bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 on post‐traumatic stress symptoms in the general population: An integrative review
Authors: Hong Soyun , Kim Heejung , Park Min Kyung
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus pandemic highlights the urgent need for increased support related to mental health concerns. This study aimed to synthesize the findings of empirical studies reporting the post‐traumatic stress symptoms in the general population during the coronavirus pandemic. Whittemore and Knafl’s (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546, 2005) integrative review methodology was used to analyse and synthesize the peer‐reviewed studies. Five electronic databases, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched using terms related to the coronavirus pandemic and post‐traumatic stress symptoms. The quality of the studies was screened and evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The sample size of the 16 studies included in this review ranged from 41 to 3480 participants, with a total of 18 039 participants. The majority of the participants’ ages ranged from 30 to 39 years, and 57% of the participants were female. The following factors related to post‐traumatic stress symptoms during the coronavirus pandemic were identified as follows: (i) risk factors included social discrimination, fear of uncontrolled contagion and financial burden or economic instability; and, (ii) protective factors included social support and timely government action. A traumatic experience itself can trigger the onset of post‐traumatic stress disorder; however, depending on the risk and protection factors, each individual can experience different post‐traumatic stress symptoms. Thus, mental health nurses should comprehensively understand how to reduce the influence of risk factors and enhance protective factors when dealing with the pandemic and related trauma. This study’s findings are beneficial for identifying, preventing and managing post‐traumatic stress symptoms associated with the coronavirus and future pandemics.
Promoting in situ formation of core‐shell structured carbides in high‐Cr cast irons by boron addition
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Tang Yunqing , Tang X. , Li D. Y.
Published: April 2021

M7C3 carbide is an important reinforcing phase in high‐Cr cast irons, ferrous alloys, metal‐matrix composites, and hardfacing overlays. However, the mismatch at the carbide/matrix interface due to the differences in structure and mechanical strength between the carbide and metallic matrix may lower the resistance of the material to mechanical attack, such as wear, corresponding to increased risk of interfacial failure or the role of the interfacial mismatch as a stress raiser for crack initiation. Recent studies on high‐Cr cast irons (HCCI; Fe‐45%Cr‐%C series) show that core(M7C3)‐shell(M23C6) structured carbides (CSSCs) help minimize the misfit stress at the interface between carbide and matrix, thus enhancing their resistance to wear. However, such core‐shell structured carbide does not always form. It is of importance to understand the mechanism responsible for the formation of CSSC for maximized benefits. In this study, we conducted thermodynamic analysis to investigate the conditions for in situ forming CSSCs in HCCIs and determine the probability of generating CSSCs through alloying elements. Both thermodynamic analysis and first‐principles calculations demonstrate that the core‐shell structured carbide can be in situ formed in HCCIs by alloying with elements such as boron, which increases the stability of M23C6 with lowered energy. Relevant experiments were performed to verify the theoretical analysis and prediction.
Experimental study on drying characteristics of rice by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Che Gang , Wan Lin , Liu Menggang , Sun Wensheng
Published: April 2021

This article is purposed mainly to analyze the drying characteristics in the internal moisture of rice at different drying temperatures using low‐field NMR. The signals of the relaxation time were applied to determine the moisture content and dynamic characteristics of various phases. According to the experimental results, the migration of strongly chemically bound water and other phases of water was a bi‐directional process. The first half of the process can be dried at high temperatures to remove moisture rapidly, while the second half can be lowered to reduce the moisture gradient. Besides, the first half was dried at 65°C and the second half at 35, 45 and 55°C, which led to an increase in energy consumption by 9.62%, 6.99%, and 2.54% as well as an extension to the drying time by 65, 40, and 18 min. The results will provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the drying process for rice.

Practical Applications

Low field nuclear magnetic resonance was applied to study the drying characteristics of rice, and to determine the variation pattern and migration characteristics of water in different phases of rice with varying temperatures during the drying process. On this basis, a high‐quality variable temperature drying method was proposed. Moreover, this method is applicable to the variable temperature of the rice drying process.
Efficacy and safety of methylphenidate on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Roche M. , Mircher C. , Toulas J. , Prioux E. , Conte M. , Ravel A. , Falquero S. , Labidi A. , Stora S. , Durand S. , Mégarbané A. , Cieuta‐Walti C.
Published: April 2021

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common co‐morbidity that affects up to 44% of children with Down syndrome (DS). There is a need for reliable, good quality research on the use of methylphenidate within this population. The objective of this study is to report our experience regarding the management of ADHD in these children using methylphenidate.

Methods

This study is a retrospective observation of 21 children with DS, followed at Jérôme Lejeune Institute between 2000 and 2018. The diagnosis of ADHD was made using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. Efficacy was measured as response or non‐response on two main symptoms: attention/concentration and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Safety was evaluated by the presence or absence of side effects.

