bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and characterisation of jet cold atmospheric pressure plasma and its effect on Escherichia coli, colour, pH, and bioactive compounds of sour cherry juice
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mehdi , Hosseinzadeh Samani Bahram , Rostami Sajad , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: June 2021

A new system for cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) generation was designed and characterised. The effects of voltage (10, 15, 20 kV), frequency (10, 15, 20 kHz), gas flow rate (3, 5, 7 L min−1) and percentage of oxygen (0%, 0.5%, 1%) on the plasma jet length (PJL) were investigated. Then, different volumes (5, 10, 15 mL) of sour cherry juice were treated by CAPP to compare their physicochemical properties (colour and pH), Escherichia coli count, and bioactive compounds with samples treated by the conventional process. According to the results, PJL was increased by increasing the voltage and frequency and then remained constant. Also, PJL increases and then decreases by increasing the gas flow rate. Furthermore, CAPP treatment reduced E. coli count but did not alter the colour and pH of samples. Moreover, increasing the voltage, plasma treatment duration, and oxygen percentage enhanced the inactivation of E. coli. The best sterilisation effect was 6‐log cycle decrease in E. coli count which was achieved at a voltage of 19.6 kV, an oxygen concentration of 1%, and a gas flow rate of 4.5 L min−1. Besides, the total phenol content of juice was 277 GAE/100 g and was changed to 279 and 359 after plasma treatment and conventional process, respectively.
Antibiofilm effects of pomegranate peel extracts against B. cereus, B. subtilis, and E. faecalis
Authors: Balaban Merve , Koc Cansel , Sar Taner , Akbas Meltem Yesilcimen
Published: June 2021

In this study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extracts (PPLs) prepared by 10 g of pomegranate peels (PPL10) and 100 mL of different solvents (ethanol, methanol, and their acid combinations, and water) were investigated as sources of bioactive compounds against food‐related bacteria. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were measured by using agar well diffusion assay. The acid‐treated extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial activities (31–34 mm). The biofilm formations were assessed by using a microplate reader (570 nm) after crystal violet staining. The prevention and removal of bacterial biofilms were also evaluated by using extracts prepared by 5 g of initial pomegranate peel (PPL5) with the different solvents or 200 ppm chlorine solution. All PPL5 and PPL10 extracts diluted at different ratios inhibited and removed biofilms, and the highest antibiofilm effects were up to 80% by acid‐treated extracts. In addition, PPL5s and PPL10s were as effective as or more effective than chlorine for the prevention of biofilms. Therefore, from an economical perspective the PPL5s could represent promising candidates as natural antibiofilm agents for food industry.
Study of exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria and their industrial applications: a review
Authors: Abarquero Daniel , Renes Erica , Fresno José María , Tornadijo María Eugenia
Published: June 2021

This review describes and discusses the structure, biosynthesis and applications of exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria. These substances are classified as homopolysaccharides, which are synthesised from sucrose through the action of extracellular glycosyltransferases or heteropolysaccharides, which are synthesised from repeating unit precursors formed in the cytoplasm and assembled extracellularly by the sequential addition of nucleotide sugars. The industrial application of exopolysaccharides is linked to enhancing the texture and rheological properties of certain fermented products and their production in situ being of particular interest. The chemical characteristics of exopolysaccharides influence interactions with milk proteins in fermented dairy products. These compounds reduce gel syneresis and increase the viscosity, water retention capacity and firmness of the gel, all of which are desirable characteristics for the development of low‐fat dairy products. Similarly, they have applications in the production of gluten‐free bakery products and fermented meat products.
Environmental uncertainty and corporate cash holdings: The moderating role of CEO ability
Authors: Magerakis Efstathios , Habib Ahsan
Published: June 2021

