bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subspecies hybridization as a potential conservation tool in species reintroductions
Authors: Zecherle Lilith J. , Nichols Hazel J. , Bar‐David Shirli , Brown Richard P. , Hipperson Helen , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Templeton Alan R.
Published: January 2021

Reintroductions are a powerful tool for the recovery of endangered species. However, their long‐term success is strongly influenced by the genetic diversity of the reintroduced population. The chances of population persistence can be improved by enhancing the population's adaptive ability through the mixing of individuals from different sources. However, where source populations are too diverse the reintroduced population could also suffer from outbreeding depression or unsuccessful admixture due to behavioural or genetic barriers. For the reintroduction of Asiatic wild ass Equus hemionus ssp. in Israel, a breeding core was created from individuals of two different subspecies (E. h. onager & E. h. kulan). Today the population comprises approximately 300 individuals and displays no signs of outbreeding depression. The aim of this study was a population genomic evaluation of this conservation reintroduction protocol. We used maximum likelihood methods and genetic clustering analyses to investigate subspecies admixture and test for spatial autocorrelation based on subspecies ancestry. Further, we analysed heterozygosity and effective population sizes in the breeding core prior to release and the current wild population. We discovered high levels of subspecies admixture in the breeding core and wild population, consistent with a significant heterozygote excess in the breeding core. Furthermore, we found no signs of spatial autocorrelation associated with subspecies ancestry in the wild population. Inbreeding and variance effective population size estimates were low. Our results indicate no genetic or behavioural barriers to admixture between the subspecies and suggest that their hybridization has led to greater genetic diversity in the reintroduced population. The study provides rare empirical evidence of the successful application of subspecies hybridization in a reintroduction. It supports use of intraspecific hybridization as a tool to increase genetic diversity in conservation translocations.
Conserving the genetic diversity of condemned populations: Optimizing collections and translocation
Authors: Bragg Jason G. , Yap Jia‐Yee S. , Wilson Trevor , Lee Enhua , Rossetto Maurizio
Published: January 2021

We consider approaches for conserving genetic diversity from plant populations whose destruction is imminent. We do this using SNP genotype data from two endangered species, Pimelea spicata and Eucalyptus sp. Cattai. For both species, we genotyped plants from a ‘condemned’ population and designed ex situ collections, characterizing how the size and composition of the collection affected the genetic diversity preserved. Consistent with previous observations, populations where genetic diversity was optimized captured more alleles than populations of equal size chosen at random. This benefit of optimization was larger when the propagation population was small. That is, small numbers of individuals (e.g. 20) needed to be selected carefully to capture a comparable proportion of alleles to optimized populations, but larger random populations (e.g. >48) captured almost as many alleles as optimized populations. We then examined strategies for generating translocation populations based on the horticultural constraints presented by each species. In P. spicata, which is readily grown from cuttings, we designed translocation populations of different sizes, using different numbers of ramets from each member of propagation populations. We then performed simulations to predict the loss of alleles from these populations over 10 generations. Large translocation populations were predicted to maintain a greater proportion of source population alleles than smaller translocation populations, but this effect was saturated beyond 200 individuals. In E. sp. Cattai, we examined strategies to promote the diversity of progeny from a conservation planting scenario with 36 individuals. This included the optimization of the spatial arrangement of the planting and supplementing the diversity of the condemned population with individuals from additional sites. In sum, we studied approaches for designing genetically diverse translocations of condemned populations for two species that require contrasting methods of propagation, illustrating the application of approaches that were useful in different circumstances.
Metabolic requirements of pulmonary fibrosis: role of fibroblast metabolism
Authors: Hamanaka Robert B. , Mutlu Gökhan M.
Published: January 2021

Fibrosis is a pathologic condition characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and chronic scaring that can affect every organ system. Organ fibrosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, contributing to as many as 45% of all deaths in the developed world. In the lung, many chronic lung diseases may lead to fibrosis, the most devastating being idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which affects approximately 3 million people worldwide and has a median survival of 3.8 years. Currently approved therapies for IPF do not significantly extend lifespan, and thus, there is pressing need for novel therapeutic strategies to treat IPF and other fibrotic diseases. At the heart of pulmonary fibrosis are myofibroblasts, contractile cells with characteristics of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, which are the primary cell type responsible for matrix deposition in fibrotic diseases. Much work has centered around targeting the extracellular growth factors and intracellular signaling regulators of myofibroblast differentiation. Recently, metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation have come to the fore as targetable mechanisms required for myofibroblast function. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation, as well as the mechanisms by which these changes promote myofibroblast function. We will then discuss the potential for this new knowledge to lead to the development of novel therapies for IPF and other fibrotic diseases.
A 5‐year longitudinal association between dietary fermented soya bean (natto) intake and tooth loss through bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: The Yokogoshi cohort study
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Sato Misuzu , Yoshihara Akihiro , Saito Toshiko , Kitamura Kaori , Ansai Toshihiro , Nakamura Kazutoshi
Published: January 2021

Objective

In this 5‐year cohort study, we aimed to determine whether the intake of natto, a fermented soya bean food product, has an indirect effect on tooth loss incidence through BMD changes among postmenopausal women.

