bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating role of institutional quality in shadow economy–pollution nexus in Nigeria
Authors: Dada James Temitope , Ajide Folorunsho M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study examines the moderating role institutional quality plays in shadow economy–environmental pollution nexus in Nigeria between 1984 and 2018. Further, the study also determines the threshold level of institutional quality that lessens shadow economy and abates environmental pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

Shadow economy is measured as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) using the currency demand approach while environmental pollution is proxy by carbon dioxide (CO2) per capita. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) is used as the estimation technique.

Findings

Results from the study show that shadow economy has a positive and significant effect on environmental pollution both in the short and long run, while institutional quality has a negative effect on environmental pollution. This reveals that shadow economy worsens environmental quality while institutional quality abates environmental pollution. The interactive term of shadow economy with institutional quality has a negative but insignificant effect on environmental pollution in the long run. It implies that institutional quality is weak to bring about significant reduction in shadow economy and environmental pollution. Further, the threshold level of institutional quality required to lessen the effect of shadow economy and abate environmental pollution is found to be 5.69 on an ordinal scale of 0–10.

Practical implications

Institutional quality in Nigeria is weak and needs to be strengthened up to the threshold level in order to effectively moderate the impact of shadow economy on environmental pollution.

Originality/value

The study addresses the perceived gap in the empirical literature on the emerging role of strong institution in abating environmental pollution in Nigeria. It also develops a threshold level of institutional quality capable of mediating the negative impact of shadow economy on environmental pollution. This empirical contribution is largely missing in the context of Nigeria.
Determination of sugar content in Lingwu jujube by NIR–hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Liu Guishan , He Jianguo , Kang Ningbo , Yuan Ruirui , Fan Naiyun
Published: March 2021

Near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR‐HSI) with a spectral range of 900 to 1700 nm was for the first time used to predict the changes of sugar content in Lingwu jujube during storage. Monte Carlo method was adopted to detect outliers, and multiple scattering correction (MSC), standard normal variate transformation (SNV), and Baseline were used to optimize modeling. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), interval variable iterative space shrinkage approach (iVISSA), and interval random frog (IRF) were used to select optimal wavelengths. In addition, partial least square regression (PLSR) and support vector machine (SVM) modeling based on optimal wavelengths were compared. The results showed that 30, 30, and 24 wavelengths were selected by CARS; 106, 87, and 112 feature wavelengths were selected by iVISSA; and 96, 71, and 83 optimal wavelengths were selected by IRF for sucrose, fructose, and glucose, respectively. The CARS–PLSR models provided the best results for fructose and glucose, and iVISSA–SVM model was better for sucrose. The results indicated that NIR–HSI model may be used as a rapid and nondestructive method for the determination of sugar content in jujubes.
Is methotrexate hepatotoxicity associated with cumulative dose? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Azzam Ali , Jiyad Zainab , O’Beirne James
Published: March 2021

Background/objective

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in various medical specialties. However, hepatotoxicity is an ongoing concern and this is thought to be directly associated with cumulative dose. We sought to synthesise the published literature to evaluate the association between methotrexate hepatotoxicity and cumulative dose.

Methods

A systematic review of Medline (PubMed) EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library was performed. Full texts of articles were examined, and excluded articles were recorded with reasons for exclusion. A meta‐analysis of correlation coefficients was performed using Fisher's z‐transformation and a random effects model. Cochran’s Q‐test and the I2 statistic were calculated to assess heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Measures of hepatotoxicity were highly varied and included liver biopsy, elastography, FibroTest, biochemical tests and scoring systems (Fib‐4, APRI, AST:ALT). Some studies analysed for the association with MTX cumulative dose using more than one modality. Overall, 38 analyses found no significant association between MTX cumulative dose and hepatoxicity vs eight that identified a significant association. The pooled correlation coefficient from five studies which utilised elastography was 0.18 (95% CI, −0.09 to 0.42), with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.0001), I2 = 92%).

Conclusions

Our synthesis of a large volume of studies in this review found no significant association between MTX cumulative dose and hepatotoxicity, both in terms of vote counting and with regard to the meta‐analysis of correlation coefficients from studies that utilised elastography. This challenges the long‐held belief that liver injury is a direct result of drug accumulation.
Segmental stiff skin syndrome (SSS): Clinical case and a brief review
Authors: Cerejeira Diogo , Bonito Frederico , António Ana Marta , Cunha Henriqueta
Published: March 2021

