bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of interaction rewiring in determining spatial and temporal turnover of tritrophic (Piper‐caterpillar‐parasitoid) metanetworks in the Yucatán Península, México
Authors: Campos‐Moreno Diego F. , Dyer Lee A. , Salcido Danielle , Massad Tara Joy , Pérez‐Lachaud Gabriela , Tepe Eric J. , Whitfield James B. , Pozo Carmen
Published: May 2021

Natural history studies documenting spatial and temporal variation of species assemblages and their interactions are critical for understanding biodiversity and community ecology. We characterized caterpillar–parasitoid assemblages on shrubs in the genusPiperacross remnants of semi‐evergreen forest in the Yucatán Península during the rainy and rainy–dry seasons. We collected caterpillars feeding onPiperleaves and reared them to adults or parasitoids to: (i) describe tritrophic interactions betweenPiper, caterpillars, and parasitoids, (ii) compare empirical metanetworks among sites and seasons, and (iii) investigate patterns in species and interaction turnover across spatial and temporal scales to understand the contribution of species composition and interaction rewiring to overall interaction turnover. We found sixPiperspecies supporting 79 species of caterpillars, which in turn hosted 20 species of parasitoids. In total, there were 116 realized trophic interactions. Species and interactions exhibited substantial turnover at temporal and spatial scales. Total interaction turnover was more pronounced across seasons in all sites (>93%), than it was between sites (<91%). We also found that interaction rewiring contributed more to overall interaction turnover than species turnover. The spatial and temporal variation in metanetworks documented here contribute to understanding fine‐scale temporal and spatial turnover in tropical species and interactions and raise important questions about the lability of consumer specialization and the short‐term effects of interaction rewiring on the stability of biotic communities. Our results highlight the importance of tropical food web studies that are based on natural history using consistent field methods to document bi‐ and tripartite interactions.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Decrease in CD38+ TH2A cell frequencies following immunotherapy with house dust mite tablet correlates with humoral responses
Authors: Luce Sonia , Batard Thierry , Bordas‐Le Floch Véronique , Le Gall Martine , Mascarell Laurent
Published: May 2021

Background

In line with evidence for a role of pathogenic TH2A in seasonal allergies, we previously showed that individuals suffering from food allergy exhibited a decrease in circulating TH2A cells following multi‐food immunotherapy. Herein, we aim to confirm the decline of TH2A cells in individuals undergoing house dust mite immunotherapy (HDM‐AIT) and extend our observation to a new subset of CD38 expressing activated TH2A cells.

Methods

The frequencies of TH2A and CD38+ TH2A cells were analysed by flow cytometry in blood cells from 182 Japanese HDM‐allergic individuals included in a 1‐year clinical trial assessing the efficacy of HDM tablets. Interrelationship between these cellular responses and humoral mite‐specific IgE and IgG4 levels was further explored.

Results

A decrease in TH2A cells was observed in both active and placebo groups. Interestingly, CD38+ TH2A cell frequencies significantly decreased only in active groups. In younger individuals (16–30 years), both TH2A and CD38+ TH2A cells were significantly reduced in active groups but not in the placebo group. Significant inverse correlations were observed in the course of HDM‐AIT between changes in TH2A or CD38+ TH2A frequencies and IgG4 antibody levels.

Conclusions

We confirm the value of monitoring TH2A cell frequencies in allergic individuals and extend this observation to perennial allergy to HDM. We highlight the interest of CD38 to better identify the subset of TH2A cell down‐regulated by AIT. Finally, correlated cellular and humoral responses observed in immunoreactive individuals stress that coordinated pathways occur in the adaptive responses during AIT.
An adiponectin receptor agonist promote osteogenesis via regulating bone‐fat balance
Authors: Liu Hanghang , Liu Shibo , Ji Huanzhong , Zhao Qiucheng , Liu Yao , Hu Pei , Luo En
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Adiponectin signalling has been considered to be a promising target to treat diabetes‐related osteoporosis. However, contradictory results regarding bone formation were observed due to the various isoforms of adiponectin. Therefore, it would be necessary to investigate the effect of adiponectin receptor signals in regulating bone‐fat balance.

Materials and Methods

We primarily applied a newly found specific activator for adiponectin receptor, AdipoRon, to treat bone metabolism‐related cells to investigate the role of Adiponectin receptor signals on bone‐fat balance. We then established femur defect mouse model and treated them with AdipoRon to see whether adiponectin receptor activation could promote bone regeneration.

