bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fruit tree phenology in traditionally managed versus protected forests in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Cosby Olivia G. , Bodos Vilma , Ragai Roslina , Van Deelen Timothy R. , McShea William J.
Published: April 2022

Community‐managed forests (CF) bordering protected areas are critical to conservation in Borneo. Iban‐managed CF retain tree species characteristic of primary forests within pulau, remnant old growth forests conserved for harvesting forest products. However, the selective felling of large trees, and proximity to surrounding mixed‐use mosaic habitat, likely influence pulau structure and composition. Tropical Asian forests exhibit supra‐annual mast fruiting (3–7 years) and extended periods of fruit scarcity, but fruit trees encouraged and planted by communities, in mixed‐use mosaic bordering pulau, may benefit wildlife during periods of fruit scarcity. We investigated seasonal availability of foods important to wildlife within protected primary forest and pulau at the boundary of the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (LEWS), in Sarawak, Malaysia. We tracked the presence of fruits and seeds, comparing relative composition and fruiting activity between forests, using bi‐monthly phenology surveys across 50 locations (October 2016–2019). We also compared fruit presence along walking transects within LEWS’s primary forest and the mixed‐use mosaic in Iban territories. We found forests within and adjacent to LEWS shared similar composition, synchrony, and extended periods of fruit scarcity. Mixed‐use mosaic bordering pulau provided more consistent fruits, however, due largely to an invasive tree (Bellucia pentamera). Our study suggests pulau retain diversity and synchrony of fruit resources comparable to primary forest, sustaining valuable habitat for wildlife within the greater mixed‐use mosaic of traditional Iban land management practices. These findings are important for understanding resources available to wildlife outside of protected areas, and how CF contribute to conserving biodiversity.
Prioritising well‐being and resilience to ‘build back better’: insights from a Dominican small‐scale fishing community
Authors: Forster Johanna , Shelton Clare , White Carole S. , Dupeyron Agathe , Mizinova Alena
Published: April 2022

Climate change is increasing the severity of extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, presenting a significant challenge to Caribbean coastal communities. In the aftermath of a major disaster, government interventions typically prioritise infrastructure, assets, and the economy through rebuilding roads, reviving economic sectors, and providing financial compensation. This is driven by a focus on macro‐level quantitative indicators rather than by local, multidimensional subjective and relational factors, closer to lived experiences and livelihoods. Using frameworks outlining social well‐being and agency, this paper explores strategies used by a fisheries‐dependent community in Dominica to recover from Hurricane Maria in 2017 and pursue well‐being. The findings highlight the importance of multidimensional well‐being, particularly relational and subjective dimensions, including existing social networks, and personal relationships critical for recovery after Maria. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates how recovery initiatives that concentrate solely on material well‐being, such as employment, can undermine agency in the capacity of a community to recover and build resilience.
Eta plastic correlation to evaluate crack tip opening displacement of pre‐cracked small punch test specimen using experimental data
Authors: Shikalgar Taslim D. , Dutta B. K. , Chattopadhyay J.
Published: April 2022

A new
correlation is proposed to evaluate the plastic component of crack tip opening displacement (
) of a pre‐cracked small punch test (known as p‐SPT) specimen by using load (
) versus load line displacement
experimental data. Through thickness pre‐cracked square‐shaped specimens are modeled for this purpose. The three crack sizes
considered for the present study are 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50. The elastic–plastic finite element simulations are performed to compute (
) data by varying Ramberg–Osgood hardening exponents as 5, 10, 15, and 20. In addition, one elastic perfectly plastic material behavior is also considered. After that, the FE data are used to calculate (a) CTOD (
) and (b) the plastic component of area under the (
) curves, that is,
. The proposed correlation of
for p‐SPT specimens as function of effective crack size
is then derived by plotting a best‐fit straight line over the data between
and
in nondimensional form. The usefulness of the proposed correlation is then demonstrated by applying the same to experimental data of p‐SPT specimens.
Extreme fire spread events and area burned under recent and future climate in the western USA
Authors: Coop Jonathan D. , Parks Sean A. , Stevens‐Rumann Camille S. , Ritter Scott M. , Hoffman Chad M.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Wildfire activity in recent years is notable not only for an expansion of total area burned but also for large, single‐day fire spread events that pose challenges to ecological systems and human communities. Our objectives were to gain new insight into the relationships between extreme single‐day fire spread events, annual area burned, and fire season climate and to predict changes under future warming.

Location

Fire‐prone regions of the western USA.

Time period

2002–2020; a future +2°C scenario.

Methods

We used a satellite‐derived dataset of daily fire spread events and gridded climate data to assess relationships between extreme single‐day fire spread events, annual area burned, and fire season maximum temperature, climate moisture deficit, and vapour pressure deficit. We then developed models to predict fire activity under a 2°C warming scenario.

