bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of Ultrasonic Incorporated Glutathione Treatment in Preserving the Physicochemical Quality and Preventing the Browning of Lotus Rhizome Slices
Authors: Wen Bo , Li Da , Du Xianfeng , Kedbanglai Phacharee , Tang De , Huang Zhen , Ge Zibing , Supapvanich Suriyan
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the efficacy of 40‐kHz (200 W) ultrasonication (US) for 2 min combined with glutathione (GSH) at 0.5% w/v (US + GSH) in preventing browning and preserving the physicochemical quality of lotus rhizome slices stored in a 4 ± 1 °C refrigerator. According to the visual appearance of the slices, US + GSH treatment more effectively inhibited the browning of the cut surface than did GSH or US treatment alone. US + GSH and GSH treatments were more effective than US and control treatments in preserving the slices’ colour attributes, such as their lightness and whiteness index values, and potentially retarded enzymatic browning reactions and increases in browning index and total colour difference values. Moreover, the application of US and US + GSH treatments noticeably preserved the texture of the slices. None of the treatments affected the total sugar content during storage. The US + GSH treatment markedly enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant potential of the slices during storage. The slices treated with US, GSH, and US + GSH exhibited slower reductions in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity than did the controls. In conclusion, US + GSH treatment is a feasible approach for inhibiting browning, maintaining texture, and inducing antioxidant activity in lotus rhizome slices during storage.
Migration, resettlement and integration of survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda in Canada: A community‐based study
Authors: Yohani Sophie , Kreitzer Linda
Published: August 2021

This article describes the migration, resettlement and integration challenges and strengths of members of the African Diaspora in Canada who identify as survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi of Rwanda. Data were generated from semi‐structured interviews with 16 adult community members and a thematic analysis conducted inductively and collectively with the research team consisting of academics and representative community members. This article provides insights into the unique long‐term impacts of genocide on migration, resettlement and community‐level functioning for this group of African migrants living in a mid‐Western city in Canada. Results highlight how Canadian immigration policies limit migration options and prevent family reunification for migrants with none or few remaining family members and the associated resettlement challenges experienced by this group. Results also show the vital role the Rwandan Diaspora community, and particularly other survivors, play in supporting resettlement, integration and overall well‐being of genocide survivors.
Factors affecting residential staff's role in supporting the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Leclerc Marie‐Josée , Morin Diane
Published: August 2021

Background

For adults with intellectual disabilities living in a residential care facility, support staff, who are an integral part of their daily lives, can play an important role in supporting their sexuality. Even though multiple programmes exist, barriers remain when it comes to their application. This study aimed to identify factors affecting residential staff's perception of their role in supporting the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities living in a residential care facility as well as facilitators and barriers to that support.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 support staff.

Results

A thematic analysis revealed four factors, namely support staff's role, facilitators and barriers, sexuality of residents with intellectual disabilities and policies and regulations.

Conclusion

Results illustrate the importance of expanding support staff's knowledge, clarifying procedures for implementing the support staff's role and establishing a clear practise framework.
Intergroup biologization and outgroup prejudice in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Valtorta Roberta Rosa , Baldissarri Cristina , Volpato Chiara , Andrighetto Luca
Published: August 2021

Through two studies (N = 602) conducted in Italy between February and March 2020, we examined the impact of the COVID‐19 emergency on biologization—a form of dehumanization that involves the perception of others as contagious entities—and outgroup prejudice. Overall, results showed that higher emergency perception was associated with greater biologization toward the groups most affected by the virus, namely the Chinese outgroup and the Italian ingroup. In turn, biologization toward the outgroup increased prejudice against that group. We also found that when the pandemic hit Italy, the greater emergency perception was associated with increased emotional closeness with Chinese people, resulting in reduced biologization and prejudice toward them. However, these results held true only for Italian respondents who reported higher levels of ingroup biologization. Taken together, our findings contribute to the knowledge gaps of biologization and prejudice by also providing relevant insights into the ongoing health emergency.
Exercise characteristics and incidence of abnormal electrocardiogram response in long‐distance runners with exercise‐induced hypertension
Authors: Kim Young‐Joo , Lee So‐Eun , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: August 2021

While long‐distance running has important health benefits, chronic elevation of blood pressure during exercise might induce cardiac events and sudden death. This study aimed to investigate characteristics of exercise and incidence of abnormal exercise electrocardiography findings in long‐distance runners with exercise‐induced hypertension. Long‐distance runners (n = 606) underwent a questionnaire survey, history taking, and exercise stress testing, and they were classified into the non‐exercise‐induced (n = 268) and exercise‐induced (n = 338) hypertension groups. Exercise‐induced hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥210 mm Hg during maximal exercise. Abnormal electrocardiogram response (AER) were defined as abnormal electrocardiography findings, such as arrhythmias or ST‐segment changes, during exercise stress testing. There were no differences in general and exercise‐related characteristics between the non‐exercise‐induced and exercise‐induced hypertension groups. The AER group (AERg, n = 37) had a significantly longer training history and total exercise time than the non‐AER group (non‐AERg, n = 569) (p < .05). Atrial arrhythmias and ST‐segment depression were more prevalent in the exercise‐induced hypertension group than in the non‐exercise‐induced hypertension group (atrial arrhythmias: 5% [17/338] vs. 1.9% [5/268]; ST‐segment depression: 2.7% [9/338] vs. .4% [1/268]; p < .05). The incidence of AER was significantly higher in the exercise‐induced hypertension group (n = 30, 8.8%) than in the non‐exercise‐induced hypertension group (n = 7, 2.6%) (p < .05). This study showed that long‐distance runners with AER had a longer training history and total exercise time than those without AER, and the exercise‐induced hypertension group had a higher rate of AER.
Effect of rearing density on nervous necrosis virus infection in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)
Authors: Vázquez‐Salgado Lucía , Olveira Jose G. , Dopazo Carlos P. , Bandín Isabel
Published: August 2021