Results

Sixteen out of the 21 children (76%) showed improvement with methylphenidate. The average age of treatment onset in responding children was 8 years and 10 months versus 6 years and 3 months in non‐responders (P = 0.05). Average dose/weight was significantly different in responders and non‐responders (0.82 vs. 0.54 mg/kg/day, respectively; P = 0.03). Twelve children out of 21 (57%) experienced side effects; only three experienced side effects severe enough to require treatment interruption. Most common side effects were loss of appetite and difficulties in falling asleep.

Conclusion

Methylphenidate was effective and safe in treating ADHD in 76% of cases in children with DS, with few serious side effects to report. Early diagnosis of ADHD is important to improve the quality of life, learning, inclusion and socialisation of children with DS.
Erastin synergizes with cisplatin via ferroptosis to inhibit ovarian cancer growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cheng Qi , Bao Lingjie , Li Mingqing , Chang Kaikai , Yi Xiaofang
Published: April 2021

Aim

Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is the first‐line treatment for ovarian cancer. However, acquired resistance to cisplatin treatment or serious side effects often occurs in ovarian cancer, and thus, there is an urgent need for effective and combined therapies to overcome such obstacles. In the present study, we aimed to uncover synergistic effects between erastin and cisplatin (CDDP) in inhibiting ovarian cancer cell growth by inducing ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We performed a CCK‐8 assay to detect cell viability in response to erastin alone or in combination with cisplatin and provided further confirmation by western blotting analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry analysis were used to depict the characteristics of ferroptosis. In addition, an ovarian cancer tumor xenograft was built to verify the effects in vivo.

Results

CDDP induced multiple modes of cell death‐including ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, erastin triggered ferroptosis and increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) so as to augment the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin. Combination therapy based on CDDP and erastin appeared to maximize the therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects in ovarian cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results indicate that erastin works synergistically with cisplatin to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth, which may be manipulated by a ROS‐mediated mechanism that enhances cisplatin therapy, and offers a novel strategy for overcoming cisplatin therapy resistance.
Deparochialising the Canon: The Case of Sociological Theory
Authors: Alatas Syed Farid
Published: April 2021

Sociological theory is not irrelevant to the South but needs to be deparochialised. The parochiality of sociological theory as it exists today can clearly be seen from the canon. The canon would have us believe that sociological theory was the sole creation of a few white men who lived in the nineteenth century. The absence of non‐European thinkers in accounts of the history of sociological theory is particularly glaring in cases where non‐Europeans had not only contributed to systematic thinking about the nature of society in the modern period but also influenced the development of sociology in the West. Typically, a history of social thought or a course on social thought and theory would cover theorists such as Montesquieu, Vico, Comte, Spencer, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Toennies, Sombart, Mannheim, Pareto, Sumner, Ward, Small, and others. Generally, both non‐Western thinkers as well as women founders are excluded. Although sociology is slow to take a decolonial turn, there are now efforts to critique and rethink the canon. This article is a contribution in the direction of critiquing and expanding the canon to render it less parochial.
Tales of two study designs in patients with chronic kidney failure: The case of the protein–energy wasting – inflammation syndromic complex
Authors: Zoccali C. , Mallamaci F.
Published: April 2021

Click here to view the Original Article by T. Ebert et al
A narrative review of the experience and decision‐making for children on home mechanical ventilation
Authors: Rahman Mayukh , Jeffreys Juliette , Massie John
Published: April 2021

Technological advances in mechanical ventilation have made home care possible for children requiring long‐term ventilation. However, there are ethical and logistical challenges to transitioning home. The aim of this narrative review is to identify the experiences of the children and their families and the decision‐making process to embark on home mechanical ventilation. A systematic review of the literature using Medline and OVID databases was conducted. Children <18 years requiring non‐invasive ventilation or tracheostomy with ventilation or continuous positive pressure ventilation were included. The initial search yielded 1351 results, 1017 after duplications were removed and 111 after abstracts were reviewed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to full text analysis, 48 references were analysed. The children and families described home ventilation as facilitating better health and functional status. However, they concurrently described social isolation, stigma, financial stress and loss of independence. The decision‐making process to embark on home ventilation needs more research.
Distribution of resistance of cassava genotypes to dry, soft and black root diseases and correlation to yield parameters
Authors: Teixeira Jessica Hellen dos Santos , Guimarães Macelle Amanda Silva , Cardoso Suane Coutinho , Brito Alexsandro dos Santos , Peixouto Yslai Santos , Ribeiro Sabrine Oliveira , de Oliveira Eder Jorge , Alves Santos de Oliveira Saulo
Published: April 2021

