bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nailfold videocapillaroscopy identifies microvascular pathologies in psoriasis vulgaris: Results of a prospective controlled study
Authors: Bardehle Felicitas , Sies Katharina , Enk Alexander , Rosenberger Albert , Fink Christine , Haenssle Holger
Published: November 2021

Background

Psoriasis is considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor, evidentially driving atherosclerosis. However, little is known about changes in the microvasculature of non‐lesional skin in psoriasis patients. This study systematically examined capillary pathologies in psoriasis patients by digital video nailfold capillaroscopy.

Patients and Methods

Prospective study comparing nailfold capillaries of psoriasis patients with those of healthy controls. Nailfold capillaries were evaluated for 21 parameters and results were correlated with characteristics of patients and psoriatic disease, laboratory parameters, and measurements of carotid intima‐media thickness.

Results

77 psoriasis patients (24 patients with additional psoriatic arthritis) and 71 controls were well‐matched for demographic features and for relevant confounding factors causing microangiopathy. In comparison with controls, psoriasis patients showed a significant loss of capillaries, capillary expansion with increased ramifications and tortuosity and capillary irregularities. Moreover, in psoriasis patients we found significantly elevated serum markers of inflammation and significantly increased intima‐media‐thickness measurements. We found no effect of disease duration nor disease activity on capillary changes.

Conclusions

Nailfold capillaries of psoriasis patients showed marked microvascular abnormalities accompanied by increased markers of systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess the role of nailfold capillaroscopy for predicting the cardiovascular risk of psoriasis patients.
Variability in stream water chemistry and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) parr otolith microchemistry on different spatial scales
Authors: Matetski Lagle , Rohtla Mehis , Svirgsden Roland , Kesler Martin , Saks Lauri , Taal Imre , Hommik Kristiina , Paiste Päärn , Kielman‐Schmitt Melanie , Kooijman Ellen , Birzaks Jānis , Saura Ari , Ziņģis Mārcis , Vaittinen Matti , Vetemaa Markus
Published: November 2021

Mixed‐stock fishery of sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) in the Baltic Sea targets wild and stocked individuals, which could lead to over‐exploitation of wild stocks. Studying the contribution of different spawning streams and hatcheries to the fishery would aid in more effective management and conservation of S. trutta. The aim of the present study was to explore whether and to what extent parr from different S. trutta spawning streams and hatcheries can be differentiated, using water chemistry and otolith microchemistry. Water chemistry samples demonstrated significant spatial variation between different study regions (Estonia and Finland); Sr, Mg, Fe, Zn, Ca and Cu contributed most to the separation. Parr collected from different sites showed a significant difference in otolith element:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr ratios on a smaller scale, including only Estonian samples (n = 361), and on a larger scale incorporating parr from Estonia, Latvia and Finland (n = 564). The reclassification rate of S. trutta parr was on average 73%, being highest in Finnish streams and hatcheries, followed by Latvia and Estonia. Otolith 87Sr:86Sr and Sr:Ca ratios were the most important in discriminating fish from different sampling sites. The present study demonstrates the potential of separating S. trutta on various spatial scales including different countries and neighbouring streams, making this the most extensive otolith microchemistry study to date in terms of streams and regions studied. The established reclassification rules form a basis for future work investigating the natal origin of adult S. trutta caught in the mixed‐stock fishery in the sea.
Tackling inconsistencies among freshwater invertebrate trait databases: harmonising across continents and aggregating taxonomic resolution
Authors: Kunz Stefan , Kefford Ben J. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Matthaei Christoph D. , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe , Graf Wolfram , Poff N. LeRoy , Metzeling Leon , Twardochleb Laura , Hawkins Charles P. , Schäfer Ralf B.
Published: November 2021

Use of invertebrate traits rather than species composition may facilitate large‐scale comparisons of community structure and responses to disturbance in freshwater ecology because the same traits potentially occur everywhere. In recent years, comprehensive invertebrate trait databases have been established at different scales (e.g., regions, continents). The wide availability of invertebrate trait data supports large‐scale studies. However, a number of data‐related issues complicate the use of invertebrate traits for ecological studies. It is uncertain how harmonising varying trait definitions among databases might influence subsequent identification of trait–environment relationships. Furthermore, there have been few comparisons of trait aggregation approaches with expert‐assigned trait affinities.

We describe inconsistencies in the definitions of traits used to create freshwater invertebrate trait databases in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and Australia. Based on our comparisons of these databases, we established four novel trait datasets by harmonising definitions of commonly used traits. Next, we used two of these datasets to compare aggregated traits obtained by different aggregation methods with traits assigned by experts, both at the family level. The trait aggregation methods that we compared used either the mean or the median and different weightings. We further explored the effects of harmonisation and trait aggregation by re‐analysing data from a case study.

We found that among databases, trait definitions often differed because varying numbers of traits were used to describe particular functions (e.g., respiration traits) and the way those functions were described also varied (e.g., for feeding mode some databases focused on the food source, whereas others focused on mouthpart morphology). The coding to describe traits (binary, fuzzy) also varied among databases.

