bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune infiltration profiling in gastric cancer and their clinical implications
Authors: Ren Feifei , Zhao Qitai , Zhao Minghai , Zhu Shaogong , Liu Bin , Bukhari Ihtisham , Zhang Kai , Wu Wanqing , Fu Yuming , Yu Yong , Tang Youcai , zheng Pengyuan , Mi Yang
Published: July 2021

The abundance and type of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influence immunotherapy and tumor progression. However, the role of immune cells in the TME of gastric cancer (GC) is poorly understood. We studied the correlations, proportion, and infiltration of immune and stromal cells in GC tumors. Data analyses showed a significant association of infiltration levels of specific immune cells with the pathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of GC. Furthermore, based on the difference in infiltration levels of immune and stromal cells, GC patients were divided into two categories, those with “immunologically hot” (hot) tumors and those with “immunologically cold” (cold) tumors. The assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses revealed that the hot and cold tumors had altered epigenomic and transcriptional profiles. Claudin‐3 (CLDN3) was found to have high expression in the cold tumors and negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells in GC. Overexpression of CLDN3 in GC cells inhibited the expression of MHC‐I and CXCL9. Finally, the differentially expressed genes between hot and cold tumors were utilized to generate a prognostic model, which predicted the overall survival of GC as well as patients with immunotherapy. Overall, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of the immune cell infiltration pattern in GC and provided an accurate model for predicting the prognosis of GC patients.
Toward climate change refugia conservation at an ecoregion scale
Authors: Balantic Cathleen , Adams Andrea , Gross Shana , Mazur Rachel , Sawyer Sarah , Tucker Jody , Vernon Marian , Mengelt Claudia , Morales Jennifer , Thorne James H. , Brown Timothy M. , Athearn Nicole , Morelli Toni Lyn
Published: July 2021

Climate change uncertainty poses serious challenges to conservation efforts. One emerging conservation strategy is to identify and conserve climate change refugia: areas relatively buffered from contemporary climate change that enable persistence of valued resources. This management paradigm may be pursued at broad scales by leveraging existing resources and placing them into a tangible framework to stimulate further collaboration that fosters management decision‐making. Here, we describe a framework for moving toward operationalizing climate change refugia conservation at an ecoregion scale with an analysis for the Sierra Nevada ecoregion (CA, USA). Structured within the Climate Change Refugia Conservation Cycle, we identify a preliminary suite of conservation priorities for the ecoregion, and demonstrate how existing mapping, data, and applications could be used for identifying, prioritizing, managing, and monitoring refugia. We focus on six stakeholder‐identified conservation priorities, including two process‐based refugial priorities (snow and fire), and four ecosystem‐based refugial priorities (meadows, giant sequoia, old growth forests, and alpine communities). This pilot overview of concepts and resources provides a foundation for both near‐term implementation and further discussion in moving from science to conservation practice. Such an approach may provide new practical insights for ecosystem management at ecoregion scales in the face of climate change.
Pill testing policy: A comparative analysis using the Advocacy Coalition Framework
Authors: Sommerville Kylie , Ritter Alison , Stephenson Niamh
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Pill testing is regarded as a controversial harm reduction intervention and provides an ideal case study for examining how policy change comes about. Two Australian jurisdictions were analysed to explore factors that may account for policy change by comparing the ACT which allowed a pill testing trial, and NSW where pill testing has not been permitted.

Methods

The analysis was conducted using the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF). Data sources were first coded to establish the subsystem actors beliefs and advocacy coalitions; then coded using a deductive approach and classified against core dimensions of the ACF. An inductive approach was then applied to generate and link themes in the data.

Results

A dominant and minority coalition was identified in each jurisdictions' policy subsystem. The results show how in the ACT a dominant ‘harm reduction’ coalition shifted their secondary beliefs and introduced a pill testing policy. Whereas in NSW, a shift in both the secondary and policy core beliefs of the dominant ‘law enforcement’ coalition was required, something which rarely occurs according to the ACF.

Discussion and Conclusions

The analysis supports the ACF's assertion that advocacy coalitions will respond to pressures for change by restricting change to secondary beliefs, while keeping policy core beliefs intact. It also demonstrates that secondary and policy core beliefs matter in the context of minority and dominant coalitions. Further research is needed to explore whether a minority coalition's strategic re‐framing of an issue to align with the policy core beliefs of their opponents would have more success than advocating from their own belief paradigm.
Personality predicts innovation and social learning in children: Implications for cultural evolution
Authors: Rawlings Bruce S. , Flynn Emma G. , Kendal Rachel L.
Published: July 2021

