bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planting miscanthus instead of row crops may increase the productivity and economic performance of farmed potholes
Authors: Edmonds Patrick , Franz Kristie J. , Heaton Emily A. , Kaleita Amy L. , Soupir Michelle L. , VanLoocke Andy
Published: July 2021

Climate change projections indicate that precipitation events in the central United States are expected to become more intense, more frequent in the spring, and less frequent in the summer. Such a precipitation shift could adversely impact crop yields, especially in subfield areas known as farmed potholes, which are highly susceptible to flooding and ponding, and crop death is more likely to occur, particularly early in the growing season. This suggests that planting alternative crops, such as more flood tolerant perennials, in these areas may be a more profitable option. Using observations of crop growth and yield along with ponding depth of a specific field and farmed pothole in the central United States, we developed a spatially explicit version of the agroecosystem model Agro‐IBIS to estimate water depth and crop yield. After evaluating the model, we conducted a case study for a specific farmed pothole with a range of future precipitation scenarios with Agro‐IBIS to simulate the effects of contemporary (2002–2016) and future precipitation on a conventional corn/soybean (Zea maysL. andGlycine maxMerr.) rotation and an alternative perennial miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteusGreef et Deu.) cropping system. The depth and frequency of ponding increased under most future precipitation scenarios. The corn/soybean rotation had greater total loss (i.e., no yield) on average (>30%) for all scenarios in comparison to miscanthus (<10%). Under one future precipitation scenario with increased spring precipitation, both the corn/soybean rotation and miscanthus simulations showed an increase in yield. A simple budget analysis indicated that it is more profitable to plant miscanthus instead of corn or soybeans where yields in farmed potholes are consistently poor. Our findings show that potholes can be individually modeled, and their influence on yield can be quantified for use in future management decisions dictated by change in climate.
Trends of age‐related non‐communicable diseases in people living with HIV and comparison with uninfected controls: A nationwide population‐based study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jung Ho , Noh Juhwan , Kim Woojin , Seong Hye , Kim Jun Hyoung , Lee Woon Ji , Baek YaeJee , Hyun JongHoon , Sohn Yujin , Cho Yunsuk , Kim Moo Hyun , Ahn SangMin , Lee Yongseop , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Yeom Joon‐Sup , Kim Changsoo , Choi Jun Yong
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We aim to compare the trends of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) and death among people living with HIV (PLWH) and uninfected controls in South Korea.

Methods

We identified PLWH from a nationwide database of all Korean citizens enrolled from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2016. A control cohort was randomly selected for PLWH by frequency matching for age and sex in a 20:1 ratio. To compare NCD trends between the groups, adjusted incidence rate ratios for outcomes across ages, calendar years and times after HIV diagnosis were calculated.

Results

We included 14 134 PLWH and 282 039 controls in this study; 58.5% of PLWH and 36.4% of the controls were diagnosed with at least one NCD. The incidence rates of cancers, chronic kidney disease, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were higher in PLWH than in the controls, whereas those of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, ischaemic stroke and hypertension were lower in PLWH. Relative risks (RRs) for NCDs in PLWH were higher than controls in younger age groups. Trends in the RRs of NCDs tended to increase with the calendar year for PLWH vs. controls and either stabilized or decreased with time after HIV diagnosis. The RR of death from PLWH has decreased with the calendar year, but showed a tendency to rise again after 2014 and was significant at the early stage of HIV diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although the RR of each NCD in PLWH showed variable trends compared with that in controls, NCDs in PLWH have been increasingly prevalent.
NAADP‐induced intracellular calcium ion is mediated by the TPCs (two‐pore channels) in hypoxia‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hu Wen , Zhao Fei , Chen Ling , Ni Jiamin , Jiang Yongliang
Published: July 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a form of obstructive vascular disease. Chronic hypoxic exposure leads to excessive proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. This condition can potentially be aggravated by [Ca2+] i mobilization. In the present study, hypoxia exposure of rat's model was established. Two‐pore segment channels (TPCs) silencing was achieved in rats' models by injecting Lsh‐TPC1 or Lsh‐TPC2. The effects of TPC1/2 silencing on PAH were evaluated by H&E staining detecting pulmonary artery wall thickness and ELISA assay kit detecting NAADP concentrations in lung tissues. TPC1/2 silencing was achieved in PASMCs and PAECs, and cell proliferation was detected by MTT and BrdU incorporation assays. As the results shown, NAADP‐activated [Ca2+]i shows to be mediated via two‐pore segment channels (TPCs) in PASMCs, with TPC1 being the dominant subtype. NAADP generation and TPC1/2 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in the hypoxia‐induced rat PAH model; NAADP was positively correlated with TPC1 and TPC2 expression, respectively. In vivo, Lsh‐TPC1 or Lsh‐TPC2 infection significantly improved the mean pulmonary artery pressure and PAH morphology. In vitro, TPC1 silencing inhibited NAADP‐AM‐induced PASMC proliferation and [Ca2+]i in PASMCs, whereas TPC2 silencing had minor effects during this process; TPC2 silencing attenuated NAADP‐AM‐ induced [Ca2+]i and ECM in endothelial cells, whereas TPC1 silencing barely ensued any physiological changes. In conclusion, TPC1/2 might provide a unifying mechanism within pulmonary arterial hypertension, which can potentially be regarded as a therapeutic target.
It Takes Two to Tango: The European Union and the International Governance of Securitization in Finance
Authors: Quaglia Lucia
Published: July 2021

