bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral cortex maldevelopment in syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Wilson Alexander T , Den Ottelander Bianca K , Van Veelen Marie‐Lise C , Dremmen Marjolein HG , Persing John A , Vrooman Henri A , Mathijssen Irene MJ , Tasker Robert C
Published: July 2021

Aim

To assess the relationship of surface area of the cerebral cortex to intracranial volume (ICV) in syndromic craniosynostosis.

Method

Records of 140 patients (64 males, 76 females; mean age 8y 6mo [SD 5y 6mo], range 1y 2mo–24y 2mo) with syndromic craniosynostosis were reviewed to include clinical and imaging data. Two hundred and three total magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated in this study (148 patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor [FGFR], 19 patients with TWIST1, and 36 controls). MRIs were processed via FreeSurfer pipeline to determine total ICV and cortical surface area (CSA). Scaling coefficients were calculated from log‐transformed data via mixed regression to account for multiple measurements, sex, syndrome, and age. Educational outcomes were reported by syndrome.

Results

Mean ICV was greater in patients with FGFR (1519cm3, SD 269cm3, p=0.016) than in patients with TWIST1 (1304cm3, SD 145cm3) or controls (1405cm3, SD 158cm3). CSA was related to ICV by a scaling law with an exponent of 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.76) in patients with FGFR compared to 0.81 (95% CI 0.50–1.12) in patients with TWIST1 and 0.77 (95% CI 0.61–0.93) in controls. Lobar analysis revealed reduced scaling in the parietal (0.50, 95% CI 0.42–0.59) and occipital (0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.80) lobes of patients with FGFR compared with controls. Modified learning environments were needed more often in patients with FGFR.

Interpretation

Despite adequate ICV in FGFR‐mediated craniosynostosis, CSA development is reduced, indicating maldevelopment, particularly in parietal and occipital lobes. Modified education is also more common in patients with FGFR.
Genotype–phenotype correlation of CACNA1A variants in children with epilepsy
Authors: Niu Xueyang , Yang Ying , Chen Yi , Cheng Miaomiao , Liu Ming , Ding Changhong , Tian Xiaojuan , Yang Zhixian , Jiang Yuwu , Zhang Yuehua
Published: July 2021

Aim

To explore the genotypes and phenotypes of CACNA1A variants in children with epilepsy.

Method

Eighteen children (six males, 12 females) with CACNA1A variants were identified using next‐generation sequencing.

Results

There were 14 missense variants, two nonsense variants, one frameshift variant, and one splice site variant. Sixteen variants were de novo. Age at seizure onset ranged from 1 day to 8 years; median age was 8 months. Multiple seizure types were observed, including focal, generalized tonic–clonic, myoclonic, and absence seizures, as well as epileptic spasms and tonic seizures. Focal motor status epilepticus occurred in 10 individuals and generalized motor status epilepticus occurred in two individuals. All 18 children showed developmental delay. Focal motor status epilepticus resulted in cerebral atrophy in five individuals, mainly on the contralateral side. Interictal electroencephalogram showed focal discharges in 12 individuals, whereas five individuals had generalized discharges. Three individuals were seizure‐free, whereas 15 still had seizures and five had recurrent status epilepticus at last follow‐up.

Interpretation

Most children with epilepsy and CACNA1A variants had early seizure onset and developmental delay. Focal seizure was the most common seizure type. Most patients experienced status epilepticus. Unilateral cerebral atrophy could occur after focal motor status epilepticus. Patients with CACNA1A variants located in the transmembrane region may be at high risk of status epilepticus.
Scaling up sustainable investment through blockchain‐based project bonds
Authors: Chen Yushi , Volz Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Most low‐ and middle‐income countries face an urgent need to scale up sustainable finance for low‐carbon and climate‐resilient infrastructure investment, yet underdeveloped capital markets tend to inhibit domestic resource mobilization for infrastructure investment. At the same time, domestic savers face a scarcity of “safe” local‐currency assets, resulting in the export of capital.

Purpose

This article explores options for mobilizing domestic savings through financial technology (fintech) solutions to scale up sustainable investment.

Methods and approach

The article discusses how fintech can help to complement conventional capital markets and mobilize financial resources for sustainable infrastructure investments.

Findings

The article puts forward a proposal for blockchain‐based project bonds to raise finance through a digital crowdfunding platform which is able to record transparently and certify the use of proceeds, sustainability impact, and revenue streams of projects by combining timestamp, public and private key mechanisms, and smart contract technologies.