Our comparison of different aggregation methods showed that family‐level aggregated and expert‐assigned traits were similar, especially when traits were aggregated based on the median of trait values of taxa within a family. The case study showed that harmonised and aggregated data identified similar trait–environment relationships to non‐aggregated data. However, harmonised and aggregated data yielded only partially similar values for functional diversity metrics when compared to the case study results.

By identifying inconsistencies in trait definitions we hope to motivate the development of standardised definitions for invertebrate traits. Our results also illustrate the usefulness of harmonised datasets for ecological study and provide guidance for the circumstances under which the choice of trait aggregation method is important.
Urbanization delays plant leaf senescence and extends growing season length in cold but not in warm areas of the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Li Daijiang , Stucky Brian J. , Baiser Benjamin , Guralnick Robert
Published: November 2021

Aim

Urbanization is becoming one of the most important drivers of global environmental change as human population and economic development rapidly increase. However, the effects of urbanization on plant phenology are still poorly understood, especially for leaf senescence and growing season length across large spatial scales. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by combining in situ observations and remote sensing phenological data.

Location

The United States and Europe.

Time period

2009–2018.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

We divided the United States and Europe into 10 km by 10 km grid cells. We estimated leaf senescence dates for 93 species, and growing season length for a subset of 54 of these species, for grid cells with enough data using a database with >22 million in situ phenology observations. We also estimated growing season lengths at the community level for the Eastern Temperate Forest ecoregion in the US using remote sensing data. We then investigated effects of urbanization (using human population density as a proxy), temperature, and their interactions on leaf senescence and growing season lengths using linear mixed models.

Results

Urbanization and warmer regional temperature both delayed plant leaf senescence. In addition, the effects of urbanization on leaf senescence and growing season lengths depended on climate context: urbanization delayed leaf senescence and extended growing season length in cold regions; however, urbanization advanced leaf senescence and shortened growing season length in warm regions, implying the positive effects of urbanization on growing season length in cold regions may be weaker in a warmer future.

Main conclusions

Our study provides strong empirical evidence that the influence of urbanization on plant phenology and growing season length varies with regional temperature. Our results have important implications for predicting plant phenology and growing season length in a warmer and more urbanized future.
Egalitarian inequality: Gender equality and pattern bargaining
Authors: Wagner Ines , Teigen Mari
Published: November 2021

This article analyzes the role of the collective wage‐setting institution of “pattern bargaining” in maintaining the gendered hierarchies of the labor market and gender pay gap in Norway. The gendered labor market is considered a main cause of the gender pay gap, yet current research and policy has not examined the relation of the gender pay gap to the way sectoral wages are set. Norway is an interesting case because its wage‐setting model and gender equality are highly esteemed globally. However, although the wage‐setting system in Norway creates an overall more egalitarian wage structure than other advanced industrial countries, it has a built‐in gendered inequality that is not part of its current discussion on resolving the gender pay gap. We introduce egalitarian inequality to conceptualize this. The article examines the presentation of the gender pay gap in relation to the gendered labor market, and how the pattern bargaining model is presented as both a solution and a hindrance, and which discourse dominates. We analyze the public discourse on the gender pay gap and the pattern‐bargaining model, and its interrelations, through the lens of policy advisory commissions appointed by the government, the Norwegian Official Commissions. The findings reveal a dual commitment of upholding both pattern bargaining and gender equality but hardly any willingness to adjust the pattern bargaining model to combat the gender pay gap. A clear hierarchy is expressed in which gender equality is subordinate to pattern bargaining.
Long‐term improvement in constipation‐related symptoms after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
Authors: Murata Masaki , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Miyamoto Shin’ichi , Kawai Takashi
Published: November 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy effectively improves the abnormal bowel habits and abdominal symptoms of patients for a few months post‐treatment (PT). However, it is unclear whether the improvement in abnormal bowel habits and symptoms continues long term. Here, we investigated the association of successful H. pylori eradication therapy with improvements in abdominal symptoms in the short‐ and long‐term PT.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the severity of constipation‐related abdominal symptoms in 287 H. pylori‐positive patients who underwent eradication therapy at pre‐treatment and 2 and 12 months PT using two measures: the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and the Izumo scale.

Results

In patients with constipation at pre‐treatment, constipation‐related symptom scores in the GSRS improved significantly from 7.91 ± 3.15 at pre‐treatment to 6.07 ± 2.75 at 2 months PT (p < 0.01) and 6.85 ± 3.46 at 12 months PT (p = 0.04). Patients with improved symptom scores at 2 months PT also experienced an improvement at 12 months PT. In contrast, patients who did not experience an improvement in constipation‐related symptoms at 2 months PT likewise did not experience an improvement at 12 months PT.

