bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitation activities for change response: a qualitative study on infection prevention and control professionals during a pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Irgang Luís , Holmén Magnus , Gama Fábio , Svedberg Petra
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Facilitation activities support implementation of evidence-based interventions within healthcare organizations. Few studies have attempted to understand how facilitation activities are performed to promote the uptake of evidence-based interventions in hospitals from resource-poor countries during crises such as pandemics. This paper aims to explore facilitation activities by infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals in 16 hospitals from 9 states in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary and secondary data were collected between March and December 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IPC professionals in Brazilian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public and internal documents were used for data triangulation. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis technique.

Findings

Building on the change response theory, this study explores the facilitation activities from the cognitive, behavioral and affective aspects. The facilitation activities are grouped in three overarching dimensions: (1) creating and sustaining legitimacy to continuous and rapid changes, (2) fostering capabilities for continuous changes and (3) accelerating individual commitment.

Practical implications

During crises such as pandemics, facilitation activities by IPC professionals need to embrace all the cognitive, behavioral and affective aspects to stimulate positive attitudes of frontline workers toward continuous and urgent changes.

Originality/value

This study provides unique and timely empirical evidence on the facilitation activities that support the implementation of evidence-based interventions by IPC professionals during crises in hospitals in a resource-poor country.
What drives organisational performance: strategic thinking, technological change, strategic risks? A modified total interpretive structural modelling approach and MICMAC analysis
Authors: Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Dhir Sanjay
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the interrelationships between the elements of strategic thinking, technological change and strategic risks. The main objective of this research is to identify the hierarchy for the elements of thinking, technological change and strategic risk and also to identify the driving powers of these elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this study is modified total interpretive structural modelling and MICMAC analysis which gives the interrelationships and also the driving powers of the elements by analysing the relationships between the elements from the existing literature. This method helps us in answering/understanding the “what”, “how” and “why” of the research. Modified total Interpretive structural modeling is considered in this study, which helps in doing both the paired comparisons and transitivity checks simultaneously. A digraph is constructed at the end of the analysis, which shows the links between the elements, and a driver dependence matrix is constructed, which shows the driving powers.

Findings

This study gives an understanding of the role of the elements, the relationships between them and the hierarchy of addressing these elements, and also the driving and dependence power. Findings of this research give us an understanding of how strategic thinking/technological change/strategic drives the performance of the firm.

Research limitations/implications

This study is conducted with the help of existing literature; this can be further extended by considering the expert opinion.

Practical implications

The model explains the direct and transitive links of the elements and the strength of the relation between them, which helps the researchers and the practitioners to understand the driving power and importance of these constructs. It also helps us to understand the role of these elements and, if implemented in an organisation, which elements need to be prioritised for enhancing the performance of the firm.

Originality/value

Research done in the past has individually analysed the elements effecting strategic thinking; this study identifies the relationships between the elements of all three constructs and helps in understanding the levels of hierarchy.
Carrier‐mediated serotonin efflux induced by pharmacological anoxia in the rat heart in vivo
Authors: Sonobe Takashi , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Pearson James T.
Published: August 2021

Serotonin (5‐HT) accumulates in the heart during myocardial ischaemia and induces deleterious effects on the cardiomyocytes. We aimed to investigate whether carrier‐mediated 5‐HT efflux contributed to the increase in interstitial 5‐HT level during ischaemia. Using microdialysis technique applied to the heart of anaesthetised Wistar rats, myocardial interstitial concentration of 5‐HT was measured by electro‐chemical detection coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC‐ECD) while simultaneously various pharmacological agents, which create a similar condition to ischaemia, were locally administered by reverse‐microdialysis. Sodium cyanide‐induced chemical anoxia increased dialysate 5‐HT concentration. A similar increase in dialysate 5‐HT concentration was induced by ouabain, an inhibitor of sodium‐potassium ATPase and reserpine, an inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor raised the baseline level of 5‐HT, and neither sodium cyanide nor the combination of ouabain and reserpine induced further increase in 5‐HT in the presence of fluoxetine. The results indicate that reverse transport of 5‐HT via SERT, which is caused by an impaired ion gradient, contributes to the rise in interstitial level of 5‐HT during ischaemia suggesting carrier‐mediated 5‐HT efflux occurs in the heart in vivo.
Not so “smart”? An Australian experiment in smart specialisation
Authors: Weller Sally , Rainnie Alistair
Published: August 2021

