bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a biophysical model to investigate connectivity between spawning grounds and nursery areas of King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus: Perciformes) in South Australia’s gulfs
Authors: Rogers Troy A. , Redondo Rodriguez Ana , Fowler Anthony J. , Doubell Mark J. , Drew Michael J. , Steer Michael A. , Matthews Damian , James Charles , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: August 2020

Many demersal marine fish species depend on a dispersive larval stage that connects geographically discrete sub‐populations. Understanding connectivity between these sub‐populations is necessary to determine stock structure, which identifies the appropriate spatial scale for fishery management. Such connectivity is poorly understood for King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus; Perciformes) in South Australia's gulf system, even though spawning grounds and nursery areas are adequately defined. In response to declines in commercial catches and estimated biomass, this study aimed to determine the most important spawning grounds and nursery areas to recruitment, and the connectivity between them. A biophysical model was seeded with particles according to the distribution and density of eggs throughout the spawning area in 2017 and 2018. Despite inter‐annual differences in the origins of particles, dispersal pathways and predicted settlement areas remained consistent between years. Predicted settlement was generally highest to nursery areas only short distances from regional spawning grounds, consistent with previous hydrodynamic models. However, the model also predicted that spawning in one region could contribute to recruitment in an adjacent region later in the spawning season, which aligned with the breakdown of thermohaline fronts at the entrance of each gulf. The connectivity between spawning grounds and nursery areas predicted by the model is supported by spatio‐temporal patterns in the otolith chemistry of pre‐flexion larvae and settled juveniles. Consequently, the most parsimonious explanation is that the populations of King George whiting in South Australia's gulf system constitute a single, panmictic stock, which has implications for fishery management.
Pandemic‐related behaviours and psychological outcomes; A rapid literature review to explain COVID‐19 behaviours
Authors: Usher Kim , Jackson Debra , Durkin Joanne , Gyamfi Naomi , Bhullar Navjot
Published: August 2020

COVID‐19 spread rapidly causing widescale loss of life and economic devastation. Efforts to contain it have resulted in measures such as closing of borders and restrictions around travel, social activities and attending places of worship. We conducted this rapid review to systematically examine, synthesize, and critically appraise the available evidence on the relationship between pandemic‐related behaviours and psychological outcomes. The methods were compliant with the PRISMA guidelines. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (Registration #: CRD42020181576). A literature search was conducted from January 2010 to April 2020 using ProQuest, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, SAGE Journals, and CINAHL. Of 3844 articles identified, we included 11 quantitative articles in the final synthesis, representing data from 32, 049 individual respondents from eight countries. We identified three pandemics (COVID‐19, MERS‐CoV, Influenza A(H1N1) pdm09) as well as several psychological outcomes including anxiety, mental distress, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and anger. We also identified several behaviours during pandemics and categorized them into protective, preparedness, and perverse behaviours. The review showed that even though there is limited evidence regarding pandemic‐related behaviours and psychological outcomes, the current findings showed that the psychological outcomes significantly impacted on the adoption of the pandemic‐related behaviours. Given the negative effects of psychological outcomes on behaviours, we recommend that mental health professionals should promote mental health support to people exhibiting psychological distress resulting from similar events in the future. Also, we recommend that future research should test the hypothesized effects of pandemics and psychological outcomes on behaviour change.
Strength of single‐phase high‐entropy carbide ceramics up to 2300°C
Authors: Feng Lun , Chen Wei‐Ting , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: September 2020

The mechanical properties of single‐phase (Hf,Zr,Ti,Ta,Nb)C high‐entropy carbide (HEC) ceramics were investigated. Ceramics with relative density >99% and an average grain size of 0.9 ± 0.3 µm were produced by a two‐step process that involved carbothermal reduction at 1600°C and hot pressing at 1900°C. At room temperature, Vickers hardness was 25.0 ± 1.0 GPa at a load of 4.9 N, Young's modulus was 450 GPa, chevron notch fracture toughness was 3.5 ± 0.3 MPa·m1/2, and four‐point flexural strength was 421 ± 27 MPa. With increasing temperature, flexural strength stayed above ~400 MPa up to 1800°C, then decreased nearly linearly to 318 ± 21 MPa at 2000°C and to 93 ± 10 MPa at 2300°C. No significant changes in relative density or average grain size were noted after testing at elevated temperatures. The degradation of flexural strength above 1800°C was attributed to a decrease in dislocation density that was accompanied by an increase in dislocation motion. These are the first reported flexural strengths of HEC ceramics at elevated temperatures.
Transcriptomic analysis identifies Toll‐like and Nod‐like pathways and necroptosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Xiao Genfa , Zhuang Wei , Wang Tingjun , Lian Guili , Luo Li , Ye Chaoyi , Wang Huajun , Xie Liangdi
Published: August 2020

