bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idelalisib reduces regulatory T cells and activates T helper 17 cell differentiation in relapsed refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Gadi Deepti , Griffith Alec , Wang Zixu , Tyekucheva Svitlana , Rai Vanessa , Fernandes Stacey M. , Machado John‐Hanson , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Lederer James , Brown Jennifer R.
Published: February 2022

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors such as idelalisib have been associated with potentially severe autoimmune toxicity. In the present study, we demonstrate that relapsed refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with idelalisib rituximab on the phase III registration trial show uniform decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and increase in CD8 T cells with treatment. Patients who do not develop toxicity show enrichment for T cells expressing multiple chemokine receptors, while those who do develop toxicity have an activated CD8 T cell population with T helper 17 cell differentiation at baseline, which then increases, leading to an increased CD8:Treg ratio that likely triggers autoimmune toxicity.
Spatial and temporal patterns of Holocene precipitation change in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ilvonen Liisa , López‐Sáez José Antonio , Holmström Lasse , Alba‐Sánchez Francisca , Pérez‐Díaz Sebastián , Carrión José S. , Ramos‐Román María J. , Camuera Jon , Jiménez‐Moreno Gonzalo , Ruha Leena , Seppä Heikki
Published: February 2022

Precipitation is a key climate parameter of vegetation and ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we use a regional pollen–climate calibration model and fossil pollen data from eight sites from the Atlantic coast to southern Spain to provide quantitative reconstructions of annual precipitation trends and excursions and their regional patterns for the last 11 700 years. The Early Holocene (11 700 to 11 000 cal. a BP) was characterized by high precipitation values followed by a slowly declining trend until about 9000 cal. a BP in the south and about 8000 cal. a BP in the north. From 8000 to 6000 cal. a BP the reconstructed precipitation values are the highest in most records, especially in those located in the Mediterranean climatic region in the southern part of the peninsula, with maximum values nearly 100% higher than the modern reconstructed values. The results suggest a declining precipitation during the Late Holocene in the south, with a positive excursion at around 2500 cal. a BP, while in the north precipitation remained high until 500 cal. a BP. However, the Late Holocene climate reconstructions in the Iberian Peninsula are biased by intensifying human impact on vegetation. The statistical time series analyses using SiZer technique do not indicate any statistically significant high‐frequency drought events in the region. In general, our results suggest regional differences in the precipitation patterns between the northern and southern parts of the peninsula, with a more distinct Middle Holocene period of high humidity in the south.
Quantifying the prevalence of energy poverty across Canada: Estimating domestic energy burden using an expenditures approach
Authors: Das Runa R. , Martiskainen Mari , Li Grace
Published: February 2022

Energy poverty is gaining public attention in Canada. Based on statistical analysis of Statistics Canada's 2016 Survey of Household Spending, we estimate that 7–9% of households spent more than 10% of their income on energy expenditures. Households in the Atlantic provinces faced the most energy poverty and highest energy expenditures. Low income, geography, and dwelling conditions were the main predictors of energy poverty. Households in energy poverty also spent approximately five times more on energy expenditures as a proportion of their total expenditures compared to households not in energy poverty. Our study fills a key research gap as a limited number of studies exist on the extent and drivers of energy poverty in Canada. Further, our study's robust quantitative estimates allow benchmarking and comparative research. These estimates lay the groundwork for evidence‐based solutions—and our findings highlight the need to reconsider current policies. Considering the challenge of the ratio of energy costs to income is vital, especially in the aftermath of events such as COVID‐19 or the 2021 heatwave in western Canada, which result in different energy behaviours and needs. More broadly, in the regular day‐to‐day, energy services should be seen as necessary and decision makers ought to consider the energy burden of Canadians.
Multimodality imaging of Abernethy malformation
Authors: El‐Medany Ahmed Y. , Rego Gui , Williams Matthew , Lyen Stephen , Turner Mark
Published: February 2022

Abernethy malformation, or congenital extrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt, is a rare anomaly involving the portal venous system. Despite its rarity, it is increasingly being reported, and therefore, it is important to diagnose given the potential adverse clinical consequences if left untreated. It has a spectrum of presentations, ranging from complete lack of symptoms, to causing hepatic carcinoma, hepatic encephalopathy, severe pulmonary hypertension, and diffuse pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. We herein describe the case and echocardiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a transgender individual, with this anomaly detected incidentally during adulthood.
Rib fractures in adult horses as a cause of poor performance; diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 73 horses
Authors: Hall Suzy , Smith Roger , Ramzan Peter H. L. , Head Marcus , Robinson Natalie , Parker Russell
Published: February 2022

Background

Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented.

Objectives

To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Method

The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15‐year period were reviewed.