Innovation and social learning are the pillars of cultural evolution, allowing cultural behaviours to cumulatively advance over generations. Yet, little is known about individual differences in the use of social and asocial information. We examined whether personality influenced 7‐11‐year‐old children's (N = 282) propensity to elect to observe others first or independently generate solutions to novel problems. Conscientiousness was associated with electing for no demonstrations, while agreeableness was associated with opting for demonstrations. For children receiving demonstrations, openness to experience consistently predicted deviation from observed methods. Children who opted for no demonstrations were also more likely than those opting for demonstrations to exhibit tool manufacture on an innovation challenge and displayed higher creativity, as measured by an alternate uses task. These results highlight how new cultural traditions emerge, establish and advance by identifying which individuals generate new cultural variants in populations and which are influential in the diffusion of these variants, and help reduce the apparent tension within the ‘ratchet’ of cumulative culture.
Motives for studying dental medicine in Germany
Authors: Herz Marco M. , ElAyouti Ashraf
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Aim of this study was to investigate the motives for studying dental medicine of pupils and students accepted for first semester.

Methods

Motives of pupils from secondary schools (grades 10–12) around Tübingen and accepted students at the Dental School Tübingen were evaluated using a five‐level Likert scale. Information about age, gender, family, apprenticeship and university enrolment was also included in the assessment.

Results

A total of 402 out of 409 participants filled out the questionnaires. Of these, 390 (280 females and 110 males) could be evaluated; the mean age was 17.4 years. Sixty‐one planned an apprenticeship and 64 already completed it; 93 were readily accepted at university. All participants highly rated the motives “help patients” and “good career prospects.” As next, women chose “diversified activity” and men “scientific interest.” Participants who planned an apprenticeship rated “help patients” significantly higher than the other participants, whilst the motive “high responsibility of the dental profession” amongst interviewees with completed apprenticeship was highly significant in comparison with the rest.

Conclusion

Empathy for patients and high responsibility of the dental profession are more important than prestige or social standing. An apprenticeship seems to greatly influence the career choice by giving more weight to “high responsibility of the dental profession.” In future, such results can help universities design selection tests to target specific groups. The high proportion of female dentists and the attitude towards work and family of the generations Y and Z may bring change to the traditional practice model in Germany.
Adult onset epilepsy is defined by phenotypic clusters with unique comorbidities and risks of death
Authors: Josephson Colin B. , Engbers Jordan D. T. , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Wiebe Samuel
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify clusters of adult onset epilepsy with distinct comorbidities and risks of early and late death.

Methods

This was a retrospective open cohort study that included all adults meeting a case definition for epilepsy after the Acceptable Mortality Recording date in the Health Improvement Network database for the years 2000–2012 inclusive. Unsupervised agglomerative hierarchical clustering was performed to identify unique clusters of patients based on their predicted risk of early (<4 years of epilepsy diagnosis) and late (≥4 years from diagnosis) mortality and patient‐level clinical characteristics.

Results

We identified 10 499 presumed incident cases of epilepsy from 11 194 182 patients. Four phenotypic clusters were identified in the early and late risk periods. Early clusters include older adults with cardiovascular disease and a high risk of death (median predicted risk = 20%, interquartile range [IQR] = 9%–31%), a group with moderate risk of death and cancer (median predicted risk = 6%, IQR = 2%–15%), a group with psychiatric disease/substance use and few somatic comorbidities (median predicted risk = 5%, IQR = 2%–9%), and one with a younger age at onset and few comorbidities (median predicted risk = 4%, IQR = 1%–11%). There was minimal movement of individuals between clusters for those surviving the early risk period. Age‐ and sex‐standardized 3‐year mortality ratios were more than sixfold higher than the general population for every cluster, even those primarily comprised of healthy younger adults.

Significance

Adult onset epilepsy is marked by unique clusters of comorbid conditions and elevated risks of death that form discrete populations for targeted therapeutic interventions. These clusters remain relatively stable between the early and late mortality risk periods. Of particular interest are the clusters marked by young and otherwise healthy adults whose standardized mortality ratio is sixfold higher than general population despite few conventional risk factors for premature death.
Neuropilin‐1 is required for endothelial cell adhesion to soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1
Authors: Colotti Gianni , Failla Cristina Maria , Lacal Pedro Miguel , Ungarelli Mariangela , Ruffini Federica , Di Micco Patrizio , Orecchia Angela , Morea Veronica
Published: July 2021

Neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1) is a semaphorin receptor involved in neuron guidance, and a co‐receptor for selected isoforms of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. NRP‐1 binding to several VEGF‐A isoforms promotes growth factor interaction with VEGF receptor (VEGFR)‐2, increasing receptor phosphorylation. Additionally, NRP‐1 directly interacts with VEGFR‐1, but this interaction competes with NRP‐1 binding to VEGF‐A165 and does not enhance VEGFR‐1 activation. In this work, we investigated in detail the role of NRP‐1 interaction with the soluble isoform of VEGFR‐1 (sVEGFR‐1) in angiogenesis. sVEGFR‐1 acts both as a decoy receptor for VEGFs and as an extracellular matrix protein directly binding to α5β1 integrin on endothelial cells. By combining cell adhesion assays and surface plasmon resonance experiments on purified proteins, we found that sVEGFR‐1/NRP‐1 interaction is required both for α5β1 integrin binding to sVEGFR‐1 and for endothelial cell adhesion to a sVEGFR‐1‐containing matrix. We also found that a previously reported anti‐angiogenic peptide (Flt2‐11), which maps in the second VEGFR‐1 Ig‐like domain, specifically binds NRP‐1 and inhibits NRP‐1/sVEGFR‐1 interaction, a process that likely contributes to its anti‐angiogenic activity. In view of potential translational applications, we developed a five‐residue‐long peptide, derived from Flt2‐11, which has the same ability as the parent Flt2‐11 peptide to inhibit cell adhesion to, and migration towards, sVEGFR‐1. Therefore, the Flt2‐5 peptide represents a potential anti‐angiogenic compound per se, as well as an attractive lead for the development of novel angiogenesis inhibitors acting with a different mechanism with respect to currently used therapeutics, which interfere with VEGF‐A165 binding.
A Voice Within: An Autoethnographic Account of Moving from Closed to Open Prison Conditions by a Life‐Sentenced Prisoner
Authors: MICKLETHWAITE DANIEL , EARLE ROD
Published: July 2021

This article explores the lived experience of transitioning from closed to open prison conditions by a mandatory life‐sentenced prisoner. Using autoethnographic methodology the lead author's experience of this significant life‐sentence event forms the basis of a wider discussion. Research around this process is lacking. This article examines the phenomena around prisoner identity, prison culture and prisoner adaptation; it explores what impact of years spent in the closed prison estate can have on how open prison conditions are experienced. The authors identify important social and ontological obstacles to successful transition to open conditions and reflect on how it exposes the enduring harms resultant from serving a life sentence.
IMPROVING THE MEASUREMENT OF EARNINGS DYNAMICS
Authors: Daly Moira , Hryshko Dmytro , Manovskii Iourii
Published: July 2021

Empirically, earnings at the start or end of earnings spells are lower and more volatile than in the interior of earnings histories, reflecting mainly the effects of working less than the full year. Ignoring these properties leads to a mismeasurement of the permanent and transitory shock variances and induces the large and widely documented divergence in the estimates of those variances based on fitting the earnings moments in levels or growth rates. Accounting for these effects enables more accurate analysis using quantitative models with permanent and transitory earnings risk and improves empirical estimates of consumption insurance against permanent earnings shocks.
Sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study
Authors: Granero‐Molina José , Torrente‐Sánchez María José , Ferrer‐Márquez Manuel , Hernández‐Padilla José Manuel , Sánchez‐Navarro María , Ruiz‐Muelle Alicia , Ruiz‐Fernández María Dolores , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano
Published: July 2021

Aims

The objective of this study is to describe and understand the experiences of sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity (MO) who are in a bariatric surgery program.

Background

Morbid obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease that affects women's physical, psychological and sexual health. MO is associated with anxiety, depression and body image disorders. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for weight loss in people with MO.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study research design was adopted.

Methods

Twenty‐one heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection included individual semi‐structured interviews conducted between November 2018 and May 2019. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a computer‐assisted qualitative data.

Findings

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) trapped in a body that limits my sexuality; (2) between neglect and hope and (3) the partner as a source of support for sexuality in women with MO.

Conclusion

Women hide a body that they do not accept and ignore their own sexuality, focusing on that of their partner. Although the women have doubts about their partners’ desire for them, they share the decision‐making process with them whilst waiting for bariatric surgery, on which they place all of their hopes for improved sexuality and quality of life.

Impact

The findings highlight the importance of exploring the experiences and sexual issues faced by heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program. Bariatric nurses have a privileged position to assess these women's sexuality, recommend alternatives to sexual intercourse or refer them to sexologists. As part of the multidisciplinary team, nurses can contribute to managing the expectations of women with MO and their partners in relation to the improvement of their sex lives following bariatric surgery.
Pathogenesis of Erysipelothrix piscisicarius infection in tiger barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona)
Authors: Chang Ri K. , Camus Alvin C. , Pomaranski Eric , Yazdi Zeinab , Soto Esteban
Published: July 2021

Erysipelothrix piscisicarius is an emerging bacterial pathogen and the aetiologic agent of piscine erysipelosis, a recently recognized disease of ornamental fish. However, little is known regarding the dynamics of infection in fish. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of piscine erysipelosis in the tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) by investigating tissue tropisms and responses to bacterial dissemination following immersion challenge with a virulent strain recovered from diseased fish. The challenge resulted in 83% mortality by day 16. Erysipelothrix piscisicarius DNA was first detected in the skin using quantitative PCR, and bacteria were visualized in association with microscopic lesions on day 4. By day 8, E. piscisicarius DNA was further detected in intestines, hearts, spleens, gills and skin; parenchymal organs were largely spared. The data suggest a primary cutaneous portal of entry and tropism for collagenous tissues, particularly those within vascular walls. Initial spread occurs directly from the dermis into interstitial areas of skeletal muscle, then centrally to the peritoneum and coelomic cavity following collagenous tissue pathways. Although histopathology revealed widespread bacterial dissemination over time, the severity of skin and muscle lesions with high levels of bacterial DNA identifies these tissues as primary targets of infection.
Positive GABAA receptor modulating steroids and their antagonists: Implications for clinical treatments
Authors: Bäckström Torbjörn , Das Roshni , Bixo Marie
Published: July 2021

