bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoregulation by antibody secreting cells in inflammation, infection, and cancer
Authors: McGettigan Shannon E. , Debes Gudrun F.
Published: June 2021

Antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) are considered work horses of the humoral immune response for their tireless effort to produce large amounts of antibodies that fulfill an array of functions in host defense, inflammation, and maintenance of homeostasis. While traditionally considered largely senescent cells, surprising recent findings demonstrate that subsets of ASCs downmodulate ongoing immune responses independent of antibody formation. Such regulatory ASCs produce IL‐10 or IL‐35 and are implicated in maintaining tissue and immune homeostasis. They also serve to suppress pathogenic leukocytes in infection, allergy, and inflammatory diseases that affect tissues, such as the central nervous system and the respiratory tract. Additionally, regulatory ASCs infiltrate various cancer types and restrict effective anti‐tumor T cell responses. While incompletely understood, there is significant overlap in factors that control ASC differentiation, IL‐10 expression by B cells and the generation of ASCs that secrete both antibodies and IL‐10. In this review, we will cover the biology, phenotype, generation, maintenance and function of regulatory ASCs in various tissues under pathological and steady states. An improved understanding of the development of regulatory ASCs and their biological roles will be critical for generating novel ASC‐targeted therapies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, infection, and cancer.
Digital entrepreneurship and indigenous value systems: An Ubuntu perspective
Authors: Abubakre Mumin , Faik Isam , Mkansi Marcia
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the embeddedness of digital entrepreneurship in the entrepreneurs' indigenous value system by examining the influence of ‘Ubuntu’ on digital entrepreneurship activities in the South African context. We do so through an interpretive field study of two innovation clusters in South Africa. Our findings reveal Ubuntu as the basis of a community orientation to digital entrepreneurship that offers an alternative to the prevalent heroic view in which digital entrepreneurship narratives are centred around the individual entrepreneur(s). They also highlight the tensions faced by digital entrepreneurs as they attempt to uphold the Ubuntu values of humility, reciprocity, and benevolence while operating in a competitive and fast‐paced environment. In addition, our study indicates that the way entrepreneurs draw on their indigenous value system is dynamic, giving rise to what we calldigital Ubuntu, reflecting a reworking of Ubuntu values into their increasingly digital reality. The concept of digital Ubuntu brings to light how indigenous values can become entangled with the capabilities of digital technologies and highlights the need for indigenous perspectives to advance our understanding of the diversity of digital phenomena, such as digital entrepreneurship, across cultural contexts.
Efficacy of prompted voiding for reversing urinary incontinence in older adults hospitalized in a functional recovery unit: Study protocol
Authors: Martín‐Losada Laura , Parro‐Moreno Ana Isabel , Serrano‐Gallardo María Pilar , González‐Blázquez Cristina , Sánchez‐García Marta , González‐Álvaro Nuria , Huerta‐Ruiz María , De Souza‐Lucio Jorge , Fernández‐Guijarro Pilar , Carrillo‐Alcalá María Elena , Solís‐Muñoz Montserrat
Published: June 2021

Aims

To assess the efficacy of a prompted voiding programme for restoring urinary continence at discharge in hospitalized older adults who presented with reversible urinary incontinence (UI) on admission to a functional recovery unit (FRU). To assess the maintenance of the outcomes achieved after hospitalization. To identify modifiable and unmodifiable factors associated with the success of the prompted voiding programme.

Design

Quasi‐experimental, pre‐/post‐intervention study without a control group.

Methods

Participants were aged 65 and over with a history of reversible UI in the previous year who had been admitted to a FRU and were on a prompted voiding programme throughout their hospitalization period. The sample consisted of 221 participants. A non‐probabilistic sampling method, in order of recruitment after signing the informed consent form, was used. The primary outcomes were UI assessed at discharge and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after discharge. Funding was granted in July 2019 by the Spain Health Research Fund (PI19/00168, Ministry of Health). The proposal was approved by the Spanish Research Ethics Committee.

Discussion

The prompted voiding programme described can reverse UI or decrease the frequency and amount of urine loss in hospitalized older adults.

Impact

Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in hospitalized older adults. There is a need for care aimed at prevention, recovery and symptom control. Prompted voiding is a therapy provided by the nursing team during hospitalization and can also be provided by family caregivers at home after receiving proper training by the nursing team. Prompted voiding will enhance the health, functional ability and quality of life of older adults with UI, resulting in the reduction of associated healthcare costs and the risk of developing complications.
Comparison of microstructural imaging of the root canal isthmus using propagation‐based X‐ray phase‐contrast and absorption micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Zhao Yuqing , Zhao Qi , Zheng Mengting , Yang Tingting , Liu Dayong , Sun Lianlian , Lv Wenjuan , Li Yimin , Liu Yongchao , Hu Chunhong
Published: June 2021

