bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic landscape of mitochondrial DNA insertions in 23 bat genomes: characteristics, loci, phylogeny, and polymorphism
Authors: ZHANG Guojun , GENG Deqi , GUO Qiulin , LIU Wei , LI Shufen , GAO Wujun , WANG Yongfei , ZHANG Min , WANG Yilin , BU Yanzhen , NIU Hongxing
Published: September 2021

The transfer of mitochondrial DNA to the nuclear genome gives rise to the nuclear DNA sequences of mitochondrial origin (NUMTs), considered as a driving force in genome evolution. In this study, NUMTs in 23 bat genomes were investigated and compared systematically. The results showed that NUMTs existed in 22 genomes except for Noctilio leporinus, suggesting that mitochondrial fragment insertion in the nuclear genome was a common event in bat genomes. However, remarkable variations in NUMTs number, cumulative length, and proportion in the nuclear genome were discovered across bat species. Further orthologous NUMT loci analysis of the Phyllostomidae family indicated that the NUMTs insertion events in bat genomes were homoplasy‐free. The NUMTs were mainly inserted into the intergenic regions, particularly, co‐localized with repetitive sequences (especially transposable elements). However, several NUMTs were inserted into genes, some of which were in the exon region of functional genes. One NUMT in the genome of Pteropus alecto surprisingly matched with cDNA of ATP8B3 that provided evidence of NUMTs with coding function. Phylogenic analysis on NUMTs originating from COXI and COXII loci highlighted 2 clusters of Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera for Chiroptera. Seven NUMTs from Rhinolophus ferrumequinum were amplified, and the sequencing results confirmed the reliability of the NUMT analysis. One of them was polymorphic for the presence or absence of the NUMT insertion, and each genotype of NUMT loci showed a distinct regional distribution pattern. The information obtained in this study provides novel insights into the NUMT organization and features in bat genomes and establishes a basis for further studying of the evolution of bat species.
Polychlorinated dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl‐PCBs) in food from Italy: Estimates of dietaryintake and assessment
Authors: Barone Grazia , Storelli Arianna , Busco Antonio , Mallamaci Rosanna , Storelli Maria M.
Published: September 2021

Dietary intake of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl‐PCBs) from various foods (fish and seafood, meat and meat‐based products, milk and dairy products, hen eggs, olive oil and fats) was investigated for various sex/age groups of the Italian population. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl‐PCBs and their contribution to total TEQ values varied depending on food matrix. Fish (0.50 pg WHO‐TEQ/g wet weight) and seafood (0.16 pg WHO‐TEQ/g wet weight) showed the highest mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl‐PCBs, followed by meat (1.70 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), meat based products (1.03 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), milk and dairy products (0.78 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), hen eggs (0.71 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), fats (0.27 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight) and olive oil (0.09 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight). In all samples WHO‐TEQ PCDD/F plus dl‐PCB concentrations fulfilled the European Union food law, except in pork loin samples (1.39 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight). Differences in exposure depending on the sex/age groups (children > teenagers > adults > elders) and hypotheses considered (lower bound and upper bound) were encountered. Non‐cancer risk values showed a low exposure. Carcinogenicity risk results revealed that highly exposed individuals were distributed over all sex/age groups, even though the proportion of individuals exceeding the safe limit was higher in children. These data once again underline the importance of trying to control the levels of these contaminants in fishery products, particularly in fish, who represents one of the main exposure sources for consumers.

Practical Application

This paper may help the consumer in making food choices to minimize the exposure risk to dioxins, furans and PCBs
Assessment of bacterial and dye penetration through post/crown interim restorations while under simulated masticatory load
Authors: La Jason , Abbott Paul
Published: September 2021

