bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inter‐ and intrarater reliability and feasibility of dietetic assessment of sarcopenia and frailty in potential liver transplant recipients: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Johnston Heidi E. , de Crom Tosca , Hargrave Cathy , Adhyaru Pooja , Woodward Aidan J. , Pang Siong , Ali Azmat , Coombes Jeff S. , Keating Shelley E. , McLean Kate , Mayr Hannah L. , Macdonald Graeme A. , Hickman Ingrid J.
Published: December 2020

Sarcopenia and frailty are associated with poorer outcomes in potential liver transplant (LT) recipients. We examined the reliability and feasibility of dietitians assessing sarcopenia and frailty. Seventy‐five adults referred for LT underwent assessments of muscle mass (abdominal CTs), physical function (handgrip strength; HGS, short physical performance battery; SPPB), and frailty (Liver Frailty Index; LFI). Inter‐ and intrarater reliability and agreement were assessed in subsets of patients using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland‐Altman plots. CTs were analyzed by a dietitian and two independent experts, two dietitians assessed function and frailty. Feasibility assessed system, patient, and profession factors (staff survey). Inter‐ and intrarater reliability for CT‐defined low muscle were excellent (ICCs > 0.97). Reliability between dietitians was excellent for HGS (0.968, 95% CI, 0.928–0.986), SPPB (0.932, 95% CI, 0.798–0.973), and LFI (0.938, 95% CI 0.861–0.973). Bland‐Altman analysis indicated excellent agreement for HGS. All transplant clinicians valued sarcopenia and frailty in LT assessments and considered the dietitian appropriate to perform them. Seven saw no barriers to implementation into practice, while five queried test standardization, learning from repeat testing, and resource cost. Dietetic assessments of sarcopenia and frailty are reliable, feasible, and valued measures in the assessment of potential LT recipients.
Pharmacological management of South Asians with type 2 diabetes: Consensus recommendations from the South Asian Health Foundation
Authors: Hanif Wasim , Ali Sarah N , Bellary Srikanth , Patel Vinod , Farooqi Azhar , Karamat Muhammad Ali , Saeed Mujahid , Sivaprasad Sobha , Patel Kiran , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: December 2020

South Asians constitute approximately 1.6 billion people from the Indian subcontinent, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; and make up the largest diaspora globally. Compared to the White European population, this group is at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes along with cardiovascular, renal and eye complications. Over the recent years, a number of new therapies for type 2 diabetes have become available for which cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have been published. The recent ADA/EASD consensus guidelines on diabetes, pre‐diabetes and cardiovascular diseases’ offer a transitional shift in type 2 diabetes management. The new consensus recommendations are based on recent CVOTs, many of which had a representation of South Asian cohorts. In light of this new evidence, there is urgent need for an integrated, evidence‐based, cost‐effective and individualised approach specific for South Asians. This review takes into consideration the evidence from these CVOTs and provides best practice recommendations for optimal management of South Asian people with type 2 diabetes, alongside the previously published consensus report from South Asian Health Foundation in 2014 [1].
Double left brachiocephalic veins with vascular ring and normal intracardiac anatomy: Prenatal diagnosis of a rare association
Authors: Rakha Shaimaa , Batouty Nihal M.
Published: December 2020

One of the extremely rare systemic venous anomalies is double left brachiocephalic veins (LBVs). In the current work, a rare association of double LBVs with a vascular ring and normal intracardiac anatomy is described in fetal life with postnatal confirmation using echocardiography and computed tomography. The prenatal diagnosis of such an infrequent lesion is feasible using fetal echocardiography. Despite the smooth prenatal and postnatal course, potential risk during certain interventions or surgeries should be highlighted in parent counseling.
Size and shape regulation during larval growth in the lepidopteranPieris brassicae
Authors: Fusco Giuseppe , Rigato Emanuele , Springolo Arianna
Published: December 2020

By adopting a longitudinal study design and through geometric morphometrics methods, we investigated size and shape regulation in the head capsule during the larval development of the cabbage butterflyPieris brassicaeunder laboratory conditions. We found evidence of size regulation by compensatory growth, although not equally effective in all larval stages. Size compensation is not attained through the regulation of developmental timing, but rather through the modulation of per‐time growth rate. As for the shape, neither the variance of the symmetric component of shape, nor the level of fluctuating asymmetry show any evidence of increase across stages, either at the population or individual level, which is interpreted as a mark of ontogenetic shape regulation. In addition, also the geometry of individual asymmetry is basically conserved across stages. While providing specific documentation on the ontogeny of size and shape variation in this insect, this study may contribute to a more general understanding of developmental regulation and its influence on phenotypic evolution.
Forest fire induces short‐term shifts in soil food webs with consequences for carbon cycling
Authors: Gongalsky Konstantin B. , Zaitsev Andrey S. , Korobushkin Daniil I. , Saifutdinov Ruslan A. , Butenko Konstantin O. , de Vries Franciska T. , Ekschmitt Klemens , Degtyarev Maksim I. , Gorbunova Anastasia Yu. , Kostina Natalia V. , Rakhleeva Anna A. , Shakhab Svetlana V. , Yazrikova Taisia E. , Wolters Volkmar , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: December 2020

