bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecific variation in post‐disturbance growth responses of a savanna tree community and its implications for escaping the fire trap
Authors: NeSmith Julienne E. , Twine Wayne , Holdo Ricardo M.
Published: March 2021

Vegetation states in savannas are highly sensitive to tree growth rates, which determine whether individual trees can “escape” periodic disturbances. Resprouting trees have lopsided shoot:root ratios and are often multi‐stemmed, and these variables can modify post‐disturbance growth rates and therefore the probability of escape. To date, few studies have systematically examined the implications of interspecific variation in these factors for escape. We conducted a two‐year field experiment across 16 tree species in a South African lowveld savanna to quantify growth metrics following topkill. We examined the dependence of growth on pre‐disturbance stem size and the relationship between growth rate and the tendency of trees to produce a few large vs. many small resprouts following disturbance. We found that resprout growth was strongly influenced by pre‐disturbance size, but the strength of this relationship did not vary across species. In contrast, our results showed that fast‐growing species tended to allocate resources toward a few dominant stems, while slow‐growing species allocated new biomass towards many smaller stems. Tree species that produced a few large stems also tended to produce individual stems that were tall and thin, further suggesting that the “few large vs. many small” axis is linked to intrinsic species attributes. These findings have implications for understanding how interspecific variation in savanna tree communities may influence their ability to escape disturbance traps.
Prevalence and factors associated with child health record book utilization among parents attending government health clinics in Putrajaya, Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Halim Siti Hafsah , Mohd Zulkefli Nor Afiah
Published: March 2021

Background

Use of a child health record book has long been established in Malaysia. The objective of the study was to determine the proportion of optimum child health record book utilization and its associated factors among parents attending government child health clinics in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among randomly selected group of 450 parents using a self‐administered questionnaire. Optimum utilization of the book was defined as respondents reading all sections and recording comments in the book. Independent variables studied were sociodemographic characteristics; antenatal and breastfeeding history; child health and immunization status; perceptions and level of knowledge on the book and child health; and healthcare providers' performance. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the associated factors of optimum utilization.

Results

Out of 450 study participants, 415 completed the questionnaire and 150 (36.1%) were found to optimally utilized the book. Participants who read all sections totalled 245 (59.0%), and 242 (58.3%) respondents reported to record some comments in the book. Optimum utilization of the book was associated with older parents' age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.11) and higher education attainment (AOR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.24–3.91), with a good level of knowledge on child health record books and general child health (AOR: 3.87, 95% CI 2.27–6.61; AOR: 2.05, 95% CI 1.25–3.36) and among parents who delivered their children in government hospitals (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI 1.11–7.73).

Conclusions

The prevalence of child health record book utilization was low at 36.1% but difficult to compare with other studies. Based on the findings, improving the parents' knowledge of the book and general child health, particularly among younger parents with lower educational levels, and delivering the book to institutions outside government hospitals might be useful to increase the utilization.
Factors influencing the reference interval of thyroid‐stimulating hormone in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xing Dongyang , Liu Delong , Li Ri , Zhou Qi , Xu Jiancheng
Published: March 2021

Background

Many studies have reported that the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) reference interval is susceptible to external factors, such as age, sex, race, region and iodine intake. However, no meta‐analysis has comprehensively explored the effect of these factors on the TSH reference interval.

Methods

Articles published from January 1960 to January 2020 were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Medline English databases and CNKI, WanFang and CQVIP Chinese databases. In total, 19 studies were ultimately included. All data were analysed using Review Manager 5.3, STATA 16.0 software, GraphPad Prism 8.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010 to draw the TSH concentration curve.

Results

The TSH reference interval was significantly influenced by sex and age. The mean of TSH concentration in females was 0.27 mIU/L higher than that in males. Reference interval of TSH is divided into 20–59 years old and >60 years old age groups in males, and 20–39 years old and >40 years old age groups in females. Regardless of sex, TSH concentrations all increase with age. In iodine‐deficient areas, TSH reference intervals were generally lower than those in iodine‐sufficient or iodine‐excessive areas. The TSH reference interval in Asia and North American countries was generally higher than that in most European countries. In the subgroup analyses of sample size, region and assay methods and manufacturers, the between‐group differences were significant.

