bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticaries activity of GERM CLEAN in Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual‐species biofilm
Authors: Xiong Kaixin , Chen Xuan , Zhu Hualing , Ji Mengzhen , Zou Ling
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a peptide containing novel oral spray GERM CLEAN on dual‐species biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and to investigate whether GERM CLEAN inhibits the demineralization procedure of bovine enamel in vitro.

Methods

The antimicrobial effects of GERM CLEAN on dual‐species biofilm were analyzed by initial adherence rate calculation, water‐insoluble exopolysaccharides quantification, total biomass quantification, and colony‐forming units (CFUs) counting. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were applied to evaluate the impacts of GERM CLEAN on the biofilm structure. Further, the effects of GERM CLEAN on acidogenicity of dual‐species were appraised via glycolytic pH drop analysis and hydroxyapatite dissolution measurement. The percentage of Surface Microhardness Reduction (%SMHR) evaluation, Atomic Force Micrograph (AFM) examination, and Transverse Microradiography (TMR) analysis after pH cycling were used to determine whether GERM CLEAN inhibited the demineralization of bovine enamel.

Results

GERM CLEAN decreased the adherence rate, water‐insoluble EPS production, biofilm formation, and acidogenicity of the dual‐species. Moreover, GERM CLEAN significantly inhibited the demineralization status of bovine enamels.

Conclusion

This peptide containing novel oral spray GERM CLEAN has antimicrobial potential toward the dual‐species. GERM CLEAN can also impede the demineralization procedure of enamel.
Managing mucormycosis in diabetic patients: A case report with critical review of the literature
Authors: Beiglboeck Fabian M. , Theofilou Nantia E. , Fuchs Matthias D. , Wiesli Matthias G. , Leiggener Christoph , Igelbrink Sebastian , Augello Marcello
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose

Rhino–orbito–cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare and potentially fatal invasive fungal infection which usually occurs in diabetic and other immunocompromised patients. This infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Prompt diagnosis and rapid aggressive surgical debridement and antimycotic therapy are essential for the patient's survival.

Herein, we reviewed the localization and treatment strategies in patients with ROCM and diabetes as an underlying condition. Furthermore, we report one case of ROCM in our department.

Materials and Methods

From 117 identified studies published in PubMed, 14 publications—containing data from 54 patients—were included. All patients were diagnosed clinically and by histopathological and/or bacteriological analysis for ROCM caused by the order Mucorales.

Conclusion

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is one of the main risk factors for ROCM. A successful management of ROCM requires an early diagnosis, a prompt systemic antifungal therapy, and a rapid aggressive surgical debridement including exploration of the pterygopalatine fossa. An orbital exenteration may be necessary.
Species coexistence in resource‐limited patterned ecosystems is facilitated by the interplay of spatial self‐organisation and intraspecific competition
Authors: Eigentler L.
Published: February 2021

The exploration of mechanisms that enable species coexistence under competition for a sole limiting resource is widespread across ecology. Two examples of such facilitative processes are intraspecific competition and spatial self‐organisation. These processes determine the outcome of competitive dynamics in many resource‐limited patterned ecosystems, classical examples of which include dryland vegetation patterns, intertidal mussel beds and subalpine ribbon forests. Previous theoretical investigations have explained coexistence within patterned ecosystems by making strong assumptions on the differences between species (e.g. contrasting dispersal behaviours or different functional responses to resource availability). In this paper, I show that the interplay between the detrimental effects of intraspecific competition and the facilitative nature of self‐organisation forms a coexistence mechanism that does not rely on species‐specific assumptions and captures coexistence across a wide range of the environmental stress gradient. I use a theoretical model that captures the interactions of two generic consumer species with an explicitly modelled resource to show that coexistence relies on a balance between species' colonisation abilities and their local competitiveness, provided intraspecific competition is sufficiently strong. Crucially, the requirements on species' self‐limitation for coexistence to occur differ on opposite ends of the resource input spectrum. For low resource levels, coexistence is facilitated by strong intraspecific dynamics of the species superior in its colonisation abilities, but for larger volumes of resource input, strong intraspecific competition of the locally superior species enables coexistence. Results presented in this paper also highlight the importance of hysteresis in understanding tipping points, in particular extinction events. Finally, the theoretical framework provides insights into spatial species distributions within single patches, supporting verbal hypotheses on coexistence of herbaceous and woody species in dryland vegetation patterns and suggesting potential empirical tests in the context of other patterned ecosystems.
Why time‐limited individuals can make populations more vulnerable to disturbance
Authors: van der Kolk Henk‐Jan , Ens Bruno J. , Frauendorf Magali , Jongejans Eelke , Oosterbeek Kees , Bouten Willem , van de Pol Martijn
Published: February 2021

