bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher experimental ambient temperature decreases female incubation attentiveness in Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and lower effort yields negligible energy savings
Authors: Ton Riccardo , Hurley Laura L. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: January 2021

In birds, ambient temperature can influence adult incubation behaviour, energy budget, egg temperature and embryonic development, with downstream effects on offspring survival. Surprisingly, experimental manipulations of the whole nesting environment to test causes and consequences of variation in incubation pattern, energy balance, egg temperature and the duration of development are lacking to date. Here, we bred pairs of Zebra FinchesTaeniopygia guttataunder controlled conditions at 18 and 30 °C and measured clutch size, temperature, hatching success, parental attentiveness and the length of the embryonic period. We found that when breeding at the higher temperature, males, but not females, increased the number of incubation bouts on the nest. Instead, females, but not males, reduced their attentiveness towards the clutch overall. Eggs showed no temperature differences between the two treatments and bigger clutches experienced lower temperatures. This suggests that parental behaviour may buffer the effect of ambient conditions on the thermal profile of eggs, including species with high rates of parental attentiveness. Warmer conditions yielded higher hatching rates but did not cause measurable differences in the length of embryonic development. Still, smaller clutches hatched earlier in accordance with the higher temperature experienced. Additionally, we used data from the literature to calculate parental energy expenditure and demonstrate that this was substantially different across the two treatments, although predicted energy savings from reduced attentiveness at 30 °C appeared negligible. These results suggest that when food is available, ambient temperature and not energy trade‐offs may explain variation in incubation behaviour.
Patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in riparian forests with natural and agricultural matrices in the Argentine Austral Yungas
Authors: Gomez Daniela , Ruggera RomÁn A. , Rivera Luis O. , Politi Natalia
Published: January 2021

Birds represent a diverse group that responds markedly to changes in the structural characteristics of their habitat. In this study, we evaluated the response of birds to changes generated by the landscape anthropization in riparian forests of the Austral Yungas. These forests are vulnerable to unnatural disturbances and are within an ecoregion that has a high risk of degradation due to historical and current land use changes. Based on the hypothesis of environmental heterogeneity, we investigated how taxonomic and functional diversity of bird assemblages were related to structural variables of riparian forests and the matrix type (native forest or crop) in which they are immersed. Through direct observations and captures using mist‐nets, we determined bird species richness and abundance, and measured quantitative functional traits in eight riparian forests in the piedmont forest of the Austral Yungas in Argentina. We also calculated four functional diversity indexes and measured structural variables of the forests. Bird species occupied a functional space in a uniform way, particularly in riparian forests immersed in a crop matrix, which tend to be structurally homogeneous; that is, in riparian forests where there is an increase in disturbances, the Functional Evenness values are higher. Changes in land use determine changes in the composition of bird assemblages and may result in the non‐random loss of functionally unique species.
Behavioural and heart rate responses to stressors in two populations of Little Penguins that differ in levels of human disturbance and predation risk
Authors: Schaefer Rebecca , Colombelli‐Négrel Diane
Published: January 2021

Species that are constantly exposed to disturbances, such as human disturbance or non‐lethal contacts with predators or conspecifics, can experience chronic stress. Within a species range, variation in the frequency and predictability of such disturbances can lead to population differences in stress responses. Here, we investigated the stress response of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor to an introduced predator and a conspecific at two South Australian colonies that differed in habitat, conspecific density, levels of human disturbance and predation risk (high, low). We used playback experiments of Cat Felis catus or Little Penguin calls and recorded the behaviour and physiological (heart rate) response of adults in relation to playback type (Cat, Penguin) as well as habitat characteristics (habitat type, nest type, nest visibility) and number of conspecifics present. Our results showed that individuals from the high‐disturbance colony (also living in a mixed habitat with fewer neighbours) exhibited higher vigilance and heart rate responses than individuals from the low‐disturbance colony (living in a closed habitat with a high number of neighbours). Our results highlight that guidelines for managing penguin species cannot be generalized across populations and need to be colony‐specific.
Studies on processing of layered oxide‐bonded porous sic ceramic filter materials
Authors: Dey Atanu , Kayal Nijhuma , Chakrabarti Omprakash , Fortes Nilo M. , Innocentini Murilo D. M. , Molla Atiar R. , Sinha Prasanta , Dalui Srikanta
Published: January 2021

