bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective English language teachers’ projected identities in personal statements plus experienced teachers’ reactions
Authors: Kessler Matt
Published: July 2021

While explorations involving teacher identity have been prevalent in applied linguistics, studies have often focused on the teacher's vantage point and explored the identities of teachers who are currently practicing. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, this study explores the projected identities of two undergraduates with no teaching experience as they attempt to position themselves as potential future EFL teachers in their personal statements submitted for a teaching grant. Following the text analysis, three experienced teachers read the applicants’ statements using think‐alouds, revealing how teacher education community gatekeepers received the prospective teachers’ identities. The findings show three identities shared by the novices. Additionally, the experienced teachers had clear positions regarding what identities they prescribed value to. Implications for prospective teachers and future research are discussed.
Experimental observations of amorphization in multiple generations of boron carbide
Authors: Xie Kelvin Y. , Yang Qirong , Marvel Christopher J. , He Mo‐Rigen , LaSalvia Jerry C. , Harmer Martin P. , Hwang Chawon , Haber Richard A. , Hemker Kevin J.
Published: July 2021

Boron carbide is an excellent armor material due to its light weight and ultrahigh hardness. However, high‐rate mechanical behavior can be degraded by stress‐induced amorphization. In this paper, we review the progressive advances in the understanding of amorphization in three successive generations of boron carbide: stoichiometric (undoped), B‐rich, and B/Si codoped boron carbides. For each generation of boron carbide, the crystal structure and microstructure are first discussed. Then, we outline the experimental observations of amorphization made by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The susceptibility of amorphization in each generation of boron carbide will be compared and the fundamental mechanisms that explain the reduction in amorphization for B‐rich and B/Si codoped boron carbides elucidated. Comments on future research directions to further broaden and deepen the understanding of stress‐induced amorphization of boron carbide are also provided.
The effect of an orally‐dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Rao Amanda , Clayton Paul , Briskey David
Published: July 2021

Background

The present study examined the effect of a herbal supplement containing a Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Gpp) extract (ActivAMP®) with respect to improving body composition in overweight males and females.

Methods

One‐hundred and seventeen men and women aged over 18 years completed 16 weeks of daily supplementation with either Gpp or a placebo. Participants underwent dual‐energy X‐rays to assess body composition (fat mass, lean mass and mass distribution), as well as anthropometric measures (weight, height, hip and waist circumference), in addition to blood tests to assess inflammatory and safety markers.

Results

Following 16 weeks of treatment, the Gpp group had a significant reduction in total body weight, body mass index, total fat mass and gynoid fat mass compared to the placebo group. Blood measures showed plasma triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase and tumour necrosis factor‐α to be statistically different between groups at week 16. Subgroup analysis of gender for fat distribution showed males in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in visceral fat compared to males in the placebo group and females in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in gynoid fat compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

Gpp was capable of altering fat mass and fat distribution in overweight and obese males and females compared to a placebo.
Dietary strategies for remission of type 2 diabetes: A narrative review
Authors: Brown Adrian , McArdle Paul , Taplin Julie , Unwin David , Unwin Jennifer , Deakin Trudi , Wheatley Sean , Murdoch Campbell , Malhotra Aseem , Mellor Duane
Published: July 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing health issue globally, which, until recently, was considered to be both chronic and progressive. Although having lifestyle and dietary changes as core components, treatments have focused on optimising glycaemic control using pharmaceutical agents. With data from bariatric surgery and, more recently, total diet replacement (TDR) studies that have set out to achieve remission, remission of T2DM has emerged as a treatment goal. A group of specialist dietitians and medical practitioners was convened, supported by the British Dietetic Association and Diabetes UK, to discuss dietary approaches to T2DM and consequently undertook a review of the available clinical trial and practice audit data regarding dietary approaches to remission of T2DM. Current available evidence suggests that a range of dietary approaches, including low energy diets (mostly using TDR) and low carbohydrate diets, can be used to support the achievement of euglycaemia and potentially remission. The most significant predictor of remission is weight loss and, although euglycaemia may occur on a low carbohydrate diet without weight loss, which does not meet some definitions of remission, it may rather constitute a ‘state of mitigation’ of T2DM. This technical point may not be considered as important for people living with T2DM, aside from that it may only last as long as the carbohydrate restriction is maintained. The possibility of actively treating T2DM along with the possibility of achieving remission should be discussed by healthcare professionals with people living with T2DM, along with a range of different dietary approaches that can help to achieve this.
Developmental genes controlling neural circuit formation are expressed in the early postnatal hypothalamus and cellular lining of the third ventricle
Authors: Freeman Alice Katherine , Glendining Kelly A. , Jasoni Christine L.
Published: July 2021

