bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the kids doing? Exploring young children's activities at home and relations with externally cued executive function and child temperament
Authors: Stucke Nicole J. , Stoet Gijsbert , Doebel Sabine
Published: January 2022

Young children spend a lot of time at home, yet there is little empirical research on how they spend that time and how it relates to developmental outcomes. Prior research suggests less‐structured time—where children practice making choices and setting goals—may develop self‐directed executive function in 6‐year‐olds. But less‐structured time may be related to executive function for other reasons—for example, because it provides opportunities to acquire conceptual knowledge relevant to using executive function on tasks. We thus tested the possibility that less‐structured time is also related to younger children's externally cued executive function. In this remote online study, caregivers of 93 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds indicated the amount of time their child was typically spending in various activities while at home during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Activities were categorized as structured (primarily lessons with specific goals defined by adults or an app), less‐structured (wide range of activities permitting choice and interaction with caregiver), passive (e.g., watching TV or videos), and primarily physical (e.g., bike riding). Children's externally cued executive function was assessed via the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS). Time and variety in less‐structured activities were related to successful switching on the DCCS, controlling for age, family income, caregiver education, and verbal knowledge. Caregivers were more involved in less‐structured versus structured activities. Caregiver ratings of children's temperament were related to how children's time was spent. These findings suggest several new avenues for studying young children's activities at home and their relations with developmental outcomes. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3aGmpSnjuCs
How low is really low? Comparison of two C‐peptide assays to establish residual C‐peptide production in type 1 diabetes
Authors: de Leur Kitty , Vollenbrock Charlotte , Dekker Pim , de Vries Martine , Birnie Erwin , Mul Dick , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Groen Joost , Aanstoot Henk‐Jan , Boesten Lianne
Published: January 2022

Introduction

C‐peptide is an important marker to assess residual insulin production in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The accuracy and detection limits of C‐peptide assays are important to detect C‐peptide microsecretion and to reliably observe changes over time in these people. We compared and verified two commercially available assays able to measure C‐peptide in the picomolar range.

Methods

The ultrasensitive Mercodia enzyme‐linked immunosorbent C‐peptide assay (ELISA) was compared with the Beckman immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for C‐peptide, assessing reproducibility (coefficient of variation [CV]), limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantitation (LoQ).

Results

For both assays within‐run and between‐run variation were high at the low (around the detection limit) C‐peptide concentration range, with CVs of around 40%. LoB values for the ultrasensitive ELISA and the IRMA were 1.3 and 0.16 pmol/L respectively. LoD values were 2.4 and 0.54 pmol/L respectively. LoQ values were 9.7 and 3.8 pmol/L respectively. Only the IRMA met the specifications claimed by the manufacturer.

Conclusions

The IRMA provided the lowest threshold for quantification of serum C‐peptide. LoQ of commercially available assays should be established in‐house before applying them in research studies and clinical trials in which low C‐peptide levels have clinical or scientific relevance.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists as adjunctive treatment for type 1 diabetes: Renewed opportunities through tailored approaches?
Authors: Kobayati Alessandra , Haidar Ahmad , Tsoukas Michael A.
Published: January 2022

Exogenous insulin has been the mainstay treatment for individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although there has been tremendous growth in both pharmacological and technological advancements, insulin monotherapy has proven to be insufficient for maintaining optimal glycaemic targets for most adults with T1D. At present, there is still no breakthrough for the treatment of T1D. Adjunctive pharmacotherapies might therefore complement insulin management to achieve better glycaemic control, while possibly offering additional benefits. Recent interest in re‐purposing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), a leading antihyperglycaemic medication class approved for type 2 diabetes, has prompted the field to seek extended potential for the T1D population. The adjunctive use of GLP‐1RAs has been at the forefront of T1D research, albeit with some conflicting trial findings to date. However, the potential of GLP‐1 agonism for T1D may have been underestimated, possibly from missed opportunities or categorized effects. Moreover, some GLP‐1RAs have demonstrated extra‐pancreatic potential with emerging multi‐organ protection involving the heart, kidneys, liver and brain in varied cohorts, which may bode well for the growing T1D profile of comorbid complications. This narrative review aims to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence‐based literature from large‐scale randomized controlled trials and closed‐loop system pilot studies that examined GLP‐1RAs as adjunctive therapy for T1D. Furthermore, we outline uncharted opportunities with GLP‐1 agonism using versatile approaches in selected T1D populations that may inspire and re‐direct future research in this field.
Wealth inequality in pre‐industrial Europe: What role did associational organizations have?
Authors: van Bavel Bas
Published: January 2022