Oxide‐bonded porous SiC ceramic filter supports were prepared using SiC powder (d50 = 212 µm), Al2O3, and clay as bond forming additives and graphite as pore former following reaction bonding of powder compacts at 1400°C in air. Reaction bonding characteristics, phase composition, porosity, pore size, mechanical strength, and microstructure of porous SiC ceramic supports were investigated. Mullite bond phase formation kinetics was studied following the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) model using non‐isothermal differential thermal analysis (DTA) data. Compared to porous SiC ceramic filter supports having no needle‐like mullite bond phase, materials processed by the mullite bonding technique exhibited higher average strength (22.1%) and elastic modulus (5.4%) at a similar porosity level of ~38%, with upper and lower bounds of their strength, modulus, and porosity being 39.1 MPa, 40.2 GPa, and 36.3% and 34.2 MPa, 31.3 GPa, and 33.0%, respectively. Spray coating method was applied for preparation of oxidation‐bonded SiC filtration layer having thickness of ~150 µm and pore size of ~5–20 µm over the porous SiC support compacts using aqueous slurry made of fine SiC powder (d50 = 15 µm) followed by sintering. The layered ceramics thus prepared are potential materials for gas filter applications.
Research focus and thematic trends in magnet hospital research: A bibliometric analysis of the global publications
Authors: Yang Weimei , Liu Yu , Zeng Tieying , Wang Ying , Hao Xinying , Yang Weiqiang , Wang Hui
Published: January 2021

Aims

The study aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the research on magnet hospital from 1988‐2020.

Design

A statistical and visualization bibliometric analysis was conducted between February‐May 2020.

Methods

The information was extracted from Web of Science by the topic advanced search strategy. HistCite‐Pro, Excel, GunnMap, BibExcel and VOSviewer were used to extract, integrate and visualize the bibliometric information. Furthermore, the research contents of the core‐authors were explored and summarized by reviewing all the published articles.

Results

Articles (N = 396) published in 107 journals were retrieved in the Web of Science from 1988‐2020. The USA (N = 319) and University of Pennsylvania (N = 38) were the most productive country and institution respectively. Author co‐citation and bibliographic‐coupling network analysis identified that Aiken, Kramer, Laschinger, Schmalenberg, Lake and Johantgen were the major contributors and leaders in this field. According to the research content of the main contributors and keyword co‐occurrence analysis result, the research focus could be divided into four parts: the mechanism leading to the outcomes differences for magnet hospital, the evidence‐based practice, the outcomes comparison between magnet hospital and non‐magnet hospital and the practice environment.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study offered a comprehensive overview of current study status of magnet hospital and this area has been drawn increasing attention over the years. However, the research on magnet hospital is still relative limited and needs to be paid more attention, especially in developing countries.

Impact

This study showed the most contributed countries, journals, institutions, authors and the main themes related to magnet hospital, which would help researchers find potential partners, optimize and deepen future research, such as enhancing the magnet hospital research in developing countries, improving the evidence‐based research and considering the impact caused by different culture. Furthermore, this study can also give suggestions for magnet hospital policy makers.
Effects of four constant temperatures on the development of two Bradysia (Diptera: Sciaridae) species
Authors: Gou Yuping , Guo Sufan , Quandahor Peter , Li Chunchun , Zhang Qiangyan , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Liu Chang‐Zhong
Published: January 2021

In this study, the effects of temperature on the growth, development, survival, fecundity and other population parameters of two local Bradysia species B. odoriphaga and B. impatiens were studied at four constant temperatures (25, 28, 31 and 34°C). The results show that 25°C is the optimum temperature for the growth and development of B. odoriphaga, while 28°C is more favourable for B. impatiens. The temperature of 31°C restricted the growth and development, while the temperature of 34°C inhibited the eggs hatching in both species, resulting in no egg survival and no subsequent development. High temperatures (>28°C) prolonged the 4th larval stage duration, mean generation time (T) and population doubling time (Dt) of both species. The high temperature of 31°C greatly shortened the female longevity, weakened the oviposition and reduced the survival of both species. Moreover, the life table parameters R0, rm and λ were also suppressed by this high temperature. However, the high temperature of 31°C had little impact on the egg survival, pupal weight and male longevity. In addition, at 31°C, the values of R0, rm and λ of B. odoriphaga were higher than those of B. impatiens, suggesting that B. odoriphaga is more tolerant to high temperature than B. impatiens. The differences between two Bradydsia species seem determined genetically. Our findings are important for better understanding their biological characteristics at a certain constant temperature and demonstrate the possibility to control and manage those two Bradysia species by increasing ambient temperature.
Post‐marketing analysis for biosimilar CT‐P13 in inflammatory bowel disease compared with external data of originator infliximab in Japan
Authors: Sagami Shintaro , Nishikawa Kiyohiro , Yamada Fumika , Suzuki Yasuo , Watanabe Mamoru , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

CT‐P13, an infliximab (IFX) biosimilar, was approved for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, no comparison with the originator IFX in this indication has been conducted in Japan where endemic levels of tuberculosis and hepatitis virus infection are not low. We evaluated the safety and efficacy in real‐world data of CT‐P13 and compared with originator IFX data in Japan.

Methods

In a prospective post‐marketing surveillance (PMS) study, patients who received CT‐P13 in a 28‐month period from January 2015 were followed up for 2 years. By conducting Japanese administrative database search (DBS) for the same period of PMS, data of the originator IFX including treatment persistence, tuberculosis incidence, and liver injury were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the corresponding PMS data of CT‐P13.