This article explores the utility of applying the European policy of smart specialisation to tackle spatial divergence in the Australian context. Using a geographical political economy approach and considering a growing literature on innovation in peripheral places, the work explores how smart specialisation is applied in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, a coal‐dependent non‐metropolitan industrial enclave in the Gippsland region. Analysis of the case suggests that market‐based growth processes envisaged by the architects of innovation‐based regional policies such as smart specialisation have been unable to spur development in Australia’s disadvantaged non‐metropolitan regions. On the contrary, without more careful appreciation of local contexts, such policies will lead to further spatial divergence and exacerbate divisions between urban and regional communities.
Gender moderates the association between acute alcohol intoxication and facial emotion recognition in a naturalistic field study setting
Authors: Melkonian Alexander , Ham Lindsay , Mobley Alita
Published: August 2021

Background

Alcohol intoxication is associated with significant negative social consequences. Social information processing theory provides a framework for understanding how the accurate decoding and interpretation of social cues are critical for effective social responding. Acute intoxication has the potential to disrupt facial emotion recognition. If alcohol impairs the processing and interpretation of emotional cues, then the resultant behavioral responses may be less effective. The current study tested the association between alcohol intoxication and facial emotion recognition in a naturalistic field study of intoxicated participants.

Methods

114 participants (59.4% men; Mage = 24.2 years) who had been consuming alcohol were recruited in the downtown area of a mid‐size town surrounded by several drinking establishments in the mid‐southern United States. Participants were shown images depicting 5 facial displays of emotions (happy, sad, anger, disgust, and no emotion) portrayed by 1 male and 1 female actor per emotion and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was measured by the field breathalyzer test (M = 0.078%, SD = 0.052).

Results

BrAC was significantly negatively associated with emotion recognition accuracy when controlling for average alcohol use, B = −.35, t = −2.08, p < 0.05, F(3, 110) = 5.28, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.13. A significant BrAC × gender interaction was revealed, B = −0.39, t = −2.07, p = 0.04, ΔR2 = 0.033, p = 0.04, such that men (but not women) displayed a significant negative association between BrAC and emotion recognition accuracy.

Conclusions

Acute intoxication was associated with impaired facial emotion recognition, particularly for men, in a field study context. Findings support and extend some previous experimental laboratory‐based research and suggest that intoxication can impair the decoding stage of social information processing.
Addiction Research Unit: Affective and cognitive mechanisms of specific Internet‐use disorders
Authors: Brand Matthias , Müller Astrid , Stark Rudolf , Steins‐Loeber Sabine , Klucken Tim , Montag Christian , Diers Martin , Wolf Oliver T. , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Wölfling Klaus , Wegmann Elisa
Published: August 2021

In the eleventh International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) of the World Health Organization, gambling disorder and gaming disorder are included in the category ‘disorders due to addictive behaviours’, which can be specified further as occurring either predominantly offline or predominantly online. Other specific problematic behaviours may be considered for the category ‘other specified disorders due to addictive behaviours’. The Research Unit FOR 2974, funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), focuses on the most prominent online addictive behaviours: gaming, pornography use, buying‐shopping and social‐networks use. The main goal of the Research Unit is to contribute to a better understanding of the common and differential psychological as well as neurobiological mechanisms involved in these specific types of Internet‐use disorders. We aim to investigate theoretically argued (bio)psychological processes with a focus on concepts coming from research of substance‐use disorders, for example, cue reactivity and craving, executive functions and specific inhibitory control, coping, implicit cognitions, and decision making. One central characteristic of the Research Unit is that we will investigate all participants using a comprehensive core battery of experimental paradigms, neuropsychological tasks, questionnaires, biomarkers, ambulatory assessment, and a 6‐month follow‐up survey. Beyond the anticipated contributions to the scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of respective online addictive behaviours, we also expect contributions to clinical practice by showing which affective and cognitive mechanisms may be addressed more intensively to optimize treatment.
“Some things are better left unknown:” The political disclosure of young adults to their parents during the 2017 presidential election in South Korea
Authors: Paik Jihyun Esther
Published: August 2021

This study investigated whether and how young adults disclose their political views to a parent who supports a candidate from an opposing party during election season. Using politeness theory, the study identified predictors of young adults’ political disclosure decisions and the amount of face‐saving efforts they will make during the disclosure to influence the voting of their parent. How their face‐saving efforts predict strategic attitude disclosure and postdisclosure outcomes was also examined. An online survey was administered to 176 South Korean young adults 10 days before the 2017 presidential election. Results showed that frequent political talks in a parent–child dyad predicted more disclosure attempts. Consistent with politeness theory, an increased perception of power difference in the parent–child relationship predicted more face‐saving efforts made by young adults for their parent. Contrary to politeness theory, a greater political difference in the parent–child relationship was associated with fewer face‐saving efforts. Parental solicitation of disclosure moderated the effect of power difference in an unexpected way; young adults made more face‐saving efforts for their parent who was perceived to have more power over them and have solicited a political disclosure. Young adults presented an attitude toward the parent’s preferred candidate more favourable than the actual attitude. Despite the compromised truthfulness, more face‐saving efforts were associated with a perceived narrowing of the political difference and an increased willingness to engage in political talk with the parent in the future. The findings are discussed from psychological and societal perspectives, with implications for cross‐cutting political conversations.
Self‐reported physical activity and sedentary behaviour amongst adolescents in Sweden vary depending on sex, age and parental education
Authors: Fröberg Andreas , Kjellenberg Karin , Lindroos Anna Karin , Nyberg Gisela
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate self‐reported physical activity and sedentary behaviour by sex, age and parental education in a large representative sample of Swedish adolescents.

