bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiprivate space and access to online education during COVID-19: empirical tests from China
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Although the use of online technology has generated excitement over its potential to increase access to education, most existing research has focused on comparing online and in-person student performance. This study provides empirical evidence that semiprivate space at the family level affects students' access to online education.

Design/methodology/approach

Students from 1,565 low-income households in China were surveyed, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on the hypothesized factors that affect access to online education at home.

Findings

The results show that the absence of computers, smartphones and broadband networks at home severely hinders children's access to online education, and even leads to their exclusion from it. Children with their fathers or paternal grandfathers as guardians have a lower probability of receiving online education at home. It was also found that the higher the education level of the head of the household, the more likely it is that children will receive online education at home.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine online accessibility at the family level. It also demonstrates that the semiprivate space at the family level may limit opportunities for students who would otherwise pursue online education at home.
Teachers’ perceptions of ICT issues in education: an approximation by gender and region in Mexico
Authors: Arredondo-Trapero Florina Guadalupe , Vázquez-Parra José Carlos , González-Martínez Martín De Jesús
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyse teachers’ perceptions of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the effect they have on their students, comparing male and female teachers in rural and urban areas of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study with a validated questionnaire that records the perception of school teachers from a state in the northeast of Mexico. The questionnaire was designed by interviewing 20 teachers who have had problematic situations in the use of technology by students. The main problems that were perceived in their students were cyberbullying, cyberviolence, online pornography, excessive use of videogames and also lack of ability to use digital technology. Hypothesis testing was applied to identify differences between gender (female or male) and region (rural or urban), considering these problems and the efforts made by the school to address these issues.

Findings

Both the gender of the teaching staff and the region where the school is located are variables that are influencing the willingness to incorporate ICT issues that are affecting the well-being of students into the educational agenda. While teachers are the main actors in preparing their students on how to face these challenges, students in schools with mostly male teachers, or located in rural areas, will be in a situation of greater vulnerability to be victims of the problems that arise as part of ICT risks in a digital society

Research limitations/implications

This article only offers a first approach to ICT and teachers’ perceptions. It is necessary to broaden the scope of this type of research to include different educational contexts and to ask questions that reveal in greater detail how schools are dealing with ICT and its possible risks and the factors that have influenced the successes or failures they are having in these attempts.

Practical implications

This finding can help schools to promote programs focused to apply ICT for student flourishment and help them to deal with the risk that digital technology is generating in young students.

Originality/value

Although multiple research have been conducted to address teachers’ perception about diverse topics, there has been no specific research on the self-perception of teachers in dealing with technology and preparing students for the problems presented by ICT and its risks. This research contributes to the literature on the impact that teachers’ perceptions can have on the adoption of technology in education, and how this can be different by gender and region.
The parameters affecting seam quality: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yıldız Esra Zeynep , Pamuk Oktay
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The conversion of fabric into a garment involves many interactions such as the selection of suitable sewing thread, optimization of sewing parameters, ease of conversion of fabric into the garment and actual performance of the sewn fabric during wear of the garment. The adjustment of all sewing parameters is necessary to ensure quality. The purpose of this paper is to define the parameters that affect seam quality comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study primarily focuses on the studies dealing with the effect of various parameters on-seam quality in detail. A systematic literature review was conducted.

Findings

The interactions between parameters may lead to different results than the effect of a single parameter. In addition, changing some parameters may have a positive effect on one element of seam quality while having a negative effect on another. For this reason, it is very important to properly select the parameters according to the specific end use of the garment products and also to consider the interactions.

Originality/value

The knowledge of various factors that affect seam quality will be helpful for manufacturers to improve production performance and to be able to produce high-quality seam.
Geometry of compact plain knitted structures
Authors: Lanarolle Gamini
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop mathematical relationships to calculate the loop length to knit compact plain knitted fabrics and to validate the model using the fabric parameters of commercial fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Ellipse defines the shape of the head of a knitted loop and straight lines define the arms of a knitted loop. The mathematical relationships developed relate the yarn count to the loop length of compact knitted fabrics. The experimental data and the data from previous similar research validate the accuracy of the mathematical model.

Findings

The model can calculate loop lengths to knit compact plain knitted fabrics in terms of thickness of the yarn and the coefficient defined to express the ratio of minor axis to major axis of the ellipse that defines the shape of the head of the loop. The mathematical model can deliver several loop lengths to produce compact plain knitted fabrics for different values of this coefficient. For commercial fabrics the error of the model was 0.53%.

