bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The match-up hypotheses revisited: matching social judgments and advertising messaging in celebrity endorsements
Authors: Bauer Brittney C. , Carlson Brad D. , Johnson Clark D.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Although endorsers are thought to be highly effective when they match-up with a product, the current understanding of endorser match-up offers little insight for distinctions between equally attractive and trustworthy endorsers who have equivalent expertise in the product category, yet still diverge in their performance. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to understand how a match between social judgments (i.e. warmth vs competence) of a celebrity endorser and specific advertising appeals (i.e. symbolic vs utilitarian) can improve consumer responses to an endorsement.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary study empirically distinguishes perceptions of warmth and competence from prevailing celebrity endorser evaluative criteria. Then, the authors conduct multiple 2 (warmth vs competence) × 2 (symbolic vs utilitarian) between-subjects experiments to demonstrate the effect of matching social judgments and advertising messaging, across celebrity genders (i.e. male and female), forms of marketing communications (i.e. print ads and interactive online ads) and types of brands (i.e. well-established and new/unknown).

Findings

The findings demonstrate that matching celebrity endorser social judgments with the appropriate type of advertising messaging positively influences consumer response to the brand for both male and female endorsers. Additionally, despite a commonly held belief that celebrity endorsements are more effective at changing attitudes than actual behaviors, for interactive online ads, the authors find that the match strategy can motivate consumer response through two different pathways. For well-established brands, the match improves overall brand response predominately through cognitive and behavioral mechanisms. Alternatively, for new or unknown brands, the match initially impacts affective responses, which are subsequently related to consumers shopping a brand’s product category, rating a brand higher in customer recommendations, choosing a brand’s products over top competitors and paying more for the brand’s offerings.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is the demonstrated support for an alternative and effective application of the match-up hypothesis, based on a fit between the endorser and the advertising messaging itself.
Determination of the world stock indices' co-movements by association rule mining
Authors: Kartal Burcu , Sert Mehmet Fatih , Kutlu Melih
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide preliminary information to the investor by determining which indices co-movement, with the data mining method.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, data sets containing daily opening and closing prices between 2001 and 2019 have been created for 11 stock market indexes in the world. The association rule algorithm, one of the data mining techniques, is used in the analysis of the data.

Findings

It is observed that the US stock market indices take part in the highest confidence levels between association rules. The XU100 stock index co-movement with both the European stock market indices and the US stock indices. In addition, the Hang Seng Index (HSI) (Hong Kong) takes part in the association rules of all stock market indices.

Originality/value

The important issue for data sets is that the opening/closing values of the same day or the previous day are taken into account according to the open or closed status of other stock market indices by taking the opening time of the stock exchange index to be created. Therefore, data sets are arranged for each stock market index, separately. As a result of this data set arranging process, it is possible to find out co-movements of the stock market indexes. It is proof that the world stock indices have co-movement, and this continues as a cycle.
Information needs and information-seeking behaviour of maritime students: a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method
Authors: Chlomoudis Constantinos , Konstantinou Anastasia , Kostagiolas Petros , Pallis Petros
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Digital information seeking behavior incorporates the effective information seeking, retrieving and using in maritime studies. Moreover, digital information literacy skills support the employment of digital tools and information databases for decision making and for performing specific tasks online. The main aim of this paper is to explore the relevant research for the information needs and information seeking behaviour of maritime students.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review over scholarly publications in English language over the last decade was performed through PRISMA method.

Findings

The systematic literature review resulted to 22 related publications that are consistent with the criteria of the systematic literature review. These publications are analysed and discussed. The need for further research in the area of information seeking behaviour of students of maritime studies as well as of digital information literacy is exposed.

Originality/value

This work explores the behavioural patterns surrounding the central role of information for maritime students as well as for decision-making in the maritime sector. Digital information literacy competencies are discussed in order to be included in the curricula of maritime studies.
Subsequent perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with two consecutive pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Guo Yanni , Xu Xia , Xu Weijiao , Liao Tingting , Liang Jie , Yan Jianying
Published: April 2022

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. We aimed to explore the different outcomes of women with two consecutive pregnancies with GDM.

Methods

This study included 861 women with recurrent GDM who had two consecutive singleton deliveries at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between May 2012 and September 2020. Data on pregnancy complications and neonatal and delivery outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Among those women with recurrent GDM, there was no difference in pregnancy complications in index pregnancy vs subsequent pregnancy. Our data revealed there was a significantly higher incidence of thyroid disease in the subsequent pregnancies than in the index pregnancy. (6% vs 10%, p = .003)In subsequent pregnancies, the birth weight was greater than that of the index pregnancy (3296.63 ± 16.85 vs 3348.99 ± 16.05, p = .025); and the incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) was higher than that of the index pregnancy (16.3% vs 20.6%, p = .021). More cesarean sections occurred in the subsequent pregnancy. (32.9% vs 6.6%, p = .039). Postpartum hemorrhage, premature birth, and placental abruption were not significantly different between the two pregnancies.

