bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of irradiation and storage time on the nutritional and chemical parameters of dried Agaricus bisporus Portobello mushroom flour
Authors: Cardoso Rossana V. C. , Carocho Marcio , Fernandes Ângela , Barreira João C. M. , Cabo Verde Sandra , Santos Pedro M. P. , Antonio Amilcar L. , Gonzaléz‐Paramás Ana M. , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: May 2021

Portobello variety of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, appreciated for its taste, makes it desirable to be eaten fresh and also as flour in soups and gravies. Gamma and electron‐beam radiation at four doses (1, 2, 5, and 10 kGy) were used to analyze its preservation effect on Portobello mushroom flour. A proximate analysis, as well as the impact on fatty acids, tocopherols, soluble sugars, organic acids, and ergosterol profiles, were performed every 3 months, during a storage period of 1 year. Gamma rays preserved mannitol (most abundant soluble sugar) over the 12 months, while electron beam radiation preserved organic acids. No significant changes were sought for any radiation type, and the slight changes extracted from the estimated marginal means reveal a tendency for irradiation as having preserving effects of nutrients and other important molecules. Thus, both irradiation types, up to 10 kGy are suitable for preservation of A. bisporus Portobello flour.
Chimeric Phi29 DNA polymerase with helix–hairpin–helix motifs shows enhanced salt tolerance and replication performance
Authors: Gao Yaping , He Yun , Chen Liyi , Liu Xing , Ivanov Igor , Yang Xuerui , Tian Hui
Published: May 2021

Phi29 DNA polymerase (Phi29 Pol) has been successfully applied in DNA nanoball‐based sequencing, real‐time DNA sequencing from single polymerase molecules and nanopore sequencing employing the sequencing by synthesis (SBS) method. Among these, polymerase‐assisted nanopore sequencing technology analyses nucleotide sequences as a function of changes in electrical current. This ionic, current‐based sequencing technology requires polymerases to perform replication at high salt concentrations, for example 0.3 M KCl. Nonetheless, the salt tolerance of wild‐type Phi29 Pol is relatively low. Here, we fused helix–hairpin–helix (HhH)2 domains E‐L (eight repeats in total) of topoisomerase V (Topo V) from the hyperthermophile Methanopyrus kandleri to the Phi29 Pol COOH terminus, designated Phi29EL DNA polymerase (Phi29EL Pol). Domain fusion increased the overall enzyme replication efficiency by fourfold. Phi29EL Pol catalysed rolling circle replication in a broader range of salt concentrations than did Phi29 Pol, extending the KCl concentration range for activity up to 0.3 M. In addition, the mutation of Glu375 to Ser or Gln increased Phi29EL Pol activity in the presence of KCl. In this work, we produced a salt‐tolerant Phi29 Pol derivative by means of (HhH)2 domain insertion. The multiple advantages of this insertion make it a good substitute for Phi29 Pol, especially for use in nanopore sequencing or other circumstances that require high salt concentrations.
Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms and inferring ploidy by amplicon sequencing for polyploid, ploidy‐variable organisms
Authors: Delomas Thomas A. , Willis Stuart C. , Parker Blaine L. , Miller Donella , Anders Paul , Schreier Andrea , Narum Shawn
Published: May 2021

Whole genome duplication is hypothesized to have played a critical role in the evolution of several major taxa, including vertebrates, and while many lineages have rediploidized, some retain polyploid genomes. Additionally, variation in ploidy can occur naturally or be artificially induced within select plant and animal species. Modern genetic techniques have not been widely applied to polyploid or ploidy‐variable species, in part due to the difficulty of obtaining genotype data from polyploids. In this study, we demonstrate a strategy for developing an amplicon sequencing panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms for high‐throughput genotyping of polyploid organisms. We then develop a method to infer ploidy of individuals from amplicon sequencing data that is generalized to apply to any ploidy and does not require prior identification of heterozygous genotypes. Combining these two techniques will allow researchers to both infer ploidy and generate ploidy‐aware genotypes with the same amplicon sequencing panel. We demonstrate this approach with white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus, a ploidy‐variable (octoploid, decaploid and dodecaploid) imperiled species under conservation management in the Pacific Northwest and obtained a panel of 325 loci. These loci were validated by examining inheritance in known‐cross families, and the ploidy inference method was validated with known ploidy samples. We provide scripts that adapt existing pipelines to genotype polyploids and an R package for application of the ploidy inference method. We expect that these techniques will empower studies of genetic variation and inheritance in polyploid organisms that vary in ploidy level, either naturally or as a result of artificial propagation practices.
The infrapatellar fat pad produces interleukin‐6‐secreting T cells in response to a proteoglycan aggrecan peptide and provides dominant soluble mediators different from that present in synovial fluid
Authors: Sae‐jung Thitiya , Leearamwat Nitigorn , Chaiseema Nichakarn , Sengprasert Panjana , Ngarmukos Srihatach , Yuktananda Pongsak , Tanavalee Aree , Hirankarn Nattiya , Reantragoon Rangsima
Published: May 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of osteoarthritis (OA) peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) ‐stimulating proteoglycan aggrecan peptides on T cells present in infrapatellar fat pads (IPFPs) and synovial tissues, and to correlate these findings with mediators present in synovial fluid of OA patients.

