bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RATIONALITY WARS: THE ANCIENT GREEKS AND THE COUNTER‐ENLIGHTENMENT IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA
Authors: BARTSCH SHADI
Published: December 2020

Amid contemporary discussions about the relationship of logic to knowing, an entirely different conversation about the moral status of rationality is taking place between Chinese and Western thinkers. Although most would agree that deductive thought has been a highly privileged feature of the Western philosophical tradition since Plato (for good or bad), the question of its role in Confucian thought is less clear—and considerations of this topic tend to be highly charged. In turn, the question of whether the West has been tarred by a Weberian descent into a merely instrumental form of rationality has emerged as a hot topic in Chinese scholarship. However, the question merely supplies a way of engaging in cross‐cultural comparisons that are political rather than genuinely philosophical in nature. This article explores the sparring over terminology and concepts that characterizes this recent trend in scholarship. Ultimately, it suggests that instead of Chinese scholars appropriating the ideas of Western authors in order to raise anti‐Western specters of spiritual derangement, both traditions would be better off discarding this outdated and essentializing terminology in the first place.
Endoscopic lithotripsy with a SuperPulsed thulium‐fiber laser for ureteral stones: A single‐center experience
Authors: Enikeev Dmitry , Grigoryan Vagarshak , Fokin Igor , Morozov Andrey , Taratkin Mark , Klimov Roman , Kozlov Vasiliy , Gabdullina Svetlana , Glybochko Petr
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To estimate the efficacy and safety of SuperPulsed thulium‐fiber laser ureteral lithotripsy and to identify optimal laser settings.

Methods

Patients with solitary stones were prospectively included. Lithotripsy was performed with a SuperPulsed thulium‐fiber laser (NTO IRE‐Polus, Fryazino, Russia) using a rigid ureteroscope 7.5 Ch (Richard Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany). We analyzed the efficacy of lithotripsy by measuring total energy required for stone disintegration, "laser‐on" time, ablation speed, ablation efficacy, and energy consumption. Stone retropulsion and visibility were assessed using a three‐point Likert scale. Complications were assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification system.

Results

A total of 149 patients were included. The mean stone density was 985 ± 360 Hounsfield units, the median (interquartile range) stone volume was 179 (94–357) mm3. The median (interquartile range) total energy was 1 (0.4–2) kJ, and laser‐on time 1.2 (0.5–2.7) min. The median (interquartile range) stone ablation speed was 140 (80–279) mm3/min, energy for ablation of 1 mm3 was 5.6 (3–9.9) J/mm3 and energy consumption was 0.9 (0.6–1) J/min. A correlation was found between retropulsion and the energy used (r = 0.5, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed energy to be a predictor of increased retropulsion (odds ratio 65.7, 95% confidence interval 1.6–2774.1; P = 0.028). No predictors for worse visibility were identified.

Conclusion

The SuperPulsed thulium‐fiber laser provides effective and safe lithotripsy during ureteroscopy regardless of stone density. Fiber diameter and laser frequency do not influence visibility or safety. Optimal laser settings are 0.5 J × 30 Hz for fragmentation and 0.15 J × 100 Hz for dusting.
Does the presence of parents in the dental operatory room influence children’s behaviour, anxiety and fear during their dental treatment? A systematic review
Authors: Passos De Luca Mariana , Massignan Carla , Bolan Michele , Butini Oliveira Luciana , Aydinoz Secil , Dick Bruce , De Luca Canto Graziela
Published: December 2020

Background

The presence of parents during the dental appointment can affect the child's behaviour and, consequently, the success of the treatment.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether parents’ presence in the operatory room influences children’s behaviour, anxiety and fear during dental treatment.

Design

EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Databases were searched. Randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials in which some measure assessing children’s behaviour and/or anxiety and fear during dental treatment with the presence and absence of parents were included. Two reviewers assessed studies for selection, extracted data, evaluated bias (Joanna Briggs Institute) and graded the certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Random‐effects meta‐analyses using mean difference (MD) and narrative synthesis were performed.

Results

A total of 2846 papers were identified, and after a 2‐phase selection, sixteen studies were included (five in meta‐analyses). There was no difference in children’s behaviour in the presence or absence of parents (P = .23, P = .40, P = .60 and P = .89, respectively). The presence or absence of parents did not influence children's anxiety (P = .94 and P = .97) or fear (DM: −0.08; CI:‐0.34–0.19, P = .24). All included studies presented a high risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was considered to be very low.

Conclusion

It is concluded that parents’ presence in the operation room does not influence children’s (up to 12 years old) behaviour, anxiety and fear during dental treatment with very low certainty of evidence. Methodological limitations of included studies, however, suggest that better designed trials are needed to adequately understand this issue.
Benefits and cultural adaptations of psychosocial interventions for parents and their children with intellectual disabilities in low‐and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Susanty Dessy , Noel Pia , Sabeh Meta Saraswati , Jahoda Andrew
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence and awareness of the importance of culturally adapting psychosocial interventions is growing. The aim of this paper is to systematically review studies on cultural adaptations of psychosocial interventions for parents and their children with intellectual disabilities, in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Studies were identified through electronic databases and searching bibliographies. The quality and cultural adaptations of thirteen studies focusing on parental trainings were analysed using standardised tools and frameworks.

