bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A psychometric model for respondent‐level anchoring on self‐report rating scale instruments
Authors: Lyu Weicong , Bolt Daniel M.
Published: August 2021

Among the various forms of response bias that can emerge with self‐report rating scale assessments are those related to anchoring, the tendency for respondents to select categories in close proximity to the rating category used for the immediately preceding item. In this study we propose a psychometric model based on a multidimensional nominal model for response style that also simultaneously accommodates a respondent‐level anchoring tendency. The model is estimated using a fully Bayesian estimation procedure. By applying this model to a real test data set measuring extraversion, we explore a theory that both response styles and anchoring might be viewed as evidence of a lack of effortful responding. Empirical results show that there is a positive correlation between the strength of midpoint response style and the anchoring effect; further, responses indicative of either anchoring or response style both negatively correlate with response time, consistent with a theory that both phenomena reflect reduced respondent effort. The results support attending to both anchoring and midpoint response style as ways of assessing respondent engagement.
Eight‐year follow‐up outcome of subthalamic deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: Maintenance of therapeutic efficacy with a relatively low levodopa dosage and stimulation intensity
Authors: Jiang Lulu , Chen Wanru , Guo Qiyu , Yang Chao , Gu Jing , Xian Wenbiao , Liu Yanmei , Zheng Yifan , Ye Jing , Xu Shaohua , Hu Yu , Wu Lei , Chen Jie , Qian Hao , Fu Xiaoli , Liu Jinlong , Chen Ling
Published: August 2021

Aims

This follow‐up study aimed to examine the 8‐year efficacy and safety of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in southern China.

Methods

The follow‐up data of 10 patients with PD undergoing STN‐DBS were analyzed. Motor symptoms were assessed before and 1, 3, 5, and 8 years after the surgery with stimulation‐on in both off‐medication (off‐med) and on‐medication (on‐med) status using the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale Part III. The quality of life was assessed using the 39‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire. The sleep, cognition, and emotion were evaluated using a series of nonmotor scales. Levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and stimulation parameters were recorded at each follow‐up.

Results

The motor symptoms were improved by 50.9%, 37.7%, 36.7%, and 37.3% in 1, 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively, in the off‐med / stimulation‐on status compared with the baseline. The quality of life improved by 39.7% and 56.1% in 1 and 3 years, respectively, but declined to the preoperative level thereafter. The sleep, cognition, and emotion were mostly unchanged. LEDD reduced from 708.1 ± 172.5 mg to 330 ± 207.8 mg in 8 years. The stimulation parameters, including amplitude, pulse width, and frequency, were 2.77 ± 0.49 V, 71.3 ± 12.8 μs, and 121.5 ± 21 Hz, respectively, in 8 years.

Conclusion

Long‐term therapeutic efficacy of STN‐DBS could be achieved even with relatively low stimulation intensity and medication dosage for PD patients in southern China. Motor improvement and medication reduction were maintained through the 8‐year follow‐up, but improvement in quality of life lasted for only 3 years. No definite changes was found in nonmotor symptoms after STN‐DBS.
Delayed ileostomy closure increases the odds of Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Richards Simon J. G. , Udayasiri Dilshan K. , Jones Ian T. , Hastie Ian A. , Chandra Raaj , McCormick Jacob J. , Chittleborough Timothy J. , Read David J. , Hayes Ian P.
Published: August 2021

Aim

A diverting ileostomy is typically performed to divert intestinal contents in high‐risk colorectal anastomoses. Ileostomy closure is associated with high rates of postoperative Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Risk factors for the development of CDI are unclear; however, a correlation has been observed with delayed closure. This study aimed to assess the odds of developing CDI in patients who had a delay to reversal of ileostomy, compared to those who had no delay.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients undergoing reversal of ileostomy between 2010 and 2019 at a single tertiary centre. A delay to reversal of ileostomy was defined if the procedure was performed at >365 days following the index procedure. CDI was defined as the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin associated with diarrhoea. Univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds of CDI for each covariable, comparing patients who had a delay to reversal of ileostomy with those who did not. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for the potential confounding effects of covariables.

Results

Of 195 patients, 11 (5.6%), developed postoperative CDI. Multivariable analysis showed that delay to reversal of ileostomy was associated with a nearly 7‐fold increase in odds of CDI (OR = 6.95, CI: 1.06–81.6; p‐value = 0.03).

Conclusion

A delay to reversal of ileostomy of >365 days was associated with a higher incidence of CDI postoperatively. Careful consideration should be given to the timing of reversal and appropriate preoperative counselling of patients.
Exendin(9‐39)NH2: Recommendations for clinical use based on a systematic literature review
Authors: Gasbjerg Lærke Smidt , Bari Emilie Johanning , Christensen Mikkel , Knop Filip Krag
Published: August 2021

Aim

To present an overview of exendin(9‐39)NH2 usage as a scientific tool in humans and provide recommendations for dosage and infusion regimes.