The role of the European Union (EU) in the post‐crisis international governance of securitization does not sit well with the literature that considers the EU as a ‘paladin’ of stringent regulation as well as a ‘rule‐taker’ in finance. Whereas in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the United States (US) promoted more stringent rules on securitization, subsequently, the EU, but not the US, successfully sponsored less stringent rules. What accounts for this ‘deviant case’, that is to say, the EU as a pacesetter in trading down the regulation of securitization worldwide? After examining alternative explanations, this paper draws attention to a novel complementary explanation that can ‘travel’ to other cases, namely, the pivotal role of the United Kingdom (UK) and, specifically, whether the UK sides with the US or the EU in international standard‐setting. It takes two to tango in regulating global finance, even more so after Brexit.
Bariatric surgery versus medical treatment in mildly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japan: Propensity score‐matched analysis on real‐world data
Authors: Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Yokoyama Renzo , Maki Akihiro , Shimizu Hideharu , Park Hyejin , Kurokawa Yoshimochi
Published: July 2021

Aims/Introduction

To compare glycemic control 1 year after treatment in patients with mildly obese (body mass index 27.5–34.9 kg/m2) type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent bariatric surgery (BS) to those who received medical treatment (MT) in Japan.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study using real‐world data was carried out in electronic medical records from a tertiary care hospital and in the Japanese Medical Data Center Inc. claim database from 2008 to 2019. Each patient was propensity score‐matched between the BS and the MT group by age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin and type 2 diabetes mellitus duration, and compared from the index date to the 1 year post‐index.

Results

The study included 78 patients in the BS group and 238 patients in the MT group. The mean body mass index in the BS and the MT group was 32.1 and 32.0 kg/m2, respectively. In the BS group, the patients underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with or without duodenojejunal bypass. The diabetes remission rate (glycated hemoglobin <6.5% without diabetes medication) at 1 year was 59.0% in the BS group and 0.4% in the MT group (P < 0.0001). Optimal glycemic control of glycated hemoglobin <7.0% was achieved in 75.6% in the BS group and in 29.0% in the MT group (P < 0.0001). The median monthly drug costs for metabolic syndrome decreased from $US126.5 (at baseline) to $US0.0 (at 1 year) in the BS group, whereas it increased from $US52.4 to $US58.3 in the MT group.

Conclusions

BS for mildly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is more clinically‐ and cost‐effective than MT in Japan.
Remating in Ceratitis capitata sterile males: Implications in sterile insect technique programmes
Authors: Catalá‐Oltra Marta , Llácer Elena , Dembilio Oscar , Pla Ignacio , Urbaneja Alberto , Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell
Published: July 2021

Sterile insect technique (SIT) is used, among other biological control tools, as a sustainable measure for the management of Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in many agricultural regions where this pest can trigger severe economic impacts. The tendency of wild females to remate multiple times has been deeply studied; it has been a common point of controversy when evaluating SIT programmes. Nevertheless, the remating potential of the released sterile males remains unknown. Here, under laboratory conditions, the remating capability of mass‐reared sterile males was determined. Wild‐type virgin females were offered to sterile males (Vienna‐8 strain), which had the opportunity to mate up to four consecutive times. The remating assays were carried out at 24 hr, 48 hr, 4 days and 7 days after the first mating. At the end of each tested time period, males were divided according to their mating response, mated or unmated, and subsequently reused for the next round of mating assays. The frequency of successful remating in each tested time period was obtained. Insemination was confirmed by determining the sperm transfer in mated female spermathecae by quantitative real‐time PCR. Our results demonstrate that 73% of the mass‐reared sterile males were able to remate 24 hr after the first mating, 55% of which remated again the day after. Close to 25% of the V8 sterile males tended to copulate in all of the four mating opportunities. The qPCR analysis of the spermathecae contents verified an effective transfer of V8 sperm to wild females with every mating; 99% of copulations resulted in sperm transfer. These findings shed light on the remating potential of V8 sterile males, an aspect until now underestimated in many SIT programmes.
Health risks posed by social and linguistic isolation in older Korean Americans
Authors: Jang Yuri , Yoon Hyunwoo , Park Juyoung , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A. , Kim Miyong T.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Inspired by the notion of double jeopardy positing the dual disadvantage in the coexistence of different sources of vulnerability, the present study examined health risks posed by social and linguistic isolation in older Korean Americans.

Design

A cross‐sectional study, using a four‐cell classification to compare isolation types (no isolation, social isolation only, linguistic isolation only, and dual isolation) and to examine their impacts on physical (self‐rated health), mental (mental distress), and cognitive (cognitive performance) health.

