bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taller adult height is associated with better performance of cognitive trajectories in Chinese over 45 years old: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Luo Lan , Xie Fangfei , Wang Yun , Qin Li‐Qiang , Yin Jie‐Yun , Wan Zhongxiao
Published: June 2021

Aim

The association between adult height and follow‐up cognition requires an update in China. We aimed to examine the association between baseline height and follow‐up cognitive trajectories in Chinese subjects from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

Methods

A total of 6508 adults aged 45 years or older from the CHARLS were included for analysis. Latent class growth modeling was used to determine cognitive trajectories of 2011, 2013 and 2015. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between baseline adult height and cognitive performance and trajectories, respectively.

Results

At baseline, an increment of 1 SD (8.3 cm) of height was associated with a higher global cognitive score (β = 0.492, 95% CI, 0.348–0.636), verbal episodic memory (β = 0.155, 95% CI, 0.086–0.224) and mental status (β = 0.337, 95% CI, 0.225–0.449). These associations were still observed even when stratified by sex. Prospectively, for females, the third quartile of height level (i.e., 155 to 158 cm) was associated with a better global cognitive function trajectory (OR = 1.627, P = 0.001, P for trend = 0.009) and mental status trajectory (OR = 1.456, P = 0.012, P for trend = 0.047); and the tallest height level (i.e., 159 cm or taller) was related to a better verbal episodic memory trajectory (OR = 1.574, P = 0.017). For males, no associations were observed.

Conclusion

Increased stature might be associated with better cognitive trajectories for subjects in China. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 732–740.
Effect of addition of distraction to cryotherapy on arteriovenous cannulation‐associated pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abunab Hamzeh Y. , Alzaatreh Mohammad Y. , Abdalrahim Maysoon S.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Pain associated with the arteriovenous fistula needle is considered one of the major challenges faced by nurses and patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using two different approaches in combination to alleviate pain associated with arteriovenous fistula needle cannulation, and patients' satisfaction level with this method.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on hemodialysis patients who were allocated to one to two groups: intervention (distraction plus cryotherapy) (n = 25) or control group (receiving cryotherapy alone) (n = 25). The pain level was assessed before and at the end of applying cryotherapy and distraction techniques. Patients' satisfaction level was assessed at the end of the trial.

Findings

After the application of cryotherapy and distraction techniques for the intervention group, the mean value of pain level was 2.12 (0.9) compared with 3.92 (0.16) for the control group. Independent t tests showed a significant difference between groups regarding the pain level with p value less than 0.05. The mean satisfaction level for the participants receiving only cryotherapy was 4.6 out of 10, compared with 5.9 for the patients who received cryotherapy and distraction techniques.

Discussion

The findings revealed that using two different approaches in combination to control pain associated with AV fistula cannulation was more effective than using a single strategy. The technique can be used in clinical settings to reduce pain and improve patients' satisfaction level.
Ultrafast synthesis and densification of ZrO2 doped KNN ceramics by reactive flash sintering
Authors: Su Xinghua , Jiao Zhihua , Fu Mengying , An Gai , Wu Yajuan , Tian Qiang , Xu Pan , Wu Weiwei , Chang Xuwen , Liu Jiarui
Published: June 2021

Fabrication of dense KNN‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics at low temperatures in short time through a cost‐effective way remains a challenge. Herein, this challenge could be addressed by using reactive flash sintering. It is demonstrated that the phase transformation of KNbO3‐NaNbO3 into (K,Na)NbO3 and densification occur simultaneously during the flash event. Most importantly, ZrO2 doping can greatly decrease the onset flash temperature, which is ascribed to the increased conductivity of sample. In addition, the current limit has a significant effect on the phase transformation and densification. The flash‐sintered KNN ceramics exhibit the good ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Furthermore, the ZrO2 doped and undoped KNN ceramics show a comparable coercive field Ec, which may be related to the residual point defects after the flash. Besides the Joule heating, the avalanche generation of point defects is suggested to be responsible for the ultrafast solid‐state reaction and densification rates.
Intercultural and linguistic competences for engineering ESP classes: A didactic framework proposal through problem‐based learning
Authors: Fielden Burns Laura Victoria , Rico García Mercedes
Published: June 2021

Global competencies are crucial for societies to progress in a changing world. Beyond the specific language skills needed to be integrated into an international workforce, individuals should also develop the capacity to analyze and understand intercultural issues in their fields. In light of this, our paper firstly aims to pilot a problem‐based learning (PBL) proposal around a cultural critical incident for design engineers to develop intercultural and linguistic competences in an ESP engineering course. A secondary objective investigates how the project raises students’ awareness about cultural factors in product design. The results point to PBL as a method which enables instructors to integrate intercultural and linguistic skills in engineering programs, where students’ awareness of cultural factors can be increased through problem‐solving teamwork on critical incidents.
Best of both worlds: digital health and nursing together for healthier communities
Authors: Troncoso Erica Lorrie , Breads Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Aim

This manuscript offers a set of practical recommendations to the nursing and digital health communities in order to achieve a common vision of nurses fully engaged with and leading digital health solutions for universal health coverage.