Results

CT‐P13 persistence in PMS (n = 640) and IFX persistence in DBS (n = 4113) were almost similar between patients who switched from the originator and patients who continued on the originator, and also between the biologics‐naïve patient groups. There were no differences in the incidences of tuberculosis and hepatic injury (Tuberculosis: 2 patients [0.31%] with CT‐P13, 10 patients [0.24%] with the originator, P = 0.75; Hepatic injury: 18.5% with CT‐P13, 15.4% with the originator, P = 0.22). Most of the patients with hepatic injury continued treatment in PMS and DBS at similar rates (80.8% vs 83.6%, P = 0.65).

Conclusion

The results of long‐term PMS of CT‐P13 compared with external reference data from an administrative database suggested that the biosimilar and its originator were comparably useful in real‐world clinical practice.
Omega‐3 fatty acid lipid emulsions are safe and effective in reducing endotoxemia and sepsis in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: An open‐label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kulkarni Anand V , Anand Lovkesh , Vyas Ashish Kumar , Premkumar Madhumita , Choudhury Ashok K , Trehanpati Nirupama , Benjamin Jaya , Kumar Guresh , Joshi Yogendra Kumar , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Sepsis is an important determinant of the outcome of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients. Omega‐3 fatty acids (FAs) are known to suppress inflammation, reduce morbidity, and mortality in postoperative and critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous omega‐6 and omega‐3 FA lipid emulsions in ACLF patients.

Methods

Ninety ACLF patients were randomly allocated to three groups: Gr. A received no lipid emulsions, Gr. B received omega‐6 FAs, and Gr. C received omega‐3 FAs. The primary and secondary aims were to compare the effects of lipid emulsions on immune modulation, the incidence of bacterial sepsis, and mortality at day 28.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the patients were comparable. Serum endotoxin levels remained suppressed by 22% in Gr. C compared with a 4% and 12% rise in Gr. B and A (P < 0.001). Omega‐3 FAs also suppressed C‐reactive protein levels and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in Gr. C. Compared with Gr. A, omega‐3 FAs reduced sepsis by 86% (HR, 0.14; 95% CI 0.04–0.43; P < 0.001). Omega‐3 FAs significantly increased the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on both CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes, and TLR4, on macrophages and neutrophils. There were no serious adverse events, except transient flushing in 20% and 16.6% of patients receiving omega‐6 FAs and omega‐3 FAs, respectively.

Conclusion

Omega‐3 FAs are safe and effective in reducing systemic inflammation, endotoxemia, and sepsis in patients with ACLF. These lipid emulsions could also be considered as effective sources of immunonutrition in such sick patients.
Increased vulnerability to COVID‐19 in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Carlson N. , Nelveg‐Kristensen K.‐E. , Freese Ballegaard E. , Feldt‐Rasmussen B. , Hornum M. , Kamper A.‐Lise , Gislason G. , Torp‐Pedersen C.
Published: January 2021

Background

The significance of chronic kidney disease on susceptibility to COVID‐19 and subsequent outcomes remains unaddressed.

Objective

To investigate the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on risk of contracting COVID‐19 and subsequent adverse outcomes.

Methods

Rates of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19 were compared across strata of eGFR based on conditional logistic regression using a nested case–control framework with 1:4 matching of patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 with controls from the Danish general population on age, gender, diabetes and hypertension. Risk of subsequent severe COVID‐19 or death was assessed in a cohort study with comparisons across strata of eGFR based on adjusted Cox regression models with G‐computation of results to determine 60‐day risk standardized to the distribution of risk factors in the sample.

Results

Estimated glomerular filtration rate was inversely associated with rate of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19: eGFR 61–90 mL/min/1.73m2 HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03–1.25), P = 0.011; eGFR 46–60 mL/min/1.73m2  HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.06–1.50), P = 0.008; eGFR 31–45 mL/min/1.73m2 HR 1.68 (95% CI 1.34–2.11), P < 0.001; and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2 3.33 (95% CI 2.50–4.42), P < 0.001 (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m2 as reference), and renal impairment was associated with progressive increase in standardized 60‐day risk of death or severe COVID‐19; eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m2 13.9% (95% CI 9.7–15.0); eGFR 90–61 mL/min/1.73m2 16.1% (95% CI 14.5–17.7); eGFR 46–60 mL/min/1.73m2 17.8% (95% CI 14.7–21.2); eGFR 31–45 mL/min/1.73m2 22.6% (95% CI 18.2–26.2); and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2 23.6% (95% CI 18.1–29.1).

Conclusions

Renal insufficiency was associated with progressive increase in both rate of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19 and subsequent risk of adverse outcomes. Results underscore a possible vulnerability associated with impaired renal function in relation to COVID‐19.
Assessment of thirty‐day readmission rate, timing, causes and predictors after hospitalization with COVID‐19
Authors: Yeo I. , Baek S. , Kim J. , Elshakh H. , Voronina A. , Lou M.S. , Vapnik J. , Kaler R. , Dai X. , Goldbarg S.
Published: January 2021

Background

There are limited data on the characteristics of 30‐day readmission after hospitalization with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Objectives

To examine the rate, timing, causes, predictors and outcomes of 30‐day readmission after COVID‐19 hospitalization.