Conclusions

Patients who experience an improvement at 2 months PT with H. pylori eradication therapy continue to experience improved symptoms in the long term. Therefore, H. pylori ‐positive patients with abnormal bowel habits should be recommended eradication therapy to prevent gastric cancer development and to alleviate abnormal bowel habits and abdominal symptoms.
Micromechanics of impact damage of ductile (ZnS) and hard (MgAl2O4) ceramics
Authors: Chmel Alexandre , Afanaseva Elena , Dunaev Anatolij , Shcherbakov Igor’
Published: November 2021

The time‐resolved generation of the electromagnetic emission (EME) and acoustic emission (AE) excited by the point impact loading of ductile ZnS and hard MgAl2O4 ceramics was detected. It has been found that the EME generation precedes the AE activity in loaded ZnS ceramics, while the EME signal lags the AE generation from MgAl2O4. This dissimilarity of temporal patterns was explained by the difference between the mechanisms of the excitation of electrical charges in loaded ductile and hard ceramics. The EME from loaded ZnS is caused by the motion of charged dislocations, while, the EME effect in MgAl2O4 is due to the annihilation of opposite electric charges emerged on microcrack edges. The AE energy yield from growing microcracks in both ceramics as well as the EME activity in MgAl2O4 were found to be random (Poissonian‐like), which is typical of the localized fracture of solids occurring without long‐range interactions between perturbed structural localities. The energy distribution in EME time series generated in ductile ZnS prior to cracking followed a power law, which is characteristic for the correlated motion of charged dislocations at the stage of plastic flow. The temporal patterns of damage accumulation at different structural levels were specified through physical and mechanical properties of tested materials.
Engaging with happy‐sounding music promotes helping behavior in 18‐month‐olds
Authors: Siu Tik‐Sze Carrey , Ho Cheuk‐In
Published: November 2021

Engaging with music fosters prosocial responding in infants and toddlers. In this pilot study, we examined whether music that expresses contrasting emotions (happy vs. sad) was associated with toddlers’ helpfulness. Seventy‐five 18‐month‐olds from Hong Kong China were randomly assigned to engage with music with an experimenter in one of two conditions: happy‐ or sad‐sounding music. After the musical engagement task, toddlers from both conditions completed the same set of helping tasks. For instrumental (action‐based) helping, toddlers were significantly more helpful after engaging with happy‐sounding music than with sad‐sounding music. Our initial findings suggest that cues linked to happy‐ and sad‐sounding music influence toddlers’ prosocial responses.
Understanding the Decline in Drinking and Driving During “The Other Great Moderation”
Authors: Grant Darren
Published: November 2021

This article seeks to explain the large decline in drinking and driving that occurred in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. Using a simple measure of drinking and driving—the fraction of crashes involving drinking drivers—we develop a basic traffic safety model that improves estimates of drunk driving laws' effects and breaks down declines in drinking and driving into components associated with each major influence that has been identified in the literature—including unobservable “social forces.” In this decomposition, we find that the widespread enactment of seven major drunk driving laws explains only one‐fifth of the reduction in drinking and driving over this period, comparable to the effects of reduced alcohol consumption and less than those of demographic shifts and changes in social attitudes. “The Other Great Moderation” is best understood as a two‐decade movement of drinking and driving to a new steady state, led by social forces and cemented and extended by law.
Gamma radiation treatment of postharvest produce for Salmonella enterica reduction on baby carrot and grape tomato
Authors: Berrios‐Rodriguez Armarynette , Olanya Ocen M. , Niemira Brendan A. , Ukuku Dike O. , Mukhopadhyay Sudarsan , Orellana Lynette E.
Published: November 2021

Occurrences and contamination of Salmonella enterica on produce are a significant food safety issue. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of low‐dose gamma radiation on survival and reductions of S. enterica on postharvest carrot and tomato. Irradiation treatments of 0–1 kGy were applied on produce, following pathogen inoculations in replicated experiments. The effects of temperatures (5 and 20°C) and storage times (0, 3, and 7 days) on pathogen reductions were determined. The mean Salmonella populations in untreated control produce varied from 7.12 ± 0.05 to 7.54 ± 0.12 log Cfu/g of produce. Pathogen reductions by gamma radiation were significant (p < .05) and varied with storage times (0–7 days). Salmonella populations were reduced on carrot by 4.3 logs (5°C) and 3.7 logs (20°C) at 1 kGy treatment. On tomato, pathogen reductions at 1 kGy did not differ significantly (p > .05) and were 5.6 and 5.8 logs at 5 and 20°C, respectively. Linear decreases in Salmonella populations occurred as radiation dosage increased. Injury of bacterial cells from radiation treatment was comparatively greater at 1 kGy than other treatments. Low‐dose gamma radiation treatment resulted in significant Salmonella reductions on produce and enhanced postharvest safety of carrot and tomato.
The efficacy of commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yen Hsin‐Yen , Huang Wen‐Hsin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose was to explore the efficacy of a commercial smartwatch with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature.

Design

A randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty healthy young adults were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to wear a commercial smartwatch, one with and one without a blood pressure‐monitoring feature for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Omron HEM‐907, Inbody 270S, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Findings

Results revealed a significant effect and group‐by‐time interaction on diastolic blood pressure. After 12 weeks in participants who wore a smartwatch with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate had decreased.

Conclusion

Using commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature is a feasible approach to support self‐management, increase awareness, and promote physical activity for health promotion, obesity and chronic disease prevention.