Methods

We tested for interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) ‐producing T cells in IPFPs of patients with knee OA using ELISPOT. Cytokine and cytotoxic mediator production from OA PBMCs, IPFPs, synovial tissues, and synovial fluids in response to proteoglycan aggrecan peptides were quantified by cytometric bead array. Patterns of cytokine and cytotoxic mediator production were analyzed and compared.

Results

T cells from IPFPs elicited strong responses towards the p263‐280 peptide by secreting IL‐6. In addition, there was a trend that the p263‐280 peptide stimulated higher production of cytokines/cytotoxic mediators than other proteoglycan aggrecan peptides, although this was not statistically significant. In patients with knee OA, a group of cytotoxic mediators (sFas, perforin, granzyme A, and granulysin) and IL‐6 were detectable at high levels from the synovial fluid. In addition, inflammation in patients with knee OA was more pronounced in joint‐surrounding tissues than levels in circulating peripheral blood.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that T cells responding to the p263‐280 peptide contribute to the secretion of various soluble mediators that are found within the synovial fluid. We also identified potential new candidates that may serve as biomarkers of knee OA.
Comparing law enforcement monitoring data and research data suggests an underestimation of bushmeat poaching through snaring in a Kenyan World Heritage Site
Authors: Harmsen Henk , Mbau Judith Syombua , Muthama John Nzioka , Wang'ondu Virginia Wangechi
Published: May 2021

Rangers collect law enforcement monitoring (LEM) data during their patrols in protected areas. These data are increasingly used to interpret patrolling effectiveness and to predict poaching activity. However, LEM data can contain biases that may weaken the conclusions derived from such analyses. Research data, collected from 82 km of desnaring transects and interviews with 31 rangers, were compared with recorded LEM data. The latter included a logbook in which poacher sightings were documented, desnaring reports containing the locations of known snaring hotspots, and patrol strategies, containing the allocation of ranger patrols within the conservancy. Our findings suggest that the poaching prevalence reported through the LEM data is likely to constitute an underestimation of the true prevalence. Patrolling strategies were found to be predictable, allowing poachers to evade detection. One‐third of the interviewed rangers admitted to not reporting sighted poachers. We conclude that the use of LEM data for analysis or poaching prediction by managers of protected areas or researchers requires careful consideration of patrol predictability, possible displacement of poaching activity, and ranger culture and morale in order to avoid underestimation of true poaching prevalence.
A semiparametric model for between‐subject attributes: Applications to beta‐diversity of microbiome data
Authors: Liu J. , Zhang Xinlian , Chen T. , Wu T. , Lin T. , Jiang L. , Lang S. , Liu L. , Natarajan L. , Tu J.X. , Kosciolek T. , Morton J. , Nguyen T.T. , Schnabl B. , Knight R. , Feng C. , Zhong Y. , Tu X.M.
Published: May 2021

The human microbiome plays an important role in our health and identifying factors associated with microbiome composition provides insights into inherent disease mechanisms. By amplifying and sequencing the marker genes in high‐throughput sequencing, with highly similar sequences binned together, we obtain operational taxonomic units (OTUs) profiles for each subject. Due to the high‐dimensionality and nonnormality features of the OTUs, the measure of diversity is introduced as a summarization at the microbial community level, including the distance‐based beta‐diversity between individuals. Analyses of such between‐subject attributes are not amenable to the predominant within‐subject‐based statistical paradigm, such as t‐tests and linear regression. In this paper, we propose a new approach to model beta‐diversity as a response within a regression setting by utilizing the functional response models (FRMs), a class of semiparametric models for between‐ as well as within‐subject attributes. The new approach not only addresses limitations of current methods for beta‐diversity with cross‐sectional data, but also provides a premise for extending the approach to longitudinal and other clustered data in the future. The proposed approach is illustrated with both real and simulated data.
Developing capabilities: Lifelong learning in the age of AI
Authors: Poquet Oleksandra , de Laat Maarten
Published: May 2021

Due to the ongoing digitalisation of workplaces and educational settings, human activity underpinning learning and work is increasingly mediated by technology. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into everyday technologies influences how people are exposed to information, interact, learn and make decisions. We argue that technology, data and evolving AI applications affect how humans enact and experience life and work, changing the context for learning. Hence, as this paper argues, the current notion of lifelong learning needs a revisit to embrace technology at its foundation. To bring freely chosen goals and ownership in one's learning to the fore, in the context of the coming AI age, we argue for the telos of learning to shift from human capital to human development, with the spotlight on capabilities. The paper draws on the capability approach to inform individuals and organisations of how they can support human development throughout lifelong learning. We then move to provide examples of how technologies underpinning workplace practices can be seen with the focus on capabilities as individuals learn to create value.