Background

Evidence indicates (1) that natto has a beneficial effect on bone health and (2) that a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with tooth loss.

Methods

The study recruited 435 postmenopausal women (average age = 64.2 years). Natto intake (exposure) was assessed at baseline using a food frequency questionnaire. Lumbar spine BMD and number of teeth were measured at baseline and 5‐year follow‐up. BMD change (mediator) and the number of teeth lost (outcome) over time were calculated. The mediation model consisted of these 3 variables. Mediation analysis was performed to test the indirect effect of the natto intake measured through BMD change on tooth loss.

Results

During the study, the mean number of teeth lost was 1.2 (standard deviation = 1.8), and the mean BMD decline was 2.5% (standard deviation = 7.1). After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing habitual natto intake was significantly indirectly associated with a lower incidence of tooth loss mediated by BMD change (incidence rate ratio of tooth loss among women with “≥1 pack/day” natto intake was 0.90 [95% confidence interval = 0.82‐0.99] compared to those with natto consumption of “rarely”).

Conclusions

Dietary natto intake is significantly indirectly associated with a lower incidence of tooth loss among postmenopausal women, and systemic bone density could be a mediator of this association.
Machine learning the lattice constant of cubic pyrochlore compounds
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xu Xiaojie
Published: January 2021

Pyrochlores, with a general formula A2B2X7, are promising candidates in many potential applications due to their wide varieties of physical properties. Different combinations of cations and anions in the crystal structure enable the tailoring of their properties and functionalities. For cubic pyrochlores, the lattice constant, a, is an integrated result of stoichiometry, ionic radii, and electronegativities of alloying elements. It also has significant impacts on stabilities, electronic structures, ionic conductivities, and thus performance of materials. Here, we develop the Gaussian process regression model to shed light on the relationship among ionic radii, electronegativities, and lattice constants for cubic pyrochlores. The dataset includes ternary pyrochlores and mixed pyrochlores with co‐doping and multi‐doping situations. One hundred and thirty‐nine samples with lattice constants between 9.287 and 11.150 Å are examined. The model is highly stable and accurate that contributes to efficient and low‐cost lattice constant estimations.
Impact of sweetness on the sensory acceptance of passion fruit nectar in Brazilian geographic regions
Authors: Sousa Lima Rafael , Cazelatto de Medeiros Alessandra , Muniz Pereira Cecília Teresa , Faria dos Santos Geina , Augusto de Quadros Diomar , de Sousa Campos Mayra Fernanda , André Bolini Helena Maria
Published: January 2021

Passion fruit is the fourth most consumed fruit by the Brazilian population, especially in the form of juice, usually associated with the addition of sucrose. This study aimed to evaluate the ideal sucrose concentration, and its impact on the consumer's acceptance of passion fruit nectar, sweetened with non‐caloric sweeteners as sucrose replacers in five Brazilian geographic regions. The acceptance scores evaluated by anova and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test indicated that sucralose‐sweetened samples were the most accepted, with no differences from the sucrose‐sweetened sample (P < 0.05), with a positive purchase intention in the five regions studied (>50%). However, differences in the acceptance scores were observed for the other sweeteners among the regions. Despite the difference in the sweetness perception among the Brazilian geographic regions, it may not be the only determining factor in the acceptance of passion fruit nectar sweetened with non‐caloric sweeteners.
A combination of near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging with two‐dimensional correlation analysis for monitoring the content of biogenic amines in mutton
Authors: Fan Naiyun , Liu Guishan , Wan Guoling , Ban Jingjing , Yuan Ruirui , Sun Yourui , Li Yue
Published: January 2021