Conclusion

The TSH reference interval was significantly influenced by sex, age, iodine intake, sample size, region, and assay methods and manufacturers, but other factors should not be ignored. Therefore, it is necessary for each laboratory to validate an appropriate TSH reference interval based on local conditions.
A culture of despair? Inequality and expectations of educational success
Authors: DeBacker Jason M. , Routon P. Wesley
Published: March 2021

A culture of despair represents a negative feedback loop, where perceptions of high economic inequality result in declines in expectations of future success and, in turn, lower probabilities of favorable outcomes. We focus on the first link in that proposed causal chain, the relationship between economic inequality and expectations. Using a panel of youths and geographic variation in inequality, we find a link between inequality and expectations regarding educational outcomes. Our findings show that youth of low socioeconomic status (SES) are negatively affected by inequality. In short, we find support for the theory of a culture of despair.
Applying a jurisdictional approach to support sustainable seafood
Authors: Kittinger John N. , Bernard Miranda , Finkbeiner Elena , Murphy Erin , Obregon Pablo , Klinger Dane H. , Schoon Michael L. , Dooley Kevin J. , Gerber Leah R.
Published: March 2021

Ensuring the security of ocean ecosystems that provide food and livelihood benefits from seafood systems requires significant investment in improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture production at scale. Seafood certification and ratings systems have established strong benchmarks for sustainability, but markets need to incentivize sustainability throughout the value chain and at relevant ecological scales in order to generate meaningful conservation impacts and support lasting on‐the‐water stewardship efforts. Here, we propose that market‐based approaches and ecosystem‐based governance initiatives can be integrated to improve the sustainability of seafood production systems using a jurisdictional approach. Jurisdictional approaches are place‐based initiatives deployed in key commodity producing regions to drive sustainability through aligned incentives among government, market, and producer actors. To explore the applicability of this approach in seafood, we first identify key mismatches in existing certification and ratings schemes that stymie the effectiveness of market‐based approaches to drive ecosystem‐scale impacts. Subsequently we identify the differentiated incentives for sustainability among producers, supply chain companies, and governments—drawing evidence from research and practice. Based on this analysis, we review the potential for jurisdictional approaches to align actors' incentives for sustainability at the scale of entire production geographies, bringing market‐based approaches and governance improvements together to achieve conservation outcomes.
Investigating the international and pan‐African trade in giraffe parts and derivatives
Authors: Dunn Matilda E. , Ruppert Kirstie , Glikman Jenny Anne , O'Connor David , Fennessy Stephanie , Fennessy Julian , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: March 2021

Three of the four newly distinguished giraffe species are in significant decline. Concern over the species' threat status prompted a proposal to list the giraffe, which is still recognized as a single species by the IUCN, in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). However, there is a distinct lack of quantitative data and research on the scale, extent and purpose of both illegal and legal hunting, and the use and/or trading of giraffe and their parts. As a first step towards addressing these knowledge gaps, we conducted a literature review as well as a specialist survey regarding the use and trade of giraffe. We found that the dynamics of legal and illegal trade and the use of giraffe parts vary throughout Africa, ranging from local consumption to cross border and international trade, and from ornamental adornment to medicinal and consumption use. While the CITES listing of giraffe provides a mechanism through which international trade can be monitored, our findings suggest that the majority of illegal hunting currently occurs domestically and only within certain giraffe populations. This article is the first step towards understanding the drivers and managing the associated impacts of unsustainable and illegal giraffe use and trade.
A case of endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma with distant metastasis
Authors: Hadi Rouba , Xu Haodong , Barber Brittany R. , Shinohara Michi M. , Moshiri Ata S.
Published: March 2021

Endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm typically arising on the face of older individuals, most commonly around the eyelids. Histopathologic features include a circumscribed proliferation of low‐grade epithelioid cells with areas of cystic and cribriform growth, foci of intracytoplasmic and extracellular mucin, and coexpression of endocrine, neuroendocrine, and cytokeratin markers by immunohistochemistry. Given histopathologic and immunohistochemical similarities, EMPSGC is often likened to solid papillary carcinoma of the breast and endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ, and is thought by many to represent a forme fruste of mucinous carcinoma of the skin. To date, the vast majority of reported cases of EMPSGC have been described as having indolent behavior, with no cases of distant metastasis yet reported. Here we report a unique case of EMPSGC that recurred over several years following standard surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery, with subsequent metastasis to the parotid gland and axial skeleton.
Mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide independently predicts short‐term mortality in COVID‐19
Authors: Kaufmann Christoph C. , Ahmed Amro , Kassem Mona , Freynhofer Matthias K. , Jäger Bernhard , Aicher Gabriele , Equiluz‐Bruck Susanne , Spiel Alexander O. , Funk Georg‐Christian , Gschwantler Michael , Fasching Peter , Wojta Johann , Huber Kurt
Published: March 2021

Background

Mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐proANP) is a strong prognostic marker in several inflammatory, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, but has not been studied in COVID‐19 yet.