Results

We found that AdipoRon could slightly inhibit the proliferation of pre‐osteoblast and pre‐osteoclast, but AdipoRon showed no effect on the viability of mesenchymal stromal cells. AdipoRon could remarkably promote cell migration of mesenchymal stromal cells. Additionally, AdipoRon promoted osteogenesis in both pre‐osteoblasts and mesenchymal cells. Besides, AdipoRon significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis via its direct impact on pre‐osteoclast and its indirect inhibition of RANKL in osteoblast. Moreover, mesenchymal stromal stems cells showed obviously decreased adipogenesis when treated with AdipoRon. Consistently, AdipoRon‐treated mice showed faster bone regeneration and repressed adipogenesis.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a pro‐osteogenic, anti‐adipogenic and anti‐osteoclastogenic effect of adiponectin receptor activation in young mice, which suggested adiponectin receptor signalling was involved in bone regeneration and bone‐fat balance regulation.
Clay mineralogical composition and chemical properties of Haplic Luvisol developed on loess in the protected landscape area Litovelské Pomoraví
Authors: Pospíšilová Ľubica , Uhlík Peter , Menšík Ladislav , Hlisnikovský Lukáš , Eichmeier Aleš , Horáková Eva , Vlček Vítězslav
Published: May 2021

The character of parent material, organic matter and climatic conditions are the crucial factors of pedogenesis. They directly influence the intensity of weathering, transformation processes, elements release and geochemical cycles. The mineral transformation in a profile of the recent soil developed on loess (Haplic Luvisols, Siltic, Epidystric, Ochric) was studied. The land area Litovelské Pomoraví was chosen because of the stability of soil‐forming factors such as topography, relief, vegetation and climate. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) quantitative analysis of the fine earth (<2 mm) and XRD analysis of clay (<2 μm) and the fine clay fraction (<0.2 μm) were applied. The obtained results showed the most significant differences between the argic horizons (Bt1 and Bt2) and other soil horizons. The lower content of quartz and feldspars and higher content of dioctahedral micas and phyllosilicates in both Bt horizons was observed. It was assumed the clay illuviation/lessivage process was preceded by long‐term leaching of carbonate in humid continental conditions during almost the whole Holocene. The distribution of the clay fraction correlates with the distribution of phyllosilicates through the profile. Major clay minerals in the clay fraction (<2 μm) were illite and kaolinite, smectite, chlorite, vermiculite and several types of mixed‐layered phases. The analysis of the finer clay fraction (<0.2 μm) identified the new phase hydroxy‐interlayered minerals as the product of illite (vermiculite) weathering in humid continental conditions.

Highlights

Clay mineralogy of Haplic Luvisols on loess was studied.

XRD analysis identified the new phase of hydroxy‐interlayered minerals.

Increasing of smectites, dioctahedral micas, and goethite as a result of clay illuviation/lessivage process was observed.
A theoretical model to predict suffusion‐induced particle movement in cohesionless soil under seepage flow
Authors: Huang Zhe , Bai Yuchuan , Xu Haijue , Sun Jian
Published: May 2021

Suffusion is a grave threat leading to accidents in embankment dams across the world. The process has been widely studied experimentally and numerically with gap‐grading cohesionless soil. One of the direct observations in the studies is the finer particle loss of the soil. However, the movement of the finer particles in the numerical models is commonly predicted with an empirical law. This paper proposes a theoretical particle movement model based on the force balance of soil particles and a probability distribution of the soil pores under one‐dimensional upward seepage flow. In the proposed model, the velocity and the critical movement state of soil particles were deduced, and a method to predict the critical hydraulic gradient was established. The finer particle movement rate was estimated theoretically using the particle movement velocity and probability. The model was verified with several experiments and showed a good consistency in the critical hydraulic gradient, seepage velocity, finer particle loss and hydraulic conductivity. Finally, the changes in the soil parameter during the suffusion process, the effects of the hydraulic gradient and initial porosity and the model applicability are discussed quantitatively. The results indicate that the modelled soil parameter changes match well with the movement characteristics of the finer particles observed in the experiment. The particle movement process is very sensitive to changes in the hydraulic gradient and soil initial porosity. The theoretical model provides a new method to assess the suffusion process for internal unstable cohesionless sand soil.

Highlights

A evaluation model of the suffusion‐induced soil particle movement was proposed

The model was established based on force equilibrium of soil particles

The model was credible in varied factors based on experiment data

The model evaluated suffusion process, variables affects and model applicability were discussed
Priorities and preferences for care of people with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Rijken Mieke , Stüssgen René , Leemrijse Chantal , Bogerd Mieke J. L. , Korevaar Joke C.
Published: May 2021

Background

To guide the development of high‐quality care for people with multiple chronic conditions, partners of the European Joint Action CHRODIS developed the Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model. To assess its suitability for improving care for people with multimorbidity in the Netherlands, the model was piloted in a primary care setting with both patients and care providers.

Aim

This paper reports on the patient perspective, and aims to explore the priorities, underlying values and preferences for care of people with multimorbidity.

Participants and methods

Twenty persons with multimorbidity (selected from general practice registries) participated in a focus group or telephone interview. Subsequently, a questionnaire was completed by 863 persons with multimorbidity registered with 14 general practices. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and quantitative data by means of descriptive statistics.

Results

Frequently prioritized elements of care were the use of shared electronic health records, regular comprehensive assessments, self‐management support and shared decision making, and care coordination. Preferences for how these elements should be specifically addressed differed according to individual values (eg weighing safety against privacy) and needs (eg ways of coping with multimorbidity).

