bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do party supporters accept policy compromises in coalition governments?
Authors: PLESCIA CAROLINA , ECKER ALEJANDRO , MEYER THOMAS M.
Published: April 2021

Government formation in multi‐party systems often requires coalition negotiations and finding common ground among coalition partners. Supporters of parties involved in the government formation process face a trade‐off when evaluating such bargaining processes: on the one hand, voters usually prefer seeing their party being in government rather than in opposition; on the other hand, negotiations require coalition compromises that they might dislike. In this paper, we study voters’ willingness to accept policy compromises during government formation processes. We argue that voters’ acceptance of policy compromises depends on both the strength of their party attachment and the importance they assign to the issue at stake during the coalition negotiations. Not giving in on important issues is key, especially for supporters of challenger parties, who hold strong policy preferences on a selected number of issues. To test these expectations, we collected original survey data immediately after the Spanish general election in November 2019. The results show support for the hypothesized effects, shed light on the pressure potential coalition partners face during government formation and help explain the failures of government formation attempts in increasingly polarized societies.
Juvenile hormone regulates photoperiod‐mediated male reproductive diapause via the methoprene‐tolerant gene in the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Gao Qiao , Li Bei , Wei Bing‐Xin , Liu Wen , Wang Pan , Wang Jia‐Lu , Zhou Xing‐Miao , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: April 2021

Juvenile hormone (JH) absence induces photoperiod‐mediated reproductive diapause, which is characterized by reproductive cessation. Although the role of methoprene‐tolerant (Met)‐mediated JH signaling in photoperiod‐mediated female reproduction has been well documented, its role in male reproduction remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of JH in regulating photoperiod‐mediated development of the male internal reproductive system (IRS) in the predatory ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). In a previous study, we found that adult male H. axyridis reared under either a short‐day (SD) or long‐day (LD) photoperiod had obvious differences in IRS development, but we were unable to identify the regulators of male reproductive diapause. In this study, we found that beetles reared under an SD photoperiod had significantly lower JH titer and a relatively undeveloped male IRS compared with those reared under an LD photoperiod. Additionally, application of the JH analog (JHA) methoprene promoted IRS development. Furthermore, Met knockdown strongly blocked JH signaling in males reared under the LD photoperiod, thereby slowing IRS development. Moreover, exogenous JHA did not reverse the suppressed development of the male IRS caused by Met knockdown. These results indicate that photoperiod regulates male IRS development in H. axyridis through a conserved Met‐dependent JH signaling pathway.
Porous SiO2‐coated ultrasmall selenium particles nanospheres attenuate cerulein‐induce acute pancreatitis in mice by downregulating oxidative stress
Authors: Fan Jun Jie , Mei Qi Xiang , Deng Guo Ying , Huang Ze Hua , Fu Yang , Hu Jun Hui , Huang Chun Lan , Lu Ying Ying , Lu Lun Gen , Wang Xing Peng , Zeng Yue
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the potential therapeutic role of porous SiO2‐coated ultrasmall selenium particles nanospheres (Se@SiO2 nanospheres) pretreatment in acute pancreatitis (AP) and to investigate the related mechanism.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were randomized to the normal control (CON) group, the AP (induced by cerulein injection) (CAE) group, and AP pretreated with Se@SiO2 nanocomposites at 1 and 2 mg/kg (CAE + 1 or 2 mg/kg Se@SiO2) groups, respectively. Serum levels of amylase and lipase, inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were measured, and histopathology was performed to examine the tissue samples of the pancreas, lungs, kidneys and liver. Immunofluorescence assay of reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling were conducted, and levels of MPO, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione were evaluated. Finally, Western blot analysis was used to evaluate protein expressions of Nrf2, HO‐1, NQO1, TLR4, MyD88 and p‐p65 in pancreatic tissue.

Results

Se@SiO2 nanospheres alleviated pathological damage to the pancreas, and reduced pancreatic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. Injury to other organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys was also alleviated, as indicated by decreased ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr levels as well as improved histopathology. Moreover, Se@SiO2 nanospheres reduced oxidative stress, and ultimately inhibited TLR4/ MyD88/p‐p65 pathway and increased the protein expressions of NQO1, Nrf2, and HO‐1.