Inflammation and immunity play a causal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodelling and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the pathways and mechanisms by which inflammation and immunity contribute to pulmonary vascular remodelling remain unknown. RNA sequencing was used to analyse the transcriptome in control and rats injected with monocrotaline (MCT) for various weeks. Using the transcriptional profiling of MCT‐induced PAH coupled with bioinformatics analysis, we clustered the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and chose the increased expression patterns associated with inflammatory and immune response. We found the enrichment of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) and Nod‐like receptor (NLR) pathways and identified NF‐κB‐mediated inflammatory and immune profiling in MCT‐induced PAH. Pathway‐based data integration and visualization showed the dysregulated TLR and NLR pathways, including increased expression of TLR2 and NLRP3, and their downstream molecules. Further analysis revealed that the activation of TLR and NLR pathways was associated with up‐regulation of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis was involved in the generation of DAMPs in MCT‐induced PAH. Collectively, we identify RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis and its triggered TLR and NLR pathways in the progression of pulmonary vascular remodelling, thus providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying inflammation and immunity in the pathogenesis of PAH.
U.S. National Profile of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment Alone, Physical Frailty Alone, and Both
Authors: Ge Mei‐Ling , Carlson Michelle C. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Chu Nadia M. , Tian Jing , Kasper Judith D. , Xue Qian‐Li
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To obtain national and regional estimates of prevalence of frailty with or without cognitive impairment, and cognitive impairment with or without frailty among older adults in the United States, and to identify profiles of characteristics that distinguish their joint versus separate occurrence.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional.

SETTING

Community or non–nursing home residential care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

A U.S. nationally representative sample of 7,497 older adults aged 65 and older from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty was measured by the physical frailty phenotype. Cognitive impairment was assessed by cognitive performance testing of executive function and memory or by proxy reports. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify profiles of demographic, socioeconomic, health, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics that distinguish four subgroups: not‐frail and cognitively intact (“neither”), not‐frail and cognitively impaired (“Cog. only”), frail and cognitively intact (“frailty only”), and frail and cognitively impaired (“both”).

RESULTS

The prevalence of “Cog. only,” “frailty only,” and “both” was 25.5%, 5.6%, and 8.7%, respectively. Individuals with“frailty only” had the highest prevalence of obesity, current smoking, comorbidity, lung disease, and history of surgery. The “both” group had the highest prevalence of dementia, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and disability. No significant differences were found between the “Cog. only” group and the “neither” group with respect to history of surgery and comorbidity burden. The prevalence of dementia in the “Cog. only” was less than half of that in the “both” group.

CONCLUSION

The finding of sizable subgroups having physical frailty but not cognitive impairment, and vice versa, suggests that the two cannot be considered necessarily as antecedent or sequela of one another. The study provided empirical data supporting the prioritization of comorbidity, obesity, surgery history, and smoking status in clinical screening of frailty and cognitive impairment before formal diagnostic assessments.
Compassion fatigue, burnout, compassion satisfaction and perceived stress in healthcare professionals during the COVID‐19 health crisis in Spain
Authors: Ruiz‐Fernández María Dolores , Ramos‐Pichardo Juan Diego , Ibáñez‐Masero Olivia , Cabrera‐Troya José , Carmona‐Rega María Inés , Ortega‐Galán Ángela María
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To evaluate compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), compassion satisfaction (CS) and perceived stress in healthcare professionals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) health crisis in Spain.

Background

Spain has been one of the countries hardest hit by the health crisis caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals have had to deal with traumatic and complex situations in the work context. In these particularly stressful situations, many professionals may develop CF or BO, which puts them at risk for mental health problems.

Design

Cross‐sectional online survey.

Methods

A total of 506 healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) who were working in healthcare centres during the COVID‐19 pandemic participated. CF, CS and BO were assessed with the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire, and perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale‐14. Socio‐demographic and occupational variables were also analysed. Data were collected during the period of the highest incidence of cases and highest mortality rates due to COVID‐19 in Spain. This article adheres to the STROBE guidelines for the reporting of observational studies.

Results

Physicians had higher CF and BO scores, while nurses had higher CS scores. Perceived stress scores were similar in both occupations. Professionals working in specific COVID‐19 units and in emergency departments had higher CF and BO scores, while levels of CS and perceived stress were similar regardless of the workplace.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite the health crisis situation and its implications for healthcare professionals, the levels of CF and BO have remained moderate/high. However, CS seems to be increasing, especially among nurses, possibly due to their motivation to relieve suffering and due to their perceived social recognition. It is necessary to implement interventions that help improve CS and prevent BO and CF among professionals in the long term.
COVID‐19 in a state of Brazilian Northeast: Prevalence and associated factors in people with flu‐like syndrome
Authors: Garces Thiago S. , Sousa George J. B. , Florêncio Raquel S. , Cestari Virna R. F. , Pereira Maria L. D. , Moreira Thereza M. M.
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of COVID‐19 in people with flu‐like syndrome in Ceará, Brazil.

