bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mirmosayyeb Omid , Ebrahimi Narges , Barzegar Mahdi , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Bagherieh Sara , Shaygannejad Vahid
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Olfactory dysfunction is a major comorbidity observed in patients with multiple sclerosis, yet different prevalence rates are reported for it. Therefore, we have designed this systematic review to estimate the pooled prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients with MS. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients.

Method

We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, and gray literature including references from the identified studies, review studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to January 2021. Articles that were relevant to our topic and could provide information regarding the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction, or the scores of smell threshold, discrimination, or identification (TDI scores) among MS patients and healthy individuals were included; however, articles published before 1990 and after the end of 2020 were excluded.

Results

The literature search found 1630 articles. After eliminating duplicates, 897 articles remained. two abstract conference papers were included for final analysis. A total of 1099 MS cases and 299 MS patients with olfactory dysfunction were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the included studies was 27.2%. (95% CI: [19.7%, 35.4%]) Also, the overall TDI score in MS patients was lower than that in the control group (SMD=-1.00; 95% CI: [−1.44, −0.56]), and the level of Threshold (SMD= −0.47; 95% CI: [−0.75, −0.19]), Discrimination (SMD=-0.53; 95% CI: [−0.96, −0.10]), and Identification (SMD=-1.02; 95% CI: [−1.36, −0.68]) per se were lower in MS compared with control respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review shows that the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients is high and more attention needs to be drawn to this aspect of MS.
The cardiac STAT3 intercalated disc specific expression in tail suspension rat
Authors: Dongyu He , Aihua Hu , Jun Tong , Chang Zheng , Yiming Liu , Zhibin Chen , Lingfeng Gao , Yang Wang
Published: June 2021

Background

The cardiovascular system is significantly agitated by loss of gravity. In microgravity, the body fluids shift toward the thoracic cavity, induced the heart becomes more spherical. This further increased the cardiac preload with an increasing of transmural central venous pressure, affects the right heart ventricles to tolerating the enhanced preload on the right ventricular wall.

Method

In this study we investigated the rat right ventricle remodeling in simulating persistent microgravity by using tail-suspension model, examined the remolding of the heart and the specific STAT3 expression in right heart myocardium.

Result

The results indicated that microgravity induced heart remodeling included a significant increasing of the ventricular weight in the left. However, the right ventricle was not increased significantly in the microgravity simulation rats. The histological study demonstrated that the outstanding development on right ventricular wall which included the gap junction remodeling and STAT3 signaling protein specific accumulation in the right ventricles.

Conclusion

The results existed that the right cardiac ventricle has a distinctive remodeling process during microgravity simulation which was not the muscular hypertrophy and relative weight increasing, but manifested the STAT3 accumulation and the electrical gap junction remodeling. The effect of microgravity induced right ventricle remodeling and the STAT3 specific accumulation can be used for multi-purpose research.
Brain-based learning research for adult education and human resource development
Authors: Jang Chang Sung , Lim Doo Hun , You Jieun , Cho Sungbum
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reveal how research on brain-based learning (BBL) addressing adult learners’ education and training issues has contributed to the overall knowledge base linking neuroscience, adult education and human resource development (HRD) research and practices. Through this comprehensive review of the BBL studies, this paper aims to expand the landscape of understanding educational phenomenon in adult education and organizational settings using the lens of neuroscience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the content analysis method, this study extracts key research themes and methodological choices from the body of BBL studies. In addition, this paper explores the relationships and proximity among key concepts of BBL research using keyword network analysis. For data analysis, this study reviews the current literature on BBL addressing both adult education and HRD topics from 1985 to 2019.

Findings

The findings of this study provide a clearer picture of the potential mechanisms of BBL approaches observed in the literature of adult education and HRD. What has been found from the thematic analysis is that addressing misconceptions about the neuroscience of learning is regarded as an important topic. In terms of the methodological approaches, the literature review was a dominantly used method, whereas experimental or quantitative research has yet to be fully performed. Influential keywords and topics obtained from the keyword network analysis reveal the primary foci and structural patterns of current BBL research.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to theories and research in adult education and HRD scholarship as it provides an integrative view of key research themes and major issues about BBL. Additionally, our findings offer practical insights for adult educators and HR professionals to successfully apply neuroscientific approaches.
Numerical simulation and microchannels parameters optimization for thermal management of GaN HEMT devices
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Xia Guodong , Li Ran , Ma Dandan , Zhou Wenbin , Wang Jun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to satisfy the thermal management of gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices, microchannel-cooling is designed and optimized in this work.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical simulation is performed to analyze the thermal and flow characteristics of microchannels in combination with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) is used to optimize the microchannels parameters. The design variables include width and number of microchannels, and the optimization objectives are to minimize total thermal resistance and pressure drop under constant volumetric flow rate.

