bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle thickness assessment of the forearm via ultrasonography: is experience level important?
Authors: Wong Vickie , Song Jun Seob , Abe Takashi , Spitz Robert W , Yamada Yujiro , Bell Zachary W , Kataoka Ryo , Kang Minsoo , Loenneke Jeremy P
Published: January 2022

It is suggested that experience is needed in order to capture valid estimates of muscle size with ultrasound. However, it is unknown whether there is a large degree of skill needed to analyze the images once they are captured. Objective. To determine if less experienced raters could accurately analyze ultrasound images of the forearm by comparing their estimates with those of a very experienced ultrasonographer (criterion). Approach. 50 muscle thickness images were captured by one experienced ultrasonographer (also Rater 1). Those images were saved and were then measured by four raters with different levels of experience. The rater who captured the images was very experienced (criterion), the second rater was also experienced and provided 5 minutes of instruction for Rater 3 (minimal experience) and Rater 4 (no experience). Test-retest reliability was also determined for Rater 3 and 4. Main Results. The average muscle thickness value for the criterion was 3.73 cm. The constant error for Rater 2, 3, and 4 was −0.003 (0.02) cm (p = 0.362), −0.07 (0.04) cm (p < 0.001), and 0.02 (0.09) cm (p = 0.132), respectively. The SD for Rater 4 was greater, resulting in wider limits of agreement compared to Rater 2 and 3. Absolute error was 0.01 cm for Rater 2, whilst it was 0.07 cm and 0.03 cm for the two inexperienced raters (Rater 3 and 4). The error for Rater 3 was systematic and post-hoc assessment found that this rater was using a different border than the other three raters (but consistent across time). For the test-retest reliability, the minimal difference for Rater 3 was 0.08 cm (relative minimal difference of 2%) and 0.17 cm (relative minimal difference of 4%) for Rater 4. Significance. Less experienced raters were able to accurately and reliably analyze already captured muscle thickness images of the forearm with low absolute errors.
Emerging Mosquito Resistance to Piperonyl Butoxide-Synergized Pyrethroid Insecticide and Its Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Guofa , Li Yiji , Jeang Brook , Wang Xiaoming , Cummings Robert F , Zhong Daibin , Yan Guiyun
Published: January 2022

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO)-synergized pyrethroid products are widely available for the control of pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes. To date, no study has examined mosquito resistance after pre-exposure to PBO and subsequent enzymatic activity when exposed to PBO-synergized insecticides. We used Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), an important vector of arboviruses and lymphatic filariasis, as a model to examine the insecticide resistance mechanisms of mosquitoes to PBO-synergized pyrethroid using modified World Health Organization tube bioassays and biochemical analysis of metabolic enzyme expressions pre- and post-PBO exposure. Mosquito eggs and larvae were collected from three cities in Orange County in July 2020 and reared in insectary, and F0 adults were used in this study. A JHB susceptible strain was used as a control. Mosquito mortalities and metabolic enzyme expressions were examined in mosquitoes with/without pre-exposure to different PBO concentrations and exposure durations. Except for malathion, wild strain Cx quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were resistant to all insecticides tested, including PBO-synergized pyrethroids (mortality range 3.7 ± 4.7% to 66.7 ± 7.7%). Wild strain mosquitoes had elevated levels of carboxylesterase (COE, 3.8-fold) and monooxygenase (P450, 2.1-fold) but not glutathione S-transferase (GST) compared to susceptible mosquitoes. When wild strain mosquitoes were pre-exposed to 4% PBO, the 50% lethal concentration of deltamethrin was reduced from 0.22% to 0.10%, compared to 0.02% for a susceptible strain. The knockdown resistance gene mutation (L1014F) rate was 62% in wild strain mosquitoes. PBO pre-exposure suppressed P450 enzyme expression levels by 25~34% and GST by 11%, but had no impact on COE enzyme expression. Even with an optimal PBO concentration (7%) and exposure duration (3h), wild strain mosquitoes had significantly higher P450 enzyme expression levels after PBO exposure compared to the susceptible laboratory strain. These results further demonstrate other studies that PBO alone may not be enough to control highly pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes due to multiple resistance mechanisms. Mosquito resistance to PBO-synergized insecticide should be closely monitored through a routine resistance management program for effective control of mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit.
Wound Closure with Transcutaneous Absorbable Polyglactin Sutures after Hidradenitis Suppurativa Excision
Authors: Drogt Carolyn , Hanwright Philip , Ha Michael , Ngaage Ledibabari M. , Lin Mary , Ge Shealinna , Wu Yinglun , Silverman Ronald P. , Rasko Yvonne M.
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

Wide surgical excision is the standard treatment for severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Because of the nature of HS, these wounds are often nonsterile, located in moist intertriginous regions, and closed under tension, increasing the risk for surgical site complications. Although uncommon, absorbable sutures may confer benefits over nonabsorbable material for skin closure. Accordingly, the authors evaluated the use of absorbable, braided, transcutaneous polyglactin sutures after wide surgical excision of HS.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review for all consecutive patients who underwent wide surgical excision of HS at a tertiary university hospital between January 2009 and March 2020.

