bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two sample collection devices for anal cytology in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men: Cytology brush and Dacron swab
Authors: Silva‐Klug Ana C. , Saumoy Maria , Baixeras Nuria , Trenti Loris , Catala Isabel , Vidal August , Torres Montserrat , Alemany Laia , Videla Sebastián , De San Jose Silvia , Podzamczer Daniel
Published: May 2021

Objective

HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are a vulnerable group for anal cancer (AC), a cancer with a well‐described precursor lesion, which can be detected early in screening programs using anal liquid‐based cytology (aLBC). We aim to compare two aLBC sample collection devices: cytology brush (CB) and Dacron swab (DS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of two consecutive study periods, the first using CB and the second DS. Participants underwent an aLBC, a human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test and a high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA), and a biopsy was performed for suspicious lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of aLBC, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and concordance between cytology and HRA were assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.

Results

A total of 239 participants were enrolled (CB group, 120; DS group, 119). aLBC was benign in 46% of samples, and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) was detected in 11.7%. Prevalence of biopsy‐proven HSIL was 15.3%. No differences in cytological and histological results were observed between the groups. aLBC‐HRA concordance was weak for benign results (CB group, k = 0.309; DS group, k = 0.350) as well as for HSIL (k = 0.321 and 0.387, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 51.4%, respectively, in the CB group and 88% and 54.3% in the DS group (AUC = 0.711 and 0.759, respectively,P‐value = .514). Representation of the transformation zone (TZ) was adequate in 83.3% of samples in the CB group and 50.4% in the DS group (P‐value <.001).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that both devices had similar accuracy to detect anal HSIL, although samples collected with CB are more likely to have an adequate TZ representation, the presence of which could be an indicator of sample quality.
Cervical cytology in the detection of polymicrobial cervicitis
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini
Published: May 2021

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection are at an increased risk of acquiring multiple sexually transmitted diseases. Establishing a cytological diagnosis of multiple viral infections on cervical cytology may be challenging due to its relative rarity as well as a lack of familiarity with the characteristic cytological features. Herein, we describe the cytological features of dual human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus on a liquid‐based cytology cervical preparation.
Cefaleia em Salvas em Crianças e Adolescentes: Uma revisão sistemática de relatos de casos
Authors: Mesquita Araújo Nogueira Bastos Sarah Nilkece , Freire Barbosa Bárbara Louise , Silva Sângela Fernandes , Krymchantowski Ana Gabriela , Jevoux Carla , Krymchantowski Abouch , Silva‐Néto Raimundo Pereira
Published: May 2021

OBJETIVO

Descrever as características clínicas e as melhores opções terapêuticas para cefaleia em salvas na idade pediátrica.

MÉTODO

Com base em pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados médicos PubMed, LiLacs e WoS e usando descritores selecionados, analisamos todos os relatos de casos de cefaleia em salvas em idade pediátrica publicados de 1990 a 2020.

RESULTADOS

Cinquenta e um pacientes (29 meninos e 22 meninas) com idade média (DP) de 9 anos e 7 meses (3 anos e 10 meses), variando de 2 a 16 anos, foram diagnosticados com cefaleia em salvas. O diagnóstico médio (DP) foi feito 27,8 meses (26,2 meses) após o início da cefaleia em salvas. A dor ocorreu à noite ou ao despertar (76,5%), uma a três crises por dia (62,7%), com duração de 30‐120 minutos (68,6%), localizada unilateralmente (90,2%), de caráter pulsátil (64,7%) e intensidade severa (100%). Houve manifestações autonômicas (90,2%), predominantemente ipsilaterais à dor, nesta ordem: lacrimejamento, injeção conjuntival, congestão nasal, ptose, edema palpebral e rinorreia. Sumatriptano e inalação de oxigênio foram os tratamentos agudos mais eficazes. Na profilaxia, corticosteroides, verapamil e gabapentina foram os medicamentos mais eficazes.

INTERPRETAÇÃO

Devido ao pequeno número de estudos publicados, esta revisão não foi capaz de fornecer dados confiáveis, mas parece que a cefaleia em salvas em crianças e adolescentes é semelhante à do adulto, tanto nas características clínicas quanto no tratamento.

O que este artigo acrescenta

A cefaleia em salvas em idade pediátrica ainda é pouco estudada.

A cefaleia em salvas é incomum antes de 10 anos.

O diagnóstico é difícil nos primeiros anos de vida.

O tratamento é semelhante em adultos.

A eficácia do tratamento profilático é baseada apenas na experiência dos autores.
The retinopathy‐derived HbA1c threshold of 6.5% for type 2 diabetes also captures the risk of diabetic nephropathy in NHANES
Authors: Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E. , Hunt Steven C. , Kilpatrick Eric S.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To determine if an HbA1c diagnostic threshold of less than 6.5% (<48 mmol/mol) could be identified based on a urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 30 mg/g or higher in subjects not known to have diabetes.

Methods

A UACR was measured for 20 158 participants in the 2011‐2018 nationally representative cross‐sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES; cycles 7‐10 inclusive).

