bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of dynamic navigation in implant surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Shi‐Min , Zhu Yu , Wei Jian‐Xu , Zhang Chu‐Nan , Shi Jun‐Yu , Lai Hong‐Chang
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the accuracy of dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery.

Materials and methods

An electronic search up to March 2020 was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial to identify studies using dynamic navigation in implant surgery, and additional manual search was performed as well. Clinical trials and model studies were selected. The primary outcome was accuracy. A single‐arm meta‐analysis of continuous data was conducted. Meta‐regression was utilized for comparison on study design, guidance method, jaw, and systems.

Results

Ten studies, four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and six prospective studies, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1,298 drillings and implants were evaluated. The meta‐analysis of the accuracy (five clinical trials and five model studies) revealed average global platform deviation, global apex deviation, and angular deviation were 1.02 mm, 95% CI (0.83, 1.21), 1.33 mm, 95% CI (0.98, 1.67), and 3.59°, 95% CI (2.09, 5.09). Meta‐regression shown no difference between model studies and clinical trials (p = .295, 0.336, 0.185), drilling holes and implant (p = .36, 0.279, 0.695), maxilla and mandible (p = .875, 0.632, 0.281), and five different systems (p = .762, 0.342, 0.336).

Conclusion

Accuracy of dynamic computer‐aided implant surgery reaches a clinically acceptable range and has potential in clinical usage, but more patient‐centered outcomes and socio‐economic benefits should be reported.
Biotic and abiotic determinants of finescale dace distribution at the southern edge of their range
Authors: Booher Evan C. J. , Walters Annika W.
Published: February 2021

Aim

The factors that set range limits for animal populations can inform management plans aimed at maintaining regional biodiversity. We examine abiotic and biotic drivers of the distribution of finescale dace (Chrosomus neogaeus) in two Great Plains basins to identify limiting factors for a threatened freshwater fish population at the edge of their range.

Location

Great Plains, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming, USA.

Methods

We investigated abiotic and biotic factors influencing the contemporary distribution of finescale dace in the Belle Fourche and Niobrara River basins with Random Forests classification models using fish surveys from multiple agencies spanning 2008–2019 and GIS‐derived environmental data.

Results

In both basins, finescale dace occurrence exhibited a nonlinear response to mean August water temperature. Abiotic covariates, including streamflow, water temperature and channel slope, were important limiting factors in the final model fit with Belle Fourche River basin surveys (n = 131). In contrast, a biotic covariate, native minnow richness, was the most important predictor of finescale dace occurrence in the Niobrara River basin model (n = 27). In the Niobrara River, native minnow richness was lower at sites with non‐native northern pike (Esox lucius).

Main conclusions

Basin‐specific analyses revealed context dependencies for species–environment relationships, which can inform targeted restoration actions. Similar relationships between water temperature and finescale dace occurrence across both basins suggest summer thermal habitat as a regional limiting factor. The importance of biotic interactions in the Niobrara River highlights an emergent threat from invasive predators to a distinct assemblage of native prairie fishes.
The quality of diabetes care among cancer survivors: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liang Xinyun , Etches Jacob , Pinzaru Bogdan , Tu Karen , Jaakkimainen Liisa , Lipscombe Lorraine
Published: February 2021

Background

As cancer survivorship continues to improve, management of co‐morbid diabetes has become an increasingly important determinant of health outcomes for people with cancer. This study aimed to compare indicators of diabetes quality of care between people with diabetes and without a history of cancer.

Methods

We used the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD), a database of Ontario primary care EMR charts linked to administrative data, to identify people with diabetes and at least 1 year follow‐up. Persons with a history of cancer were matched 1:2 on age, sex and diabetes duration to those without cancer. We compared recommended diabetes quality of care indicators between persons with and without cancer using a matched cohort analysis.

Results

Among 229,627 people with diabetes, we identified 2275 people with cancer and 4550 matched controls; 86.5% had diabetes diagnosed after cancer. Compared to controls, cancer people with diabetes were significantly less likely to receive ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.64–0.89]), receive statin therapy if age 50–80 years (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.68–0.92]) and achieve an LDL cholesterol level <2.0 mmol/L (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.74–0.91]). There were no differences in recommended clinical testing or achieving A1C and blood pressure targets between groups.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors with diabetes are less likely to receive recommended cardiovascular risk‐reducing therapies compared to people with diabetes without cancer of similar age, sex and diabetes duration. Further studies are warranted to determine if these associations are linked to worse survival, cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life.
The use of liraglutide 3.0 mg daily in the management of overweight and obesity in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and first episode psychosis: Results of a pilot randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Whicher Clare A. , Price Hermione C. , Phiri Peter , Rathod Shanaya , Barnard‐Kelly Katharine , Ngianga Kandala , Thorne Kerensa , Asher Carolyn , Peveler Robert C. , McCarthy Joanne , Holt Richard I. G.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of using liraglutide 3.0 mg daily in the management of overweight and obesity in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and first episode psychosis.