Conclusions

The results suggest the effect of GDM on thyroid dysfunction may be persistent. Recurrent gestational diabetes results in a higher rate of cesarean delivery, incidence of LGA, and neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in subsequent pregnancies. We need to pay attention to the postpartum thyroid function of pregnant women with GDM. Further studies are still needed on recurrent GDM to reduce this occurrence of admission to NICU.
High‐throughput sequencing reveals soil bacterial community structure and their interactions with environmental factors of the grassland fairy ring
Authors: Wang Jun‐xia , Liu Shan‐shan , Han Shou‐yan , Wang Ai‐ying
Published: April 2022

Fairy rings (FRs) are common ecological grassland landscapes that have been studied for a long time. However, little is known about their interactions with soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities. This study performed high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3–V4 variable regions of soil bacteria in the three concentric zones of chosen FR, namely, the ON zone, on the ring; IN zone, inside the ring; and OUT zone, outside the ring. Also, the change in physicochemical properties and enzyme activities of the soil were determined. This study found that the nutrients and enzyme activities on the ring were higher than inside and outside of the ring. The activities of microorganisms were frequent and the plant grew splendidly. The bacterial species diversity was the lowest on the ring with the main genera Pseudonocardia, Streptosporangium, Kribbella and Promicromonospora. The imbalance of the microbial community structure at different ring zones may be the driving factor for the continuous outward expansion of FRs. Soil available phosphorus, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and organic matter positively correlated with the distribution of FR soil bacteria.
Epidemiology and management of abdominal injuries in children
Authors: Chaudhari Pradip P. , Rodean Jonathan , Spurrier Ryan G. , Hall Matt , Marin Jennifer R. , Ramgopal Sriram , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Shah Samir S. , Freedman Stephen B. , Cohen Eyal , Morse Rustin B. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: April 2022

Background

Although more guideline‐adherent care has been described in pediatric compared to adult trauma centers, we aimed to provide a more detailed characterization of management and resource utilization of children with intra‐abdominal injury (IAI) within pediatric centers. Our primary objective was to describe the epidemiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management of children with IAI across U.S. children's hospitals. Our secondary objective was to describe the interhospital variation in surgical management of children with IAI.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 33 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. We included children aged <18 years evaluated in the emergency department from 2010 to 2019 with IAI, as defined by ICD coding, and who underwent an abdominal computed tomography (CT). Our primary outcome was abdominal surgery. We categorized IAI by organ system and described resource utilization data. We used generalized linear regression to calculate adjusted hospital‐level proportions of abdominal surgery, with a random effect for hospital.

Results

We studied 9265 children with IAI. Median (IQR) age was 9.0 (6.0–13.0) years. Abdominal surgery was performed in 16% (n = 1479) of children, with the lowest proportion of abdominal surgery observed in children aged <5 years. Liver (38.6%) and spleen (32.1%) were the most common organs injured. A total of 3.1% of children with liver injuries and 2.8% with splenic injuries underwent abdominal surgery. Although there was variation in rates of surgery across hospitals (p < 0.001), only three of 33 hospitals had rates that were statistically different from the aggregate mean of 16%.

Conclusions

Most children with IAI are managed nonoperatively, and most children's hospitals manage children with IAI similarly. These data can be used to inform future benchmarking efforts across hospitals to assess concordance with guidelines for the management of children with IAI.
Ectopic accumulation of ceramide in cardiomyocytes modulates alcoholic cardiomyopathy via the TLR4‐dependent pathway
Authors: Wang Cui , Li Songtao , Liu Qingsheng , Qian Qianyu , Fu Ai , Chen Lin , Zhang Lei , Suzaki Toshinobu , Yu ZhiLing , Dou Xiaobing
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Excessive alcohol consumption predisposes drinkers to develop alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Although cardiomyocyte loss is the hallmark of cardiomyopathy, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study examined the potential mechanism of alcohol‐induced cardiomyocyte death in a mouse model of alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We established the alcoholic cardiomyopathy mouse model using C57BL/6J mice and confirmed it via echocardiography and histological examination. The cardiac ceramide content and profile were analyzed with a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer. The molecular mechanism underlying the accumulation of ceramide due to chronic alcohol consumption and ceramide‐induced cardiomyocyte death were investigated by in vivo and in vitro models. Finally, we established a TLR4 mutation model to explore the function of TLR4 in CH3/HeJ mice.

