bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association patterns of swollen‐thorn acacias with three ant species and other organisms in a dry forest of Panama
Authors: Amador‐Vargas Sabrina , Orribarra Vivian Sara , Portugal‐Loayza Ana , Fernández‐Marín Hermógenes
Published: January 2021

Ants in obligate defense mutualisms with plants protect them against potentially damaging organisms. In the swollen‐thorn acacias, organisms linked to the plant inform about the interaction between the tree and the resident ant colony. Some organisms coexist with the aggressive mutualistic ants: specialized herbivores and organisms using the enemy‐free space. Conversely, trees inhabited by non‐defending ants usually hold a greater load of generalist herbivores and are avoided by organisms looking for the ant protection. We aimed to elucidate the association type between swollen‐thorn acacias (Vachellia collinsii) and the almost unstudiedPseudomyrmex simulansants from Panama. We compared the presence of non‐ant organisms on trees inhabited byP. simulans, a well‐known mutualist (P. spinicola) and a facultative parasite (non‐defending ants;Crematogaster crinosa). We recorded non‐ant organisms (e.g., stem galls, acacia true bugs, spiders) that nest, lay eggs, or live on the trees. Except for stem galls, all other non‐ant organisms were mostly or exclusively found on trees with the mutualists, which is also the most common resident ant.P. simulansis less able to deter galling midges (Cecidomyiidae) thanC. crinosaand even less thanP. spinicola, because trees withP. simulanswere more likely to have galls and in greater densities than onC. crinosa‐trees,and even more than onP. spinicola‐inhabited trees. The mechanism by which the Cecidomyiids occur in greater proportion on trees withP. simulansandC. crinosais still unknown, but the pattern indicates an herbivory specialization or a potentially obligate weaker defender of the swollen‐thorn acacias.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
The efficacy of a personalised treatment depending on the characteristics of reflux at multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring in patients with acid, non‐acid and mixed laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Bobin Francois , Muls Vinciane , Mouawad Francois , Dequanter Didier , Horoi Mihaela , Thill Marie‐Paule , Rodriguez Ruiz Alexandra , Saussez Sven
Published: January 2021

Objective

To assess the evolution of symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients according to the type of reflux (acid, non‐acid, mixed and gastro‐oesophageal (GERD)).

Design

Prospective uncontrolled multicentre study.

Methods

One hundred and six patients with LPR have been recruited from 3 European Hospitals. According to the reflux characteristics at the impedance‐pH monitoring (acid, non‐acid, mixed, GERD), patients received a personalised treatment based on the association of diet, pantoprazole, alginate or magaldrate for 3 months. Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post‐treatment. Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) has been used to rate laryngeal and extra‐laryngeal findings at baseline and 12 weeks post‐treatment. Overall success rate and the evolution of symptoms and findings were evaluated according to the LPR types.

Results

One hundred and two LPR patients (42 acid, 33 non‐acid, 27 mixed, including 49 with LPR and GERD) completed the study. RSS and RSA total scores significantly improved from baseline to post‐treatment time in acid, mixed and non‐acid groups. The presence of GERD in addition to LPR did not impact the clinical improvement. The 3‐month success rates of treatment ranged from 62% to 64%, and there were no significant differences between groups. The success rate of patients with non‐acid LPR was similar to those of patients with mixed and acid LPR.

Conclusion

MII‐pH is useful to specify the type of LPR and the related most adequate therapeutic regimen. Non‐acid or mixed LPR similarly respond to treatment than acid LPR but require a treatment based on alginate or magaldrate covering the non‐acid proximal reflux events.
Long‐term outcomes of children with drug‐resistant epilepsy across multiple cognitive domains
Authors: Puka Klajdi , Smith Mary Lou
Published: January 2021

Aim

To simultaneously evaluate long‐term outcomes of children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) across multiple cognitive domains and compare the characteristics of participants sharing a similar cognitive profile.

Method

Participants were adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with DRE in childhood, who completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery evaluating intelligence, memory, academic, and language skills at the time of surgical candidacy evaluation and at long‐term follow‐up (4–11y later). Hierarchical k‐means clustering identified subgroups of AYAs showing a unique pattern of cognitive functioning in the long‐term.