Intensive fish farming at high densities results in a wide range of adverse consequences on fish welfare, including pathogen spreading, stress and increased mortality rates. In this work, we have assessed whether the survival of Senegalese sole infected with the nervous necrosis virus (NNV), a pathogen responsible for severe disease outbreaks, is affected by rearing density. Based on the different fish ratios per surface area (g cm−2) and water volume (g L−1), our research showed an earlier mortality onset in the tanks containing NNV‐infected fish reared at medium density (MD: 0.071 g cm−2/5 g L−1) and high density (HD: 0.142 g cm−2/10 g L−1), as well as higher cumulative mortality values. However, transcription analysis of hsp70, gr1 and pepck genes, well‐known stress biomarkers, seems to indicate that none of the challenged fish were under high stress conditions. NNV load was slightly higher both in dead and in sampled fish from MD and HD groups, and especially in the rearing water from these groups, where peaks in mortality seemed to correlate with increasing NNV load in the water. In conclusion, our results suggest that rearing NNV‐infected Senegalese sole at high densities resulted in an earlier mortality onset and higher cumulative values and viral load.
Varietal classification of maize seeds using computer vision and machine learning techniques
Authors: Xu Peng , Yang Ranbing , Zeng Tiwei , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yunpeng , Tan Qian
Published: August 2021

In agriculture, seed sorting is critical for production and marketing purposes. Low‐quality seeds can cause poor plant growth and lead to problems such as disease and low yields. This study uses machine vision and machine learning to develop a rapid detection and classification method for maize (Zea mays L.) seeds based on variety purity. A computer vision system was designed to recognize five varieties of maize seeds. Halogen lamps were applied for illumination and a high‐resolution RGB camera was used to acquire images of 8,080 maize seeds in the laboratory. An image processing algorithm was proposed to extract 16 important features (12 dimensional and 4 of shape) from the maize seed images, and a user‐friendly interface was developed using a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI). Multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), linear discrimination (LDA), Naive Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), and AdaBoost algorithm were used to develop the varietal classification model. The optimal model parameters were obtained with 10‐fold cross‐validation, and the performance metrics were compared. The names of the maize varieties were marked in the GUI. The overall classification accuracy was determined as 96.26, 94.95, 95.97, 93.97, 96.46, 95.59, and 95.31% for MLP, DT, LDA, NB, SVM, KNN, and AdaBoost, respectively. The SVM classification model obtained the highest accuracy for BaoQiu, ShanCu, XinNuo, LiaoGe, and KouXian varieties, which reached 93.07, 98.95, 96.15, 89.65, and 99.22%, respectively. The classification results satisfy the needs of producers and consumers.
The association between physician knowledge and inappropriate medications for older populations
Authors: Vandergrift Jonathan L. , Weng Weifeng , Gray Bradley M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Older patients are often prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) given their age. We measured the association between a physician's general knowledge and their PIM prescribing.

Methods

Using a 2013–2017 cross‐sectional design, we related a general internist's knowledge (n = 8196) to their prescribing of PIMs to fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries, age ≥ 66 years with part D coverage, which they saw in the outpatient setting the year after their exam (n = 875,132). Physician knowledge was based on the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Internal Medicine Maintenance of Certification (IM‐MOC) exam scores. Medications included 72 PIMs from the American Geriatric Society's Beers Criteria and appropriate alternatives to these medications. Logistic regressions controlled for physicians practice/training characteristics and patient‐risk factors.

Results

Annually, 11.0% of patients received a PIM and 57.2% received an appropriate alternative medication. Patients seen by physicians scoring in the top versus bottom quartile were 8.6% less likely (95% confidence interval [CI]: −12.7 to −4.5, p < 0.001) to be prescribed a PIM and 4.7% more likely (95% CI: 1.7 to 7.6, p = 0.001) to be prescribed an appropriate alternative medication. The difference in PIM prescribing grew to 12.1% fewer (95% CI: −15.1 to −9.1) patients when limiting the sample to the 58.9% of patients being prescribed a PIM or appropriate alternative medication. Among patients receiving any medication, this was similar to the percent difference in PIM prescribing between solo and large practices (≥50 physicians, −10.2%, 95% CI: 13.6–6.5, p < 0.001) or between group and academic practices (−11.7%, 95% CI: −15.3 to −7.9, p < 0.001). PIM prescribing was more positively associated with patient characteristics including age, gender, and total number of medications prescribed.

