bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and risk factors of hyperglycaemia during treatment of childhood hematologic malignancies
Authors: Welsch Sophie , Sawadogo Kiswendsida , Brichard Bénédicte , de Ville de Goyet Maelle , Van Damme An , Boulanger Cécile , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Secondary forms of diabetes are often understudied and underdiagnosed in children and adolescents with cancer. The objectives of our cohort study were to study the incidence and risk factors for hyperglycaemia in leukaemia and lymphoma patients.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 15 years of data from paediatric patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) immediately at cancer diagnosis. We studied risk factors for hyperglycaemia in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Our study cohort included 267 patients corresponding to 179 patients with ALL, 48 with NHL and 40 with HL. Eighteen per cent of ALL patients (32/179) and 17% of NHL patients (8/48) developed hyperglycaemia, with more than 61% developing hyperglycaemia within the first month of treatment. No hyperglycaemia was observed in HL patients. Multivariate analysis showed the following hyperglycaemia risk factors for ALL patients: overweight or obesity (OR 3.793) and pubertal onset (OR 4.269) at cancer diagnosis, steroid‐resistant disease (OR 3.445) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) (OR 4.754).

Conclusion

In our cohort, 18% of patients with ALL or NHL developed early‐onset hyperglycaemia after chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Patients with ALL with increased hyperglycaemia risk can be readily identified by measuring BMI and puberty stage at cancer diagnosis. Also, glucose monitoring should be reinforced when patients show steroid‐resistant disease and/or require HSCT.
Predicting species abundance by implementing the ecological niche theory
Authors: de la Fuente Alejandro , Hirsch Ben T. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Williams Stephen E.
Published: October 2021

Species are not uniformly distributed across the landscape. For every species, there should be few favoured sites where abundance is high and many other sites of lower suitability where abundance is low. Consequently, local abundance could be thought of as a natural expression of species response to local conditions. The correlation between abundance and environmental suitability has been well documented, and a recent meta‐analysis has suggested that this relationship could be a generality. Despite the importance and potential implication of the abundance–suitability relationship, its predictive power for meaningful extrapolations has been surprisingly poorly explored. In this study, we showed how a highly predictable trend can be extracted from the abundance–suitability relationship, accurately predicting the variation in species abundance at a high spatial resolution. We produced high‐quality environmental suitability estimations for 50 endemic species in the Australian Wet Tropics. Environmental suitability derived from species distribution models was related to observed abundance estimated using data from 29 years of uninterrupted monitoring effort. We used the fitted relationship to accurately predict abundance at a fine scale across the species range. Our results showed that the abundance–suitability relationship was strong for endemic species in the Australian Wet Tropics. The predictive power of our models was high, explaining, on average, 55% of the deviance across taxa. Despite interspecific variation in the strength of the abundance–suitability relationship associated with potential intrinsic estimation biases, our approach provides a powerful tool for predicting abundance across the species range at a fine scale. The potential for robust abundance predictions from occurrence‐based species distribution models shown in this study are numerous, and it could have a significant impact in enhancing species conservation and management decisions.
Complex relationships between beta diversity and dispersal in meta‐community models
Authors: Lu Muyang
Published: October 2021

Dispersal is one of the most important drivers of community assembly. Understanding how dispersal impacts spatial variations in community composition (beta diversity) is crucial for predicting biodiversity change during the Anthropocene. Classic theories and a large amount of empirical evidence have led to a common belief that increasing dispersal rate should lead to regional community homogenization (lower beta diversity). However, recent empirical studies show that increasing dispersal can also lead to regional community divergence when interacting with other processes such as disturbance and priority effect. The underappreciation of the complex relationship between beta diversity and dispersal might impede our ability to make accurate ecological forecasts. To address this concern, I examine the beta diversity–dispersal relationship through extinction and colonization dynamics in meta‐community models. I find that a wide range of beta diversity–dispersal relationships (e.g. negative, positive, hump‐shaped) can be generated by changes in species‐level occurrence probabilities when meta‐population dispersal (rather than mainland–island dispersal), disturbance and strong biotic interactions are at play. Specifically, reducing the variance of species‐level occurrence probabilities leads to community divergence and increasing the mean occurrence probability leads to community homogenization; a positive or hump‐shaped beta diversity–dispersal relationship emerges when the effect of the decreasing variance is stronger than the effect of increasing mean. These findings highlight the intrinsic constraint of occupancy stochasticity on beta diversity changes and echo the call for more realistic manipulations of stochastic dispersal and a detailed understanding of the interaction networks to test various beta diversity–dispersal relationships in future empirical studies.
From adverse to beneficial: Contrasting dietary effects of freshwater mixotrophs on zooplankton
Authors: Vad Csaba F. , Schneider Claudia , Fischer Robert , Kainz Martin J. , Ptacnik Robert
Published: October 2021

The importance of mixotrophic algae as key bacterivores in microbial food webs is increasingly acknowledged, but their effects on the next trophic level remain poorly understood. Their high stoichiometric food quality is contrasted by anti‐grazing strategies.