Results

Participants (n=93; mean age 20y 1mo [standard deviation {SD} 4y 6mo]; 36% male) were followed for 7 years (SD 2y 4mo), of whom 65% had undergone resective epilepsy surgery. Two subgroups with unique patterns of cognitive functioning were identified, which could be broadly categorized as ‘impaired cognition’ (45% of the sample) and ‘average cognition’ (55% of the sample); the mean z‐score across cognitive measures at follow‐up was −1.86 (SD 0.62) and −0.23 (SD 0.54) respectively. Surgical and non‐surgical patients were similar with respect to seizure control and their long‐term cognitive profile. AYAs in the average cognition cluster were more likely to have better cognition at baseline, an older age at epilepsy onset, and better seizure control at follow‐up.

Interpretation

The underlying abnormal neural substrate and seizure control were largely associated with long‐term outcomes across cognitive domains.

What this paper adds

Subgroups of adolescents and young adults that shared a similar pattern of cognitive functioning were identified.

Long‐term cognitive profiles were similar for surgical and non‐surgical patients.

Cognitive profiles were associated with baseline cognition, age at epilepsy onset, and seizure control.
Impact of polyvascular disease with and without co‐existent kidney dysfunction on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes: A post hoc analysis of EMPA‐REG OUTCOME
Authors: Verma Subodh , Mazer C. David , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Wanner Christoph , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Johansen Odd Erik , Zwiener Isabella , George Jyothis T. , Butler Javed , Zinman Bernard
Published: January 2021

Aim

To determine the relationship between polyvascular disease and risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and cardiovascular (CV) death in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME population, and the relationship of kidney dysfunction co‐existent with polyvascular disease on CV/heart failure (HF) outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic CV (ASCVD) received empagliflozin 10, 25 mg or placebo. Post hoc, subgroups were analyzed by one versus two or more vascular beds, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate ([eGFR] < vs. ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at baseline. The empagliflozin arms were pooled. Time to CV death, HHF, CV death (excluding fatal stroke) or HHF, all‐cause mortality (ACM) and 3‐point major adverse CV events (3P‐MACE) were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

Baseline characteristics (N = 6959) within subgroups were balanced between treatment groups. In the placebo group, two or more versus one vascular bed increased HHF risk (1.59 [95% confidence interval 1.02, 2.49]), CV death (2.17 [1.52, 3.09]), CV death/HHF (1.79 [1.32, 2.43]), ACM (1.95 [1.44, 2.64]) and 3P‐MACE (1.76 [1.36, 2.27]). Hazard ratios for those with polyvascular disease/kidney dysfunction (vs. 1 vascular bed/eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were HHF 2.80 (1.46, 5.36), CV death 3.10 (1.87, 5.13), CV death/HHF 2.71 (1.74, 4.23), ACM 2.59 (1.67, 4.02) and 3P‐MACE 2.62 (1.82, 3.77). Empagliflozin reduced the risk of all outcomes across subgroups.

Conclusions

Polyvascular disease with/without kidney dysfunction markedly increases the risk of HF/CV events. Empagliflozin consistently reduces risk, regardless of vascular bed and kidney function status.
Effects of pro‐depressant and immunomodulatory drugs on biases in decision‐making in the rat judgement bias task
Authors: Hales Claire A. , Bartlett Julia M. , Arban Roberto , Hengerer Bastian , Robinson Emma S.
Published: January 2021