Stiff skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare, scleroderma‐like condition that is commonly characterised by stony hard skin and limited joint mobility, in the absence of visceral involvement or immunologic abnormalities. Depending on the distribution of the disease, this disorder can be further categorised into classic (widespread) SSS or its newly described segmental variant. Additional features of this syndrome may include hypertrichosis, lipodystrophy, dysmetria and scoliosis. In this report, we present the case of a patient with segmental SSS and we briefly review the current literature about the topic.
Vaginal streptococcus B colonization is not associated with increased infectious morbidity in labor induction
Authors: Place Katariina , Rahkonen Leena , Nupponen Irmeli , Kruit Heidi
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Labor induction rates are increasing and, in Finland today, one of three labors is induced. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium found in 10%–30% of pregnant women and it can be transmitted to the neonate during vaginal delivery. Although GBS is rarely harmful in the general population, it is the leading cause of severe neonatal infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. In addition, GBS can cause maternal morbidity. Labor induction in GBS‐positive women has not yet been investigated but concerns of infectious morbidity associated with balloon catheters have been raised.

Material and methods

A historical cohort study of 1959 women undergoing labor induction by balloon catheter in Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017. Women with viable singleton term pregnancy in cephalic presentation, unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <6), and intact amniotic membranes were included. GBS was screened by rapid qualitative in vitro test (XPert® GBS) from vaginal and perineal culture upon admission for labor induction. All women testing positive received prophylactic antibiotics.

Results

Of the women, 469 (23.9%) were GBS‐positive. The rate of maternal intrapartum infection was 7.4%, being lower in the GBS‐positive group compared with the GBS‐negative group (4.7% vs 8.3%; p = 0.01). The rate of maternal postpartum infection was 3.9%, and the rate of neonatal infection was 3.3%, both being similar between the groups. Also, no difference in the rates of other adverse neonatal outcomes was seen. No GBS sepses occurred in the study. In multivariable logistic regression, rupture of membranes to delivery interval ≥12 hours was associated with maternal intrapartum and postpartum infection, as well as neonatal infection. Other risk factors for maternal intrapartum infection were GBS‐negativity, nulliparity, prolonged pregnancy (≥41 weeks), and Bishop score <3 at the start of induction. Cesarean section was associated with postpartum endometritis, while nulliparity, gestational diabetes, and maternal intrapartum infection were associated with neonatal infection.

Conclusions

Regarding maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity, labor induction with balloon catheter appears safe in women colonized with GBS when prophylactic antibiotics are administered at the onset of labor or at membrane rupture.
Dorset and Thule Inuit occupations of Qikirtajuaq (Smith Island), Nunavik, Canada: a palaeoecological approach
Authors: Bhiry Najat , Marguerie Dominique , Weetaluktuk Tommy , Desrosiers Pierre M. , Todisco Dominique , Desroches Bourgon Myosotis , Aoustin David
Published: March 2021

Qikirtajuaq is a long island facing the Inuit village of Akulivik on the northeastern coast of Hudson Bay (Canada) that is rich in archaeological sites. Kangiakallak‐1 (JeGn‐2), one of the main sites on this island, is a large multicomponent site that includes Dorset and Thule Inuit winter houses. This study documents the dynamics of palaeoenvironmental conditions in the successive occupations of the Kangiakallak‐1 settlement based on plant macrofossils, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorph analyses and archaeological research. The data indicate that Dorset inhabitants constructed their dwelling at about 772 cal. a BP. The site was reused by the Thule Inuit a few decades later, starting at about 671 cal. a BP. Thus, Kangiakallak‐1 is one of the few sites, at least in Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada), that were rapidly reoccupied by the Thule Inuit after the departure of the Dorset inhabitants, which indicates a possible overlap between the two cultures in the Akulivik region. The palaeoecological data show that both Dorset and Thule inhabitants left clear footprints at the local scale in the form of several nitrophilous species that became established in and near the houses and persisted over a long period. The deposition of domestic waste (including bone fragments, skin, burnt fat and charcoal fragments) inside the subterranean dwellings fertilized the soil and led to the growth of unique nitrophilous plants. These changes transformed the houses into exceptional floristic refuges.
Understanding non‐installers of the ignition interlock device: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Romosz Ann M. , Scherer Michael , Voas Robert B. , Romano Eduardo , Nochajski Thomas H. , Taylor Eileen P. , Brogdale Meg R. , Manning Amy R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Literature notes the efficacious use of alcohol ignition interlock devices (IID) in reducing rates of drinking and driving while installed on the vehicle. Some drivers who are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) elect to have their license suspended/revoked instead of installing the device. These individuals represent a high‐risk subsample of drivers, yet limited literature has addressed this concern. The current study seeks to fill this gap using qualitative interviews addressing: (i) why do non‐installers make the choice to not install a mandated IID; and (ii) how are non‐installers managing without the IID?

Methods

The study utilises the Managing Heavy Drinkers study of drivers in Erie County, New York, USA. Participants were purposively sampled from a group of non‐installers (n = 6; four females, two males) who completed semi‐structured interviews. Constructed grounded theory was used to develop a theoretical understanding of participant's experiences.