Results

Findings suggest interventions reduce the risk of depression and stress and increase coping strategies and positive perceptions of family functioning. Parenting skills training may improve parent–child interactions and child development. However, these benefits should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological shortcomings. Most studies described efforts to make appropriate cultural adaptations to the interventions, but these adaptations were not comprehensive.

Conclusion

High‐quality cultural adaptations are crucial to providing meaningful interventions in different parts of the world.
Pleistocene glacial cycles as drivers of allopatric differentiation in Arctic shorebirds
Authors: Arcones Angel , Ponti Raquel , Ferrer Xavier , Vieites David R.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Spatio‐temporal changes have likely caused range fragmentation and population isolation, which could have given rise to the observed current intraspecific differentiation in some species. Here, we test several hypotheses on the potential effect of Pleistocene glacial cycles in the diversification of Arctic shorebird species, comparing between different scenarios of fragmentation of the breeding distribution during glacial and interglacial periods.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Arctic migratory shorebirds.

Methods

We performed species distribution models (SDMs) to explore the changes in the breeding and non‐breeding ranges of 69 species between the last glacial maximum (c. 21,000 years ago) and the present. We also included independent evidence from the fossil record and estimations on the potential extension of the tundra during glacial periods to validate the results from the SDMs. We assigned each species to one of four potential scenarios based on fragmentation and potential recolonization patterns of their breeding ranges during glaciations.

Results

Our findings show that most of the species with subspecies experienced fragmentation of their ranges during the glacial, the interglacial or both periods. Meanwhile, the majority of the monotypic species maintained their ranges as a continuum. Moreover, the impacts of glacial cycles in the distribution were not homogeneous across the Arctic, and some regions were more prone to the fragmentation of breeding ranges than others.

Main conclusions

Our work suggests that Pleistocene climatic cycles drove the diversification of Arctic shorebirds by creating allopatric breeding distributions. While the fragmentation of the breeding ranges occurred mainly during glacial periods, interglacials also played a part in maintaining or establishing newly isolated breeding populations for many species. Furthermore, species' distribution changes varied between different regions and habitats, which determined current shorebird diversity patterns.
Genetic variation and phylogeographic structure of Laodelphax striatellus in China based on microsatellite markers
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhu Kexin , Han Lei , Chen Chen , Wang Mingming , Wang Xingya
Published: December 2020

The small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an important agricultural pest that has caused serious economic losses in the major rice‐producing areas of China. To effectively manage this insect pest, we analysed its genetic variation, genetic structure and population demographic history. We used nine nuclear microsatellite loci to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of SBPH at 43 sampling sites in China. High levels of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among most populations were detected. Overall, neighbour‐joining dendrograms, STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed no genetically distinct groups and exhibited an admixed phylogeographic structure in China. Isolation by distance (IBD) and spatial autocorrelation analyses demonstrated no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. On the other hand, bottleneck analysis indicated that SBPH populations had not undergone severe bottleneck effects in these regions. This study provides useful data for resolving the genetic relationships and migration patterns of SBPH and thus contributes to developing effective management strategies for this pest.
Biopolymeric films based on whey protein isolate/lignin microparticles for waste recovery
Authors: Gomide Raissa Alvarenga Carvalho , de Oliveira Ana Carolina Salgado , Luvizaro Lucas Baldo , Yoshida Maria Irene , de Oliveira Cassiano Rodrigues , Borges Soraia Vilela
Published: December 2020

Lignin is a source of phenolic compounds. It can be an excellent raw material for the production of films with whey protein isolate (WPI). The present study investigates WPI films with lignin microparticles (LMP). The structural, morphological, physical (thermal and mechanical analysis, water vapor barrier, color parameters, and transparency) properties, and the antioxidant properties were determined. The concentration of LMP were 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% (w/w). Structural analysis showed the addition of LMP to WPI‐based films did not change the film structure. A good dispersion of the microparticles is observed for the treatments containing 0.25 and 0.50% (w/w) LMP. In the concentrations of WPI and LMP used, an improvement in the thermal (increase of 13.46°C inTg) and mechanical properties (35% more resistant) were observed, as well as higher temperatures of degradation and lower water vapor barrier (12 and 16% for 0.25 and 0.50%, w/w, LMP). The films containing LMP showed antioxidant potential, with higher values for 0.75% (w/w) of LMP.