We tested the quality of freshwater mixotrophs as prey for zooplankton, using four non‐colonial chrysophyte species and a cryptophyte as a high quality reference food. We (1) analyzed the stoichiometric and biochemical (fatty acid) composition of the mixotrophs, and (2) quantified their dietary effects on Daphnia longispina survival.

Survival of D. longispina significantly depended on the identity of species provided as food, ranging from higher to lower as compared to starvation. This was not reflected in differences in cellular stoichiometry or fatty acid profiles of the mixotrophs. We suggest that toxicity may be the driver for the observed differences.

Generalization of the dietary effects of mixotrophic chrysophytes does not appear straightforward. Besides fundamental species‐specific differences, potential toxic effects may vary depending on environmental cues or physiological strategies. Notably in our study, Ochromonas tuberculata, a species previously reported to be deleterious, turned out to be a beneficial food source in terms of enabling high survival of D. longispina.

We challenge the generality of the assumption that chrysophytes are of low value as food for zooplankton. We recommend that future studies test how environmental conditions and physiological strategies shape the quality of mixotrophs as food for consumers at higher trophic levels, specifically focusing on effects of dietary toxicity.
Modelling the biogeographic boundary shift of Calanus finmarchicus reveals drivers of Arctic Atlantification by subarctic zooplankton
Authors: Freer Jennifer J. , Daase Malin , Tarling Geraint A.
Published: October 2021

Biological communities in the Arctic are changing through the climate‐driven encroachment of subarctic species. This “Atlantification” extends to keystone Calanoid copepods, as the small‐bodied Calanus finmarchicus increases in abundance in areas where it overlaps with larger Arctic congeners. The environmental factors that are facilitating this shift, whether related to optimal conditions in temperature or seasonality, remain unclear. Assessing these drivers at an Arctic‐wide scale is necessary to predict future ecosystem change and impacts. Here we have compiled range‐wide occurrences of C. finmarchicus and a suite of seasonal biophysical climatologies to build a boreo‐Arctic ecological niche model. The data set was divided into two eras, 1955–1984 and 1985–2017, and an optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the seasonal distribution of the abiotic niche of C. finmarchicus in both eras. Comparing outputs between eras reveals an increase in habitat suitability at the Arctic range edge. Large and significant increases in suitability are predicted in the regions of the Greenland, Labrador, and Southern Barents Seas that have experienced reduced sea‐ice cover. With the exception of the Barents Sea, these areas also show a seasonal shift in the timing of peak habitat suitability toward an earlier season. Our findings suggest that the Atlantification of Arctic zooplankton communities is accompanied by climate‐driven phenology changes. Although seasonality is a critical constraint to the establishment of C. finmarchicus at Arctic latitudes, earlier sea‐ice retreat and associated productivity is making these environments increasingly favorable for this subarctic species.
HIV self‐test: a tool to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men who have never been tested for HIV in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Vasconcelos Ricardo , Avelino‐Silva Vivian I. , de Paula Ivone A. , Jamal Leda F. , Gianna Maria Clara , Santos Flavio , Camargo Robinson , Barbosa Eduardo , Casimiro Gilvane , Cota Vanda , Abbate Maria C. , Cruz Marly , Segurado Aluisio C.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

HIV self‐testing is an effective tool to improve diagnostic coverage in key populations, enabling linkage to care and access to antiretroviral therapy. Its implementation requires better understanding of patients’ perspectives on this novel strategy. The aim of the study was to investigate the perception of men who have sex with men (MSM) regarding the HIV oral fluid self‐test (HIVST) in São Paulo, Brazil, and to analyse the sociodemographic characteristics and testing strategy preferences of individuals registered to undertake HIVST.

Methods

Preceding the implementation of HIVST use as public policy in 2019, we recruited MSM living in São Paulo to undertake HIVST using a digital platform, and investigated their sociodemographic profiles, testing experiences and testing preferences. Results were compared according to reported lifetime HIV testing.

Results

A total of 6477 MSM (median age 28 years) were recruited to the study from April 9th to December 31st, 2018. Seventy‐eight per cent reported previous HIV testing. The opening hours of health facilities (53%), concern about disclosing intimate personal information to health care providers (34%) and fear of stigma (21%) were reported as the main barriers to testing. Older age, higher education, illicit drug use and self‐identifying as gay were associated with prior HIV testing (P < 0.001). Most participants (67%) were unaware that HIVST was available before enrolling in the study. Preference for HIVST over other testing technologies was higher among those never tested (71%) than among participants with previous HIV testing (61%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

HIVST was found to be an effective tool to improve testing uptake among MSM, particularly those who had never been tested before. Characterization of the most likely users of HIVST among MSM will help to inform implementation and scaling up of this novel testing method in the Brazilian public health system.
Nitrogen requirements for deficit‐irrigated bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) fairways in South Florida
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Shaddox Travis W. , Williams Karen E. , Gallo Sergio , Boeri P. Agustin , Unruh J. Bryan , Kruse Jason , Kenworthy Kevin
Published: October 2021

