bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotic supplementation in healthy pre‐school‐aged children: Prevalence and predictors
Authors: Irwin Nicola , Currie Marian J , Davis Deborah 
Published: October 2021

AimProbiotics have been shown to prevent or treat a number of paediatric health problems; however, not much is known about how probiotics are used in the community. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and main predictors of probiotic supplementation among healthy pre‐school‐aged children.MethodsParents of 4‐ or 5‐year‐olds residing in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were invited to complete a web‐based questionnaire between February and May 2020. There were 469 responses concerning 494 children eligible for analysis. Prevalence was categorised as lifetime exposure and recent exposure. Predictors were determined through multiple logistic regression modelling.ResultsAlmost half (47.4%) of the children had ever been exposed to probiotics and 14.9% had taken probiotics in the previous month. The strongest predictors of lifetime probiotic exposure were parental lifetime probiotic use (OR 13.3; 95% CI 7.4–24.1) and an interaction between functional food consumption and parental lifetime probiotic use (OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.6–12.1). The strongest predictor of recent probiotic exposure was parental recent probiotic use (OR 13.3; 95% CI 5.7–30.8).ConclusionsThis study illustrates the high prevalence of probiotic exposure among healthy pre‐school‐aged children in the ACT and emphasises the relationship between parental use of probiotics and exposure in children. These findings will allow comparison and analysis of trends over time. Practitioners should be aware of the evidence for and against probiotics as these findings suggest a high level of acceptability among parents.
Did they even try? Brazilian government policy measures in the first 12 weeks of the pandemic
Authors: Duval Rodrigues Neto Damasio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article draws from recently developed frameworks for the analysis of complex, boundary‐spanning policy problems to consider the response of the Brazilian government in the initial stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The timeframe selected for analysis covers the first 12 weeks after the first confirmed case in the country. Analysis is focused on government coordination, including major policy measures such as a constitutional amendment and provisional presidential decrees, and on the role of discourses in policymaking. Findings indicate that the Brazilian government failed to respond properly to the pandemic and did not steer public action toward collectively accepted goals. Further consideration raises the question as to whether the government tried to halt the spread of the virus; an analysis of the ideology embraced by the national–populist political coalition suggests that the dehumanization of political enemies is a strategic alternative. Conclusions argue that the dehumanization of the other is a viable strategy for the government and suggest that the pandemic crisis is part of a continuum of crises that calls for a reframing of societal choices and political‐economical design in Brazil and elsewhere.
Pentoxifylline and tocopherol (vitamin E) with/without clodronate for the management of osteoradionecrosis: A scoping review
Authors: Banjar Assim , Patel Vinod , Abed Hassan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is not a straightforward task, and it is unpredictable. However, a combination of pentoxifylline; an antioxidant drug, and tocopherol (vitamin E) works as a potent antifibrotic agent and have shown recently both significant and impressive results.AimsThis scoping review aims to investigate the most prescribed regimen of pentoxifylline and tocopherol with/without clodronate for the management of ORN.MethodsOvid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used to retrieve eligible studies using planned search keywords. PROSPERO and Cohcarne library were also searched for ongoing or published systematic reviews, respectively. Included articles were grouped thematically according to the type of studies and accordingly they were summarized.ResultsA total of 27 articles met the inclusion criteria and included in the data analyses. All the included articles were published between 1997 and 2020. Of these 27 included studies, two were randomized control trials, two were systematic reviews, six were retrospective studies, five were observational studies, seven were narrative reviews, four were case reports, and lastly one was an in‐vitro study.ConclusionsTreatment by PENTO (800 mg of pentoxifylline + 1000 IU of tocopherol) once daily for an early established ORN or PENTOCLO (PENTO regimen + 1600 mg of clodronate) once daily for the refractory/severe cases of ORN appears to be the most prescribed regimen used for the treatment of ORN using these drugs. These drugs appear safe, effective and inexpensive for the treatment of ORN.
Plant functional traits shape growth rate for xerophytic shrubs
Authors: Zhang C. , Niu D. , Zhang L. , Li X. , Fu H. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Trade‐offs exist for xerophytic shrubs between functional traits, involving in water loss and assimilate accumulation, can contribute to its survival and growth rate regulation in arid environments. However, growth analysis based on plant functional traits has been focused on the study of herbs and woody species. It is still unclear how the functional traits of xerophytic shrubs regulate their growth rate.

In this study, we selectedeight xerophytic shrubs as samples to analyze the regulation process of the functional traits of shrubs on growth rate. Plants were cultivated for three years, and three harvests (every one year) were carried out. Factors explaining between‐species differences in relative growth rate (RGR) varied, depending on whether different ages were considered.