Results

To understand why participants elect not to install the IID, thematic analysis revealed: alleviating constraints, predominantly the financial burdens associated with an IID, and institutional mistrust. Additionally, data revealed that participants are managing without the IID by mitigating apprehension. This included driving cautiously to avoid detection and utilising alternative transportation.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study furthers understanding of why drivers convicted of a DWI elect not to install an IID. Future research should seek to identify barriers to IID installation. This work provides evidence for establishing institutional protocols that ensure drivers convicted of a DWI receive consistent and correct information about the IID process.
The Wall Street Consensus
Authors: Gabor Daniela
Published: March 2021

The Wall Street Consensus is an elaborate effort to reorganize development interventions around partnerships with global finance. The UN's Billions to Trillions agenda, the World Bank's Maximizing Finance for Development or the G20's Infrastructure as an Asset Class update the Washington Consensus for the age of the portfolio glut, to ‘escort’ global (North) institutional investors and the managers of their trillions into development asset classes. Making development investible requires a two‐pronged strategy: enlist the state into risk‐proofing development assets and accelerate the structural transformation of local financial systems towards market‐based finance that better accommodates portfolio investors. Ten policy commandments forge the ‘de‐risking state’. They create a safety net for investors in development assets, protecting their profits from demand risks attached to commodified infrastructure assets; from political risks attached to (progressive) policies that would threaten cash flows, including nationalization, higher minimum wages and, critically, climate regulation; and from liquidity and currency risks. These risks are transferred to the balance sheet of the state. The new ‘development as de‐risking’ paradigm narrows the scope for a green developmental state that could design a just transition to low‐carbon economies.
Behavior of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye (T. obsesus) tunas associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) in the Indian Ocean, assessed through acoustic telemetry
Authors: Govinden Rodney , Capello Manuela , Forget Fabien , Filmalter John D. , Dagorn Laurent
Published: March 2021

We investigated the associative behavior of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye (T. obsesus) tuna within multi‐species aggregations associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) in two different regions of the western Indian Ocean: the Mozambique Channel and the Seychelles, using acoustic telemetry. We documented the residence and absence times of tunas at two temporal scales (coarse and fine scale) and made comparisons between regions. A total of 56 tunas were tagged and released at 7 different dFADs (4 in the Mozambique Channel and 3 in the Seychelles) during four research cruises. We recorded the first observations of skipjack tuna making excursions of more than 24 hours away from dFADs before returning and confirmed findings of other studies showing that yellowfin tuna can make long excursions (4.07 days) before returning to their home dFADs. Combining both studied regions, average residence times were 7.59 days (min 0.03; max 16.49), 6.64 days (min 0.01; max 26.72), and 4.58 days (min 0.09; max 18.33) for bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna, respectively. Exponential models best fitted the residence times for all three tuna species, indicating time‐independent probabilities of departure from dFADs. For yellowfin tuna, at a coarse temporal scale, no regional differences were observed in the residence times. However, at a fine temporal scale, regional differences were apparent in both residence and absence times. This study provides new information on the associative behavior of tunas at dFADs in the Indian Ocean which is key to improving the science‐based management of dFADs.
Manifestations of domination: Assessments of social dominance in rodents
Authors: Fulenwider Hannah D. , Caruso Maya A. , Ryabinin Andrey E.
Published: March 2021

Social hierarchies are ubiquitous features of virtually all animal groups. The varying social ranks of members within these groups have profound effects on both physical and emotional health, with lower‐ranked individuals typically being the most adversely affected by their respective ranks. Thus, reliable measures of social dominance in preclinical rodent models are necessary to better understand the effects of an individual's social rank on other behaviors and physiological processes. In this review, we outline the primary methodologies used to assess social dominance in various rodent species: those that are based on analyses of agonistic behaviors, and those that are based on resource competition. In synthesizing this review, we conclude that assays based on resource competition may be better suited to characterize social dominance in a wider variety of rodent species and strains, and in both males and females. Lastly, albeit expectedly, we demonstrate that similarly to many other areas of preclinical research, studies incorporating female subjects are lacking in comparison to those using males. These findings emphasize the need for an increased number of studies assessing social dominance in females to form a more comprehensive understanding of this behavioral phenomenon.
The breeding system of Ornithopus sativus Brot. subsp. sativus
Authors: Nutt Bradley J. , Harrison Robert J. , McComb Jen A. , Howieson John G.
Published: March 2021