Methods

This prospective, observational study of patients with COVID‐19 infection was conducted from 6 June to 26 November 2020 in different wards of a tertiary hospital. MR‐proANP, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitive cardiac troponin I levels on admission were collected and tested for their association with disease severity and 28‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 213 eligible patients with COVID‐19 were included in the final analyses of whom 13.2% (n = 28) died within 28 days. Median levels of MR‐proANP at admission were significantly higher in nonsurvivors (307 pmol/L IQR, [161 ‐ 532] vs 75 pmol/L [IQR, 43 ‐ 153], P < .001) compared to survivors and increased with disease severity and level of hypoxaemia. The area under the ROC curve for MR‐proANP predicting 28‐day mortality was 0.832 (95% CI 0.753 ‐ 0.912, P < .001). An optimal cut‐off point of 160 pmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 82.1% and a specificity of 76.2%. MR‐proANP was a significant predictor of 28‐day mortality independent of clinical confounders, comorbidities and established prognostic markers of COVID‐19 (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.21 ‐ 6.37; P = .016), while NT‐proBNP failed to independently predict 28‐day mortality and had a numerically lower AUC compared to MR‐proANP.

Conclusion

Higher levels of MR‐proANP at admission are associated with disease severity of COVID‐19 and act as a powerful and independent prognostic marker of 28‐day mortality.
Medial prefrontal cortical control of reward‐ and aversion‐based behavioral output: Bottom‐up modulation
Authors: Pastor Verónica , Medina Jorge Horacio
Published: March 2021

How does the brain guide our actions? This is a complex issue, where the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a crucial role. The mPFC is essential for cognitive flexibility and decision making. These functions are related to reward‐ and aversion‐based learning, which ultimately drive behavior. Though, cortical projections and modulatory systems that may regulate those processes in the mPFC are less understood. How does the mPFC regulate approach‐avoidance behavior in the case of conflicting aversive and appetitive stimuli? This is likely dependent on the bottom‐up neuromodulation of the mPFC projection neurons. In this review, we integrate behavioral‐, pharmacological‐, and viral‐based circuit manipulation data showing the involvement of mPFC dopaminergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic inputs in reward and aversion processing. Given that an incorrect balance of reward and aversion value could be a key problem in mental diseases such as substance use disorders, we discuss outstanding questions for future research on the role of mPFC modulation in reward and aversion.
Effect of intravenous alteplase on post‐stroke depression in the WAKE UP trial
Authors: Königsberg Alina , Sehner Susanne , Arlt Sönke , Cheng Bastian , Simonsen Claus Z. , Boutitie Florent , Serena Joaquin , Thijs Vincent , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Lemmens Robin , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz ,   the WAKE‐UP investigators
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

The aim was to study the effect of intravenous alteplase on the development of post‐stroke depression (PSD) in acute stroke patients, and to identify predictors of PSD.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included patients with unknown onset stroke randomized to treatment with alteplase or placebo in the WAKE‐UP trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01525290), in whom a composite end‐point of PSD was defined as a Beck Depression Inventory ≥10, medication with an antidepressant, or depression recorded as an adverse event. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PSD at 90 days. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess the indirect effect of thrombolysis on PSD mediated by the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Information on the composite end‐point was available for 438 of 503 randomized patients. PSD was present in 96 of 224 (42.9%) patients in the alteplase group and 115 of 214 (53.7%) in the placebo group (odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.94; p = 0.022; adjusted for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at baseline). Prognostic factors associated with PSD included baseline medication with antidepressants, higher lesion volume, history of depression and assignment to placebo. While 65% of the effect of thrombolysis on PSD were caused directly, 35% were mediated by an improvement of the mRS.

Conclusions

Treatment with alteplase in patients with acute stroke resulted in lower rates of depression at 90 days, which were only partially explained by reduced functional disability. Predictors of PSD including history and clinical characteristics may help in identifying patients at risk of PSD.
First symptom guides diagnosis and prognosis in neurodegenerative diseases—a retrospective study of autopsy proven cases
Authors: Vöglein Jonathan , Kostova Irena , Arzberger Thomas , Roeber Sigrun , Schmitz Peer , Simons Mikael , Ruf Viktoria , Windl Otto , Herms Jochen , Dieterich Marianne , Danek Adrian , Höglinger Günter U. , Giese Armin , Levin Johannes
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Clinical diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases have been framed based on clinical phenomenology. However, systematic knowledge about the first reported clinical symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases is lacking. Therefore, the aim was to determine the prevalence and clinical implications of the first clinical symptom (FS) as assessed by medical history in neuropathologically proven neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Neuropathological diagnoses from the Neurobiobank Munich, Germany, were matched with clinical records for analyses of the diagnostic and prognostic values of FSs.