Findings

In optimization process, a decrease in pressure drop contributes to increase of thermal resistance leading to high junction temperature and vice versa. And the Pareto-optimal front, which is a trade-off curve between optimization objectives, is obtained by MOEA method. Finally, K-means clustering algorithm is carried out on Pareto-optimal front, and three representative points are proposed to verify the accuracy of the model.

Originality/value

Each design variable on the effect of two objectives and distribution of temperature is researched. The relationship between minimum thermal resistance and pressure drop is provided which can give some fundamental direction for microchannels design in GaN HEMT devices cooling.
Overconfidence and credit risk-taking in microfinance institutions: a cross-regional analysis
Authors: Fersi Marwa , Boujelbène Mouna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of loan officers’ overconfidence on risk-taking decision and solvency performance measured by z-scores in the context of Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A random effect generalized least square regression was applied to examine the effect of overconfidence on credit risk-taking. The data set covers 326 conventional MFIs and 57 Islamic MFIs in six different regions over the period of 2005–2015.

Findings

Overconfidence proxies have shown through high loan growth, low-interest margin and loan loss provision reveal negative consequences on risk-exposures for both MFIs averagely. The loan officer’s overconfidence is significantly and positively related to the risk-taking decision, and thus, a lower loan portfolio quality. Besides, loan officers’ risk-taking behaviour harms these institutions’ solvency performance.

Originality/value

This paper makes an initial attempt to evaluate the effect of overconfidence behavioural bias on risk-taking decisions and its implication on the MFIs solvency and sustainability.
Interdependent creativity for learning in a virtual world
Authors: Gadille Martine , Impedovo Maria Antonietta , Rémon Josephine , Corvasce Caroline
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how the creativity of pupils and teachers is nurtured through the use of a virtual world (VW) within a sociotechnical network affecting pupils’ learning in a pilot secondary school.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is the result of a pluri-disciplinary systemic analysis involving didactics, sociology, psychology and management science on an individual, collective and systemic scale. This participatory action research is based on interviews and systematic observations in class, in-world and in the global ecosystem. Linguistic and multimodal analysis is applied to the data, through teacher monographs that hint at the teachers’ activity.

Findings

Pupils’ and teachers’ creativity appeared to be anchored within four main interdependent nurturing conditions the personal inclinations and professional interactions in the sociotechnical network sustaining the VW; a creative regulation allowing compromises with the institutional constraints of pedagogical control; avatars and 3 D boundary objects that act as a motor of teachers-pupils inquiry and creativity; the sociotechnical network that contributes, through the actors’ play, to bringing the organisational rules of the school towards an innovation trajectory, that in turns mediates success in the use and the adoption of the new technology.

Research limitations/implications

Although this is a study within a specific school, the findings can be put to use by other pedagogical teams who would wish to integrate a VW to re-engage pupils.

Practical implications

The participatory design processes taking place within a sociotechnical network support teachers in the building of Virtual World scenarios negotiated with researchers and start-up developers.

Social implications

The pedagogical use of a virtual world opens new learning engagement opportunities for the pupils through enhanced experiential learning and sustains the transformation of teachers’ professionality.

Originality/value

The authors’ approach differs from the previous educational VW literature, in that they integrate the teachers’ creativity and their pedagogical scripts into their study, within a systemic approach, thus requiring a wider theoretical framework, necessary for understanding the building of strategies and knowledge that foster teachers’ and pupils’ creativity in educational settings using a VW.
Visual identity of cities: designers’ tools and meanings
Authors: Sarmento Teresa , Quelhas-Brito Pedro
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and compare the graphical shapes and meanings attributed to place/city by the designer/creative/author of a city visual identity (VI) and by the client and designer’s peers.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify and compare the graphical shapes and meanings attributed to place/city by the designer/creative/author of a city VI and by the client and designer’s peers.

Findings

This paper analysed the way the visual culture of different stakeholders influenced the process and the construction of the iconographic meanings. Secondly, this paper assessed how the design tools impacted the creative process in that specific context.

Practical implications

A demanding involvement of more participants in the design process can be worthy for a VI outcome. Visual identity of a city is both designer’s creative as a political process. The several aesthetical options decisions implied adaptation, trade-offs and negotiations.