We tested for fire‐induced (5–6 years post‐fire) changes in the structure and functioning of the soil food web along a 3000‐km north–south transect across European Russia, spanning all major forest types in the northern hemisphere outside the tropics. The total biomass of the detrital food web, including microbes and invertebrates, was not affected by fire. However, fire reduced the biomass of microfauna and mites, but had no impact on mesofauna or macrofauna. Fire also reduced rates of carbon (C) mobilisation by soil biota. Our results demonstrate that fire‐induced shifts in soil food webs have significant short‐term effects on forest soil C cycling, but that these effects vary across forest types and geographic locations.
Interleukin 31 and targeted vaccination in a case series of six horses with chronic pruritus
Authors: Fettelschoss V. , Olomski F. , Birkmann K. , Kündig T. M. , Bergvall K. , Fettelschoss‐Gabriel A.
Published: December 2020

Chronic pruritus is defined as prolonged itching symptoms associated with a variety of skin conditions. These pruritic conditions clinically manifest in a dermatitis phenotype and commonly are of allergic origin with hypersensitivities towards environmental allergens. Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is a common player in allergic pruritus across species. The objective of the study was evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a therapeutic vaccine targeting IL‐31 in horses with chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) and that could not be explained by insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). This consecutive case series pilot study included client‐owned horses with a long history of CPUO. Four horses affected by year‐round CPUO were vaccinated with a vaccine consisting of equine IL‐31 (eIL‐31) covalently coupled to a virus‐like particle (VLP) derived from cucumber mosaic virus containing a tetanus toxoid universal T cell epitope (CuMVTT). Clinical signs and pruritic behaviour were documented by photography and owner questionnaire pre and post vaccination. In addition, in three CPUO horses, levels of IL‐31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) were quantified from skin punch biopsies. IL‐31, TSLP and MCP‐1 levels were upregulated in pruritic, alopecic skin lesions compared to healthy skin of the same horse. Clinical signs and pruritic behaviour improved in all four horses upon vaccination with eIL‐31‐CuMVTT vaccine. The vaccine was well tolerated without safety concerns throughout the study. The main limitations of this study are the absence control treated horses and allergy diagnostics. It was concluded that Anti‐IL‐31 therapy might be applied as an allergen‐independent treatment option for horses with CPUO overcoming the challenges of identifying the allergic trigger.
Congenital stricture of the vestibulo‐vaginal fold in a mare with normal karyotype
Authors: Guimarães T. , Oliveira C. , Crespo J. , Porto B. , Cunha R. , Rocha A.
Published: December 2020

A diagnosis of congenital stricture of the vestibulo‐vaginal fold was reached in an 11‐year‐old mare without previous reproductive records, during a breeding soundness examination. The mare had an annular stricture of the vestibule–vaginal fold that did not allow palpation or vaginoscopic visual examination of the anterior portion of the vagina. Endoscopic evaluation of both anterior and posterior portions of the vagina revealed a normal mucosa without scar tissue. Ultrasound examination of the cervix, uterus and ovaries did not reveal any other abnormality. The mare had a normal karyotype – 64 XX. Vestibulo‐vaginal stricture or stenosis is a congenital anomaly that occurs when there is an incomplete perforation of the hymen or occurs in association with hypoplasia of the genital canal that results in the formation of an annular fibrotic stenosis at the vestibule–vaginal junction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vestibulo‐vaginal stricture in a mare with confirmed normal karyotype, 64,XX.
Writing in Spanish as a heritage language: A multidimensional analysis
Authors: Asención‐Delaney Yuly
Published: December 2020

Spanish heritage speakers in the United States exhibit a wide range of linguistic profiles due to a combination of political, social, and educational factors. Most of them acquire Spanish at home without formal instruction in writing. Although previous research has explored the main challenges faced by these learners in Spanish writing courses, no current research has examined the linguistic features that characterize their writing using a corpus‐based approach that would facilitate the identification of their actual patterns of language use. This study presents the findings of a multidimensional analysis of the writing produced by Spanish heritage learners in three composition classes at the college level. The findings show how 47 lexical and grammatical features co‐occur in four distinctive discourse types: informational, descriptive, narrative, and detached, with some variation observed across proficiency levels.
Pandelivery1: Reflections on black delivery app workers experiences during COVID‐19 in Brazil
Authors: Lage Mariana Luísa da Costa , Rodrigues Antonio Carlos
Published: December 2020

This article reflects on how the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the lives of black men who work as app delivery workers in Brazil. The coronavirus spread affected the demand for delivery services in the last mile delivery without necessarily improving working conditions. We highlight not only how structural racism shapes the daily lives of these workers, revealing experiences of inequality, marginalization, suffering, but also their resistance strategies.
Occurrence and chemical composition of the Eoarchean carbonate rocks of the Nulliak supracrustal rocks in the Saglek Block of northeastern Labrador, Canada
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Ishikawa Akira , Aoki Shogo , Komiya Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2020