Results

In all, 301 patients with the neuropathological diagnoses Alzheimer disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Lewy body disease (LBD) including the neuropathologically indistinguishable clinical phenotypes Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy (MSA) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) were studied. Memory disturbance was the most common FS in AD (34%), FTLD (19%) and LBD (26%), gait disturbance in PSP (35%) and MSA (27%) and aphasia and personality changes in CBD (20%, respectively). In a model adjusting for prevalence in the general population, AD was predicted by memory disturbance in 79.0%, aphasia in 97.2%, personality changes in 96.0% and by cognitive disturbance in 99.0%. Gait disturbance and tremor predicted LBD in 54.6% and 97.3%, coordination disturbance MSA in 59.4% and dysarthria FTLD in 73.0%. Cognitive FSs were associated with longer survival in AD (12.0 vs. 5.3 years; p < 0.001) and FTLD (8.2 vs. 4.1 years; p = 0.005) and motor FSs with shorter survival in PSP (7.2 vs. 9.7; p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Assessing FSs in neurodegenerative diseases may be beneficial for accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis and thereby may improve clinical care and precision of study recruitment.
Paratracheal air cyst in a foal
Authors: Zetterström S. , Horzmann K. , Yin J. , Moon R. , Boorman S. , Ceriotti S. , Wooldridge A. , Boone L.
Published: March 2021

A 1‐day‐old American Paint Horse was presented for a large air‐filled mass along the ventral aspect of the neck. Bronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy revealed no sign of communication with the trachea or oesophagus. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan of the neck identified a communicating tract between the lumen of the cystic mass and mid‐trachea. The foal was systemically healthy at this initial presentation, and delayed removal of the cyst was recommended to allow further maturation of the foal prior to undergoing general anaesthesia. Upon discharge, the cyst continued to grow in size and became more fluid than air‐filled requiring repeat centesis and draining. The foal was then re‐presented at 3 weeks of age for surgical removal. In surgery, direct communication with the trachea was identified and ligated. Histopathology demonstrated that the cyst lining was composed of squamous epithelium with goblet cells and occasional ciliated cells. The location, morphological features and congenital presentation of the mass were consistent with a paratracheal air cyst (PAC). Surgical resection resulted in excellent functional and cosmetic outcome. Although not previously reported in horses, PAC should be included in the differential diagnosis of an air‐filled ventral neck mass in equine neonates. Complete surgical excision may result in a successful outcome.
Clinical study of the biofilm of implant‐supported complete dentures in healthy patients
Authors: Matthes de Freitas Pontes Karina , Fontenelle Iana Sá de Oliveira , Nascimento Cássio do , Oliveira Viviane de Cássia , Albuquerque Garcia Bruna , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros , Henrique Larissa de Souza , de Souza Katherine Milhomem , Pontes Cássio de Barros
Published: March 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to quantify the area covered by biofilm and identify bacteria and yeasts present in mandibular acrylic resin full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses.

Background

Biofilm control of implant‐supported fixed prosthesis is hampered by their design, and it can cause oral and systemic problems, mainly in immunocompromised patients like the elder. Knowledge about microbiota reinforces the awareness about the need for periodic professional cleaning maintenance.

Materials and methods

Twenty prostheses were unscrewed, washed in 0.89% sodium chloride, stained with eosin 1% and photographed. The area covered by biofilm was digitally delimited and quantified. Biofilm samples were collected, diluted up to 1:107, seeded in chromogenic agar media and incubated for 48 hours, at 37°C, for counting of colony‐forming units (CFU/mL). DNA hybridization was performed to complement the identification and quantification of microorganisms. Data were analyzed using Mann‐Whitney test, Spearman correlation and Fisher's exact test (α = .05).

Results

An average of 62% of the gingival surface of the prostheses was covered by biofilm. Enterococcus spp. (5.82 ± 1.38 log10CFU/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (5.75 ± 2.02 log10CFU/mL) showed higher prevalence in cultures. Patients with five implants had less biofilm compared to those with four implants (P = .031) but had higher Escherichia coli counts (P = .039). In DNA hybridization, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Veillonella parvula and Fusobacterium nucleatum presented higher quantification and were present in all the samples; patients over 65 years old contained more Candida tropicalis (P = .049); prostheses on five implants presented lower quantification for several species.

Conclusion

Biofilm was present on all prostheses, containing potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The number of implants may play a role in quantification of biofilm and in microorganism counts.
Calponin and MUC6 complement inhibin as diagnostic immunomarkers of serous cystadenoma in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided aspiration/biopsy specimens
Authors: Wong Newton A C S , Beavers Sophie , Gill Pelvender , Heryet Andrew , Linares Josep
Published: March 2021