Individual variation in disturbance vulnerability (i.e. the likelihood that disturbance negatively affects an individual's fitness) can affect how disturbance impacts animal populations, as even at low disturbance levels some individuals could be severely affected and die. Individual variation in vulnerability can arise due to different responses to disturbance. We propose a new hypothesis that even when individuals respond similarly to disturbance, time‐limited individuals are more at risk that their condition deteriorates since they have limited ability to extend their foraging time to compensate for disturbance. We investigate this ‘time‐limitation hypothesis' both empirically and mathematically by studying how individuals that differ in their average foraging time (presumably due to differences in foraging efficiency) are affected by disturbance. We used tracking data of 22 wintering Eurasian oystercatchersHaematopus ostralegusto compare time budgets between disturbed and undisturbed tidal periods. In three tidal periods with severe disturbance by transport airplanes, more than a third of the variation in additional flight time and foraging time loss was explained by individual differences. Inefficient individuals that foraged longer in undisturbed tidal periods experienced higher costs in disturbed tidal periods, since they lost more foraging time. We next used an analytical energy balance model to study how time‐limited individuals differed in their maximum disturbance thresholds. Both our theoretical model and empirical study suggest that inefficient individuals in a time‐limited environment may be unable to increase their foraging time to compensate for the effects of disturbance. Consequently, the magnitude of individual variation in time budgets strongly determines what proportion of the population is at risk that their condition deteriorates due to disturbance. Our hypothesis implies that, when assessing disturbance effects on a population, it is not only important to consider individual variation in disturbance responses, but also variation in time budgets that determine the consequences of disturbance.
Energy crossroads and prioritization of energy choices: the case of India
Authors: Rej Soumen , Nag Barnali
Published: February 2021

For countries like India, energy policy challenge lies in planning for a national energy portfolio which ensures uninterrupted supply of affordable electricity while reducing carbon emissions with the least socio‐economic impediments like land acquisition. This study illustrates prioritization of seven major energy alternatives for power generation on the basis of their direct and dynamic land requirements, generation cost, carbon emission and reliability of generation. Detailed data of typical power plants in India are used, and the energy sources are then ranked using the MCDM TOPSIS technique in five different scenarios of policy focus. Results indicate that (i) India needs to focus more on gas‐based generation to phase out coal and gradually transition to a cleaner energy path and (ii) among renewables, solar is a clearer choice over wind in terms of both cost and land requirement per tonne of carbon abatement.
Changes in Serum Prealbumin and Incision Complications Following Spinal Tuberculosis Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bao Yu‐cheng , Yu Ming , Tang Liang , Ning Hua‐ying , Zhang Wen‐long
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To explore the trend of changes in the serum prealbumin (PA) level in patients with spinal tuberculosis during the perioperative period and its relationship with postoperative incision complications.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by enrolling 162 patients (82 men and 80 women) with spinal tuberculosis who had been admitted to the Tianjin Haihe Hospital from June 2013 to June 2017. The included patients were then assigned to the elderly group (≥65 years of age, n = 35) and the non‐elderly group (<65 years of age, n = 127). The chemotherapy regimen was 3HREZ/9HRE, in combination with nutritional support for 3–4 weeks, as well as one‐stage debridement and (or) bone graft fusion and internal fixation. The serum PA levels of patients with spinal tuberculosis at admission, prior to surgery, and at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery were collected, and incision healing and sinus formation were observed for 3 months. Changes in serum PA levels of all patients at different time points were observed using one‐way analysis of variance. Pairwise comparison at different time points was performed using the least significant difference method and comparison of serum PA levels between different groups at the same time points was subjected to t‐test. The χ2‐test was used for comparison of the incidence of incision complications between different groups and between different subgroups based on different PA levels.

Results

There was a gradual increased trend in the PA level from admission to 4 weeks after surgery in all patients [(0.14 ± 0.03) g/L < (0.16 ± 0.04)g/L < (0.22 ± 0.04) g/L < (0.25 ± 0.04) g/L]. The increase in the non‐elderly group was higher than that in the elderly group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of incision complications in the elderly group was higher than in the non‐elderly group (14.29% > 1.78%, P < 0.01). The serum PA level was graded in accordance with NRS2002. There were 88 patients with preoperative grade 0–1 serum PA level (≥0.16g/L) who had no incision complications. The incidence of incision complications in patients with grade 3 serum PA level (<0.10 g/L, 9 patients) was higher than in patients with grade 2 (0.100–0.159 g/L, 66 patients) (44.44% > 6.06%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Changes in serum PA level in patients with spinal tuberculosis during the perioperative period are consistent with the trend of inflammation control and nutrition improvement, and are correlated with the incidence of incision complications after surgery. The relationship between the changes and the timing of surgery is worthy of future research.
House dust microbiota and atopic dermatitis; effect of urbanization
Authors: Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Greenfield Leah R. , Moore Donyea , Botha Maresa , Engen Phillip , Gray Claudia , Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Hlela Carol , Basera Wisdom , Hobane Lelani , Watkins Alexandra , Mankahla Avumile , Gaunt Ben , Facey‐Thomas Heidi , Landay Alan , Keshavarzian Ali , Levin Michael E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that a child's risk of developing atopic disease is impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. Because small children spend the majority of their time in their homes, exposure to microbial factors in their home environment may be protective or risk factors for development of atopic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Dust samples from the homes of 86 Black South African children 12 to 36 months old were collected for analysis of the bacterial microbiome. This case‐control study design included children with and without atopic dermatitis from rural and urban environments.