RESULTS

Sixty consecutive patients with 174 operative sites were included in the study. The surgical site complication rate was 17.8%. Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (n = 18), surgical site infection (n = 2), and scar contracture (n = 1). Sutures were removed from 12 (6.9%) operative sites. Factors influencing complications were Hurley grade and area of excision. Complications did not differ significantly among disease locations (P = .6417).

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the growing evidence that absorbable sutures are an appropriate option after wide surgical excision of HS.
Melanoma with genetic alterations beyond the BRAF V600 mutation: management and new insights
Authors: Awada Gil , Neyns Bart
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

Molecular-targeted therapy with BRAF-/MEK-inhibitors has shown impressive activity in patients with advanced BRAF

V600
mutant melanoma. In this review, we aim to summarize recent data and possible future therapeutic strategies involving small-molecule molecular-targeted therapies for advanced BRAF

V600
wild-type melanoma.

Recent findings

In patients with NRAS

Q61
mutant melanoma, downstream MEK-inhibition has shown some albeit low activity. MEK-inhibitors combined with novel RAF dimer inhibitors, such as belvarafenib, or with CDK4/6-inhibitors have promising activity in NRAS mutant melanoma in early-phase trials. In patients with non-V600 BRAF mutant melanoma, MEK-inhibition with or without BRAF-inhibition appears to be effective, although large-scale prospective trials are lacking. As non-V600 BRAF mutants signal as dimers, novel RAF dimer inhibitors are also under investigation in this setting. MEK-inhibition is under investigation in NF1 mutant melanoma. Finally, in patients with BRAF/NRAS/NF1 wild-type melanoma, imatinib or nilotinib can be effective in cKIT mutant melanoma. Despite preclinical data suggesting synergistic activity, the combination of the MEK-inhibitor cobimetinib with the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab was not superior to the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab.

As of today, no molecular-targeted therapies have shown to improve survival in patients with advanced BRAF

V600
wild-type melanoma. Combinatorial strategies, involving MEK-inhibitors, RAF dimer inhibitors and CDK4/6-inhibitors, are currently under investigation and have promising activity in advanced BRAF

V600
wild-type melanoma.
ACUTE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIITIS: ASSOCIATION WITH ACUTE COXSACKIE A VIRUS INFECTION
Authors: Colucciello Michael
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence of acute retinal pigment epitheliitis in association with serologic evidence of acute Coxsackie A virus infection.

Methods:

This study is a case report.

Results:

A 37-year-old man noted an acute onset of paracentral scotomas in his right eye correlating with stippled retinal pigment epithelial pigment alterations with whitish halos surrounding the fovea. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed scattered distinct retinal pigment epithelial elevations in the paracentral macular region arranged in an annular fashion, with associated alterations in the interdigitation and ellipsoid zone layers anterior to the retinal pigment epithelial, characteristic of acute retinal pigment E. Suspicion of acute Coxsackie A virus in the patient because of the presence of simultaneous viral exanthematous illness in the patient's 1-year-old son prompted serologic testing for Coxsackie virus. Titers showed strongly positive IgM (“early”) antibody for several Coxsackievirus A serotypes, including A16 (most commonly associated with hand-foot-mouth disease). Spontaneous regression of the anatomical and clinical findings occurred over the next month, with complete resolution noted 16 months later.

Conclusion:

This is the first documented case of acute retinal pigment epitheliitis associated with evidence of acute Coxsackie A virus infection. Corroboration with serology in future cases would add to evidence that acute retinal pigment epitheliitis is part of the apparently expanding spectrum of recognized “Coxsackie retinopathies.”
SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE OF MYOPIC MACULAR HOLE TWICE WITHOUT POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT
Authors: Chen Fang-Ting
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To present a case of a myopic macular hole that spontaneously closed twice in the presence of a broadly adherent posterior hyaloid membrane.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 49-year-old man with high myopia and pseudophakia had a full-thickness macular hole in the left eye. The hole spontaneously closed in all retinal layers before the elective surgery, but the macular hole recurred one month later. The hole started sealing again spontaneously after one month, leaving a defect in the outer retinal layers. Four months later, the outer layer defect sealed and a lamellar macular hole developed. Throughout the course, the posterior hyaloid membrane remained parallel to the macular surface. The macular morphology and the patient's vision remained stationary at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrated that myopic macular holes can form and seal repeatedly with a broadly adherent posterior hyaloid membrane. Although bridging phenomenon was the common sign indicating the initiation of the two hole closures, different patterns of tissue regeneration ensued.
Efficacy and Safety of High‐dose Cholecalciferol in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Infliximab
Authors: Gordon Rebecca J. , Wells Reeder , Johansen Camille , Liu Shanshan , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Snapper Scott B. , Rufo Paul A.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of high‐dose, interval cholecalciferol administration in patients with IBD receiving infliximab.