Clinical relevance

Wearable technologies may be an innovative strategy for preventing high blood pressure by continuous self‐monitoring and healthy behavior modifications.
A new product of multi‐plant extracts improved skin photoaging: An oral intake in vivo study
Authors: Xie Yang , Zhu Guoxing , Yi Jinling , Ji Yanying , Xia Yue , Zheng Yue , Ye Congxiu
Published: November 2021

Background

Besides the topical application of cosmetics, nutraceuticals represent a promising strategy for preventing skin photoaging and skin cancers.

Methods

To determine the effect of a new multi‐plant extracts product containing Cucumis melo extract, acerola extract, olive fruit, aloe vera gel, grape seed extract, and lycopene, a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial and an ultraviolet (UV)‐induced murine photoaging model were deployed. 55 healthy subjects aged 45–60 were enrolled and randomized to take the product or placebo orally for 12 weeks. Skin aging and whitening indexes were measured with non‐invasive techniques. 90 Balb/c mice aged 7–8 weeks were randomly divided into six groups: normal, UV, UV+vehicle, UV+different doses of the product (0.500 g/kg.BW, 0.250 g/kg.BW, 0.125 g/kg.BW, respectively). Except the normal group, mid‐dorsal regions were irradiated with UVA+UVB for 8 weeks. Factors of oxidative stress, tyrosinase, and histological analysis of the mid‐dorsal skin were determined.

Results

In the clinical trial, the TEWL, hydration, sebum, elasticity, and the L*, a*, melanin index change from baseline, ITA° were significantly improved in the experiment group. In the animal experiment, compared to the UV+vehicle group, UV+high dose group showed significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and tyrosinase, but higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px). The UV+moderate dose group showed significant improvement of MDA and GSH‐Px, and the UV+low dose group only showed improvement of GSH‐Px. Histological photoaging manifestations were attenuated in the UV+high and moderate dose groups.

Conclusions

The multi‐plant extracts product improved skin photoaging possibly via antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase ways.
Development and Feasibility Testing of CATCH Healthy Smiles, an Oral Health Promotion Intervention for Prevention of Dental Caries Among Elementary School Children
Authors: Sharma Shreela V. , Kelder Steven , Yamal Jose‐Miguel , Chuang Ru‐Jye , Byrd‐Williams Courtney , Bona Gisela , Bajaj Nimit , Brito Frances , Neumann Ana S.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

We present results of the development and feasibility testing of CATCH Healthy Smiles, a school‐based oral health program, among children in grades K‐2 in Houston, Texas.

METHODS

Study design was cross‐sectional (N = 2 schools; N = 125 parent‐child dyads; 31 kindergarteners, 42 first graders, and 52 second graders). CATCH Healthy Smiles program was implemented by trained school teachers in the 2016‐2017 school year. Trained dentists conducted dental assessments to measure dental caries increment score (d3mfs). Parent‐reported 24‐hour dietary recalls and surveys assessed child and parent behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors. Logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with caries experience adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

Of the 113 children with complete dental assessments, 54% children in grade K, 62% in first grade, and 73% in second grade had caries experience. Children with caries experience had a higher body weight (AdjOR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02‐1.29), were less likely to be girls (AdjOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.82), had greater odds of difficulty drinking hot or cold beverages because of dental problems (AdjOR = 13.13, 95% CI: 1.09‐275.14), greater frequency of consuming sugar‐sweetened beverages (AdjOR = 11.53, 95% CI: 2.10‐87.19), greater odds of receiving government assistance (AdjOR = 14.62, 95% CI: 2.74‐119.81), and lower odds of seeing a dental provider (AdjOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.45). Process evaluation showed that 100% of the CATCH Healthy Smiles lessons and activities were taught in the two schools with a high degree of program fidelity and acceptability across the schools, children, and parents.

CONCLUSIONS

These data will be used to conduct a subsequent fully powered cluster randomized controlled trial.
Impact of climate change and biodiversity collapse on the global emergence and spread of infectious diseases
Authors: Williams Phoebe CM , Bartlett Adam W , Howard‐Jones Annaleise , McMullan Brendan , Khatami Ameneh , Britton Philip N , Marais Ben J
Published: November 2021

The reality of climate change and biodiversity collapse is irrefutable in the 21st century, with urgent action required not only to conserve threatened species but also to protect human life and wellbeing. This existential threat forces us to recognise that our existence is completely dependent upon well‐functioning ecosystems that sustain the diversity of life on our planet, including that required for human health. By synthesising data on the ecology, epidemiology and evolutionary biology of various pathogens, we are gaining a better understanding of factors that underlie disease emergence and spread. However, our knowledge remains rudimentary with limited insight into the complex feedback loops that underlie ecological stability, which are at risk of rapidly unravelling once certain tipping points are breached. In this paper, we consider the impact of climate change and biodiversity collapse on the ever‐present risk of infectious disease emergence and spread. We review historical and contemporaneous infectious diseases that have been influenced by human environmental manipulation, including zoonoses and vector‐ and water‐borne diseases, alongside an evaluation of the impact of migration, urbanisation and human density on transmissible diseases. The current lack of urgency in political commitment to address climate change warrants enhanced understanding and action from paediatricians – to ensure that we safeguard the health and wellbeing of children in our care today, as well as those of future generations.
Governance for the well‐being of future generations
Authors: Sindall Colin , Lo Selina , Capon Tony
Published: November 2021