Setting and Participants

Data are from the Study of Older Korean Americans survey of Korean immigrants aged 60 or older (n = 2032), conducted in five states in the United States (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida).

Measurement

Social isolation was indexed by the Lubben Social Network Scale‐6; linguistic isolation, by a question on English‐speaking ability. Physical, mental, and cognitive health were indicated by a single‐item self‐rating of health, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 6, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination, respectively.

Results

The dual‐isolation group exhibited notable sociodemographic and health disadvantages. The odds of having fair/poor health, mental distress, and cognitive impairment were 2.21–3.17 times higher in the dual‐isolation group than in the no‐isolation group.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that both social relationships and language proficiency are key elements for older immigrants' social connectedness and integration, the deprivation of which puts them at heightened risk in multiple dimensions of health.
Sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids harbor modulatory allosteric potential and affect inhibitory GABAA receptor function in vitro
Authors: Janzen Dieter , Slavik Benedikt , Zehe Markus , Sotriffer Christoph , Loos Helene M. , Buettner Andrea , Villmann Carmen
Published: July 2021

Naturally occurring compounds such as sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids (SQTs) have been shown to modulate GABAA receptors (GABAARs). In this study, the modulatory potential of 11 SQTs at GABAARs was analyzed to characterize their potential neurotropic activity. Transfected HEK293 cells and primary hippocampal neurons were functionally investigated using electrophysiological whole‐cell recordings. Significantly different effects of β‐caryophyllene and α‐humulene, as well as their respective derivatives β‐caryolanol and humulol, were observed in the HEK293 cell system. In neurons, the concomitant presence of phasic and tonic GABAAR configurations accounts for differences in receptor modulation by SQTs. The in vivo presence of the γ2 and δ subunits is important for SQT modulation. While phasic GABAA receptors in hippocampal neurons exhibited significantly altered GABA‐evoked current amplitudes in the presence of humulol and guaiol, negative allosteric potential at recombinantly expressed α1β2γ2 receptors was only verified for humolol. Modeling and docking studies provided support for the binding of SQTs to the neurosteroid‐binding site of the GABAAR localized between transmembrane segments 1 and 3 at the (+α)‐(‐α) interface. In sum, differences in the modulation of GABAAR isoforms between SQTs were identified. Another finding is that our results provide an indication that nutritional digestion affects the neurotropic potential of natural compounds.

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Increased neuronal activation in sympathoregulatory regions of the brain and spinal cord in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Sethi Shivani , Augustine Rachael A. , Bouwer Gregory T. , Perkinson Michael R. , Cheong Isaiah , Bussey Carol T. , Schwenke Daryl O. , Brown Colin H. , Lamberts Regis R.
Published: July 2021

Increased cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) suggests impaired autonomic control of the heart. However, the central regions that contribute to the autonomic cardiac pathologies in type 2 DM are unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that neuronal activation would be increased in central sympathoregulatory areas in a pre‐clinical type 2 DM animal model. Immunohistochemistry in 20‐week‐old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats revealed an increased number of neurones expressing ΔFosB (a marker of chronic neuronal activation) in the intermediolateral column (IML) of the spinal cord in DM compared to non‐diabetic (non‐DM) rats (P < 0.05). Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neurones activate IML neurones and receive inputs from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and area postrema (AP), in the brainstem. We observed more ΔFosB‐positive noradrenergic RVLM neurones (P < 0.001) and corticotrophin‐releasing hormone PVN neurones (P < 0.05) in DM compared to non‐DM rats. More ΔFosB‐positive neurones were also observed in the NTS (P < 0.05) and AP (P < 0.01) of DM rats compared to non‐DM rats. Finally, because DM ZDF rats are obese, we also expected increased activation of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurones in DM rats; however, fewer ΔFosB‐positive POMC ARC neurones were observed in DM compared to non‐DM rats (P < 0.01). In conclusion, increased neuronal activation in the IML of type 2 DM ZDF rats might be driven by RVLM neurones that are possibly activated by PVN, NTS and AP inputs. Elucidating the contribution of central sympathoexcitatory drive in type 2 DM might improve the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for diabetic heart disease.
How can directional and fluctuating asymmetry help in the prognosis of scoliosis along the course of the condition?
Authors: González‐Ruiz José María , Pérez‐Núñez María Isabel , García‐Alfaro Mª Dolores , Bastir Markus
Published: July 2021

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is an indicator of developmental instability referred to random deviations from mean asymmetry. That average asymmetry is the directional asymmetry (DA), which, in the particular case of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), corresponds to a right thoracic and left lumbar curves. Investigating the presence of FA and DA in AIS has never been done, and it is a key element of the pathophysiology of the scoliotic condition. Thirty‐six X‐rays of patients with AIS were digitized and analysed using Geometric Morphometric analyses to test for both statistical effects. The individual FA score for each patient was calculated using Procrustes ANOVA and a methodology based on the components of shape was used to estimate the individual DA score. DA is a stronger effect than FA (2.12 to 1), as it has been found in other clinical conditions. The individual DA score, with an effect size of 0.58, is a better predictor of the Cobb angle than FA score. The methodology presented in this paper to estimate DA score is a valid approach in the study of asymmetries in AIS. FA should be correlated in future studies with environmental covariates to serve as a variable in the medical prognosis, while DA will serve as a good predictor of the Cobb angle during the course of the condition, avoiding the abuse of X‐rays. This potential use of DA should be tested on 3D shape due to the three‐dimensional clinical presentation of AIS.
The Developmental Significance of Looks from Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence
Authors: Pivnick Lilla K. , Gordon Rachel A. , Crosnoe Robert
Published: July 2021

