bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerically framing the impact of magnetic field on nanofluid flow over a curved stretching surface with convective heating
Authors: Das Sanatan , Ali Akram , Jana Rabindra Nath
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Outstanding features such as thermal conductivity and superior electrical conductivity of nanofluids unfold a new window in the context of their extensive applications in engineering and industrial domains. The purpose of this study to simulate numerically the magneto-nanofluid flow and heat transfer over a curved stretching surface. Heat transport is explored in the presence of viscous dissipation. At the curved surface, the convective boundary condition is adopted. Three different nanoparticles, namely, copper, aluminium oxide and titanium dioxide are taken into consideration because of easily available in nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic flow equations are framed in terms of curvilinear coordinates. The modelled partial differential equations are transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations by means of appropriate similarity transformation. The subsequent non-linear system of equations is then solved numerically by using the Runge–Kutta–Felhberg method with the shooting scheme via bvp4c MATLAB built-in function. Impacts of various physical parameters on velocity, pressure and temperature distributions, local skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and wall temperature are portrayed through graphs and tables followed by a comprehensive debate and physical interpretation.

Findings

Graphical results divulge that augmenting values of the magnetic parameter cause a decline in velocity profiles and stream function inside the boundary layer. The magnitude of the pressure function inside the boundary layer reduces for higher estimation of curvature parameter, and it is also zero when the curvature parameter goes to infinity. Furthermore, the temperature is observed in a rising trend with growing values of the magnetic parameter and Biot number.

Practical implications

This research study is very pertinent to the expulsion of polymer sheet and photographic films, metallurgical industry, electrically-conducting polymer dynamics, magnetic material processing, rubber and polymer sheet processing, continuous casting of metals, fibre spinning, glass blowing and fibre, wire and fibre covering and sustenance stuff preparing, etc.

Originality/value

Despite the huge amount of literature available, but still, very little attention is given to simulate the flow configuration due to the curved stretching surface with the convective boundary condition. Very few papers have been examined on this topic and found that its essence inside the boundary layer is not any more insignificant than on account of a stretching sheet. A numerical comparison with the published works is conducted to verify the accuracy of the present study.
Gamifying OTT: a study on consumer attitudes toward game elements and OTT media service provider brands in gamification
Authors: Tan Caroline S.L.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine consumer attitude toward gamification in the context of over-the-top (OTT) media service. The particular focus of this paper is on game mechanics from the mechanics-dynamics-aesthetics framework and its effects on consumer attitude toward both gamification and OTT media service provider brand.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial experiment to examine the three core elements of game mechanics – components, controls and courses on consumer attitude, which was operationalized in eight vignettes with a sample size of 296.

Findings

It was found that the three elements in game mechanics demonstrated a multiplicative effect. The different combinations of elements in game mechanics would result in eliciting different consumer attitudes toward gamification and brand. Despite one combination that attained a high positive consumer attitude toward gamification in OTT, that same combination was not effective in creating a high positive attitude toward the OTT provider brand. The findings demonstrate the need for OTT providers to be clear of their gamification objectives before selecting the combination of game mechanics.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the body of knowledge on consumer attitude toward gamification, especially in the OTT market where there is still literature is limited.

Practical implications

OTT providers should determine their objectives for using gamification and design the game mechanics according to the optimal combination of elements – components, controls and courses.

Originality/value

According to the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to examine consumer attitude toward gamification and OTT provider based on game mechanics. It provides an understanding on the interaction of elements in game mechanics and shows that different element combinations can be used to meet different goals.
Study of surface activation markers on CD3−CD16+ NK cells and their correlation with clinical manifestations in children with infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Ye Wanding , Zhang Wan , Wu Shixiong , Zhu Mengquan , Xu Zhiwei
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the proportion of surface activation markers on natural killer (NK) cells in children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) and to explore its clinical relevance. A total of 17 children hospitalized with IM were included in this study as the experimental group. Meanwhile, healthy children matched for age and gender served as controls. First, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with IM and healthy children. Then, NK cell surface markers were stained with monoclonal antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that the percentage of CD3−CD16+ NK cells was higher in peripheral blood lymphocytes from children with IM than that from healthy children (t = −4.52, P < 0.05). And the expression of the surface activation markers CD69 and CD25 on CD3−CD16+ NK cells was also higher in children with IM (t = −7.729, P < 0.05; t = −5.068, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the percentage of CD3−CD16+ NK cells in peripheral blood and the duration of fever in children with IM (r = 0.530, P < 0.05). Therefore, the proportion of NK cell subsets in children's peripheral blood changes in the acute phase of IM, suggesting that NK cells enhance their cytotoxicity and play a role in the control of infection in children with IM. Higher levels of CD3−CD16+ NK cells and the association with disease progression suggest that these cells might be a useful index to help evaluate the disease course.
Deconstructing precipitation variability: Rainfall event size and timing uniquely alter ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Griffin‐Nolan Robert J. , Slette Ingrid J. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: June 2021

Water‐limited ecosystems are highly sensitive to not only precipitation amount, but also precipitation pattern, particularly variability in the size and timing of growing season rainfall events. Both rainfall event size and timing are expected to be altered by climate change, but the relative responses of dryland ecosystems to changes in rainfall event size versus timing have not been resolved. Here, we disentangle the effects of these different aspects of precipitation pattern on ecosystem dynamics.