Materials and Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot trial took place in mental health centres and primary care within Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. The participants were adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or first‐episode psychosis prescribed antipsychotic medication who were overweight or obese. The intervention was once‐daily subcutaneous liraglutide or placebo, titrated to 3.0 mg daily, for 6 months. The primary outcomes were recruitment, consent, retention and adherence. The secondary exploratory outcomes were weight, HbA1c and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Results

Seven hundred and ninety‐nine individuals were screened for eligibility. The most common reasons for exclusion were ineligibility (44%) and inability to make contact (28%). The acceptance rate, as a proportion of all eligible participants, was 12.2%. The most commonly stated reason why eligible candidates declined to participate related to the study‐specific medication and protocol (n = 50). Forty‐seven participants were randomized, with 79% completing the trial. Participants in the liraglutide arm lost a mean 5.7 ± 7.9 kg compared with no significant weight change in the placebo group (treatment difference −6.0 kg, p = .015). Body mass index, waist circumference and HbA1c were reduced in the intervention group.

Conclusions

This study supports the need for a larger randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of liraglutide (maximum dose 3.0 mg daily) in the management of obesity in people with severe mental illness.
War and trade in the peaceful century: the impact of interstate wars on bilateral trade flows during the first wave of globalization, 1830–1913†
Authors: Karlsson Lars , Hedberg Peter
Published: February 2021

This article examines the impact of war on trade between 1830 and 1913, that is, during the so‐called first wave of globalization. It has been argued that one of the main reasons for the rapid integration of commodity and factor markets that took place during this period was the peaceful character of the post‐Napoleonic nineteenth century. However, little research has been conducted on the actual impact of wars on international trade during this period. Previous research on the link between war and trade in general has found that war reduces trade both between belligerents and between belligerents and third parties (or neutrals). Apart from a handful of country case studies, this research has focused almost exclusively on the period before or after the peaceful nineteenth century. Our results show that, in the nineteenth century, the negative influence of war on trade was mainly limited to the belligerent economies, while belligerent–neutral trade was either unaffected or even increased during times of war. Also, in contrast to the findings of research on twentieth‐century wars, we find that nineteenth‐century wars had a strictly contemporaneous impact on trade, with a return to normalcy ensuing shortly after the cessation of hostilities.
Preserving 40% forest cover is a valuable and well‐supported conservation guideline: reply to Banks‐Leite et al
Authors: Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Fahrig Lenore , Watling James I. , Nowakowski Justin , Tabarelli Marcelo , Tischendorf Lutz , Melo Felipe P. L. , Santos Bráulio A. , Benchimol Maíra , Morante‐Filho Jose Carlos , Slik J. W. Ferry , Vieira Ima C. G. , Tscharntke Teja
Published: February 2021

Banks‐Leite et al. (2021) claim that our suggestion of preserving ≥ 40% forest cover lacks evidence and can be problematic. We find these claims unfounded, and discuss why conservation planning urgently requires valuable, well‐supported and feasible general guidelines like the 40% criterion. Using region‐specific thresholds worldwide is unfeasible and potentially harmful.
Urban prevalence of multiple sclerosis in China: A population‐based study in six provinces
Authors: Xu Lu , Chen Lu , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Zhan Siyan , Fan Dongsheng
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare neurological disease addressed by only few epidemiological studies in China. This population‐based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MS in China by using national medical insurance databases.

Methods

Data from the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance database and the Urban Residence Basic Medical Insurance database, which were collected during 2012 to 2016 and included approximately 0.20 billion residents in six provinces, were used in this population‐based study. The prevalent patients with MS were identified via diagnostic text or disease codes.

Results

The crude prevalence in 2016 was 2.44 per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.18–2.72), with the prevalence in females being higher than that in males. The standardized prevalence (based on 2010 Chinese census data) was 2.29 (95% CI 2.21–2.38). The prevalence in both sexes in 2016 increased up to the age range of 30–34 years. Subsequently, the female prevalence declined with increasing age, but male prevalence stabilized with increasing age. During the 5‐year time period, prevalence ranged from 2.32 (95% CI 2.06–2.60) in 2015 to 2.91 (95% CI 2.39–3.47) in 2012.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MS in China was lower than that in Europe and North America. The temporal trend of prevalence in China was also observed to be stable. As the first prevalence study of MS in mainland China, this population‐based study can provide useful information for worldwide healthcare services and prevention of MS.
Meta‐research publications in dentistry: a review
Authors: Faggion Clovis M. , Listl Stefan , Smits Kirsten P.J.
Published: February 2021

