bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Facial Recognition and the Intensification of Police Surveillance
Authors: Keenan Bernard
Published: February 2021

In R (on the application of Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police the Court of Appeal held the deployment of live automated facial recognition technology (AFR) by the South Wales Police Force (SWP) unlawful on three grounds. It violated the right to respect for private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights because it lacked a suitable basis in law; the Data Protection Impact Assessment carried out under section 64 of the Data Protection Act 2018 was deficient for failing to assess the risks to the rights and freedoms of individuals processed by the system; and SWP failed to fulfil the Public Service Equality Duty imposed by section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 by failing to assess whether or not the software used in the AFR system was biased in relation to sex and race.
rasterdiv—An Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: To the origin and back
Authors: Rocchini Duccio , Thouverai Elisa , Marcantonio Matteo , Iannacito Martina , Da Re Daniele , Torresani Michele , Bacaro Giovanni , Bazzichetto Manuele , Bernardi Alessandra , Foody Giles M. , Furrer Reinhard , Kleijn David , Larsen Stefano , Lenoir Jonathan , Malavasi Marco , Marchetto Elisa , Messori Filippo , Montaghi Alessandro , Moudrý Vítězslav , Naimi Babak , Ricotta Carlo , Rossini Micol , Santi Francesco , Santos Maria J. , Schaepman Michael E. , Schneider Fabian D. , Schuh Leila , Silvestri Sonia , Ŝímová Petra , Skidmore Andrew K. , Tattoni Clara , Tordoni Enrico , Vicario Saverio , Zannini Piero , Wegmann Martin
Published: February 2021

Ecosystem heterogeneity has been widely recognized as a key ecological indicator of several ecological functions, diversity patterns and change, metapopulation dynamics, population connectivity or gene flow.

In this paper, we present a new R package—rasterdiv—to calculate heterogeneity indices based on remotely sensed data. We also provide an ecological application at the landscape scale and demonstrate its power in revealing potentially hidden heterogeneity patterns.

The rasterdiv package allows calculating multiple indices, robustly rooted in Information Theory, and based on reproducible open‐source algorithms.
Cardiac arrhythmias in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wetterslev Mik , Jacobsen Peter Karl , Hassager Christian , Jøns Christian , Risum Niels , Pehrson Steen , Bastiansen Anders , Andreasen Anne Sofie , Tjelle Kristiansen Klaus , Bestle Morten H. , Mohr Thomas , Møller‐Sørensen Hasse , Perner Anders
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias in hospitalized patients, but data from the ICU setting are limited. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of cardiac arrhythmias in ICU patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including all ICU patients with an airway sample positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome corona‐virus 2 from March 1st to June 1st in the Capital Region of Denmark (1.8 million inhabitants). We registered cardiac arrhythmias in ICU, potential risk factors, interventions used in ICU and outcomes.

Results

From the seven ICUs we included 155 patients with COVID‐19. The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in the ICU was 57/155 (37%, 95% confidence interval 30‐45), and 39/57 (68%) of these patients had this as new‐onset arrhythmia. Previous history of tachyarrhythmias and higher disease severity at ICU admission were associated with cardiac arrhythmias in the adjusted analysis. Fifty‐four of the 57 (95%) patients had supraventricular origin of the arrhythmia, 39/57 (68%) received at least one intervention against arrhythmia (eg amiodarone, IV fluid or magnesium) and 38/57 (67%) had recurrent episodes of arrhythmia in ICU. Patients with arrhythmias in ICU had higher 60‐day mortality (63%) as compared to those without arrhythmias (39%).

Conclusion

New‐onset supraventricular arrhythmias were frequent in ICU patients with COVID‐19 and were related to previous history of tachyarrhythmias and severity of the acute disease. The mortality was high in these patients despite the frequent use of interventions against arrhythmias.
miR‐27b‐5p inhibits BeWo cells fusion by regulating WNT2B and enzyme involved in progesterone synthesis
Authors: Verma Sonam , Mishra Richa , Malik Ankita , Chaudhary Piyush , Malhotra Sudha Saryu , Panda Amulya K. , Gupta Satish Kumar
Published: February 2021

Problem

The miRNAs show placenta‐specific expression patterns, which alter during pregnancy‐related complications. In present study, the role of miR‐27b‐5p during forskolin‐mediated BeWo cells fusion has been investigated.

Method of Study

The fusion of BeWo cells in response to forskolin treatment (25 µM) was studied by desmoplakin I+II staining. Expression profile of miR‐27b‐5p by qRT‐PCR and its targets HSD3β1 and WNT2B by qRT‐PCR and in Western blot were studied. The effect of overexpression of miR‐27b‐5p and silencing of HSD3β1 & WNT2B by siRNA on forskolin‐mediated BeWo cells fusion and secretion of hCG and progesterone by ELISA was investigated.