The aim was to compare two temporary cements to determine which resisted bacterial and dye penetration under temporary posts/cores/crowns subjected to simulated masticatory function. Forty‐six single canal human tooth roots were prepared for posts/crowns. A cotton pellet and Cavit were placed in each post space. Temporary posts/cores/crowns were cemented with Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM) (n = 23) or Tempocem (n = 23). Specimens were sterilised, then immersed in a mixture of Streptococcus gordonii and India ink, and subjected to 4 weeks simulated mastication. Dye penetration was assessed by visually inspecting the cotton pellets. Bacterial penetration was determined by placing the pellets into sterile broth and by plating them onto agar plates to confirm S. gordonii growth. There was no statistically significant difference between the cements and the dependent variables of bacterial and dye penetration. Hence, both cements are good options to cement temporary posts/cores/crowns during endodontic treatment of anterior teeth.
The effect of atmospheric cold plasma on the dentinal tubule penetration of calcium silicate‐based sealer used with different obturation techniques: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Yesildal Yeter Kubra , Gunes Betul , Seker Basak
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) on dentinal tubule penetration of EndoSequence BC. Sixty premolars were divided into four groups according to the obturation technique and plasma treatment. Root canals were filled with single cone in Group 1 (SC), single cone after ACP application in Group 2 (SC‐P), warm vertical compaction in Group 3 (WVC), warm vertical compaction after ACP application in Group 4 (WVC‐P). Horizontal sections were imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The maximum penetration and percentage of penetration values were measured. These data were statistically analysed (P < 0.01). In the coronal region, the percentage of penetration values were higher in SC‐P and WVC‐P than in SC and WVC. In the middle region, SC‐P and SC showed a higher penetration percentage than WVC and WVC‐P. In the apical region, WVC showed a higher percentage of penetration value than SC‐P, WVC‐P and SC did. Maximum penetration of WVC was higher than of SC and SC‐P. Within the limitations of this study, ACP improved the percentage of penetration values of EndoSequence BC when used with single‐cone technique.
Preliminary characterisation of known pesticide resistance alleles in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in its invasive Australian range
Authors: Nguyen Duong T , Chen Yizhou , Herron Grant A
Published: September 2021

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has recently been detected in Australia. Globally, S. frugiperda is reported to be resistant to insecticides, including those permitted for its control by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Consequently, an understanding of the insecticide resistance status of newly migrated S. frugiperda into Australia, as well as an ability to accurately identify newly hatched larvae, would facilitate sustainable management. To aid identification, we developed a real‐time polymerase chain reaction diagnostic assay that can identify S. frugiperda species, irrespective of life stage, and distinguish between the rice and corn strains. We then screened S. frugiperda individuals from Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales for mutations causing target site insensitivity in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene, the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene and the ryanodine receptor gene. In the populations tested, we found that mutation at positions A210S and F290V in AChE were common. These mutations are known to be associated with carbamate and organophosphate resistance in S. frugiperda outside Australia. In contrast, no mutation was found in gene voltage‐gated sodium channel causing pyrethroid resistance or the ryanodine receptor gene associated with diamide resistance. As S. frugiperda is new to Australia, the wide distribution of mutations in the AChE gene associated with organophosphate/carbamate resistance suggests that the original migrated S. frugiperda moths may have carried the mutations from outside Australia. As resistance genes have been detected, it is important to continue to monitor the resistance status of Australian S. frugiperda and further integrate complementary bioassay when available. Finally, as pesticide resistance is possible, it should be additionally considered when making pest management decisions and any spray failure should be followed by a pesticide from a different chemical group.
Therapeutic effects of thymoquinone in doxorubicin‐induced hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Akin Ali Tuğrul , Öztürk Emel , Kaymak Emin , Karabulut Derya , Yakan Birkan
Published: September 2021

Cancer is a lethal disease that is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and proliferation, and it results in death in many organisms. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a therapeutic agent used for treatment of many cancer types, but it induces serious hepatotoxicity. In this study, we aimed to determine possible hepato‐therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (THQ) on DOX‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): Control, THQ (10 mg/kg/day/i.p for 14 days), Olive Oil (equal volume with THQ for 14 days), DOX (single dose, 15 mg/kg/i.p on 7th day) and DOX + THQ (10 mg/kg/day/i.p and DOX 15 mg/kg/i.p on 7th day). At the end of the experiment, liver tissues were extracted and evaluated histopathologically. eNOS, iNOS and Cas‐3 immunostaining were performed to determine the expression levels. TUNEL method was used to determine apoptotic index. Furthermore, liver tissue total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), TNF‐α and TGF‐β levels were measured by ELISA assay. The DOX group showed histopathological deterioration compared to Control group. Moreover, apoptotic index, eNOS, iNOS and Cas‐3 expressions increased in DOX group. While TAS level of the DOX group decreased, TOS level increased. TNF‐α and TGF‐β levels increased in DOX group. However, there was improvement in DOX + THQ group compared to DOX group. Moreover, apoptotic cell number, eNOS, iNOS and Cas‐3 expressions decreased in DOX + THQ group compared to DOX group. We concluded that thymoquinone can be used as a phytotherapeutic for reducing DOX‐induced liver damage.
Barriers and enablers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careers in health: A qualitative, multisector study in western New South Wales
Authors: Bailey Jannine , Blignault Ilse , Renata Pamela , Naden Phil , Nathan Sally , Newman Jamie
Published: September 2021

Objective

Growing a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce is key to closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians. This study sought to explore barriers and enablers to career development for Aboriginal health staff and potential strategies to enhance career pathways.

Design

Qualitative study, with data collected primarily through focus group discussions (yarning circles) at different health workplaces.

Setting

Western New South Wales.