Results

Significant differences in bacterial composition and diversity were found when comparing children with and without atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, house dust microbiota was significantly different in rural and urban areas. Differences were best accounted for by higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae families in rural compared with urban houses. Levels of Ruminococcaceae were also found to be significantly depleted in the house dust of rural children with atopic dermatitis as compared to control children.

Conclusions

House dust composition may be an important risk factor for the development of atopic disease, and this association may be driven in part by the gut microbiome. Low levels of the Ruminococcaceae family from Clostridia class in particular may explain the association between urban living and atopy. However, further research is needed to elucidate these links.
The “Isms” of Regional Integration: What Do Underlying Interstate Preferences Hold for the ECOWAS Union?
Authors: Igwe Paul Agu , Ochinanwata Chinedu , Madichie Nnamdi O.
Published: February 2021

As the world starts reopening following the lockdowns prompted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, regional collaborations and trade matters have resurfaced. While the Brexit (British exit from the EU) negotiations have dominated regional trade headlines, the fate of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is also being rethought. In all these, however, the issue of regional integration, administration, and governance of treaties and policies remain contentious areas. Considering these concerns, this article draws insights from the regionalization of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We explore the “isms” (that is, the ideologies of realism, neoliberalism, intergovernmentalism, institutionalism, and regionalism) that impact upon the achievement and implementation of the regional governance system. We analyze ECOWAS' current strategy toward the integration of the West African region, its successes, and its failures. Also, we highlight some of the challenges concerning the implementation of treaties. Finally, we evaluate the underlying national preferences and the implications for the “isms” in many settings.

Related Articles

Aideyan, Osaore. 2016. “Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1192‐1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12183

Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “Determinants of Growth in Fast‐Developing Countries: Evidence from Bundling and Unbundling Institutions.” Politics & Policy 44 (1): 97‐134. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12148/full

Cerami, Alfio. 2011. “Social Mechanisms in the Establishment of the European Economic and Monetary Union.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 345‐372. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00294.x/full
Imperative role of sugar signaling and transport during drought stress responses in plants
Authors: Kaur Harmeet , Manna Mrinalini , Thakur Tanika , Gautam Vibhav , Salvi Prafull
Published: February 2021

Cellular sugar status is essentially maintained during normal growth conditions but is impacted negatively during various environmental perturbations. Drought presents one such unfavorable environmental cue that hampers the photosynthetic fixation of carbon into sugars and affects their transport by lowering the cellular osmotic potential. The transport of cellular sugar is facilitated by a specific set of proteins known as sugar transporters. These transporter proteins are the key determinant of influx/ efflux of various sugars and their metabolite intermediates that support the plant growth and developmental process. Abiotic stress and especially drought stress‐mediated injury results in reprogramming of sugar distribution across the cellular and subcellular compartments. Here, we have reviewed the imperative role of sugar accumulation, signaling, and transport under typical and atypical stressful environments. We have discussed the physiological effects of drought on sugar accumulation and transport through different transporter proteins involved in monosaccharide and disaccharide sugar transport. Further, we have illustrated sugar‐mediated signaling and regulation of sugar transporter proteins along with the overall crosstalk of this signaling with the phytohormone module of abiotic stress response under osmotic stress. Overall, the present review highlights the critical role of sugar transport, distribution and signaling in plants under drought stress conditions.
Effect of temperature on the Arabidopsis cryptochrome photocycle
Authors: Pooam Marootpong , Dixon Nykiera , Hilvert Michael , Misko Peter , Waters Kristy , Jourdan Nathalie , Drahy Soria , Mills Stephen , Engle Dorothy , Link Justin , Ahmad Margaret
Published: February 2021