Root rot is one of the most limiting diseases of cassava production in the Northeast Region of Brazil, causing root‐yield loss from 30% to 100%. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of 76 cassava genotypes to dry (Fusarium spp.), soft (Phytophthora melonis) and black (species of the Botryosphaeriaceae family) root rot diseases. The roots were inoculated separately with isolates belonging to each of three disease group (dry, black and soft), by using the whole tuberous root inoculation method. The lesioned areas on the tuberous roots were measured by digital image analysis. Based on cluster analysis, four groups were found associated with the resistance to root rot diseases. About 10% of the genotypes were classified as resistant to dry and soft root rot, and 2% were classified as resistant to black root rot. Moreover, only 2% of the genotypes showed multiple resistance to these disease groups. Significant correlations were found between root peel and pulp infections by the same fungus, and between the root peel infections caused by P. melonis and Fusarium spp. These findings will be essential in the generation of plants with resistance to multiple root rot pathogens and will guide the cassava breeding programme to obtain superior varieties.
Coping with an Evil World: Contextualizing the Stress‐Buffering Role of Scripture Reading
Authors: DeAngelis Reed T. , Acevedo Gabriel A. , Vaidyanathan Brandon , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: April 2021

This research note advances the religious coping literature by testing whether belief in an evil world conditions the stress‐moderating role of scripture reading. Hypotheses are tested with original data from a survey of black, Hispanic, and white American churchgoers from South Texas (2017–2018; n = 1,115). Our findings show that reading scripture for insights into the future attenuates the positive association between major life events and psychological distress, but only for congregants who do not believe the world is fundamentally evil and sinful. For congregants who believe the world is evil, scripture reading amplifies the association between life events and distress. Whether scriptural coping is beneficial for mental health could be contingent on a believer's broader assumptions about the nature of the world we live in.
Volcanism and palaeoclimate change drive diversification of the world's largest whip spider (Amblypygi)
Authors: Schramm Frederic D. , Valdez‐Mondragón Alejandro , Prendini Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

The tropics contain many of the most biodiverse regions on Earth but the processes responsible for generating this diversity remain poorly understood. This study investigated the drivers of diversification in arthropods with stenotopic ecological requirements and limited dispersal capability using as a model the monotypic whip spider (Amblypygi) genus Acanthophrynus, widespread in the tropical deciduous forests of Mexico. We hypothesized that for these organisms, the tropical deciduous forests serve as a conduit for dispersal, with their disappearance imposing barriers. Given that these forests are located in a region of complex geological history and that they fluctuated in extent during the Pliocene–Pleistocene glacial/interglacial cycles we combine molecular divergence dating, palaeoclimatic niche modelling and ancestral area reconstruction to test if and when habitat fragmentation promoted diversification in Acanthophrynus. Concomitant with the expected role of landscape change, we demonstrate that orogeny of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, in the Late Miocene or Early Pliocene (6.95–5.21 million years ago), drove the earliest divergence of Acanthophrynus by vicariance. Similarly, as expected, the later onset of glaciations strongly impacted diversification. Whereas a more stable climate in the southern part of the distribution enabled further diversification, a marked loss of suitable habitat during the glaciations only allowed dispersal and diversification in the north to occur later, resulting in a lower overall diversity in this region. Barriers and diversification patterns identified in Acanthophrynus are reflected in the phylogeography of codistributed vertebrates and arthropods, emphasizing the profound impact of Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt orogeny and glacial/interglacial cycles as drivers of diversification in the Mexican Neotropics.
Stochastic nature of larval dispersal at sea
Authors: Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Harrison Hugo B.
Published: April 2021

The movement of individuals across landscapes remains a fundamental process in population and community ecology. All species have developed a capacity to disperse but this process remains elusive in organisms with complex life‐cycles, and none more so than in the marine environment. Here, most organisms have developed a two‐phased life‐cycle, leaving the risky business of dispersing through the open ocean to their very small and intractable larval offspring. To this day, quantifying dispersal patterns in marine seascapes remains a significant challenge, and yet it is critical to the way we preserve marine ecosystems and the services they provide. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Catalano et al. (2021) present one of the first longitudinal studies to demonstrate the stochastic nature of larval dispersal. Their work challenges some of our current ideas about marine population connectivity and provides new methodological insights to study its temporal dimension.
Unresolvable Disagreements in Carnap’s Metametaphysics
Authors: Vrahimis Andreas
Published: April 2021

