bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological status of cattle to bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 at entry to and exit from Australian feedlot backgrounding facilities
Authors: Cusack PMV , Bergman EL , Hay KE , Morton JM
Published: October 2020

A total of 6195 cattle were enrolled in this observational study. Serum antibody concentrations to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) were measured at entry to and exit from backgrounding facilities to assess their statuses on arrival and the extent of seroconversion to these viruses during backgrounding. The backgrounding facilities were contiguous with five feedlots in: Queensland (two sites), New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Cattle were held in the backgrounding facilities for a minimum of 29 days and a median of 34 days. On backgrounding facility entry, 32.7% of the study population was seronegative to BVDV, but 85.7% was seronegative to BHV1. After commingling in the backgrounding facilities, of the cattle that were seronegative on backgrounding facility entry, 33.9% and 30.3% showed a serological increase to BVDV and BHV1, respectively. At backgrounding facility exit, when cattle were placed in their feedlots, 19.6% and 59.1% were seronegative to BVDV and BHV1, respectively, and 0.26% were persistently infected with BVDV. There was a strong association between seroincrease to BVDV and seroincrease to BHV1 (P = 0.005) at animal level in cohorts known to contain an animal persistently infected with BVDV.
Impacts of major health conditions affecting the Australian sheepmeat value chain: a review
Authors: Dal Grande E , Caraguel C , Lee SJ , Nielsen TD
Published: October 2020

Major health conditions in sheep contribute to substantial economic losses throughout the sheepmeat supply chain in Australia. A systematic review was undertaken to explore the measurable impact of six conditions: arthritis, sheep measles, pleurisy, pneumonia, grass seeds and rib fractures, on the production of lamb and mutton across the meat value chain. Peer‐reviewed scientific literature from three databases and non‐peer‐reviewed articles and reports from Australian government and non‐government websites were searched between 11 and 17 November 2019. Original articles, including studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand, that had measurable impacts on conditions of interest were included. The search yielded 16 articles and reports and were classified as producer impact and/or processor impact studies. Mortalities were quantified for pneumonia and arthritis, with pneumonia having the highest impact for producers. Grass seed infestation resulted in the highest impact on carcase and liveweight losses compared to arthritis and pneumonia. Arthritis had the highest trim weight losses for both lamb and mutton and the highest rate of carcase condemnation. Grass seed was the only condition where other impacts on the processor (chain speed and staff relocation to the boning room) were quantified. Although quantifiable production and processing losses were available for some conditions, this review has highlighted that limited quantifiable data based on scientifically sound research were not available for other conditions. The evidence for some conditions found in this review can be used to target future research activities and to further assist producers in making informed management decisions on prevention and control.
Geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in dental attendance among children in Peru: Findings from the Demographic and Family Health Survey 2017
Authors: Aravena‐Rivas Yanela , Carbajal‐Rodríguez Gisselle
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the presence of inequalities in the use of dental services among <12‐year‐old children residing in Peru, according to their wealth quintile and natural region of residence.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional secondary data analysis of the 2017 Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru (n = 39 881 children). Generalized Poisson regression models, adjusted for gender, age, maternal ethnicity, place of residence and health coverage, were used to study the association between wealth quintile and use of dental services followed by stratified models by the natural region (Metropolitan Lima, coast, Andes mountains and jungle) and predicted probability graphs to study the effect of the natural region on inequalities in the use of dental services.

Results

Inequalities in the use of dental services among children were observed according to the wealth quintile and natural region. A social gradient was present in the Andes mountains, coast and jungle regions. The greatest inequalities were observed in the coast (richest vs poorest quintile PR = 1.81 95% CI = 1.56‐2.11) and jungle regions (richest vs poorest quintile PR = 1.81 95% CI = 1.53‐2.14). The jungle presented the lowest proportion of children using dental services, while Metropolitan Lima had the highest proportion. No significant differences were observed between wealth quintiles among children from Metropolitan Lima.

Conclusions

Differences in socioeconomic inequalities in the use of dental services among natural regions were observed. The distribution of dental centres and personnel, and the geographical and demographic characteristics of each region, may play an important role in the presence of the inequalities observed.
Prospective evaluation of an assessment tool for technical performance of duodenoscopes
Authors: Bang Ji Young , Rösch Thomas , Kim Hyungjin Myra , Thakkar Shyam , Robalino Gonzaga Ernesto , Tharian Benjamin , Inamdar Sumant , Lee Linda S. , Yachimski Patrick , Jamidar Priya , Muniraj Thiruvengadam , DiMaio Christopher , Kumta Nikhil , Sethi Amrita , Draganov Peter , Yang Dennis , Seoud Talal , Perisetti Abhilash , Bondi Gayatri , Kirtane Sachin , Hawes Robert , Wilcox C. Mel , Kozarek Richard , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Varadarajulu Shyam
Published: October 2020

Objective

While single‐use and detachable‐tip duodenoscopes have been recently developed to overcome risks of infection transmission, there are no reliable tools to objectively assess their technical performance. We evaluated the reliability and validity of a newly developed tool to assess the technical performance of reusable duodenoscopes.