The present scoping review has the objective of providing an overview of meta‐research in dentistry. A search of the PubMed database was performed for the period 11 October 2014 to 10 October 2019. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by one author; prior to this, a random sample of 10% of the retrieved titles and abstracts were independently screened by two authors, achieving agreement of >80% on eligibility for initial inclusion, corresponding to good agreement. The following information was extracted from the full text of each article: meta‐research area of interest; study design; type of studies evaluated in the meta‐research; type of methodology used in assessment of the primary research; conflicts of interest reported; sponsorships reported; dental discipline; journal of publication; country of the first author; number of citations; and impact factor. A total of 7800 documents were initially retrieved. After analysis of the title/abstract and the full text of each article, and a snowballing procedure, 155 meta‐research studies were identified and included. The ‘methods’ and ‘reporting’ meta‐research areas were the most prevalent, with 73 (47%) and 61 (40%) studies, respectively. General dentistry, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics were the dental specialties with the greatest number/proportion of included studies with 45 (29%) and 28 (18%) studies, respectively. These findings may help to prioritize future meta‐research in dentistry, consequently avoiding unnessecary investigations, and increasing the value of oral and dental research.
Radiological, vascular osteochondrosis occurs in the distal tarsus, and may cause osteoarthritis
Authors: Sigurdsson Sigurdur F. , Olstad Kristin , Ley Charles J. , Björnsdóttir Sigriður , Griffiths David J. , Fjordbakk Cathrine T.
Published: February 2021

Background

Osteochondrosis occurs due to failure of the blood supply to growth cartilage. Osteochondrosis lesions have been identified in small tarsal bones and suggested to cause distal tarsal osteoarthritis; however, it has not been determined whether distal tarsal osteochondrosis lesions were the result of vascular failure.

Objectives

To perform post‐mortem arterial perfusion and micro‐computed tomography (CT) of the central (CTB) and third tarsal bones (TIII) of fetuses and foals up to 5 months old, to describe tarsal development and any lesions detected.

Study design

Descriptive, nonconsecutive case series.

Methods

Twenty‐three animals that died or were euthanased from 228 days of gestation to 5 months old were collected, comprising two fetuses and nine foals of miscellaneous breeds and 12 Icelandic Horse foals, a breed with high prevalence of distal tarsal osteoarthritis. One hindlimb from each foal was perfused arterially with barium, and the CTB and TIII were examined with micro‐CT.

Results

Perfusion yielded partial information from 41% of the animals. The CTB and TIII were supplied by nutrient arteries and perichondrial vessels with vertical, transverse and circumferential configurations. Fourteen of the 23 (61%) animals had focal defects in the ossification front, that is, radiological osteochondrosis. The majority of lesions matched the configuration and development of vertical vessels. Additionally, full‐thickness, cylindrical defects matched transverse vessels, and the long axes of some dorsal lesions matched circumferential vessels.

Main limitations

Lack of histological validation.

Conclusions

Post‐mortem perfusion was poor for examination of the blood supply to the growth cartilage of the CTB and TIII. Radiological osteochondrosis lesions were compatible with vascular failure because they were focal, and because lesion geometry matched vessel configuration. The relationship between osteochondrosis and distal tarsal osteoarthritis warrants further investigation.
Interprovincial separation between headquarters and registered addresses: The case of listed companies in China
Authors: Hu Guojian , Liang Xiaomin , Lu Yuqi , Chen Yu
Published: February 2021

The separation between a corporate headquarters and its registered address is no longer a rare phenomenon, which not only exerts an important socioeconomic impact but also leads to deviations from reality in the conclusions of many studies that use the registered address as the location of corporate headquarters. We take Chinese A‐share listed companies as an example to investigate the interprovincial separation between headquarters and registered addresses and its formation process and use a logistic model to analyze the impact of company attributes on the interprovincial separation between headquarters and registered addresses. The results show that the companies with separate headquarters and registered addresses account for approximately one‐third of all listed companies; 177 companies have their headquarters and registered addresses in different provinces. These companies are usually headquartered in economically developed cities (such as Beijing and Shanghai), while their registered addresses are mainly located in general cities. Inconsistent interprovincial migration between headquarters and registered addresses is the main reason for the interprovincial separation of the two. The logistic model demonstrates that industry, organizational form, city level of the registered address, special treatment, and restructuring exert varying degrees of influence on the interprovincial separation between headquarters and registered addresses.
Multi‐Constrained Catchment Scale Optimization of Groundwater Abstraction Using Linear Programming
Authors: Danapour Mehrdis , Fienen Michael N. , Højberg Anker Lajer , Jensen Karsten Høgh , Stisen Simon
Published: February 2021