Background

COVID‐19 is an infectious disease that has led to a worldwide public health emergency. More than 30,000 cases were confirmed in Brazil, especially in the States of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Ceará. The capital of the Ceará State is the one with the highest incidence of COVID‐19 in Brazil. Estimating the prevalence of the disease and its associated factors is important to offer adequate health care.

Design

A cross‐sectional study with secondary data of people notified with flu‐like syndrome and COVID‐19 test results.

Methods

19,967 cases of flu‐like syndrome were analysed according to the result of the COVID‐19 test. Predictive variables were as follows: age range, sex, women in puerperium, presence or absence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, haematological illness, immunodeficiencies, neurological diseases, obesity, renal diseases and Down syndrome. Robust Poisson regression models estimated the prevalence ratios of COVID‐19. The research was reported via STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

The prevalence of COVID‐19 in the population was 10.37%. In the final model, the following variables were associated with COVID‐19: aged people, male sex, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Conclusion

Among the flu‐like syndrome cases, COVID‐19 prevalence was high. In the Ceará State, clinical factors such as aged people, male sex, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes can enhance the prevalence of COVID‐19 by up to 2.57 times.

Relevance to clinical practice

The identification of factors that are associated with the enhanced prevalence of COVID‐19 facilitates early diagnosis, and adequate and prompt treatment. This knowledge may avoid an unfavourable prognosis of the disease.
Relationship between cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Kang No Eul , Kim Hye Young , Kim Ji Young , Kim Sung Reul
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the magnitude of cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with patients’ psychosocial adjustment.

Background

Few studies have examined the association between cancer stigma and adaptation outcomes, which are considered interpersonal stressors for breast cancer survivors.

Design

A correlational, cross‐sectional research design was used.

Methods

This study was designed based on the stress‐coping theory of Lazarus and Folkman. This descriptive cross‐sectional study included 158 breast cancer survivors who visited a Korean tertiary hospital. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire and electronic medical records between March–May 2018. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t test, one‐way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, partial correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis and were performed with the SPSS WIN 25.0 program. This study adheres to STROBE guidelines.

Results

Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment among Korean breast cancer survivors, followed by social support and coping strategies. These variables accounted for approximately 44% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment.

Conclusion

Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment. Healthcare professionals should assess patients’ cancer stigma to develop patient‐tailored stigma management programmes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Interventions to alleviate cancer stigma should be developed, and social support and coping strategies for breast cancer survivors should be considered in clinical oncology settings.
Exploring acute care nurses’ decision‐making in psychotropic PRN use in hospitalised people with dementia
Authors: Walsh Brittany , Dahlke Sherry , O’Rourke Hannah , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To understand how acute care nurses make decisions about administering “as‐needed” (PRN) psychotropic medications to hospitalised people with dementia (PWD).

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia occur in approximately 75% of PWD admitted to acute care. Despite this, few studies provide insight into the use and prevalence of psychotropic use in acute care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore acute care nurses’ decision‐making about PRN psychotropic medication administration to PWD.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight nurses from three acute care medical units in a large tertiary hospital in Western Canada. Conventional content analysis was used to develop three themes that reflect nurses’ decision‐making related to administering PRNs to hospitalised PWD. COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results

Three themes of legitimising control, making the patient fit and future telling were developed. Legitimising control involved medicating undesirable behaviours to promote the nurses’ perceptions of safety. Making the patient fit involved maintaining routine and order. Future telling involved pre‐emptively medicating to prevent undesirable behaviours from escalating. Nurses provided little to no mention of assessing for physical causes contributing to behaviours. PRNs were seen as a reasonable alternative to physical restraints and were frequently used. Additionally, organisational and unit routines greatly influenced nurses’ decision‐making.

Conclusions

These findings provide an initial understanding of how nurses make decisions to administer PRN medications to hospitalised older people and may inform prescribing practices. There were novel findings about the lack of assessment prior to PRN administration, and the nurses’ collective response in decision‐making. More research is needed to better understand the complexities of nurses’ decision‐making, to assist in the development of interventions for nursing practice.
7T versus 3T MR Angiography to Assess Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Leemans Eva , Cornelissen Bart , Sing M. L. C. , Sprengers Marieke , van den Berg Rene , Roos Yvo , Vandertop W. Pieter , Slump Cornelius , Marquering Henk , Majoie Charles
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aneurysm size and neck measurements are important for treatment decisions. The introduction of 7T magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) led to new possibilities assessing aneurysm morphology and flow due to the higher signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, it is unknown if the size measurements on 7T MRA are similar to those on the standard 3T MRA. This study aimed to compare aneurysm size measurements between 7T and 3T MRA.

METHODS

We included 18 patients with 22 aneurysms who underwent both 3T and 7T MRA. Three acquisition protocols were compared: 3T time of flight (TOF), 7T TOF, and 7T contrast‐enhanced MRA. Each aneurysm on each protocol was measured by at least two experienced neuroradiologists. Subsequently, the differences were evaluated using scatterplots and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of agreement.

