bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco‐evolutionary consequences of habitat warming and fragmentation in communities
Authors: Faillace Cara A. , Sentis Arnaud , Montoya José M.
Published: May 2021

Eco‐evolutionary dynamics can mediate species and community responses to habitat warming and fragmentation, two of the largest threats to biodiversity and ecosystems. The eco‐evolutionary consequences of warming and fragmentation are typically studied independently, hindering our understanding of their simultaneous impacts. Here, we provide a new perspective rooted in trade‐offs among traits for understanding their eco‐evolutionary consequences. On the one hand, temperature influences traits related to metabolism, such as resource acquisition and activity levels. Such traits are also likely to have trade‐offs with other energetically costly traits, like antipredator defences or dispersal. On the other hand, fragmentation can influence a variety of traits (e.g. dispersal) through its effects on the spatial environment experienced by individuals, as well as properties of populations, such as genetic structure. The combined effects of warming and fragmentation on communities should thus reflect their collective impact on traits of individuals and populations, as well as trade‐offs at multiple trophic levels, leading to unexpected dynamics when effects are not additive and when evolutionary responses modulate them. Here, we provide a road map to navigate this complexity. First, we review single‐species responses to warming and fragmentation. Second, we focus on consumer–resource interactions, considering how eco‐evolutionary dynamics can arise in response to warming, fragmentation, and their interaction. Third, we illustrate our perspective with several example scenarios in which trait trade‐offs could result in significant eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Specifically, we consider the possible eco‐evolutionary consequences of (i) evolution in thermal performance of a species involved in a consumer–resource interaction, (ii) ecological or evolutionary changes to encounter and attack rates of consumers, and (iii) changes to top consumer body size in tri‐trophic food chains. In these scenarios, we present a number of novel, sometimes counter‐intuitive, potential outcomes. Some of these expectations contrast with those solely based on ecological dynamics, for example, evolutionary responses in unexpected directions for resource species or unanticipated population declines in top consumers. Finally, we identify several unanswered questions about the conditions most likely to yield strong eco‐evolutionary dynamics, how better to incorporate the role of trade‐offs among traits, and the role of eco‐evolutionary dynamics in governing responses to warming in fragmented communities.
Peer Effects on Early Language Development in Dual Language Learners
Authors: Schmerse Daniel
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the vocabulary development of children (N = 547) from linguistically and socioeconomically diverse classrooms in Germany from age 3 in preschool to age 7 in Grade 1. The results showed that for dual language learners (DLLs,n = 107) growth rates in their German majority language skills varied over classrooms. Compared to monolingual children, DLLs improved faster in classrooms with higher peer‐level skills in the majority language than DLLs in classrooms with lower peer‐level skills (controlling for socioeconomic status and classroom quality). DLLs showed stronger growth dynamics than monolingual children during later preschool stages. The findings highlight the role of preschool peers in DLLs’ acquisition of the majority language before entering elementary school.
Long‐Term Effects of Institutional Care and Enhanced Attachment Relationships on Close Adolescent Friendships
Authors: Tang Alva , Almas Alisa , Zeytinoglu Selin , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: May 2021

This study examined whether early institutional rearing and attachment security influence the quality and quantity of friendships at age 16 in 138 participants, including children abandoned to institutions in Bucharest, Romania, who were randomized to care as usual (n = 45, 26 female), or foster care (n = 47, 25 female), and a never‐institutionalized group (n = 46, 18 female). Adolescents in the foster care group with secure attachment to their foster mothers at 42 months were comparable to never‐institutionalized adolescents in having more friends and more positive behaviors with their friend during dyadic interactions, compared to the foster care group with insecure attachment and care as usual group. Interventions targeting early child–caregiver attachment relationships may help foster the ability to build positive friendships in adolescence.
Intranasal delivery of allergen in a nanoemulsion adjuvant inhibits allergen‐specific reactions in mouse models of allergic airway disease
Authors: Baker James R. , Rasky Andrew J. , Landers Jeffrey J. , Janczak Katarzyna W. , Totten Tiffanie D. , Lukacs Nicholas W. , O’Konek Jessica J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Atopic diseases are an increasing problem that involve both immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE and unique cellular inflammation. Many forms of specific immunotherapy involve the administration of allergen to suppress allergic immune responses but are focused on IgE‐mediated reactions. In contrast, the effect of allergen‐specific immunotherapy on allergic inflammation is complex, not entirely consistent and not well understood. We have previously demonstrated the ability of allergen administered in a nanoemulsion (NE) mucosal adjuvant to suppress IgE‐mediated allergic responses and protect from allergen challenge in murine food allergy models. This activity was associated with decreases in allergen‐specific IL‐10 and reductions in allergic cytokines and increases in regulatory T cells.

Objective

Here, we extend these studies to using 2 distinct models, the ovalbumin (OVA) and cockroach (CRA) models of allergic airway disease, which are based predominantly on allergic inflammation.