Methods:

This prospective, longitudinal, open‐label study enrolled pediatric and young adult patients with IBD and vitamin D deficiency. Subjects received 50,000 IU every 4 to 5 weeks (n = 11) or 100,000 IU every 6 to 8 weeks (n = 32) of oral cholecalciferol for 1 year. Dosing was directly observed and administered in conjunction with infliximab infusions. The primary endpoint was vitamin D sufficiency, defined as a 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25‐OHD) level ≥30 ng/mL.

Results:

Forty‐three participants constituted the primary analysis population. 25‐OHD levels reached steady‐state after the third dose, and mean increases in 25‐OHD levels were 8 vs. 4.5 ng/mL in the 100,000 IU vs. 50,000 IU treatment groups, respectively. Only 43.8% of patients receiving 100,000 IU and 18.2% of patients receiving 50,000 IU achieved sufficiency. There was no difference in the 25‐OHD level responsiveness in patients with Crohn disease versus those with ulcerative colitis (P = 0.72). There was no correlation between 25‐OHD levels and clinical disease activity in patients with Crohn disease (P = 0.85) or ulcerative colitis (P = 0.24).

Conclusions:

Supplementation with cholecalciferol was well‐tolerated and direct observation is a promising paradigm for ensuring compliance with therapy. Patients with IBD, however, appear to require high doses of cholecalciferol, with less than half of patients (37% overall) achieving vitamin D sufficiency. Additional studies are necessary to determine the optimal treatment regimens.
Does IT matter for work meaningfulness?: Exploring the mediating role of job crafting
Authors: Xu Mengxi , Wang Wei , Ou Carol Xiaojuan , Song Baoxiang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how technology characteristics facilitate employees' work meaningfulness through job crafting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the survey method and collects data from 357 Chinese participants with the experience of using information technology (IT) at work.

Findings

Technology characteristics (i.e. technology reconfigurability and technology customization) enable employees to craft their jobs, contributing to work meaningfulness.

Research limitations/implications

It remains to be seen whether the findings can be generalized to other cultural contexts. This study justifies the positive effects of IT but does not take into consideration the IT factors that might thwart job crafting.

Practical implications

IT is not merely a work tool. It is a contextual component strongly conducive to cultivating work meaningfulness. However, IT itself cannot directly lead to work meaningfulness. Instead, its contribution to job crafting matters.

Originality/value

The literature on the downstream impact of IT has yet to consider the value of IT for job crafting and work meaningfulness. This study verifies that job crafting is the linking mechanism between IT and work meaningfulness.
Idea paper: Monitoring and databasing nonnative species to manage establishment debt in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Saito Takumi
Published: January 2022

In the era of globalization, biological invasions are one of the most serious social issues. Thus, managing its impact is an urgent task. It is essential to control nonnative species before they become established. However, it is insufficient to address establishment debt, which occurs when a nonnative species has been introduced into an area but has not yet been established in the wild. In particular, unintentionally introduced or contaminated organisms of the aquatic ornamental pet trade are referred to as “hitchhikers” and have not received much attention in the context of establishment debt. To understand the nature of establishment debt, including that of aquatic hitchhikers, I propose the monitoring of nonnative species inhabiting artificial isolated waters, such as indoor aquariums, and the construction of a database using environmental DNA metabarcoding. This idea would be an effective nonregulatory management approach when implemented broadly, at the country level. Furthermore, implementation of this strategy in combination with border biosecurity and field monitoring may promote accurate prioritization, rapid species identification, and effective invasion pathway assessment.
Hot air‐assisted radio frequency drying of apricots: Mathematical modeling study for process design
Authors: Topcam Huseyin , Gogus Fahrettin , Ozbek Hatice Neval , Elik Aysel , Yanik Derya Kocak , Dalgic Ali Coskun , Erdogdu Ferruh
Published: January 2022

Conventional hot air and solar energy processes have been used for apricot. These processes had adverse effects on the quality due to the longer process times, and this indicates the need for an innovative approach. Radio frequency (RF) processing has innovation potential for drying with its volumetric heating feature, but an optimal process should be designed for process efficiency in industrial‐scale applications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to confirm the RF process for industrial‐scale apricot drying. For this purpose, a mathematical model was developed to predict temperature and moisture content change of apricots during drying, and experimental validation study was carried out. For the RF drying process, pre‐dried apricots (0.58–0.75 kg water/kg dry matter, db) by solar energy were used. The purpose was to start the RF process at a suitable moisture content level as this process was not feasible to apply directly due to the high initial moisture content of apricots (up to 4 kg water/kg dry matter, db). RF drying experiments were carried out in a 10 kW hot air‐assisted (50–60°C) staggered through electrode system. Optimum electrode gap was 81 mm with 2500 V potential of the charged electrode. Final moisture content of the dried apricots was 0.25–0.33 kg water/kg dry matter (db). Following the model validation for temperature and moisture content change, industrial‐scale apricot drying scenarios were demonstrated to confirm the RF process for feasibility and process design.