Due to increasing water demands globally, freshwater ecosystems are under constant pressure. Groundwater resources, as the main source of accessible freshwater, are crucially important for irrigation worldwide. Over‐abstraction of groundwater leads to declines in groundwater levels; consequently, the groundwater inflow to streams decreases. The reduction in baseflow and alteration of the streamflow regime can potentially have an adverse effect on groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. A spatially distributed, coupled groundwater–surface water model can simulate the impacts of groundwater abstraction on aquatic ecosystems. A constrained optimization algorithm and a simulation model in combination can provide an objective tool for the water practitioner to evaluate the interplay between economic benefits of groundwater abstractions and requirements to environmental flow. In this study, a holistic catchment‐scale groundwater abstraction optimization framework has been developed that allows for a spatially explicit optimization of groundwater abstraction, while fulfilling a predefined maximum allowed reduction of streamflow (baseflow [Q95] or median flow [Q50]) as constraint criteria for 1484 stream locations across the catchment. A balanced K‐Means clustering method was implemented to reduce the computational burden of the optimization. The model parameters and observation uncertainties calculated based on Bayesian linear theory allow for a risk assessment on the optimized groundwater abstraction values. The results from different optimization scenarios indicated that using the linear programming optimization algorithm in conjunction with integrated models provides valuable information for guiding the water practitioners in designing an effective groundwater abstraction plan with the consideration of environmental flow criteria important for the ecological status of the entire system.
Customised targeted massively parallel sequencing enables more precise diagnosis of patients with epilepsy
Authors: Atli Emine Ikbal , Atli Engin , Yalcintepe Sinem , Demir Selma , Kalkan Rasime , Eker Damla , Gurkan Hakan
Published: February 2021

Background

Advancement in genetic technology has led to the identification of an increasing number of genes in epilepsy. This will provide a lot of information in clinical practice and improve the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

Aim

To show the importance of genes in the next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel during the evaluation of epilepsy and to emphasise the importance of genetic studies in different populations for the evaluation of genes that cause disease.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of 80 patients who underwent NGS testing with a customised epilepsy panel.

Results

In a total of 54 (67.5%) out of 80 patients, pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) were identified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (n = 35) were identified in 29 (36.25%) out of 80 individuals. VOUS (n = 34) were identified in 28 (35%) out of 80 patients. Pathogenic, likely pathogenic and VOUS were most frequently identified in TSC2 (n = 11), SCN1A (n = 6) and TSC1 (n = 5) genes. Other common genes were KCNQ2 (n = 3), AMT (n = 3), CACNA1H (n = 3), CLCN2 (n = 3), MECP2 (n = 2), ASAH1 (n = 2) and SLC2A1 (n = 2).

Conclusions

NGS‐based testing panels contribute to the diagnosis of epilepsy and might change the clinical management by preventing unnecessary and potentially harmful diagnostic procedures and management in patients. Thus, our results highlight the benefit of genetic testing in children suffering with epilepsy.
Probing infants’ sensitivity to pupil size when viewing eyes
Authors: Haynes Katherine T. , Kelsey Caroline M. , Grossmann Tobias
Published: February 2021

Sensitive responding to eye cues plays a key role in human social interactions. Pupil size provides subtle cues regarding a social interaction partner's arousal states. The current study assessed infants’ sensitivity to and preference for differences in pupil size. Specifically, we examined White 14‐month‐old infants’ pupillary responses when viewing own‐race and other‐race (Asian) eyes with dilating, constricting, and static medium‐sized pupils. Our results show that, independent of race, infants’ pupils dilated more when viewing eyes with dynamically changing (dilating and constricting) pupils than when viewing eyes with non‐changing, static, and medium‐sized pupils. We also measured infants’ looking preferences, showing that, independent of race, infants preferentially attended to eyes with dilated pupils. Moreover, our results show that infants orient more quickly to pupillary changes in own‐race eyes than in other‐race eyes. These findings demonstrate that infants detect, but do not mimic, changes in pupil size in others and show a preference for eyes with dilated pupils.
Experimental approach to probe into mechanisms of high‐temperature erosion of NbB2‐ZrO2
Authors: Maity Taraknath , Gopinath Nagarajan Kirupakaran , Biswas Krishanu , Basu Bikramjit
Published: February 2021

In the backdrop of potential applications of boride‐based materials in high‐speed supersonic aircrafts, the present investigation probes in comprehending the mechanisms of high‐temperature erosive wear of spark plasma sintered NbB2‐ZrO2 composite. The solid particle erosion experiments were performed at different temperatures starting from room temperature (25°C) to 800°C using Al2O3 particles (50 μm). The air‐erodent particle mixture was impinged toward the target surface at normal impact with a velocity of 50 m/s. The detailed microstructural analysis using HRTEM reveals the generation and accumulation of a large number of dislocations within NbB2 and ZrO2 grains of the eroded surfaces. Such observations indicate the activation of dislocation plasticity during erosion at 800°C. XRD‐based analyses provided residual stress‐based interpretation for the enhancement of erosion resistance at high temperatures. In contrast, substantial material loss via brittle failure, involving the generation and intersection of the lateral/radial cracks, was recorded after room temperature erosion. In case of erosion at 400°C and 800°C, the residual stress relaxes as a consequence of high‐temperature exposure prior to erosion. The accumulation of dislocations near the crater region and shot peening phenomena play a dominant role in decreasing erosion rate with increasing erosion test temperature.
Mandatory Virtual Design Studio for All: Exploring the Transformations of Architectural Education amidst the Global Pandemic
Authors: Iranmanesh Aminreza , Onur Zeynep
Published: February 2021