Originality/value

This research explains how the design tools and forms were used in the creative process of designers when conceiving the VI of a place. This research also reveals how a design work can have an effective impact on the sensory qualities emanating from city brands which are recognized by tourists and citizens. The consideration of the designer’s tools makes a relevant contribution to understand some underlying procedural issues.
Investigation of the effect of ghrelin on bone fracture healing in rats
Authors: Erener Tamer , Ceritoğlu Kubilay Uğurcan , Aktekin Cem Nuri , Dalgic Ali Deniz , Keskin Dilek , Geneci Ferhat , Ocak Mert , Bilecenoğlu Burak , Hücümenoğlu Sema , Çaydere Muzaffer , Şeneş Mehmet , Sezgin Özge
Published: June 2021

Ghrelin is known to have effects on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and improvement of bone mineral density in rats. However, no experimental research on ghrelin's effects on fracture healing has been reported. In this context, the effect of ghrelin on the union of femoral shaft fractures was examined in this study by evaluating whether ghrelin will directly contribute to fracture healing. Forty male Wistar‐Albino rats were divided into two groups as control and experimental (ghrelin treated) and standard closed shaft fractures were created in the left femurs of all rats. Daily ghrelin injections were applied to the experimental groups and equal numbers of rats were killed after 14 and 28 days following fracture formation. Tissue samples were examined with radiological, biomechanical, biochemical and histological analyses. Densitometry study showed that bone mineral density was improved after 28 days of ghrelin treatment compared to control. On histological examination, at the end of the 14 and 28 days of recovery, significant union was observed in the ghrelin‐treated group. The ghrelin‐treated group had higher breaking strength and stiffness at the end of 28 days of recovery. Biochemically, ALP levels were found to be higher in the ghrelin‐treated group at the end of 28 days of recovery. Results showed that ghrelin directly contributes to fracture healing and it is promising to consider the effect of ghrelin on fracture healing in human studies with pharmacological applications.
Structural, Kinematic and Geochronological Study of the Main Tianshan Shear Zone in the Borohoro Ranges, NW China
Authors: LIU Tianlun , CHEN Siyu , ZHANG Bo , CAI Keda , HAN Baofu , QU Junfeng , GUO Lei , WANG Meng
Published: June 2021

The western segment of the Main Tianshan shear zone (MTSZ) branches into three major dextral strike‐slip shear zones in the Borohoro Ranges, northwestern China. Mylonitic rocks within these zones exhibit vertical foliations, subhorizontal lineations, and dextral kinematics. The microstructures and CPO patterns of calcite and quartz in the tectonites suggest shearing at temperatures of 200°C to 500°C or above. The amount of dextral displacement along the zones is less than 100 km. LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb dating of zircons from some pre‐kinematic granites gave ages of 364–325 Ma and 316 Ma, and zircons from a syn‐kinematic leucogranite gave an age of 291 Ma. We propose that dextral shearing along the MTSZ started in the earliest Permian. Our data indicate that collision between the Yili and Junggar plates might have finished before 325 Ma or 316 Ma, with a tectonic transformation from 325 Ma to 300 Ma, resulting in intracontinental transpression from 300 Ma or 291 Ma. We suggest that the formation of the Kazakhstan orocline (KO) took place in two stages, with the early stage of bending driven by convergence related to oblique subduction, and the late stage possibly associated with lateral disarticulation as a result of the dextral strike‐slip shear zones.
Patterns of care and outcomes of men with germ cell tumors in a high‐volume Australian center
Authors: Arasaratnam Malmaruha , Balakrishnar Bavanthi , Crumbaker Megan , Turner Sandra , Hayden Amy J , Brooks Andrew , Patel Manish I , Lau Howard , Woo Henry , Bariol Simon , Gurney Howard
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate disease presentation, treatment practices, and outcomes of patients with germ cell tumor (GCT) treated in a high‐volume cancer center in Australia.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 609 patients diagnosed with GCT in the Sydney West Cancer Network between 1990 and 2013. Cause and date of death, and second malignancy information was sourced from The Centre for Health Record Linkage.

Results

The median age was 33 years (range, 14‐85). Primary site was testis in 590 (96.9%), mediastinum in nine (1.5%), and retroperitoneum in nine (1.5%). History of undescended testis was present in 48 (7.9%). Pure seminoma was seen in 334 (54.8%), with 274 (82.0%) being stage I. There was a decline in use of adjuvant radiotherapy from 83% in 1990‐1997 to 29% in 2006‐2013. Nonseminoma GCT (NSGCT) was diagnosed in 275 (45.2%), with 162 (58.9%) being stage 1. Active surveillance has increased as the initial treatment, from 58% between 1990 and 1997 to 89% between 2006 and 2013. Metastatic disease at presentation was seen in 162 (26.6%): 55 (34.0%) seminoma and 107 (66.0%) NSGCT. With median of 15‐year follow‐up, 18 (3.0%) have died from GCT and 70 (11.5%) from all causes. Ten‐year overall survival was 93% and GCT‐specific survival was 97%. Forty patients developed a secondary malignancy, with 38 receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both.