Several new bermudagrass cultivars are available and commonly used on golf course fairways. However, little is known about their cultural requirements or how these cultivars perform under lower inputs regimes. A 2‐year study was conducted at University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, to assess performance of four hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. X Cynodon transvaalensis (Burtt‐Davy)] cultivars (‘Latitude 36’, ‘Tifway 419’, ‘TifGrand’ and ‘TifTuf’), and 2 common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) cultivars (‘Bimini’ and ‘Celebration’) irrigated at either 50% or 80% reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and fertilised at either 0, 146, 244, or 342 kg N ha−1 year−1. Plots were evaluated monthly for turfgrass quality, dark green colour index (DGCI), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and Chlorophyll Index, and seasonally for N tissue content. Plots watered at 80% ETo enhanced bermudagrass quality compared to 50% ETo, DGCI and NDVI only in two months out of 24. Latitude 36 and Celebration were the top‐rated cultivars, and their quality was not affected by no N fertilisation. Conversely, TifGrand, TifTuf and Tifway that received no N fertilisation resulted in insufficient quality during the second year of the study. Insufficient quality may be linked to reduced N metabolization compared to the highest rated cultivars. Results show that new cultivars such as Latitude 36 and Bimini could be maintained at sufficient quality levels with reduced water and N inputs in South Florida.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species improve the fatty acids profile and nutrients status of soybean cultivars grown under drought stress
Authors: Ezzati Lotfabadi Zahra , Weisany Weria , Abdul-razzak Tahir Nawroz , Mohammadi Torkashvand Ali
Published: October 2021

Aims

To investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species on the absorption and distribution of mineral nutrients in soybean cultivars under drought stress, an experiment was carried out through a factorial method in the form of randomized complete blocks with six replicates in 2020.

Methods and Results

Experimental factors include: drought stress at three irrigation levels (well-watered [WW], medium stress [MS] and severe stress [SS], i.e., 100%, 70% and 40% FC), soybean cultivars at two levels (Sepideh and Williams), and mycorrhizae application at four levels (nonapplication, Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus hoi, Rhizophagus intraradices). The results indicated that drought stress increased the concentration of grain potassium (K) and sodium (Na), leaf K, stem and leaf Na, and decreased the concentrations of grain phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), leaf P, stem and leaf Cu, and manganese (Mn). In addition, there was no significant difference in terms of concentrations of grain K. The highest reduction was observed under SS conditions (40% FC). G. hoi colonization increased the concentrations of grain P and Zn, leaf K and Cu and stem Mn under SS conditions (40% FC). In addition, compared to Sepideh cv., Williams cv. showed higher stress resistance. Seed oil content decreased in the plants exposed to drought stress. Severe drought treatments have a deleterious effect on seed fatty acid composition, resulting in enhanced linoleic, oleic and linolenic acids.

Conclusion

AMF colonization is a useful tool for improving the plant nutrient uptake, fatty acid profile, efficiency of resource utilization and stabilizing yield, hence reducing the production risks of crops grown under drought stress conditions. It was concluded that AMF colonization should be employed to help alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress.

Significance of Study

AMF colonization is an effective biotechnological strategy that can alter nutrient uptake and fatty acid composition and enhance oil quality in soybean cultivars under drought conditions.
Seasonal and daily movement patterns of an alpine passerine suggest high flexibility in relation to environmental conditions
Authors: Barras Arnaud G. , Liechti Felix , Arlettaz Raphaël
Published: October 2021

Mountains naturally offer variable habitat conditions, but their biodiversity is currently facing the extra challenge of adapting to rapid environmental shifts that are much more pronounced than in the lowlands. Among adaptive responses, intra‐ and inter‐seasonal movements represent potentially important coping strategies for wildlife that remain largely unexplored. We investigated the seasonal and daily movements of the ring ouzel Turdus torquatus, a European mountain bird species that is declining in many parts of its distribution. We tracked individuals breeding in the Swiss Alps using light‐level geolocators and multi‐sensor loggers. Of the birds traced to their non‐breeding grounds, two‐thirds reached the Atlas Mountains while one‐third stayed in Spain, a region potentially more significant for overwintering than previously thought. The birds remained mostly above 1000 m throughout the annual cycle, highlighting a strict association of ring ouzels with mountain habitats. We also evidenced flexible daily elevational movements, especially upon spring arrival on the breeding grounds in relation to date and snowfall occurrence, suggesting adaptive potential in response to environmental variation. This study shows how modern technology can deliver deeper and valuable insights into movements, behavioural patterns and life‐history strategies for relatively little‐studied animal species. By doing so, it paves the way for refined assessments of species' vulnerability to ongoing global change while providing basic conservation guidance.
Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Yongwatana Kachonsak , Harinwan Kamin , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Opuchar Krit , Sanpajit Theeranun , Piyanirun Wanich , Puttapitakpong Chaipichit
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common problem in gastroenterology practice. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole and placebo among patients diagnosed with FD.