Results

Seventy‐three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint was not recorded. Clinical assessment and palpation localised the site of injury in 18/47 cases where recorded. Nuclear scintigraphic examination identified all fracture sites in which it was performed (59/59). In 10/24 horses, radiographic examination confirmed rib fracture. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rib fracture in 58/59 horses (98%; 95% CI 92‐100). Six horses underwent surgery due to ongoing clinical signs and non‐healing fracture; all other horses were managed conservatively. Fifty‐five horses were available for long‐term follow up (>1 year), of which 28 (51%; 95% CI 38‐64) returned to their previous level of exercise. Twelve horses did not return to their previous level of exercise due to lameness unrelated to the rib fracture and seven horses were subjected to euthanasia, of which three were as a result of the rib fracture. Eight horses did not return to their previous level of exercise for other reasons.

Main limitations

Incomplete data set due to retrospective case series.

Conclusions

Although uncommon, rib fractures should be considered in cases of reduced performance or resistance during ridden exercise. Palpation may be unrewarding. Scintigraphy and ultrasonography are useful in identifying the fracture site. Rib fractures in horses carry a fair prognosis and can be managed conservatively in most cases.
Global benefits of non‐continuous flooding to reduce greenhouse gases and irrigation water use without rice yield penalty
Authors: Bo Yan , Jägermeyr Jonas , Yin Zun , Jiang Yu , Xu Junzeng , Liang Hao , Zhou Feng
Published: February 2022

Non‐continuous flooding is an effective practice for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and irrigation water use (IRR) in rice fields. However, advancing global implementation is hampered by the lack of comprehensive understanding of GHGs and IRR reduction benefits without compromising rice yield. Here, we present the largest observational data set for such effects as of yet. By using Random Forest regression models based on 636 field trials at 105 globally georeferenced sites, we identified the key drivers of effects of non‐continuous flooding practices and mapped maximum GHGs or IRR reduction benefits under optimal non‐continuous flooding strategies. The results show that variation in effects of non‐continuous flooding practices are primarily explained by the UnFlooded days Ratio (UFR, that is the ratio of the number of days without standing water in the field to total days of the growing period). Non‐continuous flooding practices could be feasible to be adopted in 76% of global rice harvested areas. This would reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of CH4 and N2O combined from rice production by 47% or the total GWP by 7% and alleviate IRR by 25%, while maintaining yield levels. The identified UFR targets far exceed currently observed levels particularly in South and Southeast Asia, suggesting large opportunities for climate mitigation and water use conservation, associated with the rigorous implementation of non‐continuous flooding practices in global rice cultivation.
Game‐based, gamified, and gamefully designed assessments for employee selection: Definitions, distinctions, design, and validation
Authors: Landers Richard N. , Sanchez Diana R.
Published: February 2022

Reflecting practitioner efforts to improve existing psychometric assessments, a new games‐related class of assessments and assessment design approaches has emerged, and research is beginning to examine it as well. Understanding this class of assessments requires understanding of three major terms. First,game‐based assessmentrefers to an assessment method in which job candidates are players participating in a core gameplay loop while trait information is inferred. Second,gameful designrefers to practices by assessment professionals using game mechanics or other game concepts to guide their decision‐making in assessment design. Third,gamificationrefers to practices by assessment professionals changing existing assessments by adding game mechanics and applying game concepts to them. Whereas game‐based assessment is itself an assessment method, the other two are (re)design strategies. In this review, we explore these distinctions in finer terms, describe the game design and development processes necessary to create a functional game‐based assessment, describe theoretical and practical concerns related to the use or addition of game mechanics in traditional assessment methods, and present evaluation guidelines for the entire assessment class. Overall, we conclude that the future of games‐related assessment is promising, but further progress will require a focus on interdisciplinary understanding and much greater integration of design and development into assessment theory.
Increase in heart rate‐dependent left atrial pressure is associated with symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Fukuhara Eiji , Mine Takanao , Kishima Hideyuki , Kitagaki Ryo , Ishihara Masaharu
Published: February 2022

Background

It remains unclear why some patients with the same heart rate during an atrial fibrillation (AF) have subjective symptoms, whereas others do not. We assessed the hypothesis that different responses of arterial and left atrial blood pressures to rapid stimulation may be associated with the symptoms of AF.

Methods

A total of 110 patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were retrospectively studied. Asymptomatic AF was defined as a European Heart Rhythm Association score of Ⅰ for AF‐related symptoms. The left atrial pressure (LAP) was measured during sinus rhythm (SR), in 10 pacing per minute (ppm) increments from 100 ppm to the Wenckebach block rate in high right atrial pacing.

Results

Asymptomatic AF was observed in 19/110 patients (17%). Patients with symptomatic AF showed higher E/e′ ratio and gradual LAP increase that was dependent on the pacing rate. Patients with asymptomatic AF had decreased LAP at 100 ppm compared that at SR, and thereafter, LAP gradually increased depending on the pacing rate. The rate of LAP change compared to that at SR was significantly lower in patients with asymptomatic AF than that in patients with symptomatic AF. The rate of LAP change was independently associated with AF symptoms.