A host of studies on wealth inequality in pre‐industrial Europe has recently been published. Out of these, a narrative emerges of rising inequality in a context of emerging markets and growing state taxation, punctuated by calamities. By surveying the available material, this article highlights an element that is less systematically discussed in this literature: the role of associational organizations. They developed less regressive forms of taxation and redistribution, embedded the transfer and use of land and capital in coordination systems that curtailed accumulation, and sometimes even imposed maximums of wealth ownership. The article tentatively argues that the resulting downward effect on wealth inequality was found most conspicuously in societies where associations of middling groups of owners‐producers held strong positions in economic and political life, even despite the exclusive character of their organizations. Such societies were gradually eroded in the early modern period, most notably as a result of the emergence of factor markets and state centralization, and the associated processes of proletarianization and scale enlargement. This did not happen without opposition and conflict, however, as the process was sometimes halted and showed distinct geographical patterns, which in turn influenced patterns of wealth inequality.
The interactions between adipose tissue secretions and Parkinson's disease: The role of leptin
Authors: Ekraminasab Sara , Dolatshahi Mahsa , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Mardani Mahta , Rashedi Sina
Published: January 2022

Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite by acting on receptors in the hypothalamus, where it modifies food intake to maintain equilibrium with the body energy resources. Leptin and its receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may give neuronal survival signals. The potential of leptin to decrease/increase neuronal damage and neuronal plasticity in Parkinson's diseases (PD) is the subject of this review, which outlines our current knowledge of how leptin acts in the brain. Although leptin‐mediated neuroprotective signalling results in neuronal death prevention, it can affect neuroinflammatory cascades and also neuronal plasticity which contribute to PD pathology. Other neuroprotective molecules, such as insulin and erythropoietin, share leptin‐related signalling cascades, and therefore constitute a component of the neurotrophic effects mediated by endogenous hormones. With the evidence that leptin dysregulation causes increased neuronal vulnerability to damage in PD, using leptin as a target for therapeutic modification is an appealing and realistic option.
Weberian ideal type construction as concept replacement
Authors: van Riel Raphael
Published: January 2022

This paper contains a novel and coherent reading of Weberian ideal type construction, based on recent philosophical approaches to conceptual engineering. This reading makes transparent the dialectics of Weber's approach, resulting in a more nuanced interpretation of his methodological work. It will become apparent that Weber, when introducing his notion of an ideal type, did not merely summarize his views on methodology in the social sciences, but, rather, presented a two‐step argument in favor of these views. The reconstruction will directly bear on issues in the methodology of the social sciences. Weber not only presented a methodology that is, at some level of abstraction, strikingly similar to Carnapian explication (the canonical point of reference in the contemporary debate on conceptual engineering). He also diagnosed, in a systematic fashion, types of problems we face when dealing with ordinary and scientific concepts that play a key role in the description of social reality, and he foreshadowed what is today sometimes described as “debunking” projects. From a philosophy of science perspective, I propose Weber's view (on the reconstruction proposed here) as a serious candidate for an adequate theory of concept replacement in the social sciences.
Midlife financial strain and later‐life health and wellbeing of husbands and wives: Linking and moderating roles of couple intimacy trajectories
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda (A. S.) , O’Neal Catherine Walker , Klopack Eric T.
Published: January 2022

This study investigates (a) heterogeneous trajectories of couple intimacy over the mid‐later years (average ages of 40–65) and (b) how these intimacy classes are differentially associated with spouses’ midlife financial strain as well as their later‐life health and wellbeing outcomes. The sample was comprised of white couples in long‐term marriages from the rural Mid‐west who experienced the economic downturn of the farm crisis in late 1980s. Couple‐level measures of emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy were created by summing husbands’ and wives’ reports. Using growth mixture modeling with a sample of 304 couples, conjoint intimacy classes were identified from trajectories of couple emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy. Three qualitatively different latent intimacy classes of couples were identified: Consistently High, Moderate and Increasing, and Chronically Low. Intimacy classes were differentially associated with midlife financial strain and later‐life health and wellbeing. Spouses with consistently high and moderate and increasing intimacy in their mid‐later years averaged lower financial strain in early midlife and better health and wellbeing outcomes in later years (>67 years) compared to those with consistently low intimacy after controlling for lagged health measures. The identification of couple intimacy trajectory groups provides a potentially useful prognostic tool for counseling efforts that can promote and develop resiliency factors to aid in the redirection of adverse couple intimacy trajectories.
Pharmacological potential of the triterpene 3β,6β,16β‐trihidroxilup‐20 (29)‐ene isolated from Combretum leprosum: A literature review
Authors: Coutinho Marnielle R. , Oliveira Larissa S. , Evaristo Francisco F. V. , Marinho Márcia M. , Marinho Emanuelle M. , Teixeira Edson H. , Teixeira Alexandre Magno R. , Marinho Emmanuel S. , dos Santos Hélcio S.
Published: January 2022