There is overwhelming evidence that human lifestyles have impacted the earth's planetary boundaries, with profound impacts for generations to come. Without concerted action to shape a better future, children will bear the burden on their health and well‐being throughout their lifetimes. Yet government priorities are frequently dominated by short‐term concerns, and an over‐reliance on economic indicators as a measure of human progress. To give today's – and tomorrow's – children the best chance of leading flourishing lives, a new approach is needed, which overcomes the ‘presentist’ bias in political decision‐making and values measures of well‐being beyond gross domestic product (GDP). The potential building blocks of such an approach can be seen in the promising early steps being taken by several countries, including Wales and New Zealand. This paper provides an overview of these efforts in the context of the recommendations of the WHO‐UNICEF‐Lancet Commission report ‘A future for the world's children’.
Spatially explicit analyses of environmental and health data to determine past, emerging and future threats to child health
Authors: Le Souëf Peter N , Saraswati Chitra M , Judge Melinda , Bradshaw Corey JA
Published: November 2021

Background

Dire forecasts predict that an increasingly hostile environment globally will increase the threats to human health. Infants and young children are especially at risk because children are particularly vulnerable to climate‐related stressors. The childhood diseases most affected, the breadth and magnitude of future health problems and the time frame over which these problems will manifest remain largely unknown.

Objectives

To review the possibility that spacially explicit analyses can be used to determine how climate change has affected children's health to date and whether these analyses can be used for future projections.

Methods

As an example of whether these objectives can be achieved, all available Australian environmental and health databases were reviewed.

Results

Environmental and health data in Australia have been collected for up to 30 years for the same spatial areas at ‘Statistical Area level 1’ (SA1) scale. SA1s are defined as having a population of between 200 and 800 people and collectively they cover the whole of Australia without gaps or overlap. Although the SA1 environmental and health data have been collected separately, they can be merged to allow detailed statistical analyses that can determine how climate change has affected the health of children.

Conclusions

The availability of environmental and health datasets that share the same precise spatial coordinates provides a pathway whereby past and emerging effects on child health can be measured and predicted into the future. Given that the future health and well‐being of children is one of society's greatest concerns, this information is urgently needed.
Safety of torasemide in healthy adult dogs administered daily for 26 weeks
Authors: Coussanes Evelyne , Guillot Emilie , Magnier Reynald , Geneteau Anne , Elliott Jonathan
Published: November 2021

Thirty‐two (16 males and 16 females) healthy young beagles were randomly divided into four groups of eight. The control group remained untreated. Torasemide (ISEMID®, Ceva Santé Animale) was orally administered, once daily, at 0.5 mg/kg from Days 1–5 then 0.25 mg/kg to Day 182, and at three times and five times this dosing regimen in two additional groups. Treated animals (predominantly at the higher dose levels) showed dryness of the oral mucosa, evidence of diuresis, decreased diet consumption, decreased bodyweight gain over the first 3 weeks, increased water consumption, increases in erythrocytes count, haemoglobin, calcium and magnesium, decrease in chloride, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, increases in urine pH, decreases in urine specific gravity and increases in serum aldosterone concentrations. Plasma concentrations of torasemide increased in a dose‐dependent manner and showed no evidence of accumulation. There were also changes to electrocardiogram patterns and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the kidney and adrenal glands, but these changes were almost exclusively confined to the over‐dosed groups. In conclusion, torasemide was found to be safe when administered to dogs at 0.25 mg/kg once daily for 26 weeks, and any changes were consistent with its known diuretic effects.
Precise indoor localization with 3D facility scan data
Authors: Xia Jiahao , Gong Jie
Published: November 2021

Visual indoor localization for smart indoor services is a growing field of interest as cameras are now ubiquitously equipped on smartphones. In this study, a hierarchical indoor localization algorithm is designed and validated based on 3D facility scan data, which are originally collected for facility modeling purposes. The study has shown promising results in indoor localization. The study also demonstrated a scalable approach to generate high‐quality images with reference poses from laser scan data, opening doors to generate labeled images to train end‐to‐end pose regression model (i.e., PoseNet). In this regard, this study is the first attempt to leverage facility scan data, which are commonly collected for Building Information Modeling (BIM) purpose, for indoor localization. As more facilities are documented with laser scanners, our algorithm can unlock additional values of collected data for intelligent applications.
Potato virus X: A global potato‐infecting virus and type member of thePotexvirusgenus
Authors: Verchot Jeanmarie
Published: November 2021

Taxonomy

Potato virus Xis the type‐member of the plant‐infectingPotexvirusgenus in the familyAlphaflexiviridae.