Results

There was a significant trend for an increasing risk with a UACR of 30 mg/g or higher across increasing HbA1c categories (P < .0001). This trend was mainly attributable to the high prevalence of raised UACR in the 7.0% or higher HbA1c subgroup of subjects not previously diagnosed with diabetes. None of the odds ratios in the lower HbA1c subgroups versus the HbA1c subgroup of less than 5.0% reached significance. There were racial/ethnic differences in UACR risk (P < .0001), with White and Black subjects exhibiting little increased risk (vs. HbA1c <5.0%) until they reached an HbA1c of 7.0%, while Asian and Hispanic subjects showed some increased, but non‐significant, risks at lower HbA1c levels. Maximizing the area under receiver operating characteristic curves from logistic regressions predicted an ideal HbA1c threshold of 5.8%, but there was little variation in area from 5.5% to 7.0%.

Conclusion

A clinically useful diagnostic threshold below 6.5% for HbA1c for elevated UACR risk was not identified, with an increased risk only obvious at an HbA1c of 7.0% or higher. Thus, the retinopathy‐derived HbA1c threshold of 6.5% also captures the risk of diabetic nephropathy in NHANES.
Theta and alpha power across fast and slow timescales in cognitive control
Authors: Huycke Pieter , Verbeke Pieter , Boehler C. Nico , Verguts Tom
Published: May 2021

Theta and alpha frequency neural oscillations are important for learning and cognitive control, but their exact role has remained obscure. In particular, it is unknown whether they operate at similar timescales, and whether they support different cognitive processes. We recorded EEG in 30 healthy human participants while they performed a learning task containing both novel (block‐unique) and repeating stimuli. We investigated behavior and electrophysiology at both fast (i.e., within blocks) and slow (i.e., between blocks) timescales. Behaviorally, both response time and accuracy improved (respectively decrease and increase) over both fast and slow timescales. However, on the spectral level, theta power significantly decreased along the slow timescale, whereas alpha power significantly increased along the fast timescale. We thus demonstrate that theta and alpha both play a role during learning, but operate at different timescales. This result poses important empirical constraints for theories on learning, cognitive control, and neural oscillations.
The pruritogenic role of the type 2 immune response in diseases associated with chronic itch
Authors: Ingrasci Giuseppe , Lipman Zoe M. , Hawash Ahmed A. , Girolomoni Giampiero , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: May 2021

While there is a vast array of aetiologies that may lead to chronic pruritus, recent data suggests that many of these conditions share similar interactions between keratinocytes, nerves, and the immune system. Specifically, the type 2 immune response, including Th2 T Cells and their related cytokines, has been noted to play a major role in the development of pruritus in a variety of itchy conditions. To date, atopic dermatitis is the most striking example of this pathogenesis. However, the body of literature supporting its role in many other itchy conditions, including other inflammatory, bullous, as well as systemic diseases, continues to grow. In addition, new treatments targeting this type 2 immune system continue to be developed and investigated. In the current review, we present the current body of literature supporting the role of the type 2 immune response in itchy conditions beyond atopic dermatitis as well as potential therapeutic options that target this pathway for chronic itch.
How I investigate dysgranulopoiesis
Authors: Shekhar Roshini , Srinivasan Vishrut K. , Pai Swati
Published: May 2021

Dysgranulopoiesis is a condition in which granulocytic production is defective and is most often described in neoplastic conditions. However, it can also be frequently seen in non‐neoplastic conditions. Early suspicion and detection of these non‐neoplastic causes may prevent further invasive and expensive interventions. In this review, we take a look at the various causes of dysgranulopoiesis with an emphasis on non‐neoplastic etiologies, followed by a detailed outline of the laboratory approach for determining its many causes.
Determination of microwave drying and rehydration kinetics of green peppers with the bioactive and textural properties
Authors: Darıcı Merve , Süfer Özge , Simsek Meric
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of microwaves on drying and rehydration kinetics of green pepper varieties (sweet, green, and bell) and the bioactive and textural properties of dried and rehydrated peppers. Drying was performed at 90, 180, and 90 + 180 W and dried peppers were rehydrated at 25, 50, and 70°C. The best drying fits were obtained using the equations of both Sigmoid and Hii et al. for drying, and two term exponential decay was the most appropriate model for rehydration. The lowest and highest final rehydration ratio values were obtained for the peppers dried at 180 and 90 W, respectively at each temperature and pepper variety. Among peppers, bell pepper showed the lowest color change (ΔE) and it was the most potent to recover initial color in rehydration. Peppers had softer texture in both drying and rehydration treatment. Total phenolic content of peppers was reduced around 56–65% compared to the fresh pepper by drying and this decrement was reached up to 87% in rehydrated peppers. Results showed that drying at 180 W and rehydration at 70°C provided faster drying and rehydration as well maintained the quality characteristics of green peppers.
TA allele of rs2070673 in the CYP2E1 gene is associated with lobular inflammation and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ma Hong‐Lei , Chen Sui‐Dan , Zheng Kenneth I , Yu Yue , Wang Xin‐Xin , Tang Liang‐Jie , Li Gang , Rios Rafael S , Huang Ou‐Yang , Zheng Xiao‐Yong , Xu Ren‐Ai , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Chen Yong‐Ping , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) plays a role in lipid metabolism, and by increasing hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation, the upregulation of CYP2E1 is involved in development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We aimed to explore the relationship between CYP2E1‐333A>T (rs2070673) and the histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

We studied 438 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD. NASH was defined as NAFLD Activity Score ≥ 5 with existence of steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. CYP2E1‐333A>T (rs2070673) was genotyped by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Serum cytokines related to inflammation were measured by the Bio‐plex 200 system to investigate possible mediating factors involved in the process.