Methods

An assessment tool was developed to measure duodenoscope performance based on three distinct criteria: maneuverability, mechanical/imaging characteristics and ability to perform requisite interventions. The assessment tool was tested prospectively on duodenoscopes used in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures at nine academic medical centers over a 6‐month period. The main outcome was reliability of the duodenoscope assessment tool, which was estimated using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (α). The secondary outcome was validity of the assessment tool.

Results

The assessment tool evaluated technical performance of reusable duodenoscopes in 1080 ERCP procedures. Indications were biliary in 92.8% and pancreatic in 7.2% procedures. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient α for maneuverability was 0.81, assessment of mechanical/imaging characteristics was 0.92, and ability to perform requisite interventions was 0.87. On multiple linear regression analysis, prolonged procedure duration, older patient age and pancreatic interventions were significantly positively associated with higher (worse) scores.

Conclusions

The newly developed assessment tool appears reliable and valid for evaluating the technical performance of duodenoscopes.

Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04004533.
Abortion services and ethico‐legal considerations in India: The case for transitioning from provider‐centered to women‐centered care
Authors: Basu Saurav
Published: October 2020

Nearly a million Indian women lack access to safe and dignified abortion services from public healthcare facilities and instead opt to induce abortions by themselves or with the help from unskilled and unauthorized practitioners. Unsafe abortions account for an estimated 9% of all maternal deaths in India despite the legalization of abortion on all grounds since 1971 via the MTP Act. However, the Act technically does not make any provision for abortion based on a woman’s request alone, subjecting her decision to the approval of her healthcare provider, limiting reproductive autonomy. Moreover, the problem of female feticide through sex‐selective abortions has also contributed to a conflicting public agenda that prioritizes preventing the former over allowing women access to abortion services for other reasons. Women who are socio‐economically, culturally, and educationally vulnerable and minors may experience further abortion related stigmatization. These ethico‐legal considerations highlight the need for transition from a provider‐centered to a woman‐centered abortion service model.
Estado nutricional de niños y niñas con parálisis cerebral que asisten a centros de rehabilitación
Authors: Ruiz Brunner María de las Mercedes , Cieri Maria E , Rodriguez Marco Maria P , Schroeder Andreas Sebastian , Cuestas Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Objetivo

Describir el estado nutricional de niños con parálisis cerebral (PC) en centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos de Argentina, y analizar el riesgo de desnutrición en relación su nivel según el sistema de la clasificación de la función motora gruesa (GMFCS).

Método

Este fue un estudio transversal con datos recolectados de 321 niños (196 varones, 125 mujeres) con PC de 2 a 19 años (edad media 9 años 3 meses, DE 4 años) de 17 centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos en cinco provincias argentinas. El estado nutricional se definió con puntajes z según peso, talla e índice de masa corporal para la edad utilizando patrones de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se utilizó Odds ratio para evaluar la asociación entre el nivel GMFCS y el estado nutricional.

Resultados

De los niños con PC estudiados, 52.4% tenían nivel IV y V de GMFCS. En cuanto al estado nutricional, 41,7% eran normales, 19,0% tenían desnutrición moderada, 33,9% desnutrición severa, 2,5 % sobrepeso, y 2,8% obesidad. En comparación con los niños con niveles I–III de GMFCS, los niños con niveles IV y V de GMFCS presentaron 4 veces más probabilidades de presentar desnutrición moderada y 14 veces más probabilidades de tener desnutrición severa.

Interpretación

Existe una alta prevalencia de desnutrición asociada a la PC (niveles IV y V de GMFCS) entre niños de centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos en Argentina. El riesgo de desnutrición severa aumenta cuando aumenta el compromiso motor.
Cerebral visual impairment in children: the importance of classification
Authors: Dutton Gordon N
Published: October 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Sakki et al. on pages 303–312 of this issue.
Utility of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography to guide transseptal positioning of a single multistage venous cannula to provide both venous drainage and indirect left ventricular venting in veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Addis Dylan R. , Wang Bo , Prejean Shane P. , Watts Thomas Evans , Nanda Navin C. , Ahmed Mustafa I.
Published: October 2020

A patient with heart failure due to dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy presented in cardiogenic shock for institution of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. To provide adequate venous drainage and simultaneous decompression of the left atrium (indirect left ventricular venting), a single venous cannula was placed across the interatrial septum so that the distal orifice and side ports were located within the left atrium and the proximal set of side ports were positioned at the cavoatrial junction. Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated utility in guiding cannula placement and appropriate positioning within the left atrium.
Strong impacts of smoke polluted air demonstrated on the flight behaviour of the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui L.)
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wooster Martin J. , Grosvenor Mark J. , Lim Ka S. , Francis Robert A.
Published: October 2020

1. A major component of biomass burning smoke is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which has been shown to generate impacts on insect population dynamics and development. However, little is known about its effect on insect flight behaviour, even though this will influence insect dispersal and distribution, and potentially migration and ecosystem services such as pollination.