RESULTS

There was a good agreement among the neuroradiologists for the height and width measurements (mean ICC: .78‐.93); the neck measurements showed a moderate agreement with a mean ICC of .57‐.72. Between the MR acquisition protocols, there was a high agreement for all measurements with a mean ICC of .81‐.96. Measurement differences between acquisition protocols (0‐2.9 mm) were in the range of the differences between the neuroradiologists (0‐3.6 mm).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that 7T MRA, both nonenhanced and contrast‐enhanced, has a high agreement in aneurysm size measurements compared to 3T. This suggests that 7T is useful for reliable aneurysm size assessment.
Transcranial Doppler as a Predictor of Ischemic Events in Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Brunser Alejandro M. , Lavados Pablo M. , Cavada Gabriel , Muñoz‐Venturelli Paula , Olavarría Verónica V. , Navia Victor , Mansilla Eloy , Díaz Violeta
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) helps identify patients with carotid dissections at risk of ischemic events (IEs). There is paucity of data identifying independent predictors of IE in vertebral arterial dissection (VAD). We sought to investigate the clinical and ultrasound predictors of IE.

METHODS

Patients with VAD admitted between June 2017 and February 2020 were evaluated clinically and with TCD; sonographic curves, microembolic signals (MES), and the breath‐holding index (BHI) test were applied. Covariates found on univariate screen (P < .25) were included in a multivariable linear regression to identify independent predictors of IEs.

RESULTS

Of 88 patients with 100 VAD, 75 (85.2%) were females with a mean age 37.9 ± 7.5 years. All patients received antiplatelet treatment. TCD monitoring lasted an average of 21 ± 2.1 minutes. TCD was abnormal in 23 cases (26.1%); 21 patients had abnormal sonographic curves in the vertebral/basilar arteries, while in 4 cases, MES were present and in 5 (4.5%), BHI was abnormal. None of the patients with a normal TCD had an IE. Six strokes occurred during follow up. On univariate analysis, male sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, a previous myocardial infarct, migraine, time of consultation to the ER, bilateral VAD, MES, BHI abnormalities, post stenotic flow in the basilar artery (PFB), and basilar/vertebral velocities were significantly associated with the risk of IEs. In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of PFB was a significant predictor of IE (OR: 68.6, 95% CI 5‐937, <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TCD in VAD predicts patients at high risk of IE.
Susceptibility‐Weighted 3T MRI of the Swallow Tail Sign in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Control Study
Authors: Weber Claudia E. , Ebert Anne , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The swallow tail sign describes the physiological appearance of nigrosome‐1 within the substantia nigra on high‐resolution transverse susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI). Previous studies demonstrated its absence in Parkinson's disease due to increasing iron content. In multiple sclerosis (MS), increased iron accumulation can be found in the brain tissue including the substantia nigra.

METHODS

We investigated the swallow tail sign on high‐resolution SWI MRI in 46 MS and 23 age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

RESULTS

MS patients demonstrated significantly more often an abnormal swallow tail sign (28/46; 60%) compared to controls (4/23; 17%; P = .001). In MS patients, we found no correlation between an abnormal swallow tail sign and age, disease duration or Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.

CONCLUSION

The finding of an abnormal swallow tail sign in MS patients may provide an additional imaging marker even in early MS development.
Anterior Insular Resting‐State Functional Connectivity is Related to Cognitive Reserve in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bizzo Bernardo Canedo , Arruda‐Sanchez Tiago , Tobyne Sean M , Bireley John Daniel , Lev Michael Howard , Gasparetto Emerson Leandro , Klawiter Eric C
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). The dorsal anterior insula (dAI) is a key hub of the salience network (SN) orchestrating access to critical cognitive brain regions. The aim of this study was to assess whole‐brain dAI intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) in people with MS and healthy controls (HC) and test the relationship between cognitive reserve (CR) and dAI iFC in people with MS.

METHODS

We studied 28 people with relapsing‐remitting MS and 28 HC. CR index was quantified by combining premorbid IQ, leisure activities, and education level. For whole‐brain iFC analyses, the bilateral dAI were used as seeds. Individual subject correlation maps were entered into general linear models for group comparison and to analyze the effect of CR index on dAI iFC, controlling for multiple comparisons. The correlation between CR index and iFC was assessed using a linear regression model.

RESULTS

rs‐fMRI analyses revealed a negative relationship between CR index and iFC within the left dAI and a left occipital cluster in people with MS including regions of the cuneus, superior occipital gyrus, and parieto‐occipital sulcus. The regression analysis showed that people with MS and a higher CR index had a statistically significantly reduced iFC within the left dAI and the cluster.