Policy implications

The proposed approach would not only provide investors of different sizes with the opportunity to purchase local‐currency assets and issuers such as municipalities to raise funds for sustainable infrastructure investment, it would also facilitate project management once the project is operational, for example through metering and billing, and create full transparency over the life cycle of the investment, reducing problems concerning the misuse of funds.
Elevated atmospheric CO2adversely affects a dung beetle’s development: Another potential driver of decline in insect numbers?
Authors: Tocco Claudia , Foster James , Venter Nic , Cowie Blair , Marlin Danica , Byrne Marcus
Published: July 2021

Insect declines have been attributed to several drivers such as habitat loss, climate change, invasive alien species and insecticides. However, in the global context, these effects remain patchy, whereas insect losses appear to be consistent worldwide. Increases in atmospheric CO2concentrations are known to have indirect effects on herbivorous insects, but the effects on other insects are largely unexplored. We wondered if elevated atmospheric CO2(eCO2) could influence the growth and survival of insects, not via rising temperature, nor through their changes in food quality, but by other means. Rearing tunnelling dung beetleEuoniticellus intermedius(Reiche, 1848) at pre‐industrial (250 parts per million [ppm]), current (400 ppm) and eCO2levels (600 and 800 ppm), we found that exposure to eCO2resulted in longer developmental times and increased mortality. Elevated CO2also caused reduction of adult size and mass which is detrimental to dung beetle fitness. Additional results showed associated increases in CO2levels inside dung brood balls, dung pH and respiration rates of the soil surrounding the developing dung beetles (CO2flux). We thus hypothesize that elevated CO2increases competition for O2and nutrients between soil microbiota and subterranean insects. Given that many insect orders spend at least part of their life underground, our findings indicate the possibility of a negative ubiquitous effect of eCO2on a large portion of the earth's insect biota. These findings therefore suggest an important area for future research on the soil community in the context of atmospheric change.
Effects of grassland converted to cropland on soil microbial biomass and community from agro‐pastoral ecotone in Northern China
Authors: Tang Shi‐ming , Li Shu‐cheng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Yu‐juan , Wang Kun
Published: July 2021

Grassland converted to cropland affected soil physical and chemical properties and soil microbes. However, these parameters were often studied separately and their combined responses to grassland reclaim remain unclear. To evaluate the impacts of grassland cultivation on soil microbial communities (based on phospholipid fatty acids, PLFAs) and the links between soil microbes and physicochemical properties, we performed a paired field experiment following the conversion from native grasslands to 30‐ to 60‐year‐old cropland in the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China. The concentrations of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) and the soil microbial biomass consistently decreased with grassland conversion to cropland. Grassland conversion also significantly decreased the relative abundance of bacterial and fungal PLFAs and the fungal to bacterial ratio (F:B) at 0–10 cm soil layer, but those parameters remained unchanged below 10 cm soil layers. Grassland conversion affected the microbial biomass mainly through soil C and N content rather than soil pH, moisture and aggregation. These findings revealed that cultivation‐induced soil nutrient loss may enhance soil microbe depletion and affect microbial community assembly (shifts in fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), actinomycete (Act), gram‐positive (GP) and gram‐negative (GN) bacteria). This implies that conversion of grassland to cropland should be avoided because of the risk of degradation of soil nutrient and microbes.
DEVIL, VAAD and vLSC constitute a spectrum of HPV‐independent, p53‐independent intra‐epithelial neoplasia of the vulva
Authors: Roy Simon F , Wong Jahg , Le Page Cécile , Tran‐Thanh Danh , Barkati Maroie , Pina Annick , Trinh Vincent Quoc‐Huy , Rahimi Kurosh
Published: July 2021

Aims

We aimed to characterise a large cohort of non‐invasive, human papillomavirus (HPV) and p53‐independent verruciform lesions, such as ‘vulvar acanthosis with altered differentiation’ (VAAD), ‘differentiated exophytic vulvar intra‐epithelial lesion’ (DEVIL) and ‘verruciform lichen simplex chronicus’ (vLSC).

Methods and results

From January 2008 to December 2020 we retrospectively identified 36 eligible patients with verruciform non‐invasive lesions (n = 36) and collected clinical, histological and follow‐up parameters. Verruciform non‐invasive lesions occurred at a median age of 71 years, with a median follow‐up of 33.5 months. Clinically, pruritus was only reported in patients with VAAD (n = 3, 21%). Lesion colour was significantly different across categories (P = 0.028). Apart from the histopathological criteria already known to distinguish these entities (hypogranulosis, epithelial pallor and low‐magnification architecture), no other significant criteria were discovered and significant overlap was observed, particularly between VAAD and DEVIL. Patients with vLSC trended towards longer survival without recurrence compared to VAAD and DEVIL (P = 0.082), but showed comparable invasion‐free survival interval (P = 0.782). Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) associated with either VAAD, DEVIL or vLSC displayed similar clinical, histopathological and biological parameters. In non‐invasive precursor lesions, stromal oedema was associated with invasion (P = 0.015) and remained so upon Cox regression analysis (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Our study of HPV and p53 independent non‐invasive verruciform lesions of the vulva highlights significant clinical, histopathological and biological overlap between VAAD, DEVIL and vLSC, suggesting that these pre‐invasive lesions should be viewed as a spectrum. We also show that stromal features such as oedema might play an import role in progression to invasion.
Determinants of having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neutralizing antibodies in Egypt
Authors: El Rifay Amira S. , Mahmoud Sara H. , Marouf Mohamed A. , Gomaa Mokhtar R. , El Taweel Ahmed , Abo Shama Noura M. , GabAllah Mohamed , Abd El Dayem Soha M. , Kandeil Ahmed , Mostafa Ahmed , El‐Shesheny Rabeh , Kayali Ghazi , Ali Mohamed A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Reported laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 cases underestimate the true burden of disease as cases without laboratory confirmation, and asymptomatic and mild cases are missed by local surveillance systems. Population‐based seroprevalence studies can provide better estimates of burden of disease by taking into account infections that were missed by surveillance systems. Additionally, little is known about the determinants of seroconversion in community settings.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional serologic survey among 888 participants in Egypt.