Genetic traits within Ornithopus sativus Brot. make it suitable for breeding as a forage legume in agriculture. The breeding system of O. sativus must be understood to stabilize valuable traits once developed. Hybridization between white‐flowered and pink‐flowered genotypes of O. sativus revealed the white flower colour to be inherited recessively to pink, while early flowering showed genetic dominance over late flowering (d = 0.5). The pink flower colour was always associated with red pigmentation on seedling hypocotyls, which provided a pragmatic aid in the selection process. Pollination of O. sativus is largely autogamous, but examination of hypocotyl colour of seedlings from white‐flowered trap plants placed among pink‐flowered plants in a sward indicated a xenogamic cross‐pollination rate of 25% is possible. This significant level of cross‐pollination revealed opportunities for breeding desirable traits within the species, while providing a warning that shifts in population structure could occur in response to selection pressure.
Sourcing Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae strains from Mediterranean centres of origin to optimize nitrogen fixation in forage legumes grown on acid soils
Authors: Yates Ron J. , Harrison Robert J. , Loi Angelo , Steel Emma J. , Edwards Tom J. , Nutt Brad J. , Porqueddu Claudio , Gresta Fabio , Howieson John G.
Published: March 2021

Over the last three decades, farming systems in Europe and Australia have seen a decline in legume plantings, leading to reduced soil carbon and fertility, and an increase in plant disease, reliance on industrial nitrogen fertilizer and herbicides. In Australia, one reason for this decline has been the movement towards sowing crops and forages into dry soil, before the opening rains, as a consequence of climate variability. This practice predicates against the survival of rhizobial inoculants, and hence generates uncertainty about legume performance. The research reported here was initiated to improve the robustness of a specific forage legume/rhizobia symbiosis to increase nitrogen fixation in low pH, infertile soils. Rhizobial strains (Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae) from Pisum sativum L. were sourced from acid soils in southern Italy and southern Australia. Strains were evaluated for N fixation on the forage legumes P. sativum, Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa, then for survival and persistence in acid soils (pHCa 4.6). Fourteen of the strains produced a higher percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) compared to commercial comparator strain SU303 (<78%). Twenty‐two strains survived sufficiently into the second season to form more nodules than SU303, which only achieved 3% of plants nodulated. Elite strains WSM4643 and WSM4645 produced six times more nodulated plants than SU303 and had significantly higher saprophytic competence in acid soil. These strains have the ability to optimize symbiotic associations with field peas and vetch in soils with low fertility, carbon and pH that are restrictive to the current commercial strain SU303.
Hard seed breakdown patterns of unprocessed forage legume seed sown into dry soil in summer in southern Australia
Authors: Howieson John G. , Harrison Robert J. , Yates Ron J. , Hackney Belinda , Loi Angelo , Nutt Brad J.
Published: March 2021

The patterns and extent of hard seed breakdown of dormant seeds and pods following burial in the soil in February (summer) varied for up to 19 accessions of 12 species of annual forage legumes. The experiments, at six sites across southern Australia, were designed to identify legumes whose patterns of hard seed breakdown would suit them to agronomic evaluation in a summer sowing research program. For a subset of accessions, sufficient hard seed breakdown was demonstrated between February and April to allow a high proportion of seed to germinate in late autumn—a desirable pattern for summer sowing. Although there was a large G x E interaction, some cultivars of Ornithopus sativus Brot., O. compressus L. and Trifolium spumosum L. had a pattern that was reproducible at all sites. The experiments also identified accessions of Biserrula pelecinus L. and T. glanduliferum Boiss., which had the desirable pattern in regions of south‐eastern Australia, but not Western Australia. A pragmatic approach for selection of forage legume accessions in situ for evaluation within a summer sowing program was demonstrated.
The psychological burden of waiting for procedures and patient‐centred strategies that could support the mental health of wait‐listed patients and caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Gagliardi Anna R. , Yip Cindy Y. Y. , Irish Jonathan , Wright Frances C. , Rubin Barry , Ross Heather , Green Robin , Abbey Susan , McAndrews Mary Pat , Stewart Donna E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Waiting for procedures delayed by COVID‐19 may cause anxiety and related adverse consequences.

Objective

To synthesize research on the mental health impact of waiting and patient‐centred mitigation strategies that could be applied in the COVID‐19 context.

Methods

Using a scoping review approach, we searched 9 databases for studies on waiting lists and mental health and reported study characteristics, impacts and intervention attributes and outcomes.

Results

We included 51 studies that focussed on organ transplant (60.8%), surgery (21.6%) or cancer management (13.7%). Most patients and caregivers reported anxiety, depression and poor quality of life, which deteriorated with increasing wait time. The impact of waiting on mental health was greater among women and new immigrants, and those of younger age, lower socio‐economic status, or with less‐positive coping ability. Six studies evaluated educational strategies to develop coping skills: 2 reduced depression (2 did not), 1 reduced anxiety (2 did not) and 2 improved quality of life (2 did not). In contrast, patients desired acknowledgement of concerns, peer support, and periodic communication about wait‐list position, prioritization criteria and anticipated procedure date.

