bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family support and quality of community mental health care: Perspectives from families living with mental illness
Authors: Aass Lisbeth Kjelsrud , Moen Øyfrid Larsen , Skundberg‐Kletthagen Hege , Lundqvist Lars‐Olov , Schröder Agneta
Published: July 2021

Aim and objectives

Describe patients’ and family members’ perceptions of family support from nurses and other mental healthcare professionals, and quality of care in community mental healthcare service. Further, compare the perceptions of patients and family members.

Background

While patients value family involvement, family members feel unprepared and lack the necessary skills to be supportive. Since healthcare professionals predominantly focus on patients, they may fail to understand the complex needs of families. Family perceived support and quality of community mental health care may vary across patients and family members.

Design and methods

Cross‐sectional study with patients suffering from mental illness and family members in community mental healthcare services in Norway. Altogether 86 participants, of whom 33 patients and 33 family members had a family relationship—paired samples. Participants filled in the translated version of the Iceland Family Perceived Support Questionnaire (FPSQ‐N) and Quality in Psychiatric Care—Community Out‐Patient (QPC‐COP) and Community Out‐Patient Next of Kin (QPC‐COPNK). STROBE checklist was used.

Results

Family members scored family perceived support and quality of community mental health care lower than patients. Family members feel the loss of support. Patient and family members found the Patient—healthcare professionals’ relationship to be of high quality, while family members gave low score to being respected and invited to take part in care by nurses and other mental healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Family members’ unmet need of support highlights the need for nurses and other community mental healthcare professionals to assess complex family needs and to intervene. Barriers to collaboration exist, and family members need to be respected and invited into community mental health care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Contributes knowledge of how to meet the family’s needs and provides a basis for further care and treatment development in similar contexts nationally and internationally.
Does exercise prevent major non‐communicable diseases and premature mortality? A critical review based on results from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ballin Marcel , Nordström Peter
Published: July 2021

Observational studies show that physical activity is strongly associated with a reduced risk of premature mortality and major non‐communicable diseases. We reviewed to which extent these associations have been confirmed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the outcomes of mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and fracture. The results show that exercise does not reduce all‐cause mortality and incident CVD in older adults or in people with chronic conditions, based on RCTs comprising ∼50,000 participants. The results also indicate a lack of effect on cardiovascular mortality in people with chronic conditions, based on RCTs comprising ∼11,000 participants. Furthermore, there is inconsistent evidence regarding the effect of exercise on fractures in older adults, based on RCTs comprising ∼40,000 participants. Finally, based on RCTs comprising ∼17,000 participants, exercise reduces T2D incidence in people with prediabetes when combined with dietary modification, although evidence for the individual effect of exercise is lacking. Identified shortcomings of the current evidence include risks of publication bias, lack of high‐quality studies in certain high‐risk populations, and inconstant evidence with respect to some outcomes. Thus, additional large trials would be of value, especially with fracture as the primary outcome. In conclusion, according to current RCT evidence, exercise can prevent T2D assuming it is combined with dietary intervention. However, the current evidence shows that exercise does not prevent premature mortality or CVD, with inconsistent evidence for fractures.
Neural processing of personal, relational, and collective self‐worth reflected individual differences of self‐esteem
Authors: Zeng Mei , Li Jiwen , Wang Chong , Deng Chijun , Li Rong , Chen Huafu , Yang Juan
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Self‐esteem stems from an individual's attributes (PSE), relationships with important others (RSE), and collective membership (CSE). Our study aimed to identify neurological indicators in the processing of personal, relational, and collective self‐worth, and to investigate whether these neural indicators could reflect individual differences of self‐esteem.

Methods

Fifty students underwent the evaluation of personal, relational, and collective self‐worth using a self‐referential paradigm while brain activities were recorded using functional‐magnetic‐resonance‐imaging. Meanwhile, their PSE, RSE, and CSE were measured through questionnaires.

Results

Conjunction analysis found self‐worth processing recruited the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and posterior insula. Multivariate pattern analysis showed compared to relational and collective self‐worth, personal self‐worth processing was distinguished by cortical‐midline‐structures and affective‐related regions, including caudate and putamen, and that these neural patterns could reflect individual differences of PSE. Compared to personal self‐worth, relational self‐worth was distinguished by the neural activity of temporoparietal‐junction, and this neural pattern reflected individual differences of RSE. Compared to relational self‐worth, collective self‐worth was distinguished by neural activity of the anterior insula, and this neural pattern reflected individual differences of CSE.