Globally, plant‐derived medicines have been playing an increasing and relevant role in the treatment of several diseases, thus fostering the search for new bioactive substances. Among the various families of plants studied, those of the Combretum genus can be highlighted since they are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of hepatitis, malaria, respiratory infections, cancer, skin hemorrhage, and anxiety. Phytochemical studies carried out on species of the Combretum genus demonstrated the presence of several classes of bioactive chemical compounds, including the triterpene 3β,6β,16β‐trihydroxilup‐20(29)‐ene (CLF‐1). In this perspective, the objective of this review was to gather all pharmacological activities attributed to the CLF‐1 triterpene, highlighting its importance for the pharmaceutical industry. The research was performed in scientific databases such as PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, SciFinder and Science Direct. The literature indicates a great pharmacological potential of CLF‐1, evidencing its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic, antinociceptive, healing, and antibacterial action, antinociceptive and antitumor effect. Therefore, based on the different research above, it is plausible to consider CLF‐1, obtained from different parts of the C. leprosum plant, as a molecule with biotechnological potential that may contribute to the development of new drugs and, consequently, in the treatment of various human pathologies.
Risperidone in analgesia induced by paracetamol and meloxicam in experimental pain
Authors: Miranda Hugo F. , Noriega Viviana , Sierralta Fernando , Sotomayor‐Zárate Ramón , Prieto Juan Carlos
Published: January 2022

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the best therapeutic options to treat pain. Their use in combination with other drugs may broaden their applicability in analgesia if their ceiling and adverse effects are reduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological interaction of two NSAIDs, paracetamol and meloxicam, with the antipsychotic drug risperidone in mice, in several experimental tests of nociceptive and inflammatory pain. Antinociception was assessed by dose–response curves to paracetamol and meloxicam before and after the i.p. administration of 0.5 mg/kg of risperidone. Results are presented as means ± SEM and differences were calculated by one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post‐test. Paracetamol and meloxicam produced a dose‐related antinociceptive effect with diverse potencies. Risperidone increased the analgesia mediated by paracetamol and meloxicam only in the tonic tests that detected inflammatory pain. This suggests that COX inhibition is only a partial explanation of the increased analgesic potency of paracetamol and meloxicam since the effects of NSAIDs in the CNS are mediated by multiple mechanisms. These results indicate that the combination of risperidone with paracetamol or meloxicam could be a new and effective alternative for the management of inflammatory pain.
Ecological thresholds under atmospheric nitrogen deposition for 1200 herbaceous species and 24 communities across the United States
Authors: Wilkins Kayla , Clark Christopher , Aherne Julian
Published: January 2022

Nitrogen (N) emissions and atmospheric deposition have increased significantly during the last century and become a stressor for many N‐sensitive plant species. Understanding individual and community herbaceous plant species thresholds to atmospheric N deposition can inform emissions reduction policy. Here, we present results using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) applied to more than 1200 unique plant species and 24 vegetation communities (i.e., alliances) across the United States (US) to assess vulnerability to N deposition. Alliance‐level thresholds (change points) for species decreasing in abundance along the gradient ranged from 1.8 to 14.3 kg N ha─1 year─1 and tended to be lower in the west than the east, which suggests that eastern communities, where N deposition has been historically higher, may have already lost many sensitive species. For the species that were present in more than one alliance, over half had a variable response to the N deposition gradient, suggesting that local factors affect vulnerability. Significant progress has been made during the past 30 years to reduce N emissions, which has reduced the percentage of plots at risk to N deposition from 72% to 35%. Nevertheless, over a third of plots remain at risk, and an average reduction of N deposition of 20% would protect half of the plots where N deposition exceeds community thresholds. Furthermore, the alliance‐ and species‐level change points determined in this study may be used to inform N critical loads.
Democracy, public debt transparency, and sovereign creditworthiness
Authors: Cormier Ben
Published: January 2022

Democratic Advantage (DA) arguments explicitly and implicitly assume that democracies have more transparent public debt, enhancing sovereign creditworthiness. This study questions the assumed link between transparent public debt practices and democracy in developing countries. It finds that such practices, which are crucial for investors, (a) do not depend on democratic governance and (b) largely erase the effect that DA variables regime type, rule of law, and property rights have on creditworthiness. In other words, transparent public debt and democracy should not be assumed to go together, and transparent debt practices affect creditworthiness more than DA variables. The findings identify public debt transparency as a statistical and theoretical confounder for current iterations of the DA thesis, which must be addressed to better understand the relationship between democratic governance and sovereign creditworthiness. The policy implication is to not assume that transparent public debt practices are only available to democracies.
Estimating Effective Porosity in Bedrock Aquifers
Authors: Worthington Stephen R.H.
Published: January 2022