Results

The TA genotype of rs2070673 had a higher prevalence of moderate/severe lobular inflammation (27.6% vs 20.3% vs 13.3%, P < 0.01) and NASH (55.7% vs 42.4% vs 40.5%, P < 0.01) compared with the AA and TT genotypes, respectively. In multivariable regression modeling, the heterozygote state TA was associated with moderate/severe lobular inflammation (adjusted odds ratio: 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.41–3.78, P < 0.01) or NASH (adjusted odds ratio: 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.22–2.69, P < 0.01), independently of age, sex, common metabolic risk factors, and presence of liver fibrosis. Compared with no‐NASH, NASH patients had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, interleukin‐18, and interferon‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10), whereas only IP‐10 was increased with the rs2070673 TA variant (P = 0.01). Mediation analysis showed that IP‐10 was responsible for ~60% of the association between the rs2070672 and NASH.

Conclusions

The TA allele of rs2070673 is strongly associated with lobular inflammation and NASH, and this effect appears to be largely mediated by serum IP‐10 levels.
The adenosine A2Areceptor alleviates postoperative delirium‐like behaviors by restoring blood cerebrospinal barrier permeability in rats
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhou Ying , Wang Jiayu , Li Ke , Zhang Zongze , Peng Mian
Published: May 2021

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common post‐operative complication in elderly patients that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the neuropathogenesis of this complication remains unknown. The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) and brain–blood barrier (BBB) are composed of tight junctions between cells that form physical barriers, and BBB damage plays an important role in the neuropathogenesis of POD. Nevertheless, the role of BCB in POD remains to be elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of adenosine A2Areceptor (A2AR), a key regulator of the permeability of barriers, on surgery‐induced increased permeability of BCB and POD‐like behaviors. Open field, buried food, and Y maze tests were used to evaluate behavioral changes in rats after surgery. Levels of tight junction proteins, adherens junction proteins, A2AR, GTP‐RhoA, and ROCK2 in the choroid plexus were assessed by western blotting. The concentrations of NaFI and FITC‐dextran in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the ultrastructure of the choroid plexus. Surgery/anesthesia decreased the levels of tight junction (e.g., ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin1) proteins, increased concentrations of NaFI and FITC‐dextran in CSF, damaged the ultrastructure of choroid plexus, and induced POD‐like behaviors in rats. An A2AR antagonist alleviated POD‐like behaviors in rats. Furthermore, the A2AR antagonist increased the levels of tight junction proteins and restored the permeability of BCB in rats with POD. Fasudil, a selective Rho‐associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor, ameliorated POD‐like behaviors induced by A2AR activation. Moreover, fasudil also abolished the increased levels of GTP‐RhoA/ROCK2, decreased levels of tight junction proteins, and increased permeability of BCB caused by A2AR activation. Our findings demonstrate that A2AR might participate in regulating BCB permeability in rats with POD via the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway, which suggests the potential of A2AR as a therapeutic target for POD.

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Gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure
Authors: Korpela H. , Järveläinen N. , Siimes S. , Lampela J. , Airaksinen J. , Valli K. , Turunen M. , Pajula J. , Nurro J. , Ylä‐Herttuala S.
Published: May 2021

Gene therapy has been expected to become a novel treatment method since the structure of DNA was discovered in 1953. The morbidity from cardiovascular diseases remains remarkable despite the improvement of percutaneous interventions and pharmacological treatment, underlining the need for novel therapeutics. Gene therapy‐mediated therapeutic angiogenesis could help those who have not gained sufficient symptom relief with traditional treatment methods. Especially patients with severe coronary artery disease and heart failure could benefit from gene therapy. Some clinical trials have reported improved myocardial perfusion and symptom relief in CAD patients, but few trials have come up with disappointing negative results. Translating preclinical success into clinical applications has encountered difficulties in successful transduction, study design, endpoint selection, and patient selection and recruitment. However, promising new methods for transducing the cells, such as retrograde delivery and cardiac‐specific AAV vectors, hold great promise for myocardial gene therapy. This review introduces gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure and discusses the current status and future developments in this field.
Assessing brain injury topographically using MR neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen Amalie , Wen Sijin , Lakhani Dhairya A. , Gao Si , Yoon Keejin , Smith Seth A. , Dortch Richard , Xu Junzhong , Bagnato Francesca
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

Axonal injury is a key player of disability in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Yet, detecting and measuring it in vivo is challenging. The neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) proposes a novel framework for probing axonal integrity in vivo. NODDI at 3.0 Tesla was used to quantify tissue damage in pwMS and its relationship with disease progression.