Results

Extreme single‐day fire spread events >1,100 ha (the top 16%, >1 SD) accounted for 70% of the cumulative area burned over the period of analysis. The variation in annual area burned was closely tied to the number and mean size of spread events and distributional skewness towards more large events. For example, we identified 441 extreme events in 2020 that together burned 2.2 million ha across our study area, in contrast to an average of 168 per year that burned 0.5 million ha annually between 2002 and 2019. Fire season climate variables were correlated with the annual number of extreme events and area burned. Our models predicted that the annual number of extreme fire spread events more than double under a 2°C warming scenario, with an attendant doubling in the area burned.

Conclusions

Exceptional fire seasons like 2020 will become more likely, and wildfire activity under future extremes is predicted to exceed anything yet witnessed. Safeguarding human communities and supporting resilient ecosystems will require new lines of scientific inquiry, new land management approaches and accelerated climate mitigation efforts.
Left atrial strain is associated with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with end‐stage renal disease: Findings from the Cardiac, Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness in ESRD (CERES) study
Authors: Ayer Amrita , Banerjee Upasana , Mills Claire , Donovan Catherine , Nelson Lauren , Shah Sanjiv J. , Dubin Ruth F.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

We lack cardiovascular (CV) markers for patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and left atrial (LA) strain has not been studied definitively in this population. We examined associations of LA reservoir, conduit, and booster strain with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among stable patients with ESRD on dialysis.

Methods

One hundred and ninety patients in the Cardiac, Endothelial and Arterial Stiffness in ESRD study underwent echocardiography, including strain imaging. The primary outcome was 2‐year composite non‐fatal MACE or CV death. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression for LA strain measures, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), E/e′ and LA volume index.

Findings

Mean ± SD LA reservoir strain was 24.1 ± 7.0%, and LA conduit strain 11.9 ± 5.1%. In age‐adjusted analyses, lower LA reservoir strain and LA conduit strain were associated with the primary outcome (HR per 1‐SD worsening LA strain parameter = 1.57 [95% CI 1.2–2.1], p = 0.003 and 1.68 [95% CI 1.2–2.3], p = 0.002, respectively). After adjusting for comorbidities, LA reservoir strain remained associated with the primary outcome and with deaths alone, and LA conduit strain with the primary outcome and hospitalizations alone (p < 0.05 for all). Associations of LA conduit strain were independent of LV GLS. Associations were stronger in participants with serum albumin <3.6 mg/dl (p for interaction 0.008).

Discussion

Left atrial reservoir strain and conduit strain were independently associated with MACE among patients with ESRD. Our study provides unique ascertainment of CV hospitalizations not attributed to missed dialysis, and LA conduit strain was a strong marker for this outcome.
Design of experiments in humanitarian logistics: facility decision making in disaster preparedness
Authors: Turkeš Renata , Sörensen Kenneth , Cuervo Daniel Palhazi
Published: April 2022

Facility planning is one of the critical decisions faced by humanitarian managers. Some managerial implications have been offered in the literature, but these are commonly derived from simple sensitivity analyses on individual instance characteristics and/or using a single case study, and as such can be misleading as they ignore important interactions between many disaster properties. We carried out a large experimental study that analyses the influence of different factors and their interactions on the choice of facility configuration for inventory pre‐positioning in preparation for emergencies. On the one hand, the outcomes of the study provide insights on the effect of the most important factor interactions on the facility decision‐making. On the other hand, the findings also demonstrate that the simple analyses might provide guidelines that are not robust across different disasters, and as such promote better experimental designs in the field of humanitarian logistics.
Structure and disorder in MgSiO3 glasses above megabar pressures via nuclear magnetic resonance: DFT calculations
Authors: Lee Sung Keun , Parq Jae‐Hyeon , Yi Yoo Soo , Lee Seoyoung , Kim Hyo‐Im , Lee Sang‐Mook , Yu Jaejun
Published: April 2022

The structural modifications in oxide glasses under extreme compression may account for the pressure‐induced increase in their mechanical toughness and rigidity, rendering potential for technological applications of the compressed glasses. High‐resolution solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance has provided a structural information regarding glasses by identifying how nuclear spins behave and interact with nearby elements. However, knowledge of nuclear spins resonance in oxide glasses under extreme pressure above 1 million atmospheres has not been available, making the origins of glass densification illusive. In this article, ab initio calculations of prototypical magnesium silicate glasses quantify how structural changes in glasses affect the nature of nuclear spin interactions at high pressure beyond megabars. The calculated results establish novel correlations between pressure‐induced evolution of atomic structures, such as oxygen and cation coordination numbers, bond angle and lengths, and structurally relevant nuclear magnetic resonance parameters for Mg, Si, and O in compressed oxide glasses above megabar pressures. The established correlations highlight that the nuclear spins in glasses can serve as a new indicator to the extreme densification paths. Pressure‐induced dispersion in nuclear spin parameters also reveals an overall increase in the topological entropy. This entropy gain may weaken glasses at an elevated pressure conditions, accounting for potential softening of the compressed glasses. The proposed relationships open a new window to the evolution of diverse complex glasses under extreme stress and compression with high‐resolution solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance.
Composition of landscape impacts the distribution of the main vectors of Xylella fastidiosa in southern Spain
Authors: Godefroid Martin , Durán José M.
Published: April 2022