Carnap’s 1931 attack against metaphysics notoriously utilises Heidegger’s work to exemplify the meaninglessness of metaphysical pseudo‐statements. This paper interprets Carnap’s metametaphysics as concerned with delimiting theoretical dialogue in such a manner as to exclude unresolvable disagreements. It puts forth a revised version of Carnap’s argument against the viability of metaphysics, by setting aside his stronger claims that rely on verificationism and focusing instead on his account of metaphysical claims as mere expressions of what he calls “Lebensgefühl,” or a general attitude towards life. Such attitudes, Carnap argues, are unsuitable objects of theoretical dialogue, insofar as disagreements that concern them are unresolvable. Carnap thus recommends abandoning the attempt to resolve metaphysical disagreements as if they were theoretical. As long as it does not enter into unresolvable disagreements, art, rather than theory, is the appropriate medium for expressingLebensgefühl.
Identification and Characteristics of Strong, Average, and Weak Foreign Language Readers: The Simple View of Reading Model
Authors: SPARKS RICHARD L.
Published: April 2021

The simple view of reading (SVR) model proposes that reading comprehension is the product of cognitive domain skills, word decoding, and oral language (linguistic) comprehension, and that decoding and language comprehension make separate, independent contributions to reading comprehension. The SVR has been supported in both first (L1) and second language (L2) reading research as a viable model to explain more and less successful reading acquisition and to recommend instructional intervention. This article reviews L1 and L2 reading research that supports the SVR and explains how the model can be used to assess foreign language (FL) reading skills, identify strong and weak FL readers, and identify FL readers’ strengths and weaknesses. Specific examples of standardized cognitive and linguistic measures for English and Spanish used to assess word decoding and language comprehension skills are cited. Implications of the SVR model for assessment and pedagogy are discussed.
Vaginal microbiota in pregnant women with inflammatory rheumatic and inflammatory bowel disease: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Rosta Klara , Mazzucato‐Puchner Antonia , Kiss Herbert , Malik Veronika , Mandl Peter , Petricevic Ljubomir , Foessleitner Philipp , Shafran Inbal , Temsch Wilhelm , Farr Alex
Published: April 2021

Background

Rheumatic diseases and vaginal infections both increase the risk of preterm birth. It is unclear whether pregnant women with rheumatic disease are more likely to experience vaginal infections, which might potentially accumulate modifiable risk factors.

Objective

In this study, we sought to evaluate the vaginal microbiota of pregnant women with inflammatory rheumatic and inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

A total of 539 asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancy were routinely screened for an abnormal vaginal microbiota between 10 + 0 and 16 + 0 gestational weeks. Vaginal smears were Gram‐stained and microscopically analysed. Those with inflammatory diseases (with or without immunomodulatory therapy) were assigned to the case group and matched in a 1:3 ratio to healthy pregnant controls.

Results

Overall, an abnormal vaginal microbiota occurred more frequently among women of the case group, compared with those of the control group (33.8% vs 15.6%; 95% CI: 1.78–4.27, p < .001). In particular, Candida colonisation (22.3% vs 9.2%; 95% CI: 1.69–4.75, p < .001), but also bacterial vaginosis (14.9% vs 7.2%; 95% CI: 1.25–4.1, p = .006), occurred more often in the case than in the control group. No significant difference was found with regard to the occurrence of an abnormal vaginal microbiota between subgroups with and without immunomodulatory treatment (37.0% vs 27.1%; 95% CI: 0.29–1.35, p = .232).

Conclusion

Pregnant women with inflammatory rheumatic and inflammatory bowel disease are at risk for bacterial vaginosis and Candida colonisation, which might pose a risk for preterm birth. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the influence of autoimmune conditions and immunosuppressive therapy on the vaginal microbiota.
Therapeutic efficacy of topically used luliconazole vs. terbinafine 1% creams
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Dyląg Mariusz , Łagowski Dominik , Zielinski Jessica
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Dermatomycoses of zoophilic origin, especially those caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, often pose considerable therapeutic problems. This is reflected in the growing number of strains of this species with resistance to terbinafine caused by a mutation in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene. Therefore, it is reasonable to look for alternative therapies to the commonly used terbinafine. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vivo effectiveness of topical therapy with luliconazole or terbinafine 1% cream.

Methods

Therapeutic efficacy was assessed using direct examination in KOH with DMSO, qPCR analysis with pan‐dermatophyte primers and culturing. Moreover, in vitro susceptibility tests for luliconazole and terbinafine were performed.

Results

The results demonstrated significantly higher antifungal activity of luliconazole than terbinafine against dermatomycoses caused by T. mentagrophytes. The geometric mean of the MIC value for luliconazole against all T. mentagrophytes strains was 0.002 μg/ml, while this value for terbinafine was 0.004 μg/ml. In all studied cases, 28‐day local therapy with luliconazole contributed to complete eradication of the aetiological agent of infection.