Discussion

These results suggested the neurological indicators of self‐worth can be recognized as an alternative way to reflect individual differences of self‐esteem.
Language analysis of spontaneous descriptions of restless legs syndrome: Gender differences?
Authors: Holzknecht Evi , Domahs Frank , Brandauer Elisabeth , Bergmann Melanie , Zengin Tugba , Delazer Margarete , Hochleitner Margarethe , Högl Birgit , Stefani Ambra
Published: July 2021

Patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) use various terms when describing their symptoms. Whether gender might influence this has not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible gender differences in spontaneous descriptions of RLS symptoms. This prospective study, conducted in 100 consecutive German‐speaking RLS patients, used a single standardized question. Answers were digitally recorded and transcribed. A content‐related linguistic analysis of the transcripts was performed by two independent blinded raters. The lengths of the answers and content‐related linguistic features were compared between women and men. Ninety‐eight patients were included in the final analysis, 59 women (60.2%) and 39 men (39.8%), with a median age of 62 (23–94) and 63 (31–82) years, respectively (p = 0.602). Demographic and clinical features, including educational level and RLS treatment class, did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Total word or sentence count showed no gender differences (p = 0.159 and 0.259, respectively), although men used more words per sentence than women (p = 0.018). More men than women described quiescegenic (i.e., triggered by rest or inactivity) symptoms (p = 0.006) and successful attempts at relief (p = 0.039). There was a non‐significant trend toward a more frequent use of the first‐person perspective in men (median times used = 5 [0–10.5] vs. 3.8 [0–17.5], p = 0.068). The more frequent mention of quiescegenic symptoms and successful attempts at relief in men could indicate differences in phenotypic presentation of RLS between genders, a more precise description of RLS symptoms or a higher experience of self‐efficacy in men compared to women.
Do non‐maternal adult female household members influence child nutrition? Empirical evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Usman Muhammed Abdella , Kornher Lukas , Sakketa Tekalign Gutu
Published: July 2021

Child malnutrition is an enormous public health problem in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In this paper, we study the relationship between non‐maternal adult female household members (AFHMs) and under‐5 child nutritional outcomes using nationally representative Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, 2016. Because most of the primary inputs that go into the production of child health are intensive in maternal time, having additional AFHMs may ease the time constraints of the child's mother. We use anthropometric measures such as height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) and weight‐for‐age z‐scores (WAZ) to measure stunting and underweight, respectively, as objective indicators of child nutritional status. Among our sampled households, we find that 40% of the children are stunted, 18% severely stunted, 27% underweight and 8% severely underweight. Furthermore, about 20% of the sampled children live with at least one extra non‐maternal AFHM. The multivariate regression results suggest that an additional AFHM is associated with significantly higher HAZ and WAZ scores and less likelihood of severe stunting compared with children living with fewer AFHMs. Finally, the paper discusses the potential pathways through which non‐maternal AFHMs can influence child nutritional status.
Engaging fathers to improve complementary feeding is acceptable and feasible in the Lake Zone, Tanzania
Authors: Martin Stephanie L. , Matare Cynthia R. , Kayanda Rosemary A. , Owoputi Ibukun , Kazoba Aidan , Bezner Kerr Rachel , Nnally Luitfrid , Khan Maliha , Locklear Kamryn H. , Dearden Kirk A. , Dickin Katherine L.
Published: July 2021

In Tanzania, suboptimal complementary feeding practices contribute to high stunting rates. Fathers influence complementary feeding practices, and effective strategies are needed to engage them. The objectives of this research were to examine the acceptability and feasibility of (1) tailored complementary feeding recommendations and (2) engaging fathers in complementary feeding. We conducted trials of improved practices with 50 mothers and 40 fathers with children 6–18 months. At visit 1, mothers reported current feeding practices and fathers participated in focus group discussions. At visit 2, mothers and fathers received individual, tailored counselling and chose new practices to try. After 2 weeks, at visit 3, parents were interviewed individually about their experiences. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. The most frequent feeding issues at visit 1 were the need to thicken porridge, increase dietary diversity, replace sugary snacks and drinks and feed responsively. After counselling, most mothers agreed to try practices to improve diets and fathers agreed to provide informational and instrumental support for complementary feeding, but few agreed to try feeding the child. At follow‐up, mothers reported improved child feeding and confirmed fathers' reports of increased involvement. Most fathers purchased or provided funds for recommended foods; some helped with domestic tasks or fed children. Many participants reported improved spousal communication and cooperation. Families were able to practice recommendations to feed family foods, but high food costs and seasonal unavailability were challenges. It was feasible and acceptable to engage fathers in complementary feeding, but additional strategies are needed to address economic and environmental barriers.
Engaging family members in maternal, infant and young child nutrition activities in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Martin Stephanie L. , McCann Juliet K. , Gascoigne Emily , Allotey Diana , Fundira Dadirai , Dickin Katherine L.
Published: July 2021