Aims

Because serous cystadenoma (SCA) does not usually require excision, it is critical to distinguish it from differential diagnoses which do, especially neuroendocrine tumour (NET). The gold standard for diagnosing SCA is assessment of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS‐FNAB) material. Inhibin immunohistochemistry aids this assessment, but such positivity is not absolutely sensitive or specific to SCA. The following is the largest known study of SCA EUS‐FNAB specimens and the first to compare four potential SCA immunomarkers between themselves and inhibin, compared against NET.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry for calponin, mucin 6 (MUC6), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was performed on 30 EUS‐FNAB and three resection specimens of SCA and 32 EUS‐FNAB specimens of NET. GLUT1 and VEGFA were suboptimal as diagnostic immunomarkers of SCA, being expressed by 10 and 44% of NETs, respectively. Further, their expression by cellular constituents of blood which often contaminate EUS‐FNAB specimens hampered identification of neoplastic cells, especially in hypocellular samples. While 19% of NETs showed nuclear MUC6 positivity, cytoplasmic expression of the protein showed 100% specificity and sensitivity as an SCA marker. However, assessing MUC6 in EUS‐FNAB specimens must also consider the protein’s focal expression in physiological pancreatic, gastric or duodenal tissues, which can contaminate these specimens. Calponin was less sensitive (71% versus 100%) but more specific (100% versus 91%) than inhibin, although easier to assess in EUS‐FNAB specimens than MUC6.

Conclusions

Of the four potential immunomarkers of SCA suggested by the existing literature, calponin and MUC6 are useful complementary studies to inhibin for application to EUS‐FNAB specimens.
Regeneration of pulp‐dentine complex‐like tissue in a rat experimental model under an inflammatory microenvironment using high phosphorous‐containing bioactive glasses
Authors: Li J. , Wang S. , Dong Y.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To investigate the effects of a bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus (BG‐hP) on the repair and regeneration of dental pulps in rats under an inflammatory microenvironment.

Methodology

Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated with 1 μg mL−1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were co‐cultured with 0.1 mg mL−1 BG‐hP. Cell proliferation was detected by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The expression of inflammation‐related genes and odontogenic differentiation‐related genes was determined by real‐time PCR. Alizarin red staining was used to detect the formation of mineralized nodules. Coronal pulp tissues of rat molars were stimulated with 10 mg mL−1 LPS and then treated with BG‐hP. The expression of inflammation‐related genes in pulp tissue was determined by real‐time PCR. Haematoxylin‐eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the inflammatory response and mineralized matrix formation, after subcutaneous implantation in nude mice, at 3 days and 4 weeks, respectively. Analysis of variance was performed to measure statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Results

BG‐hP significantly reduced expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 and significantly upregulated the expression of IL‐10, IL‐4 and transforming growth factor‐β1 of the LPS‐stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). BG‐hP significantly inhibited the initial cell number (P < 0.05), but the hDPCs stimulated by LPS and co‐cultured with BG‐hP maintained the same proliferation rate as the untreated hDPCs. BG‐hP significantly promoted the expression of dentine matrix protein‐1 and dentine sialophosphoprotein and the mineralization capacity of the LPS‐stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BG‐hP significantly downregulated the expression of Il‐6 and reduced the inflammatory response of the LPS‐stimulated pulp tissue 3 days after subcutaneous implantation (P < 0.05). Four weeks after subcutaneous implantation, BG‐hP induced the formation of a continuous layer of dentine‐like structure with dentinal tubules and polarizing odontoblast‐like cells aligned along it in the LPS‐stimulated pulp tissue.

Conclusion

The present preliminarily results demonstrated that the bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted the formation of a pulp‐dentine complex in a rat experimental model. This study provides a foundation for the construction of materials with the dual functions of exerting anti‐inflammatory effects and promoting tissue regeneration to meet the needs of dental pulp repair and regeneration.
GEOGRAPHIC MOBILITY AND REDISTRIBUTION
Authors: Coen‐Pirani Daniele
Published: March 2021

I study the effect of progressive taxation on internal migration and welfare using a quantitative dynamic model of geographic mobility. The model, which is analytically tractable, predicts that a more progressive tax‐transfer scheme reduces internal migration rates. The magnitude of this relationship is consistent with reduced‐form evidence for OECD countries. The internal migration channel contributes to significantly lower optimal tax progressivity relative to the one‐location version of the economy. The optimal sequence of tax progressivity along the transition features a relatively high degree of tax progressivity early on, followed by a declining path of tax progressivity over time.
Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with tetracycline, doxycycline, or lymecycline: a prospective study
Authors: Jørgensen Astrid‐Helene Ravn , Yao Yiqiu , Thomsen Simon Francis , Ring Hans Christian
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of tetracycline, doxycycline, and lymecycline in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Methods

A prospective study of three different treatment regimens in patients with HS; oral tetracycline 500 mg twice daily, oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily, and oral lymecycline 300 mg twice daily were administered in patients with HS. Outcomes were change in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score (HSS), Dermatology Life Quality Life index (DLQI), overall disease‐related distress, boil‐related pain, number of boils in the preceding month, fraction of patients with no boils in the preceding month, and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score at follow‐up.