Conclusions

Given the increasingly frequent reports of difficult‐to‐treat dermatophytoses caused by zoophilic terbinafine‐resistant strains, the 1% luliconazole cream can be alternative solution in topical therapy.
Which lives are worth saving? Biolegitimacy and harm reduction during COVID‐19
Authors: Larocque Catherine , Foth Thomas
Published: April 2021

Despite the promise to save every life, the COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed social and racial inequalities, precarious living conditions, and engendered an exponential increase in overdose deaths. Although some lives are considered sacred, others are deliberately sacrificed. This article draws on the theoretical work of Foucault and scholars who further developed his concept of biopolitics. While biopolitics aims to ameliorate the health of populations, Foucault never systematically accounted for the unequal value of lives. In the name of saving the biological lives of people who use drugs (PWUD) during the pandemic, the harm reduction movement has emphasized the need for safe supply, decriminalization, and housing; governments have started implementing these measures, which were previously rejected as utopian and unrealistic. Paradoxically, the use of drugs itself, and therefore the increased risk of death from overdose or other medical sequelae, is the only way PWUD can achieve enough visibility to be recognized as a life worth saving. The humanitarian rationale of harm reduction concerns itself with the biological life and stipulates social and political rights in the name of its sacredness. This is what anthropologist Fassin and others called biolegitimacy—the recognition of life reduced to its physiological, biological essence.
Innate and adaptive immunity of periodontal disease. From etiology to alveolar bone loss
Authors: Becerra‑Ruiz Julieta Saraí , Guerrero‑Velázquez Celia , Martínez‐Esquivias Fernando , Martínez‐Pérez Luz Andrea , Guzmán‑Flores Juan Manuel
Published: April 2021

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation of the tissues that support the tooth. It is of multifactorial etiology. Innate and adaptive immune cells participate jointly through the release of their molecules and mechanisms of action in order to maintain homeostasis in periodontal tissues, so the host's immune response plays an essential role in defense against microorganisms. However, bacterial persistence and the dysregulation of the immune system as an exaggerated response can lead to the worsening of periodontal disease, leading to loss of gingival tissue and alveolar bone and thereby loss of teeth. Therefore, a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of periodontal disease is necessary to design new treatments and prophylactic measures in order to decrease the prevalence of this disease that afflicts a large part of the world population.
External root resorption in common odontogenic cysts and ameloblastomas of the jaw: A retrospective radiographic study in an Asian population
Authors: Teo Kai Wen , Shi Adrian Hongyi , Teh Luan Yook , Lee Albert Ming Hsien
Published: April 2021

Aim

To evaluate the frequency of external root resorption on adjacent teeth of common cysts and ameloblastomas of the jaw in an Asian population and to investigate the association of size or location of the lesions on such root resorption potential.

Material and methods

A retrospective radiographic study using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to examine the frequency of external root resorption (ERR) of teeth in proximity of 160 lesions comprising periapical radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts, odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas was carried out. Fisher's exact test, Pearson's chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate differences in the frequency of ERR of teeth adjacent to these lesions and to assess the association of the size or location of the lesions on such root resorption potential.

Results and conclusions

There were 40% of lesions located in the maxilla and 60% in the mandible. Adjacent teeth ERR was noted in 61 (38.1%) lesions. Compared with odontogenic keratocysts, ameloblastomas were eight times more likely (p = 0.005) and dentigerous cysts were three times more likely (p = 0.028) to be associated with ERR after adjusting for the size and location of the lesion. Location and size of a lesion did not influence the prevalence of adjacent teeth ERR. The four types of lesions studied exhibit different frequencies of ERR in adjacent teeth. Based on this study, the presence of ERR in adjacent teeth is a useful supportive measure in the diagnosis of these lesions.
Diagnostic accuracy of stroke volume variation for predicting fluid responsiveness in children undergoing cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Deqiang , Liu Fen , Dai Wei , Zhang Jianguo , Shao Qiang , Tao Wenqiang , Xiao Rui , Feng Xiaojin , Qian Kejian
Published: April 2021

Background

Stroke volume variation appears to be reliable for predicting fluid responsiveness in adults, and its predictive value in pediatric patients has been recently reported. However, its predictive value in children undergoing cardiac surgery is unclear.

Methods

A review and meta‐analysis were performed on the diagnostic utility of stroke volume variation for predicting fluid responsiveness in children undergoing cardiac surgery. All relevant articles for prospective research assessing the value of stroke volume variation were searched in the Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Cochrane databases through March 2020. The primary outcome was the accuracy of stroke volume variation for predicting fluid responsiveness in children. The combined data were analyzed by a meta‐analysis. Publication quality was assessed using the QUADAS (quality assessment for studies of diagnostic accuracy, maximum score) standard guidelines.

Results

Six articles were included in the meta‐analysis, following the search strategy. A total of 251 children were included from 6 prospective studies. Fluid therapy for all patients used crystalloids or colloids. The results of the analysis revealed a pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 8.23 (95% CI: 3.07–22.11), pooled sensitivity of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64–0.80), and pooled specificity of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58–0.74). Additionally, the overall area of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.78. There was significant moderate heterogeneity in these studies (p < .05, I2 = 42.1%) due to thresholds.