CONCLUSIONS

CR is relevant to functional connectivity within one of the main nodes of the SN, the dAI, and occipital regions in MS. These results have implications for how CR may modulate the susceptibility to cognitive dysfunction in MS.
Effects of spray‐dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets—A review
Authors: Balan Prabhu , Staincliffe Maryann , Moughan Paul J.
Published: August 2020

Spray‐dried animal plasma sourced from bovine, porcine or other animal origin is often used as a main feed ingredient in the diets of weanling piglets to improve growth performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal plasma in diets on the performance of piglets in the post‐weaning period, with and/or without pathogenic challenge, by undertaking a meta‐analysis. Data were extracted from peer‐reviewed reports published in scientific journals. The average initial weight of the piglets was 5.8 kg and the average initial age 19 days (2–56 days). The average duration of feeding animal plasma was 40 days. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found to be 22–28 g/day, 20–27 g/day and −0.28 to 0.06 g/g. Generally, diet supplemented with spray‐dried bovine plasma (SDBP) improved the ADG of the piglets and spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) led to increases in the ADFI. For the first week post‐weaning alone, as the dietary animal plasma percentage increased there was an increase in ADG and ADFI; similarly, the latter two measures increased as weaning age increased. The evidence suggests that mainly IgG present in animal plasma prevents the binding of pathogens to the gut wall and reduces the incidence of sub‐clinical infection in the post‐weaning stage. Animal plasma containing IgG appears to be a useful in‐feed supplement for piglets in the post‐weaning phase.
The use of methylene blue to assist with parotid sialadenectomy in dogs
Authors: Gordo I. , Camarasa J. J. , Campmany M. , Bird F. G. , Vallefuoco R. , Brissot H. N.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

There is an important morbidity associated with parotidectomy. The most commonly reported permanent complication is facial nerve injury. Methylene blue staining has been used as an intra‐operative tool to improve tissue visualisation and preserve facial nerve integrity.

Objectives

To describe the functionality and feasibility of the use of methylene blue for parotidectomy in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study included seven client‐owned dogs that underwent parotidectomy after injection of methylene blue from 2016 to 2019 in a referral centre. Cross‐sectional imaging was used to confirm parotid gland surgical disease and for staging purposes. All dogs underwent parotid resection and removal of the parotid duct after injection of methylene blue. Methylene blue was either administered via cannulation of the parotid duct or directly injected into the abnormal gland.

Results

In all cases, the gland stained dark blue within seconds without any evident leakage. Complete parotid gland resection and removal of the parotid duct was achieved successfully in all dogs with a mean surgical time of 97 minutes. Subjectively, the staining was useful to identify innervation outside the coloured gland and facilitated dissection. No complications, including facial nerve injury, were recorded.

Clinical Significance

Methylene blue staining for complete parotidectomy was feasible, rapid and easy in these dogs. It can be used as an indirect facial nerve identification technique, and can therefore facilitate dissection and possibly reduce the incidence of post‐operative facial nerve paralysis.
A contribution to Gymnosphaera (Cyatheaceae) in mainland Asia: Two new species, reinstatement of Cyathea bonii, and their phylogenetic positions
Authors: Dong Shi‐Yong , Zuo Zheng‐Yu , Xiao Yong , Huang Ling , Pham Van The , Phan Ke Loc , Kang Ming
Published: August 2020

Gymnosphaera represents a minor lineage within the scaly tree‐fern family Cyatheaceae. Tropical and subtropical mainland Asia is a main distribution area of Gymnosphaera. However, the species diversity of Gymnosphaera is currently incompletely known in mainland Asia due to lacking critical revision. Here we present new findings of species diversity and their relationships to mainland Asian Gymnosphaera based on field surveys, the examination of herbarium collections, and phylogenetic analyses of sequences of multiple chloroplast and nuclear regions. Two new species, G. saxicola from southwestern Yunnan and G. bachmaensis from central Vietnam, are established. Traditionally recognized G. podophylla is revealed to be a complex, from which G. bonii is reinstated as a distinct species. Our phylogenetic analyses identified four clades within Gymnosphaera in mainland Asia: G. denticulata clade, G. gigantea clade, G. podophylla clade, and G. salletii clade. The new species G. saxicola, which is special for its saxicolous habitat, was resolved as sister to G. austroyunnanensis in the G. salletii clade. The newly discovered G. bachmaensis, which is characterized specially by the spathulate frond, was positioned in the G. podophylla clade, being sister to G. bonii. The mountainous region from south‐central Vietnam northwards to western Yunnan is a diverse center of Gymnosphaera and more species of this group are probably to be discovered there.
On the historicity of social ontology
Authors: Patomäki Heikki
Published: August 2020