Cryptochromes are blue light‐absorbing photoreceptors found in plants and animals with many important signalling functions. These include control of plant growth, development, and the entrainment of the circadian clock. Plant cryptochromes have recently been implicated in adaptations to temperature variation, including temperature compensation of the circadian clock. However, the effect of temperature directly on the photochemical properties of the cryptochrome photoreceptor remains unknown. Here we show that the response to light of purified Arabidopsis Cry1 and Cry2 proteins was significantly altered by temperature. Spectral analysis at 15°C showed a pronounced decrease in flavin reoxidation rates from the biologically active, light‐induced (FADH°) signalling state of cryptochrome to the inactive (FADox) resting redox state as compared to ambient (25°C) temperature. This result indicates that at low temperatures, the concentration of the biologically active FADH° redox form of Cry is increased, leading to the counterintuitive prediction that there should be an increased biological activity of Cry at lower temperatures. This was confirmed using Cry1 cryptochrome C‐terminal phosphorylation as a direct biological assay for Cry activation in vivo. We conclude that enhanced cryptochrome function in vivo at low temperature is consistent with modulation by temperature of the cryptochrome photocycle.
An investigation of the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over
Authors: Aslan Gülpinar , Bakan Ayse Berivan , Kilic Dilek
Published: February 2021

Background

Religious coping refers to the use of religion or spirituality to cope with stressful situations. Religious coping is a concept which involves both positive and negative cases. Studies on oncology patients, who encounter various physical and psychological difficulties, report that religious coping beliefs and practices are of great importance in helping patients to face the disease, adapt to this crisis period and accept their disease, and maintain their hope. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted at a university hospital in a city located in eastern Turkey between March and July 2020 with the voluntary participation of 125 patients with cancer. Data collection was performed via the Demographic Characteristics Form, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Religious Coping Scale.

Results

Mean score of the Life Satisfaction Scale was significantly higher among the participants with a monthly income of 2000 tl and over, who lived with their spouse and children, who adapted to the diseases, and who perceived their health status as ‘good’. The mean score of the Religious Coping Scale was significantly higher in the participants with metastasis. There was a negative, statistically significant relationship between the Life Satisfaction Scale total mean score and the Negative Religious Coping sub‐scale mean score (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study found that negative religious coping negatively affected life satisfaction. Further, patients with cancer should be provided with psychosocial support programs that enable them to express the cases causing them to think what they experience is a divine punishment, encourage them in this way, and help them feel relieved.
Is fear of falling and the associated restrictions in daily activity related to depressive symptoms in older adults?
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Kim Woorim
Published: February 2021

Background

Depression is a risk factor for various conditions, including suicide. Considering the high prevalence of fear of falling in the elderly, its association with depression requires examination. This study investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and fear of falling and falling‐induced daily activity restrictions in Koreans aged 60 years or above.

Methods

Data from the 2006 to 2018 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing were used. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10‐item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D 10) scale. The general characteristics of the study population were analysed using Chi‐square tests. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables were investigated using the generalised estimating equation (GEE) model.

Results

Of the 2933 study participants, 1086 (37.0%) reported fear of falling but no related restrictions in daily activities, and 399 (13.6%) reported fear of falling plus such restrictions. Compared to individuals without fear of falling, participants with fear of falling but no related activity restriction (odds ratio (OR) 2.08, 95% CI 1.94–2.23) and activity limitations (OR 2.51, 95% CI 2.28–2.75) showed higher likelihoods of depressive symptoms in a stepwise manner after adjustment.

Conclusion

Fear of falling and its induced daily activity restrictions were associated with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms in older adults. The findings infer the need to implement preventive and moderating measures to address fear of falling and its related negative health effects.
Kelp aquaculture in China: a retrospective and future prospects
Authors: Hu Zi‐Min , Shan Ti‐Feng , Zhang Jie , Zhang Quan‐Sheng , Critchley Alan T. , Choi Han‐Gil , Yotsukura Norishige , Liu Fu‐Li , Duan De‐Lin
Published: February 2021

Globally, China has the largest scale of kelp cultivation and production operations. However, its kelp aquaculture industry is suffering from declining germplasm diversity, degradation of agronomic traits, the presence of polluted environments, changing ocean conditions and increasing anthropological interference. This review covers two of the most commercially important kelp species in China, viz. Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida. It summarizes the history of their cultivation, production, economic and ecological benefits, their breeding programmes (e.g. inter‐ and intra‐specific hybridization and marker‐assisted selection) and efforts towards population genetic diversity and conservation. The article focuses on three significant challenges, for example genetic cross‐contamination between the wild and farmed kelp populations, ocean warming and ocean acidification. Accordingly, we outline the steps required to provide several intervention measures, for example (i) collection and preservation of wild and cultivated kelp germplasm; (ii) selection of suitable cultivation sites under changing environmental conditions; (iii) developing stress‐resistant cultivars; and finally, (iv) adoption of innovative cultivation models. The review concludes with genome‐based, designs for molecular breeding and calls for the establishment of an East Asian Kelp Consortium (EAKC). Collectively, the Chinese kelp industry could provide beneficial goods and services, for example bioenergy to fine chemicals and environmental benefits, such as carbon capture, pH amelioration and provision of habitat for many other marine species of commercial value. The strategies proposed in this article thus have the potential to not only improve but also reinvigorate the kelp industry in China and nearby Japan and Korea, in the context of both environmental health and economic benefits.
Optimal Investment in Prevention and Recovery for Mitigating Epidemic Risks
Authors: Huang C. Derrick , Baghersad Milad , Behara Ravi S. , Zobel Christopher W.
Published: February 2021