Participants

Aboriginal health staff (n = 54) from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, a Local Health District and a Primary Health Network, and their managers (Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal; n = 28).

Main outcome measures

Identified barriers and enablers and regional strategies for improving career pathways.

Results

Aboriginal people interested in pursuing a career in health face barriers in: pre‐employment, recruitment, the workplace and further education and training. Being given practical and emotional support, as well as opportunities, makes a difference at every stage. Family and community are very influential in career decisions. Within the workplace, culturally appropriate human resource systems and management structures are vital. The ability to obtain employment and access education and training locally is important to rural and remote communities.

Conclusion

To enhance health career pathways for Aboriginal people, strategies are needed at all levels: community, organisation, system and society. Aboriginal leadership and self‐determination are crucial, as are partnerships within the health sector and between the health and the education and training sectors. Cultural safety is essential to expansion of the Aboriginal workforce, and to health care experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal community members.
Gratitude and depressive symptoms in Chinese nurses: A longitudinal cross‐lagged study
Authors: Hao Yuanyuan , Zhang Linting , Bai Chengzhi , Li Wenjie , Li Chengcheng , Kong Feng
Published: September 2021

Nurses have a relatively higher rate of depressive symptoms compared to other people. Previous studies have reported that gratitude is correlated with depressive symptoms among healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the causal relationship between gratitude and depressive symptoms among Chinese nurses. We collected data over 4 months, with 393 nurses at Time 1 and 241 at Time 2. All participants completed online questionnaires. We employed the structural equation models to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that gratitude at Time 1 could predict depressive symptoms at Time 2, and depressive symptoms at Time 1 could predict gratitude at Time 2. These results remained significant after controlling for gender, age, education, marital status, professional title, general positive affect, and negative affect. The findings provide initial evidence about the causal relationship between gratitude and depressive symptoms among Chinese nurses. Hospital administrators can intervene in depressive symptoms of nurses by developing gratitude interventions. Furthermore, nurses with lower levels of depressive symptoms feel more grateful.
Risk of early‐ and late‐onset Alzheimer disease and related dementia in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Lin Paul , Kamdar Neil , Gonzales Gabriella , Norcott Alexandra , Peterson Mark D
Published: September 2021

Aim

To examine the risk of Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD) among adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Using administrative insurance claims data for 2007 to 2017 in the USA, we identified adults (45y or older) with a diagnosis of CP (n=5176). Adults without a diagnosis of CP were included as a typically developing comparison group (n=1 119 131). Using age, sex, ethnicity, other demographic variables, and a set of chronic morbidities, we propensity‐matched individuals with and without CP (n=5038). Cox survival models were used to estimate ADRD risk within a 3‐year follow up.

Results

The unadjusted incidence of ADRD was 9 and 2.4 times higher among cohorts of adults 45 to 64 years (1.8%) and 65 years and older (4.8%) with CP than the respective unmatched individuals without CP (0.2% and 2.0% among 45–64y and 65y or older respectively). Fully adjusted survival models indicated that adults with CP had a greater hazard for ADRD (among 45–64y: unmatched hazard ratio 7.48 [95% confidence interval {CI} 6.05–9.25], matched hazard ratio 4.73 [95% CI 2.72–8.29]; among 65y or older: unmatched hazard ratio 2.21 [95% CI 1.95–2.51], matched hazard ratio 1.73 [1.39–2.15]).

Interpretation

Clinical guidelines for early screening of cognitive function among individuals with CP need updating, and preventative and/or therapeutic services should be used to reduce the risk of ADRD.
Discordant electroencephalogram epileptiform activity and hemispherectomy in children with refractory epilepsy and encephaloclastic lesions: a case series
Authors: Nagarajan Lakshmi , Ghosh Soumya , Palumbo Linda , Lee Sharon , Shipman Peter , Dyke Jason
Published: September 2021

This is a case series of six children with unilateral cerebral palsy and hemispheric encephaloclastic lesions who were evaluated for epilepsy surgery. Seizure onset was in the neonatal period in three children, at 17 months in two, and at 5 years in one. Their ictal and interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities showed paradoxical lateralization to the incorrect/‘normal’ hemisphere or showed bilateral abnormalities. After cautious discussion regarding the discordant electroclinical profile and implications for outcome, they proceeded to a functional hemispherectomy (between ages 4–11y) with good outcomes (at 1–10y follow‐up). Their clinical details, EEG findings, electrocorticography, neuroimaging, and histology are reported. Possible surgical candidacy should be evaluated early in children with refractory epilepsy, even those with complex profiles and discordant data from the different investigations. Contralateral or bilateral EEG abnormalities should not preclude consideration of

hemispherectomy in children with refractory epilepsy, hemiparesis, and uniclastic lesions.
Beyond Academics: How Teachers Flourish through Students' Ethical Education
Authors: Webster Dustin
Published: September 2021