We experimentally assessed how these two aspects of rainfall variability impacted a semi‐arid grassland ecosystem by altering an ambient precipitation pattern to eliminate variability in (a) rainfall event size (all events were made the same size), (b) rainfall event timing (all events were uniformly spaced in time) and (c) both. Total precipitation amount was constant for all treatments. We measured responses of soil moisture, ecosystem carbon flux (e.g. net primary production and soil CO2 flux), plant community composition and physiological responses of the dominant C4 grass, Bouteloua gracilis.

Removing variability in rainfall event size altered ecosystem dynamics more than a pattern of uniform event timing, but the largest impact occurred when variability in both were removed. Notably, eliminating variability in both event size and timing increased above‐ground net primary productivity by 23%, consistent with reduced water stress in the dominant C4 grass, while also reducing seasonal variability in soil CO2 flux by 35%, reflecting lower seasonal variability in soil moisture.

Synthesis. Unique responses to different aspects of precipitation variability highlight the complexity of predicting how dryland ecosystems will be affected by climate change‐induced shifts in rainfall patterns. Our results provide novel support for the key roles of rainfall event size and timing, in addition to total precipitation amount, as determinants of ecosystem function.
Mechanistic links between biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning and stability in a multi‐site grassland experiment
Authors: Yan Ying , Connolly John , Liang Maowei , Jiang Lin , Wang Shaopeng
Published: June 2021

Although the positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and stability have been extensively documented in the literature, previous studies have mostly explored the mechanisms of functioning and stability independently. It is unclear how biodiversity effects on functioning may covary with those on stability.

Here we developed an integrated framework to explore links between mechanisms underlying biodiversity effects on functioning and those on stability. Specifically, biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning were partitioned into complementarity effects (CE) and selection effects (SE), and those on stability were partitioned into species asynchrony and species stability. We investigated how CE and SE were linked to species asynchrony and stability and how their links might be mediated by species evenness, using a multi‐site grassland experiment.

Our mixed‐effects models showed that a higher community productivity was mainly due to CE and a higher community stability was mainly due to species asynchrony. Moreover, CE was positively related to species asynchrony, thus leading to a positive association between ecosystem productivity and stability.

We used a structural equation model to illustrate how species evenness might mediate links between the various mechanisms. Communities with a higher evenness exhibited a higher CE and species asynchrony, but a lower SE and species stability. These evenness‐mediated associations enhanced the positive relationship between CE and species asynchrony, but blurred that between SE and species asynchrony.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate mechanistic links between biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning and stability. By doing so, our study contributes a novel framework for understanding ecological mechanisms of the functioning–stability relationship, which has important implications for developing management plans focused on strengthening synergies between ecosystem functioning and stability over the long term.
Exercise reduces circulating biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans
Authors: Englund Davis A. , Sakamoto Ayumi E. , Fritsche Chad M. , Heeren Amanda A. , Zhang Xu , Kotajarvi Brian R. , Lecy Denise R. , Yousefzadeh Matthew J. , Schafer Marissa J. , White Thomas A. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , LeBrasseur Nathan K.
Published: June 2021

Cellular senescence has emerged as a significant and potentially tractable mechanism of aging and multiple aging‐related conditions. Biomarkers of senescent cell burden, including molecular signals in circulating immune cells and the abundance of circulating senescence‐related proteins, have been associated with chronological age and clinical parameters of biological age in humans. The extent to which senescence biomarkers are affected by interventions that enhance health and function has not yet been examined. Here, we report that a 12‐week structured exercise program drives significant improvements in several performance‐based and self‐reported measures of physical function in older adults. Impressively, the expression of key markers of the senescence program, includingp16,p21, cGAS, andTNFα, were significantly lowered in CD3+T cells in response to the intervention, as were the circulating concentrations of multiple senescence‐related proteins. Moreover, partial least squares discriminant analysis showed levels of senescence‐related proteins at baseline were predictive of changes in physical function in response to the exercise intervention. Our study provides first‐in‐human evidence that biomarkers of senescent cell burden are significantly lowered by a structured exercise program and predictive of the adaptive response to exercise.
Effects of substance misuse on inhibitory control in patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Maria , van Rooij Daan , Schene Aart H. , Chauvin Roselyne , Buitelaar Jan K. , Schellekens Arnt F. A.
Published: June 2021

Patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often diagnosed with comorbid substance misuse (SM), which is associated with poor treatment efficacy. Although literature indicates similar inhibitory control deficits in both conditions, it is unclear whether SM in ADHD exaggerates pre‐existing deficits, with additive or distinct impairments in patients. Our aim was to examine SM effects on inhibitory control in ADHD. Behavioural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from a stop‐signal task were compared across ADHD patients with and without SM (ADHD + SM and ADHD‐only, respectively) and controls (n = 33/group; 79 males, mean age 18.02 ± 2.45). To limit substance use disorder (SUD) trait effects, groups were matched for parental SUD. Overall, we found worse performance for ADHD‐only and/or ADHD + SM compared with controls but no difference between the ADHD groups. Moreover, the ADHD groups showed decreased frontostriatal and frontoparietal activity during successful and failed stop trials. There were no differences between the ADHD groups in superior frontal nodes, but there was more decreased activation in temporal/parietal nodes in ADHD‐only compared with ADHD + SM. During go‐trials, ADHD + SM showed decreased activation in inferior frontal nodes compared with ADHD‐only and controls. Findings during response inhibition showed deficits in inhibition and attentional processes for ADHD patients with and without SM. Despite no evidence for SM effects during response inhibition, results during go‐trials suggest distinct effects on nodes that are associated with several executive functions. Future studies should investigate whether distinct deficits in ADHD + SM relate to poor treatment results and can direct development of distinct ADHD treatment strategies for these patients.
Optimizing early detection strategies: defining the effective attraction radius of attractants for emerald ash borerAgrilus planipennisFairmaire
Authors: Wittman Jacob T. , Silk Peter , Parker Katie , Aukema Brian H.
Published: June 2021

Adult emerald ash borers are attracted to green prism traps baited with the ash host volatile (3Z)‐hexenol and the sex pheromone of emerald ash borer (3Z)‐dodecen‐12‐olide [(3Z)‐lactone]. Quantifying the heretofore unknown range of attraction of such traps would help optimize deployment strategies for early detection.

Examining trap captures of traps deployed in pairs at variable distances offers insight into the range of attraction. Recent work has shown the range of attraction can be estimated as half the intertrap distance at which trap catch begins to decrease, which should occur when proximate traps overlap their respective attractive ranges.

We estimated these traps' attractive range for emerald ash borer using 98 baited dark green prism traps deployed in pairs, one trap per tree, in an urban park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA in summer 2020.

We estimate attractive range by fitting a logistic model to trap catch data using Bayesian inferential methods and describe advantages thereof.

The attractive range of these baited traps was estimated to be between 16 and 73 m, with a median of 28 m. We recommend that dark green prism traps baited with these semiochemicals be placed 25–35 m apart near high‐risk entry points.
Indocyanine green fluorescence‐guided laparoscopic removal of infected mesh with chronic sinus formation after inguinal mesh plug repair
Authors: Shimada Gen , Hirose Shuntaro , Matsubara Taketo , Kishida Akihiro
Published: June 2021

Chronic mesh infection with sinus formation is usually amenable to open method with dye. Recently, intraoperative real‐time fluorescent imaging has been applied to various organs but not to mesh infection. A 72‐year‐old man with the history of two times removal of infected mesh was referred for groin bulge with purulent discharge. Laparoscopy assisted infected mesh removal was undertaken using intraoperative real‐time fluorescent imaging with indocyanine green injection via the sinus orifice. We experienced the first case of the infected mesh with chronic sinus formation treated by the help of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescent. This method is simple and easy to apply for laparoscopic assisted removal of chronic mesh infection with sinus.
Gestational thrombocytopenia: a case–control study of over 3,500 pregnancies
Authors: Fogerty Annemarie E. , Dzik Walter
Published: June 2021

Gestational thrombocytopenia (GT) affects an estimated nine million women annually. Women with GT have recurrent episodes on subsequent pregnancies suggesting that GT is related to a maternal factor rather than a factor unique to the individual pregnancy. We performed a case–control study of over 3 500 pregnancies at a single hospital during 2017. We defined GT as any pregnancy with a platelet count <150 000/µl during the 100 days prior to delivery. We excluded women with platelet counts <50 000/µl or with conditions known to cause thrombocytopenia. GT was present in 12% of pregnancies. The median platelet count at delivery was 134 500/µl in cases versus 208 000/µl in controls, P < 0·0001. During the pregnancy, the platelet count declined 31·8% in cases compared with 18·3% in controls (P < 0·0001) in association with a significant increase in mean platelet volume during each trimester. Among women with GT, platelet counts rapidly increased during the first week postpartum, consistent with a mechanism directly related to high blood flow rates in the gravid uterus. GT, a recurrent condition of at‐risk women, is a common haematological disorder of pregnancy. Future research may focus on genetic gain‐of‐function polymorphisms resulting in increased turnover of platelets uncovered only during periods of high‐shear blood flow.
Bridging Research and Practice to Influence National Policy: Afro‐Colombians Territorial Rights, from Stagnation to Implementation
Authors: Cárdenas Omaira Bolaños , Herrera Arango Johana , Guerrero Lovera Cristiam , Helo Molina Elias
Published: June 2021