Originality/value

The present model defines the head of the loop as an ellipse. The uniqueness of the present model is that several ellipses can exist for any given yarn thickness for a range of values assigned to the minor axis of the ellipse. The accuracy of the model against experimental data ascertains that the model is closer to the reality for commercial fabrics and proves the uniqueness of the model. Further, this model is an ideal and a simple model to introduce knitted loop configurations in teaching knitted fabric geometry.
Evaluation of apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, for refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis: A phase 1b clinical trial
Authors: Konishi Risa , Tanaka Ryota , Inoue Sae , Ichimura Yuki , Nomura Toshifumi , Okiyama Naoko
Published: October 2021

Dermatomyositis, an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, is characterized by cutaneous itchy manifestations, which are frequently refractory and recurrent even after intensive immunosuppressive treatments. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in treating skin‐dominant dermatomyositis in which myositis and interstitial lung disease are absent or in remission, we performed this prospective, single‐arm, interventional study. A total of five Japanese patients (one male and four females, median [range] age, 64 [37–71] years) with refractory dermatomyositis‐associated cutaneous manifestations were recruited and treated with a 12‐week course of oral apremilast. Among five enrolled patients, three experienced diarrhea with full‐dose apremilast (30 mg twice daily), two of whom withdrew from the study and recovered quickly afterwards. A total of three evaluable female patients (median [range] age, 65 [64–71] years) received apremilast treatment for 12 weeks. A 39.4% reduction from baseline Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index total activity score, but not the damage score, at week 12 was observed in all three patients. Visual analog scale of itching, and quality of life by Dermatology Life Quality Index were slightly improved in one and two apremilast‐treated patients, respectively. As apremilast was effective, with expected and recoverable digestive adverse events (diarrhea), in patients with refractory and recurrent dermatomyositis‐associated cutaneous manifestations in this first phase Ib study, it can be suggested as a possible treatment when aggressive immunosuppressive therapies with high‐dose systemic corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive agents for other manifestations, myositis, and interstitial lung disease, are not required.
Bee occurrence data collected in citizen science program “Hanamaru‐Maruhana national census” in Japan
Authors: Suzuki‐Ohno Yukari , Yokoyama Jun , Nakashizuka Tohru , Kawata Masakado
Published: October 2021

To understand bee distributions in Japan, we started the citizen science program “Hanamaru‐Maruhana national census (Bumble bee national census in English)” from 2013, and collected bee photographs taken by citizens. Bee photographs were collected via e‐mail or “Mobile Phone System and Cloud Services” provided by Fujitsu FIP, Co. Species were identified from photographic images, and latitude‐longitude data were extracted from GPS data in Exif information of photographs or address in text of e‐mail. We have confirmed all 16 bumble bee species inhabiting in the Japanese archipelago excluding the Kurile Islands, and have got 5503 records of these bumble bees. In addition, we have got 380 records of three carpenter bee species that are often mistaken for bumble bees by citizens. This occurrence data cover the time range from September 2006 to October 2018, the latitudinal range from 26.45 to 45.29 and the longitudinal range from 127.80 to 145.82. The latitude–longitude data were rounded off to two decimal places in the published dataset for protecting privacy rights of citizens. In addition, the latitude–longitude data of five rare bumble bee species/subspecies were rounded off to one decimal place for protecting their habitats. The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2021-04.1/jalter-en.
Beating the advertising drum for the employer: How legal context translates into good HRM practice
Authors: Scheibmayr Isabella , Reichel Astrid
Published: October 2021

The legal context is constitutive for the legitimacy of HRM practices. In this paper, we use an institutional work approach to investigate how a legal mandate requiring employers to state the minimum pay in job advertisements in Austria was translated into a legitimate HRM practice over time. In this process, HR practitioners translated the law into an HRM practice going well beyond the legal requirements. In contrast to merely constraining HRM practice, we find HR practitioners actively engaging with the legal context. In the discursive struggle over a legitimate translation of the law into practice, actors speaking ‘for HRM’ were mostly HRM consultants and service providers building on an individualist and unitarist frame of reference for employment relations. Our findings contribute to a contextualized understanding of HRM practices by considering the interaction of HR practitioners and legal context.
What is the difference between marine and limnetic‐terrestrial associations of nematodes with invertebrates?
Authors: TCHESUNOV Alexei V. , IVANENKO Viatcheslav N.
Published: October 2021

Zoo‐ and phyto‐parasitic nematodes of the order Rhabditida and zooparasites of the subclass Dorylaimia are well known, due largely to their medical, veterinarian and agricultural significance. However, there have been many switches from a free‐living to a symbiotic (including parasitism) mode of existence in the evolutionary trajectories of various nematode clades. Here, we attempt to summarize all known cases of symbioses (from commensalism to true parasitism) between marine nematodes representing nonparasitic taxa and various larger animals, ranging from protists to vertebrates. Most cases are of nematodes relating to dwelling on crustaceans (ectocommensalism) or living in the body cavity and internal organs of various invertebrates (endoparasitism or parasitoidism). Ectocommensal species may differ from their free‐living relatives in their longer filiform bodies and enlarged ventral and caudal glands, which may be interpreted as adaptations for the purpose of fixation on the body surface of a motile host. Endoparasitic species are characterized by deep anatomical modification, including rudimentation of the alimentary tract and hypertrophy of reproductive organs. Unlike terrestrial and limnetic invertebrates, marine invertebrates have almost no intestinal nematode dwellers. The evolutionary trajectories of nematode dwellers of marine and nonmarine invertebrates are compared.
Long‐term associations of cigarette smoking in early mid‐life with predicted brain aging from mid‐ to late life
Authors: Whitsel Nathan , Reynolds Chandra A. , Buchholz Erik J. , Pahlen Shandell , Pearce Rahul C. , Hatton Sean N. , Elman Jeremy A. , Gillespie Nathan A. , Gustavson Daniel E. , Puckett Olivia K. , Dale Anders M. , Eyler Lisa T. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Hagler Donald J. , Hauger Richard L. , McEvoy Linda K. , McKenzie Ruth , Neale Michael C. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Sanderson‐Cimino Mark , Toomey Rosemary , Tu Xin M. , Williams Mc Kenna E. , Bell Tyler , Xian Hong , Lyons Michael J. , Kremen William S. , Franz Carol E.
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