Clear and complete microstructural imaging of the root canal isthmus is an important part of pathological investigations in research and clinical practice. X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (μCT) is a widely used non‐destructive imaging technique, which allows for distortion‐free three‐dimensional (3D) visualisation. While absorption μCT typically has poor contrast resolution for observing the root canal isthmus, especially for weak‐absorbing tissues, propagation‐based X‐ray phase‐contrast imaging (PBI) is a powerful imaging method, which in its combination with μCT (PB‐PCμCT) enables high‐resolution and high‐contrast microstructural imaging of the weak‐absorbing tissues in samples. To investigate the feasibility and ability of PB‐PCμCT in microstructural imaging of the root canal isthmus, conventional absorption μCT and PB‐PCμCT experiments were performed. The two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D comparison results demonstrated that, compared to absorption μCT, PB‐PCμCT has the ability to image the root canal isthmus more clearly and completely, and thus, it has great potential to serve as a valuable tool for biomedical and preclinical studies on the root canal isthmus.
Application of check‐all‐that‐apply and non‐metric partial least squares regression to evaluate attribute's perception and consumer liking of apples
Authors: Mendes da Silva Thais , Peano Cristiana , Giuggioli Nicole Roberta
Published: June 2021

Attribute's perception and impact on liking are crucial in quality assessments. An approach with analytical and sensory methods is often necessary to ensure a reliable description of quality perception without neglecting product's characterization. Moreover, the presence of nonlinear patterns demands appropriate models. A methodology is proposed to assess quality and attributes of apples cultivated at different orchard's elevation. Physicochemical, sensory and consumer tests with check‐all‐that‐apply and penalty analysis were performed. A non‐metric partial least square model (NM‐PLS) was applied with a new coding system. The methodology highlighted similar results at all assessments for taste, with no significant differences among samples. Texture was evaluated different among assessments. Differences were found for hardness and astringency only at the panel level, while there was an agreement considering crispness, better described by the analytical index “average drop.” The NM‐PLS model confirmed sweet, intense odor and the latent attribute “notes” as the most related to liking. The methodology confirmed that differences found among trained panelists my not be relevant for consumers, therefore, an integrated approach is needed. It shows a new system to create a regression model that provides information at a specific and a global attribute level to deal with multicomponent parameters.

Practical Applications

This work describes a new consumer test methodology to investigate attributes perception and product penalties, therefore, it can be used by industries and researchers to have a deeper understanding of quality and liking of new products. It also highlights advantages and drawbacks of different quality assessment types and suggests an integrated approach is key to assess quality, consumer liking and attribute's perception. Finally, it proposes a new index to investigate crispiness.
Quality of life analysis of children with patent ductus arteriosus after closure treatment: A single‐centre study
Authors: Sun Kai‐Peng , Xie Wen‐Peng , Liu Jian‐Feng , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua
Published: June 2021

Aim

To explore the changes in quality of life (QoL) in children who underwent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure and the difference in the QoL between the post‐operative patients and healthy children.

Methods

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 scale was used to assess the QoL of 48 children before and after receiving PDA closure and 50 healthy children who underwent physical examination in our hospital. Relevant clinical data were collected and analysed.

Results

In this study, a total of 45 patients completed the follow‐up, and all the children in the control group completed the follow‐up. The results showed that the patients' QoL had been improved after PDA closure, and the scores of emotional functioning and social functioning had been significantly improved compared with those in the pre‐operative status. In comparing the QoL between the patient group and the control group, the results before treatment were worse than those of the control group. After treatment, the gap between the score of QoL of the patients and the healthy control group was reduced to some extent. However, in terms of social functioning, the patients' feedback was not as positive as healthy children.

Conclusion

For children with PDA, closure treatment can significantly improve their clinical symptoms and QoL. However, there is still a gap compared with healthy children, so health education and further intervention after treatment are still necessary.
The problem with pigeons in research and practice: communicating early literacy essentials and foundations in curriculum and instruction
Authors: Hoffman Emily Brown , Paciga Kathleen A. , Whittingham Colleen E.
Published: June 2021

The long‐standing research to practice gap and increased interest in scientific literacy instruction has contributed to the oversimplification of what is deemed as foundational skills in US early literacy classrooms. Invoking a homing pigeon metaphor, this article describes the distilling of decades of reading research into a message being received by literacy practitioners, policymakers and families which prioritises phonics instruction, drowning‐out complex and nuanced findings supporting a more comprehensive approach. Grounded in an emergent literacy paradigm and applying a sociocultural approach to literacy in the 21st century with an eye towards equity, this article reframes what is considered ‘foundational’ early literacy teaching and learning to reflect the research base that supports proportional attention to constrained and unconstrained skills through integrated and contextualised instruction. To narrow the enduring research‐to‐practice gap, researchers must build authentic research partnerships with schools and support teacher educators' and teachers' enactment of comprehensive approaches to literacy instruction, curricula and assessment.
Isolation and reconnection: Demographic history and multiple contact zones of the green odorous frog (Odorrana margaretae) around the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wen Guannan , Fu Jinzhong
Published: June 2021