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a harmful insect‐borne plant pathogen that causes severe diseases to major agricultural crops and many forest, ornamental and uncultivated plants. The pathogen, native to the Americas, has recently been detected in Europe, where it causes huge agricultural losses. The effect of landscape composition on the distribution of the vectors of the bacterium in Europe remains little explored. The present study aims at identifying how landscape composition impacts the distribution of the spittlebugs Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris, which can carry and transmit the pathogen to plants and are considered to be the main vectors of Xf in the Mediterranean region. During the period 2015–2018, we thoroughly sampled the distribution of both species in the southwest of Iberian Peninsula. We characterized landscape composition in the sampling area by computing landscape metrics and fitted multivariate analyses and species distribution models (SDMs) to investigate spittlebugs’ response to climate and landscape structure. High densities of Mediterranean agro‐forestry systems (named “dehesas” in Spanish), sclerophyllous vegetation and broad‐leaved forests in the landscape, were positively associated with the presence of P. spumarius. Conversely, the high density of coniferous vegetation in the landscape was positively associated with the occurrence of N. campestris. For P. spumarius, SDMs accounting for ecologically relevant landscape descriptors yielded better predictive accuracy than models relying on climate only. These results highlight the importance of considering landscape information when modelling pests’ distributions and provide practical information to design landscape‐informed monitoring plans to prevent the spread of Xf in Europe.
A randomized, controlled clinical evaluation of two resin cement systems in the adhesion of CAD/CAM‐fabricated resin nanoceramic restorations: 18‐month preliminary results
Authors: Canatan Simge , Oz Fatma Dilsad , Bolay Sukran
Published: April 2022

Objective

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the performance of two different adhesive resin cement systems in the cementation of inlay/onlay restorations produced from resin nanoceramic blocks using the CAD/CAM system.

Materials and Methods

A total of 70 inlay/onlay restorations made from Cerasmart (GC, Tokyo, Japan) resin nanoceramic blocks using CEREC Omnicam (Sirona Dental, Bensheim, Germany) were placed in 53 patients. The restorations were cemented with RelyX U200 Automix (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) self‐adhesive resin cement (RXU) after selective enamel etching or with G‐CEM LinkForce (GC, Tokyo, Japan) adhesive resin cement (GCL) in combination with a universal adhesive (G‐Premio Bond) in selective etch mode. At baseline and after 6, 12, and 18 months, restorations were examined by two calibrated clinicians according to modified USPHS criteria. The data were analyzed using Chi‐square (χ2) test and Friedman test (p < 0.05).

Results

After 18 months, two teeth at RXU group were endodontically treated due to hypersensitivities. At GCL group, three restorations were lost due to debondings (2) and ceramic fracture (1). The survival rates of RXU (94.3%) and GCL group (91.4%) exhibited no statistically significant difference (p = 0.661). No significant differences were detected for surface texture, secondary caries, anatomic form, color match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, interproximal contacts, and patient satisfaction (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The two resin cement systems showed acceptable clinical performance for the cementation of resin nanoceramic CEREC Omnicam inlay/onlay restorations.

Clinical Significance

Resin nanoceramic restorations fabricated using CEREC Omnicam and cemented with either a self‐adhesive or a universal adhesive/resin cement system demonstrated clinically acceptable results for posterior teeth in a single visit.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extrusion of milk protein concentrate and rice flour blend: A new dairy nutrition delivery platform
Authors: Mitra Pranabendu , Zhou Ran , Rizvi Syed S. H.
Published: April 2022

The main objective of this study was to develop milk protein concentrate (MPC) and rice flour blend ready‐to‐eat extrudates using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extrusion (SCFX) that have comparable physical characteristics with selected commercial products because the conventional, steam‐based extrusion process is a high‐temperature and high‐shear process that degrades the product quality. Three formulations, in the ratio of 30:66.5, 60:36.5, and 90:6.5 of MPC:rice flour, were blended with 2% emulsifier (dimodan and lecithin) and 1.5% salt. The blended formulations were extruded using a Wenger twin‐screw extruder designed and built for use with supercritical CO2. The mechanical and physical properties of the extrudates were determined and compared with two commercial carbohydrate cereal products. The extrudates were equilibrated to 43%, 23%, and 11% relative humidity (RH) and their stress and stain relationships were quantified. The power law model was used to model the modulus of elasticity of the extrudates with a good fit (R2 = 0.98–0.99). The extrudates and commercial samples were rehydrated until attaining their equilibrium moisture contents and the data were used to model the rehydration kinetics and determine the diffusivity values using Fick's law. The results revealed that MPC (30%–90%) and rice flour (66.5%–6.5%) blend extrudates had physical and mechanical properties that were within the range of commercial samples tested. The overall findings of this study indicated that the physical characteristics of extrudates containing 60% and 90% MPC can be successfully used to produce ready‐to‐eat cereals and high MPC nutribars.
Preliminary mechanism in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia associated with anti‐HPA 15b antibodies
Authors: Shao Yuan , Ye Xin , Xu Xiuzhang , Mai Mingqin , Chen Dawei , Liu Jing , Luo Guangping , Wu Jing , Xia Wenjie , Fu Yongshui
Published: April 2022