Methods

Acute or chronic allergic airway disease was induced in mice using ovalbumin and cockroach allergen models. Mice received three therapeutic immunizations with allergen in NE, and reactivity to airway challenge was determined.

Results

Therapeutic immunization with cockroach or OVA allergen in NE markedly reduced pathology after airway challenge. The 2 models demonstrated protection from allergen challenge‐induced pathology that was associated with suppression of Th2‐polarized immune responses in the lung. In addition, the reduction in ILC2 numbers in the lungs of allergic mice along with reduction in epithelial cell alarmins, IL‐25 and IL‐33, suggests an overall change in the lung immune environment induced by the NE immunization protocol.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results demonstrate that suppression of allergic airway inflammation and bronchial hyper‐reactivity can be achieved using allergen‐specific immunotherapy without significant reductions in allergen‐specific IgE and suggest that ILC2 cells may be critical targets for this activity.
Comparative incidence and outcomes of COVID‐19 in kidney or kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients versus kidney or kidney‐pancreas waitlisted patients: A single‐center study
Authors: Santos Carlos A. Q. , Rhee Yoona , Hollinger Edward F. , Olaitan Oyedolamu K. , Schadde Erik , Peev Vasil , Saltzberg Samuel N. , Hertl Martin
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID‐19 epidemiologic studies comparing immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients may provide insight into the impact of immunosuppressants on outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we assembled kidney or kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients who underwent transplant from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2020, and kidney or kidney‐pancreas waitlisted patients who were ever on the waitlist from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. We identified laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 until January 31, 2021, and tracked its outcomes by leveraging informatics infrastructure developed for an outcomes research network.

Results

COVID‐19 was identified in 62 of 887 kidney or kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients and 20 of 434 kidney or kidney‐pancreas waitlisted patients (7.0% vs. 4.6%, p = .092). Of these patients with COVID‐19, hospitalization occurred in 48 of 62 transplant recipients and 8 of 20 waitlisted patients (77% vs. 40%, p = .002); intensive care unit admission occurred in 18 of 62 transplant recipients and 2 of 20 waitlisted patients (29% vs. 10%, p = .085); and 7 transplant recipients were mechanically ventilated and died, whereas no waitlisted patients were mechanically ventilated or died (11% vs. 0%, p = .116).

Conclusions

Our study provides single‐center data and an informatics approach that can be used to inform the design of multicenter studies.
Trauma trends during COVID‐19 alcohol prohibition at a South African regional hospital
Authors: Chu Kathryn M. , Marco Jenna‐Lee , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara , Duvenage Riaan , Londani Mukhethwa , Lombard Carl , Parry Charles D. H.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between trauma volume and alcohol prohibition during the COVID‐19 lockdown in South Africa.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of trauma volume from Worcester Regional Hospital in South Africa from 1 January to 28 December 2020. We compared total volume and incidence rates during five calendar periods; one when alcohol sales were allowed as per normal and four when alcohol sales were completely or partially banned. Poisson regression was used to model differences between alcohol ban and non‐ban periods.

Results

During the first period (pre‐COVID‐19, no ban), the trauma admission rate was 95 per 100 days, compared to 39 during the second period (complete ban 1), 74 during the third period (partial ban 1), 40 during the fourth period (complete ban 2) and 105 during the fifth period (partial ban 2). There was a 59–69% decrease in trauma volume between the no ban and complete ban 1 periods. When alcohol sales were partially reinstated, trauma volume significantly increased by 83–90% then dropped again by 39–46% with complete ban 2. By the second half of 2020, when alcohol sales were partially allowed again (partial ban 2), trauma volume increased by 163–250%, thus returning to pre‐COVID‐19 levels.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a clear trend of decreased trauma volume during periods of complete alcohol prohibition compared to non‐ and partial alcohol bans. This finding suggests that temporary alcohol bans can be used to decrease health facility traffic during national emergencies.
How to take an ant’s pulse: a procedure for non‐destructively monitoring baseline and stimulated heart rate in Formicidae
Authors: Davis Andrew K. , Clancy Kathleen Mei , Sasaki Takao
Published: May 2021

Ants, like other insects, have a heart that pumps hemolymph rhythmically. We designed an apparatus and procedure to non‐destructively monitor the rate of cardiac contractions in ants, using a modified light microscope and infrared light. This allowed us to obtain the first baseline heart rate data on three ant species, collected in Georgia, USA. We next describe how ant heart rates can be stimulated, for comparing cardiac reactions among colonies, or for assessing stress responses. The procedures described here may be useful for other researchers interested in ant physiology.
Using mobile brain/body imaging to advance research in arts, health, and related therapeutics
Authors: King Juliet L. , Parada Francisco J.
Published: May 2021