Practitioner notes

What is known about the topic?

The primary notion of lifelong learning refers to adult learning processes.

The policy perspective that dominates organisation of lifelong learning opportunities focuses on human capital development.

Technologies mediate learning and work.

What this paper adds

Technology is not explicitly addressed in meanings associated with lifelong learning.

AI‐based technologies dynamically interact with human cognitive and social practices.

The paper argues for a stronger focus on human development instead of human capital in the telos of lifelong learning opportunities.

Capability approach is a viable alternative to human capital perspective on LLL.

Data used to support learning can focus on learner agency and systemic factors that enable and constrain lifelong learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy

LLL interventions should promote systemic support for learner agency and ownership.

LLL interventions should focus on negotiated value creation.

Workplaces should embrace human‐machine integration but in ways that support capability and human development, not human capital.
Experiences and barriers to accessing mental health support in mothers of children with a disability
Authors: Gilson Kim‐Michelle , Davis Elise , Gains Joan , Brunton Susan , Williams Katrina , Reddihough Dinah
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite evidence for high levels of mental health problems in mothers of children with a disability and the potential impact on caring for their child, very little is known about mothers' experience in accessing professional mental health support. This study aimed to explore mothers' views and experience on seeking help for their mental health.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 25 mothers of children with a disability. Thematic analysis was completed.

Results

Mothers experienced significant barriers when accesing support at the personal, professional and system level. Personal barriers included the need for competency and stigma about mental illness: professional barriers included the lack of discussions about mental health and interpersonal factors that hindered disclosure. System barriers included feeling invisible to the health services, paediatric care focusing on the child rather than the family and limitations to the type of mental health support available.

Conclusion

Mothers perceive substantial barriers in accessing support for their mental health. It is important that strategies are designed so the importance of mentally healthy mothers is understood and to normalize a need for assistance when you are the mother of a child with additional support needs. Strategies are also needed to encourage mothers to seek help and to assist professionals having discussions about maternal wellbeing. Improvements are also required in the accessibility of service supports.
Characteristics of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Huijuan , Wen Yuhua , Liu Peipei , Zhang Liya , Zhang Xiaoya , Liu Yichen , Ma Bin , Kuang Haidong , Wang Jianxin , Song Lige
Published: May 2021

Objective

The characteristics of bone metabolism in T2DM are still controversial. This study aims to recognize bone turnover features in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who have never been treated with anti‐diabetic drugs and further explore the possible factors contributing to their impaired bone turnover.

Materials and Methods

An analytic sample of 88 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and 152 non‐diabetic control individuals were studied. All the participants were postmenopausal women. Demographics variables and clinical history were recorded. We measured lipid profile, glucose metabolism, bone turnover markers indices as well as their related hormones, serum calcium and phosphorus. Bone mineral density was detected by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We compared the differences in bone turnover markers and their regulating hormones between two groups and further analysed the factors related to bone turnover in T2DM.

Results

Compared with the control group, patients with T2DM had a higher level of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), lower levels of procollagen type I intact N‐terminal (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that in patients with T2DM, HbA1c was negatively correlated with P1NP and OC. For patients without diabetes, HbA1c was negatively related to BALP and OC.

Conclusions

Patients with newly diagnosed T2DM may have impaired osteoblastic maturation and bone formation, which may be mainly attributed to hyperglycaemia.
Naringin‐inlaid silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite scaffold enhances human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐based bone regeneration
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Hu , Ma Xin‐Long , Zhao Bin , Tian Peng , Ma Jian‐Xiong , Kang Jia‐Yu , Zhang Yang , Guo Yue , Sun Lei
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Large bone defects are a common, debilitating clinical condition that have substantial global health and economic burden. Bone tissue engineering technology has become one of the most promising approaches for regenerating defective bones. In this study, we fabricated a naringin‐inlaid composite silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite (NG/SF/HAp) scaffold to repair bone defects.

Materials and Methods

The salt‐leaching technology was used to fabricate the NG/SF/HAp scaffold. The cytocompatibility of the NG/SF/HAp scaffold was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, live/dead cell staining and phalloidin staining. The osteogenic and angiogenic properties were assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The porous NG/SF/HAp scaffold had a well‐designed biomimetic porous structure with osteoinductive and angiogenic activities. A gene microarray identified 854 differentially expressed genes between human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) cultured on SF‐nHAp scaffolds and cells cultured on NG/SF/HAp scaffolds. The underlying osteoblastic mechanism was investigated using hUCMSCs in vitro. Naringin facilitated hUCMSC ingrowth into the SF/HAp scaffold and promoted osteogenic differentiation. The osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities of cells cultured in the NG/SF/HAp scaffold were superior to those of cells cultured in the SF/HAp scaffold.

