bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into the reaction of reactive dyes with carboxylate salts and the application of carboxylate‐modified reactive dyes to cotton
Authors: Lewis David M. , Broadbent Peter J. , Carr Chris M. , He Wei D.
Published: July 2021

Ink‐jet printing of cellulosic fabrics with reactive dyes typically requires that the fabric is pretreated with alkali, prior to printing, to facilitate efficient fixation of the dye. In this paper we evaluate the use of sodium formate and other carboxylate salts as a neutral (pH 6.5) pretreatment process. The thickened, prepared‐for‐print pad liquor contained at least 50 gdm−3 of the selected carboxylate salt and was applied to the cotton fabrics by a pad‐dry procedure. The fabric was then ink‐jet printed with reactive dye inks, followed by standard steaming and washing‐off processes. The pH of the carboxylate salt pretreatment was 6.5 and the aqueous extracts from the print fabrics at the end of the steaming process remained at pH 6.5. It was observed that even at pH 6.5, in the presence of selected carboxylates, significant reactive dye fixation could be achieved on a cotton substrate, whereas in the absence of the carboxylate, very little or even zero fixation was achieved. Infrared and capillary electrophoresis analyses of model reactions of reactive dyes with the carboxylate salts indicated that reactive ester residues were formed, and which subsequently promoted reaction with the cellulosic substrates. In addition to improving reactive dye fixation in ink‐jet printing, the carboxylate‐modified dyes were also demonstrated to improve long‐liquor dyeing properties on cotton substrates. As an extension of this carboxylate‐based printing process, the incorporation of lithium acetate (100 gdm−3) into the ink formulation was further studied and it was demonstrated that the necessity for a preparative pretreatment process could be eliminated.
Early post‐operative acute kidney injury after cardiac transplantation: Incidence and predictive factors
Authors: Jahangirifard Alireza , Ahmadi Zargham Hossein , Khalili Nastaran , Naghashzadeh Farah , Afshar Ali , Amiri Arvin , Dalili Nooshin
Published: July 2021

Background

Heart transplantation, as a therapeutic option for patients with advanced heart failure, possesses a high rate of morbidity and mortality. One of the complications associated with this procedure is the development of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI)

Material and methods

We aimed to evaluate the incidence of early postoperative AKI and the need for continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) after heart transplantation. Data of 126 patients who underwent heart transplantation from January 2015 to November 2019 were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the predictors of postoperative AKI.

Results

Out of 126 patients, 74 (58.7 %) developed AKI and 13 (10%) required RRT after transplant. Independent predictors of AKI are shown to be factors associated with surgical procedures such as graft ischemic time as were previous cardiac operation, administered Voluven (starch) dose > 400 ml, and transfusion of more than four blood units.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that modifiable factors exist that can affect the risk of developing AKI following heart transplantation.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that have evaluated the role of mitochondrial function and iron metabolism in frailty
Authors: Tomkova Kristina , Pathak Suraj , Abbasciano Riccardo , Wozniak Marcin , Murphy Gavin J.
Published: July 2021

Frailty is a condition of global impairment due to depletion of physiological reserves. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are poorly understood. The aims of the current study were to identify the differences in mitochondrial function and iron metabolism between frail and nonfrail populations, and to investigate the contribution of different methodological approaches to the results. Searches were performed, using five online databases up to November 2019. Studies reporting measurements of mitochondrial function or iron metabolism in frail and nonfrail subjects or subjects with and without sarcopenia, were included. Pooled effect estimates were expressed as Standardized Mean Differences. Heterogeneity, expressed as I2, was explored using regression analyses. In total, 107 studies, reporting 75 measures of mitochondrial function or iron metabolism, using six different experimental approaches, in three species were identified. Significant decreases in measures of oxygen consumption were observed for frail humans but not in animal models. Conversely, no differences between frail and nonfrail humans were observed for apoptosis and autophagy, in contrast to animal models. The most significant effect of the type of frailty assessment was observed for respiratory chain complexes where only subjects categorized as frail by the Fried Frailty Index showed a significant decrease in activity. We identified iron metabolism in frailty as an important knowledge gap, highlighted the need of consistent frailty diagnostic tools, and pointed out the limited translational potential of animal models. Inconsistency between studies evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying frailty may present a barrier to the development of effective therapies.
Cytomorphological features of cervical small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in SurePath™ liquid‐based cervical samples
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Suri Vanita , Rai Bhavana , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: July 2021