Methods

From 13 March to 9 April 2020, all patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and discharged alive were included in this retrospective observational study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of 30‐day readmission, and a restricted cubic spline function was utilized to assess the linearity of the association between continuous predictors and 30‐day readmission.

Results

A total of 1062 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow‐up time of 62 days. The mean age of patients was 56.5 years, and 40.5% were women. At the end of the study, a total of 48 (4.5%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and a median time to readmission was 5 days. The most common primary diagnosis of 30‐day readmission was a hypoxic respiratory failure (68.8%) followed by thromboembolism (12.5%) and sepsis (6.3%). The patients with a peak serum creatinine level of ≥1.29 mg/dL during the index hospitalization, compared to those with a creatinine of <1.29 mg/dL, had 2.4 times increased risk of 30‐day readmission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.23–4.74). The mortality rate during the readmission was 22.9%.

Conclusion

With 4.5% of the thirty‐day readmission rate, COVID‐19 survivors were readmitted early after hospital discharge, mainly due to morbidities of COVID‐19. One in five readmitted COVID‐19 survivors died during their readmission.
Association of mitochondrial DNA copy number with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in 14 176 individuals
Authors: Fazzini F. , Lamina C. , Raftopoulou A. , Koller A. , Fuchsberger C. , Pattaro C. , Del Greco F. M. , Döttelmayer P. , Fendt L. , Fritz J. , Meiselbach H. , Schönherr S. , Forer L. , Weissensteiner H. , Pramstaller P. P. , Eckardt K.‐U. , Hicks A. A. , Kronenberg F. ,   the GCKD Investigators
Published: January 2021

Background

Mitochondria play an important role in cellular metabolism, and their dysfunction is postulated to be involved in metabolic disturbances. Mitochondrial DNA is present in multiple copies per cell. The quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA‐CN) might be used to assess mitochondrial dysfunction.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the cross‐sectional association of mtDNA‐CN with type 2 diabetes and the potential mediating role of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We examined 4812 patients from the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study and 9364 individuals from the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study. MtDNA‐CN was measured in whole blood using a plasmid‐normalized qPCR‐based assay.

Results

In both studies, mtDNA‐CN showed a significant correlation with most metabolic syndrome parameters: mtDNA‐CN decreased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components. Furthermore, individuals with low mtDNA‐CN had significantly higher odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.025; 95% CI = 1.011–1.039, P = 3.19 × 10−4, for each decrease of 10 mtDNA copies) and type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.027; 95% CI = 1.012–1.041; P = 2.84 × 10−4) in a model adjusted for age, sex, smoking and kidney function in the meta‐analysis of both studies. Mediation analysis revealed that the association of mtDNA‐CN with type 2 diabetes was mainly mediated by waist circumference in the GCKD study (66%) and by several metabolic syndrome parameters, especially body mass index and triglycerides, in the CHRIS study (41%).

Conclusions

Our data show an inverse association of mtDNA‐CN with higher risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A major part of the total effect of mtDNA‐CN on type 2 diabetes is mediated by obesity parameters.
Early neonatal death review from two provinces in Papua New Guinea: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Vallely Lisa M , Smith Rachel , Laman Moses , Riddell Michaela A , Mengi Alice , Au Lucy , Polomon Cherolyn , Vogel Joshua P , Pomat William S , Vallely Andrew J , Homer Caroline SE
Published: January 2021

Aim

To determine the causes of early neonatal death and the avoidable factors associated with these deaths among women participating in a cluster‐randomised crossover trial in Papua New Guinea.

Methods

Early neonatal deaths were identified by retrospective chart review of the Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Interventions and Management study participants between July 2017 and January 2020. Causes of death and avoidable factors were identified using the Perinatal Problem Identification Program system.

Results

There were 35 early neonatal deaths among 2499 livebirths (14 per 1000 births). Fifty‐seven percent (20/35) of deaths occurred on the first day of life. Idiopathic preterm birth was the leading obstetric cause of perinatal death (29%; 10/35). Extreme multi‐organ immaturity (23%; 8/35) and hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (17%; 6/35) were the most common final causes of neonatal death. Forty‐six avoidable factors were identified among 26 deaths, including delays in care‐seeking, insufficient resources at health facilities, poor intrapartum care and immediate care of the newborn, including neonatal resuscitation.

Conclusion

In this study, potentially preventable causes and avoidable factors were identified in the majority of early neonatal deaths. Addressing these factors will require health system strengthening, particularly the upskilling of primary level health staff, as well as targeted health education of women and the community.
Paediatric presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department during COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Bothara Roshit K , Raina Aditya , Carne Brennan , Walls Tony , McCombie Andrew , Ardagh Michael W , Joyce Laura R
Published: January 2021

Aim

To describe the variation in volumes and types of paediatric presentations to a tertiary emergency department in New Zealand during the national level 4 lockdown for COVID‐19.