The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is central in the regulation of body weight homeostasis through its ability to sense peripheral metabolic signals and relay them, through neural circuits, to other brain areas, ultimately affecting physiological and behavioural changes. The early postnatal development of these neural circuits is critical for normal body weight homeostasis, such that perturbations during this critical period can lead to obesity. The role for peripheral regulators of body weight homeostasis, including leptin, insulin and ghrelin, in this postnatal development is well described, yet some of the fundamental processes underpinning axonal and dendritic growth remain unclear. Here, we hypothesised that molecules known to regulate axonal and dendritic growth processes in other areas of the developing brain would be expressed in the postnatal arcuate nucleus and/or target nuclei where they would function to mediate the development of this circuitry. Using state‐of‐the‐art RNAscope® technology, we have revealed the expression patterns of genes encoding Dcc/Netrin‐1, Robo1/Slit1 and Fzd5/Wnt5a receptor/ligand pairs in the early postnatal mouse hypothalamus. We found that individual genes had unique expression patterns across developmental time in the arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, median eminence and, somewhat unexpectedly, the third ventricle epithelium. These observations indicate a number of new molecular players in the development of neural circuits regulating body weight homeostasis, as well as novel molecular markers of tanycyte heterogeneity.
Resumption of the treatment of non‐COVID‐19 gynecologic patients after lifting lockdown: Triage and infection prevention experiences from Wuhan
Authors: Dong Weihong , Gao Rui , Cai Jing , Yang Shouhua , Guo Jianfeng , Zhao Jing , Wang Zehua , Cai Liqiong
Published: July 2021

Aim

To share our experiences of resuming the treatments for gynecologic patients after lifting the lockdown in a hotspot area for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

The triage process used to resume medical activities for gynecologic patients at the Wuhan Union Hospital after a 76‐day lockdown of the city is described, and its effectiveness in preventing COVID‐19 nosocomial transmission is shown.

Results

Nonemergency patients were pretriaged based on their contact history and body temperature at an outpatient clinic, and negative COVID‐19 screening test results were required for admission to the buffering rooms at the gynecologic department. The buffering lasted at least 3 days for symptom monitoring, and a second round of COVID‐19 testing was required before patients could be transferred to the regular gynecologic wards. For patients who needed emergency surgery, the first screening was completed at the isolation wards after surgery, followed by buffering at the gynecologic department. We received 19 298 outpatient visits, admitted 326 patients, and performed 223 operations in the first 2 months after the lockdown was lifted. No COVID‐19 cases occurred in the hospitalized patients, while the proportion of potentially high‐risk patients with cancer and severe anemia was increased in comparison to that observed during the same period in 2019 and the first 2 months of 2020 before the lockdown.

Conclusions

We provide an effective triage system with buffering at two levels to guarantee safe and timely treatment for non‐COVID‐19 gynecologic patients in the postlockdown phase.
Twenty‐four‐week interim outcomes of bedaquiline‐containing regimens in treatment of adolescents with rifampicin‐resistant tuberculosis: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Wu Hao‐Yu , Tian Yao , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Sun Ji‐Si , Fan Li‐Chao , Chen Mo‐Xin , Li Ran , Chen Yu
Published: July 2021

Aim

To evaluate the 24‐week interim outcomes of bedaquiline‐containing regimens in the treatment of adolescents with rifampicin‐resistant tuberculosis (RR‐TB) in China.

Methods

Adolescents with RR‐TB from two hospitals were included in this retrospective study. All patients received the longer regimen containing bedaquiline. Sputum culture, chest computed tomography, blood tests and electrocardiography were performed regularly, and the outcomes after 24 weeks of treatment were reported.

Results

Four male and six female adolescents aged 11 to 17 years old were included. Among them, four (40.0%), four (40.0%) and two (20.0%) were confirmed to have RR‐TB, multidrug‐resistant TB and extensively drug‐resistant TB, respectively. The most common companion drugs included linezolid (100.0%), cycloserine (90.0%), pyrazinamide (80.0%), moxifloxacin (50.0%) and levofloxacin (40.0%). Culture conversion rates of 80.0%, 100.0% and 100.0% were observed at weeks 2, 4 and 24, respectively. The mean maximum drug concentration of bedaquiline at weeks 2, 12 and 24 was 3.29 ± 0.66, 1.78 ± 0.81 and 1.93 ± 0.74 μg/mL, respectively. Six adverse events including leukopenia (50.0%), Fridericia‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval prolongation (16.7%), anaemia (16.7%) and peripheral neuropathy (16.7%) were observed in five (50.0%) patients. No patient discontinued bedaquiline owing to QTcF interval prolongation. Meanwhile, no deaths, reversions or serious adverse events were reported during 24 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

A longer regimen containing bedaquiline was effective and well tolerated in Chinese adolescents with RR‐TB. The combination of bedaquiline and linezolid may be a favourable choice for this population.
The impact of maternal post‐partum depressive symptoms on child diet at 18 months
Authors: Opie Rachelle S. , Zheng Miaobing , Torres Susan , Campbell Karen
Published: July 2021