Objective

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a bleeding disease that can cause fetal hydrops, a rare but life‐threatening condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid accumulate in one or two areas of the fetus's body. A case of FNAIT with fetal hydrops caused by anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies was involved in this study, as we investigated whether or not anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies can induce endothelial angiogenesis and apoptosis.

Methods

The monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens assay (MAIPA) was used to identify anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies. The three groups in Tube formation and apoptosis assays were the PBS group, the AB serum IgG group, and the anti‐HPA‐15b serum IgG group, all reacted with HPA‐15bb HUVEC.

Results

The presence of anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies was found in this case by MAIPA assay. The OD values are 0.33 and 0.21, reacted with HPA‐15bb and HPA‐15ab platelets, respectively (cutoff OD value = 0.2). Quantitative analysis revealed that the length of capillary‐like tube induced by anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies was significantly decreased over that of AB serum IgG (*p = 0.0005), but weaker than when incubated with thrombin (**p = 0.0009). The apoptosis results show a significantly increased number of apoptotic endothelial cells in the anti‐HPA‐15b antibody IgG group when compared with the PBS and AB serum IgG groups (*p < 0.0001, **p < 0.0001). In addition, there is no statistical difference between the PBS and AB serum groups.

Conclusion

Anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies can inhibit angiogenesis and induce apoptosis. This may associate with hydrops fetalis (HF), or fetal hydrops of FNAIT.
Clinical, histopathological features and efficacy of elimination diet and proton‐pump inhibitor therapy in achieving histological remission in Asian children with eosinophilic gastritis
Authors: Ng Lay Q , Loh Wenyin , Ong Jia X , Merchant Khurshid , Chiou Fang K
Published: April 2022

Aim

Paediatric eosinophilic gastritis (EG) is a rare disorder and existing literature on diagnostic criteria and management remains lacking. We aim to describe the clinical spectrum and assess the efficacy of dietary elimination and proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, with particular emphasis on histologic remission in children with primary EG.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with EG at a single centre in Singapore from 2013 to 2021. EG was diagnosed based on histological criteria of infiltration of >30 eosinophils per high‐power film (HPF) in >5 separate HPFs from gastric biopsies, in the absence of other causes. First‐line treatment consisted of PPI therapy and empiric 1–6 food elimination diet (FED). Outcomes measured were clinical, endoscopic and histological remission (defined as eosinophil count <20/HPF in gastric biopsies).

Results

Twenty‐one (66.7% females) patients were included with median age at diagnosis of 15 months (range:3–192). Majority presented with vomiting (76.2%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (71.4%). Twenty patients were initiated on FED+PPI and 16 had post‐treatment biopsies. Clinical, endoscopic and histologic remissions were achieved in 94.7%, 81.3% and 68.8% respectively following FED+PPI. Histologic remission was significantly associated with younger age (9 vs. 132 months; P = 0.026). Four patients who did not respond to FED+PPI were started on oral viscous budesonide, of whom one achieved histological remission and two had clinical improvement.

Conclusions

FED+PPI is effective as first‐line treatment in achieving histological remission in paediatric EG particularly in younger patients. Topical corticosteroids can be considered for those who have failed FED+PPI therapy.
Identification of potentially functional circRNAs and prediction of circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network in periodontitis: Bridging the gap between bioinformatics and clinical needs
Authors: Yu Weijun , Gu Qisheng , Wu Di , Zhang Weiqi , Li Gang , Lin Lu , Lowe Jared M. , Hu Shucheng , Li Tia Wenjun , Zhou Zhen , Miao Michael Z. , Gong Yuhua , Zhao Yifei , Lu Eryi
Published: April 2022

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to the irreversible destruction of dental support tissues. As an epigenetic factor, the expression of circRNA is tissue‐dependent and disease‐dependent. This study aimed to identify novel periodontitis‐associated circRNAs and predict relevant circRNA‐periodontitis regulatory network by using recently developed bioinformatic tools and integrating sequencing profiling with clinical information for getting a better and more thorough image of periodontitis pathogenesis, from gene to clinic.

Material and Methods

High‐throughput sequencing and RT‐qPCR were conducted to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in gingival tissues from periodontitis patients. The relationship between upregulated circRNAs expression and probing depth (PD) was performed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Bioinformatic analyses including GO analysis, circRNA‐disease association prediction, and circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network prediction were performed to clarify potential regulatory functions of identified circRNAs in periodontitis. A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to assess the diagnostic significance of identified circRNAs.