Conclusions

The data indicate the potential of the SF/HAp composite scaffold incorporating naringin for bone regeneration.
The behaviour of alcohol‐dependent drinkers of spirits during level 4 COVID‐19 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Falkner Carolyn , Neave Hamish
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Behaviour of alcohol drinkers during previous major public health or economic crises has varied, with reductions in use generally occurring during periods of reduced availability. This study aimed to discover the behaviour of a group of dependent drinkers of spirits during a 33‐day period of complete closure of physical stores selling spirits during COVID‐19 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand, March 2020.

Methods

Electronic clinical records of drinkers waitlisted to complete an alcohol detox at the in‐patient service were followed from day 1 of lockdown and outcomes at the end of the period analysed.

Results

Drinkers of spirits were statistically more successful in stopping drinking (P = 0.002) than those of wine or beer. Only 26% chose to switch to an alternate alcohol type initially.

Discussion and Conclusion

A sudden reduction in availability of spirits resulted in positive behaviour change in spirits drinkers compared to those of other alcohol types, aided by the support of detox services. Internet alcohol purchasing, while not used by this group, deserves close future scrutiny due to its potential to increase alcohol availability in dependent drinkers.
Real‐world performance of hybrid closed loop in youth, young adults, adults and older adults with type 1 diabetes: Identifying a clinical target for hybrid closed‐loop use
Authors: Berget Cari , Akturk Halis Kaan , Messer Laurel H. , Vigers Timothy , Pyle Laura , Snell‐Bergeon Janet , Driscoll Kimberly A. , Forlenza Gregory P.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To describe real‐world hybrid closed loop (HCL) use and glycaemic outcomes across the lifespan and identify a clinical threshold for HCL use associated with meeting the internationally recommended target of 70% sensor glucose time in range (TIR; 70‐180 mg/dL).

Materials and Methods

Mixed models examined MiniMed 670G HCL use and glycaemic outcomes in 276 people with type 1 diabetes from four age groups: youth (aged <18 years), young adults (18‐25 years), adults (26‐49 years) and older adults (≥50 years) for 1 year. ROC analysis identified the minimum percentage HCL use associated with meeting the TIR goal of 70%.

Results

HCL use at month 1 was 70.7% ± 2.9% for youth, 71.0% ± 3.8% for young adults, 78.9% ± 2.1% for adults and 84.7% ± 3.8% in older adults. HCL use declined significantly at 12 months to 49.3% ± 3.2% in youth (P < .001) and 55.7% ± 4.3% in young adults (P = .002). HCL use was sustained at 12 months in adults (76.4% ± 2.2%, P = .36) and older adults (80.4% ± 3.9%, P = .36). HCL use of 70.6% was associated with 70% TIR (sensitivity 58.3%, specificity 85%, AUC 0.77). Older age, 80% or higher continuous glucose monitor use and four or more blood glucose checks per day were associated with attaining the HCL‐use threshold.

Conclusions

HCL use of 70% or higher may be a useful target for clinicians to use to assist people with diabetes in attaining glycaemic goals. Youth may struggle with HCL use more than adults and require clinical intervention to help sustain HCL use across time.
Global myocardial work: A new way to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction with normal left ventricle ejection fraction in essential hypertension patients: Compared with myocardial layer‐specific strain analysis
Authors: Huang Jun , Yang Chao , Yan Zi‐Ning , Fan Li , Ni Cai‐Fang
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether global myocardial work (MW), derived from non‐invasive left ventricle (LV) pressure‐strain loops (PSL) at rest, could predict subclinical LV myocardial dysfunction in preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) essential hypertension (EHT) patients.

Methods

A total of 105 untreated EHT patients and 55 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Apical 4‐, 3‐ and 2‐chamber views were acquired by two‐dimensional echocardiography. The peak systolic myocardial layer‐specific longitudinal strain (epimyocardial: GLSEpi; middle layer: GLSMid; and endomyocardial: GLSEndo), global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and myocardial work efficiency (GWE) were generated by speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE).

Results

The values of GLSEpi, GLSMid, and GLSEndo were significantly lower in EHT patients with LVH than in EHT patients without LVH and normal controls. GWW was significantly increased in EHT patients with LVH compared with without LVH and normal subjects, while GWE was significantly reduced in EHT patients with LVH compared with without LVH and normal subjects. ROC analysis showed that combined global MW values were a more sensitive predictor for detecting the accuracy of LV subclinical dysfunction in EHT patients than layer‐specific GLS.

Conclusion

From the research, we conclude that global MW is more sensitive to layer‐specific GLS in its ability to detect subclinical LV dysfunction even in EHT patients even without LVH.
Foundry: Early learnings from the implementation of an integrated youth service network
Authors: Mathias Steve , Tee Karen , Helfrich Warren , Gerty Krista , Chan Godwin , Barbic Skye Pamela
Published: May 2021

AIMS

To provide the first profile of the demographic and service characteristics of young people (aged 12–24 years) who access Foundry, a provincial network of integrated youth health and social service centres in British Columbia, Canada and to share early learnings about implementation and service innovation.