Conclusion

Patients with asymptomatic AF showed lower E/e′ ratio and decreased LAP at 100 ppm to rapid stimulation, followed by a steady increase in LAP afterwards. Factors other than left ventricular diastolic dysfunction may be involved in AF symptoms.
TRASS: a global approach to assess the severity of truncal acne
Authors: Auffret N. , Nguyen J.M. , Leccia M.‐T. , Claudel J.P. , Dréno B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Only a small amount of published data regarding truncal acne is available, and no proper tool to assess its severity exists.

Aim

The aim of the study was to provide dermatologists with an easy‐to‐use tool to assess truncal acne (TRASS, truncal acne severity scale) using a global approach.

Methods

A scoring tool that assesses the severity of acne (based on GEA and ECLA scales) on the trunk using a global approach was built, including three sub‐scores: family history, clinical signs and quality of life (QoL). In order to test TRASS, the experts used photographs of 47 patients attending their clinics with truncal acne. The regression optimized (ROP) model was applied to assess the diagnosis performance of TRASS and to identify items contributing to the classification of the patients. Internal testing was made to demonstrate the robustness of the model. Correlation analyses between the different items were performed to evaluate the interaction between the different items and their impact on the severity grading of truncal acne.

Results

Patients with the most severe acne were identified by TRASS. The error level was 6.6% after internal validation and 10.4% when using the median value or the centile 75th (6.6% and 10.4%). Correlation was significant between systemic treatment and scars (P = 0.0025) and nodules (P = 0.01988) and between location and QoL (P = 0.0095).

Conclusion

Truncal acne severity scale is the first global, patient‐centred approach to evaluate truncal acne by scoring the importance of each factor independently from its clinical severity. TRASS may allow the practitioner to choose and validate the most suitable therapy together with the patient in order to treat his or her truncal acne successfully and to limit treatment failure.
Genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Sarawak, Malaysia and other regions of the world
Authors: Lau Koon Weng , Low Van Lun , Chen Chee Dhang , Sofian‐Azirun Mohd
Published: February 2022

This study inferred the genetic diversity and dispersal pattern of Aedes albopictus, for the first time from various populations in Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state situated in northwest Borneo Island. A set of sequences of 120 Ae. albopictus from Sarawak aligned as 633 characters of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) revealed 22 haplotypes (A1–A22), of which A1 was the most widespread haplotype. The overall haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 0.65014 and 0.00176, respectively, with no significant genetic differentiation and high gene flow (Nm = 1.07). The genetic distances among the populations ranged from 0 to 0.0227. In the global dataset, sequence alignment of Ae. albopictus from Sarawak and other regions of the world revealed 72 haplotypes. Based on uniquely shared haplotypes, Ae. albopictus in Sarawak has a close affinity with those from Southeast Asian and Oceania regions.
Gut microbiota‐derived synbiotic formula (SIM01) as a novel adjuvant therapy for COVID‐19: An open‐label pilot study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Xu Zhilu , Mak Joyce W Y , Chow Kai Ming , Lui Grace , Li Timothy C M , Wong Chun Kwok , Chan Paul K S , Ching Jessica Y L , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Chan Francis K L , Ng Siew C
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Gut dysbiosis is associated with immune dysfunction and severity of COVID‐19. Whether targeting dysbiosis will improve outcomes of COVID‐19 is unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of a novel gut microbiota‐derived synbiotic formula (SIM01) as an adjuvant therapy on immunological responses and changes in gut microbiota of hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

This was an open‐label, proof‐of‐concept study. Consecutive COVID‐19 patients admitted to an infectious disease referral center in Hong Kong were given a novel formula of Bifidobacteria strains, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharide, and resistant dextrin (SIM01). The latter was derived from metagenomic databases of COVID‐19 patients and healthy population. COVID‐19 patients who were admitted under another independent infectious disease team during the same period without receiving SIM01 acted as controls. All patients received standard treatments for COVID‐19 according to the hospital protocol. We assessed antibody response, plasma proinflammatory markers, nasopharyngeal SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load, and fecal microbiota profile from admission up to week 5.

Results

Twenty‐five consecutive COVID‐19 patients received SIM01 for 28 days; 30 patients who did not receive the formula acted as controls. Significantly more patients receiving SIM01 than controls developed SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody (88% vs 63.3%; P = 0.037) by Day 16. One (4%) and 8 patients (26.7%) in the SIM01 and control group, respectively, failed to develop positive IgG antibody upon discharge. At week 5, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and IL‐1RA reduced significantly in the SIM01 but not in the control group. There was a significant negative correlation of nasopharyngeal SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and SIM01 intervention. Metagenomic analysis showed that bacterial species in SIM01 formula were found in greater abundance leading to enrichment of commensal bacteria and suppression of opportunistic pathogens in COVID‐19 patients by week 4 and week 5.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study suggested that the use of a novel gut microbiota‐derived synbiotic formula, SIM01, hastened antibody formation against SARS‐CoV‐2, reduced nasopharyngeal viral load, reduced pro‐inflammatory immune markers, and restored gut dysbiosis in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients.
Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wassélius Johan , Arnberg Fabian , von Euler Mia , Wester Per , Ullberg Teresa
Published: February 2022