Conclusions

Findings revealed patient‐centred strategies to alleviate the mental health impact of waiting for procedures. Ongoing research should explore how to optimize the impact of those strategies for diverse patients and caregivers, particularly in the COVID‐19 context.

Patient or Public Contribution

Six patients and four caregivers waiting for COVID‐19‐delayed procedures helped to establish eligibility criteria, plan data extraction and review a draft and final report.
Clarithromycin as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bashir Nasir Zeeshan , Sharma Praveen
Published: March 2021

Objective

To collate the literature evaluating the efficacy of clarithromycin as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy and conduct meta‐analyses for changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2020 (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE via OVID, Web of Science and OpenGrey). Clinical outcomes were extracted, pooled and meta‐analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.

Results

Systemic delivery: 0.65 mm (95% CI: 0.02 to 1.27 mm) mean additional PPD reduction was observed at 3 months and 0.28 mm (95% CI: −0.32 to 0.87 mm) at 6 months. 0.41 mm (95% CI: −0.12 to 0.95 mm) mean additional CAL gain was observed at 3 months, and 0.16 mm (95% CI: −0.41 to 0.74 mm) at 6 months. Increased risk of adverse events was observed; RR: 5.13 (95% CI: 0.63 to 41.98). Local delivery: 1.01 mm (95% CI: 0.84 to 1.17 mm) mean additional PPD reduction was observed at 3 months, and 1.20 mm (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.64 mm) at 6 months. 0.56 mm (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.66 mm) mean additional CAL gain was observed at 3 months, and 0.83 mm (95% CI: 0.65 to 1.02 mm) at 6 months. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The use of locally delivered clarithromycin significantly improves treatment outcomes.
An algorithm for identifying least manipulable envy‐free and budget‐balanced allocations in economies with indivisibilities
Authors: Andersson Tommy , Ehlers Lars
Published: March 2021

We analyze the problem of allocating indivisible objects and monetary compensations to a set of agents. In particular, we consider envy‐free and budget‐balanced rules that are least manipulable with respect to agents counting or with respect to utility gains. A key observation is that, for any profile of quasi‐linear preferences, the outcome of any such least manipulable envy‐free rule can be obtained via so‐called agent‐‐linked allocations. Given this observation, we provide an algorithm for identifying agent‐‐linked allocations.
Time Difference Gentrification as a Bloodless Revolution: Class Structure and Spatial Polarization in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area after the 1980s
Authors: Hashimoto Kenji
Published: March 2021

Economic disparity in Japan has been increasing since approximately 1980. This change has been particularly significant in one of its global cities, the Tokyo metropolitan area, resulting in a dramatic transformation of its socio‐spatial structure. Until the 1980s, economic disparity in Tokyo was not as large as that in the whole of Japan. Moreover, the concentration of high‐income households in the center of Tokyo was not significant. However, the old middle class, which consist of self‐employed individuals, and small capitalist class began to dissolve in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively, resulting in a decline in the population in the center of the city and its surrounding areas. In the 2000s the new middle class began to move into these areas. This was gentrification; however, because of the time difference between the dissolution of the old middle class and small capitalists and the influx of the new middle class, it was not violent but proceeded in a relatively peaceful manner. Until 1990, in areas 20‐40 km from the center of Tokyo, income levels and the proportion of the new middle class were high, however by 2010 the proportion of the working class had increased, and income levels had fallen significantly. Thus, in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the old middle class and the small capitalists in and around the center of Tokyo were replaced by the new middle class, and a hierarchical socio‐spatial structure culminationg in the center of Tokyo developed.
Spatial Sampling for Non‐compact Patterns
Authors: Altieri Linda , Cocchi Daniela
Published: March 2021

The objective of spatial sampling is to collect subsets of individuals from a population in the two‐dimensional space, in order to estimate some population characteristics. Traditional sampling techniques are accordingly enriched to keep space into account. We consider sequential techniques that use weights for introducing space in the update of population units' inclusion probabilities and propose a new weighting system that includes the spatial entropy of the study variable. Techniques only based on distances between locations perform well in the case of a compact structure. Any non‐compact spatial scheme takes advantage of the involvement of spatial entropy in the sequential modification of first‐order inclusion probabilities.
Genomic insights into persistence of Listeria species in the food processing environment
Authors: Palaiodimou L. , Fanning S. , Fox E.M.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Listeria species may colonize and persist in food processing facilities for prolonged periods of time, despite hygiene interventions in place. To understand the genetic factors contributing to persistence of Listeria strains, this study undertook a comparative analysis of seven persistent and six presumed non-persistent strains, isolated from a single food processing environment, to identify genetic markers correlating to promoting persistence of Listeria strains, through whole genome sequence analysis.