The influence of fathers, grandmothers and other family members on maternal, infant and young child nutrition practices has been well documented for decades, yet many social and behavioural interventions continue to reach only mothers. While recent guidelines recommend involving fathers, grandmothers and other family members in maternal and child nutrition, we lack a comprehensive review of interventions that have engaged them. This scoping review aimed to address this gap by describing social and behavioural interventions to engage family members in maternal and child nutrition in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health and CINAHL for peer‐reviewed studies meeting inclusion criteria. We screened 6,570 abstracts, evaluated 179 full‐text articles, and included 87 articles from 63 studies. Studies reported a broad range of approaches to engage fathers, grandmothers and other family members to support maternal nutrition (n = 6); breastfeeding (n = 32); complementary feeding (n = 6) and multiple maternal and child nutrition practices (n = 19). Interventions were facility and community based; included individual and group‐based interpersonal communication, community mobilization, mass media and mHealth; and reached mothers and family members together or separately. Most interventions were located within the health sector; rare exceptions included nutrition‐sensitive agriculture, social protection, early child development and community development interventions. Few interventions addressed gender norms, decision‐making, and family dynamics or described formative research or theories informing intervention design. These diverse studies can shed light on innovative programme approaches to increase family support for maternal and child nutrition.
Introduction: A family systems approach to promote maternal, child and adolescent nutrition
Authors: Aubel Judi , Martin Stephanie L. , Cunningham Kenda
Published: July 2021

In all cultures, women and children are embedded infamily systemsthat determine roles, relationships, patterns of communication and authority between family members. Especially in non‐western societies, maternal and child nutrition practices are determined not only by the biological parents but also by other influential family members. Most maternal and child nutrition research and interventions do not consider the constellation of family roles and influence on women and children and continue to focus on the mother–child dyad and individual knowledge, attitudes and practices. There is growing agreement on the need to adopt an ecological framework to address public health issues, including those dealing with maternal and child nutrition. This special issue presents examples of research from a variety of settings that employed an ecological, family systems approach either to investigate maternal, child or adolescent nutrition issues or to design interventions that engaged various actors within family settings. These 11 articles contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the relevance of a wider family systems perspective for nutrition research and interventions. Key themes across studies include the limitations of using a nuclear family model for research and intervention design, the need for formative research that comprehensively explores family systems, increasing recognition of the extensive involvement and support provided by grandmothers, and the importance of engaging men in culturally appropriate ways based on community dialogue and women's perspectives. Future maternal and child nutrition research and interventions can be strengthened by systems thinking that acknowledges that individuals are situated within family and community systems.
Moral hinges and steadfastness
Authors: Ranalli Chris
Published: July 2021

Epistemic rationality seems to permit a more steadfast response to disagreements over our fundamental convictions than it does for our ordinary beliefs. Why is this? This essay explores three answers to this question: web‐of‐belief conservatism, moral encroachment, and hinge theories, and argues that hinge theories do a better job than the alternatives at vindicating the intuition that there is a rationally permissible asymmetry in our responses to disagreements over ordinary beliefs and fundamental convictions. The essay also shows how hinge theorists can explain the existence of moral hinge propositions, which enables them to account for the rational permissibility of being steadfast in response to disagreements over fundamental moral convictions.
Meaning of a textbook: Religious education, National Islam, and the politics of reform in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ozgen Zeynep , El Shishtawy Hassan Sharif Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

The organisation and content of Islamic education have been an object of Western scrutiny based on claims linking religious education to radicalism. Many Arab Gulf states have responded to such allegations with significant overhauls of their religious curricula. This article focuses on the politics of education reform in the United Arab Emirates. A detailed coding and analysis of 1500 pages of Islamic education textbooks reveal that religious education is a deeply politicised field. However, it promotes loyalty rather than radicalism. The reformed curriculum is used as a pedagogic tool by the state to advance national interpretations of Islam in support of domestic and international policy objectives, such as strengthening national identity against sub‐national loyalties, securing political legitimacy, pacifying opposition, rebranding the state's international image, and spurring economic development. This article advances the existing scholarship by bringing in the international dimension of domestic education reform and the precise mechanisms that we call emulation and generalisation through which Islamic knowledge becomes functionalised for the state's nationalist goals.
Does the Alt‐Right still matter? An examination of Alt‐Right influence between 2016 and 2018
Authors: Thompson Jack , Hawley George
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we use panel data from the 2016 and 2017 waves of the Voter Study and the 2018 American National Election Studies (ANES) Pilot, to better understand the relative influence of the Alt‐Right on mainstream US politics in the Trump era. Given the degree of formal alignment between Trump and a number of key voices within the movement, we first examine the strength of the association between affect for the Alt‐Right and support for Republican Party between 2016 and 2018. We also examine relative levels of affect for the Alt‐Right among Whites between this period, tracking a number of important changes. We find that, while affect for the Alt‐Right was strongly associated with support for Republican candidates such as Trump in the 2016 election cycle, we find a somewhat weaker relationship between affect for the Alt‐Right and White support for Trump and down ballot Republican candidates in 2018. We also find that, after rising between 2016 and 2017, levels of affect for Alt‐Right appear to have declined by 2018. The results are therefore reflective of exponential rise of the Alt‐Right during the 2016 election and the movement's subsequent implosion after the 2017 ‘United the Right’, rally in Charlottesville, VA.
Active deprescribing program in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: George Jyothi Susan , Joseph Rajesh , Thomas E. T. Arun , John Geo Philip , Siby Anu , Nair Midhun M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Deprescribing is gaining attention of medical community to address polypharmacy. Existing deprescribing tools were not validated in haemodialysis population. We designed this study to assess the pill burden of patients undergoing haemodialysis and to measure the outcome after implementation of an active deprescribing program.