Results

In total, 108 patients, 73 (67.6%) women and 35 (32.4%) men, were included. Mean duration of treatment was 4.3 months. The mean HSS at baseline was 26.10 (SD 20.18) points, improving to 17.97 (SD 17.88) at follow‐up, difference is 8.13 (95% CI 5.21–10.93), P < 0.0001. Highest improvement in HSS was observed in the tetracycline group. After multivariate adjustment, higher reduction in HSS was significantly associated with lower BMI, Hurley stage III, higher HSS at baseline, and higher number of boils in the preceding month at baseline.

Conclusion

Oral treatment with tetracycline, doxycycline, and lymecycline appears effective and safe in HS patients. Tetracycline provided the greatest clinical improvement measured by HSS.
Delivery by caesarean section and offspring adiposity and cardio‐metabolic health at ages 6.5, 11.5 and 16 years: results from the PROBIT cohort in Belarus
Authors: Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L , Huh Susanna Y , Martin Richard M , Kramer Michael , Patel Rita , Bogdanovich Natalia , Vilchuck Konstanin , Thompson Jennifer , Oken Emily
Published: March 2021

Background

Caesarean delivery has been associated with later adiposity, perhaps via early programming or perhaps because of residual confounding by maternal or birth characteristics.

Objectives

Examine associations of caesarean delivery with adiposity and cardio‐metabolic biomarkers.

Methods

Observational analysis of 15 069 children in the PROBIT cohort in Belarus. We examined measures of child anthropometry and blood pressure at 6.5, 11.5 and 16 years and fasting blood (11.5 years).

Results

Caesarean‐delivered children were slightly heavier at 6.5 (mean BMI 15.8 vs. 15.6 kg/m2), 11.5 (18.4 vs. 18.2) and 16 years (21.5 vs. 21.3). After adjustment for prenatal characteristics including maternal third trimester BMI, however, we observed no association of caesarean versus vaginal delivery with child BMI (β 0.05 kg/m2; 95%CI: −0.03, 0.14), sum of skinfolds (0.14 mm; −0.13, 0.42), waist circumference (−0.07 cm; −0.23, 0.10), obesity (OR 0.99; 0.76, 1.29), or systolic (−0.20 mmHg; −0.70, 0.30) or diastolic (−0.17 mmHg, −0.60, 0.26) blood pressure at 6.5 years; results were similar at 11.5 and 16 years. At 11.5 years, we observed a modest association of caesarean delivery with fasting insulin (0.33 mU/L; 0.00, 0.65).

Conclusions

Caesarean delivery had little or no association with adiposity or related cardio‐metabolic biomarkers in childhood. Adjustment for maternal BMI attenuated all outcome effect estimates.
Susceptibility and resistance in leprosy: Studies in the mouse model
Authors: Adams Linda B.
Published: March 2021

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by the pathogen, Mycobacterium leprae, and the more recently discovered, M. lepromatosis. Described in 1873, M. leprae was among the first microorganisms to be proposed as a cause of a human infectious disease. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, it has still not thus far been reproducibly cultivated in axenic medium or cell cultures. Shepard's mouse footpad assay, therefore, was truly a breakthrough in leprosy research. The generation of immunosuppressed and genetically engineered mice, along with advances in molecular and cellular techniques, has since offered more tools for the study of the M. leprae–induced granuloma. While far from perfect, these new mouse models have provided insights into the immunoregulatory mechanisms responsible for the spectrum of this complex disease.
The use of the success‐based decision rule to support the holistic evaluation process in FITradeoff
Authors: Roselli Lucia Reis Peixoto , de Almeida Adiel Teixeira
Published: March 2021

The flexible and interactive tradeoff (FITradeoff) method is a multi‐criteria decision‐making/aiding (MCDM/A) method in the context of the multi‐attribute value theory. The implementation of the FITradeoff method is supported by a decision support system (DSS), which includes an elicitation procedure for scaling constants with the flexibility of including a holistic evaluation. The holistic evaluation has graphics that can be used to assist decision‐makers (DMs) during the FITradeoff decision process. In this context, three neuroscience experiments have been conducted to investigate how a DM uses the graphics to evaluate an MCDM/A problem. Thus, the main contribution of this paper is to propose the success‐based decision rule. Based on this rule, recommendations are made concerning the holistic evaluation. The first is that this rule can assist the analyst to advise DMs with information on the visualization's probability of success. Second, this rule suggests improvements that can be made to the design of the FITradeoff DSS.
Phase content prediction in polymer‐derived ceramics with metal additives
Authors: Yang Ni , Lu Kathy
Published: March 2021