Conclusions

There was some heterogeneity due to thresholds in the included studies. An evaluation of stroke volume variation may represent a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness in children undergoing cardiac surgery. After operative cardiac output optimization, the possible impact of goal‐directed fluid treatment depending on stroke volume variation on the perioperative outcome in the children population should subsequently be assessed.
The α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone/melanocortin‐1 receptor interaction: A driver of pleiotropic effects beyond pigmentation
Authors: Herraiz Cecilia , Martínez‐Vicente Idoya , Maresca Vittoria
Published: April 2021

Melanocortin‐1 Receptor (MC1R), when stimulated by alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), is a driver of eumelanogenesis. Brown/black eumelanin is an effective filter against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and is a scavenger of free radicals. Several polymorphic variants of MC1R are frequent in red‐head people. These polymorphisms reduce the ability of MC1R to promote eumelanogenesis after its activation and spontaneous pheomelanogenesis take place. Since pheomelanin can act as an endogenous photosensitizer, people carrying MC1R polymorphisms are more susceptible to skin cancer. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the biology of MC1R beyond its ability to drive eumelanogenesis. We analyze its capacity to cope with oxidative insult and consequent DNA damage. We describe its ability to transduce through different pathways. We start from the canonical pathway, the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway mainly involved in promoting eumelanogenesis, and protection from oxidative damage, and we then move on to describe more recent knowledge concerning ERK pathways, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway/AKT, and α‐MSH/Peroxisome proliferators activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) connection. We describe MC1R polymorphic variants associated with melanoma risk which represent an open window of clinical relevance.
Presentism, truthmaking, and the nature of truth
Authors: Griffith Aaron M.
Published: April 2021

A recent presentist strategy has been to deny that truths about the past need presently existing truthmakers. These presentists do not deny that such truths need grounding; they hold that each truth about the past is true because of how the worldwas, not how it is. This paper argues that this position faces two problems, one of which can be overcome by adopting a certain view of the property of truth for propositions about the past. The second problem cannot be solved. The upshot is that this form of presentism is not a theory of truthmaking for propositions about the past. Rather, it is a theory about why such truths need no present grounding that is motivated by a novel theory of truth.
The soybean β‐expansin gene GmINS1 contributes to nodule development in response to phosphate starvation
Authors: Yang Zhaojun , Zheng Jiakun , Zhou Huiwen , Chen Shengnan , Gao Zhi , Yang Yongqing , Li Xinxin , Liao Hong
Published: April 2021

Legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the most important N source in agricultural ecosystems. Nodule organogenesis from the primordia to the development of mature nodules with the ability to fix N2 largely determines BNF capacity. However, nodule growth is often limited by low phosphorus (P) availability, while the mechanisms underlying nodule development responses to P deficiency remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that nodule enlargement is severely inhibited by P deficiency, as reflected by the smaller individual nodule size from a soybean core collection in the field. Wide‐ranging natural diversity in nodule size was further identified in soybeans reared in low P soils, with the FC‐1 genotype outperforming FC‐2 in assessments of nodulation under low P conditions. Among β‐expansin members, GmINS1 expression is most abundantly enhanced by P deficiency in FC‐1 nodules, and its transcript level is further displayed to be tightly associated with nodule enlargement. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms discovered in the GmINS1 promoter distinguished the FC‐1 and FC‐2 genotypes and accounted for the differential expression levels of GmINS1 responses to P deficiency. GmINS1 overexpression led to increases in nodule size, infected cell abundance, and N2 fixation capacity and subsequently promoted increases in N and P content, soybean biomass, and yield. Our findings provide a candidate gene for optimizing BNF capacity responses to low P stress in soybean molecular breeding programs.
Medieval Basque Phonology through Hebrew Texts in Christian Spain: A Study of Basque Sibilants Written in Hebrew Aljamía
Authors: Mirones‐Lozano Eunate
Published: April 2021

The study of phonetics and phonology in the medieval period is particularly difficult, since the preserved text, which is an essential working tool, is not always as precise as we would like it to be. The task is even more complicated when we do research on an unwritten language as is the case of Basque in the medieval period. As the Basque language did not have its writing system at the time, it was written in Romance script, which not always matched Basque sounds. This study puts forward a new source of information that brings in new data. We will add knowledge to the study of medieval Basque phonology through Basque texts written with Hebrew script from manuscripts preserved in the General Archive of Navarre. We will also try to show that the use of the Hebrew alphabet in specific cases, such as the affricate‐fricative contrast, can help to endorse trends in certain linguistic phenomena of the Basque language, hitherto intuited by other means.
The impact of donor‐specific anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies in salvage haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide in patients with nonmalignant disorders
Authors: Lima Alberto Cardoso Martins , Bonfim Carmem , Getz Joselito , Dornelles Luciana Nasser , do Amaral Geovana Borsato , Petterle Ricardo Rasmussen , Loth Gisele , Nabhan Samir Kanaan , Pereira Noemi Farah , Pasquini Ricardo
Published: April 2021