Methods

Eighteen pwMS (4 clinically isolated syndrome, 11 relapsing remitting, and 3 secondary progressive MS) and nine age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent a brain MRI, inclusive of clinical sequences and a multi‐shell diffusion acquisition. Parametric maps of axial diffusivity (AD), neurite density index (ndi), apparent isotropic volume fraction (ivf), and orientation dispersion index (odi) were fitted. Anatomically matched regions of interest were used to quantify AD and NODDI‐derived metrics and to assess the relations between these measures and those of disease progression.

Results

AD, ndi, ivf, and odi significantly differed between chronic black holes (cBHs) and T2‐lesions, and between the latter and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). All metrics except ivf significantly differed between NAWM located next to a cBH and that situated contra‐laterally. Only NAWM odi was significantly associated with T2‐lesion volume, the timed 25‐foot walk test and disease duration.

Conclusions

NODDI is sensitive to tissue injury but its relationship with clinical progression remains limited.
Beyond the AHI–pulse wave analysis during sleep for recognition of cardiovascular risk in sleep apnea patients
Authors: Strassberger Christian , Zou Ding , Penzel Thomas , Fietze Ingo , Hedner Jan , Ficker Joachim H. , Randerath Winfried , Sanner Bernd , Sommermeyer Dirk , Grote Ludger
Published: May 2021

Recent evidence supports the use of pulse wave analysis during sleep for assessing functional aspects of the cardiovascular system. The current study compared the influence of pulse wave and sleep study‐derived parameters on cardiovascular risk assessment. In a multi‐centric study design, 358 sleep apnea patients (age 55 ± 13 years, 64% male, body mass index 30 ± 6 kg m−2, apnea–hypopnea index 13 [5–26] events per hr) underwent a standard overnight sleep recording. A novel cardiac risk index was computed based on pulse wave signals derived from pulse oximetry, reflecting vascular stiffness, cardiac variability, vascular autonomic tone and nocturnal hypoxia. Cardiovascular risk was determined using the ESC/ESH cardiovascular risk matrix, and categorized to high/low added cardiovascular risk. Comparisons between cardiac risk index and sleep parameters were performed for cardiovascular risk prediction. Apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and cardiac risk index were associated with high cardiovascular risk after adjustment for confounders (p = .002, .001, < .001, respectively). In a nested reference model consisting of age, gender and body mass index, adding cardiac risk index but not apnea–hypopnea index or oxygen desaturation index significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (p = .012, .22 and .16, respectively). In a direct comparison of oxygen desaturation index and cardiac risk index, only the novel risk index had an independent effect on cardiovascular risk prediction (pCRI < .001, pODI = .71). These results emphasize the association between nocturnal pulse wave and overall cardiovascular risk determined by an established risk matrix. Thus, pulse wave analysis during sleep provides a powerful approach for cardiovascular risk assessment in addition to conventional sleep study parameters.
Machine learning from clinical data sets of a contemporary decision for orthodontic tooth extraction
Authors: Etemad Lily , Wu Tai‐Hsien , Heiner Parker , Liu Jie , Lee Sanghee , Chao Wei‐Lun , Zaytoun Mary Lanier , Guez Camille , Lin Feng‐Chang , Jackson Christina Bonebreak , Ko Ching‐Chang
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine the robustness of the published machine learning models in the prediction of extraction vs non‐extraction for a diverse US sample population seen by multiple providers.

Setting and Sample Population

Diverse group of 838 patients (208 extraction, 630 non‐extraction) were consecutively enrolled.

Materials and Methods

Two sets of input features (117 and 22) including clinical and cephalometric variables were identified based on previous studies. Random forest (RF) and multilayer perception (MLP) models were trained using these feature sets on the sample population and evaluated using measures including accuracy (ACC) and balanced accuracy (BA). A technique to identify incongruent data was used to explore underlying characteristics of the data set and split all samples into 2 groups (G1 and G2) for further model training.

Results

Performance of the models (75%‐79% ACC and 72%‐76% BA) on the total sample population was lower than in previous research. Models were retrained and evaluated using G1 and G2 separately, and individual group MLP models yielded improved accuracy for G1 (96% ACC and 94% BA) and G2 (88% ACC and 85% BA). RF feature ranking showed differences between top features for G1 (maxillary crowding, mandibular crowding and L1‐NB) and G2 (age, mandibular crowding and lower lip to E‐plane).

Conclusions

An incongruent data pattern exists in a consecutively enrolled patient population. Future work with incongruent data segregation and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms is needed to improve the generalization ability to make it ready to support clinical decision‐making.
The RagA and RagB proteins of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Potempa Jan , Madej Mariusz , Scott David A.
Published: May 2021

RagA and RagB proteins are major components of the outer membrane of the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and, while recently suggested to represent a novel peptide uptake system, their full function is still under investigation. Herein, we (a) discuss the evidence that the rag locus contributes to P. gingivalis virulence; (b) provide insight to Rag protein potential biological function in macromolecular transport and other aspects of bacterial physiology; (c) address the host response to Rag proteins which are immunodominant and immunomodulatory; and (d) review the potential of Rag‐focused therapeutic strategies for the control of periodontal diseases.
Association between marital status and cognitive function in Japan: results from the Toyama Dementia Survey
Authors: Nakahori Nobue , Sekine Michikazu , Yamada Masaaki , Tatsuse Takashi , Kido Hideki , Suzuki Michio
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aims to clarify the association between marital status and dementia in Japan, adjusting for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and lifestyle‐related disease factors.