Results

Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 30% of study volunteers. Age and educational level were associated with being seropositive as people older than 70 years and people with graduate degrees had lower seroprevalence. Self‐reporting cases having COVID‐19‐related symptoms such as fever, malaise, headache, dyspnea, dry cough, chest pain, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell were all associated with having antibodies. Fever and loss of taste or smell were strong predictors with odds ratios of 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–3.5) and 4.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.6–7.8), respectively.

Conclusions

Our results can guide COVID‐19 prevention and control policies and assist in determining the immunity level in some Egyptian communities.
The influence of a biofilm‐dispersing wound gel on the wound healing process
Authors: Bounds Kayla , Colmer‐Hamood Jane A. , Myntti Matthew , Jeter Randall M. , Hamood Abdul N.
Published: July 2021

Topical antimicrobials that reduce the bacterial bioburden within a chronically‐infected wound may have helpful or harmful effects on the healing process. We used murine models of full‐thickness skin wounds to determine the effects of the novel biofilm‐dispersing wound gel (BDWG) and its gel base on the healing of uninfected wounds. The rate of wound closure over 19 days was comparable among the BDWG‐treated (BT) wounds and the controls. Compared with the controls, histology of the BT wounds showed formation of a stable blood clot at day 1, more neovascularisation and reepithelialisation at day 3, and more organised healing at day 7. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis showed a lower percentage of neutrophils in wounded tissues of the BT group at days 1 and 3, and significantly more M2 macrophages at day 3. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were increased over the uninjured baseline within the wounds of all treatment groups but the levels were significantly lower in the BT group at day 1, modulating the inflammatory response. Our results suggest that BDWG does not interfere with the wound healing process and may enhance it by lowering inflammation and allowing transition to the proliferative stage of wound healing by day 3.
Hydrogen isotope dissolution and release behavior in Y‐doped BaCeO3
Authors: Hossain M. Khalid , Iwasa Tadahiro , Hashizume Kenichi
Published: July 2021

Oxides having a perovskite structure are known to exhibit good proton conductivity in a high‐temperature region, which makes them potential candidates in the tritium recovery and purification system of the electrochemical devices of fusion reactors such as hydrogen pumps, hydrogen sensors, and tritium monitoring systems. But the dissolution of hydrogen into the proton conductor and its release behavior is not well known yet. In this study, the dissolution and release behavior of hydrogen was investigated in BaCe0.9Y0.1O3−αproton conductor by exposing deuterium gas (D2) and heavy water vapor (D2O) at 600 or 700°C for 5 h. The dissolved deuterium amount in the sample was measured using a temperature‐programmed desorption analysis (TDS) method. The relationship between the amount of deuterium dissolved in the sample with the exposure pressure was also investigated. At room temperature (RT), the diffusivity of hydrogen (e.g., deuterium) was calculated from the change of the amount of residual hydrogen in the exposed sample due to the change of storage time. The Tritium Migration Analysis Program, Version 4 (TMAP4) simulation code was used to simulate and compare the experimental value of the obtained diffusivity. Although diffusivity at RT has not been reported in the past, the diffusivity is close to the extrapolation value of the literature data. From the comparison of this research results with literature, it may consider that the dominant diffusion mechanism does not change regardless of the temperature range.
Using fermentation waste of ethanol-producing yeast for bacterial riboflavin production and recycling of spent bacterial mass for enhancing the growth of oily plants
Authors: Bashandy Shymaa Ryhan , Abd-Alla Mohamed Hemida , Mahmoud Ghada Abd-Elmonsef
Published: July 2021

Aim

This study aims to use fermentation waste of ethanol production (solid and liquid) for riboflavin and recycling of bacterial biomass as biofertilizers to enhance the growth of some oily crop plants.

Methods and Results

Out of 10 yeast isolates from fresh milk, Clavispora lusitaniae ASU 33 (MN583181) was able to ferment different concentrations of glucose (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) into ethanol with high efficiency at 10%. Among seven non-Lactobacillus bacterial isolates recovered from cheese samples, two bacterial isolates Bacillus subtlis-SR2 (MT002768) and Novosphingobium panipatense-SR3 (MT002778) were selected for their high riboflavin production. Different media (control medium, fermentation waste medium and a mixture of the fermentation waste medium and control medium [1:1]) were used for riboflavin production. These media were inoculated by a single or mixture of B. subtlis-SR2, N. panipatense-SR3. The addition of the waste medium of ethanol production to the control medium (1:1) had a stimulatory effect on riboflavin production whether inoculated with either a single strain or a mixture of B. subtlis-SR2 and N. panipatense-SR3. A mixture of fermentation waste and control media inoculated with N. panipatense produced a high riboflavin yield in comparison with other media. Inoculation of Zea mays and Ocimum basilicum plants with either the bacterial biomass waste of riboflavin production (B. subtlis or N. panipatense) or a mixture of B. subtlis and N. panipatense) shows a stimulatory effect on the plant growth in comparison with control (uninoculated plants).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the possibility of minimizing the cost of riboflavin and biofertilizer manufacturing via interlinking ethanol and riboflavin with the biofertilizer production technology.