Methods

An evidence based deprescription tool was formulated. All patients who were on dialysis for 3 months or more were eligible to participate. Medication reconciliation followed by medication list evaluation for appropriateness was done for all patients. All inappropriate medications were discontinued followed by monitoring for 6 months for complications. Primary outcome was the average number of medications and pills per patient before and 12 weeks after implementation of deprescribing program.

Results

We enrolled 150 patients to the active deprescribing program. Mean age was 60.4 ± 10.9 years. After deprescription, there were significant reduction in the number of medications from 11 (Interquartile range 8–13.25) to 8 (IQR 6–9) (p < .001) and reduction in the number of pills from 16 (IQR 12.75–21.25) to 11 (IQR 8–14.25) (p < .001). Pill burden accessed using Living with Medication Questionnaire‐Visual Analogue Scale score also had a significant reduction from 7 (IQR 5–8) to 4 (IQR 3–5) (p < .001).

Conclusion

Polypharmacy is a significant problem in haemodialysis patients, which can lead to poor quality of life and health hazards due to side effects of medications. Implementation of a proactive deprescribing program can cut down polypharmacy to a significant extent.
Sweetness is in the ear of the beholder: chord preference across United Kingdom and Pakistani listeners
Authors: Lahdelma Imre , Athanasopoulos George , Eerola Tuomas
Published: July 2021

The majority of research in the field of music perception has been conducted with Western participants, and it has remained unclear which aspects of music perception are culture dependent, and which are universal. The current study compared how participants unfamiliar with Western music (people from the Khowar and Kalash tribes native to Northwest Pakistan with minimal exposure to Western music) perceive affect (positive versus negative) in musical chords compared with United Kingdom (UK) listeners, as well as the overall preference for these chords. The stimuli consisted of four distinct chord types (major, minor, augmented, and chromatic) and were played as both vertical blocks (pitches presented concurrently) and arpeggios (pitches presented successively). The results suggest that the Western listener major‐positive minor‐negative affective distinction is opposite for Northwest Pakistani listeners, arguably because of the reversed prevalence of these chords in the two music cultures. The aversion to the harsh dissonance of the chromatic cluster is present cross‐culturally, but the preference for the consonance of the major triad varies between UK and Northwest Pakistani listeners, depending on cultural familiarity. Our findings imply not only notable cultural variation but also commonalities in chord perception across Western and non‐Western listeners.
Prevalence of bradyarrhythmias needing pacing in COVID‐19
Authors: Akhtar Zaki , Leung Lisa WM , Kontogiannis Christos , Zuberi Zia , Bajpai Abhay , Sharma Sumeet , Chen Zhong , Beeton Ian , Sohal Manav , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Sars‐Cov‐2 infection is a multisystem illness that can affect the cardiovascular system. Tachyarrhythmias have been reported but the prevalence of bradyarrhythmia is unclear. Cases have been described of transient high‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block in COVID‐19 that were managed conservatively.

Method

A database of all patients requiring temporary or permanent pacing in two linked cardiac centers was used to compare the number of procedures required during the first year of the pandemic compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. The database was cross‐referenced with a database of all patients testing positive for Sars‐Cov‐2 infection in both institutions to identify patients who required temporary or permanent pacing during COVID‐19.

Results

The number of novel pacemaker implants was lower during the COVID‐19 pandemic than the same period the previous year (540 vs. 629, respectively), with a similar proportion of high‐degree AV block (38.3% vs. 33.2%, respectively, p = .069). Four patients with the Sars‐Cov‐2 infection had a pacemaker implanted for high‐degree AV block, two for sinus node dysfunction. Of this cohort of six patients, two succumbed to the COVID‐19 illness and one from non‐COVID sepsis. Device interrogation demonstrated a sustained pacing requirement in all cases.

Conclusion

High‐degree AV block remained unaltered in prevalence during the COVID‐19 pandemic. There was no evidence of transient high‐degree AV block in patients with the Sars‐Cov‐2 infection. Our experience suggests that all clinically significant bradyarrhythmia should be treated by pacing according to usual protocols regardless of the COVID status.
Mining of a major QTL and novel genes conferring resistance to SC3 and SC7 strains in soybean
Authors: Chu Jiahao , Li Wenlong , Piao Dongri , Kong Youbin , Du Hui , Lin Feng , Li Xihuan , Zhang Caiying
Published: July 2021