Post‐partum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health problem, which can impair maternal behaviours and adversely affect the cognitive, emotional and behavioural development of children. This study aims to explore the impact of maternal depressive symptoms at 3 months post‐partum (baseline) on child diet at 18 months of age (follow‐up). This study used longitudinal data from 263 first‐time mothers from the Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Extend. Women self‐reported depressive symptoms (10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES‐D]) and child diet (fruits, vegetables and discretionary foods). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms at baseline and child fruit and vegetable intake and discretionary food intake (g day−1) at follow‐up. Baseline maternal depressive symptoms were associated with higher childhood consumption of discretionary foods at 18 months of age (β = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03 to 0.87, P = 0.034 [adjusted]). There was no evidence of association for maternal depressive symptoms and child intake of fruits and vegetables. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings, with the hope of translating this knowledge into optimal clinic care and improved physical and mental health for mother and child.
Resistance, resilience, and functional redundancy of freshwater bacterioplankton communities facing a gradient of agricultural stressors in a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Barbosa da Costa Naíla , Fugère Vincent , Hébert Marie‐Pier , Xu Charles C.Y. , Barrett Rowan D.H. , Beisner Beatrix E. , Bell Graham , Yargeau Viviane , Fussmann Gregor F. , Gonzalez Andrew , Shapiro B. Jesse
Published: July 2021

Agricultural pollution with fertilizers and pesticides is a common disturbance to freshwater biodiversity. Bacterioplankton communities are at the base of aquatic food webs, but their responses to these potentially interacting stressors are rarely explored. To test the extent of resistance and resilience in bacterioplankton communities faced with agricultural stressors, we exposed freshwater mesocosms to single and combined gradients of two commonly used pesticides: the herbicide glyphosate (0–15 mg/L) and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid (0–60 μg/L), in high or low nutrient backgrounds. Over the 43‐day experiment, we tracked variation in bacterial density with flow cytometry, carbon substrate use with Biolog EcoPlates, and taxonomic diversity and composition with environmental 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We show that only glyphosate (at the highest dose, 15 mg/L), but not imidacloprid, nutrients, or their interactions measurably changed community structure, favouring members of the Proteobacteria including the genus Agrobacterium. However, no change in carbon substrate use was detected throughout, suggesting functional redundancy despite taxonomic changes. We further show that communities are resilient at broad, but not fine taxonomic levels: 24 days after glyphosate application the precise amplicon sequence variants do not return, and tend to be replaced by phylogenetically close taxa. We conclude that high doses of glyphosate – but still within commonly acceptable regulatory guidelines – alter freshwater bacterioplankton by favouring a subset of higher taxonomic units (i.e., genus to phylum) that transiently thrive in the presence of glyphosate. Longer‐term impacts of glyphosate at finer taxonomic resolution merit further investigation.
Disagreement without belief
Authors: Shemmer Yonatan , Bex‐Priestley Graham
Published: July 2021

When theorising about disagreement, it is tempting to begin with a person's belief thatpand ask what mental state one must have in order to disagree with it. This is the wrong way to go; the paper argues that people may also disagree with attitudes that are not beliefs. It then examines whether several existing theories of disagreement can account for this phenomenon. It argues that its own normative theory of disagreement gives the best account, and so, given that there is good reason to believe disagreement without belief is possible, there is good reason to think that disagreement itself is normative.
Traditional medicines prescribed for prevention of COVID‐19: Use with caution
Authors: Parthasarathy Rajeevalochana , Mathew Milly , Koshy Priyanka , Babu Madhusri , Abraham Georgi
Published: July 2021

Acute interstitial nephritis can result due to exposure to any medication, toxins, infections or malignancy. In the midst of this Coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, there has been a race for finding remedies to prevent the spread of and control the complications due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Certain Indian medicinal herb concoctions like kabasura kudineer and nilavembu kudineer are being widely publicized to boost immunity and reduce the risk of developing COVID‐19. Little knowledge exists about the adverse effects of these herbal remedies. We report two patients who presented to us with vague complaints following the ingestion of kabasura kudineer and we diagnosed them with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN). The temporal relationship of ingestion of these remedies to the development of ATIN calls for vigilance and caution with regular monitoring of renal functions especially in those with chronic kidney disease.
Effectiveness of facility‐based transition care on health‐related outcomes for older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hang Jo‐Aine , Naseri Chiara , Francis‐Coad Jacqueline , Jacques Angela , Waldron Nicholas , Knuckey Robyn , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2021

Background

Although Transition Care Programmes (TCP) are designed to assist older adults to regain functional ability after hospitalisation, it is unclear whether TCP improve older adults’ health‐related outcomes.

Objectives

The objective of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence for the effectiveness of TCP on health‐related outcomes for older adults admitted to a transition care facility after hospitalisation.

Methods

Searches were conducted using the databases PubMed, AMED (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PscyINFO (Ovid) and CINAHL (Full text) and grey literature from January 2000 to May 2020 in English only. Studies that reported health‐related outcomes of older adults (aged 65 and above) who received TCP in a facility setting were deemed eligible for inclusion following critical appraisal by two reviewers. Data were pooled in meta‐analysis where possible, or reported narratively.

Results

A total of 21 studies from seven countries [(n = 5 RCT, n = 16 observational cohort studies) participants’ mean age 80.2 (±8.3)] were included. Pooled analysis (2069 participants, 7 studies) demonstrated that 80% of older adults undertaking TCP were discharged home [95% CI (0.78–0.82, p < 0.001), I2 = 21.99%, very low GRADE evidence]. Proportions of older adults discharged home varied widely between countries (33.3%–86.4%). There was a significant improvement in ability to perform activities of daily living (2001 participants, 7 studies) as measured by the Modified Barthel Index [17.65 points (95% CI 5.68–29.62, p = 0.004), I2 = 0.00%, very low GRADE evidence].