This article discusses strategies to bridge research and practice in knowledge co‐production in order to influence public policy implementation. It analyses a long‐lasting alliance between the Afro‐Colombian movement, academia and international organisations, triggering the Government's commitment to nationwide formalisation of collective territories. By combining collaborative and cartographic research, with historical and legal analysis through purposeful political advocacy, the Allies demonstrated the vulnerability of 271 untitled community lands within a socio‐territorial conflict context, emerging from competition and control over land and natural resources. This strategic alliance brought Law 70/1993 from stagnation to implementation.
Internal feedbacks forced Middle Holocene cooling on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Mingda , Hou Juzhi , Duan Yanwu , Chen Jianhui , Li Xiumei , He Yue , Lee Shih‐Yu , Chen Fahu
Published: June 2021

The nature of Holocene temperature changes is controversial because of the apparent discrepancy between global temperature reconstructions and climate modelling results. Here we present evidence indicating that the discrepancy can be attributed to the combination of seasonal biases in the proxy temperature records and insufficient understanding of the mechanisms within climate models. We obtained independently dated records of mean annual air temperature (MAAT) based on glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) from Bangong Co in the western Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and two loess‐palaeosol sections in the northeastern QTP. One of the most prominent features in the composite MAAT record is the relatively cool Middle Holocene, ~2 °C cooler than the Early and Late Holocene. The MAAT variations are consistent with orbitally forced modelling results that show increasing regional temperatures since the Middle Holocene, but they contrast with global temperature reconstructions that mainly reflect summer temperature variations. Our findings suggest that changes in boreal summer insolation that led to variations in precipitation patterns and vegetation dynamics were the key factor modulating MAAT during the Holocene. Overall, our study sheds light on possible approaches to solving the Holocene temperature conundrum by considering internal feedbacks within the climate system.
Review: Physical activity interventions for the mental health and well‐being of adolescents – a systematic review
Authors: Hale Gabrielle E. , Colquhoun Luke , Lancastle Deborah , Lewis Nicky , Tyson Philip J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Rates of physical activity decline throughout adolescence, and evidence indicates that this has an adverse impact on psychological health. This paper aims to synthesise available evidence for physical activity interventions on the mental health and well‐being of young people (11–19 years) from the general population.

Method

Nine databases were searched to identify studies published between January 2005 and June 2020: Web of Science, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsycINFO, Pub Med, ASSIA, CINHAL PLUS, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and Wiley Online Library. Key search terms included ‘physical activity intervention’, ‘mental health’ and ‘adolescen*’. Eligible studies were independently screened by two authors based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

Twenty‐eight interventions were narratively synthesised in four categories: Quality of Life (QOL), self‐esteem, psychological well‐being and psychological ill‐being (e.g. depression, stress). A large proportion (67.9%) of interventions were multicomponent and combined physical activity with other features such as health education (e.g. nutrition). However, only a limited number (N = 5) specifically addressed mental health. Findings suggest that interventions are useful in improving psychological well‐being and QOL, yet evidence for self‐esteem is mixed.

Conclusions

Although effectiveness in improving well‐being is evident, evidence for a reduction in the frequency and severity of mental health problems is less clear. A summary of the overall impact of physical activity interventions on the mental health of young people is presented.
Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship studies of the anaephene antibiotics
Authors: Kukla David L. , Canchola Juan , Rosenthal Joseph D. , Mills Jonathan J.
Published: June 2021

The natural products, anaephenes A (1) and B (2), were found to have antimicrobial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this report, we expanded on our previous synthetic efforts by preparing a library of eighteen analogues in order to understand the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of this interesting class of natural products. These analogues were selected to explore the biological impact of structural variations in the alkyl chain and on the phenol moiety. Last, we further assessed the biological activity of anaephene B (2) and two additional analogues against other clinically relevant bacterial strains and the hemolytic activity of each and determined that these compounds act via a bactericidal mechanism. These studies led to the identification of compound 7, which was 4‐fold more potent than the natural product (2) against MRSA (2 vs. 8 μg/ml) and a 2‐hydroxypyridine analogue (18) which demonstrated equal potency compared with the natural product (2), albeit with a significant reduction in hemolytic activity (<1% vs. 80% at 100 μM).
Ultra‐short versus standard‐length dental implants in conjunction with osteotome‐mediated sinus floor elevation: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Magdy Mostafa , Abdelkader Mennatalla A. , Alloush Sobhy , Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Nawwar Alaa A. , Shoeib Mona , ElNahass Hani
Published: June 2021

Background

The ability to restore missing teeth with dental implants is dictated by the available bone and by the presence of anatomical structures. The potential to insert ultrashort implants avoids additional surgical procedures and its inherent complications. The last European Association of Dental Implantologists consensus in 2016 defined ultrashort implants and standard‐length dental implants as <6 and >8 mm, respectively.