Flow in many bedrock aquifers is through fracture networks. Point to point tracer tests using applied tracers provide a direct measure of time of travel and are most useful for determining effective porosity. Calculated values from these tests are typically between 10−4 and 10−2 (0.01% to 1%), with these low values indicating preferential flow through fracture and channel networks. Tracer tests are not commonly used in site investigations, and specific yield is often used as a proxy for effective porosity. The most popular methods have used centrifuge measurements, water table fluctuations, pumping tests, and packer tests. Specific yield varies substantially with the testing method. No method is as reliable as tracer testing for providing estimates of effective porosity, but all methods provide complementary insights on aquifer structure. Temporal and spatial scaling effects suggest that bedrock aquifers have hierarchical structures, with a network of more permeable fractures and channels, which are connected to less permeable fractures and to the matrix. Consequences of the low effective porosities include groundwater velocities that often exceed 100 m/d and more frequent microbial contamination than in aquifers in unconsolidated sediments. The large uncertainty over the magnitude of effective porosity in bedrock aquifers makes it an important parameter to determine in studies where time of travel is of interest.
Non‐anticoagulation pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy methods to increase circuit life
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Sethi Sidharth , Khooblall Amrit , Kher Vijay , Deshpande Shweta , Yerigeri Keval , Pandya Aadi , Nair Nikhil , Datla Nithin , McCulloch Mignon , Bunchman Timothy , Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical condition characterized by an abrupt increase in serum creatinine levels due to functional changes in the kidneys from a newfound insult or injury. For supportive treatment, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the most widely used modalities due to its precise control of fluid balance over extended periods of time. However, its complications include circuit clotting, the most frequent cause for CRRT interruption. Vascular access and circuit management were found to be major determinants of performance efficiency. Anticoagulation required to prevent clotting has the downside of increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in the setting of overdosage. Hence, a delicate balance needs to be maintained consistently.

Methods

This study explores the adequacy of non‐anticoagulation measures in the prevention of circuit clotting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to include all relevant studies.

Findings

The most‐effective CRRT catheter would be made of nonthrombogenic material, noncuffed and nontunneled with separate lumens for arterial and venous blood. Further, studies show that blood flow during the process is optimized at 200 ml/min, which can be lowered in the pediatric population due to more narrow catheters. Platelet count and hematocrit need to be closely monitored as levels above 450,000 × 106/L and 0.40, respectively, increase risk of clotting. Predilution is a non‐anticoagulation technique to reduce the risk of clotting by returning replacement solution to the blood before it reaches the filter. Also, biocompatible membranes such as polyacrylonitrile or polysulfone activate the coagulation cascade significantly less than the conventional cellulose‐based membranes, thereby reducing clotting chances.

Discussions

With the advent of such techniques and maneuvers, anticoagulation can be efficiently maintained in patients undergoing CRRT without increasing the risk of bleeding.
Assessment of medication adherence, medication safety awareness and medication practice among patients with lung cancer: A multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Ningsheng , Ren Biqi , You Haisheng , Chen Yue , Lin Shuzhi , Lei Shuang , Feng Bianling
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We aimed to explore the current status of medication adherence, safety awareness and practice among patients with lung cancer.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire‐guided cross‐sectional study in Xi'an, Yulin, Hanzhong and Weinan in Shaanxi Province, China, from April to June 2021 for a period of 3 months. The study questionnaire was developed according to previous related studies reported in the literature, and includes basic demographic information and patients' medication safety questions. The data were double‐entered using EpiData 3.1 software; descriptive statistics, t‐test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were performed to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 567 participants were included, and 409 valid questionnaires were finally completed, with an effective response rate of 72.13%. More than 80% of patients showed good medication adherence; the average adherence score was 22 ± 2.68 of 25. The average score for medication safety awareness was 16.40 ± 4.41, which was significantly lower than that of medication adherence (p < .001). Only 22.74% of patients always checked their medicines before a nurse administered them; 17.60% of patients never checked their medicines. Few patients actively consulted an health care professional to understand safety information before taking a medication. A significant difference existed in safety awareness scores among age groups (p = .039) and geographic regions (p < .001). Patients with three or more comorbidities had the lowest awareness scores (p = .027).

Conclusion

We found that patients with lung cancer showed better medication adherence, but their awareness about medication safety was poor. Older patients, those with comorbidities and patients in regions with poor medical resources may have worse awareness about safety. Current medication education for patients should not only aim to improve adherence but should also encourage patients to take greater responsibility for their own safety and to actively participate in their medication safety. Greater systematic and individualized medication safety information is needed for older patients, those with more comorbidities and patients in areas with poor medical resources.