Conclusions

This large Australian series illustrates a changing pattern of care and outcomes and compares them favorably with other series. This serves as a basis for future comparison of outcomes for this malignancy.
Between Care and Conflict: Relations of Resource Extraction in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Sarmiento Barletti Juan Pablo
Published: June 2021

The article examines the ‘contradiction’ between indigenous Amazonian people's opposition to hydrocarbon extraction and their participation in different scales of logging. It considers the literature on conflicts over resource extraction from the experiences of Joel Bardales, an Ashéninka man who leads both logging ventures and protests against hydrocarbon extraction. While scholarly debates emphasise collective responses, the article emphasises individual experiences as they motivate different strategies vis‐à‐vis resource extraction. Joel's statements, stemming from a context of a relational moral economy, reveal a position that does not reject resource extraction, but its refusal to engage in reciprocal relationships of care.
Case report of a clinically indolent but morphologically high‐grade cutaneous mast cell tumor in an adult: Atypical cutaneous mastocytoma or mast cell sarcoma?
Authors: Wardle Claire L. W. , Oldhoff J. Marja , Diepstra Arjan , Valent Peter , Horny Hans‐Peter , Oude Elberink Hanneke N. G. , Kluin Philip M. , Diercks Gilles F. H.
Published: June 2021

We present a case of an adult male with a solitary mast cell tumor of the skin with unusual nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity. The tumor was excised, recurred within 2 years, was reexcised after 4 years and did not recur >6 years after diagnosis. The tumor showed progressive cytonuclear atypia and a high mitotic and proliferation rate by Ki67‐staining from the onset. No KIT mutations were identified in the tumor and bone marrow. Serum tryptase levels and a bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy were normal. Although the histomorphology of the skin tumor was consistent with mast cell sarcoma, the clinical behavior without systemic progression argued against this diagnosis. The tumor was finally considered as atypical mastocytoma, borderline to mast cell sarcoma. Currently, the patient is in close follow‐up and still in complete remission.
Nudges for better voters
Authors: Maloberti Nicolás
Published: June 2021

The last decade has produced a large literature on the public policy implications of behavioural research. Policymakers, in turn, have increasingly relied on ‘choice architecture’ or ‘nudges’ to address some of the consequences of individuals' judgment and decision‐making biases documented by that research. However, the possibilities for mitigating the effects of individuals' biases in the realm of collective choice have not yet been exhaustively explored. This article suggests possible applications of behavioural research to mitigate the negative effects of voters' judgment and decision‐making biases on the quality of democratic choice.
Attitudes to wealth in seven countries: The Social Envy Coefficient and the Rich Sentiment Index
Authors: Zitelmann Rainer
Published: June 2021

Based on surveys of attitudes towards the wealthy in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden, we calculate the Social Envy Coefficient, which depicts social envy in each country. This is complemented by the Personality Trait Coefficient, which shows whether respondents attribute positive or negative personality traits to the rich. These two coefficients are combined to form the basis of the Rich Sentiment Index, which reveals that the French, the Spanish and the Germans are more critical of the rich than the Swedes, the Americans and the British. Italy occupies the middle ground, where the young are far more positive towards the rich than the old.
European Academy of Neurology and European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies guideline on pharmacological support in early motor rehabilitation after acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Beghi Ettore , Binder Heinrich , Birle Codruta , Bornstein Natan , Diserens Karin , Groppa Stanislav , Homberg Volker , Lisnic Vitalie , Pugliatti Maura , Randall Gary , Saltuari Leopold , Strilciuc Stefan , Vester Johannes , Muresanu Dafin
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Early pharmacological support for post‐stroke neurorehabilitation has seen an abundance of mixed results from clinical trials, leaving practitioners at a loss regarding the best options to improve patient outcomes. The objective of this evidence‐based guideline is to support clinical decision‐making of healthcare professionals involved in the recovery of stroke survivors.

Methods

This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were searched (from database inception to June 2018, inclusive) to identify studies on pharmacological interventions for stroke rehabilitation initiated in the first 7 days (inclusive) after stroke, which were delivered together with neurorehabilitation. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on identified interventions to address results from breaking studies (from end of search to February 2020).

Results

Upon manually screening 17,969 unique database entries (of 57,001 original query results), interventions underwent meta‐analysis. Cerebrolysin (30 ml/day, intravenous, minimum 10 days) and citalopram (20 mg/day, oral) are recommended for clinical use for early neurorehabilitation after acute ischaemic stroke. The remaining interventions identified by our systematic search are not recommended for clinical use: amphetamine (5, 10 mg/day, oral), citalopram (10 mg/day, oral), dextroamphetamine (10 mg/day, oral), Di‐Huang‐Yi‐Zhi (2 × 18 g/day, oral), fluoxetine (20 mg/day, oral), lithium (2 × 300 mg/day, oral), MLC601(3 × 400 mg/day, oral), phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor PF‐03049423 (6 mg/day, oral). No recommendation ‘for’ or ‘against’ is provided for selegiline (5 mg/day, oral). Issues with safety and tolerability were identified for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, fluoxetine and lithium.