Physical appearance during the transition into adolescence matters for youths’ socioemotional development. This study explored these implications by adding visual data to the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (n = 1,049) to test how others’ ratings of youths’ looks (1 = very unattractive to 5 = very attractive) at the beginning (grade 3) and end (grade 9) of this transition shaped their emotional well‐being, popularity/likability, and dating/sexual behavior. Results revealed recency effects of grade 9 looks on popularity/likability and dating/sexual behaviors and a lingering amplification effect of grade 3 looks on popularity/likability at the start of high school. Few associations were evident for emotional well‐being. Thus, physical appearance offers an important lens for studying adolescent development.
Antibiotic stewardship for reptiles
Authors: Hedley J. , Whitehead M. L. , Munns C. , Pellett S. , Abou‐Zahr T. , Calvo Carrasco D. , Wissink‐Argilaga N.
Published: July 2021

This review discusses the general principles underlying responsible antibiotic usage in reptiles. Very little evidence underlies antibiotic usage in reptiles, and there are no published guidelines for responsible antibiotic usage. A literature search was performed to review the evidence for bacterial involvement in the pathology of selected common diseases of reptiles, allowing the development of recommendations for responsible antibiotic treatment of those diseases.
Study of the effect of anaesthesia on the canine ultrasonographic optic nerve sheath diameter
Authors: Drolet C. , Pinard C. , Gaitero L. , Monteith G. , Bateman S.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effects of anaesthetic duration and serial anaesthetic events on optic nerve sheath diameter in a population of dogs without intracranial disease using point‐of‐care ultrasonography.

Materials and Methods

Client‐owned dogs requiring advanced head imaging were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included signs of elevated intracranial pressure, glaucoma and optic nerve disease. Using a transpalpebral technique, two optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were recorded for each eye at three timepoints: following premedication, after induction within 7 minutes and before discontinuing isoflurane. Mixed model analysis was used to characterise optic nerve sheath diameter behaviour and investigate the effects of anaesthetic duration, bodyweight and anaesthetic protocol, age and sex.

Results

Fourteen dogs of various ages, breeds and bodyweights were enrolled. A positive linear relationship was detected between body weight and optic nerve sheath diameter. In 12 of 14 dogs, the optic nerve sheath diameter increased from measurements taken after premedication when compared to measurements taken after induction within 7 minutes. In a subset of patients, measurements subsequently decreased when anaesthetic duration exceeded 120 minutes. Age, side, sex, final body temperature, blood pressure and anaesthetic protocol did not significantly affect optic nerve sheath diameter. No significant association was noted between optic nerve sheath diameter and end‐tidal carbon dioxide after induction and before discontinuing isoflurane.

Clinical Significance

When using point‐of‐care ultrasound, a transient increase in optic nerve sheath diameter occurs between premedication and within 7 minutes following induction, regardless of bodyweight. This should be taken into consideration when serial monitoring is performed.
Sleep deprivation reduces the density of individual spine subtypes in a branch‐specific fashion in CA1 neurons
Authors: Bolsius Youri G. , Meerlo Peter , Kas Martien J. , Abel Ted , Havekes Robbert
Published: July 2021

Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on hippocampus‐dependent memory, which is thought to depend on cellular plasticity. We previously found that 5 h of sleep deprivation robustly decreases dendritic spine density in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in adult male mice. However, recent work by others suggests that sleep deprivation increases the density of certain spine types on specific dendritic branches. Based on these recent findings and our previous work, we conducted a more in‐depth analysis of different spine types on branches 1, 2 and 5 of both apical and basal dendrites to assess whether 5 h of sleep deprivation may have previously unrecognized spine‐type and branch‐specific effects. This analysis shows no spine‐type specific changes on branch 1 and 2 of apical dendrites after sleep deprivation. In contrast, sleep deprivation decreases the number of mushroom and branched spines on branch 5. Likewise, sleep deprivation reduces thin, mushroom and filopodia spine density on branch 5 of the basal dendrites, without affecting spines on branch 1 and 2. Our findings indicate that sleep deprivation leads to local branch‐specific reduction in the density of individual spine types, and that local effects might not reflect the overall impact of sleep deprivation on CA1 structural plasticity. Moreover, our analysis underscores that focusing on a subset of dendritic branches may lead to potential misinterpretation of the overall impact of, in this case, sleep deprivation on structural plasticity.
Pharmacokinetic properties of metamizole active metabolites in Northeastern Brazilian donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: de Macêdo Luã B. , Mouta Andressa N. , Araújo‐Silva Gabriel , Urizar Jose Trinidad P. , de Paula Valéria V.
Published: July 2021