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate whether single standing ultrashort dental implants (US) could provide a viable therapeutic alternative to osteotome mediated sinus floor elevation in combination with standard‐length dental implants (SL) 10 mm in posterior maxillary rehabilitation with reduced bone height.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted as a prospective parallel group controlled clinical trial with a 12 month follow‐up, where 48 implants were randomized into two groups; US‐group (5.5 mm) and SL‐group (10 mm) implants placed with osteotome‐mediated sinus floor elevation. Crestal bone loss (CBL) was defined as the study's primary outcome, while implant survival, buccal bone thickness, implant stability, probing depth, gingival recession, and adverse effects were assessed as secondary outcomes.

Results

Mesial CBL was 1.13 ± 0.52 mm in SL‐ and 0.72 ± 0.52 mm in US‐group (P = .021), while distal CBL was 1.44 ± 0.72 mm in SL‐ and 0.91 ± 0.69 mm in US‐group at 12 months (P = .0179). Regarding implant stability, probing depth, and gingival recession there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Regarding implants' survival, three implants were lost in the US‐while only one implant was lost in the SL‐group (P = .6085; Fisher's exact test). Nevertheless, the ultrashort implants were associated with a tripling of the failure rate and uncertainty where the true failure rate is uncertain (relative risk 3.0; confidence interval 0.3‐26.8).

Conclusions

Within the current trial's limitations, US‐appear appear promising as they are associated less postoperative discomfort, minimal invasiveness and less CBL. However, larger sample size is required to determine whether the ultrashort have an acceptable survival rate.
Potential surgical therapies for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Shan Wei , Mao Xuewei , Wang Xiu , Hogan Robert E. , Wang Qun
Published: June 2021

Drug‐resistant focal epilepsy (DRFE), defined by failure of two antiepileptic drugs, affects 30% of epileptic patients. Epilepsy surgeries are alternative options for this population. Preoperative evaluation is critical to include potential candidates, and to choose the most appropriate procedure to maximize efficacy and simultaneously minimize side effects. Traditional procedures involve open skull surgeries and epileptic focus resection. Alternatively, neuromodulation surgeries use peripheral nerve or deep brain stimulation to reduce the activities of epileptogenic focus. With the advanced improvement of laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT) technique and its utilization in neurosurgery, magnetic resonance‐guided LITT (MRgLITT) emerges as a minimal invasive approach for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. In the present review, we first introduce drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and summarize the indications, pros and cons of traditional surgical procedures and neuromodulation procedures. And then, focusing on MRgLITT, we thoroughly discuss its history, its technical details, its safety issues, and current evidence on its clinical applications. A case report on MRgLITT is also included to illustrate the preoperational evaluation. We believe that MRgLITT is a promising approach in selected patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy, although large prospective studies are required to evaluate its efficacy and side effects, as well as to implement a standardized protocol for its application.
Views of Black women patients with obesity on desired and undesired weight‐focused clinical encounters
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Roncoroni Julia , Klein Kirsten G. , Derias Terry O. , Ateyah Wafaa , Williams Jaime , Nmezi Nwakaego A , Shah Nipa R. , Bilello Lori A. , Anton Stephen
Published: June 2021

Non‐Hispanic Black women have the highest rates of overweight/obesity of any group in the United States. To date, few interventions have worked to reduce overweight/obesity in this population. This study investigated the views of Black women with overweight and obesity treated in a primary care setting regarding desired and undesired verbal and non‐verbal behaviours by providers in provider‐patient clinical encounters focused on losing weight, maintaining weight loss, and/or obesity. Two focus groups and an individual interview (n = 15) were conducted. Qualitative data analysis yielded five distinct themes, with 11 codes (listed in parenthesis): (a) desired weight‐focused discussions (codes: Discussing weight loss with patients and discussing weight‐loss maintenance with patients), (b) desired weight‐focused support (codes: Supporting patients experiencing weight loss and supporting patients experiencing weight gain), (c) undesired weight‐focused discussions (codes: Things to avoid during weight loss discussions and things to avoid during weight gain discussions), (d) desired attitudes and behaviours during weight‐focused discussions (codes: Show caring and understanding and encourage behaviour change for weight loss), and (e) building physician‐patient rapport (codes: Enable patients to feel respected by doctors, enable patients to feel comfortable with doctors and enable patients to trust their doctors). The qualitative approach employed in this study generates a deep understanding not only of the experiences of Black women patients but also of potential strategies that physicians could employ to succeed in their discussions with patients regarding healthy weight achievement and maintenance.
Exploring the ecological outcomes of mandatory biodiversity net gain using evidence from early‐adopter jurisdictions in England
Authors: zu Ermgassen Sophus O. S. E. , Marsh Sally , Ryland Kate , Church Edward , Marsh Richard , Bull Joseph W.
Published: June 2021