This review describes the evolution of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke, current state of the art, and the challenges for the next decade. The rapid development of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), from the first attempts into standard of care on a global scale, is one of the major achievements in modern medicine. It was possible thanks to the establishment of a scientific framework for patient selection, assessment of stroke severity and outcome, technical development by dedicated physicians and the MedTech industry, including noninvasive imaging for patient selection, and radiological outcome evaluation. A series of randomized controlled trials on EVT in addition to intravenous thrombolytics, with overwhelmingly positive results for anterior circulation stroke within 6 h of onset regardless of patient characteristics with a number needed to treat of less than 3 for any positive shift in outcome, paved the way for a rapid introduction of EVT into clinical practice. Within the “extended” time window of 6–24 h, the effect has been even greater for patients with salvageable brain tissue according to perfusion imaging with a number needed to treat below 2. Even so, EVT is only available for a small portion of stroke patients, and successfully recanalized EVT patients do not always achieve excellent functional outcome. The major challenges in the years to come include rapid prehospital detection of stroke symptoms, adequate clinical and radiological diagnosis of severe ischemic stroke cases, enabling effective recanalization by EVT in dedicated angiosuites, followed by personalized post‐EVT stroke care.
Ultrasonographic patterns, clinical findings, and prognostic variables in dogs from Asia with gallbladder mucocele
Authors: Jaffey Jared A. , Kreisler Rachael , Shumway Kate , Lee Yan‐Jane , Lin Chung‐Hui , Durocher‐Babek Lawren L. , Seo Kyoung‐Won , Choi Hojung , Nakashima Ko , Harada Hiromi , Kanemoto Hideyuki , Lin Lee‐Shuan
Published: February 2022

Background

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common biliary disorder in dogs that can be categorized into 6 types, but the value of this classification scheme remains unknown. Cholecystectomy is associated with high death rates and warrants additional interrogation.

Objectives

Investigate the clinical value of ultrasonographic diagnosis of type of GBM and identify prognostic factors in dogs with GBM undergoing cholecystectomy.

Animals

Two hundred sixteen dogs.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Dogs with GBM diagnosed from 2014 to 2019 at 6 veterinary referral hospitals in Asia. Ultrasonogram images were reviewed and a GBM type (ie, types I‐VI) assigned.

Results

Dogs with GBM type V as compared to I (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 2.6‐27.8; P < .001) and III (OR, 10.0; 95% CI, 2.5‐40.8; P = .001), and dogs with type VI compared to I (OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 1.8‐61.2; P = .009) and III (OR, 12.3; 95% CI, 1.8‐83.9; P = .01) were more likely to exhibit signs of biliary tract disease. Independent predictors of death after cholecystectomy included age (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.41‐5.59; P = .003) and intraoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) nadir. There was an interaction between SBP nadir and gallbladder rupture; SBP nadir in dogs with (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89‐0.94; P < .001) and without (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82‐0.93; P < .001) gallbladder rupture.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Increasing developmental stage of GBM could be associated with an increased likelihood of biliary tract related clinical signs. Nadir SBP deserves further investigation as a prognostic or potentially modifiable variable, particularly in the presence of gallbladder rupture.
Technological progress in the US catfish industry
Authors: Hegde Shraddha , Kumar Ganesh , Engle Carole , Hanson Terry , Roy Luke A. , Cheatham Morgan , Avery Jimmy , Aarattuthodiyil Suja , van Senten Jonathan , Johnson Jeff , Wise David , Dahl Sunni , Dorman Larry , Peterman Mark
Published: February 2022

The US catfish industry has undergone significant technological advancements in an attempt to achieve cost efficiencies. This study monitored the progress of the adoption of alternative and complementary technologies in the US catfish industry. A 2019–2020 multi‐state in‐person survey in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi (n = 68), revealed increased adoption of intensively aerated ponds (6,315 ha) and split ponds (1,176 ha). The adoption of alternative, more intensive, production practices has been accompanied by increased adoption of complementary technologies of fixed‐paddlewheel aeration, automated oxygen monitors, and hybrid catfish. As a result, the average aeration rate in the tristate region has increased to 7.8 kW/ha with 97% of catfish farms adopting automated oxygen monitors. About 53% of the water surface area in the tristate region was used for hybrid catfish production. Fingerling producers have also adopted a feed‐based, oral vaccine against Enteric Septicemia of Catfish, with 83% of the fingerling farms and 73% of the fingerling production area vaccinated against ESC in 2020. Increased adoption of productivity‐enhancing technologies in the US catfish industry explains the 59% increase in foodfish productivity from 2010 to 2019. Monitoring the progress of adoption of productivity‐enhancing technologies will guide researchers and Extension personnel involved in the refinement and dissemination of these technologies.
Is Incumbency Advantage Gendered?
Authors: Sevi Semra
Published: February 2022