Conclusions

Better physician general knowledge, as measured by an ABIM exam, was associated with fewer PIM prescriptions. Future research should examine whether general educational interventions, such as MOC, effect PIM prescribing.
Architectural anatomy of the quadriceps and the relationship with muscle strength: An observational study utilising real‐time ultrasound in healthy adults
Authors: El‐Ansary Doa , Marshall Charlotte J. , Farragher Joshua , Annoni Raquel , Schwank Ariane , McFarlane James , Bryant Adam , Han Jia , Webster Marilyn , Zito Guy , Parry Selina , Pranata Adrian
Published: August 2021

Quadriceps atrophy and morphological change is a known phenomenon that can impact significantly on strength and functional performance in patients with acute or chronic presentations conditions. Real‐time ultrasound (RTUS) imaging is a noninvasive valid and reliable method of quantifying quadriceps muscle anatomy and architecture. To date, there is a paucity of normative data on the architectural properties of superficial and deep components of the quadriceps muscle group to inform assessment and evaluation of intervention programs. The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the anatomical architectural properties of the quadriceps muscle group (rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis) using RTUS in healthy older adults and (2) to determine the relationship between RTUS muscle parameters and measures of quadriceps muscle strength. Thirty middle aged to older males and females (age range 55–79 years; mean age =59.9 ± 7.08 years) were recruited. Quadriceps muscle thickness, cross‐sectional area, pennation angle, and echogenicity were measured using RTUS. Quadriceps strength was measured using hand‐held dynamometry. For the RTUS‐derived quadriceps morphological data, rectus femoris mean results; circumference 9.3 cm; CSA 4.6 cm2; thickness 1.5 cm; echogenicity 100.2 pixels. Vastus intermedius mean results; thickness 1.8 cm; echogenicity 99.1 pixels. Vastus lateralis thickness 1.9 cm; pennation angle 17.3°; fascicle length 7.0 cm. Quadriceps force was significantly correlated only with rectus femoris circumference (r = 0.48, p = 0.007), RF echogenicity (r = 0.38, p = 0.037), VI echogenicity (r = 0.43, p = 0.018), and VL fascicle length (r = 0.43, p = 0.019). Quadriceps force was best predicted by a three‐variable model (adjusted R2 = 0.46, p < 0.001) which included rectus femoris echogenicity (B = 0.43, p = 0.005), vastus lateralis fascicle length (B = 0.33, p = 0.025) and rectus femoris circumference (B = 0.31, p = 0.041). Thus respectively, rectus femoris echogenicity explains 43%, vastus lateralis fascicle length explains 33% and rectus femoris circumference explains 31% of the variance of quadriceps force. The study findings suggest that RTUS measures were reliable and further research is warranted to establish whether these could be used as surrogate measures for quadriceps strength in adults to inform exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Has the COVID‐19 pandemic changed attitudes and behaviors concerning cosmetic care and procedures among patients presenting to the dermatology outpatient clinic? A multicenter study with 1437 participants
Authors: Aslan Kayıran Melek , Kara Polat Asude , Alyamaç Gökçen , Demirseren Düriye Deniz , Taş Betül , Kalkan Göknur , Özkök Akbulut Tuğba , Kaya Özden Hatice , Koska Mahmut Can , Emre Selma , Kaya Erdoğan Hilal , Tükenmez Demirci Gülşen , Güngör Şule , Özcan Arslan Nimet , Ağaoğlu Esra , Kurmuş Gökçe Işıl , Aksoy Hasan , Tatlıparmak Aslı , Süslü Hülya , Oğuz Topal İlteriş , Topaloğlu Demir Filiz , Acer Ersoy , Duman Hatice , Gürel Mehmet Salih , Karadağ Ayşe Serap
Published: August 2021

Background

The rate of cosmetic procedures and use of skincare products is considered to be affected during the pandemic period; however, this has not been investigated yet.

Objective

To determine whether the ongoing pandemic has changed people's habits related to skincare products and cosmetic procedures.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter survey study covering both private and public hospitals. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical diagnoses of the patients were noted by dermatologists. A survey was used to determine the type and application areas of skincare products and cosmetic procedures before and during the pandemic, whether the patients were concerned about being infected, and any change in the make‐up habits of female patients.

Results

Of the 1437 patients, 86.7% presented to the hospital due to dermatological complaints and 13.3% for cosmetic procedures. The rate of those that did not use skincare products was 0.05% before and 0.06% during the pandemic. Of the participants, 43.2% had undergone cosmetic procedures before and 38.1% during the pandemic. For both periods, the most frequent cosmetic procedure applied was laser epilation, followed by skincare treatment and chemical peeling. While undergoing these procedures, 34.9% of the patients were concerned about contracting coronavirus.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the use of skincare products and cosmetic procedures before and during the pandemic. The majority of the patients continued to undergo these procedures despite their fear of being infected. This shows that during the pandemic period, patients are concerned with their appearance and continue to undergo cosmetic procedures and pay attention to their skincare.
Infrared augmented reality device versus standard procedure for peripheral venous catheterisation in children less than 3 years old: A quasi‐experimental cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Usclade Alexandra , Blanc Nathalie , Kohlmuller Margot , Torres Aurélie , Siret Sophie , Tachet Christophe , Favard Brigitte , Merlin Etienne , Pereira Bruno , Rochette Emmanuelle
Published: August 2021

Aim and objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the AccuVeinAV400® viewing device for peripheral venous catheter insertion in children on the first try.