2. Here we use a tethered flight mill setup to examine the behaviour of adult painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui L.) flying in different levels of combustion‐generated airborne PM2.5, comparison this to TFM flying under ‘clean air’ conditions.

3. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t‐tests indicate that the smoke had a significantly deleterious impact on flight behaviour, with for example total flight distance covered declining by 65% during the first 20 min of flying in the least smoke contaminated air compared to ‘clean air’ control conditions, whilst average speed declined by 54% and flight duration by 32%. A strongly negative and highly significant linear correlation between flight speed and PM2.5 concentration was also observed.

4. This study represents the first time that smoke effects on insect flight behaviour have been experimentally tested, and the longer the butterflies were exposed to the elevated PM2.5 concentrations the more obviously their flight behaviour declined. We conclude that the month(s)‐long episodes of air pollution often associated with agricultural burning and deforestation fires in the tropics may well be significantly affecting the behaviour of the flying insects living in those regions and/or who migrate through them.
A new equine peripheral caries grading system: Are the caries likely active or inactive?
Authors: Jackson Kirsten , Kelty Erin , Tennant Marc
Published: October 2020

Background

Equine peripheral caries can be a significant welfare issue in affected horses. Recent work has shown that complete reversal of the condition may be possible if the primary risk factor can be identified and corrected. Determining whether caries are active (deteriorating) or inactive (improving) is of vital importance when formulating a management and treatment plan. A new grading system is proposed that looks at whether caries are likely active or inactive to assist clinicians deciding whether intervention is required.

Objectives

To examine the reliability of an alternative grading method for equine peripheral caries.

Study design

Online survey of veterinary surgeons.

Methods

Reviewers (n = 22) graded images of peripheral caries using three methods: the traditional grading system, a new research grading system and a new clinical grading system. Percentage agreement and Fleiss' kappa were used to examine the participant's agreement of the severity of caries.

Results

All percentage agreements and Fleiss' kappa values were significantly greater than zero (P < .001). The Fleiss' kappa for the new methods were higher (ranging from 0.48 to 0.58), but not significantly different from the traditional method (0.40). There was a high level of consistency in the assessment of caries as either active or inactive with both grading systems reporting over 80% agreement. Feedback on the grading systems was positive with over 90% of reviewers saying they were likely to use the system.

Main limitations

The use of photographs provided some difficulties with image quality and judging whether the dentin was affected without an occlusal image.

Conclusions

The new grading system produced a consistent estimate of caries severity and provided high levels of agreement on whether the caries were likely ‘active’ or ‘inactive’. This is likely to be very useful clinically to assist practitioners to determine whether intervention is required.
Associations between Helicobacter pylori with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other metabolic conditions in Guatemala
Authors: Alvarez Christian S. , Florio Andrea A. , Butt Julia , Rivera‐Andrade Alvaro , Kroker‐Lobos María F. , Waterboer Tim , Camargo Maria Constanza , Freedman Neal D. , Graubard Barry I. , Lazo Mariana , Guallar Eliseo , Groopman John D. , Ramírez‐Zea Manuel , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the current study was to examine the association in Guatemala, a region with elevated prevalences of both H pylori and NAFLD. Associations between H pylori and other metabolic conditions were also examined, as were associations between H hepaticus and H bilis and the metabolic conditions.

Materials & Methods

The analysis included 424 participants from a cross‐sectional study in Guatemala. H pylori seropositivity was defined as positivity for ≥ 4 antigens. Seropositivities for H bilis and H hepaticus were defined as positivity for ≥ 2 antigens. NAFLD was estimated using the Fatty Liver Index and the Hepatic Steatosis Index. Other conditions examined were obesity, central obesity, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.

Results

No overall associations between H pylori,H hepaticus, or H bilis and NAFLD or related metabolic conditions were found. Seropositivity for H pylori antigens CagA and VacA and H hepaticus antigen HH0713 was each significantly associated with NAFLD, however. In addition, associations were observed between the H pylori antigens HyuA, HP1564, and UreA and specified metabolic conditions.

Conclusions

While no overall associations between H pylori or Helicobacter species with NAFLD or related conditions were observed, some selected Helicobacter spp. antigens were associated with NAFLD. Further research is warranted to examine whether H. species are associated with any metabolic condition.
Prevalence of antimitochondrial antibodies in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pelka Karolina , Stec‐Polak Magdalena , Wojas‐Pelc Anna , Pastuszczak Maciej
Published: October 2020

Background

In approximately 13% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, a hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can be detected: antimitochondrial M2 antibodies (AMA‐M2). It has not been determined if the presence of AMA‐M2 in SLE patients results in a higher risk of PBC in comparison to those with AMA but no SLE. Until now, there have been no such analyses among individuals with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).