Methods

From November 2017 to November 2018, patients diagnosed with FD according to ROME IV criteria were enrolled. Patients were randomized into curcumin, omeprazole, or placebo groups. The Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment (SODA) was used to evaluate clinical effectiveness after 2 and 4 weeks. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol‐5 Dimension questionnaire.

Results

A total of 132 patients were randomized. Forty‐five, 43, and 44 patients were in the curcumin, omeprazole, and placebo groups, respectively. At 4 weeks, the mean SODA score change of pain and non‐pain symptoms decreased in the curcumin group compared with the placebo group (pain −16.98 ± 8.09 vs −10.53 ± 4.43; P < 0.001, non‐pain −7.96 ± 3.41 vs −6.05 ± 3.03; P < 0.008). No significant difference was observed between curcumin and omeprazole groups (pain −16.98 ± 8.09 vs −14.69 ± 6.41; P = 0.302, non‐pain −7.96 ± 3.41 vs −7.07 ± 2.27; P = 0.486). The mean change of the SODA satisfaction score at 4 weeks was higher in the curcumin group compared with the omeprazole group but without statistical significance (9.17 ± 3.88 vs 8.63 ± 3.89, P = 1). The mean change of EQ‐5D index at 4 weeks was highest in the curcumin group but not statistically different from other groups (0.12 ± 0.13 vs 0.09 ± 0.10 vs 0.07 ± 0.05; P = 0.055).

Conclusion

Curcuma longa Linn can improve dyspeptic symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide satisfaction equivalent to omeprazole in treatment of FD.
Geographical isolation versus dispersal: Relictual alpine grasshoppers support a model of interglacial diversification with limited hybridization
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: October 2021

Alpine biotas are paradigmatic of the countervailing roles of geographical isolation and dispersal during diversification. In temperate regions, repeated distributional shifts driven by Pleistocene climatic oscillations produced both recurrent pulses of population fragmentation and opportunities for gene flow during range expansions. Here, we test whether a model of divergence in isolation vs. with gene flow is more likely in the diversification of flightless alpine grasshoppers of the genus Podisma from the Iberian Peninsula. The answer to this question can also provide key insights about the pace of evolution. Specifically, if the data fit a divergence in isolation model, this suggests rapid evolution of reproductive isolation. Genomic data confirm a Pleistocene origin of the species complex, and multiple analytical approaches revealed limited asymmetric historical hybridization between two taxa. Genomic‐based demographic reconstructions, spatial patterns of genetic structure and range shifts inferred from palaeodistribution modelling suggest severe range contraction accompanied by declines in effective population sizes during interglacials (i.e., contemporary populations confined to sky islands are relicts) and expansions during the coldest stages of the Pleistocene in each taxon. Although limited hybridization during secondary contact leads to phylogenetic uncertainty if gene flow is not accommodated when estimating evolutionary relationships, all species exhibit strong genetic cohesiveness. Our study lends support to the notion that the accumulation of incipient differences during periods of isolation were sufficient to lead to lineage persistence, but also that the demographic changes, dispersal constraints and spatial distribution of the sky islands themselves mediated species diversification in temperate alpine biotas.
Doctors' attitudes to maintenance of professional competence: A scoping review
Authors: Wiese Anél , Galvin Emer , Korotchikova Irina , Bennett Deirdre
Published: October 2021

Context

Recent decades have seen the international implementation of programmes aimed at assuring the continuing competence of doctors. Maintenance of Professional Competence (MPC) programmes aim to encourage doctors' lifelong learning and ensure high‐quality, safe patient care; however, programme requirements can be perceived as bureaucratic and irrelevant to practice, leading to disengagement. Doctors' attitudes and beliefs about MPC are critical to translating regulatory requirements into committed and effective lifelong learning. We aimed to summarise knowledge about doctors' attitudes to MPC to inform the development of MPC programmes and identify under‐researched areas.

Methods

We undertook a scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley, including sources of evidence about doctors' attitudes to MPC in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) as a guide.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐five sources of evidence were included in the review. One hundred and two were peer‐reviewed publications, and 23 were reports. Most were from the United Kingdom or the United States and used quantitative or mixed methods. There was agreement across jurisdictions that MPC is a good idea in theory but doubt that it achieves its objectives in practice. Attitudes to the processes of MPC, and their impact on learning and practice were mixed. The lack of connection between MPC and practice was a recurrent theme. Barriers to participation were lack of time and resources, complexity of the requirements and a lack of flexibility in addressing doctors' personal and professional circumstances.