Methods

A retrospective, comparative cohort study in Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department, New Zealand.

Results

There was a 37% reduction in all emergency presentations during the 33‐day lockdown period. Paediatric presentations reduced significantly more than non‐paediatric presentations (53% paediatric vs. 34% non‐paediatric, P < 0.00001). The decrease in both overall and paediatric presentations was significantly different than similar periods in 2019 and 2018 (P < 0.00001). The proportion of New Zealand European paediatric presentations during lockdown increased by 6.09% (P = 0.01), while Pacific peoples decreased by 3.36% (P = 0.005). The proportion of <1‐year‐old presentations increased by 5.56% (P = 0.001), while 11–15 years decreased by 7.91% (P = 0.0001). Respiratory‐related paediatric presentations decreased by 30% and proportional decreased by 4.92% (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study has identified a significant reduction in paediatric presentations to a tertiary emergency department in New Zealand during the national Alert Level 4 Lockdown for COVID‐19. The proportional increase in the <1‐year‐old group may suggest a greater need for community‐based child health services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Mental health support services may also need to adapt and expand to provide adequate psychological support for children during this crisis. Recognising the needs of these vulnerable groups will be critical during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic in addition to informing response plans for similar events in the future.
Selenium supplementation improves nutrient intake and digestibility, and mitigates CH4 emissions from sheep grazed on the mixed pasture of alfalfa and tall fescue
Authors: Pan Yueting , Wang Yongjia , Lou Shanning , Wanapat Metha , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhu Wanhe , Hou Fujiang
Published: January 2021

Low selenium (Se) in soil and forage can adversely affect on the quality of animal‐derived foods, and hence on human health. Lambs grazed on mixed pastures of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) were supplemented with five levels of Se [0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 µg/kg body weight (BW)]. The intake of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) varied with the level of Se supplementation, with a peak at 6 µg Se per kg BW (p ≤ 0.05). Gross energy (GE) intake, digestive energy (DE) intake and metabolic energy (ME) intake were higher at 6 µg Se per kg BW than at other Se levels (p < 0.01); in addition, methane energy (CH4‐E) output was lower at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Supplementation with Se significantly increased nitrogen (N) intake, faecal N and urine N, for which the peak values were 20.2 g N/, 5.62 g N/day and 7.92 g N/day, respectively, at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Se intake, blood Se, faecal Se, urine Se and retained Se were negatively correlated with forage crude protein (CP) content (p < 0.001) but were positively correlated with the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p < 0.001) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) (p < 0.001). Thus, we recommend the addition of 6 µg Se per kg BW to sheep grazed on pastures in regions with low soil Se.
The role of CRISPR‐Cas in advancing precision periodontics
Authors: Barbour Abdelahhad , Glogauer Judah , Grinfeld Lis , Ostadsharif Memar Rouzbeh , Fine Noah , Tenenbaum Howard , Glogauer Michael
Published: January 2021

The significant advancement of molecular biology has revolutionized medicine and provided important technologies to further clinical research development. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) are DNA sequences derived from bacteriophages which have previously infected the bacterial species. The CRISPR–Cas system plays a key role in bacterial defense by detecting and destroying DNA fragments during subsequent bacteriophage invasions. The Cas9 enzyme recognizes and cleaves new invading CRISPR‐complementary DNA sequences. Researchers have taken advantage of this biological device to manipulate microbes’ genes and develop novel therapeutics to tackle systemic disease. In this review, we discuss the potential of utilizing CRISPR–Cas systems in the periodontal field to develop personalized periodontal care. We summarize promising attempts to bring this technology to the clinical setting. Finally, we provide insights regarding future developments to best utilize the CRISPR–Cas systems to advance precision periodontics. Although further research is imperative to evaluate the safety and potential of using CRISPR–Cas to develop precision periodontics approaches, few studies showed promising data to support the investment into this important technology in the dental sector. CRISPR–Cas9 can be a useful tool to create knockouts in vitro and in vivo as a screening tool to identify cellular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Alternative CRISPR systems such as CRISPRa, CRISPRi, and Cas13 can be used to modify the transcriptome and gene expression of genes involved in periodontitis progression. CRISPR systems such as Cas3 can be used to target the periodontal biofilm and to develop new strategies to reduce or eliminate periodontal pathogens. Currently, the utility of CRISPR–Cas applications in clinical settings is limited. Through this review, we hope to foster further discussion in the periodontal research and clinical communities with respect to the potential clinical application of novel, CRISPR–Cas based, therapeutics for periodontitis.
Dependence of the apparent bicarbonate space on initial plasma bicarbonate concentration and carbon dioxide tension in neonatal calves with diarrhea, acidemia, and metabolic acidosis
Authors: Trefz Florian M. , Lorenz Ingrid , Constable Peter D.
Published: January 2021

Background

Marked strong ion (metabolic) acidosis in neonatal diarrheic calves usually is corrected by IV administration of NaHCO3. The distribution space for IV‐administered bicarbonate, called the apparent bicarbonate space (ABS), appears to depend on initial plasma bicarbonate concentration (cHCO3) and varies considerably in calves.