Patient Contribution

We conducted a questionnaire‐guided cross‐sectional study on hospitalized lung cancer patients in Shaanxi Province to explore the patients' practices related to safety medication, including medication adherence and medication safety awareness.
Review on utilisation of corn gluten meal, a by‐product from corn starch industry for production of value‐added products
Authors: Kopparapu Narasimha Kumar , Duan Yajie , Huang Linhua , Katrolia Priti
Published: January 2022

Food wastage is an important global issue requiring urgent attention. Reducing food wastage and its proper utilisation is the basis for sustainable economy. Food processing industries generate large quantities of by‐products having low value which are often not utilised properly. Utilisation of by‐products and converting them into value‐added products could improve their market value. Corn gluten meal (CGM), a by‐product from corn starch industry, is a rich source of protein. It is highly hydrophobic which limits its application in foods. The present review focused on modification of CGM by chemical, physical, glycosylation, microbial fermentation and enzymatic methods to improve its solubility, emulsifying and foaming properties. In addition, this review also highlighted enzymatic hydrolysis of CGM for producing bioactive peptides such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, facilitating alcohol metabolism and others. These peptides have potential applications in food and other industries. Thus, utilisation of CGM is an economically attractive and environment friendly way for producing value‐added products.
Isolation, purification, and characterization of the globulin from wheat germ
Authors: Fan Ling , Yang Mingqian , Ma Sen , Huang Jihong
Published: January 2022

This research optimized the extraction and purification of globulin from wheat germ and assessed the molecular weight distribution and structure properties of the globulin obtained. The results showed that the relative extraction efficiency and purity of wheat germ globulin (WGG) reached 18.0% and 89.1% under the enzymolysis conditions of 0.32‰ α‐amylase, pH 6.5, and 55 °C. The maximal precipitation rate of WGG (91.3%) was obtained with pH 4.3 (acid precipitation). Additionally, the molecular weight of WGG was mainly distributed below 70 kDa. FT‐IR confirmed that random coils (30.95%), β‐sheet (27.02%), α‐helix (26.55%), and β‐turn (15.48%) were the secondary structures of WGG. Furthermore, LTQ mass spectrometry showed that WGG was rich in variety and high in complexity, which retrieved 1274 proteins belonging to 392 proteomes by inverse peptide analysis. The findings endow a great potential of preparing WGG with superior functionality for food applications.
Macronutrients and mineral composition of wild harvested Prionoplus reticularis edible insect at various development stages: nutritional and mineral safety implications
Authors: Kavle Ruchita Rao , Carne Alan , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din Ahmed , Kebede Biniam , Agyei Dominic
Published: January 2022

Prionoplus reticularis larvae (‘Huhu grubs’), a traditional food in New Zealand, have been grown commercially. However, no information is available on the composition or safety of the larvae as a food. A proximate analysis (58.7–75.2% moisture, 26.2–30.5% protein, 32.1–58.4% fat, and 1.5–3.2% ash dry weight basis) found that Huhu grubs contain substantial amounts of nutrients. Forty minerals were investigated for four different development stages of wild harvested Huhu grubs (small, medium, and large larvae and pupae). ICP‐MS detected 28 minerals, (11 essential, 13 non‐essential, and four heavy metals). The most abundant minerals were manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. The heavy metal content of Huhu grubs was found to be below detection levels for arsenic and vanadium, but cadmium and lead were detectable. The results indicate, on the basis of proximate analysis and mineral content, that moderate consumption of New Zealand wild harvested Huhu is safe and nutritious.
Spontaneous movements, motor milestones, and temperament of preterm‐born infants: Associations with mother–infant attunement
Authors: Lev‐Enacab Orna , Sher‐Censor Efrat , Einspieler Christa , Jacobi Orit Achamyelesh , Daube‐Fishman Galia , Beni‐Shrem Sara
Published: January 2022

Preterm‐born infants and their mothers are at higher risk of showing less attuned interactions. We sought to identify characteristics of preterm‐born infants associated with the attunement of mother–infant interactions at the corrected ages of 3–4 months, looking specifically at motor behaviors. We focused on infants’ spontaneous movements, achievement of motor milestones, and temperament, which at this young age is often manifested via movement. Sixty preterm‐born infants (Mdngestation age in weeks = 33, 57.38% male, corrected age Mdn = 14 weeks, interquartile range = 13–16) and their mothers participated. Independent observers rated mother–infant attunement, infants’ spontaneous movements, and infants’ achievement of motor milestones. Mothers reported infant temperament. We found infants’ smooth and fluent movement character and continual fidgety movements were associated with better attunement in terms of higher maternal sensitivity and non‐intrusiveness and higher infant responsiveness and involvement. Unexpectedly, infants’ achievement of motor milestones was not significantly associated with mother–infant attunement, and maternal reports of infants’ higher soothability were associated with lower maternal sensitivity. The study illustrates the value of including the assessment of infants’ spontaneous movements, designed for early detection of neurological deficiencies, in research and in clinical practice with parents and preterm‐born infants.
Nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Yingyan , Kunst Elicia , Nasrawi Dima , Massey Debbie , Johnston Amy N. B. , Keller Kathryn , Fengzhi Lin Frances
Published: January 2022

Aims

Identify and synthesize evidence of nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings.