Results

Time‐dependent down‐regulation in the expression of miR‐27b‐5p in forskolin‐treated BeWo cells has been confirmed by qRT‐PCR. Overexpression of miR‐27b‐5p significantly inhibits forskolin‐mediated BeWo cells fusion as well as hCG & progesterone secretion. HSD3β1 and WNT2B were identified as targets of miR‐27b‐5p and are up‐regulated in forskolin‐treated BeWo cells. Overexpression of miR‐27b‐5p in BeWo cells downregulates their expression. Further, luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‐27b‐5p directly target expression of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B. Silencing of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B leads to a significant reduction in forskolin‐mediated BeWo cells fusion with concomitant decrease in the secretion of progesterone or/and hCG. Decrease in forskolin‐mediated cells fusion observed in miR‐27b‐5p mimic transfected BeWo cells could be rescued by the overexpression of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that reduced miR‐27b‐5p in forskolin‐treated BeWo cells leads to increased secretion of progesterone and hCG due to loss of repressional control on HSD3β1 and WNT2B.
Perceived helpfulness of bipolar disorder treatment: Findings from the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A. , Harris Meredith G. , Kazdin Alan E. , Puac‐Polanco Victor , Sampson Nancy , Vigo Daniel V. , Chiu Wai Tat , Ziobrowski Hannah N. , Alonso Jordi , Altwaijri Yasmin , Borges Guilherme , Bunting Brendan , Caldas‐de‐Almeida José Miguel , Haro Josep Maria , Hu Chi‐yi , Kiejna Andrzej , Lee Sing , McGrath John J. , Navarro‐Mateu Fernando , Posada‐Villa José , Scott Kate M. , Stagnaro Juan C. , Viana Maria C. , Kessler Ronald C. ,   the WHO World Mental Health Survey Collaborators
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To examine patterns and predictors of perceived treatment helpfulness for mania/hypomania and associated depression in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews with community samples across 15 countries found n = 2,178 who received lifetime mania/hypomania treatment and n = 624 with lifetime mania/hypomania who received lifetime major depression treatment. These respondents were asked whether treatment was ever helpful and, if so, the number of professionals seen before receiving helpful treatment. Patterns and predictors of treatment helpfulness were examined separately for mania/hypomania and depression.

Results

63.1% (mania/hypomania) and 65.1% (depression) of patients reported ever receiving helpful treatment. However, only 24.5–22.5% were helped by the first professional seen, which means that the others needed to persist in help seeking after initial unhelpful treatments in order to find helpful treatment. Projections find only 22.9% (mania/hypomania) and 43.3% (depression) would persist through a series of unhelpful treatments but that the proportion helped would increase substantially if persistence increased. Few patient‐level significant predictors of helpful treatment emerged and none consistently either across the two components (i.e., provider‐level helpfulness and persistence after earlier unhelpful treatment) or for both mania/hypomania and depression. Although prevalence of treatment was higher in high‐income than low/middle‐income countries, proportional helpfulness among treated cases was nearly identical in the two groups of countries.

Conclusions

Probability of patients with mania/hypomania and associated depression obtaining helpful treatment might increase substantially if persistence in help‐seeking increased after initially unhelpful treatments, although this could require seeing numerous additional treatment providers. In addition to investigating reasons for initial treatments not being helpful, messages reinforcing the importance of persistence should be emphasized to patients.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of benz‐fused five‐membered heterocyclic compounds as tubulin polymerization inhibitors with anticancer activities
Authors: Komuraiah Buduma , Ren Yichang , Xue Mingming , Cheng Binbin , Liu Jin , Liu Yao , Chen Jianjun
Published: February 2021

A series of benz‐fused five‐membered heterocyclic compounds were designed and synthesized as novel tubulin inhibitors targeting the colchicine binding site. Among them, compound 4d displayed the highest antiproliferative activity against four cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 4.9 μM in B16‐F10 cells. Compound 4d effectively inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro (IC50 of 13.1 μM). Further, 4d induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Finally, 4d inhibited the migration of cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In summary, these results suggest that compound 4d represents a new class of tubulin inhibitors deserving further investigation.
Exercise training and reproductive outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Benham Jamie L. , Booth Jane E. , Corenblum Bernard , Doucette Steve , Friedenreich Christine M. , Rabi Doreen M. , Sigal Ronald J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Exercise is recommended for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the most effective exercise prescription is unclear. This trial compared effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous aerobic exercise training (CAET) and no‐exercise control on reproductive, anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes in PCOS.

Design

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Previously inactive women aged 18–40 years with PCOS.

Measurements

Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence to exercise and daily ovulation prediction kit (OPK) testing. Preliminary efficacy outcomes included reproductive, anthropometric and cardiometabolic health markers.