Conclusions

Overall, the picture that emerged is that doctors are supportive of the concept of MPC but have mixed views on its processes. We highlight implications for research and practice arising from these findings.
Bird species co‐occurrence patterns in an alpine environment supports the stress‐gradient hypothesis
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Sattler Thomas , Schmid Hans , Ozgul Arpat
Published: October 2021

Understanding the relative contribution of different biotic interactions in shaping species assemblages constitutes a major goal in community ecology, and consequently, multiple methods aimed at inferring the nature of these associations have emerged during the last decade. In this framework, the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) predicts that prevalent biotic interactions shift from competition to facilitation as abiotic stress increases (and productivity decreases). This hypothesis originally raised by plant ecologists has been barely applied to faunal communities. Here, we take advantage of 20 years of abundance data to investigate pairwise patterns in species co‐occurrence in alpine bird communities inhabiting two contrasting habitat types: forests (high productivity) and mountain grasslands (low productivity). We also integrate functional data with presence–absence and quantitative matrices in order to detect the signature of processes driving community assembly and test for limiting similarity. We employ a null model approach, probabilistic pairwise association tests and joint species distribution models; all methods revealed a higher frequency of positive interactions in mountain grasslands in agreement with SGH predictions. Both the frequency of positive and negative interactions remained moderately stable over the study period in both habitat types. There was no significant relationship between the degree of co‐occurrence of species pairs and their functional distance in either habitat. However, when we only considered those combinations of species whose co‐occurrence patterns deviated from that expected at random, we found that co‐existing species are functionally more similar than those pairs that show segregated patterns in the forest assemblages. Such a relationship may arise via selective social information use and other processes, including microhabitat preferences. Overall, our findings suggest that interspecific competition does not constitute a major force driving the structure of bird assemblages in this mountain region. This work also shows that association analyses should not be underestimated as they can provide clues to the mechanisms responsible for community structure.
Clinical manifestations and treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infections with a third molar origin
Authors: Ge Shengyou , Yang Xiaochen , Yang Song , Li Hengyong , Zhou Kai , Song Kai , Shang Wei , Feng Yuanyong
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed at evaluating the clinical manifestations and therapeutic options for oral and maxillofacial space infections originating from the third molar.

Methods

Clinical data for 60 patients with oral and maxillofacial space infections with a third molar origin who were treated between June 2016 and December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were collected. Based on whether they were diabetic or not, patients were assigned into two groups: the diabetes mellitus (DM) group and the non‐DM group. The collected basic information included gender, age, systemic diseases, etiology and infected areas, whereas treatment information included antibiotic administration, length of hospitalisation, costs, bacteria and sensitivity tests as well as associated complications.

Results

Of the 60 patients, 36 were males while 24 were females with an age range of 21–51 years. A total of 32 patients exhibited third molar pericoronitis, whereas 26 patients had deep neck space or chest cavity infections. Compared to the non‐DM group, the length of hospital stay was relatively longer while antibiotic administration was higher in the DM group. The conformance rate of empirical antibiotic use and drug sensitivity tests was 64.9% (37/57).

Conclusion

DM is a risk factor for oral and maxillofacial space infections. Space infections with third molar origins are associated with serious complications. Based on patient's conditions, treatment plans should be comprehensively evaluated and personalised treatment plans formulated. Antibiotic administration by clinicians is not standardised; therefore, it is important to make adjustments depending on subsequent bacterial culture results.
Factors influencing the quality of life in patients with severe dementia
Authors: Nagata Yuma , Nishikawa Takashi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Ishimaru Daiki , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Fukuhara Keita , Shigenobu Kazue , Ikeda Manabu
Published: October 2021

Background

A comprehensive understanding of the relevant factors involved in improving quality of life (QoL) is essential in patients with severe dementia; however, rating scales used in previous studies may not adequately reflect the factors that affect these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that contribute to QoL using an evaluation scale suitable for patients with severe dementia.

Methods

The current cross‐sectional study was conducted at a hospital for recuperation in Hyogo prefecture in Japan. The measurement scales included the QoL in Late‐Stage Dementia Japanese version (QUALID‐J), Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia, Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home (NPI‐NH), Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale (PSMS), Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD), and Special Care Unit Environment Quality Scale (SCUEQS). Multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

We assessed a total of 105 patients with severe dementia (80 women; aged 87.3 ± 6.3 years). Multiple regression demonstrated that the QUALID‐J total score was significantly affected by the NPI‐NH and PAINAD scores. Factors 1 (expression of comfort) and 2 (expression of discomfort) of the QUALID‐J were significantly affected by the PSMS and PAINAD, and the NPI‐NH and PAINAD scores, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and pain are important factors in influencing the QoL of patients with severe dementia.
Evaluation of MODIS Water Vapour Products over ALGERIA using Radiosonde Data
Authors: Namaoui Houaria , Kahlouche Salem , Belbachir Ahmed Hafidh
Published: October 2021

Remote sensing of atmospheric water vapour using GNSS and Satellite data has become an efficient tool in meteorology and climate research. Many satellite data have been increasingly used to measure the content of water vapour in the atmosphere and to characterize its temporal and spatial variations. In this paper, we have used observations from radiosonde data collected from three stations (Algiers, Bechar and Tamanrasset) in Algeria from January to December 2012 to evaluate Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) total precipitable water vapour (PWV) products. Results show strong agreement between the total precipitable water contents estimated based on radiosondes observations and the ones measured by the sensor MODIS with the correlation coefficients in the range 0.69 to 0.95 and a mean bias, which does not exceed 1.5.
Captación de plusvalías en la operatividad del derecho a la Ciudad en México. Una aproximación crítica desde categorías lefebvrianas
Authors: Hernández Trejo Felipe de Jesús
Published: October 2021