Results

Cardiac lipotoxicity that followed alcohol exposure resulted mainly in C16:0‐, C18:0‐, and C24:1‐ceramide aggregation. Genes encoding the sphingosine hydrolysis enzymes (SMPD1 and SMPD2) rather than de novo synthetic biomarkers were markedly upregulated. Exogenous ceramide mimics (C6‐ceramide) werenderlying the accumulation of ceramide observed to cause H9C2 cardiomyocyte‐like cell death, which was consistent with results under palmate acid (PA) treatment. As a ceramide precursor, PA induces intracellular ceramide generation through TLR4 signaling, which can be abolished by an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of TLR4 attenuated PA‐induced cell death and corresponding ceramide production. Moreover, global mutation of TLR4 in CH3/HeJ mice significantly reduced the accumulation of C24:0, C24:1, OH_C24:1, and total ceramide following alcohol challenge.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that ceramide accumulation plays a crucial role in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, effects that are partially mediated through the TLR4‐dependent pathway.
Environmental drivers of taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles across a chronosequence of tropical grasslands with different cattle grazing removal ages
Authors: Correa César M. A. , da Silva Pedro Giovâni
Published: April 2022

Livestock is a globally widespread farming practice, with benefits and harms for biodiversity. Biodiversity responses to vegetation and soil conditions associated with cattle grazing removal are poorly understood in tropical grassy ecosystems, especially in a long‐term chronosequence. In this study, we aimed to identify the main drivers of local conditions on dung beetle taxonomic and functional diversity across a chronosequence of natural grasslands with different cattle grazing removal ages. We expect that vegetation and soil variables associated with environmental changes caused by longer time after cattle grazing removal will drive the taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles. We sampled dung beetles and recorded local environmental filters (vegetation and soil variables) in 14 natural grasslands with distinct cattle grazing removal ages (from 3 months to 22 years) and also in 10 reference sites (with cattle grazing). We used structural equation models to evaluate the relationships between the most informative explanations (vegetation and soil variables) of dung beetle taxonomic and functional metrics. Our results provide evidences that local conditions related to vegetation and soil variables in natural grasslands affect the taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles differently. Soil conditions (compaction and silt content) had more influence, mostly negative, on taxonomic metrics, while vegetation complexity had more influence on functional metrics, with positive or negative effects depending on the functional metric evaluated. Understanding the temporal change in vegetation and soil conditions can shed light on the process of recovering biodiversity and ecosystem functions in areas with different times of abandonment of livestock farming. Finally, using taxonomic and functional approaches together can also help to better understand how organisms are responding to the process of abandoning livestock farming over time.
The incidence, hospitalisations and deaths in acutely ill children with dysnatraemias
Authors: Lehtiranta Saara , Honkila Minna , Anttila Silja , Huhtamäki Heikki , Pokka Tytti , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the incidence, hospitalisations and deaths in acutely ill children with dysnatraemias.

Methods

This was a register‐based cohort study of 46 518 acutely ill children aged <16 years who visited a paediatric emergency department. Risk factors were assessed using two nested case–control studies.

Results

Moderate to severe hypernatraemia occurred in 92 children (0.20%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16%–0.24%) and moderate to severe hyponatraemia in 131 children (0.28%; 95% CI: 0.24%–0.33%). Underlying medical conditions increased the risk of both moderate to severe hypernatraemia (odds ratio [OR]: 17; 95% 5.5–51) and moderate to severe hyponatraemia (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 2.0–5.9). The use of a feeding tube (OR: 14; 95% CI: 3.2–66) and intellectual disability (OR: 7.3; 95% CI: 3.0–18) was associated with moderate to severe hypernatraemia. The risk of death was associated with moderate to severe hypernatraemia (OR: 19; 95% CI: 2.0–2564) and moderate to severe hyponatraemia (OR: 33; 95% CI: 3.7–4311).

Conclusions

Severe dysnatraemias were more prevalent in acutely ill children with underlying medical conditions and were markedly associated with the risk for death.
Functional and quality of life outcomes of localised prostate cancer treatments (Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment [ProtecT] study)
Authors: Lane Janet Athene , Donovan Jenny L. , Young Grace J. , Davis Michael , Walsh Eleanor I. , Avery Kerry N.L. , Blazeby Jane M. , Mason Malcolm D. , Martin Richard M. , Peters Tim J. , Turner Emma L. , Wade Julia , Bollina Prasad , Catto James W.F. , Doherty Alan , Gillatt David , Gnanapragasam Vincent , Hughes Owen , Kockelbergh Roger , Kynaston Howard , Oxley Jon , Paul Alan , Paez Edgar , Rosario Derek J. , Rowe Edward , Staffurth John , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Metcalfe Chris ,   for the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) Study Group
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of treatments for localised prostate cancer and inform treatment decision‐making.

Patients and Methods

Men aged 50–69 years diagnosed with localised prostate cancer by prostate‐specific antigen testing and biopsies at nine UK centres in the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) trial were randomised to, or chose one of, three treatments. Of 2565 participants, 1135 men received active monitoring (AM), 750 a radical prostatectomy (RP), 603 external‐beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with concurrent androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) and 77 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (BT, not a randomised treatment). Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) completed annually for 6 years were analysed by initial treatment and censored for subsequent treatments. Mixed effects models were adjusted for baseline characteristics using propensity scores.