Significance and Impact of Study

This study outlines the methods of evaluating the strength of spent media by applying procedures developed in the vitamin production industries. Furthermore, bacterial biomass waste can act as an environmentally friendly alternative for agrochemicals.
Testing tropical biogeographical regions using the palm family as a model clade
Authors: Hansen Lars Emil S. F. , Baker William J. , Tietje Melanie , Eiserhardt Wolf L.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Since Wallace's and Engler's 19th‐century biogeographical schemes, biogeographers have sought to classify the world into biogeographical regions according to patterns in biotic distribution. Yet, while most of the world's plant biodiversity can be found in the tropics, basic phytogeographical relationships and boundaries within this zone remain debated. We investigated whether palms, a species‐rich, well‐studied pantropical family, reflect traditional floristic schemes or support a recently published phylogenetic regionalisation that contests the traditional views on phytogeographical tropical regions.

Location

Tropics and subtropics.

Taxon

Palm family (Arecaceae).

Methods

We use a species‐level dated phylogenetic tree of palms along with a dataset of all palm species distributions to calculate pairwise phylogenetic beta diversity among palm assemblages. From these pairwise dissimilarity values, we compute the relationship between assemblages in NMDS ordination space and use hierarchical clustering to define biogeographical units for palms.

Results

We found a Neotropical versus Palaeotropical division of palm assemblages as the major biogeographical split. Two Neotropical and four Palaeotropical clusters were identified with the following relationships: ((Southern Neotropical, Northern Neotropical), ((Indian Ocean), ((African), (Eurasian‐Australian, Melanesian‐Pacific)))).

Main Conclusions

Our analysis supports many delineations suggested in traditional floristic schemes, most importantly a clear Neotropical versus Palaeotropical division and units resembling Takhtajan's African, Indo‐Malesian, New Caledonian and Polynesian Palaeotropical subkingdoms. However, as recently suggested in phylogenetic regionalisation, our results also show a clustering of Southeast Asian and Australian assemblages, substantiating the suggestion of a combined Asian‐Australian region. Biogeographical regionalisation for palms does not support the existence of trans‐continental dry tropical or subtropical phytogeographical clusters that have recently been found in dicot trees, despite known Northern Hemisphere connections for palms. Further modern regionalisations based on multiple datasets with complementary strengths are needed to establish a credible set of phytogeographical regions for the tropics.
Back to the Future in EU Social Policy? Endogenous Critical Junctures and the Case of the European Pillar of Social Rights
Authors: Carella Beatrice , Graziano Paolo
Published: July 2021

The launch of the European Pillar of Social Rights occurred at a phase of endogenous critical juncture for Social Europe. By analyzing the Pillar's formulation and adoption process, we investigate to what extent the European Commission used the involvement of civil society and policy responsiveness to foster change in the modes of governance and legitimize stronger intervention in the social sphere, by re‐launching the methods of coordination introduced in the 1990s. Methodologically, we rely on a content analysis of EU policy documents before and after the public consultations, a content analysis of over 60 position papers and on interviews with policy actors. We find that despite increased openness and responsiveness, the Pillar initiative did not allow to alter the predominance of ‘soft law’ routes and patterns of intergovernmentalism characterizing the governance of EU social policy, a result that further qualifies the conditions that lead (endogenous) critical junctures to generate change.
A test of the photoprotection hypothesis for the evolution of autumn colours: Chlorophyll resorption, not anthocyanin production, is correlated with nitrogen translocation
Authors: Pena‐Novas Ines , Archetti Marco
Published: July 2021

A prominent hypothesis for the adaptive value of anthocyanin production in the autumn leaves of trees and shrubs is that anthocyanins protect leaves from photooxidative stress at low temperatures, allowing a better resorption of nutrients—in particular, nitrogen—before leaf fall. While there is evidence that anthocyanins enable photoprotection, it is not clear whether this translates to improved nitrogen translocation and how this can explain inter‐specific variation in autumn colours. A recent comparative analysis showed no correlation between temperature and anthocyanin production across species but did not analyse nitrogen content and nitrogen resorption efficiency. Here, we provide this comparison by analysing the nitrogen content of mature and senescent leaves and their autumn colours in 55 species of trees. We find no correlation between the presence of anthocyanins and the efficiency of nitrogen resorption. We find, instead, that nitrogen resorption is more efficient in species with yellow autumn colours, pointing to chlorophyll resorption, rather than anthocyanin synthesis, as the main determinant of nitrogen translocation efficiency. Hence, our results do not corroborate the photoprotection hypothesis for the evolution of autumn colours.
Effects of Chronic Care Model‐based interventions on self‐management, quality of life and patient satisfaction in patients with ischemic stroke: A single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kalav Simge , Bektas Hicran , Ünal Ali
Published: July 2021

Aim

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Chronic Care Model (CCM)‐based interventions on primary outcomes (self‐efficacy, quality of life/QoL, patient satisfaction) and secondary outcomes (activities of daily living/ADL, metabolic control variables, stroke knowledge level, healthy eating habits, physical activity, taking regular medication, measuring blood pressure regularly, living in harmony with the disease, outcomes regarding telephone interviews) in patients with ischemic stroke.