The question I raise is whether the basic features of mind, social categories, and society are unchanging or changing. Some understandings of ontology would seem to suggest that social ontology is a branch of metaphysics. However, as the history of concepts such as metaphysical and ontology indicate, our concepts and knowledge are historical. It is widely held that society is concept‐ and activity‐dependent. I examine critically two strands of social ontology in terms of their answers to this problematic: (1) John Searle’s theory of the construction of social reality and (2) critical realist theory of mind and society as interlaced emergent layers of reality. Apart from emergence in natural systems, there is also emergence beyond nature as consciousness, agency and society cannot be completely explained in terms of biological realities; but how and when did this emergence occur? We need an account of the emergent order of language, reflectively conscious mind, and institutions not only for its own sake, but also because the process whereby new objects and properties emerge may be on‐going, path‐dependent, diverse, and open‐ended. The main argument is that the object of study of social theorists is geo‐historically specific, liable to diversity within any given world‐historical epoch, and open to further changes and new forms of emergence in the future.
Governing diversity: mechanistic insights on the evolution of self/nonself determination
Authors: Perlin Michael H.
Published: August 2020

This article is a Commentary on Kämper et al. (2020), 228: 1001–1010.
Azolla ferns testify: seed plants and ferns share a common ancestor for leucoanthocyanidin reductase enzymes
Authors: Güngör Erbil , Brouwer Paul , Dijkhuizen Laura W. , Shaffar Dally Chaerul , Nierop Klaas G.J. , de Vos Ric C.H. , Sastre Toraño Javier , van der Meer Ingrid M. , Schluepmann Henriette
Published: August 2020

Questions about in vivo substrates for proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis and condensation have not been resolved and wide gaps in the understanding of transport and biogenesis in ‘tannosomes’ persist. Here we examined the evolution of PA biosynthesis in ferns not previously reported, asking what PAs are synthesised and how.

Chemical and gene‐expression analyses were combined to characterise PA biosynthesis, leveraging genome annotation from the floating fern Azolla filiculoides. In vitro assay and phylogenomics of PIP‐dehydrogenases served to infer the evolution of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR).

Sporophyte‐synthesised (epi)catechin polymers, averaging only seven subunits, accumulated to 5.3% in A. filiculoides, and 8% in A. pinnata biomass dry weight. Consistently, a LAR active in vitro was highly expressed in A. filiculoides. LAR, and paralogous fern WLAR‐enzymes with differing substrate binding sites, represent an evolutionary innovation of the common ancestor of fern and seed plants.

The specific ecological niche of Azolla ferns, a floating plant–microbe mat massively fixing CO2 and N2, shaped their metabolism in which PA biosynthesis predominates and employs novel fern LAR enzymes. Characterisation of in vivo substrates of these LAR, will help to shed light on the recently assigned and surprising dual catalysis of LAR from seed plants.
Age‐related axial length changes in adults: a review
Authors: Rozema Jos J. , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate the origins of age‐related decreases in axial length in the literature.

Methods

A literature review was performed, including all articles regarding axial length changes with age. These data were combined with mean body length and education level for the countries of each study to assess their influence in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, analyses were performed of how optical path length, used by optical biometers to measure axial length, is affected by the known age‐related changes in the crystalline lens. The influence of other factors mentioned in the literature was also investigated.

Results

Seventeen cross‐sectional studies were found that met the search criteria. The decrease in axial length over time was consistent across most of these studies. However, when plotted as a function of year of birth, mean body length and number of years in school, the data indicated an increase in length. Multivariate analysis confirmed the influence of body length (P = 0.005) and birth year (P = 0.017), but not age (P = 0.50). Meanwhile, the lenticular changes due to aging and cataract formation cause a minor bias in the form of increased axial length measurements. Finally, a gradual thinning of the choroidal arteries was reported to cause an increase in axial length.

Conclusion

The age‐related decrease in axial length is mainly associated with gradual changes in increased body length and education level, while attenuated by minor biases in measurement procedure and thinning of the choroidal arteries.
Exclusively cephalic venous access for cardiac resynchronisation: A prospective multi‐centre evaluation
Authors: Harding Idris , Mannakkar Nilanka , Gonna Hanney , Domenichini Giulia , Leung Lisa WM , Zuberi Zia , Bajpai Abhay , Lalor Joseph , Cox Andrew T. , Li Anthony , Sohal Manav , Chen Zhong , Beeton Ian , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Small series has shown that cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) can be achieved in a majority of patients using exclusively cephalic venous access. We sought to determine whether this method is suitable for widespread use.

Methods

A group of 19 operators including 11 trainees in three pacing centres attempted to use cephalic access alone for all CRT device implants over a period of 8 years. The access route for each lead, the procedure outcome, duration, and complications were collected prospectively. Data were also collected for 105 consecutive CRT device implants performed by experienced operators not using the exclusively cephalic method.

Results

A new implantation of a CRT device using exclusively cephalic venous access was attempted in 1091 patients (73.6% male, aged 73 ± 12 years). Implantation was achieved using cephalic venous access alone in 801 cases (73.4%) and using a combination of cephalic and other access in a further 180 (16.5%). Cephalic access was used for 2468 of 3132 leads implanted (78.8%). Compared to a non‐cephalic reference group, complications occurred less frequently (69/1091 vs 12/105; P = .0468), and there were no pneumothoraces with cephalic implants. Procedure and fluoroscopy duration were shorter (procedure duration 118 ± 45 vs 144 ± 39 minutes, P < .0001; fluoroscopy duration 15.7 ± 12.9 vs 22.8 ± 12.2 minutes, P < .0001).