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) of the cervix is a rare, highly aggressive tumour with poor prognosis and high propensity for distant metastases. The cytological features of SCNEC have rarely been described in cervical samples, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports using SurePath™ liquid‐based cytology. In the present report we present the cytomorphological features of histopathologically confirmed cases of cervical SCNEC in SurePath preparations. On cytological examination, all three cases demonstrated variable numbers of tumour cells, ranging from a few dispersed cells and tiny micro‐biopsies to large aggregates of small tumour cells with a high nucleus‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio, stippled chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scant cytoplasm. Immunocytochemistry for CD56 on the cervical preparation confirmed the diagnosis in one case. The presence of small tumour cells with characteristic stippled/salt‐and‐pepper type nuclear chromatin were the most consistent cytological features in these cases. Knowledge of these characteristic cytological features can help in suggesting a diagnosis of SCNEC in cervical samples which can then be confirmed by immunocytochemistry.
Cognitive function is an important determinant of employment amongst young ischaemic stroke survivors with good physical recovery
Authors: Samuelsson Hans , Viken Jo , Redfors Petra , Holmegaard Lukas , Blomstrand Christian , Jern Christina , Jood Katarina
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

This cross‐sectional cohort study aims at investigating young ischaemic stroke survivors with good physical recovery 7 years post‐stroke in order to analyze the relation between late cognitive ability and employment.

Methods

Consecutive ischaemic stroke survivors participating in the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke, <55 years of age at stroke onset, and with no or minimal persisting neurological deficits corresponding to a score ≤2 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at long‐term follow‐up 7 years post‐stroke were included. At this follow‐up, the participants were assessed with respect to general cognitive function, processing speed, executive functions, cardiovascular risk factors, self‐reported employment, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety and physical function.

Results

Seven years post‐stroke 112/142 (79%) had part‐time or full‐time work and 30/142 (21%) had full‐time disability pension or sick leave. Compared to those with full‐time disability pension or sick leave, participants with current employment demonstrated significantly better performance with respect to general cognitive function and processing speed, and significantly lower self‐ratings for cognitive difficulties, physical limitations, fatigue and depressed mood. Multivariable logistic regression selected self‐rated memory (odds ratio [OR] 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61–4.21), processing speed (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.67–7.33) and self‐rated communication skills (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.75–6.85) as most important correlates (area under the curve 0.83–0.87) of having current employment.

Conclusion

This study indicates that cognitive dysfunction is an important contributor to long‐term work disability amongst young stroke survivors with good physical recovery.
Prevalence of pediatric multiple sclerosis in Germany: A nationwide population‐based analysis
Authors: Frahm Niklas , Peters Melanie , Bätzing Jörg , Ellenberger David , Akmatov Manas K. , Haas Judith , Rommer Paulus S. , Stahmann Alexander , Zettl Uwe K. , Holstiege Jakob
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Prevalence data are needed to reveal trends regarding the pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) situation worldwide. The aim was to identify changes in MS diagnosis prevalence in pediatric patients over a 10‐year period in Germany.

Methods

This analysis is based on nationwide outpatient claims data of children aged <18 years covered by the German statutory health insurance (n = 11,381,939 in 2018). People with MS (PwMS) had ≥1 documented MS diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, German modification code G35.x). The annual pediatric MS diagnosis prevalence was analyzed regarding age, sex, and place of residence during 2009–2018.

Results

The prevalence of pediatric MS developed from 5.3 (2009) to 5.4 (2018)/100,000 insured population aged <18 years. The MS prevalence in patients aged 15–17 years showed a moderate increase over 10 years (19.6–22.7/100,000), whereas patients ≤14 years old showed a slight decrease (1.9–1.7/100,000). The sex ratio (female:male) in 2018 was relatively balanced in PwMS aged ≤14 years (1.32) but female‐dominated in those aged 15–17 years (2.47). The formerly different prevalence of pediatric MS between East and West Germany has converged since 2012.

Conclusions

So far, this is the largest study of pediatric MS prevalence in terms of source population size (87% of German children <18 years of age, n = 11,381,939 in 2018) and study period (2009–2018) worldwide. The analyses revealed an increase in MS prevalence and a female‐dominated sex ratio in “older” adolescents compared to younger patients.
The power of ECG in multimodal patient‐specific seizure monitoring: Added value to an EEG‐based detector using limited channels
Authors: Vandecasteele Kaat , De Cooman Thomas , Chatzichristos Christos , Cleeren Evy , Swinnen Lauren , Macea Ortiz Jaiver , Van Huffel Sabine , Dümpelmann Matthias , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , De Vos Maarten , Van Paesschen Wim , Hunyadi Borbála
Published: July 2021

Objective

Wearable seizure detection devices could provide more reliable seizure documentation outside the hospital compared to seizure self‐reporting by patients, which is the current standard. Previously, during the SeizeIT1 project, we studied seizure detection based on behind‐the‐ear electroencephalography (EEG). However, the obtained sensitivities were too low for practical use, because not all seizures are associated with typical ictal EEG patterns. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to develop a multimodal automated seizure detection algorithm integrating behind‐the‐ear EEG and electrocardiography (ECG) for detecting focal seizures. In this framework, we quantified the added value of ECG to behind‐the‐ear EEG.