Method

The intervention group (IG) received a 12‐week StrokeCARE intervention protocol based on the four components of the CCM. The control group (CG) received only routine patient care. Changes between scores at two time points regarding self‐efficacy, QoL, ADL, and metabolic control variables were calculated for each group, and then the mean changes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean ages of the patients were 55.9 ± 11.44 and 58.9 ± 13.82 years (respectively IG; CG), and 64.7% of the patients were male in both groups. Most patients had other chronic diseases accompanying ischemic stroke. No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to self‐efficacy and QoL. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the IG. Positive feedback percentages of the patients in the IG regarding stroke knowledge level and consuming whole‐grain food at the end of the 12 weeks increased significantly. This protocol had no significant effects on the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

The CCM‐based interventions may increase the satisfaction level of the patients and help to raise awareness of the risk of a secondary stroke. More studies are needed to examine the effects of these interventions (ClinicalTrials.gov‐Identifier Number:NCT04161820).
Wolfberry‐derived zeaxanthin dipalmitate delays retinal degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa through modulating STAT3, CCL2 and MAPK pathways
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Xiaobin , Zhou Yamin , Yu Yankun , Wang Ke , Zhou Zhengqun , Gao Hao , So Kwok‐Fai , Vardi Noga , Xu Ying
Published: July 2021

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited photoreceptor degeneration diseases that causes blindness without effective treatment. The pathogenesis of retinal degeneration involves mainly oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD), a wolfberry‐derived carotenoid, has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects. Here we investigated whether these properties of ZD can delay the retinal degeneration in rd10 mice, a model of RP, and explored its underlying mechanism. One shot of ZD or control vehicle was intravitreally injected into rd10 mice on postnatal day 16 (P16). Retinal function and structure of rd10 mice were assessed at P25, when rods degenerate substantially, using a visual behavior test, multi‐electrode‐array recordings and immunostaining. Retinal pathogenic gene expression and regulation of signaling pathways by ZD were explored using transcriptome sequencing and western blotting. Our results showed that ZD treatment improved the visual behavior of rd10 mice and delayed the degeneration of retinal photoreceptors. It also improved the light responses of photoreceptors, bipolar cells and retinal ganglion cells. The expression of genes that are involved in inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were up‐regulated in rd10 mice, and were reduced by ZD. ZD further reduced the activation of two key factors, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2, down‐regulated the expression of the inflammatory factor GFAP, and inhibited extracellular signal regulated protein kinases and P38, but not the JNK pathways. In conclusion, ZD delays the degeneration of the rd10 retina both morphologically and functionally. Its anti‐inflammatory function is mediated primarily through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 and MAPK pathways. Thus, ZD may serve as a potential clinical candidate to treat RP.

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Covid‐19 pandemic and consumer‐employee‐organization wellbeing: A dynamic capability theory approach
Authors: Nayal Preeti , Pandey Neeraj , Paul Justin
Published: July 2021

The consumers, employees, and organizations have been deeply impacted by Covid‐19 pandemic. The present study offers a detailed coping mechanism for organizations based on the extant literature and content analysis of responses of senior management executives. The study is based on semi‐structured long interviews with senior executives from various industries. Various measures have been identified for firms as a coping strategy for crisis management and customer well‐being. Covid‐19 has changed the way individuals live. This study suggests that firms should come forward for well‐being of their employees in this new normal. One of the major shifts due to pandemic is in consumer behavior and their consumption habits. Pandemic made consumers go for digitization, think for hygiene, sustainability, and local products. And firms should keep the changed consumer behavior in mind while manufacturing the products. Furthermore, present study suggests that firms can create a positive image of their company by doing CSR activities for society's well‐being.
Coffee pulp supplement affects antioxidant status and favors anti‐aging of skin in healthy subjects
Authors: Tseng Ya‐Ping , Liu Cheng , Chan Leong‐Perng , Liang Chia‐Hua
Published: July 2021

Background

Coffee and coffee products are known potentially to reduce levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in humans.

Objective

This investigation evaluates the effects of coffee pulp extract as a functional supplement (in coffee pulp drink, CPD) and a cosmetic ingredient (coffee pulp serum, CPS).

Patients/Methods

The effects of CPD and CPS for anti‐oxidation and anti‐aging were investigated. Forty subjects were randomly allocated to CPD or placebo drink groups (50 ml of a CPD/placebo drink daily for 8 weeks for each subject), and another 40 subjects were recruited to CPS or placebo serum groups (about 3 ml of a CPS/placebo serum day and night/daily for 4 weeks for each subject) in a double‐blind study.