Smoking is associated with increased risk for brain aging/atrophy and dementia. Few studies have examined early associations with brain aging. This study aimed to measure whether adult men with a history of heavier smoking in early mid‐life would have older than predicted brain age 16–28 years later.

Design

Prospective cohort observational study, utilizing smoking pack years data from average age 40 (early mid‐life) predicting predicted brain age difference scores (PBAD) at average ages 56, 62 (later mid‐life) and 68 years (early old age). Early mid‐life alcohol use was also evaluated.

Setting

Population‐based United States sample.

Participants/cases

Participants were male twins of predominantly European ancestry who served in the United States military between 1965 and 1975. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) began at average age 56. Subsequent study waves included most baseline participants; attrition replacement subjects were added at later waves.

Measurements

Self‐reported smoking information was used to calculate pack years smoked at ages 40, 56, 62, and 68. MRIs were processed with the Brain‐Age Regression Analysis and Computation Utility software (BARACUS) program to create PBAD scores (chronological age—predicted brain age) acquired at average ages 56 (n = 493; 2002–08), 62 (n = 408; 2009–14) and 68 (n = 499; 2016–19).

Findings

In structural equation modeling, age 40 pack years predicted more advanced age 56 PBAD [β = −0.144,P = 0.012, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.257, −0.032]. Age 40 pack years did not additionally predict PBAD at later ages. Age 40 alcohol consumption, but not a smoking × alcohol interaction, predicted more advanced PBAD at age 56 (β = −0.166,P = 0.001, 95% CI = –0.261, –0.070) with additional influences at age 62 (β = −0.115,P = 0.005, 95% CI = –0.195, –0.036). Age 40 alcohol did not predict age 68 PBAD. Within‐twin‐pair analyses suggested some genetic mechanism partially underlying effects of alcohol, but not smoking, on PBAD.

Conclusions

Heavier smoking and alcohol consumption by age 40 appears to predict advanced brain aging by age 56 in men.
Panoramic smoking burden and genetic susceptibility in relation to all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality: a prospective study in UK Biobank
Authors: Song Qiying , Zhou Tao , Sun Dianjianyi , Ma Hao , Li Xiang , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

Various smoking behaviors, including smoking initiation, age of initiation, heaviness of smoking and smoking cessation, have been individually related to the risk of mortality; however, no study has assessed these smoking behaviors jointly in relation to mortality. Our study aimed to measure prospectively the association of panoramic smoking burden (PSB), generated from the four aforementioned smoking behaviors, with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality, and measure whether such associations are modified by genetic variations.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Participants

A total of 360 937 participants aged between 37 and 73 years were enrolled in 2006–10 and ‐followed‐up to 2018.

Measurements

The exposure was PSB, constructed based on four smoking behaviors including smoking initiation, age of initiation, heaviness of smoking and smoking cessation in a weighted method. A genetically determined PSB was also constructed with smoking‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and categorized into tertiles. The primary outcomes were all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality.

Findings

We identified 15 968 deaths [9022 from cancer and 5092 from cardiovascular disease (CVD)] over a median of 11.36 years’ follow‐up. For all‐cause mortality, compared with participants with the PSB of zero, the hazard ratios of participants who had a PSB of one, two, three and four were 1.23 [95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.18–1.29), 1.66 (95% CI = 1.59–1.75), 3.33 (95% CI = 3.17–3.51) and 5.76 (95% CI = 4.66–7.13), respectively. Among participants within each genetic risk category, low and intermediate PSB were associated with 45–58% reduced risk of all‐cause death compared with high PSB. Analysis of population‐attributable risk percentage indicated that 21.9, 19.1 and 24.7% of all‐cause‐, cancer‐ and CVD‐specific death could have been avoided if all ever smokers initiated smoking after age 18 years, smoked < 20 cigarettes/day and quit smoking.