In this essay Dustin Webster argues that it is not the teaching of academics, but instead contributing to the ethical development of students that allows teachers to flourish in their roles. Engaging in what he calls “ethics education” provides intrinsic value that serves a teacher's flourishing as well as adding instrumental value in allowing a teacher to overcome certain crises in their practice. This essay begins by defining the idea of ethics education and how it is this component of education specifically that allows a teacher to flourish. Examples from teachers show that even within their instructional academic roles, it is the ethical components of student development that are most important to them. Lastly, the instrumental value that ethics education holds for teachers in solving dilemmas of justice is discussed.
Theorizing the “Home” in Homeschooling: Pragmatist Analyses of the Family, Education, and Civic Belonging
Authors: Greenwalt Kyle
Published: September 2021

Over the past twenty‐five years, homeschooling has been growing in popularity. Conventionally, the actions of homeschoolers are understood as a rejection of the public school — and, by extension, a rejection of participation in the public sphere writ large. Yet such interpretations are made without due attention to the meaning of both “home” and “school” in larger social discourses. This article explores the wisdom of such analyses through an examination of the place and function of home and school in pragmatist views of democracy. Using the thought of John Dewey and Jane Addams, Kyle Greenwalt shows how the relationship between household and school was reconfigured at a key moment in the history of American public education. After demonstrating how this is so, Greenwalt extends his outlook by considering pragmatic thought as it interacts with the Chinese tradition — through the lens of Confucian role ethics. In particular, he argues that Confucian role ethics provides a way of thinking about the family household that emphasizes its civic potential through the promotion of relationships that are fluid, sustainable, and educative. In short, Greenwalt argues for a new way to think about the educative potential of family‐centered, community‐based living.
Cultivating Moral Epiphanies
Authors: Gary Kevin , Chambers Drew
Published: September 2021

Abstract

This essay focuses on epiphanies — moments when an insight or revelation captures our attention and summons us to become a better version of ourselves. The role of epiphanies in moral transformation, however, raises a potentially troublesome question. Namely, is the cultivation of epiphanies yet another vexed attempt at moral education? Kevin Gary and Drew Chambers do not think so. Here, they make a case for the cultivation of epiphany as a method for promoting moral insight that avoids the twin sins of provincialism and indoctrination. In making this case, they come to an understanding of what a moral epiphany precisely is by drawing on the work of James Joyce and on recent scholarship that addresses epiphanies and education. After setting the stage, Gary and Chambers turn to an unlikely partnership of Søren Kierkegaard and Paulo Freire. Both thinkers have an interest in transformative education, and both share concerns about pedagogies that compromise human agency. In Kierkegaard, Gary and Chambers find the concept of ethical communication, which enables a learner to self‐actualize vis‐à‐vis the help of another. In Freire, they find a pedagogy that is manifestly nonoppressive and yet takes root in moral awakening. As such, they argue that while no teacher can guarantee a moral epiphany, the attempt to cultivate this experience is both worthwhile and ethically permissible.
Benefit of actively mixing prey in a plant‐inhabiting predatory mite
Authors: Marques Renata V. , Sarmento Renato A. , Pallini Angelo , Oliveira Adriana G. , Ferreira Dara E. S. , Janssen Arne
Published: September 2021

1. Many animals can actively redress nutrient imbalances in their diet to maximise performance. However, food items are commonly patchily distributed in nature, thus, animals often need to commute between prey patches to mix their diet.

2. We previously found that females of two species of predatory mites showed a higher oviposition rate when feeding on a mixture of eggs of co‐occurring phytophagous mites than on each prey separately. Besides, they searched for such a prey mixture on artificial arenas.

3. In nature, however, the two prey species are found on different parts of their host plant; hence, the predators need to commute between plant parts to obtain a mixed diet.

4. Here, we show that the reproduction of one of these predators was highest on mixtures consisting of various proportions of these prey, and was lower on single diets and on a mixture with a high proportion of one of the two prey. The predators consumed prey eggs in proportions differing from those offered, suggesting that they actively selected prey to obtain a mixed diet.

5. We found that the oviposition of the predator was lower on plants inoculated with either of the two prey species alone than on plants on which the eggs of the two prey species occurred on separate leaves of the same plant, forcing the predators to commute between the two prey.

6. We conclude that the predators actively searched for a mixed diet consisting of prey that were spatially separated on a plant.
Stridulation is unimportant for effective parental care in two species of burying beetle
Authors: Schrader Matthew , Galanek Jack
Published: September 2021

1. Communication among family members is often essential for navigating the social and trophic interactions that arise during parental care. In insects, this communication is often accomplished via pheromonal signals. However, some insects also produce acoustic signals (stridulations) during parental care.