Studies in human and non‐human species suggest that decision‐making behaviour can be biased by an affective state, also termed an affective bias. To study these behaviours in non‐human species, judgement bias tasks (JBT) have been developed. Animals are trained to associate specific cues (tones) with a positive or negative/less positive outcome. Animals are then presented with intermediate ambiguous cues and affective biases quantified by observing whether animals make more optimistic or more pessimistic choices. Here we use a high versus low reward JBT and test whether pharmacologically distinct compounds, which induce negative biases in learning and memory, have similar effects on decision‐making: tetrabenazine (0.0–1.0 mg/kg), retinoic acid (0.0–10.0 mg/kg), and rimonabant (0.0–10.0 mg/kg). We also tested immunomodulatory compounds: interferon‐α (0–100 units/kg), lipopolysaccharide (0.0–10.0 μg/kg), and corticosterone (0.0–10.0 mg/kg). We observed no specific effects in the JBT with any acute treatment except corticosterone which induced a negative bias. We have previously observed a similar lack of effect with acute but not chronic psychosocial stress and so next tested decision‐making behaviour following chronic interferon‐alpha. Animals developed a negative bias which was sustained even after treatment was ended. These data suggest that decision‐making behaviour in the task is sensitive to chronic but not acute effects of most pro‐depressant drugs or immunomodulators, but the exogenous administration of acute corticosterone induces pessimistic behaviour. This work supports our hypothesis that biases in decision‐making develop over a different temporal scale to those seen with learning and memory which may be relevant in the development and perpetuation of mood disorders.
Competency Management in Bureaucratic Organizations: Evidence from the Polish Public Administration
Authors: Strużyna Janusz , Marzec Izabela , Bozionelos Nikos
Published: January 2021

Contemporary views of adapting competency management in the public sector emphasize its role as an important factor in the success of public organizations. At the same time, in many countries, unpredictable changes in the institutions, legislation, and rules of government result in the political uncertainty, influencing the conditions for applying competency management in public organizations. However, there has been little research into competency management in these organizations under conditions of political uncertainty. The aim of this study was to explore the practice of competency management in public administration under conditions of political uncertainty. Analysis of semi‐structured interviews conducted in public administration organizations revealed a hidden mechanism that leads to erosion of competency management. The findings reinforce the need for a deeper study of the reasons for failures in the implementation of competency management and also of the impact of situational factors and organizational characteristics on its practice in public organizations.
Indirect caries‐preventive effect of silver diamine fluoride on adjacent dental substrate: A single‐section demineralization study
Authors: Romero Maria Jacinta Rosario H. , Lippert Frank
Published: January 2021

This study assessed the indirect effect of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on demineralization of adjacent untreated sound and pre‐demineralized enamel and dentine using a single‐section model for digital transverse microradiography (TMR‐D). Forty‐eight bovine dentine single sections were demineralized, stratified (n = 12) according to integrated mineral loss (ΔZ), and treated with SDF or deionized water (DIW). Each “treated dentine” section was attached between untreated sound and pre‐demineralized enamel or dentine and then subjected to demineralization. ΔZ and lesion depths (LD) of all specimens at baseline, 24 and 48 h demineralization, and after treatment of “treated dentine” were quantified using TMR‐D. Fluoride in the demineralization solution of SDF clusters was determined using an ion‐selective electrode. ΔZ and LD of sound and ΔZ of pre‐demineralized enamel adjacent to SDF‐treated dentine did not increase over time. All untreated dentine demineralized significantly; however, ΔZ of sound dentine adjacent to SDF‐treated specimen was still significantly lower than control. SDF‐treated dentine remineralized and released fluoride even after 48 h. Consistent with clinical findings, when applied only to demineralized teeth in this chemical model, 38% SDF completely inhibited demineralization in adjacent untreated sound enamel. Demineralization prevention was observed to a lesser extent in adjacent pre‐demineralized enamel but not in dentine.
Effect of silica coating and laser treatment on the flexural strength, surface characteristics, and bond strength of a dental zirconia
Authors: da Silva Beatriz Togoro Ferreira , Trevelin Livia Tosi , Schroeter Ananda Carolina , Willers Amanda Endres , Cesar Paulo Francisco , Matos Adriana Bona
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the effect of irradiation with an erbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser and coating with silica on the surface characteristics, bond strength, and flexural strength of dental zirconia. Three hundred and forty‐three standard zirconia specimens were created, and 49 were assigned to each of seven surface treatment groups: (i) no treatment; Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz) with pulse widths of 50 μs (ii), 100 μs (iii), 300 μs (iv), or 600 μs (v); or tribochemical silica coating at the partially sintered stage (vi) or after sintering was complete (vii). All specimens were sintered after the surface treatments, except for the group in which specimens were sintered before treatment. The study outcomes were roughness, surface loss, microshear bond strength (μSBS), and biaxial flexural strength (BFS). Mean roughness and surface loss values were significantly higher in specimens from irradiated groups than in those from silica‐coated groups. Regarding μSBS, after aging, specimens from all experimental groups presented very low and similar μSBS values, irrespective of the surface treatment. Silica coating after sintering yielded the highest BFS (1149.5 ± 167.6 MPa), while coating partially sintered specimens with silica resulted a BFS (826.9 ± 60.9 MPa) similar to that of the untreated control group (794.9 ± 101.7 MPa). Laser treatments, irrespective of pulse width used, significantly decreased the BFS. In the group treated with laser at 300 μs pulse width, specimens exhibited the lowest BFS value (514.1 ± 71.5 MPa). Adhesion to zirconia was not stable after aging, regardless of the surface treatment implemented.
Xerostomia and hyposalivation among a 65‐yr‐old population living in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Diep My Tien , Jensen Janicke Liaaen , Skudutyte‐Rysstad Rasa , Young Alix , Sødal Anne Thea Tveit , Petrovski Beáta Éva , Hove Lene Hystad
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to describe the prevalence and associated factors for xerostomia and hyposalivation in a young‐elderly population. A random sample of 460 65‐yr‐old people living in Oslo, Norway, answered a questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination (237 men and 223 women; response rate 58%). Ten percent of respondents reported xerostomia. The median Summated Xerostomia Index was 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–7) and the median Clinical Oral Dryness Score was 2 (IQR: 1–3). The median unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) secretion rate was 0.34 (IQR: 0.20–0.53) mL min–1 and the median stimulated whole saliva (SWS) secretion rate was 1.74 (IQR: 1.24–2.38) mL min–1. In 8% of the study participants the UWS secretion rate was ≤0.1 mL min–1 and in 4% the SWS secretion rate was ≤0.7 mL min–1. Three percent of the study participants had both xerostomia and hyposalivation with respect to UWS. Xerostomia was significantly associated with medication use, having rheumatic disease, and having received radiation therapy to the head/neck region. Hyposalivation with respect to UWS and SWS was significantly associated with medication use and type II diabetes. Even though xerostomia and hyposalivation were not prevalent conditions in this population, clinicians should be especially aware of the salivary conditions in patients taking four or more medications, patients diagnosed with type II diabetes, and those who have undergone radiation therapy to the head/neck region.
A composite absorbable implant used to treat subchondral bone cysts in 38 horses
Authors: Ravanetti Paolo , Lechartier Antoine , Hamon Muriel , Zucca Enrica
Published: January 2021