Design

Systematic mixed studies review.

Data sources

Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Scopus and Cochrane were searched in April 2021.

Review methods

Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analysis framework. A data‐based convergent synthesis design using qualitative content analysis was adopted. Quality appraisal was undertaken using validated tools appropriate to study designs of the included papers.

Results

Forty‐three papers were included in this review. Skills and attitudes were not commonly assessed, as most studies referred to ‘competency’ in the context of nurses’ knowledge in electrocardiogram interpretation. Nurses’ knowledge levels in this important nursing role varied notably, which could be partly due to a range of assessment tools being used. Several factors were found to influence nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation across the included studies from individual, professional and organizational perspectives.

Conclusion

The definition of ‘competency’ was inconsistent, and nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation varied from low to high. Nurses identified a lack of regular training and insufficient exposure in electrocardiogram interpretation. Hence, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, more research is needed to develop a standardized and comprehensive electrocardiogram interpretation tool, thereby allowing educators to safely assess nurses’ competency.

Impact

This review addressed questions related to nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation. The findings highlight varying competency levels and assessment methods. Nurses reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in interpreting electrocardiograms. There is an urgent need to explore opportunities to promote and maintain nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation.
Populist Radical Right Parties' Impact on European Foreign Aid Spending
Authors: Hackenesch Christine , Högl Maximilian , Öhler Hannes , Burni Aline
Published: January 2022

Since the early 2000s, populist radical right parties (PRRPs) have more than doubled their electoral support in Europe. Previous research found that PRRPs impact migration policy. However, little is known about whether they also impact other fields of domestic and foreign policy. Using a cross‐country panel analysis, we test to what extent the rise of PRRPs has influenced European foreign aid spending. We find that while the rise of PRRPs has not been associated with an overall reduction in foreign aid, it has led to changes in how aid moneys are spent. PRRP strength is linked to a higher share of aid for migration‐containment objectives, and less aid for addressing climate change and for multilateral organizations. Our analysis thereby provides evidence that the ‘electoral threat’ of PRRPs puts mainstream parties under pressure not only with regard to migration but also in relation to the climate–development nexus and aid for multilateralism.
Posterior minimally invasive full‐veneers: Effect of ceramic thicknesses, bonding substrate, and preparation designs on failure‐load and ‐mode after fatigue
Authors: Gierthmuehlen Petra C. , Jerg Annika , Fischer Johannes Benjamin , Bonfante Estevam A. , Spitznagel Frank A.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of ceramic thicknesses, bonding surface (enamel vs. dentin), and preparation design (box vs. no box) on the fatigue survival and failure load of minimally invasive full‐veneer restorations.

Materials and Methods

Human‐premolars (n = 60) were divided into five test groups (n = 12). All teeth received full‐veneer preparation with the following occlusal/labial thicknesses: standard: 1.5/0.8 mm; thin: 1.0/0.6 mm; ultrathin 0.5/0.4 mm. Preparations for each ceramic thickness were refined in enamel (E‐1.0 and E‐0.5) or dentin (D‐1.5, D‐1.0, and D‐0.5). Control groups DB‐1.5, EB‐1.0, and EB‐0.5 received box preparations. Monolithic lithium disilicate restorations (IPS‐e.max‐Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) were adhesively cemented (Syntac‐Classic/Variolink‐II, Ivoclar Vivadent) and subjected to cyclic mechanical loading (F = 49 N, 1.2 million cycles) with simultaneous thermocycling (5–55°C). All specimens were exposed to single load‐to‐failure. Pair‐wise differences were calculated by using a linear regression model and Student–Newman–Keuls method (p < 0.05).

Results

All full‐veneers of group D‐1.5, E‐1.0, E‐0.5, DB‐1.5, EB‐1.0, and EB‐0.5 survived fatigue. Two full‐veneers (D‐1.0 and D‐0.5) revealed cracks during fatigue, resulting in an overall fatigue survival rate of 98.1%. Mean load‐to‐failure values (N) were as followed: 1005 (D‐1.5); 866 (D‐1.0); 816 (D‐0.5); 1495 (E‐1.0); 1279 (E‐0.5); 1129 (DB‐1.5); 1087 (EB‐1.0); and 833 (EB‐0.5). Irrespective of ceramic thicknesses, enamel‐based full‐veneers resulted in higher failure loads than dentin‐based restorations. Box preparation reduced the failure loads of thin and ultrathin enamel‐based restorations.

Conclusion

All tested monolithic lithium disilicate full‐veneer restorations exceeded physiological masticatory forces. Minimally invasive full‐veneer restorations with enamel as a bonding surface and a non‐retentive preparation design showed superior performance.