Conclusions

The proportion of older adults discharged home from TCP compared to other discharge destinations differs between countries. This could be due to the intensity of the rehabilitation delivered and the maximum length of stay allowed prior to discharge.

Implications for Practice

Future studies that comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of TCP on health‐related outcomes including quality of life are required. Further investigation is required to identify which aspects of TCP affect successful discharge home.
Immunogenicity of varicella zoster vaccine in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Atjayutpokin Thanwarat , Treepongkaruna Suporn , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Techasaensiri Chonnamet , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Getsuwan Songpon , Boonsathorn Sophida
Published: July 2021

Background

Pediatric liver transplant (LT) candidates often miss complete varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) vaccination before LT. We aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of two doses of VZV vaccines in pediatric LT candidates younger than 2 years and persistence of its immunogenicity after LT.

Methods

Patients aged 9–24 months were enrolled before LT. The first dose of VZV vaccine was given at 9 months, and the second dose was given at between 1 to 3 months later, and at least 4 weeks before LT. Varicella‐zoster IgG (VZG) was used to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies to VZV and was reported as a test value (TV). A test value ≥ 0.9 was considered as seropositive. TV was measured at enrollment, 1 month after the first and the second dose of VZV vaccine, before LT, and 3 and 6 months after LT.

Results

Fourteen children were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The median age at the first and the second dose of VZV vaccine was 11.5 months (IQR 9–12) and 13 months (IQR 12–33), respectively. The seroconversion rate was 66.7% (8/12) and 70% (7/10) after the first and second VZV vaccine doses, respectively. Seven of nine patients who underwent LT had two doses of VZV vaccine. Six patients were seropositive before LT, which persisted at 3 to 6 months after LT. Of two patients who received only one dose, TV was not detected after LT.

Conclusions

The two doses of VZV vaccine appeared to be more immunogenic than one dose in pediatric LT candidates aged less than 2 years.
Low UVB Fluences Augment Microvesicle Particle Generation in Keratinocytes
Authors: Thapa Pariksha , Bhadri Shweta , Borchers Christina , Liu Langni , Chen Yanfang , Rapp Christine M. , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2021

Microvesicle particles (MVP) are bioactive subcellular particles which have been recently implicated in the keratinocyte response to many environmental stressors including ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). Previous studies have demonstrated that UVB generates high levels of MVP in a process involving the platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFR) and the enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase). Yet the fluences of UVB needed to generate MVP are usually above those commonly encountered. Using models including human epithelial cell lines in vitro, human skin explants ex vivo and murine studies in vivo, the present studies indicate that pretreatment of epithelial cells/skin with PAFR agonist/phorbol ester can synergize with low fluences of UVB to generate high levels of MVP. These studies indicate the possibility that MVP could play a role in combinatorial pathologic processes involving UVB.
Significance of stratifin in early progression of lung adenocarcinoma and its potential therapeutic relevance
Authors: Shiba‐Ishii Aya
Published: July 2021

Lung cancer is the most common cause of global cancer‐related mortality, and the main histological type is adenocarcinoma, accounting for 50% of non‐small cell lung cancer. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification defined the concepts of “adenocarcinoma in situ” (AIS) and “minimally invasive adenocarcinoma” (MIA), which are considered to be adenocarcinomas at a very early stage. Although AIS and MIA have a very favorable outcome, once they progress to early but invasive adenocarcinoma (eIA), they can sometimes have a fatal outcome. We previously compared the expression profiles of eIA and AIS, and identified stratifin (SFN; 14‐3‐3 sigma) as a protein showing significantly higher expression in eIA than in AIS. Expression of SFN is controlled epigenetically by DNA demethylation, and its overexpression is significantly correlated with poorer outcome. In vitro and in vivo analyses have shown that SFN facilitates early progression of adenocarcinoma by enhancing cell proliferation. This review summarizes genetic and epigenetic abnormalities that can occur in early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma and introduces recent findings regarding the biological significance of SFN overexpression during the course of lung adenocarcinoma progression. Therapeutic strategies for targeting SFN are also discussed.
Ultrasonographic findings of the corpus luteum and the gravid uterus during heat stress in dairy cattle
Authors: Nanas Ioannis , Barbagianni Mariana , Dadouli Katerina , Dovolou Eleni , Amiridis Georgios S
Published: July 2021

The objectives of this study were to assess alterations in, echogenic appearance, size and blood flow in the corpus luteum, the placentomes and the blood flow in umbilical and uterine arteries that heat stress can cause in cooled pregnant dairy cows. Pregnant cows were allocated in two groups and the gravid uteri, along with the ipsilateral corpora lutea were examined during the winter (group W, n = 9) or the summer (group S, n = 10). The grey‐scale ultrasound and colour flow imaging of the corpus luteum and placentome were performed. In addition, the umbilical and uterine artery diameters and haemodynamic parameters in the vessels were calculated. At the time of ultrasonographic examination, cortisol concentrations were higher, and progesterone levels tended to be lower in group S compared to group W. The grey‐scale ultrasound evaluation of corpora lutea and placentomes was lower in group S compared to group W. The diameter of umbilical artery and the blood volume in the vessel were less in group S than in group W. We infer that heat stress affects foetal blood supply and possibly the structure of placentomes and corpora lutea, but it differently affects the blood flow characteristics in the umbilical and uterine arteries.
Material characterization of curved shells under finite deformation using the virtual fields method
Authors: Livens Pieter , Avril Stéphane , Dirckx Joris J. J.
Published: July 2021