Methods and Results

A diverse pool of genetic markers relevant to hygiene tolerance was identified, including disinfectant resistance markers qacH, emrC and the efflux cassette bcrABC. Both persistent and presumed non-persistent cohorts encoded a range of stress resistance markers, including heavy metal resistance, oxidative and pH stress, although trends were associated with each cohort (e.g., qacH and cadA1C resistance was more frequently found in persistent isolates). Persistent isolates were more likely to contain mutations associated with attenuated virulence, including a truncated InlA. Plasmids and transposons were widespread between cohorts.

Conclusions

Results suggest that no single genetic marker identified was universally responsible for a strain's ability to persist. Persistent strains were more likely to harbour mutation associated with hypovirulence.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provides additional insights into the distribution of genetic elements relevant to persistence across Listeria species, as well as strain virulence potential.
Rio de Janeiro and other palaeodrainages evidenced by the genetic structure of an Atlantic Forest catfish
Authors: Lima Sergio M. Q. , Berbel‐Filho Waldir M. , Vilasboa Anderson , Lazoski Cristiano , de Assis Volpi Thaís , Lazzarotto Henrique , Russo Claudia A. M. , Tatarenkov Andrey , Avise John C. , Solé‐Cava Antônio M.
Published: March 2021

Aim

The disjunct distributions of freshwater organisms along coastal drainages are usually explained by palaeodrainages formed during sea‐level retreats that connected currently isolated basins, or by river capture from tectonic adjustments between adjoining watersheds. We evaluate the relative importance of these events on the genetic variation of freshwater fishes inhabiting the Serra do Mar in eastern Brazil, a region with steep mountains and pronounced bays.

Location

Coastal river drainages in southeastern Brazil.

Taxon

Catfishes of the Trichomycterus alternatus group.

Methods

We tested the effects of palaeolandscape connections (GIS‐reconstructed palaeodrainages and putative river captures) on the genetic structure (mitochondrial and nuclear markers) of T. alternatus from 15 drainages using phylogenetic reconstructions, lineage delimitation methods and analyses of molecular variance.

Results

Trichomycterus alternatus is monophyletic and comprised of three main lineages: two restricted to the basin at its northernmost distribution and another broadly distributed to the south. In the latter, seven major cytb clades were geographically compatible with the eight palaeodrainages, with three incongruences matching river captures previously described for the Guanabara Bay (GB). Shared haplotypes among isolated rivers flowing into GB provide the first molecular evidence of the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ palaeoriver.

Main conclusions

Dispersal via palaeorivers is an important process, but it is not enough to recover the most recent dispersive events. Therefore, integrating both palaeo‐riverine configuration (GIS‐based) and localized river captures (geological studies) is crucial to reveal the role of past geological and climatic events on the distribution of freshwater organisms. Taken together, these two factors significantly explained a high portion T. alternatus genetic structure along coastal drainages, revealing a palaeolandscape scenario that may have been used by other freshwater Atlantic Forest taxa.
Which way of design programming activities is more effective to promote K‐12 students' computational thinking skills? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Lihui , Hu Linlin , Zhou Danhua
Published: March 2021

Promoting the cultivation of computational thinking (CT) skills in programming activities has become a key issue in the K‐12 curriculum, however, there is no unified conclusion on how to design programming activities to promote the acquisition of CT skills more effectively. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using programming to enhance K‐12 students' CT skills and explore the influence of various programming instructional design factors on the acquisition of CT skills. This study presents a quantitative meta‐analysis. A systematic search of randomized controlled studies on the influence of programming on CT skills. A total of 86 empirical studies with 114 effect sizes met the study selection criterion. The results showed that programming improved K‐12 students' CT skills in general (Hedges' g = 0.601, 95% CI [0.505, 0.697], p < 0.001). No publication bias was detected. Besides, we found that the interdisciplinary integration of programming, the duration of programming intervention within 1 week to 1 month, the class size of less than 50 students, and a reasonable selection of programming instruments and CT assessment types may be more conducive to promoting students' CT skills. Based on these findings, we suggest that programming instructional design should be planned reasonably to make the best use of technology towards developing students' CT skills. This will be of great significance to programming teaching and CT education in K‐12.
Emerging antifungal treatment failure of dermatophytosis in Europe: take care or it may become endemic
Authors: Saunte D.M.L. , Pereiro‐Ferreirós M. , Rodríguez‐Cerdeira C. , Sergeev A.Y. , Arabatzis M. , Prohić A. , Piraccini B.M. , Lecerf P. , Nenoff P. , Kotrekhova L.P. , Bosshard P.P. , Padovese V. , Szepietowski J.C. , Sigurgeirsson B. , Nowicki R.J. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Hay R.J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Dermatophytosis is a world‐wide distributed common infection. Antifungal drug resistance in dermatophytosis used to be rare, but unfortunately the current Indian epidemic of atypical widespread recalcitrant and terbinafine‐resistant dermatophytosis is spreading and has sporadically been reported in Europe.