Practical Applications

The Whey Protein Isolate is by‐product of the cheese industry and Lignin is a by‐product of the cellulose, paper, and ethanol biorefineries. The lignin improved the resistance of packaging to handling, providing longer use time for the packaging. These two polymers combined interesting characteristics for the development of new active packaging, with antioxidant action, capable of reducing food degradation and expanding the shelf life of foods.
Practical application of bacteriophage in food manufacturing facilities for the control of Listeria sp.
Authors: Reinhard Robert G. , Kalinowski Robin M. , Bodnaruk Peter W. , Eifert Joseph D. , Boyer Renee R. , Duncan Susan E. , Bailey R. Hartford
Published: December 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen with the ability to persist and form biofilm matrices in processing environments of food manufacturing facilities. Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses with host specific lethality. Published research on the application of phage to control Listeria sp. in manufacturing environments is limited. In this study, we have assessed the capacity of bacteriophage P100 (Listex™) to reduce incidence of Listeria sp. in the ready‐to‐eat (RTE) environment of refrigerated (4°C) and ambient (20°C) temperature facilities using two different application strategies. A moderate application applied as a single treatment every 24 hr over three days (2 × 107 PFU/ml) and an intensified application applied once every 6 hr over a 24 hr period (1 × 108 PFU/ml). Environmental nonfood contact surface (NFCS) samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of Listeria sp. before and after treatment. When the moderate treatment protocol was applied the incidence of positives decreased from 51.3 to 17.5% in the 4°C environment and from 67.5 to 23.1% in the 20°C production area. For the intensified phage treatment method, the initial positive rate in the 4°C environment ranged from 5 to 47.5%, with an overall 43% reduction in Listeria sp. In the 20°C facility, initial environmental Listeria sp. ranged from 15 to 50%, with an overall reduction of 32% after treatment with phage P100. Data indicate the application of Listeria specific phage P100 in RTE food production environments by either the moderate or intensified application method can reduce incidence and be considered an additional intervention strategy for controlling this pathogen on NFCS.
Longitudinal Association Between Hearing Loss, Vision Loss, Dual Sensory Loss, and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Ge Shaoqing , McConnell Eleanor S. , Wu Bei , Pan Wei , Dong XinQi , Plassman Brenda L.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To better understand the role of sensory loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, this study examined cognitive decline in relation to single modality hearing or vision loss and dual sensory loss.

DESIGN

Longitudinal secondary data analysis.

SETTING

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its supplement: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS).

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 73 and older (N = 295).

MEASUREMENTS

Hearing loss was defined by an inability to hear sounds of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz in either ear. Vision loss was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Dual sensory loss was defined as having both hearing and vision loss. We used one time point of hearing and vision data objectively measured in ADAMS Wave C (June 2006–May 2008) and five waves of cognitive function data measured by the HRS version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in HRS (2006–2014). Multilevel mixed models were used.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 271 completed a hearing assessment and 120 had hearing loss; 292 completed a vision assessment and 115 had vision loss; 52 had dual sensory loss. Older adults with hearing loss had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they aged compared to those with normal hearing (β = −0.16, P < .05). No significant association was found between vision loss and the rate of cognitive decline (β = −0.06, P = .41). Older adults who had dual sensory loss likewise had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they age (β = −0.23, P < .05) compared to those with no sensory loss.

CONCLUSION

Older adults with hearing loss and dual sensory loss have faster rates of cognitive decline than those with normal sensory function.
Autologous corneal graft for the treatment of deep corneal defects in dogs: 15 cases (2014‐2017)
Authors: Jaksz M. , Fischer M.‐C. , Fenollosa‐Romero E. , Busse C.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To describe the use of corneal autografts for repair of deep corneal defects in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs that received autologous corneal grafts.

Results

Fifteen dogs (16 eyes) of different breed, age and gender were included. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (10/15 dogs). Defects were unilateral in 14 dogs and bilateral in one dog, extended to at least 80% of the stromal thickness in all eyes, with descemetoceles in four eyes and corneal perforations in five eyes. Most ulcers (13/16 eyes) were located centrally. Corneal autografts were harvested from healthy peripheral cornea of the ipsilateral eye. The thickness of the autograft was limited to a set depth of 0.3 mm. The autograft was sutured into a previously debrided ulcer bed with a continuous or simple interrupted suture pattern using absorbable or non‐absorbable suture material. Additional interventions included a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy and bandage contact lenses. Postoperatively patients received topical antibiotics and systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs, and 12/15 dogs also received systemic antibiotics. Mean follow‐up time was 54 days (2 to 462). In all eyes the donor site healed uneventfully with mild, persistent corneal fibrosis. Postoperative complications included autograft keratomalacia, graft dehiscence and corneal pigmentation. No patient required additional surgery. Good structural and functional outcome was accomplished in 14 of 16 eyes.