Methods

This study analyzed three multicenter databases consisting of 135 patients having focal epilepsy and a total of 896 seizures. A patient‐specific multimodal automated seizure detection algorithm was developed using behind‐the‐ear/temporal EEG and single‐lead ECG. The EEG and ECG data were processed separately using machine learning methods. A late integration approach was applied for fusing those predictions.

Results

The multimodal algorithm outperformed the EEG‐based algorithm in two of three databases, with an increase of 11% and 8% in sensitivity for the same false alarm rate.

Significance

ECG can be of added value to an EEG‐based seizure detection algorithm using only behind‐the‐ear/temporal lobe electrodes for patients with focal epilepsy.
A review of laminitis in the donkey
Authors: Thiemann A. K. , Buil J. , Rickards K. , Sullivan R. J.
Published: July 2021

Laminitis is a commonly occurring, painful condition of the foot that can have a major impact on the welfare of affected donkeys. When faced with a donkey suspected to have laminitis, the approach is broadly similar to that in the horse, however there are certain factors unique to donkeys that this article aims to highlight including: the differences in use, behaviour, anatomy, therapy and management.
Onset of selective laser flash sintering of AlN
Authors: Gouws Andre , Hagen Deborah , Chen Alex , Kardoulaki Erofili , Beaman Joseph J. , Kovar Desiderio
Published: July 2021

Flash sintering uses a combination of heating and electric fields to rapidly densify ceramics. Previously, it has been shown that a scanning laser can be used to initiate flash sintering in localized regions on an yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) sample in a process known as selective laser flash sintering (SLFS). In this work, we show using a combination of measurements of electric current flowing through the sample and observations of necks formed between powder particles that aluminum nitride (AlN) can also undergo SLFS. Scan conditions required to initiate SLFS are characterized over a range of laser powers and laser scan speeds in a dry nitrogen environment. It is shown that initiation of SLFS in AlN is governed by both the local input energy density per scan and heat dissipation and a numerical model is developed to predict temperatures during SLFS. Assuming the minimum temperature along the conductive path determines the onset of SLFS, the minimum temperature and time required is 450–670 K in 2–0.25 s for the pressed AlN pellets used in this study for laser scan speeds of 33–300 m/s, laser powers of 10–30 W, and an applied electric field of 3000 V/cm.
Microfluidic rapid quantification of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium collected from chicken meat using immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment
Authors: Tokunaga Yusuke , Wakabayashi Yuki , Yonogi Shinya , Saito Mamoru , Yamaguchi Nobuyasu
Published: July 2021

Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, which cause self‐limiting gastroenteritis, are important in food safety and public health. Detection of Salmonella in complex food matrices is required for rapid and effective monitoring of contaminated food products. In this study, we collected Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken using immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment. Collected Salmonella Typhimurium cells were then quantified microfluidic device or fluorescence microscopy. The recovery ratio obtained with immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment was 77 (±5)% for the microscope count and 63 (±9)% for the microfluidic count. According to the fluorescence microscope images, the food matrix was effectively removed from the collected cell suspension. The counts of Salmonella Typhimurium cells obtained by the microfluidic device and fluorescence microscope were closely correlated (R2 = 0.993) with a range of 3.3 (±0.5) × 103 to 1.2 (±0.5) × 106 cells g−1. Our method provides quantitative detection of Salmonella Typhimurium within 3–4 h and could be used to efficiently evaluate microbial risk of quality control of foodstuffs and prevention of foodborne disease.
30‐Day morbidity and mortality of bariatric metabolic surgery in adolescence during the COVID‐19 pandemic – The GENEVA study
Authors: Singhal Rishi , Wiggins Tom , Super Jonathan , Alqahtani Aayed , Nadler Evan P. , Ludwig Christian , Tahrani Abd , Mahawar Kamal ,   the GENEVA Collaborative
Published: July 2021

Background

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment for adolescents with severe obesity.

Objectives

This study examined the safety of MBS in adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

This was a global, multicentre and observational cohort study of MBS performed between May 01, 2020, and October 10,2020, in 68 centres from 24 countries. Data collection included in‐hospital and 30‐day COVID‐19 and surgery‐specific morbidity/mortality.

Results

One hundred and seventy adolescent patients (mean age: 17.75 ± 1.30 years), mostly females (n = 122, 71.8%), underwent MBS during the study period. The mean pre‐operative weight and body mass index were 122.16 ± 15.92 kg and 43.7 ± 7.11 kg/m2, respectively. Although majority of patients had pre‐operative testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) (n = 146; 85.9%), only 42.4% (n = 72) of the patients were asked to self‐isolate pre‐operatively. Two patients developed symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection post‐operatively (1.2%). The overall complication rate was 5.3% (n = 9). There was no mortality in this cohort.