Although full‐field measurement techniques have been well established, material characterization from these data remains challenging. Often, no closed‐form solution exists between measured quantities and sought material parameters. In this paper, a novel approach to determine the stiffness of thin curved membranes is proposed, based on the virtual fields method (VFM). Utilizing Kirchhoff‐Love shell theory, we show that the displacements can be decomposed into an in‐plane displacement and a rotation of the mid‐surface of the shell. Consequently, the strain tensor at the outer surface of the shell can then be decomposed into a membrane and a bending part. This allows for the VFM to be applied based only on data of the outer surface and on surfaces of arbitrary curvature. The method is first applied to simulated data. It is shown that the elastic modulus can be identified with less than 5% error if the thickness and Poisson ratio are known accurately. A 5% uncertainty in either the Poisson ratio or the thickness changes the identified value by 5%. Then, the method is applied on experimental data acquired on rubber samples having a dome‐like shape. Tensile tests are performed on the same samples, which permits to assess the linearized Young's modulus of this material for moderate strains (0–2.1%). Using regression analysis, a Young's modulus of 1.21 ± 0.08 MPa is found. Next, we performed pressurization tests on eight dome‐like shapes with pressures up to 4 kPa. The average Young's modulus obtained with the novel virtual fields method is 1.20 ± 0.13 MPa. The results are in good agreement with the ones from the tensile test. Future applications could benefit from this method to analyse more complex shapes, for example those found in biological structures like arteries or eardrums.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:61 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Giustiniani Paola , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: July 2021

HLA‐DPA1*01:61 differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:22 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 96 in exon 3.
Maintaining mask momentum in transplant recipients
Authors: Puius Yoram A. , Bartash Rachel M. , Zingman Barry S.
Published: July 2021

The widespread use of facemasks has been a crucial element in the control of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.  With mounting evidence for mask efficacy against respiratory infectious diseases and greater acceptability of this intervention, it is proposed that masking should continue after the pandemic has abated to protect some of our most vulnerable patients, recipients of stem cell and solid organ transplants. This may involve not only masking these high‐risk patients, but possibly their close contacts and the healthcare workers involved in their care. We review the evidence for mask efficacy in prevention of respiratory viruses other than SARS‐CoV‐2 and address the burden of disease in transplant recipients.  Although we acknowledge that there are limited data on masking to prevent infection in transplant recipients, we propose a framework for the study and implementation of routine masking as a part of infection prevention interventions after transplantation.
International survey of human herpes virus 8 screening and management in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Mularoni Alessandra , Mikulska Malgorzata , Giannella Maddalena , Adamoli Lucia , Slavin Monica , Van Delden Christian , Garcia Jose Maria Aguado , Cervera Carlos , Grossi Paolo Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background

HHV‐8/Kaposi Sarcoma herpesvirus has been associated with a broad spectrum of diseases in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Primary donor‐derived infection can be associated with severe and rapidly fatal non‐neoplastic disease, and diagnosis is made with high HHV‐8 DNAemia.

Methods

We carried out an international survey to investigate the current approach to HHV‐8 screening, and management in SOT since a protocol has not been established by international guidelines.

Results

A total of 51 transplant centers from 15 countries filled out the survey. HHV‐8‐associated diseases in SOT have been diagnosed during the previous 5 years in 67% of centers. Pretransplant serological screening is performed in 17 centers (33%), and posttransplant HHV‐8 nucleic acid testing (NAT) monitoring is performed in 21 centers (41%). Performing HHV‐8 NAT monitoring and serological screening were found associated with having diagnosed in the previous 5 years a non‐malignant HHV‐8‐associated disease.

Conclusions

Serological pretransplant screening of donors and recipients and post‐transplant HHV‐8 NAT monitoring recommendations should be standardized. Even though serological assays are not optimal, they could contribute to increasing knowledge on epidemiology and management of HHV‐8‐associated diseases after SOT.
Lower seroprevalence for SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies among kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Cristelli Marina P. , Viana Laila A. , Fortaleza Carlos M. , Granato Celso , Nakamura Monica R. , Santos Daniel W.C.L. , Foresto Renato Demarchi , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , Medina‐Pestana Jose
Published: July 2021

Background

Kidney transplant recipients have higher COVID‐19 associated mortality compared to the general population. However, as only symptomatic patients seek medical attention, the current level of exposure, the main sources of acquisition, and the behavior of humoral immunity over time are poorly understood.

Methods

This cross‐sectional prospective single‐center study recruited kidney transplant recipients of any age living in Sao Paulo. A sample size of 401 patients was calculated considering the 17.2% seroprevalence in the municipality population from a published survey, a 95% confidence interval and an absolute error of 2%.

