bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of pecan shells and their effect on the physical properties and acceptability of smoked chicken breast
Authors: Fu Wenqian , Kerr William L.
Published: August 2020

Pecan shells were used as a source of smoke for cooked chicken breast and compared with samples smoked with hickory, mesquite, and apple tree wood. The wood moisture content ranged from 7.94% to 11.43%, whereas ash ranged from 0.97% to 3.11%. The particle size varied among the smoke sources, with chopped pecan shells having more pieces in the “coarse” category. Several properties related to quality of the cooked meat were measured including moisture content, water activity, color, cook loss, expressible moisture, and maximum shear force. Moisture content ranged from 70.13% to 71.72%, whereas pH ranged from 6.39 to 6.43. Chicken breasts smoked with pecan shells were darker (L*= 72.86 compared to 74.94 to 76.57) and slightly redder (a*= 5.71;b*= 25.70) than other samples. Color development was localized to the surface of the meat. Cooking loss did not differ significantly among the samples (26.13% to 27.03%) nor did expressible moisture (9.68% to 11.87%). Meat tenderness was assessed by shear values, but did not differ among the samples. Consumer panels showed that all samples were well liked. Samples smoked with mesquite had slightly lower scores for flavor and overall likability, whereas the scores for samples smoked with hickory, apple, or pecan shells were no different.

Practical Application

Many meat products are cooked in the presence of smoke produced from burning hardwoods. This work shows that smoke can be produced from waste pecan shells, resulting in chicken breast with similar yield, texture, moisture retention, and acceptability as that smoked with hickory, mesquite, or apple tree wood.
Effects of the addition of waxy and normal hull‐less barley flours on the farinograph and pasting properties of composite flours and on the nutritional value, textural qualities, and in vitro digestibility of resultant breads
Authors: Liu Juan , Li Qiao , Zhai Huisheng , Zhang Yuhong , Zeng Xingquan , Tang Yawei , Tashi Nyima , Pan Zhifen
Published: August 2020

Hull‐less barley (HLB), especially waxy HLB, contains many physiologically active ingredients; however, its poor processing performance and end‐product quality are unfavorable. In this study, 80% waxy or normal HLB wholegrain flour (WGF) and 20% wheat flour were used for baking bread. The farinograph and pasting properties of composite powders, and the nutritional value, textural properties, and in vitro hydrolysis of resultant breads were evaluated. The addition of a high proportion of HLB WGFs significantly increased the nutritional value of breads, especially the β‐glucan contents of waxy HLB breads. The addition of HLB WGFs and a suitable amount of wheat gluten led to a lower degree of softening of HLB bread flours but improved its farinograph characteristics, such as higher water absorption rate, development time, stability time, and farinograph quality number. Although the sensory profiles of HLB breads were considerably lower than those of wheat bread, they still received a good overall acceptability from a panel of sensory evaluators. HLB breads, particularly the waxy types, exhibited higher hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and lower specific volume, glycemic index and equilibrium concentration in starch hydrolysis. After baking, the starch crystallinity of dough changed from A to V type, and the relative crystallinity decreased. Overall, waxy HLB breads had more nutritional value than normal HLB breads. Higher β‐glucan and total dietary fiber content in HLB might have a positive effect on the nutritional value of the resultant breads. However, high β‐glucan and total dietary fiber was also accompanied by a negative effect on the sensory quality and processing performance of the end product.

Practical Application

The composite flour with 80 g hull‐less barley wholegrain flour, 20 g wheat flour, and 30 g wheat gluten can be substituted in breadmaking. Compared to wheat bread, hull‐less barley bread exhibited different but acceptable sensory properties and had more nutritional value, particularly the waxy one. Therefore, a high proportion of hull‐less barley could be recommended for bread production.
Primary signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the lung: A report of seven cases
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Yan , Li Jialong , Che Guowei
Published: August 2020

Signet‐ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is an extremely rare subtype of adenocarcinoma with aggressive behavior that usually occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, prostate or breast. In this study, we described the clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of, and the therapeutic strategies for seven patients with primary SRCC of the lung from Sichuan University West China Hospital to enhance our understanding of this kind of tumor. According to the information presented herein, it is believed that patients with primary pulmonary SRCC can live for a long time if the cancer is diagnosed early and treated actively. However, more investigations are still needed due to the limited reports about primary SRCC of the lung.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Primary signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the lung is an extremely rare subtype of lung adenocarcinoma and is relatively highly invasive.

What this study adds

Early diagnosis and positive treatment lead to a good prognosis for patients with signet‐ring cell carcinoma.
Predictive variables for poor long‐term physical recovery after intensive care unit stay: An exploratory study
Authors: Ámundadóttir Ólöf R. , Jónasdóttir Rannveig J. , Sigvaldason Kristinn , Jónsdóttir Helga , Möller Alma D. , Dean Elizabeth , Sveinsson Thorarinn , Sigurðsson Gísli H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Elucidating factors that influence physical recovery of survivors after an intensive care unit (ICU) stay is paramount in maximizing long‐term functional outcomes. We examined potential predictors for poor long‐term physical recovery in ICU survivors.