Methods

This study is based on data from the national dietary survey Riksmaten Adolescents, which was conducted by the Swedish Food Agency in 2016–2017. In total, 3477 students from grade five (11–12 years), eight (14–15 years) and eleven (17–18 years) were included. A web questionnaire was used to collect information about physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

Results

In total, 53% reported active transport to and from school, 93% that they usually participate in the physical education, 76% reported a physically active leisure time, and 66% reported that they participated in organised physical activities. In addition, 12% and 6% reported two hours or less of screen time on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Participation in physical activity was generally lower amongst girls, older adolescents and for those from families with low‐parental education.

Conclusion

This study provide reference values for self‐reported physical activities and sedentary behaviours amongst adolescents in Sweden. Strategies to increase physical activity and reduce screen time are needed, particularly amongst girls, older adolescents and amongst those with low‐parental education.
Effects of a transitional care programme on medication adherence in an older cardiac population: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Daliri Sara , Kooij Marcel J. , Scholte op Reimer Wilma J. M. , ter Riet Gerben , Jepma Patricia , Verweij Lotte , Peters Ron J. G. , Buurman Bianca M. , Karapinar‐Çarkit Fatma
Published: August 2021

Aims

Medication non‐adherence post‐discharge is common among patients, especially those suffering from chronic medical conditions, and contributes to hospital admissions and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Cardiac Care Bridge (CCB) intervention on medication adherence post‐discharge.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the CCB randomized single‐blind trial, a study in patients ≥70 years, at high risk of functional loss and admitted to cardiology departments in six hospitals. In this multi‐component intervention study, community nurses performed medication reconciliation and observed medication‐related problems (MRPs) during post‐discharge home visits, and pharmacists provided recommendations to resolve MRPs. Adherence to high‐risk medications was measured using the proportion of days covered (PDC), using pharmacy refill data. Furthermore, MRPs were assessed in the intervention group.

Results

For 198 (64.7%) of 306 CCB patients, data were available on adherence (mean age: 82 years; 58.9% of patients used a multidose drug dispensing [MDD] system). The mean PDC before admission was 92.3% in the intervention group (n = 99) and 88.5% in the control group (n = 99), decreasing to 85.2% and 84.1% post‐discharge, respectively (unadjusted difference: −2.6% (95% CI −9.8 to 4.6, P = .473); adjusted difference −3.3 (95% CI −10.3 to 3.7, P = .353)). Post‐hoc analysis indicated that a modest beneficial intervention effect may be restricted to MDD non‐users (Pinteraction = .085). In total, 77.0% of the patients had at least one MRP post‐discharge.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that a multi‐component intervention, including several components targeting medication adherence in older cardiac patients discharged from hospital back home, did not benefit their medication adherence levels. A modest positive effect on adherence may potentially exist in those patients not using an MDD system. This finding needs replication.
Neonatal NaV1.5 channels: pharmacological distinctiveness of a cancer‐related voltage‐gated sodium channel splice variant
Authors: Fraser Scott P. , Onkal Rustem , Theys Margaux , Bosmans Frank , Djamgoz Mustafa B. A.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Voltage‐gated sodium (NaV) channels are expressed de novo in carcinomas where their activity promotes invasiveness. Breast and colon cancer cells express the neonatal splice variant of NaV1.5 (nNaV1.5), which has several amino acid substitutions in the domain I voltage‐sensor compared with its adult counterpart (aNaV1.5). This study aimed to determine whether nNaV1.5 channels could be distinguished pharmacologically from aNaV1.5 channels.

Experimental Approach

Cells expressing either nNaV1.5 or aNaV1.5 channels were exposed to low MW inhibitors, an antibody or natural toxins, and changes in electrophysiological parameters were measured. Stable expression in EBNA cells and transient expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes were used. Currents were recorded by whole‐cell patch clamp and two‐electrode voltage‐clamp, respectively.

Key Results

Several clinically used blockers of NaV channels (lidocaine, procaine, phenytoin, mexiletine, ranolazine, and riluzole) could not distinguish between nNaV1.5 or aNaV1.5 channels. However, two tarantula toxins (HaTx and ProTx‐II) and a polyclonal antibody (NESOpAb) preferentially inhibited currents elicited by either nNaV1.5 or aNaV1.5 channels by binding to the spliced region of the channel. Furthermore, the amino acid residue at position 211 (aspartate in aNaV1.5/lysine in nNaV1.5), that is, the charge reversal in the spliced region of the channel, played a key role in the selectivity, especially in antibody binding.