Results

Forty‐seven women were randomized to no‐exercise control (n = 17), HIIT (n = 16), or CAET (n = 14). Forty (85%) participants completed the trial. Median exercise adherence was 68% (IQR 53%, 86%). Median daily OPK‐testing adherence in the first half of the intervention was 87% (IQR 61%, 97%) compared with 65% (IQR 0%, 96%) in the second half. Body mass index decreased significantly in CAET compared with control (−1.0 kg/m2, p = .01) and HIIT (−0.9 kg/m2, p = .04). Mean waist circumference decreased in all groups (−7.3 cm, −6.9 cm, −4.5 cm in HIIT, CAET and control) with no significant between‐group differences. Mean LDL‐C was significantly reduced for HIIT compared to CAET (−0.33 mmol/L, p = .03). HDL‐C increased in HIIT compared with control (0.18 mmol/L, p = .04).

Conclusions

There were feasibility challenges with adherence to daily ovulation assessment limiting the ability to analyse the effect of the exercise interventions on ovulation. CAET and HIIT were both effective at improving anthropometrics and some cardiometabolic health markers. Further studies need to determine optimal and acceptable exercise prescriptions for this population.
Aesthetic outcomes of non‐functional immediately restored single post‐extraction implants with and without connective tissue graft: A multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ferrantino Luca , Camurati Andrea , Gambino Paolo , Marzolo Michele , Trisciuoglio Davide , Santoro Giacomo , Farina Vittorio , Fontana Filippo , Asa'ad Farah , Simion Massimo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To compare the 1‐year aesthetic results of flapless single implants, placed in fresh extraction sockets with bone replacement and immediate provisional restoration with or without a connective tissue graft (CTG).

Material and Methods

The present study proposes a partially blinded multicentre parallel randomized controlled trial, where computer‐generated tables were used for central randomization to allocate treatments. A total of 59 of the 60 patients screened by eight private practices in Northern Italy fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Immediate implants were placed in a fresh extraction socket with a non‐functional immediate provisional restoration with (Test group) or without (Control group) a CTG. The primary outcome variable was the implant Crown Aesthetic Index (ICAI) at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

ICAI for the 59 randomized patients (Test group = 31, Control group = 28) at the 1‐year follow‐up was 4.69 (95% CI = 3.16–6.22) for the Test group and 3.45 (95% CI = 1.83–5.08) for the Control group, without statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = .086). One implant failure was recorded in each group, resulting in an implant survival rate of 96.8% [95% CI = 83.3–99.9] for the Test group and 96.4% [95% CI = 81.7–99.9] for the Control group. Other secondary outcome variables and complication rates were comparable across the two groups.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present clinical trial, the results suggested that the adjunct use of CTG is not mandatory to achieve successful aesthetic outcomes for a well‐planned immediate implant placement with immediate non‐functional provisional restoration in a fresh extraction socket.
Protocol for a multi‐centre observational and mixed methods pilot study to identify factors predictive of poor functional recovery after major gastrointestinal surgery and strategies to enhance uptake of perioperative optimization
Authors: Daniels Sarah L. , Lee Matthew J. , Moug Susan , Wilson Tim R. , Burton Maria , George Jayan , Brown Steven R. , Wyld Lynda
Published: February 2021

Introduction

National datasets report large variations in outcomes from older people (≥65 years) between different UK surgical units. This implies that not all patients receive the same level of care or access to resources, such as rehabilitation or allied health professional input. This might impact functional decline.

Aims

Our aim is to evaluate the baseline status of older patients facing major gastrointestinal surgery and the impact of variation in perioperative assessment and provision of perioperative support on functional outcomes. Patients’ experiences and views of assessment and optimization will be explored via integrated qualitative semi‐structured interviews.

Methods and analysis

This multi‐centre, pilot cohort study will include patients ≥65 years presenting via both elective and emergency pathways at three to five South Yorkshire NHS hospitals (Clinical Trials registration NCT04545125). The primary outcome is functional recovery measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 at 6 weeks post‐operation. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, quality of life, length of stay and complication rate. An opportunistic sample size of 120 has been estimated and will inform the design of a future, adequately powered study. For the qualitative study, 20–30 semi‐structured patient interviews will be undertaken with patients from the cohort study to explore experiences of assessment and optimization. Interviews will be digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the framework approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the National Health Service Research Ethics Committee and is registered centrally with Health Research Authority. It has been adopted by the National Institute for Health Research Portfolio scheme. Dissemination will be via international and national surgical and geriatric conferences.
Harassment‐induced changes in lion space use as a conflict mitigation tool
Authors: Petracca Lisanne S. , Frair Jacqueline L. , Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Macdonald David W. , Loveridge Andrew J.
Published: February 2021