The green odorous frog (Odorrana margaretae) displays a circular distribution around the Sichuan Basin of western China and possesses multiple replicate hybrid zones between lineages with high levels of divergence. To gain an understanding of the speciation process, we obtained 1540 SNPs from 29 populations and 227 individuals using ddRAD sequencing. Population structure analysis revealed three groups within the species: the West, North & South, and East groups. Demographic inference showed that they were initially isolated at ~2 million years ago, and subsequent post‐glacial expansion produced the current circular distribution with four secondary contact zones. Hybridization in those zones involved lineages with various levels of divergence and produced greatly different patterns of introgression. Contact zones between the East and North & South groups (E–S and E–N) had contrast admixture levels but both showed a general lack of potential barrier loci. Meanwhile, the reconnection of the West and North & South groups produced two contact zones along the rim of the Basin. The S–W zone had extensive admixture while the N–W zone had limited admixture within a narrow geographic distance. Both showed substantial barrier effects, and a large number of potential barrier loci were shared. We also detected strong coupling among these loci. The N–W hybrid zone involved two highly‐diverged lineages (FST = 0.704) and many loci have reached fixation around the hybrid zone. This study system offers a unique opportunity to understand the dynamics of introgression in contact zones and the architecture of reproductive isolation at different stages of speciation.
Regulating plant herbivore defense pathways in the face of attacker diversity
Authors: Croy Jordan R. , Carvajal Acosta Nalleli , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: June 2021

This article is a Commentary on Fernández de Bobadilla et al. (2021), 231: 2333–2345.
Nocturnal stomatal conductance in wheat is growth‐stage specific and shows genotypic variation
Authors: McAusland Lorna , Smith Kellie E. , Williams Alexander , Molero Gemma , Murchie Erik H.
Published: June 2021

Nocturnal stomatal conductance (gsn) represents a significant source of water loss, with implications for metabolism, thermal regulation and water‐use efficiency. With increasing nocturnal temperatures due to climate change, it is vital to identify and understand variation in the magnitude and responses of gsn in major crops.

We assessed interspecific variation in gsn and daytime stomatal conductance (gs) in a wild relative and modern spring wheat genotype. To investigate intraspecific variation, we grew six modern wheat genotypes and two landraces under well watered, simulated field conditions.

For the diurnal data, higher gsn in the wild relative was associated with significantly lower nocturnal respiration and higher daytime CO2 assimilation while both species exhibited declines in gsn post‐dusk and pre‐dawn. Lifetime gsn achieved rates of 5.7–18.9% of gs. Magnitude of gsn was genotype specific 'and positively correlated with gs. gsn and gs were significantly higher on the adaxial surface. No relationship was determined between harvest characteristics, stomatal morphology and gsn, while cuticular conductance was genotype specific. Finally, for the majority of genotypes, gsn declined with age.

Here we present the discovery that variation in gsn occurs across developmental, morphological and temporal scales in nonstressed wheat, presenting opportunities for exploiting intrinsic variation under heat or water stressed conditions.
Different rates of pollen and seed gene flow cause branch‐length and geographic cytonuclear discordance within Asian butternuts
Authors: Xu Lin‐Lin , Yu Rui‐Min , Lin Xin‐Rui , Zhang Bo‐Wen , Li Nan , Lin Kui , Zhang Da‐Yong , Bai Wei‐Ning
Published: June 2021

Topological cytonuclear discordance is commonly observed in plant phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies, yet few studies have attempted to detect two other forms of cytonuclear discordance (branch length and geographical) and to uncover the causes of the discordance.

We used the whole nuclear and chloroplast genome data from 80 individual Asian butternuts to reveal the pattern and processes of cytonuclear discordance.

Our findings indicate that the chloroplast genome had substantially deeper divergence (branch‐length discordance) and a steeper cline in the contact zone (geographic discordance) compared with the nuclear genome. After various hypothesis have been tested, the results suggest that incomplete lineage sorting, positive selection and cytonuclear incompatibility are probably insufficient to explain this pattern. However, isolation‐by‐distance analysis and gene flow estimation point to a much higher level of gene flow by pollen compared with by seeds, which may have slowed down lineage divergence and mediated wider contact for nuclear genome compared with the chloroplast genome.

Altogether, this study highlights a critical role of sex‐biased dispersal in causing discordance between the nuclear and plastid genome of Asian butternuts. Given its ubiquity among plants, asymmetric gene flow should be given a high priority in future studies of cytonuclear discordance.
Taxing interacting externalities of ocean acidification, global warming, and eutrophication
Authors: Hänsel Martin C. , van den Bergh Jeroen C. J. M.
Published: June 2021

We model a stylized economy dependent on agriculture and fisheries to study optimal environmental policy in the face of interacting external effects of ocean acidification, global warming, and eutrophication. This allows us to capture some of the latest insights from research on ocean acidification. Using a static two‐sector general equilibrium model we derive optimal rules for national taxes on emissions and agricultural run‐off and show how they depend on both isolated and interacting damage effects. In addition, we derive a second‐best rule for a tax on agricultural run‐off of fertilizers for the realistic case that effective internalization of externalities is lacking. The results contribute to a better understanding of the social costs of ocean acidification in coastal economies when there is interaction with other environmental stressors.