Metamizole (MT), also known as dipyrone, is an analgesic and antipyretic drug labeled for use in humans and domestic animals in some countries. As with other drugs, the administration of MT in donkeys is based on studies carried out with horses. In the present report, we aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of the two main metamizole active metabolites (N‐methyl‐4‐aminoantipyrine [MAA] and 4‐aminoantipyrine [AA]) following 10 (M10) and 25 mg/kg (M25) IV metamizole doses in Northeast Brazilian donkeys (n = 10). Blood was collected at predetermined times within over 48 h; MAA and AA plasma concentrations were determined by a validated LC‐MS/MS method. The metabolites were quantifiable in the M10 until 12 h and M25 until 24 h after drug administration. As expected, AUC0→t, AUC0→∞, and Cmax demonstrated significant differences increases in metamizole metabolites profiles when groups were compared. No adverse effects were observed. This study indicates the need for an extremely sensitive analytical method to adequately characterize the pharmacokinetics of active metabolites of MT, MAA, and AA. In conclusion, the method developed in this research was able to measure the active metabolites of metamizole and with that it was possible to establish their pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, after projection of the minimum MAA concentrations, it is possible to infer that the dose of 10 mg/kg will be used on donkeys at 6 h intervals, while the M25 group at 12 h intervals. However, clinical studies are needed to assess this hypothesis.
Numbing the pain or diffusing the pressure? The co‐optation of PETA's “naming and shaming” campaign against mulesing
Authors: Bromberg Lev
Published: July 2021

This article examines a high‐profile “naming and shaming” campaign launched by the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals targeting the controversial sheep husbandry practice of mulesing. This campaign led to important changes to the “rules of the game” governing global merino wool production. This article suggests that contests between activists and other stakeholders over the framing of the policy problem and activists' choice of strategy can result in co‐optation of activist ideas by corporate actors. The possibility of co‐optation of ostensibly successful social movement campaigns highlights the importance of considering such campaigns in light of movements' values and longer‐term goals.
The macroecology of extra‐pair paternity in birds
Authors: Valcu Cristina‐Maria , Valcu Mihai , Kempenaers Bart
Published: July 2021

Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) is a key aspect of the mating behaviour of birds and its frequency varies widely among populations and species. Several hypotheses predict patterns of geographical variation in the occurrence and frequency of EPP, but a global‐scale study on variation in this trait is still lacking. We collected data on EPP from 663 populations of 401 avian species and explored the geographical variation in the frequency of EPP among populations, species and species assemblages. We modelled the variation in the frequency of EPP within the species’ breeding range accounting for the specific ecological context of each population, and used the model predictions to compute frequencies of EPP at the level of species assemblages. A global map of assemblage‐level EPP rates shows clear differences between zoogeographical realms, with the highest EPP values in the Nearctic realm. Our results show that the frequency of EPP (1) decreases with latitude and increases with the distance from the breeding range boundary within the species’ breeding range, (2) is negatively associated with generation length and pair‐bond duration among species, and (3) decreases with latitude at assemblage level. The latitudinal decline of EPP is consistent across zoogeographical realms.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome following ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 COVID‐19 vaccination: A case series
Authors: James Joe , Jose James , Gafoor V. Abdul , Smita B , Balaram Neetha
Published: July 2021

ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 is an effective and well‐tolerated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine. Rare cases of serious adverse events have been reported with this vaccine. We report three patients who developed Guillain‐Barré syndrome following ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccination, who did not have active or prior COVID‐19 infection. The neurological illness in all patients had an onset of 11‐13 days after the first dose of vaccine. All were characterized by sensorimotor weakness of the upper and lower limbs, with facial diplegia in one and dysautonomia in the other. Nerve conduction studies were consistent with demyelination in two and axonopathy in one. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytological dissociation in two patients. All patients had moderate‐to‐severe disability. They were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, with stabilization of the disease. Proper monitoring and prompt reporting of such cases is required to ensure safety of the vaccine.
Improving vaccination coverage and timeliness through periodic intensification of routine immunization: evidence from Mission Indradhanush
Authors: Summan Amit , Nandi Arindam , Deo Sarang , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: July 2021

Only an estimated 62% of Indian children under the age of 2 years are fully immunized. We examined the association between India's Mission Indradhanush (MI)—a periodic intensification of the routine immunization program—which was implemented in phases across districts between March 2015 and July 2017, and routine vaccination coverage and timeliness among children. We used data from a 2015 to 2016 national survey of children (n = 29,532) and employed difference‐in‐difference regressions to examine binary indicators of receipt of 11 vaccines and whether vaccines were received at recommended ages. The full immunization rate was 27% higher among children under 2 years old residing in MI phase 1 and 2 districts (intervention group) as compared with those residing elsewhere (control group). The rate of receiving all vaccines at recommended ages was 8% higher in the intervention group. Receiving doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) birth dose, OPV dose 1 (OPV1), OPV2, OPV3, bacillus Calmette–Guérin, and hepatitis B birth dose vaccines were 9%, 9%, 11%, 16%, 5%, and 19% higher in the intervention group than the control group, respectively. More research is required on the cost‐effectiveness of investing in MI‐type programs as compared with routine immunization.
Nail discoloration in pediatric skin of color patients
Authors: Bellet Jane Sanders
Published: July 2021