Objective

To determine whether ABS was associated with initial plasmacHCO3and other acid‐base variables.

Animals

Twenty‐five neonatal diarrheic calves with acidemia and metabolic acidosis.

Methods

Prospective observational study using a convenience sample. Calves received NaHCO3(10 mmol/kg) and glucose (1.4 mmol/kg) IV in a crystalloid solution at 25 mL/kg over 60 minutes. The ABS (L/kg) was calculated at 4 time points over 2 hours after the end of the infusion. The relationship between ABS and initial acid‐base variables was characterized using nonlinear, linear, and stepwise regression.

Results

The median value for ABS calculated from the initial plasmacHCO3increased from 0.53 L/kg (range, 0.40‐0.79) at the end of IV infusion to 0.96 L/kg (range, 0.54‐1.23) 120 minutes later. Data obtained at the end of infusion provided the best fit to initial plasmacHCO3and jugular venous blood Pco2, such that: ABS = 0.41 + 1.06/cHCO3and ABS = 0.87‐0.0082 × Pco2.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The observed median value for ABS of 0.53 L/kg in our study was similar to the empirically used value of 0.6. However, ABS values varied widely and were increased in calves with severe metabolic acidosis. We therefore recommend calculating ABS using the initial plasmacHCO3or venous blood Pco2, if respective measurements are available.
Weakneo‐Whorfianismand the philosophy of time
Authors: Dyke Heather
Published: January 2021

According to a thesis I call thelinguistic assumption, the structure of language is a guide to the fundamental nature of reality. It is deployed in the metaphysical debate over the nature of time. In that debate, it is more radical than the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis, and should be rejected. A weak interpretation of the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis makes the empirical claim that speakers of different languages experience, perceive, or think about aspects of the world differently. I survey recent experimental evidence that supports this hypothesis which, I argue, gives us further reason to reject the linguistic assumption.
Leaf turgor loss point shapes local and regional distributions of evergreen but not deciduous tropical trees
Authors: Kunert Norbert , Zailaa Joseph , Herrmann Valentine , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Wright S. Joseph , Pérez Rolando , McMahon Sean M. , Condit Richard C. , Hubbell Steven P. , Sack Lawren , Davies Stuart J. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J.
Published: January 2021

The effects of climate change on tropical forests will depend on how diverse tropical tree species respond to drought. Current distributions of evergreen and deciduous tree species across local and regional moisture gradients reflect their ability to tolerate drought stress, and might be explained by functional traits.

We measured leaf water potential at turgor loss (i.e. ‘wilting point’; πtlp), wood density (WD) and leaf mass per area (LMA) on 50 of the most abundant tree species in central Panama. We then tested their ability to explain distributions of evergreen and deciduous species within a 50 ha plot on Barro Colorado Island and across a 70 km rainfall gradient spanning the Isthmus of Panama.

Among evergreen trees, species with lower πtlp were associated with drier habitats, with πtlp explaining 28% and 32% of habitat association on local and regional scales, respectively, greatly exceeding the predictive power of WD and LMA. In contrast, πtlp did not predict habitat associations among deciduous species.

Across spatial scales, πtlp is a useful indicator of habitat preference for tropical tree species that retain their leaves during periods of water stress, and holds the potential to predict vegetation responses to climate change.
ABUSE, REUSE, RECYCLE: THE USES OF BASALT ORTHOSTATS AT HAZOR IN THE BRONZE AND IRON AGES
Authors: Bechar Shlomit
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the use of basalt orthostats in Syro‐Anatolia throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, focusing on the changes in their consumption at Hazor. Used to reflect the wealth and power of city rulers in the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, this practice continued in the Iron Age in Syro‐Anatolia, while at Hazor it stopped entirely. By applying the modern concepts of counter‐monumentality and spolia, it is suggested that, at Hazor, the orthostats were used by the Iron Age inhabitants of the city to glorify the destruction of the Late Bronze Age city and to humiliate the previous royalty of Hazor, thus exhibiting their victory over its Canaanite rulers.
Management of Failed External Fixation by Two‐Staged Internal Osteosynthesis in the Lower Limb
Authors: Kornah Bahaa Ali , Abdelaziz Mohamed , I Abulsoud Mohamed , Abdel Ghani Tharwat , Seleem Nagi , Alshal Ehab A. , Abdel‐AAl Mohamed Aly
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the result of a two‐stage (delayed conversion) management of nonunion after failed external fixation of the lower limb.