Net outcome‐type biodiversity policies are proliferating globally as perceived mechanisms to reconcile economic development and conservation objectives. The UK government's Environment Bill will mandate that most new developments in England demonstrate that they deliver a biodiversity net gain (BNG) to receive planning permission, representing the most wide‐ranging net outcome type policy globally. However, as with many nascent net‐outcome policies, the likely outcomes of mandatory BNG have not been explored empirically. We assemble all BNG assessments (accounting for ∼6% of England's annual housebuilding and other infrastructure) submitted from January 2020 to February 2021 in six early‐adopter councils who are implementing mandatory no net loss or BNG requirements in advance of the national adoption of mandatory BNG, and analyze the aggregate habitat changes proposed. Our sample is associated with a 34% reduction in the area of nonurban habitats, generally compensated by commitments to deliver smaller areas of higher quality habitat years later in the development project cycle. Ninety‐five percent of biodiversity units delivered in our sample come from habitats within or directly‐adjacent to the development footprint managed by the developers. However, we find that these gains fall within a governance gap whereby they risk being unenforceable, a challenge that is shared with other net outcome type policies implemented internationally.
Probiotics ameliorate alveolar bone loss by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Jia Leming , Tu Ye , Jia Xiaoyue , Du Qian , Zheng Xin , Yuan Quan , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Xin
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Oestrogen deficiency is an aetiological factor of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), which not only decreases bone density in vertebrae and long bone but also aggravates inflammatory alveolar bone loss. Recent evidence has suggested the critical role of gut microbiota in osteoimmunology and its influence on bone metabolisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on alveolar bone loss under oestrogen‐deficient condition.

Materials and Methods

Inflammatory alveolar bone loss was established in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and rats were daily intragastrically administered with probiotics until sacrifice. Gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, systemic immune status and alveolar bone loss were assessed to reveal the underlying correlation between gut microbiota and bone metabolisms.

Results

We found administration of probiotics significantly prevented inflammatory alveolar bone resorption in OVX rats. By enriching butyrate‐producing genera and enhancing gut butyrate production, probiotics improved intestinal barrier and decreased gut permeability in the OVX rats. Furthermore, the oestrogen deprivation‐induced inflammatory responses were suppressed in probiotics‐treated OVX rats, as reflected by reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and a balanced distribution of CD4+IL‐17A+ Th17 cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in the bone marrow.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that probiotics can effectively attenuate alveolar bone loss by modulating gut microbiota and further regulating osteoimmune response and thus represent a promising adjuvant in the treatment of alveolar bone loss under oestrogen deficiency.
Mobilizing practitioners to support the Emergency Recovery Plan for freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Twardek William M. , Nyboer Elizabeth A. , Tickner David , O'Connor Constance M. , Lapointe Nicolas W. R. , Taylor Mark K. , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Smol John P. , Reid Andrea J. , Creed Irena F. , Nguyen Vivian M. , Winegardner Amanda K. , Bergman Jordanna N. , Taylor Jessica J. , Rytwinski Trina , Martel André L. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Robinson Stacey A. , Marty Jerome , Bennett Joseph R. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: June 2021

Freshwater biodiversity loss is one of the greatest environmental threats in our changing world. Although declines have been reported extensively in the literature, much less attention has been devoted to solving the freshwater biodiversity crisis relative to other ecosystems. The recently proposed Emergency Recovery Plan for Freshwater Biodiversity (Tickner et al., 2020, BioScience, 70(4), 330–342) outlines an ambitious but necessary set of overarching actions that can help “bend the curve” for freshwater biodiversity declines. This plan is timely given the present opportunity to adjust freshwater biodiversity targets in international biodiversity agreements and to encourage meeting targets of relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, relying solely on a trickle down from such agreements to national and local scales will likely take too long, given the immediate urgency of the situation. Here, we advocate for a broader, concerted effort from all actors to ensure the Emergency Recovery Plan meaningfully influences the actions of practitioners at a local scale. We outline the roles and responsibilities of actors involved with policy, research, professional bodies and societies, advocacy, and industry, as well as practitioners themselves, in achieving this goal. It is our hope that this overview facilitates the real‐world actions needed to execute the Emergency Recovery Plan so that we can indeed “bend the curve” for freshwater biodiversity.
Glucokinase activation or inactivation: Which will lead to the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Nakamura Akinobu , Omori Kazuno , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: June 2021