Conclusion

Se@SiO2 nanospheres may alleviate AP by relieving oxidative stress and targeting the TLR4/Myd88/p‐p65 and NQO1/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways.
Does the use of exotic and native tree species in rehabilitation attract birds equally? The case of Golden Pride Gold Mine, Tanzania
Authors: Werema Chacha
Published: April 2021

In mining areas, habitat rehabilitation is increasingly being used to minimise biodiversity loss and restore areas of natural habitat. In some mining areas, both exotic and native tree species are used in rehabilitation. For the most part, the effectiveness of using both native and exotic plant species in rehabilitation to attract avifauna is not known. Using a fixed‐radius point‐count method to sample birds, this study assessed the extent to which sites rehabilitated with exotic plant species attracted local avifauna compared to sites rehabilitated with native plant species, as well as to the unaffected surrounding woodlands. Rehabilitation dominated by exotic species had a lower density of bird species and individuals, lower relative abundance and lower species diversity compared with sites rehabilitated by native plant species and the surrounding woodlands. The results suggest that the use of exotic plant species, L. leucocephala, should be avoided in rehabilitation. Therefore, for restoration purposes it is desirable to use native tree species in rehabilitation rather than exotic tree species.
Trans‐oral robotic surgery: a safe and effective tool in head and neck surgery in an Australian rural setting
Authors: Huang Johnson , Phillips Nicholas , Nightingale James , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas , Grigg Roger , Mahendran Suresh
Published: April 2021

Background

Trans‐oral robotic surgery (TORS) facilitates surgical resection of tumours as an alternative to open surgery and has demonstrated favourable oncological results. Given the novelty of TORS and the paucity of evidence on TORS‐specific complications in a rural setting, we report our experience with TORS at an Australian rural head and neck centre.

Methods

A retrospective review of all robotic cases performed at a regional head and neck centre in Queensland was undertaken from 2014 to 2019. Patient demographics, pre‐operative surgical risk, complications and outcomes such as margins and cancer recurrence were recorded. Complications were graded based on the Clavien‐Dindo grading system. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics and statistical analyses were performed using Stata.

Results

Forty‐two TORS surgeries were performed. Twenty‐one had histology confirming malignancy. There were no adverse intraoperative effects. Overall, seven patients (16.7%) had at least one complication. Four were recorded as a Clavien‐Dindo 3b (post‐operative bleed, wound infection and drain dislodgment). Of two cases with residual positive margins, one declined further surgery, and another received chemoradiotherapy. One patient recurred with distant metastatic disease, and another had locoregional nodal recurrence. The distribution of complications was significant across the pre‐operative risk categories for both American Society of Anaesthesiologists and surgical risk score (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

TORS in a rural head and neck centre is a safe and viable treatment option for patients so long as this is undertaken with appropriate training, mentorship and teamwork.
Cosmetic outcomes following wide local excision of impalpable breast cancer: is radioguided occult lesion localization using iodine‐125 seeds better than hookwire localization?
Authors: Preuss James , Nezich Rikki , Lester Leanne , Poh Shawn , Saunders Christobel , Taylor Donna
Published: April 2021

Background

Hookwire localization (HWL) is the gold standard for localizing impalpable tumours for breast conserving surgery. An alternative technique, radioguided occult lesion localization using iodine‐125 seeds (ROLLIS), has been associated with lower re‐excision rates. This paper investigates if cosmetic outcomes differ in women undergoing breast conserving surgery with HWL or ROLLIS.

Methods

Women who had ROLLIS or HWL guided excision for impalpable breast cancer within a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ANZCTR 12613000655741) were recruited. Exclusions were level 2 oncoplasty and mastectomy. Cosmetic outcome was calculated using BCCT.core, the Hopwood Body Image Scale and estimated percentage breast volume excised. Chi‐squared analysis was used to determine the difference between the intervention groups.

Results

Analysis was performed for 123 participants (66 ROLLIS and 57 HWL). The cosmetic outcome determined by BCCT.core for all participants was good with no significant difference between the ROLLIS and HWL groups. When reviewing the number of patients who experienced either a good or excellent result, there was a significantly higher number of patients in the ROLLIS group (n = 53, 82%) compared to the HWL group (n = 42, 74%, P = 0.02. There were no differences in Hopwood Body Image Scale or estimated percentage breast volume excised between groups. There was a reduction in the frequency of re‐excision in the ROLLIS group (n = 3, 4.5%) versus HWL group (n = 8, 14%); however, this was not significant (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Pre‐operative localization of impalpable breast lesions using either ROLLIS or HWL resulted in a good cosmetic outcome with no significant difference between localization techniques.
Establishing a novel method for assessing elasticity of internal anal sphincter using ultrasonic real‐time tissue elastography
Authors: Fukui Risa , Sasaki Kazuhito , Kawai Kazushige , Taira Tetsuro , Nozawa Hiroaki , Kaneko Manabu , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Iida Yuuki , Ishii Hiroaki , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Anzai Hiroyuki , Sonoda Hirofumi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: April 2021

Background

Evaluating anorectal function using real‐time tissue elastography (RTE) has not been reported. A previous study reported that in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) of surgical specimens of patients with rectal cancer who underwent abdominoperineal resection, there was an increased fibrosis trend in those who underwent pre‐operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) compared with non‐CRT. We speculated that CRT might have induced sclerosis of the IAS because of fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to establish a method of quantitating the degree of IAS hardness using RTE on endoanal ultrasonography.