Methods

A case series of 25 patients (19 males and six females) enrolled in this study between February 2008 and October 2016, mean age 33.4 years (range, 22–65 years). Eight had femoral fractures, and 17 had tibial fractures. All were due to high‐energy trauma and were open fractures. All cases were presented by non‐union after external fixation in the lower limb long bones. All patients were managed by two stages (delayed conversion) osteosynthesis. The patients have been assessed for rate and time for union, range of motion of adjacent joints, the Modified functional outcome score of Karlstrom‐Olerud, and Trauma outcomes measure score.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 36.5 months (range 24–54 months). Twenty‐two cases (88%) were fully united on an average of 5.3 months. According to the Karlstrom‐Olerud scores, the final functional outcome score was excellent 12 cases, good 9 cases, accepted 2 cases, and poor in two cases. As regards the trauma outcome measure score, the mean TOM after 3 months was 26.1 (25.3–27.3), 30.4 (29.3–32.1) after 12 months, and 33.4 (32.3–40) after 24 months.

Conclusions

The technique of two‐stage treatment of nonunions of long bone after external fixation is a successful tool to achieve bony union. It could be a favorable option with a low risk of complications and a high level of functional outcomes.
Readability of online patient education materials for juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Nickles Melissa A. , Ramani Santhoshini L. , Tegtmeyer Kyle , Zhao Jeffrey , Lio Peter A.
Published: January 2021

In this study, we sought to analyze the readability of online patient education materials (PEMs) related to juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). We analyzed the top 100 Google results and using six different readability scores, found 53 PEMs which had an average grade reading level of 17.4 (graduate level). PEMs by health care providers were written at higher grade levels than those by non‐health care providers. Our findings demonstrate a clear need for online JDM PEMs that are written at an appropriate reading level and can be comprehended by patients and families of all levels of health literacy.
Eltrombopag for treatment of thrombocytopenia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in children: Single‐centre experience
Authors: Yaman Yöntem , Elli Murat , Şahin Şifa , Özdilli Kürşat , Bilgen Hülya , Bayram Nihan , Nepesov Serdar , Anak Sema
Published: January 2021

Delayed recovery of thrombocytopenia is a well‐known complication after allogeneic HSCT. Eltrombopag (ELT), a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TRAs), induces platelet maturation and release. Mostly conducted in adults, some of the previous studies have shown that ELT seems to enhance platelet recovery for post‐allogeneic HSCT thrombocytopenia, appears efficacious, and offers transfusion independence. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELT in pediatric patients with prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PIT) or secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR) after alloHSCT. Retrospective analysis of childhood patients who received treatment with ELT for persistent thrombocytopenia after alloHSCT between May 2016 and August 2019. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ELT in 18 childhood patients with PIT or SFPR after alloHSCT. Eltrombopag (50 mg/d) treatment was started in all patients, above 6 years of age and 20 kg weight, who had thrombocytopenia despite neutrophil engraftment on the 30th day of HSCT. Our objective was to decrease the need for platelet transfusion and have a platelet count of more than 50 000/µL. The overall response rate was 77.7%. The median time to achieve a platelet level above 30 000/µL and 50 000/µL was 21 and 44 days, respectively. In four patients, platelet count never reached 30 000/mm3. In two patients, the treatment was discontinued due to grade 3 hepatotoxicity. Our study supports the efficacy and relative safety of ELT use for the treatment of PIT and SFPR seen after alloHSCT in children.
Evaluation of soybean genotypes for resistance against the rust‐causing fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi in East Africa
Authors: Murithi Harun Muthuri , Namara Mercy , Tamba Mussa , Tukamuhabwa Phinehas , Mahuku George , van Esse H. Peter , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J.
Published: January 2021

Soybean rust, caused by the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is the most important foliar disease of soybean (Glycine max) worldwide. Deployment of resistant soybean cultivars is the best option for managing this disease. Genes conferring resistance to P. pachyrhizi have been identified, but pathotypes of the rust fungus overcoming these resistance genes have also been found. To identify novel resistance genes, soybean genotypes from both local and international sources were screened at multiple locations in Tanzania and Uganda in 2016 and 2017. The results from this screening revealed that infection types, disease severities, and sporulation levels varied among the genotypes and locations. The majority of the genotypes had tan‐coloured (TAN) lesions and developed moderate sporulation, implying susceptibility, while only seven of the 71 lines had reddish‐brown (RB) lesions and showed low disease severities in all of the screening environments. We identified seven genotypes that were the most resistant to rust in the most locations over the two years. These genotypes will be useful for further studies and, ultimately, for rust management, as they show broad resistance to various pathotypes of the rust fungus.
When the paper tiger bites: Evidence of compliance with unenforced regulation among employers in Sweden
Authors: Cronert Axel
Published: January 2021

Little evidence exists on whether and why organizations comply with regulations that are not monitored or enforced. To address that shortage, this study evaluates the 2007 repeal of an essentially unenforced regulation mandating private and local government employers in Sweden to post their vacancies publicly at the Public Employment Service. Exploiting the fact that central government employers were not affected, difference‐in‐differences analyses identify a substantial negative effect of the repeal on local government employers' vacancy posting propensity – with similar results for the private sector. At odds with deterrence models of regulatory compliance, these findings hint at an important role for organizational factors related to cultures and norms. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that local governments with more law‐abiding organizational culture and stronger social responsibility commitment were more prone to comply with the unenforced regulation. The results thus simultaneously point to an untapped potential and to some possible preconditions for unenforced regulatory strategies.
A transactional model of expressive control and inhibitory control across childhood
Authors: Berzenski Sara R. , Yates Tuppett M.
Published: January 2021