Background

Nurses comprise the largest occupation of health workers in the world and play a central role in efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, though they are essential to delivering health care, nursing voices are too often absent in the design and implementation of new technology and digital health advances. The World Health Organization recognizes digital health as a critical catalyst for advancing universal health coverage and the aims of the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the use of digital health by nurses is globally recommended as a channel of practice to strengthen nursing services and allow practitioners to significantly improve health outcomes.

Sources of Evidence

Websites of the World Health Organization, United Nations, peer‐reviewed research search engines, as well as the experiences of both authors.

Discussion

Digital health is transforming the entirety of the healthcare provision system and these systemic changes require engagement, leadership and championing from nurses.

Conclusion and Implications for Nursing Practice and Policy

Both the nursing and digital health communities have much to gain from each other and can be stronger together. The authors offer a set of practical recommendations for both the nursing and digital health communities to implement to optimize mutual efforts towards achieving universal health coverage.
How do nurses spend their time? A time and motion analysis of nursing activities in an internal medicine unit
Authors: Michel Olivia , Garcia Manjon Alberto‐José , Pasquier Jérôme , Ortoleva Bucher Claudia
Published: June 2021

Aim

To describe the nature and duration of nursing activities and how much time registered nurses allocate to the different dimensions of their scope of practice in a Swiss university hospital internal medicine ward.

Design

A single‐centre observational descriptive study.

Method

Using a time and motion study, two researchers shadowed healthcare workers (N = 21) during 46 complete work shifts in 2018. They recorded each activity observed in real time using a tablet computer with a pre‐registered list of 42 activities classified into 13 dimensions.

Results

A total of 507.5 work hours were observed. Less than one third of registered nurses’ work time was spent with patients. They allocated the most time to the dimensions of ‘communication and care coordination’ and ‘care planning’, whereas ‘optimizing the quality and safety of care’, ‘integrating and supervising staff’ and ‘client education’ were allocated the least time.

Conclusion

This study provided a reliable description of nurses’ time use at work. It highlighted suboptimal use of the full scope of nursing practice.

Impact

Both work organization and culture should be reconsidered to promote better use of nursing skills. Practice optimization should focus on the following three main areas: (1) greater involvement of registered nurses in building relationships and directly caring for patients and their families; (2) better use of registered nurses’ skills in the activities required of their proper roles, including nursing clinical assessments and patient education and (3) more systematically updating registered nurses’ knowledge.
Ontogeny, phylogeny and mechanisms of adaptive changes in evaporative water loss in geckos
Authors: Hlubeň Martin , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Gvoždík Lumír , Starostová Zuzana
Published: June 2021

Body size dependence of metabolic rate, body surface and scale morphology complicate disentangling the contribution of these characteristics to adaptive changes in total evaporative water loss (TEWL) of reptiles. To separate adaptive changes from size‐related dependence, we compared intra‐ and interspecific scaling of several candidate traits in eyelid geckos (Eublepharidae), a group exhibiting large variation in body size and TEWL. The intraspecific allometry of TEWL of a eublepharid species fits the geometric surface–mass relationship. However, evolutionary shifts to both higher and lower evaporation were strongly correlated with habitat aridity and cannot be explained by shifts in body size alone. The intraspecific allometry of standard metabolic rate is nearly the same as the interspecific allometry. Unlike for mammals and birds, this pattern rules out respiratory water loss as a driver of the adaptive changes in TEWL among eublepharids. Scale morphology was independent of TEWL variation as well, but the correlation between cutaneous water loss and TEWL suggests a crucial role of skin permeability in adaptation to habitat aridity. Our analyses demonstrate how powerful a comparison between intra‐ and interspecific allometries can be for detecting body size‐dependent mechanisms of adaptive changes in ecophysiological traits correlated with body size.
Expression analysis and tissue localization of IgZ in the grouper Epinephelus coioides after Vibrio alginolyticus infection and vaccination
Authors: Fu Yao‐Wu , Yao Zhan‐Juan , He Meng‐Han , Wang Zuo‐Pei , Chen Wei‐Feng , Cui Miao , Zhang Qi‐Zhong
Published: June 2021

The orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is an important marine farmed fish in China. It is affected by the bacterial pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus, which causes high mortality and substantial economic losses. We studied the transcriptional changes of the IgZ gene in E. coioides following V. alginolyticus stimulation and investigated the distribution of IgZ in different tissues. The highest expression level of IgZ occurred in the head kidney. When fish were stimulated with live and inactivated V. alginolyticus, the expression levels of IgZ in the head kidney, spleen, intestine, gills and blood cells were significantly upregulated. In an in situ hybridization study, IgZ mRNA‐positive cells were detected in the head kidney, spleen and gill, but positive signals were not detected in the liver and intestine. IgZ‐labelled cells increased in the head kidney, spleen and gills post‐infection with V. alginolyticus for 21 days. The present study provides additional evidence that IgZ is involved in mucosal immune responses and helps explain the role of IgZ in E. coioides defence against V. alginolyticus infection.
Pulsed electric field of goat milk: Impact on Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and vitamin constituents
Authors: Mohamad Azizah , Abdul Karim Shah Nor Nadiah , Sulaiman Alifdalino , Mohd Adzahan Noranizan , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: June 2021

There is a dire need to produce shelf‐stable and safe goat milk with minimal effects on its nutritive quality. In this study, raw goat milk was processed with a continuous pulsed electric field (PEF) system, at various electric field strength (EFS: 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kV/cm) and processing time (5, 7, 10, and 13 μs). The maximum log reduction of Escherichia coli was 3.87 log CFU/ml, achieved at 40 kV/cm for 13 μs. Weibull and Peleg models were better fitted to the inactivation kinetics of E.coli ATCC 8739 as a function of processing time and EFS, respectively. The mean concentration of vitamin A (as β‐carotene) and B‐group vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) were nonsignificantly (p > .05) decreased compared to the unprocessed sample. Since the inactivation level did not reach the minimum log reduction recommended by USFDA, PEF is recommended as a complementary method to mild thermal pasteurization.

Practical Applications

PEF processing has gained recognition in food processing through halting an adverse issue of thermal processing. Although PEF is drifting toward industrial practice, it is essential to verify the efficiency of PEF in a complex matrix like goat milk to assure PEF can be utilized for industrial use. The results of this study show that the PEF can be recommended as a complementary method to mild thermal pasteurization as a hurdle processing technique to ensure the safety and nutritive qualities of goat milk at the industry level.
Small body size of pseudoscorpions and a distinct architecture of the ovary: A step to miniaturization?
Authors: Jędrzejowska Izabela , Christophoryová Jana , Garbiec Arnold
Published: June 2021

Chelicerata, the second largest subphylum of Arthropoda, includes invertebrates with a wide range of body size. Pseudoscorpions are among small or miniature chelicerates which exhibit several morphological, anatomical, and developmental features related to miniaturization, e.g., replacement of book lungs by tracheae, unpaired gonads, and matrotrophic development of the embryos outside the female body, in the brood sac. In this paper, we show the ovary structure of two pseudoscorpion species, Cheiridium museorum and Apocheiridium ferum (Cheiridiidae). Both cheiridiids are one of the smallest pseudoscorpions. The results of our observations conducted in light, transmission electron, and confocal microscopy demonstrate that the ovary of C. museorum and A. ferum, displays a significant structural difference that is unusual for chelicerates. The difference concerns the spatially restricted position of the germarium. We show that such ovary architecture results in a significantly reduced number of growing oocytes and in consequence a reduced number of deposited eggs. A centrally located germarium implies also a modified pattern of ovary development during oocyte growth due to long distance migration of the germline and the accompanying somatic cells. Herein, we postulate that such an ovary structure is related to the pseudoscorpion's small body size and it is a step towards miniaturization in the smaller pseudoscorpions species.
Foundations for a decolonial big data psychology
Authors: Montiel Cristina Jayme , Uyheng Joshua
Published: June 2021

The accelerated datafication of social life has led to increased interest in advancing the use of big data in psychology. However, prevailing methodological preoccupations in big data psychology elide foundational issues which amplify the problems of modernity/coloniality, including the suppression of marginalized psychologies and the widened gap between researchers and their subjects. We propose decolonial foundations for utilizing big data in psychological scholarship. We move beyond prevailing technical concerns with data processing, to engage situated practices of knowledge production. The ontological object of computing shifts from a universal psychology of numerous individuals, to a localized psychology of collectives. Epistemological priorities shift from context‐free definition and control, to prioritizing temporal responsiveness and linguistic fidelity to emergent psychological phenomena. Ethical guidelines extend beyond issues of personal privacy, and address sociopolitical concerns in fragile democracies. Finally, reflexivities from the margins account for unequal systems that situate psychologists, big data, and the phenomena they study within the plurality of Global Souths. Two Philippine case studies operationalize these principles through localized data collection practices, participatory algorithmic design, interrogation of bias, and wrestling with state encroachments. We conclude with decolonial directions for advancing equitable practices of knowledge production within the computational and psychological sciences.
Tebuconazole resistance of Fusarium graminearum field populations from wheat in Henan Province
Authors: Chen Jinpeng , Wei Jiangqiao , Fu Liuyuan , Wang Shuan , Liu Jinliang , Guo Qianwen , Jiang Jia , Tian Yuee , Che Zhiping , Chen Genqiang , Liu Shengming
Published: June 2021