Clinical significance

Autologous corneal grafts provide tectonic support and result in good corneal transparency in selected cases of dogs with deep to perforated corneal ulcerations.
Early marriage and early childbearing in South Asia: trends, inequalities, and drivers from 2005 to 2018
Authors: Scott Samuel , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Neupane Sumanta , Pramanik Priyanjana , Nanda Priya , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Afsana Kaosar , Menon Purnima
Published: December 2020

Early marriage (EM) and early childbearing (ECB) have far‐reaching consequences. This study describes the prevalence, trends, inequalities, and drivers of EM and ECB in South Asia using eight rounds of Demographic and Health Survey data across 13 years. We report the percentage of ever‐married women aged 20–24 years (n = 105,150) married before 18 years (EM) and with a live birth before 20 years (ECB). Relative trends were examined using average annual rate of reduction (AARR). Inequalities were examined by geography, marital household wealth, residence, and education. Sociodemographic drivers of changes for EM were assessed using regression decomposition analyses. We find that EM/ECB are still common in Bangladesh (69%/69%), Nepal (52%/51%), India (41%/39%), and Pakistan (37%/38%), with large subnational variation in most countries. EM has declined fastest in India (AARR of –3.8%/year), Pakistan (–2.8%/year), and Bangladesh (–1.5%/year), but EM elimination by 2030 will not occur at these rates. Equity analyses show that poor, uneducated women in rural areas are disproportionately burdened. Regression decomposition analysis shows that improvements in wealth and education explained 44% (India) to 96% (Nepal) of the actual EM reduction. Investments across multiple sectors are required to understand and address EM and ECB, which are pervasive social determinants of maternal and child wellbeing.
A changed research landscape of youth's obesogenic behaviours and environments in the post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Jia Peng
Published: December 2020

The project ‘Obesogenic Environment and Childhood Obesity’ (OBECHO), carried out under the leadership of the International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE), has reviewed all sufficiently reported studies of obesogenic environmental determinants published prior to 1 January 2019. Findings of the OBECHO project have formed the unprecedentedly inclusive evidence for policy‐making and the establishment of the future research agenda regarding the obesogenic environment. Furthermore, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has made this evidence become an important benchmark record of how youths have interacted with the obesogenic environment in the pre‐COVID‐19 era. The implementation of lockdown measures worldwide for curbing COVID‐19 transmission has been affecting not mere youth's lifestyle behaviours and weight status but, more fundamentally, obesogenic environments and hence youth‐environment interaction patterns. However, COVID‐19, although causing unfavoured changes, will speed up the transformation of the research landscape from traditional to modern modes for more reliable evidence. We should closely track and study those abnormalities caused by COVID‐19 and the accompanying interventions.
The health belief model and theory of planned behavior applied to mammography screening: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ritchie David , Van den Broucke Stephan , Van Hal Guido
Published: December 2020

Background

The Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) are used to explain screening behavior. Although reviews of each model have been conducted independently, none have compared the application of both to mammography screening.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published in five databases from 1974 to 2020 was performed. Meta‐analysis of the explanatory value of the HBM and TPB and effect sizes of their cognitive variables was conducted.

Results

Altogether, 673 papers reporting HBM studies and 577 reporting TPB studies were recovered, of which 43 HBM studies and 15 TPB studies met the eligibility criteria. Twelve studies reported on the explanatory value of either model. The explained variance for HBM ranged from 25% to 89% (mean R2 = .55), while the explained variance for TPB ranged from 16% to 81% (mean R2 = .24 [screening behavior as outcome] and 0.46 [intention as outcome]). The component of “cue to action” had the greatest effect size (mean OR 1.80 [95% CI: 1.58–2.04]).

Conclusions

While the HBM and TPB both demonstrated positive explanatory value, most studies examined the individual constructs of each model and failed to report consistently on the effectiveness of the models.
Risk of non‐syndromic orofacial clefts by maternal rural‐urban residence and race/ethnicity: A population‐based case‐control study in Washington State 1989‐2014
Authors: Kapos Flavia P. , White Lauren A. , Schmidt Kelsey A. , Hawes Stephen E. , Starr Jacqueline R.
Published: December 2020

Background

Orofacial clefts (OFC) have multifactorial aetiology. Established risk factors explain a small proportion of cases.

Objectives

To evaluate OFC risk by maternal rural residence and race/ethnicity, and test whether these associations changed after US‐mandated folic acid fortification.

Methods

This population‐based case‐control study included all non‐syndromic OFC cases among Washington State singleton livebirths between 1989‐2014 and birth year‐matched controls. Data sources included birth certificates and hospital records. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for OFC by maternal rural‐urban residence (adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity) and by maternal race/ethnicity. We evaluated additive and multiplicative effect measure modification by time of folic acid fortification (before vs. after). Probabilistic quantitative bias analysis accounted for potential differential case ascertainment for infants born to Black mothers.