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and GABAergic transmission has been shown to be of importance for regulation of mood, memory and food intake. The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone (Allo) is a positive GABAA receptor modulating steroid with potent effects. In humans, disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hepatic encephalopathy and polycystic ovarian syndrome are associated with elevated Allo levels and increased negative mood, disturbed memory and increased food intake in some individuals. This is surprising because Allo shares many properties with benzodiazepines and is mainly considered to be anxiolytic and anti‐depressant. However, it is well established that, in certain individuals, GABAA receptor activating compounds could have paradoxical effects and thus be anxiogenic in low physiological plasma concentrations but anxiolytic at high levels. We have demonstrated that isoallopregnanolone (Isoallo), the 3β‐OH sibling of Allo, functions as a GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA) but without any effects of its own on GABAA receptors. The antagonistic effect is noted in most GABAA subtypes investigated in vitro to date. In vivo, Isoallo can inhibit Allo‐induced anaesthesia in rats, as well as sedation or saccadic eye velocity in humans. Isoallo treatment has been studied in women with PMDD. In a first phase II study, Isoallo (Sepranolone; Asarina Pharma) injections significantly ameliorated negative mood in women with PMDD compared with placebo. Several GAMSAs for oral administration have also been developed. The GAMSA, UC1011, can inhibit Allo induced memory disturbances in rats and an oral GAMSA, GR3027, has been shown to restore learning and motor coordination in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. In humans, vigilance, cognition and pathological electroencephalogram were improved in patients with hepatic encephalopathy on treatment with GR3027. In conclusion GAMSAs are a new possible treatment for disorders and symptoms caused by hyperactivity in the GABAA system.
Risk factors associated with frailty in older adults with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lin Chia‐Ling , Yu Neng‐Chun , Wu Hsueh‐Ching , Liu Yuan‐Ching
Published: July 2021

Aims and objectives

The aims of the study were to (i) estimate the prevalence of frailty among older adults with type 2 diabetes, and (ii) investigate risk factors associated with frailty in the study group.

Background

The high prevalence of frailty among older adults and its adverse health impacts including higher risks for physical disabilities and a higher mortality rate is quickly evolving to become an important public health issue.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data were collected from the Clinical Diabetes Centre of our study group. Frailty was assessed using the Chinese version of the Tilburg frailty indicator. Other questionnaires included Activities of Daily Living, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Taiwan Geriatric Depression Scale and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Multivariable logistic regression was established to identify factors associated with frailty. The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology checklist was used preparing the manuscript.

Results

A total of 248 subjects were recruited in this study, a total of 66 participants had frailty (26.6%). Our results showed that factors including age, number of chronic diseases, cerebrovascular accident, renal diseases, frequency of falling, frequency of hyperglycaemia, Activities of Daily Living, depression, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living ≧1 task disability were correlated with frailty in older adults with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed a significant increase in the probability of frailty by 1.72‐times when comparing type 2 diabetes subjects with depression to those without depression.

Conclusion

This study revealed that depression is a significant factor associated with the occurrence of frailty among older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our results provided strong clinical evidence showing depression as an important factor associated with the risk of frailty in older individuals with type 2 diabetes. We recommend early detection via routine screenings for symptoms of depression during diabetes care to achieve early prevention or the delay of frailty and its implicated adverse health consequences.
Revisiting the polygyny and intimate partner violence connection: The role of religion and wife's rank in Nigeria
Authors: Owoo Nkechi S. , Agadjanian Victor , M. Chama‐Chiliba Chitalu
Published: July 2021

Objective

The study examines the association between polygyny and intimate partner violence (IPV) by focusing on the Muslim‐vs.‐Christian context of polygyny and on co‐wives' rank.

Background

Although prior research points to a higher incidence of IPV in polygynous unions, the association between polygyny and IPV are not well understood. In particular, the role of broader cultural and religious context of marriage and its connection with intra‐marital dynamics have not been examined.

Method

The study uses pooled data on over 42,000 women from the 2008, 2013 and 2018 rounds of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to examine the association of polygynous versus monogamous status of marriage, of Muslim versus Christian religious affiliation, and of co‐wife rank within polygynous unions in both religions with women's reported experience of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV. Multivariate logit and propensity score models (PSM) are fitted, and the Rosenbaum bounds test is used to gauge the robustness of PSM results.