Conclusion and Implications

We conclude that the cancer‐related nNaV1.5 channel can be distinguished pharmacologically from its nearest neighbour, aNaV1.5 channels. Thus, it may be possible to design low MW compounds as antimetastatic drugs for non‐toxic therapy of nNaV1.5‐expressing carcinomas.
Children acknowledge physical constraints less when actors behave stereotypically: Gender stereotypes as a case study
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Mortenson Elizabeth , Ahn Sohee , Walker Caren M. , Heyman Gail D.
Published: August 2021

A fundamental part of understanding structural inequality is recognizing that constrained choices, particularly those that align with societal stereotypes, are poor indicators of a person's desires. This study examined whether children (N = 246 U.S. children, 53% female; 61% White, 24% Latinx; 5–10 years) acknowledge constraints in this way when reasoning about gender‐stereotypical choices, relative to gender‐neutral and gender‐counterstereotypical choices. Results indicated that children more frequently inferred preferences regardless of whether the actor was constrained when reasoning about gender‐stereotypical choices, as compared to gender‐neutral or gender‐counterstereotypical choices. We also found evidence of an age‐related increase in the general tendency to acknowledge constraints. We discuss the broader implications of these results for children's understanding of constraints within society.
In vivo wide‐field voltage imaging in zebrafish with voltage‐sensitive dye and genetically encoded voltage indicator
Authors: Hiyoshi Kanae , Shiraishi Asuka , Fukuda Narumi , Tsuda Sachiko
Published: August 2021

The brain consists of neural circuits, which are assemblies of various neuron types. For understanding how the brain works, it is essential to identify the functions of each type of neuron and neuronal circuits. Recent advances in our understanding of brain function and its development have been achieved using light to detect neuronal activity. Optical measurement of membrane potentials through voltage imaging is a desirable approach, enabling fast, direct, and simultaneous detection of membrane potentials in a population of neurons. Its high speed and directness can help detect synaptic and action potentials and hyperpolarization, which encode critical information for brain function. Here, we describe in vivo voltage imaging procedures that we have recently established using zebrafish, a powerful animal model in developmental biology and neuroscience. By applying two types of voltage sensors, voltage‐sensitive dyes (VSDs, Di‐4‐ANEPPS) and genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs, ASAP1), spatiotemporal dynamics of voltage signals can be detected in the whole cerebellum and spinal cord in awake fish at single‐cell and neuronal population levels. Combining this method with other approaches, such as optogenetics, behavioral analysis, and electrophysiology would facilitate a deeper understanding of the network dynamics of the brain circuitry and its development.
Expression of nitric oxide synthases in rat odontoblasts and the role of nitric oxide in odontoblastic differentiation of rat dental papilla cells
Authors: Yan Tong , Kong Yu , Fan Wenguo , Kang Jun , Chen Haoling , He Hongwen , Huang Fang
Published: August 2021

As precursor cells of odontoblasts, dental papilla cells (DPCs) form the dentin–pulp complex during tooth development. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the functions of multiple cells and organ tissues, including stem cell differentiation and bone formation. In this paper, we explored the involvement of NO in odontoblastic differentiation. We verified the expression of NO synthase (NOS) in rat odontoblasts by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate–diaphorase (NADPH‐d) staining and immunohistochemistry in vivo. The expression of all three NOS isoforms in rat DPCs was confirmed by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence, and western blotting in vitro. The expression of neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS was upregulated during the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs. Inhibition of NOS function by NOS inhibitor l‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA) resulted in reduced formation of mineralized nodules and expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein (DMP1) during DPC differentiation. The NO donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) promoted the viability of DPCs. Extracellular matrix mineralization and odontogenic markers expression were elevated by SNAP at low concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) and suppressed at high concentration (100 μM). Blocking the generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with 1H‐(1,2,4)oxadiazolo‐(4,3‐a)quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) abolished the positive influence of SNAP on the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs. These findings demonstrate that NO regulates the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs, thereby influencing dentin formation and tooth development.
Hydraulic prediction of drought‐induced plant dieback and top‐kill depends on leaf habit and growth form
Authors: Chen Ya‐Jun , Choat Brendan , Sterck Frank , Maenpuen Phisamai , Katabuchi Masatoshi , Zhang Shu‐Bin , Tomlinson Kyle W. , Oliveira Rafael S. , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Shen Jing‐Xian , Cao Kun‐Fang , Jansen Steven
Published: August 2021