Glucokinase, which phosphorylates glucose to form glucose‐6‐phosphate, plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels. On the basis of data of glucokinase‐knockout and transgenic mice and humans with glucokinase mutations, glucokinase was targeted for drug development aiming to augment its activity, and thereby reduce hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes. In fact, various small molecule compounds have been developed and clinically tested as glucokinase activators. However, some have been discontinued because of efficacy and safety issues. One of these issues is loss of the drug's efficacy over time. This unsustained glycaemic efficacy may be associated with the excess glycolysis by glucokinase activation in pancreatic beta cells, resulting in beta‐cell failure. Recently, we have shown that glucokinase haploinsufficiency ameliorated glucose intolerance by increasing beta‐cell function and mass in a mouse model of diabetes. Given that a similar phenotype has been observed in glucokinase‐activated beta cells and diabetic beta cells, glucokinase inactivation may be a new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Deoxyribonuclease is prognostic in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mangold Andreas , Ondracek Anna S. , Hofbauer Thomas M. , Artner Tyler , Nechvile Johanna , Panagiotides Noel G. , Mirna² Moritz , Hammerer Matthias , Fejzic² Dzeneta , Hoppe² Uta , Wernly² Bernhard , Lauten Alexander , Alushi Brunilda , Franz Marcus , Schulze Paul C. , Wohlschläger‐Krenn Evelyne , Lang Irene M. , Lichtenauer² Michael
Published: June 2021

Degenerative aortic valve stenosis is an inflammatory process that resembles atherosclerosis. Neutrophils release their DNA upon activation and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are present on degenerated aortic valves. NETs correlate with pressure gradients in severe aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment option for aortic valve stenosis. Bioprosthetic valve deterioration promoted by inflammatory, fibrotic and thrombotic processes limits outcome. Deoxyribonuclease is a natural counter mechanism to degrade DNA in circulation. In the present observational study, we investigated plasma levels of double‐stranded DNA, deoxyribonuclease activity and outcome after TAVR.

345 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR and 100 healthy reference controls were studied. Double‐stranded DNA was measured by fluorescence assays in plasma obtained at baseline and after TAVR. Deoxyribonuclease activity was measured at baseline using single radial enzyme diffusion assays. Follow‐up was performed at 12 months, and mean aortic pressure gradient and survival were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression models were calculated.

Baseline double‐stranded DNA in plasma was significantly higher compared to healthy controls, was increased at 3 and 7 days after TAVR, and declined thereafter. Baseline deoxyribonuclease activity was decreased compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, low deoxyribonuclease activity correlated with higher C‐reactive protein and higher mean transaortic gradient after 12 months. Finally, deoxyribonuclease activity was a strong independent predictor of outcome 12 months after TAVR.

Deoxyribonuclease activity is a potential biomarker for risk stratification after TAVR. Pathomechanisms of bioprosthetic valve deterioration involving extracellular DNA and deoxyribonuclease merit investigation.
An evaluation of the potential factors affecting lifetime reproductive success in salmonids
Authors: Koch Ilana J. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: June 2021

Lifetime reproductive success (LRS), the number of offspring produced over an organism's lifetime, is a fundamental component of Darwinian fitness. For taxa such as salmonids with multiple species of conservation concern, understanding the factors affecting LRS is critical for the development and implementation of successful conservation management practices. Here, we reviewed the published literature to synthesize factors affecting LRS in salmonids including significant effects of hatchery rearing, life history, and phenotypic variation, and behavioral and spawning interactions. Additionally, we found that LRS is affected by competitive behavior on the spawning grounds, genetic compatibility, local adaptation, and hybridization. Our review of existing literature revealed limitations of LRS studies, and we emphasize the following areas that warrant further attention in future research: (1) expanding the range of studies assessing LRS across different life‐history strategies, specifically accounting for distinct reproductive and migratory phenotypes; (2) broadening the variety of species represented in salmonid fitness studies; (3) constructing multigenerational pedigrees to track long‐term fitness effects; (4) conducting LRS studies that investigate the effects of aquatic stressors, such as anthropogenic effects, pathogens, environmental factors in both freshwater and marine environments, and assessing overall body condition, and (5) utilizing appropriate statistical approaches to determine the factors that explain the greatest variation in fitness and providing information regarding biological significance, power limitations, and potential sources of error in salmonid parentage studies. Overall, this review emphasizes that studies of LRS have profoundly advanced scientific understanding of salmonid fitness, but substantial challenges need to be overcome to assist with long‐term recovery of these keystone species in aquatic ecosystems.
Longitudinal tendon healing assessed with multi‐modality advanced imaging and tissue analysis
Authors: Johnson Sherry A. , Valdés‐Martínez Alejandro , Turk Philip J. , Wayne McIlwraith Cyril , Barrett Myra F. , McGilvray Kirk C. , Frisbie David D.
Published: June 2021

Background

The range of diagnostic modalities available to evaluate superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US). Direct, comprehensive comparison of multi‐modality imaging characteristics to end‐point data has not previously been performed using a model of tendinopathy but is required to obtain a better understanding of each modality's diagnostic capabilities.