METHODS

Using a retrospective chart review, we conducted a census of all young people accessing a Foundry centre in a ‘proof of concept’ phase. Six centres were assessed between October 2015 and March 2018. Data included demographics, mental health service access history, service type the youth was seeking, and information about how they found out about the centre.

RESULTS

A total of 4783 young people presented during this proof of concept period, for a total number of 35 791 visits. The most frequently accessed category of service was mental health/substance use (57%) followed by physical health (25%). Young people were most likely to be female, aged 15–19, and White. Youth demographic characteristics showed an over‐representation of Indigenous and LGBTQ2 youth and under‐representation of males and youth aged 20–24. Youth were most likely to learn about Foundry from a friend (44%) or family member (22%). Most youth (58%) reported that they would have gone ‘nowhere’ if not for Foundry.

CONCLUSIONS

Foundry is a model of integrated health and social services delivery, focused on early intervention, prevention and accessibility, driven by the needs and priorities of young people and their families. Leveraging international integrated youth health service evidence, the model addresses urgent priorities in Canadian health service delivery.
Intrinsic postzygotic barriers constrain cross‐fertilisation between two hybridising sibling rotifer species of the Brachionus calyciflorus species complex
Authors: Zhang Wei , Declerck Steven A. J.
Published: May 2021

Brachionus calyciflorus is a recently described monogonont rotifer species complex that comprises four species. The observation of hybridisation between two of these species challenges this species delimitation. The mechanisms of reproductive isolation essential to the maintenance of species integrity remain unclear.

Here, we conducted upscaled hybridisation experiments to obtain large numbers of hybrid and non‐hybrid dormant propagules. Through hatching assays, we compared the zygote viability of hybrid with non‐hybrid dormant propagules. Furthermore, we investigated populations of F1 hybrid clones and assessed their clonal growth rate and the ability to reproduce sexually.

Our results demonstrated higher rates of morphological abnormality and associated mortality in dormant propagules of hybrids compared to non‐hybrids yet hatching rates of healthy‐looking propagules proved similar. F1 hybrids exhibited high clonal population growth rates, nevertheless, we also observed strong differences between clones and a strong influence of parental genotype identity. Two‐thirds of the F1 hybrid clones showed a low incidence of sexual reproduction and almost never produced dormant propagules. Clones with high population growth rates seemed to invest less in sexual reproduction.

Our results clearly demonstrate the existence of intrinsic postzygotic barriers caused by relatively high mortality of dormant propagules. Furthermore, the low ability of most hybrid clones to engage in sexual reproduction may reduce the long‐term fitness of hybrid clones. These postzygotic barriers probably impede genetic exchange between parental species and contribute to the maintenance of their integrity.
A Generalized Framework for Measuring Pedestrian Accessibility around the World Using Open Data
Authors: Liu Shiqin , Higgs Carl , Arundel Jonathan , Boeing Geoff , Cerdera Nicholas , Moctezuma David , Cerin Ester , Adlakha Deepti , Lowe Melanie , Giles‐Corti Billie
Published: May 2021

Pedestrian accessibility is an important factor in urban transport and land use policy and critical for creating healthy, sustainable cities. Developing and evaluating indicators measuring inequalities in pedestrian accessibility can help planners and policymakers benchmark and monitor the progress of city planning interventions. However, measuring and assessing indicators of urban design and transport features at high resolution worldwide to enable city comparisons is challenging due to limited availability of official, high‐quality, and comparable spatial data, as well as spatial analysis tools offering customizable frameworks for indicator construction and analysis. To address these challenges, this study develops an open source software framework to construct pedestrian accessibility indicators for cities using open and consistent data. It presents a generalized method to consistently measure pedestrian accessibility at high resolution and spatially aggregated scale, to allow for both within‐ and between‐city analyses. The open source and open data methods developed in this study can be extended to other cities worldwide to support local planning and policymaking. The software is made publicly available for reuse in an open repository.
The impact of client use of blockchain technology on audit risk and audit approach—An exploratory study
Authors: Dyball Maria Cadiz , Seethamraju Ravi
Published: May 2021

Blockchain is claimed to disrupt the external audit function by enhancing the reliability of both external and internal audit evidence. This study examined the impact of client use of blockchain technology on audit risk and audit approach. It referred to the Australian Auditing Standard ASA 315 Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement and van Buuren et al.'s continuum of audit approaches to frame semi‐structured interviews with 28 blockchain stakeholders including audit partners. The study found that blockchain clients are perceived to be riskier than other clients and that inherent and control risks are amplified. The audit approach is not definitive with two likely approaches: a combination of direct, indirect, account‐level and entity‐level evidence and an increase in indirect and entity‐level evidence. This study's findings are useful for audit practitioners, standard setters and regulators.
Pulsed electric fields‐ and ultrasound‐assisted green extraction of valuable compounds from Origanum vulgare L. and Thymus serpyllum L.
Authors: Carpentieri Serena , Mazza Luisa , Nutrizio Marinela , Jambrak Anet R. , Ferrari Giovanna , Pataro Gianpiero
Published: May 2021