Recommendations for Resource Managers:

Marginal environmental damages from emissions should be internalized by a tax on emissions that is high enough to not only reflect marginal damages from temperature increases, but also marginal damages from ocean acidification and the interaction of both with regional sources of acidification like nutrient run‐off from agriculture.

In the absence of serious national policies that fully internalize externalities, a sufficiently high tax on regional nutrient run‐off of fertilizers used in agricultural production can limit not only marginal environmental damages from nutrient run‐off but also account for unregulated carbon emissions.

Putting such regional policies in place that consider multiple important drivers of environmental change will be of particular importance for developing coastal economies that are likely to suffer the most from ocean acidification.
Food‐induced anaphylaxis morbidity: Emergency department and hospitalization data support preventive strategies
Authors: Tanno Luciana Kase , Clark Evangeline , Mamodaly Myriam , Cardona Victoria , Ebisawa Motohiro , Asontegui Ignacio , Sanchez‐Borges Mario , Santos Alexandra F. , Fiocchi Alessandro , Worm Margitta , Caimmi Davide , Latour Staffeld Patricia , Muraro Antonella , Pawankar Ruby , Greenberger Paul Allen , Thong Bernard Yu‐Hor , Martin Bryan , Demoly Pascal
Published: June 2021

Background

Anaphylaxis is a recognized public health issue. There is no doubt that food‐induced anaphylaxis (FIA) has tremendous impact on the quality of life of patients and their families and increases direct and indirect costs. FIA is associated with increasing rates of emergency department admissions and hospitalizations and implies the risk of death. Morbidity epidemiological data are a key to tailor public health actions to this non‐communicable disease. The aim of this article was to review published morbidity epidemiological data relating to FIA and potential risk factors, in order to provide evidence‐based recommendations to reduce the risk of severe adverse outcomes.

Methods

We identified published studies available in PUBMED/MEDLINE (1966–2020), EMBASE (1980–2020) and CINAHL (1982–2020). The systematic review was carried out using MeSH terms related to FIA ED admissions and hospitalizations.

Results

A total of 25 articles were selected, 80% published in the last 5 years. After critical analysis of methodological and clinical characteristics reported in the data selected, we were able to propose preventive strategies.

Conclusion

Anaphylaxis is a recognized public health issue. FIA is associated with increasing rates of ED admissions and hospitalizations and imply in risk of death. More than reviewing and critically interpreting the key patterns related to FIA morbidity published data, we proposed strategies in order to promote quality care of patients suffering from FIA. Our World Health Organization Collaborative Center is deeply involved in this process, and we believe that the proposed strategies will inform future healthcare policies on anaphylaxis. The long‐term objective would be to improve clinical care and quality of life of patients and their families, and develop risk‐stratified, cost‐effective preventive measures.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn presenting as circular alopecia: a novel presentation
Authors: Xu Ziyang , Rubin Adam I. , Oboite Michelle
Published: June 2021

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is an inflammatory disorder of the adipose tissue that commonly presents in neonates as tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and extremities with hypercalcemia as a potential complication. We report the case of a 3‐month‐old female who presented with circular alopecia of the scalp and was found to have histopathologically confirmed SCFN. Recognition of SCFN as a cause for alopecia in young infants may allow prompt screening for hypercalcemia and reduce the risk for associated morbidity and mortality.
Resisting Pessimism Traps: The Limits of Believing in Oneself*
Authors: Morton Jennifer M.
Published: June 2021

Members of marginalized groups who desire to pursue ambitious ends that might lead them to overcome disadvantage often face evidential situations that do not support the belief that they will succeed. Such agents might decide, reasonably, that their efforts are better expended elsewhere. If an agent has a less risky, valuable alternative, then quitting can be a rational way of avoiding the potential costs of failure. However, in reaching this pessimistic conclusion, she adds to the evidence that formed the basis for her pessimism in the first place, not just for herself but for future agents who will be in a similar position as hers. This is a pessimism trap. Might believing optimistically against the evidence offer a way out? In this paper, I argue against practical and moral arguments to turn to optimism as a solution to pessimism traps. I suggest that these theories ignore the opportunity costs that agents pay when they settle on difficult long‐term ends without being sensitive to evidence of potential failure. The view I defend licenses optimism in a narrow range of cases. Its limitations show us that the right response to many pessimism traps is not to be found through individual optimism.
Financial costs to the U.S. Army for suicides by newly enlisted Soldiers
Authors: Schaughency Katherine C. L. , Watkins Eren Youmans , Barnes Stephen , Smith Jacob D. , Forrest Lanna J. , Christopher Phyon K. , Anke Kirsten M. , Sikka Rachana , Pecko Joseph A. , Cox Kenneth L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To estimate the financial burden to the U.S. Army of suicide by enlisted Soldiers during their first year of service.

Methods

This analysis included new Army enlisted Soldiers who started initial entry training from October 2012 through September 2016 and subsequently died by suicide within their first year of service. Outpatient and inpatient direct medical, direct nonmedical, recruiting, and training costs to the Army were calculated.