Conclusions

The panoramic smoking burden, based on smoking initiation, age of initiation, heaviness of smoking and smoking cessation, appears to be associated with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in a gradient manner with increasing panoramic smoking burden independent of other traditional and genetic risk factors.
Bioguided isolation of a selective compound from Calea phyllolepis leaves against breast cancer cells
Authors: Da Rosa Rodrigo Bitencourt , Borsoi Guilherme , Conter Lucas Umpierre , Feistel Cleverson , Gottems Anderson Leonardo , Reginatto Flávio Henrique , Grivicich Ivana , De Barros Falcão Ferraz Alexandre
Published: October 2021

Plants of the Calea genus have been reported to contain lipophilic compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones, with cytotoxic effect against different cancer cell lines. The aim of this manuscript was to investigate the chemical profile and cytotoxic activity of different fractions from Calea phylolepis leaves on different human cancer cell lines. The fractions were prepared using solvent extraction of increasing polarity, yielding hexane, ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions. All fractions were chemically analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), and their cytotoxic activity against HT‐29 (colon adenocarcinoma), MCF‐7 (breast cancer), U‐251MG (malignant glioblastoma) and L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines was investigated. Among these, the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher cytotoxic effects, while the methanolic fraction did not show any cytotoxic effects. The major bioactive compound from the hexane fraction (12.15%) was isolated using chromatographic methods and was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis as 6‐epi‐β‐verbesinol coumarate. This compound showed activity against breast cancer cells (IC50 = 5.8 ± 1.0 μg/ml), similar to etoposide. Furthermore, 6‐epi‐β‐verbesinol coumarate showed low cytotoxicity to normal fibroblast cells, suggesting a high selectivity index (SI = 7.39) against breast cancer cells.
Mitochondria regulate TRPV4‐mediated release of ATP
Authors: Zhang Xun , Lee Matthew D. , Buckley Charlotte , Wilson Calum , McCarron John G.
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose

Ca2+influx via TRPV4 channels triggers Ca2+release from the IP3‐sensitive internal store to generate repetitive oscillations. Although mitochondria are acknowledged regulators of IP3‐mediated Ca2+release, how TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+signals are regulated by mitochondria is unknown. We show that depolarised mitochondria switch TRPV4 signalling from relying on Ca2+‐induced Ca2+release at IP3receptors to being independent of Ca2+influx and instead mediated by ATP release via pannexins.

Experimental Approach

TRPV4‐evoked Ca2+signals were individually examined in hundreds of cells in the endothelium of rat mesenteric resistance arteries using the indicator Cal520.

Key Results

TRPV4 activation with GSK1016790A (GSK) generated repetitive Ca2+oscillations that required Ca2+influx. However, when the mitochondrial membrane potential was depolarised, by the uncoupler CCCP or complex I inhibitor rotenone, TRPV4 activation generated large propagating, multicellular, Ca2+waves in the absence of external Ca2+. The ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin did not potentiate TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+signals. GSK‐evoked Ca2+waves, when mitochondria were depolarised, were blocked by the TRPV4 channel blocker HC067047, the SERCA inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, the PLC blocker U73122 and the inositol trisphosphate receptor blocker caffeine. The Ca2+waves were also inhibited by the extracellular ATP blockers suramin and apyrase and the pannexin blocker probenecid.

Conclusion and Implications

These results highlight a previously unknown role of mitochondria in shaping TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+signalling by facilitating ATP release. When mitochondria are depolarised, TRPV4‐mediated release of ATP via pannexin channels activates plasma membrane purinergic receptors to trigger IP3‐evoked Ca2+release.
Nutritional care in colorectal cancer—what is the state of play?
Authors: Maunsell Rose , Sodergren Samantha , Hopkinson Jane , Shaw Clare , Foster Claire , Wheelwright Sally
Published: October 2021

Aim

Nutrition is associated with aetiology and impacts outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to explore nutritional symptoms and concerns of patients with CRC and CRC dietetic resource across the UK.

Methods

Study 1 is a descriptive analysis of nutrition‐related measures in the ColoRectal Wellbeing (CREW) study, a prospective 5‐year longitudinal cohort study of a representative sample of 872 adults with non‐metastatic CRC. Study 2 is a descriptive analysis of data collected using a freedom of information request to all UK trusts/boards on dietetic resources for CRC.

Results

Study 1 found that 31% of CREW participants wanted more diet and lifestyle advice. At 3 months post‐surgery, 10% reported poor appetite. A fifth experienced weight loss and 16% had concerns regarding weight loss 9 months post‐surgery. In study 2 just 3% of hospitals providing CRC services had a dedicated CRC dietitian (hepato‐pancreato‐biliary, 11.1%; head and neck cancer, 14.3%). There was no dietetic outpatient follow‐up of CRC patients in 72% of hospitals.

Conclusions

Dietetic resource for patients with CRC is scarce even though weight loss, poor appetite and unmet needs are common and persist over time. Work is needed to embed nutritional care into the management of patients with CRC.
Post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave is impaired in laryngopharyngeal and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Park Jin‐soo , Van der Wall Hans , Falk Gregory L.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) result from the reflux of gastric contents. The post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) is an oesophageal reflex that facilitates chemical clearance of gastric contents following reflux events. PSPW index is a novel parameter that has been validated in assessing the effectiveness of chemical clearance in GORD, but not in LPR. This study aimed to assess chemical clearance in LPR and GORD by measuring PSPW indices in a consecutive series of patients.