Do incumbents have an electoral advantage and if so, do these advantages differ across gender? In this study, I estimate the electoral advantages enjoyed by incumbents in 10 Canadian federal elections, across 3059 ridings, from 1990 to 2021. Using a regression discontinuity design, I compare men and women who have very narrowly won or lost elections on three different indicators: propensity to run again, probability of winning the next election, and vote share. I find that women incumbents are just as likely to run again in subsequent elections as men incumbents. However, women who lose an election appear to be more likely to quit politics compared to men who lose an election. I do not find clear incumbency effects for probability of winning at the next election and vote share.
Relationship between device displacement distance toward the caudal side during standing and pocket position laterality
Authors: Miyamoto Taro , Oginosawa Yasushi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Kuwata Koichi , Yagyu Keishiro , Yamagishi Yasunobu , Tsukahara Keita , Ohe Hisaharu , Kohno Ritsuko , Kataoka Masaharu
Published: February 2022

Background

The displacement of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) toward the caudal side during standing after CIED implantation could cause lead dislodgement. This study investigated the relationship between supine pocket position and standing CIEDs’ displacement distance after the implantation.

Methods

After CIED surgeries performed at 2 hospitals between 2012 and 2020, 134 patients underwent postoperative chest x‐rays in the supine and standing positions during hospitalization. To measure the displacement distance of CIEDs from the supine to the standing position, we identified the first thoracic vertebrae (Th1) in the supine position using the first rib as an index, drew a horizontal line at the lower edge of the Th1, and calculated the distance from that point to the upper edge of the CIED. The difference between measures for the two positions was compared. At the position of the pocket in the thorax in the supine position, the ratio of the distance between the thorax and the device is defined as the device thorax ratio (DTR). We examined the relationship between DTR and CIED displacement distance.

Results

In this study, we included 134 patients (53% men; median age, 79 years, body mass index, 22.3 ± 3.4; pacemaker 93%, left implantation 96%). We found that the more lateral the position of the CIED pocket, the more the CIED fell when standing (confidence interval = 0.34–0.60, P < .001).

Conclusions

The farther the CIED was implanted outside the thorax in the supine position, the more significantly the CIED was displaced in the standing position.
Prescribed medicine use and extent of off‐label use according to age in a nationwide sample of Australian children
Authors: Schaffer Andrea L. , Bruno Claudia , Buckley Nicholas A. , Cairns Rose , Litchfield Melisa , Paget Simon , Zoega Helga , Nassar Natasha , Pearson Sallie‐Anne
Published: February 2022

Background

Medicine prescribing for children is impacted by a lack of paediatric‐specific dosing, efficacy and safety data for many medicines.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of medicine use among children and the rate of ‘off‐label’ prescribing according to age at dispensing.

Methods

We used population‐wide primarily outpatient dispensing claims data for 15% of Australian children (0–17 years), 2013–2017 (n = 840,190). We estimated prescribed medicine use and ‘off‐label’ medicine use according to the child's age (<1 year, 1–5 years, 6–11 years, 12–17 years) defined as medicines without age‐appropriate dose recommendations in regulator‐approved product information. Within off‐label medicines, we also identified medicines with and without age‐specific dose recommendations in a national prescribing guide, the Australian Medicines Handbook Children's Dosing Companion (AMH CDC).

Results

The overall dispensing rate was 2.0 dispensings per child per year. The medicines with the highest average yearly prevalence were systemic antibiotics (435.3 per 1000 children), greatest in children 1–5 years (546.9 per 1000). Other common medicine classes were systemic corticosteroids (92.7 per 1000), respiratory medicines (91.2 per 1000), acid‐suppressing medicines in children <1 year (47.2 per 1000), antidepressants in children 12–17 years (40.3 per 1000) and psychostimulants in children 6–11 years (27.0 per 1000). We identified 12.2% of dispensings as off‐label based on age, but 66.3% of these had age‐specific dosing recommendations in the AMH CDC. Among children <1 year, off‐label dispensings were commonly acid‐suppressing medicines (35.5%) and topical hydrocortisone (33.1%); in children 6–11 years, off‐label prescribing of clonidine (16.0%) and risperidone (13.1%) was common. Off‐label dispensings were more likely to be prescribed by a specialist (21.7%) than on‐label dispensings (7.5%).