Conclusions

MBS in adolescents with obesity is safe during the COVID‐19 pandemic when performed within the context of local precautionary procedures (such as pre‐operative testing). The 30‐day morbidity rates were similar to those reported pre‐pandemic. These data will help facilitate the safe re‐introduction of MBS services for this group of patients.
Combination therapy with paclitaxel and gemcitabine after platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Harada Mirii , Tomisaki Ikko , Minato Akinori , Onishi Rei , Terado Michikazu , Inatomi Hisato , Fujimoto Naohiro
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy after platinum‐based chemotherapy for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

Consecutive patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who received paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy from December 2003 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The objective response for paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy, progression‐free survival and overall survival, and adverse events were evaluated. The reduction rate among each metastatic site and the associations between the clinical parameters and overall survival or progression‐free survival were also assessed.

Results

We enrolled 58 patients. Complete and partial responses were observed in two (3.4%) and 15 patients (26%), respectively. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 4.3 months (95% confidence interval 2.9–5.2) and 11.5 months (95% confidence interval 7.7–14.8), respectively. The objective response rates of primary site and metastases in lymph nodes, lung, bone, and liver were 6.0%, 37%, 23%, 0%, and 22%, respectively. Poor performance status (≥1), prior use of gemcitabine and the number of metastatic sites (≥2) were significantly associated with poor overall survival. Although three patients discontinued the treatment because of adverse events, there was no therapy‐related death.

Conclusions

Paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy seems to be a valid option as a subsequent treatment after platinum‐based chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma, especially in patients with favorable performance status and no prior use of gemcitabine.
Labour market profiles of Albanian migrants in Italy: Evidence from Lombardy 2001–2015
Authors: Cela Eralba , Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa , King Russell , Ortensi Livia Elisa
Published: July 2021

Albanian migration to Italy represents one of the most intense and iconic East‐West migration flows of recent decades and a paradigmatic case of intra‐Mediterranean migration. This paper uses a unique data set collected by the Lombardy region’s Observatory of Integration and Multiethnicity in 15 annual cross‐sectional surveys over the period 2001–2015. Analysis of this data set enables us to address three questions: first, what are the main factors influencing the labour market performance of Albanian migrants in Lombardy compared with other migrants? Second, what were the differential effects of the post‐2008 economic crisis on migrants’ employment stability? Third, were there any significant gender differences in labour market profiles and outcomes? Our main finding is that Albanian migrants have a lower probability of (long‐term)unemployment and irregular employment and higher probability of employment compared with other migrants, an effect that is partially attributable to the different structural composition of the Albanian migrant group.
Effects of microwave treatment on sorghum grains: Effects on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starch
Authors: Li Ren , Dai Lingyan , Peng Hui , Jiang Peng , Liu Nian , Zhang Dongjie , Wang Changyuan , Li Zhijiang
Published: July 2021

Microwave processing has attracted much attention in the field of cereal processing due to its positive effect on improving the nutritional quality of cereals and prolonging the shelf life of cereal food. Microwave (MW) treatment (600 W, 6 min) was studied to evaluate its effect on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of three kinds of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) starch, including Longmiliang No. 1 (LML1), Longza No. 13 (LZ13), and Hongnuo (HN). After microwave treatment, the contents of insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber and total dietary fiber of the three kinds of sorghum were significantly increased by 3.72–7.45 g/100 g, 0.33–0.64 g/100 g, and 4.36–7.78 g/100 g, respectively. Microwave treatment also resulted in sorghum starch granules with rough surfaces, an increase in pasting temperature and pasting time, and a decrease in pasting viscosity and transition enthalpy (p < .05). However, Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy showed that microwaves did not change the chemical groups of sorghum starch. Additionally, after microwave treatment, the in vitro digestibility of sorghum starch was significantly reduced by 3.21–6.61%, the rapidly digestible starch content decreased by 5.88–9.24%, the slowly digestible starch and resistant starch contents increased by 4.63–6.65% and 1.03%–2.41%, and the hydrolysis index (HI) and glycemic index (GI) decreased by 4.98–5.74% and 2.73–3.15%, respectively. These results indicate that microwave treatment is an effective method for decreasing the in vitro digestibility and improving the physicochemical properties of starch.

Practical applications

Sorghum, as an important raw material in the food industry, plays an irreplaceable role in the development of cereal food. Additionally, microwaves have been used as a novel approach for improving the edible quality and functional characteristics of cereals. A comparative study of the microstructure, pasting properties, thermal properties, and in vitro digestion of sorghum starch was performed. The results showed that compared with the original starch, microwave treatment changed the physicochemical properties of sorghum starch and decreased the GI. The results can be used to improve the properties of sorghum starch and provide a theoretical basis for the development of sorghum food.
Characterization of short‐period and long‐period incremental markings in porcine enamel and dentine—Results of a fluorochrome labelling study in wild boar and domestic pigs
Authors: Emken Simon , Witzel Carsten , Kierdorf Uwe , Frölich Kai , Kierdorf Horst
Published: July 2021