Background

Inserting a peripheral venous catheter is the most frequent invasive procedure carried out by healthcare professionals in hospitalised children. Several attempts are sometimes necessary, and veins can be damaged.

Design

A quasi‐experimental cluster randomised controlled trial based on the CONSORT 2010 guidelines.

Methods

This randomised study comparing standard practice to the use of AccuVein400® was carried out on children who were less than 3 years old, with difficult intravenous access (DIVA Score), hospitalised in three paediatric units and who needed cannulation.

Result

A total of 304 children were included (156 in the AccuVein arm and 148 in the standard arm). There was no significant difference between AccuVein and standard groups in age (respectively, 2.5 ± 0.9 years vs. 2.5 ± 0.8), or mean DIVA score (respectively 5.9 ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2). The success of cannulation on the first attempt was 40.38% in the AccuVein arm vs. 41.2% in the standard arm (p = .6). The caregiver's assessment of pain on the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability scale was 4.8 ± 0.2 in the AccuVein arm vs. 5.0 ± 0.2 (p = .4).

Conclusions

The use of AccuVein400® did not lead to greater success in intravenous insertion at the first attempt in children under 3 years of age with difficult intravenous access.

Relevance to clinical practice

This device can therefore be used according to the healthcare professionals' situation and needs. It is widely used in paediatric wards, and our study shows that it offers a support tool that reassures healthcare professionals and helps validate their choice of vein easiest to catheterise.
Dual‐lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shih Yu‐Hsuan , Teng Chieh‐Lin Jerry , Chen Tsung‐Chih , Chang Kuang‐Hsi , Chen Mei‐Hui
Published: August 2021

Aims and Objectives

To explore whether dual‐lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) could be effectively and safely applied in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) and for serum cyclosporine level monitoring.

Background

Compared to conventional central venous access devices, PICC provides a feasible route not only for fluid infusion, but also for blood sample collection in patients undergoing oncological treatments.

Design

A prospective observational study was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the applications and complications of power injectable PICCs in 52 consecutive allo‐HSCT recipients. We also compared the cyclosporine levels in 188 paired blood samples, simultaneously obtained via power injectable PICCs and percutaneous venous puncture, to investigate whether power injectable PICC is a feasible route for cyclosporine concentration monitoring in allo‐HSCT.

Results

The median PICC placement duration was 29 days. The insertion‐site blood oozing and central line‐associated bloodstream infection rates were 36.5% (19/52) and 26.9% (14/52), respectively, indicating the feasibility of these PICCs for various applications in allo‐HSCT. No power injectable PICC‐related thrombotic adverse events were identified; 90.4% (47/52) of cases with power injectable PICC removal occurred because of lack of medical utility, suggesting that power injectable PICC‐related complications were manageable. However, cyclosporine levels in samples obtained via these PICCs were significantly higher than those in samples obtained via percutaneous venous puncture (261.5 ± 139.2 vs. 232.4 ± 253.6 ng/ml; p = 0.019 [set 1]; 254.8 ± 89.3 vs. 225.1 ± 233.3 ng/ml; p<0.001 [set 2]; 283.6 ± 103.9 vs. 238.0 ± 254.7 ng/ml; p = 0.006 [set 3]; 291.0 ± 94.9 vs. 266.0 ± 274.7 ng/ml; p = 0.016 [set 4]).

Conclusion

The power injectable PICC is a feasible venous access device for allo‐HSCT.

Relevance to clinical practice

The dual‐lumen power injectable PICCs provided a reliable access for blood sample collection, decreasing the number of blind percutaneous venous punctures in allo‐HSCT. However, its application in cyclosporine level monitoring needs further investigation.
Emotion Regulation Strategy Use and Success During Adolescence: Assessing the Role of Context
Authors: De France Kalee , Hollenstein Tom
Published: August 2021

This study evaluated the role of situational factors in emotion regulation (ER) strategy choice and perceived ER success within a sample of adolescents (n = 178, Mage = 13.93, 42.2% female). Experience‐sampling results showed that emotion type and intensity, but not situational control, were associated with strategy use. Instances of anxiety and situational control were associated with higher levels of ER success, while intensity was associated with lower levels of ER success. Finally, situational factors moderated the reappraisal‐success and engagement‐success associations. These results provide the first assessment of multiple contextual factors on strategy selection and regulatory success during naturalistic emotional evocations and suggest that context is influential for strategy selection, regulatory success, as well as associations between these two highly researched elements of ER.
Structural change tests under heteroskedasticity: Joint estimation versus two‐steps methods
Authors: Perron Pierre , Yamamoto Yohei
Published: August 2021