The study investigated the feasibility of using a combination of near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR‐HSI) with two‐dimensional correlation (2DCOS) analysis for rapid and non‐destructive determination of the content of biogenic amines in mutton during refrigerated storage. Total contents of biogenic amines (TBA) were used as the perturbation. By analysing the synchronous and asynchronous two‐dimensional correlation spectra, sensitive variables that were closely related to TBA contents were obtained. The results showed that the wavelengths in the spectra range of 1002–1335 nm were the research area for the detection of TBA contents in mutton. The least‐squares support vector machines (LSSVM) model based on effective wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) from 2DCOS analysis showed excellent results, with correlation coefficient in prediction (Rp) of 0.91, root mean square error in prediction (RMSEP) of 1.67 mg kg−1 and the ratio of performance deviation (RPD) of 2.76. The research demonstrated that the combination of NIR‐HSI and 2DCOS could be used as an effective method for monitoring the content of biogenic amines in mutton.
Development and characterisation of gluten‐free potato bread
Authors: Lu Zhan‐Hui , Donner Elizabeth , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to develop a novel and entirely potato‐based staple bread. Bread‐making performance of individual potato components (starch, protein and fibre) were independently evaluated and optimised by their ternary mixture. Flours from yellow and purple potatoes were then incorporated up to 25% of full formula weight to maximise the utilisation of resources. Fresh tuber was further added up to 50% for the full benefits from potatoes. The excessive oven‐rising after the crust hardened was manipulated by delicately balancing the strong swelling power of potato starch, which effectively resolved the cracks on the crust. The resultant potato breads showed a typical bread appearance, loaf size, low porosity but high cell density crumb structure and unique favourable sensory qualities, especially those with 2% potato fibre or 30% fresh tuber. Potato breads staled quickly during storage, but reheating could reverse the bread staleness to a nearly freshly baked state.
Distribution of iron, zinc and manganese in milling streams of common Serbian wheat cultivars: Preliminary survey
Authors: Živančev Dragan , Ninkov Jordana , Jocković Bojan , Momčilović Vojislava , Torbica Aleksandra , Mirosavljević Milan , Belović Miona , Aćin Vladimir , Ilin Sonja
Published: January 2021

This study investigates distribution of three micronutrients in milling streams of three common wheat cultivars to estimate nutritive value of white and brown flours. Among the analysed wheat cultivars, the majority of flour streams of NS Todorka showed a higher content of soluble micronutrients than the other two investigated wheat cultivars. It is necessary to improve bioavailability of Fe and Zn in flours since these micronutrients were mostly in insoluble form. In contrast, considering average Serbian portion sizes for bread, bread made from flour Type ‘110’ could supply almost 75% of the recommended daily intake for Mn.
Influence of ultimate pH on biochemistry and quality of Longissimus lumborum steaks from Nellore bulls during ageing
Authors: Barón Clara Lucía Contreras , dos Santos‐Donado Priscila Robertina , Ramos Patricia Maloso , Donado‐Pestana Carlos M. , Delgado Eduardo Francisquine , Contreras‐Castillo Carmen J.
Published: January 2021

Ultimate pH (pHu) is an indicator that influences post‐mortem meat quality. We studied physiological and biochemical changes of steaks obtained from Nellore bulls (Bos indicus) during post‐mortem ageing. To this, Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles were classified into three groups: Normal‐pHu (≤5.79), Intermediate‐pHu (5.80–6.29) and High‐pHu (≥6.30) groups, portioned into steaks, vacuum packaged and matured at 2 °C for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. High‐pHu steaks exhibited impaired colour stability and were darker compared to the other groups. High‐ and Normal‐pHu steaks showed improved tenderness and myofibrillar fragmentation linked to proteolysis. Intermediate‐pHu steaks were associated with a lower meat tenderness and decreased collagen solubility. High‐pHu steaks retained a high pH during ageing and increased water‐holding capacity. These findings provide evidence that highlight pHu as a strategy for the classification of pHu‐dependent beef quality from Nellore bulls that can be adopted by the Brazilian meat industry.
Effect of starch and non‐starch components on water migration, microstructure, starch retrogradation and texture of flat rice noodles made from different rice varieties
Authors: Puhin Kiattisak , Fukuoka Mika , Ratanasumawong Savitree
Published: January 2021

Effects of starch and non‐starch components on rice noodle quality, water migration during rehydration, texture, microstructure and starch retrogradation of dried rice flour and rice starch noodles made from five rice varieties with similar high amylose contents were examined. Rice noodle qualities depended mainly on starch properties and to a lesser extent on the presence of non‐starch components. Elongation of rice flour noodles was lower than rice starch noodles due to the presence of non‐starch components that interrupted the starch network. Non‐starch components reduced cooking loss of flour noodles in some varieties. Water migration in rice flour noodles with a looser microstructure was faster than in rice starch noodles. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging revealed different water migration speeds in rice flour noodles among varieties, related to noodle microstructure and retrogradation properties. For production of good quality rice noodles, manufacturers should consider not only amylose content but also non‐starch components.
Phenolic, apparent antioxidant and nutritional composition of quinoa (Chenopodiumquinoa Willd.) seeds
Authors: Li Liangkui , Lietz Georg , Seal Chris J
Published: January 2021