Methods

We systematically searched the literature on exendin(9‐39)NH2 and included for review 44 clinical studies reporting use of exendin(9‐39)NH2 in humans.

Results

Exendin(9‐39)NH2 binds to the orthosteric binding site of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor with high affinity. The plasma elimination half‐life of exendin(9‐39)NH2 after intravenous administration is ~30 minutes, requiring ~2.5 hours of constant infusion before steady‐state plasma concentrations can be expected. Studies utilizing infusions with exendin(9‐39)NH2 in humans have applied varying regimens (priming with a bolus or constant infusion) and dosages (continuous infusion rate range 30‐900 pmol/kg/min) with subsequent differences in effects. Administration of exendin(9‐39)NH2 in healthy individuals, patients with diabetes, obese patients, and patients who have undergone bariatric surgery significantly increases fasting and postprandial levels of glucose and glucagon, but has inconsistent effects on circulating concentrations of insulin and C‐peptide, gastric emptying, appetite sensations, and food intake. Importantly, exendin(9‐39)NH2 induces secretion of all L cell products (ie, in addition to GLP‐1, also peptide YY, glucagon‐like peptide‐2, oxyntomodulin, and glicentin) complicating use of exendin(9‐39)NH2 as a tool to study the isolated effect of GLP‐1.

Conclusions

Exendin(9‐39)NH2 is selective for the GLP‐1 receptor, with numerous and complex whole‐body effects. To obtain GLP‐1 receptor blockade in humans, we recommend an initial high‐dose infusion, followed by a continuous infusion rate aiming at a ratio of exendin(9‐39)NH2 to GLP‐1 of 2000:1.

Highlights

Exendin(9‐39)NH2 is a competitive antagonist of the human GLP‐1 receptor.

Exendin(9‐39)NH2 has been used as a tool to delineate human GLP‐1 physiology since 1998.

Exendin(9‐39)NH2 induces secretion of GLP‐1 and other L cell products.

Reported effects of exendin(9‐39)NH2 on insulin levels and food intake are inconsistent.

Here, we provide recommendations for the use of exendin(9‐39)NH2 in clinical studies.
Processing hair follicles for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Velamoor Sailakshmi , Mitchell Allan , Bostina Mihnea , Harland Duane
Published: August 2021

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has greatly advanced our knowledge of hair growth and follicle morphogenesis, but complex preparations such as fixation, dehydration and embedding compromise ultrastructure. While recent developments with cryofixation have been shown to preserve the ultrastructure of biological materials close to native state, they do have limitations. This review will focus on each stage of the TEM sample preparation process and their effects on the structural integrity of follicles.
Predicting ecosystem responses by data‐driven reciprocal modelling
Authors: Schneider Florian , Poeplau Christopher , Don Axel
Published: August 2021

Treatment effects are traditionally quantified in controlled experiments. However, experimental control is often achieved at the expense of representativeness. Here, we present a data‐driven reciprocal modelling framework to quantify the individual effects of environmental treatments under field conditions. The framework requires a representative survey data set describing the treatment (A or B), its responding target variable and other environmental properties that cause variability of the target within the region or population studied. A machine learning model is trained to predict the target only based on observations in group A. This model is then applied to group B, with predictions restricted to the model's space of applicability. The resulting residuals represent case‐specific effect size estimates and thus provide a quantification of treatment effects. This paper illustrates the new concept of such data‐driven reciprocal modelling to estimate spatially explicit effects of land‐use change on organic carbon stocks in European agricultural soils. For many environmental treatments, the proposed concept can provide accurate effect size estimates that are more representative than could feasibly ever be achieved with controlled experiments.
Projected impacts of climate and land use changes on the habitat of Atlantic Forest plants in Brazil
Authors: Leão Tarciso C. C. , Reinhardt Jason R. , Nic Lughadha Eimear , Reich Peter B.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To provide novel evidence on the average impact of climate and land use changes on habitat suitability for tropical plants and to test previous conclusions on the relative importance of these two drivers in shaping future availability of habitat for tropical plant species.

Location

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest domain.

Time period

Plant occurrences recorded between 1960 and 2014. Baseline climate from 1960 to 2000 and land use from 2015. Projected scenarios of climate for 2041–2060 and land use for 2050.

Major taxa studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

We modelled the habitat suitability of 2,232 species of angiosperms from the Atlantic Forest domain, endemic to Brazil, and estimated how future climate and land use may affect species‐level habitat suitability under a moderate and a business‐as‐usual scenario for the year 2050.

Results

Our results suggest that climate change alone will, surprisingly, have only a modest negative impact on the mean habitat suitability, decreasing it by 2% (median = −5 to −7%, variation associated with scenarios). Land use change alone had a more consistent negative impact on habitat suitability, causing mean and median reductions of 4 to 6%. When the effects of climate and land use are combined, the mean habitat suitability was reduced by 4% (median = −9 to −11%).