This article empirically tests the association between environmental uncertainty and corporate cash holdings and whether CEO ability moderates this association. Based on the precautionary motive for holding cash, we predict that firms will hold more cash when operating in an environment of high uncertainty. To test this prediction, we utilize a panel of non‐financial U.S. firms throughout 1980–2016. Using the coefficient of variation in sales as a proxy for environmental uncertainty, we find that environmental uncertainty increases firm cash holding. We then explore the moderating role of CEO ability and find that more‐able CEOs weaken the positive association between environmental uncertainty and cash holding. Further, the results demonstrate that small‐sized, financially sound, and low leveraged firms are likely to hoard more cash during periods of heightened uncertainty. Our study provides new insights for investors, shareholders, and policymakers into companies' decision‐making concerning liquid assets.
Histological analysis of fat grafting with platelet‐rich plasma for diabetic foot ulcers—A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nolan Grant Switzer , Smith Oliver John , Heavey Susan , Jell Gavin , Mosahebi Afshin
Published: June 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers are often unresponsive to conventional therapy and are a leading cause of amputation. Animal studies have shown stem cells and growth factors can accelerate wound healing. Adipose‐derived stem cells are found in fat grafts and mixing them with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may improve graft survival. This study aimed to establish the histological changes when diabetic foot ulcers are treated with fat grafts and PRP. A three‐armed RCT was undertaken of 18 diabetic foot ulcer patients: fat grafting; fat grafting with PRP; and routine podiatry care. Biopsies were obtained at week 0, 1, and 4, and underwent quantitative histology/immunohistochemistry (H&E, CD31, and Ki67). Treatment with fat and PRP increased mean microvessel density at 1 week to 1645 (SD 96) microvessels/mm2 (+32%‐45% to other arms, P = .035). PRP appeared to increase vascularity surrounding fat grafts, and histology suggested PRP may enhance fat graft survival. There was no clinical difference between arms. This study demonstrates PRP with fat grafts increased neovascularisation and graft survival in diabetic foot ulcers. The histology was not, however, correlated with wound healing time. Future studies should consider using apoptosis markers and fluorescent labelling to ascertain if enhanced fat graft survival is due to proliferation or reduced apoptosis. Trial registration NCT03085550.
The Effect of Board Structure on Firm Disclosure and Behavior: A Case Study of Korea and a Comparison of Research Designs
Authors: Black Bernard , Kim Woochan , Nasev Julia
Published: June 2021

We exploit a large legal shock to the board structure of Korean firms, using a strong research design—combined difference‐in‐differences and regression discontinuity—to study whether this board structure change affects firm financial reporting (disclosure, MD&A length, and abnormal accruals), investment and growth (sales growth and capital expenditures), and firm value (proxied by Tobin's q). We also compare results from the annual DiD/RD design to those from simpler panel and “causal” methods, and assess how results vary across methods. We find robust evidence across methods that the shock predicts improved scores on a Disclosure Subindex, confirm prior findings of an increase in Tobin's q, and find some evidence for a drop in sales growth, but no convincing evidence of significant change for other outcomes. By comparing results across methods, we illustrate how using multiple causal designs can provide insight into and evidence of robustness not available from a single design, as well as case study evidence that panel methods, simple DiD, and its close cousin, shock‐based IV, can produce apparent false positives.
Mechanical stimulation activates Piezo1 to promote mucin2 expression in goblet cells
Authors: Xu Yan , Bai Tao , Xiong Yilin , Liu Caiyuan , Liu Ying , Hou Xiaohua , Song Jun
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Studies on the regulation of mucin2 expression in intestinal goblet cells by the endocrine system and the immune system have been comprehensive, but the effects of abundant mechanical factors in the intestinal microenvironment on goblet cells are not clear.

Methods

We constructed mechanical stimulation models in vivo and in vitro to explore the effect of mechanical stimulation on intestinal goblet cells. Piezo1 expression and function were regulated through model mouse and drugs to explored whether Piezo1 mediated mechanical stimulation.

Results

The results showed that hydrostatic pressure could promote mucus secretion in the mouse colon, and both traction force and shear force could promote the expression of mucin2 in the LS174T cell line. We further found that the Piezo1 protein, which was abundantly expressed in goblet cells, acted as a mechanoreceptor. Knockout of Piezo1 in the intestinal epithelial cells of mice could reduce the promotion of mucus secretion by pressure stimulation, and the specific downregulation of Piezo1 protein in LS174T cells or Piezo1 inhibitor treatment could significantly reduce the promotion of mucin2 expression in goblet cells by mechanical stimulation; however, treatment with a Piezo1 agonist had the opposite effect. Moreover, we found that Piezo1 regulated mucin2 expression through the downstream Erk/Ca2+ pathway.

Conclusion

In short, our study confirmed for the first time that goblet cells are mechanoreceptive cells that can directly sense mechanical stimulation in the intestinal tract and respond back through the Piezo1‐Erk/Ca2+‐mucin2 pathway.
Comparison of Japan nurse practitioner‐led care and physician trainee‐led care on patients' length of stay in a secondary emergency department: A retrospective study
Authors: Uranaka Keiichi , Takaira Hitoshi , Shinohara Ryoji , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: June 2021

Aim

We compared Japan nurse practitioner‐led care and physician trainee‐led care in terms of patients' length of stay in a secondary emergency department in Japan.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study, utilizing medical records. Participants (n = 1419; mean age = 63.9 ± 23.4 years; 52.3% men) were patients transferred to the emergency department by ambulance between April 2016 and March 2018 in western Tokyo. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, with length of stay as the dependent variable and factors related to the length of stay, including medical care leaders, as the independent variable.