Physical properties

Potato virus X (PVX) virions are flexuous filaments 460–480 nm in length. Virions are 13 nm in diameter and have a helical pitch of 3.4 nm. The genome is approximately 6.4 kb with a 5′ cap and 3′ poly(A) terminus. PVX contains five open reading frames, four of which are essential for cell‐to‐cell and systemic movement. One protein encodes the viral replicase. Cellular inclusions, known as X‐bodies, occur near the nucleus of virus‐infected cells.

Hosts

The primary host is potato, but it infects a wide range of dicots. Diagnostic hosts includeDatura stramoniumandNicotiana tabacum. PVX is transmitted in nature by mechanical contact.

Useful website

https://talk.ictvonline.org/ictv‐reports/ictv_online_report/positive‐sense‐rna‐viruses/w/alphaflexiviridae/1330/genus‐potexvirus
Noncoding RNAs: biology and applications—a Keystone Symposia report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Heard Edith , Hirose Tetsuro , Prasanth Kannanganattu V. , Chen Ling‐Ling , Henninger Jonathan E. , Quinodoz Sofia A. , Spector David L. , Diermeier Sarah D. , Porman Allison M. , Kumar Dhiraj , Feinberg Mark W. , Shen Xiaohua , Unfried Juan Pablo , Johnson Rory , Chen Chun‐Kan , Wilusz Jeremy E. , Lempradl Adelheid , McGeary Sean E. , Wahba Lamia , Pyle Anna Marie , Hargrove Amanda E. , Simon Matthew D. , Marcia Marco , Przanowska Róża K. , Chang Howard Y. , Jaffrey Samie R. , Contreras Lydia M. , Chen Qi , Shi Junchao , Mendell Joshua T. , He Lin , Song Erwei , Rinn John L. , Lalwani Mukesh Kumar , Kalem Murat Can , Chuong Edward B. , Maquat Lynne E. , Liu Xuhang
Published: November 2021

The human transcriptome contains many types of noncoding RNAs, which rival the number of protein‐coding species. From long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are over 200 nucleotides long to piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) of only 20 nucleotides, noncoding RNAs play important roles in regulating transcription, epigenetic modifications, translation, and cell signaling. Roles for noncoding RNAs in disease mechanisms are also being uncovered, and several species have been identified as potential drug targets. On May 11–14, 2021, the Keystone eSymposium “Noncoding RNAs: Biology and Applications” brought together researchers working in RNA biology, structure, and technologies to accelerate both the understanding of RNA basic biology and the translation of those findings into clinical applications.
Motor Bur Milling State Identification via Fast Fourier Transform Analyzing Sound Signal in Cervical Spine Posterior Decompression Surgery
Authors: Bai He , Wang Rui , Wang Qiu , Xia Guang‐ming , Xue Yuan , Dai Yu , Zhang Jian‐xun
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To investigate the real‐time sensitive feedback parameter of the motor bur milling state in cervical spine posterior decompression surgery, to possibly improve the safety of cervical spine posterior decompression and robot‐assisted spinal surgeries.

Methods

In this study, the cervical spine of three healthy male and three healthy female pigs were randomly selected. Six porcine cervical spine specimens were fixed to the vibration isolation system. The milling state of the motor bur was defined as the lamina cancellous bone (CA), lamina ventral corticalbone (VCO), and penetrating ventral cortical bone (PVCO). A 5‐mm bur milled the CA and VCO, and a 2‐mm bur milled the VCO and PVCO. A miniature microphone was used to collect the sound signal (SS) of milling lamina which was then extracted using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). When using 5‐mm and 2‐mm bur to mill, the CA, VCO, and PVCO of each specimen were continuously collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 kHz frequencies for SS magnitudes. The study randomly selected the SS magnitudes of the CA and VCO continuously for 2 s at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kHz frequencies for statistical analyses. When milling the VCO to the PVCO, we randomly collected the SS magnitudes of the VCO for consecutive 2 s and the SS magnitudes of continuous 2 s in the penetrating state at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kHz frequencies for statistical analyses. The independent sample t‐test was used to compare the SS magnitudes of different milling states extracted from the FFT to determine the motor bur milling state.

Results

The SS magnitudes of the CA and VCO of all specimens extracted from the FFT at 1, 2, and 3 kHz were statistically different (P < 0.01); three specimens were not statistically different at a specific FFT‐extracted frequency (first specimen at 5 kHz, SS magnitudes of the CA were [25.94 ± 8.74] × 10−3, SS magnitudes of the VCO were [28.67 ± 12.94] × 10−3, P = 0.440; second specimen at 4 kHz, SS magnitudes of the CA were [23.79 ± 7.94] × 10−3, SS magnitudes of the VCO were [24.78 ± 4.32] × 10−3, P = 0.629; and third specimen at 5 kHz, SS magnitudes of the CA were [16.76 ± 6.20] × 10−3, SS magnitudes of the VCO were [17.69 ± 6.44] × 10−3, P = 0.643).The SS magnitudes of the VCO and PVCO of all the specimens extracted from the FFT at each frequency were statistically different (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on the FFT extraction, the SS magnitudes of the motor bur milling state between the CA and VCO, the VCO and PVCO were significantly different, confirming that the SS is a potential sensitive feedback parameter for identifying the motor bur milling state. This study could improve the safety of cervical spine posterior decompression surgery, especially of robot‐assisted surgeries.
Outcomes of supraventricular tachycardia ablation: Results from the Singapore ablation and cardiac devices registry
Authors: Tan Eugene S.J. , Chan Siew Pang , Seow Swee‐Chong , Teo Wee Siong , Ching Chi Keong , Chong Daniel T.T. , Tan Vern Hsen , Chia Pow‐Li , Foo David C.G. , Kojodjojo Pipin ,   HRAS investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

The Singapore Cardiac Databank was designed to monitor the performance and outcomes of catheter ablation. We investigated the outcomes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)‐ablation in a prospective, nationwide, cohort study.