Virtual design studio (VDS) has been a part of the discourse of architectural pedagogy for the past two decades. VDS has been showcased as a potential educational tool in schools of architecture often in controlled, pre‐designed experiments. However, the global COVID‐19 pandemic has forced most schools to move their design studios into virtual space. This article aims to explore the potential advantages and shortcomings of VDS during the COVID‐19 quarantine from the perspective of students in a department of architecture. The study investigates three aspects of VDS namely, participating students’ evaluation of the virtual studio experience, the effectiveness of VDS in achieving the studio’s expected learning outcomes and the evaluation process for final design projects. Some 360 students from eight consecutive design studios participated in the study. The results indicate improvement in students’ ability to conduct independent research and in learning new computer‐aided design (CAD) software. Furthermore, the study finds VDS to be much more applicable for third‐ and fourth‐year students. The results also show a significant decline in background informal peer learning among students. Further studies are needed to address the implementation of a more immersive social experience in VDS.
Survival of Staphylococcus aureus on sampling swabs stored at different temperatures
Authors: Panisello Yagüe D. , Mihaljevic J. , Mbegbu M. , Wood C.V. , Hepp C. , Kyman S. , Hornstra H. , Trotter R. , Cope E. , Pearson T.
Published: February 2021

Aims

To understand the impact of storage temperature on recovery of Staphylococcus aureus on sampling swabs. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections, but also causes a variety of life-threatening diseases. With a large pool of asymptomatic carriers and transmission that can occur even through indirect contact, mitigation efforts have had limited success. Swab sampling, followed by culturing, is a cornerstone of epidemiological studies, however, S. aureus viability on swabs stored at different temperatures has not been characterized.

Methods and Results

We determined survival rates on swabs stored at five different temperatures. Samples stored at −70°C had no decay over time while samples stored at higher temperatures showed an exponential decay in viability. Mortality rates were greatest for swabs stored at 37°C. Survival at intermediate temperatures (−20 to 20·5°C) did not differ significantly, however, we observed more variation at higher temperatures.

Conclusions

To maximize recovery of S. aureus cells, samples should be stored at −70°C or processed for culturing without delay.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Epidemiological studies of bacterial diseases are typically limited to determination of pathogen presence/absence, yet quantitative assessments of pathogen load and genetic diversity can provide insights into disease progression and severity, likelihood of transmission and adaptive evolutionary potential. For studies of S. aureus where time or access to a microbiology laboratory may delay culturing, deep freezing or timely culturing will maximize the degree to which sampling results reflect source status.
Evolution of wing length and melanin‐based coloration in insular populations of a cosmopolitan raptor
Authors: Romano Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Roulin Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Aim

Insular populations face different conditions than those living on continents, thus, resulting in the evolution of typical insular phenotypes, like smaller body sizes or reduced colourations. However, the generality of the so‐called “island rule” has been questioned, and intraspecific analyses on the effects of insularity on cosmopolitan species are lacking. Here, we tested the predictions of the island rule in the cosmopolitan common barn owl group.

Location

World.

Taxon

Barn owl species complex.

Methods

We compared wing and bill length, as well as melanin‐based plumage traits, between thousands of insular and continental barn owls living in the Afro‐Palearctic region (Tyto alba), in the Americas (Tyto furcata) and in Australasia (Tyto javanica). We also tested whether the difference between insular and continental populations in these phenotypic traits varies among islands/archipelagos of different size and isolation.

Results

In all the regions, we found differences between insular and continental owls in all the traits but bill length, with insular populations convergently evolving shorter wings and paler colourations. In addition, the difference in wing size between insular and continental populations is particularly marked on small and remote island systems, while melanin‐based traits are less expressed especially on large islands.

Main conclusions

We thus provide unprecedented evidence that insular conditions drive predictable phenotypic variations, even at the intraspecific level in different biogeographic regions, possibly promoting speciation events. In addition, our results also indicate that selective advantages of a given colouration can arise as the by‐product of positive selection on individuals displaying phenotypic traits which can favour island colonization and are genetically linked to melanization.
Valuing health states of people with type 2 diabetes: Analyses of the nationwide representative linked databases
Authors: Kuo Shihchen , Yang Chun‐Ting , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Ou Huang‐Tz
Published: February 2021

Aims/Introduction

To estimate preference‐based measures of health‐related quality of life associated with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

Individuals with EuroQol‐5 dimensions‐3 levels data were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Interview Survey in 2009 and 2013. Status of diabetes, comorbidities, complications and treatments were ascertained through data linkage to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Multivariable ordinary least squares, Tobit and median regression analyses were used to estimate the coefficients that represented independent impacts of patients’ characteristics on health‐related quality of life.