Methods

RTE was performed with freehand manual compression under a defined pressure at the middle anal canal. Using the most compressive point in the strain graph, we traced the region of interest in the IAS. The strain histogram showed a frequency distribution of colours according to the degree of strain (numeric scan ranging from 0 to 255; smaller number indicated harder tissue). We defined the mean of the strain histogram as ‘elasticity’. Ten patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent pre‐operative CRT were prospectively enrolled. We statistically evaluated the correlation between IAS elasticity and maximum resting pressure (MRP) values both at pre‐ and post‐CRT. MRP was examined concurrently with the examination of IAS elasticity.

Results

Representativity of elasticity measurements was demonstrated. It revealed a trend: IAS elasticity had a moderate inverse correlation with MRP (r = 0.41, P = 0.07), regardless of whether measurements were made before or after CRT.

Conclusion

We established a completely novel method for the assessment of elasticity of the IAS, using RTE on endoanal ultrasonography.
Radiological assessment of facial fractures: a comparative study between surgeon and radiologist
Authors: Burlak Kateryna , Shukla Lipi , Kavnoudias Helen , Schoenwaelder Mark , Morgan David , Ramakrishnan Anand
Published: April 2021

Background

The authors aimed to examine the differences in CT facial bone interpretation by the faciomaxillary surgeon and the radiologist, in order to improve communication gaps and subsequently, the quality and consistency of patient care.

Methods

This study was conducted at a level I tertiary trauma centre. Patients with facial trauma who were referred to the faciomaxillary unit following a facial CT examination from August 2017 to September 2018 were eligible for inclusion. The inclusion period was extended to 5 years for panfacial trauma patients. All consecutive patients that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria for each type of injury were included in the study (a total of 120 patients assigned to the following six categories: orbits, skull and skull base, zygomaticomaxillary complex, Le Fort pattern, mandible and pan‐facial fractures). Faciomaxillary surgeons, blinded to the radiology report, were asked to provide a verbal description of the fractures. The surgical interpretation was compared to the radiology report and further analysed.

Results

Of the 120 cases, the same fractures were reported in 43 cases (35.8%). Both types of specialists noted the predominant and clinically relevant fractures in 106 cases (88.3%). The reports did not match in 14 cases (11.7%) and different terminology was used in 76 cases (63.3%), with agreement in 25% (95% CI: 18–34%), partial agreement in 11.7% (95% CI: 5.9–17.4%) and no agreement in 63.3% (95% CI: 54.7–72.0%) cases.

Conclusion

Radiologists and faciomaxillary surgeons frequently differ in their assessment of facial fractures.
Blinatumomab following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation – a novel approach for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in infants
Authors: Popov Alexander , Fominikh Veronika , Mikhailova Ekaterina , Shelikhova Larisa , Tsaur Grigory , Abugova Yulia , Zerkalenkova Elena , Olshanskaya Yulia , Balashov Dmitry , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Alexey , Miakova Natalia
Published: April 2021

Blinatumomab with subsequent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation was applied in 13 infants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Eight patients were treated in first remission due to slow clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD); one for MRD‐reappearance after long MRD negativity, one for primary refractory disease and three during relapse treatment. In slow MRD responders, complete MRD response was achieved prior to transplantation, with an 18‐month event‐free survival of 75%. In contrast, only one of five patients with relapsed/refractory ALL is still in complete remission. These data provide a basis for future studies of immunotherapy in very high‐risk infant ALL.
Mind the gap: Parental and professional perceptions of ‘risk’ for children living in poverty
Authors: Yona Lital , Nadan Yochay
Published: April 2021

This article explores the perceptions and constructions of child risk and protection for children growing up in poverty, from the perspective of parents and social workers serving them, in an impoverished neighbourhood in Israel. Of the 50 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted overall, 35 were with parents and 15 with social workers employed by the neighbourhood's social services department. The analysis yielded three themes: The first focuses on the social services' involvement in the neighbourhood. While social workers viewed the social service agency's location within the neighbourhood as positive, offering the opportunity to build a close relationship with the local population, some parents experienced this proximity as intrusive. The second theme deals with gaps in perceptions of help: Whereas parents felt that they needed material assistance, social workers preferred to offer therapeutic assistance. The third theme relates to the child‐at‐risk label, with diverging perspectives between social workers and parents regarding the extent to which living in a poor neighbourhood places a family at risk. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating anti‐oppressive and poverty‐aware paradigms in social work practice and education.
Simultaneous low‐salt dyeing and anti‐bacterial finishing of cotton fabric with reactive dye and N‐halamine
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Yan , Liu Ying , Ren Xuehong , Huang Tung‐Shi
Published: April 2021