In this study, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) is selected as the base polymer to derive a SiOC ceramic (PDC) matrix, and four transition metals M (M = Ni, Mo, Co, and Zr) are individually introduced into the SiOC base to form various SiOC/M systems. SiOC‐Ni, SiOC‐MoCx, and SiOC‐CoSix are obtained by pyrolysis at 1100°C, whereas SiOC‐ZrOx forms upon pyrolysis at 1400°C. The selected SiOC/M systems encompass four different types of phase separation pathways—pure metal, metal carbide, metal silicide, and metal oxide (SiC‐SiO2‐C‐Ni, SiC‐SiO2‐C‐MoCx, SiC‐SiO2‐C‐CoSix, and SiC‐SiO2‐C‐ZrOx). The driving force for crystallization has been analyzed using a Gibbs free energy minimization method and phase fractions of these different PDC systems are calculated based on the lever rule. This work also reveals the energetics related to the quaternary systems and provides guidance to synthesizing metal‐containing PDCs with desired phase contents. In addition, we have examined the broad applicability of the phase content prediction method for a variety of other SiOC/M systems.
Effects of positive versus negative expressive writing exercises on adolescent academic achievement
Authors: Jones Brady K. , Destin Mesmin
Published: March 2021

A robust body of research has documented how expressive writing about difficult or traumatic experiences can be beneficial across a range of domains. Relatively little research, on the other hand, has documented the impact of expressive writing activities on positive events. In this randomized controlled trial, adolescents (N = 350) beginning ninth grade in three schools serving mostly low‐income students of color participated in a 45‐min writing workshop. They were prompted to write about either a negative or positive life event, then edit their writing to include themes thought to insulate them from the possible threats to identity that can come with the transition to high school. We find evidence that positive expressive writing activities are more academically beneficial than expressive writing about negative events. Compared with students who wrote about a failure and subsequent resilience, students who detailed how they attained an important success showed a more positive trajectory for absences (β = −.417; p = .008) and detentions (β = −.962; p = .034), and those who wrote about a generally happy life event showed a better trajectory for grade point average (β = .622; p = .043). Exploratory analyses also show that, regardless of condition, including themes of the “self as competent” and “savoring” good experiences was associated with improved academic outcomes. Including themes of “resilience” was not, across conditions, associated with improved outcomes unless students at the same time included “self as competent” themes.
Neuroprotective effect of ketamine against TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Wang Lu , Deng Bin , Yan Panpan , Wu Huanghui , Li Chunhui , Zhu Hongrui , Du Jiwei , Hou Lichao
Published: March 2021

Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a crucial cytokine, has various homeostatic and pathogenic bioactivities. The aim of this study was to assess the neuroprotective effect of ketamine against TNF‐α‐induced motor dysfunction and neuronal necroptosis in male C57BL/6J mice in vivo and HT‐22 cell lines in vitro. The behavioural testing results of the present study indicate that ketamine ameliorated TNF‐α‐induced neurological dysfunction. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining results showed that TNF‐α‐induced brain dysfunction was caused by necroptosis and microglial activation, which could be attenuated by ketamine pre‐treatment inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like phosphorylation in hippocampal neurons. Therefore, we concluded that ketamine may have neuroprotective effects as a potent inhibitor of necroptosis, which provides a new theoretical and experimental basis for the application of ketamine in TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis‐associated diseases.
Risk of early mortality and cardiovascular disease according to the presence of recently diagnosed diabetes and requirement for insulin treatment: A nationwide study
Authors: Lee You‐Bin , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongsung , Choi Min Sun , Park Jiyun , Kim Minyoung , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Gyuri , Kim Jae Hyeon
Published: March 2021

Aims/Introduction

We estimated the hazards of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and early all‐cause mortality in Korean adults according to the presence of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes for <5 years) and insulin use.

Materials and Methods

We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort database (2002–2015) for this longitudinal population‐based study. Among adults aged ≥40 years without baseline CVD, individuals without diabetes or with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes were selected (N = 363,919). The hazard ratios (HRs) for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all‐cause mortality during follow‐up were analyzed according to three groups categorized by the presence of type 2 diabetes and insulin use.

Results

Within a mean 7.8 years, there were 5,275 MIs, 7,220 strokes, and 15,834 deaths. The hazards for outcomes were higher in the insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes group than in the non‐diabetes group [HR (95% CI): 2.344 (1.870–2.938) for MI, 2.420 (1.993–2.937) for stroke, and 3.037 (2.706–3.407) for death], higher in the non‐insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes group than in the non‐diabetes group [HR (95% CI): 1.284 (1.159–1.423) for MI, 1.435 (1.320–1.561) for stroke, and 1.135 (1.067–1.206) for death], and higher in the insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes group than in the non‐insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes group [HR (95% CI): 1.914 (1.502–2.441) for MI, 1.676 (1.363–2.060) for stroke, and 2.535 (2.232–2.880) for death].