Methods

Atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular re‐entry tachycardia (AVRT), or atrial tachycardia (AT)‐ablations in Singapore from 2010 to 2018 were studied. Outcomes include acute success, periprocedural‐complications, postoperative pacing requirement, arrhythmic recurrence and 1‐year all‐cause mortality.

Results

Among 2260 patients (mean age 45 ± 18 years, 50% female, 57% AVNRT, 37% AVRT, 6% AT), overall acute success rates of PSVT‐ablation was 98.4% and increased in order of AT, AVRT, and AVNRT (p < .001). Periprocedural cardiac tamponade occurred in two AVRT patients. A total of 15 pacemakers (6 within first 30‐days, 9 after 30‐days) were implanted (seven AV block, eight sinus node dysfunction [SND]), with the highest incidence of pacemaker implantation after AT‐ablation (5% vs. 0.6% AVNRT vs. 0.1% AVRT, p < .001). Repeat ablations (0.9% AVNRT, 7% AVRT, 4% AT, p < .001) were performed in 78 (3.5%) patients and 13 (0.6%) patients died within a year of ablation. Among outcomes considered adjusting for age, sex, PSVT‐type and procedure‐time, AT was independently associated with 6‐fold increased odds of total (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–20.53) and late (AOR 6.38, 95% CI 1.39–29.29) pacemaker implantation, while AVRT was associated with higher arrhythmic recurrence with repeat ablations (AOR 4.72, 95% CI 2.36–9.44) compared to AVNRT.

Conclusions

Contemporary PSVT ablation is safe with high acute success rates. Long‐term outcomes differed by nature of the PSVT.
Disruptive Technologies and Operations Management in the Industry 4.0 Era and Beyond
Authors: Choi Tsan‐Ming , Kumar Subodha , Yue Xiaohang , Chan Hau‐Ling
Published: November 2021

In the Industry 4.0 era, automation and data analytics emerge as the major forces to enhance efficiency in operations management (OM). Disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, 3D printing, 5G, Internet‐of‐Thing, digital twins, and augmented reality, are widely applied. They potentially will bring a radical change to real world operations. In this study, we first explore several major disruptive technologies, examine the corresponding OM studies, and highlight their current applications in the industry. Then, we discuss the pros and cons associated with the use of these technologies and uncover the potential human–machine conflicting areas. After that, we propose measures which may be able to achieve human–machine reconciles in the coming Industry 5.0 era. A concept of “sustainable social welfare” which includes worker welfare, privacy, etc. is proposed and the roles played by policy makers are also discussed. Finally, a future research agenda, which covers topics in both the Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 eras, is established.
Detecting impaired language processing in patients with mild cognitive impairment using around‐the‐ear cEEgrid electrodes
Authors: Segaert K. , Poulisse C. , Markiewicz R. , Wheeldon L. , Marchment D. , Adler Z. , Howett D. , Chan D. , Mazaheri A.
Published: November 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the term used to identify those individuals with subjective and objective cognitive decline but with preserved activities of daily living and an absence of dementia. Although MCI can impact functioning in different cognitive domains, most notably episodic memory, relatively little is known about the comprehension of language in MCI. In this study, we used around‐the‐ear electrodes (cEEGrids) to identify impairments during language comprehension in patients with MCI. In a group of 23 patients with MCI and 23 age‐matched controls, language comprehension was tested in a two‐word phrase paradigm. We examined the oscillatory changes following word onset as a function of lexico‐semantic single‐word retrieval (e.g., swrfeq vs. swift) and multiword binding processes (e.g., horse preceded by swift vs. preceded by swrfeq). Electrophysiological signatures (as measured by the cEEGrids) were significantly different between patients with MCI and controls. In controls, lexical retrieval was associated with a rebound in the alpha/beta range, and binding was associated with a post‐word alpha/beta suppression. In contrast, both the single‐word retrieval and multiword binding signatures were absent in the MCI group. The signatures observed using cEEGrids in controls were comparable with those signatures obtained with a full‐cap EEG setup. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients with MCI have impaired electrophysiological signatures for comprehending single words and multiword phrases. Moreover, cEEGrid setups provide a noninvasive and sensitive clinical tool for detecting early impairments in language comprehension in MCI.
Can contingency rehearsal during the interval between a retrieval cue and extinction training change the effects of post‐retrieval extinction?
Authors: Zuccolo Pedro Fonseca , Hunziker Maria Helena Leite
Published: November 2021