This work compared the effects of pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ultrasound (US) technologies on the extent of cell disintegration of two Mediterranean herb tissues (Origanum vulgare L., Thymus serpyllum L.), as well as on the extractability of phenolic compounds during the subsequent hydroalcoholic extraction (0%–50% ethanol in water, v/v) for up to 4 h. The rate of phenolic compounds extraction decreased with time and was predicted rather satisfactorily (R2 = 0.898–0.989) by the Peleg’s model. The application of either PEF or US treatment prior to solid–liquid extraction (SLE) has the potential to reduce duration and concentration of ethanol to achieve the same recovery yield of phenolic compounds. Under optimised PEF (3 kV cm−1, 10 kJ kg−1) and US (400 W, 20 min) treatment conditions, the extracts obtained from either PEF or US pretreated herb samples showed higher total phenolic yield (36% on average) and antioxidant activity (FRAP) (36% on average) as compared to the control extraction, especially when 25% ethanol was used as a solvent. GC/MS analyses revealed no evidence of degradation of individual phenolics due to either PEF or US application.
An arginine aminopeptidase from marine Bacillus axarquiensis SWJSX8 and its application in improving pumpkin seed protein hydrolysis
Authors: Lei Fenfen , Chen Yaqi , Chen Lin , Zhang Liwei , Zheng Jincheng
Published: May 2021

An arginine aminopeptidase from Bacillus axarquiensis SWJSX8 (BAAP) was developed for the first time. The enzyme was purified 16.6‐fold with specificity activity of 267.2 U/mg protein and a total yield of 10.5% and was estimated to be 67.0 KDa by SDS‐PAGE. It exhibited the maximum activity at 55 °C and pH 8.5 and was activated by 15–20% NaCl with 50% improvement. BAAP was a metalloaminopeptidase and showed better preference for Arg‐pNA, Leu‐pNA and Lys‐pNA amongst the substrates tested. The introduction of BAAP improved the hydrolysis degree of pumpkin seed protein hydrolysates (PSPHs) by 5.7–8.2% and significantly increased the contents of small peptides and free amino acids, while decreased the bitter intensity score of the PSPHs hydrolysed by Alcalase 2.4 L. The antioxidant capacity of the PSPHs had also been improved. The newly developed BAAP has great potential to be used in hydrolysing proteins that are rich in arginine.
Soy whey as a promising substrate in the fermentation of soy sauce: a study of microbial community and volatile compounds
Authors: Xu Dandan , Wang Wenping , Wang Peng , Zhang Xin , Zhang Jian , Xu Chunyan , Wang Fenghuan
Published: May 2021

Soy whey wastewater generated from tofu production contains rich nutrients but has a very short shelf‐life. In this study, salt‐added soy whey was used as the liquid substrate instead of brine for the production of soy whey soy sauce (SWSS), and the sensory description, physicochemical properties, microbial community and volatile compounds were compared with traditional soy sauce (SS). The results indicated that amino nitrogen and reducing sugar were significantly higher in SWSS at the initial fermentation, but physicochemical properties and intensities of sensory attributes were not significantly different in the final product of SWSS and SS. Meyerozyma was the predominant genus at 90 and 120 days, while Candida became the most abundant at the end of fermentation in SWSS. A total of 89 volatile compounds were identified in SWSS and SS, correlation analysis indicated the acetic acid and phenylethyl alcohol were negatively affected by Aspergillus while positively affected by Candida. This study provided a promising and zero‐waste solution to biotransforming soy whey into soy sauce.
Healthcare providers' experiences with advance care planning and goals of patient care medical treatment orders in residential aged care facilities: an explanatory descriptive study
Authors: Martin Ruth S. , Hayes Barbara J. , Hutchinson Anastasia , Yates Paul , Lim Wen Kwang
Published: May 2021

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process by which people communicate their healthcare preferences and values, planning for a time when they are unable to voice them. Within residential aged care facilities (RACF), both the completion and the clarity of ACP documents are varied and, internationally, medical treatment orders have been used to address these issues.

Aims

In this study, goals of patient care (GOPC) medical treatment orders were introduced alongside usual ACP in three RACF to improve healthcare decision‐making for residents. This study explored the experiences of RACF healthcare providers with ACP and GOPC medical treatment orders.

Methods

The study used an explanatory descriptive approach. Within three RACF where the GOPC medical treatment orders had been introduced, focus groups and interviews with healthcare providers were performed. The transcribed interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

Healthcare providers not only reported support for ACP and GOPC but also discussed many problematic issues. Analysis of the data identified four main themes: enablers, barriers, resident autonomy and advance documentation (ACP and GOPC).