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a serious disease in soybean production, and the cultivation of resistant variety is the irreplaceable strategy to decrease the virus damage. However, the progress of SMV molecular breeding is limited partly due to the diverse types of SMV strains, solely resistance to virus strain of variety and minor genetic effects of QTLs. In the present study, one major pleiotropic additive QTL, qSMV‐D1b, with phenotypic variation explained that 27.04%–54.23% was identified on chromosome 2, and the favourable allele was from the resistant parent “Qihuang30”. Meanwhile, the allele analysis of the flanking markers showed that the favourable genotypes presented high resistance to SC3 and SC7 strains with lower disease index, while the unfavourable genotypes presented high sensitivity with higher disease index. Furthermore, six candidate genes, including four novel resistance genes, Glyma.02G121000, Glyma.02G123000, Glyma.02G123200 and Glyma.02G124700 with different expression levels between resistant and sensitive parents were discovered through transcriptome sequencing and confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR. The resistance genes and the tightly linked molecular markers can be used for SMV breeding in soybean.
Membranous HEG1 expression is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of epithelioid and biphasic malignant mesothelioma versus carcinomas
Authors: Hiroshima Kenzo , Wu Di , Koh Eitetsu , Sekine Yasuo , Ozaki Daisuke , Yusa Toshikazu , Nakazawa Tadao , Tsuji Shoutaro , Miyagi Yohei , Walts Ann E. , Marchevsky Alberto M. , Husain Aliya N. , Imai Kohzoh
Published: July 2021

Sialylated HEG1 has been reported as a highly specific and sensitive mesothelioma marker but a comprehensive evaluation of its expression in carcinomas in different organs, various sarcomas and reactive mesothelial proliferations has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of HEG1 as a marker in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. HEG1 immunoreactivity was evaluated in whole sections of 122 mesotheliomas, 75 pulmonary carcinomas, 55 other carcinomas, 16 mesenchymal tumors, and 24 reactive mesothelial proliferations and in tissue microarrays containing 70 epithelioid (EM), 36 biphasic (BM), and 2 sarcomatoid mesotheliomas (SM). In whole sections and tissue microarrays, respectively, membranous HEG1 was expressed in 93.0% and 85.5% of EM, 81.3% and 69.4% of BM, 0% and 0% of SM. HEG1 was not expressed in pulmonary adenocarcinomas. HEG1 was expressed as cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas (21.7%). Membranous HEG1 staining was seen in ovarian carcinomas (66.7%), thyroid carcinomas (100%), reactive conditions (16.7%), and mesenchymal tumors (18.8%). The sensitivity of membranous HEG1 expression to distinguish EM/BM from all carcinomas was 88.8%. The specificity for the differential diagnosis between EM/BM and all carcinomas and pulmonary carcinomas was 92.3% and 98.7%, respectively.
PLUS Framework: guidance for practice educators
Authors: Dancza Karina , Copley Jodie , Moran Monica
Published: July 2021

Background

The practice educator role is complex and becoming more so with changes in placement configurations since the COVID‐19 pandemic. The role requires practitioners to manage clinical activities while providing learning opportunities and supervision for students. This can be time‐consuming in often stretched clinical settings. This research investigated how experienced practice educators in occupational therapy tailored their approach to supporting student learning to make the most of limited supervision time. The results were developed into the Professional Learning through Useful Support (PLUS) Framework, which revealed how experienced practice educators focused their supervisory approach with students to maximise learning.

Methods

An Action Research methodology was used across four cycles. Semi‐structured interviews and naturally occurring placement documentation were gathered to determine the critical features of practice educator supervision. Template analysis was used to explore the approaches employed by practice educators to support student learning. Key focal points were linked and situated within educational theory to create the PLUS Framework.

Findings

Three key focal points for practice educators were identified: (1) guiding learning, (2) making the theory‐to‐practice links explicit and (3) supportively challenging students.

Discussion

The PLUS Framework is an educational tool that describes a set of guidance strategies used by skilled practice educators, whilst acknowledging the critical influences of workplace and university contexts. The proposed key features could be useful target areas for busy practice educators to help make the most of limited supervision time. Future research will explore the PLUS Framework in different countries and professions’ practice education environments.
Assessment of Liaison XL Murex Chagas diagnostic performance in blood screening for Chagas disease using a reference array of chimeric antigens
Authors: Santos Emily F. , Leony Leonardo M. , Silva Ângelo A. O. , Daltro Ramona T. , Freitas Natália E. M. , Vasconcelos Larissa C. M. , de Araújo Fernando L. V. , Celedon Paola A. F. , Krieger Marco A. , Zanchin Nilson I. T. , Santos Fred L. N.
Published: July 2021

Background

Chagas disease (CD) serological screening at blood banks is usually performed by a single highly sensitive serological assay, with chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs) being the method of choice. CLIAs employ recombinant, fusion peptides and/or chimeric antigens that selectively capture anti‐Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies. However, despite high sensitivity, the ability of these tests to identify CD‐positive cases should be evaluated against T. cruzi strains circulating in specific locales. Herein, we used a latent class analysis (LCA) approach employing an array of four chimeric antigens to assess the diagnostic performance of the Liaison XL Murex Chagas CLIA for the detection of anti‐T. cruzi IgG in serum samples.

Study Design and Methods

The study included a panel of 5014 serum samples collected from volunteer blood donors at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Foundation of the State of Bahia, submitted to anti‐T. cruzi antibody detection using Liaison Chagas CLIA and LCA as a reference test in the absence of a gold standard.