Conclusions

CRT devices can be implanted using cephalic access alone in a substantial majority of cases. This approach is safe and efficient.
Role of melatonin in UV‐B signaling pathway and UV‐B stress resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yao Jing‐Wen , Ma Zheng , Ma Yan‐Qin , Zhu Ying , Lei Meng‐Qi , Hao Cheng‐Ying , Chen Li‐Yu , Xu Zi‐Qin , Huang Xuan
Published: August 2020

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) plays important roles in plant defences against a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including UV‐B stress. Molecular mechanisms underlying functions of melatonin in plant UV‐B responses are poorly understood. Here, we show that melatonin effect on molecular signalling pathways, physiological changes and UV‐B stress resistance in Arabidopsis. Both exogenous and endogenous melatonin affected expression of UV‐B signal transduction pathway genes. Experiments using UV‐B signalling component mutants cop1‐4 and hy5‐215 revealed that melatonin not only acts as an antioxidant to promote UV‐B stress resistance, but also regulates expression of several key components of UV‐B signalling pathway, including ubiquitin‐degrading enzyme (COP1), transcription factors (HY5, HYH) and RUP1/2. Our findings indicate that melatonin delays and subsequently enhances expression of COP1, HY5, HYH and RUP1/2, which act as central effectors in UV‐B signalling pathway, thus regulating their effects on antioxidant systems to protect the plant from UV‐B stress.
Fiscal Slack, Rule Constraints, and Government Corruption
Authors: Wei Wenchi
Published: August 2020

This article examines the effect of fiscal slack on government corruption using the US states in the period from 1998 to 2012 as a research sample. Fiscal slack in the US states is commonly referred to as “rainy day funds” (RDFs), which are intended as countercyclical reserve funds for government‐wide purposes. Theoretically, bureaucracy models predict that fiscal slack might catalyze the embezzlement or misuse behaviors of bureaucrats, who are considered to be budget maximizers. However, formally established and rules‐bound RDFs may function as a “strongbox” that curbs officials’ discretionary power, reduces uncertainty in fiscal slack management, and ultimately restrains embezzlement and misuse behaviors. Empirically, we use the incidences and durations of natural hazards as instrumental variables for RDF balances to address the potential endogeneity problems. We find that state RDFs help reduce government corruption, especially when they are regulated by relatively looser deposit rules and stricter withdrawal rules.

Evidence for Practice

State RDFs function as a “strongbox” for governments’ unspent budgetary resources and negatively affect the degree of government corruption.

A one‐standard‐deviation increase in per capita RDF balances reduces corruption‐related convicted officials per million population by approximately 3 or, measured in an alternative way, reduces corruption‐related convicted officials per thousand government employees by approximately 44–50.

The efficacy of state RDFs in curbing government corruption is contingent on the associated rules of operation. Specifically, RDFs bound by relatively looser deposit rules and stricter withdrawal rules reduce government corruption to a greater extent.
Discretion in Traffic Stops: The Influence of Budget Cuts on Traffic Citations
Authors: Su Min
Published: August 2020

In traffic enforcement, officers have a broad range of discretionary power. They decide whether to initiate a stop. They also decide whether to write a ticket or to give a warning. Various factors affect officers' discretion, such as a driver's race, gender, and neighborhood characteristics. This study examines the influence of budget cuts to the sheriff's department on a county's traffic fines revenue. This study applies a difference‐in‐difference approach to analyze traffic citations issued by two groups of traffic enforcement officers—California's county sheriff deputies and California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers. Results show that deputies raised more traffic fines after their department experienced budget cuts in the previous years. In contrast, the number of tickets issued by CHP officers who do not receive financial benefits from the county government is not affected by a county's fiscal condition changes. This study provides evidence that traffic enforcement is under financial influence.
Is World Malaria Day an effective awareness campaign? An evaluation of public interest in malaria during World Malaria Day
Authors: Anderson J. Michael , Stafford Aaron L. , Johnson Austin L. , Hartwell Micah , Jellison Samuel , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2020

Objective

We retrospectively analysed the relative search interest of malaria to (1) assess the relationship between Internet searches for malaria and rates of infection in 11 countries considered 'high burden' by WHO in 2019 and to (2) determine the ability of World Malaria Day on April 25 to generate interest in the disease.

Methods

Using Google Trends, we sought to determine the relative popularity of the topic of Malaria over 4 years (2015–2019). Worldwide and country‐specific searches for 'malaria' were used to assess the influence the international awareness day has on global and local interest in malaria. In order to determine whether a relationship exists between Internet searches and the disease burden of malaria, the information gathered from Google Trends was then compared with reports of morbidity and mortality of malaria from the 2019 World Malaria Report.