Conclusion

The JA‐CHRODIS Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model reflects the priorities and preferences for care of people with multimorbidity in the Netherlands, which supports its relevance to guide the development of person‐centred integrated care for people with multiple chronic conditions in the Netherlands.

Patient contribution

European patient experts contributed to the development and applicability assessment of the JA‐CHRODIS Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model; Dutch patients participated in focus groups, interviews and a survey.
The effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) in the treatment of facial skin oily seborrhea, enlarged pores, and symptom complex of post‐acne
Authors: Shirshakova Maria , Morozova Elena , Sokolova Daria , Pervykh Svetlana , Smirnova Lyudmila
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) in the treatment of acne.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2018 on 12 patients, 10 females and two males, aged 35 years on average. The injections with BTX‐A were given during 2 weeks into the face skin in a dosage of 0.125–0.250 units.

Results

Skin moisture indexes increased during the therapy by 4% (P ≤ 0.05), and porosity decreased by 7% (P ≤ 0.01). Maximal changes were recorded for the sulci and pigmentation of the skin, namely, its values decreased by 10 and 9%, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). BTX‐A is recommended for an application not only in plastic surgeries but also for local correction of acne on the patient's skin.

Conclusion

A positive correlation was revealed between the duration of treatment and reduction of skin oiliness (0.87), pigmentation (0.78), skin sulci (0.84), and skin porosity (0.88), and negative correlation was established with increased skin moisture (−0.64). The obtained dependencies apply for the therapy period of up to 2 weeks. Pharmacological properties of BTX‐A allow recommending it as a drug used in post‐acne therapy.
Preparation of pickering emulsion stabilised by Zein/Grape seed proanthocyanidins binary composite
Authors: Li Wenjing , Huang Dongjie , Jiang Yang , Liu Yuqian , Li Feng , Huang Qingrong , Li Dapeng
Published: May 2021

This paper introduced a kind of binary composite particle constructed by zein particles and grape seed proanthocyanidins (PAs). The physicochemical performance of the zein/PAs complex colloidal particles (ZPAPs) was systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the interactions between zein and PAs were mainly hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The three‐phase contact angle (θo/w) of zein particles was around 120.7 ± 0.7°, and it was decreased to 100.8 ± 0.6° after the addition of PAs, indicating that ZPAPs were more suitable for stabilising Pickering emulsion. ZPAPs stabilised peanut oil Pickering emulsion (ZPAPEs) at 0.5–0.7 (v/v) oil fractions had no obvious phase separation during a 30‐day storage, indicating its good storage stability. Rheological results showed that ZPAPEs had excellent plasticity and viscoelasticity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that particles had stably anchored on the surface of oil droplets which could effectively prevent from Ostwald ripening. The incorporation of PAs to zein endowed zein with stronger affinity, thus enhancing the stability of Pickering emulsion. This research constructed a new novel food‐grade emulsifier to prepare Pickering emulsion with potential applications, and further broaden the bioavailability of PAs.
Wholegrains: a review on the amino acid profile, mineral content, physicochemical, bioactive composition and health benefits
Authors: Allai Farhana Mehraj , Azad ZRAA , Gul Khalid , Dar B. N.
Published: May 2021

Wholegrains are a rich source of phytochemicals, dietary fibre, complex carbohydrate, proteins, minerals, lipids and vitamins that may have the tendency to increase heath beyond the simple provision of nutrition and energy. They are highly nutritive due to their balanced amino acid profile and other macro‐ and micronutrient composition. It is considered well‐balanced diet having functional characteristics that have shown to possess medicinal benefits. The inverse relation between consumption of wholegrains and the reduced risk of chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes are reported in several studies. The consumption of wholegrains is on the rise due to the growing health‐conscious populace and health‐promoting components support the dietary consumption of wholegrains and their products. Accordingly, the conclusive evaluation of wholegrains and the human intervention studies conducted for the whole grain intake, and the inference that the wholegrains, functional properties and the health outcomes associated with wholegrains are discussed.
Recognizing genital lymphoedema after penile cancer
Authors: Noble‐Jones Rhian , Thomas Melanie J.
Published: May 2021

Lymphadenectomy for penile cancer treatment increases the risk of genital lymphoedema. There is very little acknowledgment of the risk of genital lymphoedema after penile cancer or its treatment in current literature. Genital lymphoedema is most responsive to treatment in the early stages before irreversible skin changes occur; therefore, early identification would benefit patients. A urology clinic‐based study found an assumption among health care professionals that in patients with a broad range of genital cancers, post‐operative acute genital oedema would resolve on its own, meaning vigilance for chronic lymphoedema was low. It is unclear whether vigilance for lymphoedema is any higher in specialist centres treating penile cancer. This article describes some of the challenges of recognizing genital lymphoedema in an uro‐oncology caseload and specifically in relation to penile cancer. An example case report of penile cancer‐related lymphoedema is described and puts this within the context of two relevant studies, one in a single uro‐oncology centre and the other a wider international education need study of health professionals who manage genital lymphoedema. For patients identified at particular risk, adding genital lymphoedema to the list of possible consequences of treatment could mean timely access to advice and treatment, resulting in better health outcomes. Making health professionals aware of the availability of information and education resources regarding rarely encountered conditions can be challenging. Lymphoedema specialists in collaboration with urology specialist nurses and physicians, and pelvic floor specialists have developed support and education resources to meet the identified needs. These included improved assessment documentation, accredited e‐learning, updated course materials for specialists, a series of international webinars and a set of six brief, free‐to‐view videos, hosted on the website of a recognized international lymphoedema charity.
What works to change identity? A rapid evidence assessment of interventions
Authors: Barnett Georgia , Boduszek Daniel , Willmott Dominic
Published: May 2021