Human‐wildlife conflict represents a substantial threat to rural livelihoods and species persistence. Directed harassment (i.e., hazing) is one method for mitigating conflict, though gauging its effectiveness is often complicated by a lack of replication, controls, or effective contrasts. Herein we assessed whether African lions (Panthera leo) shifted their space use in response to a hazing program intended to deter lions from community lands adjacent to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Using GPS‐collared lions (n = 16) from unique prides, we investigated the degree to which individuals exhibited (a) a large‐scale response by shifting their home ranges away from community lands, or (b) a fine‐scale response by increasingly avoiding areas near households post‐program initiation. Responses between “at‐risk” (those exposed to the program; n = 5) and “protected” (n = 11) lions varied, with at‐risk males shifting their home ranges to include 12.08% more national park and 9.04% less community lands post‐program (median), a shift not replicated by at‐risk females nor protected lions. However, the majority of at‐risk lions demonstrated increased attraction to households post‐program. We demonstrated that while aversive stimulus approaches may alter large‐scale space use by individual lions, constraints imposed by social structure and available habitat alternatives will affect the level of effort required to achieve program success.
Reproducibility and validity of the Functional Communication Classification System for young children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Caynes Katy , Rose Tanya A , Burmester Debbie , Ware Robert S , Johnston Leanne M
Published: February 2021

Aim

To examine interrater agreement and validity of the Functional Communication Classification System (FCCS) for young children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 2 or 3 years.

Method

Speech‐language pathologist (SLP) and parent FCCS ratings for 31 children with CP (aged 2y, n=16; aged 3y, n=15; 18 males, 13 females) were examined for interrater agreement using a weighted Cohen’s kappa statistic. Relationships between FCCS (SLP) ratings and: (1) concurrent validity with the Language Use Inventory, a standardized pragmatic assessment for children aged 18 to 47 months, (2) gross motor and fine motor function, (3) associated impairments (visual and intellectual), and (4) primary expressive communication mode were examined using Spearman’s correlation coefficients.

Results

Almost perfect interrater agreement between SLP and parent FCCS ratings were found (kw=0.94). Correlations with FCCS (SLP) were excellent for pragmatic function (rs=−0.83, p<0.001), intellectual function (rs=0.89, p<0.001), and primary expressive communication mode (rs=0.92, p<0.001). Correlations were good for gross motor function (rs=0.72, p<0.001) and visual impairment (rs=0.70, p<0.001) and fair for fine motor function (rs=0.53, p<0.002). Analysis was unwarranted for epilepsy (n=1 out of 31) and hearing‐associated impairments (n=0 out of 31).

Interpretation

The FCCS has excellent interrater agreement and validity for communication classification of children with CP aged 2 or 3 years and is highly suitable for surveillance and research purposes.

What this paper adds

The Functional Communication Classification System (FCCS) is a valid instrument for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 2 or 3 years.

Excellent agreement exists between speech‐language pathologist and parent FCCS ratings.

The FCCS has excellent correlation with intelligence, pragmatic function, and primary expressive mode.

Stronger correlations with the Gross Motor Function Classification System and vision exist for children aged 2 or 3 years.

Weaker correlations with manual ability exist when compared to older children with CP.
Spontaneous healing of a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the posterior mitral leaflet: Unexpected resolution of a severe mitral regurgitation
Authors: Ruisanchez Villar Cristina , Gonzalez Lizarbe Sofia , Lerena Saenz Piedad , Gil Ongay Aritz , Borderias Villarroel Teresa , Teira Calderon Andrea , Cabrera Rubio Indira , Cuesta Cosgaya Jose Maria
Published: February 2021

Mycotic mitral valve aneurysm is an uncommon complication that rarely appears in isolated mitral valve endocarditis. The weakened aneurysmal wall may rupture, causing severe mitral regurgitation. In this situation surgery is essential. We present a case of a rare complicated mycotic posterior mitral aneurysm. After completing the antibiotic course for Streptococcus agalactiae infective endocarditis, an unexpected healing process within the aneurysm led to the virtual disappearance of the mitral regurgitation and remarkably changed the patient's clinical outcome. We emphasize the key role of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, as it is becoming the reference imaging technique for infective endocarditis.
Fostering global value chains through international agreements: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Malesky Edmund J. , Milner Helen V.
Published: February 2021

Which is more reassuring to foreign investors—domestic laws or international agreements? A substantial literature argues that foreign investment may be underprovided, because governments cannot offer credible guarantees that judicial institutions are impartial and that investors will be able to fairly resolve disputes with business partners and enforce contracts. This time inconsistency problem deters profitable business partnerships between foreign investors and domestic firms in the host country. Consequently, for emerging market leaders seeking to deepen their countries’ integration into global value chains (GVCs), enhancing the confidence of investors in contracting institutions is critical. In this paper, we study the emerging market of Vietnam to examine which type of reassurance mechanism is most successful. Using a survey of 1,583 foreign firms, we inform investors about either a domestic law or international treaty designed to strengthen commercial arbitration procedures. We find that priming foreign firms about the international investment agreement has a larger positive impact on their views about the future profitability of their projects and the likelihood of contracting with other firms in GVCs than simply learning about the commitments in domestic law.
Climatic and evolutionary contexts are required to infer plant life history strategies from functional traits at a global scale
Authors: Kelly Ruth , Healy Kevin , Anand Madhur , Baudraz Maude E. A. , Bahn Michael , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Dwyer John M. , Jackson Andrew L. , Kattge Jens , Niinemets Ülo , Penuelas Josep , Pierce Simon , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: February 2021