Nail pigmentation in children can cause significant anxiety in parents and clinicians. Different pigments of the nails, such as yellow, orange, and green, can all occur; however, this paper will focus on the dark pigments: brown, gray, and black pigmentation of the nails. Many causes of dark coloration of the nails exist; almost all causes in pediatric patients are benign and require no treatment. Melanoma is the one diagnosis that physicians do not want to miss. Fortunately, this is extremely rare in children.
Interventions to improve primary care provider management of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Croce Emily A. , Lopes Fabiana C. P. S. , Ruth Jennifer , Silverberg Jonathan I.
Published: July 2021

Most atopic dermatitis (AD) patients are managed by primary care providers (PCPs). PCP discomfort diagnosing and managing AD leads to suboptimal patient outcomes. In order to determine the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving PCP management of AD, a systematic literature review was performed for interventions to improve primary care management of AD. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, Cochrane, GREAT, and CINAHL were searched from database origin to February 24, 2020. Two reviewers independently performed the title/abstract and full‐text review, and data extraction. Overall, 3009 non‐duplicate articles were screened; 145 full‐text articles were assessed. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, including 8 randomized controlled trials, 2 cohorts, 2 qualitative studies, and 1 unspecified design. Seven interventions (53.8%) significantly improved PCP knowledge/ability and/or a patient outcome, including patients consulting with a dermatology‐trained nurse, pairing clinical education with expert consultation, pairing trainees with clinical mentors, giving clinicians a treatment guide, pairing clinical education with a treatment guide, and providing an eczema action plan. Studies had moderate‐high risk‐of‐bias, moderate quality, and heterogeneous designs. There are few studies published and little evidence supporting the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving primary care management of AD. Further research is required to develop and implement effective interventions to improve primary care management of AD.
Mushy Akrasia: Why Mushy Credences Are Rationally Permissible
Authors: Fraser Rachel
Published: July 2021

A familiar choice point for contemporary epistemologists concerns the permissibility of mushy, rather than sharp credences. I defend the permissibility of mushy credences.
Maximum composite likelihood estimation for spatial extremes models of Brown–Resnick type with application to precipitation data
Authors: Kim Moosup , Lee Sangyeol
Published: July 2021

In this study, we consider the maximum composite likelihood estimator for spatial extremes model class of Brown–Resnick type. The composite likelihood is constructed based on the weighted tail empirical process. It is shown that the proposed estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal under some regularity conditions fulfilled by the model class. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the estimator and apply it to the analysis of a precipitation data set.
Quality over quantity: A transactional model of social withdrawal and friendship development in late adolescence
Authors: Barzeva Stefania A. , Richards Jennifer S. , Veenstra René , Meeus Wim H. J. , Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to test a longitudinal, transactional model that describes how social withdrawal and friendship development are interrelated in late adolescence, and to investigate if post‐secondary transitions are catalysts of change for highly withdrawn adolescents’ friendships. Unilateral friendship data of 1,019 adolescents (61.3% female, 91% Dutch‐origin) from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) cohort were collected five times from ages 17 to 18 years. Social withdrawal was assessed at 16 and 19 years. The transactional model was tested within a Structural Equation Modeling framework, with intercepts and slopes of friendship quantity, quality, and stability as mediators and residential transitions, education transitions, and sex as moderators. The results confirmed the presence of a transactional relation between withdrawal and friendship quality. Whereas higher age 16 withdrawal predicted having fewer, lower‐quality, and less‐stable friendships, only having lower‐quality friendships, in turn, predicted higher age 19 withdrawal, especially in girls. Residential transitions were catalysts of change for highly withdrawn youth's number of friends: higher withdrawal predicted a moderate increase in number of friends for adolescents who relocated, and no change for those who made an educational transition or did not transition. Taken together, these results indicate that the quality of friendships—over and above number of friends and the stability of those friendships—is particularly important for entrenching or diminishing withdrawal in late adolescence, and that relocating provides an opportunity for withdrawn late adolescents to expand their friendship networks.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*55:107 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: He Yanmin , You Xuan , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: July 2021

HLA‐B*55:107 shows two nucleotides substitution when compared to HLA‐B*55:02:01:01.
Anti‐D alloimmunization in Rh(D) negative adults with severe traumatic injury
Authors: Raval Jay S. , Madden Kathleen M. , Neal Matthew D. , Moore Sarah A.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Widely varying rates of alloimmunization associated with transfusing uncrossmatched RBC products to trauma patients as part of hemostatic resuscitation have been reported. We characterized the rates of RBC alloimmunization in our severely injured Rh(D) negative trauma population who received uncrossmatched Rh(D) positive RBC products.