Conclusions

This guideline provides information for clinicians regarding existing pharmacological support in interventions for neurorecovery after acute ischaemic stroke. Updates to this material will potentially elucidate existing conundrums, improve current recommendations, and hopefully expand therapeutic options for stroke survivors.
I Don't Know What I'm Doing: Using Limited License Legal Technicians in Family Court to Improve Access to Justice
Authors: Jean‐Louis Samantha
Published: June 2021

‘I don't know what I'm doing’ ‐ a phrase often uttered by pro se litigants. The number of pro se litigants appearing in family court proceedings is on an upward trend. Steps must be taken to assist pro se litigants navigate the muddy waters of the family court system. The concept of trained paraprofessionals to assist pro se litigants in court has garnered interest in recent years. Incorporating these trained paraprofessionals into preexisting court based pro se assistance programs or introducing them in the form of a new pro se assistance program could help address the access‐to‐justice gap among the growing number of pro se litigants in family court. This Note proposes a model admission and practice rule that will set guidelines for the implementation of limited license legal technicians in family court. The model rule would (1) authorize limited license legal technicians to render limited legal assistance or advice in family law; (2) set conditions and limitations for the provision of such services; and (3) outline education requirements, continuing license requirements, and ethical standards for limited license legal technicians.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among school children and adolescents in urban and semi‐urban areas in Cameroon
Authors: Nganou‐Gnindjio Chris Nadège , Essama Doris Bibi , Nkeck Jan René , Tchebegna Patrick Yvan , Tchatchouang Kiliane Maeva , Tankeu Aurel , Kamgno Joseph
Published: June 2021

Few data to date exist on pediatric hypertension (PH) prevalence and risk factors in semi‐urban areas in Cameroon, and they are believed to be the same as urban areas. These data are needed to design targeted preventive strategies and contribute to reducing the burden of PH in Cameroon and countries with equivalent standards of care. The authors conducted a cross‐sectional study, from November, 2017 to June, 2018, in primary and secondary schools, from semi‐urban (Bamboutos, West Region) and urban (Mfoundi, Center Region) settings in Cameroon, including children and adolescent aged between 3 and 19 years, recruited on a stratified probability sampling. PH was defined according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2017. Overall, 1001 and 842 participants were, respectively, included in urban and semi‐urban areas. The overall average age was 13.9 ± 4.03 years, and two‐thirds were girls. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in urban area (overweight: 17.1%; obesity: 5.9%), compared to semi‐urban (overweight: 1.1% and obesity: 0.8%) (p < .001). The prevalence of hypertension was higher in urban (12%) than semi‐urban areas (8.6%) (p = .01). We have identified as factors associated with PH: age > 14 years (OR = 3.18 [1.6; 6.2]) and secondary level of education (OR = 2.5 [1.2; 5.5]) in urban areas; family history of hypertension (OR 1.93 [1.1; 3.4] in semi‐urban areas. PH prevalence is higher in urban than semi‐urban areas, and the associated factors are not the same. Policies to address hypertension in the pediatric population must be targeted and tailored to the different population profiles.
Characterization of a novel shrimp pathogen, Vibrio brasiliensis, isolated from Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Li Ge , Xie Guosi , Wang Hailiang , Wan Xiaoyuan , Li Xinshu , Shi Chengyin , Wang Ziyan , Gong Miao , Li Ting , Wang Ping , Zhang Qingli , Huang Jie
Published: June 2021

A novel pathogenic strain Vibrio 20190611023 was isolated from the hepatopancreas of moribund cultured Penaeus vannamei suffering from black gill disease. This strain was identified as V. brasiliensis based on the phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA gene and five other housekeeping genes (i.e., gapA, ftsZ, mreB, topA and gyrB). Some biochemical features of this strain were determined with an API 20NE system, and its haemolytic activity was determined using a sheep blood agar plate. The pathogenicity of this isolate 20190611023 was confirmed by the experimental challenge tests and histopathological examinations. P. vannamei were challenged via reverse gavage with different doses of bacterial suspensions. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was (3.16 ± 1.78) × 105 CFU/g (body weight). Moreover, antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed, the results of which showed that the strain 20190611023 was sensitive to chloramphenicol, compound sulphamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and oxacillin, but resistant to erythromycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone, cefamezin and piperacillin. To our knowledge, this is the first report for demonstrating V. brasiliensis as a shrimp pathogen, which expands the host range of V. brasiliensis infection. The present study highlights that more attention should be paid to this novel pathogen in intensive shrimp aquaculture.
Neuropeptide Y suppresses thermogenic and cardiovascular sympathetic nerve activity via Y1 receptors in the paraventricular nucleus and dorsomedial hypothalamus
Authors: Shi Zhigang , Bonillas Alyssa C. , Wong Jennifer , Padilla Stephanie L. , Brooks Virginia L.
Published: June 2021