Results

The CPD and CPS (20%) can increase free radical scavenging activities by 93.3% and 85% (p < 0.001) for DPPH, 94.5% and 61.3% (p < 0.01) for ABTS·+, 43.8% and 15.3% (p < 0.05) for NO· than placebo. The inhibition of tyrosinase activity was increased by 91.6% and 51.0% (p < 0.05) after CPD and CPS application. The CPD comprehensively improved the moisture, brightness, elasticity, spotting, texture, and collagen content of skin for most subjects after 8 weeks, relative to the baseline without treatment (p < 0.05). After 4 weeks of CPS serum consumption, the brightness, elasticity, spotting, UV spots, and collagen content of skin were slightly better than those at week 0 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The daily consumption of coffee pulp extract products can slow the skin aging process and improve skin health.
Laparoscopic repair of segmental obturator nerve injury defect using an artificial nerve conduit: A case report
Authors: Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Banda Chihena H. , Kondo Eiji , Yoshida Kenta , Hirata Toru , Ikeda Tomoaki , Narushima Mitsunaga
Published: July 2021

Obturator nerve injury is an uncommon complication frequently associated with pelvic gynecologic or urologic cancer surgery. It can lead to disability or adversely affect quality of life. Large segmental defects are particularly difficult to manage as the limited mobility of the nerve prevents tension‐free direct end‐to‐end anastomosis. A 36‐year‐old woman with cervical cancer underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, and bilateral adnexectomy. During the procedure, the sentinel lymph node (right obturator node) adherent to the obturator nerve was resected together with the nerve segment leaving a 3 cm defect. Immediate laparoscopic obturator nerve repair was performed using an artificial nerve conduit leading to successful recovery. We report this unique case due to rarity of large segmental obturator nerve defects and present laparoscopic nerve repair with artificial nerve conduits as a useful treatment alternative of these important injuries, without nerve donor site morbidity.
A Multi‐Level Model of I‐deals in Workgroups: Employee and Coworker Perceptions of Leader Fairness, I‐Deals and Group Performance
Authors: Anand Smriti , Meuser Jeremy D. , Vidyarthi Prajya R. , Liden Robert C. , Rousseau Denise M. , Ekkirala Srinivas
Published: July 2021

We test theory regarding the within‐group dynamics linking employees’ leader fairness judgments to the receipt of idiosyncratic deals (‘i‐deals’), and how differences between workgroups in the extent and variability of i‐deals influence workgroup performance. We assert that employees, their co‐workers, and the workgroup leader are three key stakeholders to i‐deals. Drawing on fairness heuristic theory, we hypothesize that employees are more likely to obtain i‐deals when they view their workgroup leaders as procedurally fair. Further, individual perceptions of leader fairness exist within the context of their co‐workers’ perceptions of leader fairness, that is, (in)congruence between the two affects individual i‐deals. At the workgroup level, we hypothesize a positive association between the access and extent of i‐deals and workgroup performance. Employing polynomial regression on data from 258 employees nested in 69 workgroups, we find that congruence between individual and co‐workers’ perceptions of leader fairness is positively related to the individual’s receipt of i‐deals; incongruence has an asymmetric effect, such that individual perceptions matter more. Finally, within‐group access and extent of i‐deals are positively related to group performance.
NHLRC1 homozygous dodecamer expansion in a Newfoundland dog with Lafora disease
Authors: Mari L. , Comero G. , Mueller E. , Kuehnlein P. , Kehl A.
Published: July 2021

Lafora disease is a genetic disease caused, in humans, by mutations in EPM2A and NHLRC1 genes, resulting in accumulation of polyglucosan bodies within neurons. Affected subjects present progressive neurological signs characterised primarily by myoclonic epilepsy. In dogs, Lafora disease has been described mainly in miniature wire‐haired Dachshunds, where a dodecamer expansion in NHLRC1 gene has been identified. The same mutation has then been detected in the Basset Hound, Beagle, Chihuahua and Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeds. This is the first case of a Newfoundland dog with myoclonic epilepsy diagnosed with Lafora disease based on confirmed dodecamer expansion in the NHLRC1 gene. Lafora disease is being progressively recognised in different unrelated breeds suggesting a wider distribution in the canine population than previously thought.
Validation of actigraphy in hospitalised newborn infants using video polysomnography
Authors: Unno Mitsuaki , Morisaki Toshihiro , Kinoshita Masahiro , Saikusa Mamoru , Iwata Sachiko , Fukaya Satoko , Yamashita Yushiro , Nakayama Meiho , Saitoh Shinji , Iwata Osuke
Published: July 2021