Results

LCA classified 4993 samples as negative, while positivity for T. cruzi antibodies was predicted in 21 samples. Compared with LCA, CLIA demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 76.2% and 99.5%, respectively, providing an overall accuracy of 99.4%.

Discussion

In blood banks lacking a de facto highly sensitive screening immunoassay, the low sensitivity offered by Liaison Chagas CLIA renders it unsuitable for standalone use in serological screening procedures for CD. Moreover, blood banks are encouraged to carefully assess the ability of diagnostic methods to identify local T. cruzi strains in circulation.
Concentrations of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and hyaluronic acid in canine amniotic membranes cryopreserved for different time points and its effects in dogs with complicated corneal ulcers
Authors: Dower Nathalie Moro Bassil , Ribeiro Alexandre Pinto , Gomes Lianna Ghisi , de Cássia Martini Andresa , Taques Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro , de Almeida Sayanne Luns Hatum , da Silva Mayara Inácio Vincenzi , de Aguiar Daniel Moura
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the concentrations of total protein (TP), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in amniotic membranes (AMs) harvested from placentas of bitches of different ages and cryopreserved for different time points. The outcomes of complicated corneal defects of dogs repaired with AMs stored for the same time points were also evaluated.

Procedures

Ten cryopreserved canine AMs were stored for short term (2–50 days), middle term (92–210 days), or long term (256–357 days). TP was quantified by Bradford’s test, whereas TIMP‐1 and HA were quantified by ELISA. Twenty‐one dogs that had an AM transplantation to restore deep or perforating corneal wounds were selected.

Results

TIMP‐1 levels were lower in AMs cryopreserved for middle term (p = .02) and long term (p = .0009), when compared to AMs stored for short term. TP (p = .39) and HA (p = .18) concentrations in AMs did not differ among the storage time. TIMP‐1 concentration in AMs correlated with storage time (R = −.65, p < .0001), while TP (R = −.33, p = .07) and HA concentrations did not (R = −.15, p = .41). The age of donors did not correlate with the components evaluated in the AMs. Corneal defects repaired with AMs stored for short term healed sooner than the ones repaired with AMs stored for middle (p < .01) and long term (p = .02). Additionally, TIMP‐1 levels in AMs correlated negatively with the epithelization time (R = −.62, p = .002). Graft opacity was severe in 55% of cases. However, the HA levels in AMs correlated negatively with the opacification score (R = −.47, p = .03). Vision was observed in more patients who presented deep ulcers and descemetoceles, than in the ones with perforations (p = .004).

Conclusions

TIMP‐1 concentration in canine AMs significantly decreased over a year storage time, while TP and HA concentrations did not change during the same period. The age of donors did not correlate with the components evaluated in the AMs. Complicated corneal defects repaired with AMs cryopreserved for short term healed sooner and tended to be less opaque; however, satisfactory to optimal outcomes were achieved even in the eyes repaired with AMs stored for up to a year.
The diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with Horner's syndrome presenting with and without additional clinical signs: A retrospective study of 120 cases (2000–2018)
Authors: Lockhart Rachel L. , Tzouganakis Ioannis , Tsvetanova Agata , Smith Kerry M. , Smith Peter M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with Horner's syndrome (HS) both with and without additional clinical signs.

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical records from a UK referral hospital (2000–2018). Cases were excluded if HS was trauma‐ or surgery‐related and if no advanced imaging with MRI or CT was performed. Imaging findings were assessed as well as any additional investigations performed.

Results

One hundred twenty cases met the inclusion criteria; 88 with additional clinical signs and 32 with isolated HS. MRI or CT of head and neck was performed in 115 cases and/or thoracic CT in eight cases. Causative lesions were identified in 98% (86/88) of cases with additional clinical signs and 3% (1/32) of cases with isolated HS. This was statistically significant (p < .001). Pharmacological localization using phenylephrine (0.1%–10%) was accurate in predicting the site of a causative lesion in 79% (19/24) of tested cases. Overall, 28% (33/120) of cases were idiopathic, of which 49% (16/33) were golden retrievers. When compared to the overall hospital population, and UK Kennel Club records, this confirmed a significant predisposition in this breed (p < .001). No associations between idiopathic HS and concurrent systemic disease were identified.

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with HS. Isolated HS is significantly more likely to be idiopathic than cases presenting with additional clinical signs; this could guide decision‐making regarding further investigations performed in a clinical setting. Idiopathic HS is over‐represented in the golden retriever.
Analysis of environmental dust in goat and sheep farms to assess Coxiella burnetii infection in a Q fever endemic area: Geographical distribution, relationship with human cases and genotypes
Authors: Zendoia Ion I. , Barandika Jesús F. , Hurtado Ana , López Ceferino M. , Alonso Eva , Beraza Xabier , Ocabo Blanca , García‐Pérez Ana L.
Published: July 2021