Conclusions

Prescribed medicine use is common in children, with off‐label dispensings for medicines without paediatric‐specific dosing guidelines concentrated in classes such as acid‐suppressing medicines and psychotropics. Our findings highlight a need for better evidence to support best‐practice prescribing.
Modeling the association between socioeconomic features and risk of flood damage: A local‐scale case study in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva M. M. G. T. , Kawasaki Akiyuki
Published: February 2022

Floods cause severe damage to people as well as to properties. The same flood can cause different levels of damage to different households, but investigations into floods tend to be conducted on regional and national scales, thereby missing these local variations. It is therefore necessary to understand individual experiences of flood damage to implement effective flood management strategies on a local scale. The main objectives of this study were to develop a model that represents the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and flood damage at a local scale, and to understand the socioeconomic factors most closely tied to flood damage. The analysis is novel in that it considers not only the impact of flood characteristics, but also the impact of social, economic, and geographic factors on flood damage. This analysis derives from a quantitative modeling approach based on community responses, with the responses obtained through questionnaire surveys that consider four consecutive floods of differing severity. Path analysis was used to develop a model to represent the relationships between these factors. A randomly selected sample of 150 data points was used for model development, and nine random samples of 150 data points were used to validate the model. Results suggest that poor households, located in vulnerable, low‐lying areas near rivers, suffer the most from being exposed to frequent, severe floods. Further, the results show that the socioeconomic factors with the most significant bearing on flood damage are per capita income and geographic location of the household. The results can be represented as a cycle, showing that social, economic, geographic, and flood characteristics are interrelated in ways that influence flood damage. This empirical analysis highlights a need for local‐scale flood damage assessments, as offered in this article but seldom seen in other relevant literature. Our assessment was achieved by analyzing the impact of socioeconomic and geographic conditions and considering the relationship between flood characteristics and flood damage.
Leveraging risk assessment for foodborne outbreak investigations: The Quantitative Risk Assessment‐Epidemic Curve Prediction Model
Authors: Mokhtari Amir , Pang Hao , Santillana Farakos Sofia , McKenna Crystal , Crowley Cecilia , Cranford Vanessa , Bowen April , Phillips Sheena , Madad Asma , Obenhuber Donald , Van Doren Jane M.
Published: February 2022

Root cause analysis can be used in foodborne illness outbreak investigations to determine the underlying causes of an outbreak and to help identify actions that could be taken to prevent future outbreaks. We developed a new tool, the Quantitative Risk Assessment‐Epidemic Curve Prediction Model (QRA‐EC), to assist with these goals and applied it to a case study to investigate and illustrate the utility of leveraging quantitative risk assessment to provide unique insights for foodborne illness outbreak root cause analysis. We used a 2019 Salmonella outbreak linked to melons as a case study to demonstrate the utility of this model (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). The model was used to evaluate the impact of various root cause hypotheses (representing different contamination sources and food safety system failures in the melon supply chain) on the predicted number and timeline of illnesses. The predicted number of illnesses varied by contamination source and was strongly impacted by the prevalence and level of Salmonella contamination on the surface/inside of whole melons and inside contamination niches on equipment surfaces. The timeline of illnesses was most strongly impacted by equipment sanitation efficacy for contamination niches. Evaluations of a wide range of scenarios representing various potential root causes enabled us to identify which hypotheses, were likely to result in an outbreak of similar size and illness timeline to the 2019 Salmonella melon outbreak. The QRA‐EC framework can be adapted to accommodate any food–pathogen pairs to provide insights for foodborne outbreak investigations.
LMX and employee turnover intention: A social identity approach
Authors: Niu Wanjie , Wu Wenjing , Ma Jianfeng
Published: February 2022

This study explored how leader–member exchange (LMX) affects employee turnover intention through the mediation of relational and organizational identification, and through the moderating role of leader competence in the relationship between LMX and relational identification. Study 1 explores the indirect effect of LMX on employee turnover intention through relational and organizational identification by analyzing data collected from 210 employees in China at two points in time. Study 2 explores the moderating role of leader competence in the relationship between LMX and relational identification by analyzing data collected from 872 employees in China. The results show that LMX affected employee turnover intention through the serial mediation of relational and organizational identification, and that leader competence moderated the relationship between LMX and relational identification. Our findings provide implications for research on employee turnover intention and identification. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
On the Absence of Propositional Negation from Hungarian Polare‐Interrogatives*
Authors: Gärtner Hans‐Martin , Gyuris Beáta
Published: February 2022

It is argued that the ban on propositional “inside” negation in Hungarian polare‐interrogatives can be derived as a syntactic intervention effect. An Agree‐based formalization is sketched that crucially relies on a diachronically motivated negative formal feature on the interrogative particle ‐e. A putative counterexample is taken to be echoic. We indicate a way to capture the echoic licensing of propositional negation within an extended formalism.
Ex vivoultrasonographic and histological morphometry of small intestinal wall layers in horses
Authors: Diana Alessia , Freccero Francesca , Giancola Fiorella , Linta Nikolina , Pietra Marco , Luca Valeria , Salamanca Giulia , Cipone Mario , Chiocchetti Roberto
Published: February 2022