Results

High‐throughput sequencing identified 70 differentially expressed circRNAs (68 upregulated and 2 downregulated circRNAs) in human periodontitis (fold change >2.0 and p < .05). The top five upregulated circRNAs were validated by RT‐qPCR that had strong associations with multiple human diseases, including periodontitis. The upregulation of circRNAs were positively correlated with PD (R = .40–.69, p < .05, moderate). A circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network with the top five upregulated circRNAs, differentially expressed mRNAs, and overlapped predicted miRNAs indicated potential roles of circRNAs in immune response, cell apoptosis, migration, adhesion, and reaction to oxidative stress. The ROC curve showed that circRNAs had potential value in periodontitis diagnosis (AUC = 0.7321–0.8667, p < .05).

Conclusion

CircRNA‐disease associations were predicted by online bioinformatic tools. Positive correlation between upregulated circRNAs, circPTP4A2, chr22:23101560‐23135351+, circARHGEF28, circBARD1 and circRASA2, and PD suggested function of circRNAs in periodontitis. Network prediction further focused on downstream targets regulated by circRNAs during periodontitis pathogenesis.
Circadian rest‐activity misalignment in critically ill medical intensive care unit patients
Authors: Gupta Prerna , Martin Jennifer L. , Malhotra Atul , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Grandner Michael A. , Kamdar Biren B.
Published: April 2022

Circadian alignment of rest–activity rhythms is an essential biological process that may be vulnerable to misalignment in critically ill patients. We evaluated circadian rest–activity rhythms in critically ill patients and their association with baseline (e.g. age) and clinical (e.g. mechanical ventilation status) variables, along with intensive care unit light–dark cycles. Using wrist actigraphy, we collected 48‐hr activity and light exposure data from critically ill patients in a tertiary care medical intensive care unit. We evaluated circadian rest–activity rhythms using COSINOR and non‐parametric circadian rhythm analysis models, and stratified these data across baseline and clinical variables. We used linear regression to evaluate the association of circadian rest–activity and light–dark exposure rhythms. In COSINOR and non‐parametric circadian rhythm analysis analyses, the 34 medical intensive care unit patients completing 48‐hr actigraphy recordings exhibited mean MESOR (mean activity levels of a fitted curve) and amplitudes of 0.50 ± 0.32 and 0.20 ± 0.19 movements per 30‐s epoch, with high interdaily variability. Patients who were older, mechanically ventilated, sedated, restrained and with higher organ failure scores tended to exhibit greater circadian rest–activity misalignment, with three of 34 (9%) patients exhibiting no circadian rhythmicity. Circadian light–dark exposure misalignment was observed as well and was associated with rest–activity misalignment (p = 0.03). Critically ill patients in our MICU experienced profound circadian rest–activity misalignment, with mostly weak or absent rhythms, along with circadian light–dark exposure misalignment. Potentially modifiable factors contributing to rest–activity misalignment (i.e. mechanical ventilation, restraints, low daytime light levels) highlight possible targets for future improvement efforts.
Is memory impaired in narcolepsy type 1?
Authors: Medrano‐Martínez Pablo , Gómez‐Sacristan Ángela , Peraita‐Adrados Rosa
Published: April 2022

Memory deficits in narcolepsy with cataplexy type 1 (NT1) have been poorly studied, and the results are controversial. Patients with NT1 usually report memory deficits, which are not seen in objective memory assessments. This study aimed to assess attention and memory processes in NT1 patients using standardised neuropsychological tests and to compare the results with a control group. Performance in memory and attention tests was studied in 12 NT1 patients (diagnosed according to ICSD‐3 criteria) and the results compared with those of 14 control subjects. All participants completed questionnaires on sleepiness and depression symptoms. Significant differences were found in the depression symptoms questionnaire. Regarding neuropsychological assessment, NT1 patients performed worse in attention than the control group in that they processed fewer stimuli and achieved fewer correct stimuli. However, no significant differences were found in the memory test results, and the performance was similar between both groups. After application of the Holm‐Bonferroni correction, the only differences that remained significant were those in the ESS and in BDI‐II scores. Our results showed that memory processes are preserved in NT1 patients and that memory complaints may not be associated with an objective memory deficit. In addition, the significant difference observed for patients in the depression questionnaire could explain the subjective memory complaints.
Antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone in 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malcolm Elizabeth L. , Saunders Ashley B. , Vitt Jordan P. , Boutet Bruno G. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: April 2022

Chagas cardiomyopathy, caused by the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is characterized by arrhythmias, myocardial damage, heart failure, and sudden death. We describe 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial dysfunction and electrocardiographic abnormalities that were managed with a combination of cardiac medications and antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone. Both dogs died suddenly within 6 months of diagnosis. These cases highlight the need for early detection of Chagas disease in dogs and continued research to develop effective antiparasitic treatment protocols.
Cytochrome P450 reaction phenotyping of itraconazole hydroxylation in the dog
Authors: Tonero Matthew E. , Li Zhong , Reinhart Jennifer M.
Published: April 2022