A reactive dye, Novacron Deep Orange S‐4R, and an anti‐bacterial precursor, 4‐(4‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinol)‐6‐chloro‐1,3,5‐triazinylamino)‐benzenesulphonate, both of which are monohalogenated‐s‐triazine–based compounds, were chosen for the simultaneous dyeing and anti‐bacterial finishing of cotton fabric. To effectively reduce the emissions of pollutants and the dosage of sodium sulphate added during dyeing and finishing, a cationisation reagent, 2,3‐epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, was used to modify cotton fabric before dyeing and finishing. The cationised cotton fabrics obtained 0.18% active chlorine loadings and good dye depth after the simultaneous dyeing and finishing process with low addition of sodium sulphate. The chlorinated fabrics inactivated all inoculated Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) within 10 minutes of contact. The treated cotton fabric maintained high breaking strength as well as good washing stability.
Promoting mother‐infant relationships and underlying neural correlates: Results from a randomized controlled trial of a home‐visiting program for adolescent mothers in Brazil
Authors: Alarcão Fernanda Speggiorin Pereira , Shephard Elizabeth , Fatori Daniel , Amável Renata , Chiesa Anna , Fracolli Lislaine , Matijasevich Alicia , Brentani Helena , Nelson Charles A. , Leckman James , Miguel Eurípedes Constantino , Polanczyk Guilherme V.
Published: April 2021

Poverty and teenage pregnancy are common in low‐and‐middle‐income countries and can impede the development of healthy parent‐child relationships. This study aimed to test whether a home‐visiting intervention could improve early attachment relationships between adolescent mothers and their infants living in poverty in Brazil. Analyses were conducted on secondary outcomes from a randomized controlled trial (NCT0280718) testing the efficacy of a home‐visiting program, Primeiros Laços, on adolescent mothers’ health and parenting skills and their infants’ development. Pregnant youth were randomized to intervention (n = 40) or care‐as‐usual (CAU, n = 40) from the first trimester of pregnancy until infants were aged 24 months. Mother‐infant attachment was coded during a mother‐infant interaction when the infants were aged 12 months. Electrophysiological correlates of social processing (mean amplitude of the Nc component) were measured while infants viewed facial images of the mother and a stranger at age 6 months. Infants in the intervention group were more securely attached and more involved with their mothers than those receiving CAU at 12 months. Smaller Nc amplitudes to the mother's face at 6 months were associated with better social behavior at 12 months. Our findings indicate that the Primeiros Laços Program is effective in enhancing the development of mother‐infant attachment.
Unions and compensating wage differentials for workplace accident risk: the English and Welsh railway industry, 1902–12†
Authors: Anderson Peter
Published: April 2021

The effect of unions on workers’ wage premiums for accepting on‐the‐job accident risk is a prominent subset of compensating differentials research. This article contributes to the literature by using a newly‐constructed balanced panel of railwaymen working in the traffic departments of three prominent Edwardian railway companies with operations in England and Wales. It avoids previous issues of endogeneity by controlling for a number of variables correlated with the risk rates, notably individual fixed effects. The results show that the largest railway union of the time, the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, was able to transform growing union density into power that increased wage premiums for fatal accident risk, although railwaymen's wages did not compensate them for non‐fatal accident risk. This article also considers how this relationship differed by varying levels of company‐specific human capital as measured by tenure. It finds a non‐linear relationship for both risk rates across the tenure cohorts.
International gender equity in soil science
Authors: Dawson Lorna , Brevik Eric C. , Reyes‐Sánchez Laura B.
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have indicated that diversity is a concern in soil science, including how this relates to gender equity. However, gender equity data for soil science are extremely limited, with only the USA having a current relatively extensive study published in the scientific literature. Therefore, this study was undertaken to gain a preliminary understanding of gender equity issues in a range of countries worldwide using the gender data of membership of national soil science societies, international conferences and journals. Data for 2020 membership was supplied by 44 soil science societies, providing a broad geographic representation. Thirty‐seven of the 44 societies had more male members than female. Only 32% of the soil science society members were women, although the highest percentage for an individual society was 69% female membership. Regionally, Asia had the lowest female membership at 22%, whereas Africa had the highest at 40%. Only 20% of the national soil science societies who are members of the International Union of Soil Sciences had female presidents, indicating that women are under‐represented in the top leadership roles in our professional societies. Women were under‐represented as keynote speakers at conferences and on many editorial boards. This initial scoping study demonstrates that there is an urgent global need to address gender equity within the soil science profession. However, gender equity extends beyond just the number of women in our profession: it also includes equal access to wages, leadership roles and decision making. We conclude that it is critical that individual countries undertake detailed studies of gender equity so we have a more complete picture of the national and international scale of this issue.