Actigraphy has been established as a reliable sleep assessment tool in adults; however, its utility in newborns remains unknown. Validation of actigraphy in newborns may provide a significant insight into the physiological and pathological acquisition process of mature diurnal sleep patterns and subsequent morbidities in both newborns and their mothers. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of sleep–wake detection by overnight actigraphy in a cohort of newborns. Simultaneous recording of polysomnography and actigraphy data was performed in 40 newborns admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A mixed‐effects logistic regression model to explain the sleep state identified by polysomnography was employed using the actigraphic activity score as a fixed independent variable and the individual newborn’s identity as a random effect. To evaluate the usefulness of the actigraphic activity score as a surrogate marker of sleep, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed using the variables that were used in the mixed‐effects logistic regression model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was assessed. The results showed that polysomnography‐determined sleep epochs were associated with a smaller activity index on actigraphy (odds ratio per 10 activity indices increase 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.84). The AUC for the ROC curve was 0.87 (95% CI 0.87–0.88, range 0.54–0.99). An activity score of 124 showed the maximum overall accuracy (90.2%, 95% CI 87.7–92.1). Our present study suggests that sleep–wake states of NICU‐hospitalised newborns can be precisely determined using actigraphy on the ankle.
Effects of dietary tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and feeding patterns on the zootechnical performance and nonspecific immune response of the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Sun Cunxin , Xu Pao , Liu Bo , Zheng Xiaochuan , Liu Bo , Zhou Qunlan
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the effects of dietary tea tree oil (TTO) supplementation and feeding patterns on the growth and nonspecific immunity of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Prawns were randomly assigned into four patterns. Patterns 1 (P1) and 4 (P4): prawns were fed with a basal diet and basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of TTO, respectively; Patterns 2 (P2) and 3 (P3): prawns were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of TTO at 1‐ and 2‐week intervals, respectively. A significant increase in growth performance was observed in the P3 and P4 compared with P1. The activities of antioxidant enzyme were significantly elevated in the P3 and P4 compared with the P1. The concentration of haemolymph malondialdehyde was significantly lower in the P3 and P4 than the P1. The haemolymph level of IL‐1 and TNF‐α was significantly lower in the P3 than the P4. The expression of toll and dorsal was significantly lower in the P3 than the P1. However, the expression of peroxiredoxin‐5 was significantly higher in the P3 than the P1. Overall, these findings indicated that feeding 100 mg/kg of TTO at 2‐week intervals significantly improved the growth performance and nonspecific immunity of M. rosenbergii.
Provision and utilisation of health and nutrition services during COVID‐19 pandemic in urban Bangladesh
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Sununtnasuk Celeste , Pant Anjali , Tran Mai Lan , Kachwaha Shivani , Ash Deborah , Ali Mohsin , Ireen Santhia , Kappos Kristen , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Menon Purnima
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic is expected to have profound effects on healthcare systems, but little evidence exists on service provision, utilisation, or adaptations. This study aimed to (1) examine the changes to health and nutrition service delivery and utilisation in urban Bangladesh during and after enforcement of COVID‐19 restrictions and (2) identify adaptations and potential solutions to strengthen delivery and uptake. We conducted longitudinal surveys with health care providers (n = 45), pregnant women (n = 40), and mothers of children <2 years (n = 387) in February 2020 (in‐person) and September 2020 (by phone). We used Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests to compare the changes before and during the pandemic. Services delivery for women and children which require proximity were severely affected; weight and height measurements fell by 20–29 percentage points (pp) for pregnant women and 37–57 pp for children, and child immunisations fell by 38 pp. Declines in service utilisation were large, including drops in facility visitations (35 pp among pregnant women and 67 pp among mothers), health and nutrition counselling (up to 73 pp), child weight measurements (50 pp), and immunisations (61 pp). The primary method of adaptation was provision of services over phone (37% for antenatal care services, 44%–49% for counselling). Despite adaptations to service provision, continued availability of routine maternal and child health services did not translate into service utilisation. Further investments are needed to provide timely and accurate information on COVID‐19 to the general public, improve COVID‐19 training and provide incentives for health care providers and ensure availability of personal protective equipment for providers and beneficiaries.
The roles of aridification and sea level changes in the diversification and persistence of freshwater fish lineages
Authors: Buckley Sean James , Brauer Chris , Unmack Peter J. , Hammer Michael P. , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: July 2021

While the influence of Pleistocene climatic changes on divergence and speciation has been well‐documented across the globe, complex spatial interactions between hydrology and eustatics over longer timeframes may also determine species evolutionary trajectories. Within the Australian continent, glacial cycles were not associated with changes in ice cover and instead largely resulted in fluctuations from moist to arid conditions across the landscape. We investigated the role of hydrological and coastal topographic changes brought about by Plio‐Pleistocene climatic changes on the biogeographic history of a small Australian freshwater fish, the southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis. Using 7958 ddRAD‐seq (double digest restriction‐site associated DNA) loci and 45,104 filtered SNPs, we combined phylogenetic, coalescent and species distribution analyses to assess the various roles of aridification, sea level and tectonics and associated biogeographic changes across southeast Australia. Sea‐level changes since the Pliocene and reduction or disappearance of large waterbodies throughout the Pleistocene were determining factors in strong divergence across the clade, including the initial formation and maintenance of a cryptic species, N. 'flindersi'. Isolated climatic refugia and fragmentation due to lack of connected waterways maintained the identity and divergence of inter‐ and intraspecific lineages. Our historical findings suggest that predicted increases in aridification and sea level due to anthropogenic climate change might result in markedly different demographic impacts, both spatially and across different landscape types.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for diabetes mellitus control after kidney transplantation: Review of the current evidence
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Demiray Atalay , Afsar Baris , Karakus Kagan E. , Ortiz Alberto , Hornum Mads , Covic Adrian , Sarafidis Pantelis , Rossing Peter
Published: July 2021