The uses of mobile brain/body imaging (MoBI) are expanding and allow for more direct study of the neurophysiological signals associated with behavior in psychotherapeutic encounters. Neuroaesthetics is concerned with the cognitive and neural basis of art appreciation, and scientific correlations are being made in the field that might help to clarify theories claimed in the creative arts therapies. Yet, most neuroaesthetics studies are confined to the laboratory and do not propose a translation for research methods and clinical applications. The creative arts therapies have a long history of clinical success with various patient populations and will benefit from increased scientific explanation to support intervention strategies. Examining the brain dynamics and motor behaviors that are associated with the higher complex processes involved in artistic expression offers MoBI as a promising instrumentation to move forward in linking ideas from neuroaesthetics to the creative arts therapies. Tracking brain dynamics in association with behavioral change allows for more objective and quantitative physiological monitors to evaluate, and together with subjective patient reports provides insight into the psychological mechanisms of change in treatment. We outline a framework that shows how MoBI can be used to study the effectiveness of creative arts therapy interventions motivated by the 4E approach to cognition with a focus on visual art therapy. The article illuminates how a new partnership among the fields of art therapy, neuroscience, and neuroaesthetics might work together within the 4E/MoBI framework in efforts to advance transdisciplinary research for clinical health populations.
Neutrophils in cancer, a love–hate affair
Authors: Cerezo‐Wallis Daniela , Ballesteros Iván
Published: May 2021

Neutrophils dominate the immunological landscape of multiple types of solid tumours in mice and humans and exert different pro‐ or antitumoral activity. This functional heterogeneity has prompted a search for different subsets and classifications of tumour‐infiltrating neutrophils with the idea of better delineating their specific roles in cancer. In this review, we describe current studies that highlight specific mechanisms by which neutrophils exert pro‐ or antitumoral function and focus on how distinct tumour types induce unique functional states in neutrophils, co‐opt granulopoiesis, modulate neutrophil ageing and prolong the neutrophil life span. In addition, we discuss how the tissue‐specific tumour stroma and the stage of the cancer influence the function and number of tumour‐infiltrating neutrophils. Finally, we explore different approaches to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in cancer types dominated by neutrophils.
Myostatin as a fibroblast‐activating factor impacts on postoperative outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoshio Sachiyo , Shimagaki Tomonari , Hashida Ryuki , Kawaguchi Takumi , Tsutsui Yuriko , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Yoshida Yuichi , Kawai Hironari , Yoshikawa Shiori , Yamazoe Taiji , Mori Taizo , Osawa Yosuke , Itoh Shinji , Fukai Moto , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Taketomi Akinobu , Mori Masaki , Kanto Tatsuya
Published: May 2021

Aim

In patients with liver cirrhosis, high levels of serum myostatin are associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to clarify the influence of myostatin on the prognosis of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease–hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD‐HCC) without cirrhosis and on the progression of liver fibrosis.

Methods

Serum myostatin levels were evaluated in 234 patients who underwent primary surgical resection for single HCC. To clarify the impact of myostatin on liver fibrosis, we established human primary liver fibroblasts from resected livers, and cultured them in the presence of myostatin.

Results

The median age was 67.4 years, the median L3 skeletal muscle mass index was 44.4 cm2/m2, and the median body mass index was 23.4 kg/m2. Eighty‐two (35.0%) patients had sarcopenia (L3 skeletal muscle mass index: men <42, women <38 cm2/m2). The etiologies of liver disease were hepatitis B virus (n = 61), hepatitis C virus (n = 86), and non‐B non‐C hepatitis (n = 87) including NAFLD (n = 74). High preoperative serum myostatin and vascular invasion were independent predictors of poor overall survival (OS). High serum myostatin was associated with poor OS in patients with no sarcopenia (n = 152). In patients without advanced liver fibrosis (Fibrosis stage, 0–2; n = 58), high levels of serum myostatin were also associated with poor OS, regardless of sarcopenia. Serum myostatin levels were increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibroblasts were activated and produced collagen following stimulation with myostatin.

Conclusions

In patients with NAFLD‐HCC without advanced liver fibrosis, high levels of serum myostatin were associated with poor OS. Myostatin activated primary fibroblasts and stimulated collagen production.
Electrically conductive silicon oxycarbide thin films prepared from preceramic polymers
Authors: Ricohermoso Emmanuel III , Klug Florian , Schlaak Helmut , Riedel Ralf , Ionescu Emanuel
Published: May 2021