Objectives

To explore the occurrence of clinical and mycological proven antifungal drug resistance in dermatophytes in Europe.

Methods

A standardized questionnaire was distributed through the EADV Task Force of Mycology network to dermatologists in Europe.

Results

Representatives from 20 countries completed the questionnaires of which 17 (85 %) had observed clinical and/or mycological confirmed antifungal resistance, two countries published cases of antifungal resistance and one country had no known cases.

Conclusions

This pilot study confirms that both clinical and mycological antifungal resistance exist in Europe.
Optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for balance performance in older adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Le‐Cong , Ye Ming‐Zhu , Xiong Jian , Wang Xiao‐Qian , Wu Jia‐Wei , Zheng Guo‐Hua
Published: March 2021

Background

Tai chi is considered a safe and low‐cost treatment for improving balance ability among an older population. However, there is no existing evidence on the optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for improving balance in older adults.

Objectives

To investigate the optimal parameters of a tai chi intervention to improve balance performance of older adults.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Setting

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical and China Biology Medicine were searched from inception until November 30, 2020.

Participants

Adults aged 60 years and over.

Measurements

Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the included studies according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regressions were conducted to elucidate the impact of tai chi training programs on balance measures.

Results

Twenty‐six eligible RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled results showed that tai chi has moderate effects for improving proactive balance (weighted mean standardized mean differences [SMDwm] = 0.61, 95% CI 0.33–0.89) and static steady‐state balance (SMDwm = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30–0.95) and small effects for improving dynamic steady‐state balance (SMDwm = 0.38, 95% CI 0.03–0.73) and balance test batteries (SMDwm = 0.47, 95% CI 0.13–0.81) in adults over 60 years of age. The practice frequency could predict the effects of tai chi on static steady‐state balance, and the 24‐form simplified Yang style tai chi (45–60 min/session, more than four sessions per week and at least 8 weeks) was the most optimal.

Conclusions

Tai chi is effective at improving the balance ability of adults over 60 years of age. A medium duration and high frequency of 24‐form tai chi may be the optimal program for improving balance, but this evidence should be recommended with caution due to limitations of the methodology and small sample sizes.
Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine in frail or disabled nursing home residents: COVID‐A study
Authors: Salmerón Ríos Sergio , Mas Romero Marta , Cortés Zamora Elisa Belén , Tabernero Sahuquillo María Teresa , Romero Rizos Luis , Sánchez‐Jurado Pedro Manuel , Sánchez‐Nievas Ginés , Señalada José Joaquín Blas , García Nogueras Inmaculada , Estrella Cazalla Juan de Dios , Andrés‐Pretel Fernando , Murillo Romero Antonio , Lauschke Volker Martin , Stebbing Justin , Abizanda Pedro
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

The safety and immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine in older adults with different frailty and disability profiles have not been well determined. Our objective was to analyze immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in older adults across frailty and disability profiles.

Design

Multicenter longitudinal cohort study.

Setting and participants

A total of 134 residents aged ≥65 years with different frailty and disability profiles in five long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) in Albacete, Spain.

Intervention and measurements

Residents were administered two vaccine doses as per the label, and antibody levels were determined 21.9 days (SD 9.3) after both the first and second dose. Functional variables were assessed using activities of daily living (Barthel Index), and frailty status was determined with the FRAIL instrument. Cognitive status and comorbidity were also evaluated.

Results

Mean age was 82.9 years (range 65–99), and 71.6% were female. The mean antibody titers in residents with and without previous COVID‐19 infection were 49,878 AU/ml and 15,274 AU/ml, respectively (mean difference 34,604; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27,699–41,509). No severe adverse reactions were observed, after either vaccine dose. Those with prevaccination COVID‐19 had an increased antibody level after the vaccine (B = 31,337; 95% CI: 22,725–39,950; p < 0.001). Frailty, disability, older age, sex, cognitive impairment, or comorbidities were not associated with different antibody titers.