Life history strategies are fundamental to the ecology and evolution of organisms and are important for understanding extinction risk and responses to global change. Using global datasets and a multiple response modelling framework we show that trait‐climate interactions are associated with life history strategies for a diverse range of plant species at the global scale. Our modelling framework informs our understanding of trade‐offs and positive correlations between elements of life history after accounting for environmental context and evolutionary and trait‐based constraints. Interactions between plant traits and climatic context were needed to explain variation in age at maturity, distribution of mortality across the lifespan and generation times of species. Mean age at maturity and the distribution of mortality across plants’ lifespan were under evolutionary constraints. These findings provide empirical support for the theoretical expectation that climatic context is key to understanding trait to life history relationships globally.
The role of new medical treatments for the management of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Novel concepts and results
Authors: Johannessen Landmark Cecilie , Potschka Heidrun , Auvin Stéphane , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Johannessen Svein I. , Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité Dorothée , Wirrell Elaine C.
Published: February 2021

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are among the most challenging of all epilepsies to manage, given the exceedingly frequent and often severe seizure types, pharmacoresistance to conventional antiseizure medications, and numerous comorbidities. During the past decade, efforts have focused on development of new treatment options for DEEs, with several recently approved in the United States or Europe, including cannabidiol as an orphan drug in Dravet and Lennox–Gastaut syndromes and everolimus as a possible antiepileptogenic and precision drug for tuberous sclerosis complex, with its impact on the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Furthermore, fenfluramine, an old drug, was repurposed as a novel therapy in the treatment of Dravet syndrome. The evolution of new insights into pathophysiological processes of various DEEs provides possibilities to investigate novel and repurposed drugs and to place them into the context of their role in future management of these patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of these new medical treatment options for the DEEs and to discuss the clinical implications of these results for improved treatment.
External validation of automated focal cortical dysplasia detection using morphometric analysis
Authors: David Bastian , Kröll‐Seger Judith , Schuch Fabiane , Wagner Jan , Wellmer Jörg , Woermann Friedrich , Oehl Bernhard , Van Paesschen Wim , Breyer Tobias , Becker Albert , Vatter Hartmut , Hattingen Elke , Urbach Horst , Weber Bernd , Surges Rainer , Elger Christian Erich , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Rüber Theodor
Published: February 2021

Objective

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are a common cause of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy but frequently remain undetected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment. The visual detection can be facilitated by morphometric analysis of T1‐weighted images, for example, using theMorphometric Analysis Program(v2018; MAP18), which was introduced in 2005, independently validated for its clinical benefits, and successfully integrated in standard presurgical workflows of numerous epilepsy centers worldwide. Here we aimed to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) classifier for robust automated detection of FCDs based on these morphometric maps and probe its generalization performance in a large, independent data set.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we created a feed‐forward ANN for FCD detection based on the morphometric output maps of MAP18. The ANN was trained and cross‐validated on 113 patients (62 female, mean age ± SD =29.5 ± 13.6 years) with manually segmented FCDs and 362 healthy controls (161 female, mean age ± SD =30.2 ± 9.6 years) acquired on 13 different scanners. In addition, we validated the performance of the trained ANN on an independent, unseen data set of 60 FCD patients (28 female, mean age ± SD =30 ± 15.26 years) and 70 healthy controls (42 females, mean age ± SD = 40.0 ± 12.54 years).

Results

In the cross‐validation, the ANN achieved a sensitivity of 87.4% at a specificity of 85.4% on the training data set. On the independent validation data set, our method still reached a sensitivity of 81.0% at a comparably high specificity of 84.3%.