Conclusions

Recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients showed increased risks of incident CVDs and premature mortality, and insulin‐treated group demonstrated an additional increase in the risks of these outcomes in adults with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, suggesting the need for intensified cardio‐protective interventions for adults with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes.
Understanding the changes in particle size, structure, and functional properties of waxy maize starch after jet‐milling treatments
Authors: Wang Lidong , Li Xiaoqiang , Yu Shibo , Liu Shilin , Lang Shuangjing
Published: March 2021

Waxy maize starch was subjected to fluidized bed jet milling treatments at classifier frequencies of 2,400, 3,000, and 3,600 rpm. Changes in the structure and physicochemical properties of waxy maize starch after jet milling were investigated and compared with the untreated starch. With an increase in classifier frequency, the particle size of starch significantly (p < .05) decreased and showed bimodal distribution after jet milling. The microscopy analysis indicated that surface of starch granules became rough with irregular shapes after jet milling treatment compared to smooth and regular shape for the untreated starch. The birefringence and X‐ray diffraction analyses showed that the jet milling destroyed the crystalline areas and decreased crystallinity of the starch. The micronized starch samples showed significantly lower (p < .05) gelatinization temperature, enthalpy, and viscosity than those of the untreated starch. However, an increase in special surface area, water solubility, swelling power, and pasting stability was found after jet milling of the waxy maize starch. Additionally, light transparency of the starch increased as temperature increased but decreased with storage time. The observed results showed that modified starch can be produced by jet milling.
Patient Experience with Postpartum Pain Management in the Face of the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Leziak Karolina , Yee Lynn M. , Grobman William A. , Badreldin Nevert
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Professional societies have urged providers to reduce opioid use for pain management. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to assess patient experiences related to postpartum pain management in an effort to better understand potential paths to achieve such a reduction.

Methods

This is a planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of opioid use following birth. In the primary study, women who received opioids as inpatients were queried about their pain management, including questions about pain experience, pain satisfaction, perceived areas for practice improvement, and the opportunity to leave additional comments. Participants who were prescribed opioids upon discharge completed postdischarge surveys with a similar opportunity for qualitative input. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes and subthemes.

Results

Of the 493 women enrolled in the primary analysis, 125 provided qualitative data. Three overarching themes regarding pain management were identified: positive experiences (n = 22), negative experiences (n = 19), and beliefs and preferences on opioid use and pain management (n = 28). Women with positive experiences reported satisfaction with timely pain medication administration and appreciation of open dialogue with their care team. In contrast, several negative experiences centered on tardy administration of pain medications, resulting in increased pain. Patients also perceived judgment, accusation, and excessive lecturing by staff when requesting opioid medications. Finally, participants expressed the necessity for opioids for postpartum pain management, as well as their desires for limiting opioid use, improved options for multimodal pain management, and increased communication with providers about pain regimens.

Discussion

Understanding women's perspectives and experiences regarding postpartum pain control is essential to improving care. Amid growing research on the role of maternity care providers in addressing the opioid crisis, women's voices are rarely solicited. These findings stress the importance of open and frequent dialogue between patients and providers and a need for multimodal pain management options.
Compliance with treatment and fear of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yuksel Merve , Bektas Hicran
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the compliance with treatment and fear of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background

One of the important problems of patients is the fear of hypoglycaemia and compliance with treatment, which impairs general health and quality of life. It is believed that nurses contribute to the improvement of compliance with treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, a decrease in hypoglycaemia rates.

Design

This study was conducted as a descriptive study. The STROBE checklist was used.

Methods

The study was carried out with 376 patients with type 2 diabetes between January and June 2019. The Patient Information Form, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Patient Compliance Scale and Hypoglycemia Fear Survey applied and SAS 9.4 package program was used for statistical analysis. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, t test, chi‐square and variation analysis.

Results

It was determined that 58.2% of the participants were female, mean age was 62.19 ± 9.60, 57.7% were primary school graduates, 50.3% were using oral antidiabetic, and 34.5% were using oral antidiabetic and insulin. Patients’ compliance with treatment was moderate (60.9%). According to the mean score of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey, the patients had a low level of fear of hypoglycaemia ( = 1.20). There was a statistically significant difference between compliance and fear of hypoglycaemia and education, economic status, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, physical activity and education about diabetes (p < .05). Patients with type 2 diabetes had decreased compliance with treatment with increased fear of hypoglycaemia (p < .05).

Conclusion

The participants’ compliance with the treatment was moderate, and the fear of hypoglycaemia mean score was low. Nursing interventions should be planned to increase compliance with treatment and reduce the fear of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Assessing the fear of hypoglycaemia and the level of compliance with treatment by healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in patients with type 2 diabetes and providing education on this subject can be helpful in reducing the fear of hypoglycaemia, increasing treatment compliance and providing optimal glycaemic control.