The Eoarchean Nulliak supracrustal rocks in the Saglek Block of northeastern Labrador, Canada, contain some of the world's oldest carbonate rocks. This work attempted to reveal the origin of the carbonate rocks and estimate the surface environmental conditions of the early Earth based on their occurrence and geochemistry. They occur together with mafic and ultramafic rocks in Pangertok Inlet and St. John's Harbour South, whereas they are interlayered with pelitic rock layers with quartzofeldspathic mineral assemblages in St. John's Harbour East and Big Island. The geological occurrence suggests that the formers were formed around hydrothermal fields, whereas the latters were deposited near a continental margin. Some carbonate rocks have high SiO2, Al2O3, and Zr contents, indicating that the silicification and involvement of detrital materials influenced their composition; thus, pure carbonate rocks were selected using a combined filter of the SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Zr, and Ba contents. The selected carbonate rocks have positive La, Eu, Gd, Y, U, Pb, and Sr anomalies, negative Nb, Zr, and Hf anomalies, and relatively small enrichment in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The La and Y anomalies suggest that they originated from chemical sediments precipitated from seawater. On the other hand, the small HREE‐enrichment suggests that REEs were mainly dissolved as REE‐carbonate complexes in seawater or that the riverine influxes were dominated by the detritus of Eoarchean continental crusts, presumably composed of HREE‐depleted TTG. The U anomaly suggests that uranium was more dissolved than Th as U‐bearing carbonate complexes in seawater. The Nulliak carbonate rocks also show a positive correlation between Y and Eu anomaly values, suggesting that the precipitation of iron‐oxyhydroxide causing the Y anomaly was more significant near the hydrothermal fields than the continental margin, consistent with an alkaline hydrothermal model.
Spinifex‐like textured metaperidotites from the Higo Metamorphic Rocks, Japan, a possible high‐pressure dehydration product of antigorite serpentinite
Authors: Nishiyama Tadao , Eguchi Hibiki , Shiosaki Dai , Yoshiasa Akira , Mochizuki Nobutatsu , Mori Yasushi , Sugiyama Kazumasa , Arima Hiroshi , Yubuta Kunio
Published: December 2020

Spinifex‐like textured metaperidotites from the Higo Metamorphic Rocks (HMR), west‐central Kyushu, Japan, may be formed by high‐pressure dehydration of antigorite, and may indicate deep subduction of serpentinite reaching a pressure–temperature condition of 1.6 GPa and 740–750 °C. Three rock types have been identified based on mineral assemblage and rock texture: Type I (L) consisting of medium‐grained (1–5 cm long) olivine + enstatite + chromite ±tremolite with secondary talc and anthophyllite that occurs in low‐grade metamorphic rocks of the biotite zone, Type I (H) of coarse‐grained (up to 10 cm long) olivine + enstatite (with clinoenstatite lamella) + chromite ±tremolite with secondary talc that occurs in high‐grade metamorphic rocks of the garnet‐cordierite zone, and Type II composed of Al‐spinel + chlorite + olivine + apatite + ilmenite with minor sodic gedrite in the garnet‐cordierite zone together with Type I (H). Olivines in all rock types are mostly serpentinized during exhumation. The chromite‐olivine thermometer gives 560–690 °C for Type I (L) rocks, and the spinel‐olivine thermometer gives 610–740 °C for Type II rocks. The peak metamorphic pressure will be higher than 1.6 GPa based on the location of the experimentally determined invariant point (P = 1.6 GPa and T = 670 °C) of antigorite + forsterite + enstatite + talc + H2O. This estimate is consistent with the occurrence of chlorite in Type II rocks, which is stable up to 890 °C at 2.0 GPa. The spinifex‐like textured metaperidotites occur as small bodies in the low P/T type gneisses, implying tectonic juxtaposition of them probably during exhumation of the HMR. Recent findings of medium pressure (0.9–1.2 GPa) granulites and gneisses from the HMR may indicate that the HMR has a deep root into the wedge mantle from which the spinifex‐like textured metaperidotites have derived.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma: retrospective analysis of 44 pediatric cases (single tertiary care center experience)
Authors: Kundak Selcen , Çakır Yasemin
Published: December 2020

Background/Objective

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rarely encountered skin disorder, which is characterized by the proliferation of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytes. As JXG primarily affects infants and young children, this study aims to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of 44 children diagnosed with JXG at a tertiary health care center.

Methods

Fourty‐four children with a histopathologic diagnosis of JXG between January 2003 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic features were extracted from hospital records.