This paper describes the results of a rapid evidence assessment that aimed to identify the characteristics and efficacy of interventions that aimed to or reportedly changed personal or social identity. Following a rapid but systematic search of the published, peer‐reviewed research on identity change, 400 studies or reviews were screened for eligibility for inclusion in the review, and 22 were retained. The interventions and samples were diverse and studies came from a broad geographic area. The quality of the research varied, but the majority was assessed as carrying a low weight of evidence. Just under two‐thirds of the studies were qualitative, and most explored, retrospectively, participants' perceptions of, or applied theoretical frameworks to, identity change sometime after an intervention. Quantitative studies provided little evidence of the effectiveness of interventions in changing identity. Qualitative studies most commonly applied and then supported the Social Identity Theory of Identity Change to explain perceived changes in identity. Implications for research are discussed.
Targeted dual inhibition of c‐Met/VEGFR2 signalling by foretinib improves antitumour effects of nanoparticle paclitaxel in gastric cancer models
Authors: Grojean Meghan , Schwarz Margaret A. , Schwarz Johann R. , Hassan Sazzad , von Holzen Urz , Zhang Changhua , Schwarz Roderich E. , Awasthi Niranjan
Published: May 2021

Elevated expression of multiple growth factors and receptors including c‐Met and VEGFR has been reported in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and thus provides a potentially useful therapeutic target. The therapeutic efficacy of foretinib, a c‐Met/VEGFR2 inhibitor, was determined in combination with nanoparticle paclitaxel (NPT) in GAC. Animal studies were conducted in NOD/SCID mice in subcutaneous and peritoneal dissemination xenografts. The mechanism of action was assessed by Immunohistochemical and Immunoblot analyses. In c‐Met overexpressing MKN‐45 cell‐derived xenografts, NPT and foretinib demonstrated inhibition in tumour growth, while NPT plus foretinib showed additive effects. In c‐Met low‐expressing SNU‐1 or patient‐derived xenografts, the foretinib effect was smaller, while NPT had a similar effect compared with MKN‐45, as NPT plus foretinib still exhibited an additive response. Median mice survival was markedly improved by NPT (83%), foretinib (100%) and NPT plus foretinib (230%) in peritoneal dissemination xenografts. Subcutaneous tumour analyses exhibited that foretinib increased cancer cell death and decreased cancer cell proliferation and tumour vasculature. NPT and foretinib suppressed the proliferation of GAC cells in vitro and had additive effects in combination. Further, foretinib caused a dramatic decrease in phosphorylated forms of c‐Met, ERK, AKT and p38. Foretinib led to a decrease in Bcl‐2, and an increase in p27, Bax, Bim, cleaved PARP‐1 and cleaved caspase‐3. Thus, these findings highlight the antitumour impact of simultaneous suppression of c‐Met and VEGFR2 signalling in GAC and its potential to enhance nanoparticle paclitaxel response. This therapeutic approach might lead to a clinically beneficial combination to increase GAC patients’ survival.
An experimental and finite element analysis of the characteristics of soybean grain compression damage
Authors: Jin Chengqian , Kang Yan , Guo Hongxing , Yin Xiang
Published: May 2021

During mechanized harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between the operating components and the soybean grains; the resulting damage characteristics of the grains are not well understood. Using Zhengdou 1307 as test materials, the characteristics of stress distributions under different moisture contents soybean grains in the horizontal, lateral, and vertical positions were measured and analyzed, the process of compressive damage was observed, and the damage characteristics due to compression forces were obtained. The test results show that the forced form and compressive displacement of a soybean grain is related to the magnitude of the compressive force, and the location of the stress concentration moves toward the contact, as the contact area decreases, breaking force decreases with increasing moisture content. The grain is subjected to the highest pressure when placed flat, and cracks along the vertical line of the hilum upon rupture. When placed laterally and vertically, the damage to the grain due to a compressive force is mainly from the separation of the two cotyledons.