There has been a recent upsurge of interest in testing for structural changes in heteroskedastic time series, as changes in the variance invalidate the asymptotic distribution of conventional structural change tests. Several tests have been proposed that are robust to general form of heteroskedastic errors. The most popular use a two‐steps approach: first estimate the residuals assuming no changes in the regression coefficients; second, use the residuals to approximate the heteroskedastic asymptotic distribution or take an entire sample average to construct a test for which the variance process is averaged out. An alternative approach was proposed by Perronet al.(Perronet al.(2020).Quantitative Economics11: 1019–1057) who provided a test for changes in the coefficients allowing for changes in the variance of the error term. We show that it transforms the variance profile into one that effectively has very little impact on the size of the test. With respect to the power properties, the two‐steps procedures can suffer from non‐monotonic power problems in dynamic models and in static models with a correction for serial correlation in the error. Most have power equals to size with zero‐mean regressors. Even when the two‐steps tests have power, it is generally lower than that of the latter test.
YAP‐induced Ccl2 expression is associated with a switch in hepatic macrophage identity and vascular remodelling in liver cancer
Authors: Thomann Stefan , Weiler Sofia M. E. , Wei Teng , Sticht Carsten , De La Torre Carolina , Tóth Marcell , Rose Fabian , Tang Yingyue , Ritz Thomas , Ball Claudia , Glimm Hanno , Ryschich Eduard , Schirmacher Peter , Breuhahn Kai
Published: August 2021

Background & aim

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with the formation of communication networks leading to the recruitment of disease‐modifying macrophages. However, how oncogenes in tumour cells control paracrine communication is not fully understood.

Methods

Transgenic mice with liver‐specific expression of the constitutively active yes‐associated protein (YAPS127A) or an orthotopic implantation model served as tumour models. FACS‐sorted F4/80+/CD11bdim/CD146‐/retinoid‐ macrophages from healthy and tumour‐bearing livers were used for transcriptomic profiling. Expression data of 242 human HCCs and a tissue microarray consisting of 91 HCCs and seven liver tissues were analyzed.

Results

Screening of primary tumour cells expressing YAPS127A identified CC chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2) as a macrophage chemoattractant, whose expression was regulated in a YAP/TEA domain family member 4 (TEAD4)‐dependent manner. Ccl2 expression was associated with a loss of Kupffer cells (KCs) and an increase in immature macrophages (Mɸimm) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Recruited Mɸimm were characterized by a lack of functional polarization (M0 signature) and high expression of the Ccl2 receptors C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2), C‐X3‐C motif chemokine receptor 1 (Cx3cr1) and pro‐angiogenic platelet‐derived growth factors (Pdgfa/Pdgfb). Mɸimm formed cellular clusters in the perivascular space, which correlated with vascular morphometric changes indicative for angiogenesis. In human HCCs, the M0 signature served as an identifier for poor clinical outcome and CCL2 correlated with YAP expression and vascular network formation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, YAP/TEAD4‐regulated Ccl2 associates with perivascular recruitment of unpolarized Mɸimm and may contribute to a proangiogenic microenvironment in liver cancer.
Investigating the discrepancy between MAIA and MP‐1 microperimetry results
Authors: Xu Lixing , Wu Zhichao , Guymer Robyn H , Anderson Andrew J
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Previous work has suggested that sensitivities measured on the iCare MAIA and Nidek MP‐1 microperimeters differ systematically, although it is unclear whether one or both devices are inaccurate. Here, we assess the discrepancy between these two instruments as well as with a rigorous reference standard.

Methods

Fifteen healthy participants underwent visual field testing on the MAIA and MP‐1 microperimeters. Results were compared to a reference measure of increment thresholds on a laboratory‐based, calibrated computer monitor system using the same background luminance and target size. Discrepancies were assessed as a function of eccentricity along the vertical meridian. Differences in decibels (dB) due to differences in the maximum stimulus luminance between devices were accounted for mathematically.

Results

The mean sensitivity measured with the MAIA was <1 dB lower than laboratory‐based measures, which was statistically significant but of limited clinical importance. In contrast, the mean sensitivity measured with the MP‐1 was >8 dB lower than the laboratory measures. The difference was greater for an eccentric superior retinal location, in contrast to what would be predicted if the discrepancy was due to a ceiling effect caused by the MP‐1’s limited dynamic range.

Conclusions

While MAIA measurements showed low bias compared with our rigorously determined reference standard, the MP‐1 showed large discrepancies that could not be explained purely by the limited dynamic range of the instrument. MAIA and MP‐1 sensitivity values cannot be compared directly, and caution is advised when assessing absolute sensitivities or eccentricity effects in the extensive MP‐1 literature.
Telemedicine in epilepsy management during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Kikuchi Kenjiro , Hamano Shin‐ichiro , Horiguchi Ayumi , Nonoyama Hazuki , Hirata Yuko , Matsuura Ryuki , Koichihara Reiko , Oka Akira , Hirano Daishi
Published: August 2021

Background

Telemedicine has spread rapidly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and shown its usefulness, particularly for patients with epilepsy, compared to face‐to‐face visits. We sought to evaluate the clinical features of patients with childhood onset epilepsy associated with consultations by telephone call during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients with childhood onset epilepsy who visited an outpatient clinic in Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan, from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020. To find the clinical features of patients who utilized telemedicine consultation (by telephone call), we divided the patients into the telemedicine group and the face‐to‐face group. We then reviewed the clinical features. Telemedicine consultation was not implemented for new patients.