Methods

Based on secondary analysis of a trial of 50 ICU patients who underwent mobilization in the ICU and were followed for one year, linear regression analysis examined the associations of exposure variables (baseline characteristics, severity of illness variables, ICU‐related variables, and lengths of ICU and hospital stay), with physical recovery variables (muscle strength, exercise capacity, and self‐reported physical function), measured one year after ICU discharge.

Results

When the data were adjusted for age, female gender was associated with reduced muscle strength (P = .003), exercise capacity (P < .0001), and self‐reported physical function (P = .01). Older age, when adjusted for gender, was associated with reduced exercise capacity (P < .001). After adjusting for gender and age, an association was observed between a lower score on one or two physical recovery variables and exposure variables, specifically, high body mass index, low functional independence, comorbidity and low self‐reported physical function at baseline, muscle weakness at ICU discharge, and longer hospital stay. No adjustment was made for cumulative type I error rate due to small number of participants.

Conclusion

Elucidating risk factors for poor long‐term physical recovery after ICU stay, including gender, may be critical if mobilization and exercise are to be prescribed expediently during and after ICU stay, to ensure maximal long‐term recovery.
Abrupt cessation of reboxetine along alcohol deprivation results in alcohol intake escalation after reinstatement of drinking
Authors: Ballesta Antonio , Alen Francisco , Orio Laura , Arco Rocío , Vadas Evelyn , Decara Juan , Vargas Antonio , Gómez de Heras Raquel , Ramírez‐López Mayte , Serrano Antonia , Pavón Francisco Javier , Suárez Juan , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando
Published: August 2020

Major depression (MD) is a frequent comorbidity in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients. Antidepressant prescription is often limited by poor clinical outcomes or unwanted side effects in comorbid AUD‐MD patients. Recent studies suggest that abrupt cessation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors antidepressant treatment increases alcohol consumption after an alcohol deprivation period in rats. However, the appearance of this effect after the treatment with selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) is not known. Here, we report that interruption of subchronic (14 days) treatment with the SNRIs reboxetine (15 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) resulted in escalation of ethanol intake when the animals resume alcohol self‐administration. This effect of reboxetine treatment cessation was associated with a profound deactivation of the endocannabinoid/acylethanolamide signaling system in the prefrontal cortex but not in the dorsal hippocampus, as reflected by the decrease in the protein expression of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, the PPARα receptor, the 2‐arachidonoylglycerol synthesizing enzymes DAGLα and DGALβ, and the endocanabinoid degrading enzyme MAGL. This was associated with dysregulation of the expression of glutamic acid receptors GluN1, GluA1, and mGlu5 in the medial prefrontal cortex and the dorsal hippocampus of the animals exposed to reboxetine. The present results further support the idea that abrupt cessation of antidepressant therapy along alcohol deprivation time can boost alcohol intake after relapse through mechanisms associated with endocannabinoid/glutamate signaling dysregulation. This finding might be relevant for patients suffering AUD/MD comorbidity where antidepressant therapy must be monitored with caution for avoiding unwanted side effects if adherence to the treatment is not fully achieved.
All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Peacock Amy , Tran Lucy Thi , Larney Sarah , Stockings Emily , Santo Thomas , Jones Hayley , Santomauro Damian , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: August 2020

Aims

To estimate pooled all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality risk for people with regular or problematic cocaine use.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective or retrospective cohort studies or clinical trials (n ≥30) of people with regular or problematic cocaine use with data on all‐cause or cause‐specific mortality. Of 2808 papers, 28 were eligible and reported on 21 cohorts, with a total 170 019 individuals. Cohorts identified based on acute care for drug poisoning or other severe health presentation were excluded. Title/abstract screening was conducted by one reviewer; a second reviewer independently checked 10% of excluded studies. Two reviewers conducted full‐text screening. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. A customized review‐specific study reporting quality/risk of bias tool was used. Data on crude mortality rates (CMR) and standardized mortality ratios were extracted for both all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality. Standardized mortality ratios were imputed where not provided by the author using extracted data and information from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model.

Results

The pooled all‐cause crude mortality rate was 1.24 per 100 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.86, 1.78; n = 16 cohorts], but with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%). The pooled all‐cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 6.13 (95% CI = 4.15, 9.05; n = 16 cohorts). Suicide (SMR = 6.26, 95% CI = 2.84, 13.80), accidental injury (SMR = 6.36, 95% CI = 4.18, 9.68), homicide (SMR = 9.38, 95% CI 3.45–25.48) and AIDS‐related mortality (SMR = 23.12, 95% CI = 11.30, 47.31) were all elevated compared with age and sex peers in the general population.