Results

The mean age of the affected patients was 4.6 years old (range: 0–17 years old) at the time of diagnosis. Twenty‐five patients (56.8%) were male, and 19 patients were female (43.2%). Thirty‐six children (81.8%) had solitary JXG, one of which was a giant congenital JXG; eight children (18.2%) had eruptive JXG. The heterozygote mutation associated with neurofibromatosis 1 gene was detected in one patient who had both eruptive JXG and numerous café‐au‐lait spots. Another patient with eruptive JXG was identified to have hypercholesterolemia. None of the children with eruptive JXG developed symptoms or signs of extracutaneous involvement during their clinical follow‐up.

Conclusion

Since JXG is rarely encountered, there may be a tendency toward over‐treatment, given concerns for extracutaneous involvement. However, our review revealed no instances of extracutaneous involvement.
Acne keloidalis nuchae and thyroid diseases: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Valdman‐Grinshpoun Yuliya , Kridin Khalaf , Schonmann Yochai , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: December 2020

Background

The association between acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) and thyroid diseases is yet to be investigated.

Objective

To evaluate the risk of developing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism among patients with AKN and to characterize the patients who have AKN and thyroid comorbidities.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted comparing AKN patients (n = 2,677) with age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched control subjects (n = 13,190) with regard to incident cases of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by Cox regression analysis.

Results

The incidence rates of hypothyroidism among patients with AKN and controls were estimated at 2.15 (95% CI, 1.49‐2.99) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66‐1.00) cases/1000 person‐years, respectively. The crude risk of developing incident hypothyroidism was 1.85‐fold greater in patients with AKN (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.24‐2.78; P = 0.003). The elevated risk persisted following the adjustment for putative confounders (adjusted HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.03‐2.89; P = 0.040). The risk of hyperthyroidism was comparable in patients with AKN and controls both in the crude (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.57‐4.22) and adjusted (adjusted HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.59‐6.21) analyses. Patients with coexistent AKN and thyroid diseases were significantly older at the onset of AKN, had more prominent female preponderance, and had a higher burden of comorbidity.

Conclusions

Patients with AKN are at an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Screening for hypothyroidism should be considered in AKN patients with a compatible clinical picture.
Characterization of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products reagents and their utility in critical care patients with enhanced fibrinolysis
Authors: Kumano Osamu , Ieko Masahiro , Komiyama Yutaka , Naito Sumiyoshi , Yoshida Mika , Takahashi Nobuhiko , Ohmura Kazumasa , Hayakawa Mineji
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) values reflect coagulation and fibrinolysis status, and FDP levels are helpful for diagnosis and classification of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). FDP measurement has always played a key role in diagnosing DIC, a phenomenon that has recently gained renewed attention because of its occurrence in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Although the evaluation of FDP is crucial for the management of critical care, the variability among FDP reagents is unclear. In this study, we aimed to compare LIASAUTO P‐FDP with three FDP reagents and investigate their characteristics.

Methods

In total, 172 plasmas samples were used in the correlation. The sample data were divided into three groups including negative, no and positive discrepancy based on the discrepancy percentages calculated from each correlation between LIASAUTO P‐FDP and other three reagents. D‐dimer, plasmin‐α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), fibrin monomer complex (FMC), fibrinogen (Fbg) and Plasmin‐α2 Plasmin Inhibitor (α2PI) were measured and included in data analysis.

Results

The positive discrepancy groups showed higher D‐dimer, PIC and FMC values than the negative discrepancy groups. The data indicated that LIASAUTO P‐FDP had higher reactivity to D‐dimer than other reagents and the values were elevated in the fibrinolysis‐enhanced samples with various FDP fragments.

Conclusion

LIASAUTO P‐FDP displayed the reactivity towards various fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, and it might be useful for DIC diagnosis because the fibrinolytic status differed in the DIC types and stages.
Diverse cellular morphologies during lumen maturation in Anopheles gambiae larval salivary glands
Authors: Chiu M. , Trigg B. , Taracena M. , Wells M.
Published: December 2020

Mosquitoes are the greatest animal threat to human health, causing hundreds of millions of infections and around 1 million deaths each year. All mosquito‐borne pathogens must traverse the salivary glands (SGs) to be transmitted to the next host, making this organ an ideal target for interventions. The adult SG develops from precursor cells located in the larval SG duct bud. Characterization of the larval SG has been limited. We sought to better understand larval SG architecture, secretion and gene expression. We developed an optimized method for larval SG staining and surveyed hundreds of larval stage 4 (L4) SGs using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Remarkable variation in SG cell and chromatin organization differed among individuals and across the L4 stage. Lumen formation occurred during L4 stage through secretion likely involving a coincident cellular apical lipid enrichment and extracellular vesicle‐like structures. Meta‐analysis of microarray data showed that larval SG gene expression is divergent from adult SGs, more similar to larval gastric cecae, but different from other larval gut compartments. This work highlights the variable cell architecture of larval Anopheles gambiae SGs and provides candidate targets for genetic strategies aiming to disrupt SGs and transmission of mosquito‐borne pathogens.
Evaluation of Measurement of Fetal Crown‐Rump Length from Ultrasonically Timed Ovulation and Fertilization in vitro
Authors: Harada Tasuku , Tanikawa Masahiro , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Iwamoto Koukichi , Mio Yasuyuki , Terakawa Naoki , Maeda Kazuo
Published: December 2020