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is caused by Fusarium graminearum, which contributes serious economic losses to crop yields, and is an epidemic disease of wheat. The resistance to tebuconazole of 1,118 F. graminearum strains obtained from different areas of Henan Province in 2018–2020 was determined by the discriminatory doses of 5.0 μg/ml. A total of 362 F. graminearum strains resistant to tebuconazole were detected, and the frequency of resistance of F. graminearum strains to tebuconazole was 30.7%. The EC50 and EC90 values of F. graminearum strains to tebuconazole were calculated according to the mycelial growth inhibition of the Henan F. graminearum population. The range of EC50 values of 756 sensitive strains and 362 resistant strains were 0.01–0.69 and 0.02–3.31 μg/ml, and the average ± SD EC50 of sensitive and resistant strains were 0.13 ± 0.01 and 0.40 ± 0.13 μg/ml. The range of EC90 values of 756 sensitive strains and 362 resistant strains were 0.31–4.89 and 0.65–18.69 μg/ml, and the average ± SD EC90 values were 1.13 ± 0.05 and 2.98 ± 0.09 μg/ml. The CYP51A and CYP51B genes of the sensitive and resistant strains were amplified separately by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analysed. The results showed that among the 150 resistant strains, only six resistant strains had amino acid mutation, which changed from serine to tyrosine (TCA‐TAT, Ser‐Tyr) at position 169 of CYP51B gene, and no amino acid mutation was found in CYP51B of the other 144 resistant strains. No amino acid mutation was found in the CYP51A gene of 150 resistant strains. These results provide important information to growers for monitoring tebuconazole resistance in F. graminearum field populations from wheat in Henan Province.
Discovery and Revitalization of “Feeling of Hometown” from a Disaster Site Inhabitant's Continuous Engagement in Reconstruction Work: Ethnographic Interviews with a Radiation Decontamination Worker Over 5 Years Following the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident1
Authors: Hidaka Tomoo , Kasuga Hideaki , Kakamu Takeyasu , Fukushima Tetsuhito
Published: June 2021

After hometown loss due to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident, many radiation decontamination workers started to engage in the reconstruction of their hometown. However, little is known regarding the meaning of experience of engaging in such work. We describe the process of such experience through a series of ethnographic interviews over 5 years with a radiation decontamination worker. The process was classified into the following three periods: “recovery of lost land by inhabitants' own hands,” “goal loss and semiotic trap in pursuit of recovery,” and “revitalization of feeling of hometown.” Consequently, the informant overcame the contradiction theorized as a “semiotic trap” that radiation decontamination for physical recovery would make his return to home impossible, and updated his narrative to the revitalization of “feeling of hometown” through continuous engagement in the work by creating a sense for transplacement, in which the individual focuses on the psychological aspects of his/her hometown instead of the physical aspects. Psychological reconstruction for disaster victims requires the discovery and revitalization of feeling of hometown rather than the completion of physical reconstruction.
Chronic psychological stress and lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Chess‐Williams Russ , McDermott Catherine , Sellers Donna J. , West Eliza G. , Mills Kylie A.
Published: June 2021

It is well established that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly urinary urgency and incontinence, cause stress and anxiety for patients. However, there is mounting evidence that the relationship between these two factors is bidirectional and that chronic psychological stress itself can result in the development of symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, and pelvic pain. This review considers the evidence that such a relationship exists and reviews the literature from clinical and animal studies to identify some of the mechanisms that might be involved. Inflammatory responses induced by chronic stress appear to offer the strongest link to bladder dysfunction. There is overwhelming evidence, both in patients and animal models, for a release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines during periods of chronic stress. Furthermore, cytokines have been shown to cause bladder dysfunction and pain via actions in the central nervous system and locally in the bladder. In the brain and spinal cord, pro‐inflammatory cytokines influence the regulation of micturition pathways by corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors, while peripherally cytokines affect bladder function, directly causing detrusor hypertrophy and afferent nerve hypersensitivity. There is little information on which treatments may have most benefit for stressed/anxious patients with LUTS, but animal studies suggest traditional drugs for overactive bladder (solifenacin, mirabegron) are more effective on LUTS than anxiolytic drugs (fluoxetine, imipramine). The preliminary preclinical data for CRF receptor antagonists is not consistent. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms involved in stress‐induced LUTS should provide a basis for improved treatment of this condition.
Social norms and evolutionary tax compliance
Authors: Lamantia Fabio , Pezzino Mario
Published: June 2021