The results showed that RGR was positively correlated with net assimilation rate, but there was a significant negative correlation with leaf area ration (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf biomass ratio in the age 1. However, in the age 2, RGR showed a significant positive correlation with the morphological traits (i.e., leaf area ration and specific leaf area), but not with physiological traits (i.e., net assimilation rate) and leaf biomass allocation.

Our results suggested that the fluctuation of environmental factors affects the regulation path of the plant functional traits on RGR of xerophytic shrubs. However, the analysis of causality model showed that no matter in which age, net assimilation rate and leaf area ration principally drive the variation in RGR among xerophytic shrubs.
Crosstalk between H2S and NO: an emerging signalling pathway during waterlogging stress in legume crops
Authors: Tyagi A. , Sharma S. , Ali S. , Gaikwad K. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTIn legumes, waterlogging is a major detrimental factor leading to huge yield losses. Generally, legumes lack tolerance to submergence, and conventional breeding to develop tolerant varieties are limited due to the lack of tolerant germplasm and potential target genes. Moreover, our understanding of the various signalling cascades, their interactions and key pathways induced during waterlogging is limited. Here, we focus on the role of two important plant signalling molecules, viz. hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO), during waterlogging stress in legumes. Plants and soil microbes produce these signalling molecules both endogenously and exogenously under various stresses, including waterlogging. NO and H2S are known to regulate key physiological pathways, such as stomatal closure, leaf senescence and regulation of numerous stress signalling pathways, while NO plays a pivotal role in adventitious root formation during waterlogging. The crosstalk between H2S and NO is synergistic because of the resemblance of their physiological effects and proteomic functions, which mainly operate through cysteine‐dependent post‐translational modifications via S‐nitrosation and persulfidation. Such knowledge has provided novel platforms for researchers to unravel the complexity associated with H2S–NO signalling and interactions with plant stress hormones. This review provides an overall summary on H2S and NO, including biosynthesis, biological importance, crosstalk, transporter regulation as well as understanding their role during waterlogging using ‘multi‐omics’ approach. Understanding H2S and NO signalling will help in deciphering the metabolic interactions and identifying key regulatory genes that could be used for developing waterlogging tolerance in legumes.
Current progress in studying blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) of canola in Iran: Where do we stand now?
Authors: Zamanmirabadi Ali , Hemmati Roghayeh , Dolatabadian Aria , Batley Jacqueline 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBlackleg, caused by a complex of Leptosphaeria species (L. maculans and L. biglobosa), is a fungal disease on Brassica species, especially important in canola (Brassica napus). Since the first report of L. biglobosa in Iran in 2007 and L. maculans in 2008, both species are now of major importance in Iran affecting 10 provinces and 30 regions, with a higher prevalence in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Golestan. Despite the rapid progression of the disease and the emergence of new Leptosphaeria races in Iran, the research into this pathogen has not progressed at the same rate and is limited to phenotypic characterization studies, pathogenicity research, and to a lesser extent, disease management research. Given the rapid increase in canola cultivation in Iran and changes in the genetic diversity of the pathogen populations, it is likely that blackleg disease will increasingly become a severe threat to Iran’s canola production. Therefore, systematic and prospective studies, along with fundamental research on the pathogen's biology, epidemiology, and genetic diversity, would provide critical information for the development of disease management strategies. Here, we review the research that has been carried out to date on blackleg disease in Iran and describe the extent of progress towards disease control, especially in disease‐prone regions.
Accountability in the EU's para‐regulatory state: The case of the Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Dawson Mark , Maricut‐Akbik Adina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article revisits Majone's famous argument about accountability in the regulatory state in reference to the European Union's (EU) Economic and Monetary Union. We show that the EU has entered the stage of a “para‐regulatory state” marked by increasing EU regulation in areas linked to core state powers. Despite the redistributive and politicized nature of these policy areas, the EU's “para‐regulatory state” has continued to rely on its regulatory model of accountability, focused on decisionmaking processes, and interest mediation. In line with Majone, we describe the model as procedural and contrast it to substantive accountability – which is necessary when regulation has clear redistributive implications. Using two case studies from fiscal policy and monetary affairs, we illustrate the predominance of procedural accountability as exercised by the European Parliament and EU Courts. We complement the empirical analysis with a normative discussion of how substantive accountability could potentially be rendered in both fields.
The long‐term development of crisis management in China—Continuity, institutional punctuations and reforms
Authors: Liu Yihong , Christensen Tom 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study focuses on the long‐term development of crisis management on the central level in China. Drawing on archival and interview data, it describes and analyzes how governance capacity and the formal structure of crisis management have changed, but also how culturally based legitimacy has altered over the past seventy years. These processes of change are divided into three phases, punctuated by institutional shifts in the history of crisis management institutions, whereby both vertical and horizontal coordination have become stronger over time. Crisis management in China is a legacy of traditional disaster management. In this respect it is different from the West, where crisis management has its origins in civil defense. We argue that each reform element is blended with traditional practices in an ever more complex combination, producing hybrid reform patterns. We conclude that centralization and a government‐centered approach in the institutional history can explain the high short‐term mobilization capacity and the challenges of communication in Chinese crisis management.