Results

We enrolled 776 outpatients in total, and 294 patients (37.9%) utilized telemedicine consultations. The total number of visits was 2,299 and the total number of telemedicine consultations was 373 (16.2%). No clinical feature was associated with telemedicine consultations except for age at onset of epilepsy. The number of oral antiepileptic drugs prescriptions decreased in 23 of 776 (3.0%) of the patients who did not experience seizure deterioration, including status epilepticus, or who visited the emergency room.

Conclusion

Telemedicine consultations were successfully utilized for epilepsy treatment at our outpatient clinic, regardless of epilepsy type, etiology, seizure frequency, comorbidities, and patients' residential areas. Thus, telemedicine by telephone call may be a useful resource in the management of patients with childhood onset epilepsy during the pandemic.
Are there consistent abnormalities in event‐related EEG oscillations in patients with Alzheimer’s disease compared to other diseases belonging to dementia?
Authors: Güntekin Bahar , Aktürk Tuba , Arakaki Xianghong , Bonanni Laura , Del Percio Claudio , Edelmayer Rebecca , Farina Francesca , Ferri Raffaele , Hanoğlu Lütfü , Kumar Sanjeev , Lizio Roberta , Lopez Susanna , Murphy Brian , Noce Giuseppe , Randall Fiona , Sack Alexander T. , Stocchi Fabrizio , Yener Görsev , Yıldırım Ebru , Babiloni Claudio
Published: August 2021

Cerebrospinal and structural‐molecular neuroimaging in‐vivo biomarkers are recommended for diagnostic purposes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias; however, they do not explain the effects of AD neuropathology on neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning cognitive processes. Here, an Expert Panel from the Electrophysiology Professional Interest Area of the Alzheimer’s Association reviewed the field literature and reached consensus on the event‐related electroencephalographic oscillations (EROs) that show consistent abnormalities in patients with significant cognitive deficits due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s (PD), Lewy body (LBD), and cerebrovascular diseases. Converging evidence from oddball paradigms showed that, as compared to cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults, AD patients had lower amplitude in widespread delta (>4 Hz) and theta (4–7 Hz) phase‐locked EROs as a function of disease severity. Similar effects were also observed in PD, LBD, and/or cerebrovascular cognitive impairment patients. Non‐phase‐locked alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) oscillations were abnormally reduced (event‐related desynchronization, ERD) in AD patients relative to CU. However, studies on patients with other dementias remain lacking. Delta and theta phase‐locked EROs during oddball tasks may be useful neurophysiological biomarkers of cognitive systems at work in heuristic and intervention clinical trials performed in AD patients, but more research is needed regarding their potential role for other dementias.
Prologue to leading women in respiratory medicine series
Authors: Smallwood Natasha , Ko Fanny Wai San
Published: August 2021

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The effect of fish oil on inflammation markers in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Tang Gang , Tang Shaowen , Yuan Weijie
Published: August 2021

Objective

This meta‐analysis was to assess the effect of fish oil supplementation on inflammation markers in adult patients receiving hemodialysis.

Methods

CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE databases were searched from inception to 10 April 2020. Two authors independently searched, selected, and screened the literature. The pooled results are represented by WMD or SMD with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were used to explore sources of heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of the pooled results. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias.

Results

Eleven RCT (randomized control trials) studies were included. The pooled results showed that fish oil supplementation caused a significant reduction of the CRP(C‐reactive protein) level (random model: WMD, −3.36, 95%CI: −5.46 to −1.26, P = .002), especially in patients with baseline CRP ≥ 5 mg/L (random model: WMD, −4.43, 95%CI: −6.10 to −2.76, P = .00001, I2 = 41%). Meta‐regression analyses showed that CRP baseline level (CRP < 5 mg/L) was the main source of heterogeneity (P = .036). Sensitive analyses revealed that the result was hardly changed. Fish oil supplementation might not reduce the level of IL‐6 (random model: WMD, −2.26, 95%CI: −19.61 to 15.09, P = .80) in four studies or the level of TNF‐α (random model: SMD, −2.51, 95%CI: −6.08 to 1.06, P = .17) in three studies.