Results

Globally, a negative mean difference in relative search volume was observed between World Malaria Day and the control periods of −2.46 (95% CI: −5.57 to 0.66). The relative search volume for malaria‐related search terms increased by 2.91% (±4.60) from January 2015 to 1 July 2019 in the 5 countries with the highest malaria disease burden. A positive correlation (r = 0.804) was found between per capita infections and malaria Internet search interest in addition to deaths per 1000 residents and malaria relative search interest (r = 0.663) between 2015 and 2018.

Conclusion

Initiatives such as World Malaria Day may help raise public awareness concerning a specific disease, prompting individuals to seek out additional information. This is especially important in high‐burden countries where access to the Internet is steadily growing. In these circumstances, having quality and easily accessible information is vital in the continuing fight against malaria.
Nanoparticle‐mediated gene transformation strategies for plant genetic engineering
Authors: Lv Zongyou , Jiang Rui , Chen Junfeng , Chen Wansheng
Published: August 2020

Plant genetic engineering, a recent technological advancement in the field of plant science, is an important tool used to improve crop quality and yield, to enhance secondary metabolite content in medicinal plants or to develop crops for sustainable agriculture. A new approach based on nanoparticle‐mediated gene transformation can overcome the obstacle of the plant cell wall and accurately transfer DNA or RNA into plants to produce transient or stable transformation. In this review, several nanoparticle‐based approaches are discussed, taking into account recent advances and challenges to hint at potential applications of these approaches in transgenic plant improvement programs. This review also highlights challenges in implementing the nanoparticle‐based approaches used in plant genetic engineering. A new technology that improves gene transformation efficiency and overcomes difficulties in plant regeneration has been established and will be used for the de novo production of transgenic plants, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has accelerated crop improvement. Therefore, we outline future perspectives based on combinations of genome editing, nanoparticle‐mediated gene transformation and de novo regeneration technologies to accelerate crop improvement. The information provided here will assist an effective exploration of the technological advances in plant genetic engineering to support plant breeding and important crop improvement programs.
Habilidades de la inteligencia emocional en relación con el consumo de drogas ilícitas en adultos: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Villarreal Mata Julia Lizeth , Navarro Oliva Edna Idalia Paulina , Muñoz Maldonado Gerardo Enrique , Rodríguez Puente Linda Azucena , Pacheco Pérez Luis Arturo
Published: September 2020

Introducción: La evaluación de la inteligencia emocional (IE) es centro de interés para profesionales de diversos campos de la salud y la educación. Objetivo: Identificar el estado del arte de las habilidades de la IE y las posibles relaciones con el consumo de drogas en adultos. Método: Se utilizó como guía la Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se formuló la pregunta de investigación para dar respuesta al objetivo, se definieron los criterios de selección y, posteriormente, se buscaron artículos para el periodo 2007-2018 en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science y OVID. Mediante el programa EndNote, se evaluaron los estudios para el análisis de los datos y sintetizarlos. Resultados: Se identificaron 1172 artículos a través de las bases de datos y se eligieron 15 estudios, de los cuales solo 3 cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y calidad metodológica. Una baja IE da por resultado un consumo más intenso y frecuente de sustancias ilegales; por ende, una mayor dificultad en el manejo y regulación emocional. Conclusiones: La investigación de la IE y las adicciones son relativamente nuevas y se necesitan más estudios para comprender esta relación con mayor detalle.
The Effects of an Intensive 2-wk Resistance Training Period on Strength Performance and Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Kaikkonen Piia , Hynynen Esa , Hautala Arto , Ahtiainen Juha P.
Published: September 2020

Purpose: It is known that modifying the endurance-type training load of athletes may result in altered cardiac autonomic modulation that may be estimated with heart rate variability (HRV). However, the specific effects of intensive resistance-type training remain unclear. The main aim of this study was to find out whether an intensive 2-wk resistance training period affects the nocturnal HRV and strength performance of healthy participants. Methods: Young healthy men (N = 13, age 24 [2] y) performed 2-wk baseline training, 2-wk intensive training, and a 9-d tapering periods, with 2, 5, and 2 hypertrophic whole-body resistance exercise sessions per week, respectively. Maximal isometric and dynamic strength were tested at the end of these training periods. Nocturnal HRV was also analyzed at the end of these training periods. Results: As a main finding, the nocturnal root mean square of differences of successive R-R intervals decreased (P = .004; from 49 [18] to 43 [15] ms; 95% CI, 2.4–10.4; effect size = 0.97) during the 2-wk intensive resistance training period. In addition, maximal isometric strength improved slightly (P = .045; from 3933 [1362] to 4138 [1540] N; 95% CI, 5.4–404; effect size = 0.60). No changes were found in 1-repetition-maximum leg press or leg press repetitions at 80% 1-repetition maximum. Conclusions: The present data suggest that increased training load due to a short-term intensive resistance training period can be detected by nocturnal HRV. However, despite short-term accumulated physiological stress, a tendency of improvement in strength performance was detected.