Practical applications

The crushing rate is an important indicator to measure the harvest quality of the soybean combine. The mechanical properties of soybean grains are an important factor affecting the crushing rate. In the process of mechanized soybean harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between working parts and soybean grains, but the characteristics of soybean grains damaged by compression are not clear. This study provides a reference for the analysis of soybean damage during the harvesting, transporting, storing, and other stages by studying the damage characteristics of soybean grains, and provides certain ideas for the study of other grain damage characteristics.
Comment on: Referral criteria to specialist palliative care for patients with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Li Feng , Ho Wei Fen Sara
Published: May 2021

See the Reply by Hui et al.
What is the rationale behind China's infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Zou Longcan , Shen Jim Huangnan , Zhang Jun , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: May 2021

This research presents a full picture of the rationale behind China's infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was formally initiated in 2013. In this paper, we argue that the main reason for China to conduct infrastructure investment under BRI is to strategically respond to the emergence of the “New Normal,” which pushes the country to sustain economic growth through further structural transformation. We come up with three relevant factors for why infrastructure projects under BRI could be conducive to structural transformation in China's economy, as it (1) provides a much better alternative to the existing poor logistic conditions and can create accessibility among regions, (2) enables the smooth flow of factor endowments of production that significantly reduce production costs, and (3) indirectly strengthens the influence of the debt provider's home currency. This paper also provides three theoretical pillars: the comparative advantage following (CAF) and defying (CAD) development strategies, the late development theory with antineoliberalism characteristics, and the new international division of labor, from which these three factors might potentially explain how BRI could enhance the structural transformation of this second‐largest economy in the world.
Use of computed tomography sinography for evaluation of draining tracts in 27 dogs and one cat
Authors: Lopez‐Jimenez C. , Morrissey A. M. , Groth A. , de la Puerta B. , Lee K. C. L. , Lamb C. R.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To describe the clinical findings, imaging findings and outcome in patients in which CT sinography was performed, and assess to what degree this technique adds information about the extent of a tract or increases the accuracy of diagnosis of foreign bodies on CT.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of 27 dogs and one cat with draining tracts that had CT sinography. Pre‐ and post‐intravenous (IV) contrast CT series were compared with CT sinography in each patient.

Results

Median duration of clinical signs before referral was 85 days (range 2 to 1478 days). The most common reported clinical signs were swelling (14/28, 50%) and regional pain (5/28, 18%). CT sinography revealed a more extensive tract than post‐IV contrast CT in 21% cases. On post‐IV contrast CT, 31% of foreign bodies were detected compared to 23% on CT sinography. All four foreign bodies detected by CT were observed in the non‐contrast images. Surgery was performed after CT in 22 (79%) cases. Thirteen (46%) draining tracts resolved after surgery, three (11%) resolved without surgery, six (21%) persisted or recurred after surgery, and six (21%) were lost to follow‐up.

Clinical Significance

CT sinography provides limited additional information about the extent of draining tracts compared to pre‐ and post‐IV contrast CT images and did not increase the number of foreign bodies identified.
Persistent fontanelles in Chihuahuas. Part II: Association with craniocervical junction abnormalities, syringomyelia, and ventricular volume
Authors: Kiviranta Anna‐Mariam , Rusbridge Clare , Lappalainen Anu K. , Junnila Jouni J. T. , Jokinen Tarja S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Persistent fontanelles (PFs) are, in Chihuahuas, almost ubiquitous. Furthermore, Chihuahuas are predisposed to other craniomorphological abnormalities, including syringomyelia (SM), ventriculomegaly, and craniocervical junction (CCJ) overcrowding resulting in neural tissue deviation. It is, however, undetermined if PFs are more common in dogs with these structural abnormalities, and their etiology is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Persistent fontanelles are more numerous and larger in Chihuahuas with low body weight, older age, SM, dilated fourth ventricle, ventriculomegaly, and CCJ overcrowding.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned Chihuahuas.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study evaluating the association of both the number of cranial sutures affected by PFs (NAS) and total fontanelle area (TFA), based on computed tomography with SM, fourth ventricle dilatation, lateral ventricle volume, and extent of neural tissue compression at the CCJ based on magnetic resonance images.

Results

The NASs was higher and TFA larger in dogs with low body weight (NAS: P = .007; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.384‐0.861; TFA: P = .002; 95% CI = −1.91 to −0.478), larger lateral ventricles (NAS: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.15; TFA: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 0.099‐0.363), and more severe neural tissue compression at the CCJ (NAS: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 1.26‐2.06; TFA: P = .03; 95% CI = 0.066‐1.13). Similarly, dogs with SM (NAS: P = .004; 95% CI = 1.26‐3.32; TFA: mean ± SD, 130 ± 217 mm2; P = .05) had higher NAS and larger TFA than did dogs without SM (43.7 ± 61.0 mm2). Age was not associated with NAS (P = .81; 95% CI = 0.989‐1.01) or TFA (P = .33; 95% CI = −0.269 to 0.092).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Persistent fontanelles are associated with small size, SM, ventriculomegaly, and CCJ overcrowding.
The type 3 adenylyl cyclase is crucial for intestinal mucosal neural network in the gut lamina propria
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Yanfen , Yang Dong , Chen Tingrong , Liu Xinxia , Li Shujuan , Wang Zhenshan
Published: May 2021

Background

The type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3) enzyme is involved in the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a crucial role in neurogenesis and neural dendritic arborization. However, the AC3’s functional role in the gastrointestinal tract remains ambiguous.