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are promising drugs to treat chronic kidney disease patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). Besides improving glycemic control, SGLT2i are cardioprotective and kidney protective and decrease bodyweight, serum uric acid, blood pressure, albuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration. These effects may benefit graft function and survival in kidney transplant (KT) patients. In this review, we evaluate data on the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i for KT patients with DM. Eleven studies with 214 diabetic KT patients treated with SGLT2i have been reported. SGLT2i lowered haemoglobin A1c and bodyweight. While glomerular filtration rate may be reduced in the short‐term, it remained similar to baseline after 3–12 months. In two studies, blood pressure decreased and remained unchanged in the others. There were no significant changes in urine protein to creatinine ratio. Regarding safety, 23 patients had urinary tract infections, 2 patients had a genital yeast infection, one had acute kidney injury, and one had mild hypoglycaemia. No cases of ketoacidosis or acute rejection were reported. In conclusion, the limited experience so far suggests that SGLT2i are safe in KT patients with DM, decrease bodyweight and improve glycemic control. However, some of the benefits observed in larger studies in the non‐KT population have yet to be demonstrated in KT recipients, including preservation of kidney function, reduction in blood pressure and decreased proteinuria.
Nuclear factor Y subunit GmNFYA competes with GmHDA13 for interaction with GmFVE to positively regulate salt tolerance in soybean
Authors: Lu Long , Wei Wei , Tao Jian‐Jun , Lu Xiang , Bian Xiao‐Hua , Hu Yang , Cheng Tong , Yin Cui‐Cui , Zhang Wan‐Ke , Chen Shou‐Yi , Zhang Jin‐Song
Published: July 2021

Soybean is an important crop worldwide, but its production is severely affected by salt stress. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of salt response is crucial for improving the salt tolerance of soybean. Here, we reveal a role for nuclear factor Y subunit GmNFYA in salt tolerance of soybean likely through the regulation of histone acetylation. GmNFYA is induced by salt stress. Overexpression of GmNFYA significantly enhances salt tolerance in stable transgenic soybean plants by inducing salt‐responsive genes. Analysis in soybean plants with transgenic hairy roots also supports the conclusion. GmNFYA interacts with GmFVE, which functions with putative histone deacetylase GmHDA13 in a complex for transcriptional repression possibly by reducing H3K9 acetylation at target loci. Under salt stress, GmNFYA likely accumulates and competes with GmHDA13 for interaction with GmFVE, leading to the derepression and maintenance of histone acetylation for activation of salt‐responsive genes and finally conferring salt tolerance in soybean plants. In addition, a haplotype I GmNFYA promoter is identified with the highest self‐activated promoter activity and may be selected during future breeding for salt‐tolerant cultivars. Our study uncovers the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of GmNFYA in salt‐stress response, and all the factors/elements identified may be potential targets for genetic manipulation of salt tolerance in soybean and other crops.
Granulomatous dermatitis following measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination
Authors: Samaran Quentin , Clark Evangéline , Secco Léo‐Paul , Poujade Laura , Schwob Emilie , Bessis Didier , Raison‐Peyron Nadia
Published: July 2021

Granulomatous dermatitis following the administration of various vaccines has previously been reported. However, cases of cutaneous granulomatosis following the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have not yet been reported. We report the case of a 3‐year‐old boy with a granuloma annulare‐like reaction following MMR vaccination.
Outcomes of liver transplantation for mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder in children
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Yanagi Yusuke , Fukuda Akinari , Horikawa Reiko , Ito Reiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Murayama Kei , Kasahara Mureo
Published: July 2021

Aim

Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder (MRCD) can cause acute liver failure (ALF), which may necessitate liver transplantation (LT). However, MRCD is often difficult to diagnose before LT and the indications of LT are controversial due to the likelihood of progressive neurological disease. The present study further characterized the patient population and described the outcomes.

Methods

Thirteen patients who underwent LT for MRCD from November 2005 to May 2020 were enrolled in this study.

Results

Six of 13 MRCD patients were diagnosed with a mitochondrial inner membrane protein 17‐related mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS). Overall, nine survived with a median follow‐up of 1.8 years (IQR, 1.3–5.1 years); four died within 2 years. In the long‐term, seven survivors showed no progression of hypotonia after LT and attended a normal kindergarten or primary school. Neurological abnormalities were observed in two survivors, including vison loss related to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy in one patient and psychomotor retardation related to Leigh syndrome in the other. Three non‐survivors after LT were diagnosed with MTDPS and died of severe pulmonary hypertension, which had developed at 8, 9, and 18 months after LT (n=1 each). The remaining patient died of postoperative respiratory infection with respiratory syncytial virus.

Conclusion

The long‐term results support the performance of LT in patients with MRCD, although a genetic diagnosis is preferable for determining the accurate indications for LT in these patients. Furthermore, care should be taken to avoid complications due to mitochondrial dysfunction during the long‐term follow‐up.