Results

Treatment‐received analyses revealed different impacts of treatments over 6 years. Men remaining on AM experienced gradual declines in sexual and urinary function with age (e.g., increases in erectile dysfunction from 35% of men at baseline to 53% at 6 years and nocturia similarly from 20% to 38%). Radical treatment impacts were immediate and continued over 6 years. After RP, 95% of men reported erectile dysfunction persisting for 85% at 6 years, and after EBRT this was reported by 69% and 74%, respectively (P < 0.001 compared with AM). After RP, 36% of men reported urinary leakage requiring at least 1 pad/day, persisting for 20% at 6 years, compared with no change in men receiving EBRT or AM (P < 0.001). Worse bowel function and bother (e.g., bloody stools 6% at 6 years and faecal incontinence 10%) was experienced by men after EBRT than after RP or AM (P < 0.001) with lesser effects after BT. No treatment affected mental or physical QoL.

Conclusion

Treatment decision‐making for localised prostate cancer can be informed by these 6‐year functional and QoL outcomes.
Independent distribution between tauopathy secondary to subacute sclerotic panencephalitis and measles virus: An immunohistochemical analysis in autopsy cases including cases treated with aggressive antiviral therapies
Authors: Miyahara Hiroaki , Akagi Akio , Riku Yuichi , Sone Jun , Otsuka Yasushi , Sakai Motoko , Kuru Satoshi , Hasegawa Masato , Yoshida Mari , Kakita Akiyoshi , Iwasaki Yasushi
Published: April 2022

Subacute sclerotic panencephalitis (SSPE) is a refractory neurological disorder after exposure to measles virus. Recently, SSPE cases have been treated with antiviral therapies, but data on the efficacy are inconclusive. Abnormal tau accumulation has been reported in the brain tissue of SSPE cases, but there are few reports in which this is amply discussed. Five autopsied cases diagnosed as definite SSPE were included in this study. The subject age or disease duration ranged from 7.6 to 40.9 years old or from 0.5 to 20.8 years, respectively. Cases 3 and 4 had been treated with antiviral therapies. All evaluated cases showed marked brain atrophy with cerebral ventricle dilatation; additionally, marked demyelination with fibrillary gliosis were observed in the cerebral white matter. The brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord were relatively preserved. Immunoreactivity (IR) against measles virus was seen in the brainstem tegmentum, neocortex, and/or limbic cortex of the untreated cases but was rarely seen in the two treated cases. Activated microglia were broadly observed from the cerebrum to the spinal cord and had no meaningful difference among cases. Neurofibrillary tangles characterized by a combination of 3‐ and 4‐repeat tau were observed mainly in the oculomotor nuclei, locus coeruleus, and limbic cortex. IR against phosphorylated tau was seen mainly in the cingulate gyrus, oculomotor nuclei, and pontine tegmentum, and tended to be observed frequently in cases with long disease durations but also tended to decrease along with neuronal loss, as in Case 5, which had the longest disease duration. Since the distribution of phosphorylated tau was independent from that of measles virus, the tauopathy following SSPE was inferred to be the result of diffuse brain inflammation triggered by measles rather than a direct result of measles virus. Moreover, antiviral therapies seemed to suppress measles virus but not the progression of tauopathy.
PHOSPHATE exporter XPR1/SLC53A1 is required for the tumorigenicity of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Akasu‐Nagayoshi Yoko , Hayashi Tomoatsu , Kawabata Ayako , Shimizu Naomi , Yamada Ai , Yokota Naoko , Nakato Ryuichiro , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Okamoto Aikou , Akiyama Tetsu
Published: April 2022

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer‐related death in women. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a chemotherapy‐resistant epithelial ovarian cancer with poor prognosis. As a basis for the development of therapeutic agents that could improve the prognosis of OCCC, we performed a screen for proteins critical for the tumorigenicity of OCCC using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Here we show that knockdown of the phosphate exporter XPR1/SLC53A1 induces the growth arrest and apoptosis of OCCC cells in vitro. Moreover, we show that knockdown of XPR1/SLC53A1 inhibits the proliferation of OCCC cells xenografted into immunocompromised mice. These results suggest that XPR1/SLC53A1 plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of OCCC cells. We speculate that XPR1/SLC53A1 might be a promising molecular target for the therapeutic treatment of OCCC.
Comparing high school students' attitudes towards borrowing for higher education in England and the United States: Who are the most loan averse?
Authors: Boatman Angela , Callender Claire , Evans Brent
Published: April 2022