Twitter and the electoral connection
Authors: Gray Thomas R. , Gutierrez‐Mannix Carlos 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveU.S. politicians use social media to engage directly with citizens, though the motivations that determine the choice to use social media remain opaque. We argue that there is a clear “electoral connection” in using social media that exceeds the influence of other motivations. Politicians use social media to cultivate support from electorally relevant actors.MethodsWe analyze Twitter usage from 2017 to 2020 by state attorneys general (AGs), who vary in being appointed or elected.ResultsWe find that elected AGs are more likely to have Twitter accounts, use the accounts more often, and receive more engagement from other users as a result. We also find that they automate their tweeting more often. We replicate our primary findings on state secretaries of state and find similar results.ConclusionOur findings point to the importance of elections for motivating social‐media use by politicians.
Pig manure digestate‐derived biochar for soil management and crop cultivation in heavy metals contaminated soil
Authors: Ayaz Muhammad , Stulpinaite Urte , Feiziene Dalia , Tilvikiene Vita , Akthar Kashif , Baltrėnaitė‐Gedienė Edita , Striugas Nerijus , Rehmani Urooj , Alam Sahib , Iqbal Rashid , Toleikiene Monika , Doyeni Modupe 
Published: October 2021

AbstractManagement of heavy metal‐contaminated soil under drought and other harsh hydrological conditions is critical for protecting soil ecosystem services. In this study, we examined the effect of pig manure digestate‐derived biochar as a soil amendment (15 t ha−1) with N fertilizer (180 kg ha−1) on soil and plant heavy metal levels and nutrient availability under various moisture regimes (optimal moisture ~15%, drought condition ≤5%, and flooded condition ≥35% wt.). It was observed that biochar applications significantly decreased heavy metals in the spring wheat plants, lowering Cr by 90%, Ni by 50%, Cd by 9% and Pb by 34% compared to non‐biochar (control) treatments. However, the pig digestate‐derived biochar increased heavy metals in soil under all moisture regimes, increasing soil Cr by 21%, Ni by 43%, Cu by 55%, Zn by 70%, and Pb by 12%. The availability of macroelements also increased with the biochar applications under the optimum moisture regimes in both soil and plants, increasing Mg2+ by 11%, P by 4%, K+ by 50%, and Ca2+ by 56% in the soil, and Mg2+ by 13%, P by 69%, K+ by 29, and Ca2+ by 39% in plants. Biochar addition also improved chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) levels in the crop for the entire season (12th to 62nd day) and the aboveground crop biomass and dry matter contents both increased. Consequently, the use of pig manure digestate‐derived biochar with N fertilizer under normal moisture conditions was able to reduce heavy metal availability to plants and thus could be used in contaminated soils to maintain better crop growth and development.
Arabidopsis bioinformatics: tools and strategies
Authors: Cantó‐Pastor Alex , Mason G. Alex , Brady Siobhan M. , Provart Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe sequencing of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome 21 years ago ushered in the genomics era for plant research. Since then, an incredible variety of bioinformatic tools permit easy access to large repositories of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic and other ‘‐omic’ data. In this review, we cover some more recent tools (and highlight the ‘classics’) for exploring such data in order to help formulate quality, testable hypotheses, often without having to generate new experimental data. We cover tools for examining gene expression and co‐expression patterns, undertaking promoter analyses and gene set enrichment analyses, and exploring protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. We will touch on tools that integrate different data sets at the end of the article.
TheE‐Syt3cleavage and traffic uncovers the primordial cisterna, a new organelle that mothers the lipid droplets in the adipocyte
Authors: Lalioti Vasiliki , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Mironov Alexander A. , Sandoval Ignacio V. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractExtended synaptotagmins are endoplasmic reticulum proteins consisting of an SMP domain and multiple C2 domains that bind phospholipids and Ca2+. E‐Syts create contact junctions between the ER and plasma membrane (PM) to facilitate the exchange of glycerophospholipids between the apposed membranes. We find in the differentiating adipocyte that the E‐Syt3 carboxyl domain is cleaved by a multi‐step mechanism that includes removing the C2C domain. Confocal and live‐cell time‐lapse studies show that truncated E‐Syt3ΔC2C, as well as endogenous E‐Syt3 and the coat protein PLIN1, target the LDs from an annular, single giant ER cisterna. Inhibition of the proteasome blocks the proteolytic cleavage of Esyt3 and E‐Syt3ΔC2C and causes the E‐Syt3ΔC2C retention in the giant cisterna. The Esyt3 and PLIN1 distributions and LDs biogenesis show that the primordial cisterna, as we call it, is the birth and nurturing site of LDs in the adipocyte. Isoproterenol‐induced lipolysis results in loss of cytoplasmic LDs and reappearance of the primordial cisterna. Electron microscopy and 3D‐electron tomography studies show that the primordial cisterna consists of a tightly packed network of varicose tubules with extensively blistered membranes. Rounds of homotypic fusions from nascent to mature LDs play a central role in LD growth. The knockdown of E‐Syt3 inhibits LD biogenesis. The identification of the primordial cisterna, an organelle that substitutes the randomly scattered ER foci that mother the LDs in non‐adipose cells, sets the stage for a better understanding of LD biogenesis in the adipocyte.