Abstract

To assess with accuracy the development and maturity of the fetus, we evaluated fetal growth in 46 pregnant women who had conceived subsequent to ultrasonically timed ovulation. Fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) was measured at gestational ages that differed by about 1 day from those previously reported. The variance in CRL measurements at each gestational age was small, and the data were normally distributed. The CRL growth curves of this and previous studies were tested using measurements from 7 pregnancies derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF). The data from IVF pregnancies were consistent with our curve, having 1 day difference to those previously reported. The gender of the fetus did not influence the CRL during the first trimester. The results suggest that fetal growth is uniform during the first trimester.
Amplification of Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion in Women with Nocturnal Hyperprolactinemia*
Authors: Okatani Yuji , Okada Masataka , Sagara Yusuke
Published: December 2020

Abstract

In order to assess the pathophysiological role of melatonin (MLT) in nocturnal hyperprolactinemia (NH), nocturnal serum MLT and prolactin (PRL) levels were measured in samples collected every 2h over a 12‐hour period (2000h‐0800h) from 5 normal women and 9 women with NH under physiological light/dark condition (lights off from 2100h to 0600h). Furthermore, differences in the PRL response to acute oral administration of MLT (1 mg or 5 mg) during the daytime between the 2 groups was studied. Nocturnal MLT levels in patients with NH were significantly higher (p < 0.02) than in normal women. The maximal PRL levels (52.6±26.7 ng/ml at 2400h) during the night in patients with NH were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and were reached 4h earlier than in normal women. The response to administration of 1 mg of MLT was not different between the 2 groups. However, administration of 5 mg of MLT to normal women resulted in a rapid and prominent PRL release, similar to that observed at nighttime in patients with NH. These results indicate that the abnormal PRL release in patients with NH is not due to higher sensitivity to MLT. However, the elevated MLT levels in patients with NH may be related to the neuroendocrine disorder.
Development and psychometric property testing of a skin tear knowledge assessment instrument (OASES) in 37 countries
Authors: Van Tiggelen Hanne , Alves Paulo , Ayello Elizabeth , Bååth Carina , Baranoski Sharon , Campbell Karen , Dunk Ann Marie , Gloeckner Mary , Hevia Heidi , Holloway Samantha , Idensohn Patricia , Karadağ Ayişe , Langemo Diane , LeBlanc Kimberly , Ousey Karen , Pokorná Andrea , Romanelli Marco , Santos Vera Lucia Conceição de Gouveia , Smet Steven , Williams Ann , Woo Kevin , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: December 2020

Aim

To develop and psychometrically evaluate a skin tear knowledge assessment instrument (OASES).

Design

Prospective psychometric instrument validation study.

Method

The skin tear knowledge assessment instrument was developed based on a literature review and expert input (N = 19). Face and content validity were assessed in a two‐round Delphi procedure by 10 international experts affiliated with the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP). The instrument was psychometrically tested in a convenience sample of 387 nurses in 37 countries (April–May 2020). Validity of the multiple‐choice test items (item difficulty, discriminating index, quality of the response alternatives), construct validity, and test–retest reliability (stability) were analysed and evaluated in light of international reference standards.

Results

A 20‐item instrument, covering six knowledge domains most relevant to skin tears, was designed. Content validity was established (CVI = 0.90–1.00). Item difficulty varied between 0.24 and 0.94 and the quality of the response alternatives between 0.01–0.52. The discriminating index was acceptable (0.19–0.77). Participants with a theoretically expected higher knowledge level had a significantly higher total score than participants with theoretically expected lower knowledge (p < .001). The 1‐week test‐retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.78–0.86) for the full instrument and varied between 0.72 (95% CI = 0.64–0.79) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.81–0.89) for the domains. Cohen's Kappa coefficients of the individual items ranged between 0.21 and 0.74.

Conclusion

The skin tear knowledge assessment instrument is supported by acceptable psychometric properties and can be applied in nursing education, research, and practice to assess knowledge of healthcare professionals about skin tears.

Impact

Prevention and treatment of skin tears are a challenge for healthcare professionals. The provision of adequate care is based on profound and up‐to‐date knowledge. None of the existing instruments to assess skin tear knowledge is psychometrically tested, nor up‐to‐date. OASES can be used worldwide to identify education, practice, and research needs and priorities related to skin tears in clinical practice.
Irrevocable commitments and tender offer outcomes
Authors: Fyrqvist Tomi , Rantapuska Elias , Torstila Sami
Published: December 2020