The paper studies tax evasion in an evolutionary setting. In addition to standard variables such as the fine individuals may have to pay if found guilty or the probability of being audited, agents’ inclination to engage in tax evasion may also be affected by social interactions. Moreover, expected payoffs may include reputational costs or rewards awarded by society after an individual is audited. The paper shows how (i) social norms may play a very important role in defining the long‐run evolution of tax evasion and, consequently, that (ii) policymakers should consider reforms that would increase social awareness and information rather than more (financially and politically) expensive traditional auditing instruments; in addition, (iii) fiscal/auditing policies should be carefully tailored to the particular economic and social setting in place in a country.
ECMM/ISHAM recommendations for clinical management of COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Hoenigl Martin , Meis Jacques F. , Cornely Oliver A. , Muthu Valliappan , Gangneux Jean Pierre , Perfect John , Chakrabarti Arunaloke ,   ECMM and ISHAM
Published: June 2021

Reports are increasing on the emergence of COVID‐19–associated mucormycosis (CAM) globally, driven particularly by low‐ and middle‐income countries. The recent unprecedented surge of CAM in India has drawn worldwide attention. More than 28,252 mucormycosis cases are counted and India is the first country where mucormycosis has been declared a notifiable disease. However, misconception of management, diagnosing and treating this infection continue to occur. Thus, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) felt the need to address clinical management of CAM in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This article provides a comprehensive document to help clinicians in managing this infection. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and inappropriate (high dose or not indicated) corticosteroid use are the major predisposing factors for this surge. High counts of Mucorales spores in both the indoor and outdoor environments, and the immunosuppressive impact of COVID‐19 patients as well as immunotherapy are possible additional factors. Furthermore, a hyperglycaemic state leads to an increased expression of glucose regulated protein (GRP‐ 78) in endothelial cells that may help the entry of Mucorales into tissues. Rhino‐orbital mucormycosis is the most common presentation followed by pulmonary mucormycosis. Recommendations are focused on the early suspicion of the disease and confirmation of diagnosis. Regarding management, glycaemic control, elimination of corticosteroid therapy, extensive surgical debridement and antifungal therapy are the standards for proper care. Due to limited availability of amphotericin B formulations during the present epidemic, alternative antifungal therapies are also discussed.
Majocchi's granuloma: Autoinoculation and adaption of Trichophyton rubrum with molecular evidence
Authors: Zhao Ying , Gan Mingyu , Li Li , Su Huilin , Zhang Qiangqiang , de Hoog Sybren , Zhu Min
Published: June 2021

Background

Trichophyton rubrum, an important aetiological agent of superficial dermatophytosis, occasionally penetrates into deeper tissues, causing inflammation and a granulomatous response. Only few case reports of T. rubrum granuloma with molecular evidence for autoinoculation have been published.

Objectives

To find the genetic basis of adaptation to a different microhabitat following autoinoculation of Trichophyton rubrum.

Methods

A case of Majocchi's granuloma is reported, with isolation of T. rubrum strains from foot and chin, respectively. Whole‐genome sequencing of the two strains has been performed. Phylogenetic reconstruction and SIFT analysis were conducted.

Results

A phenotypic difference has been observed between the two isolates. 20 and 19 indels, 8 and 15 SNVs were found in foot and chin strains, respectively. Foot and chin strains formed a monophyletic group. Two non‐synonymous mutations of chin strains were observed in the TERG_06754 gene encoding cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP). The G293C amino acid change in TERG_03373 was predicted to affect protein function significantly. The mutated amino acid (cysteine) was only found in the chin strain in all dermatophyte non‐redundant sequences.

Conclusions

Non‐synonymous mutations located in TERG_06754 and TERG_03373 were predicted to affect protein functions, which may facilitate the adaption for invasion of the superficial cutaneous strain. As the different living environments of these two strains (oxygenous, lower‐temperature for the pedal strain; hypoxia, higher‐temperature for the chin strain), a stratum corneum‐to‐dermal adaption hypothesis of T. rubrum was proposed.
Serious fungal diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo – Incidence and prevalence estimates
Authors: Kamwiziku Guyguy K. , Makangara Jean‐Claude C. , Orefuwa Emma , Denning David W.
Published: June 2021

A literature review was conducted to assess the burden of serious fungal infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (population 95,326,000). English and French publications were listed and analysed using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and the African Journals database. Publication dates spanning 1943–2020 were included in the scope of the review. From the analysis of published articles, we estimate a total of about 5,177,000 people (5.4%) suffer from serious fungal infections in the DRC annually. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in adults and invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 6168, 2800 and 380 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis represent 50,470 and 28,800 HIV‐infected patients respectively. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis post‐tuberculosis incidence and prevalence was estimated to be 54,700. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization) probably has a prevalence of 88,800 and 117,200. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 1,202,640 and 3,551,900 respectively.Further work is required to provide additional studies on opportunistic infections for improving diagnosis and the implementation of a national surveillance programme of fungal disease in the DRC.
The FveFT2 florigen/FveTFL1 antiflorigen balance is critical for the control of seasonal flowering in strawberry while FveFT3 modulates axillary meristem fate and yield
Authors: Gaston Amèlia , Potier Aline , Alonso Marie , Sabbadini Silvia , Delmas Frédéric , Tenreira Tracey , Cochetel Noé , Labadie Marc , Prévost Pierre , Folta Kevin M. , Mezzetti Bruno , Hernould Michel , Rothan Christophe , Denoyes Béatrice
Published: June 2021

Plant architecture is central in determining crop yield. In the short‐day species strawberry, a crop vegetatively propagated by daughter‐plants produced by stolons, fruit yield is further dependent on the trade‐off between sexual reproduction (fruits) and asexual reproduction (daughter‐plants). Both are largely dependent on meristem identity, which establishes the development of branches, stolons and inflorescences.