Conclusions

Fish oil supplementation could reduce the level of CRP in hemodialysis patients, especially in patients with CRP ≥ 5 mg/L, but had no effects on IL‐6 and TNF‐α.
Examining the psychometric properties of the digital scale of perceived motor competence in young children
Authors: Robinson Leah E. , Palmer Kara K.
Published: August 2021

This study examined the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) of the Digital Scale of Perceived Motor Competence (DSPMC) in preschool‐aged children. One hundred eighteen children (Mage = 4.5) completed Study 1 on internal consistency and test‐retest reliability, and 87 children (Mage = 4.5) completed Study 2 on construct validity. Study 1 results support that the DSPMC demonstrates an acceptable internal consistency at both the initial (α = 0.78) and retest (α = 0.75) and good test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.76–0.89). Study 2 results demonstrate that the DSPMC is significantly correlated to two other measures of perceived competence (rrange = 0.25–0.39) and all actual motor skill subscales (rrange = 0.23–0.39). These results support that the DSPMC is a valid and reliable tool to measure perceived competence in young children.
Framing Beveridge
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: August 2021

It has been claimed that there are few constructs that are as ubiquitous across the social sciences as that of frame or framing, which can be found in many academic disciplines and fields. However, there are very few studies of framing in Social Policy. It seems valuable to explore framing with respect to one of the most important and best known documents in British social policy. The Beveridge Report of 1942 is often regarded as the ‘blueprint’ of the British welfare state, which still casts a long shadow over social policy today. This study examines the Beveridge Report using the most cited definition of framing, which involves four elements of problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and treatment recommendation. It can be argued the Beveridge Report constitutes a ‘strong frame’ as it communicates all of these four elements.
What explains local policy cleavages? Examining the policy preferences of public officials at the municipal level
Authors: Bucchianeri Peter , Carney Riley , Enos Ryan , Lakeman Amy , Malina Gabrielle
Published: August 2021

Objective

A growing literature argues that national issues and partisanship structure local‐level conflict in the United States. This argument contrasts starkly with the traditional view of local politics as fundamentally nonpartisan and nonideological. We reconsider these diverging arguments.

Methods

We use a large‐scale survey of municipal officials to examine elite preferences on a series of policy tradeoffs. We identify latent dimensions that underlie elite preferences across cities and on a common scale. We examine correlates of these dimensions including individual‐ and city‐level demographics and electoral support from constituent groups.

Results

Our results demonstrate that elite preferences in local politics—unlike in national politics—are multidimensional, with two underlying cleavages: one based on partisanship, the other a market orientation to the provision of local services. These latent dimensions align with indicators of constituent group support, suggesting that each dimension reflects substantively meaningful features of conflict in local electoral politics.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that local politics are not completely structured by national‐level partisan politics. Future research should aim to measure and understand local conflict along both partisan and market‐orientation dimensions.
Review of advanced energy devices for the minimal access gynaecologist
Authors: Bentham Gemma L , Preshaw Jessica
Published: August 2021

Key content

Contemporary energy devices utilise advanced bipolar, ultrasound, hybrid technology, plasma beam and laser energy.

Each energy modality has specific characteristics influencing its particular benefits and disadvantages.

Gynaecologists must be aware of the available energy modalities to select the optimum device.

Minimal access surgeons must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their instruments to ensure surgical success and safety.

Learning objectives

To understand the biophysics of advanced energy devices and their practical applications.

To review advantages, disadvantages and safety issues associated with each modality and offer practical tips and problem‐solving for commonly available devices.

To enable surgeons to select the optimal device for their surgical tasks.

Ethical issues

Trainee minimal access surgeons should have solid theoretical knowledge of energy devices before performing hands‐on surgery.

Consideration of the safety aspects of energy devices will enable surgeons to minimise harm to their patients.

Potentially high investment costs necessitate consideration of the anticipated benefits of energy devices to ensure value for money.
Action Selection and Execution in Everyday Activities: A Cognitive Robotics and Situation Model Perspective
Authors: Vernon David , Albert Josefine , Beetz Michael , Chiou Shiau‐Chuen , Ritter Helge , Schneider Werner X.
Published: August 2021

We examine the mechanisms required to handle everyday activities from the standpoint of cognitive robotics, distinguishing activities on the basis of complexity and transparency. Task complexity (simple or complex) reflects the intrinsic nature of a task, while task transparency (easy or difficult) reflects an agent's ability to identify a solution strategy in a given task. We show how the CRAM cognitive architecture allows a robot to carry out simple and complex activities such as laying a table for a meal and loading a dishwasher afterward. It achieves this by using generalized action plans that exploit reasoning with modular, composable knowledge chunks representing general knowledge to transform underdetermined everyday action requests into motion plans that successfully accomplish the required task. Noting that CRAM does not yet have the ability to deal with difficult activities, we leverage insights from the situation model perspective on the cognitive mechanisms underlying flexible context‐sensitive behavior with a view to extending CRAM to overcome this deficit.
The Retrospect of Modern China on Islamic Studies—Centered on People, Institutions and Their Academic Activities
Authors: Tuoheti Alimu
Published: August 2021