Student borrowing is a major higher education public policy issue, with students in both England and the United States increasingly relying on loans to finance postsecondary education. Our paper examines prospective higher education students' attitudes towards debt in England and the United States. It exploits a unique dataset which allows us to compare students' responses to similar surveys conducted in both countries during the same time period. Our study is the first of its kind to explore how students' borrowing attitudes differ across the two countries. It confirms widespread loan aversion among prospective higher education students in both countries. But students in the United States are more debt averse than their peers in England. These debt averse attitudes also predict lower intentions to pursue higher education, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in access. We consider how these attitudes to borrowing are likely shaped by each country's distinctive student loan system. We conclude that the design of loans matters. England's income‐contingent loan repayments, in contrast to North America's mortgage style repayments, make borrowing less risky and reduce the impact of loan aversion on participation decisions, while borrowing is more common, and the system less complicated, in England. Thus, there are lessons for other countries considering introducing student loans or reforming their provision. We contribute to the extant literature on the determinants of, and socioeconomic differences in, higher education participation and the overlooked role of student debt aversion.
Diverse pathways to neuronal necroptosis in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jayaraman Anusha , Reynolds Richard
Published: April 2022

Necroptosis, or programmed necrosis, involves the kinase activity of receptor interacting kinases 1 and 3, the activation of the pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain‐like and formation of a complex called the necrosome. It is one of the non‐apoptotic cell death pathways that has gained interest in the recent years, especially as a neuronal cell death pathway occurring in Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we focus our discussion on the various molecular mechanisms that could trigger neuronal death through necroptosis and have been shown to play a role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and neuroinflammation. We describe how each of these pathways, such as tumour necrosis factor signalling, reactive oxygen species, endosomal sorting complex, post‐translational modifications and certain individual molecules, is dysregulated or activated in Alzheimer's disease, and how this dysregulation/activation could trigger necroptosis. At the cellular level, many of these molecular mechanisms and pathways may act in parallel to synergize with each other or inhibit one another, and changes in the balance between them may determine different cellular vulnerabilities at different disease stages. However, from a therapeutic standpoint, it remains unclear how best to target one or more of these pathways, given that such diverse pathways could all contribute to necroptotic cell death in Alzheimer's disease.
Identification of a novel d‐amino acid aminotransferase involved in d‐glutamate biosynthetic pathways in the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Miyamoto Tetsuya , Moriya Toshiyuki , Katane Masumi , Saitoh Yasuaki , Sekine Masae , Sakai‐Kato Kumiko , Oshima Tairo , Homma Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

The hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima has an atypical peptidoglycan that contains d‐lysine alongside the usual d‐alanine and d‐glutamate. We previously identified a lysine racemase involved in d‐lysine biosynthesis, and this enzyme also possesses alanine racemase activity. However, T. maritima has neither alanine racemase nor glutamate racemase enzymes; hence, the precise biosynthetic pathways of d‐alanine and d‐glutamate remain unclear in T. maritima. In the present study, we identified and characterized a novel d‐amino acid aminotransferase (TM0831) in T. maritima. TM0831 exhibited aminotransferase activity towards 23 d‐amino acids, but did not display activity towards l‐amino acids. It displayed high specific activities towards d‐homoserine and d‐glutamine as amino donors. The most preferred acceptor was 2‐oxoglutarate, followed by glyoxylate. Additionally, TM0831 displayed racemase activity towards four amino acids including aspartate and glutamate. Catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for aminotransferase activity was higher than for racemase activity, and pH profiles were distinct between these two activities. To evaluate the functions of TM0831, we constructed a TTHA1643 (encoding glutamate racemase)‐deficient Thermus thermophilus strain (∆TTHA1643) and integrated the TM0831 gene into the genome of ∆TTHA1643. The growth of this TM0831‐integrated strain was promoted compared with ∆TTHA1643 and was restored to almost the same level as that of the wild‐type strain. These results suggest that TM0831 is involved in d‐glutamate production. TM0831 is a novel d‐amino acid aminotransferase with racemase activity that is involved in the production of d‐amino acids in T. maritima.
Is switchgrass good for carbon savings? Long‐term results in marginal land
Authors: Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter , Zanetti Federica , Di Virgilio Nicola , Monti Andrea
Published: April 2022

The cultivation of perennial crops in marginal land as a feedstock for renewable energy or bio‐based products constitutes a promising alternative to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions since they can be produced without land competition issues and with potentially significant amounts of belowground C storing. The objective of this study was to assess soil C storage capacity of switchgrass on a marginal land (poor soil with limited rooting depth on a hilly area) through a spatialized analysis derived from several soil samples. A significant increase in SOC was observed after 13 years. In general terms, SOC increased by 12 Mg C ha−1. The estimated switchgrass‐derived C was 12.7 (±5.3) Mg C ha−1. A significant positive correlation was observed between the C derived from switchgrass and SOC gain. The increased SOC along the field, however, was patchy, with the highest increments registered in the center of the field, while the lowest ones in the top and bottom of the hill. Soil N stocks have also increased along with the soil C storage, although no direct relationship with C derived from switchgrass was observed. Therefore, it could be stated that growing switchgrass in marginal land can be a valuable option to mitigate the risk of agricultural land abandonment while storing a significant amount of soil C.
Review: regulation on structure, rheological properties and aroma volatile compounds of fermented chickpea milk by enzymatic catalysis
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Shuai , Xie Bijun , Sun Zhida
Published: April 2022