Los escritos de Henri Lefebvre sobre la ciudad y la urbanización capitalista son reconocidos por su originalidad, pero también son criticados por su falta de puntualización. A través de un ejercicio teórico que delimita una problemática urbana (la captación de rentas del suelo como uno de los fundamentos de la Carta de la Ciudad de México por el Derecho a la Ciudad), en el presente escrito se examina si las categorías desarrolladas en la obra de Lefebvre (específicamente, el espacio abstracto y su función instrumental, su concepción a partir de la lógica formal, así como su vínculo con la renta del suelo) sirven como dispositivos teóricos para avanzar hacia la implementación de estrategias concretas. Se sugiere que la redistribución de los beneficios obtenidos por la captación de rentas, para llegar a ser una de estas estrategias de avance, debe además considerar la problemática de su gestión pública
Comprensión de oraciones de esfuerzo en jóvenes y adultos mayores desde una perspectiva corpórea
Authors: Salas-Herrera José Luis , Urrutia Martínez Mabel , Melipillan Araneda Roberto , Veliz De Vos Mónica
Published: October 2021

Actualmente se desconoce la validez de las propuestas de la cognición corpórea y su relación con el lenguaje de los adultos mayores. Para responder a esto realizamos un experimento con los factores Esfuerzo, Imaginabilidad y Contexto Lingüístico. 50 adultos mayores (M= 66.18 años, DE= 4.39, 22 mujeres y 28 hombres) y 43 jóvenes (M= 21.28 años, DE= 1.08, 36 mujeres y 7 hombres) leyeron oraciones en la pantalla de un computador, presionando la barra espaciadora para decidir luego si una palabra se hallaba o no en la frase recién leída. Los resultados muestran efectos principales para los factores Imaginabilidad (β = 0.309; p < 0.05) y Contexto (β = -0.856; p < 0.001) en los tiempos de lectura del objeto directo, dos efectos de interacción Imaginabilidad-Esfuerzo (β = -0.732; p < 0.01) e Imaginabilidad-Contexto (β = 0.611; p < 0.05) para el complemento circunstancial y un efecto interactivo Imaginabilidad-Contexto (β = 0.727; p < 0.05) para la palabra de activación. Los resultados respaldan una visión de corporeidad débil con integración interactiva de las propiedades corpóreas y simbólicas de los textos. Es necesario ampliar la investigación a otros parámetros corpóreos, edades y lenguas para contrastar estos resultados.
Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities
Authors: Wingood Mariana , Bonnell Levi , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Rosenberg Dori , Walker Rod , Bellettiere John , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Wing David , Gell Nancy
Published: October 2021

Though it is known that most older adults do not meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines, little is known regarding their participation in balance activities or the full guidelines. Therefore, we sought to describe PA patterns among 1,352 community-dwelling older adult participants of the Adult Changes in Thought study, a longitudinal cohort study exploring dementia-related risk factors. We used a modified version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire to explore PA performed and classify participants as meeting or not meeting the full guidelines or any component of the guidelines. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Despite performing 10 hr of weekly PA, only 11% of participants met the full guidelines. Older age, greater body mass index, needing assistance with instrumental daily activities, and heart disease were associated with decreased odds of meeting PA guidelines. These results can guide interventions that address PA among older adults.
Reconstruction of the Amazon Basin Effective Moisture Availability over the Past 14,000 Years
Authors: Maslin Mark A. , Burns Stephen J.
Published: October 2021

Quantifying the moisture history of the Amazon Basin is essential for understanding the cause of rain forest diversity and its potential as a methane source. We reconstructed the Amazon River outflow history for the past 14,000 years to provide a moisture budget for the river drainage basin. The oxygen isotopic composition of planktonic foraminifera recovered from a marine sediment core in a region of Amazon River discharge shows that the Amazon Basin was extremely dry during the Younger Dryas, with the discharge reduced by at least 40% as compared with that of today. After the Younger Dryas, a meltwater-driven discharge event was followed by a steady increase in the Amazon Basin effective moisture throughout the Holocene.
Culturing Patient Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Levine Bruce , Minger Stephen
Published: October 2021

Immunotherapy that uses autologous cells has recently shown increasing success. This procedure, however, requires the generation of sufficient, high-quality cells for infusion into patients. Functionally closed, automated, single use cell culture systems have significant advantages over the open, static systems that are commonly used. Keeping these systems small and efficient, while at the same time producing a sufficient number of cells is a challenge. Enabling high cell density culture is very important in order to minimize the total space required in a manufacturing or clinical development laboratory setting. However, achieving these high cell densities without compromising the quality of cells can be a challenge. This webinar will examine the conditions contributing to a healthy cell culture environment and explore ways to optimize high cell density culture.
Astrocyte Ca
2+
-evoked ATP release regulates myelinated axon excitability and conduction speed
Authors: Lezmy Jonathan , Arancibia-Cárcamo I. Lorena , Quintela-López Tania , Sherman Diane L. , Brophy Peter J. , Attwell David
Published: October 2021