Irrevocable commitments (ICs) are undertakings by target‐firm blockholders to accept an upcoming takeover bid before its announcement. Using a novel manually collected dataset, we develop three new hypotheses and explore one existing hypothesis to explain the use of ICs: (1) trade‐off between speed and price, (2) trade‐off between completion probability and price, (3) differences in bargaining power, and (4) blockholder certification. Transactions with more than 20% of shares irrevocably committed have a 7%–16% higher probability of tender offer completion and 8–10 days shorter bid duration. A transaction with an average‐sized IC is associated with a 2.9 percentage points lower four‐week bid premium than a transaction with no IC. Overall, the results appear most consistent with the hypothesis on completion probability versus price. The results also offer partial evidence in favor of the certification hypothesis.
Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor as a novel antihypertensive drug: Evidence from Asia and around the globe
Authors: Lin Donna S.‐H. , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chen Chen‐Huan , Cheng Hao‐Min , Chia Yook Chin , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Turana Yuda , Wang Ji‐Guang , Kario Kazuomi ,   the HOPE Asia Network
Published: December 2020

Hypertension is a worldwide epidemic that continues to grow, with a subset of patients responding poorly to current treatment available. This is especially relevant in Asia, which constitutes 61% of the global population. Hypertension in Asia is a unique entity that is often salt‐sensitive, nocturnal, and systolic predominant. Sacubitril/valsartan is a first‐in‐class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor that was first used in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Sacubitril inhibits neprilysin, a metallopeptidase that degrades natriuretic peptides (NPs). NPs exert sympatholytic, diuretic, natriuretic, vasodilatory, and insulin‐sensitizing effects mostly via cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐mediated pathways. As an antihypertensive agent, sacubitril/valsartan has outperformed angiotensin II receptor type 1 blockers (ARBs), with additional reductions of office systolic blood pressures ranging between 5 and 7 mmHg, in multiple studies in Asia and around the globe. The drug was well tolerated even in the elderly or those with chronic kidney disease. Its mechanisms of actions are particularly attractive for treatment of hypertension in Asia. Sacubitril/valsartan offers a novel, dual class, single‐molecule property that may be considered as first‐line antihypertensive therapy. Further investigations are needed to validate its safety for long‐term use and to explore other potentials such as in the management of insulin resistance and obesity, which often coexist with hypertension in Asia.
Influence of sweeping frequency ultrasonic pretreatment on pulsed vacuum drying characteristics and microstructure of okra based on real‐time monitoring
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Yang , Gao Xianli , Xu Xin , Zhang Hanwen , Yagoub Abu ElGasim A. , Ma Haile , Zhou Cunshan
Published: December 2020

Sweeping frequency ultrasonic (SFU) pretreatment was utilized to promote pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) process of okra. Drying characteristics and microstructure of okra were studied. Then mechanism of SFU pretreatment was revealed by acoustic signal monitoring technologies in time and frequency domains and bubble oscillations. Results showed that core temperature (57–58°C) of PVD, rehydration ratio (3.16%), hardness (23.90 N) and, fracturability (3.15 mm) were the highest, while moisture ratio was the smallest in SFU pretreated okra group at 30 min during the ultrasonic pretreatment process. It was related to changes of microstructure. SFU pretreated okra cells got folded, intercellular space was large, and the tunnel structure was generated until 30 min. However, excessive ultrasound caused the structural collapse of cells; the tunnel structure was congested, which was not beneficial to moisture transfer during PVD process. Effects of SFU pretreatment were further explained by monitored data of acoustic signals in time and frequency domains. The maximum voltage amplitude (40.6 mV) and space peak temporal peak acoustic intensity (2.76 × 106 W/m2) were the highest at 30 min during the pretreatment process. The corresponding SFU signals had a wide frequency domain and fluctuation range of energy, and cavitation effects of ultrasonic bubbles was facilitated.

Practical applications

PVD is an innovative drying technology. However, okra structure is complex, which is against moisture transfer during the process of drying. Hence, SFU pretreatment was added before drying. The tunnel structure of okra generated by the pretreatment could support moisture transfer suggesting a rapid rate of drying. The best quality of dried okra was obtained at 30 min during the pretreatment process, which makes for long storage and preparation of functional snacks. Acoustic signals were analyzed by real‐time monitoring technique during pretreatment of okra, and the cavitation intensity of SFU fields was revealed. Thus, the fundamental basis for accurate ultrasonic processing is provided.
Protein secondary structure signatures from energy loss spectra recorded in the electron microscope
Authors: March Katia , Venkatraman Kartik , Truong Chloe Du , Williams Dewight , Chiu Po‐Lin , Rez Peter
Published: December 2020

Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for characterising protein structure. It is now possible to record energy losses corresponding to the infrared region in the electron microscope and to avoid damage by positioning the probe in the region adjacent to the structure being studied. Spectra from bacteriorhodopsin, a protein that is predominately a α helix, and OmpF porin, a protein that is mainly β sheet show significant differences over a spectral range from ∼0.1 to 0.25 eV (∼1000 to 1800 cm–1). Although the energy resolution equivalent to 60 cm–1 is inferior to Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FTIR) the spectra are very sensitive to molecular orientation. Polar bonds aligned parallel to the specimen grid make particularly strong contributions to the energy loss spectra. Ultra‐high‐resolution energy loss spectroscopy in the electron microscope can potentially add useful information to imaging and diffraction for determining the secondary structure misfolding believed to be responsible for dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on social behavior in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) depend on male breeding season introductions
Authors: Young Leigh Anna , Bloomsmith Mollie A. , Remillard Caren M. , Bailey Kelly L. , Michopoulos Vasiliki
Published: December 2020

Background

Although medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is used commonly as a contraceptive in women and female non‐human primates, its effects on social behavior remain unclear. This study examined whether MPA treatment and introduction of new adult males during the breeding season influence the social behaviors of group‐housed adult female rhesus macaques.