Background

In the last 30 years, several treatments have been proposed to treat subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) but there have been no randomised studies to compare different methods and there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment.

Objectives

To evaluate a biocompatible absorbable implant for the treatment of SCLs in young horses in different anatomical locations.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Horses with SCLs were treated with debridement through a trans‐cortical extra‐articular approach and an absorbable implant was inserted in the cavity. Clinical and radiographic follow‐up was recorded and follow up ranged from 28 to 46 months (mean 37 months). Racing records were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐eight horses between 10 and 24 months of age were included in the study. In 36 of 38 horses treated, lameness resolved, and 77% average filling of the cyst was measured 120 days after surgery on radiographs. In two cases, surgical complications were recorded.

Main limitations

Information about the resorption of the implant is not available. Radiographs were performed in various hospitals or at farms or training stables, therefore, possible minor variations in technique and positioning occurred.

Conclusions

The extra‐articular approach to the SCLs followed by the insertion of the absorbable implant led to clinical and radiographic improvement of the SCLs at 120 days after surgery. This technique, feasible in different anatomical locations, may offer an alternative to treat SCLs in young horses.
Synergistic effects of harvest and climate drive synchronous somatic growth within key New Zealand fisheries
Authors: Morrongiello John R. , Horn Peter L. , Ó Maolagáin Caoimhghin , Sutton Philip J. H.
Published: January 2021