Methods

AC3 expression in enteric tissue of AC3+/+ mice was investigated using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR. AC3 knock‐out mice (AC3−/−) were used to examine the effect of AC3 on the enteric nervous system (ENS) function and the number of cilia and apoptotic cells. Additionally, total gastrointestinal transit time and colonic motility were compared between the AC3−/− and AC3+/+ groups of mice.

Key Results

AC3 was predominately expressed in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine. Colonic‐bead expulsion analysis showed accelerated propulsion in the large intestine of the AC3−/− mice. The AC3−/− mice demonstrated reduced nerve fibers and enteric glial cells count in colonic mucosa compared to the AC3+/+ mice. Furthermore, AC3−/− mice exhibited increased cellular apoptosis and reduced ARL13B+ cilium cells in the colonic lamina propria compared to the AC3+/+ mice.

Conclusions

In AC3−/− mice, innervation of the lamina propria in the colonic mucosa was reduced and colonic propulsion was accelerated. AC3 is crucial for the development and function of the adult neural network of ENS. AC3 deficiency caused atrophy in the colonic mucosal neural network of mice.
Fast‐tracking the evaluation of novel female candidate lines in CMS‐based hybrid breeding
Authors: Trini Johannes , Maurer Hans Peter , Weissmann Elmar A. , Würschum Tobias
Published: May 2021

Time‐ and resource‐efficient identification of promising lines is of utmost importance in hybrid breeding. Here, we present a novel approach to evaluate female candidate lines for single‐cross hybrids, which saves four to five generations by obtaining general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effect estimates prior to the introgression of the female lines into a male sterility‐inducing cytoplasm. The approach is based on three‐way crosses and we exemplarily demonstrate its power by predicting 57 single‐cross hybrids of triticale. Prediction accuracies based on GCA or GCA and SCA effects estimated in three‐way hybrids were generally superior to those based on mid‐parent values. Notably, a high proportion of SCA variance had only little influence on the prediction accuracies based on three‐way hybrids. Simulation studies support the empirical findings and illustrate approaches for further optimization. Thus, the presented approach appears highly valuable and has the potential to increase selection gain in hybrid breeding.
Professional governance in Finnish nursing – measured by the Index of Professional Nursing Governance
Authors: Kanninen Taina , Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Tervo‐Heikkinen Tarja , Hess Robert G. , Kvist Tarja
Published: May 2021

Aim

To translate and validate the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) 2.0 and assess the state of professional nursing governance in Finland.

Background

Raising and maintaining quality of care while retaining staff are common problems in healthcare globally. Professional governance is a modern way to tackle them, but a reliable instrument is needed to measure the state of nursing governance in Finland, and elsewhere.

Methods

The IPNG that was translated into Finnish by forward‐backward translation, culturally adapted and pilot tested with 20 nurses. A sample of 419 nurses was utilised in a cross‐sectional study to assess the state of professional governance in Finland 2018.

Results

Principal component analysis yielded six components with good Cronbach's α values. The results clearly indicate that the IPNG version developed and evaluated in this study has suitable psychometric properties for use in Finnish healthcare settings. The validated IPNG scores indicate that nursing governance in Finland is in the professional governance range. The staff have some input in the governance of Finnish healthcare organisations. However, this perception is strongest among the nurse leaders and experts; other groups do not perceive much change yet.

Conclusion

Participants, particularly nurse leaders in Finland, had self‐reported impact in decision‐making. The translated IPNG has acceptable internal consistency and can be used to assess healthcare organisations’ governance models in Finland and broader in Nordic countries and Europe.
Prophylactic tranexamic acid use in non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for transfusion
Authors: Houston Brett L. , Fergusson Dean A. , Falk Jamie , Krupka Emily , Perelman Iris , Breau Rodney H. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Rimmer Emily , Houston Donald S. , Garland Allan , Ariano Robert E. , Tinmouth Alan , Balshaw Robert , Turgeon Alexis F. , Jacobsohn Eric , Zarychanski Ryan
Published: May 2021

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces transfusion in a wide range of surgical populations, although its real‐world use in non‐cardiac surgeries has not been well described. The objective of this study was to describe prophylactic TXA use in non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for transfusion.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all adult patients undergoing major non‐cardiac surgery at ≥5% risk of perioperative transfusion at five Canadian hospitals between January 2014 and December 2016. Canadian Classification of Health Interventions procedure codes within the Discharge Abstract Database were linked to transfusion and laboratory databases. TXA use was ascertained electronically from The Ottawa Hospital Data Warehouse and via manual chart review for Winnipeg hospitals. For each surgery, we evaluated the percentage of patients who received TXA as well as the specifics of TXA dosing and administration.

Results

TXA use was evaluable in 14 300 patients. Overall, 17% of surgeries received TXA, ranging from 0% to 68% among individual surgeries. TXA use was more common in orthopaedic (n = 2043/4942; 41%) and spine surgeries (n = 239/1322; 18%) compared to other surgical domains (n = 109/8036; 1%). TXA was commonly administered as a bolus (n = 2097/2391; 88%). The median TXA dose was 1000 mg (IQR 1000–1000 mg).