Objective

To compare CT, MRI and US evaluation to outcome measures for histologic, biochemical and biomechanical parameters using an equine surgical model of tendinopathy.

Study design

Controlled experiment.

Methods

Lesions were surgically created in both forelimb SDFTs of eight horses and imaged using MRI, CT and US at seven time points over 12 months. Imaging characteristics were then correlated to end point histologic, biochemical and biomechanical data using lasso regression. Longitudinal lesion size was compared between imaging modalities.

Results

Lesion to tendon isoattenuation on CT evaluation correlated with the greatest levels of aggrecan deposition. A significant correlation between cellular density and percentage of tendon involvement on the T2‐weighted sequence and signal intensity on the proton density fat saturated (PD FS) sequence was appreciated at the 12‐month time point (P = .006,P = .02 respectively). There was no significant correlation between end‐point data and US or contrast imaging characteristics. Cross sectional area lesion to tendon measurements were significantly largest on CT evaluation, followed by MRI and then US (P < .001).

Main limitations

Experimentally induced tendon injury with singular end‐point data correlation.

Conclusions

Lesion isoattenuation on CT evaluation suggested scar tissue deposition, while T2‐weighted hyperintensity indicated hypercellular tendinopathy even in chronic stages of healing. Non contrast‐enhanced MRI and CT evaluation correlated most closely to cellular characteristics of surgically damaged tendons assessed over a twelve month study period. Ultrasonographic evaluation underestimates true lesional size and should be interpreted with caution.
Computed tomographic guidance for internal fixation of type II distal phalangeal fractures in 51 horses
Authors: Smanik Lauren E. , Stefanovski Darko , Reilly Patrick T. , Richardson Dean W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Type II distal phalanx (P3) fractures are a well‐described cause of lameness in horses. Reports on outcome following internal fixation of type II P3 fractures are lacking, and with little emphasis on complications.

Objective

To describe a technique for internal fixation of type II P3 fractures, and evaluate whether specific variables influenced post‐operative complications or a horse's ability to return to work.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records of 51 horses with CT‐guided internal fixation of type II P3 fractures were reviewed. Outcome data were acquired from race records and telephone interviews. Associations between independent variables and outcome were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Eighty‐six per cent (95% CI 74%‐94%; n = 44) successfully returned to work. Implant infection (n = 15) and distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (n = 9) were the most common complications, with the latter reducing the likelihood of success (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01‐0.7, P = .02). Implant infection increased the time to return to work (HR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.2‐0.9, P = .03). The odds of delayed infection decreased by filling the hoof defect with acrylic hoof adhesive rather than poly(methyl methacrylate) and deeply countersinking the screw head (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02‐0.38, P = .001); the individual effect of each treatment is unknown. Radiographic healing was not associated with likelihood of success.

Main limitations

Study limitations included variation in follow‐up methods, lack of control population for comparison and lack of randomisation of treatment protocols.

Conclusions

Internal fixation of type II P3 fractures is an effective treatment that allows horses to return to athletic use, with similar improved success rates as those reported for conservative management. Infection rates were reduced by deeply countersinking the screw head and filling the hoof defect with an acrylic that mimics hoof wall flexibility and provides a secure seal. Recommencement of training should be based on clinical rather than strictly radiographic findings.
Automated detection of orofacial pain from thermograms using machine learning and deep learning approaches
Authors: Umapathy Snekhalatha , Krishnan Palani Thanaraj
Published: June 2021

The main objectives of this study are (i) to perform automated segmentation of facial regions from thermograms using k‐means clustering algorithm and to classify the data into normal and orofacial pain (OFP) categories using various machine learning classifiers (ii) to implement the convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification of normal and OFP subjects which involves automated feature extraction and feature selection process. Fifty normal and 50 diseased cases suffering from orofacial pain were included in the study. Facial thermograms were segmented using k‐means algorithm, then statistical features were extracted and classified into normal and OFP using various machine learning classifier. Further, the deep learning networks such as VGG‐16 and DenseNet‐121 were used for automated feature extraction and classification of facial thermograms. The facial temperature variations of 3.46%, 3.4%, and 3.27% were observed in the front, right and left side facial regions respectively between the normal and the OFP subjects. Machine learning classifiers such as support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) classifier provided the highest accuracy of 99%. On the other hand, deep learning models such as modified VGG‐16 achieved an average accuracy of 97% compared to modified DenseNet‐121 which produced an average accuracy of 68% in classification of normal and OFP thermograms. Thus, computer aided diagnosis of facial thermography could be used as a viable screening device for a reliable identification of tooth pathology before the occurrence of structural changes and complications.