Mammalian dental hard tissues exhibit incremental markings that reflect the periodic variation of appositional growth rates. In order to use these markings to characterize dental growth processes and to infer life‐history traits, an unequivocal identification of their periodicities is required. We performed a fluorochrome labelling study on forming enamel and dentine in molar teeth of wild boar and domestic pigs to establish the periodicity and temporal correspondence of incremental markings in enamel and dentine. The dominant incremental markings in enamel (laminations) and dentine (von Ebner lines) recorded in the pig teeth are of a daily nature. In addition, long‐period incremental markings with a periodicity of 2 days were recorded in enamel (striae of Retzius) and dentine (Andresen lines). The 2‐day growth rhythm was also expressed at the lateral crown surface, as evidenced by the pattern of perikymata. In enamel, also markings with a sub‐daily periodicity, representing an ultradian growth rhythm, were observed. Our study provides experimental evidence for the periodicity of incremental markings in porcine enamel and dentine. The findings correct previous misconceptions on incremental markings in dental hard tissues of pigs and other ungulates that had led to erroneous conclusions regarding crown formation parameters.
The magics of 40 hertz
Authors: Olson L.
Published: July 2021

Linked to: D. Chan et al. J Intern Med 2021; https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13329
Healthy Snacks in School: How Do Regulations Work? A Mixed‐Design Study
Authors: Bucher Della Torre Sophie , Fabbi Sidonie , Carrard Isabelle
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

School is an important setting to promote healthy eating habits for children. We compared the effects of 4 conditions on the nutritional quality of snacks brought to school. We also investigated teachers' opinions regarding the process, barriers, and facilitators in regulation implementation.

METHODS

We compared the nutritional quality of morning snacks based on 1958 photographs from schools divided into 4 conditions: regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages; regulation banning sweets, chips, and sugary drinks; information without regulation; or no intervention. Based on 5 focus groups (N = 18 participants), we investigated factors influencing regulation implementation.

RESULTS

In schools with a list of permitted foods and beverages, 76% of the children had a healthy snack, compared to 52% to 54% in the 3 other conditions (p < .01). They also brought less sweet foods compared to those in the other conditions (41% vs. 68% to 71%, p < .01). In focus groups, most teachers supported regulation but also expressed ambivalence about their legitimacy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages showed the best results. All actors should be involved in a progressive implementation process to increase acceptance of such regulation.
Every bit helps: The functional role of individuals in assembling any plant community, from the richest to monospecific ones
Authors: Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia , Pescador David S. , de la Cruz Marcelino , Valladares Fernando , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: July 2021

Plant trait‐based ecology is a powerful extension of the attempt of community ecologists to unveil assembly mechanisms. However, the two main expected determinants of community assembly, niche and neutral processes, can be confused under this framework. Here, we propose to move from trait‐based to phenotype‐based community ecology, accounting for the variation between individuals (phenotypes affected by the abiotic and biotic environment, and vice versa), and explicitly considering their ability to compete with or facilitate its neighbours. This would shift our focus from species’ niche responses to niche specialization of phenotypes, reducing the space for neutrality at the finest scales. The current assembly framework, based mainly on niche complementarity and using species‐average functional traits, has been developed exploring mega‐diverse communities, but it fails at describing poor plant communities. Under this framework, monospecificity would be interpreted as an arena where functionally similar individuals compete, consequently leading to regular patterns, which are rarely found in nature. Our niche specialization framework could help explaining coexistence in rich plant communities, where the higher fraction of functional variation is found between species, whereas the intraspecific trait variation dominates in poor species and monospecific communities. We propose a guide to conduct massive phenotyping at the community scale based on the use of visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy. We also discuss the need to integrate the so‐called plant's eye perspective based on the use of spatial pattern statistics in the current community ecology toolbox.
Risk of non‐tumoural portal vein thrombosis in patients with HCV‐induced cirrhosis after sustained virological response
Authors: Mandorfer Mattias , Turon Fanny , Lens Sabela , Baiges Anna , García‐Criado Ángeles , Darnell Anna , Belmonte Ernest , Ferrusquía‐Acosta José , Magaz Marta , Perez‐Campuzano Valeria , Olivas Pol , Bauer David , Casanovas Georgina , Torres Ferran , Mariño Zoe , Forns Xavier , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , García‐Pagán Juan C.
Published: July 2021

Background & Aims

Sustained virological response (SVR) to direct‐acting antivirals ameliorates portal hypertension, improves hepatic function and may reverse the procoagulant state observed in patients with cirrhosis. However, an unexpected incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) immediately after antiviral therapy has recently been reported. Therefore, we analysed the long‐term impact of SVR on the development of non‐tumoural PVT.

Methods

Our study comprised of two well‐characterized prospective cohorts (hepatitis C virus ‘(HCV)‐Cured’: n = 354/‘HCV‐Active’: n = 179) of patients with HCV cirrhosis who underwent standardized ultrasound surveillance. In the main analysis, the event of interest was de novo non‐tumoural PVT and events known to modify its natural history (orthotopic liver transplantation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, death, tumoural PVT and anticoagulation) were considered as competing risk. Adjusted models were built using propensity scores for baseline covariates. Moreover, predictive factors were investigated by conventional multivariate analysis.