Itraconazole (ITZ) is an important drug in the treatment of superficial and deep mycoses in dogs. Its primary metabolite is hydroxy‐itraconazole, which has antifungal activity similar to the parent compound. The purpose of this study was to identify the cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) isoform(s) responsible for ITZ hydroxylation in canine liver. Reaction kinetics for ITZ hydroxylation were determined in a panel of canine recombinant CYPs and dog liver microsomes (DLMs). Findings were confirmed using CYP isoform‐specific inhibitors in rCYPs and DLMs. In rCYP experiments, CYP2D15 and CYP3A12 had highest activity for ITZ hydroxylation. In inhibitor experiments, quinidine and erythromycin inhibited ITZ hydroxylation in CYP2D15 and CYP3A12, respectively, in an isoform‐specific manner. In DLMs, quinidine and erythromycin combined inhibited ITZ hydroxylation more than erythromycin alone but not quinidine alone. However, this may be related to inhibitor potency rather than the contribution of the individual CYP isoforms to the reaction. These findings support a role for CYP2D15 and CYP3A12 in ITZ biotransformation in canine liver.
Multicentre evaluation of a selective isolation protocol for detection of mcr-positive E. coli and Salmonella spp. in food-producing animals and meat
Authors: Perrin-Guyomard Agnès , Granier Sophie A. , Slettemeås Jannice Schau , Anjum Muna , Randall Luke , AbuOun Manal , Pauly Natalie , Irrgang Alexandra , Hammerl Jens Andre , Kjeldgaard Jette Sejer , Hammerum Anette , Franco Alessia , Skarżyńska Magdalena , Kamińska Ewelina , Wasyl Dariusz , Dierikx Cindy , Börjesson Stefan , Geurts Yvon , Haenni Marisa , Veldman Kees
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a screening protocol to detect and isolate mcr-positive Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from animal caecal content and meat samples. We used a multicentre approach involving 12 laboratories from nine European countries. All participants applied the same methodology combining a multiplex PCR performed on DNA extracted from a pre-enrichment step, followed by a selective culture step on three commercially available chromogenic agar plates. The test panel was composed of two negative samples and four samples artificially contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella spp. respectively harbouring mcr-1 or mcr-3 and mcr-4 or mcr-5 genes. PCR screening resulted in a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 83%. Sensitivity of each agar medium to detect mcr-positive colistin-resistant E. coli or Salmonella spp. strains was 86% for CHROMID® Colistin R, 75% for CHROMagarTM COL-APSE and 70% for COLISTIGRAM. This combined method was effective to detect and isolate most of the E. coli or Salmonella spp. strains harbouring different mcr genes from food-producing animals and food products and might thus be used as a harmonized protocol for the screening of mcr genes in food-producing animals and food products in Europe.
Factors affecting spatiotemporal behaviour in the European brown hareLepus europaeus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Carbone Roberto , Viviano Andrea , Calosi Martina , Fattorini Niccolò
Published: April 2022

The European brown hareLepus europaeusis the most widely distributed hare species of the world, being naturally present throughout Eurasia and introduced as a game species in most continents. Despite the importance of this lagomorph for both management and conservation, a quantitative summary of its spatiotemporal behaviour is still lacking.

Taking advantage of 51 selected studies conducted throughout the native range of the hare and spanning the last 40 years, we used meta‐analytic approaches in order to: 1) investigate home range size in relation to ecological factors; 2) test preference across major habitat types; and 3) provide a quantitative synthesis of hare activity patterns.

Temporally adjusted home range size of hare populations decreased with increasing cropland cover (cereal and non‐cereal crops), suggesting that home range size gets smaller with increasing food availability, and predicting that hare populations living in absence of crops would double their mean home range size compared to those inhabiting areas covered entirely by cropland. Hare populations where more males were sampled showed larger home ranges, in line with the polygynous mating system of this species.

Hares preferred cropland and grassland over other habitats for foraging, thus selecting the two habitats characterised by the majority of trophic resources for this species. Yet, habitat types were used proportionally to their availability overall, except for the general avoidance of human settlements. Hares were mainly nocturnal, with the lowest activity during daytime, when activity was about one third of that at night, and showed moonlight avoidance, probably to limit encounters with nocturnal predators.

Our work emphasises the importance of open habitats and especially cropland for this lagomorph, but also suggests some plasticity in the use of space and time by hares. Such plasticity may help this mammal to cope with future environmental changes, providing that landscape heterogeneity is maintained.
Student perspectives on programmatic assessment in a large medical programme: A critical realist analysis
Authors: Roberts Chris , Khanna Priya , Bleasel Jane , Lane Stuart , Burgess Annette , Charles Kellie , Howard Rosa , O'Mara Deborah , Haq Inam , Rutzou Timothy
Published: April 2022

Background

Fundamental challenges exist in researching complex changes of assessment practice from traditional objective‐focused ‘assessments of learning’ towards programmatic ‘assessment for learning’. The latter emphasise both the subjective and social in collective judgements of student progress. Our context was a purposively designed programmatic assessment system implemented in the first year of a new graduate entry curriculum. We applied critical realist perspectives to unpack the underlying causes (mechanisms) that explained student experiences of programmatic assessment, to optimise assessment practice for future iterations.