The worldwide healthcare and economic crisis caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic highlights the need for a deeper understanding of investing in the mitigation of epidemic risks. To address this, we built a mathematical model to optimize investments into two types of measures for mitigating the risks of epidemic propagation: prevention/containment measures and treatment/recovery measures. The new model explicitly accounts for the characteristics of networks of individuals, as a critical element of epidemic propagation. Subsequent analysis shows that, to combat an epidemic that can cause significant negative impact, optimal investment in either category increases with a higher level of connectivity and intrinsic loss, but it is limited to a fraction of that total potential loss. However, when a fixed and limited mitigation investment is to be apportioned among the two types of measures, the optimal proportion of investment for prevention and containment increases when the investment limit goes up, and when the network connectivity decreases. Our results are consistent with existing studies and can be used to properly interpret what happened in past pandemics as well as to shed light on future and ongoing events such as COVID‐19.
Accounting for Health Risk Inequality in Regulatory Impact Analysis: Barriers and Opportunities
Authors: Levy Jonathan I.
Published: February 2021

There has been increasing interest in accounting for inequality in health risks and benefits within regulatory impact analyses, both given more general interest in the distributions of benefits and growing concerns about inequity (defined as those inequalities deemed unjust or unfair) and environmental injustice (in this context, those health risk inequalities that are correlated with race/ethnicity and certain other sociodemographic factors). Although there has been growing literature on this topic, there has been limited progress in practice, and the lack of quantification limits consideration of inequality in the policy process. Controversy remains regarding the best approaches to formally incorporate inequality, when these approaches should be used, and even whether it makes sense to quantify inequality in this context. The objective of this article is to review the literature on approaches for incorporating estimates of, and concerns for, inequality into regulatory impact analyses, especially those where environmental justice considerations are relevant, and consider the interpretation of these approaches and the implications for decision making. Using the case example of the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a collaboration among Northeast and Mid‐Atlantic states to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector, multiple strategies are described that could be used to shed light on health risk inequality and inequity, consider them in pending policy decisions, and evaluate their implications for the policy or instrument choice. Given appropriate contextualization and acknowledgment of the multidimensionality of equity, quantitative inequality indicators can provide meaningful insight about both inequality and inequity in health risks.
Spousal care and its effect on partnership characteristics – a longitudinal analysis of spousal caregiving and care receipt in Germany
Authors: Happich Fiona , König Hans‐Helmut , Hajek André
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Many studies have investigated the impact of spousal care on the caregiver's (sometimes care recipient's) life, whereas only few studies took its effect on the partnership into account. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine whether the onset of spousal caregiving or care receipt in a person's life is associated with a change of the own partnership characteristics.

Method

A longitudinal design was set up which included 4573 participants of 2014 and 2017 (fifth and sixth wave) of the DEAS (German Ageing Survey – a nationally representative sample). Receipt of spousal care or spousal caregiving activity was detected by dichotomous questions, and the partnership characteristics (partnership satisfaction, conflict frequency and partnership bond) were measured by three 5‐point scales. For estimating the effect of spousal care on the own partnership characteristics, linear fixed effects (FE) regressions were used for each of the independent subgroups (caregiver and care recipient). Thus, the analysis was performed with an unpaired sample of caregivers and care recipients.

Results

Adjusted for potential confounders, regression analysis showed that while the caregivers’ satisfaction with partnership decreased, partnership satisfaction of the care recipients increased with the onset of spousal care. A decrease of the conflict frequency and the partnership bond were only identified among caregivers.

Conclusion

This longitudinal study extends previous knowledge in the field of spousal care research and underlines the importance of appropriate interventions in these care situations.
Care to Wager Again? An Appraisal of Paul Ehrlich's Counterbet Offer to Julian Simon, Part 1: Outcomes
Authors: Desrochers Pierre , Geloso Vincent , Szurmak Joanna
Published: February 2021

Objective

This paper provides the first comprehensive assessment of the outcome of Paul Ehrlich and Stephen Schneider's counteroffer (1995) to economist Julian Simon following Ehrlich's loss in the famous Ehrlich‐Simon wager on economic growth and the price of natural resources (1980‐1990).

Methods

Literature review, data gathering and critical assessment of the indicators and proxies suggested or implied by Ehrlich and Schneider. Critical assessment of Simon's reasons for rejecting the bet. Data gathering for his alternative indicators.