The effects of enzymolysis with four different enzymes on the free amino acid content (FAA) and protein subunit composition (SDS‐PAGE) of chickpea milk, as well as the rheological behaviour, microstructure and aroma volatile compounds of fermented chickpea milk (FCM), were investigated. After enzymatic catalysis, 7S and 11SA globulin were all slightly degraded and a certain amount of free amino acids could be released. Moreover, FCM with enzymolysis possessed lower elastic modulus (G′) and viscous modulus (G″) than FCM. The SEM micromorphology and rheological characteristics of FCM hydrolysed with papain (C1 FCM) were substantially improved. Principal component analysis (PCA) results grounded on E‐nose can distinguish the flavour changes in FCM with enzymolysis to some extent. Totally, sixty‐six volatile aroma compounds were detected by GC‐MS. The varieties of volatile aroma compounds in C1 FCM (41) were more than that in FCM (24). These findings indicated that enzymolysis, especially with papain, could be used as an effective method to improve the structure, rheological characteristics and flavour of FCM.
Three‐dimensional printing of wheat flour and Acheta domesticus powder blends
Authors: Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Lee Ha Eun , Kim Yeojin , Kang Hye Jee , Kang Mi Dan , Kim Ji Yoon , Kim Jung Soo , Ezekiel Olufunke Oluseyi , Kim Won‐Chan , Lee Sung‐Joon , Moon Kwang‐Deog , Jung Young Hoon
Published: April 2022

Three‐dimensional printing (3DP), a novel food‐processing technique, may improve the aesthetic qualities of insect‐based products. In this study, structural and morphological properties of insect powder‐based bio‐inks with 0%–75% insect powder (IP) in wheat flour (WF) matrix were evaluated. Proximate composition, water absorption capacity, amino acids and degree of redness and yellowness increased (P < 0.05). Fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscope and 3D printability results showed good incorporation of IP and WF. Good viscoelastic properties were exhibited by the inks using 40% solid of 75% IP and 25% WF, and 50% solid of 50% IP and 50% WF. These samples showed comparable dimensions to the standard design and had good textural properties. Thus, 3DP can be effective in processing edible insects, improving the aesthetic quality and reducing consumer apathy.
Adaption of the Cancer Information Overload Scale for pandemics and assessment of infodemic levels among nurses and midwives
Authors: Fernandez Ritin , Green Heidi , Hobbs Cassandra , Loveday Clare , Almasi Elham , Middleton Rebekkah , Halcomb Elizabeth J , Moxham Lorna
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 aimed to adapt the Cancer Information Overload Scale and conduct content validity testing. Phase 2 aimed to conduct factorial validity testing of the scale. Phase 3 aimed to assess information overload and the sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up‐to‐date about COVID‐19.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey of nurses and midwives working in a metropolitan Local Health District in Sydney, Australia, was conducted from May to June 2020.

Methods

Adaptation of the Cancer Information Overload Scale and content validity of the modified scale (as the Pandemic Information Overload Scale) was undertaken by an expert panel comprising of senior nurses and researchers. Factorial validity and reliability of the Pandemic Information Overload Scale were evaluated using exploratory factor analyses using one subsample of the data. Using the second subsample of the data, information overload and sources of information used by nurses and midwives to keep up‐to‐date about COVID‐19 were examined.

Results

The Pandemic Information Overload Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring information overload among nurses during a pandemic. Its internal consistency was high (α = 0.81, M = 3.84).

Conclusion

The 8‐item PIO scale is a brief, reliable and psychometrically sound instrument for measuring nurses' and midwives' perceptions of information overload during COVID‐19. Mean scores across this study indicated that participants were experiencing above average information overload. Implementing strategies to reduce this overload would optimize clinical decision making and promote patient safety.
Awareness, attitude, and perceived anxiety about COVID‐19 in the Iranian population: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Ghasemi Mahsa , Roy Deblina , Shabani Mina , Singh Nitika , Pirzeh Reza , Kar Sujita Kumar
Published: April 2022