Methods

Data came from 14 in‐depth focus groups (N = 112/261 students). We applied a critical realist lens drawn from Bhasker's three domains of reality (the actual, empirical and real) and Archer's concept of structure and agency to understand the student experience of programmatic assessment. Analysis involved induction (pattern identification), abduction (theoretical interpretation) and retroduction (causal explanation).

Results

As a complex educational and social change, the assessment structures and culture systems within programmatic assessment provided conditions (constraints and enablements) and conditioning (acceptance or rejection of new ‘non‐traditional’ assessment processes) for the actions of agents (students) to exercise their learning choices. The emergent underlying mechanism that most influenced students' experience of programmatic assessment was one of balancing the complex relationships between learner agency, assessment structures and the cultural system.

Conclusions

Our study adds to debates on programmatic assessment by emphasising how the achievement of balance between learner agency, structure and culture suggests strategies to underpin sustained changes (elaboration) in assessment practice. These include; faculty and student learning development to promote collective reflexivity and agency, optimising assessment structures by enhancing integration of theory with practice, and changing learning culture by both enhancing existing and developing new social structures between faculty and the student body to gain acceptance and trust related to the new norms, beliefs and behaviours in assessing for and of learning.
Gingival inflammation and hematological parameters in children with visceral leishmaniasis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Villibor Fernanda Fresneda , da Silva Lucas Antonio Pires , Ribeiro Ana Lúcia Roselino , Guaré Renata Oliveira
Published: April 2022

Aims

This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess gingival inflammation in 67 children aged 1−8 years (mean age 3.07) with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) at the time of hospitalization (D1) and 7 days after the first interview (D7) and compare the main hematological changes between the two time points.

Methods and Results

The biofilm index was verified at D1 and D7 using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S) and the gingival inflammation index based on the gingival index (GI), along with hematological parameters. The mean OHI‐S was 2.35 ± 0.93 at D1 and 1.47 ± 0.75 at D7. The mean GI was 0.56 ± 0.59 at D1 and 0.11 ± 0.32 at D7. The variable OHI‐S at D1 could predict GI at D1, as an increase in the OHI‐S value by one unit was associated with an increase in the GI D1 value by 0.36 units (p < .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that none of the hematological variables were predictive of gingival inflammation at D1 and D7.

Conclusion

Children with VL had poor oral hygiene on the first day of hospitalization. Clinically, the oral hygiene status progressed from poor at D1 to regular at D7. After 7 days the gingival bleeding scores also reduces.
Benefits of psychological detachment from work in a digital era: How do job stressors and personal strategies interplay with individual vulnerabilities?
Authors: Huyghebaert‐Zouaghi Tiphaine , Berjot Sophie , Gillet Nicolas
Published: April 2022

This study examined how individual strategies (boundary creation around information and communication technology; ICT) and job stressors (work‐related extended availability) relate to psychological detachment, and how the latter associates with employees' behaviors (presenteeism) and attitudes (family life satisfaction). This research also explored the moderating role of performance‐based self‐esteem in these relationships. Questionnaire surveys were collected among 321 teachers in Sample 1 and 283 workers in Sample 2. Results from Sample 1 revealed that boundary creation surrounding ICT was positively linked to psychological detachment but only among employees with low performance‐based self‐esteem. Results from Sample 2 indicated that work‐related extended availability negatively related to psychological detachment but only among employees with high performance‐based self‐esteem. In addition, psychological detachment was associated with lower levels of presenteeism (Samples 1 and 2) and higher levels of family‐life satisfaction (Sample 2). More generally, these results confirm performance‐based self‐esteem to be a maladaptive individual characteristic, adding up to a negative cycle of stressors to decrease psychological detachment, in turn leading to maladaptive functioning.
Antifungal prophylaxis in adult lung transplant recipients: Uncertainty despite 30 years of experience. A systematic review of the literature and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Marinelli Tina , Davoudi Setareh , Foroutan Farid , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Husain Shahid
Published: April 2022

Background

Invasive fungal infections (IFI), particularly invasive aspergillosis (IA), cause significant morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LTx) recipients. The optimum strategy and antifungal agents for prevention are unclear.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search, systematic review, and network meta‐analysis using a frequentist framework to compare the efficacy of various antifungal drugs on the incidence of IA/IFI in the setting of universal prophylaxis or no prophylaxis following lung transplantation.