Methods

In a 10‐year retrospective analysis to assess Rh(D) alloimmunization risks, Rh(D) negative adult trauma patients initially requiring uncrossmatched group O Rh(D) positive RBC products with either RBC units or low titer group O whole blood as part of massive transfusion protocol (MTP) activation were identified. Only those Rh(D) negative patients whose initial antibody screenings were negative were included. Duration of serologic follow‐up from date of MTP activation to either date of anti‐D detection or most recent negative antibody screening was calculated.

Results

There were 129 eligible Rh(D) negative trauma patients identified. Median injury severity score was 25. Anti‐D was detected in 10 (7.8%) patients after a median of 161.5 days; the median duration of serologic follow‐up in those who did not have anti‐D detected was 220 days. Patients who had anti‐D detected were less severely injured and received fewer Rh(D) positive RBC products versus those who did not.

Discussion

In our severely injured adult trauma patients with MTP activation requiring uncrossmatched group O Rh(D) positive RBC products, the rate of anti‐D detection was low. Additional studies are necessary to determine generalizability of these findings and fully characterize alloimmunization risks in trauma patients with varying extents of injury.
Determinants of the intention to donate umbilical cord blood in pregnant women
Authors: Fernandes Mariana , Alessandri Guido , Abbad Rubi , Grano Caterina
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation is a behaviour promoted by many countries' health systems. However, UCB donation is not a widespread behaviour among expectant mothers, and little is known about the reasons that may lead to it. The aim of the present study was to analyse the contribution of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) variables among both primiparous and multiparous women in predicting intention to donate UCB.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred seventy‐six expectant mothers completed questionnaires that captured sociodemographic data, parity, previous donation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention to donate UCB. Multigroup analysis structural equation modelling was conducted using Mplus (version 8.02).

Results

Multigroup path analyses showed that intentions were strongly predicted by subjective norms and moderately predicted by positive attitudes and PBC in both primiparous and multiparous women. TPB constructs explained 71% of the variance in intentions for both groups.

Conclusions

Future interventions to increase intention to donate among primiparous and multiparous women could primarily consider the influence of partner and significant others in determining positive intentions and secondarily target increasing positive attitudes and perceptions of control.
Neglected tropical zoonotic diseases in Tigray region, northern Ethiopia: Spatial distribution and trend analysis of rabies, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, and visceral leishmaniasis in humans
Authors: Menghistu Habtamu Taddele , Mersha Tadesse Teferi , Shumuye Nigus Abebe , Woldie Biruk Mekonnen , Redda Yisehak Tsegaye , Hadush Birhanu , Mohammed Abrahim Hassen
Published: July 2021

Neglected tropical zoonotic diseases (NTZDs) continue to affect the health and livelihoods of humans particularly the poor and marginalized populations in developing countries. Mapping the distribution and burden of these diseases will support making an informed decision. A retrospective study was conducted to map the spatial distribution and analyse trend of NTZDs in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. A health management information system (HMIS) data between 2012/13 and 2016/17 was obtained from Tigray National Regional State Health Bureau. The Quantum‐GIS software was used to map the spatial distribution and burden of selected NTZDs at zonal level. Only four of the NTZDs namely rabies, tuberculosis (TB), schistosomiasis and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from the records of HMIS data were considered. A high incidence rate (IR) at least for one of the NTZDs was reported in males above 15 years old. In the 5‐year period, of the 60,099 reported NTZD cases, 30.3% (18,220), 26.6% (16,005), 23.3% (14,001), 14.4% (8,661), and 5.3% (3,212) were, respectively, schistosomiasis, extra‐pulmonary TB, rabies, pulmonary TB, and visceral leishmaniasis. The year‐wise analysis showed an irregular trend for the NTZDs where both the decreasing and increasing trends didn't show statistically significant variation. However, the overall regional number of TB cases showed a decreasing trend, where the decrease for extra‐pulmonary TB (1.8 cases per 100,000 population) was higher than pulmonary TB (0.5 cases per 100,000 population). Similarly, the annual number of rabies and VL cases showed a decreasing trend. On the other hand, the number of schistosomiasis cases showed an increasing trend (8.2 cases per 100,000 population). The annual average number of TB (171 cases per 100,000 population), schistosomiasis (354 cases per 100,000 population), and VL (63 cases per 100,000 population) cases were much higher in Western zone compared to the rest of the zones. The incidence rate of rabies was higher in Mekelle and Southeastern (100 cases per 100,000 population) and Northwestern (97 cases per 100,000 population) zones. Intervention strategies applied in the region should take into account the zonal distribution and burden of NTZDs.
A Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization Approach Using the Weighted Tchebycheff Method
Authors: Biswas Arpan , Fuentes Claudio , Hoyle Christopher
Published: July 2021