Real‐time PCR analysis of environmental samples (dust and aerosols) is an easy tool to investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the farm environment. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of C. burnetii DNA in dust collected inside animal premises from 272 small ruminant farms in Bizkaia (northern Spain), a region with recent reports of human Q fever cases and outbreaks. Within each farm, 5 samples of dust were collected from difference surfaces, and data on animal census, management procedures, characteristics of the premises and geographic location were collected. Real‐time PCR analysis of the dust samples detected presence of C. burnetii DNA in 98 farms (36.0%), flock‐prevalence being higher in sheep (38.9%) or mixed ovine‐caprine production systems (36.8%), compared to goats (25.0%). Larger bacterial burdens were observed in mixed farms, compared to sheep (p < .05). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 5 different genotypes, with SNP8 being the predominant genotype (73%), followed by SNP6 (11%), SNP2 (9%), SNP4 (5%) and SNP1 (2%). Proportion of farms where C. burnetii DNA was detected differed among the different agricultural counties, and a higher proportion of C. burnetii DNA positive farms was associated with the occurrence of recent human Q fever outbreaks at several geographical locations. Dust sampling in domestic ruminant farms coupled with real‐time PCR to screen for the presence of C. burnetii and estimate bacterial load can be a useful tool to identify herds and regions with high prevalence, define priority actions and monitor the effect of control measures. If combined with molecular genotyping and spatial distribution maps, it can help to identify farm contamination sources and trace the origin of human outbreaks.
The Second Repeat in Beethoven's Sonata-Form Movements: Tonal, Formal and Motivic Strategies
Authors: MacKay James S.
Published: July 2021

Around the middle of the Classical period, there was a paradigm shift concerning sectional repeats in sonata-form movements. Whereas previously the repeat of both halves (exposition and development/recapitulation) was virtually pro forma, by the late 1700s composers typically
only indicated the first repeat. When composers began to indicate the second repeat infrequently, this decision took on greater musical significance.
 Whereas Haydn and Mozart indicated the second repeat frequently, even in their late works, Beethoven indicated this repeat rarely
(nineteen times in works with opus numbers). This infrequency is noteworthy and prompts the question: Are there issues of formal balance or tonal/motivic connections that would be lost if performers omitted this repeat? I will examine these works in depth, noting similarities in formal balance,
motivic content, tonal procedures, and large-scale design. Although many of these movements date from Beethoven's early period, he also indicated the second repeat six times after 1800, including the finale of his last quartet, Op. 135. We can conclude that repeating a sonata-form movement's
second half remained an option for Beethoven late in life, even after he had ostensibly broken definitively with the formal conventions of his Classical predecessors.
Metrical Ambiguity in the Scherzo of Brahms's String Sextet, Op. 18
Authors: Boyd Clifton
Published: July 2021

This article explores the metrical and hypermetrical ambiguities present in the Scherzo of Brahms's String Sextet in B♭ major, Op. 18 (1859–60). Drawing upon Lerdahl and Jackendoff's metrical preference rules, Mirka's parallel multiple-analysis model, and Ito's fractional
notation, I argue that each hearing of material from the opening phrase (at the beginning, during its first repeat, after the Trio, etc.) affords the possibility of a different hypermetrical experience. Furthermore, rather than the metrical structure becoming increasingly clear over time,
there are a number of hypermetrical irregularities that can lead listeners to question their previous interpretations. The article concludes with suggestions on how chamber ensembles can utilize metrical analyses of this movement to inform their performances and create varied listening experiences.
Mel frequency cepstral coefficient temporal feature integration for classifying squeak and rattle noise
Authors: Abeysinghe Asith , Fard Mohammad , Jazar Reza , Zambetta Fabio , Davy John
Published: July 2021

Fault identification using the emitted mechanical noise is becoming an attractive field of research in a variety of industries. It is essential to rank acoustic feature integration functions on their efficiency to classify different types of sound for conducting a fault diagnosis. The Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) method was used to obtain various acoustic feature sets in the current study. MFCCs represent the audio signal power spectrum and capture the timbral information of sounds. The objective of this study is to introduce a method for the selection of statistical indicators to integrate the MFCC feature sets. Two purpose-built audio datasets for squeak and rattle were created for the study. Data were collected experimentally to investigate the feature sets of 256 recordings from 8 different rattle classes and 144 recordings from 12 different squeak classes. The support vector machine method was used to evaluate the classifier accuracy with individual feature sets. The outcome of this study shows the best performing statistical feature sets for the squeak and rattle audio datasets. The method discussed in this pilot study is to be adapted to the development of a vehicle faulty sound recognition algorithm.
Priorities and Indicators for Economic Evaluation of Built Environment Interventions to Promote Physical Activity
Authors: Cradock Angie L. , Buchner David , Zaganjor Hatidza , Thomas John V. , Sallis James F. , Rose Kenneth , Meehan Leslie , Lawson Megan , Lavinghouze René , Fenton Mark , Devlin Heather M. , Carlson Susan A. , Bhattacharya Torsha , Fulton Janet E.
Published: July 2021

