cretaceous Heshui Formation in the Xingning Basin, a foreland basin located in the southeastern SCB. Provenance analysis was performed using sandstone modal analysis, sandstone geochemical characteristics, and detrital zircon geochronology. Based on the results, we discussed basin sediment sources and the SCB tectonic regime during the Early Cretaceous. The results showed that the maximum Heshui Formation depositional age was 103 Ma ± 1.6 Ma in the Early Cretaceous Albian. Detrital framework modes and geochemical characteristics of sandstone indicated that Heshui Formation's source rocks were granites and sedimentary rocks. The detrital zircon U–Pb ages could be classified into two major and four subordinate age populations. The Wuyi Terrane to the north and southeast coastal regions to the east were the primary potential Heshui Formation source areas. However, the lower and upper sandstones are different in the peak ages, ~437 and ~146 to 104 Ma, respectively, indicating that the major source area shifted from the Wuyi Terrane to the southeastern coastal regions during the late Early Cretaceous. The sandstone modal analysis results indicated that the source area comprised mainly collisional–orogenic material. The SCB was under a compressive tectonic regime during the late Early Cretaceous and this compression action continued until at least 103 Ma ± 1.6 Ma.
Effect of processing on bioaccessibility of carotenoids from orange maize products
Authors: Song Yuwei , Ndolo Victoria , Fu Bin Xiao , Ames Nancy , Katundu Mangani , Beta Trust
Published: March 2021

This study assessed the effect of processing including boiling, roasting and fermenting on bioaccessibility of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐cryptoxanthin, α‐carotene and β‐carotene) from orange maize. Bioaccessibility of carotenoids was analysed using a three‐stage in vitro digestion. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to analyse the contents of carotenoid compounds in the processed orange maize products and digesta. On average, boiled maize had the highest retention rate (79.0%) of carotenoids followed by fermented porridge (73.8%), fermented maize (68.4%) and unfermented porridge (59.0%). Roasted maize had the lowest retention rate of 56.1%. Without further processing, carotenoids recovery from raw orange maize ranged from 73.0% to 100.5%. After treatments, carotenoids recovery showed varying levels of increase except for fermented maize. The average recovery of carotenoids in whole digesta of boiled maize, roasted maize, fermented porridge and unfermented porridge was 108.5%, 116.9%, 101.9% and 110.7%, respectively.
Characterisation of a novel laminarinase from Microbulbifer sp. ALW1 and the antioxidant activity of its hydrolysates
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Yin Xiaoqian , Li Hebin , Wang Xinghua , Jiang Zedong , Li Lijun , Ni Hui , Li Qingbiao , Zhu Yanbing
Published: March 2021

Laminarin and its derived oligosaccharides have diverse bioactivities. The β‐1,3‐glucanase in marine bacteria can be employed as a tool to digest laminarin in the cell wall of brown algae. Here, we cloned, expressed and characterised a β‐1,3‐glucanase (laminarinase), MaLamNA, from the previously characterised marine bacterium Microbulbifer sp. ALW1, phylogenetically distinct from the glycoside hydrolase families of characterised laminarinases. The recombinant laminarinase was heterologously expressed and purified from Pichia pastoris GS115 cells with a molecular mass of 57.3 kDa. MaLamNA exerted its hydrolytic activity specifically against laminarin, with the highest activity at 45 °C and pH 4.5–5.5, respectively, and demonstrated high stability against extreme acidic and alkaline pH exposure. The addition of reducing agent dithiothreitol could significantly enhance the activity of MaLamNA. The hydrolytic products of laminarin by MaLamNA exhibited more effective antioxidant activities than the undigested laminarin. These characteristics of MaLamNA provide clues to its industrial application for laminarin bioresource development.
Metaproteomic analysis of enzymatic composition in Baobaoqu fermentation starter for Wuliangye baijiu
Authors: Fan Weiye , Zhao Xinrui , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian , Li Jianghua , Zheng Jia , Qiao Zongwei , Zhao Dong
Published: March 2021