In hungry animals, neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurones in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN) are activated to suppress energy expenditure, in part by decreasing brown adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity (BAT SNA); however, the NPY receptor subtype and brain neurocircuitry are unclear. In the present study, we investigated the inhibition of BAT SNA by exogenous and endogenous NPY via binding to Y1 receptors (NPY1R) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), in anaesthetised male rats. Downstream projections of PVN/DMH NPY1R‐expressing neurones were identified using male Npy1r‐cre mice and localised unilateral DMH or PVN injections of an adeno‐associated virus, which allows for the cre‐dependent expression of a fluorescent protein (mCherry) in the cell bodies, axon fibres and nerve terminals of NPY1R‐containing neurones. Nanoinjections of NPY into the DMH of cooled rats decreased BAT SNA, as well as mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), and these responses were reversed by subsequent injection of the selective NPY1R antagonist, BIBO3304. In warmed rats, with little to no BAT SNA, bilateral nanoinjections of BIBO3304 into the DMH or PVN increased BAT SNA, MAP and HR. DMH NPY1R‐expressing neurones projected heavily to the raphe pallidus (RPa), which houses BAT presympathetic neurones, as well as the PVN. In anaesthetised mice, DMH BIBO3304 increased splanchnic SNA, MAP and HR, all of which were reversed by nonselective blockade of the PVN with muscimol, suggesting that DMH‐to‐PVN connections are involved in this DMH BIBO3304 disinhibition. PVN Y1R expressing neurones also projected to the RPa, as well as to the nucleus tractus solitarius. We conclude that NPY tonically released in the DMH and PVN suppresses BAT SNA, MAP and HR via Y1R. Downstream neuropathways for BAT SNA may utilise direct projections to the RPa. Release of tonic NPY inhibition of BAT SNA may contribute to feeding‐ and diet‐induced thermogenesis.
Localization of PIP5Kγ selectively in proprioceptive peripheral fields and also in sensory ganglionic satellite cells as well as neuronal cell membranes and their central terminals
Authors: Chomphoo Surang , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Kondo Hisatake , Hipkaeo Wiphawi
Published: June 2021

Based on a previous study by others reporting that PIP5Kγ (phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase γ) and its product, phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2), are involved in the regulation of nociception, the present immunohistochemical study examined the localization of PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and their peripheral and central terminal fields. PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity was localized for the first time in the muscle spindles, in which it was found in I‐bands of polar regions of intrafusal muscle fibers and also in sensory nerve terminals abutting on equatorial regions of the muscle fibers. This finding indicates the involvement of PIP5Kγ in the proprioception and suggests somehow complicated mechanisms of its involvement because of its heterogeneous localization in intra‐I‐band structures. In DRG, on the other hand, PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity was shown to be localized heterogeneously, but not evenly, over apposed plasma membranes of both neurons and ganglionic satellite cells in immune electron microscopy. In addition, no peripheral nerve terminals of DRG showing its distinct immunoreactivity were found in most peripheral fields of nociception and any other sensory perception except for the proprioception through muscle spindles. In contrast, numerous central terminals of DRG in the spinal posterior horn were immunoreactive for it. This finding leads us to consider the possibility that the regulation by PIP5Kγ of nociception is dominantly exerted in DRG and sensory neural tracts central, rather than peripheral, to DRG.
Experiences of nurses amidst giving care to COVID‐19 patients in clinical settings in Iraqi Kurdistan: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Mohammedsadiq Hawar Abdulrazaq , Liamputtong Pranee
Published: June 2021

Aim and objective

We explored the experiences of nurses who cared for coronavirus disease 2019 patients in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Background

Nurses play a major role in response to pandemics and epidemics in delivering patient care. The experiences of nurses who provided care have significant short and long‐term consequences for individuals, communities, and the nursing profession.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted in this study. We interviewed 12 nurses (22–50 years) who cared for the coronavirus disease 2019 patients in one of the clinical units of two coronavirus disease 2019 hospitals in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2020. Interviews were conducted via phone calls and were analysed using the thematic analysis method. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was applied when constructing this paper.

Results

The nurses had to care for a number of situations during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in Kurdistan. As people in the public did not believe that there was such a virus, nurses often had to deal with this lack of knowledge and aggression from some patients and their family members. Most nurses changed their preventive behaviours since the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak at hospital or in public. This was mainly to protect not only themselves but their patients, colleagues, family members and friends. They were cautious about the use of a mask at the hospital and in public. Most nurses experienced fear, stress, anxiety and isolation during this period.

Conclusions

The patients had some concerns about their health and staying at hospitals, and some of them had aggressive behaviours towards nurses at corona hospitals. The public, close friends and relatives of the nurses had a fear of getting the infection by the virus through the nurses. However, the nurses attempted to protect themselves, colleagues and family members, and provide the best care to coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The nurses had a high obligation towards care giving at hospitals.