Quinoa, a gluten‐free pseudocereal, has a nutrient and phytochemical profile which may benefit health. Our aim was to investigate the variability in the phenolic and apparent antioxidant content of different quinoa varieties to identify a variety with a high phytochemical content to use in a quinoa‐enriched bread. The results showed that free phenolics contributed most (50–83%) to total phenolic content compared with conjugated or bound forms. Apparent antioxidant activities measured by FRAP, ABTS+• and DPPH of free, conjugated and bound extracts were broadly similar, except for free antioxidants when determined by FRAP, which were higher. Phenolic content was positively correlated with FRAP and ABTS+• apparent antioxidant activity. Quinoa samples had a high protein content (13.5 g/100 g dry weight), with a well‐balanced amino acid profile. Incorporation of quinoa into baked products such as bread is proposed as a way to deliver this healthy whole‐grain cereal into the diet.
High‐throughput sequencing of immunoglobulin heavy chain for minimal residual disease detection in B‐lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Correia Rodolfo P. , Puga Renato D. , Muto Nair H. , Lee Maria Lucia de M. , Torres Davi C. , Hassan Rocio , Bacal Nydia S. , Hamerschlak Nelson , Campregher Paulo V.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a cornerstone for stratification of upfront B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) treatment protocols to decrease relapse risk. Although its detection by flow cytometry (FC) and real‐time quantitative polymerase has clinical usefulness, evidence suggests that methods with increased sensitivity could lead to improved outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop an amplicon‐based assay followed by high‐throughput sequencing of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region for MRD detection in B‐ALL.

Methods

We analyzed 84 samples, 27 from diagnosis, 5 from relapse, 40 from post‐treatment samples, and 12 from healthy controls.

Results

Our assay was able to identify more neoplastic clones at diagnosis than Sanger sequencing including incomplete DJ rearrangements. From the 40 MRD samples evaluated 21 were positive by our new approach on high‐throughput sequencing assay, but only 15 of these were positive by FC. The remaining 19 were negative by the two techniques.

Conclusion

We have developed a novel approach on high‐sensitive assay for MRD detection in B‐ALL, which could add clinical value in the management of patients, especially in cases negative for MRD by FC.
Changing from a highly food secure household to a marginal or food insecure household is associated with decreased weight and body mass index z‐scores among Latino children from CHAMACOS
Authors: Gamba Ryan J. , Eskenazi Brenda , Madsen Kristine , Hubbard Alan , Harley Kim , Laraia Barbara A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Persistent household food insecurity may have a greater adverse effect on children's health outcomes than experiencing household food insecurity for a shorter duration.

Objectives

Examine how changing household food security status and prolonged exposure to household marginal food security or food insecurity are associated with changes in children's growth from age 5 to 12.

Methods

We analyzed 204 mother‐child dyads from the Center for Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS), a longitudinal birth cohort study of Latino households. Generalized estimating equations assessed how changing household food security status and persistent exposure to marginal food security or food insecurity were associated with growth throughout childhood.

Results

Living in a marginally food secure of food insecure household compared to highly food secure household was associated with a decrease in BMI z‐score of 0.18 (0.09, 0.26) between age 9 and 10.5. Changing from a highly food secure household to a marginally food secure or food insecure household was associated with a 0.10 (0.01, 0.20) decrease in body mass index z‐score compared to those who persistently lived in highly food secure households.

Conclusions

Changes in food security status and duration of food insecurity were associated with changes in children's growth.
The influence of COVID‐19 on the mental health of final‐year nursing students: comparing the situation before and during the pandemic
Authors: Reverté‐Villarroya Sílvia , Ortega Laura , Lavedán Ana , Masot Olga , Burjalés‐Martí Maria Dolors , Ballester‐Ferrando David , Fuentes‐Pumarola Concepció , Botigué Teresa
Published: January 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had an important impact on the academic world. It is known that university studies can influence the mental health of students, and especially those studying health sciences. In this study, we therefore sought to analyse whether the current pandemic has affected the mental well‐being of final‐year nursing students. This was a multi‐centre study, with a descriptive, longitudinal, and prospective design. Mental well‐being was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire. A total of 305 participants were included in the study, of whom 52.1% had experienced the COVID‐19 pandemic. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups analysed in terms of age, access to university, average marks, mental well‐being self‐esteem, emotional exhaustion, and sense of coherence. In the case of mental well‐being, a direct association was found with both the pandemic situation (OR = 2.32, P = 0.010) and emotional exhaustion scores (OR = 1.20, P < 0.001), while an inverse association was found with sense of coherence scores (OR = 0.45, P < 0.001). This study shows that the mental health of students is a significant factor and one that must be taken into consideration when training nursing staff at university. There is a need to promote healthy habits and provide appropriate coping strategies. It is also important to train and prepare students for pandemic situations as these can have an important impact on the mental health of both the members of the public who will be treated by these future nursing professionals and the students themselves.
Love cannot buy you money: Resource exchange on reward‐based crowdfunding platforms
Authors: James Tabitha L. , Shen Wenqi , Townsend David M. , Junkunc Marc , Wallace Linda
Published: January 2021