This investigation examined cross‐lagged relations between expressive control (i.e., management of expressed affect) and inhibitory control (i.e., management of behavior) to elucidate the development of self‐regulation across affective and behavioral domains. Regulation was assessed longitudinally at ages four, six, and eight using both observational laboratory tasks and teacher reports in a diverse sample of 250 children. Both observational and teacher‐reported models produced parallel results, with consistent prospective relations between expressive control and inhibitory control. In both models, better expressive control of affect at age four predicted better inhibitory control of behavior at six whereas better inhibitory control at age six predicted better expressive control at age eight. Cross‐domain longitudinal relations controlled for the stability of prior within‐domain regulation and concurrent cross‐domain relations. The replication of these findings across laboratory and school settings provides particularly robust evidence for these effects. This study demonstrated that clarifying developmental dynamics across domains of self‐regulation may be essential to understanding the full regulatory system.
Social Innovation for Sustainability Transformation and its Diverging Development Paths in Marginalised Rural Areas
Authors: Kluvankova Tatiana , Nijnik Maria , Spacek Martin , Sarkki Simo , Perlik Manfred , Lukesch Robert , Melnykovych Mariana , Valero Diana , Brnkalakova Stanislava
Published: January 2021

Social innovation is perceived as a collaborative response from civic society actors to societal challenges and as such is increasingly being recognised as a driver for sustainable development. Social innovation promotes civic values, particularly in marginalised rural areas that are often struggling with biophysical and market limits, as well as shortages of public funding. In order to identify diverging development paths (DDPs) for social innovation, in this article, we use two large sets of empirical material from the SIMRA research project. First, for meta‐analyses of social innovation in diverse situations and contexts, we use 211 validated social innovation examples. Second, we rely on 11 in‐depth cases to reflect on the contexts and dimensions of social innovation. The elaboration of conceptualisation and deductive analyses result in the creation of a typology of social innovation DDPs, with four DDPs identified and explained. The article provides an improved understanding of how social innovation emerges and develops and how to capture processes and resulting changes in marginalised rural areas in order to turn such areas' diversity into strengths. An important conclusion is that social innovation involves both local and external actors, yet cannot develop without specific internal local activity and local knowledge.
Block motions and strain partition on active faults in Northeast Tibet and their geodynamic implications
Authors: Pan Zhengyang , Zhang Zhihui , Shao Zhigang , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: January 2021

An updated GPS velocity field and set of focal mechanism solutions have allowed us to quantify the detailed tectonic deformation of Northeast Tibet. By employing block kinematic modelling, we show how the relative motion of modelled blocks is accommodated by deformation on major fault structures across the region, from the Eastern Kunlun Range to the Qilian Shan, with the slip rate decrease from the centre towards the east in the Kunlun, the Haiyuan and the Altyn Tagh Fault, as well as strain partitioning on these faults. The deflection of both the derived block strains and the focal stress from the west to the east also implies the strain transfer from the strike‐slip shearing to crustal shortening. Combining the different faulting regimes in each block with the distinctive distribution of the strain ratios, our results support a model of diffusive deformation associated with strain partition along tectonic boundary faults.
London 2017: Lessons learned in transfusion emergency planning
Authors: Chowdhury Fatts , Doughty Heidi , Batrick Nicola
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

Hospitals prepare for emergencies, but the impact on transfusion staff is rarely discussed. We describe the transfusion response to four major incidents (MIs) during a 6‐month period. Three events were due to terrorist attacks, and the fourth was the Grenfell Tower fire. The aim of this paper was to share the practical lessons identified.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of four MIs in 2017 using patient administration systems, MI documentation and post‐incident debriefs. Blood issue, usage and adverse events during the four activation periods were identified using the Laboratory Information Management System (TelePath).

Results

Thirty‐four patients were admitted (18 P1, 4 P2, 11 P3 and 1 dead). Forty‐five blood samples were received: 24 related to nine MI P1 patients. Four P1s received blood components, three with trauma and one with burns, and 35 components were issued. Total components used were six red blood cells (RBC), six fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and two cryoprecipitate pools. Early lessons identified included sample labelling errors (4/24). Errors resolved following the deployment of transfusion staff within the emergency department. Components were over‐ordered, leading to time‐expiry wastage of platelets. Careful staff management ensured continuity of transfusion services beyond the immediate response period. Debriefing sessions provided staff with support and enabled lessons to be shared.

Conclusions

Transfusion teams were involved in repeated incidents. The demand for blood was minimal. Workload was related to sample handling rather than component issue. A shared situational awareness would improve stock management. A laboratory debriefing system offered valuable feedback for service improvement, staff training and support.