Methods

Data from the Japanese Toyama Dementia Survey were used. Individuals aged ≥65 years living in Toyama Prefecture were randomly selected, and 1171 participants were analysed, with a sampling rate of 0.5%. The participants' marital status, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and lifestyle‐related diseases were assessed. The odds ratio (OR) of marital status for each lifestyle factor and medical histories were calculated by logistic regression analysis. The OR of marital status for dementia was also calculated by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of dementia was 7.4% for married, and 20.6% for non‐married participants. Non‐married participants showed a higher prevalence of a history of stroke than married participants. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted OR of marital status for dementia was 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–3.18) for non‐married compared with married participants. Following variable adjustments, the OR for dementia was higher for non‐married participants (adjusted OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.03–2.85).

Conclusions

Non‐marital status was an independent risk factor for dementia in Japan even after adjusting for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and lifestyle‐related disease factors. Non‐married people were more likely to have dementia because of their history of stroke.
Awareness of sleepiness: Temporal dynamics of subjective and objective sleepiness
Authors: Manousakis Jessica E. , Mann Nikita , Jeppe Katherine J. , Anderson Clare
Published: May 2021

We systematically examined the temporal relationships between subjective sleepiness and both physiological drowsiness and performance impairment in a controlled laboratory setting. Eighteen healthy young adults (8 women;MAGE = 21.44 ± 3.24 years) underwent 40 hr of extended wakefulness, completing a bihourly Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and 10‐min Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Microsleeps and slow eye movements (SEMs) were scored during the PVT. KSS scores increased 3 hr prior to performance impairment (p < .001) and 4–6 hr prior to physiological sleepiness (p < .001). There were strong within‐subject correlations between KSS and PVT lapses (r = 0.75,p < .001) and physiological drowsiness (r > 0.60,p < .001). Between‐subjects product‐moment correlations were more modest but showed a significant positive increase across time awake, suggesting that subjective sleepiness and objective outcomes were more tightly correlated after sleep loss. Cross‐correlations showed significant positive correlations at 0‐lag (p < .034); however, a high proportion of participants showed maximal correlations at positive lags, suggesting KSS was associated with future objective impairment. Within individuals, subjective sleepiness was highly correlated with objective impairment, between‐subject correlations were more modest, possibly due to interindividual vulnerability to sleep loss. These results suggest that subjective sleepiness represents an inbuilt early warning system for subsequent drowsiness and performance impairment.
Adiponectin’s roles in lipid and glucose metabolism modulation in fish: Mechanisms and perspectives
Authors: Ji Renlei , Xu Xiang , Turchini Giovanni M. , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: May 2021

Glucose and lipid metabolisms are central in determining the growth and the health status of cultured fish and thus are of pivotal interest for modern aquaculture. Adiponectin is a fat‐derived hormone that plays a vital role in glucose and lipid homeostasis. While abundant knowledge is available on adiponectin in mammals, less is known in fish, though it has been documented that adiponectin is certainly important in the modulation of teleosts’ lipid and glucose metabolism too. Adiponectin exerts its metabolic effects via two receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, which then, in a tissue‐dependent manner, initiate a series of signal transduction events, eventually resulting in increased glucose utilization and fatty acid β‐oxidation. In teleosts, adiponectin and its receptors genes were first identified in zebrafish in 2008, and since then, increasing numbers of adiponectin and its receptors have been cloned in a variety of cultured fish species. This review attempts to provide the first, thorough overview of the discovery and identification of adiponectin, its receptors and their expression, regulation and signal transduction in fish. Then, the potential effects and mechanisms of adiponectin on energy (lipid and glucose) homeostasis are described, before concluding on possible therapeutic approaches to enhance adiponectin actions. It is envisaged that the present work will contribute, first, to knowledge gain in the evolution of energy homeostasis in vertebrates, and then, to provide a much‐needed additional theoretical fundament for a healthier and further performance‐improved aquaculture.
Squared eigenfunction symmetry of the DmKP hierarchy and its constraint
Authors: Chen Kui , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Da‐jun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, squared eigenfunction symmetry of the differential‐difference modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (DmKP) hierarchy and its constraint are considered. Under the constraint, the Lax triplets of the DmKP hierarchy, together with their adjoint forms, give rise to the positive relativistic Toda (R‐Toda) hierarchy. An invertible transformation is given to connect the positive and negative R‐Toda hierarchies. The positive R‐Toda hierarchy is reduced to the differential‐difference Burgers hierarchy. We also consider another DmKP hierarchy and show that its squared eigenfunction symmetry constraint gives rise to the Volterra hierarchy. In addition, we revisit the Ragnisco–Tu hierarchy which is a squared eigenfunction symmetry constraint of the differential‐difference Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (DKP) system. It was thought the Ragnisco–Tu hierarchy did not exist one‐field reduction, but here we find a one‐field reduction to reduce the hierarchy to the Volterra hierarchy. Besides, the differential‐difference Burgers hierarchy is also investigated in the Appendix. A multidimensionally consistent three‐point discrete Burgers equation is given.
COVID‐19 and Motivated Reasoning: The Influence of Knowledge on COVID‐Related Policy and Health Behavior
Authors: Sylvester Steven M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The spread of misinformation about COVID‐19 severely influences the governments' ability to address the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study explores the predictors of accurate beliefs about COVID‐19 and its influence on COVID‐related policy and behavior.