Conclusions

There are elevated rates of mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use for traumatic deaths and deaths attributable to infectious disease.
How (Not) to Use the History of Political Thought for Contemporary Purposes
Authors: Blau Adrian
Published: August 2020

Many scholars seek contemporary insights from historical texts. Yet such efforts often fall short. Some studies do not demonstrate a gap in the literature, or they overgeneralize about the limitations of contemporary scholarship. Other studies misread contemporary authors or underestimate the complexity of contemporary issues. Interestingly, some studies use ideas that have been superseded: the history of political thought can constrain as well as liberate. Overall, I suggest, some of the boldest claims for the contemporary value of the history of political thought come from scholars whose own contemporary insights sometimes fall short. These problems risk undermining, not underlining, the contemporary relevance of the history of political thought. To draw contemporary insights from historical texts, we need to grasp how hard this can be.
The Divide Over Independence: Explaining Preferences for Secession in an Advanced Open Economy
Authors: Hierro Maria Jose , Queralt Didac
Published: August 2020

Anticipated trade, insurance, and fiscal shocks from independence structure preferences for secession independently from nonmaterial considerations. To test this claim, we draw from an original survey conducted in Catalonia before the 2017 regional election, which followed a suspended declaration of independence. Trade shocks produce differential effects depending on market specialization: Respondents working in sectors and at firms specializing in the host state market disproportionately oppose secession, whereas those specializing in foreign markets show no aversion to independence. Exclusion from public insurance strengthens preference for secession among the long‐term unemployed. Support for secession also increases with skill levels but not because of expected postindependence factor returns. The skilled population shows a better understanding of the institutional design of interterritorial redistribution. In a context of autonomy retraction, this group is more skeptical of the accommodation of regional demands within the union. Overall, we advance an individual‐level materialistic approach to the study of secession.
Good Times and Bad Apples: Rebel Recruitment in Crackdown and Truce
Authors: Hanson Kolby
Published: August 2020

Even in long‐running civil conflicts, governments may permit rebels to recruit and gather resources freely during years‐long truce periods. Scholars and policy makers assume that these periods of forbearance allow rebel organizations to gather strength unchecked. Instead, with innovative evidence from five conflict zones in Northeast India, I show how leniency can actually undermine rebel organizations in the long run. Despite rebel leaders' best efforts, safety and comfort attract selfish opportunists who may later desert in battle, defect to the enemy, or abuse civilians. First, I show experimentally that the benefits of leniency disproportionately attract low‐commitment recruits. By sampling in local recruitment hot spots, I gathered nearly 400 likely rebel recruits, testing their motivations with attitudinal questions and a conjoint survey experiment. Second, I conducted dozens of qualitative interviews with rebel leaders, rebel soldiers, and civilian observers, tracking how truce periods altered rebel recruitment and behavioral patterns over time.
Why do we resolve marital conflicts the way we do? Self‐construals, marital conflict resolution strategies, and marital satisfaction in Japan and South Korea
Authors: Yu Kyung‐Ran
Published: August 2020

In this article, the research targeted middle‐aged wives who had been reported to be most dissatisfied with their marriage lives in the entire sex/generation groups in Japan and South Korea. As an exploratory study, the relationships between self‐construals (subjective, objective, and autonomous selves) and marital conflict resolution strategies (avoiding, dominating, yielding, and integrating) and those between the strategies and marital satisfaction were investigated. The model across the variables (taking the obliging and dominating strategies only) was constructed as well. Several important findings were revealed. First, subjective self and autonomous self were strongly and positively correlated and stronger in South Korea. Second, the Japanese had out‐of‐speculation relationships between self‐construals and marital resolution strategies. Third, the positive associations of integrating/obliging and marital satisfaction and the negative association of avoiding and marital satisfaction were validated in Japan and South Korea.
Desiring Bollywood: Re‐Staging Racism, Exploring Difference
Authors: Dattatreyan Ethiraj Gabriel
Published: August 2020

In this article, I engage with the insights that emerged through the making of Desiring Bollywood, a collaborative ethno‐fiction project I produced in 2018. The project recruited academics, amateur actors, novice filmmakers, and enthusiastic university students to narrate the story of Jason, an aspiring actor and filmmaker from Nigeria who I first met in 2013, soon after his release from Tihar Prison in Delhi, India. My goals are two‐fold: first, to share a few scenes from the film—embedded in this article as video clips—to broadly theorize the affordances and limits of what I call re‐staging, the collaborative, performance‐based multimodal method we devised and deployed to produce Desiring Bollywood. Second, and more central to the article, I aim to analyze these very same scenes to show how re‐staging, as it offered participants involved in the project the opportunity to reflexively explore how Jason's experiences of discrimination in Delhi and the aspirations and desires that led him there in the first place, creates a rich site of analysis to engage with the nuances of anti‐Black racism in India in a moment where “India–Africa” economic relationships are on the rise. [multimodality, collaboration, racism, migration, Africa, India, Nigeria]
Survivorship of highly constrained prostheses in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty: analysis of 6070 cases
Authors: Knight Matthew , Lewis Peter , Peng Yi , Hatton Alesha B. , Parkinson Ben
Published: August 2020

Background

Concerns exist about the survival and complication rates of highly constrained total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses. The aims of this study were to determine if there were differences between the revision and complication rates of fully stabilized (FSTKA) and hinged (HTKA) TKA, when used in both primary and revision procedures.