Practical Application

A comprehensive mathematical model was developed for radio frequency (RF) drying of apricots. This model was experimentally validated with respect to the temperature and moisture content change. Various process design studies were carried out for an industrial‐scale apricot drying process to confirm the process feasibility. With this background, the results of this study can be directly used in an industrial drying for an optimal process design and energy efficiency.
Social trust, corporate governance, and stock price crash risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Su Kun , Song Victor
Published: January 2022

We empirically examine the relationship between social trust and stock price crash risk using data for Chinese listed companies from 2003 to 2016. Social trust reduces concealing of bad news by managers, thereby lowering stock price crash risk. We also explore the interaction between social trust and other corporate governance mechanisms, including incentive and monitoring mechanisms, and its effect on stock price crash risk. We find that the effect of social trust is more pronounced in firms with little managerial shareholding and a small proportion of independent directors, indicating that social trust strengthens corporate governance when other internal mechanisms are weak.
Assessing donor‐recipient size metrics for heart transplant outcomes: UNOS database analysis
Authors: Bauer Tyler M. , Weber Matthew P. , O'Malley Thomas J. , Moncure Henry , Pirlamarla Preethi R. , Shah Mahek K. , Alvarez Rene J. , Morris Rohinton J. , Entwistle John W. , Massey Howard Todd , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: January 2022

Study

There is no widely accepted donor to recipient size‐match metric to predict outcomes in cardiac transplant. The predictive ability of size‐match metrics has not been studied when recipients are stratified by heart failure etiology. We sought to assess the performance of commonly used size metrics to predict survival after heart transplant, accounting for restrictive versus non‐restrictive pathology.

Methods

The UNOS registry was queried from 2000 to 2017 for all primary isolated heart transplants. Donor‐recipient ratios were calculated for commonly used size metrics and their association with survival was assessed using continuous, nonlinear analysis.

Results

29 817 patients were identified. Height (P < .001), predicted heart mass (PHM) (P = .003), ideal body weight (IBW) (P < .001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = .003) ratios were significantly associated with survival, while weight and body surface area (BSA) ratios were not. When stratified, only BMI ratio retained significance for both restrictive (P = .051) and non‐restrictive (P = .003) subsets. Recipients with restrictive etiology had increased risk of mortality with both a lower and higher BMI ratio.

Conclusions

While many metrics show association with survival in the non‐restrictive subset, BMI is the only metric that retains significance in the restrictive subset. Recipients with restrictive and non‐restrictive etiologies of heart failure tolerate size mismatch differently.
Peppermint oil effects on the gut microbiome in children with functional abdominal pain
Authors: Thapa Santosh , Luna Ruth Ann , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Oezguen Numan , Abdel‐Rahman Susan M. , Garg Uttam , Musaad Salma , Versalovic James , Kearns Gregory L. , Shulman Robert J.
Published: January 2022

Peppermint oil (PMO) is effective in the treatment of functional abdominal pain disorders, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Evidence suggests PMO has microbicidal activity. We investigated the effect of three different doses of PMO on gut microbiome composition. Thirty children (7–12 years of age) with functional abdominal pain provided a baseline stool sample prior to randomization to 180, 360, or 540 mg of enteric coated PMO (10 participants per dose). They took their respective dose of PMO (180 mg once, 180 mg twice, or 180 mg thrice daily) for 1 week, after which the stool collection was repeated. Baseline and post‐PMO stools were analyzed for microbiome composition. There was no difference in alpha diversity of the gut microbiome between the baseline and post‐PMO treatment. Principal coordinate analysis revealed no significant difference in overall bacterial composition between baseline and post‐PMO samples, as well as between the PMO dose groups. However, the very low abundant Collinsella genus and three operational taxonomic units (one belonging to Collinsella) were significantly different in samples before and after PMO treatment. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was lower in children who received 540 mg of PMO compared to the 180 mg and 360 mg dose groups (p = 0.04). Network analysis revealed separation between pre‐ and post‐PMO fecal samples with the genus Collinsella driving the post‐PMO clusters. PMO administration appeared to impact only low abundance bacteria. The 540 mg PMO dose differentially impacted the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. A higher dose and/or longer duration of treatment might yield different results.
Putting a price on popularity: Evidence from superstars in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Kaplan Scott M.
Published: January 2022

This study estimates spectator willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for superstars in the National Basketball Association. Using microdata from an online secondary ticket marketplace and player absence announcements, I find 4%–22% ($4–$41) reductions in prices when superstars are announced to miss games. Additionally, LeBron James and Stephen Curry exhibit larger impacts in away games: 21% ($73/ticket) for James and 18% ($50/ticket) for Curry. The findings suggest popularity is a better predictor of WTP than productivity, and in line with existing superstar literature, popularity predicts price impacts convexly. This study provides a novel methodology to estimate superstar value, generating implications for the entertainment industry.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of undergraduate students and dentists about dental prenatal care
Authors: Pereira Priscilla Ramos , Storniolo de Souza Juliana Moura , Foratori‐Junior Gerson Aparecido
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Prenatal care is a fundamental moment for health promotion to be carried out, since at that moment women are more receptive to new knowledge, with the aim of providing better healthcare for the baby. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of undergraduate students and professionals, both from the public and from private sectors in Brazil, regarding dental prenatal care.