Results

Of the 2636 eligible patients, 416 were included. The seroprevalence for IgG anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 was 8.2%. Seroconversion rate decreased with increasing age, from 15.7% (18–35 years) to 8.3% (36–60 years) and 4.2% (>60 years, p = 0.042). Seropositivity among previously confirmed COVID‐19 patients was 68.4%, followed by 9.4% in those with flu‐like symptoms and only 4.6% among asymptomatic patients (p < 0.0001). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among patients reporting household contact (p = 0.018). Twenty‐seven from the 34 IgG+ patients had a second test after 59 (IQR 50–63) days, and, in 33%, the IgG index became below the positivity threshold.

Conclusions

In this cohort of kidney transplant recipients, the seroprevalence for IgG anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 was lower than that of the general population, decreased with ageing, and was associated with household contacts. In a considerable proportion of the patients, there was a significant decay in the IgG levels in a short period of time. Therefore, preventive strategies, such as prioritization for vaccination, should be urgently considered.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: July 2021

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 4 Albert Henry Ntarmah, Jiangsu University, GhanaFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyHichem Maraghni, University of Taibah, TunisiaIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineOlena Sokolovska, St. Petersburg State University, RussiaRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania      Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
EFFECT OF PYLOROTOMY ON THE INTESTINAL PHASE OF GASTRIC SECRETION
Authors: Pober Z. , Friedman M. H. F.
Published: July 2021

In order to investigate the role of continuity of the pylorus‐duodenal junction for the intestinal phase of gastric secretion, dogs were prepared with a chronic gastric fistula and an intestinal catheter, and gastric secretion measured during infusion of various materials into the intestine. In the fasted dog, protein hydrolysate solution infused into the intestine increases total acid output and pepsin markedly, but infusion of equiosmolar sodium chloride solution did not. Section of the pyloric sphincter with end‐to‐end anastomosis initially abolished the response to the protein hydrolysate, but it started to return after 7 post‐operative days. Section of the stomach at the corpus‐antral junction reduced the response to the protein hydrolysate for the first 7 days. The period of reduced response for both surgical procedures was of the same duration, 7 days.
Fósseis: mitos e folclore
Authors: Fernandes Antonio Carlos Sequeira
Published: July 2021

Fossils have been familiar objects to man since the prehistoric times, with striking connotations in the folklore of several cultures. They were used as decorative elements in necklaces, regarded as heroes or giants in the classical greek and roman times, interpreted as teeth and bones of dragons, used as amulets against the bites and poisons of snakes, and as medicines to the treatment of several disorders. This article describes some of these examples.
Museus e a divulgação científica no campo da paleontologia
Authors: Kellner Alexander Wilhelm Armin
Published: July 2021

Museums are generally regarded as having high potential for science communication. In Brazil, however, those institutions are still far away from accomplishing this mission, particularly regarding paleontology. Here we discuss several aspects regarding science communication and museums. The three main activities associated to museums are research, repositories of collections and exhibitions. The collections of the Brazilian museums and the exhibits tend to be poor when compared with similar European and North American institutions, causing a distance between museum and society. Among the attempts of changing this picture, the Museu Nacional/UFRJ, in collaboration with the Museu de Ciência da Terra (DNPM), has organized in 1999 the temporary exhibition THE TIME OF THE DINOSAURS, which turned out to be the most visited exposition regarding fossils organized in the country so far. Among the several benefits of this exhibit was to increase the interest of the population regarding paleontology. This experience has shown that the museum must interact more strongly with the society in order to fully develop its potential of science communication.
"Complexo" Veryhachium: acritarcos indicativos do Siluriano?"
Authors: Cardoso Tereza Regina Machado , Rodrigues Maria Antonieta da Conceição
Published: July 2021

Acritarchs are known to be related to cysts of marine microphytoplankton, and are reliable indicators of marine paleoenvironments. The acritarch genus Veryhachium was erected by Deunff (1954) to encompass an entire plexus of microfossils first recorded in Paleozoic strata of England and France. It includes a variety of organic-walled microphytoplanktonic organisms consisting of a smooth or granulated, hollow vesicle with triangular to polygonal shape. The vesicle is provided with up to eight, tapered and long, often bent, unbranched processes, which are hollow and present either smooth or granulated walls. The oldest known representatives of Veryhachium are from the Upper Cambrian, but the genus becomes most abundant and diversified in succeeding Paleozoic intervals. By contrast, post-Paleozoic records include only two species from the Cretaceous, and three Tertiary species which Stancliffe & Sarjeant (1994) regard as anomalous forms. The occurrence of Veryhachium in recent sediments of Bolivia has been attributed by several authors to the reworking of Paleozoic strata. Due to the long stratigraphic range of most of its species, the genus has generally played a secondary role in biostratigraphic zonations. Our palynological study of the Trombetas Group (Amazonas basin, northern Brazil), based on numerous outcrops and Eletronorte shallow core-drills, together with core samples of a single Petrobras well, has recorded such Silurian species as Veryhachium owensii, V. oklahomense, V. pertonense, V. longispinosu, V. rhomboidium and V. lairdii. They occur together with more age-diagnostic Silurian species belonging to the genera Deunffia and Domasia. The diversity of Veryhachium in the Trombetas Group highlights not only its importance as a paleoenvironmental indicator, but also its usefulness in characterizing regional palynomorphs assemblages in Paleozoic basins of Western Gondwana.
Estágios de desenvolvimento de Mariliasuchus amarali, Crocodyliformes Mesoeucrocodylia da formação Adamantina, cretáceo superior da bacia Bauru, Brasil
Authors: Vasconcellos Felipe Mesquita de , Carvalho Ismar De Souza
Published: July 2021