Methods

Subjects were 12 MPA‐treated and 12 matched case‐control females. Aggressive, affiliative, and sexual behaviors were measured.

Results

MPA‐treated females showed less affiliative and sexual behavior compared to matched controls during the breeding season. MPA treatment was associated with decreased aggression emitted toward and received from females during the breeding season.

Conclusion

MPA treatment is associated with differences in social behavior of female rhesus macaques during the breeding season, when normal hormonal cycles are attenuated by the treatment, but there is no indication that MPA‐treated females bring an additional risk for more aggression during the male introduction and breeding season.
Item and scale properties of the Oral Health Literacy Adults Questionnaire assessed by item response theory
Authors: Pattanaik Swaha , John Mike T. , Kohli Nidhi , Davison Mark L. , Chung Seungwon , Self Karl , Naik Amruta , Flynn Priscilla M.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

a) To evaluate the item and scale properties of the Oral Health Literacy Adults Questionnaire (OHL‐AQ) in an adult general population. b) To determine precision or accuracy of the respondents' estimated scores along the Oral Health Literacy (OHL) spectrum using item response theory (IRT) modeling.

Methods

Survey data were collected from a convenience sample of 405 adult attendees of the 2014 Minnesota State Fair. We used the two‐parameter logistic (2PL) model for the item response theory (IRT) analyses of OHL‐AQ data and calibrated items to estimate model‐based item difficulty and discrimination parameters. Item and scale properties were also assessed by plotting and interpreting item characteristic curves (ICCs), test characteristic curve (TCC), and test information function (TIF).

Results

Based on interpretation of model coefficients, statistical testing, and model fit criteria, we deemed the 2PL model superior and selected this model to examine item and scale properties. Scale reliability was shown to be good through the test information function (TIF). TIF from our analysis showed that higher levels of OHL were measured less precisely than lower levels of OHL.

Conclusion

We demonstrated OHL‐AQ as a whole has promising psychometric properties. However, for equiprecise measurement across the scale range, the scale needs more items for measuring higher levels of OHL.
Longitudinal Study of Mild Delinquency and In‐School Problem Behaviors During Junior High School1
Authors: Obokata Akiko
Published: December 2020

This research investigates repetitive problem behavior (in‐school problems and mild delinquency) in Japanese junior high school students from their first to third year (12–15 years old) and examines the risk factors for repetitive problem behavior among parent–child relationships, school, individual, and lifestyle factors. An analysis of the longitudinal data of 470 students (Data Set 1) found that repeated problem behavior in school was affected by low self‐control, poor relationships with teachers, and lack of parental monitoring. Repeated mild delinquent behavior was affected by parental violence, poor relationships with mothers, less sleep duration, and not belonging to club activities. Some students exhibited both mild delinquency and in‐school problems. Students who experienced problem behavior 10 times or more in their second year had often experienced some problem behavior (1–9 times) in their first year. Analysis of the longitudinal data of 368 students (Data Set 2) showed that in many cases, students who exhibited repeated delinquent behavior in their second year continued to exhibit problem behavior after they became third‐year students. Though the number of students with repetitive mild delinquency that was totally remedied in their third year was small, a low incidence of parental violence was seen as an antecedent factor for students who did not commit mild delinquency in their third year in spite of a high frequency of delinquency in their second year.
Corallinapetrales and Corallinapetraceae: A new order and family of coralline red algae including Corallinapetra gabrielii comb. nov.
Authors: Jeong So Young , Nelson Wendy A. , Sutherland Judith E. , Peña Viviana , Le Gall Line , Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , Won Boo Yeon , Cho Tae Oh
Published: December 2020

The coralline algal genus Corallinapetra is currently monospecific and was established on the species Corallinapetra novaezelandiae, known from a single collection from north‐eastern New Zealand. On the basis of multi‐gene phylogenetic analyses, Corallinapetra has been resolved apart from all currently recognized families and orders within the Corallinophycidae. We analyzed DNA sequence data from the holotype of Lithothamnion gabrielii, which has been considered a heterotypic synonym of L. muelleri, and an unidentified sample collected from Stewart Island in New Zealand, using psbA, rbcL, and COI‐5P genes. We also observed detailed morpho‐anatomical characters with light and scanning electron microscopy. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that L. gabrielii and the sample from New Zealand belonged to the same clade as Corallinapetra, distinct from other families and orders in the Corallinophycidae. Members of this clade are distinguishable from other families and orders in the Corallinophycidae by possessing sporangia that are surrounded by remnant sterile filaments that are weakly calcified in mature multiporate sporangial conceptacles that produce zonately divided tetrasporangia. Therefore, we propose that Corallinapetra be placed in its own family, Corallinapetraceae and order, Corallinapetrales, and that L. gabrielii should be assigned to Corallinapetra, as C. gabrielii, to reflect their phylogenetic relationships. We also obtained a partial rbcL sequence data from the lectotype of L. muelleri, the generitype of Lithothamnion. Comparison of the L. muelleri type sequence with L. gabrielii unambiguously demonstrated that these two species are not conspecific, and confirm the placement of L. muelleri within the Hapalidiales.
Mechanisms involved in regulation of periodontal ligament cell production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines: Implications in periodontitis
Authors: Nilsson Bengt‐Olof
Published: December 2020