The presence of donor‐specific anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSAs) has been recognized as a major risk factor for graft failure (GF) after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (haplo‐PTCy). However, the role of DSAs in salvage haplo‐PTCy for rescuing patients with nonmalignant disorders (NMDs) has not yet been reported. The present study retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with NMDs who underwent salvage haplo‐PTCy from January 2008 to December 2017. The median age at the time of the rescue haplo‐PTCy was 9 years (range, 1–26 years). Median time from the first transplant to second haplo‐PTCy was 56 days (range, 37–591 days). Among all patients, six (27.3%) had DSAs, with a median DSA strength (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]) of 5201 (range, 1412–11,543) in the first DSA testing. In addition, the median DSA MFI was 2672 (range, 832–10,498) before the bone marrow infusion. Overall, GF occurred in 5 (25%) of the 20 assessable patients. Three of four (75%) patients with DSAs experienced GF versus 2 of 16 (12.5%) DSA‐negative patients (P = 0.032). The median DSA MFI for patients with GF was 6437 (range, 1412–10,498) versus 1845 (range, 832–2672) for those who engrafted or had early death (P = 0.030). One‐year event‐free survival was significantly lower in DSA‐positive patients than in those without DSAs (16.7% vs. 62.5%, P = 0.002). DSA‐negative patients had an acceptable 1‐year survival of 62.5%. In conclusion, this study suggests that DSAs may be associated with deleterious outcomes after salvage haplo‐PTCy in patients with NMDs.
Cutaneous infection caused by paraconiothyrium cyclothyrioides in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Hamed Almutasem , Bosshardt Hughes Olivia , Palavecino Elizabeth L. , Jakharia Niyati
Published: April 2021

Infections because of Coelomycetes are being diagnosed more frequently, ranging from superficial cutaneous to disseminated infections. An increasing incidence of infections because of emerging environmental fungi are being reported in immunocompromised patients because of exposure to soil, plants, and water. We report a case of cutaneous infection because of Paraconiothyrium cyclothyrioides, a Coelomycetous fungi, including literature review on reported cases and discuss suggested treatment options.
Interprofessional collaboration between health professional learners when breaking bad news: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lackie Kelly , Miller Stephen , Ayn Caitlyn , Brown Marion , Helwig Melissa , Houk Shauna , Lane Jennifer , Mireault Amy , Neeb David , Picketts Leanne , Stilwell Peter , Beatty Lorri
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine pedagogies used to teach interprofessional health learners how to break bad news collaboratively.

Introduction:

Breaking bad news is a skill health care professionals must be equipped to deliver well, yet literature shows that this skill receives little attention in program curricula. Consequently, health care professionals feel inadequately prepared to deliver bad news, leading to greater burnout, distress, and fatigue.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies that describe pedagogies used to teach breaking bad news will be considered for inclusion. Studies must include two or more undergraduate and/or postgraduate learners working towards a professional health or social care qualification or degree at a university or college. Studies including lay, complementary and alternative, or non-health or social care professional learners will be excluded.

Methods:

The JBI three-step process will be followed for developing the search. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Education Resource Centre, and Social Work Abstracts. Title and abstract screening through to data extraction will be completed by two independent reviewers and any disagreements will be resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer. Results will be presented in tabular or diagrammatic form, together with a narrative summary.
Experimental Investigation on Cooling Performance of Impingement–Effusion Full Coverage Film on Suction Surface of a Vane
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Cunliang , Ye Lin , Li Bingran , Zhang Shuaiqi
Published: April 2021

This study experimentally investigated the net benefit of film cooling with six rows of impingement–effusion structures on the suction surface of a vane. The experiment obtained the film cooling effectiveness of a double-walled system on the suction surface via the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. The film cooling effectiveness obtained by the PSP technique is coupled with the transient liquid crystal (TLC) technique to determine the heat transfer coefficient. This combination of techniques reduces the time required for the experiment and improves efficiency of the experiment. Through the experimentally measured film cooling effectiveness and dimensionless heat transfer coefficient, the net heat flux reduction (NHFR) is calculated to comprehensively measure the net benefit of film cooling. At the same time, in view of the lower net benefit of film cooling of the film holes in the front of the suction surface under a higher mass flux ratio (MFR), the study improved the cylindrical holes into fan-shaped holes and proposed two improvement schemes: Vane A and Vane B. The experiment was carried out under three MFRs (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6%), and compared the film cooling effectiveness, heat transfer coefficient ratio, and net heat flux reduction of Vane A and Vane B with the baseline vane under each mass flux ratio. The findings show that using the coupling of PSP and TLC to determine the heat transfer coefficient can yield credible results. The improvement of the fan-shaped holes makes the film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient ratio improved compared with the baseline vane. Changing cylindrical holes to fan-shaped holes does not necessarily lead to a better net benefit of film cooling. The fan-shaped holes should be arranged reasonably to obtain the better net benefit of film cooling.
Theory of Uncertainty Analysis With Application to Naval Hydrodynamics
Authors: Park Joel T.
Published: April 2021