Hydraulic failure caused by severe drought contributes to aboveground dieback and whole‐plant death. The extent to which dieback or whole‐plant death can be predicted by plant hydraulic traits has rarely been tested among species with different leaf habits and/or growth forms. We investigated 19 hydraulic traits in 40 woody species in a tropical savanna and their potential correlations with drought response during an extreme drought event during the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in 2015. Plant hydraulic trait variation was partitioned substantially by leaf habit but not growth form along a trade‐off axis between traits that support drought tolerance versus avoidance. Semi‐deciduous species and shrubs had the highest branch dieback and top‐kill (complete aboveground death) among the leaf habits or growth forms. Dieback and top‐kill were well explained by combining hydraulic traits with leaf habit and growth form, suggesting integrating life history traits with hydraulic traits will yield better predictions.
Development of a validated search filter for Ovid Embase for degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Khan Maaz A. , Mowforth Oliver D. , Kuhn Isla , Kotter Mark R. N. , Davies Benjamin M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a recently proposed umbrella term for symptomatic cervical spinal cord compression secondary to degeneration of the spine. Currently literature searching for DCM is challenged by the inconsistent uptake of the term ‘DCM’ with many overlapping keywords and numerous synonyms.

Objectives

Here, we adapt our previous Ovid medline search filter for the Ovid embase database, to support comprehensive literature searching. Both embase and medline are recommended as a minimum for systematic reviews.

Methods

References contained within embase identified in our prior study formed a ‘development gold standard’ reference database (N = 220). The search filter was adapted for embase and checked against the reference database. The filter was then validated against the ‘validation gold standard’.

Results

A direct translation was not possible, as medline indexing for DCM and the keywords search field were not available in embase. We also used the ‘focus’ function to improve precision. The resulting search filter has 100% sensitivity in testing.

Discussion and Conclusion

We have developed a validated search filter capable of retrieving DCM references in embase with high sensitivity. In the absence of consistent terminology and indexing, this will support more efficient and robust evidence synthesis in the field.
A method for translating search strategies efficiently into HMIC and SPP
Authors: Finnegan Amy , Levay Paul
Published: August 2021

Background

Small databases, such as Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) and Social Policy and Practice (SPP), can add value to systematic searches. Search strategies designed for large databases may not be appropriate in small sources. A different approach to translating strategies could ensure that small databases are searched efficiently.

Objectives

To establish the contribution HMIC and SPP made to public health guidelines (PHGs); and to recommend an efficient method of translating search strategies.

Methods

Eight PHGs were analysed to establish how many included publications were retrieved from HMIC and SPP. Six options for translating strategies from MEDLINE, using variations of free text and subject terms, were compared.

Results

Health Management Information Consortium contributed 15 and SPP eight of the 483 publications cited in the PHGs. The free‐text only search was the one option to miss an included publication. The heading word (with truncation) option was more precise than applying subject headings.

Discussion

There is a risk of missing relevant publications in free‐text only searches and it is preferable to include subject terms efficiently.

Conclusion

The heading word (with truncation) option did not miss the evidence included in the PHGs and was the most efficient method for translating MEDLINE to HMIC and SPP.
Flow and performance effects of talc alternatives on powder cosmetic formulations
Authors: Ajayi Omolade M. , Amin Samiul
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore the performance effects of fumed silica and cornstarch as alternatives to talc in cosmetic powder formulations.

Methods

FT4 Powder Rheometer from Freeman Technology was used to test the flowability and compressibility of compact powder formulation samples containing talc, fumed silica and cornstarch at varying concentrations. The colour of the samples is evaluated by physical observation.

Results

The results show that the concentration of these additives influences the performance of cosmetic powder formulations. Improved compressibility is assessed as an increase in the compressibility percentage, while improved flowability is assessed by reduction in the flow energy of each sample. Talc shows improved compressibility at a minimum of 10% but would require more than 20% to impart improved flow performance. Fumed Silica shows improved compressibility from as low as 5% and this performance increases as the concentration is increased up to 20%. For the flow effects, fumed silica shows a reduction in the flow energy from as little as 5% and this effect is more drastic as the concentration is increased up to 20%. Cornstarch, however, shows a reverse effect for both compressibility and flowability with increasing flow energy and decreasing compressibility with increasing cornstarch concentration. It shows improved compressibility up to a maximum of 10% and improved flow only at concentrations lower than 5%. For a mixture of cornstarch and fumed silica at a total of 5%, both compressibility and flowability are increased as the concentration of cornstarch is reduced and that of fumed silica increased.

Conclusion

Fumed silica and cornstarch are suitable as alternatives to talc in cosmetic powder formulations. Of the two, Fumed silica showed better compressibility and flow effects. However, a mix of both powders had suitable effects on the compressibility, flow and colour of the formulation.
Impact of theCOVID‐19 pandemic on elementary schoolers' physical activity, sleep, screen time and diet: A quasi‐experimental interrupted time series study
Authors: Burkart Sarah , Parker Hannah , Weaver R. Glenn , Beets Michael W. , Jones Alexis , Adams Elizabeth L. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Armstrong Bridget
Published: August 2021

Background

COVID‐19 school closures pose a threat to children's wellbeing, but no COVID‐19‐related studies have assessed children's behaviours over multiple years .