Results

During the 48‐month observational study period, 29 Soldiers died by suicide within their respective first year of service. The described financial costs accrued by the Army as a result of these deaths were $152,271—with an average of $6,091 per healthcare utilizer. Recruiting and training costs were $1,115,860 for all suicide cases.

Conclusion

Average direct cost per healthcare utilizer increased during a Soldier's first year of service. This may be associated with the transition through different phases of training and to the first operational duty station.

Public Health Implications

Results obtained through this cost‐of‐illness analysis may serve as baseline metrics to inform future cost‐effectiveness studies.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐C*01:179 allele in a southern Chinese patient
Authors: Quan Zhan‐Rou , Zou Hong‐Yan , Zhong Yan‐Ping , Deng Zhi‐Hui
Published: June 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 189 of HLA‐C*01:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐C*01:179.
Oops! I Did it Again: The Psychology of Everyday Action Slips
Authors: Mylopoulos Myrto
Published: June 2021

We have all had the experience of everyday mistakes like distractedly pouring orange juice into our cereal bowl rather than the milk or inadvertently continuing on our regular route home rather than stopping at the store as we had planned. These so‐called "action slips" (Reason, 1984a) are characterized as failures to execute one's intention arising in habitual or highly learned action sequences. This paper argues that a proper understanding of slips, and thus action more generally, requires an understanding of the control structure that implements an agent's guiding intentions. Central to this structure are motor representations that are active downstream of intention and attentional processes that ensure that they reliably implement the intentions they serve.
Therapeutic granulocyte infusion for patients with severe neutropaenia and neutrophilic dysfunction: New Zealand experience
Authors: Chung Shanee , Armstrong‐Scott Oliver , Charlewood Richard
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Studies have shown granulocyte transfusions (GTXs) may be beneficial in neutropaenic patients with severe systemic infections. New Zealand Blood Service has a policy for provision of granulocytes to New Zealand's District Health Boards. We set out to explore utilization of therapeutic granulocyte infusions in New Zealand.

Materials and Methods

Patients who received GTXs in the 16‐year period between 2000 and 2016 were identified by the New Zealand electronic blood management system, eProgesa. Information pertaining to recipient demographics, disease‐related factors, methods of granulocyte collection and clinical outcomes was obtained by the review of electronic transfusion and clinical records.

Results

Forty‐five septic patients received granulocyte support for a total of 263 days. The median age of the recipients was 16 (range 0–74) years. Seventy‐nine percent of the recipients had an underlying haematological malignancy with 50% having acute leukaemia. The median neutrophil count on the last day of GTX was 0.02 × 109/L (range 0–16.32). Sixty‐three percent (27/43 patients with available data) had persisting severe neutropaenia when the GTXs were stopped. The median duration of support was 3 (range 1–32) days. Forty‐six percent of granulocyte collections were performed via apheresis. Of the 44 patients, for whom survival outcome was available, 18 (41%) survived the acute illness.

Conclusion

GTXs were infrequently used, most commonly in the setting of an underlying haematological malignancy. This may be explained by the current weak evidence base supporting this therapeutic modality. Procuring a sufficiently large dose of granulocytes for infusion remains an issue for adult recipients.
Leptin attenuates hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells via the reactive oxygen species–hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α pathway
Authors: Gao Jing , Zhu Junfei , Zhao Yuwei , Gan Xueqi , Yu Haiyang
Published: June 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does leptin have an effect on hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs), and what is the potential underlying mechanism?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Hypoxia induces cell apoptosis and leptin expression in hPDLCs through the induction of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Leptin shows feedback inhibition on hypoxia‐induced ROS‐mediated apoptosis in hPDLCs, suggesting a new application of leptin for hypoxic damage in periodontal diseases.

Hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) is an important contributor to the progression of various periodontal diseases. Although leptin has been shown to protect connective tissue cells against hypoxia‐induced injury, whether it might do so by attenuating hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in hPDLCs remains unclear. Here, using CoCl2 treatment, we simulated hypoxic conditions in hPDLCs and explored whether apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were related to hypoxia. After small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibition of leptin and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), the levels of apoptosis, ROS and leptin expression were measured. We showed that in CoCl2‐treated hPDLCs, significantly higher cell apoptosis rates and ROS accumulation were observed. Cobalt chloride also increased leptin and HIF‐1α expression in hPDLCs. Further investigation of the pathway demonstrated that inhibition of ROS attenuated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and leptin expression, whereas siRNA inhibition of leptin aggravated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and ROS accumulation. Hypoxia induces cell apoptosis and leptin expression in hPDLCs through the induction of ROS and HIF‐1α pathways, and leptin shows feedback inhibition on ROS‐mediated apoptosis in hPDLCs. These findings suggest a new application of leptin for hypoxic damage in periodontal diseases.
Resources Allocation in Service Planning Using Discrete-Event Simulation
Authors: Becerra-Fernández Mauricio , Herrera Milton M. , Trejos Cristian , Romero Olga R.
Published: June 2021