Floral initiation and plant architecture are modulated by the balance between two related proteins, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1). We explored in woodland strawberry the role of the uncharacterised FveFT2 and FveFT3 genes and of the floral repressor FveTFL1 through gene expression analyses, grafting and genetic transformation (overexpression and gene editing).

We demonstrate the unusual properties of these genes. FveFT2 is a nonphotoperiodic florigen permitting short‐day (SD) flowering and FveTFL1 is the long‐hypothesised long‐day systemic antiflorigen that contributes, together with FveFT2, to the photoperiodic regulation of flowering. We additionally show that FveFT3 is not a florigen but promotes plant branching when overexpressed, that is likely to be through changing axillary meristem fate, therefore resulting in a 3.5‐fold increase in fruit yield at the expense of stolons.

We show that our findings can be translated into improvement of cultivated strawberry in which FveFT2 overexpression significantly accelerates flowering.
Eco‐evolutionary optimality as a means to improve vegetation and land‐surface models
Authors: Harrison Sandy P. , Cramer Wolfgang , Franklin Oskar , Prentice Iain Colin , Wang Han , Brännström Åke , de Boer Hugo , Dieckmann Ulf , Joshi Jaideep , Keenan Trevor F. , Lavergne Aliénor , Manzoni Stefano , Mengoli Giulia , Morfopoulos Catherine , Peñuelas Josep , Pietsch Stephan , Rebel Karin T. , Ryu Youngryel , Smith Nicholas G. , Stocker Benjamin D. , Wright Ian J.
Published: June 2021

Global vegetation and land‐surface models embody interdisciplinary scientific understanding of the behaviour of plants and ecosystems, and are indispensable to project the impacts of environmental change on vegetation and the interactions between vegetation and climate. However, systematic errors and persistently large differences among carbon and water cycle projections by different models highlight the limitations of current process formulations. In this review, focusing on core plant functions in the terrestrial carbon and water cycles, we show how unifying hypotheses derived from eco‐evolutionary optimality (EEO) principles can provide novel, parameter‐sparse representations of plant and vegetation processes. We present case studies that demonstrate how EEO generates parsimonious representations of core, leaf‐level processes that are individually testable and supported by evidence. EEO approaches to photosynthesis and primary production, dark respiration and stomatal behaviour are ripe for implementation in global models. EEO approaches to other important traits, including the leaf economics spectrum and applications of EEO at the community level are active research areas. Independently tested modules emerging from EEO studies could profitably be integrated into modelling frameworks that account for the multiple time scales on which plants and plant communities adjust to environmental change.
Clinical findings of patients with cystic fibrosis according to newborn screening results
Authors: Ramasli Gursoy Tugba , Aslan Ayse Tana , Asfuroglu Pelin , Sismanlar Eyuboglu Tugba , Cakir Erkan , Cobanoglu Nazan , Pekcan Sevgi , Cinel Guzin , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur , Yalcin Ebru , Sen Velat , Ercan Omur , Kilinc Ayse Ayzit , Yazan Hakan , Altintas Derya Ufuk , Kartal Ozturk Gokcen , Bingol Aysen , Sapan Nihat , Celebioglu Ebru , Tugcu Gokcen Dilsa , Ozdemir Ali , Harmanci Koray , Kose Mehmet , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Tamay Zeynep , Yuksel Hasan , Ozcan Gizem , Topal Erdem , Can Demet , Korkmaz Ekren Pervin , Caltepe Gonul , Kilic Mehmet , Ozdogan Sebnem
Published: June 2021

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal recessive genetic disease caused by loss of function associated with mutations in the CF trans‐membrane conductance regulator. It is highly prevalent (approximately 1 in 3,500) in Caucasians. The aim of this study was to compare demographic and clinical features, diagnostic tests, treatments, and complications of patients with CF whose newborn screening (NBS) with twice‐repeated immune reactive trypsinogen testing was positive, normal, and not performed.

Methods

In this study, 359 of all 1,488 CF patients recorded in the CF Registry of Turkey in 2018, who had been born through the process of NBS, were evaluated. Demographic and clinical features were compared in patients diagnosed with positive NBS (Group 1), normal (Group 2), or without NBS (Group 3).