2. Burying beetles (Nicrophorusspp) audibly stridulate during mating and parental care and several studies have suggested that stridulation is an important form of communication between family members. Experimental studies have generally supported a role of stridulation inNicrophorusparental care: preventing stridulation or changing the vibrational properties of stridulation generally reduces parental performance. However, some of these previous experiments are difficult to interpret and the importance of this form of communication in burying beetles is still unclear.

3. Here we describe experiments involving twoNicrophorusspecies (N.vespilloidesandN.orbicollis) in which we used a minimally invasive phenotypic manipulation to test whether stridulation is necessary for effective parental care. Our phenotypic manipulation rendered the both species silent; however, it had no detectable impact on parental performance in either species.

4. Our results suggest that stridulation does not play an important role in mating or the coordination of parental care in at least twoNicrophorusspecies, casting doubt upon a long‐assumed function of stridulation in the genus.
Impact of therapeutic management and geriatric evaluation on patient of eighty years and older with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma on survival: A systematic review
Authors: Briand Marguerite , Gerard Stephane , Gauthier Martin , Garric Marie , Steinmeyer Zara , Balardy Laurent
Published: September 2021

Background

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive disease. The first‐line treatment is well defined in young patients; however, in oldest old patients treatment remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of therapeutics management and geriatric evaluation on survival in aged patients with DLBCL.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of PubMed and COCHRANE databases of published report on elderly patients (median age 80 and above) with DLBCL, from January 2002 to January 2020.

Results

We included 32 studies (6 prospective and 26 retrospective). Patients treated with anthracyclines‐containing chemoimmunotherapy had a 2‐year overall survival (OS) of 59%–74.3% in prospective studies and 48.1–64.6% in retrospective studies. With less intensive treatment without anthracyclines, 2‐year OS was 28%–53%. Without specific treatment, median OS was 2 months. History of falls and severe comorbidities were associated with a decreased survival.

Conclusions

Chemoimmunotherapy with anthracyclines increases survival in selected very elderly patients in comparison with less intensive regimen. Geriatric assessment, in particular altered mobility disorders and severe comorbidities, is predictive of survival and should be associated with the therapeutic decision. More comparative studies are needed to guide the management of frailer patients.
Impaired interaural correlation processing in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Zheng Yingjun , Liu Lei , Li Ruikeng , Wu Zhemeng , Chen Liangjie , Li Juanhua , Wu Chao , Kong Lingzhi , Zhang Changxin , Lei Ming , She Shenglin , Ning Yuping , Li Liang
Published: September 2021

Detection of transient changes in interaural correlation is based on the temporal precision of the central representations of acoustic signals. Whether schizophrenia impairs the temporal precision in the interaural correlation process is not clear. In both participants with schizophrenia and matched healthy‐control participants, this study examined the detection of a break in interaural correlation (BIC, a change in interaural correlation from 1 to 0 and back to 1), including the longest interaural delay at which a BIC was just audible, representing the temporal extent of the primitive auditory memory (PAM). Moreover, BIC‐induced electroencephalograms (EEGs) and the relationships between the early binaural psychoacoustic processing and higher cognitive functions, which were assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), were examined. The results showed that compared to healthy controls, participants with schizophrenia exhibited poorer BIC detection, PAM and RBANS score. Both the BIC‐detection accuracy and the PAM extent were correlated with the RBANS score. Moreover, participants with schizophrenia showed weaker BIC‐induced N1‐P2 amplitude which was correlated with both theta‐band power and inter‐trial phase coherence. These results suggested that schizophrenia impairs the temporal precision of the central representations of acoustic signals, affecting both interaural correlation processing and higher‐order cognitions.
How many feral cats can be individually identified from camera trap images? Population monitoring, ecological utility and camera trap settings
Authors: Sparkes Jessica , Fleming Peter J.S. , McSorley Adam , Mitchell Bruce
Published: September 2021