Highlights

There is still gender inequity in soil science

Soil science is a male‐dominated field in most countries worldwide

Gender equity is critical to advancing the discipline of soil science

There is a need for comprehensive national studies of gender equity

Equity includes many issues beyond just equality in numbers of men and women in the profession.
Prevalence of COVID‐19 and seroprevalence to SARS‐CoV‐2 in a rheumatologic patient population from a tertiary referral clinic in Israel
Authors: Eviatar Tali , Elalouf Ofir , Furer Victoria , Goldstein‐Lahat Yael , Paran Yael , Pel Sara , Nevo Sharon , Zisapel Michael , Alcalay Yifat , Elkayam Ori
Published: April 2021

Background

It is unclear if the prevalence of COVID‐19 in rheumatologic patients is similar to that of the general population. There are no reports of seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in these patients.

Aims

To investigate prevalence of COVID‐19 cases and seroprevalence among rheumatologic patients and the risk factors for infection.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study in a rheumatologic population. An online questionnaire was sent on 31 April 2020. Blood samples from 20% sample of patients were drawn for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies.

Patients were divided based on autoimmune (AI) diagnosis. Prevalence of COVID‐19 by nasopharyngeal swab and by serology (seroprevalence) was compared to national data. Risk factors for infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 were assessed.

Results

The study group included 1204 patients, 74.5% had an AI diagnosis. The prevalence of COVID‐19 was 0.16% in the rheumatologic patient population and 0.22% in the AI group, which was not different from prevalence in Israel on 4 May 2020 (0.18%, P = 0.912 and P = 0.759 respectively). Serologic tests were performed in 242 patients, of which five were found positive pointing to a seroprevalence of 2.07%. Exposure to a known COVID‐19 patient was the only significant risk factor for being positive by swab or by serology. AI diagnosis, immunosuppression, corticosteroid, hydroxychloroquine did not influence the risk.

Conclusions

The prevalence of COVID‐19 in a population of rheumatologic patients was similar to that of the general population. Mild/asymptomatic cases may be prevalent according to serologic tests. The major risk factor for infection is exposure to a known case of COVID‐19, and immunosuppression did not play a role in the risk of infection.
Aggressive patient behaviours and unplanned nursing staff leave – is there an association?
Authors: Yu Jenny Jia , Holbeach Edwina
Published: April 2021

Mental health nurses are exposed to high levels of aggressive and challenging patient behaviours. This can cause stress and burnout which is associated with poor staff, patient, and organization outcomes, including unplanned nursing staff leave (UNSL). This study explores the correlation between a patient behaviour tool (RAGE), variations of which are frequently used in mental health and psychogeriatric nursing, and the staff outcome of UNSL. The study is reported according to the STROBE Statement for reporting of observational studies. RAGE scores and ward characteristics were recorded weekly for 26 weeks on an Australian metropolitan psychogeriatric ward and correlated with UNSL for the same week and the following week (allowing for any ‘lag effect’ behaviours may have on leave). There was a moderate negative correlation between mean RAGE score and UNSL for the same week (r = −0.34) and no correlation the following week (r = 0.08). Similarly, there was low to no correlation between ward characteristics and UNSL. The trends seen in this exploratory study should be further interrogated in adequately powered future studies. UNSL is likely influenced by complex factors including staff experience, coping mechanism, and specific patient behaviours such as physical or verbal aggression and whether the behaviours resulted in injury, which should be included in future studies. The novel strategy of utilizing patient‐centred tools to predict staff outcomes is feasible and warrants further exploration.
The Impact of Child‐Parent Psychotherapy on Child Dependency Court Outcomes
Authors: Hazen Katherine P. , Carlson Matthew W. , Cartwright Meredith L. , Patnode Claire , Cole‐Mossman Jennie , Byrns Samantha , Hauptman Kelli , Osofsky Joy
Published: April 2021