Results

In Group 1, there were 299 patients, in Group 2, there were 40 patients, and in Group 3, there were 20 patients. Among all patients, the median age at diagnosis was 0.17 years. The median age at diagnosis was higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (P = 0.001). Fecal elastase results were higher in Group 2 (P = 0.033). The weight z‐score was lower and chronic Staphylococcus aureus infection was more common in Group 3 (P = 0.017, P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Frequency of growth retardation and chronic S. aureus infection can be reduced with an early diagnosis using NBS. In the presence of clinical suspicion in patients with normal NBS, further analyses such as genetic testing should be performed, especially to prevent missing patients with severe mutations.
Higher‐order symmetries of underdetermined systems of partial differential equations and Noether's Second Theorem
Authors: Olver Peter J.
Published: June 2021

Every underdetermined system of partial differential equations arising from a variational principle admits an infinite hierarchy of higher‐order generalized symmetries. These symmetries are a consequence of the Noether dependencies among the Euler–Lagrange equations that follow from Noether's Second Theorem. This result is a consequence of a more general theorem on the existence of higher‐order generalized symmetries for any system of differential equations that admits an infinitesimal symmetry generator depending on an arbitrary function of the independent variables.
Home cooking and identity formation in migrant Filipino families in Hong Kong
Authors: De Guzman Josef Adriel
Published: June 2021

This paper draws from ethnographic fieldwork conducted among Filipino migrant families in Hong Kong and explores the various ways that Filipino parents instil a sense of Filipino identity in their children. I argue that for these families, the home is the primary environment in which the children learn about their ethnic heritage, in turn strengthening their sense of Filipino identity. I present three activities that strengthen Filipino consciousness in the home: speaking Filipino, visiting the Philippines frequently, and cooking Filipino food at home. I argue that these activities evoke an imagined, remembered, and reconstructed notion of the Philippines. Specifically, the paper adds to the discourse on the experience of migrant Filipino families and the development of a Filipino identity among second‐generation Filipinos in Hong Kong. In addition, it helps fill the gap in the literature relating to migrant Filipinos in Hong Kong, as most of the literature is focused on the labour diaspora of Filipina domestic helpers.
The role of bacterial extracellular vesicles in chronic wound infections: Current knowledge and future challenges
Authors: Brown Helen L. , Clayton Aled , Stephens Phil
Published: June 2021

Chronic wounds are a significant global problem with an increasing economic and patient welfare impact. How wounds move from an acute to chronic, non‐healing, state is not well understood although it is likely that it is driven by a poorly regulated local inflammatory state. Opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are well known to stimulate a pro‐inflammatory response and so their presence may further drive chronicity. Studies have demonstrated that host cell extracellular vesicles (hEVs), in particular exosomes, have multiple roles in both increasing and decreasing chronicity within wounds; however, the role of bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) is still poorly understood. The aim of this review is to evaluate bEV biogenesis and function within chronic wound relevant bacterial species to determine what, if any, role bEVs may have in driving wound chronicity. We determine that bEVs drive chronicity by both increasing persistence of key pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and stimulating a pro‐inflammatory response by the host. Data also suggest that both bEVs and hEVs show therapeutic promise, providing vaccine candidates, decoy targets for bacterial toxins or modulating the bacterial species within chronic wound biofilms. Caution should, however, be used when interpreting findings to date as the bEV field is still in its infancy and as such lacks consistency in bEV isolation and characterization. It is of primary importance that this is addressed, allowing meaningful conclusions to be drawn and increasing reproducibility within the field.
Scar quality in children with burns 5–7 years after injury: A cross‐sectional multicentre study
Authors: Spronk Inge , Stortelers Anniek , van der Vlies Cornelis H. , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Pijpe Anouk ,   Burden of Burn Injuries Study Group
Published: June 2021

Long‐term scar formation is an important adverse consequence in children with burns, however, information regarding scar quality in the long‐term is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated scar quality and its predictors in children with burns 5–7 years after injury. Parents of children with mild/intermediate burns (≤10% total body surface area burned), and of children with severe burns (>10% burned) completed the patient scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS 2.0) for their children's—in their opinion—worst scar 5–7 years post‐burn. Outcomes and predictive factors of scar quality were studied, and, for children with severe burns, POSAS parent scores were compared with observer scores. We included 103 children with mild/intermediate burns and 28 with severe burns (response rate: 51%). Most children (87%) had scars that differed from normal skin, with most differences reported for colour, and least for pain. Except for colour, children with severe burns had significantly higher scores (difference 0–2 points) on all scar characteristics (representing poorer scar quality) compared with children with mild/intermediate burns. Parent POSAS scores were on average 2.0–2.6 points higher compared to observer scores. Number of surgeries predicted both the mean POSAS and the mean overall opinion of a scar. In conclusion, 5–7 years post‐burn, the scar of the majority of children differed from normal skin, especially on the characteristic colour. The uncovered insights are useful in counselling of children and their parents on expectations of the final outcome of their (children's) scar(s), and help in further targeting scar prevention strategies for the individual child.
Effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical management strategies in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the anterior compartment of the leg: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kaplan Sean , Olivier Benita , Obiora Oluchukwu Loveth
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical management versus non-surgical management on pain, range of motion, intracompartmental pressure values, patient satisfaction, recurrence of symptoms, return to activity, function, strength, and sensation in patients diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the anterior compartment of the leg.