Objective: Calculate the required personnel and resources needed to fulfill the service promise agreed with the customer. Methods and materials: This paper presents a discrete event simulation (DES) model developed to select and implement a Point of Sale (POS) for a company providing financial products. First, the paper shows the characterization of the system components and times per process. Then, hypothesis testing and goodness-of-fit statistics are estimated. Subsequently, the simulation scenarios assess the times between arrivals and the number of commercial advisers. Results and discussion: This model allows us to assess the allocation of resources to fulfill the service promise, which is that 80 % of customers must be served within one hour or less. This paper provided the service isoquants allowing us to observe the behavior of the performance metrics (service promise fulfillment) among different scenarios. Conclusions: The use of DES techniques allows for the evaluation of the assignment of personnel to achieve the fulfillment of the service promise, including facilities, equipment, and the evaluation of related processes. These methods can be extended to the analysis of resource allocation in the development of other processes, observing the relationship between service quality and operating costs.
Computer-aided design, synthesis, and characterization of molecular hybrids of dihydropyrazoles, aminopyrimidines, and thiazolidin-4-ones as potential inhibitors of the penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP-3) of Escherichia coli
Authors: Orozco-Lopez Fabian , Guerrero-Villalobos Liliana Rocío , Cuervo-Pardo Paola Andrea
Published: June 2021

A computer-assisted approach was used to model and study privileged heterocyclic scaffolds containing dihydropyrazole, pyrimidin-2-amine, and thiazolidin-4-one moieties (hybrid pharmacophores) to obtain novel and promising antimicrobial prototype molecules. Main bioavailability descriptors were determined in order to assess the drug-likeness of the designed compounds and to pre-filter eleven compounds exhibiting the best profiles, thus passing to molecular docking study against a key penicillin-binding protein type-3 from enterotoxygenic E. coli. Seven structures were chosen by theirenergies of affinity and docking interactions with key residues in the active site of the receptor. Seven compounds with the highest docking scores belonging to the series of chalcones, dihydropyrazoles, aminopyrimidines, and thiazolidin-4-ones were prepared via condensation or cyclocondensation reactions. The structural elucidation of the final products was carried out by infrared spectra analysis and NMR experiments. Such molecular hybrids considered as potential hits in the search for new antibacterial compounds will be tested in vitro in further studies.
Bioinoculant production composed by Pseudomonas sp., Serratia sp., and Kosakonia sp., preliminary effect on Allium cepa L., growth at plot scale
Authors: Blanco-Vargas Andrea , Rodríguez-Gacha Lina M , Sánchez-Castro Natalia , Herrera-Carlosama Laura , Poutou-Piñales Raúl A. , Díaz-Ariza Lucía A. , Gutiérrez-Romero Viviana , Rivera-Hoyos Claudia M , Ardila-Leal Leydi D. , Pedroza-Rodriguez Aura M.
Published: June 2021

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant’s development, and its deficiency restricts crop yield. To meet P requirements in agricultural settings, a low-cost culture medium (MT11B) was designed in which a bioinoculant was produced consisting of three bacterial isolates capable of solubilizing P from phosphoric rock (PR). Pseudomonas sp., Serratia sp., and Kosakonia sp. exhibited P solubilization in SMRS1 agar modified with PR (5.0 g L-1), as source of inorganic P. Sowings by isolation were made of the three bacteria on DNAse- and Blood-agar to rule out pathogenicity. At the interaction tests, no inhibition halos were observed; demonstrating there was no antagonism among them, thus they were used to constitute a consortium. Growth curve (12 h) in MT11B demonstrated consortium grew in presence of PR, brewer’s yeast hydrolysate, and glucose at concentrations (2.5 g L-1) fourfold lower than those in SMRS1 (10.0 g L-1); obtaining phosphate solubilizing bacteria of (10.60 ± 0.08/ log10 CFUmL-1 and, at 6 h of culture, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme volumetric activities of 2.3 ± 0.8 and (3.80 ± 0.13) UP, respectively. The consortium, releasing phosphorus at a rate of (45.80 ± 5.17) mg L-1 at 6 h of production, was evaluated as bioinoculant in onion plots for five months. Plants receiving a treatment that included 500 mL (10 x 107 CFU mL-1) of bioinoculant plus 100 kg ha-1 of an organic mineral fertilizer exhibited the highest determined response variables (170.1 ± 22.2) mm bulb height, (49.4 ± 6.5) mm bulb diameter, (9.0 ± 1.8) g bulb dry weight, and 15.21 mg bulb-1 total phosphorus (p < 0.05).
El pentecostalismo en la novela Himno del ángel parado en una pata, de Hernán Rivera Letelier
Authors: Mansilla Miguel Ángel , Orellana Urtubia Luis , Panotto Nicolás
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo aborda la cultura pentecostal a partir de un análisis de la novela de Rivera Letelier, Himno del ángel parado en una pata, ambientada en la en la década de 1960, en la zona minera del salitre, en Antofagasta. Su principal objetivo es analizar cómo la miseria, la sobrevivencia, el mal, el dolor y el sufrimiento humano, característicos de las dinámicas sociales de la época en dicha área, y específicamente en los imaginarios plasmados en la literatura de entonces, son asumidos y resignificados desde una perspectiva religiosa, concretamente pentecostal. En el abordaje teórico se recurrió a los estudios de Clifford Geertz, para quien uno de los roles de la religión es asignar sentido al dolor y al sufrimiento en cuanto experiencias sociales. En este sentido, el pentecostalismo no resuelve problemas, sino que les asigna sentido, valor y significado. El artículo está dividido en tres grandes apartados: (1) Tiempo y espacio cúltico. (2) La construcción de lo masculino y lo femenino. (3) El problema del mal y el dolor. En el primero, damos cuenta de la relación entre vivienda y templo pentecostal como dos construcciones precarias, donde el templo es en un espacio flexible condicionado por el culto, un tiempo y un espacio, que brinda libertad a las emociones religiosas. Luego nos referimos a la tensión de siempre entre las exigencias institucionales frente a lo femenino y lo masculino, pero en la que los sujetos finalmente deciden y encuentran sus espacios de libertad para flexibilizar las demandas religiosas; y pese a los controles sobre todo en relación con el cuerpo, que pesan sobre las mujeres, ellas logran sortearlos. Por último, en relación con el mal y el dolor destacamos as distintas ritualidades que el autor muestra que los pentecostales realizan, como estrategias para disminuir los efectos caótico en la vida del creyente, sobre todo lo relacionado con la enfermedad y la muerte.
Inverse Design of Axisymmetric Shapes in Glassy Nematic Bilayers
Authors: Xia Shang , He Linghui
Published: June 2021