Methods

Reviewers blindly analysed off‐therapy impedance‐pH tracings from 187 patients clinically categorized as LPR (n = 105) or GORD (n = 82) by predominant symptom profile. Conventional impedance‐pH measures and PSPW indices were analysed.

Results

Mean PSPW index in the LPR group was higher than in the GORD group (39.7% (±17.7%) vs. 20.6% (±13.4%); p < 0.001). Abnormally low PSPW index (<61%) was seen in 85 (81%) of the LPR group, and 80 (97.6%) of the GORD group (p < 0.001). Area under the ROC curve for PSPW index to diagnose LPR was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.767–0.889; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave was impaired in patients with LPR as well as oesophageal GORD, indicating an abnormality of chemical clearance following a reflux episode in both groups. PSPW index was more severely impaired in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study shows PSPW index is useful in the diagnosis of both LPR and GORD and exposes an abnormality of clearance of the oesophagus.
China and European Innovation: Corporate Takeovers and their Consequences
Authors: Henderson Jeffrey , Hooper Mike
Published: October 2021

While Europe has become the principal venue for new Chinese foreign direct investment, little of it has resulted in new (greenfield) production or research and development facilities. The bulk of this investment has been used to take over European companies, outstripping Chinese acquisitions in North America by 800 per cent. While some takeovers have been of insurance, sports, luxury goods and similar non‐strategic companies, many have been of innovation‐driven firms. This article explores the reasons for the preference — by Chinese state‐ and privately owned companies — for takeovers of this type of European company. Its working hypothesis is that there are correspondences between the continuing weaknesses in China's innovation system and the fact that Chinese companies have been partially shut out of the US and Japan, leading to the focus on cutting‐edge technological acquisitions in Europe. While these correspondences cannot be proven empirically, the article suggests that, given the available evidence and the context in which it arises (particularly the Chinese government's ‘Made in China 2025’ industrial agenda), the balance of presumption must be that these are key dynamics driving China's European acquisitions programme. Amongst its conclusions, the article suggests that Chinese corporate takeovers arguably problematize the future of European innovation and competitiveness and thus the technological robustness of Europe's economic development.
Topical opioid use in dermatologic disease: A systematic review
Authors: Gutierrez Yasmin , Pourali Sarah P. , Kucharik Alison H. , Jones Madison E. , Rajkumar Jeffrey R. , Armstrong April W.
Published: October 2021

Topical opioid formulations offer a potential solution to manage pain and decrease the use of systemic opioids. Synthesis of use and efficacy of topical opioids in dermatological conditions has not been well characterized. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from 1980 to February 2021. This study analyzed data from 14 articles and 263 patients on the use of topical opioids for pain related to chronic ulcers, burns, oral lichen planus, photodynamic therapy, and split‐thickness skin grafts. Topical opioids included in this review were topical morphine and diamorphine. Common formulations consisted of 0.2–10 mg of opioid compounded with hydrogel or IntraSite gel. Topical opioids were variably effective in the use for pain control related to chronic ulcers and other dermatologic conditions. For example, the use of topical opioids appears to be effective in the reduction of pain related to pressure ulcers. Topical opioids were generally well tolerated. Insufficient data exist to adequately evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical opioid use in the context of nonpressure ulcers, burns, oral lichen planus, photodynamic therapy, and split‐thickness skin grafts.
Prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian Quarter Horses
Authors: de Albuquerque Ana L. , Zanzarini Delfiol Diego J. , Andrade Danilo G. A. , Albertino Lukas G. , Sonne Luciana , Borges Alexandre S. , Valberg Stephanie J. , Finno Carrie J. , Oliveira‐Filho Jose P.
Published: October 2021

Background

In the Quarter Horse (QH), myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM), which is characterised by nonexertional rhabdomyolysis or immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) with acute muscle atrophy, is strongly associated with the missense E321G MYH1 mutation.

Objectives

To document the existence of MYHM in the Brazilian QH population, this study includes a case report of two related QH foals with the E321G MYH1 mutation that had clinical signs of MYHM, with histological confirmation of IMM in one of the foals. This prompted an investigation the aim of which was to determine the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant across QHs using a DNA archive in Brazil.

Study design

Cross sectional.

Methods

To estimate the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian QHs, 299 DNA samples from QHs used in different disciplines (reining, barrel racing, halter, cutting and racing) were analysed. DNA fragments containing the region with the mutation were amplified by PCR and used for direct genomic sequencing.

Results

Of the 299 genotyped QHs, 44 animals (14.7%) were heterozygous (My/N) for the E321G MYH1 variant, and 255 (85.3%) were homozygous for the wild‐type allele (N/N), implying an allele frequency of 0.074. Reining horses had a significantly higher prevalence of heterozygosity than horses in other disciplines (P = .008).