Objective

To examine children's obesogenic behaviours during spring and summer of the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to previous data collected from the same children during the same calendar period in the 2 years prior.

Methods

Physical activity and sleep data were collected via Fitbit Charge‐2 in 231 children (7–12 years) over 6 weeks during spring and summer over 3 years. Parents reported their child's screen time and dietary intake via a survey on 2–3 random days/week.

Results

Children's behaviours worsened at a greater rate following the pandemic onset compared to pre‐pandemic trends. During pandemic spring, sedentary behaviour increased (+79 min; 95% CI = 60.6, 97.1) and MVPA decreased (−10 min, 95% CI = −18.2, −1.1) compared to change in previous springs (2018–2019). Sleep timing shifted later (+124 min; 95% CI = 112.9, 135.5). Screen time (+97 min, 95% CI = 79.0, 115.4) and dietary intake increased (healthy: +0.3 foods, 95% CI = 0.2, 0.5; unhealthy: +1.2 foods, 95% CI = 1.0, 1.5). Similar patterns were observed during summer.

Conclusions

Compared to pre‐pandemic measures, children's PA, sedentary behaviour, sleep, screen time, and diet were adversely altered during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This may ultimately exacerbate childhood obesity.
Determination of high school students' knowledge regarding testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination
Authors: Altunkurek Serife Zehra , Çil Merve
Published: August 2021

Do male high school students know about testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination (TSE)? Testicular cancer (TC) is increasing among young men, who demonstrate a lack of knowledge about TC and TSE. The aim of this research was to state the knowledge and attitudes regarding TC and the practice of TSE among male high school students. The assessment of the literature addressing high school students' knowledge regarding TC and TSE has shown a common lack of awareness and knowledge about this disease. Moreover, very few males perform TSE. This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in May and October 2019 with 1343 male students aged 14–21 years from six different high schools in Turkey. The survey consisted of knowledge, attitudes and awareness regarding TC and TSE. A survey was performed immediately before the end of student courses and again during courses after the start of the next school year. Data from all six schools were collected in a common database. The survey showed that 58.2% of the participants had never heard of TC and 85.8% had never heard of TSE. Additionally, 84.3% of the participants did not perform TSE, and 85% did not know how to perform TSE. The present study found that knowledge regarding TC and the performance of TSE was weak among high school students. Concerning students' attitudes, 85.6% of the students reported that testicular cancer is a severe disease, and 82.1% of the students reported that TSE is significant for the early detection of this disease. These findings indicate that students have very little information about TC and TSE. It would be useful to provide TC and TSE training for health professionals. Good knowledge and awareness regarding TC are associated with performing TSE.
RNA interference in Pardosa pseudoannulata, an important predatory enemy against several insect pests, through ingestion of dsRNA‐expressing Escherichia coli
Authors: Hou N. , Zhou Z. , Chen Y. , Tian J. , Zhang Y. , Liu Z.
Published: August 2021

RNA interference is an important technology for gene functional research in many organisms. The pond wolf spider (Pardosa pseudoannulata) is an important natural enemy of rice field pests. To facilitate large‐scale gene functional research in this spider species and others, we developed an RNA interference (RNAi) method via ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA. The dsRNA targeting a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cyp41g2) was expressed in Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3). And then the bacterial suspension was fed to 14–20 days old spiderlings. The mRNA abundance of the target gene was significantly reduced after 3‐day's ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA, and between day 5 and 7, RNAi efficiency remained stable. Thus, we selected 5 days as the optimum interference time. Furthermore, the bacteria resuspension containing 20 ng/μl dsRNA was selected as the optimum concentration. To evaluate the applicability of this method, three other genes with different tissue expression pattern were also selected as targets. And the mRNA abundance of all the four target genes was significantly reduced with RNAi efficiency between 66.0% and up to 86.9%. The results demonstrated that the oral delivery of bacteria expressing dsRNA would be an effective RNAi method for the gene functional study in P. pseudoannulata.
IL‐33 activates mTORC1 and modulates glycolytic metabolism in CD8+ T cells
Authors: Liang Yuejin , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Hui , Yang Wenjing , Yi Panpan , Soong Lynn , Cong Yingzi , Cai Jiyang , Fan Xuegong , Sun Jiaren
Published: August 2021