Wuliangye is one of the most famous brands of baijiu in China. The typical flavours of Wuliangye baijiu are mainly formed by the multifarious enzymes in fermentation starter (Baobaoqu, BBQ). As the enzymes remained poorly understood, the detailed enzymatic composition of BBQ was analysed by metaproteomics for the first time. It is worth noting that the enzymes from plant, animals and micro‐organisms were detected together and oxidoreductases were the dominant enzymes. Next, the analysis of function showed that the enzymes were mainly involved in carbon metabolism and the biosynthesis of amino acids. Additionally, the relationship between differential abundant enzymes and formation of typical flavour substances in premium and normal BBQ was established. Furthermore, the activities of classic enzymes in BBQ were examined to verify the reliability of metaproteomic results. This study will provide clues to further improve the manufacturing technology for Wuliangye baijiu.
Patient perceptions of current and potential inflammatory bowel disease diagnostic and monitoring tests
Authors: Ho Shaun S. C. , Keenan Jacqueline I. , Day Andrew S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Less invasive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tests are increasingly being incorporated into clinical practice as adjuncts to endoscopy to monitor disease activity and guide optimal care. Little is known about patient perspectives of these tests.

Aims

To assess patient perspectives of the current IBD tests and potential future tests, such as saliva, urine or breath.

Methods

New Zealand adults with IBD were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Experiences relating to blood or faecal tests, medical imaging (abdominal ultrasound, abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance enterography) and colonoscopy were collected.

Results

Of the 117 completed surveys, 112 respondents provided background details. The majority (85%) of participants were female and 88% were aged <55 years with a mean disease duration of 8.98 years. General blood tests were reported as the most prescribed, completed, comfortable test and the least worrying test results. Imaging tests were reported as the least ordered and the most refused tests. Colonoscopy was rated as the least comfortable and generated the most worry. Test explanations by a referring clinician significantly impacted on respondents' levels of understanding across all tests, but did not affect the level of worry when receiving test results. Saliva, blood and breath tests were chosen as the most preferred disease monitoring tests.

Conclusions

Patients with IBD preferred any tests less invasive than colonoscopy. An explanation by referring doctor enhanced patients' understanding, but did not necessarily influence their level of comfort or worry.
Algorithms for the multiperiod workforce scheduling and routing problem with dependent tasks
Authors: Notini Pontes Vitor , Pereira Dilson Lucas
Published: March 2021

Logistics problems lie at the core of industries' everyday operations. These types of problems are also one of the main points of interest in the operational research field of study. In recent years, the workforce scheduling and routing problems (WSRP) class of optimization problems has gained significant attention from researchers. In this paper, a recently proposed WSRP is studied: the multiperiod WSRP with dependent tasks. In this problem, a given company provides services by means of heterogeneously skilled mobile teams. Service requests are known beforehand and each service is composed of one or more activities. Execution of one activity may depend on the completion of another. A feasible schedule in which the requested activities are completed in the minimum amount of days must be provided. Two matheuristic algorithms are proposed. Several new upper bounds for a set of instances from the literature are discovered.
Pricing strategy for logistics service platforms with competition and user distance preference
Authors: Hou Rui , Li Liang , Lin Xiaogang , Zha Yong , Zhao You
Published: March 2021

In practice, the demanders (customers) and providers (sellers) of logistics service platforms not only care about prices but also are sensitive to the spatial distance between each other (because longer distance would lead to longer service waiting time). We study the impacts of spatial distance preference on two competing logistics platforms' pricing strategies. Two groups of agents (demanders and providers) are required to pay the logistics service platform a fixed (registration) fees to gain access. We analyze two commonly seen scenarios in practice: (i) the single‐homing model—both demanders and providers can only join one of the platforms; (ii) the competitive bottleneck model—demanders (providers) can join only one of the platforms while providers (demanders) are allowed to join both platforms. We find that under the single‐homing setting, an increase in demanders' (providers') distance preference would lead to higher but lower (lower but higher) prices charged to demanders and providers, respectively, and higher profits of both platforms. Under the competitive bottleneck model, however, the price charged to demanders (providers) might decrease (increase) in demanders' (providers') distance preference. Finally, compared to the case in which both sides single homing, we find that allowing providers or demanders to join both platforms would decrease the profits of both platforms if users' distance preference is sufficiently low or high.
Investigation of the status and influence factors of caregiver's quality of life on caring for patients with chronic wound during COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Huang Yao , Mao Bei Qian , Ni Peng Wen , Wang Qi , Xie Ting , Hou Lili
Published: March 2021