Main limitations

The DNA samples were collected from 2010 to 2014. As only registered QHs were evaluated, the results may not reflect the actual incidence in the general population of Brazilian QHs.

Conclusions

The reported cases of MYHM and the high prevalence of the MYH1 mutation found in the assessed Brazilian QH population, particularly in reining QHs, suggests that MYHM should be included in genetic screening. Reasonable control measures are important to prevent an increase in the incidence of MYHM in QHs in Brazil.
The role of parents in adolescent obesity treatment: Results of the TEENS+ randomized clinical pilot trial
Authors: Bean Melanie K. , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Raynor Hollie A. , Adams Elizabeth L. , Evans Ronald K. , Farthing Sarah , Wickham Edmond P. , Mazzeo Suzanne E.
Published: October 2021

Background

The optimal role for involving parents in adolescent obesity treatment is unknown.

Objective

To demonstrate that two parent approaches within adolescent obesity treatment are distinct, as evidenced by differential parent outcomes, and determine the preliminary efficacy of each approach on adolescent weight loss.

Methods

Adolescent/parent dyads (N = 82; mean adolescent age = 13.7 ± 1.2 years) participated in TEENS+, a 4‐month behavioural weight loss treatment. Participants were randomized to: (1) TEENS+parents as coaches (PAC; parent skills training), or (2) TEENS+parent weight loss (PWL; adult behavioural weight loss). Assessments occurred at 0, 4 (post‐treatment), and 7‐months. Within‐ and between‐group repeated measures general linear mixed models examined change in parent weight (∆kg; primary outcome); parenting, feeding, weight control strategies, home environment, and adolescent body mass index (∆BMI; secondary outcomes).

Results

PWL parents had greater 4‐month weight losses (∆kg0–4m = −5.14 ± 4.87 kg) compared to PAC (−2.07 ± 3.89 kg; between‐group p < 0.01). Key constructs differed between groups as expected. Both groups yielded significant within‐group adolescent ∆BMI0–4m (PWL: −0.97 ± 1.38 kg/m2 vs. PAC: −0.93 ± 1.42 kg/m2; ps < 0.01); during maintenance, adolescents in PWL had ∆BMI4–7m increases (+0.41 ± 1.07 kg/m2; p = 0.02) while PAC did not (+0.05 ± 1.31 kg/m2; p = 0.82).

Conclusion

Parent treatments were distinct in implementation and both yielded significant 4‐month adolescent weight loss. Differential weight patterns were observed during maintenance, favouring PAC, warranting further exploration.
Transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 during a 2‐h domestic flight to Okinawa, Japan, March 2020
Authors: Toyokawa Takao , Shimada Tomoe , Hayamizu Takahiro , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Zukeyama Yuji , Yasuda Miyako , Nakamura Yuko , Okano Sho , Kudaka Jun , Kakita Tetsuya , Kuroda Makoto , Nakasone Tadashi
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), has rapidly spread globally. Potentially infected individuals travel on commercial aircraft. Thus, this study aimed to investigate and test the association between the use of face masks, physical distance, and COVID‐19 among passengers and flight attendants exposed to a COVID‐19 passenger in a domestic flight.

Methods

This observational study investigated passengers and flight attendants exposed to COVID‐19 on March 23, 2020, on board a flight to Naha City, Japan. Secondary attack rates were calculated. Whole‐genome sequencing of SARS‐CoV‐2 was used to identify the infectious linkage between confirmed cases in this clustering. The association between confirmed COVID‐19 and proximity of passengers' seats to the index case and/or the use of face masks was estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Fourteen confirmed and six probable cases were identified among passengers and flight attendants. The secondary attack rate was 9.7%. Twelve of 14 SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences in confirmed cases were identical to that of the index case or showed only one nucleotide mutation. Risk factors for infection included not using a face mask (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 7.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.86‐28.6), partial face mask use (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 0.83‐10.8), and being seated within two rows from the index patient (aOR: 7.47, 95% CI: 2.06‐27.2).

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 was transmitted on the airplane. Nonuse of face masks was identified as an independent risk factor for contracting COVID‐19 on the airplane.
Habitat associations of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta fry
Authors: Fetherman Eric R. , Avila Brian W.
Published: October 2021