Interleukin (IL)‐33, a member in the IL‐1 family, plays a central role in innate and adaptive immunity; however, how IL‐33 mediates cytotoxic T‐cell regulation and the downstream signals remain elusive. In this study, we found increased mouse IL‐33 expression in CD8+ T cells following cell activation via anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation in vitro or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in vivo. Our cell adoptive transfer experiment demonstrated that extracellular, but not nuclear, IL‐33 contributed to the activation and proliferation of CD8+, but not CD4+ T effector cells in LCMV infection. Importantly, IL‐33 induced mTORC1 activation in CD8+ T cells as evidenced by increased phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein (p‐S6) levels both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, this IL‐33‐induced CD8+ T‐cell activation was suppressed by mTORC1 inhibitors. Furthermore, IL‐33 elevated glucose uptake and lactate production in CD8+ T cells in both dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. The results of glycolytic rate assay demonstrated the increased glycolytic capacity of IL‐33‐treated CD8+ T cells compared with that of control cells. Our mechanistic study further revealed the capacity of IL‐33 in promoting the expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) and glycolytic enzymes via mTORC1, leading to accelerated aerobic glucose metabolism Warburg effect and increased effector T‐cell activation. Together, our data provide new insights into IL‐33‐mediated regulation of CD8+ T cells, which might be beneficial for therapeutic strategies of inflammatory and infectious diseases in the future.
Effect of topographic complexity on species richness in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Roell Yannik E. , Phillips John G. , Parent Christine E.
Published: August 2021

Aim

The accumulation of species through time has been proposed to have a hump‐shaped relationship on volcanic islands (highest species richness during intermediate stages of an island's lifespan). Change in topographic complexity (TC) of islands over time is assumed to follow the same relationship. However, TC can be measured in different ways and may not have the same impact across taxonomic groups. Here, we quantify TC across the Galápagos Islands and test the assumption that TC follows a predictable trajectory with island age. Subsequently, we ask whether including TC improves statistical models seeking to explain variation in species richness across islands.

Location

Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador.

Taxon

Native and endemic terrestrial animals and plants.

Methods

For each island, we generated eight TC indices from a 30‐m resolution digital elevation model. We tested for a relationship between each index and island age, and whether it significantly contributes to observed variation in species richness, using 11 different models for 12 taxonomic groups across the Galápagos Islands.

Results

Four TC indices were significantly negatively correlated with either island age or ontogenetic age and only one index followed the hump‐shaped relationship with age. No index consistently contributed to the variation in species richness for all taxonomic groups. However, for all 12 taxonomic groups, incorporating at least one TC index in modelling species richness improved one or more models. The most common TC index improving models was standard deviation of slope, although each index improved at least five models across all taxa. Different factors predicted taxon‐specific richness, and habitat diversity was significant for all taxa.

Main conclusions

Topographic complexity is an important component influencing species richness, but its impact likely differs among taxonomic groups and different scales. Therefore, future studies should incorporate broad, multi‐dimensional measures of TC to understand the biological importance of TC.
Comparing technology acceptance of K‐12 teachers with and without prior experience of learning management systems: A Covid‐19 pandemic study
Authors: Dindar Muhterem , Suorsa Anna , Hermes Jan , Karppinen Pasi , Näykki Piia
Published: August 2021

Covid‐19 pandemic has caused a massive transformation in K‐12 settings towards online education. It is important to explore the factors that facilitate online teaching technology adoption of teachers during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare Learning Management System (LMS) acceptance of Finnish K‐12 teachers who have been using a specific LMS as part of their regular teaching before the Covid‐19 pandemic (experienced group) and teachers who started using it for emergency remote teaching during the pandemic (inexperienced group). Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework, a self‐report questionnaire was administered to 196 teachers (nexperienced = 127; ninexperienced = 69). Our findings showed no difference between the two groups of teachers in terms of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, LMS self‐efficacy and satisfaction. However, the experienced group had higher behavioural intention to use LMS in the future, reported receiving higher online teaching support and displayed higher online teaching self‐efficacy in terms of student engagement, classroom management, instructional strategies and ICT skills. For the experienced group, the most significant predictor of satisfaction with LMS was performance expectancy whereas for the inexperienced group, it was the effort expectancy. In terms of behavioural intention to use LMS in the future, the most significant predictor was the performance expectancy for both groups. Further, support was also a significant predictor of behavioural intention for the inexperienced group. Overall, our findings indicate that teachers should not be regarded as a unified profile when managing technology adoption in schools.
Brugada syndrome masked by complete left bundle branch block: A clinical and functional study of its association with the p.1449Y>H SCN5A variant
Authors: Arana‐Rueda Eduardo , Pezzotti María R. , Pedrote Alonso , Acosta Juan , Frutos‐López Manuel , Varela Lourdes‐María , García‐Fernández Noelia , Castellano Antonio
Published: August 2021