Results

The mean health utility score for 2,104 participants was 0.838. Being female, aging, divorced/widowed, never worked or underweight, or having a lower monthly household income, injectable glucose‐lowering therapy, comorbid connective tissue disease or depression were associated with lower health utilities. Having an amputation led to the largest reduction by 0.288 in health utilities, followed by debilitating stroke (0.266), heart failure (0.237), other coronary heart disease (0.185), kidney dialysis/transplant (0.148), coronary revascularizations (0.093), transient ischemic attack/stroke (0.078), diabetic neuropathy (0.062), polyneuropathy (0.055) and other neuropathy (0.043).

Conclusions

Major vascular complications, connective tissue disease and depression are associated with considerably worse health‐related quality of life. These health utility estimates can facilitate health economic evaluations to determine cost‐effective strategies for diabetes management.
Effects of apple polyphenols and chitosan‐based coatings on quality and shelf life of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) as determined by low field nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Lan Weiqing , Liu Jiali , Wang Meng , Xie Jing
Published: February 2021

In this study, the effects of apple polyphenols (AP) with chitosan (CS) coating on quality enhancement of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during ice storage was assessed. Microbiological (total viable counts [TVC], psychrophilic bacteria counts [PBC], H2S‐producing bacteria counts, Pseudomonas bacteria counts) and physicochemical (K‐value, total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], thiobarbituric acid [TBA], water‐holding capacity [WHC] and color difference) indicators were measured periodically. Meanwhile, low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the changes in moisture and lipid. The results showed that AP combined with CS could inhibit the increase of TVC, K‐value, TBA, and TVB‐N. Meanwhile, the results of LF‐NMR showed that group treated with 1.0%AP + 2.0%CS was superior in water retention, but overall water loss in different groups was less, which was similar to the change of WHC. For fluorescence intensity analysis, 1.0%AP + 2.0%CS group showed a slower increase than other groups during whole storage period, which was consistent with TBA value. In conclusion, the shelf life of large yellow croaker in control group was 8 days, while 1.0% AP combined with 2.0% CS could retard the quality deterioration and prolong the shelf life for another 8 days.
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Consolidation in Emerging Economies: New Narrative Evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: CARRIÈRE‐SWALLOW YAN , DAVID ANTONIO C. , LEIGH DANIEL
Published: February 2021

We estimate the effects of fiscal consolidation on economic activity based on a new narrative data set for 14 emerging economies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Following a Romer and Romer identification approach, we examine contemporaneous policy documents to identify changes in fiscal policy motivated by a desire to reduce the budget deficit and not by responding to the economic cycle. We find that a fiscal consolidation of 1% of GDP reduces real GDP by, on average, 0.9% in two years. The estimated effects are close to those we find for advanced economies based on a comparable narrative data set. We also find a strong “twin deficits” relation in LAC, with fiscal consolidation triggering an adjustment of the current account balance and depreciation of the real exchange rate that are more pronounced than in advanced economies.
Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerance of a cosmetic mask containing 89% of vichy volcanic mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid after facial laser procedures
Authors: Torreao Paulo , Phua Edmond , Clark Raphael , Fernandes Erika , Pontes Thais , Fonseca Ana P. , Singh Nadia , Seesurn Bandana , Nielsen Marion , Valois Audrey , Kerob Delphine
Published: February 2021

Background

M89 M (Mineral 89 mask, Laboratoires Vichy, France), containing 89% Vichy volcanic mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid, aims to strengthen and repair skin barrier.

Aims

To assess the efficacy, tolerance, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL) using M89 M after laser procedures (LP).

Methods

M89 M was applied immediately post‐LP for 10 minutes, then daily for 5 days and 2‐3 times a week, up to 28 days on the faces of 51 women. Evaluations were performed immediately post‐LP, immediately after M89 M application at D0, D1, D5, and D28, and included criteria such as erythema and skin dryness. Subjects scored burning and warm sensations, itching, skin tightness, and stinging. Skin hydration using a Corneometer, skin barrier integrity using a Tewameter, and erythema using a Chromameter were assessed. Local tolerance and adverse events were recorded. After 28 days, subjects answered a questionnaire regarding the M89 M subjective cosmetic properties and QOL.

Results

All subjects were in their mid‐forties with a phototype of II, III, or IV. M89 M significantly (P < .001) reduced the immediate cutaneous discomfort sensation and laser procedure‐related symptoms (burning, warmth sensation, itching/stinging, skin tightness). Skin hydration, and erythema, assessed using instrumental measures, were also significantly improved immediately after mask application (P ≤ .01). Subjects highly appreciated M89 M and their QOL improved after 28 days of use. Local tolerance was good to excellent in both studies.