Ultrasonographic morphometry of wall layers is commonly used in veterinary patients with suspected small intestinal disease, however published studies comparing this method with histopathology in horses are limited. This prospective, methods comparison study compared the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of small intestinal wall layers using ex vivo high‐frequency ultrasound versus histopathology in a sample of 16 horses. Transverse section images of duodenum, distal jejunum, and ileum were acquired with a high‐frequency linear transducer (7–15 MHz). Transverse histological cryosections were obtained at the same level. Appearance and measurements of the intestinal wall layers were assessed on the ultrasonographic and histological images. High‐frequency scanning with the probe in close contact with the serosal surface of the equine intestinal wall allowed a clear and detailed definition of wall layers. A hyperechoic line was consistently detected within thetunica muscularisin all the intestinal tracts, corresponding histologically to the interface between its longitudinal and circular muscle layers. The overall trend of the values for wall layers thickness was comparable between ex vivo ultrasonography and histology. However, a poor agreement was found between the two methods for all layers. The ultrasonographic measurements were thicker compared to histological measurements, with the exception of the total wall and the muscular layer thicknesses. These layers were thinner on ultrasonography in the duodenum and in all the intestinal segments, respectively. Findings from the current study can be used as background for future ultrasonographic investigations of small intestinal diseases in horses.
On the Interpretation and Scope of the V&V 20 Standard for Verification and Validation in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
Authors: Eca Luis , Dowding Kevin , Roache Patrick J.
Published: February 2022

The goal of this paper is to summarize and clarify the scope and interpretation of the validation procedure presented in the V&V20-2009 ASME Standard. In V&V20-2009, validation is an assessment of the model error, without regard to the assessment satisfying validation requirements. Therefore, validation is not considered as a pass/fail exercise. The purpose of the validation procedure is the estimation of the accuracy of a mathematical model for specified validation variables (also known as quantities of interest, system responses or figures of merit) at a specified validation point for cases in which the conditions of the actual experiment are simulated. The procedure proposed in V&V20-2009 can be applied to variables defined by a scalar. For the sake of clarity, the paper reiterates the development and assumptions behind the V&V20-2009 procedure that requires the knowledge of the experimental D and simulation S values at the set point and an estimate of the experimental, numerical and parameter uncertainties. The difference E between S and D is the centre of the interval that should contain the model error (with a certain degree of confidence) and the width of the interval is obtained from the validation uncertainty that is a consequence of the combination of the experimental, numerical and parameter uncertainties. The paper presents the alternatives to address parameter uncertainty and expands upon the interpretation of the final result. The paper also includes two examples demonstrating the application of the V&V20-2009 validation procedure.
A High Performance Pneumatically Actuated Soft Gripper Based on Layer Jamming
Authors: Zeng Xianpai , Su Hai-Jun
Published: February 2022

This article presents a novel soft robotic gripper with a high payload capacity based on the layer jamming technology. Soft robots have a high adaptability, however suffer a low payload capacity. To overcome these conflicting challenges, here we introduce a 3D printed multi-material gripper that integrates jamming layers for enhancing payload capacity. By inflating the internal air chamber with positive pressure, the finger can be actuated to a large bending angle for adapting complex shapes. Layers of jamming sheets are bounded on the finger structure and are then sealed inside a vacuum bag. When a high payload is desired, air inside the vacuum bag is drawn out and a negative air pressure is applied to the jamming layers, which leads to the gripper locked at the actuated shape. To evaluate the performance of the gripper, we conducted extensive tests including actuation, stiffness variation, typical payload capacity, and adaptability. The results show that our gripper is not only highly adaptable just like most soft grippers but also more importantly capable of grasping heavy (about 6–10 kg) objects comparable to rigid-body counterparts.
The Tradeoff Power Distribution Strategy Based on the Genetic -Pareto Algorithm for a Dual-Motor Coupling-Propulsion Electric Vehicle
Authors: Lin Xinyou , Wei Shenshen , Wu Jiayun
Published: February 2022

The dual-motor coupling-propulsion electric vehicle (DMCP-EV) has the merit of favorable energy efficiency due to its multiple operation modes. In the driving process, the performance of the DMCP-EV depends greatly on the power distribution to meet various driving requests. A power distribution coefficient is optimized by using the genetic-Pareto algorithm (GA-Pareto) algorithm. In addition to this effort, a power distribution strategy based on tradeoff optimization with comprehensive consideration of energy efficiency and ride comfort is proposed. Then, the sensitive analysis of optimized performance is conducted to obtain the three appropriate GA-Pareto algorithm parameters. The benchmark strategies are conducted to validate the proposed tradeoff power distribution strategy and the comparisons of three preference strategies with the hardware-in-loop (HIL) validation are performed. Results of the simulation and HIL experiments demonstrate that the proposed control strategies can address the tradeoff between energy-efficient and ride comfort for DMCP-EV.
Numerical Modeling of Ice–Seabed Interaction in Clay by Incorporation of the Strain Rate and Strain-Softening Effects
Authors: Hashemi Seyedhossein , Shiri Hodjat
Published: February 2022