Glia control white matter information flow

The myelinated axons of the white matter mediate rapid information transmission between the brain’s processing nodes. Axonal excitability and conduction speed are key determinants of neural circuit function, but it is largely unknown how they are regulated. Lezmy
et al
. examined the effects of adenosine on the functional properties of myelinated axons. They observed activity-dependent calcium rise in astrocyte processes, calcium-triggered ATP release from astrocytes, activation of adenosine receptors in the axon initial segment and the nodes of Ranvier, increased cyclic AMP concentration, activation of HCN2 channels, and depolarization of axons by 5 to 10 millivolts. This molecular pathway enabled astrocytes to increase the excitability of pyramidal neurons and to profoundly decrease the axonal conduction velocity. Astrocytes thus control signaling speed in myelinated axons. —PRS
The history and future of fire
The Pyrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire, and What Happens Next
Stephen J. Pyne
University of California Press, 2021. 192 pp.
Authors: Hannibal Mary Ellen
Published: October 2021

More prescribed burns and less fossil fuel combustion could help rebalance our relationship with fire
WHO gives first malaria vaccine the green light
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2021

Widespread distribution in Africa set to begin despite lingering questions about efficacy
Biden restores key monuments
Authors: Reese April
Published: October 2021

Move reinstates protections for fossil sites, marine zone
Gene expression profiles of brain endothelial cells during embryonic development at bulk and single-cell levels
Authors: Hupe Mike , Li Minerva Xueting , Kneitz Susanne , Davydova Daria , Yokota Chika , Kele Julianna , Hot Belma , Stenman Jan M. , Gessler Manfred
Published: October 2021

Gene expression profiling identifies transcription factors involved in maturation of the blood-brain barrier.
The acid-sensing ion channel ASIC1a mediates striatal synapse remodeling and procedural motor learning
Authors: Yu Zhe , Wu Yan-Jiao , Wang Yi-Zhi , Liu Di-Shi , Song Xing-Lei , Jiang Qin , Li Ying , Zhang Siyu , Xu Nan-Jie , Zhu Michael Xi , Li Wei-Guang , Xu Tian-Le
Published: October 2021

Motor learning and striatal neuronal function in mice are promoted by the acid-sensing channel ASIC1a.
Warmer water increases early body growth of northern pike (Esox lucius), but mortality has larger impact on decreasing body sizes
Authors: Berggren Terese , Bergström Ulf , Sundblad Göran , Östman Örjan
Published: October 2021

Large fish species often display truncated size distributions related to harvest. In addition, temperature, food availability and density dependence affect body growth and together with natural mortality influence population size structure. Here we study changes in body growth, size distributions and mortality in both harvested and nonharvested populations of northern pike (Esox lucius) over 50 years along the Baltic Sea coast and in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. For coastal pike, body growth has increased coincidentally with increasing water temperatures, yet in the last two decades there has been a decrease of larger individuals. In Lake Mälaren, in contrast, size distributions and body growth were stationary despite similar increases in water temperature. A dominance of slow-growing individuals in older age classes was evident in all studied populations, also in the no-take zone, suggesting other factors than fishing contribute to the mortality pattern. We propose that increasing temperatures have favoured body growth in coastal areas, but this has been counteracted by increased mortality, causing pike sizes to decline. To regain larger coastal pike, managers need to consider multiple measures that reduce mortality.
Evaluating the nitrification inhibition potential of selected botanicals and their non-target effects
Authors: Nawarathna Kumudu K.K. , Dandeniya Warshi S. , Dharmakeerthi Randombage S. , Weerasinghe Priyantha
Published: October 2021

Nitrification inhibitors (NI) are aimed at improving N-fertilizer use efficiency in cropping systems. This study aimed to assess the nitrification inhibition potential and non-target effects of dry leaf powders (botanicals) of 10 plant species (neem (Azadirachta indica), lantana (Lantana camara), karanda (Pongamia pinnata), Brachiaria (Brachiaria humidicola), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), wild-sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), mee (Madhuca longifolia), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and pepper (Piper nigram)). The effect of botanicals on the growth of three ammonia oxidizing bacteria isolates (M4, M5, and M7) and NO3− formation in soil were tested in laboratory experiments. In a pot-experiment, botanicals were applied with urea to assess their effect on vegetative-growth of tomato and capsicum. The non-target effects of botanicals on soil bacteria and fungi, and seed germination were assessed separately. Dicyandiamide (DCD) was used as the positive control in all experiments. Only the growth of M7 was significantly suppressed by all botanicals except neem, Brachiaria, and pepper. The highest shoot-biomass of tomato was obtained when urea was applied with pepper. Nitrate leaching from pots was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when urea was added with botanicals except for clove and wild-sunflower at basal-dressing. The abundance of culturable fungi and bacteria were not affected significantly by botanicals while seed germination was reduced significantly and consistently by clove only. From the 10 botanicals tested leaf powders of nutmeg, lantana, cinnamon, mee, and pepper were identified as materials with better potential to suppress nitrification with minimum non-target effects.
A New Privacy Protection Approach Based on K-Anonymity for Location-Based Cloud Services
Authors: Wang Tian , Xu Linli , Zhang Mingyue , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhang Gongxuan
Published: October 2021