Bayesian optimization (BO) is a low-cost global optimization tool for expensive black-box objective functions, where we learn from prior evaluated designs, update a posterior surrogate Gaussian process model, and select new designs for future evaluation using an acquisition function. This research focuses upon developing a BO model with multiple black-box objective functions. In the standard multi-objective (MO) optimization problem, the weighted Tchebycheff method is efficiently used to find both convex and non-convex Pareto frontiers. This approach requires knowledge of utopia values before we start optimization. However, in the BO framework, since the functions are expensive to evaluate, it is very expensive to obtain the utopia values as a prior knowledge. Therefore, in this paper, we develop a MO-BO framework where we calibrate with multiple linear regression (MLR) models to estimate the utopia value for each objective as a function of design input variables; the models are updated iteratively with sampled training data from the proposed MO-BO. These iteratively estimated mean utopia values are used to formulate the weighted Tchebycheff MO acquisition function. The proposed approach is implemented in two numerical test examples and one engineering design problem of optimizing thin tube geometries under constant loading of temperature and pressure, with minimizing the risk of creep-fatigue failure and design cost, along with risk-based and manufacturing constraints. Finally, the model accuracy with frequentist, Bayesian and without MLR-based calibration are compared to true Pareto solutions.
Time Domain Study on the Construction Mechanism of Milling Stability Lobe Diagrams With Multiple Modes
Authors: Wang Liping , Li Weitao , Yu Guang
Published: July 2021

The stability lobe diagram (SLD) is an important expression way of milling stability prediction result. The SLD obtained by only selecting the most flexible mode fails to predict the chatter if the milling process is dominated by multiple modes. To reveal the relationship between the SLD with multiple modes and the SLDs corresponding to each single mode, this paper studies the construction mechanism of the SLD with multiple modes by using a time domain method. First, the milling dynamic model of the tool with multiple modes is established. Then, the numerical method based on the Newton-Cotes rules is used to solve the milling dynamic model with multiple modes whose solution is in the form of the SLD. It shows that the SLD with multiple modes can be approximated by using the lowest envelope of the SLDs corresponding to each single mode. Finally, two study cases are adopted to verify the construction mechanism of the SLD with multiple modes. To verify the correctness of the SLD with multiple modes, a series of milling tests are carried out. The experimental results agree with the simulation results, which mean the proposed time domain method can reveal the construction mechanism of the SLD with multiple modes.
Self-assembled iron-containing mordenite monolith for carbon dioxide sieving
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhang Jianlin , Wang Lei , Cui Xili , Liu Xiaoling , Wong Sie Shing , An Hua , Yan Ning , Xie Jingyan , Yu Cong , Zhang Peixin , Du Yonghua , Xi Shibo , Zheng Lirong , Cao Xingzhong , Wu Yajing , Wang Yingxia , Wang Chongqing , Wen Haimeng , Chen Lei , Xing Huabin , Wang Jun
Published: July 2021

Channeling carbon dioxide

The separation of gas molecules with physisorbents can be challenging because there is often a tradeoff between capacity and selectivity. Zhou
et al.
report a template-free hydrothermal synthesis of the one-dimensional channel zeolite mordenite, in which some silicon was replaced by iron. Rather than forming a powder that requires further shaping, this mechanically stable material self-assembled into monoliths. Iron atoms bound in tetrahedral zeolite sites narrowed the channels and enabled the size-exclusion separation of carbon dioxide (CO
2
) over nitrogen (N
2
) and methane. High CO
2
uptake and highly efficient CO
2
–N
2
separation was demonstrated for both dry and humid conditions.

Science
, aax5776, this issue p.
315
Multicomponent superconducting order parameter in UTe
2
Authors: Hayes I. M. , Wei D. S. , Metz T. , Zhang J. , Eo Y. S. , Ran S. , Saha S. R. , Collini J. , Butch N. P. , Agterberg D. F. , Kapitulnik A. , Paglione J.
Published: July 2021

Constraining symmetry

Most superconductors have only one transition point, and below a certain temperature, their electrical resistance drops to zero. In very rare cases, another superconducting transition appears at a lower temperature. By measuring its specific heat, Hayes
et al
. reveal that this two-step superconductivity occurs in the compound uranium ditelluride. Complementary optical measurements indicated the breaking of time reversal symmetry, constraining the possible symmetries of the order parameter in this material. —JS
Universal phase dynamics in VO
2
switches revealed by ultrafast operando diffraction
Authors: Sood Aditya , Shen Xiaozhe , Shi Yin , Kumar Suhas , Park Su Ji , Zajac Marc , Sun Yifei , Chen Long-Qing , Ramanathan Shriram , Wang Xijie , Chueh William C. , Lindenberg Aaron M.
Published: July 2021

A transient metal

Vanadium dioxide is known to have a coupled structural and electronic transition that can be accessed through light, thermal, or electrical excitation. Ultrafast optical studies of this insulator-to-metal transition indicate that it is mediated by the formation of a transient metallic phase that retains the structure of the original insulating phase. Sood
et al.
show that a similar sequence occurs when the material is electrically excited with a series of voltage pulses. Using ultrafast electron diffraction, the researchers monitored the structure of a vanadium dioxide sample after excitation and found evidence of a metastable metallic phase that appears during the transition.

Science
, abc0652, this issue p.
352