Methods

Data from an original survey collected by Lucid in July 2020 are used. Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) is used to predict accurate beliefs about COVID‐19. Ordered logistic regression models are estimated to examine the relationship between COVID‐19 knowledge, policy preferences, and health behavior intentions.

Results

Ideology and education were found to have a positive effect on knowledge about COVID‐19. Moreover, low levels of knowledge about COVID‐19 were found to reduce support for mandatory vaccination policy and willingness to get a coronavirus vaccine when available.

Conclusion

These findings will help policymakers develop communication strategies for the public on the coronavirus vaccination.
Rational Suspension
Authors: Zinke Alexandra
Published: May 2021

The article argues that there are different ways of justifying suspension of judgement. We suspend judgement not only privatively, that is, because we lack evidence, but also positively, that is, because there is evidence that provides reasons for suspending judgement: suspension is more than the rational fallback position in cases of insufficient evidence. The article applies the distinction to recent discussions about the role of suspension for inquiry, Turri's puzzle about withholding, and formal representations of suspension.
The frequency of feline AB blood types and the risk of incompatibility reactions in Bangkok, Thailand, and vicinities
Authors: Sangkaew Teerawee , Pengpis Siwaporn , Ritthikulprasert Sukullaya
Published: May 2021

Background

Mismatched blood transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) are life‐threatening conditions in cats. The distribution of feline blood types, which varies geographically, can estimate the risks of mismatched transfusion reactions and NI due to random mating.

Objectives

The objectives were to determine the frequency of feline AB blood types in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding vicinities and calculate the risks of transfusion reactions and NI in domestic shorthair (DSH) cats.

Methods

A standard tube method was performed to analyze the A/B antigen on erythrocytes. Reverse typing was performed to confirm blood types B and AB.

Results

Domestic shorthair (n = 229) and purebred (n = 91) cats were prospectively recruited from 39 districts in Bangkok and 11 districts in four nearby provinces. Overall, 97.5% and 2.5% of the cats were type A and type B, respectively. No cats were type AB. All DSH cats were type A. Type B blood was found in 17.1% of Persian and 4% of Scottish Fold cats. Due to the blood type frequencies in DSH cats, the potential risk of major transfusion reactions, minor transfusion reactions, or NI was 0%.

Conclusions

This is a large study of feline blood types in Bangkok and vicinities. Type A blood was predominant in DSH cats and associated with a minimal risk for mismatched transfusion reactions and NI. Blood types A and B were found in Persian and Scottish Fold cats. Blood typing is mandatory for blood transfusion procedures and breeding purposes in cat populations.
Preventive use of a topical anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid in atopic dogs without clinical sign of otitis does not affect ear canal microbiota and mycobiota
Authors: Léonard Caroline , Taminiau Bernard , Ngo Jérome , Fantini Oscar , Daube Georges , Fontaine Jacques
Published: May 2021

Background

Otitis externa is associated with a lack of bacterial/fungal diversity in atopic dermatitis. Clinical experience has shown that use of topical corticosteroids in the ear canal (EC) can prevent otitis. No data are available on the impact of this treatment on the EC microbiota.

Hypothesis/objectives

To observe the bacterial/fungal diversity in the EC and the clinical effect of topical corticosteroids administered over a four week period in atopic dogs without active otitis.

Animals

Ten atopic dogs without active otitis.

Methods and materials

Mometasone was applied in the right EC, while the left was used as control. A clinical and cytological evaluation of the EC was performed. Swabs of each EC were analysed using next‐generation sequencing methods.

Results

At the beginning of the trial, variations in microbiota and mycobiota were observed between dogs and also within individuals. Statistically, no significant difference was observed in alpha and beta diversity between the treated and the untreated group over time. Clinically, right and left EC diversities were no different at Day (D)28 (P = 0.28). A significant difference was noted between D0 and D28 for the treated ears (P = 0.012) and not for the untreated ears (P = 0.63). No cytological evidence of microbes was found for treated ECs at D28.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These data suggest that the use of topical corticosteroids as proactive treatment is unlikely to increase the risk of secondary microbial overgrowth. The positive clinical effect of this proactive treatment seems to be supported through cytological and otoscopic improvement.
Core Evidence‐Based Practice Competencies and Learning Outcomes for European Nurses: Consensus Statements
Authors: Dolezel Jakub , Zelenikova Renata , Finotto Stefano , Mecugni Daniela , Patelarou Athina , Panczyk Mariusz , Ruzafa‐Martínez Maria , Ramos‐Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Skela‐Savič Brigita , Gotlib Joanna , Patelarou Evridiki , Smodiš Marta , Jarosova Darja
Published: May 2021

Background

Consensus on evidence‐based practice (EBP) competencies and associated learning outcomes for registered nurses has not yet been achieved in the European context.