Significance

Our method shows a robust automated detection of FCDs and performance generalizability, largely independent of scanning site or MR‐sequence parameters. Taken together with the minimal input requirements of a standard T1 image, our approach constitutes a clinically viable and useful tool in the presurgical diagnostic routine for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.
Introduced populations of ragweed show as much evolutionary potential as native populations
Authors: McGoey Brechann V. , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: February 2021

Invasive species are a global economic and ecological problem. They also offer an opportunity to understand evolutionary processes in a colonizing context. The impacts of evolutionary factors, such as genetic variation, on the invasion process are increasingly appreciated, but there remain gaps in the empirical literature. The adaptive potential of populations can be quantified using genetic variance–covariance matrices (G), which encapsulate the heritable genetic variance in a population. Here, we use a multivariate Bayesian approach to assess the adaptive potential of invasive populations of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a serious allergen and agricultural weed. We compared several aspects of genetic architecture and the structure of G matrices between three native and three introduced populations, based on phenotypic data collected in a field common garden experiment. We found moderate differences in the quantitative genetic architecture among populations, but we did not find that introduced populations suffer from a limited adaptive potential or increased genetic constraint compared with native populations. Ragweed has an annual life history, is an obligate outcrosser, and produces very large numbers of seeds and pollen grains. These characteristics, combined with the significant additive genetic variance documented here, suggest ragweed will be able to respond quickly to selection pressures in both its native and introduced ranges.
The influence of seafloor terrain on fish and fisheries: A global synthesis
Authors: Borland Hayden P. , Gilby Ben L. , Henderson Christopher J. , Leon Javier X. , Schlacher Thomas A. , Connolly Rod M. , Pittman Simon J. , Sheaves Marcus , Olds Andrew D.
Published: February 2021

The structure of seafloor terrain affects the distribution and diversity of animals in all seascapes. Effects of terrain on fish assemblages have been reported from most ecosystems, but it is unclear whether bathymetric effects vary among seascapes or change in response to seafloor modification by humans. We reviewed the global literature linking seafloor terrain to fish species and assemblages (96 studies) and determined that relief (e.g. depth), complexity (e.g. roughness), feature classes (e.g. substrate types) and morphology (e.g. curvature), have widespread effects on fish assemblages. Research on the ecological consequences of terrain have focused on coral reefs, rocky reefs, continental shelves and the deep sea (n ≥ 20 studies), but are rarely tested in estuaries (n = 7). Fish associate with a variety of terrain attributes, and assemblages change with variation in the depth and aspect of bathymetric features in reef and shelf seascapes, and in the deep sea. Fish from different seascapes also respond to distinct metrics, with fluctuations in slope of slope (coral reefs), rugosity (rocky reefs) and slope (continental shelves, deep sea) each linked to changes in assemblage composition. Terrain simplification from coastal urbanization (e.g. dredging) and resource extraction (e.g. trawling) can reduce fish diversity and abundance, but assemblages can also recover inside effective marine reserves. The consequences of these terrain changes for fish and fisheries are, however, rarely measured in most seascapes. The key challenge now is to examine how terrain modification and conservation combine to alter fish distributions and fisheries productivity across diverse coastal seascapes.
Study on the fracture behavior of prefabricated fissures granite based on DIC and laser scanning techniques
Authors: Hao Jiawang , Qiao Lan , Li Zhanjin , Li Qingwen
Published: February 2021

The initiation, propagation, and coalescence of cracks in the rock bridge are the root causes of rock failure. However, the identification of cracks propagation paths is a problem in rock mechanics. This paper studies the evolutionary law of the strain field in the rock bridge region of granite with pre‐fissures using 3D‐DIC after equivalence and simplification. Based on the real crack initiation mechanism of “relative slip between regions” proposed in this paper, combined with the priority order of crack propagation at the edge of the rock bridge, the pattern of cracks propagation and coalescence was obtained. We analyze the fracture characteristics in roughness and morphology to verify the validity of the proposed mechanism. The tensile and shear failure areas around the rock bridge were identified quantitatively, and the roughness, fractal dimension, and energy consumption of the sections formed by tensile failure and shear failure are different.
Microplastics and the functional traits of fishes: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Salerno Martina , Berlino Manuel , Mangano M. Cristina , Sarà Gianluca
Published: February 2021

Over the years, concern about the effects of microplastics has grown. Here, we answered the main question “What are the impacts of microplastics on the functional traits of fish species?” through a meta‐analysis. The general impact of microplastic exposure on the functional traits of fishes and specifically on eight variables, namely, behaviour, development, fecundity, feeding, growth, health, hatching and survival was explored. Subgroup analyses were performed to detect correlations between the impact of microplastics and the following factors: species, life stage, habitat, water column habitat, day of exposure to microplastics and microplastic size, type and shape. A meta‐regression analysis allowed understanding the correlation between the impact of microplastics and the size of organisms. Generally, microplastics have a negative effect on the functional traits of fishes. Feeding and behaviour, followed by growth showed the greatest impact. Among the subgroup analysis, four of the eight variables considered showed a significant difference between groups: species, life stage, microplastic shape and days of exposure to microplastics. Depending on their life stage, organisms may be more sensitive to microplastic pollution. Changes in growth rates, development of early life stage and behavioural patterns in fishes may have a negative effect on the structure and functions of aquatic ecosystem in the long term and consequently affect the ability of aquatic ecosystems to provide ecosystem services and sustain human communities.
Macroecological patterns of forest structure and allometric scaling in mangrove forests
Authors: Rovai Andre S. , Twilley Robert R. , Castañeda‐Moya Edward , Midway Stephen R. , Friess Daniel A. , Trettin Carl C. , Bukoski Jacob J. , Stovall Atticus E.L. , Pagliosa Paulo R. , Fonseca Alessandra L. , Mackenzie Richard A. , Aslan Aslan , Sasmito Sigit D. , Sillanpää Mériadec , Cole Thomas G. , Purbopuspito Joko , Warren Matthew W. , Murdiyarso Daniel , Mofu Wolfram , Sharma Sahadev , Tinh Pham Hong , Riul Pablo
Published: February 2021