The feral cat (Felis catus) is a key threat for many Australian native critical weight range animals (i.e. species of intermediate body mass between 35 and 5,500 g that are particularly susceptible to introduced predators) and estimates of cat abundance are required for assessing changes in population size. Camera trapping is a much used tool for monitoring and estimating population sizes, including with mark–resight techniques, for which the more robust estimators require individual identification. Many feral cats are individually marked, which potentially makes them suitable for such monitoring programmes. We sought to determine what proportion of cat images captured during a commonly used field deployment of camera traps could be individually identified, and whether aspects of camera trap deployment affected the rate of individual identification. Camera trap arrays were established in four conservation areas in south‐west New South Wales, Australia, during 2017 (range 39–50 camera traps per site). The unlured camera traps were continuously deployed over 26 months, with five or 10 images captured per trigger. Where possible, cats were individually identified based on phenotypic characteristics. Over the deployment period (95,413 camera trap nights; CTN), we obtained 2.25 million images, of which 13,845 contained feral cats. Feral cat events (i.e. a series of images taken <5 minutes apart on the same camera trap) ranged from 0.004 to 0.047 events per CTN across the four conservation areas, with 85 individual cats identified. Depending on camera settings, few images could be assigned to a known individual (12.2–27.4% of feral cat events per site were of identifiable individuals). Minimum number known alive were 10–46 feral cats per site, with resultant quarterly densities ranging from 0.01 to 0.16 cats/km2. With our current deployment, individual identification of feral cats was insufficient for estimating abundance or survival using individual mark–resight methods. Such deployment deficits limit the ecological conclusions that can be drawn from ours and similar studies.
Managing cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV in Asia – where are we now?
Authors: Choi Jun Yong , Lui Grace Chung Yan , Liao Chia‐Te , Yang Chia‐Jui
Published: September 2021

As the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) approaches that of the general population, the burden of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. Regardless of HIV status, about 50% of CVD deaths worldwide occur in Asia, and Asian PLWH have a high prevalence of conventional CVD risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and insulin resistance or diabetes. As well as conventional CVD risk factors, PLWH have HIV‐specific risk factors such as chronic inflammation, immune activation and endothelial damage, as well as risk factors related to antiretroviral therapy. This review describes the current knowledge on the epidemiology and risk factors of CVD in Asian PLWH and provides an Asian perspective on the recommendations for managing CVD risk in PLWH.
Academic performance and psychosocial functioning in European schoolchildren: The role of cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Pinto‐Escalona Tania , Lucia Alejandro , Martínez‐de‐Quel Óscar
Published: September 2021

Background

Whether a high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can attenuate the potential detrimental effect of childhood obesity on academic performance and particularly psychosocial functioning remains unclear.

Objectives

To analyse the academic performance/psychosocial functioning of schoolchildren attending to their CRF and weight status.

Methods

470 schoolchildren (46% girls, 7 ± 0 years) from 20 schools in five European countries were categorized as (i) having overweight/obesity (n = 113) or normal weight (n = 357) attending to body mass index and (ii) ‘fit’ (n = 282) or ‘unfit’ (n = 188) based on 20‐meter shuttle‐run performance (CRF ≥ or <42 ml·kg−1·min−1 [boys] and 35 ml·kg−1·min−1 [girls], respectively). Academic performance and psychosocial functioning were assessed using the grades attained in school subjects and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for parents, respectively.

Results

Independent of their weight status, fit children showed a greater academic performance and psychosocial functioning than their peers who were unfit and overweight/obese. In fit children, academic performance and psychosocial functioning did not differ between the two weight status categories (normal weight or overweight/obesity).

Conclusions

Children with a higher CRF show a greater performance achievement and psychosocial functioning regardless of their weight status, thereby supporting the ‘fat but fit’ paradox and reinforcing the importance of improving CRF in this population.
Nursing handover involving consumers on inpatient mental healthcare units: A qualitative exploration of the consumers’ perspective
Authors: Van de Velde Ellen , Van Hecke Ann , Van Cleemput Naomi , Eeckloo Kristof , Malfait Simon
Published: September 2021

Handovers between nurses are a significant cause of communication problems and possible consumer safety issues. A potential solution for both problems is the nursing handover involving consumers, in which the consumer is present at the time of handover. This practice invites consumers to be more involved in their care process and supports a recovery‐oriented practice. Research into nursing handovers involving consumers on inpatient mental health units is however very limited. A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews with 13 consumers staying on an inpatient mental health unit of a general hospital were used. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Data saturation was reached after 11 interviews when no new themes or codes emerged from the data. Three themes were generated from the interviews: (i) the first moments on the inpatient mental health unit; (ii) the nurse as an ally; and (iii) informing each other. The COREQ‐checklist was used. According to consumers, nursing handover involving consumers initiated a change in the relationship between consumers and nurses. Consumers and nurses got to know each other better during handover and built a relationship of trust. The introduction of nursing handover involving consumers created an accessible opportunity for consumers to exchange information with nurses and ask questions concerning their admission. Consumers felt jointly responsible for the continuity of the information about their healthcare process. Due to the use of nursing handover involving consumers, consumers experienced the opportunity to take more control in their health process and ensured that information is correct and complete.
On Joining a Signal Detection Choice Model with Response Time Models
Authors: DeCarlo Lawrence T.
Published: September 2021