The academic history of Islam in China. It not only refers to the academic history of Chinese scholars' research on Chinese Islam, but also includes the carding of various researches and achievements of Chinese scholars on foreign Islam and Muslims. This includes the study of Islamic classics such as Koran and Hadith, History, Pedagogy, Philosophy, Politics, Society and Culture. Islam and Muslims in different regions of foreign countries also have different characteristics, and the research methods also respect this aspect of attention. On the origin of academic history: according to the author's own and previous research results, it can be concluded that academic research with contemporary significance began at the beginning of the 20th century. Under the background of the introduction of Western learning to the East, modern academic research methods also affected the research field of Islam in China. There are four imams with high academic level, such as Ha Decheng, Wang Jingzhai, Da Pusheng and Ma Songtin. There is also Chen Hanzhang, Chen Yuan and Chuan Tongxian non-Muslim scholars joining the ranks of Islamic researchers. There was little research before the 20th century. The year 2000 can be regarded as the dividing line in the evolution of modern Islamic academic history. The period from the beginning of the 20th century to the founding of new China can be regarded as the beginning period. The period from the founding of new China to the reform and development can be regarded as the initial period. During this period, due to various political movements and other reasons, China's Islamic academic history and many other fields suffered setbacks such as stagnation to varying degrees. The period from reform and development to 2000 can be regarded as the prosperous period of Islamic academic research in contemporary China. During the period from 2001 to now, the subject consciousness is clear and the research methods are diversified. Many industries and scholars have actively participated in this research field, that is, using the theories and methods of religion, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy, linguistics, culture, politics and other disciplines to systematically study the historical, political, economic, cultural and other phenomena of Islam and Muslims, so as to lay a foundation for the further development of China's Islamic research.
Broadband shock-associated noise modelling for high-area-ratio under-expanded jets
Authors: Gryazev V. , Kalyan A. , Markesteijn A. P. , Karabasov S. A.
Published: August 2021

Broadband shock-associated noise (BBSAN) is an important component of supersonic jet noise for jets at off-design conditions when the pressure at the nozzle exit is different from the ambient. Two high-area-ratio under-expanded supersonic jets at nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs) 3.4 and 4.2 are considered. The jets correspond to conditions of the experiment in the Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace and Combustion (LTRAC) in the Supersonic Jet Facility of Monash University. Flow solutions are obtained by the large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methods. The solutions are validated against the particle image velocimetry (PIV) data. For noise spectra predictions, the LES solution is combined with the time-domain Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings method. To probe the accuracy of the reduced-order method based on acoustic analogy, the RANS solutions are substituted in the Morris and Miller BBSAN method, where different options for modelling of the acoustic correlation scales are investigated. The noise spectra predictions are compared with the experimental data from the non-anechoic LTRAC facility and the NASA empirical sJet model. Apart from the low frequencies influenced by the jet mixing noise, the RANS-based acoustic predictions align with those from LES for most frequencies in the range of Strouhal numbers (St) 0.4 < St < 2 within 1–2 dB.
Impact of Dose, Duration, and Immune Status on Efficacy of Ultrashort Telacebec Regimens in Mouse Models of Buruli Ulcer
Authors: Komm Oliver , Almeida Deepak V. , Converse Paul J. , Omansen Till F. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: August 2021

Telacebec (Q203) is a new antituberculosis drug in clinical development that has extremely potent activity against
Mycobacterium ulcerans
, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (BU). The potency of Q203 has prompted investigation of its potential role in ultrashort, even single-dose, treatment regimens for BU in mouse models. However, the relationships of Q203 dose, dose schedule, duration, and host immune status to treatment outcomes remain unclear, as does the risk of emergence of drug resistance with Q203 monotherapy. Here, we used mouse footpad infection models in immunocompetent BALB/c and immunocompromised SCID-beige mice to compare different Q203 doses, different dosing schedules, and treatment durations ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks, on long-term outcomes.
Monoclonal Antibodies Opsonize
Burkholderia
spp. and Reduce Intracellular Actin Tail Formation in a Macrophage Infection Assay
Authors: Taylor A. , Jenner D. , Rowland C. , Laws T. , Norville I. , Prior J.
Published: August 2021

Melioidosis is difficult to treat successfully due to the causal bacterium being resistant to many classes of antibiotics, therefore limiting available therapeutic options. New and improved therapies are urgently required to treat this disease.
Synthetic Dual-Function RNA Reveals Features Necessary for Target Regulation
Authors: Aoyama Jordan J. , Raina Medha , Storz Gisela
Published: August 2021

Dual-function RNAs in bacteria encode a small protein and also base pair with mRNAs to act as small, regulatory RNAs. Given that only a limited number of dual-function RNAs have been characterized, further study of these regulators is needed to increase understanding of their features.
The Intertwined Roles of Specialized Metabolites within the Bacillus subtilis Biofilm
Authors: Kalamara Margarita , Stanley-Wall Nicola R.
Published: August 2021

Bacteria produce specialized metabolites
Fifteen-minute consultation: Baby with jaundice in the first 2 weeks of life
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Chowdhury Nadir , Teoh Sophia
Published: August 2021

There are multiple causes of jaundice in the first 2 weeks of life. The aim of this article is to help explain what these causes are and why they occur. It discusses how to focus on the history, examination and investigations in such cases. Initial management will vary depending on the clinical context; as such, this article also outlines the initial management of the most common scenarios.