Introduction:

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is the most prevalent cause of exercise-induced leg pain in athletes. Current evidence suggests that the best methods for management include activity modification or cessation, injection of botulinum toxin into the affected compartment, or surgical intervention. Due to the limited number and quality of studies available, the evidence needs to be synthesized to pool findings from current research and to identify gaps in the literature.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that include people with chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the anterior compartment of the leg diagnosed through a combination of elevated intracompartmental pressure values and patient history. Studies that include patient-reported outcome measures will be included.

Methods:

MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, MasterFILE Premier, CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, Scopus, and Science Direct will be searched from 1956 to date. Gray literature databases will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently retrieve and screen full-text studies, critically appraise included studies, and extract data. Meta-analyses will be performed where possible.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020189661
Family involvement in the treatment of patients with an acquired brain injury or malignant brain tumor: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Guldager Rikke , Poulsen Ingrid , Aadal Lena , Nordentoft Sara , Loft Mia Ingerslev
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to scope the evidence on the wants and needs of families with regards to their level of involvement in treatment for patients with an acquired brain injury or malignant brain tumor.

Introduction:

Severe acquired brain injury and malignant brain tumor are diseases occurring unexpectedly and suddenly. Sustaining a severe acquired brain injury or malignant brain tumor has major consequences for patients and their relatives because of its devastating impact on physical, cognitive, social, and psychological well-being. The neurocognitive deficits have been shown to put strain on families in particular.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider studies involving relatives (≥18 years) of patients (≥18 years) with severe acquired brain injury or malignant brain tumor (WHO grade 3 and 4) from different settings (municipalities, primary care, health care centers, hospital, and long-term care institutions). Studies will be included if they describe any kind of involvement by relatives, and the review will consider all study designs, regardless of their rigor.

Methods:

Indexed and gray literature in English, Scandinavian, or German from January 2010 to the present will be considered. The searches will be conducted using bibliographic databases. Studies will be independently screened according to the inclusion criteria by two reviewers based on title, abstract, and full text. In case of disagreement, a third and fourth reviewer will be consulted. A customized data extraction form will be used to extract data from the included studies. The results will be presented in tabular form, accompanied by a narrative summary related to the objective of the present scoping review.
Some Basic Properties of Shoe Brakes
Authors: Fazekas G. A. G.
Published: June 2021

In a previous paper, the author has shown how performance of a fixed anchor shoe is affected by its geometry. The present paper refines and extends the treatment to brake shoes that have two degrees of freedom of movement, showing also how their geometry may be optimized.
Tensor Flexibility Analysis of Closed-Loop Piping Systems
Authors: Soule J. W.
Published: June 2021

A technique is presented for applying Kirchhoff’s laws to the more complex structures, using the tensor method of analysis presented in previous papers by the author. Tensor formulas are used to solve a typical closed-loop piping system containing inclined branches.
High Order Accuracy in the Solution of Partial Differential Equations by Resistor Networks
Authors: Landau H. G.
Published: June 2021

In the practical solution of partial differential equations, very high accuracy is sometimes needed, particularly when the derivatives of the solution are the quantities in which we are interested. A procedure is given here for obtaining this high accuracy by a combined numerical and electric resistor-network method. The equation is first solved approximately on the resistor network; then the residuals in the corresponding finite-difference equation are evaluated numerically. These residuals are used as current inputs to the nodes of the network to obtain a correction to the first solution. If the errors in the first solution (including both experimental and lumping errors) are of the order of a few per cent, then the errors in the corrected solution will be of the order of a few hundredths of 1 per cent. The method makes possible accurate solutions without very stringent requirements on the precision of the resistors and other components of the electric circuit.
Reflection of an Acoustic Step Wave From an Elastic Cylinder
Authors: Skalak Richard , Friedman M. B.
Published: June 2021

An elastic cylinder, circular in section and infinite in length, is considered in an infinite acoustic fluid. The object of this paper is the determination of the reflected and diffracted pressure fields at large distances resulting from a plane step wave of pressure impinging on the cylinder and moving in a direction normal to the axis of the cylinder. A formal solution is obtained for the general case of an elastic cylinder. Numerical results are computed for rigid, fixed cylinders, and for rigid, floating cylinders. Two different methods are used to achieve results in the different ranges of time which are of interest. A short time approximation is developed by the use of a double integral-transform method. A mode approach and a single integral transform are used for later times. The results show that the reflected pulse decays quickly, within a time on the order of the transit time of the original wave across the cylinder.