Main conclusions

The combined impacts of climate and land use changes were substantial, although smaller than expected. Habitat suitability decreased for most species, but it increased substantially for some species, suggesting that the distribution of impacts across species is markedly right skewed. The impacts were typically detrimental to small‐ranged species and neutral or beneficial to widespread species. Land use change rather than climate change will likely cause more losses to the habitat of Atlantic Forest plant species within the next several decades.
Enhancing community weight loss groups in a low socioeconomic status area: Application of the COM‐B model and Behaviour Change Wheel
Authors: Coupe Nia , Cotterill Sarah , Peters Sarah
Published: August 2021

Background

Obesity rates are higher among people of lower socioeconomic status. While numerous health behaviour interventions targeting obesity exist, they are more successful at engaging higher socioeconomic status populations, leaving those in less affluent circumstances with poorer outcomes. This highlights a need for more tailored interventions. The aim of this study was to enhance an existing weight loss course for adults living in low socioeconomic communities.

Methods

The Behaviour Change Wheel approach was followed to design an add‐on intervention to an existing local authority‐run weight loss group, informed by mixed‐methods research and stakeholder engagement.

Results

The COM‐B analysis of qualitative data revealed that changes were required to psychological capability, physical and social opportunity and reflective motivation to enable dietary goal‐setting behaviours. The resulting SMART‐C booklet included 6 weeks of dietary goal setting, with weekly behavioural contract and review.

Conclusion

This paper details the development of the theory‐ and evidence‐informed SMART‐C intervention. This is the first report of the Behaviour Change Wheel being used to design an add‐on tool to enhance existing weight loss services. The process benefitted from a further checking stage with stakeholders.
The impact of an enhanced infection control protocol on molar root canal treatment outcome – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zahran Shatha , Patel Shanon , Koller Garrit , Mannocci Francesco
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effect of an enhanced infection control protocol on root canal treatment outcomes and on microbial load within root canals after chemomechanical preparation.

Methodology

A total of 144 molar teeth from 139 healthy patients receiving primary root canal treatment were block randomized to a standard protocol (StP) or an enhanced infection control protocol (EnP). Both treatment arms adhered to current best practice recommendations, while the EnP comprised additional steps that included replacing rubber dams, gloves, files, all instruments and surface barriers at the time of canal filling to reduce the chances of iatrogenic contamination. Patients and radiographic examiners were blinded to the protocol used. Intracanal microbial samples were taken at baseline (S1) and after completion of chemomechanical preparation (S2). Microbial 16S rDNA copy numbers were enumerated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before treatment and at one‐year follow‐up. The outcome was assessed clinically and radiographically using CBCT by logistic regression modelling.

Results

At one‐year follow‐up, 115 teeth were analysed (54 in StP and 61 in EnP). The percentage of favourable outcomes assessed by CBCT was 85.2% in the EnP and 66.7% in the StP. The odds of 12‐month success was three times higher in the EnP group compared with the StP group (OR=2.89; p=0.022, CI: 1.17 – 7.15). The median bacterial reads were reduced from 8.1×103 in S1 samples to 3.5×103 in the StP group and from 8.6×103 to 1.3×103 in the EnP group. The enhanced protocol significantly reduced bacterial counts in pre‐canal filling samples when compared to the standard protocol (p=0.009).

Conclusions

The implementation of a facile, enhanced infection control protocol in primary root canal treatment resulted in less detectable bacterial DNA before canal filling and significantly more successful outcomes at one year.
Oral nail growth supplements: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yousif Jenna , Farshchian Mehdi , Potts Geoffrey A.
Published: August 2021

As the cosmeceutical market for nail products is growing, there is an emerging need for dermatologists to provide patients with evidence‐based information regarding over‐the‐counter products and supplements for nail growth. By law, there is no required efficacy and safety assessment by the Food and Drug Administration prior to these products being made available to consumers. This carries financial and health consequences for patients seeking affordable and effective over‐the‐counter products to improve their nail conditions. In this comprehensive review, we discuss available oral nail growth products, their mechanisms of action, and side effects.
Risk prediction model for deep surgical site infection (DSSI) following open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fracture
Authors: Lu Kaosheng , Ma Tianxiao , Yang Chunyan , Qu Qiaoge , Liu Haibo
Published: August 2021

Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) is a serious complication affecting the surgical outcome of displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fracture, and a risk prediction model based on the identifiable risk factors will provide great clinical value in prevention and prompt interventions. This study retrospectively identified patients operated for calcaneal fracture between January 2014 and December 2019, with a follow‐up ≥1 year. The data were extracted from electronic medical records, with regard to demographics, comorbidities, injury, surgery and laboratory biomarkers at admission. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analyses were used to identify the independent factors for DSSI, thereby the risk prediction model was developed. Among 900 patients included, 2.7% developed a DSSI. The multivariate analyses identified five factors independently associated with DSSI, including current smoking (OR, 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3‐6.4; P = .021), BMI ≥ 26.4 kg/m2 (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.6‐8.4; P = .003), ASA ≥II (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐5.1; P = .043), incision level of II (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3‐12.6; P = .018) and NLR ≥6.4 (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐7.5; P = .008). A score of 14 as the optimal cut‐off value was corresponding to sensitivity of 0.542 and specificity of 0.872 (area, 0.766; P < .001); ≥14 was associated with 8.1‐times increased risk of DSSI; a score of 7 was corresponding sensitivity of 100% and 10 corresponding to sensitivity of 0.875. The risk prediction model exhibited excellent performance in distinguishing the risk of DSSI and could be considered in practice for improvement of wound management, but its validity requires to be verified by better‐design studies.
Comparison of forward and backward gait in males with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Gimunová M. , Bozděch M. , Skotáková A. , Grün V. , Válková H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Intellectual disabilities (ID) affect both cognitive and motor functions. The backward gait is a daily activity and its assessment is used for fall risk estimation and training in the general population. For proper use of backward gait as a rehabilitation tool and in fall prevention programmes for people with ID, it is necessary to determine the backward gait characteristics in the ID population. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between forward and backward gait in persons with nonsyndromic mild and moderate ID, persons with Down syndrome (DS) and a control group of healthy adults.

Methods

Fifty males divided into four groups (mild ID: n = 15, moderate ID: n = 19, DS: n = 6, controls: n = 10) participated in this study. All participants were asked to walk both forward and backward, barefooted and at their natural velocity on a Zebris FDM platform. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare differences between the analysed groups in forward and backward gait. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between forward and backward gait within each group.

Results

The velocity was significantly slower in moderate ID and DS compared to controls in forward and backward gait. When comparing forward and backward gait within each group, the gait velocity decreased in backward gait compared with forward gait by 21.80% in controls, by 33.89% in mild ID, by 34.45% in moderate ID, and by 40.32% in DS. In both moderate ID and DS, the mean backward velocity was slower than 2.16 km/h, the velocity used to identify elderly fallers in the general population.

Conclusions

Gait velocity was especially affected in DS and moderate ID compared with controls. In both mentioned groups, the backward gait velocity suggests an increased risk of falling. Future studies are necessary to examine the possibility of improving balance control and leg muscle strength by backward walking training in the ID population.
Effect of trypsin concentration on living SMCC‐7721 cells studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yan Jin , Xie Chenchen , Zhu Jiajing , Song Zhengxun , Wang Zuobin , Li Li
Published: August 2021

Trypsin is playing an important role in the processes of cancer proliferation, invasion and metastasis which require the precise information of morphology and mechanical properties on the nano‐scale for the related research. In this work, living human hepatoma (SMCC‐7721) cells were treated with different concentrations of trypsin solution. The morphology and mechanical properties of the cells were measured via atomic force microscope (AFM). Statistical analyses of measurement data indicated that with the increase of trypsin concentration, the average cell height and the surface roughness were both increased, but the cell viability, the cell surface adhesion and the elasticity modulus were decreased significantly. The force required to puncture the cells was also gradually reduced. It indicates that trypsin not only hydrolyses the proteins between the cell and the substrate but also the membrane proteins. The results offer valuable clues for the cancerous process study, pathological analysis and trypsin inhibitor drug development. And this work provides an effective way for overcoming the cell membrane in drug injection for cell‐targeted therapy.
What matters in care continuity on the chronic care trajectory for patients and family carers?—A conceptual model
Authors: Ljungholm Linda , Klinga Charlotte , Edin‐Liljegren Anette , Ekstedt Mirjam
Published: August 2021

Aims and Objectives

To describe essential aspects of care continuity from the perspectives of persons with complex care needs and their family carers.

Background

Continuity of care is an important aspect of quality, safety and efficiency. For people with multiple chronic diseases and complex care needs, care must be experienced as connected and coherent, and consistent with medical and individual needs. The more complex the need for care, the greater the need for continuity across different competencies, services and roles.

Design

A constructivist grounded theory approach was applied.

Methods

Sixteen patients with one or more chronic diseases needing both health care and social care, living in their private homes, and twelve family carers, were recruited. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed with constructivist grounded theory. The COREQ checklist was followed.

Results

A conceptual model of care continuity was constructed, consisting of five categories that were interconnected through the core category: time and space. Patients' and family carers' experiences of care continuity were closely related to timely personalised care delivery, where access to tailored information, regardless of who was performing a care task, was essential for mutual understanding. This required clarity in responsibilities and roles, interprofessional collaboration and achieving a trusting relationship between each link in the chain of care, over time and space. To achieve care continuity, all the identified categories were important, as they worked in synergy, not in isolation.