Although parental compliance with court orders in child welfare cases is key to achieving physical parent‐child reunification and successful case closure, little research has examined how parent‐child relationship‐focused rehabilitative services uniquely influence case outcomes. This project fills this gap by investigating links between court ordering of and parental participation in Child‐Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) with court outcomes. Data were obtained from court records of 448 court‐involved parents. Hierarchical regressions revealed that greater participation in CPP led to reunification and successful case closure but not faster case closure. Courtroom professionals should consider parent‐child relationship‐based therapies as tools for achieving child welfare goals.
New hybrid data mining model for prediction of Salmonella presence in agricultural waters based on ensemble feature selection and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Buyrukoğlu Selim
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to create a new hybrid ensemble data mining model to predict the Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters based on the combination of heterogeneous ensemble approach for feature selection, clustering, regression, and classification algorithms. The data set for this study was collected from six agricultural ponds in Central Florida consisting of 23 features with 540 instances (26 Salmonella positive and 514 Salmonella negative). The model consisted of three stages. Initially, a heterogeneous ensemble feature selection (HEFS) approach was applied to select top features. Then, the k‐means clustering algorithm was implemented to remove misclassified cases from the data set. Finally, classification and regression algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF) with soft voting approach were applied to the preprocessed data set to predict the Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters with the amount of test set (20%). These algorithms were combined in 10 different ensemble models through the soft voting approach. The performance of these hybrid ensemble models was also evaluated. The ensemble ANN + RF model achieved the highest performance and outperformed all other single and ensemble models based on Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) (0.98) and prediction accuracy (94.9%). The findings emphasize the validity of our hybrid ensemble model which encourages researchers to predict Salmonella presence in agricultural surface waters.
Effectiveness of Theory‐Based Health Information Technology Interventions on Coronary Artery Disease Self‐Management Behavior: A Clinical Randomized Waitlist‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Hong Pei‐Chen , Chen Kuan‐Jung , Chang Yue‐Cune , Cheng Shu‐Meng , Chiang Hui‐Hsun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, self‐management behavior, and blood pressure control are important to cardiovascular event prevention and promotion of quality of life (QOL), but they are underutilized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a self‐efficacy theory–based health information technology intervention implemented through blood control and patient self‐management.

Design

A clinical randomized waitlist‐controlled trial.

Methods

The study was conducted at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 60 subjects were randomly assigned to either the immediate intervention (experimental) group or the waitlist control group. The primary endpoint was systolic blood pressure at 3 months; secondary end points included self‐management behavior and QOL. Treatment for the immediate intervention group lasted 3 months, while the waitlist control group received routine care for the first 3 months, at which point they crossed over to the intervention arm and received the same intervention as the experimental group for another 3 months. Both groups were evaluated by questionnaires and physiological measurements at both 3 and 6 months postadmission. The results were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Systolic blood pressure significantly improved for the intervention group participants at 3 months, when there was also significant improvement in self‐management behavior and QOL. There was no significant or appreciable effect of time spent in the waitlist condition, with treatments in the two conditions being similarly effective.

Conclusion

The use of a theory‐based health information technology treatment compared with usual care resulted in a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, self‐management behavior, and QOL in patients with coronary artery disease.

Clinical Relevance

This treatment would be a useful strategy for clinical care of cardiovascular disease patients, improving their disease self‐management. It also may help guide further digital health care strategies during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Integrin β1 regulates proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of trophoblasts through activation of phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling
Authors: Shu Chang , Han Shumei , Hu Cong , Chen Chen , Qu Bo , He Jin , Dong Shuai , Xu Peng
Published: April 2021

Aims

Abnormal trophoblast invasion is one of the onsets of preeclampsia (PE). Studies found that integrin β1 (ITGB1) is closely related to PE, but the role of ITGB1 in the progression of trophoblast remained unclear. Therefore, we studied the functional role of ITGB1 in PE and its effects on trophoblast.

Methods

ITGB1 expression in placenta tissues was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The effects of transfection on HTR‐8/SVneo cells were analyzed by qRT‐PCR and western blotting. After cell transfection, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were performed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Western blotting assay was used for determining phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. After inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway, apoptosis‐regulated proteins were detected by western blotting, and the effects of inhibitor on the migration and invasion changes were examined.

Results

ITGB1 was downregulated in placenta tissues from PE patients, as compared with normal. ITGB1 overexpression in HTR‐8/SVneo cells enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, reduced cell apoptosis, and improved phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. However, ITGB1 depletion resulted in an opposite effect to its overexpression. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway completely blocked the effect of ITGB1 overexpression on cells, because we observed that apoptosis‐regulated proteins were highly upregulated, and that cell migration and invasion were reduced.

Conclusion

ITGB1 regulated HTR‐8/SVneo cell progression by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Impact of COVID‐19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Students From 2 Semi‐Rural High Schools in Georgia*
Authors: Gazmararian Julie , Weingart Rachel , Campbell Katherine , Cronin Thomas , Ashta Jasleen
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised about the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents during an important developmental and social period in their lives. This study examines the mental health impact of the pandemic on high school students shortly after closure of public schools in spring 2020, and whether this impact varies by sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and grade level.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional, one‐time online survey was completed by racial/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse students in 9th through 12th grade at 2 semi‐rural Georgia public high schools (N = 761).