Programming desired shapes of stimuli-responsive nematic sheets is a challenging yet crucial problem for morphing applications. Here we propose a strategy for inverse design of axisymmetric shapes via circular bilayers composed of two glassy nematic layers with radially symmetric and orthogonal director fields. In this situation, an explicit link can be established between the director orientation and the bilayer deflection. The result provides a recipe for how to construct a director pattern which, upon stimulation, leads to a prescribed shape of revolution. For illustration, two examples concerning simply supported and loosely clamped bilayer discs are given.
Examination of Mechanical Properties and Photoelastic Properties of Gel Material for Blood Vesssel Mimics
Authors: Yamada Daichi , Hori Simon , Abe Shuhe , Kumeno Yuki , Yamazaki Takahiro , Oka Chiemi , Sakurai Junpei , Hata Seiichi
Published: June 2021

Catheter surgery is a minimally invasive treatment in which visual information is limited to a two-dimensional image generated by an X-ray camera. This results in the possibility that stress applied by the catheter onto a blood vessel wall damages the vessel. Doctors must therefore be skillful at catheter surgery. We proposed a catheter surgery simulator that visualizes the stress applied to the blood vessel wall using photoelasticity. The manufacture of this simulator requires creating blood vessel mimics that reproduce the physical properties of blood vessel tissue using photoelasticity. This study investigated the mechanical and photoelastic properties of gel materials and selected a gel composition suitable for making blood vessel mimics. The mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel changed in the range 70–335 kPa by changing the composition ratio, and double network (DN) gel changed in the range 0.13–1.06 MPa by changing the composition ratio. These gels could be adjusted by changing the material composition to provide Young's moduli similar to that of blood vessels. The photoelastic properties of PVA hydrogel changed in the range 1.38–2.76 × 10−9/Pa by changing the composition ratio, and DN gel changed in the range 0.012–0.029 × 10−9/Pa by changing the composition ratio.
A Computational Method for the Estimation of the Geometrical and Thermophysical Properties of Tumor Using Contact Thermometry
Authors: Sudarsan Nimmi , Arathy K. , Antony Linta , Sudheesh R. S. , Muralidharan M. N. , Satheesan B. , Ansari Seema
Published: June 2021

Contact thermometry is the measurement of surface temperature using sensors in contact with the medium. These surface temperatures can be potential indicators of any abnormality possibly a tumor. This research work aims to present a computation method that makes use of contact thermometry to estimate the geometric center, size, and thermophysical properties of breast tumor. Wearable thermal sensors captured real-time surface temperature readings from discrete point locations. The continuous heat distribution over the domain was formulated using forward heat transfer analysis. The optimization method estimated tumor parameters of the breast, and a three-dimensional thermal model was developed from the estimated parameters. Laboratory experiments on breast phantoms were done to validate the estimation method. Furthermore, real-time temperature readings of human subjects were recorded, and the estimated location and size were then compared with the mammogram results. It was found that the estimated two-dimensional geometric center and the size in diameter of the tumor closely match with the mammogram results. Further, the thermophysical properties estimated using the proposed method had a higher order in subjects having a tumor making it a tool for breast cancer screening.
Automatic classification and reduction of wind noise in spectral data
Authors: Cook Mylan R. , Gee Kent L. , Transtrum Mark K. , Lympany Shane V. , Calton Matt
Published: June 2021