Conclusion

Care continuity for people with complex care needs and family carers is experienced as multidimensional, with several essential aspects that work in synergy, but varies over time and depends on each person's own resources and situational and contextual circumstances.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings promote understanding of patients' and family carers' experiences of care continuity and may guide the delivery of care to people with complex care needs.
A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Rishniw Mark
Published: August 2021

Background

Radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current131I‐dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia.

Objectives

To develop a cat‐specific algorithm to calculate the lowest131I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, while minimizing risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and subsequent azotemia.

Animals

One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with131I.

Methods

Prospective case series (before‐and‐after study). All cats had serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measured (off methimazole ≥1 week). Using thyroid scintigraphy, each cat's thyroid volume and percent uptake of99mTc‐pertechnatate (TcTU) were determined. An initial131I dose was calculated by averaging dose scores for T4/T3concentrations, thyroid volume, and TcTU; 80% of that composite dose was administered. Twenty‐four hours later, percent131I uptake was measured, and additional131I administered, as needed, to deliver an adequate radiation dose to the thyroid tumor(s). Serum concentrations of T4, TSH, and creatinine were determined 6 to 12 months later.

Results

The median calculated131I dose was 1.9 mCi (range, 1.0‐10.6 mCi); 1380 cats required additional131I administration on day 2. Of the cats, 1047 (74.8%) became euthyroid, 57 (4.1%) became overtly hypothyroid, 240 (17.1%) became subclinically hypothyroid, and 56 (4%) remained hyperthyroid. More overtly (71.9%) and subclinically (39.6%) hypothyroid cats developed azotemia than euthyroid cats (14.2%;P < .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our algorithm for calculating individual131I doses resulted in cure rates similar to historical treatment rates, despite much lower131I doses. This algorithm appears to lower prevalence of both131I‐induced overt hypothyroidism and azotemia.
The Laplace transform of the integrated Volterra Wishart process
Authors: Abi Jaber Eduardo
Published: August 2021

We establish an explicit expression for the conditional Laplace transform of the integrated Volterra Wishart process in terms of a certain resolvent of the covariance function. The core ingredient is the derivation of the conditional Laplace transform of general Gaussian processes in terms of Fredholm's determinant and resolvent. Furthermore, we link the characteristic exponents to a system of non‐standard infinite dimensional matrix Riccati equations. This leads to a second representation of the Laplace transform for a special case of convolution kernel. In practice, we show that both representations can be approximated by either closed form solutions of conventional Wishart distributions or finite dimensional matrix Riccati equations stemming from conventional linear‐quadratic models. This allows fast pricing in a variety of highly flexible models, ranging from bond pricing in quadratic short rate models with rich autocorrelation structures, long range dependence and possible default risk, to pricing basket options with covariance risk in multivariate rough volatility models.
Petrographic controls on baddeleyite occurrence in a suite of eight basaltic shergottites
Authors: Sheen Alex I. , Herd Christopher D. K. , Hamilton Jarret , Walton Erin L.
Published: August 2021

Baddeleyite (ZrO2) is a common late‐stage accessory mineral in basaltic shergottites and is a robust geochronometer for obtaining igneous crystallization ages via high‐precision in situ SIMS U‐Pb analysis. Amenability to SIMS U‐Pb dating depends in large part on the size and abundance of baddeleyite grains, which are generally surveyed using microbeam methods. We examine the petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry, and baddeleyite distribution in eight basaltic shergottites to identify factors that may be used to predict baddeleyite distribution in unknown samples of Mars. Results suggest that fractional crystallization controls baddeleyite occurrence in shergottites to the first order; samples with pyroxene major element compositions extending beyond the 1‐bar stability boundary generally have higher baddeleyite abundance compared with samples with pyroxene compositions terminating at or before the stability boundary. In samples which display two pyroxene composition trends (high‐Ca and low‐Ca), the largest baddeleyite grains tend to be associated with Fe‐Ti oxides; in samples where pyroxene composition forms a continuous trend extending beyond the 1‐bar stability boundary, the largest baddeleyite grains are typically associated with polymineralic late‐stage pockets. Bulk HFSE content and fO2 do not appear to directly influence baddeleyite distribution. Based on our findings, we propose that pyroxene composition is a useful proxy for assessing baddeleyite abundance and distribution in shergottites and may aid in determining a sample’s feasibility for U‐Pb geochronology prior to conducting detailed surveys for baddeleyite characterization.
Iodine and thyroid status during pregnancy and risk of stillbirth: A population‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Purdue‐Smithe Alexandra C. , Männistö Tuija , Reische Elijah , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Kim Un‐Jung , Suvanto Eila , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Gissler Mika , Mills James L.
Published: August 2021