Results

Results show a clear disadvantage of polygynously married women, compared to monogamously married ones; IPV experience is more common among Christians than Muslims. Among women in polygynous marriages, senior wives are more likely to experience IPV than junior wives, but this difference is more pronounced among Christians. Results of a Rosenbaum bounds analysis indicate that unobserved selectivity does not present a challenge to causality between polygyny/wife rank and IPV, particularly when analyses are disaggregated by religion.

Conclusion

Findings reflect multi‐dimensional gender inequalities embedded in the institution of polygynous marriage and their harmful consequences for women's health and well‐being.
Serum Lateral Flow assay with digital reader for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A two‐centre mixed cohort study
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Egger Matthias , Boyer Johannes , Schulz Eduard , Prattes Juergen , Jenks Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2021

Background

Detection of galactomannan (GM) from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or serum is broadly used for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA), although the sensitivity of GM from serum is lower in non‐neutropenic patients. We evaluated the Aspergillus galactomannan Lateral Flow assay (LFA) with digital readout from serum in a mixed cohort of patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective two‐centre study evaluating the LFA from serum of patients with clinical suspicion of IA obtained between 2015 and 2021 at the University of California San Diego and the Medical University of Graz. The sensitivity and specificity was calculated for proven/probable aspergillosis versus no aspergillosis. Correlation with same‐sample GM was calculated using Spearman correlation analysis and kappa statistics.

Results

In total, 122 serum samples from 122 patients were analysed, including proven IA (n = 1), probable IA or coronavirus‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) (n = 27), and no IA/CAPA/non‐classifiable (n = 94). At a 0.5 ODI cut‐off, the sensitivity and specificity of the LFA was 78.6% and 80.5%. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between serum LFA ODI and serum GM ODI (ρ 0.459, p < .0001). Kappa was 0.611 when both LFA and GM were used with a 0.5 ODI cut‐off, showing substantial agreement (p < .001).

Discussion

The LFA with digital read out from serum showed good performance for the diagnosis of probable/proven aspergillosis, with substantial agreement to GM from serum. Like the LFA from BALF, the LFA from serum may serve as a more rapid test compared to conventional GM, particularly in settings where GM is not readily available.
A Thomistic Just Rebellion Analysis of the U.S. Capitol Insurrection
Authors: Moats Nathaniel A.
Published: July 2021

On January 6th, 2021 following a ‘Save America’ rally held by President Donald Trump, supporters violently attacked the U.S. Capitol with the aim to stop Congress’ verification of election results certifying President elect Joe Biden. The subsequent press coverage on this tragedy provided a variety of labels for the violence: insurrection, rebellion, riot, protest, etc. To understand what type of act this was, I utilize Thomas Aquinas distinction of ‘sedition’ and ‘rebellion’ as a conceptual model. I argue that the attack on the Capitol was a form of political sedition, which Aquinas held to be an immoral and unjustified attack on proper political authority. In connection with this claim, I discuss Aquinas’ political theory and his criteria of a justified armed rebellion against political tyranny as a way to understand the events at the U.S. Capitol and to help us think clearer about legitimate and illegitimate civilian political violence in the future.
Young people’s experience of online therapy for first‐episode psychosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Valentine Lee , McEnery Carla , O’Sullivan Shaunagh , D’Alfonso Simon , Gleeson John , Bendall Sarah , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to understand how young people with first‐episode psychosis experienced online therapy on a Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) platform known as Horyzons.

Methods

Semi‐structured in‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 young people who had previously participated in Horyzons, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a long‐term digital intervention for first‐episode psychosis. Interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach.

Results

This study found that the online therapy experience for first‐episode psychosis was idiosyncratic, taking on different meaning for different users. The relatively fixed therapeutic content led to experiences that included on‐demand help‐seeking, positive distraction, revision, generalization and translation, and normalization. We also found that although the experience of online therapy was motivating to some, it was overwhelming for others.

Conclusions

The self‐directed and flexible nature of the Horyzons online therapy gave some young people a sense of welcomed control over their mental health journey, and others felt overwhelmed by the high level of choice. Feeling overwhelmed by the level of choice appeared to interrupt their engagement with the platform, and thus their overall ability to use the intervention meaningfully. We also found that on‐demand help‐seeking and positive distraction were two functions unique to young people through online therapy and may have been related to the significant reduction in the number of overall presentations by young people to emergency departments and a non‐significant trend for lower hospitalizations due to psychosis in the intervention group of the Horyzons RCT.

Practitioner points

Young people used online therapy for on‐demand support to help deal with distress.

Young people used online therapy to distract themselves from distress in a positive way.

Some young people valued the flexibility of online therapy, which increased their motivation to engage with it.