Methods

Survivorship of all highly constrained TKA prostheses implanted over a 17 year period were analysed by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. The primary outcome measure was time to first revision using Kaplan Meier estimates of survivorship.

Results

In the primary setting, the cumulative percent revision at 11 years was higher for HTKA than for FSTKA prostheses (P = 0.014). However, this finding was only significant for patient >75 years. In the revision setting, there were no differences in the revision rates for either category of prosthesis for any age group. For the indication of periarticular/periprosthetic fracture, HTKA resulted in a lower revision rate than FSTKA in both primary and revision cohorts. There were no differences in the rates of revision for infection and aseptic loosening for either prosthesis type in primary or revision settings. The revision risk for periprosthetic fracture was higher after HTKA prostheses.

Conclusion

Both FSTKA and HTKA prostheses provide similar outcomes in primary and revision procedures except for the setting of periarticular/periprosthetic fracture, where a HTKA should be used. In elderly patients, a FSTKA prosthesis is recommended as the risk of periprosthetic fracture is higher with a HTKA.
A 3‐dimensional‐printed left ventricle model incorporated into a mock circulatory loop to investigate hemodynamics inside a severely failing ventricle supported by a blood pump
Authors: Liu Guang‐Mao , Hou Jian‐Feng , Wei Run‐Jie , Hu Sheng‐Shou
Published: August 2020

Intraventricular blood stasis is a design consideration for continuous flow blood pumps and might contribute to adverse events such as thrombosis and ventricular suction. However, the blood flow inside left ventricles (LVs) supported by blood pumps is still unclear. In vitro experiments were conducted to imitate how the hydraulic performance of an axial blood pump affects the intraventricular blood flow of a severe heart failure patient, such as velocity distribution, vorticity, and standard deviation of velocity. In this study, a silicone model of the LV was constructed from the computed tomography data of one patient with heart failure and was 3D printed. Then, intraventricular flow was visualized by particle image velocimetry equipment within a mock circulation loop. The results showed that the axial blood pump suctions most of the blood in a severely failing LV, there was an altered flow status within the LV, and blood stasis appeared in the central region of the LV. Some blood may be suctioned from the aortic valve to the blood pump because the patient's native heart was severely failing. Blood stasis at the LV center may cause thrombosis in the LV. The vortex flow near the inner wall of the LV can thoroughly wash the left ventricular cavity.
Surgical outcomes of hybrid hand‐assisted laparoscopic pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer: Initial experience
Authors: Tashiro Jo , Fujii Manato , Masaki Yukiyoshi , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Hybrid hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) combines better visualization of laparoscopic surgery with the advantages of open surgery. The aim of this study was to describe important technical considerations of HALS and to assess the feasibility of hybrid HALS pelvic exenteration (PE) for primary advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

From May 2012 to August 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 11 patients who underwent PE for primary advanced rectal cancer (< 10 cm from the anal verge). Patients were divided into the open PE group (n = 5) and the hybrid HALS PE group (n = 6).

Results

There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the two groups, and all included patients were male. Tumor invasion to adjacent organs was mostly anterior invasion. In addition, four patients (66%) in the hybrid HALS PE group and two (40%) in the open PE group received neoadjuvant therapy (P = .3).

Conclusion

Compared to open surgery, hybrid HALS has the advantages of less bleeding and less invasion, and can achieve the same results in the short‐term. It was a reasonable procedure which was easy and safe dissection of internal iliac vessels and dorsal vein complex. Thus, hybrid HALS may become a useful approach for PE.
Evaluation of an immersive virtual learning environment for operator training in mechanical and plant engineering using video analysis
Authors: Pletz Carolin , Zinn Bernd
Published: August 2020

A structural evaluation is imperative for developing an effective virtual learning environment. Understanding the extent to which content that has been learned virtually can be applied practically holds particular importance. A group of persons from the technical field of mechanical and plant engineering (N = 13) participated in a virtual operator training for a case application of additive manufacturing. To evaluate the virtual learning environment the participants answered quantitative questionnaires and were asked to apply what they had learned virtually to the real machine. Both the virtual training and testing phase on the real machine were recorded by video (800 minutes in total). The category system resulting from a structured qualitative video analysis with a total of 568 codes contains design‐, instruction‐ and interaction‐related optimisation potentials for further development of the virtual learning sequence. Mistakes, difficulties and other anomalies during the application on the real machine provide further revision options. The study uses video data for the first time to derive optimisation potentials and to investigate the learning transfer of virtually learned action knowledge to the real‐world activity.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about the topic?