Reward‐based crowdfunding platforms – in which campaigns exchange rewards for financial backing to develop a product or service – are one of the fastest‐growing segments of the crowdfunding industry. We use an extension of social exchange theory (SET) called the resource theory of social exchange (RTSE) to examine resource exchanges through rewards on Kickstarter. A resource exchange occurs when a project backer and project creator exchange money (ie, financial backing) for a reward (eg, a thank you or a t‐shirt). A project creator can develop a reward portfolio that contains various types of resources, which in the RTSE are categorised as love, status, information, money, goods and services. Our study provides a comprehensive examination of resource exchange on a major reward‐based crowd funding platform, answering the call to investigate the effects of a key element of such platforms – rewards. We find that the types of resources project creators include in the reward portfolios they offer should be carefully considered. Specifically, our results indicate it is more beneficial to offer rewards that contain universal and concrete resources (eg, goods, services) than resources that are particularistic and symbolic (eg, love, status). However, the positive effect of offering universal and concrete resources as rewards is diminished as the fundraising goal is increased, which suggests that the optimal design of the reward portfolio is contingent on other characteristics of the campaign. Moreover, our findings reveal that while it is advantageous to offer more rewards, it is disadvantageous to offer too many different types of resources across those rewards. Overall, our study adds depth to the understanding of resource exchange in reward‐based crowdfunding and provides practical insight into how to design reward portfolios.
Visual Instruction to Enhance Teaching of Technical Subject to Design Students
Authors: Lau Siu‐Kit , Joshi Noopur , Pang Ming Fai
Published: January 2021

Visual instruction complementing verbal lectures is known to promote learning among students. In this study, the role of visual instruction in engaging learners effectively via the simplification of technical concepts was examined. Different aspects of visualisation, such as order of presenting and dimensionality, were tested to observe their effect on students’ approach to learning and learning outcomes. In this mixed‐method quasi‐non‐experimental explanatory study, visual instruction was applied in one of the undergraduate architecture modules that teaches fundamentals of building systems, which students often find difficult to comprehend. Three key variables, including spatial cognitive ability, approach to learning and learning outcomes, were measured using statistically valid instruments along with students’ feedback and interviews. These factors were also measured for the control group that did not receive visual instruction (n = 32), to assess the effect of the intervention. When taught with visualisation, students (n = 69), showed a significant increase in deep approach to learning (e.g., deep motive: t = 2.584, p = 0.011). In interviews, students expressed a deeper interest in the subject and reported that the topic was engaging in class. Visualisation favours students with a higher spatial ability and, thus, is useful for design students who receive spatial ability training in the course. Two‐dimensional visuals must be followed and preceded by three‐dimensional visuals to provide advanced organisation and the connection of new knowledge with known organisational models to be made.
Put yourself in my wheelchair: Perspective‐taking can reduce prejudice toward people with disabilities and other stigmatized groups
Authors: Matera Camilla , Nerini Amanda , Di Gesto Cristian , Policardo Giulia Rosa , Maratia Fabio , Dalla Verde Sara , Sica Ilaria , Paradisi Monica , Ferraresi Laura , Pontvik Dag Kristian , Lamuraglia Milca , Marchese Francesca , Sbrillo Mauro , Brown Rupert
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to compare perspective‐taking with a hypothetical target and perspective‐taking occurring during a real interaction with an outgroup member in reducing prejudice toward people with disabilities and other groups (e.g., immigrants, homosexual people), via increased empathy. We adopted an experimental design with two treatment groups (Hypothetical target vs. Real target) and one control group (no intervention), one pretest and two posttest measures. Participants, who were 437 students aged 11–17 years (M = 14.28; SD = 1.17), were randomly assigned to the various conditions on a classroom basis. Perspective‐taking was facilitated asking participants to travel in a wheelchair on a path that simulated a real pavement in the presence (or not) of an individual with a motor disability. Findings showed that perspective‐taking in the presence of a real target was more effective in reducing prejudice toward people with disabilities than perspective‐taking task without encountering an outgroup member. Perspective‐taking with a hypothetical target was not sufficient to increase participants' empathy toward people with disabilities, which instead was enhanced when the task was performed at the presence of a real member of that group. Positive effects produced by perspective‐taking (with both a hypothetical and a real target) were transferred to immigrants and homosexuals. These findings suggest that, when possible, perspective‐taking in the presence of the target, which can improve empathy by favoring a two‐way exchange process, is highly recommended to improve attitudes toward different stigmatized groups, not necessarily targeted by the intervention.
Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles
Authors: Dai Bai , Sha Ri‐Na , Yuan Jian‐Long , Liu Dong‐Jun
Published: January 2021