Mariliasuchus amarali Carvalho & Bertini, 1999 , a Mesoeucrocodylia from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Basin, Upper Cretaceous) shows some adaptative features to terrestrial environments: short and high skull, lateral orbits, frontal external nares and reduction of the dental formula with specialization of the tooth crown morphology in incisiform, caniniform and molariform teeth. It has been included in the infraorder Notosuchia Gasparini, 1971. Three specimens of Mariliasuchus amarali, found near the municipality of Marília, São Paulo State were analysed. One of them, holotype of Mariliasuchus amarali (UFRJ DG 50-R), is a juvenile crocodylifom whereas the other two (UFRJ DG 105-R and UFRJ DG 106-R) are adult animals. These fossils allowed an analysis of the ontogenetic development patterns of this species. It was performed a comparison betweeen the mandibular, laterotemporal and supratemporal fenestrae and the skull sculpturing in the three specimens. The results show that Mariliasuchus acquire in the course of its ontogeny a thicker and stronger skull. The caudal migration of the laterotemporal fenestra and the size increase of the supratemporal fenestra probably indicate a wider use or strength of the adductor muscles during seizing and food processing.
Descrição de um novo Decapoda (Natantia, Malacostraca, Crustacea) da formação Riachuelo, Albiano da bacia de Sergipe
Authors: Reis Márcia Aparecida Fernandes dos , Turbay Caio Vinícius Gabrig , Cesero Pedro De
Published: July 2021

A New Decapoda (Natantia, Malacostraca, Crustacea) From the Riachuelo Formation, Albian of the Sergipe Basin A "lobster" fossil from the Riachuelo Formation, Sergipe Sub-basin, is here described and placed in the Decapoda, Infraorder Palinura, based on the flattened carapace and the well-developed abdomen. The specimen is characterized by a dorsal median keel and a keel in each margin of the carapace and abdomen. Field data and petrographic studies suggest that the environment in which the Decapoda lived was probably a place with waves and moderate currents, located behind a sand barrier or in within a lagoon. Apparently, the carbonization process was responsible for specimen preservation.
Deep-sea benthic foraminifera and the oceanic carbon cycle during the Cenozoic
Authors: Thomas Ellen
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Bleaching in foraminifera with algal symbionts: implications for reef monitoring and risk assessment
Authors: Hallock Pamela , Williams D.E. , Fisher E.M. , Ayoub L.M.
Published: July 2021

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Foraminifera living in sulfidic environments: biology, ecology, and geological implications
Authors: Berhard Joan M.
Published: July 2021

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Helen Tappan and Alfred R. Loeblich, Jr. Micropaleontologists
Authors: Lipps Jere H.
Published: July 2021

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Allogromiid test construction
Authors: Goldstein Susan T. , Bowser Samuel S. , Habura Andrea , Richardson Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2021

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Molecular evolution of foraminiferal tubulins
Authors: Habura Andrea , Parfrey Laura W. , Broderick Sarah , Bowser Samuel S.
Published: July 2021

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Microfaunal analysis of an interval of the oil well Tiémié 1, Southwestern Côte d"Ivoire: paleoenvironmental implications
Authors: Bruno Digbehi Zéli , Blaise Ouffoue Kouamé
Published: July 2021

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Paleobathymetric and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Oligocene and Miocene deposits of southern Caribbean (Carmen de Bolivar, Colombia) based on benthic foraminifera
Authors: Fiorini Flavia , Jaramillo Carlos A.
Published: July 2021

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Tectonics, eustacy and climate: foraminifera and the late Cenozoic evolution of North-Central Chile
Authors: Ishman Scott , Pinter Nicholas , Reilly Timothy , Powell Jason , Stevens Anthony , Wilke Hans , Wilson Gary , Martinez-Pardo Ruben
Published: July 2021

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Eocene foraminiferal biostratigraphy and paleoenvironment of Nagaland, Northeastern India
Authors: Lokho Kapesa
Published: July 2021

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Upper Jurassic lituolids in the Sierra de Chiapas (Mexico) and their relation to the Tethys
Authors: Ornelas-Sanchez Maria , Hottinger Lukas
Published: July 2021

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Biostratigraphy and paleoecology of Qum Formation (Oligo-Miocene) of Kashan area, Iran
Authors: Vaziri Mohammadreza , Mahanipour Azam
Published: July 2021

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From grey to red pelagic sediments during the Turonian: a benthic foraminifera perspective
Authors: Wendler Ines , Wendler J. , Wagreich M.
Published: July 2021

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Depths, paleodepths and the percentage of foraminiferal assemblages comprising planktonics in Trinidad
Authors: Wilson Brent
Published: July 2021

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Morphological variation in late Pleistocene-Holocene globorotalid foraminifera
Authors: Brown Kevin
Published: July 2021