Materials and Methods

This study corresponded to an online questionnaire survey, via Google Forms, consisting of 17 general questions for undergraduates (n = 103) and 16 for professionals (n = 227) for demographic and school mapping, and 18 specific questions about the importance and protocol of dental prenatal care. T‐test, Mann‐Whitney U‐test and multiple linear regression were adopted (p < .05).

Results

The average total score of the questionnaire for students and professionals was 12.40 and 15.65, respectively (p < .0001), indicating moderate knowledge. Professionals showed a higher prevalence of moderate (77%) and high (2%) knowledge of the subject when compared to undergraduate students (51% and 0% respectively). The graduation period in which the students were enrolled was a predictor of the total score of the questionnaire [F (1, 101) = 21.21; p < .0001; R2 = .165]. The female gender and the lower weekly workload were the main predictors of the total score of the questionnaire for professionals [F (3, 223) = 6.74; p < .0001; R2 = .083].

Conclusions

Although professionals have greater knowledge about dental prenatal care than students, there are still deficiencies in the knowledge and practices of them in respect of dental management during pregnancy. Higher education institutions need to change the teaching‐learning plan regarding the holistic dental approach for women during pregnancy.
A closer look at the mycobiome in Alzheimer's disease: Fungal species, pathogenesis and transmission
Authors: Phuna Zhi Xin , Madhavan Priya
Published: January 2022

Candida spp., Malassezia spp., Cladosporium spp. and Alternaria spp. are among the most common fungi detected in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These fungi are opportunistic organisms, where they often cause infection among immunocompromised patients. Coincidentally, these fungi can reach the brain and cause fungal meningitis. In general, they enter the brain via systemic infection due to disrupted epithelial barrier from skin and gut colonization. Once it reaches the brain, Candida species has been postulated to induce fungal glial granulomas with amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulated inside. Cleavage of APP can lead to the production of amyloid beta (Aβ). Malassezia species can lead to neuroinflammation via activating helper T‐cell (Th) 1 and Th17 immune response. Besides that, the pathogenesis of Cladosporium species and Alternaria species in AD remains unknown, but it could be related to the neuroinflammation. These two fungal species may have involved in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor production in the brain. All these four fungi can be detected at the same time in the brain, which contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the brain. This review hopes to shed some light in understanding the presence of fungi in the brain and their possible role in AD pathogenesis.
Uncertainty and the Cost of Bank versus Bond Finance
Authors: GRIMME CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2022

How does uncertainty affect the costs of raising finance in the bond market and via bank loans? Empirically, this paper finds that heightened uncertainty is accompanied by an increase in corporate bond spreads, whereas spreads on bank loans remain unchanged. This finding can be explained with a model that includes costly state verification and in which banks maintain long‐term relationships with borrowers and acquire information beyond what is publicly available. After an unexpected increase in uncertainty, the probability of borrower default increases. Banks leave the loan spread unchanged to maintain the relationship. In contrast, bond spreads increase because investors demand compensation for the increased default risk.
Owners’ views of canine nutrition, weight status and wellbeing and their implications for the veterinary consultation
Authors: Wainwright J. , Millar K. M. , White G. A.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate owners’ views around canine nutrition and wellbeing, how these beliefs may differ according to the weight status of the dog and the implications for owner support approaches.

Materials and Methods

A researcher‐mediated questionnaire collected quantitative and qualitative dataviastructured interviews with dog owners (n=147) attending a country park in the East Midlands, UK, with a specific focus on views around canine nutrition and wellbeing.

Results

Forty‐four percent of owners cited “past experience” when determining what to feed, and only 9% of owners cited the veterinarian as a source of this information. When comparing chosen verbal descriptionversusnon‐sequential body condition score images of the dog, only 22% of owners with overweight animals matched perceived verbal and visual appraisals, compared with 89% of owners of ideal weight dogs. Owners cited a good diet and regular exercise as important factors for canine wellbeing, but companionship with other dogs as the least important factor.