Methods

To assess the seropositivity rates for AMA‐M2 and autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis in patients with newly diagnosed SCLE and to determine the coexistence and risk of development of autoimmune liver disease in these patients within 1 year of follow‐up, data from 33 patients with newly diagnosed SCLE were analyzed.

Results

AMA‐M2 was found in 20% of SCLE patients. Patients from the AMA‐M2‐positive group were characterized by significantly higher levels of cholestatic liver enzymes when compared to those without AMA‐M2 (P < 0.05). After introducing therapy with hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, the levels of hepatocellular enzymes increased significantly only in AMA‐M2 positive patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of AMA‐M2 was found in patients with SCLE. Patients with SCLE and AMA‐M2 had significantly higher values of cholestatic enzymes than patients without AMA. Newly diagnosed patients with SCLE should be screened for the presence of AMA and should be clinically followed up. Avoiding drugs with potential liver toxicity should be recommended in patients with SCLE and AMA.
Future needs of young people receiving botulinum toxin A in paediatric rehabilitation services of New South Wales: focus on transition
Authors: Paget Simon P. , de Groot Anne , Hanns Kerry , Burnett Heather , Ho Jane
Published: October 2020

Young people (YP) with neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy are increasingly living into adulthood and require healthcare transition for services including for botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A). We analysed medical records in the three children's hospitals in New South Wales (NSW) and identified 253 YP who are expected to transition from paediatric to adult BoNT‐A services in NSW and Australian Capital Territory during 2018–2023. A substantial proportion of these YP have additional needs that will require paediatric and adult health services to work together to improve their life‐long health outcomes.
Care to the end: a retrospective observational study of aged care facility residents transferred to hospital in the last day of life
Authors: Brownstein Hannah , Hayes Barbara , Simadri Amrita , Tacey Mark , Holbeach Edwina
Published: October 2020

Background

While transfer of aged care facility (ACF) residents to an acute hospital is sometimes necessary, for those at end of life this can cause fragmented care and disruption.

Aim

To explore the characteristics of ACF residents transferred to hospital in the last 24 h of life and factors that might influence this decision, including access to medical review, advance care planning (ACP) and pre‐emptive symptom management prescribing, an area not previously researched.

Methods

A retrospective observational audit of ACF residents transferred to a metropolitan hospital between 2012 and 2017 who died within 24 h of transfer.

Results

A total of 149 patients met the criteria. The median age was 87 years, and 63 (42%) were male. Eighty‐three (56%) were transferred ‘out‐of‐hours’, the majority (71%) having no medical review in the 24 h prior, and 43 (29%) died within 4 h of arrival. The most common reasons for transfer were dyspnoea (46%) and altered conscious state (32%), and the most common cause of death was pneumonia (37%). Some form of ACP documentation was available in 48%. Of the 86 (58%) patients who required injectable opioid for symptom management in hospital, only 7 (8%) had this pre‐emptively prescribed on their ACF medication chart.

Conclusions

Appropriate decision‐making around hospital transfers and end‐of‐life care for ACF residents may be influenced by access to professionals able to diagnose dying and access to appropriate symptom management medications. ACP is important, but often requires the aforementioned to be enacted. Further research is needed to better inform how we can identify and meet the end‐of‐life care needs of this cohort.
Application of virtual reality (VR) technology for medical practitioners in type and screen (T&S) training
Authors: Tang Yuk Ming , Ng George Wing Yiu , Chia Nam Hung , So Eric Hang Kwong , Wu Chun Ho , Ip Wai Hung
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, patients' safety is the top priority for medical services around the world. However, it is believed that many of the adverse events in hospitals are preventable. Type and screen (T&S) procedures require intense practical training by each medical practitioner in each hospital. This study applied an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) technology to supplement the traditional approach to facilitate procedural training. The VR system made use of the Unity3D for application development. To investigate the reliability and validity of the conceptual medical training model, a survey was conducted to measure the content, motivation and enhanced readiness of practitioners. The partial least squares (PLS) modelling was carried out to investigate the correlation between each pair of measured variables. The study results indicated that the learning model has good reliability for each measurement factor and validates the survey study. The PLS modelling also indicated a significant correlation between each pair of measured variables. The project developed a VR training program for training in T&S procedures. The study provides important implications on the development of a practical VR training program for medical practitioners, as well as valuable insights for the development of similar VR training programs in the future.
How will surface conditioning methods influence the translucency and color properties of CAD‐CAM resin‐matrix ceramics with different thicknesses?
Authors: Günal Abduljalil Burcu , Ongun Salim , Önöral Özay
Published: October 2020

Objective

It was aimed to evaluate the effect of various surface‐conditioning methods on the translucency and color properties of resin‐matrix ceramics (RMCs) with different types and thicknesses.