Conclusion

Healthcare providers identified ACP and GOPC as positive tools for assisting with medical decision‐making for residents. Although barriers exist in completion and activation of plans, healthcare providers described them as progressing resident‐centred care. Willingness to follow ACP instructions was reported to be reduced by lack of trust by clinicians. Families were also reported to change their views from those documented in family‐completed ACP, attributed to poor understanding of their purpose. Participants reported that GOPC led to clearer documentation of residents' medical treatment plans rather than relying on ACP documents alone.
The effect of washing process on the cracking of ZrO2 microspheres by internal gelation
Authors: Xu Rui , Song Jing , Zhao Shijiao , Nie Lei , Deng Changsheng , Hao Shaochang , Zhao Xingyu , Liu Bing , Ma Jingtao
Published: May 2021

ZrO2 microspheres are widely used as a simulant of UO2 in the development of nuclear fuel. However, the cracking of ZrO2 microspheres prepared by internal gelation is still a challenge during drying and sintering processes. To address this issue, we designed and optimized the washing process for obtaining crack‐free ZrO2 microspheres. Through thermogravimetric, infrared, Raman, BET, and SEM analysis, it is shown that the cracking of the microspheres is mainly related to the pores in microspheres. The washing solvent with low surface tension is used to reduce the effect of capillary force on pore shrinkage. Therefore, the optimal washing process was designed as trichloroethylene (TCE)—0.5 M NH3.H2O—Propylene glycol methyl ether (PM) and gel microspheres with a high specific surface area of 315.3 m2/g and pore volume of 0.4125 cm3/g were obtained. The characterizations also further showed that when the microspheres were dried and sintered, the water vapor and the decomposition gas of organic matter were completely released from the pores in the microspheres. Our new washing process could be directly extended for preparing crack‐free ceramic microspheres by internal gelation.
Associations between demographic characteristics, perceived threat, perceived stress, coping responses and adherence to COVID‐19 prevention measures among Chinese healthcare students
Authors: Tang Anson Chui Yan , Kwong Enid Wai‐yung , Chen Liangying , Cheng Winnie Lai Sheung
Published: May 2021

Aim

To investigate the associations between demographic characteristics, perceived threat, perceived stress, coping responses and adherence to COVID‐19 prevention measures in Chinese Healthcare students.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey collecting data in Hong Kong and Fujian Province of China in April 2020.

Methods

A convenience and snowball sample of 2706 students aged 18 years or older and studying a healthcare programme were recruited in tertiary education institutions/universities in Hong Kong and Putian. The participants completed the questionnaire with six scales: Social Distancing Scale; Personal Hygiene Scale; Empathic Responding Scale; Wishful Thinking Scale; Perceived Stress Scale and Perceived Threat Scale. Path analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the preventive measures outcomes. p value < .05 was considered as statistical significance.

Results

The participants reported high compliances to both social distancing (SoD) and personal hygiene measures (PHM). Confidence to manage the current situation, wishful thinking and empathetic responding directly predicted compliance with SoD and PHM. The final model constructed demonstrated a very good fit to the data.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that students who are male, habituate in Hong Kong, have more clinical experience and weak confidence to manage the threat tend to have lower compliance with the COVID‐19 preventive measures.

Impact

The predictive model constructed is the first one to explore factors associating with the compliance with infection control measures in healthcare students amid the COVID‐19 outbreak. As the infection control behaviours of healthcare students, whom are still under training and are the high‐risk group of being infected and infecting others in the community, are rarely reported in literature, this study has provided empirical evidence to nurses and other healthcare professionals to identify students susceptible to poor compliance and provide early monitoring and education to suppress the COVID‐19 transmission.
Human CPPED1 belongs to calcineurin‐like metallophosphoesterase superfamily and dephosphorylates PI3K‐AKT pathway component PAK4
Authors: Haapalainen Antti M. , Daddali Ravindra , Hallman Mikko , Rämet Mika
Published: May 2021

Protein kinases and phosphatases regulate cellular processes by reversible phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. CPPED1 is a recently identified serine/threonine protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates AKT1 of the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway. We previously showed that CPPED1 levels are down‐regulated in the human placenta during spontaneous term birth. In this study, based on sequence comparisons, we propose that CPPED1 is a member of the class III phosphodiesterase (PDE) subfamily within the calcineurin‐like metallophosphoesterase (MPE) superfamily rather than a member of the phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP) or metal‐dependent protein phosphatase (PPM) protein families. We used a human proteome microarray to identify 36 proteins that putatively interact with CPPED1. Of these, GRB2, PAK4 and PIK3R2 are known to regulate the PI3K‐AKT pathway. We further confirmed CPPED1 interactions with PAK4 and PIK3R2 by coimmunoprecipitation analyses. We characterized the effect of CPPED1 on phosphorylation of PAK4 and PIK3R2 in vitro by mass spectrometry. CPPED1 dephosphorylated specific serine residues in PAK4, while phosphorylation levels in PIK3R2 remained unchanged. Our findings indicate that CPPED1 may regulate PI3K‐AKT pathway activity at multiple levels. Higher CPPED1 levels may inhibit PI3K‐AKT pathway maintaining pregnancy. Consequences of decreased CPPED1 expression during labour remain to be elucidated.
Commentary: Reply to ‘Transgender and mental health’ by Philip Graham
Authors: Potter Alexandra
Published: May 2021