Results

The overall non‐syndromic OFC birth prevalence was 1.0 per 1000 livebirths (n = 2136 cases). Among controls (n = 25 826), 76% of mothers were urban residents and 72% were of White race/ethnicity. OFC risk was slightly higher for infants born to rural than to urban mothers, adjusting for race/ethnicity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01, 1.25). The association was similar before and after US‐mandated folic acid fortification. Compared with infants born to White mothers, OFC risk was higher for American Indian mothers (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.35, 2.23) and lower for Black (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48, 0.81), Hispanic (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64, 0.87), and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) mothers (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74, 1.02). Bias analysis suggests the observed difference for Black mothers may be explained by selection bias. Post‐fortification, the association of OFC with maternal API race/ethnicity decreased and with maternal Black race/ethnicity increased relative to maternal White race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Infants born to rural mothers and to American Indian mothers in Washington State during 1989‐2014 were at higher OFC risk before and after US‐mandated folic acid fortification.
Are paternal or grandmaternal age associated with higher probability of trisomy 21 in offspring? A population‐based, matched case‐control study, 1995‐2015
Authors: Schliep Karen C. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Hanson Heidi A. , Hollingshaus Michael , Fraser Alison , Smith Ken R. , Panushka Katherine A. , Varner Michael W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Fetal aneuploidy risk increases with maternal age, but the majority of pregnancies complicated by trisomy 21 occur in younger women. It has been suggested that grandmaternal and/or paternal age may also play a role.

Objectives

To assess the association between grandmaternal and paternal age and trisomy 21.

Methods

For the grandmaternal assessments, we included all offspring with trisomy 21 in a statewide birth defects surveillance system (1995‐2015) that could be linked to 3‐generation matrilineal pedigrees in the Utah Population Database. Ten sex/birth year‐matched controls were selected for each case (770 cases and 7700 controls). For the paternal assessments, our cohort included all trisomy 21 cases (1995‐2015) where both the mother and father resided in Utah at the time of birth (1409 cases and 14 090 controls). Ages were categorised by 5‐year intervals (reference: 25‐29 years). Conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors, was used to model the association between grandmaternal and paternal age and trisomy 21.

Results

No association between grandmaternal age and trisomy 21 was detected, whether age was assessed continuously (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98, 1.03) or categorically after adjusting for grandmaternal and grandpaternal race/ethnicity and grandpaternal age. Compared to fathers aged 20‐29 years, fathers <20 years (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.99, 4.98) and 20‐24 years (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11, 1.73) had increased odds of trisomy 21 offspring, after adjusting for maternal and paternal race/ethnicity and maternal age. Results were consistent after excluding stillbirths, multiples, and trisomy 21 due to translocation or mosaicism.

Conclusions

Maternal age is an important risk factor for trisomy 21 offspring; however, this population‐based study shows that that young paternal age is also associated with trisomy 21, after taking into account maternal age and race/ethnicity.
Nordic welfare states—still standing or changed by the COVID‐19 crisis?
Authors: Greve Bent , Blomquist Paula , Hvinden Bjørn , van Gerven Minna
Published: December 2020

Nordic welfare states are known for their universalistic and all‐encompassing approach to welfare and having a long tradition for active labour market policy as tool in economic crises with adverse impact on employment. They have had a long tradition for strong egalitarian approaches and their residents are consistently among the happiest in the world. A key issue is whether a crisis like the COVID‐19 outbreak is changing the Nordic welfare states. This article focuses on providing a description of what instruments the Nordic countries have taken or expect to use as part of dealing with the welfare challenges resulting from rising unemployment and greater social and economic insecurity in the wake of the crisis. The tentative conclusion is that the crisis so far has strengthened key characteristics of the Nordic welfare states by the state taking on a strong central role not only for the functioning of the market but also continued in a path‐dependent way with universal and relatively generous benefits such as for those who become unemployed or have reduced income because of the crisis.
Human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned medium reduces inflammatory factors and fibrosis in ovalbumin‐induced asthma in mice
Authors: Dalouchi Fereshteh , Falak Raza , Bakhshesh Morteza , Sharifiaghdam Zeynab , Azizi Yaser , Aboutaleb Nahid
Published: December 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned medium capable of improving the pathological alterations of ovalbumin‐induced asthma in mice?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our study indicated that human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned medium is capable of modulating inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress and the pathological consequences of ovalbumin‐induced allergic asthma in mice.

Paracrine factors secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, and the conditioned medium (CM) of these cells might have functional capabilities. We examined the effects of human amniotic membrane MSC‐CM (hAM‐MSC‐CM) on ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma. Forty male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control; OVA (sensitized and challenged with OVA); OVA+CM (sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with hAM‐MSC‐CM); and OVA+Placebo (sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with placebo). Forty‐eight hours after the last challenge, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected and used for evaluation of inflammatory factors and cells, respectively. Lung tissue sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin or Masson's Trichrome to evaluate pathological changes, and oxidative stress was assessed in fresh lung tissues. Treatment with hAM‐MSC‐CM significantly hindered histopathological changes and fibrosis and reduced the total cell count and the percentage of eosinophils and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, it reduced serum levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin‐4, transforming growth factor‐β and lung malondialdehyde. It also increased serum levels of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10, in addition to the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in lung tissue in comparison to the OVA and OVA+Placebo groups. This study showed that administration of hAM‐MSC‐CM can improve pathological conditions, such as inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress, in OVA‐induced allergic asthma.
All-Solid Ionic Eye
Authors: Chen Baohong , Sun Wenjie , Lu Jingjing , Yang Jianhai , Chen Yongmei , Zhou Jinxiong , Suo Zhigang
Published: December 2020