Effect of a Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention on Fundamental Motor Skill and Physical Activity in a Preschool Setting: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Engel Alexander , Broderick Carolyn , van Doorn Nancy , Hardy Louise , Ward Rachel , Kwai Natalie , Parmenter Belinda 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To determine the effect of a 12-week fundamental motor skill (FMS) program on FMS and physical activity (PA) on preschool-aged children. Method: A cluster randomized controlled trial. The intervention (PhysicaL ActivitY and Fundamental Motor Skills in Pre-schoolers [PLAYFun] Program) was a 12-week games-based program, delivered directly to the children in childcare centers by exercise physiologists. Children in the control arm received the usual preschool curriculum. Outcomes included FMS competence (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) and PA (accelerometer) assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (12-wk postintervention). Results: Fifty children (mean age = 4.0 [0.6] y; 54% male) were recruited from 4 childcare centers. Two centers were randomized to PLAYFun and 2 centers were randomized to the waitlist control group. Children attended on average 2.0 (1.0) 40-minute sessions per week. The PLAYFun participants demonstrated significant increases in object control (P < .001) and total FMS (P = .010) competence at week 12, compared with controls in a group × time interaction. Girls, but not boys, in PLAYFun significantly increased moderate to vigorous PA after the intervention (P = .004). These increases were not maintained 12-week postcompletion of PLAYFun. Conclusions: The PLAYFun Program is effective at improving FMS competence in boys and girls and increasing PA in girls. However, improvements are not maintained when opportunities to practice are not sustained.
Diagnosis and management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Gilfillan Margaret , Bhandari Anita , Bhandari Vineet 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease in infants and is associated with increased mortality, respiratory morbidity, neurodevelopmental impairment, and increased healthcare costs. In parallel with advances made in the field of neonatal intensive care, the phenotype of BPD has evolved from a fibrocystic disease affecting late preterm infants to one of impaired parenchymal development and dysregulated vascular growth predominantly affecting infants born before 29 weeks’ gestational age. BPD has been shown to have significant lifelong consequences. Adults with BPD have been found to have abnormal lung function tests, reduced exercise tolerance, and may be at increased risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Evidence shows that BPD occurs secondary to genetic-environmental interactions in an immature lung. In this review, we evaluate the various clinical definitions, imaging modalities, and biomarker data that are helpful in making an early diagnosis of BPD. In addition, we evaluate recent evidence about the prevention and treatment of BPD. We discuss the invasive and non-invasive ventilation strategies and pharmacological agents used in the early, evolving, and established phases of BPD.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ethnic minority communities: a qualitative study on the perspectives of ethnic minority community leaders
Authors: Mahmood Fesani , Acharya Dev , Kumar Kanta , Paudyal Vibhu 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo explore the perspectives of ethnic minority community leaders in relation to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities; and their community’s perception, understanding and adherence to government guidelines on COVID-19 public health measures.DesignA phenomenological approach was adopted using qualitative semistructured interviews.SettingsCommunity organisations and places of worships in the West Midlands, England.ParticipantsCommunity leaders recruited through organisations representing ethnic minority communities and religious places of worship.ResultsA total of 19 participants took part. Participants alluded to historical and structural differences for the observed disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Many struggled with lockdown measures which impeded cultural and religious gatherings that were deemed to be integral to the community. Cultural and social practices led to many suffering on their own as discussion of mental health was still deemed a taboo within many communities. Many expressed their community’s reluctance to report symptoms for the fear of financial and physical health implications. They reported increase in hate crime which was deemed to be exacerbated due to perceived insensitive messaging from authority officials and historical racism in the society. Access and adherence to government guidelines was an issue for many due to language and digital barriers. Reinforcement from trusted community and religious leaders encouraged adherence. Points of support such as food banks were vital in ensuring essential supplies during the pandemic. Many could not afford or have access to masks and sanitisers.ConclusionThe study highlights the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnic minority communities. Government agencies and public health agencies need to integrate with the community, and community leaders can enable dissemination of key messages to deliver targeted yet sensitive public health advice which incorporates cultural and religious practices. Addressing the root causes of disparities is imperative to mitigate current and future pandemics.