Clinical Significance

Enamel‐based non‐retentive full‐veneers made of monolithic lithium disilicate may serve as a reliable and esthetical minimally invasive treatment option for premolars.
Autophagy modulation in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss L. and resistance to experimental infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Liu Juan‐Ting , Pham Phuc H. , Lumsden John S.
Published: January 2022

Previously, rainbow trout fed deoxynivalenol (DON) or partially fed (pair‐fed) for 4 weeks before and during experimental infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum had significantly decreased mortality rates. Similar results were obtained in the present study after 12 days, but not after 6 days, feeding 5 ppm DON or pair‐fed before infection. Furthermore, feeding 250 ppm chloroquine (CQ) also reduced mortality (p = .052) compared with controls and may have promise for treatment of some fish disease. Parallel groups of fish were maintained on the respective treatments for 15 days, with an additional group that was fasted, but were not infected to monitor autophagy. Fish that were fasted or fed DON had significantly increased LC3II in the liver and fasted fish had significantly decreased LC3II in muscle compared with controls using western blot. There was no difference in LC3II signal in the spleen of any treatment group. Fish that were fasted or pair‐fed had significant up‐regulation of the Atg genes atg4, atg7, lc3, gabarap and atg12 in muscle using quantitative PCR. Less alteration of Atg expression was seen in liver. Fish treated with CQ had significantly increased expression of atg4, becn1, lc3 and atg12 in the liver. Fish fed DON for 15 days had few alterations of Atg genes in either the liver or muscle. It is still not clear if autophagy is responsible for the resistance of rainbow trout fed DON, CQ or pair‐fed before F. psychrophilum infection.
Allele‐aware chromosome‐scale assembly of the allopolyploid genome of hexaploid Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro)
Authors: Zheng Yushan , Yang Deming , Rong Jundong , Chen Liguang , Zhu Qiang , He Tianyou , Chen Lingyan , Ye Jing , Fan Lili , Gao Yubang , Zhang Hangxiao , Gu Lianfeng
Published: January 2022

Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro is a woody clumping bamboo with rapid shoot growth. Both genetic transformation and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing techniques are available for D. latiflorus, enabling reverse genetic approaches. Thus, D. latiflorus has the potential to be a model bamboo species. However, the genome sequence of D. latiflorus has remained unreported due to its polyploidy and large genome size. Here, we sequenced the D. latiflorus genome and assembled it into three allele‐aware subgenomes (AABBCC), representing the largest genome of a major bamboo species. We assembled 70 allelic chromosomes (2, 737 Mb) for hexaploid D. latiflorus using both single‐molecule sequencing from the Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel platform and chromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi‐C). Repetitive sequences comprised 52.65% of the D. latiflorus genome. We annotated 135 231 protein‐coding genes in the genome based on transcriptomes from eight different tissues. Transcriptome sequencing using RNA‐Seq and PacBio single‐molecule real‐time long‐read isoform sequencing revealed highly differential alternative splicing (AS) between non‐abortive and abortive shoots, suggesting that AS regulates the abortion rate of bamboo shoots. This high‐quality hexaploid genome and comprehensive strand‐specific transcriptome datasets for this Poaceae family member will pave the way for bamboo research using D. latiflorus as a model species.
Models and methods to study Schwann cells
Authors: Negro Samuele , Pirazzini Marco , Rigoni Michela
Published: January 2022

Schwann cells (SCs) are fundamental components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of all vertebrates and play essential roles in development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves. There are distinct populations of SCs including: (1) myelinating SCs that ensheath axons by a specialized plasma membrane, called myelin, which enhances the conduction of electric impulses; (2) non‐myelinating SCs, including Remak SCs, which wrap bundles of multiple axons of small caliber, and perysinaptic SCs (PSCs), associated with motor axon terminals at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). All types of SCs contribute to PNS regeneration through striking morphological and functional changes in response to nerve injury, are affected in peripheral neuropathies and show abnormalities and a diminished plasticity during aging. Therefore, methodological approaches to study and manipulate SCs in physiological and pathophysiological conditions are crucial to expand the present knowledge on SC biology and to devise new therapeutic strategies to counteract neurodegenerative conditions and age‐derived denervation. We present here an updated overview of traditional and emerging methodologies for the study of SCs for scientists approaching this research field.
The Mediating Role of Home–School Dissonance in Linking Maternal Discrimination to Latin American‐Origin Adolescent Academic Performance
Authors: Partovi Roushanac , Calzada Esther J. , Roche Kathleen M. , Little Todd D. , Sanchez Roman Maria Jose
Published: January 2022