An emergence of mental health issues among the general population has been reported during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate COVID‐19 awareness, attitude, and perceived anxiety among the Iranian people. This is a cross‐sectional web‐based survey done on the community population of Iran. The sample population was recruited through purposive sampling. The study questionnaire was circulated through online platforms as a web link. A questionnaire used in previous research has been used after translation in a sample of 375 adults from Iran. The majority of the participants in the study have a favourable attitude towards hand washing, social distancing, self‐quarantine/isolation, and governmental policies regarding COVID‐19. Similarly, many people feel anxious about partying, traveling, meetings, online shopping, and social contact. Anxiety related to contracting COVID‐19 infection is reported in a larger populace. Most (> 80 percent) of the participants agree with the need for mental healthcare during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The Iranian population has a favorable attitude towards the prevention of COVID‐19. High anxiety and a perceived need for mental healthcare need in the community necessitates amelioration of mental healthcare during this challenging time.
The efficacy of the adjunct use of subgingival air‐polishing therapy with erythritol powder compared to conventional debridement alone during initial non‐surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Divnic‐Resnik Tihana , Pradhan Harold , Spahr Axel
Published: April 2022

Aim

To assess the efficacy of the adjunct use of a subgingival erythritol powder air‐polishing device (EPAP) in comparison to conventional subgingival instrumentation alone during initial non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one patients with generalized Stages 2 and 3 grade B periodontitis were included in this single centre, single blinded, split‐mouth, randomized clinical trial. Teeth on the control side were treated with conventional hand and ultrasonic instrumentation, while those on the contralateral test side was treated using EPAP as adjunct to conventional subgingival instrumentation with hand and ultrasonic instruments. Three months after initial instrumentation, persisting pockets of ≥4 mm were re‐treated, in both control and test sides, again with the respective treatment approach—subgingival instrumentation alone on control, and subgingival instrumentation + EPAP on test side. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing, and relative attachment level were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months following the initial instrumentation. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, immediately post surgery, as well as at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after initial instrumentation.

Results

In the test group after 6 months, a significantly larger number of initially deep pockets (PPD ≥ 5.5 mm) were reduced to shallow (PPD ≤ 3.4 mm), and a larger attachment gain was observed. No statistically significant microbiological differences could be found between test and control group.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the adjunct use of subgingival airflow therapy with EPAP during initial non‐surgical periodontal therapy might be beneficial in initially deep pockets (PPD ≥ 5.5 mm).
Review of dietary assessment studies conducted among Khmer populations living in Cambodia
Authors: Windus Janelle L. , Duncanson Kerith , Burrows Tracy L. , Collins Clare E. , Rollo Megan E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite economic growth, Cambodia continues to have high rates of malnutrition, anaemia and nutrition‐related deficiencies. Government policies promote nutrition strategies, although dietary intake data is limited. A detailed synthesis of existing intake data is needed to inform nutrition policy and practice change. This review aims to characterise and assess quality of dietary assessment methods and outcomes from individual‐level ‘whole diet’ studies of Khmer people living in Cambodia.

Methods

Searches were conducted using PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Included papers reported dietary intake at an individual level for ‘whole diet’. Studies using secondary data or lacking dietary assessment details were excluded. Extracted data included dietary assessment features, nutrient/food group intakes and database.

Results

Nineteen publications (15 studies) were included, with nine carried out among children under 5 years and six among women. Eleven studies reported intake by food groups and four by nutrients, prominently energy, protein, vitamin A, iron, calcium and zinc. Inconsistent intakes, food groupings and reporting of study characteristics limited data synthesis. All but one study used 24‐h recalls. Trained local fieldworkers used traditional interview‐administered data collection and varied portion estimation tools. Food composition databases for analysis were not tailored to the Cambodian diet. Overall quality was rated as ‘good’.

Conclusions

We recommend the development of a best‐practice protocol for conducting dietary assessment, a Cambodia‐specific food composition database and a competent trained workforce of nutrition professionals, with global support of expertise and funding for future dietary assessment studies conducted in Cambodia.
Potential use of native fruits waste from Argentina as nonconventional sources of cosmetic ingredients
Authors: Orqueda María Eugenia , Zampini Iris Catiana , Bravo Karent , Osorio Edison , Isla María Inés
Published: April 2022

Background

Collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzymes are overexpressed and overactive in the skin aging process and hydrolyze the components of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin; these enzymes produce the clinical framework of aging, which includes skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and inelasticity.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of waste from two Argentine native fruits, namely Ziziphus mistol, and red and orange varieties of Solanum betaceum, as sources of bioactive compounds.

Methods

Phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) from waste of Z. mistol and S. betaceum were obtained, and their total contents of phenolics and flavonoids were evaluated. The bioactive properties of the extracts were analyzed by measuring their antioxidant capacity and the inhibitory activity on collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzymes.