Aim

Mangrove wetlands span broad geographical gradients, resulting in functionally diverse tree communities. We asked whether latitudinal variation, allometric scaling relationships and species composition influence mangrove forest structure and biomass allocation across biogeographical regions and distinct coastal morphologies.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Mangrove ecosystems.

Methods

We built the largest field‐based dataset on mangrove forest structure and biomass to date (c. 2,800 plots from 67 countries) to address macroecological questions pertaining to structural and functional diversity of mangroves spanning biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients. We used frequentist inference statistics and machine learning models to determine environmental drivers that control biomass allocation within and across mangrove communities globally.

Results

Allometric scaling relationships and forest structural complexity were consistent across biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients, suggesting that mangrove biomass is controlled by regional forcings rather than by latitude or species composition. For instance, nearly 40% of the global variation in biomass was explained by regional climate and hydroperiod, revealing nonlinear thresholds that control biomass accumulation across broad geographical gradients. Furthermore, we found that ecosystem‐level carbon stocks (average 401 ± 48 MgC/ha, covering biomass and the top 1 m of soil) varied little across diverse coastal morphologies, reflecting regional bottom‐up geomorphic controls that shape global patterns in mangrove biomass apportioning.

Main conclusions

Our findings reconcile views of wetland and terrestrial forest macroecology. Similarities in stand structural complexity and cross‐site size–density relationships across multiscale environmental gradients show that resource allocation in mangrove ecosystems is independent of tree size and invariant to species composition or latitude. Mangroves follow a universal fractal‐based scaling relationship that describes biomass allocation for several other terrestrial tree‐dominated communities. Understanding how mangroves adhere to these universal allometric rules can improve our ability to account for biomass apportioning and carbon stocks in response to broad geographical gradients.
Clinical phenotype of severe and moderate haemophilia: Who should receive prophylaxis and what is the target trough level?
Authors: Collins Peter W. , Obaji Samya G. , Roberts Heledd , Gorsani Deepan , Rayment Rachel
Published: February 2021

Introduction

One of the most often stated tenets of haemophilia care is that prophylaxis converts a person from a severe to a moderate phenotype. In this review, we argue that this is not an accurate assumption and that people on prophylaxis predominantly have factor VIII/IX levels in the mild range.

Moderate haemophilia and prophylaxis

People with moderate haemophilia, who are treating with on‐demand regimens, experience joint bleeds and often develop significant arthropathy. This is especially true for people with a baseline level of 1‒3 IU/dl, as first reported 55 years ago, and confirmed in more recent studies. Evidence is emerging suggesting that people with severe haemophilia who are using prophylaxis have better musculoskeletal outcomes than people with moderate haemophilia treated episodically.

Trough levels

The debate around the optimum trough level whilst on prophylaxis is ongoing. It is not appropriate to extrapolate information about baseline levels to recommendations about target trough levels on prophylaxis because these are different situations. Studies are emerging that support higher target trough levels than previously used, but in spite of this, the aim of achieving zero bleeds remains elusive with both factor replacement and non‐replacement therapies.

Conclusions

We recommend that people with moderate haemophilia, especially those with a baseline of 1–3 IU/dl, should be offered prophylaxis based on the same criteria as people with severe haemophilia. Trough levels should be maintained above 3 IU/dl or higher if a level of 3 IU/dl does not control breakthrough bleeding and prophylaxis should be tailored to the bleeding phenotype. This advice is in line with recently published guidelines from the World Federation of Haemophilia and the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation.
Epidemics in premodern Middle Eastern society and thought
Authors: Ayalon Yaron
Published: February 2021

This article examines thought about and responses to epidemics in the Middle East before the 19th century. Its focus is mostly on approaches to plagues, the responses of state officials to them, and people's reactions in the Ottoman period (16th–18th centuries), with some attention given to the early Islamic and Mamluk periods. Among issues explored are distribution of grain, price control measures, tax adjustments, and an array of other actions taken mostly locally, including quarantine. The latter referred primarily to the question of flight: whether it was permissible to leave a plague‐ridden area, and how many people actually took such action. As I show here, flight was a common response despite prohibitions on the practice appearing in the Islamic plague literature.
Antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility and effect of Bio‐C Temp bioceramic intracanal medicament on osteoblast biology
Authors: Guerreiro J. C. M. , Ochoa‐Rodrígez V. M. , Rodrigues E. M. , Chavez‐Andrade G. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Faria G.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To analyse the antimicrobial and biological properties of a new bioceramic intracanal medicament (Bio‐C Temp), and to compare it with two calcium hydroxide‐based intracanal medicaments (Calen® and UltraCal® XS).