The objectives of this study were to investigate the status and influence factors of caregiver's quality of life (QOL) on caring for patients with chronic wound during COVID‐19 epidemic. A prospective cross‐sectional study of 83 informal caregivers was included. The characteristics of informal caregivers as well as their QOL assessment by the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) were measured, respectively. Single‐factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were carried out to explore the independent influence factors of QOL of caregiver on caring for patient with chronic wound. 62.65% of the caregivers were female with a mean age of (54.24 ± 12.6) years, and 34.9% of the caregivers were parents. The mean FDLQI score was 13.01 ± 7.53 at a high level. The following variables influenced the FDLQI scores of caregivers: self‐care ability of patients, patient's satisfaction of home‐based wound care, and home‐based wound care need of caregivers. The model was able to explain 29.9% of variance in QOL of caregiver (F = 6.561, P = .000, R2 = 0.299, adjusted R2 = 0.253). In conclusion, the impact of chronic wound disease on the QOL of caregivers is heavy during COVID‐19 epidemic. Wound professionals are suggested to pay attention to wound care need at home and QOL of caregiver on caring for patients with chronic wound during COVID‐19 epidemic and develop tailored wound health education and support programme in order to improve the QOL of caregivers.
Effectiveness of nursing interventions for preoperative anxiety in adults: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Ruiz Hernández Carolina , Gómez‐Urquiza José L. , Pradas‐Hernández Laura , Vargas Roman Keyla , Suleiman‐Martos Nora , Albendín‐García Luis , Cañadas‐De la Fuente Guillermo A.
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this review and meta‐analysis is to analyse the effectiveness of nursing interventions for the management of preoperative anxiety in adults.

Background

The perioperative process is a stressful situation for many people who are going to be operated and it can generate feelings of anxiety. Also, preoperative anxiety can appear in the perioperative period. Nursing management of preoperative anxiety through individualized interventions can be effective for reducing anxiety.

Design

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed.

Data sources

CINAHL, CUIDEN, Pubmed, ProQuest and Scopus databases were consulted without restriction per year of publication. The search was conducted in February 2020.

Review methods

Experimental studies on nursing management in preoperative anxiety with adults sample (>18 years) published in English and/or Spanish were included. All types of surgery were included in the review. A random effects meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the effect size for preoperative anxiety measured with STAI.

Results

After the selection process n = 9 quantitative studies with nursing interventions for preoperative anxiety were included. A preoperative educational and informative interview was used in six studies, one study used empathic interview, one used motivational interview and one used hand massage. The meta‐analysis, including four studies using nursing interviews, had a sample of n = 419 in the intervention group and n = 445 in the control group. The mean difference in preoperative state anxiety measured with the STAI was in favour of the nursing intervention.

Conclusion

Nursing interventions for patients who are going to be operated seems to have a positive impact in their preoperative anxiety. However, due to the low number of studies and the heterogeneity of the sample, more research is needed about the topic.
Environmental correlates of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Paz Andrea , Brown Jason L. , Cordeiro Carlos L. O. , Aguirre‐Santoro Julian , Assis Claydson , Amaro Renata Cecilia , Raposo do Amaral Fabio , Bochorny Thuane , Bacci Lucas F. , Caddah Mayara K. , d’Horta Fernando , Kaehler Miriam , Lyra Mariana , Grohmann Carlos Henrique , Reginato Marcelo , Silva‐Brandão Karina Lucas , Freitas André Victor Lucci , Goldenberg Renato , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Miyaki Cristina , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Silva Thiago S. , Carnaval Ana C.
Published: March 2021

Aim

There is little consensus on which environmental variables are best at predicting multiple dimensions of diversity. We ask whether there are common environmental correlates of diversity, despite ecological differences, across nine clades of plants and animals distributed along a single rainforest domain. For that, we compare the environmental correlates of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism.

Location

Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Taxon:Five clades of plants (Bromelioideae, Miconieae, Bertolonia, Cambessedesieae, and the Fridericia and allies) and four clades of animals (butterlies in the tribe Ithomiini, frogs in the genera Boana and Proceratophrys, and birds in the subfamily Thraupinae).