Habitat restoration activities continue to increase in large rivers, but many of these projects focus on improving juvenile or adult habitats. Incorporating the habitat associations of fry into restoration designs will allow for broader successes from restoration for all life stages and may be useful for either multispecies or specific‐species management. This study investigated the habitat associations of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta fry in the upper Colorado River, focusing on the mean substrate size (D50), velocity (m s−1), depth (m) and presence of wood in near‐shore habitats. S. trutta and O. mykiss were found in higher numbers in fry sites with a D50 of 151 mm (ranging from 96 to 206 mm), velocities ranging from 0.20 to 0.23 m s−1 and depths ranging from 0.17 to 0.18 m. Although there was considerable overlap in habitat associations between the two species, there may be opportunities for single‐species management, if this is a goal of such restoration activities, by adjusting design criteria based on differing habitat associations. In addition, the results suggest that including larger particle sizes in near‐shore habitats and upstream of fry sites could decrease Tubifex tubifex habitat and thereby fry infection severity by reducing exposure to Myxobolus cerebralis. Stocking, interspecific competition and/or the presence of pathogens can affect fry habitat associations and cause deviations from demonstrated suitability indices. As such, evaluating system‐specific differences in habitat associations may allow future habitat restoration activities to be more effective.
Development of a farmer‐friendly portable color sorter cum grader for tomatoes
Authors: Rajkumar P. , Abinaya K. , Deepa J. , Pandiselvam R. , Rani C. Indu , Parveen S.
Published: October 2021

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major horticulture crop grown worldwide. The ripened tomatoes are excellent source of antioxidants. On the other hand, the transportation of ripened tomatoes to long distances is a challenging task. However, the unripe tomatoes are opted for long‐distance transportation because of their extended shelf‐life. A sensor was developed with an efficient color sorting program using integrated circuits along with a divergent rolling grader. The developed color sorter cum size grader works on the principle of energetic reflection based on measuring the intensity of light and it comprises feed hopper, chain conveyor, belt conveyor, three color sensor (TCS3200), collecting ducts, inlet hopper, grader, outlet section, and collecting trays. Developed machine was operated by a single‐phase 2 hp motor. The performance of the developed machine was analyzed by measuring capacity, sorting efficiency, overall grading efficiency, and skin damage. Based on the performance evaluation, the maximum sorting efficiency and overall grading efficiency obtained were 94.5% and 94.1, 94.1, and 94.6% for ripe and unripe fruits, respectively.

Practical Applications

Tomato is one of the important commodities, fetching highly fluctuating market values. Color sorting and size grading are very much needed at the field level to overcome human drudgery and to enhance the market value. In this context, a portable color sensor cum grader has been developed, which can be used by the farmers/traders to get higher prices in the market. The capacity of newly developed equipment was approximately 40 kg/hr. The cost of operation of color sorting cum grading equipment was Rs. 3/kg of tomatoes.
Preliminary evidence for the impact of digital life stories about aged care residents on staff knowledge and understanding regarding those residents; A single arm trial
Authors: Bhar Sunil , Stargatt Jennifer , Collins Rebecca , Bhowmik Jahar , Silver Mark
Published: October 2021

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to examine the impact of digital stories about aged care residents on staff knowledge and understanding regarding those residents.

Background

More than a quarter of a million older Australians live in residential aged care facilities. This living arrangement can inhibit the expression of a person's sense of identity. Without objects and cues that reflect the person's selfhood, it can be difficult for a person to express their uniqueness. Staff may not sufficiently appreciate the resident's individuality and therefore may not be able to customise care for the resident.

Design

This study used a single‐arm trial design.

Methods

The study was conducted in four residential aged care facilities. Short digital life stories (3–4 min) of eight residents were constructed by student volunteers over 6 months. Participants (n = 53 care staff) completed a self‐report measure of their knowledge and understanding of a resident before and after watching the resident's story. The study adhered to guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) (see Appendix S1).

Results

Pre‐ and post‐test scores of the measure were compared using paired samples t‐tests. These scores changed significantly, showing an improvement of knowledge and understanding regarding residents.

Conclusions

Watching digital life stories were associated with improvements in knowledge and understanding by staff, and hence have the potential to foster a greater level of understanding of residents by such staff, and more person‐centred care practices within residential aged care facilities.

Relevance to clinical practice

Digital stories about aged care residents are quick and efficient methods for improving aged care staff members' knowledge and understanding of the residents under their care. With such understanding, staff may be able to better customise care for residents, thereby validating residents' sense of identity and elevating residents' quality of life.
Hope, habitus and social recognition: A Bourdieusian proposal
Authors: Piroddi Corrado
Published: October 2021

This paper provides a conceptual account of Pierre Bourdieu's operational concept of habitus through the lens of social recognition. More precisely, a ‘habitus of recognition’, or ‘recognitive habitus’, is defined as a set of perceptive patterns and expectations whose main function is to actualize social behaviour that allows reciprocal recognition among social agents. In this respect, this paper explains why, thanks to the recognition paradigm, we can better grasp how habitus works as a pre‐reflective common sense capable of producing coordinated collective actions and social reproduction.
Arabidopsis MADS‐box factor AGL16 is a negative regulator of plant response to salt stress by downregulating salt‐responsive genes
Authors: Zhao Ping‐Xia , Zhang Jing , Chen Si‐Yan , Wu Jie , Xia Jing‐Qiu , Sun Liang‐Qi , Ma Shi‐Song , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: October 2021

Sessile plants constantly experience environmental stresses in nature. They must have evolved effective mechanisms to balance growth with stress response. Here we report the MADS‐box transcription factor AGL16 acting as a negative regulator in stress response in Arabidopsis.