A combination of quantitative and qualitative data for formative evaluation is feasible to improve the quality of virtual learning environments and maintain critical constructive feedback.

Relevant aspects for evaluating virtual learning environments include usability, technology acceptance, motivation and learning efficiency.

Different methods for measuring the learning efficiency of VR training exist, eg, subjective measures or pretests/posttests.

What this paper adds:

An immersive virtual environment with its specific methodical‐didactic concept is introduced.

Video data are used for the first time to derive optimisation potentials in a formative evaluation. The procedure of extracting and analysing the data in a structured video analysis is introduced in the paper.

Learning transfer of the virtually learned content to the real‐world context of action is assessed and applied in the field of mechanical and plant engineering on a complex real machine for the first time.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

The described methodical procedure using video analysis enables deriving design‐, instruction‐ and interaction‐related optimisation potentials.

The results show that spatial information was transferred to the real machine without any issues, whereby the main difficulties appeared during steps that require haptic feedback.

The use of IVR should be critically assessed due to the effort required in creation.
The effect of environmental cues and motivation on creative idea generation
Authors: Gu Chuanhua , Han Mei , Li Chun , Bie Zhi , Tan Yuanyuan , Xue Yukang , Ma Xiaoqing
Published: August 2020

Previous studies have been inconsistent regarding the number of cues in the brainstorming process that have a promotive or inhibitory effect on individuals' idea generation. Further, this issue has not been examined from the perspective of individual characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the influence of environmental cues and motivation on individuals' idea generation to determine the presence of an interaction between environmental cues and motivation in this process. The sample included 156 Chinese undergraduates as participants in two parallel experiments that were designed and implemented to study the influence of the number and novelty of environmental cues on idea generation in an electronic brainstorming task. The role of motivation level as an intrinsic factor was also explored. Findings showed that the number of environmental cues significantly influenced the novelty of idea generation, which was regulated by motivation level. Additionally, the novelty of cues and motivation could significantly affect the number of ideas generated.
The Development of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Primary School: Contributions of Executive Function and Social Competence
Authors: Wang Yiji , Liu Yanxi
Published: August 2020

This study sought to elucidate the contributions of inferior executive function and social competence to the development of internalizing and externalizing problems in primary school. Children (N = 1,115), on average 5.36 years old in first grade, were followed across primary school with measures of multi‐method and multi‐informant. Results of growth modeling demonstrated that poor executive function in first grade predicted high levels of both problems and a low rate of decline in externalizing problems over time, independent of the co‐occurrence of both problems. Moreover, the impact of poor executive function on behavioral problems may be dependent on its association with disruptive social competence. Findings highlighted the interrelations of risk factors to understanding the development of behavioral problems in primary school.
A novel missense variant in RBM10 can cause a mild form of TARP syndrome with developmental delay and dysmorphic features
Authors: Imagawa Eri , Konuma Tsuyoshi , Cork Emalyn E. , Diaz George A. , Oishi Kimihiko
Published: August 2020

RBM10, is an RNA binding protein that is important for development by regulating the expression of multiple genes. RBM10 is on the X chromosome, and nonsense and frameshift RBM10 variants cause TARP syndrome in males. In a 4‐year‐old male, we identified a novel maternally inherited missense RBM10 variant in the RRM2 RNA binding domain, c.965C>T, p.Pro322Leu. His clinical features included intellectual disability, developmental delay, growth restriction, hypotonia, and craniofacial malformations. These features were much milder than those described in previously reported cases of TARP syndrome. By in vitro assays, we found that the mutant p.Pro322Leu RBM10 protein retained its specific RNA binding capacity, while gaining a low‐affinity nonspecific RNA binding. It was normally localized to the nucleus, but its expression level was significantly reduced with a significantly short half‐life. These results indicated that the p.Pro322Leu missense variant causes a developmental disorder in humans through a unique loss‐of‐function mechanism.
Multi‐Level Memory Structures for Simulating and Rendering Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Authors: Winchenbach R. , Kolb A.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present a novel hash map‐based sparse data structure for Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, which allows for efficient neighbourhood queries in spatially adaptive simulations as well as direct ray tracing of fluid surfaces. Neighbourhood queries for adaptive simulations are improved by using multiple independent data structures utilizing the same underlying self‐similar particle ordering, to significantly reduce non‐neighbourhood particle accesses. Direct ray tracing is performed using an auxiliary data structure, with constant memory consumption, which allows for efficient traversal of the hash map‐based data structure as well as efficient intersection tests. Overall, our proposed method significantly improves the performance of spatially adaptive fluid simulations and allows for direct ray tracing of the fluid surface with little memory overhead.
The Dramatic Losses of Brazil: City‐Staging, Spectacular Security, and the Problem of Sex Tourism during the 2014 World Cup in Natal
Authors: Carrier‐Moisan Marie‐Eve
Published: August 2020