Results

Ten (2.8%) patients in the ‘HCV‐Cured’ cohort developed a non‐tumoural PVT during a median follow‐up of 37.1 months, while 8 (4.5%) patients in the ‘HCV‐Active’ cohort were diagnosed with non‐tumoural PVT during a median follow‐up of 42.2 months. High Child‐Pugh score was the only independent risk factor for non‐tumoural PVT development and stage A patients were at low risk. Importantly, HCV cure did not decrease the risk of non‐tumoural PVT in inverse probability of treatment‐weighted (IPTW) analysis (subdistribution hazard ratio: 1.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.43‐3.97); P = .635). In contrast, SVR was associated with a substantial reduction in mortality (IPTW‐adjusted sHR: 0.453 [95% CI: 0.287‐0.715]; P < .001).

Conclusions

The risk of non‐tumoural PVT persists after HCV cure in patients with cirrhosis, despite improving survival. Even after aetiological cure, severity of liver disease remains the main determinant of non‐tumoural PVT development.
Association of aspirin and statin use with the risk of liver cancer in chronic hepatitis B: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Choi Won‐Mook , Kim Hyo Jeong , Jo Ae Jeong , Choi So Hyun , Han Seungbong , Ko Min Jung , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: July 2021

Background & Aims

Aspirin and statins have been suggested to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the combined effects of aspirin and statins on HCC risk in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not clear.

Methods

A nationwide nested case‐control study was performed with data from the National Health Insurance Service gathered between 2005 and 2015 in Korea. In a cohort of 538,135 treatment‐naïve, non‐cirrhotic patients with CHB, 6,539 HCC cases were matched to 26,156 controls and were analysed by conditional logistic regression. Separate historical cohort studies for each drug were analysed by time‐dependent Cox regression as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

In the nested case‐control study, statins (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.32‐0.37) and aspirin (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85‐0.99) were significantly associated with a HCC risk reduction. However, dose‐dependent risk reduction was observed only with statins. By sensitivity analysis in the historical cohorts, statin users (n = 244,455; HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.66‐0.68) and aspirin users (n = 288,777; HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.80‐0.82) had significantly lower HCC risk. In the drug‐stratified analyses, statins were associated with significantly reduced risk of HCC regardless of aspirin, whereas aspirin did not show such associations.

Conclusions

In this nationwide population‐based study of patients with CHB, statin use was consistently associated with a significant and dose‐dependent reduction in HCC risk. In contrast, the association between aspirin use and HCC risk reduction was not dose‐dependent and was suggested to be confounded by statins.
Associations between parents' exposure to a multisectoral programme and infant and young child feeding practices in Nepal
Authors: Cunningham Kenda , Nagle Devin , Gupta Poonam , Adhikari Ramesh Prasad , Singh Sujata
Published: July 2021

In Nepal, an at‐scale, multisectoral programme—Suaahara (2011–2023)—aims to improve nutrition behaviours. Suaahara II (2016–2023) transitioned from a mother/child dyad focus to explicitly targeting all family members. Evidence is scant, however, regarding how exposure by men to social and behaviour change interventions relates to nutrition outcomes. This study uses a 2019 cross‐sectional monitoring dataset to test associations between maternal and male household head exposure to Suaahara II interventions (interacting with a frontline worker, participating in a community event or listening to the Bhanchhin Aama radio programme) and adoption of three infant and young child feeding practices: minimum dietary diversity, minimum acceptable diet and sick child feeding, in households with a child under 2 years (n = 1827). Maternal exposure to Suaahara II had a positive association with minimum dietary diversity (OR: 1.71, 95% CI [1.27, 2.28], P < 0.001), minimum acceptable diet (OR: 1.60, 95% CI [1.19, 2.14], P = 0.002) and increased feeding to a sick child (OR: 2.11, 95% CI [1.41, 3.17], P < 0.001). Male household head exposure was only associated with increased feeding to a sick child (OR: 2.21, 95% CI [1.27, 3.84], P = 0.005). Among households with an exposed mother, having an exposed male household head nearly tripled the odds of appropriate sick child feeding (OR: 2.90, 95% CI [1.57, 5.34], P = 0.001) but was not significantly associated with the other two outcomes. These findings suggest that the relationships between exposure to nutrition programmes and outcomes are complex and further research is needed to understand variation by family member, behavioural outcome and context.
Father involvement, maternal depression and child nutritional outcomes in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Drysdale Roisin E. , Slemming Wiedaad , Makusha Tawanda , Richter Linda M.
Published: July 2021