Methodology

The direct contact and the crystal violet tests were performed to assess the antimicrobial activity of intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. The cytocompatibility and the effect of the medication on the biology of the human osteoblast‐like cell line (Saos‐2) were evaluated with methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT), neutral red, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization (alizarin red) assays. The data were analysed using one‐way anova and Tukey’s tests, two‐way anova and Bonferroni’s tests, or Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Bio‐C Temp had significantly less antibacterial activity and biofilm biomass reduction than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the viability of Saos‐2 exposed to the various intracanal medicaments, except regarding the 1 : 2 dilution, when the Bio‐C Temp group had significantly lower cell viability than the UltraCal® XS and Calen® groups (P < 0.05). Bio‐C Temp induced significantly greater ALP activity than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05) at day 1. Calen® induced significantly greater deposition of mineralized nodules than the other intracanal medicaments (P < 0.05), and no difference was observed between Bio‐C Temp and UltraCal® XS (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Bio‐C Temp had similar cytocompatibility at higher dilutions, and higher or similar induction of ALP activity and deposition of mineralized nodules in comparison with Calen® and UltraCal® XS. However, it had significantly less antibacterial and antibiofilm activity than Calen® and UltraCal® XS.
A study of the possible factors affecting COVID‐19 spread, severity and mortality and the effect of social distancing on these factors: Machine learning forecasting model
Authors: Zawbaa Hossam M. , El‐Gendy Ahmed , Saeed Haitham , Osama Hasnaa , Ali Ahmed M. A. , Gomaa Dina , Abdelrahman Mona , Harb Hadeer S. , Madney Yasmin M. , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A.
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds

SARS‐CoV‐2 is affecting different countries all over the world, with significant variation in infection‐rate and death‐ratio. We have previously shown a presence of a possible relationship between different variables including the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, average age, gender, and malaria treatment, and the rate of spread, severity and mortality of COVID‐19 disease. This paper focuses on developing machine learning models for this relationship.

Methods

We have used real‐datasets collected from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to develop a model from China data as the baseline country. From this model, we predicted and forecasted different countries' daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases and examined if there was any possible effect of the variables mentioned above.

Results

The model was trained based on China data as a baseline model for daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases. This machine learning application succeeded in modelling and forecasting daily confirmed‐cases and daily death‐cases. The modelling and forecasting of viral spread resulted in four different regions; these regions were dependent on the malarial treatments, BCG vaccination, weather conditions, and average age. However, the lack of social distancing resulted in variation in the effect of these factors, for example, double‐humped spread and mortality cases curves and sudden increases in the spread and mortality cases in different countries.

The process of machine learning for time‐series prediction and forecasting, especially in the pandemic COVID‐19 domain, proved usefulness in modelling and forecasting the end status of the virus spreading based on specific regional and health support variables.

Conclusion

From the experimental results, we confirm that COVID‐19 has a very low spread in the African countries with all the four variables (average young age, hot weather, BCG vaccine and malaria treatment); a very high spread in European countries and the USA with no variable (old people, cold weather, no BCG vaccine and no malaria). The effect of the variables could be on the spread or the severity to the extent that the infected subject might not have symptoms or the case is mild and can be missed as a confirmed‐case. Social distancing decreases the effect of these factors.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco
Authors: Adarmouch Latifa , Tourari Samya , Sebbani Majda , Amine Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco.

Methods

An online survey was carried out in June 2020. The study population consisted of physicians (General practitioners and specialists) who run private practices in different regions of Morocco. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic and professional data, the impact noticed by the physicians and the strategies they adopted to tackle this impact.

Results

We analysed 225 responses. Specialists represented 71.6% of the respondents. The majority (94.2%) of the private practices were located in urban areas. Almost all respondents have noticed a change in the demand for medical services, mainly a decrease (96.4%). There was an increase in urgent consultations (30.7%) and consultations for acute motives (39.1%). Respondents also reported less (69.3%) or no (23.1%) regular follow‐up visits for patients with chronic diseases. Decreased incomes concerned 97.3% of the practices. Practitioners reacted by working less hours (87.6%), delaying some procedures (78.2%) and applying recommended safety measures (100%). Telemedicine was used in an informal way to facilitate the communication with patients.

Discussion and Conclusion

During this pandemic, private practices were challenged to contribute to the continuity of healthcare services while ensuring the safety of the staff and the patients. Several strategies were adopted to cope with the new situation and to survive its many challenges.