RESULTS

Overall, almost one‐fourth of high school students were extremely or very worried about the pandemic, with higher rates of worry among students who are racial/ethnic minorities, lower SES, female and in older grades. Results indicated a concerning impact on the stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness that students are feeling, particularly among girls and those in older grades. Students of color and low SES, who are already disproportionately impacted by COVID‐19, are also more likely to experience mental health challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight important demographic differences of the impact of COVID‐19 on the mental health of high school students and have implications for schools with addressing these needs.
Dominant plant facilitation can generate indirect competition in a South‐American desert plant community
Authors: Sotomayor Diego A. , Filazzola Alessandro , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: April 2021

Aims

Desert dominant plants commonly facilitate plant communities within their canopies. Although substantial research has examined the direct consequences of this effect, a mechanistic understanding of indirect effects mediated via beneficiary plants is still relatively limited. We tested the hypothesis that the net positive outcome of dominant plants on beneficiaries extends to a series of interactions including indirect competition or facilitation. To test this hypothesis, we aggregated two years of field surveys with a manipulative experiment.

Location

Atiquipa, Southern Peru.

Methods

We surveyed the understorey plant community of the dominant tree Caesalpinia spinosa and compared it to that of open microsites. Field manipulations included removal of plant neighbourhoods of two target annual species in the understorey of the dominant plant Caesalpinia spinosa and adjacent open microsites. In the surveys, we measured plant density, and in the removal experiment, plant height, fruit set, and biomass of the targets.

Results

In the surveys, density of Fuertisimalva peruviana, a target species, was negatively dependent on understorey neighbours’ density. Neighbourhood removal did not affect fruit set or biomass of Fuertisimalva peruviana in tree understories or open microsites. Neighbourhood removal around Plantago limensis increased biomass, plant height and fruit set, and changed the effect of the dominant tree from positive to negative for biomass.

Conclusions

Understorey plant neighbours can mediate the direct effects of dominant plants in deserts, but responses to these indirect effects can be species‐specific. The facilitative effects of dominant plants represent key coexistence mechanisms because they reduce stress and generate extended series of interactions not necessarily present in the open.
Mind wandering during reading: An interdisciplinary and integrative review of psychological, computing, and intervention research and theory
Authors: D'Mello Sidney K. , Mills Caitlin S.
Published: April 2021

A large proportion of thoughts are internally generated. Of these, mind wandering—when attention shifts away from the current activity to an internal stream of thought—is frequent during reading and is negatively related to comprehension outcomes. Our goal is to review research on mind wandering during reading with an interdisciplinary and integrative lens that spans the cognitive, behavioural, computing and intervention sciences. We begin with theoretical developments on mind wandering, both in general and in the context of reading. Next, we discuss psychological research on how the text, context and reader interact to influence mind wandering and on associations between mind wandering and reading outcomes. We integrate the findings in a (working) theoretical account of mind wandering during reading. We then turn to computational models of mind wandering, including a short tutorial with examples on how to use machine learning to construct these models. Finally, we discuss emerging intervention research aimed at proactively reducing the occurrence of mind wandering or mitigating its effects. We conclude with open questions and directions for future research.
Diel and lunar variation in diving behavior of rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
Authors: Shaff Jacquelyn F. , Baird Robin W.
Published: April 2021

Observational studies describe rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) actively foraging during the day on epipelagic species. Using data from depth‐transmitting satellite tags deployed on nine individuals off Kauaʻi, we investigated diving behavior and the effects of lunar phase and solar light levels on vertical movements. Overall, tagged rough‐toothed dolphins primarily used near‐surface waters, spending between 83.6% and 93.7% of their time in the top 30 m of the water column. When diving, grand mean, median, and maximum dive depths were 76.9 m, 67.5 m, and 399.5 m, although individuals were in water with depths from approximately 700–1,450 m. Dive rates varied by time of day, being lowest during the day and at dawn and highest at dusk and night. Dives were deepest (M = 133.7 m, SD = 52.6 m, median = 106.5 m) and longest (M = 4.0 min, SD = 0.4 min, median = 4.0 min) at dusk, suggesting dolphins were taking advantage of prey rising to the surface in response to reduced light levels. Lunar phase indirectly affected diving, with deeper and longer dives occurring with increasing illumination. The variations in dive behavior across solar and lunar cycles indicate diving patterns shift based on the distribution of prey.
Seasonal and diel changes in cetacean vocalizations monitored by passive acoustic methods in Nemuro Strait adjacent to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site
Authors: Otsuki Mayuko , Akamatsu Tomonari , Nobetsu Takahiro , Mitani Yoko
Published: April 2021

UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites are established to ensure the long‐term conservation of natural areas. Nemuro Strait in northern Japan is adjacent to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, and attracts various trophic levels of marine species, including marine mammals. Although the coexistence of humans and marine mammals is an important issue in this area, the temporal habitat use of cetaceans in this area is unknown. Here, we document seasonal and diel changes in cetacean vocalizations collected using passive acoustic recording devices during November 2012–March 2014. Killer whale calls occurred in spring and summer, and sperm whale clicks were detected in summer. Pacific white‐sided dolphin calls were recorded in summer and late fall. No cetaceans were recorded during the sea ice period in February and March. The dolphin calls and unknown click trains were significantly more frequent at night. In contrast, marginal diel changes in killer whale calls were detected. Our results suggest that the majority of cetaceans utilize Nemuro Strait at night during the ice‐free period, and we provide new insights into the habitat use and diversity of marine mammals in the Strait.
Peri‐implantitis‐like medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Clinical considerations and histological evaluation with confocal laser scanning microscope
Authors: Tempesta Angela , Capodiferro Saverio , Mauceri Rodolfo , Lauritano Dorina , Maiorano Eugenio , Favia Gianfranco , Limongelli Luisa
Published: April 2021