Methods

Using curated occurrence localities and phylogenetic data, we generated maps of (a) species richness, (b) phylogenetic diversity, (c) residuals of phylogenetic diversity regressed on species richness, and (d) phylogenetic endemism for all groups. We also compiled a set of 30 environmental descriptors, including records of current temperature and precipitation, climatic stability over time, and topography. Through a machine learning framework, we explored the environmental correlates of each of these diversity measures for each group.

Results

The environmental variables used here were strong predictors of diversity for all studied groups. However, models for phylogenetic endemism had lower predictive power. Although patterns of diversity are different among groups, correlates of diversity are consistent across taxa. For both species richness and phylogenetic diversity, current precipitation and precipitation stability over time were consistently ranked among the variables that strongly correlate with diversity patterns. The correlates of phylogenetic endemism were less homogeneous across groups. The results suggest that including climate stability over time is important when predicting diversity measures that reflect historical components.

Main conclusions

Investigating environmental correlates of diversity for multiple clades and diversity measures in a single geographic area allows for a better understanding of common patterns across taxa. This study shows that environmental conditions, particularly precipitation, are good predictors of the patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity‐but not phylogenetic endemism‐across different Atlantic Forest groups.
First description and diagnostics of disease caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis in farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax Linnaeus) from Croatia
Authors: Zrnčić Snježana , Vendramin Niccolò , Boutrup Torsten S. , Boye Mette , Madsen Lone , Nonneman Bettina , Brnić Dragan , Oraić Dražen
Published: March 2021

During the winter of 2013 and 2016, several Croatian fish farms experienced mortalities in the fry of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Affected fish showed abnormal swimming behaviour and reduced appetite, and death ensued several days after the onset of clinical signs of disease. Necropsy revealed pale liver, empty digestive tract, distended gall bladder, and hyperaemia and congestion of the meninges. Routine bacteriological examination tested negative, and virological examination ruled out nodavirus infection. Histological examination revealed multifocal necrosis and extensive inflammation in the brain with abundant cellular debris in the ventricles. Inflammatory cells displayed intra‐cytoplasmic basophilic vacuoles leading to suspicion of Piscirickettsia salmonis infection. Fluorescent in situ hybridization using an oligonucleotide probe targeting Domain Bacterium applied to tissue sections tested positive. The pathogen was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of brain material, and the sequence showed 99% similarity with P. salmonis. This result enabled the design of an oligonucleotide probe specifically targeting P. salmonis. In 2016, P. salmonis was successfully isolated on CHAB from the brain of an affected specimen and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and MALDI‐TOF. This study describes the first outbreak of disease caused by P. salmonis in sea bass in Croatia, while new diagnostic tools will enable further research on its epidemiology and pathogenicity.
Behavioural change in Prader–Willi syndrome during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wieting J. , Eberlein C. , Bleich S. , Frieling H. , Deest M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that in many cases is associated with mental health disorders, in addition to characteristic symptoms such as hyperphagia. The current Sars‐CoV‐2 coronavirus pandemic has led to massive restrictions in health care and social life worldwide. People with PWS represent a particularly vulnerable population group to these restrictions, with unknown impact on their mental health.

Methods

We conducted an online questionnaire to assess the impact of the restrictions associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of people with PWS.

Results

One hundred and eight caregivers completed the survey about individuals with PWS. Individuals with PWS > 6 years (n = 89) were included for evaluation with regard to psychopathological change. Respondents frequently reported an increase in psychopathological symptoms associated with PWS during the lockdown, with 51.7% reporting increased temper outbursts, 43.8% showing signs of sadness, 38.2% being anxious, 55.0% more irritable, and 39.3% showing more food seeking behaviour. Adjusted for the type of accommodation food seeking behaviour and irritability is increased to a significantly lesser extent in people with PWS accommodated in specialised care facilities compared with those living in their family home. No significant difference could be found between the sexes.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the mental health of individuals with PWS, evidenced by an increase in behaviours associated with PWS, including temper outbursts, food‐seeking, and irritability, which again underlines their need for specialised care. Individuals living with their families were particularly vulnerable, indicating that they and their families are in special need of support.