Father involvement in South Africa is low, despite evidence that it can improve maternal and child health and wellbeing. Within a larger randomised controlled trial, we assessed whether father involvement during and after pregnancy increased birth weight and exclusive breastfeeding through improved maternal mental health. At 6‐week postnatal, mothers completed questionnaires on birth, feeding practices, social support, father involvement and postnatal depression. Father involvement during pregnancy was measured by their attendance at antenatal care and the study intervention, whereas postnatal involvement was measured by attendance at antenatal care and type of paternal support provided. Structural equation modelling was used to identify associations between father involvement, maternal depression, low birth weight and exclusive breastfeeding. Among the 212 mother–baby pairs, father involvement was very low with only 43%, 33% and 1% of partners attending early ultrasound, antenatal care and the birth of the child, respectively. Twenty‐nine percent of the mothers showed signs of depression during pregnancy, compared with 7% after birth. Eighteen percent of the infants were born low birth weight, and 57% of mothers reported exclusively breastfeeding at 6 weeks. Father involvement was directly associated with postnatal depression, but it did not directly or indirectly impact exclusive breastfeeding or low birth weight. We conclude that postnatal father involvement can improve postnatal maternal depression and that men would benefit from specific guidance on how they can support mothers during and after pregnancy.
Perturbations in nitric oxide homeostasis promote Arabidopsis disease susceptibility towards Phytophthora parasitica
Authors: Cui Beimi , Ma Xiangren , Li Yuan , Zhou Yu , Ju Xiuyun , Hussain Adil , Umbreen Saima , Yuan Bo , Tabassum Anika , Lubega Jibril , Shan Weixing , Loake Gary J. , Pan Qiaona
Published: July 2021

Phytophthora species can infect hundreds of different plants, including many important crops, causing a number of agriculturally relevant diseases. A key feature of attempted pathogen infection is the rapid production of the redox active molecule nitric oxide (NO). However, the potential role(s) of NO in plant resistance against Phytophthora is relatively unexplored. Here we show that the level of NO accumulation is crucial for basal resistance in Arabidopsis against Phytophthora parasitica. Counterintuitively, both relatively low or relatively high NO accumulation leads to reduced resistance against P. parasitica. S‐nitrosylation, the addition of a NO group to a protein cysteine thiol to form an S‐nitrosothiol, is an important route for NO bioactivity and this process is regulated predominantly by S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase 1 (GSNOR1). Loss‐of‐function mutations in GSNOR1 disable both salicylic acid accumulation and associated signalling, and also the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to susceptibility towards P. parasitica. Significantly, we also demonstrate that secreted proteins from P. parasitica can inhibit Arabidopsis GSNOR1 activity.
BERM: a Belowground Ecosystem Resiliency Model for estimatingSpartina alterniflorabelowground biomass
Authors: O’Connell Jessica L. , Mishra Deepak R. , Alber Merryl , Byrd Kristin B.
Published: July 2021

Spatiotemporal patterns ofSpartina alterniflorabelowground biomass (BGB) are important for evaluating salt marsh resiliency. To solve this, we created the BERM (Belowground Ecosystem Resiliency Model), which estimates monthly BGB (30‐m spatial resolution) from freely available data such as Landsat‐8 and Daymet climate summaries.

Our modeling framework relied on extreme gradient boosting, and used field observations from four Georgia salt marshes as ground‐truth data. Model predictors included estimated tidal inundation, elevation, leaf area index, foliar nitrogen, chlorophyll, surface temperature, phenology, and climate data. The final model included 33 variables, and the most important variables were elevation, vapor pressure from the previous four months, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the previous five months, and inundation.

Root mean squared error for BGB from testing data was 313 g m−2(11% of the field data range), explained variance (R2) was 0.62–0.77. Testing data results were unbiased across BGB values and were positively correlated with ground‐truth data across all sites and years (r = 0.56–0.82 and 0.45–0.95, respectively).

BERM can estimate BGB withinSpartina alterniflorasalt marshes where environmental parameters are within the training data range, and can be readily extended through a reproducible workflow. This provides a powerful approach for evaluating spatiotemporal BGB and associated ecosystem function.
There Are No Irrational Emotions
Authors: Gubka Steven
Published: July 2021

Folk and philosophers alike argue whether particular emotions are rational. However, these debates presuppose that emotions are eligible for rationality. Drawing on examples of how we manage our own emotions through strategies such as taking medication, I argue that the general permissibility of such management demonstrates that emotions are ineligible for rationality. It follows that emotions are never irrational or rational. Because neither perception nor emotion is eligible for rationality, this reveals a significant epistemic continuity between them, lending support to perceptual views of emotion.
Culturally sensitive disaster nursing by Public health nurses in Japan
Authors: Marutani Miki , Harada Nahoko , Takase Kanae , Okuda Hiroko , Anzai Yukiko
Published: July 2021

Objective

To clarify culturally sensitive disaster nursing by public health nurses (PHNs) in Japan, an island nation located on the Pacific Rim, with regard to PHNs’ intentions and comforting supports for affected people.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Sample

Participants were 17 local PHNs and 13 affected people in nine disaster‐affected municipalities throughout Japan.