Aims

To establish a set of core EBP competencies for nurses and the most important EBP learning outcomes encompassing attitudes, knowledge, and skills dimensions for implementation into nursing education in European countries.

Methods

A multi‐phase modified Delphi survey was conducted: Phase 1, a literature review; Phase 2, a two‐round consensus of experts; and Phase 3, a Delphi survey. Experts from six European countries participated.

Results

In Phase 1, 88 records were selected and 835 statements extracted, which were grouped according to the seven steps of EBP. After removing 157 duplicates, the remaining competencies (n = 678) were evaluated in Phase 2. Then, a two‐round expert consensus was reached, with 24 competencies and 120 learning outcomes identified and divided into affective, cognitive, and skills domains. In Phase 3, based on a Delphi survey expert consensus, all evaluated statements were included in a final set of competencies and learning outcomes. Only two learning outcomes were recommended for allocation to a different domain, and four were reformulated as suggested, with no further changes to the others.

Linking Evidence to Action

The set of EBP competencies and learning outcomes can guide nurse educators, managers, and EBP stakeholders in the development of content that incorporates EBP knowledge, skills, and attitudes into educational programs. Prioritizing the EBP competencies and learning outcomes that are most necessary and adapting them to every context will provide healthcare organizations with guidelines for enhancing the continuing education of nurses. These results could facilitate the development of effective tools for assessing nursing students’ and nurses’ perception of competencies required for EBP processes.
Software Requirements Negotiation: A Review on Challenges
Authors: Abdullahi Shamsu , Ahmed Zayyad Musa , Yusuf Naziru , Bagiwa Lawal Idris , Nura Amina , Zakari Abubakar , Dansambo Babangida
Published: May 2021

Requirements negotiation involves discussion on the requirements conflict to have some compromise that will satisfy the participating stakeholders of a software project. The output of a requirement negotiation is a set of satisfied requirements of two or more parties. In this paper, we present a systematic review of requirements negotiation challenges. The study adopted 34 papers from the final study selection process which were analyzed based on the requirements negotiation challenges they addressed. The identified challenges are decision-making, communication, performance, managing requirement changes, and conflict resolution. The output of the study indicates that decision-making is addressed by 33% of the studies reviewed, followed by the performance with 22%, conflict resolution  with 19%, while 16% focus on stakeholders’ communication, and managing requirements changes has 10%.
Design Principle for Public Transportation Infographic
Authors: Shahbazi Milad , Megat Mohd. Zainuddin Norziha , Yusoff Rasimah , Wong Hooi Ten Doris , Wan Hassan Wan Azlan
Published: May 2021

Infographics is a visual representation of data. Today, people learn faster and remember things more efficiently and effectively through the use of text and visuals than using the conventional textual method alone. Infographics can be used in visualization to enhance data interpretation and knowledge discovery. Many businesses use infographic elements that are hard to digest and understand. Visualization can be insufficient or ineffective, thus messages can be transferred well or they can be wrongly transferred.  Businesses with lack of graphical representation skills usually meet with this kind of challenge. Preliminary study has found that transportation companies may not follow any design principle to design infographics. This can cause data to be poorly defined with uninteresting graphics which eventually do not trigger target audiences’ interest or unable to engage them. Besides, this process can affect the businesses’ revenues and customers’ satisfaction. A qualitative method was applied in this study. A design principle for public transportation infographic was developed based on three main principles which were Gestalt theory, components of infographics and components of public transportation. Gestalt theory introduces the theory of similarity, figure-ground, proximity, common region, focal point, closure, and continuity. Components of infographic include visual element, content element, and knowledge. Components of public transportation are unit of carriage, transportation terminals, travel directions and durations, safety, accessibility, reliability, and fares. A qualitative methodology was applied to evaluate the proposed principles. Five experts in infographics and visualization were assigned to evaluate the reliability of both the questionnaire and the infographic design principles. Findings from the expert’s review show the content validity index 0.95 for questionnaire and 0.89 for the design principle Infographic. Therefore, the result is acceptable. It is hoped that the developed design principle in public transportation will give good impacts in developing and enhancing infographics.
Conditioning factors for the learning and design of removable partial dentures at the UAC-Cusco
Authors: Niño de Guzmán Zamalloa Juan Pablo
Published: May 2021