Clinical Significance

Owners report being aware of the important association between canine nutrition and wellbeing, but their considered importance of factors influencing dog wellbeing may be influenced by their perceived weight status of the animal. Veterinarians may need to reframe owner discourse such that there is more routine discussion around weight and nutrition at every consultation. Furthermore, the use of non‐sequential body condition score images could be a useful tool for a more considered opinion of canine weight status by owners.
Mechanisms by Which Early Eye Gaze to the Mouth During Multisensory Speech Influences Expressive Communication Development in Infant Siblings of Children with and Without Autism
Authors: Santapuram Pooja , Feldman Jacob I. , Bowman Sarah M. , Raj Sweeya , Suzman Evan , Crowley Shannon , Kim So Yoon , Keceli‐Kaysili Bahar , Bottema‐Beutel Kristen , Lewkowicz David J. , Wallace Mark T. , Woynaroski Tiffany G.
Published: January 2022

Looking to the mouth of a talker early in life predicts expressive communication. We hypothesized that looking at a talker's mouth may signal that infants are ready for increased supported joint engagement and that it subsequently facilitates prelinguistic vocal development and translates to broader gains in expressive communication. We tested this hypothesis in 50 infants aged 6–18 months with the heightened and general population‐level likelihood of autism diagnosis (Sibs‐autism and Sibs‐NA; respectively). We measured infants' gaze to a speaker's face using an eye‐tracking task, supported joint engagement during parent–child free play sessions, vocal complexity during a communication sample, and broader expressive communication. Looking at the mouth was indirectly associated with expressive communication via increased higher‐order supported joint engagement and vocal complexity. This indirect effect did not vary according to sibling status. This study provides preliminary insights into the mechanisms by which looking at the mouth may influence expressive communication development.
Clinicopathological significance of CBX3 in colorectal cancer: An intensive expression study based on formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhao Wenyue , Wang Jiandong , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: January 2022

CBX3 is an isoform of the heterochromatin protein 1 family, which is involved in carcinogenesis and promotes the progression of certain types of cancer. The expression level and clinicopathological significances of CBX3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still not well reported. In this study, we examined CBX3 protein expression in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded normal mucosae, hyperplastic polyps, low‐and high‐grade adenomas, and CRC tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. The associations of CBX3 expression levels with clinicopathological parameters, mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression, and kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and B‐raf proto‐oncogene (BRAF) mutations were analyzed. Our results showed that CBX3 protein was negatively expressed in normal mucosae and hyperplastic polyps, as well as in most low‐grade adenomas. Interestingly, CBX3 protein was positively expressed in most high‐grade adenomas and CRC tissues. CBX3 expression level was associated with tumor differentiation (p = 0.012), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.024), TNM stage (p = 0.008) and survival (p = 0.029). CBX3 expression was associated with MMR protein expression (p = 0.011) and KRAS mutation (p = 0.013), but not with BRAF mutation (p = 0.097). Our data suggest that CBX3 may be used as a molecular marker in CRC to evaluate tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and pathological stage.
Plant hormone profile and control over isoprene biosynthesis in a tropical tree Ficus septica
Authors: Iqbal Md. A. , Miyamoto K. , Yumoto E. , Parveen S. , Mutanda I. , Inafuku M. , Oku H.
Published: January 2022

Plant hormone signalling and the circadian clock have been implicated in the transcriptional control of isoprene biosynthesis.

To gain more insight into the hormonal control of isoprene biosynthesis, the present study measured plant hormone concentrations in jasmonic acid (JA)‐treated leaves of our previous model study, examined their relationship with gene expression of isoprene synthase (IspS) and hormone signalling transcription factors.

Of the plant hormones, IAA and JA‐Ile and their related transcription factors (MYC2 and SAUR21) were significantly correlated with IspS gene expression. Concentrations of cytokinins, isopentenyladenine (iP), trans‐zeatin riboside (tZR) and cis‐zeatin riboside (cZR), were similarly significantly correlated with IspS expression. However, there was no significant correlation between their related transcription factor (ARR‐B) and IspS expression. The circadian clock‐related gene PRR7, but not the transcription factor LHY, was highly correlated with IspS expression. These results suggest that the hormonal balance between JA‐Ile and IAA plays a central role in transcriptional regulation of IspS through the transcription factors MYC2 and SAUR21, the early auxin responsive genes. The putative cis‐acting elements for SAUR on the IspS promoter (TGTCNN and CATATG), in addition to the G‐box for MYC2, support the above proposal.