Results

For indicators that can be measured satisfactorily, the balance of the outcomes favors the Ehrlich‐Schneider claims for the initial ten‐year period. Extending the timeline and accounting for the measurement limitations or dubious relevance of many of their indicators, however, shifts the balance of the evidence towards Simon's perspective.

Conclusion

Although the outcomes favour the Ehrlich‐Schneider claims for the initial ten‐year period, Ehrlich and Schneider.s indicators yielded mixed results in the long run. Simon's preferred indicators of direct human welfare would yield largely favourable outcomes if the bet were extended into the present. Based on this, we claim that Simon's optimistic perspective was once again largely validated.
Does Income (Re)distribution Matter for Subjective Well‐being? Evidence from Cross‐country Panel Data
Authors: Kang Haejo , Rhee Dong‐Eun
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study empirically investigates the effects of income inequality and income redistribution policy on country‐level subjective well‐being.

Methods

The paper uses panel data of 134 countries from 2005 to 2017. The fixed effect model with time and country dummies is employed.

Results

We find that a higher inequality level significantly deteriorates happiness in a country with high income inequality, while it does not affect happiness in a country with a low level of inequality. In addition, stronger redistributive policies improve subjective well‐being of countries that have high income inequality, while the policies do not have significant effect on subjective well‐being in countries with relatively low‐income inequality. Furthermore, this paper finds that people are affected by relative levels of income inequality as income grows: people in developed countries may have higher standard for income equality compared with those in developing countries.

Conclusions

The policy implication of this paper is that an active income redistribution policy can improve the country level subjective well‐being if a country's income inequality level is higher than its peer group, regardless of whether it is a developed or developing country.
Seismotectonic implications of the South Chile ridge subduction beneath the Patagonian Andes
Authors: Suárez Rodrigo , Sue Christian , Ghiglione Matías , Guillaume Benjamin , Ramos Miguel , Martinod Joseph , Barberón Vanesa
Published: February 2021

The South Chile ridge (SCR) intersects the Patagonian trench around 46°09′S, forming the triple junction among the Antarctic, Nazca, and South America plates. Subduction of the SCR since ~18 Ma produced the opening of a slab window beneath Patagonia and a noticeable magmatic gap in the cordillera, profuse volcanism and topographic uplift in the retroarc. To study seismicity distribution and present‐day stress resulting from this particular framework, we analyse databases of seismic events and earthquake focal mechanisms. Our study finds that clusters of intraplate crustal seismic events are disrupted by a ~450–470 km seismicity gap above the slab window. Calculated stress tensors depict a strike‐slip tectonic regime north of the triple junction, and ~W‐E compression to the south of the seismic gap. We propose that the seismotectonic behaviour of the upper plate is disturbed at the first order by the trench‐ridge intersection, leading to a heterogeneous stress field.
Cryptococcal peritonitis in patients on the liver transplant waitlist: Reporting two cases with opposite outcomes
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Ana Caroline , Cunha‐Silva Marlone , Ferraz Mazo Daniel , Mana Mauy Frujuello , Vicente de Paula Rosival , de Ataíde Elaine Cristina , Boin Ilka de Fátima Santana Ferreira , Stucchi Raquel Silveira Bello , Sevá‐Pereira Tiago
Published: February 2021

Cryptococcus neoformans is rarely associated with peritonitis in cirrhotic patients; nevertheless, it has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment may be the determining prognostic factors. This is a report of two patients awaiting a liver transplant who had opposite outcomes after the diagnosis of spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis. In Patient 1, the fungal culture was positive in the blood and ascites. She had a poor evolution and died, which was likely caused by the delayed diagnosis and concomitant bacterial infections. In Patient 2, the fungus was found in the ascites, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Antifungal treatment was effective. He underwent a liver transplant on the 83rd day of antifungal therapy and is still alive 1 year later. It is important to suspect fungal etiology when there is a lack of response to antibiotics in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and spontaneous peritonitis, and physicians must be aware of leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid, which is not so high in these cases. This report also emphasizes the need for the routine use of blood culture bottles for microbiological analysis of the ascitic fluid, as it was helpful to diagnose fungal peritonitis in both cases.
Spikes in demand for hospital transfusion services
Authors: Dzik ‘Sunny’ Walter
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Spikes in the demand for blood components represent a substantial challenge to transfusion services. Simple metrics for characterizing volatility in blood components within the hospital transfusion service have not been established.

Methods

We measured the volatility of demand for blood services at a large academic urban general hospital over a 6‐month period from July 2019 to December 2019 prior to the SARS‐CoV2 pandemic.