It is well recognized that human periodontal ligament cells (PDL cells) may represent local immune cells of the periodontal tissues. However, it is unclear whether they represent “true” immune cells, since they can produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines not only after stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharides but also in response to other stimuli such as mechanical stress. Stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharides strongly enhances PDL cell production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines through activation of toll‐like receptors and NF‐κB signaling. Less information is available regarding putative modulators of cytokine production and their mechanisms of action in PDL cells. The anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced PDL cell production of cytokines. Recent observations show that vitamin D and the antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 antagonize lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated PDL cell production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor is endogenously expressed by PDL cells, and this protein negatively regulates PDL cell‐evoked cytokine production. More information and knowledge about the regulation of PDL cell production of cytokines may clarify the role of PDL cells in oral innate immunity and their importance in periodontitis.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy in veterinary cancer treatment: a review
Authors: Wustefeld‐Janssens B. , Smith L. , Wilson‐Robles H.
Published: December 2020

Multi‐modality treatment strategies are more becoming commonplace in veterinary oncology practice yet the evidence base is far inferior to what has been generated in people. Surgery is unquestionably the cornerstone of most solid tumour treatment plans but certain scenarios dictate combining surgery with systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy as an adjunct. By using these in the neoadjuvant setting, one can leverage certain effects of the treatment to improve local disease control, improve overall survival, gain insight into drug efficacy, reduce surgical morbidity and reduce long‐term complications. An unintended consequence of combining therapies is an increased flow of information between members of the care team upfront that in almost all cases leads to improved patient outcomes albeit a difficult metric to quantify. This review sets out to explore some of the principles of neoadjuvant therapies and discuss potential opportunities to expand the evidence base in veterinary medicine.
Transfusion transmissible pathogens are prevalent in healthy cats eligible to become blood donors
Authors: Mesa‐Sanchez I. , Ferreira R. R. F. , Cardoso I. , Morais M. , Flamínio M. , Vieira S. , de Gopegui R. R. , de Matos A. J. F.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aims to determine the prevalence of subclinical infectious agents considered core pathogens for worldwide screening in healthy, client‐owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors in Spain and Portugal.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples of healthy, indoor, domestic cats selected to be potential blood donors were tested for feline leukaemia virus antigens, feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies and polymerase chain reactions forMycoplasma haemofelis,Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus,Leishmaniaspp. andBartonellaspp. Not all donors were tested for all agents.

Results

Overall, 5105 healthy indoor cats were tested and 8.1% (414/5105) had at least one subclinical infectious agent that is transmissible through blood product transfusion. 1.5% (77/5105) were positive for feline leukaemia virus antigens and 2.9% (148/5105) were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, therefore they were excluded as donors. The overall prevalence of haemoplasmas in feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus SNAP‐negative feline blood donors was 3.7% (181/4880) [1.3% (63/4880) were positive forMycoplasma haemofelis; 2.3% (112/4880) toCandidatus Mycoplasma haemominutumand 0.12% (6/4880) toCandidatus Mycoplasma turicensis]. The prevalence of feline leukaemia provirus was 5.2% (9/173) and ofBartonellaspp.was 0.2% (2/1122). None of the 173 cats were positive forLeishmaniaspp.

Clinical Significance

The prevalence of many transfusion transmissible pathogens was relatively high in this healthy, client‐owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors. Performing an extended screening panel that includes at least polymerase chain reactions forMycoplasma haemofelis,Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, andBartonellaspp., in addition to feline leukaemia virus antigens and feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, is recommended in pet blood banks from analogous regions.
Does Religious Affiliation Protect People's Well‐Being? Evidence from the Great Recession after Correcting for Selection Effects
Authors: Makridis Christos A. , Johnson Byron , Koenig Harold G.
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the effect of religious affiliation on individual well‐being. Using Gallup's U.S. Daily Poll between 2008 and 2017, we find that those who are engaged in their local church and view their faith as important to their lives have not only higher levels of subjective well‐being, but also acyclical levels. We show that the acyclicality of subjective well‐being among Christians is not driven by selection effects or the presence of greater social capital, but rather a sense of purpose over the business cycle independent of financial circumstances.