Prior research suggests that severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy may be associated with stillbirth. However, the relationship between mild to moderate iodine insufficiency, which is prevalent even in developed countries, and risk of stillbirth is unclear. We thus examined associations of iodine status and risk of stillbirth in a prospective population‐based nested case–control study in Finland, a mild to moderately iodine insufficient population. Stillbirth cases (n = 199) and unaffected controls (n = 249) were randomly selected from among all singleton births in Finland from 2012 to 2013. Serum samples were collected between 10 and 14 weeks gestation and analysed for iodide, thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stillbirth were estimated using logistic regression. After adjusting for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, socio‐economic status and other factors, neither high nor low serum iodide was associated with risk of stillbirth (Q1 vs. Q2–Q3 OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.09; Q4 vs. Q2–Q3 OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.45–1.33). Tg and TSH were also not associated with risk of stillbirth in adjusted models. Maternal iodine status was not associated with stillbirth risk in this mildly to moderately iodine‐deficient population. Tg and TSH, which reflect functional iodine status, were also not associated with stillbirth risk. The lack of associations observed between serum iodide, TSH and Tg and risk of stillbirth is reassuring, given that iodine deficiency in pregnancy is prevalent in developed countries.
Longitudinal Capsulotomy in Hip Arthroscopy: A Safe and Feasible Procedure for Cam‐Type Femoracetabular Impingement
Authors: Yin Qing‐Feng , Wang Long , Liang Tao , Zhao Heng , Wang Xue‐song
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the surgical security, feasibility, and clinical efficacy of the longitudinal outside‐in capsulotomy in hip arthroscopic treatment for cam‐type femoracetabular impingement (FAI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with cam‐type FAI who underwent hip arthroscopy in our institute from January 2018 to June 2019. All hip arthroscopic procedures were performed by one experienced surgeon in the same manner, except the fashions of capsulotomy. Fifty six patients with mean age of 39.1 and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.5 were categorized into two groups according to the fashions of capsulotomy. Twenty six cases with longitudinal outside‐in capsulotomy were categorized into Group L, and 30 cases with transversal interportal capsulotomy were categorized into Group T as the control group. The demographic parameters were retrieved from medical documents and compared between the two groups. Surgical outcome including overall surgical time, traction time, complications, visual analogue score (VAS), and intraoperative radiation exposure were compared to investigate the security and feasibility. Radiographic assessment, and functional outcome were compared between the two groups to determine the clinical efficacy of the longitudinal capsulotomy.

Results

There was no significant difference in the demography and duration of follow‐up between the two groups. The overall surgical time demonstrated no significant difference between Group L and Group T (130.8 ± 16.6 min and 134.0 ± 14.7 min, P = 0.490). Significantly decreased traction time was found in Group L (43.2 ± 8.4 min and 62.2 ± 8.6 min, P < 0.001) compared to Group T. The Median of the fluoroscopic shot was 1 and 3 (P < 0.001). No major complications and reoperation were reported in both groups. The case of intraoperative iatrogenic injure was 0 (0%) and 6 (20%) in Group L and Group T respectively (P = 0.035), and the case of postoperative neurapraxia was 0 (0%) and 8 (26.6%) in Group L and Group T respectively (P = 0.017). The Median of postoperative VAS was 2 and 3 in Group L Group T (P = 0.002). The postoperative α angle was 42.3° ± 3.4° and 44.4° ± 3.5° in group L and group T respectively (P = 0.001). The postoperative iHOT‐12 score at final follow‐up was 79.3 ± 6.7 and 77.0 ± 7.9 respectively (P = 0.141).

Conclusion

Longitudinal outside‐in capsulotomy with less radiation exposure, reduced traction time, and reduced complications could be a safe and feasible procedure in arthroscopic treatment for cam FAI. Its clinical efficacy was not worse compared with traditional interportal capsulotomy in short‐term follow‐up.
The Application of Arthroscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip‐Related Conditions in China
Authors: Zhao Feng‐yuan , Dong Han‐mei , Huang Hong‐jie , Gao Guan‐ying , Wu Rui‐qi , Shi Yuan‐yuan , Ju Xiao‐dong , Li Chun‐bao , Xu Yan , Wang Jian‐quan
Published: August 2021

The hip joint is the largest weight‐bearing joint in the body and is surrounded by dense capsules and thick muscles. Hip arthroscopic techniques are suitable for the treatment of hip‐related conditions. These minimally invasive techniques have rapidly developed in China since 2007. Moreover, they have been used in the treatment of gluteal muscle contracture, snapping hip syndrome, femoral acetabular impingement, acetabular labral injury, hip labral calcification, synovial chondroma, osteoid osteoma, synovitis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. This technique has showed its advantage in the total debridement of lesions, precision treatment, and less trauma. However, we lack understanding of the overall development of arthroscopic techniques in China. This review illustrates the recent development of hip arthroscopic techniques in China and related research progress.
Comparison of Early Clinical Results for Femoral Neck System and Cannulated Screws in the Treatment of Unstable Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐qiang , Li Zhi‐qiang , Xu Ren‐jie , She Yuan‐shi , Zhang Xiang‐xin , Chen Guang‐xiang , Yu Xiao
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare early clinical effects of the femoral neck system (FNS) and three cannulated screws for the treatment of patients with unstable femoral neck fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis with pair matching of 81 patients who received FNS or cannulated screw internal fixation for Pauwels type‐3 femoral neck fracture in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 was conducted. Patients who received FNS were the test group, and those who received cannulated screws comprised the control group. Matching requirements were as follows: same sex, similar age, and similar body mass index (BMI). A total of 30 pairs were successfully matched at a 1:1 ratio, including 12 males and 18 females. The average age of the patients in the FNS group was 54.53 ± 6.71 years. In the cannulated screw group, the average age of the patients was 53.14 ± 7.19 years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, hospitalization cost, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, time to walking without crutches, Harris score, femoral head necrosis rate, and complication rate were compared between the groups.