Results

Among 4416 consecutive hours assessed, there were 693 h (16%) with spikes in demand for blood components with a mean (sd) of 3.8 (2.7) spikes/day. Spikes in demand were frequently clustered. The median number of hours between spikes differed by shift (6 h for days; 3 h for evenings; 3 h for nights). The percentage of shift hours with demand spikes also differed (9% day; 19% evening; 18% night). During the study, 32,447 components were distributed to 19,431 patients. Of these, 11,819 components (36%) were distributed during hours of peak demand. Hours with a simultaneous spike in both component demand and patient demand occurred in 5% of hours or approximately once each day.

Conclusion

Demand for transfusion services was highly volatile in an unpredictable fashion. We provide an approach that could be used to benchmark spikes in demand for blood services at hospitals. Consideration of the frequency, unpredictability, and magnitude of spikes in demand may be relevant for hemovigilance programs and for strategies to determine the laboratory staffing needed for good patient care.
Feasibility of laparoscopic liver lobectomy in dogs
Authors: Michael Aleisha E. , Case J. Brad , Massari Federico , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Carvajal Jose L. , Regier Penny J. , Runge Jeffrey J. , Singh Ameet
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic liver lobectomy (LLL) in dogs by using canine cadavers and to describe the clinical application in dogs with liver disease.

Study design

Ex vivo experiment and descriptive case series.

Sample population

Twelve canine cadavers and six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Cadavers underwent LLL with an endoscopic stapler. The percentage of liver lobe resected was determined by volume. The distance from the staple line to hilus was measured. Medical records of dogs undergoing LLL were reviewed.

Results

In cadavers ≤15 kg, left lateral lobectomy completeness was 87.3% (84.6%–96.6%), and remaining median (interquartile range) hilar length was 1 cm (0.25‐1.75). Left medial lobectomy completeness was 72.5% (66.7%–80%), and remaining hilar length was 1.6 cm (0.47‐1.75). Central division resection completeness was 68.3% (60%–92.9%), and remaining hilar length was 2.7 cm (0.8‐5). Laparoscopic liver lobectomy was not feasible for right division lobes and in cadavers >15 kg. Five dogs with peripheral quadrate or left lateral lobe masses underwent stapled, partial laparoscopic lobectomy (30%–90%). One dog underwent stapled, left lateral lobectomy (90%) after open procedure conversion. Histopathological diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma (3), nodular hyperplasia (1), biliary cyst adenoma (1), and fibrosis (1).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic liver lobectomy of the left and central divisions is feasible in cadavers ≤15 kg with an endoscopic stapler. Partial LLL of the left and central divisions is feasible in select dogs with liver disease.

Clinical significance

Laparoscopic liver lobectomy may be a viable alternative to laparotomy in small‐to‐medium size dogs with peripheral liver masses of the left and central divisions.
Influence of instructor‐to‐student ratio for teaching suturing skills with models
Authors: Hunt Julie A. , Anderson Stacy L. , Spangler Dawn , Gilley Robert
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the influence of instructor to student ratio on the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching suturing skills to veterinary students.

Study design

Prospective randomized study.

Sample population

Second‐year veterinary students (N = 121).

Methods

Students were randomly divided into three groups to participate in four 2‐hour skills laboratory sessions in which suturing of the subcutaneous tissue was taught by using a simple continuous pattern, suturing of the skin was taught by using continuous patterns, suturing of the skin was taught by using interrupted patterns, and suturing of hollow organs was taught by using inverting patterns. For each laboratory, the groups were taught by using instructor‐to‐student ratios of 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10 on a rotating basis. Students were surveyed at the end of each laboratory, and underwent individual performance assessments at the end of each laboratory session and again at the end of the semester in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Results

For each of the four in‐laboratory assessments and the OSCE, no difference in performance was detected between groups. When they were surveyed, students in all groups reported that there was an adequate number of instructors in the laboratory and that they received help in a timely fashion when help was requested (median for all groups = agree).

Conclusion

For students with prior surgical skills education and with the use of prelaboratory instructional videos, teaching at the 1:10 instructor‐to‐student ratio was efficient and effective.

Clinical significance

Good educational outcomes may be reached with a 1:10 instructor‐to‐student ratio or, potentially, fewer instructors, depending on the educational aids present in the laboratory and students' prior level of experience.
The Corpus of Singapore English Messages (CoSEM)
Authors: Gonzales Wilkinson Daniel Wong , Hiramoto Mie , R. E. Leimgruber Jakob , Lim Jun Jie
Published: February 2021

This article introduces the first version of the Corpus of Singapore English Messages (CoSEM), a 3.6‐million‐word monitor corpus of online text messages collected between 2016 and 2019, compiled and managed by a group of scholars who share an interest in Colloquial Singapore English (CSE) research. The paper explains the motivations behind developing a new corpus for the investigation of CSE. It also documents the process of compiling and organizing CoSEM and describes the corpus's initial structure and composition. We further discuss the social variables used in tagging the data, as well as ethical challenges, advantages, and disadvantages unique to online message datasets. In addition, we present preliminary analyses of two selected CSE features: (1) the Hokkien‐derived expression (bo)jio and (2) sentence‐final adverbs (already, also, only). As CoSEM is an ongoing project, we conclude the article with notes on future directions.
SCIENCE AND RELIGION: AN ORIGINS STORY
Authors: Loncar Samuel J.
Published: February 2021