Conclusion

TXA is predominantly used in orthopaedic and spine surgeries, with little uptake in other non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for red blood cell transfusion. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TXA and to understand the barriers to TXA administration in a broad range of non‐cardiac surgeries.
Public health interventions for preventing re‐infection of Opisthorchis viverrini: application of the self‐efficacy theory and group process in high‐prevalent areas of Thailand
Authors: Songserm Nopparat , Namwong Worawut , Woradet Somkiattiyos , Sripa Banchob , Ali Akhtar
Published: May 2021

Objective

To study the effectiveness of public health interventions in preventing Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) re‐infection in high‐prevalence areas of Thailand.

Methods

68 people from Sisaket, the province with the second‐highest prevalence in Thailand, who tested positive for OV eggs in faeces and took praziquantel before the start of the study, participated. 34 participants were allocated to the experimental group, which received a 12‐week public health intervention based on the self‐efficacy theory and group process between July and October 2018. The control group received the usual services. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.84. Faecal examinations using the formalin‐ether concentration technique were conducted before and after the experiment. The re‐infection rate was analysed after the experimental 12 weeks and after one year. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t‐test and independent t‐test, were employed for data analysis.

Results

After the experiment, the mean scores of knowledge, perceived self‐efficacy, self‐efficacy expectation and OV prevention behaviour of the experimental group were significantly higher than before the experiment and also higher than scores of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The public health intervention is useful. It educated the experimental group about OV, perceived self‐efficacy and self‐efficacy expectation in changing behaviour to prevent OV re‐infection. As a result, no re‐infections were observed after the 12‐week intervention nor at the one‐year follow‐up. Public health benefits will be evident if the results are extended to other high‐prevalence areas.
Experimental and Numerical Study of an Open Impeller Centrifugal Compressor Stage Utilizing Three-Dimensional (3D) Diffuser End Wall Contouring for Operating Range Extension
Authors: Hermann Daniel , Wirsum Manfred , Robinson Douglas , Jenny Philipp
Published: May 2021

Highly efficient and concurrent flexible operation are heavy demands on today's centrifugal compressor units. Diffuser end wall contouring is a measure to delay the incipience of instability and therefore to extend the compressor's operating range while maintaining efficient performance. In the presented paper, a hub-side wall contouring, applied in the vaneless space upstream the diffuser vane's leading edge and within the diffuser passage of a state-of-the-art centrifugal compressor stage with an open impeller, is examined. Computational fluid dynamics computations are performed for both a baseline diffuser design with parallel channel walls and the hub-side wall contoured diffuser design. Comparisons of characteristic and diffuser stability decisive flow variables are made in perpendicular sections along an extrapolated camber line of the diffuser vane for full span, near shroud and near hub wall. In operating points near the stability limit at two different stage Mach numbers, the stabilizing effect of the hub-side wall contouring on the diffuser flow is clearly shown. In a scale-model test rig, experimental data including pneumatic five-hole probe data for a full diffuser blade-to-blade passage, static wall pressures at various planes as well as total temperatures were measured. The experimental data are utilized for the validation of the presented numerical calculations. The flow stabilizing effect of the hub-wall contouring is clearly visible in the measurements, which showed 8% range extension at highest stage Mach number Mu2 = 1.16 and a range extension of 2% at design stage Mach number Mu2 = 1.
Effect of anti-reflection coating on the performance of silicon solar cells with nanocrystalline quantum dots downshifting film
Authors: Sabeeh Ala H. , Brigman Alyssa N. , Ruzyllo Jerzy
Published: May 2021

This experiment explores the effect of lithium fluoride (LiF) antireflection coating (ARC) on the performance of commercial silicon solar cells with mist deposited nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQD) downshifting film. The effect of blanket deposited and patterned NQD and ARC films is investigated. Significant improvement of the performance of cells with ARC is observed. Specifically, 67% increase in the average external quantum efficiency of silicon solar cells covered with AR coating in the UV range of 300–400 nm is noted. The micropatterning of NQD/LiF films improves light trapping inside the cell and enhances power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cell by 19.5%. Overall, this experiment demonstrates that the ARC formation on top of the mist deposited NQD downshifting film results in measurable improvement in the performance of the commercial silicon solar cells.
Thin films residual stress profile evaluation using test microstructures: Illustrated on an example of AlN film
Authors: A. Sohi Parsoua , Stateikina Irina , Kahrizi Mojtaba
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigate the residual stress gradient of aluminum nitride thin film deposited by reactive pulse DC magnetron sputtering technique on a 200 mm diameter silicon wafer with a 1 μm layer of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition tetraethylorthosilicate. Stress measurements are obtained using in situ fabricated rotational beam microstructures. The rotating beam moves in response to relief of the residual stress on the connecting arms that experience lengthening or shortening due to compressive or tensile residual stresses, respectively. Various arm-beam connecting joints, separation gaps between the arms, and arm lengths are considered to determine the optimum microstructure for localized residual stress evaluation of the sputtered aluminum nitride. The displacement of the rotating beams with four different arm-beam connecting-joint designs is analytically modeled using COMSOL multiphysics finite element method simulation. The results of the analytical model were found to be in agreement with the results observed through experiments. The stress gradient measurements obtained using the microstructures are compared to the Stoney stress evaluated using a wafer bow technique. Although the predicted Stoney stress shows a 220 MPa tensile residual stress, the observed trend in localized stress values shows that the maximum stress is 280 MPa at the center of the wafer and reduces to about 100 MPa at the edge of the wafer.
Development and Preclinical Evaluation of New Inhaled Lipoglycopeptides for the Treatment of Persistent Pulmonary Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Authors: Plaunt Adam J. , Rose Sasha J. , Kang Jeong Yeon , Chen Kuan-Ju , LaSala Daniel , Heckler Ryan P. , Dorfman Arielle , Smith Barrett T. , Chun Donald , Viramontes Veronica , Macaluso Antonio , Li Zhili , Zhou Yuchen , Mark Lilly , Basso Jessica , Leifer Franziska G. , Corboz Michel R. , Chapman Richard W. , Cipolla David , Perkins Walter R. , Malinin Vladimir S. , Konicek Donna M.
Published: May 2021