Latin American‐origin parents play an important role in supporting the formal education of their youth, but cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers make parent involvement difficult. The aim of the present study was to examine how Latina mothers’ experiences with discrimination were associated with short‐term changes in their adolescent children’s academic performance, directly and indirectly through mothers’ appraisal of home–school dissonance. Data were drawn from an ongoing longitudinal study of 547 mother–youth dyads in suburban Atlanta. Results showed a significant indirect relationship between mothers’ experiences of discrimination and declines in adolescents’ grade point average by way of increased home–school dissonance. Thus, Latina mothers’ discriminatory experiences may have spillover effects on adolescent academic achievement through increasing proximal barriers to parent involvement.
Border enforcement and the sorting and commuting patterns of Hispanics
Authors: Cho Heepyung
Published: January 2022

I analyze the effects of immigration enforcement by the US Border Patrol on the sorting and commuting patterns of Hispanics. Using a regression discontinuity design based on a 100‐Mile Border Zone, which permits Border Patrol agents to conduct warrantless searches within 100 air miles of the US border, I find that the share of Hispanics in southwestern states increases outside the Border Zone. This sorting effect disappears, however, when focusing on within‐county differences in shares of Hispanics. I also find no significant commuting effect on Hispanics at the 100‐mile cutoff. On the contrary, I show that Hispanics near Border Patrol checkpoints exhibit significantly different commuting patterns, where a 1 percentage point rise in Hispanic share is associated with a 0.08 percentage point decrease in the probability of commuting toward checkpoints and a 0.2 mile decrease in the average commute distance.
Somatic, psychological and economic benefits of regular physical activity beginning in childhood
Authors: Fitzgerald Samuel A , Fitzgerald Hugh T , Fitzgerald Nicholas M , Fitzgerald Timothy R , Fitzgerald Dominic A
Published: January 2022

Physical activity is a natural part of a healthy life‐style, which should be nurtured from early childhood. Regular physical activity mitigates against the global problems of overweight and obesity, hypertension, anxiety and depression. It lowers the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and provides hope for sustainable economics to support an ageing population into their retirement. This is preventative health economics that can be achieved with integrated support from families, communities, health‐care professionals and governments at all levels. At present, children lack the support of those responsible for them at a societal level to adequately protect them from the physical and emotional consequences of reduced physical activity.
The possible fates of Fragilariopsis cylindrus (polar diatom) cells exposed to prolonged darkness
Authors: Sciandra Théo , Forget Marie‐Hélène , Bruyant Flavienne , Béguin Marine , Lacour Thomas , Bowler Chris , Babin Marcel
Published: January 2022

At high latitudes, the polar night poses a great challenge to photosynthetic organisms that must survive up to six months without light. Numerous studies have already shed light on the physiological changes involved in the acclimation of microalgae to prolonged darkness and subsequent re‐illumination. However, these studies have never considered inter‐individual variability because they have mainly been conducted with bulk measurements. On the other hand, such long periods are likely to impact within‐population selection processes. In this study, we hypothesized that distinct subpopulations with specific traits may emerge during acclimation of a population of diatoms to darkness. We addressed this hypothesis using flow cytometry (FCM), which allow to individually characterize large numbers of cells. The ecologically dominant polar pennate diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus was subjected to three dark acclimation (DA) experiments of one, three, and five months duration, during which all cultures showed signs of recovery once light became available again. Our results suggest that darkness survival of F. cylindrus relies on reduction of metabolic activity and consumption of carbon reserves. In addition, FCM allowed us to record three different causes of death, each shared by significant numbers of individuals. The first rendered cells were unable to survive the stress caused by the return to light, probably due to a lack of sufficient photoprotective defenses. The other two were observed in two subpopulations of cells whose physiological state deviated from the original population. The data suggest that starvation and failure to maintain dormancy were the cause of cell mortality in these two subpopulations.
Dietary management of chronic enteropathy in dogs
Authors: Tolbert M. K. , Murphy M. , Gaylord L. , Witzel‐Rollins A.
Published: January 2022

Chronic idiopathic enteropathy is a clinical condition defined by the exclusion of infectious, metabolic or neoplastic causes of gastrointestinal signs and is categorised by a response to treatment including management with diet change, immunosuppressant medication or interventions that directly target the microbiome (e.g. antibiotics, faecal transplantation or probiotics). Animals that fail these therapies are categorised as non‐responsive or refractory chronic idiopathic enteropathy. This specific categorisation implies that nutritional intervention is only needed for a subset of patients with enteropathy. However, often dogs with chronic idiopathic enteropathy are malnourished, have nutrient malabsorption or have gastrointestinal inflammation that occurs as a result of a breakdown in tolerance to luminal antigens including microorganism or dietary components. Thus, all dogs with chronic idiopathic enteropathy benefit from a nutritional assessment and targeted nutritional intervention. Among dogs presenting for chronic idiopathic enteropathy, the response rate to diet alone is roughly 50% in the referral population giving the impression that the overall response could be even higher especially when more than one nutritional intervention is attempted and strict adherence is maintained. The objectives of this review article are to outline the nutritional approach to a dog with chronic idiopathic enteropathy, including the nutritional assessment, and to highlight areas for nutritional intervention.