Results

Approximately half of the patients (n = 763; 53.8%) received Japan nurse practitioner‐led care. Patients' length of stay was significantly shorter, by 6 min, in the Japan nurse practitioner‐led care group, compared with the physician trainee‐led care group (unstandardized coefficient: −6.81; 95% confidence interval: −13.35 to −0.26; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients' shorter length of stay in the Japan nurse practitioner group, compared with the physician trainee group, suggests that Japan nurse practitioners are not inferior to physician trainees in terms of the time spent to manage patients.
Positive work reflection during the evening and next‐day work engagement: Testing mediating mechanisms and cyclical processes
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine , Tian Amy Wei , Cao Jie , Grushina Svetlana V.
Published: June 2021

Studies have shown that positive work reflection during evening leisure time is related to short‐term affective benefits at bedtime and in the next morning. This study examines whether the favourable outcomes of positive work reflection persist into the next workday and tests mediating processes between evening positive work reflection and next‐day work engagement. Based on daily survey data from 152 employees (total of 687 days), we found that positive work reflection predicted next morning perceived work meaningfulness, next morning psychological availability, and next‐day co‐worker support. Perceived work meaningfulness and co‐worker support, but not psychological availability, in turn, predicted afternoon work engagement. Work engagement predicted subsequent positive work reflection. This study demonstrates that positively thinking about work‐related issues during leisure time is associated with positive outcomes during the next workday, which prompt subsequent positive work reflection.

Practitioner points

Employees should be encouraged to reflect positively about their day at work during after‐work hours; instead of striving for full mental disengagement from work, employees could develop habits of positively reflecting about their workday during evening hours.

Being fully engaged during the day at work may support positive work reflection during the evening; accordingly, employees may focus on work experiences characterized by high vigour, dedication, and absorption.

Being aware of one’s work meaningfulness and receiving co‐worker support is helpful for translating positive work reflection into work engagement; accordingly, mental exercises that emphasize meaningfulness and acts that facilitate co‐worker support might be effective tools for increasing work engagement.
Urinary incontinence during laughter in children: Is it giggle incontinence?
Authors: San Soe T , Barnes Elizabeth H , Caldwell Patrina H Y
Published: June 2021

Aim

Giggle incontinence is a distinct entity of childhood daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), where children wet themselves only when they laugh. The prevalence of true giggle incontinence is unknown, with confusion about the diagnosis of urinary incontinence occurring during laughter and true giggle incontinence. The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of urinary incontinence during laughter by comparing those children with children who have DUI at other times, but not with laughter.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of children with DUI who presented to a tertiary continence service from 2017 to 2018, collecting data on age, gender, associated comorbidities, lower urinary tract symptoms, investigations, provisional diagnosis at first visit and initial treatment responses. Differences between those with DUI occurring during laughter and those with DUI at other times, but not with laughter were compared using standard statistical methods.

Results

Of the 277 new patients seen during the study period, 140 (51%) had DUI, and of these, 72 (51%) had DUI occurring during laughter. Children with incontinence occurring during laughter were more likely to have incontinence associated with other activities. One child had giggle incontinence according to the International Children's Continence Society's definition. Four other children were referred specifically for urinary incontinence associated with laughter, with the term giggle incontinence sometimes used by the referring doctor.

Conclusion

Children with DUI commonly experience incontinence during laughter, but true giggle incontinence is rare. Correct diagnosis is essential as it directs treatment.
Are reasons normatively basic?
Authors: Audi Robert
Published: June 2021

Understanding reasons is essential both for understanding human behavior and for constructing a theory of moral conduct. Reasons have been widely viewed as the most basic elements in normative theory, and moral reasons have been considered the most basic elements in ethics. Arguably, rational acts are those best supported by reasons, and morally right acts are those best supported by moral reasons. There is little doubt, however, that what is good is also important for both the rationality and the morality of actions. Given these points, this paper explores four related questions: What kinds of elements, say facts or propositional attitudes, constitute (normative) reasons for action? What is the relation between considerations of value—for instance regarding the intrinsically good or intrinsically bad—and normative reasons for action? Are reasons—for belief as well as for actions—equivalent to grounds for them? And how do answers to these questions bear on ethical theory? This paper provides a partial theory of reasons, values, and grounds that distinguishes different kinds of reason‐ascribing locutions, reveals, in the light of that distinction, a kind of normative dependence of reasons on values, and represents both reasons and values as metaphysically grounded in elements of experience.
PagWOX11/12a activates PagCYP736A12 gene that facilitates salt tolerance in poplar
Authors: Wang Liu‐Qiang , Wen Shuang‐Shuang , Wang Rui , Wang Chao , Gao Bei , Lu Meng‐Zhu
Published: June 2021