This work focuses on silicon oxycarbide thin film preparation and characterization. The Taguchi method of experimental design was used to optimize the process of film deposition. The prepared ceramic thin films with a thickness of c. 500 nm were characterized concerning their morphology, composition, and electrical properties. The molecular structure of the preceramic polymers used for the preparation of the ceramic thin films as well as the thermomechanical properties of the resulting SiOC significantly influenced the quality of the ceramic films. Thus, an increase in the content of carbon was found beneficial for the preparation of crack‐free thin films. The obtained ceramic films exhibited increased electrical conductivity as compared to monolithic SiOC of similar chemical composition. This was shown to correlate with the unique hierarchical microstructure of the SiOC films, which contain large oxygen‐depleted particles, mainly consisting of highly graphitized carbon and SiC, homogeneously dispersed in an oxygen‐containing amorphous matrix. The matrix was shown to also contain free carbon and to contribute to charge carrier transport between the highly conductive large particles. The ceramic thin films possess electrical conductivities in the range from 5.4 to 8.8 S/cm and may be suitable for implementation in miniaturized piezoresistive strain gauges.
Hepatitis B and C among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a population‐based study
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey M. , Kridin Khalaf , Perez‐Chada Lourdes M. , Merola Joseph F. , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition related to multiple systemic diseases and infections.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study from 1999 to 2015 used the database of Clalit Health Services, the largest managed care organization in Israel, to explore the association between HS and hepatitis B and C. Sociodemographic and clinical information was compared using χ2 tests for sex and socioeconomic status and t‐tests for age. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare the odds of hepatitis B and C in those with and without HS.

Results

In multivariate analysis controlling for sex, age as a continuous variable, Arab ancestry, and history of drug abuse, HS was associated with a 1.87‐fold increased odds (95% CI 1.11–3.17, P = 0.019) of hepatitis B (HBV). HS was also associated with HCV in multivariate analysis controlling for sex, age per year, Arab ancestry, alcohol use, and drug use, with a 1.74‐fold increased odds (95% CI 1.05–2.89, P = 0.032) of hepatitis C (HCV) among those with HS as compared to controls.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an association between HS and both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
The complicated relationships of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and platelet factor 4 antibodies with COVID‐19
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Henry Brandon Michael , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) represents a prothrombotic disorder, and there have been several reports of platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies being present in COVID‐19‐infected patients. This has thus been identified in some publications as representing a high incidence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), whereas in others, findings have been tempered by general lack of functional reactivity using confirmation assays of serotonin release assay (SRA) or heparin‐induced platelet aggregation (HIPA). Moreover, in at least two publications, data are provided suggesting that antibodies can arise in heparin naïve patients or that platelet activation may not be heparin‐dependent. From this literature, we would conclude that platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies can be observed in COVID‐19‐infected patients, and they may occur at higher incidence than in historical non‐COVID‐19‐infected cohorts. However, the situation is complex, since not all platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies may lead to platelet activation, and not all identified antibodies are heparin‐dependent, such that they do not necessarily reflect “true” HIT. Most recently, a “HIT‐like” syndrome has reported in patients who have been vaccinated against COVID‐19. Accordingly, much more is yet to be learnt about the insidious disease that COVID‐19 represents, including autoimmune outcomes in affected patients.
COVID‐19 and pregnancy: A scoping review on pregnancy characteristics and outcomes
Authors: de Oliveira Karoline Faria , de Oliveira Jacqueline Faria , Wernet Monika , Carvalho Paschoini Marina , Ruiz Mariana Torreglosa
Published: May 2021

Aim

The study aim was to map clinical characteristics and the evolution of pregnancies in pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

Searching four databases, studies were investigated that described the evolution of pregnancies in women diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through laboratory tests. A scoping review was undertaken, including 35 articles published in English. Two pairs of independent researchers synthesized the data.

Results

Most studies were case studies or case series and had a low risk of bias. A predominance of cases was found in women over the age of 30 years who got infected in the third term of pregnancy and who had comorbidities. The prematurity index varied with the heterogeneity of the samples, and the cases of abortion occurred in combination with severe forms of infection. Caesarean section deliveries predominated, indicated mainly by respiratory decompensation caused by infection. Most women were discharged.

Conclusion

Based on the reviewed studies, the profile and evolution of pregnant women infected with COVID‐19 could be evaluated.
Modifiable early life exposures associated with adiposity and obesity in 3‐year old children born to mothers with obesity
Authors: Dalrymple Kathryn V. , Flynn Angela C. , Seed Paul T. , Briley Annette L. , O'Keeffe Majella , Godfrey Keith M. , Poston Lucilla ,   the UPBEAT Consortium
Published: May 2021

Background

Children born to mothers with obesity are at increased risk of obesity. Influences underlying this predisposition include in‐utero exposures, genetic predisposition and a shared family environment. Effective intervention strategies are needed to prevent obesity in these high‐risk children; this requires evaluation of modifiable pregnancy and early‐life risk factors.

Objectives

To assess the individual and cumulative contributions of maternal and early‐life modifiable exposures on childhood adiposity and obesity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children born to women with obesity.

Methods

We used adjusted regression to assess the individual and cumulative contributions of six exposures (early pregnancy BMI, excessive gestational weight gain, mode of infant feeding and three measures of childhood eating habits [food responsiveness, slowness in eating and a processed/snacking dietary pattern score]) on body composition in 495 three‐year‐old children. Outcomes included BMI z‐score, arm circumference and overweight/obesity (BMI≥25.0 kg/m2).