In Brazil, the advent of several mega‐sporting events—most notably the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics—has led to various state practices of city‐staging. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Natal during the 2014 World Cup, I examine the ways in which the problem of sex tourism became particularly prominent for Natal’s image, including how the World Cup exacerbated already existing state crackdowns on sex tourism and practices of city‐staging and spectacular security. I also examine how—beside the predictable alliances of conservative and church groups with the state—progressive feminists and leftist activists aligned themselves with the state in their opposition to sex tourism and reinforced, perhaps inadvertently, practices of spectacular security and city‐staging. These practices materialized in ways that provided further legitimacy to the invisibilization of sex workers from tourist sites, who were seen as at odds with the image of a world‐class, safe, family‐friendly city. While the nation mourned the spectacular defeat of the Brazilian soccer team, sex workers, too, lost dramatically during the World Cup, through new forms of sexual governance that targeted sex tourism.
Long‐term outcomes of juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zhang Xianxiang , Ma Lijing , Wang Jun
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the adult outcomes of children with juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis via long‐term follow‐up.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Beijing Tongren Hospital.

Participants

The study includes 121 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Main outcome and measure

We followed up respiratory papillomatosis patients aged least 14 years and analysed their clinical features based on recurrence‐free time.

Results

In total, 112 (92.6%) patients underwent three or more operations. The age at initial operation was 4.3 ± 2.9 years; 47.9% (58/121) experienced recurrence and underwent surgical treatment after age 14. At follow‐up, 5% (6/121) had died, 41.3% (50/121) had been recurrence‐free for 5 years or more (cured group), and 53.7% (65/121) had recurrence in the past 5 years (recurrent group). The age at the last operation was 9.2 ± 4.6 years in the cured group. The overall operation frequency was higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (17.8 ± 11.9 vs 8.7 ± 6.5). Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and tracheal dissemination rates were higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (90.8% [59/65] vs 54.0% [27/50] and 26.2% [17/65] vs 10% [5/50], respectively).

Conclusion

The mortality rate for juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is 5%. Approximately 50% of children experience recurrence and require repeated operations in adulthood. No significant difference in sex, age at initial operation or adjuvant therapy between the cured and recurrent groups was observed; however, significant between‐group differences were found in overall operation frequency, aggressive disease, tracheal dissemination of papilloma, and HPV infection.
Screening for intra‐anal squamous intra‐epithelial lesions in women with a history of human papillomavirus‐related vulvar or perianal disease: results of a screening protocol
Authors: Leber K. , van Beurden M. , Zijlmans H. J. , Dewit L. , Richel O. , Vrouenraets S. M. E.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Women with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cervical, vaginal or vulvar high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesions (HSILs) or cancer are at increased risk of developing anal squamous intra‐epithelial lesions (SILs) or a squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). Screening for intra‐anal SILs with high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA) in high‐risk populations is a subject of debate. In this study we aimed to answer the following question: what is the prevalence of intra‐anal (H)SIL in women with HPV‐related vulvar and/or perianal disease using HRA for screening?

Method

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of intra‐anal (H)SIL in women with a history of vulvar and/or perianal HSIL or (superficially invasive) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study was performed between 2015 and 2018 following implementation of a protocol for intra‐anal screening using HRA.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients, 10 with a history of (superficially invasive) SCC (four vulvar, five perianal, one multizonal) and 17 with HSIL as the worst diagnosis (two perianal, 15 multizonal) were screened for intra‐anal lesions using HRA. No anal cancer was found at screening, 6 (22%) patients were diagnosed with intra‐anal HSIL and 12 (44%) patients with intra‐anal low‐grade SIL.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of intra‐anal HSIL in women previously diagnosed with vulvar and perianal HSIL. Given the clear link between HSIL and SCCA, screening for intra‐anal lesions in women with HPV‐related genital pathology seems warranted. Future studies should focus on the effect of HSIL treatment on the prevention of anal cancer.
Toward a constructive eschatology: An appraisal of Veli‐Matti Kärkkäinen's contributions
Authors: Kim Junghyung
Published: August 2020

Faced with diverse cultural challenges to hope, a constructive eschatology should do justice to the entire reality and develop a robust future‐oriented hope that helps to transform the present. In this regard Veli‐Matti Kärkkäinen has made a significant contribution, especially in dialogue with natural sciences and other faith traditions, to retrieve the cosmic dimension of Christian hope, as well as to address liberationist and ecofeminist critiques of some distorted hopes. After recommending distinctive features of Kärkkäinen's constructive proposal, I suggest advancing it further by combining the phenomenological insight into the lived body with the concept of temporal holism.
Amino acids are sensitive glucagon receptor‐specific biomarkers for glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor/glucagon receptor dual agonists
Authors: Li Wenyu , Kirchner Thomas , Ho George , Bonilla Fany , D'Aquino Katharine , Littrell James , Zhang Rui , Jian Wenying , Qiu Xi , Zheng Songmao , Gao Bin , Wong Peggy , Leonard James N. , Camacho Raul C.
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate amino acids as glucagon receptor (GCGR)‐specific biomarkers in rodents and cynomolgus monkeys in the presence of agonism of both glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP1R) and GCGR with a variety of dual agonist compounds.