Fisheries harvest has pervasive impacts on wild fish populations, including the truncation of size and age structures, altered population dynamics and density, and modified habitat and assemblage composition. Understanding the degree to which harvest‐induced impacts increase the sensitivity of individuals, populations and ultimately species to environmental change is essential to ensuring sustainable fisheries management in a rapidly changing world. Here we generated multiple long‐term (44–62 years), annually resolved, somatic growth chronologies of four commercially important fishes from New Zealand's coastal and shelf waters. We used these novel data to investigate how regional‐ and basin‐scale environmental variability, in concert with fishing activity, affected individual somatic growth rates and the magnitude of spatial synchrony among stocks. Changes in somatic growth can affect individual fitness and a range of population and fishery metrics such as recruitment success, maturation schedules and stock biomass. Across all species, individual growth benefited from a fishing‐induced release of density controls. For nearshore snapper and tarakihi, regional‐scale wind and temperature also additively affected growth, indicating that future climate change‐induced warming and potentially strengthened winds will initially promote the productivity of more poleward populations. Fishing increased the sensitivity of deep‐water hoki and ling growth to the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). A forecast shift to a positive IPO phase, in concert with current harvest strategies, will likely promote individual hoki and ling growth. At the species level, historical fishing practices and IPO synergized to strengthen spatial synchrony in average growth between stocks separated by 400–600 nm of ocean. Increased spatial synchrony can, however, increase the vulnerability of stocks to deleterious stochastic events. Together, our individual‐ and species‐level results show how fishing and environmental factors can conflate to initially promote individual growth but then possibly heighten the sensitivity of stocks to environmental change.
Cd–S–Se quantum dot embedded glasses with dual emissions for wide color gamut white LED
Authors: Han Karam , Heo Jong , Im Won Bin , Chung Woon Jin
Published: January 2021

Cd‐S‐Se quantum dot embedded glasses (QDEGs) with dual‐band emissions of green and red were synthesized by assembling two QDEGs, to obtain a color converter for white LEDs (wLEDs) with a wide color gamut and long‐term stability. Each QDEG, possessing different sizes of QD, was prepared by adjusting heat‐treatment conditions. They were then bonded to each other by an additional heat treatment to fabricate a pattern structured QDEG (pQDEG). The fabrication conditions of the pQDEGs, such as their heat‐treatment condition and thickness, were varied to improve the color gamut. pQDEG‐based WLEDs were demonstrated and their optical properties such as color coordinates, luminous efficiency, and color rendering index (CRI) were monitored. The effect of pQDEG fabrication conditions on the resultant emission spectra and color gamut were discussed.
IL‐36 cytokines and gut immunity
Authors: Ngo Vu L. , Kuczma Michal , Maxim Estera , Denning Timothy L.
Published: January 2021

Interleukin 36 (IL‐36) constitutes a group of cytokines that belong to the IL‐1 superfamily. Emerging evidence has suggested a role of IL‐36 in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders. Intriguingly, in the gastrointestinal tract, IL‐36 has a rather complex function. IL‐36 receptor ligands are overexpressed in both animal colitis models and human IBD patients and may play both pathogenic and protective roles, depending on the context. IL‐36 cytokines comprise three receptor agonists: IL‐36α, IL‐36β and IL‐36γ, and two receptor antagonists: IL‐36Ra and IL‐38. All IL‐36 receptor agonists bind to the IL‐36R complex and exert pleiotropic effects during inflammatory settings. Here, we first briefly review the processing and secretion of IL‐36 cytokines. We then focus on the current understanding of the immunology effects of IL‐36 in gut immunity. In addition, we also discuss the ongoing trials that aim to blockage IL‐36R signalling for treating chronic intestinal inflammation and present some unexplored questions regarding IL‐36 research.
Developmental changes in the rules for B cell selection
Authors: Vergani Stefano , Yuan Joan
Published: January 2021

The autoimmune checkpoint during B cell maturation eliminates self‐antigen reactive specificities from the mature B cell repertoire. However, an exception to this rule is illustrated by B‐1 cells, an innate‐like self‐reactive B cell subset that is positively selected into the mature B cell pool in a self‐antigen‐driven fashion. The mechanisms by which B‐1 cells escape central tolerance have puzzled the field for decades. A key clue comes from their restricted developmental window during fetal and neonatal life. Here we use B‐1 cells as a prototypic early life derived B cell subset to explore developmental changes in the constraints of B cell selection. We discuss recent advancements in the understanding of the molecular program, centered around the RNA binding protein Lin28b, that licenses self‐reactive B‐1 cell output during ontogeny. Finally, we speculate on the possible link between the unique rules of early life B cell tolerance and the establishment of B cell – microbial mutualism to propose an integrated model for how developmental and environmental cues come together to create a protective layer of B cell memory involved in neonatal immune imprinting.
Physical proximity, corporate social responsibility, and the impact of negative investor sentiment on stock returns: Evidence from COVID‐19 in China
Authors: Zhai Huayun , Xiao Mingsheng , Chan Kam C. , Liu Qingzhuo
Published: January 2021