Results

While the UPBEAT intervention did not influence adiposity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children, the six modifiable exposures combined incrementally to increase childhood adiposity and obesity. For each additional exposure, children had a higher BMI z‐score (β = 0.35SD [95% confidence interval: 0.23, 0.47]), arm circumference (β = 0.59 cm [0.40, 0.79]) and risk of overweight/obesity (relative risk 1.49 [1.26, 1.77]). Compared to no exposures, children with four or more exposures had a higher BMI z‐score (1.11SD [0.65, 1.58]), arm circumference (2.15 cm [1.41, 2.89]) and risk of overweight/obesity (3.01 [1.67, 5.41]) (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that complex interventions targeting preconception, pregnancy, perinatal and early childhood exposures offer a potential strategy for prevention of pre‐school obesity.
Measures and narratives of the nature, causes and consequences of violent assaults and risk perception of psychiatric hospitals in Ghana: Mental Health workers’ perspectives
Authors: Atinga Roger A. , Yarney Lily , Saa‐Touh Mort Kingsley , Gariba Joshua A. , Salifu Yendork Joana
Published: May 2021

Literature shows that mental healthcare workers in Ghana face incessant fear of patient violence that compromise safe care delivery. However, the nature, scale, perceived causes, and consequences of these assaults and how they shape risk perceptions have received limited empirical attention, hence the need for this study. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods where questionnaire administration preceded and informed the design of an interview guide used for in‐depth interviews with health workers in referral psychiatric hospitals. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings showed that physical and non‐physical violent assaults and risk perceptions of the hospitals were statistically and significantly associated with females (P < 0.01), nurses (P < 0.01), other clinical cadre (P < 0.01), and those with low job tenure (P < 0.05). About 57% and 71% of the sample reported experiencing physical and non‐physical assaults, respectively. Major and minor injuries and psychosocial problems were frequent sequelae following physical violent assaults. As a result, 80% of the participants perceived the hospitals environment to be unsafe to provide care. Violent assaults compromises safety and care delivery efforts suggesting the need for systematic interventions to minimize mental healthcare workers exposure to patient violence.
Dodecylamine rapidly kills of spores of multiple Firmicute species: properties of the killed spores and the mechanism of the killing
Authors: DeMarco A.M. , Korza G. , Granados M.R. , Mok W.W.K. , Setlow P.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Previous work showed that Bacillus subtilis dormant spore killing and germination by dodecylamine take place by different mechanisms. This new work aimed to optimize killing of B. subtilis and other Firmicutes spores and to determine the mechanism of the killing.

Methods and Results

Spores of seven Firmicute species were killed rapidly by dodecylamine under optimal conditions and more slowly by decylamine or tetradecylamine. The killed spores were not recovered by additions to recovery media, and some of the killed spores subsequently germinated, all indicating that dodecylamine-killed spores truly are dead. Spores of two species treated with dodecylamine were more sensitive to killing by a subsequent heat treatment, and spore killing of at least one species was faster with chemically decoated spores. The cores of dodecylamine-killed spores were stained by the nucleic acid stain propidium iodide, and dodecylamine-killed wild-type and germination-deficient spores released their stores of phosphate-containing small molecules.

Conclusions

This work indicates that dodecylamine is likely a universal sporicide for Firmicute species, and it kills spores by damaging their inner membrane, with attendant loss of this membrane as a permeability barrier.

Significance and Impact of the Study

There is a significant need for agents that can effectively kill spores of a number of Firmicute species, especially in wide area decontamination. Dodecylamine appears to be a universal sporicide with a novel mechanism of action, and this or some comparable molecule could be useful in wide area spore decontamination.
Gender and racial/ethnic differences in food selectivity in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Rancaño Katherine M. , Bandini Linda G. , Curtin Carol , Eliasziw Misha , Odoms‐Young Angela , Must Aviva
Published: May 2021

Background

We examined differences in food selectivity by gender and parent race/ethnicity in children with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A convenience sample of 56 children with intellectual disabilities was analysed. A modified Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 3‐day food record were used to measure child food refusal rate and food repertoire, respectively.

Results

Boys were about twice as likely to refuse total foods (rate ratio = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.34–4.09) and fruits (rate ratio = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.04–3.95) and 54% more likely to refuse vegetables (rate ratio = 1.54, 95%CI = 0.93–2.54). Children with Hispanic parents were twice as likely to refuse vegetables compared to children with non‐Hispanic White parents (rate ratio = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.03–3.90). In analyses stratified by the presence or absence of co‐occurring probable autism spectrum disorder, boys had greater food selectivity than girls.

Conclusions

This study expands our understanding of food selectivity in children with intellectual disabilities.
Spatial phylogenomics of acrobat ants in Madagascar—Mountains function as cradles for recent diversity and endemism
Authors: Camacho Gabriela P. , Loss Ana Carolina , Fisher Brian L. , Blaimer Bonnie B.
Published: May 2021

Aim

A crucial step to protecting biodiversity is assessing species diversity and endemism. We delineate spatial patterns of diversity in Malagasy ants on a phylogenetic and taxonomic level to identify centers of diversity and endemism, and evaluate the ‘museum vs. cradle’ hypothesis with regard to ant endemism.