Results

Postoperative re‐examination of radiographs showed satisfactory reduction in all patients, and all patients were followed up for 10–22 months. Those in the FNS group had lower postoperative VAS scores, earlier times to walking without crutches, higher Harris scores at the last follow‐up, and lower complication rates (P < 0.05). VAS scores were lower in the FNS group (3.13 ± 1.07 scores) than in the cannulated screw group (3.77 ± 1.04 scores) (P = 0.018). Patients in the FNS group (5.23 ± 1.33 months) recovered to walking without crutches earlier than did those in the cannulated screw group (6.03 ± 1.45 months) (P<0.001). In addition, a statistically higher postoperative Harris score was detected in the FNS group (86.16 ± 7.26) than in the cannulated screw group (82.37 ± 7.52) (P = 0.039). Overall, a higher incidence of complications was observed in the cannulated screw group (9/30) than in the FNS group (2/30) (P = 0.042). However, intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization costs were greater in the FNS group (P < 0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was greater in the FNS group (99.73 ± 4.69) than in the cannulated screw group (30.27 ± 9.04) (P<0.001). In addition, patients in the FNS group (46976 ± 2270 ¥) spent more on hospitalization costs than did those in the cannulated screw group (15626 ± 1732 ¥) (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference in operation time, hospital stay, or femoral head necrosis rate was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with unstable femoral neck fractures, FNS has better clinical efficacy than cannulated screws, though it is also more expensive.
Effects of co‐administration of vitamin E and lithium chloride on chronic constriction injury‐induced neuropathy in male Wistar rats: Focus on antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms
Authors: Esu Kingsley Dominic , Bakare Ahmed Olalekan , Owoyele Bamidele Victor
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of co‐administration of lithium chloride (LiCl) and vitamin E (Vit E) on chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐induced peripheral neuropathy in male Wistar rats. It further explored the anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of LiCl and Vit E, which may be complementary to the antinociceptive effects of the two substances.

Methods

Thirty‐six male Wistar rats, 190.00 ± 10.00 g of body weight were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups and administered with normal saline, Vit E, LiCl, or their combination, once daily for 21 days. CCI was used to induce neuropathic pain (NP) and mechanical allodynia was assessed using von Frey filaments and pinprick test. Open field maze (OFM) was used to assess the exploratory behavior. Biochemical parameters were assessed in the dorsal root ganglion after 21 days of treatment.

Results

Mechanical allodynia was developed in rats following CCI. Co‐administration of LiCl and Vit E synergistically reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in rats which were significantly different compared with the single administration of either Vit E or LiCl. Combined doses of Vit E and LiCl significantly increases the explorative behavior in the OFM. CCI increased malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrotic factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), calcitonin gene‐related polypeptide, calcium ion (Ca2+), and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Co‐administration of LiCl and Vit E significantly reduced MDA, TNF‐α, but increased SOD compared with ligated control.

Discussion

The findings revealed that the synergistic effects of the co‐administration of Vit E and LiCl in ameliorating NP are mediated by their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Immune function does not trade‐off with reproductive effort in a semelparous wolf spider with parental care
Authors: Kirschman Lucas J. , Dewey Lindsey , Gregory Andre
Published: August 2021

Trade‐offs between negatively associated traits underlie life history evolution. Immune function is often involved in life history trade‐offs, because of the energetic and nutritional costs of mounting and maintaining immune responses. Reproductive strategies exist on a continuum between semelparity and iteroparity. While immune function is often downregulated in semelparous organisms because they do not have to account for future survival or reproduction, those organisms that also provide parental care may retain the strength of immune responses. Wolf spiders (family: Lycosidae) are semelparous yet provide parental and provide a good system to evaluate trade‐offs between immune responses and reproductive effort. We measured encapsulation response and reproductive effort of female wolf spiders from three reproductive classes: nongravid, gravid, and carrying young. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the immune responses of female wolf spiders carrying young. We hypothesized femaleT. georgicoladerive the allocate resources to reproduction at the expense of immune function. However, we found reproductive effort had no relationship with encapsulation response in spiders carrying young. There was also no difference in the encapsulation response between reproductive classes. Individual differences in resource acquisition may explain the lack of a relationship between reproductive effort and encapsulation in spiders carrying young. Spiders with larger resource pools have more resources to devote to reproduction and immunity. Maintaining resources to mount immune responses across reproductive stages could also increase the fitness of female wolf spiders because they must survive to carry and disperse the young, which reduces kin competition among spiderlings.
Gender inclusion in ecological restoration
Authors: de Siqueira Ludmila P. , Tedesco Anazelia M. , Meli Paula , Diederichsen Anita , Brancalion Pedro H. S.
Published: August 2021