These results provide insightful information on the core components of plant hormone‐related regulation of IspS under coordination with the circadian clock genes.
A host‐free transcriptome for haustoriogenesis in Cuscuta campestris: Signature gene expression identifies markers of successive development stages
Authors: Bawin Thomas , Bruckmüller Julien , Olsen Stian , Krause Kirsten
Published: January 2022

The development of the infection organ of the parasitic angiosperm genus Cuscuta is a dynamic process that is normally obscured from view as it happens endophytically in its host. We artificially induced haustoriogenesis in Cuscuta campestris by far‐red light to define specific morphologically different stages and analyze their transcriptional patterns. This information enabled us to extract sets of high‐confidence housekeeping and marker genes for the different stages, validated in a natural infection setting on a compatible host. This study provides a framework for more reproducible investigations of haustoriogenesis and the processes governing host–parasite interactions in shoot parasites, with C. campestris as a model species.
Dogs and cats with presumed or confirmed intracranial abscessation have low apparent diffusion coefficient values
Authors: Scherf Grégoire , Sutherland‐Smith James , Uriarte Ane
Published: January 2022

Intracranial abscessation is a life‐threatening condition in dogs and cats, and rapid diagnosis is important for prognosis and treatment planning. The aims of this retrospective, single‐center, case series study were to describe clinical and MRI diffusion‐weighted imaging characteristics in three dogs and three cats with presumed or confirmed intracranial abscessation. All lesions appeared hyperintense on b1000 trace diffusion‐weighted images, hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, with mean ADC values ranging from 0.37 to 1.24 × 10−3 mm2/s. The majority (5/6) of the obtained mean ADC values were low (<1.10 × 10−3 mm2/s), as previously reported in the human literature.
Multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to pet hedgehogs, United States, 2018–2019
Authors: Hoff Connor , Nichols Megin , Gollarza Lauren , Scheftel Joni , Adams Jennifer , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Francois Watkins Louise , Poissant Tasha , Stapleton G. Sean , Morningstar‐Shaw Brenda , Signs Kim , Bidol Sally , Donovan Danielle , Basler Colin
Published: January 2022

In December 2018, PulseNet, the national laboratory network for enteric disease surveillance, identified an increase in Salmonella Typhimurium isolates with an uncommon pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis pattern which was previously isolated from hedgehogs. CDC, state, and local health partners interviewed patients with a questionnaire that focused on hedgehog exposures, conducted traceback of patients' hedgehog purchases, and collected hedgehog faecal pellets and environmental samples. Isolates in this outbreak were analysed using core‐genome multi‐locus sequence typing (cgMLST) and compared to sequence data from historic clinical isolates from a 2011–2013 outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses linked to pet hedgehogs. Fifty‐four illnesses in 23 states were identified between October 2018 and September 2019. Patients ranged from <1 to 95 years, and 65% were female. Eight patients were hospitalized. Eighty‐one per cent (29/36) of patients interviewed reported contact with a hedgehog before becoming ill; of these, 21 (72%) reported owning a hedgehog. Analysis of 53 clinical, 11 hedgehog, and two hedgehog bedding isolates from this outbreak, seven hedgehog isolates obtained prior to this outbreak, and two clinical isolates from the 2011–2013 outbreak fell into three distinct groupings (37 isolates in Clade 1 [0–10 alleles], 28 isolates in Clade 2 [0–7 alleles], and eight isolates in Clade 3 [0–12 alleles]) and were collectively related within 0–31 alleles by cgMLST. Purchase information available from 20 patients showed hedgehogs were purchased from multiple breeders across nine states, a pet store, and through an online social media website; a single source of hedgehogs was not identified. This outbreak highlights the ability of genetic sequencing analysis to link historic and ongoing Salmonella illness outbreaks and demonstrates the strain of Salmonella linked to hedgehogs might continue to be a health risk to hedgehog owners unless measures are taken to prevent transmission.
Impact of social distancing on early SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in the United States
Authors: Sanchez Jessica N. , Reyes Gabriel A. , Martínez‐López Beatriz , Johnson Christine K.
Published: January 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a viral pathogen that quickly became a global pandemic in the winter of 2020–2021. In response, governments issued social distancing orders to minimize transmission by reducing community contacts. We tested the efficacy of this social distancing at the state level during the first 2 months of the pandemic in the United States. We utilized data on daily SARS‐CoV‐2 case numbers and human community mobility (anonymized, aggregated cell phone location data stratified into six categories used as an index of social distancing), the date of government‐issued social distancing orders, demographics, urbanization and public transportation. We implemented cross‐correlation to identify lag times between declines in mobility and SARS‐CoV‐2 cases. Incorporating state‐specific lag times, we tested for associations between case counts and mobility metrics using Bayesian multilevel models. Decreased mobility around grocery stores/pharmacies, retail/recreation locations, transit stations and workplaces was correlated with decreases in SARS‐CoV‐2 cases with significant lag times of ≥21 days. Social distancing orders were associated with fewer cumulative SARS‐CoV‐2 cases when they were put in place earlier. Community mobility had already started declining prior to most social distancing orders, especially the more restrictive orders implemented later in the pandemic. Social distancing is an important tool that has been implemented throughout the pandemic to decrease SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, although with significant social and economic impacts. Our results suggest that declines in cases were observed several weeks subsequent to implementation of social distancing measures, and that implementing social distancing earlier could potentially minimize the duration of time these policies need to be in effect. Our findings can inform ongoing management of this pandemic and other emerging infectious disease outbreaks by identifying areas where reductions in mobility are associated with reduced disease transmission, and the expected time frame between behavioural changes and measurable population outcomes.
Thermophysical Characteristics of Liquid Metal In-Bi-Sn Eutectic (Field's Metal) as a Similarity Coolant
Authors: Lipchitz Adam , Harvel Glenn , Sunagawa T.
Published: January 2022