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Phylogeny and the evolutionary history of planktonic foraminiferal test size
Authors: MacLeod Norman
Published: July 2021

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Emendation of the genus Trochammina Parker and Jones for improvement of work in the paralic environments
Authors: Barbosa Cátia F. , Scott David B.
Published: July 2021

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Benthic foraminifers and thecamoebians from Guaratuba Bay (Paraná, Brazil): Spatial distribution and trophic interactions with carbon sources
Authors: Disaró Sibelle Trevisan , Roda Fernanda Neves Daichtman , Kolm Hedda Elisabeth
Published: July 2021

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Characterization of paralic paleoenvironments using benthic foraminifera from early Cretaceous deposits (Scotian Shelf)
Authors: Fiorini Flavia , Scott David B , Wach Grant D.
Published: July 2021

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Estuarine-type foraminifera from Australia's Permian to Cretaceous interior seas
Authors: Haig David W.
Published: July 2021

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Foraminifera as sea-level change indicators, Guaratiba Mangrove, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
Authors: Laut Lázaro L. M. , Koutsoukos Eduardo A. M. , Rodrigues Maria Antonieta C.
Published: July 2021

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Review of mangrove foraminifera from the Guaratiba tidal plain, Rio de Janeiro, SE Brazil, collected in the early 70's
Authors: Laut Lázaro L. M. , Koutsoukos Eduardo A. M. , Rodrigues Maria Antonieta C.
Published: July 2021

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Foraminifera from surface sediments of a Brazilian mangrove affected by oil spill 20 years ago
Authors: Santa-Cruz Joana , Brito Dimas Dias
Published: July 2021

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Foraminifera and thecamoebians from São Francisco River Delta, NE Brazil: environmental applications
Authors: Semensatto-Jr Décio Luis , Brito Dimas Dias
Published: July 2021

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Foraminiferal evidence for land movements associated with interplate earthquakes in eastern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Thomson Katie H. , Horton Benjamin P. , Long Antony J. , Sawai Yuki
Published: July 2021

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The effects of heavy metal contamination on the foraminifera of a San Francisco Bay salt marsh
Authors: Weber Michele , Casazza Lorraine R.
Published: July 2021

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Benthic foraminifera as proxies of temperature impact and dystrophic crisis affecting survival of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) in Marennes-Oléron bay
Authors: Bouchet Vincent , Debenay Jean-Pierre , Sauriau Pierre-Guy , Knoery João Radford , Soletchnik Patrick
Published: July 2021

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Laboratory studies on benthic foraminiferal ecology and geochemistry
Authors: Geslin Emmanuelle , Barras C. , Pucci F. , Leori E. , Duplessy J.C. , Michel E. , Reichart G.J. , Morigi C. , Negri A. , Jorissen J.
Published: July 2021

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Degradation and alteration of phytodetritus by benthic foraminifera: in situ 13C-tracer experiments
Authors: Nomaki Hidetaka , Heinz P. , Ohkouchi N , Nakatsuka T. , Suga H. , Matsumoto K. , Chikaraishi Y. , Kitazato H.
Published: July 2021

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Response of foraminiferal faunas to paleoceanographic changes in the Gulf of Guinea from the late Paleocene to the Initial Eocene Thermal Maximum (IETM)
Authors: Gebhardt Holger , Adekeye Olabisi , Bankole Samson
Published: July 2021

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High resolution planktonic foraminifera analyses across the Paleocene/Eocene boundary at Shatsky Rise, Pacific Ocean
Authors: Petrizzo Maria Rose
Published: July 2021

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Foraminiferal transition across the K-P boundary in the Gulf of Mexico and the Chicxulub crater
Authors: Smit Jan , Galeotti S. , Brinkhuis H.
Published: July 2021

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Benthic foraminiferal change and sea level across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary at Brazos River, Texas
Authors: Speijer Robert P. , Schulte Peter , Mai Hartmut , Meisen Christoph
Published: July 2021

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How soon was food delivery to the sea floor restored after the Cretaceous/Paleogene plankton extinction?
Authors: Thomas Ellen
Published: July 2021

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Biostratigraphic, paleoclimatic and paleobatymetric events in the upper continental slope, north Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Araújo Tânia Maria Fonseca , Machado Altair Jesus
Published: July 2021

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Foraminiferal monitoring of ecosystems: mission-aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Texas
Authors: Buzas-Stephens Pamela
Published: July 2021

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Recent foraminifera from the Croatian Adriatic seacoast
Authors: Cosovic Vlasta , Juracic Mladen , Moro Alan , Kucenjak Morana Hernitz , Rukavina Sanja , Pugliese Nevio , Stuper Natasa , Vlahov Ines
Published: July 2021

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Quaternary climate instability as the driver of genetic diversification in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sin)
Authors: Darling Kate , Kucera Michal , Wade Chris
Published: July 2021

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Paralic foraminiferal record of seven large Holocene earthquakes in eastern New Zealand
Authors: Hayward Bruce W. , Grenfell Hugh R. , Sabaa Ashwaq T. , Carter Rowan , Morley Margaret S. , Cochran Ursula , Lipps Jere H.
Published: July 2021

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