Materials and methods

Primary hepatocytes, rodents (normal, diet‐induced obese and GLP1R knockout) and cynomolgus monkeys were treated with insulin (hepatocytes only), glucagon (hepatocytes and cynomolgus monkeys), the GLP1R agonist, dulaglutide, or a variety of dual agonists with varying GCGR potencies.

Results

A long‐acting dual agonist, Compound 2, significantly decreased amino acids in both wild‐type and GLP1R knockout mice in the absence of changes in food intake, body weight, glucose or insulin, and increased expression of hepatic amino acid transporters. Dulaglutide, or a variant of Compound 2 lacking GCGR agonism, had no effect on amino acids. A third variant with ~31‐fold less GCGR potency than Compound 2 significantly decreased amino acids, albeit to a significantly lesser extent than Compound 2. Dulaglutide (with saline infusion) had no effect on amino acids, but an infusion of glucagon dose‐dependently decreased amino acids on the background of GLP1R engagement (dulaglutide) in cynomolgus monkeys, as did Compound 2.

Conclusions

These results show that amino acids are sensitive and translatable GCGR‐specific biomarkers.
Presence and abundance of Diaphorina citri in Murraya paniculata in urban areas free of huanglongbing in Brazil
Authors: Laranjeira Francisco F. , Santos Tâmara A. , Moreira Alécio S. , Sanches Ícaro B. , Nascimento Antônio S. , Silva Suely X. , Andrade Eduardo C. , Almeida Décio O.
Published: August 2020

Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter sp., a quarantine pathogen in citrus production areas such as Australia, Europe, and northeast Brazil, associated with huanglongbing (HLB). The psyllids’ preferred host is Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq. (Rutaceae), an ornamental plant native to Asia and Oceania, and commonly found in urban areas next to citrus groves around the world. As there are insecticide application restrictions for urban areas, monitoring and use of biological control to suppress ACP are essential for an area‐wide HLB management strategy, especially for production areas predominantly composed of small citrus farms. For this, it is necessary to understand the occurrence cycles of ACP and vegetative flush of the ornamental host. This study characterized the occurrence cycles of M. paniculata flush shoot and accumulated rainfall, and the association with ACP presence (proportion of monitored trees) and abundance (per tree) in a Brazilian urban area free of HLB. A 3‐year time series was constructed using spectral and co‐spectral analysis. Spectral analysis showed the occurrence of at least seven flush shoot cycles of M. paniculata, nearly 10 ACP presence and abundance cycles, and monthly cycles of accumulated rainfall. Cycles of ACP presence were associated with ACP abundance, with ACP presence cycles occurring around 7 days before ACP abundance cycles and the correlation and co‐spectral analyses indicated an almost simultaneous occurrence of the main cycles of M. paniculata flush shoots and ACP occurrence. These findings will facilitate the development of an ACP biological control program based on parasitoid releases in urban areas in HLB‐free citrus groves.
An optimized spectrophotometric assay reveals increased activity of enzymes involved in 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol turnover in the cerebral cortex of a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rodrigues Matilde S. , Ferreira Cláudia , Dias Cândida , Pliássova Anna , Souza Lisiane , Ledo Ana , Laranjinha João , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Köfalvi Attila
Published: August 2020

The endocannabinoid system is implicated in a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is technically challenging to assess the turnover of 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG), the principal endocannabinoid molecule in the brain. Two recent studies showed that diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), an enzyme chiefly responsible for the cerebral production of 2‐AG, also accepts the surrogate chromogenic substrate 4‐nitrophenyl butyrate (4‐NPB). Here, we aimed to optimize this spectrophotometric assay for ex vivo brain tissue, in particular, rat cerebrocortical homogenates, to measure the activity of the major enzymes responsible for the production and degradation of 2‐AG. The initial velocity of 4‐NPB hydrolysis was dependent on protein, substrate, and Ca2+ concentrations, and was sensitive to the non‐selective serine hydrolase inhibitor, methoxy arachidonyl fluorophosphonate, the DAGLα inhibitors, OMDM188, tetrahydrolipstatin, and RHC80267, as well as the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184, respectively. Next, we tested the usefulness of this assay in ex vivo brain tissue of rat models of human health conditions known to affect cerebrocortical 2‐AG production, i.e. pathological stress and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). In rats submitted to chronic restraint stress, cortical CB1R density was significantly decreased, as assessed with radioligand binding. Nevertheless, 4‐NPB hydrolysis remained at control levels. However, in rats 4 weeks after intracerebroventricular injection with streptozotocin – an established model of sporadic AD –, both CB1R levels and 4‐NPB hydrolysis and its DAGL‐ and MAGL‐dependent fractions were significantly increased. Altogether, we optimized a simple complementary ex vivo technique for the quantification of DAGL and MAGL activity in brain samples.
Biodiversity loss underlies the dilution effect of biodiversity
Authors: Halliday Fletcher W. , Rohr Jason R. , Laine Anna‐Liisa
Published: August 2020