Measurements

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between October 2018 and July 2019. Two types of categories were qualitatively created: categories for PHNs’ culturally sensitive disaster nursing actions, including their intentions; and categories for comforting supports that PHNs provided for affected people through the four phases of disaster. The relationship between these two types of categories was determined. Cultural factors were extracted from the culturally sensitive disaster nursing actions of PHNs and categorized.

Results

Regarding intentions, in the acute phase, PHNs utilized culture. In the sub‐acute phase, they utilized, acted based on, followed, thought of, and balanced cultural knowledge. In the mid‐term‐phase, they utilized, thought of, followed, and balanced with local culture. In the long‐term phase, they merged, thought of, balanced, utilized, and followed local cultural practices. The actions associated with these intentions corresponded to comforting supports for affected people. Cultural factors, such as transportation style, were obtained in each phase.

Conclusion

To enhance the resilience of a community affected by disaster, PHNs should focus on maximizing, preserving, and accommodating culture to maintain familiar life patterns when people's circumstances are totally disrupted by powerful forces of nature.
Compliance, defiance, and the dependency trap: International Monetary Fund program interruptions and their impact on capital markets
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Stubbs Thomas , Kentikelenis Alexander
Published: July 2021

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is infamous for its structural adjustment programs, requiring countries to undertake policy reforms in exchange for loans. Yet, not only do countries routinely fail to implement these reforms, but they also frequently return to the IMF to start the process anew. What explains this compelling case of transnational regulatory ineffectiveness? We argue that countries are caught in a dependency trap: politically contentious policy prescriptions drive non‐compliance, triggering adverse market reactions that leave countries with few sources of financing beyond the IMF, leading to their eventual return to the doors of the organization for a fresh loan. Using new data on 763 IMF programs from 1980 to 2015, we initially demonstrate that the prevalence of market‐liberalizing structural reforms increases the likelihood of program interruptions. We then show that program interruptions undermine investor confidence and increase sovereign borrowing costs. Our study uncovers hitherto neglected relationships between the international institutions of regulatory capitalism, country compliance, and financial market responses.
Uncertainty, firm entry, and investment dynamics
Authors: Giannoulakis Stelios
Published: July 2021

Previous macro‐ and micro‐level evidence indicate that fluctuations in idiosyncratic uncertainty have an important effect on investment, both directly and indirectly through financial market frictions. The objective of this paper was to explore, beyond the two traditional and complementary channels, a new one: firm entry. By utilizing a novel and large dataset on Greek firms covering the entire economy over the period 2000–2014 and employing a panel‐VAR methodology, we examine and evaluate the impact of shocks to the number of startups, idiosyncratic uncertainty, and financial conditions on the investment growth at the industry level. Our findings can be summarized as follows. First, a shock to the number of new firms has significant effects on investment that persist for many years. Second, although all the three variables are important drivers of investment growth dynamics, uncertainty has the largest impact (explaining about the 15% of the variability of investment growth), firm creation follows (it explains about the 7%), while financial conditions have the smallest direct effect (explaining the 3.5%). Finally, we demonstrate that firm entry constitutes an important propagation mechanism for the transmission of uncertainty shocks in the investment growth trajectories.
Efficacy of biodegradable collagen matrix (Ologen®CM) in augmenting the success rate of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in canine glaucoma
Authors: Hong Won‐Gyun , Kim Joon‐Young , Lee Suk‐Jun , Jeong Soon‐wuk
Published: July 2021

Objective

To prospectively assess the efficacy of a biodegradable collagen matrix (ologen) in dogs with uncontrolled glaucoma receiving an Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant.

Animal studied

Five client‐owned dogs with glaucoma (five eyes).

Procedures

Five eyes treated for uncontrolled glaucoma underwent AGV implantation with ologen. Ologen was placed on the AGV plate and tube with a scleral flap. Complete ophthalmological examinations were performed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Surgical outcomes were assessed based on the intraocular pressure (IOP), vision, frequency of anti‐glaucoma eye drops, and bleb morphology; complications, if any, were recorded. The number of dogs with an IOP <20 mmHg with or without topical medications were tabulated and compared to those with an IOP ≥20 mmHg or those requiring surgery to maintain the IOP at <20 mmHg.

Results

The IOP significantly decreased from 47.00 ± 5.09 mmHg preoperatively to 17.00 ± 0.71 mmHg 6 months postoperatively (p = .008). IOP was controlled (<20 mmHg) in 5/5 dogs at 6 months postoperatively. Brief periods of elevated IOP (IOP ≥ 20 mmHg, IOP spike) occurred in one eye (case 5) at 1 month (35 mmHg) and 2 months (33 mmHg) postoperatively. The anti‐glaucoma eye drop frequency decreased from 3.2 ± 0.44 preoperatively to 1.6 ± 0.90 at 6 months postoperatively (p = .007).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the potential safety of AGV implantation with ologen for canine glaucoma. This method effectively controlled the IOP, without any adverse effects.