Conclusion

M89 M is effective and safe immediately after esthetic procedures such as ablative and nonablative lasers and also improves the subject's QOL.
A cross‐sectional study on clinico‐dermoscopic features of periorbital melanosis in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ramakrishnan Smera , Hegde Spandana P. , Shenoy Manjunath M. , Pinto Malcolm , M Iqbal Amina A. , Amin Vishal B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Periorbital melanosis (POM) is an esthetic facial concern on increasing trend and has a severe emotional impact on patients. We aimed to study the clinical and dermoscopic patterns of periorbital melanosis to aid in the classification and strategize therapy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted on one hundred patients with POM in a tertiary care center in India from January 2020‐March 2020. Dermoscopic assessment of POM was done using video dermatoscope– FotoFinder Medicam 1000s (magnification up to 140x).

Results

The mean age of participants was 32.8 ± 9 years. It was more prevalent among females (78%). The constitutional type (43%) of POM was the most common followed by shadow‐effect type (32%). The various dermoscopic pigmentary patterns seen were scattered pigmented dots (56%), exaggerated pigment network (31%), globules (30%), and blotches (27%). Dilated veins and telangiectasia were seen in 50% and 32% of subjects, respectively. Exaggerated skin markings were seen in 43% of participants. Scattered pigmented dots were most commonly seen in constitutional, vascular, and shadow types but were significantly associated with vascular type. Exaggerated pigment network was the most frequent pigmentary pattern in post‐inflammatory type of POM. Globules were significantly associated with constitutional as well as shadow type of POM and blotches with shadow type of POM.

Conclusions

Periorbital melanosis presents as multifactorial entity with constitutional type being the most common. The dermoscopic patterns of POM may provide a clue to the underlying etiology, thereby helping to plan appropriate treatment.
Anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy among nurses during COVID‐19 pandemic: A large cross‐sectional study
Authors: Simonetti Valentina , Durante Angela , Ambrosca Rossella , Arcadi Paola , Graziano Giusi , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Simeone Silvio , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Cicolini Giancarlo
Published: February 2021

Aim and objectives

To assess the prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy and their predicting factors among nurses facing COVID‐19.

Background

The spread of COVID‐19 throughout the world determined a series of modifications of several National Health Service organisations, with a potential series of psychological consequences among nurses, who were particularly afflicted by this situation of changes and precariousness.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was carried out from February–April 2020.

Methods

A total of 1,005 nurses employed in different Italian hospital wards, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, were recruited. Analyses were based on descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used in this study.

Results

The prevalence of sleep disturbances, moderate anxiety and low self‐efficacy was 71.4%, 33.23% and 50.65%, respectively. We found a positive correlation between anxiety and sleep quality (0.408; p < .0001) and negative correlations between self‐efficacy and anxiety (−0.217; p < .0001) and sleep quality and self‐efficacy (−0.134; p < .0001).

The factor independently associated with all variables was gender. Females were more prone to sleep disturbances, anxiety and low levels of self‐efficacy than males (p < .05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and low self‐efficacy among Italian nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic was high. Healthcare managers should recognise and consider these results to reduce the risk of the onset of major mental problems that could result in post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses facing major incidents as COVID‐19 pandemic are among healthcare personnel exposed to a high risk to develop psychological disturbance that should be assessed and recognised, in order to find helpful coping strategies to inform support services and avoid to hesitate in post‐traumatic stress disorders.
Foreign Safe Asset Demand and the Dollar Exchange Rate
Authors: JIANG ZHENGYANG , KRISHNAMURTHY ARVIND , LUSTIG HANNO
Published: February 2021

We develop a theory that links the U.S. dollar's valuation in FX markets to the convenience yield that foreign investors derive from holding U.S. safe assets. We show that this convenience yield can be inferred from the Treasury basis, the yield gap between U.S. government and currency‐hedged foreign government bonds. Consistent with the theory, a widening of the basis coincides with an immediate appreciation and a subsequent depreciation of the dollar. Our results lend empirical support to models that impute a special role to the United States as the world's provider of safe assets and the dollar as the world's reserve currency.
Violence and sexual dysfunction among infertile Egyptian women
Authors: Ghoneim Hanan M. , Taha Omima T. , Ibrahim Zakia M. , Ahmed Amal A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate domestic violence and sexual dysfunction in infertile women.

Materials and Methods

We recruited women complaining of infertility (primary or secondary infertility). A control group of fertile women attending the outpatient clinic for any concern was recruited. Domestic violence was evaluated using the Arabic validated NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (NORAQ). Female sexual function was evaluated using the Arabic validated female sexual function index.

Results

There was no significant difference between both groups in rates of exposure to violence (p‐value 0.830). Primary infertility was a significant contributing factor in infertile women's exposure to violence (p‐value 0.001). All the studied population had female sexual dysfunction, with more dysfunction was reported by the infertile women (total score 18.87 ± 5.92, 19.51 ± 5.42, p‐value 0.072). They differed significantly in arousal (2.83 ± 1.33, 3.13 ± 1.29, p‐value 0.001) and satisfaction (3.98 ± 1.27, 4.28 ± 1.28, p‐value 0.003) which were impaired in infertile women.