The dilution effect predicts increasing biodiversity to reduce the risk of infection, but the generality of this effect remains unresolved. Because biodiversity loss generates predictable changes in host community competence, we hypothesised that biodiversity loss might drive the dilution effect. We tested this hypothesis by reanalysing four previously published meta‐analyses that came to contradictory conclusions regarding generality of the dilution effect. In the context of biodiversity loss, our analyses revealed a unifying pattern: dilution effects were inconsistently observed for natural biodiversity gradients, but were commonly observed for biodiversity gradients generated by disturbances causing losses of biodiversity. Incorporating biodiversity loss into tests of generality of the dilution effect further indicated that scale‐dependency may strengthen the dilution effect only when biodiversity gradients are driven by biodiversity loss. Together, these results help to resolve one of the most contentious issues in disease ecology: the generality of the dilution effect.
Assessing upper limb function in multiple sclerosis using an engineered glove
Authors: Carmisciano L. , Signori A. , Pardini M. , Novi G. , Lapucci C. , Nesi L. , Gallo E. , Laroni A. , Cellerino M. , Meli R. , Sbragia E. , Filippi L. , Uccelli A. , Inglese M. , Sormani M. P.
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

The importance of upper limb function in multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized, especially for the evaluation of patients with progressive MS with reduced mobility. Two sensor‐engineered gloves, able to measure quantitatively the timing of finger opposition movements, were previously used to assess upper limb disability in MS. The aims of the present study were: (1) to confirm the association between glove‐derived variables and standard measures of MS disability in a larger cohort; (2) to assess the correlation with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quality of life (QoL) measures; and (3) to determine if the glove‐derived variables offer advantages over the standard measure for assessing upper limb function in MS, namely, the Nine‐Hole Peg Test (9HPT).

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with MS, stable on disease‐modifying treatment, were evaluated at baseline using the glove, and through clinical examination (Expanded Disability Status Scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Timed 25‐Foot Walk Test and 9HPT), MRI evaluation and QoL questionnaires. Correlations between the glove‐derived variables and clinical, MRI and QoL variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis.

Results

Glove‐derived variables significantly differed between patients with relapsing‐remitting and those with progressive MS, with similar or slightly higher correlations of the 9HPT with clinical variables. We found greater correlations of the QoL physical component with glove‐derived variables than with the 9HPT, and a significant correlation of its mental component with the glove‐derived variables but not with the 9HPT.

Conclusion

The study results, confirming previous findings and showing advantages over the 9HPT, encourage the investigation of sensitivity to change in glove‐derived variables in a longitudinal setting.
Neurological improvement predicts clinical outcome after acute basilar artery stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Guenego A. , Bourcier R. , Guillen M. , Weisenburger‐Lile D. , Lapergue B. , Gory B. , Richard S. , Ducroux C. , Piotin M. , Blanc R. , Labreuche J. , Lucas L. , Detraz L. , Aubertin M. , Dargazanli C. , Benali A. , Vannier S. , Eugene F. , Lun R. , Walker G. , Consoli A. , Fahed R. ,   for the ETIS investigators
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a reduction of ≥ 8 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) compared with baseline score, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 h after MT, is a strong predictor of 3‐month favorable outcome in such patients. The impact of ENI after MT in stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) on 3‐month outcome is not clear. We aimed to study the effects of ENI in patients with BAO.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of all consecutive stroke patients with BAO who underwent MT. We compared clinical outcomes between BAO patient groups according to ENI status. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of ENI on favorable 90‐day outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0–3) and to report factors contributing to ENI.

Results

A total of 237 patients were included. ENI was observed in 70 patients (30%). Outcomes were significantly better in ENI‐positive patients, with 84% achieving favorable outcome (mRS score 0–3) at 3 months versus 30% for ENI‐negative patients (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ENI was an independent predictive factor associated with higher rates of favorable outcome {odds ratio (OR) 18.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.95–83.10]; P = 0.0001}. Higher number of passes [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.43–0.89); P = 0.010] and need for stenting [OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.07–0.95); P = 0.041] were negatively associated with ENI.

Conclusion

Early neurological improvement on day 1 following MT for BAO is a strong independent predictor of a favorable 3‐month clinical outcome.