Materials and methods

Rectangle‐shaped RMCs were prepared from Voco Grandio, Brilliant Crios, Lava Ultimate, GC Cerasmart, and Vita Enamic blocks at 0.5 and 1.0 mm thicknesses. Specimens were divided into four groups: control, airborne‐particle abrasion (APA), 2 and 3 W Er, Cr:YSGG laser irradiations (L2W, L3W) (n = 15). The color values of specimens were recorded before and after surface‐conditioning using a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameter (RTP00) and color difference (ΔE00) values were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using three‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

Results

The translucencies of RMCs decreased after all surface‐conditioning procedures. L caused more decline in translucency of materials than APA. All ΔE00 values were under the acceptability threshold except for APA‐applied Voco Grandio at 0.5 mm. Differences in ΔE00 values between APA and L3W groups were significant (P˂0.05); while differences between L2W and L3W groups were insignificant (P > .05). In all experimental groups, ΔE00 values decreased with increasing thickness of RMCs.

Conclusions

L and APA significantly affected the translucency and color properties of RMCs. APA was found more favorable than L.

Clinical significance

Clinicians should carefully use surface conditioning methods, considering their impact on the optical characteristics of RMCs, especially when the restoration is thin.
Influence of glass fiber posts on the fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers: Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jurema AnaLuiza Barbosa , Bresciani Eduardo , Caneppele Taciana Marco Ferraz
Published: October 2020

Objective

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of glass fiber posts on fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers.

Materials and Methods

Fifty participants had 1 maxillary anterior tooth restored with a direct veneer. They were divided into 2 groups (n = 25) according to the use of intraradicular glass fiber posts. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The treatment success was determined by the absence of tooth fracture. If there was fracture, it was classified according to its extent. Fischer exact test was performed to analyze the criteria among the groups at each evaluation time. Friedman repeated analysis of variance assessed the difference in the performance of each group at three recall times (α = 0.5).

Results

For control group, at the 6‐month follow‐up, one tooth had suffered a catastrophic failure, which resulted in tooth extraction. Fisher statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the cumulative success rate of the groups for the 6 (P > .999) and the 12‐month (P > .999) period. Friedman test showed no significant difference among the periods of evaluation (P > .999).

Conclusions

Both groups had a similar success rate for maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers after 12 months.

Clinical implications

Glass fiber post use does not influence the fracture susceptibility of maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers in the short term.
Anatomy of the mechanosensory lateral line canal system and electrosensory ampullae of Lorenzini in two species of sawshark (fam. Pristiophoridae)
Authors: Wueringer Barbara E. , Winther‐Janson Marit , Raoult Vincent , Guttridge Tristan L.
Published: October 2020

It has long been assumed that the elongated rostra (the saws) of sawsharks (family: Pristiophoridae) and sawfish (family: Pristidae) serve a similar function. Recent behavioural and anatomical studies have shed light on the dual function of the pristid rostrum in mechanosensory and electrosensory prey detection and prey manipulation. Here, the authors examine the distributions of the mechanosensory lateral line canals and electrosensory ampullae of Lorenzini in the southern sawshark, Pristiophorus nudipinnis and the longnose sawshark, Pristiophorus cirratus. In both species, the receptive fields of the mechano‐ and electrosensory systems extend the full length of the rostrum indicating that the sawshark rostrum serves a sensory function. Interestingly, despite recent findings suggesting they feed at different trophic levels, minimal interspecific variation between the two species was recorded. Nonetheless, compared to pristids, the pristiophorid rostrum possesses a reduced mechanosensory sampling field but higher electrosensory resolution, which suggests that pristiophorids may not use their rostrums to disable large prey like pristids do.
Evaluation of efficacy of QR678® and QR678® Neo hair growth factor formulation in the treatment of persistent chemotherapy‐induced alopecia caused due to cytotoxic chemotherapy—A prospective pilot study
Authors: Kapoor Rinky , Shome Debraj , Doshi Komal , Vadera Sapna , Patel Ghanshyam , Kumar Vaibhav
Published: October 2020

Background

Cancers are one of the main reasons of morbidity and mortality globally. Chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most alarming, terrifying, and traumatic adverse effects. A range of therapeutic measures has been suggested to alleviate CIA, but at present, there is no accepted pharmacological therapy that can assure prevention or management.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of QR 678 Neo® therapy in the treatment of persistent chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in women and men treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast and lung cancers, respectively.

Methods

A total of 8 male patients with history of lung cancer and 12 female patients with history of breast cancer in the age range of 25‐60 years, with WHO classification of grade I and II persistent alopecia who had undergone chemotherapy treatment, were selected for the study. At each visit, 1.5 mL solution of QR 678® was injected into the scalp skin of patients. A total of 8 sessions were performed at an interval of 3 weeks each. All the patients were evaluated with standard global photography, video microscopic assessment, and patient self‐assessment questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results

Marked improvement was seen in the global assessment score at 6 months (mean‐8) which was maintained even after 1 year. Mean score increase in hair count at 6 months was 12.71 which further increased at 1 year. High satisfaction score was given by patients for slowing of hair loss (mean = 4.2) and also for overall hair growth. For appearance and growth of hair, the mean value was 3.4 and 3.8, respectively.