The WUSCHEL‐related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors WOX11 and WOX12 regulate adventitious rooting and responses to stress. The underlying physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms in salt stress tolerance remain largely unexplored. Here, we characterized the roles of PagWOX11/12a from 84K poplar (Populus alba × P. glandulosa) and the underlying regulatory mechanism in salt stress. PagWOX11/12a was strongly induced by salt stress in roots. Overexpression of PagWOX11/12a in poplar enhanced salt tolerance, as evident by the promotion of growth‐related biomass. In contrast, salt‐treated PagWOX11/12a dominant repression plants displayed reduced biomass growth. Under salt stress conditions, PagWOX11/12a‐overexpressed lines showed higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than non‐transgenic 84K plants, whereas the suppressors displayed the opposite phenotype. In addition, PagWOX11/12a directly bound to the promoter region of PagCYP736A12 and regulated PagCYP736A12 expression. The activated PagCYP736A12 could enhance ROS scavenging, thus reducing H2O2 levels in roots under salt stress in PagWOX11/12a‐overexpressed poplars. The collective results support the important role of PagWOX11/12a in salt acclimation of poplar trees, indicating that PagWOX11/12a enhances salt tolerance through modulation of ROS scavenging by directly regulating PagCYP736A12 expression in poplar.
Fluorescent nanoparticle‐mediated semiquantitative MYC protein expression analysis in morphologically diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Takayanagi Natsuko , Momose Shuji , Kikuchi Jun , Tanaka Yuka , Anan Tomoe , Yamashita Takahisa , Higashi Morihiro , Tokuhira Michihide , Kizaki Masahiro , Tamaru Jun‐ichi
Published: June 2021

The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification defines a new disease entity of high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, making fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) screening for these genes mandatory. In addition, the prognostic significance of MYC expression was reported, with a cut‐off value of 40%. However, interobserver discrepancies arise due to the heterogeneous intensity of MYC expression by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, a cut‐off value of positivity for MYC protein in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) varies among studies at present. Here, we applied a high‐sensitivity semiquantitative immunohistochemical technique using fluorescent nanoparticles called phosphor‐integrated dots (PID) to evaluate the MYC expression in 50 de novo DLBCL cases, and compared it with the conventional diaminobenzidine (DAB)‐developing system. The high MYC expression detected by the PID‐mediated system predicted poor overall survival in DLBCL patients. However, we found no prognostic value of MYC protein expression for any cut‐off value by the DAB‐developing system, even if the intensity was considered. These results indicate that the precise evaluation of MYC protein expression can clarify the prognostic values in DLBCL, irrespective of MYC rearrangement.
Golden Boys, Bros, and Barbecues: Gendered Occidentalism and the Shaping of US Policy in the Middle East
Authors: Razavi Negar
Published: June 2021

Drawing on ethnographic and archival research among foreign policy elites in Washington, DC, this article turns attention to the affective gendered and racialized work that shapes US foreign policy. In particular, this article focuses on a form of strategic mimicry I call “gendered Occidentalism,” which has been used by representatives of Persian Gulf states to gain entry into the US foreign policy establishment, and through it, the authoritative power to interpret the “Middle East” for their elite American counterparts. To make this argument, I examine both a historical and contemporary case study, showing the trajectory of this gendered Occidentalism and the ways Gulf policy elites have been able to adapt these affective techniques to align with the changing gendered and racialized norms of the DC establishment. Ultimately, this article considers a more dynamic geopolitical landscape in which less powerful states can—through the affective techniques deployed by their representatives—influence how a hegemonic state like the United States perceives and pursues in its interests abroad.[gender, policy, affect, diplomacy, Middle East]
A comprehensive review of oyster peptides: Preparation, characterisation and bioactivities
Authors: Hao Lili , Wang Xincen , Cao Yunrui , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu
Published: June 2021

Oysters are a healthy and excellent source of lean protein (content up to 45%–57%). In addition, polypeptides extracted from hydrolysis of oyster protein by enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation have diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, promoting sexual reproduction, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer. However, there are still great challenges in the preparation and characterisation of oyster polypeptides. Besides, the bioactivities and the corresponding underlying mechanisms of oyster peptides (OPs) have not yet been fully described. In order to obtain more specific peptides with potential bioactivities, optimisation of conditions employed during hydrolysis of oyster protein is therefore necessary, as well as the identification of the amino acid sequence and secondary structure of OPs. This review discusses latest research progress in preparation (including production, isolation and purification) and characterisation of OPs, with emphasis on their multiple bioactivities. Mechanisms underlying such bioactivities have also been presented. Comprehensive information about OPs could pave the way towards a functional development and more efficient utilisation of oysters. Collectively, there is growing evidence that OPs have potential health benefits. More research efforts are needed to determine their potential use in many contexts and ultimately develop more efficient and safer OP‐based products.
Effect of pasteurized egg yolk on the quality of cryopreserved boar semen
Authors: Selige Christin , Quirino Monike , Schröter Filip , Aepli Matteo , Schulze Martin
Published: June 2021