Outdoor acoustic data often include non-acoustic pressures caused by atmospheric turbulence, particularly below a few hundred Hz in frequency, even when using microphone windscreens. This paper describes a method for automatic wind-noise classification and reduction in spectral data without requiring measured wind speeds. The method finds individual frequency bands matching the characteristic decreasing spectral slope of wind noise. Uncontaminated data from several short-timescale spectra can be used to obtain a decontaminated long-timescale spectrum. This method is validated with field-test data and can be applied to large datasets to efficiently find and reduce the negative impact of wind noise contamination.
Exploring the Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Injury and Clinical Outcome Measures of Cervical Sensorimotor Function
Authors: Cheever Kelly M. , Wright W. Geoffrey , McDevitt Jane , Sitler Michael , Tierney Ryan T.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to explore the correlation between preseason measures of cervical sensorimotor function and musculoskeletal injury rates across a contact sport season. The authors hypothesized that athletes with higher sensorimotor dysfunction at baseline would be more likely to suffer an injury. The authors further hypothesized that contact sport participation would lead to greater changes in cervical sensorimotor function across a sport season compared with noncontact controls. Forty-nine collegiate club athletes (26 rugby and 23 noncontact controls) participated in a cohort study. Low positive correlations between baseline sign and symptom severity (r = .383), and score (r = .344), and cervical joint position error (r = .385–.425) and time loss injury were observed. Combining sign and symptom severity score and the neck reposition error predicted musculoskeletal injury status with 80.8% accuracy (area under the curve = 0.80, p = .003). The results suggest preseason deficits in cervical sensorimotor function may be related to future musculoskeletal injury risk. Sign and symptom severity score, Neck Disability Index score, and cervical joint position error can help identify athletes requiring more comprehensive cervical spine assessment that may benefit from preventative intervention.
Management of a ureteric stricture post ureteroileal anastomosis of a renal transplant
Authors: P Ryan James , Sugrue Diarmuid Declan , Davis Niall F , Mohan Ponnusamy
Published: June 2021

A 58-year-old woman with a prior radical cystectomy and ileal conduit underwent a living-related donor renal transplant for end-stage renal disease secondary to autoimmune glomerulonephritis. She subsequently developed an ischaemic stricture of the transplant ureter. A successful ureteropyelostomy was performed with the native right ureter anastomosed to the pelvis of the renal transplant. She presented to the emergency department 18 months later feeling unwell and with raised inflammatory markers. Imaging demonstrated a large soft tissue mass over the right psoas muscle and hydronephrosis of the native right kidney. A nephrostomy and nephrostogram of the native right kidney diagnosed a urine leak from the native right kidney and she underwent an open right native nephrectomy. She recovered well postoperatively and continues to have excellent graft function. Renal transplantation in an abnormal urinary tract carries a high risk of complications. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential in offering the most appropriate treatment and ensuring good graft function is preserved.
Caring for the carers: a COVID-19 psychological support programme
Authors: Lamb Di , Simms A , Greenberg N , Withnall R D J
Published: June 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent pandemic brought unprecedented worldwide challenges born out of a rapidly escalating health and economic crisis. From emergency planners to healthcare workers on the front line, and everyone in between, the pandemic, and the uncertainty surrounding it, was likely to become a significant stressor, one with no immediate solution but with the potential to cause enduring distress beyond its conclusion. The UK Defence Medical Services recognised the need to provide an evidence-based programme of care intended to support personnel transitioning from assisting the national response back to normal duties. This was informed by a narrative review that targeted literature exploring strategies for supporting the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers during 21st-century infectious disease outbreaks. The literature identified the experiences most likely to cause enduring distress, which comprised morally challenging decisions, vulnerability, death and suffering, professional and personal challenges, and expectations. The opportunity to find meaning in these experiences, by discussing them with peers who share a contextual understanding, is important to limit the longer-term psychosocial impact of such events. This paper will discuss the design considerations and planned implementation strategy of the Recovery, Readjustment and Reintegration Programme to limit the incidence of distress or longer-term mental ill health among military personnel.
Visceral versus somatic pain: an educational review of anatomy and clinical implications
Authors: Boezaart Andre P , Smith Cameron R , Chembrovich Svetlana , Zasimovich Yury , Server Anna , Morgan Gwen , Theron Andre , Booysen Karin , Reina Miguel A
Published: June 2021

Somatic and visceral nociceptive signals travel via different pathways to reach the spinal cord. Additionally, signals regulating visceral blood flow and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) motility travel via efferent sympathetic nerves. To offer optimal pain relief and increase GIT motility and blood flow, we should interfere with all these pathways. These include the afferent nerves that travel with the sympathetic trunks, the somatic fibers that innervate the abdominal wall and part of the parietal peritoneum, and the sympathetic efferent fibers. All somatic and visceral afferent neural and sympathetic efferent pathways are effectively blocked by appropriately placed segmental thoracic epidural blocks (TEBs), whereas well-placed truncal fascial plane blocks evidently do not consistently block the afferent visceral neural pathways nor the sympathetic efferent nerves. It is generally accepted that it would be beneficial to counter the effects of the stress response on the GIT, therefore most enhanced recovery after surgery protocols involve TEB. The TEB failure rate, however, can be high, enticing practitioners to resort to truncal fascial plane blocks. In this educational article, we discuss the differences between visceral and somatic pain, their management and the clinical implications of these differences.