Some young people were overwhelmed by the amount of choice available to them via online therapy, which decreased their motivation to engage.
Functional comparison of the WD‐repeat domains of SPA1 and COP1 in suppression of photomorphogenesis
Authors: Kerner Konstantin , Nagano Soshichiro , Lübbe Annika , Hoecker Ute
Published: July 2021

The Arabidopsis COP1/SPA complex acts as a cullin4‐based E3 ubiquitin ligase to suppress photomorphogenesis in darkness. It is a tetrameric complex of two COP1 and two SPA proteins. Both COP1 and SPA are essential for the activity of this complex, and they both contain a C‐terminal WD‐repeat domain responsible for substrate recruitment and binding of DDB1. Here, we used a WD domain swap‐approach to address the cooperativity of COP1 and SPA proteins. We found that expression of a chimeric COP1 carrying the WD‐repeat domain of SPA1 mostly complemented the cop1‐4‐mutant phenotype in darkness, indicating that the WD repeat of SPA1 can replace the WD repeat of COP1. In the light, SPA1‐WD partially substituted for COP1‐WD. In contrast, expression of a chimeric SPA1 protein carrying the WD repeat of COP1 did not rescue the spa‐mutant phenotype. Together, our findings demonstrate that a SPA1‐type WD repeat is essential for COP1/SPA activity, while a COP1‐type WD is in part dispensible. Moreover, a complex with four SPA1‐WDs is more active than a complex with only two SPA1‐WDs. A homology model of SPA1‐WD based on the crystal structure of COP1‐WD uncovered two insertions and several amino acid substitutions at the predicted substrate‐binding pocket of SPA1‐WD.
Pregnancy rate per cycle is heritable and reduces with cycle in naturally mated tropically adapted beef cows
Authors: Fordyce Geoffry , Williams Paul , Corbet Nicholas J. , Costilla Roy , McGowan Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Pregnancy in cattle is the outcome of the complex process of initiation of cycling, fertilization, maternal recognition of pregnancy and foeto‐placental development. Though much is known about initiation of cycling and associated risk factors, there are virtually no data on pregnancy rate per cycle for naturally mated cattle, especially for extensively managed, tropically adapted genotypes, which this study aimed to determine. Tropical composite (Bos indicus and African Sanga crosses with Bos taurus) and Brahman cattle (n = 2,181) of known pedigree in four‐year groups at four sites were mated annually for 84 days. Body condition, ovarian function, pregnancies, calving and lactation were monitored through six full reproductive cycles using 4–8 weekly ultrasound of the reproductive tract outside the calving period and daily monitoring during calving. From this, dates of commencement of cycling and conception in each year were estimated for each animal, enabling calculation of established pregnancy for consecutive 21‐day periods while cycling and of pregnancies within four months of calving while lactating (P4M). Pregnancy per 21‐day period (cycle) during mating for cycling animals averaged 63%, 71%, 41% and 28% in four consecutive cycles. Pregnant per cycle was 2%–11% higher in tropical composites than in Brahmans. The only other consistently significant risk to becoming pregnant was if cycling commenced later than three weeks before mating commenced. P4M averaged 62% and was lower for cows in sub‐optimal body condition and in first‐parity and later‐calving cows. Pregnant per cycle was moderately heritable (~20%), while heritability was moderate to high (33%) for P4M. Selection for pregnant per cycle could be achieved indirectly by selection for P4M, a trait that is readily measured.
An Ensemble Method for Early Prediction of Dengue Outbreak
Authors: Deb Soudeep , Deb Sougata
Published: July 2021

Predicting a dengue outbreak well ahead of time is of immense importance to healthcare personnel. In this study, an ensemble method based on three different types of models has been developed. The proposed approach combines negative binomial regression, autoregressive integrated moving average model and generalized linear autoregressive moving average model through a vector autoregressive structure. Lagged values of terrain and climate covariates are used as regressors. Real-life application using data from San Juan and Iquitos shows that the proposed method usually incurs a mean absolute error of less than 10 cases when the predictions are made 8 weeks in advance. Furthermore, using model confidence set procedure, it is also shown that the proposed method always outperforms other candidate models in providing early prediction for a dengue epidemic.
Outcomes and prognostic factors in canine epitheliotropic and nonepitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Azuma Kazushi , Ohmi Aki , Goto‐Koshino Yuko , Tomiyasu Hirotaka , Ohno Koichi , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Namba Hiroyuki , Nagata Masahiko , Nagamine Eiji , Nibe Kazumi , Irie Mitsuhiro , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: July 2021