Promoting diversity is core for ecological restoration. Restoration projects often quantify biological diversity as a measure of success, but generally overlook human diversity, including gender issues, which have not been sufficiently considered in restoration planning, implementation, and monitoring. Here, we justify the need to consider gender equality in ecological restoration and offer guidance on adopting gender‐responsive approaches. Gender equality should be considered both a driver and a measure of success and will play a central role to leverage the contributions of restoration to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and of women to its Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. We finally recommend that the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration are amended to include a gender‐responsive perspective in its recommendations.
Building anti‐corruption agency collaboration and reputation: Hanging together or separately hanged
Authors: Bautista‐Beauchesne Nicholas
Published: August 2021

The implementation of preventive anti‐corruption agencies (ACAs) has been a significant public administration regulatory trend of the last two decades. This article endeavors to better understand how preventive ACAs build inter‐agency collaboration and legitimacy. Rather than analyzing ACAs in isolation, this article proposes a novel understanding of autonomy‐building by accounting for the underlying reputational dimension of their broader collaborative environment: ACAs need to strike a delicate equilibrium between defending their organizational uniqueness and effectively collaborating to tackle the complexity of corruption. To achieve this, the article employs a mixed‐methods multiple case study of four preventive ACAs in Quebec (Canada) over the last decade.
The “costs” of voting: The effects of vote‐by‐mail on election administration finance in Colorado
Authors: Lamb Matt
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this article,I ask whether the adoption of vote‐by‐mail (VBM) has resulted in the promised cost reductions. Additionally, I examine the overall determinants of election administration expenditures after the implementation of VBM.

Methods

Using Colorado as a case study, I use county level expenditures to determine the effects of institutional change on election administration finance, as well as other institutional and socio‐demographic determinants on costs.

Results

I find that adopting all‐VBM elections significantly reduced expenditures. Additionally, I find that after VBM was implemented, the primary institutional determinants of expenditures are the proportion of mail‐in ballots received, as well as the number of poll‐workers, and early voting sites. Finally, I find that socio‐demographic characteristics are predictive of expenditures for election administration. Counties with higher income spent less per voter in federal elections. Counties with higher proportions of Latinx voting‐aged populations spent less per voter, even when controlling for turnout.

Conclusion

The results strongly indicate that moving to all‐VBM elections can help cash‐strapped counties save money. However, conversion to VBM may not guarantee that expenditures will be spent equitably.
Evaluation of the use of paired modified Wright’s and periodic acid Schiff stains to identify microbial aggregates on cytological smears of dogs with microbial otitis externa and suspected biofilm
Authors: Parnell‐Turner Henrietta , Griffin Craig E. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S. , Kelly Keating M. , Bidot Willie A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Micro‐organisms associated with canine otitis externa (OE) may cause biofilm‐associated infections (BAI). A key component of biofilm is microbial aggregate and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) can stain polysaccharide EPS in human otitis media with effusion, but this has not been tested in canine OE. There is no cytological definition for microbial aggregate, and definitive methods for identifying BAI in a clinical setting in canine OE have not been defined.

Objectives

To establish whether PAS stain can identify polysaccharide matrix on cytological smears; and to determine the reproducibility of identification of microbial aggregates within a discrete area of stained matrix, using paired modified Wright’s and PAS‐stained smears.

Animals

Forty privately‐owned dogs presenting to a dermatological referral practice.

Methods and materials

In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, three investigators independently and blindly classified 40 paired modified Wright’s–PAS slide sets into groups: aggregate‐associated infection (AAI) and non‐AAI (n = 27); and control (n = 13). Agreement between investigators for presence of AAI was measured using Fleiss’ kappa statistic (FK). Agreement between investigators and dermatologists for presence of AAI upon cytological evaluation, and suspected BAI based on clinical examination, was measured using Cohen’s kappa statistic.

Results

The matrix was confirmed to stain PAS‐positive. Interinvestigator agreement for AAI was very good using PAS (0.82 FK) and fair using modified‐Wright’s (MW) (0.33 FK). Reproducible cytological features associated with AAI were the presence of: three or more distinct aggregates (0.76 FK); discrete areas of PAS‐positive matrix (0.70 FK); and the presence of high‐density material (0.70 FK) using PAS stain.

Conclusion

PAS can stain the extracellular matrix on otic smears, and a novel protocol for reproducible identification of cytological features such as microbial aggregates has been established.