Using the Hubei province in China as the COVID‐19 pandemic epicenter and January 23, 2020 as the event date (the date the Chinese government announced the lockdown of Wuhan, the provincial capital), we document that while Chinese firms generally exhibited negative cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) around the event date, firms located far from the Hubei province experienced relatively less adverse impact by way of negative CARs than firms located close to and in the province. Moreover, firms that engaged strongly in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in terms of corporate donations prior to the event date experienced less of an adverse impact than those with no or weak CSR activities, suggesting that CSR serves an insurance‐like function that alleviates the adverse impact on stock returns precipitated by the negative investor sentiment stemming from COVID‐19.
Lentiginous melanoma (lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma) in Australia: clinicopathological characteristics, management and recurrence rates after 10‐year follow‐up at a tertiary centre
Authors: Collgros H. , Rodriguez‐Lomba E. , Regio Pereira A. , Lo S.N. , Scolyer R.A. , Guitera P.
Published: January 2021

Background

Lentiginous melanoma or lentigo maligna is a slow‐growing type of melanoma frequently arising in sun‐damaged skin and often first diagnosed in the elderly. Few studies report long‐term follow‐up.

Objectives

To define characteristics of lentiginous melanoma in situ (LM) and invasive lentiginous melanoma (LMM) in Australian patients managed at a tertiary centre and describe local recurrence or treatment failure rates after long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

Retrospective single‐centre study of LM/LMM patients evaluated between January 2005 and March 2007. Medical and photographic records were reviewed.

Results

One hundred two patients were included, with a total of 117 lesions (70 LM and 47 LMM). Seventy‐nine were new primary LM/LMM, and 38 were recurrences. Primary cases were mostly pigmented (71%), while 77% of recurrent cases were partially pigmented/light brown or amelanotic. The margins were clinically ill‐defined in the majority of cases (64% of primary cases and 94% of recurrent cases). Dermoscopy of the primary LM/LMM showed either classic ‘common’ melanoma features (33%) or classic LM/LMM features (41%), while 95% of recurrent cases had no features for melanoma or LM/LMM. Primary cases that were initially excised (113, 97%) had mean histopathological clear margins of 4.9 mm (range 0.1–22 mm). The median follow‐up time was 7.5 years (95% CI 5.2–10.0) with more than 10‐year follow‐up in 32% and 5–10 years in 24% of patients. There were 44 (38%) recurrences over the entire follow‐up period. Half of the patients who recurred did so within the first 3.8 years after the first treatment.

Conclusion

LM/LMM often recur late and are clinically subtle; therefore, careful monitoring and long‐term follow‐up are required.
Effects of pretreatments on quality attributes, moisture diffusivity, and activation energy of solar dried ivy gourd
Authors: Elangovan Elavarasan , Natarajan Sendhil K.
Published: January 2021

Effect of pretreatments and drying method on the ivy gourd and their drying characteristics such as rate of drying, moisture diffusivity and activation energy are studied. The ivy gourd samples are pretreated with four pretreatments such as ascorbic acid, lemon juice, sugar solution, honey dip, and control for 10 min. Pretreated and control (untreated) ivy gourd slices are dried in a single slope solar dryer. The solar dryer temperature is found to be in the range of 35–72°C at air velocity of 1 m/s. The effective moisture diffusivity of the dried ivy gourd samples is found to be best in ascorbic acid (7.90 × 10−8 m2/s) followed by control samples (5.07 × 10−9 m2/s), lemon juice samples (6.92 × 10−9 m2/s), honey dip samples (3.05 × 10−10 m2/s), and sugar solution samples (3.37 × 10−10 m2/s). The activation energy of the dried ivy gourd is found as lowest in ascorbic acid (21.23 kJ/mol) followed by control samples (24.81 kJ/mol), lemon juice samples (26.06 kJ/mol), sugar solution samples (27.05 kJ/mol), and honey dip (27.79 kJ/mol) samples. The sensory analysis for the dried samples is performed in terms of taste, color and it is observed that honey treated sample given promising results followed by sugar solution, ascorbic acid, lemon juice, and control samples.