With the rapid development of cloud computing and the popularization of mobile equipment, location-based cloud services (LBCS) are widely used, bringing great convenience to human industrial production and daily life. However, since LBCS is a location-based service, how to protect personal privacy when receiving the service is a matter of widespread concern for cloud users. To solve this problem, this paper introduces a new privacy protection method based on K-anonymity, which not only protects the cloud user’s query privacy as well as location privacy but also resolves the contradiction between privacy protection and service quality. From the simulation experimental results, we verify the effectiveness of our proposed method.
ENHANCING HIGH-TEMPERATURE OXIDATION RESISTANCE OF TITANIUM ALLOY WITH KF110-B4C-Ag THROUGH LASER TECHNOLOGY
Authors: ZHANG ZHAO , LI JIANING , YE ZHIYUN , JING CAINIAN , WANG MENG , LI TINGTING , SUN XIGUI
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the high-temperature oxidation resistant coating on the TA15 titanium alloy by laser cladding (LC) of the KF110-B4C-Ag mixed powders was analyzed in detail. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) images indicated that a good metallurgy bond between the fabricated coating/TA15 was formed; also the fine/compact microstructure was produced after a cladding process. The oxidation mass gain of TA15 was higher than that of the coating after LC process, which were 3.72 and 0.91[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], respectively, at 60[Formula: see text]h, greatly enhancing the high temperature oxidation resistance.
HOT WATER-REPELLENT SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACES WITH LONG-TERM STABILITY
Authors: CHOI JI SEONG , KANG SEONG MIN
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we fabricate and evaluate superhydrophobic surfaces with mushroom-shaped microstructures. Using a silicon master and polymer microstructure patterning, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces bearing mushroom-shaped structures with five different spacing ratios are prepared and tested with water droplets of different temperatures. The fabricated PDMS surfaces demonstrate superhydrophobicity even to high-temperature water droplets with decreased surface tension. We compare the experimental data with the theoretical results calculated based on the Cassie state and Eötvös rule. Our work suggests potential applications to control wettability with liquids of various temperatures.
THE EFFECT OF MANAGER ATTITUDE AND TEAM ATTITUDE ON EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT TO CHANGE: THE MODERATING ROLES OF POWER DISTANCE ORIENTATION AND GENDER COMPOSITION
Authors: CHIU HOLLY
Published: October 2021

Employee commitment to change is critical to the success of organisational change. This study draws upon social learning theory and examines the influence of both manager and team attitude toward change on employee commitment to change, with gender composition and power distance orientation as moderators. The sample comprised 291 employees and 38 managers from five Taiwanese companies that implemented knowledge management related technologies. The results showed that team attitude had a positive association with commitment to change. Power distance orientation negatively moderated the relationship between manager attitude and commitment to change, and it positively moderated the relationship between team attitude and commitment to change. There was also a three-way interaction among power distance orientation, gender composition, team attitude, and commitment to change.
Graphene Oxide Functionalized with Silver Nanoparticles and ZnO Synergic Nanocomposite as an Efficient Electrochemical Sensor for Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Naz Saira , Nisar Amjad , Qian Lizhi , Hussain Shafqat , Karim Shafqat , Hussain Syed Zahid , Liu Yanguo , Sun Hongyu , Ahmad Mashkoor
Published: October 2021

The development of a highly sensitive and selective electrocatalyst for the detection of diclofenac sodium (D.S.) has remained a great challenge. In this work, graphene oxide functionalized with silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide (Ag–ZnO–GO) electrocatalyst was developed and investigated for the detection of D.S. The Ag–ZnO–GO/glassy carbon electrode exhibits high sensitivity and fast response within 3[Formula: see text]s owing to the efficient oxidation of D.S. at a very low potential at 0.25[Formula: see text]V. Moreover, the electrode shows a low detection limit of 0.02[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text]) and long-term stability. To explore the synergic effects, the measurements of D.S. using GO, ZnO and ZnO–GO modified electrodes were also performed. The results demonstrate that the Ag–ZnO–GO nanocomposite electrode exhibits enhanced sensitivity and selectivity compared to the other electrodes. In addition, the electrode reveals excellent results for D.S. detection in the real samples as well. The enhanced performance of the proposed electrode is attributed to the improved electron transfer ability and synergic effects of the plasmonic Ag NPs and ZnO–GO structure. It is expected that Ag–ZnO–GO composite is a promising candidate for the construction of cost-effective electrochemical biosensors for medical and industrial applications.