The modern methodology for quantifying the quality of experimental data is uncertainty analysis. Current methods are reviewed with some examples primarily from naval hydrodynamics. The methods described apply to fluids engineering. The history of uncertainty analysis, U.S. and international standards on uncertainty analysis, verification and validation standards for computational fluid dynamics, and instrument calibration are discussed. One important result is that random loading in force calibration can produce a lower uncertainty estimate than sequential loading. Statistically, the calibration results for the slope and intercept are the same for the two methods in the example thrust calibration, but the uncertainty in random loading is a factor of three smaller than sequential loading.
Design for Stamping: Part I — Analysis of Part Attributes That Impact Die Construction Costs for Metal Stampings
Authors: Poli Corrado , Dastidar Pratip , Mahajan Prashant
Published: April 2021

This paper describes an alternative approach to the rules-of-thumb based design of metal stampings. The design for manufacturing system (DFM) presented here highlights those manufacturing-related features that significantly increase cost so that designers can minimize difficult to produce features. The DFM system is not dependent on the creation of a geometric model, and can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess a preliminary concept sketch. The system focuses on stampings produced by ‘hard tooling’ and is based on expertise gained from stampers who produce parts for the office automation, computer, electromechanical and small consumer appliance industries. The application of the system to a real-life part is illustrated.
Direct Optimization of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Mechanisms for Near Time Optimal Motions Along Specified Paths
Authors: Sundar Satish , Shiller Zvi
Published: April 2021

A design method for selecting system parameters of multi-degree-of-freedom mechanisms for near minimum time motions along specified paths is presented. The time optimization problem is approximated by a simple curve fitting procedure that fits, what we call, the acceleration lines to the given path. The approximate cost function is explicit in the design parameters, facilitating the formulation of the design problem as a constrained optimization. Examples for optimizing the dimensions of a five-bar planar mechanism demonstrate close correlation between the approximate and the exact solutions and better computational efficiency than the previous unconstrained optimization methods.
Sequential Global Approximation in Non-Hierarchic System Decomposition and Optimization
Authors: Renaud J. E. , Gabriele G. A.
Published: April 2021

A procedure for the optimization of non-hierarchic systems by decomposition into reduced subspaces is presented. Sequential global approximation is proposed as a coordination procedure for subspace optimizations. The same objective function and cumulative constraints are imposed at each subspace. Non-local functions are approximated at the subspaces using global sensitivities. The method optimizes the subspace problems concurrently allowing for parallel processing. Following each sequence of concurrent subspace optimizations an approximation to the global problem is formed using design data accumulated during the subspace optimizations. The solution of the global approximation problem is used as the starting point for subsequent subspace optimizations in an iterative solution procedure. Preliminary studies on two engineering design examples illustrate the methods potential.
The Bayesian Compromise Decision Support Problem for Hierarchical Design Involving Uncertainty
Authors: Vadde S. , Krishnamachari R. S. , Mistree F. , Allen J. K.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we present an extension to the traditional compromise Decision Support Problem (DSP) formulation. In this formulation we use Bayesian Statistics to model uncertainties associated with the information being used. In an earlier paper we have introduced a compromise DSP that accounts for uncertainty using fuzzy set theory. In this paper we describe the Bayesian Decision Support Problem. We use this formulation to design a portal frame structure. We discuss the results and compare them with those obtained using the Fuzzy DSP. Finally, we discuss the efficacy of incorporating Bayesian Statistics into the traditional compromise DSP formulation and describe some of the pending research issues.
MRI-US fusion guided prostate biopsy: how I do it
Authors: Andras Iulia , Cata Emanuel-Darius , Crisan Dana , Andras David , Telecan Teodora , Tartamus Stefana , Buzoianu Maximilian , Maga Andrei , Crisan Nicolae
Published: April 2021

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI-guided prostate biopsy have become the standard for pros-tate cancer diagnosis. As their implementation is relatively recent, experience is still limited in various centres. MRI-guided biopsy requires basic knowledge in prostate MRI and ultrasound (US), but also in the image processing protocol specific for each device. Standardization of the method is needed to ensure the best results in terms of diagnosis accuracy. We hereby pre-sent our technique for MRI-US fusion guided prostate biopsy and the outcomes after performing more than 600 procedures.