In a signal detection theory (SDT) approach to multiple choice exams, examinees are viewed as choosing, for each item, the alternative that is perceived as being the most plausible, with perceived plausibility depending in part on whether or not an item is known. The SDT model is a process model and provides measures of item difficulty, item discrimination, and the relative plausibility of each alternative. It is shown how to incorporate information from response times into the model, which has potential benefits for estimation and also offers a way to study underlying processes. The SDT model is joined with a lognormal response time (RT) model in a manner similar to that used in hierarchical models. In addition, a mixture extension of the RT model is joined in a novel way with the SDT choice model, using the idea that the probability of “knowing” in the SDT model might be related to the probability of working in one of two speed states in the mixture RT model. A semiparametric version of the mixture RT model is also used to assess robustness. The fused SDT/RT models are examined with science items from the 2015 Program for International Student Assessment.
The subfamily Myoxocephalinae of cottid fishes (Cottidae): Genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Radchenko Olga A. , Moreva Irina N. , Petrovskaya Anna V.
Published: September 2021

A comprehensive study based on molecular marker and karyotype analyses has provided evidence for the monophyly of the subfamily Myoxocephalinae, which includes the genera Myoxocephalus, Megalocottus, Microcottus, Porocottus, Enophrys and Argyrocottus. In addition, the karyotype of the threadfoot sculpin Argyrocottus zanderi Herzenstein 1892 has been studied for the first time. Marker traits of karyotypes identified 13 species among six cottid genera. As the molecular genetic results confirmed, the subfamily is divided into two groups corresponding to Enophrys and Myoxocephalus. The molecular genetic data did not support the formation of tribes within the subfamily Myoxocephalinae, as proposed earlier based on morphological characters. Moreover, the genera Trichocottus and Taurocottus should be excluded from the Myoxocephalinae. The evolutionary transformations of karyotypes in cottid fish tended towards a reduction in the number of chromosomes and chromosome arms.
Behavioural response of a whale shark during the passage of a typhoon
Authors: Nakamura Itsumi , Tsuchida Hiroyuki , Tone Kazuki , Komeyama Kazuyoshi , Sasaki Akira , Kawabe Ryo
Published: September 2021

During a behavioural survey of a tagged whale shark (Rhincodon typus) conducted in 2019 in the waters off Kagoshima, Japan, a typhoon passed close to the area under surveillance. As the typhoon approached, monitoring of the shark's movements indicated that it dived to depths of up to 90 m, and during this period, the authors recorded the effects of the typhoon‐induced waves. They also detected changes in the vertical thermal structure of the waters, possibly due to the disturbance caused by the typhoon.
Growth‐enhanced salmon modify stream ecosystem functioning
Authors: Cucherousset Julien , Sundt‐Hansen Line E. , Buoro Mathieu , Závorka Libor , Lassus Rémy , Bækkelie Knut A. E. , Fleming Ian A. , Björnsson Björn Thrandur , Johnsson Jörgen I. , Hindar Kjetil
Published: September 2021

Use of fast‐growing domesticated and/or genetically modified strains of fish is becoming increasingly common in aquaculture, increasing the likelihood of deliberate or accidental introductions into the wild. To date, their ecological impacts on ecosystems remain to be quantified. Here, using a controlled phenotype manipulation by implanting growth hormone in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), we found that growth‐enhanced fish display changes in several phenotypic traits known to be important for ecosystem functioning, such as habitat use, morphology and excretion rate. Furthermore, these phenotypic changes were associated with significant impacts on the invertebrate community and key stream ecosystem functions such as primary production and leaf‐litter decomposition. These findings provide novel evidence that introductions of growth‐enhanced fish into the wild can affect the functioning of natural ecosystems and represent a form of intraspecific invasion. Consequently, environmental impact assessments of growth‐enhanced organisms need to explicitly consider ecosystem‐level effects.
Domestic Debt and Sovereign Defaults
Authors: MALLUCCI ENRICO
Published: September 2021

This paper examines how the internal–external composition of government debt affects the government's borrowing policy, sovereign risk, and welfare in a small open economy. To this end, I develop a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with endogenous default risk that includes both external and domestic debt. I calibrate the model to Argentina, and I show that the model closely reproduces key empirical moments. Moreover, I highlight the existence of an externality that distorts debt composition: Domestic debt levels are inefficiently low and default risk is inefficiently high. The welfare loss associated with the externality is roughly 0.7% when it is measured in permanent units of consumption. A Pigouvian subsidy that incentivizes domestic purchases of government bonds restores efficiency.
Treatment of nasal depressed scars using micro‐plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision
Authors: Liu Yue , Li Zehui , Hu Jintian , Wang Meng , Qu Chunan , Wu Huanhuan , Su Xueshang , Wang Lianzhao
Published: September 2021

Background

The nose is located in the middle of the face; therefore, nasal scarring will bring a significant psychological impact on patients. Although there are many treatment methods for depressed scars, these methods have varying degrees of efficacy and all carry certain adverse effects. A better treatment method is urgent to be found. In this study, the effect of micro‐plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision to treat nasal depressed scars is evaluated.