Objective

In the recent years, an increasing number of peri‐implant medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (PI‐MRONJ) have been reported in literature, both in oncologic and osteoporotic patients. The aim of this study is to describe 19 cases of patients previously diagnosed as affected by peri‐implantitis, who were treated for PI‐MRONJ, with consideration on clinical and histopathological features.

Materials and Methods

Patients included were affected by postmenopausal osteoporosis and were administered with different antiresorptive drugs. Due to the presence of clinical and radiological signs of peri‐implantitis not healed after non‐surgical periodontal treatment, they were referred to the Complex Operating Unit of Odontostomatology of the University of Bari. Then, after a drug holiday of at least 3 months and cycles of antibiotics, and after other cycles of periodontal treatment, patients underwent the surgical removal of implant fixtures and surrounding bone.

Results

Although the previous diagnosis of peri‐implantitis, the histopathological analysis with both conventional and confocal laser scanner microscopy confirmed the diagnosis of peri‐implantitis‐like MRONJ.

Conclusion

Peri‐implantitis not healed after conventional treatment in patients at risk on MRONJ occurrence should be considered as peri‐implantitis‐like PI‐MRONJ and treated as required in order to get complete healing of the pathological condition, thus avoiding delay in the diagnosis.
Prior exposure to stress allows the maintenance of an ecosystem cycle following severe acidification
Authors: van Moorsel Sofia J. , Marleau Justin N. , Negrín Dastis Jorge O. , Bazerghi Charles , Fugère Vincent , Petchey Owen L. , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: April 2021

Ecosystem processes vary temporally due to environmental fluctuations, such as when variation in solar energy causes diurnal cycles in primary production. This normal variation in ecosystem functioning may be disrupted and even lost if taxa contributing to functioning go extinct due to environmental stress. However, when communities are exposed to the stress at sub‐lethal levels over several generations, they may be able to develop community‐level stress tolerance via ecological (e.g. species sorting) or evolutionary (e.g. selection for tolerant genotypes) mechanisms and thus avoid the loss of stability, as defined by the resistance of a process. Community tolerance to a novel stressor is expected to increase the resistance of key processes in stressed ecosystems. In freshwater communities we tested whether prolonged prior exposure to an environmental stressor, i.e. acidification, could increase ecosystem stability when the communities were exposed to a subsequent press perturbation of more severe acidification. As a measure of ecosystem stability, we quantified the diurnal variation in dissolved oxygen (DO), and the resistance of the DO cycle and phytoplankton biomass. High‐frequency data from oxygen loggers deployed in 12 mesocosms showed that severe acidification with sulfuric acid to pH 3 could cause a temporary (i.e. two‐week long) loss of diurnal variation in dissolved oxygen concentration. The loss of diurnal variation was accompanied by a strong reduction in phytoplankton biomass. However, the pre‐exposure to acidification for several weeks resulted in the maintenance of the diurnal cycle and higher levels of phytoplankton biomass, though they did not return to as rapidly to pre‐exposure functioning as non‐exposed mesocosms. These results suggest that ecosystem stability is intrinsically linked to community‐wide stress tolerance, and that a history of exposure to the stressor may increase resistance to it, though at the cost of some resilience.
Stress and coping among pregnant black women during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wheeler Jenna M. , Misra Dawn P. , Giurgescu Carmen
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study explored stress and coping among pregnant Black women prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, cohort study.

Sample

Thirty‐three women enrolled in the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic and who were still pregnant during the pandemic.

Measurements

Questionnaires included the Perceived Stress Scale, Prenatal Coping Inventory, and questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, worry about COVID‐19, and coping strategies used during the pandemic.

Results

Women reported very much being worried about my child getting COVID‐19 (46%) and my family member getting COVID‐19 (46%). Women reported specific active coping strategies very much reduced their feelings of discomfort during COVID‐19: God, religion, or spirituality (24%), social media (24%), and following government advice (24%). Higher use of avoidance coping prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of stress both prior to (r = 0.60, p < .001) and during (r = 0.47, p < .01) the pandemic.

Conclusion

Women reported worries about COVID‐19 and used various strategies to cope with feelings of discomfort due to the pandemic. Nurses should assess the stress level of pregnant Black women and recommend active coping strategies during the pandemic.