The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini‐organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin‐sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
Design, development and testing of an auger‐assisted semi‐automatic coconut husking machine
Authors: Varghese Abi , Jacob Jippu , Rajan Abraham Iype
Published: January 2021

Coconut husking is the primary and most difficult post‐harvesting operation among coconut processing. The physical properties of the coconuts such as length, diameter, perimeter, weight and husk thickness at the apex, at the pedicel end, at the ¼ from pedicel end, at the ½ from the pedicel end and at the ¾ from the pedicel end and the husk‐separating‐forces are calculated to design machine components. A prototype of an auger‐assisted semi‐automatic coconut husking machine (ASCHM) have designed, constructed, tested and its husking rate, husking effectiveness, husking efficiency, percent of nut breaking, and capacity of the machine has evaluated. The machine comprises mainly of a pair of upright blades; held juxtaposed for manual impaling, and an electrically‐driven auger. The mean time required for complete husking of green coconut and dry coconut have been found to be 12.6 s and 13.6 s respectively. The husking efficiency of ASCHM was found as 100% with no nut breaking with a capacity of 242 nuts/hr for green coconuts and 229 nuts/hr for dry coconuts. Further, performance of the developed tool has been compared with that of CPCH and KAU coconut husking tool.

Practical Applications

Main contribution of this work is to design, development and testing of a semi‐automatic coconut husking machine and to analyze the performance of the same in terms of husking rate, husking effectiveness, husking efficiency, and percentage of nut breaking and capacity of the machine was evaluated. The results are then compared with those obtained for a manual and fully automated husking machine as well. Husk separating force calculation have been done considering the relevant physical properties of the coconut like size, shape, weight, and so forth. The observations are further then used for the design of machine components and the selection of a power source. The information deduced can be used as a database for future modifications as well as development of coconut husking machines.
Do fillers improve the physicochemical properties of antimicrobial tapioca starch edible films?
Authors: Ollé Resa Carolina P. , Jagus Rosa J. , Gerschenson Lía N.
Published: January 2021

Edible films containing natural antimicrobials, like natamycin and nisin, constitute an emerging technology that provides an additional stress factor for food preservation. However, it has been observed that edible films based only on tapioca starch present several failures, such as poor mechanical properties and low hydrophobicity. Pumpkin and oat bran are ingredients that provide multiple health benefits. In this work, it was intended to improve mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of tapioca starch edible films, containing natamycin and nisin, by the addition of pumpkin peel, pumpkin mesocarp or oat bran fillers. In turn, the effect of fillers on the films was evaluated through the evaluation of their color, water vapor permeability, morphological characteristics, and microbiological behavior. Results showed that pumpkin fillers improved mechanical properties, reducing the strain at break and increasing the stress at break of tapioca starch edible films. Particularly, pumpkin peel filler increased 36 times the firmness of tapioca starch films, reaching a value of 87.64 MPa. Also, this filler increased 300% the hydrophobicity of the films with a contact angle of 48.29°. The incorporation of all studied fillers allowed the normal diffusion of natamycin. However, the different fillers retained the nisin in different degrees and, particularly, oat bran filler was the one with the highest affinity for it. After evaluating all the studied properties, it can be concluded that the composite film filled with pumpkin peel, is an improved version to the one without it, for food packaging.
Impact of spontaneous splenorenal shunt on liver volume and long‐term survival of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yi Fangfang , Guo Xiaozhong , Wang Le , Xu Xiangbo , An Yang , Tang Yufu , Zhang Wenwen , Tacke Frank , Arora Ankur , Qi Xingshun
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Spontaneous splenorenal shunt (SSRS) is one of the manifestations of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. However, the impact of SSRS on long‐term survival of cirrhotic patients remains unclear. We hypothesize that SSRS may worsen liver dysfunction and deteriorate prognosis in liver cirrhosis by decreasing hepatic perfusion.

Methods

Patients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to our department between December 2014 and August 2019 and underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans were prospectively collected. The maximum diameters of SSRS and portal vein system vessels were retrospectively measured. Liver‐to‐abdominal area ratio, Child–Pugh, and model for end‐stage liver disease scores were calculated.