Results

The increased ability to inhibit the collagenase was demonstrated by the PEE of Z. mistol seeds and peel, while the enzyme elastase was mostly inhibited by extracts of S. betaceum skin. Z. mistol seed extract was the most active to inhibit hyaluronidase, reaching 96% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg GAE/mL. The most active extracts to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme were obtained from the peel of two varieties of chilto fruits, orange and red, and the mistol seed.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that Z. mistol and S. betaceum waste may be considered as a source of bioactive phenolics. Here, Argentine native fruits waste is presented as a most promising alternative in cosmetic products, with future uses such as hydrogels, creams, or lotions.
Impacts of sun protection and skin care habits in the biophysical and morphological properties of young men skin
Authors: Hugo Pacagnelli Infante Victor , Melo Maisa O. , Maia Campos Patrícia M. B. G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that UVB radiation may cause changes in the epidermal permeability barrier and in the stratum corneum hydration. It is also well known that sun exposure causes erythema, skin cancer, and other physiologic alterations. Furthermore, because of the cultural barrier, men usually apply less sunscreen.

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic use and sun protection habits of young men, correlating their lifestyle with the biophysical and morphological skin characteristics, as well as to study how skin unprotected sun exposure can affect these features even in young people.

Patients/Methods

60 participants between 18 and 28 years old were divided into two groups: with photoprotection habits (PP habits) and without photoprotection habits (No PP habits). They were questioned about their sunscreen and cosmetic products use. The skin parameters were evaluated using biophysical and skin imaging techniques.

Results and Conclusion

60% of the participants did not apply sunscreen often, and 80% did not consume other skin care products. No PP habits group presented an increase in the transepidermal water loss—TEWL and sebum level, as well as a reduction in the stratum corneum water content and dermis echogenicity. The skin characteristics evaluated in this study were correlated with the sun protection habits and skin care behavior showing that men face some sociocultural barrier to start the use of cosmetic products. Thus, it is important to consider this information for the dermatological clinical and development of cosmetic products for men's skin.
N6‐methyladenosine modification contributes to arecoline‐mediated oral submucosal fibrosis
Authors: Li Xia , Gao Yijun , Chen Wuya , Gu Yangcong , Song Jing , Zhang Jianming , Ai Yilong
Published: April 2022

Background

Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition that closely related to the habit of chewing betel nut. The OSF patients of 3%–19% may develop cancer, and this probability is increasing year by year. Epigenetics modifications have been reported as part of the pathogenesis of OSF. However, in OSF field, the role and mechanism of arecoline‐induced activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) signaling on N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of arecoline on m6A modification.

Methods

MeRIP‐Seq and RNA‐seq were performed in arecoline‐stimulated cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to detect the expression of m6A writers and erasers. CCK‐8 and flow cytometry analyses were performed to measure the cell viability and apoptosis.

Results

m6A level was increased in OSF tissues compared to normal tissues; arecoline promoted the m6A methyltransferase Mettl3 and Mettl14 through TGF‐β. MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq analyses found that MYC was the target gene of Mettl14. In addition, Mettl14 silence reversed the effects of arecoline on cell proliferation and apoptosis in Hacat cells.

Conclusion

TGF‐β‐METTL14‐m6A‐MYC axis was crucially implicated in arecoline‐mediated OSF and may be an effective therapeutic strategy for OSF treatment.
Impact of ulcerative colitis on liver‐related outcomes of children with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Sathiaseelan Mohana , Bolia Rishi , Barallon Raychel , Alex George , Hardikar Winita , Rajanayagam Jeremy
Published: April 2022

Aim

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive cholestatic disorder associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the inflammatory bowel disease phenotype has been characterised in patients with PSC, the impact of UC on the course and progression of PSC‐UC is less clear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of UC on liver‐related outcomes in children with PSC.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of children aged ≤18 years diagnosed with PSC with/without UC at a single tertiary paediatric liver unit between January 1998 and May 2016. Patients were followed up until transition to an adult service. Outcomes studied included biliary complications, clinically significant portal hypertension, need for liver transplantation and post‐transplantation recurrence.

Results

Fifty‐one children (31 female) were diagnosed with PSC (median age – 11.3 years (interquartile range 7)), follow‐up median duration 54 months (interquartile range 56). Thirty‐seven (73%) patients had concurrent UC, of which 26 had their diagnosis confirmed prior to or within 6 months of PSC diagnosis (early‐onset). PSC complications were more common in children with PSC‐UC compared with PSC alone (24/37 (65%) vs. 2/14 (14%); P = 0.001). Furthermore, children with endoscopically mild or moderate UC at diagnosis showed a greater propensity for liver‐related complications compared with children with severe UC (24/32 vs. 0/5; P = 0.003). Children with late‐onset UC had higher rates of clinically significant portal hypertension (5/11 (45%) vs. 3/26 (12%); P = 0.007) and liver transplantation (5/11(45%) vs. 2/26 (8%); P = 0.02). Children with PSC‐UC had significantly higher rates of pancolitis, rectal sparing and milder colitis than those with UC alone.

Conclusion

The presence and a later‐onset of UC are associated with more significant progression to end‐stage liver disease. There is an inverse trend between UC severity and PSC severity in children with concurrent PSC‐UC.