Location

Madagascar.

Taxon

Ants, genus Crematogaster.

Methods

We estimated distribution models for 33 Crematogaster species and generated a phylogeny based on ultraconserved elements. We calculated species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), weighted (WE), phylogenetic endemism (PE), randomized phylogenetic diversity (PD‐sig), and relative phylogenetic diversity (RPD) and endemism (RPE). Categorical analyses of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism (CANAPE) and the phylo‐jaccard index were used to delineate centers of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism. We correlated these measures with elevation metrics to investigate the role of mountains in generating ant endemism.

Results

We found extensive phylogenetic clustering (significantly low PD‐sig) and short branches (low RPD) at higher elevations in central and south‐central to southern Madagascar. In contrast, phylogenetic overdispersion (significantly high PD‐sig) and long branches (high RPD) predominate at lower elevations in eastern humid and northern western dry forests. CANAPE and phylo‐jaccard estimated five centers of endemism, whereby neo‐ and mixed endemism were significantly correlated with higher elevations, and paleo‐endemism with lower elevations.

Main conclusions

Centers of ant endemism are located in western dry and humid forests of northern Madagascar, eastern humid forests, and in the southern Central Highland region. Mountainous areas appear to be cradles of recent diversification for acrobat ants, whereas lower elevations may be regarded as centers of paleo‐endemism and thus museums for relict lineages. Species diversification among acrobat ants may have coincided with the arrival of a new biome in the central highlands of Madagascar.
Untargeted and targeted gingival metabolome in rodents reveal metabolic links between high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and periodontitis
Authors: Chen Zi‐yun , Xu Tian‐tian , Liang Zhao‐jia , Zhao Li , Xiong Xiao‐qin , Xie Kun‐ke , Yu Wan‐xin , Zeng Xiao‐wen , Gao Jie , Zhou Ying‐hong , Luo Gang , Yu Ting
Published: May 2021

Aim

To characterize gingival metabolome in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in mice with/without periodontitis.

Methods

HFD‐induced obesity mouse model was established by 16‐week feeding, and a lean control group was fed with low‐fat diet (n = 21/group). Both models were induced for periodontitis on the left sides by molar ligation for 10 days, whereas the right sides were used as controls. Gingival metabolome and arginine metabolism were analysed by non‐targeted/targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Of 2247 reference features, presence of periodontitis altered 165 in lean versus 885 in HFD mice; and HFD altered 525 in absence versus 1435 in presence of periodontitis. Compared with healthy condition, periodontitis and HFD had distinct effects on gingival metabolome. Metabolomic impacts of periodontitis were generally greater in HFD mice versus lean controls. K‐medoids clustering showed that HFD amplified the impacts of periodontitis on gingival metabolome in both intensity and extensity. Ten metabolic pathways were enriched, including 2 specific to periodontitis, 5 specific to HFD and 3 shared ones. Targeted validation on arginine metabolism confirmed the additive effects between HFD and periodontitis.

Conclusion

The obese population consuming excessive HFD display amplified metabolic response to periodontitis, presenting a metabolic susceptibility to exacerbated periodontal destruction.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor might exacerbate Graves’ disease: A multicenter observational case–control study
Authors: Sekizaki Tomonori , Kameda Hiraku , Nomoto Hiroshi , Cho Kyu Yong , Nakamura Akinobu , Takahashi Kiyohiko , Miyoshi Arina , Wada Norio , Takeuchi Jun , Nagai So , Miyoshi Hideaki , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: May 2021

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), namely CD26, is expressed on the surface of immune cells, suggesting that inhibition of DPP‐4 might affect the immune system. The current multicenter observational case–control study was carried out to investigate the effects of DPP‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) administration on Graves' disease (GD) activity. This study comprised patients with GD and type 2 diabetes, who were administered an oral hypoglycemic agent including DPP‐4i. Exacerbation of GD was defined as an increase of antithyroid drug dose by 6 months after oral hypoglycemic agent administration. A total of 80 patients were enrolled and divided into an exacerbation group or a non‐exacerbation group. The frequency of DPP‐4i administration was significantly higher in the exacerbation group (88%) than that in the non‐exacerbation group (31%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between DPP‐4i administration and GD exacerbation (odds ratio 7.39). The current study suggests that DPP‐4i administration is associated with GD exacerbation.
Effects of WeChat‐based psychological interventions on the mental health of patients with suspected new coronavirus pneumonia: A pilot study
Authors: Hu Jing , Cai Zhiyue , Ma Xiaoli
Published: May 2021

Objective

Suspected patients with new coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) may suffer from unique mental health problems. However, the shortage of medical personnel and the infectiousness of the disease have challenged traditional psychological interventions. This study investigated the effects of a new WeChat‐based psychological intervention on the mental health of suspected NCP patients.