Background: Built environment approaches to promoting physical activity can provide economic value to communities. How best to assess this value is uncertain. This study engaged experts to identify a set of key economic indicators useful for evaluation, research, and public health practice. Methods: Using a modified Delphi process, a multidisciplinary group of experts participated in (1) one of 5 discussion groups (n = 21 experts), (2) a 2-day facilitated workshop (n = 19 experts), and/or (3) online surveys (n = 16 experts). Results: Experts identified 73 economic indicators, then used a 5-point scale to rate them on 3 properties: measurement quality, feasibility of use by a community, and influence on community decision making. Twenty-four indicators were highly rated (≥3.9 on all properties). The 10 highest-rated “key” indicators were walkability score, residential vacancy rate, housing affordability, property tax revenue, retail sales per square foot, number of small businesses, vehicle miles traveled per capita, employment, air quality, and life expectancy. Conclusion: This study identified key economic indicators that could characterize the economic value of built environment approaches to promoting physical activity. Additional work could demonstrate the validity, feasibility, and usefulness of these key indicators, in particular to inform decisions about community design.
Can immune responses predict which vaccines work best?
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: July 2021

Elusive "correlates of protection" could lead to approvals of boosters or new vaccines without big clinical trials
Nonlocal spatiotemporal representation in the hippocampus of freely flying bats
Authors: Dotson Nicholas M. , Yartsev Michael M.
Published: July 2021

Representing space in past and future

As an organism moves through space, its brain has to remember its most recent location and anticipate its future position, not just its current place in the world. Earlier studies reported so-called retrospective and prospective place coding in rats while they were running along linear tracks. However, it would be advantageous to study an animal that rapidly moves through three-dimensional space with high precision. Dotson and Yartsev recorded from flying bats to investigate whether place cell activity in hippocampus area CA1 represents local (current) or nonlocal positions. They discovered that the hippocampus not only encodes the bat's present location but also signals its positions in the past and future.

Science
, abg1278, this issue p.
242
An isoform of Dicer protects mammalian stem cells against multiple RNA viruses
Authors: Poirier Enzo Z. , Buck Michael D. , Chakravarty Probir , Carvalho Joana , Frederico Bruno , Cardoso Ana , Healy Lyn , Ulferts Rachel , Beale Rupert , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: July 2021

An antiviral Dicer defends stem cells

Stem cells have a pivotal role in maintaining tissue architecture, integrity, and renewal. Poirier
et al.
demonstrate that mammalian stem cells can protect themselves from some RNA viruses by expressing an alternatively spliced isoform of the enzyme Dicer called aviD, which potentiates antiviral RNA interference (see the Perspective by Shahrudin and Ding). aviD acts by cleaving long, base-paired viral RNAs to generate small interfering RNAs that direct the sequence-specific cleavage of homologous viral RNAs. This process is reminiscent of that in insects and worms, which also use Dicer-dependent RNA interference in antiviral defense, and contrasts with mammalian differentiated cells, which generally rely on the interferon system to combat virus infection.

Science
, abg2264, this issue p.
231
; see also abj5673, p.
160
Cauliflower fractal forms arise from perturbations of floral gene networks
Authors: Azpeitia Eugenio , Tichtinsky Gabrielle , Le Masson Marie , Serrano-Mislata Antonio , Lucas Jérémy , Gregis Veronica , Gimenez Carlos , Prunet Nathanaël , Farcot Etienne , Kater Martin M. , Bradley Desmond , Madueño Francisco , Godin Christophe , Parcy Francois
Published: July 2021

Vegetal fractals

Cauliflower, along with dahlias and daisies, develop as phyllotactic spirals. Azpeitia
et al
. combined modeling with experimental investigation to clarify the gene-regulatory network that sets up a multitude of undeveloped flowers to form a cauliflower curd. Irrepressible inflorescence identity genes in the context of dysfunctional meristems and slow internode elongation results in piles of incomplete flowers. If meristem size drifts during organogenesis, then the conical structures of the Romanesco form emerge in fractal formation. —PJH
Power generation and thermoelectric cooling enabled by momentum and energy multiband alignments
Authors: Qin Bingchao , Wang Dongyang , Liu Xixi , Qin Yongxin , Dong Jin-Feng , Luo Jiangfan , Li Jing-Wei , Liu Wei , Tan Gangjian , Tang Xinfeng , Li Jing-Feng , He Jiaqing , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: July 2021

A cooler tin selenide

Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity or be used as the basis of cooling devices. Qin
et al
. found that doping a tin selenide thermoelectric material with lead and sodium improved the room temperature thermoelectric properties, an effect created by manipulation of the electronic bands. The authors showed that the material could be used not only for power generation but also cooling. If optimal contact materials are identified, then this approach may be attractive for future applications. —BG
A flexible and springy form of ice
Authors: Schulson Erland M.
Published: July 2021

Single-crystal ice microfibers recover their shape after bending to near their breaking limit
Boosting stem cell immunity to viruses
Authors: Shahrudin Shabihah , Ding Shou-Wei
Published: July 2021

A newly discovered isoform of Dicer protects stem cells by enhancing antiviral RNA interference