Ice gouging is one of the main threats to the safety of the subsea pipelines buried in Arctic coastal regions. Determining the best pipeline burial depth relies on free-field ice gouging analysis and obtaining the resultant subgouge soil deformations. Therefore, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the free-field ice gouging analysis is a key demand in daily engineering practice. The pressure-induced by ice keel through the ice gouging process causes the seabed soil to undergo large localized plastic deformation, where the classical Lagrangian method confronts mesh instability challenges. Also, the conventional Mohr–Coulomb soil model is not able to account for the strain-rate dependency and strain-softening effects, which are significant in ice gouging event. In this study, free-field ice gouging in clay was simulated using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The strain-rate dependency and strain-softening effects were incorporated by developing a user-defined subroutine and incremental updating of the undrained shear strength in abaqus. The comparison of the model predictions with published numerical and experimental studies showed a significant improvement of accuracy. A comprehensive parametric study was also conducted to investigate the effect of various model parameters on the seabed response to ice gouging.
Compromised Cardiopulmonary Function in Fibulin-5 Deficient Mice
Authors: Ramachandra Abhay B. , Mikush Nicole , Sauler Maor , Humphrey Jay D. , Manning Edward P.
Published: February 2022

Competent elastic fibers are critical to the function of the lung and right circulation. Murine models of elastopathies can aid in understanding the functional roles of the elastin and elastin-associated glycoproteins that constitute elastic fibers. Here, we quantify together lung and pulmonary arterial structure, function, and mechanics with right heart function in a mouse model deficient in the elastin-associated glycoprotein fibulin-5. Differences emerged as a function of genotype, sex, and arterial region. Specifically, functional studies revealed increased lung compliance in fibulin-5 deficiency consistent with a histologically observed increased alveolar disruption. Biaxial mechanical tests revealed that the primary branch pulmonary arteries exhibit decreased elastic energy storage capacity and wall stress despite only modest differences in circumferential and axial material stiffness in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. Histological quantifications confirm a lower elastic fiber content in the fibulin-5 deficient pulmonary arteries, with fragmented elastic laminae in the outer part of the wall - likely the reason for reduced energy storage. Ultrasound measurements confirm sex differences in compromised right ventricular function in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. These results reveal compromised right heart function, but opposite effects of elastic fiber dysfunction on the lung parenchyma (significantly increased compliance) and pulmonary arteries (trend toward decreased distensibility), and call for further probing of ventilation-perfusion relationships in pulmonary pathologies. Amongst many other models, fibulin-5 deficient mice can contribute to our understanding of the complex roles of elastin in pulmonary health and disease.
The Use of an Equivalent Temperature Field to Emulate an Induced Residual Stress Field in a Rotating Disk Due to Full Or Partial Rotational Autofrettage
Authors: Perl Mordechai , Kamal Seikh Mustafa , Mulera Solomon
Published: February 2022

The evaluation of equivalent temperature fields for cylindrical and spherical pressure vessels to imitate autofrettage induced residual stresses has been successfully implemented in studying crack growth in autofrettaged vessels by the finite element method. Rotational autofrettage is a recent method that can be employed for strengthening hollow disks used in many turbomachinery. The evaluation of the equivalent temperature field becomes pivotal in the performance assessment of autofrettaged cracked disks subjected to high rotational speed. In this work, an equivalent thermal loading method for emulating the residual stress field in a hollow rotating disk, induced by full or partial rotational autofrettage in a finite element analysis is suggested. An analytical, or a numerical discrete solution, evaluating the equivalent temperature field for an arbitrary axisymmetric residual stress field, induced in a rotating disk due to rotational autofrettage, is developed. This solution is implemented in a finite element analysis to emulate the original rotational autofrettage induced residual stresses in a typical rotating disk. Applying the equivalent temperature field, the residual stresses obtained in the finite element analysis, are further corroborated with the original residual stress field introduced by rotational autofrettage. It is found that the developed equivalent temperature fields excellently reproduce the residual stress fields, within less than 1%, induced by both full or partial rotational autofrettage.
Ultrasound guidance may be beneficial for localizing the atrophied muscles in electromyography
Authors: Huang Wei-Chen , Chiu Yi-Hsiang , Wei Kuo-Chang
Published: February 2022

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Three little paradoxes: Making sense of semiclassical gravity
Authors: Großardt André
Published: February 2022

The author reviews the arguments most often raised against a fundamental coupling of classical spacetime to quantum matter. The author shows that an experiment by Page and Geilker does not exclude such a semiclassical theory but mandates an inclusion of an objective mechanism for wave function collapse. In this regard, the author presents a classification of semiclassical models defined by the way in which the wave function collapse is introduced. Two related types of paradoxes that have been discussed in the context of the necessity to quantize the gravitational field can be shown to not constrain the possibility of a semiclassical coupling. A third paradox, the possibility to signal faster than light via semiclassical gravity, is demonstrably avoided if certain conditions are met by the associated wave function collapse mechanism. In conclusion, all currently discussed models of semiclassical gravity can be made consistent with observation. Their internal theoretical consistency remains an open question.