Egg yolk (EY, control) is an essential ingredient of diluents for boar semen cryopreservation. Pasteurized egg yolk (PEY) reduces hygienic risks in processing and is easier to standardize. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of PEY (treatment) on frozen‐thawed boar semen. In a split‐sample approach (n = 13 boars), it could be shown that there is neither an influence (p > .05) on post‐thawing motility (PTM: 5, 30 and 120 min) nor on morphologically intact sperm, percentage of acrosome defects and membrane fluidity using a PEY extender compared to the control. Mitochondrial activity (p = .043), membrane integrity (p = .015) and PTM 300 min (p = .023) were slightly affected in the treatment group. Overall, sperm quality was at a high level in both experimental groups. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of PEY on the fertilizing capacity of boar ejaculates.
Trust, Perceptions of Risks and Benefits, and Normative Acceptance of Approaches for Restoring American Chestnut Trees
Authors: Petit Joshua D. , Needham Mark D. , Howe Glenn T.
Published: June 2021

This article examined trust, perceived risks and benefits, and normative acceptance associated with using breeding and genetic engineering (GE) to restore American chestnut (AC) trees. Questionnaires were completed by a random representative sample of the public in the United States (n = 278) and a purposive sample of forest interest groups (FIG) such as scientists and managers (n = 195). These concepts were examined in relation to breeding (breed the AC with chestnut trees from Asia) and GE (add the oxalate oxidase [OxO] gene from bread wheat to the AC) approaches for mitigating chestnut blight and restoring AC trees. The public sample considered adding the gene from bread wheat (GE) to be more beneficial and slightly more acceptable, but also slightly riskier, compared to the breeding approach. The FIGs viewed the breeding approach to be more acceptable, less risky, and more beneficial than the GE approach. The FIGs viewed both approaches as less risky, more beneficial, and more acceptable than did the public sample. Path analysis showed that: (i) perceived environmental benefits were the strongest predictors of normative acceptance of both approaches for the public sample, (ii) perceived environmental risks were the strongest predictors of acceptance of both approaches for the FIGs, (iii) human benefits and risks were mostly unrelated to acceptance, and (iv) trust in government agencies charged with managing forests was only weakly associated with benefits, risks, and acceptance. Implications of these results for both research and management were discussed.
The Application of Continuous-Time Markov Chain Models in the Analysis of Choice Flume Experiments
Authors: Spence Michael A. , Muiruri Evalyne W. , Maxwell David L. , Davis Scott , Sheahan Dave
Published: June 2021

An inhomogeneous continuous-time Markov chain model is proposed to quantify animal preference and avoidance behaviour in a choice experiment. We develop and apply our model to a choice flume experiment designed to assess the preference or avoidance responses of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) exposed to chlorinated seawater. Due to observed fluctuations in chlorine levels, a stochastic process was applied to describe and account for uncertainty in chlorine concentrations. A hierarchical model was implemented to account for differences between eight experimental runs and use Bayesian methods to quantify preference/avoidance after accounting for observed shoaling behaviour. The application of our method not only overcomes the need to track individuals during an experiment but also circumvents temporal autocorrelation and any violations of independence. Our model therefore surpasses current methods in choice chamber studies, incorporating variability in the environment and group-level dynamics to yield results that scale and generalise to the real-world.
Caries prevalence using ICDAS visual criteria and risk assessment in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A comparative study
Authors: Castelo Branco Camila Menezes Costa , Cabral Gloria Maria Pimenta , Castro Alix Maria Gregory Sawaya , Ferreira Ana Cristina Fernandes Maria , Bonacina Carlos Felipe , Lussi Adrian , Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues , Diniz Michele Baffi
Published: June 2021

Aims

To compare the dental caries prevalence using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the caries risk by Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and normoactives (NAs).

Methods and results

Sixty children and adolescents aged 6–12 years (30 CP/30 NA) were clinically evaluated by one calibrated examiner using two‐digit ICDAS criteria and converted into components of dmf/DMF indices: d2mf2/D2MF2 (enamel and dentin lesions) and d3mf3/D3MF3 (dentin lesions). An adapted CAMBRA was used for risk classification. The mean d2mf2s/d2mf2t and D2MF2S/D2MF2T for CP were 17.0 ± 16.8/7.5 ± 4.3 and 10.7 ± 17.6/5.3 ± 5.8, respectively, and for NA were 17.2 ± 16.9 /6.9 ± 4.8 and 11.1 ± 11.7/5.5 ± 4.7, respectively. The mean d3mf3s/d3mf3t and D3MF3S/D3MF3T for CP were 10.1 ± 16.7/3.0 ± 4.1 and 4.9 ± 15.6/0.2 ± 0.4, respectively, while for NA the mean values were 9.8 ± 13.0/3.5 ± 3.8 and 2.1 ± 5.7/0.9 ± 2.0, respectively. There were no statistically differences for caries prevalence and risk in both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Dental caries was highly prevalent in CP and NA children and adolescents. Enamel and dentin lesions and high caries risk were the most common condition.
Making the invisible more visible: Reflections on practice‐based humanising lifeworld‐led research – existential opportunities for supporting dignity, compassion and wellbeing
Authors: Ellis‐Hill Caroline , Pound Carole , Galvin Kathleen
Published: June 2021

Background

The need for dignity and compassion in healthcare is enshrined in policy, but is often difficult to enact in practice and what is precisely meant by these concepts is unclear. In this paper, we have explored theoretical underpinnings which form the basis of a lifeworld‐led approach which was used in a research study to support the humanity of service providers and users alike.