Methods

18 Chinese patients with nasal depressed scars participated in this study. All patients received one session of micro‐plasma radiofrequency treatment first. 2 months later, subcision combined with micro‐plasma radiofrequency technology was performed on them at 6‐month intervals, and a total of 2 sessions of combined treatment were performed. Goodman and Baron Scale was used to evaluate nasal scars before treatment and 6 months after the final session.

Results

All 18 patients in this study had Grade 4 nasal scars before treatment. 6 months after the end of treatment, 13 patients (72.2%) showed excellent or near total improvement, and 5 patients (27.8%) showed marked improvement. No adverse side effects were observed during treatment. Patient self‐evaluation indicated that all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusions

In this study, we explored a new treatment method for nasal depressed scars. We used micro‐plasma radiofrequency technology combined with subcision to treat nasal depressed scars and obtained relatively satisfactory results with no adverse effects.
Inspection for micrometastasis is essential for predicting the prognosis of serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Yoshioka Toshiki , Suzuki Yukio , Imai Yuichi , Ruiz‐Yokota Naho , Yamanaka Shoji , Furuya Mitsuko , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: September 2021

Serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma is the precursor of invasive uterine serous carcinoma. Here, we present two cases of serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma with omental micrometastasis and discuss their clinical significance. Two menopausal patients with abnormal endometrial biopsy findings underwent hysterectomy and comprehensive surgical staging (bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, omentectomy, and pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy). Although gross examination failed to detect tumors, the pathological diagnosis was serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma. Both patients had omental micrometastasis; they were diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IVB disease and received postoperative chemotherapy. One patient died of the carcinoma 9 months after the hysterectomy, and the other had a recurrence of carcinoma 17 months after the end of the initial therapy. The present cases and literature review highlight the importance of meticulous inspection for micrometastasis in the abdominal cavity, including the omentum and peritoneum, for predicting prognosis.
Practices and perspectives regarding medico‐legal reports in day‐to‐day cases in tertiary Australian child protection units
Authors: Skellern Catherine
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to (i) summarise the workforce and (ii) identify how medico‐legal opinion is communicated to the child protection and criminal courts within the day‐to‐day work of child protection paediatricians in tertiary child protection services.

Methods

A survey of medical directors and child protection paediatricians working within tertiary child protection units within Australasia was conducted.

Results

Directors from 5 out of 11 centres, and 18 paediatricians who work in these units responded. Most were female (89%) and experience varied, including many (62%) who had studied forensic medicine (Monash University). Just over half (56%) usually/always provided an interim report to the child protection system before a child is discharged and 59% had those reports peer‐reviewed. Two‐thirds (61%) had varied reports for the child protection agency initially with reports finalised later for the criminal jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Considerable variation in how opinion is communicated to the child protection system and later to police was identified. There were significant differences in staffing ratios between tertiary units which likely influences how this work is done in day‐to‐day cases evaluated by child protection paediatricians within their hospital due to volume of cases and demand. Peer review of opinion communicated to the child protection agency is not always undertaken and reports for the criminal jurisdiction do not always include review of evidence which may be identified after a child has been discharged from hospital. This survey captures how forensic practices and principles are embedded into child protection and exposes some challenges in being responsive to both the child protection and criminal justice systems.
Roles of plant‐based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health
Authors: Tanprasertsuk Jirayu , Tate Devon E. , Shmalberg Justin
Published: September 2021

Dogs possess the ability to obtain essential nutrients, established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), from both animal‐ and plant‐based ingredients. There has been a recent increase in the popularity of diets that limit or completely exclude certain plant‐based ingredients. Examples of these diets include ‘ancestral’ or ‘evolutionary’ diets, raw meat‐based diets and grain‐free diets. As compared to animal sources, plant‐derived ingredients (including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds) provide many non‐essential phytonutrients with some data suggesting they confer health benefits. This review aims to assess the strength of current evidence on the relationship between the consumption of plant‐based foods and phytonutrients (such as plant‐derived carotenoids, polyphenols and phytosterols) and biomarkers of health and diseases (such as body weight/condition, gastrointestinal health, immune health, cardiovascular health, visual function and cognitive function) from clinical trials and epidemiological studies. This review highlights the potential nutritional and health benefits of including plant‐based ingredients as a part of balanced canine diets. We also highlight current research gaps in existing studies and provide future research directions to inform the impact of incorporating plant‐based ingredients in commercial or home‐prepared diets.