Conclusions

The recruited infertile women were exposed to violence. Emotional abuse was the most common reported type of violence. Sexual dysfunction was reported in the entire studied population with no significant difference relating to fertility.
Managing low‐risk febrile neutropenia in children in the time of COVID‐19: What matters to parents and clinicians
Authors: Haeusler Gabrielle M , De Abreu Lourenco Richard , Bakos Cindy , O'Brien Tracey , Slavin Monica A , Clark Julia E , McMullan Brendan , Borland Meredith L , Babl Franz E , Krishnasamy Meinir , Vanevski Marijana , Thursky Karin A , Hall Lisa
Published: February 2021

Aim

The Australian ‘There is no place like home’ project is implementing a paediatric low‐risk febrile neutropenia (FN) programme across eight paediatric hospitals. We sought to identify the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on programme implementation.

Methods

Paediatric oncology, infectious diseases and emergency medicine health‐care workers and parent/carers were surveyed to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on home‐based FN care. Online surveys were distributed nationally to health‐care workers involved in care of children with FN and to parents or carers of children with cancer.

Results

Surveys were completed by 78 health‐care workers and 32 parents/carers. Overall, 95% of health‐care workers had confidence in the safety of home‐based FN care, with 35% reporting changes at their own hospitals in response to the pandemic that made them more comfortable with this model. Compared to pre‐pandemic, >50% of parent/carers were now more worried about attending the hospital with their child and >80% were interested in receiving home‐based FN care. Among both groups, increased telehealth access and acceptance of home‐based care, improved patient quality of life and reduced risk of nosocomial infection were identified as programme enablers, while re‐direction of resources due to COVID‐19 and challenges in implementing change during a crisis were potential barriers.

Conclusion

There is strong clinician and parent/carer support for home‐based management of low‐risk FN across Australia. Changes made to the delivery of cancer care in response to the pandemic have generally increased acceptance for home‐based treatments and opportunities exist to leverage these to refine the low‐risk FN programme.
How fast is a snail’s pace? The influences of size and substrate on gastropod speed of locomotion
Authors: Pembury Smith M. Q. R. , Ruxton G. D.
Published: February 2021

Terrestrial gastropods display monotaxic direct crawling. During locomotion, smooth muscle contraction stimulates a series of pedal waves that move along the ventral surface of the foot. These waves interact with a thin layer of mucus produced by the foot, propelling the animal forward. Although the mechanism by which this process occurs has been well studied, less is known about how morphological or environmental factors affect this process, and ultimately how they may alter the speed of propulsion. In this study, we tested the influences of body size, substrate type, and substrate orientation on crawling speed in the terrestrial snail Cornu aspersum. We found that substrate texture and orientation had a strong effect on speed, whereas snail body size and the presence of a conspecific trail did not. Crawling speed across rough sandpaper was the most striking, showing a clear inversely proportional relationship between the size of abrasive particle and speed. We suggest that this may be the result of substrate attributes interfering with mucus adhesion or mucus production, subsequently affecting locomotion, although gait choice or the frequency and length of each pedal wave may also play a role.
Cytokinin signaling localized in phloem noncell‐autonomously regulates cambial activity during secondary growth of Populus stems
Authors: Fu Xiaokang , Su Huili , Liu Shuai , Du Xuelian , Xu Changzheng , Luo Keming
Published: February 2021

The regulation of cytokinin on secondary vascular development has been uncovered by modulating cytokinin content. However, it remains unclear how cytokinin enriched in developing secondary phloem regulates cambium activity in poplar.

Here, we visualized the gradient distribution of cytokinin with a peak in the secondary phloem of poplar stem via immunohistochemical imaging, and determined the role of phloem‐located cytokinin signaling during wood formation.

We generated transgenic poplar harboring cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX)2, a gene encoding a cytokinin degrading enzyme, driven by the phloem‐specific CLE41b promoter, indicating that the disruption of the cytokinin gradient pattern restricts the cambial activity. The RNA interference‐based knockdown of the histidine kinase (HK) genes encoding cytokinin receptors specifically in secondary phloem significantly compromised the division activity of cambial cells, whereas the phloem‐specific expression of a type‐B response regulator (RR) transcription factor stimulated cambial proliferation, providing evidence for the noncell‐autonomous regulation of local cytokinin signaling on the cambial activity. Moreover, the cambium‐specific knockdown of HKs also led to restricted cambial activity, and the defects were aggravated by the reduced cytokinin accumulation.

Our results showed that local cytokinin signaling in secondary phloem regulates cambial activity noncell‐autonomously, and coordinately with its local signaling in cambium.