The letter to the editor from Philip Graham regarding the manuscript ‘Early adolescent gender diversity and mental health in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study’ (Potter et al., 2021) raises several points that highlight the complexity of the conversation around gender development in youth. While there is an agreement between the original manuscript and much of the letter, some of the issues raised warrant further discussion and clarification.
Increasing trend in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Taiwan
Authors: Su Feng‐Lin , Lu Mei‐Chun , Yu Su‐Chen , Yang Chun‐Pai , Yang Cheng‐Chia , Tseng Shih‐Ting , Yan Yuan‐Horng
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Maternal hyperglycemia leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes, and also subsequently affects both mothers and their offspring in later life. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is also believed to be increasing. More precise nationwide and up‐to‐date data on GDM are required.

Materials and Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study was carried out with the Birth Certificate Application database and linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database to explore trends in the annual crude prevalence of GDM in all women who gave birth between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2015 in Taiwan and their pregnancy outcomes. The registry is considered complete, reliable and accurate.

Results

A total of 2,468,793 births from 2,430,307 pregnancies were reported between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2015. Finally, 2,053,305 pregnancies were included for further analysis. The annual prevalence of GDM increased by 1.8‐fold during the 12 years from 2004 to 2015, with a significant continuous increasing trend (from 7.6% to 13.4%, P < 0.001). The annual prevalence of GDM significantly increased in each age group (all trends P < 0.001), particularly for women with maternal ages of 31 years and older. Urbanization level, geographic risk factors and seasonal variations were also noted.

Conclusion

The annual prevalence of GDM increased by 1.8‐fold in the 12‐year period from 2004 to 2015 in Taiwan, with a significant continuous increasing trend (from 7.6% to 13.4%, P < 0.001).
Digital scanning under rubber dam: An innovative method for making definitive impressions in fixed prosthodontics
Authors: Henarejos‐Domingo Víctor , Clavijo Victor , Blasi Álvaro , Madeira Sara , Roig Miguel
Published: May 2021

Objective

To provide a comprehensive protocol for final impressions making under rubber dam isolation by using an intraoral scanner.

Clinical consideration

Impression making after tooth preparation with rubber dam isolation are impossible with conventional physical impressions, which are not with intraoral scanners. Digital technologies have disrupted dentistry in the last decades, bringing new, straightforward, and more time‐efficient protocols for dental practice.

Conclusions

Taking in consideration the beneficial properties of scanning under rubber dam this protocol can be highly recommended for everyday use for making definitive intraoral scans for tooth‐supported restorations.

Clinical significance

The described protocol offers the possibility to make a final impression in a stress‐free environment, without blood or saliva, to obtain a better visualization and scanning of the finish line, and the potential of save time on definitive impression making.
Circadian rhythms driving a fast‐paced root clock implicate species‐specific regulation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Liping , Zhou Anqi , Li Jing , Yang Mingkang , Bu Fan , Ge Liangfa , Chen Liang , Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

Plants have a hierarchical circadian structure comprising multiple tissue‐specific oscillators that operate at different speeds and regulate the expression of distinct sets of genes in different organs. However, the identity of the genes differentially regulated by the circadian clock in different organs, such as roots, and how their oscillations create functional specialization remain unclear. Here, we profiled the diurnal and circadian landscapes of the shoots and roots of Medicago truncatula and identified the conserved regulatory sequences contributing to transcriptome oscillations in each organ. We found that the light‐dark cycles strongly affect the global transcriptome oscillation in roots, and many clock genes oscillate only in shoots. Moreover, many key genes involved in nitrogen fixation are regulated by circadian rhythms. Surprisingly, the root clock runs faster than the shoot clock, which is contrary to the hierarchical circadian structure showing a slow‐paced root clock in both detached and intact Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. roots. Our result provides important clues about the species‐specific circadian regulatory mechanism, which is often overlooked, and possibly coordinates the timing between shoots and roots independent of the current prevailing model.
Partisan Conflict, News, and Investors' Expectations
Authors: AZZIMONTI MARINA
Published: May 2021

I consider the role of news provided by the media as signals used by investors to learn about partisan conflict. Higher partisan conflict induces uncertainty (by increasing the probability of crises) and gridlock (making tax reforms less likely), both affecting investment returns. The true degree of political disagreement is unobservable to investors, who create expectations based on the observation of informative signals. Using a Bayesian learning model, I illustrate how these signals affect investment decisions. To the extent crises are severe enough, an increase in the partisan conflict reduces expected returns and induces lower investment.