SCN5A gene variants are associated with both Brugada syndrome and conduction disturbances, sometimes expressing an overlapping phenotype. Functional consequences of SCN5A variants assessed by patch‐clamp electrophysiology are particularly beneficial for correct pathogenic classification and are related to disease penetrance and severity. Here, we identify a novel SCN5A loss of function variant, p.1449Y>H, which presented with high penetrance and complete left bundle branch block, totally masking the typical findings on the electrocardiogram. We highlight the possibility of this overlap combination that makes impossible an electrocardiographic diagnosis and, through a functional analysis, associate the p.1449Y>H variant to SCN5A pathogenicity.
In vivo visualization and characterization of inflamed intestinal wall: the exploration of targeted microbubbles in assessing NF‐κB expression
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Ma Li , Luo Yanwen , Li Wenbo , Xiao Mengsu , Zhu Qingli , Jiang Yuxin
Published: August 2021

NF‐κB, a critical cytokine of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is a viable marker to reflect the inflammatory activity of the intestine. We aimed to develop NF‐κB‐targeted microbubbles (MBs) and perform molecular contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to quantify NF‐κB expressions on the intestinal wall in IBD mice in vivo. In this study, NF‐κB‐targeted MBs were fabricated by connecting biotin‐loaded NF‐κB antibodies and avidin‐loaded MBs. NF‐κB‐targeted MBs presented as transparent and round bubbles with an average diameter of 1.03/μm±0.01. The specific binding of targeted MBs and inflammatory cells was validated by in vitro experiments, including flow cytometry, Western blot and immunofluorescence, which revealed the specific binding of targeted MBs and inflammatory cells. Subsequently, NF‐κB‐targeted CEUS imaging was performed on mice with chemical‐induced colitis, and the peak intensity (PI) and time‐to‐peak (TTP) were quantified. Pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations were further implemented. For the target CEUS group, fast enhancement followed by slow subsiding was observed. The PI of target CEUS of the IBD mice was significantly higher than that of non‐target CEUS of the IBD mice, healthy controls and target CEUS of the treated IBD mice (34835%[13379–73492%] VS 437%[236–901%], 130%[79–231%], 528%[274–779%], p<0.0001), in accordance with the IHC results of NF‐κB expressions. The TTP of target CEUS of the treated mice was significantly higher than that of untreated mice (35.7s [18.1–49.5s] VS 8.3s [4.2–12.5s], p<0.0001). Therefore, we suggested that NF‐κB‐targeted CEUS could accurately detect and quantify NF‐κB expressions on the intestinal walls of IBD, enabling the evaluation of intestinal inflammation.
All you need is love: Yet another social determinant of health
Authors: Meier Diane E. , Morrison R. Sean
Published: August 2021

This editorial comments on the article by Kotwal et al.
Predictors of mortality among long‐term care residents with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Lee Douglas S. , Ma Shihao , Chu Anna , Wang Chloe X. , Wang Xuesong , Austin Peter C. , McAlister Finlay A. , Kalmady Sunil V. , Kapral Moira K. , Kaul Padma , Ko Dennis T. , Rochon Paula A. , Schull Michael J. , Rubin Barry B. , Wang Bo ,   CORONA Collaboration
Published: August 2021

Background

While individuals living in long‐term care (LTC) homes have experienced adverse outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, few studies have examined a broad range of predictors of 30‐day mortality in this population.

Methods

We studied residents living in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, who underwent PCR testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection from January 1 to August 31, 2020, and examined predictors of all‐cause death within 30 days after a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2. We examined a broad range of risk factor categories including demographics, comorbidities, functional status, laboratory tests, and characteristics of the LTC facility and surrounding community were examined. In total, 304 potential predictors were evaluated for their association with mortality using machine learning (Random Forest).

Results

A total of 64,733 residents of LTC, median age 86 (78, 91) years (31.8% men), underwent SARS‐CoV‐2 testing, of whom 5029 (7.8%) tested positive. Thirty‐day mortality rates were 28.7% (1442 deaths) after a positive test. Of 59,702 residents who tested negative, 2652 (4.4%) died within 30 days of testing. Predictors of mortality after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection included age, functional status (e.g., activity of daily living score and pressure ulcer risk), male sex, undernutrition, dehydration risk, prior hospital contacts for respiratory illness, and duration of comorbidities (e.g., heart failure, COPD). Lower GFR, hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte count, and serum albumin were associated with higher mortality. After combining all covariates to generate a risk index, mortality rate in the highest risk quartile was 48.3% compared with 7% in the first quartile (odds ratio 12.42, 95%CI: 6.67, 22.80, p < 0.001). Deaths continued to increase rapidly for 15 days after the positive test.

Conclusions

LTC residents, particularly those with reduced functional status, comorbidities, and abnormalities on routine laboratory tests, are at high risk for mortality after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Recognizing high‐risk residents in LTC may enhance institution of appropriate preventative measures.