Conclusion

The formulation of QR 678® and QR 678® Neo showed to be significantly safe and efficient for chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in both men and women. Improvement in hair growth was maintained even at 1 year of follow‐up. No patient had any severe adverse effects, and injections were also easily bearable by most of them.
Consumer preferences for burgers and milk desserts: Evaluating the importance of health claim attributes
Authors: Viana Mayra Monteiro , Polizer Rocha Yana Jorge , Trindade Marco Antonio , Alfinito Solange
Published: October 2020

The question that guided this work was if health claims should receive special attention by evaluating if these claims stand as a relevant attribute to consumers. Thereby, the goal of this work is to explore how consumers deal with different food product attributes, including health claims, in frozen burgers (Study 1), and milk desserts (Study 2) via conjoint analysis (CA). In Study 1, the ranking‐based CA revealed that the attribute “Claim” is more relevant than “Price” and that the Claim level of “Source of Fibres” in burgers is rejected by consumers. In Study 2, the rating‐based CA also reveals “Claim” as the most valued attribute in milk desserts, and consumers reject the Claim level of “Antioxidants” but are favorable to “Fiber”. As conclusions, the claim is the most important attribute in both cases. Still, while consumers did not respond positively regarding frozen burgers with health attributes, there was a positive asset for milk desserts.

Practical Applications

The manuscript brings a contribution to the field of food consumer studies by assessing claim attributes in different ways in terms of products, designs, and conjoint methods. The information obtained in this study brings useful insights regarding the importance of claims in consumer preference. One example is the discussions regarding some cautions that food industries should have regarding functional claims, as some levels were rejected in both carriers. Through this study, it is possible to disseminate the importance of gaining understandings regarding claims in functional foods, and especially regarding Brazilian consumers.
On publicness theory and its implications for supply chain integration: The case of criminal justice supply chains
Authors: Seepma Aline Pietrix , van Donk Dirk Pieter , de Blok Carolien
Published: October 2020

The literature has extensively discussed whether and how public organizations differ from private ones. Publicness theory argues that the degree of publicness is determined by ownership, funding, goal setting, and control structure of an organization. However, these theoretical ideas have not yet been extended to the interorganizational level. The need for further research is reflected in the sustained debate on the applicability of for‐profit management approaches in public contexts and supply chains. Starting from the premise of the dimensional publicness theory, this study focuses on theory elaboration. We focus our empirical study on the criminal justice supply chain, which encompasses the process of bringing a criminal case to court. This chain provides an interesting public case to explore how specific dimensions of publicness affect or limit supply chain integration mechanisms. The results of our series of embedded cases focusing on Dutch criminal justice supply chains show that control structures, embodied in laws and regulations, define the governance of relationships between supply chain partners. In addition to these formalized ties, extensive known for‐profit information and operational integration mechanisms can be observed, along with limited relational integration. Surprisingly, although similar integration mechanisms are used as in for‐profit contexts, integration serves a different role in several of the relationships investigated: dealing with tensions stemming from the specific goal setting and stakeholders of criminal justice chains. Although our findings specifically relate to criminal justice supply chains, they have important implications for other supply chains using contracts and laws and those being selective in applying supply chain integration in cases of contrasting objectives. Moreover, we provide a stepping‐stone for the extension of publicness theory to the interorganizational level.
Heterogeneous Layoff Effects of the US Short‐Time Compensation Program
Authors: Tracey Marlon R. , Polachek Solomon W.
Published: October 2020

The Short‐Time Compensation (STC) program enables US firms to reduce work hours via pro‐rated Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, rather than relying on layoffs as a cost‐cutting tool. Despite the program's potential to preclude skill loss and rehiring/retraining costs, firms' participation rates are still very low in response to economic downturns. Using firm‐level UI administrative data and semi‐parametric methods, we show why by illustrating which type of firms benefit from the program and which do not. A key finding is that cyclically sensitive firms have about 14% lower layoff rates when they use STC, but we find no difference for more cyclically stable firms.
Multiple processes contribute to methane emission in a riparian cottonwood forest ecosystem
Authors: Flanagan Lawrence B. , Nikkel Dylan J. , Scherloski Lauren M. , Tkach Rachel E. , Smits Kristian M. , Selinger L. Brent , Rood Stewart B.
Published: October 2020

Methane emission from trees may partially or completely offset the methane sink in upland soils, the only process that has been regularly included in methane budgets for forest ecosystems. Our objective was to analyze multiple biogeochemical processes that influence the production, oxidation and transport of methane in a riparian cottonwood ecosystem and its adjacent river.