Aim

In this article, we share our analysis of what we have learnt after undertaking an innovative appreciative action research project with patients and staff in a stroke ward with the aim of exploring if a novel phenomenologically driven and philosophically derived humanising framework could be applied in health care. Following the research, we wanted to develop a theoretical understanding of the processes occurring during the research in order to provide a framework and language which could be used to support practical lifeworld developments in the future. We analysed the approach through Participatory and Appreciative Action Reflection.

Findings

As researchers, we found that the approach was underpinned by four key existential principles. The first principle was recognising a mutually arising reality rather than a reality ‘out there’. The second was recognising a reality which was constantly changing rather than ‘fixed’. The third was recognising that we needed to work from within, as part of a human living system rather than trying to control reality from the ‘outside’. Finally, we recognised that this reality could only be accessed through human knowing, including embodied knowing rather than intellectual knowing alone. These principles challenged many of the usual ways of thinking and working within research and healthcare contexts.

Conclusion

Understanding the processes and reality in this way gave new perspectives; enhancing our understandings and views of ourselves, what is important and most importantly what is possible in caring systems.
Aftermath of fortnightly universal testing for severe acute respiratory corona virus‐2 infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Patel Manas R. , Kushwaha Ravi S. , Behera Manas , Bhadauria Dharmendra S. , Yachha Monika , Kaul Anupma , Prasad Narayan
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Asymptomatic maintenance hemodialysis patients with acute respiratory corona virus‐2 (SARS‐COV‐2) are missed with pre‐dialysis screening without testing. The possible ideal strategy of testing each patient before each shift with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is not feasible. We aimed to study the effectiveness of fortnightly screening with RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 in curbing transmission.

Methods

Between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, all 273 patients receiving hemodialysis were subjected to fortnightly testing for SARS‐Cov‐2 in the unit to detect asymptomatic patients. The cost and effectiveness of universal testing in preventing transmission were analyzed using susceptible‐infectious‐removed (SIR) modeling assuming R0 of 2.2.

Results

Of 273 MHD patients, 55 (20.1%) found infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 over 3 months. Six (10.9%) were symptomatic, and 49 (89.1%) asymptomatic at the time of testing. Six (10.9%) asymptomatic patients develop symptoms later, and 43 (78.2%) remained asymptomatic. A total of seven (6.1%) HCWs also tested positive for the virus. Fortnightly universal testing is cost‐effective, and SIR modeling proved effective in preventing person‐to‐person transmission.

Conclusions

Repeated universal testing in maintenance hemodialysis patients detected 89% of asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 patients over 3 months and appeared to be an effective strategy to prevent person‐to‐person transmission in the dialysis unit.
Identifying achilles tendon structure differences by ultrasound tissue characterization in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Elgart Brian , Pietrosimone Laura S. , Lucero Angela , Stafford Harry C. , Berkoff David J.
Published: June 2021

Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC) is a modality that can be utilized to characterize tendon tissue structure using ultrasonographic imaging paired with a computer algorithm to distinguish echo‐types. Several studies have demonstrated UTCs ability to distinguish Achilles tendon morphology changes, but no study has established normative data of the Achilles tendon in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine UTC echo‐type distribution in the Achilles tendon in an asymptomatic population. UTC scans were completed and analyzed on 508 participants without Achilles tendinopathy. Dedicated UTC‐algorithms were used to distinguish and calculate echo‐type percentages and the fiber type distribution was compared. The overall sample echo‐type percentages demonstrated greater levels of Type I and II echo‐types, 65.73% and 32.00%, respectively, and lower levels of Type III and IV echo‐types, 1.74% and 0.57%, respectively. In addition, females had lower levels of Echo‐type I compared to men and greater levels of echo‐type II (p < 0.001). We also found that African‐Americans had significantly greater amounts of echo‐type I and lesser amounts of echo‐type II when compared to Caucasians (p < 0.05). The results of this study create a normative data set for future UTC studies to utilize as a baseline for the evaluation of Achilles tendons. In addition, it demonstrated tendon type differences between sexes and races that need to be accounted for in future studies.
Organizational Roots of Gender Polarization in the State Legislature
Authors: Matthews Morgan C.
Published: June 2021