Relevance to clinical practice

The negative experiences of the nurses regarding the care of coronavirus disease 2019 patients must be considered in clinical settings. Sensitive policy programs must be established to protect nurses from the ostracization and stigmatization of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and to allow them to be able to achieve their professional practices safely.
Genomic basis of deep‐water adaptation in Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) morphs
Authors: Kess Tony , Dempson J. Brian , Lehnert Sarah J. , Layton Kara K. S. , Einfeldt Anthony , Bentzen Paul , Salisbury Sarah J. , Messmer Amber M. , Duffy Steven , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Nugent Cameron M. , Ferguson Moira M. , Leong Jong S. , Koop Ben F. , O’Connell Michael F. , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: June 2021

The post‐glacial colonization of Gander Lake in Newfoundland, Canada, by Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) provides the opportunity to study the genomic basis of adaptation to extreme deep‐water environments. Colonization of deep‐water (>50 m) habitats often requires extensive adaptation to cope with novel environmental challenges from high hydrostatic pressure, low temperature, and low light, but the genomic mechanisms underlying evolution in these environments are rarely known. Here, we compare genomic divergence between a deep‐water morph adapted to depths of up to 288 m and a larger, piscivorous pelagic morph occupying shallower depths. Using both a SNP array and resequencing of whole nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, we find clear genetic divergence (FST = 0.11–0.15) between deep and shallow water morphs, despite an absence of morph divergence across the mitochondrial genome. Outlier analyses identified many diverged genomic regions containing genes enriched for processes such as gene expression and DNA repair, cardiac function, and membrane transport. Detection of putative copy number variants (CNVs) uncovered 385 genes with CNVs distinct to piscivorous morphs, and 275 genes with CNVs distinct to deep‐water morphs, enriched for processes associated with synapse assembly. Demographic analyses identified evidence for recent and local morph divergence, and ongoing reductions in diversity consistent with postglacial colonization. Together, these results show that Arctic Charr morph divergence has occurred through genome‐wide differentiation and elevated divergence of genes underlying multiple cellular and physiological processes, providing insight into the genomic basis of adaptation in a deep‐water habitat following postglacial recolonization.
Middle East Policy in Transition: Issues for the 117th Congress & the New Administration
Authors: Feltman Jeffrey , Mortazavi Negar , Freeman Chas W. , Moran James P.
Published: June 2021

The following is an edited transcript of the 103rd in a series of Capitol Hill conferences convened by the Middle East Policy Council. The event took place on January 29, 2021, via Zoom, with Council Vice‐Chair Gina Abercrombie‐Winstanley moderating, Council President Richard J. Schmierer contributing, and Council Executive Director Bassima Alghussein serving as discussant.
A Kripkean argument for descriptivism
Authors: Kipper Jens , Soysal Zeynep
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we offer a novel defense of descriptivism about reference. Our argument is based on principles about the relevance of speaker intentions to reference that are shared by many opponents of descriptivism, including Saul Kripke. We first show that two such principles that are plausibly endorsed by Kripke and other prominent externalists in fact entail descriptivism. The first principle states that when certain kinds of speaker intentions are present, they suffice to determine and explain reference. According to the second principle, certain speaker intentions must be present whenever something determines or explains reference. We then go on to make these principles more precise and argue that it would be costly to deny either of them. Since on the more precise understanding we suggest, the conjunction of these principles still entails descriptivism, we conclude that opponents of descriptivism have to give up some highly plausible assumption about the relation between speaker intentions and reference.
Food environment solutions for childhood obesity in Latin America and among Latinos living in the United States
Authors: Duran Ana Clara , Mialon Melissa , Crosbie Eric , Jensen Melissa Lorena , Harris Jennifer L. , Batis Carolina , Corvalán Camila , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: June 2021

The food environment is a major contributor to unhealthy diets in children and, therefore, to the increasing rates of obesity. Acclaimed by scholars across the world, Latin American countries have been leaders in implementing policies that target different aspects of the food environment. Evidence on the nature and to what extent children are exposed and respond to unhealthy food environments in the region and among Latinos in the United States is, however, deficient. The objective of this review is to use the integrated International Network for Food and Obesity/noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) framework to create healthy food environment to (i) compare the key elements of childhood obesity‐related food environments in Latin America and for Latinos living in the United States; (ii) describe the evidence on solutions to improve childhood obesity‐related food environments; and (iii) identify research priorities to inform solutions to fight childhood obesity in these populations. We found that an integrated body of evidence is needed to inform an optimal package of policies to improve food environments to which children in Latin America and Latino children in the United States are exposed and more efficiently translate policy solutions to help curb growing childhood obesity levels across borders.
Transient abdominal telangiectasia of the newborn
Authors: Juzot Cécile , Aubert Hélène , Bessis Didier , Boccara Olivia , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Chiaverini Christine , Flamant Cyril , Fournet Marine , Hubiche Thomas , Labrèze Christine , Martin Ludovic , Piram Maryam , Seta Vannina , Finon Antoine , Maruani Annabel , Barbarot Sébastien ,   the “Groupe de Recherche Clinique de Dermatologie Pédiatrique”
Published: June 2021