We combined chamber flux measurements on tree stems, forest soil and the river surface with eddy covariance measurements of methane net ecosystem exchange. In addition, we tested whether methanogens were present in cottonwood stems, shallow soil layers and alluvial groundwater.

Average midday peak in net methane emission measured by eddy covariance was c. 12 nmol m−2 s−1. The average uptake of methane by soils (0.87 nmol m−2 s−1) was largely offset by tree stem methane emission (0.75 nmol m−2 s−1). There was evidence of methanogens in tree stems but not in shallow soil.

Growing season (May–September) cumulative net methane emission (17.4 mmol CH4 m−2) included methane produced in cottonwood stems and methane input to the nocturnal boundary layer from the forest and the adjacent river. The multiple processes contributing to methane emission illustrated the linked nature of these adjacent terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Placental weightZ‐score and pubertal timing: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ernst Andreas , Brix Nis , Lunddorf Lea L. H. , Olsen Jørn , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia Høst
Published: October 2020

Background

The placenta provides nutrients, oxygen, and hormonal support for adequate fetal growth and development of the hormonal axes, which are important for pubertal timing later in life.

Objectives

We investigated if an indicator of poor placental function, low gestational age‐specificZ‐score for placental weight at birth, was associated with earlier pubertal timing.

Methods

The study is based on a population‐based cohort of 15 195 singleton boys and girls (68% of 22 439 invited) born 20 to 43 weeks of gestation (2000‐2003) nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort. PlacentalZ‐score was estimated from data collected at birth. Between 2012 and 2018, the children returned half‐yearly web‐based questionnaires from age of 11 years on status of the pubertal milestones: Tanner stages, voice break, first ejaculation, menarche, acne, and axillary hair. We estimated adjusted monthly differences in mean age at attaining the pubertal milestones and pubertal timing overall with placentalZ‐score continuously and as restricted cubic splines. Further, we explored whether growth by birthweightZ‐score and body mass indexZ‐score around 7 years mediated the associations.

Results

PlacentalZ‐score was positively associated with age at attaining most of the pubertal milestones in girls, particularly for age at menarche, but not in boys. Effect sizes were modest, and when combining all pubertal milestones, one standard deviation increase in placentalZ‐score was associated with 0.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2, 0.9) later pubertal timing overall in girls. The associations in girls were largely mediated through fetal growth.

Conclusions

Assuming that placentalZ‐score correlates with placental function, these findings suggest that placental dysfunction (low placentalZ‐score) advances pubertal timing in girls slightly by reducing fetal growth. Future studies need to evaluate whether placental weight sufficiently captures intrauterine growth of importance for pubertal development and search for other potential candidates reflecting placental function.
Factors associated with non‐nutritive sucking habits at 2 years of age among very preterm children: EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study
Authors: Herrera Sandra , Pierrat Véronique , Kaminski Monique , Benhammou Valérie , Bonnet Anne‐Laure , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Germa Alice
Published: October 2020

Background

The association between prolonged non‐nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs, ie, sucking pacifiers or fingers) and maxillofacial growth anomalies in the general population has been widely described. Because maturation of sucking abilities is not fully achieved in very preterm infants (<32 weeks’ gestation), neonatal services worldwide rely on the use of pacifiers to promote the development of adequate sucking reflexes, possibly prolonging NNSHs during infancy.

Objective

We aimed to describe the frequency and to identify factors associated with NNSHs at age 2 years in very preterm children.

Methods

The study was based on data from EPIPAGE‐2, a French national prospective cohort study of preterm births during 2011 that included 2593 children born between 24 and 31 weeks’ gestation. The primary outcome was NNSHs at 2 years. Multivariable log‐linear regression models with generalized estimation equations were used to study the association between the characteristics studied and NNSHs. Multiple imputations were used to take into account missing data.

Results

The frequency of NNSHs was 69% in the overall sample but higher among girls (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 1.17), children born from multiple pregnancies (eg, twins/triplets) (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00, 1.11), children who were fed by nasogastric tube (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01, 1.13), or those who benefitted from developmental care programmes (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02, 1.19). The NNSHs frequency was lower if mothers were not born in France (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64, 0.77), children had 2 or more older siblings (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82, 0.96), or children were breast‐fed at discharge (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85, 0.95).