Political institutions in the United States have become increasingly polarized. This paper asks how gender has been part of party polarization’s institutionalization and what consequences gender has on relations of power in increasingly divisive legislative work. Drawing on interviews with 21 New Hampshire state representatives and archival legislative and committee leadership records, I analyze the process and changing meanings of partisanship in the everyday work of the legislature. As this state’s moderate conservative caucus disbanded and the Republican Party lost its long‐standing control, more divisive Republican alliances masculinized legislative politics as combative. Meanwhile, the newly competitive Democratic Party began to actively showcase women as party and committee leaders. State representatives’ accounts demonstrate the gendered meanings and consequences of party polarization in the legislative workplace beyond what is captured by traditional measures of ideological polarization. These findings show how gender polarization produces new forms of institutionalized political inequalities in the hierarchical legislative workplace.
Computational skills by stealth in introductory data science teaching
Authors: Burr Wesley , Chevalier Fanny , Collins Christopher , Gibbs Alison L , Ng Raymond , Wild Chris J
Published: June 2021

In 2010, Nolan and Temple Lang proposed “integration of computing concepts into statistics curricula at all levels.” The unprecedented growth in data and emphasis on data science has provided an impetus to finally realizing full implementations of this in new statistics and data science programs and courses. We discuss a proposal for the stealth development of computational skills in students' exposure to introductory data science through careful, scaffolded exposure to computation and its power. Our intent is to support students, regardless of interest and self‐efficacy in coding, in becoming data‐driven learners, who are capable of asking complex questions about the world around them, and then answering those questions through the use of data‐driven inquiry. Reference is made to the computer science and statistics consensus curriculum frameworks the International Data Science in Schools Project (IDSSP) recently published for secondary school data science or introductory tertiary programs, designed to optimize data‐science accessibility.
The phycobilisome core‐membrane linkers from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and red‐algae assemble in the same topology
Authors: Niu Nan‐Nan , Lu Lu , Peng Pan‐Pan , Fu Zhi‐Juan , Miao Dan , Zhou Ming , Noy Dror , Zhao Kai‐Hong
Published: June 2021

The phycobilisomes (PBSs) of cyanobacteria and red‐algae are unique megadaltons light‐harvesting protein‐pigment complexes that utilize bilin derivatives for light absorption and energy transfer. Recently, the high‐resolution molecular structures of red‐algal PBSs revealed how the multi‐domain core‐membrane linker (LCM) specifically organizes the allophycocyanin subunits in the PBS’s core. But, the topology of LCM in these structures was different than that suggested for cyanobacterial PBSs based on lower‐resolution structures. Particularly, the model for cyanobacteria assumed that the Arm2 domain of LCM connects the two basal allophycocyanin cylinders, whereas the red‐algal PBS structures revealed that Arm2 is partly buried in the core of one basal cylinder and connects it to the top cylinder. Here, we show by biochemical analysis of mutations in the apcE gene that encodes LCM, that the cyanobacterial and red‐algal LCM topologies are actually the same. We found that removing the top cylinder linker domain in LCM splits the PBS core longitudinally into two separate basal cylinders. Deleting either all or part of the helix‐loop‐helix domain at the N‐terminal end of Arm2, disassembled the basal cylinders and resulted in degradation of the part containing the terminal emitter, ApcD. Deleting the following 30 amino‐acids loop severely affected the assembly of the basal cylinders, but further deletion of the amino‐acids at the C‐terminal half of Arm2 had only minor effects on this assembly. Altogether, the biochemical data are consistent with the red‐algal LCM topology, suggesting that the PBS cores in cyanobacteria and red‐algae assemble in the same way.
Pericentromeric chromatin reorganisation follows the initiation of recombination and coincides with early events of synapsis in cereals
Authors: Lenykó‐Thegze Andrea , Fábián Attila , Mihók Edit , Makai Diána , Cseh András , Sepsi Adél
Published: June 2021

The reciprocal exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during meiotic recombination is essential to secure balanced chromosome segregation and to promote genetic diversity. The chromosomal position and frequency of reciprocal genetic exchange shapes the efficiency of breeding programmes and influences crop improvement under a changing climate. In large genome cereals, such as wheat and barley, crossovers are consistently restricted to subtelomeric chromosomal regions, thus preventing favourable allele combinations being formed within a considerable proportion of the genome, including interstitial and pericentromeric chromatin. Understanding the key elements driving crossover designation is therefore essential to broaden the regions available for crossovers. Here, we followed early meiotic chromatin dynamism in cereals through the visualisation of a homologous barley chromosome arm pair stably transferred into the wheat genetic background. By capturing the dynamics of a single chromosome arm at the same time as detecting the undergoing events of meiotic recombination and synapsis, we showed that subtelomeric chromatin of homologues synchronously transitions to an open chromatin structure during recombination initiation. By contrast, pericentromeric and interstitial regions preserved their closed chromatin organisation and become unpackaged only later, concomitant with initiation of recombinatorial repair and the initial assembly of the synaptonemal complex. Our results raise the possibility that the closed pericentromeric chromatin structure in cereals may influence the fate decision during recombination initiation, as well as the spatial development of synapsis, and may also explain the suppression of crossover events in the proximity of the centromeres.
Arabidopsis non‐host resistance PSS30 gene enhances broad‐spectrum disease resistance in the soybean cultivar Williams 82
Authors: Kambakam Sekhar , Ngaki Micheline N. , Sahu Binod B. , Kandel Devi R. , Singh Prashant , Sumit Rishi , Swaminathan Sivakumar , Muliyar‐Krishna Rajesh , Bhattacharyya Madan K.
Published: June 2021