Return of fear may be prevented by post‐retrieval extinction (PRE), a procedure consisting of presenting a stimulus that was present during conditioning (retrieval cue) prior to extinction training. However, recent evidence suggests that there might be circumstances under which PRE is not effective to prevent the return of fear (boundary conditions), but some of these conditions remain unknown. We explored if rehearsing the CS, US or CS‐US contingency during the interval between the retrieval cue and extinction training might change the effects of PRE. One day after differential fear conditioning, healthy human participants (n = 83) underwent either standard extinction (control condition, n = 31) or two different PRE procedures, one in which participants rehearsed the CS‐US contingency during the interval between the retrieval cue and extinction (rehearsal condition, n = 25), or another in which they underwent a verbal fluency task directing their attention away from the experimental contingencies during this interval (nonrehearsal condition, n = 27). Return of fear in a reinstatement test was observed in both control and rehearsal conditions, whereas in the nonrehearsal condition there was a generalized increase in response to the CS+ and CS−. Differential response in the rehearsal condition had values slightly smaller than the control group with no significant differences from both control and nonrehearsal conditions. These results suggest that the overt behavior of participants during the interval between a retrieval cue and extinction training might change the effects of PRE in healthy human participants, but further manipulations of these variables are needed to confirm these findings.
Tracking the time course of sign recognition using ERP repetition priming
Authors: Emmorey Karen , Midgley Katherine J. , Holcomb Phillip J.
Published: November 2021

Repetition priming and event‐related potentials (ERPs) were used to investigate the time course of sign recognition in deaf users of American Sign Language. Signers performed a go/no‐go semantic categorization task to rare probe signs referring to people; critical target items were repeated and unrelated signs. In Experiment 1, ERPs were time‐locked either to the onset of the video or to sign onset within the video; in Experiment 2, the same full videos were clipped so that video and sign onset were aligned (removing transitional movements), and ERPs were time‐locked to video/sign onset. All analyses revealed an N400 repetition priming effect (less negativity for repeated than unrelated signs) but differed in the timing and/or duration of the N400 effect. Results from Experiment 1 revealed that repetition priming effects began before sign onset within a video, suggesting that signers are sensitive to linguistic information within the transitional movement to sign onset. The timing and duration of the N400 for clipped videos were more parallel to that observed previously for auditorily presented words and was 200 ms shorter than either time‐locking analysis from Experiment 1. We conclude that time‐locking to full video onset is optimal when early ERP components or sensitivity to transitional movements are of interest and that time‐locking to the onset of clipped videos is optimal for priming studies with fluent signers.
Restoring coal mine degraded lands in India for achieving the United Nations‐Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Ahirwal Jitendra , Maiti Subodh Kumar
Published: November 2021

Anthropogenic activities substantially altered the ecosystem's functioning and most of them are directly or indirectly responsible for biodiversity loss, land degradation, and climate change. Therefore, maximizing the conservation of natural capital and restoring the potential of the natural ecosystems are essential to sustain life on this planet. Where most of the economic activities are coupled with environmental degradation, the reestablishment of ecosystem attributes is a vital part of global conservation strategies. Mining activities cause inevitable loss of ecological structure and functions, while restoration of mine degraded lands provides an opportunity to reinstate ecological integrity and to develop a self‐sustaining ecosystem. However, it cannot be possible without learning from our experience, scientific research, community participation, traditional knowledge, political support, and economic backup. Here, we summarize some of the field observations explicitly based on the restoration of coal mine degraded lands in India. Experiences based on the practical approaches of ecosystem restoration highlight the key role of physical aspects of restoration, selection of plant species for biological restoration, and its combined effect on generating socioeconomic and environmental benefits. We recommend the inclusion of a site‐specific restoration plan, native species for reforestation, and involvement of the local community in restoration programs. Moreover, they are essential to attain the United Nations‐Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) particularly, reduce poverty and hunger, provide affordable and clean energy, mitigate climate change, and reestablish life on degraded lands.
Developing perceptions about science in preservice early childhood educators
Authors: Miller Bridget , Wiles Benjamin , McLean Leah , Herrygers Austin
Published: November 2021

Science teachers play a vital role in the education of students and their learning outcomes. Beyond academic performance and content knowledge, how one feels about science can influence how they teach and how students learn. It is important for educators, and teacher educators to reflect on their past experiences and decipher what experiences influence their overall perceptions about science. Mixed methods were used to analyze narrative papers from pre‐service teachers which focused on their science education experiences. Papers from one hundred undergraduate early‐childhood pre‐service educators were used to determine factors that influence pre‐service teachers’ overall perceptions about science. Results indicated that negative experiences at all stages of students’ k‐12 education diminished positive perceptions of science; meanwhile, corresponding effects related to positive experience were sourced only from high school. Similarly, negative teacher experiences resulted in diminished positive perceptions of science without corresponding effects of positive teacher experiences. Learning approach and informal learning experiences did not predict positive perceptions of science, but were relevant within the qualitative analysis. Implications are discussed for pre‐service teacher training programs.