Canine cutaneous lymphoma is an uncommon lymphoma in dogs. Most canine cutaneous lymphoma cases have a T‐cell origin. Canine cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is classified into epitheliotropic and nonepitheliotropic cutaneous lymphomas, and each type of lymphoma is subclassified into several histological subtypes. Limited information is available regarding the prognostic significance of clinical variables and histopathological subtypes in dogs with CTCL. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the influence of clinical variables and histopathological subtypes on the prognosis of dogs with CTCL. Forty‐six dogs diagnosed with CTCL by histopathological examination were included. Histopathological specimens were reexamined and classified into CTCL subtypes. The influence of the type of skin lesion, histopathological subtype, haematological examination results and treatment response on the overall survival time (OS) was examined. Thirty‐one dogs were diagnosed with epitheliotropic CTCL (mycosis fungoides in 28 dogs; pagetoid reticulosis in 3 dogs) and 15 dogs were diagnosed with nonepitheliotropic CTCL (anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma in 6 dogs; peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, in 9 dogs). The OS of dogs diagnosed with epitheliotropic CTCL (141 days) was significantly shorter than that of dogs diagnosed with nonepitheliotropic CTCL (374 days). As clinical variables, the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes in peripheral blood, thrombocytopenia and initial chemotherapeutic response was related to prognosis. Our results demonstrated that histopathological subtype and several clinical variables were found to influence the prognosis of dogs with CTCL.
Prostaglandin EP4 receptor mRNA expression in canine lymphoma
Authors: Musser Margaret L. , Viall Austin K. , Phillips Rachel L. , Fasina Olufemi , Johannes Chad M.
Published: July 2021

Canine lymphoma (LSA) is a diverse, aggressive malignancy initiated by a variety of factors. Understanding those factors could help identify potential treatment options. Chronic inflammation drives lymphoma in human medicine and is suspected to play a role in veterinary medicine. The exact mechanisms, however, have not been elucidated. Upregulation of the cyclooxygenase enzymes, and subsequently prostaglandins, potentially play a stimulatory role. Prostaglandins work through one of four EP receptors (EP1‐EP4) and the effects mediated through EP4R specifically are thought to be the primary drivers of cancer development. In human T‐cell LSA, overexpression of EP4R has been found and appears to protect LSA cells from apoptosis. The role of EP4R in human B‐cell LSA is more nuanced. This study aims to evaluate the mRNA expression of the EP4R gene (ptger4) in canine B‐cell and T‐cell LSA. Archived canine lymph nodes with histologically confirmed B‐cell and T‐cell LSA, and reactive lymph nodes, were evaluated for EP4R mRNA expression using a novel RNA in situ hybridization technique (RNAscope). Quantification of RNAscope signals was completed with an advanced digital pathology image analysis system (HALO). Results were reported as copy number, H‐score, and percent tumour cell expression of EP4R mRNA. All reactive, B‐cell LSA, and T‐cell LSA lymph nodes expressed EP4R mRNA. The mRNA copy number, H‐score, and percent tumour cell expression of EP4R were higher in B‐cell (p < .003) and T‐cell (p < .001) LSA samples compared to reactive lymph node samples. There were no differences between B‐cell LSA and T‐cell LSA.
Challenges and Opportunities in Geometric Modeling of Complex Bio-Inspired Three-Dimensional Objects Designed for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Letov Nikita , Velivela Pavan Tejaswi , Sun Siyuan , Zhao Yaoyao Fiona
Published: July 2021

Ever since its introduction over five decades ago, geometric solid modeling has been crucial for engineering design purposes and is used in engineering software packages such as computer-aided design (cad), computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering, etc. Solid models produced by cad software have been used to transfer geometric information from designers to manufacturers. Since the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM), a CAD file can also be directly uploaded to a three-dimensional (3D) printer and used for production. AM techniques allow manufacturing of complex geometric objects such as bio-inspired structures and lattice structures. These structures are shapes inspired by nature and periodical geometric shapes consisting of struts interconnecting in nodes. Both structures have unique properties such as significantly reduced weight. However, geometric modeling of such structures has significant challenges due to the inability of current techniques to handle their geometric complexity. This calls for a novel modeling method that would allow engineers to design complex geometric objects. This survey paper reviews geometric modeling methods of complex structures to support bio-inspired design created for AM which includes discussing reasoning behind bio-inspired design, limitations of current modeling approaches applied to bio-inspired structures, challenges encountered with geometric modeling, and opportunities that these challenges reveal. Based on the review, a need for a novel geometric modeling method for bio-inspired geometries produced by AM is identified. A framework for such a bio-inspired geometric modeling method is proposed as a part of this work.
On the Application of Machine Learning in Savonius Wind Turbine Technology: An Estimation of Turbine Performance Using Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Expression Programming
Authors: Rathod Umang H. , Kulkarni Vinayak , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: July 2021