Results

Overall, 122 cirrhotic patients were included. The prevalence of SSRS was 30.3% (37/122). Median diameter of SSRS was 13.5 mm. Patients with SSRS had significantly thinner diameters of right portal vein (9 mm vs 11.2 mm, P = 0.001) and main portal vein (15.3 mm vs 16.8 mm, P = 0.017) than those without SSRS. Patients with SSRS had significantly lower liver‐to‐abdominal area ratio score (25.39 vs 31.58, P < 0.001) and higher Child–Pugh (7 vs 6, P = 0.046) and model for end‐stage liver disease (12.17 vs 9.79, P < 0.006) scores than those without SSRS. Patients with SSRS had a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than those without SSRS (P = 0.014). Cox regression analysis also showed that SSRS was a risk factor of death of cirrhotic patients (hazard ratio = 4.161, 95% confidence interval = 1.215–14.255, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

Spontaneous splenorenal shunt may narrow portal vein diameter and shrink liver volume, thereby worsening liver function and increasing mortality in liver cirrhosis.
Care‐Partner Support and Hospitalization in Assisted Living During Transitional Home Health Care
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Ying Meiling , Temkin‐Greener Helena , Caprio Thomas V. , Yu Fang , Simning Adam , Conwell Yeates , Li Yue
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Care‐partner support affects outcomes among assisted living (AL) residents. Yet, little is known about care‐partner support and its effects on hospitalization during post‐acute care transitions. This study examined the variation in care‐partner support and its impact on hospitalizations among AL residents receiving Medicare home health (HH) services.

DESIGN

Analysis of national data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare claims, Area Health Resources File, and the Social Deprivation Index File.

SETTING

AL facilities and Medicare HH agencies in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents in 2017.

MEASUREMENTS

Care‐partner support during the HH admission was measured based on the type and frequency of assistance from AL staff in seven domains (i.e., activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADLs, medication administration, treatment, medical equipment, home safety, and transportation). Care‐partner support in each domain was measured as “assistance not needed” (reference group), “Care‐partner currently provides assistance,” “care‐partner need additional training/support to provide assistance” (i.e., inadequate care‐partner support), and “care‐partner unavailable/unlikely to provide assistance” (i.e., unavailable care‐partner support). Outcome was time‐to‐hospitalization during the HH admission.

RESULTS

Among the 741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents, inadequate care‐partner support was identified for all seven domains that ranged from 13.1% (for transportation) to 49.8% (for treatment), and care‐partner support was unavailable from 0.9% (for transportation) to 11.0% (for treatment). In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for patient covariates and geography, compared with “assistance not needed”, having inadequate and unavailable care‐partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization by 8.9% (treatment (hazard ratio (HR) =1.089, P < .001)) to 41.3% (medication administration (HR =1.413, P < .001)).

CONCLUSION

For AL residents receiving HH services, having less care‐partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization, particularly regarding medication administration, medical equipment, and transportation/advocacy.
Youngsters' perceptions of the experience of pain and utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed in community: A qualitative study
Authors: Ndengeyingoma Assumpta , Lebel Valérie , Bigras Magali , Jacob Maria H. , Lacelle Marika
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Pain is common in youngsters. No matter its nature, youngsters' consideration of pain is complex since its communications vary as a function of several components. The aim of this study is to explore the youngsters' perception linked to their experience of physiological pain at the home/family setting, as well as their experience with the utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed.

Design and methods

A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with 22 youngsters aged 5–17 years old. Semidirected interviews led to the understanding of these components by means of the pain experiences. Thematic analysis allowed the detection of the themes and subthemes emerging from the verbatim collected with the participants.

Results

The way pain is described is influenced by the child's development, previous experiences, and the projection of having pain. The pain communication is influenced by the severity perceived, the beliefs of the youngster experiencing pain, the comparison of the pain communication with his brothers and sisters, as well as the anticipated consequences of expressing his pain. The choice of behaviour towards pain is influenced by self‐management through nonpharmacological management, with medicines if needed, and by family modelization.

Practice implications

This study confirms that previous pain experiences, beliefs related to pain tolerance and intended reactions of parents exert influence not only on the communication of pain, but also on youngsters' behaviour towards pain. It is important to consider these elements whenever youngsters' pain is evaluated.
Indirect inference for time series using the empirical characteristic function and control variates
Authors: Davis Richard A. , do Rêgo Sousa Thiago , Klüppelberg Claudia
Published: January 2021

We estimate the parameter of a stationary time series process by minimizing the integrated weighted mean squared error between the empirical and simulated characteristic function, when the true characteristic functions cannot be explicitly computed. Motivated by Indirect Inference, we use a Monte Carlo approximation of the characteristic function based on i.i.d. simulated blocks. As a classical variance reduction technique, we propose the use of control variates for reducing the variance of this Monte Carlo approximation. These two approximations yield two new estimators that are applicable to a large class of time series processes. We show consistency and asymptotic normality of the parameter estimators under strong mixing, moment conditions, and smoothness of the simulated blocks with respect to its parameter. In a simulation study we show the good performance of these new simulation based estimators, and the superiority of the control variates based estimator for Poisson driven time series of counts.
KLF7 is associated with poor prognosis and regulates migration and adhesion in tongue cancer
Authors: Lyu Jiong , Wang Jiaxiong , Miao Yuwen , Xu Ting , Zhao Wenquan , Bao Tingwei , Zhu Huiyong
Published: January 2021