We report 20 newborns who developed, at a median age of 7 days, large abdominal patches of radially arranged purplish telangiectasia in a bilateral and symmetrical pattern in relation to the midline, creating a “butterfly wing” pattern. Clinical examination was normal in 13 newborns, six newborns had abdominal distention, and one newborn had poor weight gain due to inadequate breastfeeding. Most lesions spontaneously resolved within 3 months and did not reoccur for 19 newborns. Transient abdominal telangiectasia of the newborn (TATN) appears to be a distinctive entity that has not been previously described.
The underexplored potential of green macroalgae in aquaculture
Authors: Moreira Anthony , Cruz Sónia , Marques Rúben , Cartaxana Paulo
Published: June 2021

Green macroalgae (Chlorophyta) currently represent a residual fraction (<1%) of global seaweed biomass production landings. In turn, red (Rhodophyta) and brown (Ochrophyta) macroalgae dominate the remaining percentage of aquaculture production, exceeding 32 million tonnes per annum. However, the industry relies on a relatively low number of species, in which as few as seven macroalgal genera collectively represent the bulk of global production metrics. At present, innovation and increased sustainability of the industry calls for diversification of macroalgal species/strains in aquaculture to counteract potential adverse effects ensuing from genetic impoverishment, decreased resilience to disease and climate change. Despite the dominance of red and brown seaweed regarding production figures, aquaculture of green macroalgae has witnessed an increasing trend in productivity and diversification over the last decades, particularly in Asia, where green seaweed taxa often occupy specific market niches in the food sector. Furthermore, growing interest in green seaweeds in aquaculture has been highlighted for different applications in emerging western markets (eg IMTA, biorefineries, food delicacies), owing to a unique diversity of cytomorphologies, ecophysiological traits, propagation capacities and bioactive compounds featured by this group of macroalgae. Cultivation technologies are relatively well developed, but sustainability assessments are scarce and required to unlock the potential of green seaweeds. Although it is likely that green macroalgae will remain occupying specialised market niches, in which high‐value products are favoured, we argue that aquaculture of chlorophytan taxa presents itself as a compelling option under the current quest for commercial diversification of products and expansion of the sector.
Identification and Control of a 3-X Cable-Driven Manipulator Inspired From the Bird’s Neck
Authors: Fasquelle Benjamin , Khanna Parag , Chevallereau Christine , Chablat Damien , Creusot Denis , Jolivet Stéphane , Lemoine Philippe , Wenger Philippe
Published: June 2021

This paper is devoted to the control and identification of a manipulator with three anti-parallelogram joints in series, referred to as X-joints. Each X-joint is a tensegrity one-degree-of-freedom mechanism antagonistically actuated with cables and springs in parallel. As compared to manipulators built with simple revolute joints in series, manipulators with tensegrity X-joint offer a number of advantages, such as an intrinsic stability, variable stiffness, and lower inertia. This design was inspired by the musculosleketon architecture of the bird’s neck, which is known to be very dextrous. A test-bed prototype is presented and used to test computed torque control laws. Friction and cable elasticity are modeled and identified. Their effect on the performance of control laws is analyzed. It is shown that in the context of antagonistic actuation and lightweight design, friction plays a leading role and the significance of modeling cable elasticity is discussed.
Hysteresis in a simple V-shaped spring-mass system
Authors: Ong Christopher
Published: June 2021

This paper theoretically studies a simple system of two identical linear springs connected symmetrically to a mass in a V-shaped configuration, with an additional adjustable external force applied to the mass. As this force is varied, under certain conditions the equilibrium position of the mass demonstrates strong dependence on the history of changes in the external force, exhibiting hysteresis. Mathematically, variations of the external force cause the system to undergo two saddle-node bifurcations at two differing critical points, leading separately to the creation and destruction of branches of stable equilibria. Analysis of the bifurcation diagram shows that the saddle-node bifurcations cause hysteresis in the system, and the behavior is summarized in a hysteresis graph.
Haidinger–Michelson rings in white light
Authors: El Azhari Youssef , Tagmouti Saïd
Published: June 2021

We use coherence theory to explain why it is necessary to modify the conventional setup of a Michelson interferometer to obtain Haidinger rings with an extended source of white light. The modification consists of introducing a glass slide into one of the two arms of the interferometer. This insertion circumvents the drastic restriction imposed by the low temporal coherence of white light, which prevents the observation of interference rings with the conventional setup. In order to understand this restriction, we developed and implemented a criterion for observing interference fringes. The modified setup also makes it possible to perform a spectral interferometry experiment to analyze the output of the interferometer and determine the refractive index of the glass slide over the whole visible spectrum. The fit of measured data using Sellmeier's law gives the extrapolated value of the refractive index to the IR nIR=1.5307±0.0003 and the value of the characteristic wavelength λ0=(164.5±0.4) nm of the oscillator responsible for the dispersion.