This article addresses the application of artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic expression programming (GEP), the popular artificial intelligence, and machine learning methods to estimate the Savonius wind rotor’s performance based on different independent design variables. Savonius wind rotor is one of the competent members of the vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) due to its advantageous qualities such as direction independency, design simplicity, ability to perform at low wind speeds, and potent standalone system. The available experimental data on Savonius wind rotor have been used to train the ANN and GEP using matlab r2020b and genexprotools 5.0 software, respectively. The input variables used in ANN and GEP architecture include newly proposed design shape factors, number of blades and stages, gap and overlap lengths, height and diameter of the rotor, freestream velocity, end plate diameter, and tip speed ratio besides the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel test section. Based on this, the unknown governing function constituted by the aforementioned input variables is established using ANN and GEP to approximate/forecast the rotor performance as an output. The governing equation formulated by ANN is in the form of weights and biases, while GEP provides it in the form of traditional mathematical functions. The trained ANN and GEP are capable to estimate the rotor performance with R2 ≈ 0.97 and R2 ≈ 0.65, respectively, in correlation with the reported experimental rotor performance.
Radiation proctitis-related lumbar spondylodiscitis due toActinomyces odontolyticus: a rare finding
Authors: Marques Pedro Madeira , Quaresma Maria Marta , Haghighi Eduardo , Barata José Augusto
Published: July 2021

Lumbar spondylodiscitis due to radiation proctitis-related fistula is a rare finding in the literature. After having isolatedActinomyces odontolyticus, a rare finding in the osteomuscular system, we present one of such cases.

A 75-year-old patient with a history of rectum adenocarcinoma, submitted to surgery and radiotherapy, presented himself in our emergency department with a 3-month history of lumbar pain radiating to both legs. Physical examination was compatible with cauda equina syndrome and subsequent investigation revealed L4–L5 spondylodiscitis. Despite a 6-month antibiotic therapy regimen, the symptoms recurred. Intravertebral disc biopsy revealedA. odontolyticusand directed antibiotic therapy was started. However, the symptoms recurred after a new 6-month antibiotic therapy regimen, this time with rectal purulent drainage. Additional study revealed two rectal fistulae. It was assumed those were caused by radiation proctitis and constituted the primary cause of spondylodiscitis. Laminectomy was performed with a satisfactory clinical response.
Should we give military families a break? A call for research on military family holidays
Authors: Caddick Nick , Fossey M
Published: July 2021

While the well-being of the family unit is increasingly acknowledged (eg, in academic research, policy debate and podcast media) as central to the fitness and resilience of the Armed Forces, initiatives to support family well-being have been slow to emerge. One proposed means of support is the provision of holidays (whether abroad or‘staycations’) to families who may be struggling to cope with stressors related to military life. Building on evidence from leisure and tourism studies, holidays are understood as providing benefits to family well-being, including rest and recuperation, respite from the stressors of everyday life, and building resilience and social capital. With a view to developing policy and practice, we suggest that research could meaningfully examine the use of holidays as a means of supporting military families. This article aims to stimulate debate regarding how families are supported within the UK Armed Forces.
A review of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of traditional medicines used by Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers of Xna’ajeb’ aj Ralch’o’och’, Belize
Authors: Arnason John , Cal Victor , Pesek Todd , Awad Rosalie , Bourbonnais-Spear Natalie , Collins Sean , Otarola-Rojas Marco , Walshe-Roussel Brendan , Audet Patrick , Ta Chieu Anh , Balick Michael , Ferrier Jonathan
Published: July 2021

This review describes an Indigenous-led project run by Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers of Belize meant to strengthen and improve traditional botanical healing. The goals of this project were to conserve medicinal plant knowledge by way of ethnobotanical studies, and to conserve the plants themselves by creating a community ethnobotanical garden. A total of 169 medicinal species were collected in the ethnobotanical survey, which provided unique knowledge on many rainforest species of the wet lowland forest of southern Belize, not found in neighbouring Indigenous cultures. Consensus on plant uses by the Healers was high, indicating a well-conserved, codified oral history. After horticultural experimentation by the Healers, the Indigenous botanical garden provided a habitat for and conservation of 102 medicinal species including many epiphytes that were rescued from forested areas. Ethnopharmacological studies by the university partners showed a pharmacological basis for, and active principles of, plants used for epilepsy and anxiety, for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, for dermatological mycoses, and for type 2 diabetes complications. Overall, the project has provided a model for Indigenous empowerment and First Nation’s science, as well as establishing traditional medicine as an important, unified healing practice that can safely and effectively provide primary health care in its cultural context.
An analysis of quality liability insurance for prefabricated components using evolutionary game theory
Authors: Liu Yan , Lv Chenyao , Li Hong Xian , Li Yan , Lei Zhen , Ji Yingbo
Published: July 2021

Managing quality risks of prefabricated components is one of the challenges for prefabricated construction. The quality liability insurance for prefabricated components (QLIPC) is an effective approach to transfer such risks; however, limited research has been conducted on the development of QLIPC. This study introduces an evolutionary game theory (EGT)-based approach incorporating decisions from both government and insurance companies. In the EGT model, a payoff matrix under disparate strategies is constructed and the evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) are deduced. The simulation calculation is then carried out by MATLAB using virtual sample data to demonstrate the analysis. The results show that the government should act as the game promoter because the QLIPC can reduce governance cost and has significant social benefits. This research contributes a theoretical framework to analyze the QLIPC development using the EGT theory, and it could help the government develop long-term strategies for developing the QLIPC market.