Objective

The present study was performed to determine the clinical relevance of KLF7 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and to characterize its potential function and mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

KLF7 expression was measured by RT‐qPCR in 21 tongue cancer samples. The clinical relevance of KLF7 was analyzed in another cohort of 127 TSCC samples from a public database. Then, we performed RNA sequencing analysis in KLF7‐overexpressing TSCC (SCC9 and CAL27) cells to define significantly altered pathways. The possible changes in migration and adhesion were then analyzed in KLF7‐overexpressing and knockdown TSCC cells.

Results

Our results showed that KLF7 mRNA expression was upregulated in TSCC and was significantly associated with the T and N stages. Patients with high‐KLF7 expression had worse overall survival. RNA sequencing and KEGG enriched pathway analysis showed that altered genes were enriched in extracellular matrix‐receptor interactions and focal adhesions in both cell lines. KLF7‐overexpressing TSCC cell lines showed enhanced migration capacity and cell adhesion ability, and knockdown of KLF7 expression decreased TSCC migration and adhesion ability.

Conclusions

We concluded that KLF7 was overexpressed in TSCC and has prognostic value. KLF7 promoted TSCC migration and increased cell adhesion.
Long‐term follow‐up of fixed low‐dose oral immunotherapy for children with severe cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Miura Yoko , Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Nishino Makoto , Takei Mari , Takahashi Kyohei , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro , Yanagida Noriyuki
Published: January 2021

Background

The efficacy and safety of cow's milk (CM) low‐dose oral immunotherapy (LOIT) at one‐year follow‐up have been previously reported. We investigated the outcome of fixed long‐term LOIT in children with severe CM allergy.

Methods

Children with positive reactions to oral food challenge (OFC) with 3 mL CM were included. The LOIT group (n = 33) ingested up to 3 mL CM for 1 year. After a two‐week CM avoidance, 3 and 25 mL OFCs were performed. Children with positive reactions continued with 3 mL ingestion, with OFCs repeated yearly. Regular home consumption of 25 mL CM after passing the OFCs was defined as 25 mL short‐term unresponsiveness (25 mL STU). The historical control group (n = 16) with reactions to 3 mL OFC eliminated daily CM ingestion.

Results

The proportion of 25 mL STU in the LOIT group was 27%, 52%, and 61% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, and the 3‐year percentage was significantly higher than that in the historical control group (13%, P = .002). In the LOIT group, only one child developed severe symptoms. Furthermore, in this group, CM‐ and casein‐specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels decreased significantly and casein‐specific IgG and IgG4 levels increased significantly after 3 years, whereas the historical control group presented no significant change in these parameters. Baseline sIgE levels were significantly low in children achieving 25 mL STU.

Conclusion

Continued fixed LOIT yields immunologic improvement and may be effective and safe for severe CM allergy.
Higher diversity of vegetable consumption is associated with less airway inflammation and prevalence of asthma in school‐aged children
Authors: Mendes Francisca de Castro , Paciência Inês , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Farraia Mariana , Silva Diana , Padrão Patrícia , Delgado Luís , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa , Moreira André , Moreira Pedro
Published: January 2021

Background

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation that characterize asthma. We aimed to assess the association between vegetable and fruit diversity consumption and asthma and its related outcomes in school‐aged children.

Methods

Participants included 647 children (49% females, aged 7‐12 years) recruited from 20 public schools across the city of Porto, in Portugal. Vegetable intake and fruit intake were ascertained using a single self‐reported 24‐hour recall questionnaire. A diversity score was built taking into account the different number of individual vegetables and fruits consumed and categorized into two groups based on the total reported median consumption, which was rounded to the nearest whole number (≤3 and >3, for vegetables; and ≤1 and >1, for fruits). A questionnaire was used to enquire about self‐reported medical diagnosis of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Airway inflammation was assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide concentration (eNO) and was categorized into two groups (<35 and ≥35 ppb). The association between fruit and vegetable diversity and respiratory outcomes was examined using logistic regression models, adjusting for confounders.

Results

A higher vegetable diversity consumption per day was negatively associated with having self‐reported asthma (OR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.47, 0.95), while having a vegetable diversity consumption superior to 3 items per day was negatively associated with levels of eNO ≥ 35 ppb (OR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.16, 0.88) and breathing difficulties (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.16, 0.97).

Conclusion

Eating a greater variety of vegetables was associated with a lower chance of airway inflammation and prevalence of self‐reported asthma in school children.