In recent scholarship, the science and religion debate has been historicized, revealing the novelty of the concepts of science and religion and their complex connections to secularization and the birth of modernity. This article situates this historicist turn in the history of philosophy and its connections to theology and Scripture, showing that the science and religion concept derives from philosophy's earlier tension with theology as it became an academic discipline centered in the medieval, then research university, with the centrality of Scripture changing under the influence of historical criticism. Looking at Thomas Aquinas and Friedrich Schleiermacher on theology and Scripture's connection to science, it offers a new framework for theorizing science and religion as part of the history of philosophy.
The Acute Effects of Different Exercise Intensities on Associative Novel Word Learning in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McSween Marie-Pier , McMahon Katie L. , Maguire Kylie , Coombes Jeff S. , Rodriguez Amy D. , Erickson Kirk I. , Copland David A.
Published: February 2021

Recent studies show positive effects of acute exercise on language learning in young adults with lower baseline learning abilities; however, this is yet to be investigated in older adults. This study investigated the acute effects of different exercise intensities on new word learning in healthy older adults with lower and higher baseline learning abilities. Sixty older adults (mean age = 66.4 (4.6); 43 females) performed either a single bout of stretching exercise, moderate-intensity continuous exercise, or high-intensity interval exercise followed by a word learning task. In lower baseline learners, between-group differences were observed on immediate new word recall success, with the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group performing better than the stretching group. These findings suggest immediate benefits of moderate-intensity continuous exercise that are limited to word learning performance of older adults with lower baseline learning abilities. Further investigation into underlying mechanisms could lead to a better understanding of individual differences in responding to acute exercise.
Y-PATHS: A Conceptual Framework for Classifying the Timing, How, and Setting of Youth Physical Activity
Authors: Szeszulski Jacob , Lanza Kevin , Dooley Erin E. , Johnson Ashleigh M. , Knell Gregory , Walker Timothy J. , Craig Derek W. , Robertson Michael C. , Salvo Deborah , Kohl Harold W.
Published: February 2021

Background: Multiple models and frameworks exist for the measurement and classification of physical activity in adults that are applied broadly across populations but have limitations when applied to youth. The authors propose a conceptual framework specifically designed for classifying youth physical activity. Methods: The Youth Physical Activity Timing, How, and Setting (Y-PATHS) framework is a conceptualization of the when (timing), how, and where (setting) of children’s and adolescents’ physical activity patterns. The authors developed Y-PATHS using the design thinking process, which includes 3 stages: inspiration, ideation, and implementation. Results: The Y-PATHS includes 3 major components (timing, how, and setting) and 13 subcomponents. Timing subcomponents include (1) school days: in-school, (2) school days: out-of-school, and (3) nonschool days. How subcomponents include: (1) functional, (2) transportation, (3) organized, and (4) free play. Setting subcomponents include: (1) natural areas, (2) schools, (3) home, (4) recreational facilities, (5) shops and services, and (6) travel infrastructure. Conclusions: The Y-PATHS is a comprehensive classification framework that can help researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to better understand youth physical activity. Specifically, Y-PATHS can help to identify the domains of youth physical activity for surveillance and research and to inform the planning/evaluation of more comprehensive physical activity programming.
Women Rugby Union Coaches’ Experiences of Formal Coach Education in Ireland and the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Barrett Gareth M. , Sherwin I. , Blackett Alexander D.
Published: February 2021

Although the sport of rugby union has expanded globally in both the men’s and women’s formats recently, there remains an under-representation of women coaches across all contexts. Research has focused its analysis on the under-representation of women coaches in a select few sports such as soccer. No extant research has empirically analyzed this under-representation within rugby union. This study addressed this research lacuna on why this under-representation exists from the perspective of 21 women rugby union coaches based within the United Kingdom and Ireland. The specific research objective was to analyze the coaches’ lived experiences of attending formal coach education courses in rugby union. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed thematically and conceptualized via an abductive logic against LaVoi’s Ecological-Intersectional Model and Pierre Bourdieu’s species of capital. Supportive and positive themes reported how the coach education courses had been delivered in a collegiate and lateral manner. Courses thus acted as settings where greater amounts of cultural and social capital could be acquired from both course tutors and peers. This enabled social networks to be made that were used for continual professional development beyond the courses. Barriers and negative experiences orientated upon the lack of empathy imparted by course tutors on account of men having fulfilled these roles on most occasions. Recommendations on how national governing bodies can improve the experiences of women coaches attending future coach education courses are discussed.