Methods

This study included 48 participants (control group = 24 vs. intervention group = 24). The control group received conventional NCP nursing, and the intervention group received conventional NCP nursing and the WeChat psychological interventions. Participants completed the Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) on the day of, and the 14th day after, admission.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups (p > .05) regarding demographic characteristics, education, work status, anxiety, depression, or acute stress disorder on the day of admission (p > .05). On the 14th day after admission, the intervention group showed an improvement in anxiety (p < .05) and a significant improvement in depression and acute stress disorder compared with the control group (p < .01).

Conclusion

The WeChat‐based psychological interventions can have a positive effect on the mental health problems of suspected NCP patients.
Religion and informational influence: Evidence from individual tax behavior in the U.S.
Authors: Kurt Didem , Kurt Ahmet C.
Published: May 2021

This article seeks to understand whether and how religion plays a role in people's information search and dissemination behavior in the domain of individual taxes. Survey data show that religious participants exhibit greater uncertainty about a tax filing decision than atheist participants, and Google search data reveal that the U.S. tax season is marked by a notably higher search interest in religious teachings on taxes. Interestingly, people's tendency to ask “why” questions about taxes and their online search interest in tax loss strategies are greater in states with higher religiosity. In parallel, users from highly versus less religious states include more interrogatives and fewer certainty words in their tax‐related tweets posted during the 2019 U.S. federal government shutdown. These findings collectively suggest that people's certitude about individual tax matters decreases with religiosity.
Cleaning Zirconia Surface Prior To Bonding: A Comparative Study of Different Methods and Solutions
Authors: Sulaiman Taiseer A. , Altak Ali , Abdulmajeed Awab , Rodgers Brandon , Lawson Nathaniel
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate resin cement bond strength after removal of salivary contamination from a zirconia surface using different cleaning solutions and air‐borne particle abrasion.

Materials and methods

One‐hundred and twenty zirconia specimens (KATANA STML, Noritake) were prepared and divided into 12 groups (n = 10). Groups were subjected to a notched‐edge shear bond strength test (ISO 29022) to analyze the bonding efficiency of a resin cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) before and after contamination with saliva. Group 1 (control) was prepared and cemented without salivary contamination. Group 2 was coated with ceramic primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) then subjected to salivary contamination then tested. Group 3 was contaminated, cleaned by air‐borne particle abrasion, ceramic primer and resin cement applied, and tested. Groups 4 to 12 were contaminated, and then different cleaning solutions (water, 4.5% hydrofluoric acid, 35% phosphoric acid, Ivoclean, KATANA cleaner, Zirclean, sodium hypochlorite 4%, and 7.5%) were used to decontaminate the zirconia surface, followed by ceramic primer, resin cement application, and tested. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

One‐way ANOVA showed statistical differences among cleaning procedures (p < 0.001, F = 13.48). Air‐borne particle abrasion was the only group which provided a bond strength (21 ± 2.8 MPa) that was not statistically different than the control group in which no contamination occurred (25.3 ± 3.3 MPa) (p = 0.247). The use of hydrofluoric acid and zirconia cleaning solutions resulted in bond strengths values which were not statistically different from each other (17.5‐19.1 MPa).

Conclusion

Air‐borne particle, zirconia cleaning solutions and hydrofluoric acid are feasible to decontaminate the zirconia surface from saliva prior to bonding the restoration.
COVID‐19 Knowledge and Behavior Change among High School Students in Semi‐Rural Georgia
Authors: Campbell Katherine , Weingart Rachel , Ashta Jasleen , Cronin Thomas , Gazmararian Julie
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Many schools transitioned online to reduce viral spread and promote social distancing amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. Remote learning may impact health behaviors and coping strategies among adolescents, including reduced physical activity and increased screen time. Social media and peers provide information about the pandemic to adolescents and may influence prevention behaviors. This study aims to assess adolescent knowledge and information about COVID‐19, determine students' behavior change, and identify sources students turn to for information on the pandemic.

METHODS

Students from 2 high schools in semi‐rural Georgia participated in a cross‐sectional online survey in March 2020 (N = 761).

RESULTS

Common sources for COVID‐19 news were peers (80%) and social media (58%). Few adolescents (3%) indicated that teenagers were at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID‐19. Responses reveal adolescents understand social distancing and many are participating in prevention behaviors, including handwashing (87%) and staying at home as much as possible (87%). Most respondents reported increases in screen time outside of class (82%).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest adolescents are obtaining COVID‐19 knowledge from various sources, including social media, with varying degrees of implementation of prevention practices. Increases in screen time and reduced physical activity may impact long‐term health among adolescents.
Suffering and the end of life
Authors: Massie John
Published: May 2021