We describe the materials, design, experimental measurements, and simulations of a bio-inspired all-solid tunable optical device: ionic eye. A dielectric elastomer functions as an electroactive material. An ionogel functions as an ionic conductor. Both materials are stretchable and transparent. The ionic eye achieves a ∼50% relative change of the focal length, beyond that of the human eye. Our analysis also points out that the ionic eye can respond rapidly (3.6 ms) and be miniaturized in size. This all-solid deformable lens eliminates the risk of leakage of currently used encapsulated fluid lenses and can be integrated into other devices for diverse applications.
Quinine Ingestion During the Latter Stages of a 3,000-m Time Trial Fails to Improve Cycling Performance
Authors: Etxebarria Naroa , Clark Brad , Ross Megan L. , Hui Timothy , Goecke Roland , Rattray Ben , Burke Louise M.
Published: December 2020

The ingestion of quinine, a bitter tastant, improves short-term (30 s) cycling performance, but it is unclear whether this effect can be integrated into the last effort of a longer race. The purpose of this study was to determine whether midtrial quinine ingestion improves 3,000-m cycling time-trial (TT) performance. Following three familiarization TTs, 12 well-trained male cyclists (mean ± SD: mass = 76.6 ± 9.2 kg, maximal aerobic power = 390 ± 50 W, maximal oxygen uptake = 4.7 ± 0.6 L/min) performed four experimental 3,000-m TTs on consecutive days. This double-blind, crossover design study had four randomized and counterbalanced conditions: (a) Quinine 1 (25-ml solution, 2 mM of quinine); (b) Quinine 2, replicate of Quinine 1; (c) a 25-ml sweet-tasting no-carbohydrate solution (Placebo); and (d) 25 ml of water (Control) consumed at the 1,850-m point of the TT. The participants completed a series of perceptual scales at the start and completion of all TTs, and the power output was monitored continuously throughout all trials. The power output for the last 1,000 m for all four conditions was similar: mean ± SD: Quinine 1 = 360 ± 63 W, Quinine 2 = 367 ± 63 W, Placebo = 364 ± 64 W, and Control = 367 ± 58 W. There were also no differences in the 3,000-m TT power output between conditions. The small perceptual differences between trials at specific 150-m splits were not explained by quinine intake. Ingesting 2 mM of quinine during the last stage of a 3,000-m TT did not improve cycling performance.
Using Land Runoff To Survey the Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains in Vientiane, Laos
Authors: Rachlin Audrey , Luangraj Manophab , Kaestli Mirjam , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Phoumin Phonelavanh , Webb Jessica R. , Mayo Mark , Currie Bart J. , Dance David A. B.
Published: December 2020

The environmental bacterium
B. pseudomallei
is the etiological agent of melioidosis, a tropical disease with one model estimating a global annual incidence of 165,000 cases and 89,000 deaths. In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), the environmental distribution and population structure of
B. pseudomallei
remain relatively undefined, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where most diagnosed cases have originated.
PPAD Activity Promotes Outer Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis and Surface Translocation by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Vermilyea Danielle M. , Moradali M. Fata , Kim Hey-Min , Davey Mary E.
Published: December 2020

Gram-negative bacteria produce nanosized OMVs that are actively released into their surroundings. The oral anaerobe
P. gingivalis
is prolific in OMV production, and many of the proteins packaged in these vesicles are proteolytic or protein-modifying enzymes.
Multicenter Evaluation of Ceftazidime-Avibactam Susceptibility Testing of
Enterobacterales
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the Vitek 2 System
Authors: Humphries Romney , Campeau Shelley , Davis Thomas E. , Nagaro Kristin J. , LaBombardi Vincent J. , Franklin Simone , Heimbach Lisa , Dwivedi Hari P.
Published: December 2020

In this multisite study, Vitek 2 AST-Gram-Negative Ceftazidime/Avibactam test results for 1,073 isolates (866
Enterobacterales
and 207
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
) were compared to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution (BMD) reference method. The results were analyzed for essential agreement (EA), category agreement (CA), major error rates, and very major error rates following FDA/ISO performance criteria using the FDA-recognized CLSI/EUCAST breakpoints (sensitive [S], ≤8/4 μg/ml; resistant [R], ≥16/4 μg/ml).
Human Cytomegalovirus Induces the Expression of the AMPKa2 Subunit To Drive Glycolytic Activation and Support Productive Viral Infection
Authors: Dunn Diana M. , Rodriguez-Sanchez Irene , Schafer Xenia , Munger Joshua
Published: December 2020

Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on the host cell to provide the energy and molecular building blocks to mass produce infectious viral progeny. The processes that govern viral modulation of cellular resources have emerged as critical for successful infection.
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of an Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Agona Isolate from an Australian Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) Reveals the Acquisition of Multidrug Resistance Plasmids
Authors: Cummins Max L. , Sanderson-Smith Martina , Newton Peter , Carlile Nicholas , Phalen David N. , Maute Kimberly , Monahan Leigh G. , Hoye Bethany J. , Djordjevic Steven P.
Published: December 2020

Defining environmental reservoirs hosting mobile genetic elements that shuttle critically important antibiotic resistance genes is key to understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from a One Health perspective. Gulls frequent public amenities, parklands, and sewage and other waste disposal sites and carry drug-resistantEscherichia coli.
Juxtaposition of diverse, subduction-related tectonic blocks with contrasting metamorphic features and ages in the Paleoproterozoic Aketashitage orogen, NW China: Implications for Precambrian orogeny
Authors: Zhang Qian W.L. , Liu Jia-Hui , Li Zhen M.G. , Shi Meng-Yan , Chen Yi-Chao , Wu Chun-Ming
Published: December 2020

The comprehensive investigation of orogenic-related litho-structural assemblages, metamorphism, and geochronology in early Precambrian orogens can help us better understand the features of plate tectonics in early Earth. The Paleoproterozoic Aketashitage orogenic belt is located at a key position in northwestern China and connects the North China craton, Tarim craton, Altaids orogen, and Tethys orogen. Garnet-bearing mafic and paragneissic granulite occur as interlayers or blocks preserved within paragneissic matrix, and two to three generations of metamorphic mineral assemblages were identified. Geothermobarometry and pseudosection modeling yielded clockwise metamorphic P-T paths passing from 7.5–8.6 kbar/575–715 °C (M1) through 7.4–12.2 kbar/715–895 °C (M2) and finally to 5.2–7.3 kbar/710–800 °C (M3) for the mafic and paragneissic granulite as well as amphibolite, which is indicative of metamorphic features of subduction/collision zones. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions of all the samples lie in the medium P/T facies series, suggesting that the thermal gradient (∼20–31 °C/km) of this Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt was obviously higher than most of the Phanerozoic subduction zones. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb dating of zircon and monazite yielded metamorphic ages of ca. 1.98–1.96 Ga in the eastern part of the orogen, ca. 1.86–1.85 Ga in the western part, and a maximum depositional age of ca. 2.06 Ga for paragneiss. Compared with previous studies, the Aketashitage orogen is composed of unordered juxtaposition of diverse, subduction-related tectono-metamorphic blocks with different protoliths, metamorphic grades, and ages preserved within the paragneissic matrix deposited in the Paleoproterozoic, which is highly similar to Phanerozoic mélange. A Paleoproterozoic subduction-metamorphic-exhumation-accretionary process was deciphered, similar to that found in accretionary/orogenic wedge in Phanerozoic orogens. The juxtaposition of diverse, subduction-related tectonic blocks with contrasting ages and metamorphic features can serve as a marker of early Precambrian orogens and plate tectonics.
Supplemental Material: Rapid gravity flow transformation revealed in a single climbing ripple
Authors: Baas Jaco , al. et
Published: December 2020

Comparison of the climbing-ripple set described here with the climbing-ripple set immediately downstream, and quantitative evidence for rapid aggradation in the climbing-ripple set.
Supplemental Material: The global distribution of depositional rivers on early Mars
Authors: Dickson James , al. et
Published: December 2020

Table of all fluvial ridge systems mapped in this study.
Why is COVID-19 less severe in children? A review of the proposed mechanisms underlying the age-related difference in severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections
Authors: Zimmermann Petra , Curtis Nigel
Published: December 2020

In contrast to other respiratory viruses, children have less severe symptoms when infected with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this review, we discuss proposed hypotheses for the age-related difference in severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Factors proposed to explain the difference in severity of COVID-19 in children and adults include those that put adults at higher risk and those that protect children. The former include: (1) age-related increase in endothelial damage and changes in clotting function; (2) higher density, increased affinity and different distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors and transmembrane serine protease 2; (3) pre-existing coronavirus antibodies (including antibody-dependent enhancement) and T cells; (4) immunosenescence and inflammaging, including the effects of chronic cytomegalovirus infection; (5) a higher prevalence of comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 and (6) lower levels of vitamin D. Factors that might protect children include: (1) differences in innate and adaptive immunity; (2) more frequent recurrent and concurrent infections; (3) pre-existing immunity to coronaviruses; (4) differences in microbiota; (5) higher levels of melatonin; (6) protective off-target effects of live vaccines and (7) lower intensity of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Exploring the potential for introducing home monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy into maternity care: current views and experiences of staff—a qualitative study
Authors: Hinton Lisa , Hodgkinson James , Tucker Katherine L , Rozmovits Linda , Chappell Lucy , Greenfield Sheila , McCourt Christine , Sandall Jane , McManus Richard J
Published: December 2020

Objective

One in 20 women are affected by pre-eclampsia, a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, death and premature birth worldwide. Diagnosis is made from monitoring blood pressure (BP) and urine and symptoms at antenatal visits after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There are no randomised data from contemporary trials to guide the efficacy of self-monitoring of BP (SMBP) in pregnancy. We explored the perspectives of maternity staff to understand the context and health system challenges to introducing and implementing SMBP in maternity care, ahead of undertaking a trial.