Chronic pulmonary methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) has a high probability of recurrence following treatment with standard-of-care antibiotics and represents an area of unmet need associated with reduced life expectancy. We developed a lipoglycopeptide therapy customized for pulmonary delivery that not only demonstrates potent activity against planktonic MRSA, but also against protected colonies of MRSA both in biofilms and within cells, the latter of which have been linked to clinical antibiotic failure.
Human Cytomegalovirus Uses a Host Stress Response To Balance the Elongation of Saturated/Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Xi Yuecheng , Lindenmayer Lena , Kline Ian , von Einem Jens , Purdy John G.
Published: May 2021

HCMV is a common herpesvirus that establishes lifelong persistent infections. While infection is asymptomatic in most people, HCMV causes life-threatening illnesses in immunocompromised people, including transplant recipients and cancer patients.
Galectin-9, a Player in Cytokine Release Syndrome and a Surrogate Diagnostic Biomarker in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Bozorgmehr Najmeh , Mashhouri Siavash , Perez Rosero Eliana , Xu Lai , Shahbaz Shima , Sligl Wendy , Osman Mohammed , Kutsogiannis Demetrios J. , MacIntyre Erika , O’Neil Conar R. , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection has enormously impacted our lives. Clinical evidence has implicated the emergence of cytokine release syndrome as the prominent cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Oxygen isotope (δ18O) trends measured from Ordovician conodont apatite using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS): Implications for paleo-thermometry studies
Authors: Edwards Cole T. , Jones Clive M. , Quinton Page C. , Fike David A.
Published: May 2021

The oxygen isotopic compositions (δ18O) of minimally altered phosphate minerals and fossils, such as conodont elements, are used as a proxy for past ocean temperature. Phosphate is thermally stable under low to moderate burial conditions and is ideal for reconstructing seawater temperatures because the P-O bonds are highly resistant to isotopic exchange during diagenesis. Traditional bulk methods used to measure conodont δ18O include multiple conodont elements, which can reflect different environments and potentially yield an aggregate δ18O value derived from a mixture of different water masses. In situ spot analyses of individual elements using micro-analytical techniques, such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), can address these issues.

Here we present 108 new δ18O values using SIMS from conodont apatite collected from four Lower to Upper Ordovician stratigraphic successions from North America (Nevada, Oklahoma, and the Cincinnati Arch region of Kentucky and Indiana, USA). The available elements measured had a range of thermal alteration regimes that are categorized based on their conodont alteration index (CAI) as either low (CAI = 1–2) or high (CAI = 3–4). Though individual spot analyses of the same element yield δ18O values that vary by several per mil (‰), most form a normal distribution around a mean value. Isotopic variability of individual spots can be minimized by avoiding surficial heterogeneities like cracks, pits, or near the edge of the element and the precision can be improved with multiple (≥4) spot analyses of the same element. Mean δ18O values from multiple conodonts from the same bed range between 0.0 and 4.3‰ (median 1.0‰), regardless of low or high CAI values. Oxygen isotopic values measured using SIMS in this study reproduce values similar to published trends, namely, δ18O values increase during the Early–Middle Ordovician and plateau by the mid Darriwilian (late Middle Ordovician). Twenty-two of the measured conodonts were from ten sampled beds that had been previously measured using bulk analysis. SIMS-based δ18O values from these samples are more positive by an average of 1.7‰ compared to bulk values, consistent with observations by others who attribute the shift to carbonate- and hydroxyl-related SIMS matrix effects. This offset has implications for paleo-temperature model estimates, which indicate that a 4 °C temperature change corresponds to a 1‰ shift in δ18O (‰). Although this uncertainty precludes precise paleo-temperature reconstructions by SIMS, it is valuable for identifying spatial and stratigraphic trends in temperature that might not have been previously possible with bulk approaches.