Loss‐of‐AGL16 confers resistance to salt stress in seed germination, root elongation and soil‐grown plants, while elevated AGL16 expression confers the opposite phenotypes compared with wild‐type. However, the sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) in seed germination is inversely correlated with AGL16 expression levels.

Transcriptomic comparison revealed that the improved salt resistance of agl16 mutants was largely attributed to enhanced expression of stress‐responsive transcriptional factors and the genes involved in ABA signalling and ion homeostasis. We further demonstrated that AGL16 directly binds to the CArG motifs in the promoter of HKT1;1, HsfA6a and MYB102 and represses their expression. Genetic analyses with double mutants also support that HsfA6a and MYB102 are target genes of AGL16.

Taken together, our results show that AGL16 acts as a negative regulator transcriptionally suppressing key components in the stress response and may play a role in balancing stress response with growth.
Justice in epistemic gaps: The ‘proof paradox’ revisited
Authors: Ross Lewis
Published: October 2021

This paper defends the heretical view that sometimes we ought to assign legal liability based on statistical evidence alone. Recent literature focuses on potential unfairness to the defending party if we rely on bare statistics. Here, I show that capitulating in response to ‘epistemic gaps’—cases where there is a group of potential harmers but an absence of individuating evidence—can amount to a serious injustice against the party who has been harmed. Drawing on prominent civil law litigation involving pharmaceutical and industrial negligence, the overall aim is to illustrate moral pitfalls stemming from the popular idea that it is never appropriate to rely on bare statistics when settling a legal dispute.
Black Rap, White Rock: Non‐Declarative Culture and the Racialization of Cultural Categories
Authors: Schaap Julian , van der Waal Jeroen , de Koster Willem
Published: October 2021

Sociologists of race and ethnicity have convincingly demonstrated that cultural categorizations are affected by racialization. For example, some music genres are clearly dominated by people of color (e.g., rap, soul, r&b), whereas others are particularly popular among whites (e.g., rock, country, classical). However, we know relatively little about how habitual such racialized categorizations are for people. We offer an integrated approach of cultural‐sociological insights on the implicit underpinnings of categorization processes to understand how implicit, “nondeclarative” aspects of racial association lie at the heart of the—often, but not always, unintentional—(re)production of racialized cultural categories. We use an Implicit Association Test in combination with a survey (n = 920) to study the connection between rock music and whiteness, and rap music and blackness. First, we find a relationship between whiteness/blackness and having a preference for rock/rap. Second, we demonstrate that the racial associations regarding these genres are firmly grounded in non‐declarative knowledge and that this is widely shared across racial groups, albeit somewhat more among people of color.
Complementary resource use in intercropped faba bean and cabbage by increased root growth and nitrogen use in organic production
Authors: Shanmugam Sindhuja , Hefner Margita , Pelck Jeanett S. , Labouriau Rodrigo , Kristensen Hanne L.
Published: October 2021

Intercropping can improve yield and nitrogen use efficiency in organic vegetable production by pairing crops with complementary resource use. An intercrop field experiment was conducted to determine yield, root growth and nitrogen (N) dynamics using faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown as a vegetable and pointed cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata cv. conica). Both crops were grown in monocropping (MC) and intercropping systems (IC). Minirhizotrons were used to measure root growth. Yield of pointed cabbage per metre row was 28% higher under the IC system than under MC, whereas faba bean yield as fresh seeds did not differ. The land equivalent ratio was 1.06, showing that improved yield under IC resulted from efficient land resource use. Even though MC cabbage had the highest aboveground biomass, total N accumulation was higher under IC and MC faba bean systems. Both root frequency and intensity were greater under IC faba bean rows compared with MC faba bean because of the presence of cabbage roots in faba bean rows. Monocropped cabbage had the highest root intensity and the lowest amount of soil mineral N in the 0–1.5 m depth after harvest. Monocropped cabbage was efficient in assimilating N, whereas MC faba bean was efficient in exporting N as harvestable yield. The nitrogen use efficiency using the IC system (75%) was higher than growing faba bean (44%) and cabbage (65%) alone. Thus, faba bean as an intercrop in organic cabbage production systems improves land and N use efficiency by complementary root growth.
The Stability of Plane Poiseuille Flow in a Finite-Length Channel
Authors: Xu Lei , Rusak Zvi
Published: October 2021

The linear stability of plane Poiseuille flow through a finite-length channel is studied. A weakly divergence-free basis finite element method with streamline upwind Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) stabilization is used to formulate the weak form of the problem. The linear stability characteristics are studied under three possible inlet–outlet boundary conditions, and the corresponding perturbation kinetic energy transfer mechanisms are investigated. Active transfer of perturbation kinetic energy at the channel inlet and outlet, energy production due to convection and dissipation at the flow bulk provide a new perspective in understanding the distinct stability characteristics of plane Poiseuille flow under various boundary conditions.