Background: The conditioning factors of learning, important in the level of teaching, training, evaluation of the removable partial prosthesis design (RPP) and in the methodology; reflect self-perceived difficulties in the level of knowledge of removable prosthesis design, impairing the skill and experience of the undergraduate student. Purpose: To determine the relationship between the conditioning factors of learning and the design of RPP. Method: It was a scientific, descriptive, comparative; sampling, not probabilistic, by quotas of voluntary subjects; with a 95 % confidence, of mixed students, a universe of 56 students, and a studied population of 24.35 %; the conditioning factors of learning and the ability to design a removable prosthesis were measured in data collection sheets, using a questionnaire, together with the knowledge test for Kennedy classification; an examiner was in charge of the evaluation; the qualifications of the designs were subject to the guide of qualification criteria of Loza; with ratings (adequate, fair and poor) for Classes I, II, III and IV and for the type of analysis, descriptive statistics were used. Results: For the variable factors conditioning learning; the level of education was 66.1 % deficient, 28.6 % regular and 5.4 % adequate; for the variable removable prosthesis design; 67.9 % were deficient, 25 % fair and 7.1 % adequate. Conclusion: There is a very high relationship between the conditioning factors of learning and the design of RPP.
Determinantes sociales de la salud, microbioma oral y sus implicaciones prácticas en ámbitos escolares
Authors: Sarralde Delgado Ana Lucía , Lamby Tovar Claudia Patricia , Gamboa Jaimes Fredy Omar , García Robayo Dabeiba Adriana , Plazas Leandro Augusto
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: La implementación, desarrollo y puesta a punto de procesos educativos en salud oral en espacios escolares, como estrategia fundamental de la promoción de la salud, es considerada una herramienta efectiva para el desarrollo de prácticas protectoras en salud oral. Objetivo: El presente artículo, producto del análisis de las experiencias e investigaciones de los autores en las áreas de odontología social comunitaria, busca aportar en la discusión y reflexión sobre la promoción de la salud y su eje estratégico de la educación en la salud oral en el ámbito escolar, desde el enfoque de los determinantes sociales de la salud. Métodos: Con este fin se hace una revisión de literatura sobre los determinantes sociales y su relación con la salud en general y oral, educación y la economía en el contexto del ámbito escolar de niños de educación básica, revisando experiencias nacionales e internacionales. Resultados y conclusiones: El entorno escolar es un espacio dinámico en el que confluyen diversos actores educativos inmersos en un contexto macroeconómico. Es además un escenario relevante para el desarrollo de prácticas protectoras de la salud, en el que es imperativo acercarse al entorno social, cultural, político, ambiental y económico de la comunidad escolar que permita implementar programas de promoción de la salud oral. La implementación de estrategias en salud oral en programas de promoción de la salud debe hacer parte del currículo escolar, para lo cual es importante establecer una alianza entre la academia y las instituciones educativas a través de los profesionales de la salud y la comunidad escolar en general, teniendo en cuenta los determinantes sociales de la salud.
Knowledge and Uses of Information and Communication Technologies in Dental Teaching
Authors: Echeverri Junca Luz Helena , Ortiz Portocarrero Alier
Published: May 2021

Background: Information and communication technologies (ICT) have transformed teaching-learning processes in dental education. Professors are required to know and use them appropriately. Purpose: To identify the level of knowledge of ICT that professors at a dental school have and describe their academic uses. Methods: A mixed research method was used with an explanatory sequential design (quantitative-qualitative). A previously validated questionnaire was applied to 68 professors to measure their knowledge and uses of ICT. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 of them to obtain more relevant perceptions. In the quantitative phase, descriptive statistics and multivariate analyzes were used, while the qualitative information was systematically arranged in content categories. Results: 63.2 % of professors reached a basic level of ICT knowledge. Only a statistically significant relationship was found between the level of ICT knowledge and age, since professors under the age of 50 presented better results. Although 66.2 % say they use ICTs more than twice a week in their academic work, their use is limited to recording attendance and grades in the institutional platform, preparing and presenting contents in the learning sessions, looking for scientific information, and communicate with students. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to improve faculty training and to promote educational policies that favor the effective incorporation of ICT in higher education.
Síndrome de Cri du Chat: consideraciones en odontología. Revisión sistemática
Authors: Viteri Rentería Aura Alejandra , Armas Vega Ana del Carmen , Carrera Robalino Álex Esteban , Paltas Miranda Adriana Patricia , Paltas Miranda Mayra Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: el síndrome de Cri du Chat (SCdC) es un desorden genético de baja prevalencia. Es importante que odontólogo clínico conozca sus características craneofaciales y estomatológicas, al igual que las consideraciones para un buen manejo de estos pacientes en la consulta. Objetivo: identificar los avances recientes en el diagnóstico y manejo de pacientes con SCdC. Métodos: en esta revisión sistemática se efectuaron búsquedas en las bases de PubMed, SciELO, LiLACS y TripDatabase. Los términos de búsqueda fueron “Cri du Chat” y “síndrome del maullido del gato y odontología”, entre 2003 y 2018. Se obtuvieron y analizaron 25 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: se confirmó la baja frecuencia de aparición del síndrome. Se identificaron características craneofaciales y orales representativas asociadas a micrognatismo y retrognatismo que alteran la apariencia facial del paciente. Alteraciones como el apiñamiento dental, la maloclusión y la enfermedad periodontal asociada se  podrán corregir y controlar con higiene bucodental y guía nutricional adecuadas al paciente y sus padres. Conclusiones: el SCdC es poco frecuente. Sus características patognomónicas se presentan en la niñez y la adolescencia, por lo que requieren mayor atención. La detección temprana permite plantear un tratamiento adecuado para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.