Design

Exploratory study using a qualitative approach.

Setting

Eight hospitals, English National Health Service.

Participants

Obstetricians, community and hospital midwives, pharmacists, trainee doctors (n=147).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with site research team members and clinicians, interviews and focus group discussions. Rapid content and thematic analysis undertaken.

Results

The main themes to emerge around SMBP include (1) different BP changes in pregnancy, (2) reliability and accuracy of BP monitoring, (3) anticipated impact of SMBP on women, (4) anticipated impact of SMBP on the antenatal care system, (5) caution, uncertainty and evidence, (6) concerns over action/inaction and patient safety.

Conclusions

The potential impact of SMBP on maternity services is profound although nuanced. While introducing SMBP does not reduce the responsibility clinicians have for women’s health, it may enhance the responsibilities and agency of pregnant women, and introduces a new set of relationships into maternity care. This is a new space for reconfiguration of roles, mutual expectations and the relationships between and responsibilities of healthcare providers and women.

Trial registration number

NCT03334149.
Impacts of heart disease, depression and their combination on all-cause mortality in older people: a rural community-based cohort study in China
Authors: Zhou Weiju , Hopkins Alex , Zaman M Justin , Tao Xuguang (Grant) , Rodney Amanda , Yao Yuyou , Cao Zhongqiang , Ma Ying , Hu Zhi , Copeland John J , Chen Ruoling
Published: December 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of heart disease (HD) combined with depression on all-cause mortality in older people living in the community.

Design

A population-based cohort study.

Participants

We examined the data of 1429 participants aged ≥60 years recruited in rural areas in Anhui province, China. Using a standard method of interview, we documented all types of HD diagnosed by doctors and used the validated Geriatric Mental Status-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy algorithm to diagnose any depression for each participant at baseline in 2003. The participants were followed up for 8 years to identify vital status.

Measurements

We sought to examine all-cause mortality rates among participants with HD only, depression only and then their combination compared with those without these diseases using multivariate adjusted Cox regression models.

Results

385 deaths occurred in the cohort follow-up. Participants with baseline HD (n=91) had a significantly higher mortality (64.9 per 1000 person-years) than those without HD (42.9). In comparison to those without HD and depression, multivariate adjusted HRs for mortality in the groups of participants who had HD only, depression only and both HD and depression were 1.46 (95% CI 0.98 to 2.17), 1.79 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.48) and 2.59 (95% CI 1.12 to 5.98), respectively.

Conclusion

Older people with both HD and depression in China had significantly increased all-cause mortality compared with those with HD or depression only, and without either condition. Psychological interventions should be taken into consideration for older people and those with HD living in the community to improve surviving outcome.
Association between occupational health and safety knowledge and behaviours among migrant workers: results from a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Hu Ruwei , Hu Nan , Liu Ruqing , Shi Leiyu , Shi Jingrong , Ling Li
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess the relationship between occupational health and safety (OH&S)-related behaviours of migrating workers in China and their knowledge regarding OH&S laws and regulations (L&Rs).

Materials and methods

We sampled 1282 migrant workers from 12 labour-intensive manufacturers in Guangdong, China, with a response rate of 98.6%. Self-reported questionnaires were completed by the participants. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between OH&S-related behaviours and knowledge among migrant workers adjusting for their demographic features and the survey sites.

Results

Migrant workers’ behaviour of seeking occupational disease (OD) diagnosis and treatment was found to be statistically significantly correlated with their knowledge of all three OH&S L&Rs. A higher score of knowledge regarding these OH&S L&Rs is associated with a better chance to seek OD diagnosis and treatment. The ORs of the high-score group (subjects correctly answered more than one question) versus the low-score group (subjects correctly answered less than or equal to one question) are 2.02 (95% CI: 1.33 to 3.07) for Law of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, 2.89 (95% CI: 1.65 to 5.09) for Regulations on Safe Management of Dangerous Chemicals and Regulations on Labor Protection for Using Toxic Substances in Workplace and 2.25 (95% CI: 1.34 to 3.77) for Work-Related Injury Insurance Regulations. However, knowledge about these L&Rs is not statistically significantly associated with OH&S-related protective behaviours such as wearing a mask or gloves at work.

Conclusions

Knowledge of OH&S L&Rs helps migrant workers in China to seek OD diagnosis and treatment.