Conclusions

The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in older adults is safe and produces immunogenicity, independently of the frailty and disability profiles. Older adults in LTCFs should receive a COVID‐19 vaccine.
Carnosine improves aging‐induced cognitive impairment and brain regional neurodegeneration in relation to the neuropathological alterations in the secondary structure of amyloid beta (Aβ)
Authors: Banerjee Soumyabrata , Mukherjee Biswajit , Poddar Mrinal K. , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: March 2021

Aging‐induced proteinopathies, including deterioration of amyloid beta (Aβ) conformation, are associated with reductions in endogenous levels of carnosine and cognitive impairments. Carnosine is a well‐known endogenous antioxidant, which counteracts aging‐induced Aβ plaque formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous carnosine treatments on aging‐induced changes (a) in the steady‐state level of endogenous carnosine and conformation of Aβ secondary structure in the different brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, pons‐medulla, and cerebellum) and (b) cognitive function. Young (4 months) and aged (18 and 24 months) male albino Wistar rats were treated with carnosine (2.0 μg kg−1 day−1; i.t.) or equivalent volumes of vehicle (saline) for 21 consecutive days and were tested for cognition using 8‐arm radial maze test. Brains were processed to assess the conformational integrity of Aβ plaques using Raman spectroscopy and endogenous levels of carnosine were measured in the brain regions using HPLC. Results indicated that carnosine treatments improved the aging‐induced deficits in cognitive function and reduced the β‐sheets in the secondary structure of Aβ protein, as well as mitigating the reduction in the steady‐state levels of carnosine and spine density in the brain regions examined. These results thus, suggest that carnosine can attenuate the aging‐induced: (a) conformational changes in Aβ secondary structure by reducing the abundance of β‐sheets and reductions in carnosine content in the brain regions and (b) cognitive impairment.

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The role of vending channels in marketing: A systematic review and taxonomy of studies
Authors: Stoyanov Dobromir
Published: March 2021

Although vending machines emerged centuries ago, only recently have they regained popularity. This study aims to provide a systematic review of available marketing literature on food and drink vending channels to delineate under‐researched marketing areas that require further investigation. Therefore, the abstracts of 2,409 articles were manually screened, of which 98 were retained as the most relevant for further synthesis. The author organized the existing marketing literature from a consumer point of view around three main areas (i.e., product safety management, health nutrition promotion, and stakeholders' commitment to policy measures) and three roughly equal time periods (i.e., 2000–2006, 2007–2013, and 2014–2020). The analysis identifies areas of vending wherein research is lacking: marketing trends regarding smart vending machines; consumer responses to vending experiences, especially cross‐culturally; and safety issues, which is especially pertinent with the increase in safety‐related articles since 2014 and the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
Homeschool Student Physical Activity Compared to Public/Private School Students: The 2017 US National Household Travel Survey
Authors: Tribby Calvin P. , Berrigan David
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

School is an important place for physical activity (PA); however, little is known about how homeschool students' PA levels compare with public and private school students. This study estimated the national prevalence of PA levels of homeschool students compared to public and private school students.

METHODS

We used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey for school‐aged participants (N = 31,486) to compare weekly PA (not active, light or moderate activity, or vigorous activity) by school type (public/private or homeschool) and school level (elementary, middle, and high school).

RESULTS

Unadjusted analyses found higher prevalence of physical inactivity for homeschool students, 14.2% (95% CI, 9.7‐18.7%), compared to public/private school students, 8.0% (95% CI, 7.1‐9.0%). For students who reported any PA, there was no difference in mean number of episodes for light or moderate PA [public/private: 4.2 (95%, CI, 4.1‐4.3), homeschool: 4.3 (95% CI, 3.9‐4.6)], or vigorous PA [public/private: 5.6 (95% CI, 5.5‐5.7); homeschool: 5.5 (95% CI, 4.9‐6.0)]. Results were comparable for covariate‐adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher percentage of homeschool students report being physically inactive compared to public/private school students. However, data with more specific measures of PA intensity and duration are required to determine the potential magnitude of reported differences in behavior.
Evaluation of a Farm‐to‐School Intervention to Improve Locally Grown Vegetable Choices of Low‐Income, Primary School Students
Authors: Chiero Jesse D. , Mobley Amy R.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The study objective was to determine impact of a Farm‐to‐School intervention on low‐income, diverse elementary school students' nutrition‐related attitudes, self‐efficacy, behaviors, and locally grown vegetable choices.

METHODS

Six elementary schools within 1 US school district were equally assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: Local Message, Nutrition Message, or Control. Locally grown vegetables (kale, green beans, zucchini, butternut squash, and beets) were served twice during lunch over 16 weeks. “Local” and “Nutrition” groups also received biweekly nutrition education and a messaging campaign in the cafeteria. Knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy, and related behaviors were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Vegetable selection was assessed using the food service daily production records. General linear model analysis, analysis of covariance, and t tests were performed.

RESULTS

Students in the “Local” group (N = 81) had significantly improved nutrition‐related attitudes (p = .0001), preferences (p = .001), and overall vegetable behavior score (p = .002), compared to control (N = 79). There was no difference in overall locally grown vegetable choices, but local beet choices were higher in the “Local” (p = .005) and “Nutrition” (p = .02) groups compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

Messages about local foods in school cafeterias may improve students' attitudes, preferences, and selection of certain locally grown vegetables.