Relief of suffering is an important goal of medicine and aligns with the professional maxim of ‘do no harm’ and the bioethical principle of non‐maleficence. Capturing what individuals experience or third‐parties sense in terms of suffering is difficult, made harder in the patient who is too young or not able to tell us. This paper builds on the thoughts and experience of Isaacs and Preisz who open a discussion on suffering at the end of life. The discussion is extended by Tobin who recommends the use of goals of care to try to align clinician and parent expectations of what suffering might mean at the end of life. A further paper by Brancatisano makes a comment that family resource and parental suffering might inappropriately guide parental decision‐making at the end of life in cases where suffering is apparent. In my piece, I add my concerns that physicians can write their own narrative about suffering which can compete against the parent's view. Furthermore, suffering can be used as a weapon for physicians to pressure parents towards the medical view.
Measuring Fundamentalism Across the Abrahamic Faiths
Authors: Moaddel Mansoor , Karabenick Stuart A.
Published: May 2021

We develop a scale to measure fundamentalism among the followers of the Abrahamic faiths. The scale is intended to overcome the challenges that beset the comparative analysis of the subject: variability of religious fundamentalist movements historically, cross‐nationally, and across these religions; differences in the definition of fundamentalism, and etymological ambiguity of the term. We conceptualized fundamentalism as a cluster of core orientations toward one's and others’ religion. These orientations are categorized into four components: disciplinarian deity, inerrancy or literalism, religious exclusivity, and religious intolerance. Each component is measured by four survey questions. The 16 items make a single fundamentalism scale. We discuss the scale's validity, and then verify its statistical and predictive validity on nationally representative samples from Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey, a total of 24,758 cases.
Clinical outcome and prognostic factors in dogs with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A retrospective study
Authors: Rout Emily D. , Labadie Julia D. , Yoshimoto Janna A. , Avery Paul R. , Curran Kaitlin M. , Avery Anne C.
Published: May 2021

Background

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BCLL) in dogs generally is considered an indolent disease, but previous studies indicate a wide range in survival times.

Objectives

We hypothesized that BCLL has a heterogeneous clinical course, similar to chronic lymphocytic leukemia in humans. We aimed to assess presentation and outcome in dogs with BCLL and evaluate the prognostic relevance of clinical and flow cytometric factors.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐one dogs with BCLL diagnosed by flow cytometry. Three breed groups were represented: small breed dogs (n = 55) because of increased risk of BCLL; Boxers (n = 33) because of preferential use of unmutated immunoglobulin genes; and other breeds (n = 33).

Methods

Retrospective study reviewing signalment, clinicopathologic data, physical examination findings, treatment, and survival of dogs with BCLL. Cellular proliferation, determined by the percentage of Ki67‐expressing CD21+ B‐cells by flow cytometry, was measured in 39 of 121 cases. Clinical and laboratory variables were evaluated for association with survival.

Results

The median survival time (MST) for all cases was 300 days (range, 1‐1644 days). Boxers had significantly shorter survival (MST, 178 days) than non‐Boxers (MST, 423 days; P < .0001), and no significant survival difference was found between small breeds and other non‐Boxer breeds. Cases with high Ki67 (>40% Ki67‐expressing B‐cells) had significantly shorter survival (MST, 173 days) than did cases with <40% Ki67 (MST undetermined; P = .03), regardless of breed. Cases with a high lymphocyte count (>60 000 lymphocytes/μL) or clinical signs at presentation had significantly shorter survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia had a variable clinical course and Boxer dogs and cases with high Ki67 had more aggressive disease.
A comparative study of hard clustering algorithms for vegetation data
Authors: Pakgohar Naghmeh , Eshaghi Rad Javad , Gholami Gholamhossein , Alijanpour Ahmad , Roberts David W.
Published: May 2021

Questions

Which clustering algorithms are most effective according to different cluster validity evaluators? Which distance or dissimilarity measure is most suitable for clustering algorithms?

Location

Hyrcanian forest, Iran (Asia), Virginia region forest, United States (North America), beech forests, Ukraine (Europe).

Methods

We tested 25 clustering algorithms with nine vegetation data sets comprised of three real data sets and six simulated data sets exhibiting different cluster separation values. The clustering algorithms included both hierarchical and non‐hierarchical partitioning. Five evaluators were employed on each cluster solution to evaluate different clustering algorithms. Algorithms were ranked from best to worst on each clustering evaluator for each data set.

Results

The comparison revealed that the OPTSIL initiated from a Flexible‐β (−0.25) solution achieved particularly good performance. We also found that Ward's method and Flexible‐β (−0.1) implementations were accurate. K‐means with Hellinger distance was superior to Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) algorithms. Accordance between distance measures and clustering algorithms was also observed. Bray–Curtis dissimilarity combined with a range of clustering algorithms was successful in most cases. Bray–Curtis dissimilarity proved superior to other distance measures for heterogeneous data sets.

Conclusions

All in all, the results demonstrate that choosing the most suitable method before clustering is critical for achieving maximally interpretable clusters. The complexity of vegetation data sets makes this issue even more important. The choice of distance measure had more effect than the choice of clustering method on the quality of results. Our results illustrate that OPTSIL Flexible‐β (−0.1) and OPTPART could prove superior to alternative conventional clustering algorithms when internal evaluation criteria are used to optimize clustering.