Conclusions

NNSHs at 2 years seemed associated with cultural background, development care programmes, and breast feeding. Whether NNSHs at 2 years among very preterm children are associated with future maxillofacial growth anomalies deserves further attention.
Successful treatment of Ophionyssus natricis with afoxolaner in two Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus)
Authors: Fuantos Gámez Braulio A. , Romero Núñez Camilo , Sheinberg Waisburd Galia , Bautista Gómez Linda G. , Yarto Jaramillo Enrique , Heredia Cardenas Rafael , Miranda Contreras Laura
Published: October 2020

L'efficacité de l'afoxolaner a été évaluée chez deux serpents python birmans captifs, naturellement infestés par des acariens Ophionyssus natricis. L'administration d'une dose orale unique d'afoxolaner a éliminé les acariens O. natricis vivants des deux serpents à jour 3. Les échantillons environnementaux prélevés dans les terrariums des serpents étaient négatifs pour les acariens morts à jour 30.
hsa_circ_001653 up‐regulates NR6A1 expression and elicits gastric cancer progression by binding to microRNA‐377
Authors: Zhou Wuyuan , Jiang Rongke , Wang Yu , Li Yanfang , Sun Ziqian , Zhao Hongying
Published: October 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does hsa_circ_001653 influence the development of gastric cancer (GC) and if so how?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of differentially expressed hsa_circ_001653 in GC and adjacent normal tissues, and this was strongly related to the pathology of patients with GC. Knockdown of hsa_circ_001653 suppressed the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells, while inducing cell apoptosis via miR‐377‐mediated NR6A1 inhibition. The effect of hsa_circ_001653 and miR‐377 on tumour growth in GC was further confirmed in vivo.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of human mortality through malignant tumours. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as binding to microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate the progression of tumours. This study explores the role of hsa_circ_001653, a newly identified circRNA, in the development of GC. hsa_circ_001653 expression was measured in 86 paired normal and tumour tissues surgically resected from GC patients. Cross‐talk between hsa_circ_001653 and microRNA‐377 (miR‐377)/nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1) was assessed using bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, Ago2 immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. A series of functional experiments were carried out to elucidate the role of hsa_circ_001653 in GC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis, and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Nude mice were inoculated with GC cells for in vivo analysis. hsa_circ_001653 was found to be an up‐regulated circRNA in GC tissues and cells. Down‐regulation of hsa_circ_001653 inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while stimulating cell apoptosis. hsa_circ_001653 was found to bind to miR‐377, which targeted NR6A1 and repressed its expression. Inhibition of miR‐377 and overexpression of NR6A1 restored the proliferation, migration and invasion in GC cells lacking hsa_circ_001653. Furthermore, inhibition of hsa_circ_001653 attenuated tumour growth in nude mice inoculated with GC cells. Collectively, the demonstration that hsa_circ_001653 exerts its anticancer effects by regulating the miR‐377–NR6A1 axis increases our understanding of gastric cancer pathophysiology. The findings uncover new potential therapeutic targets for GC.
Oviposition model of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot in prey system (Tetranychus urticae Koch)

Authors: Farazmand Azadeh , Amir Masood Maafi
Published: October 2020

In this study, temperature-dependent oviposition model of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot fed by Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey was developed. In order to obtain data for the model, the longevity, fecundity and survivorship of adult females of A. swirskii were recorded at seven different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5 and 35 °C) all at 60±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8h (L; D) in growth chamber. The longevity of females decreased with increasing temperature; the maximum at 15°C (84±3.24 days) and the minimum at 32.5°C (22.48±0.31 days). The female adult developmental rates (1/median longevity) was described by Sharpe and DeMichele model (r2=0.99). The highest and the lowest fecundity were observed at 25°C (22.63±0.76 eggs/female) and 15°C (9.4±0.67 eggs/female), respectively. The oviposition model comprised of three functions: temperature-dependent fecundity, age-specific cumulative oviposition rate and age-specific survival rate. The best model of temperature-dependent fecundity was described by a non-linear equation (extreme value function) (r2=0.98). Similarly, the best model of age-specific cumulative oviposition was described by the two-parameter Weibull function (r2=0.94). Eventually, the best model of age-specific survival rate was described by sigmoid function (r2=0.97). Amblyseius swirskii has ability to control pests such as thrips, whiteflies and two-spotted spider mites and can grow even in low temperatures. Therefore, this mite can be active at the beginning of spring season. Temperature-dependent oviposition model of A. swirskii can determine optimal temperature for mass-rearing and predict seasonal population dynamic of this predatory mite in greenhouses. Finally, the greenhouse data can validate this model in future.
Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 promotes remyelination
Authors: Yoo Seung-Wan , Agarwal Amit , Smith Matthew D. , Khuder Saja S. , Baxi Emily G. , Thomas Ajit G. , Rojas Camilo , Moniruzzaman Mohammed , Slusher Barbara S. , Bergles Dwight E. , Calabresi Peter A. , Haughey Norman J.
Published: October 2020

Targeting a sphingomyelin hydrolase improves the structure of remyelinated fibers in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Voltage controlled on-demand magnonic nanochannels
Authors: Choudhury Samiran , Chaurasiya Avinash Kumar , Mondal Amrit Kumar , Rana Bivas , Miura Katsuya , Takahashi Hiromasa , Otani YoshiChika , Barman Anjan
Published: October 2020

On-demand magnonic nanochannels are achieved by modulation of voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy in CoFeB/MgO heterostructure.