This work investigated the thermophysical characteristics of liquid indium–bismuth–tin eutectic alloy also known as Field's Metal for the purposes of use as a similar fluid for liquid metal reactors. The density, specific heat capacity, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and the coefficient of thermal expansion were determined for liquid Field's Metal for temperature ranges from its melting point 333 K to 423 K. The work captured the effect of temperature on these properties and each property's magnitude. The findings were used to create mathematical correlations to predict the value of the thermophysical property at a specified temperature for use in natural circulation studies. Notably, the work also observed non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior of the alloy near the melting point and that the non-Newtonian behavior relaxes as the material obtains more energy. The results are consistent with the behavior of other liquid metals including variances that occur close to the melting point.
Addressing Trauma in Adaptive Physical Activity: A Call to Reflection and Action
Authors: Eales Lindsay , Goodwin Donna L.
Published: January 2022

Trauma is pervasive, embodied, and can be perpetrated or perpetuated by researchers, educators, and practitioners, including those within adaptive physical activity (APA). In this article, we highlight the need to address trauma within APA as a matter of access and justice. We share various conceptualizations of trauma from psychiatric, embodied, anti-pathologizing, and sociopolitical perspectives. Trauma-informed practice is introduced as a framework for creating safer, more inclusive programs and services, so we can recognize the impacts of trauma and affirm those who experience it. As the first step to a multistep trauma-informed process, our aim is to raise awareness of trauma and introduce resources for enacting trauma-informed practice. We also pose difficult questions about how we, as “helping” practitioners, researchers, and educators may be perpetuating or perpetrating harm and trauma, in particular sanism, within our profession. Ultimately, we invite readers to join us in reflection and action toward anti-pathologizing trauma-informed APA.
Internal carotid artery blister aneurysm rupture: a unifying diagnosis for massive epistaxis and unilateral embolic strokes
Authors: Lycett Mitchell Joseph , Dunkerton Sophie , Miteff Ferdinand
Published: January 2022

Concurrent epistaxis, embolic stroke and a ruptured internal carotid artery are rare but life-threatening delayed complications of cured nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A timely diagnosis and effective management can be problematic. We report a case that highlights the unique diagnostic features of this presentation and contemporary endovascular treatment options available.
Diagnosis of a floppy neonate with misleading clues: unraveled as congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy
Authors: Ravikumar S , Devi Usha , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Chandrasekaran Ashok
Published: January 2022

Contactin-associated protein 1 (CNTNAP1)-related congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy (CHN) is a rare type of peripheral neuropathy and has a clinically heterogeneous presentation. We report a neonate with an atypical presentation in the form of global hypotonia, facial diparesis and partial response to neostigmine challenge test. There was no clinical improvement on initiation of anticholinesterase drug for suspected congenital myasthenia and hence stopped. Detection of a pathogenic variant inCNTNAP1gene by clinical exome sequencing and subsequent reverse phenotyping confirmed CHN as the aetiology for this floppy neonate, which is known to have high mortality. The baby was given supportive care and she succumbed secondary to complications of prolonged ventilation.
Enhancing quality midwifery care in humanitarian and fragile settings: a systematic review of interventions, support systems and enabling environments
Authors: Homer Caroline SE , Turkmani Sabera , Wilson Alyce N , Vogel Joshua P , Shah Mehr Gul , Fogstad Helga , Langlois Etienne V
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Women and children bear a substantial burden of the impact of conflict and instability. The number of people living in humanitarian and fragile settings (HFS) has increased significantly over the last decade. The provision of essential maternal and newborn healthcare by midwives is crucial everywhere, especially in HFS. There is limited knowledge about the interventions, support systems and enabling environments that enhance midwifery care in these settings. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors affecting an enabling environment for midwives in HFS and to explore the availability and effectiveness of support systems for midwives.

Methods

A structured systematic review was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed primary research articles published between 1995 and 2020.

Results

In total, 24 papers were included from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Uganda and Liberia. There were two broad themes: (1) the facilitators of, and barriers to, an enabling environment, and (2) the importance of effective support systems for midwives. Facilitators were: community involvement and engagement and an adequate salary, incentives or benefits. Barriers included: security and safety concerns, culture and gender norms and a lack of infrastructure and supplies. Support systems were: education, professional development, supportive supervision, mentorship and workforce planning.

Conclusion

More efforts are needed to develop and implement quality midwifery services in HFS. There is an urgent need for more action and financing to ensure better outcomes and experiences for all women, girls and families living in these settings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021226323.