Results

We included 13 eligible studies comprising of 1515 LTx recipients and 12 different prophylaxis strategies/antifungal combinations. The greatest number of direct comparisons were between the inhaled amphotericin formulations. The top three ranked treatments were inhaled liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB), inhaled amphotericin deoxycholate (AmBd), and itraconazole plus inhaled amphotericin B (AmB). Among the azoles, isavuconazole ranked highest. The certainty of the evidence, assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) framework, was very low.

Conclusion

Although universal antifungal prophylaxis post lung transplantation is commonly used, robust data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to inform the choice of antifungal agent and prophylaxis strategy are lacking. This exploratory network meta‐analysis provides insight into the probable relative effectiveness of various antifungal agents in preventing IA, and this analysis should serve as a guide when selecting antifungals to be assessed in a RCT.

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La calidad del espacio público y las actividades urbanas. Un análisis de casos entre la Residencial La Muralla y UV3, Lima, Perú
Authors: Chauca Casimir Ana Rebeca , Valdivia Loro Arturo
Published: April 2022

La Unidad Vecinal N.º 3 y el conjunto habitacional La Muralla han sido íconos arquitectónicos en el caso peruano, sirviendo de ejemplo, a pesar de presentar espacios públicos que se han ido degenerando paulatinamente. Al ser solo dos casos específicos representan, además, un fenómeno constante en conjuntos residenciales en Lima: la disminución de las actividades urbanas. La presente investigación demuestra que la calidad del espacio público afecta en las actividades urbanas que se desarrollan en él, a través de un análisis cualitativo que propone un método gráfico que sirve como un ensayo para representar la realidad, usando como base el método ráster y criterios de observación, que se acompañaron con un análisis cuantitativo, para lo cual se diseñó un instrumento de encuesta de 24 ítems (con una fiabilidad de 0,666 y un KMO de 0,558).
Recuperar la metrópolis desde abajo. El papel proyectual y estratégico de los planes especiales urbanísticos
Authors: Elinbaum Pablo
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es indagar en el papel proyectual y estratégico de los planes especiales, concebidos como intervenciones ad hoc en un área menor que un municipio, a la luz los procesos de urbanización extendida de las áreas metropolitanas. La investigación se enfoca en la experiencia de la ordenación territorial del Gran Rosario (Argentina), un caso excepcional a nivel nacional y latinoamericano, con el fin de ofrecer claves metodológicas y conceptuales que sirvan de referencia tanto para la investigación como para la práctica profesional del planeamiento metropolitano. El análisis se desarrolla en tres escalas —la local, la de los subsistemas urbanos y la metropolitana— y se enfoca en la consideración de tres dimensiones interrelacionadas: la instrumental, la institucional y la procesal
La vivienda como soporte interpretable: las casas que crecen de Pedro Ramírez Vázquez
Authors: Martín López Lucía
Published: April 2022

Este texto tiene como objetivo visibilizar cómo en numerosas ocasiones, los arquitectos proponen viviendas progresivas que sirven como soporte de procesos de transformación y crecimiento habitacional, realizados por los usuarios; y que, si el sistema constructivo o estructural propuesto es fácilmente asimilable e interpretable por sus habitantes, estos pueden llegar a realizar propuestas mucho más complejas en términos espaciales, sociales y de uso que las planeadas inicialmente por sus diseñadores. Para aseverar esto, a partir de los textos de De Certeau y Bamba y Costa, y tomando como caso de estudio las Casas que crecen de Ramírez Vázquez, se analizan gráficamente las tácticas de intervención de este espacio habitable (apropiaciones, delimitaciones, negociaciones y crecimientos) desde su propuesta original de 1962 hasta su estado actual 57 años después, entendiendo la apropiación del espacio habitable por parte de sus usuarios como un proceso que estimula su bienestar individual y social.
Quantifying Joint Congruence With an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Burson-Thomas Charles B. , Dickinson Alexander S. , Browne Martin
Published: April 2022

The level of congruence between the articulating surfaces of a diarthrodial joint can vary substantially between individuals. Quantifying joint congruence using the most widespread metric, the “congruence index,” is not straightforward: the areas of the segmented bone that constitute the articular surfaces require accurate identification, their shape must be carefully described with appropriate functions, and the relative orientation of the surfaces measured precisely. In this work, we propose a new method of measuring joint congruence, which does not require these steps. First, a finite element (FE) simulation of an elastic layer compressed between each set of segmented bones is performed. These are then interpreted using the elastic foundation model, enabling an equivalent, but simpler, contact geometry to be identified. From this, the equivalent radius (quantification of joint congruence) is found. This defines the radius of a sphere contacting plane (or “ball on flat”) that produces an equivalent contact to that in each joint. The minimal joint space width (in this joint position) can also be estimated from the FE simulations. The new method has been applied to ten healthy instances of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The ten thumb MCPs had similar levels and variability of congruence as the other diarthrodial joints that have been characterized previously. This new methodology enables efficient quantification of joint congruence and minimal joint space width directly from CT- or MRI-derived bone geometry in any relative orientation. It lends itself to large data sets and coupling with kinematic models.