Non‐host resistance (NHR), which protects all members of a plant species from non‐adapted or non‐host plant pathogens, is the most common form of plant immunity. NHR provides the most durable and robust form of broad‐spectrum immunity against non‐adaptive pathogens pathogenic to other crop species. In a mutant screen for loss of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) NHR against the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) pathogen Phytophthora sojae, the Phytophthora sojae‐susceptible 30 (pss30) mutant was identified. The pss30 mutant is also susceptible to the soybean pathogen Fusarium virguliforme. PSS30 encodes a folate transporter, AtFOLT1, which was previously localized to chloroplasts and implicated in the transport of folate from the cytosol to plastids. We show that two Arabidopsis folate biosynthesis mutants with reduced folate levels exhibit a loss of non‐host immunity against P. sojae. As compared to the wild‐type Col‐0 ecotype, the steady‐state folate levels are reduced in the pss1, atfolt1 and two folate biosynthesis mutants, suggesting that folate is required for non‐host immunity. Overexpression of AtFOLT1 enhances immunity of transgenic soybean lines against two serious soybean pathogens, the fungal pathogen F. virguliforme and the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines. Transgenic lines showing enhanced SCN resistance also showed increased levels of folate accumulation. This study thus suggests that folate contributes to non‐host plant immunity and that overexpression of a non‐host resistance gene could be a suitable strategy for generating broad‐spectrum disease resistance in crop plants.
Investigation and Research on the Development Level of Primary School Students' Information Literacy in Western China and its Development Strategy
Authors: Han Shu , Li Yushun
Published: June 2021

In this study, the current situation of information literacy level of primary school students in western China, mainly in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, was investigated by Means of questionnaire and interview. The survey results show that there is a big gap between urban and rural primary school students' information literacy level, mainly because rural schools do not enjoy good resource allocation. In addition, it is found that there is no significant difference in information literacy level between genders, but there are still some gender stereotypes. On the whole, students' information literacy level is at a medium level, and information technology use behavior is mostly at a low level, while high-level behavior is less. The information literacy of primary school students in western China still needs further development.
Should I include studies from “predatory” journals in a systematic review? Interim guidance for systematic reviewers
Authors: Munn Zachary , Barker Timothy , Stern Cindy , Pollock Danielle , Ross-White Amanda , Klugar Miloslav , Wiechula Rick , Aromataris Edoardo , Shamseer Larissa
Published: June 2021

A systematic review involves the identification, evaluation, and synthesis of the best-available evidence to provide an answer to a specific question. The “best-available evidence” is, in many cases, a peer-reviewed scientific article published in an academic journal that details the conduct and results of a scientific study. Any potential threat to the validity of these individual studies (and hence the resultant synthesis) must be evaluated and critiqued.

In science, the number of predatory journals continue to rise. Studies published in predatory journals may be of lower quality and more likely to be impacted by fraud and error compared to studies published in traditional journals. This poses a threat to the validity of systematic reviews that include these studies and, therefore, the translation of evidence into guidance for policy and practice. Despite the challenges predatory journals present to systematic reviewers, there is currently little guidance regarding how they should be managed.

In 2020, a subgroup of the JBI Scientific Committee was formed to investigate this issue. In this overview paper, we introduce predatory journals to systematic reviewers, outline the problems they present and their potential impact on systematic reviews, and provide some alternative strategies for consideration of studies from predatory journals in systematic reviews. Options for systematic reviewers could include excluding all studies from suspected predatory journals, applying additional strategies to forensically examine the results of studies published in suspected predatory journals, setting stringent search limits, and applying analytical techniques (such as subgroup or sensitivity analyses) to investigate the impact of suspected predatory journals in a synthesis.
Stress Distribution in a Reentrant Corner
Authors: Brahtz J. H. A.
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the stress distribution under plain strain in a corner of any angular magnitude, i.e., a plane with an angular incision or notch.

It begins with a brief statement of the method employed by Dr. Th. von Karman in his exact treatment of a beam in bending (Aachen Abhandlungen, Heft 7, 1927).

A generalization of this method is outlined which is applicable to the corner for any force distribution over the straight boundaries, and the solution is found for a concentrated load at any point of the boundary. The stresses are determined and shown to be infinite at the vertex of the corner.

The discussion points out the very interesting paradox that stresses may be finite for certain continuous loadings, but become infinite if a portion of the load is removed.
The Creep of Metals
Authors: Nadai A.
Published: June 2021

In the following, a number of idealized cases of plastic flow of a more or less simple’ nature are discussed with primary intention of throwing light on how the speed of yielding influences the stresses under which metallic bars are permanently stretched or twisted at normal or at elevated temperatures.