Practical application

Drying is a widely practicing technology in the postharvest food processing for their longer preservation. Most of the developing countries are facing huge loss in the vegetable postharvesting due to open drying methods. This is mainly due to the non‐availability of efficient solar drying facilities. This study proposed the most efficient solar drying method suitable for developing countries. Besides, quality of four different pretreatment ivy gourds is dried in a natural and forced convective single slope direct solar dryer and also dried in an open sun drying method. The effects of pretreatments on the moisture loss are analyzed and presented here. Based on the results, it is confirmed that, the pretreatments are the effective method for removing the moisture content of the food substances for longer period of preservation.
Salicylic acid and ethylene coordinately promote leaf senescence
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Xu Yiren , Yan Shunping
Published: January 2021

Leaf senescence is an intrinsic biological process of plants. The phytohormones salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene (ET) are known to promote senescence. However, their relationship in this process is still unclear. We found that EIN3 and EIL1, two key transcription factors in ET signaling, are required for SA‐induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, ET enhances the effect of SA in promoting senescence. Biochemical studies revealed that NPR1, the master regulator of SA signaling, interacts with EIN3 to promote its transcriptional activity. Our study suggests that SA and ET function coordinately in senescence, which is in contrast to their antagonistic crosstalk in other biological processes.
Early life factors of schizotypal personality disorder in adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Dong Fanghong , Liu Jianghong , Hodgson Nancy A. , Medoff‐Cooper Barbara
Published: January 2021

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The complexity and high prevalence of schizotypal personality disorders (SPD) pose serious challenges for mental health practice in its management, and also bring severe consequences for the patients.

The identification of the specific early life factors (ELFs) that confer risk to SPD has become a major focus of clinical research on schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders which aligns well with the mental health nursing's responsibility in health promotion, prevention and treatment.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Adolescents may experience certain ELFs, which contribute to the occurrence of SPD, but no systematic review has been conducted to identify ELF among them. And nursing literature addressing modifiable ELF is very limited.

Two clusters of ELF and SPD in adolescents were identified: prenatal and early postnatal factors; childhood trauma and parental factors.

The findings also show that more research is needed to determine the specificity and cumulative effects of ELF on the development of SPD by using rigorous and comprehensive measurements and a longitudinal design.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses, especially nurses in the primary care, should be aware of potentially modifiable ELFs and incorporate more comprehensive and valid instrument for assessing cumulative ELF and SPD.

These findings may serve to inform possible future interventions for SPD, such as parent education and support to mitigate these risk factors.

Introduction

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) affects 4% of the general population in the United States. The identification of early life factors (ELFs) that confer risk to SPD in adolescents (ages 10–24 years old) has become a major focus of clinical research on schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders.

Aim

This systematic review aims to determine what ELFs contribute to the onset of SPD in the adolescent population.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychiatry online, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was conducted using relevant keywords. Data were extracted using a standardized form following PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met the criteria for inclusion. ELFs in the development of SPD were grouped into two important clusters: (a) prenatal and early postnatal factors; (b) childhood trauma and parental factors.

Conclusion

Mental health nurses, especially nurses in primary care, should be aware of potentially modifiable ELF. Longitudinal research is needed to determine the causative roles of these ELF play in the occurrence of SPD by using rigorous measurements.

Implications for practice

These findings call for awareness of the modifiable ELF for SPD and also inform possible future interventions to reduce these risks, such as parent‐training or environmental enrichment programmes.
Lipopolysaccharide decreases cochlear blood flow dose dependently in a guinea pig animal model via TNF signaling
Authors: Ihler Friedrich , Freytag Saskia , Kloos Benedikt , Spiegel Jennifer Lee , Haubner Frank , Canis Martin , Weiss Bernhard G. , Bertlich Mattis
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin on cochlear microcirculation, and its mode of action.

Methods

Twenty‐five Dunkin‐Hartley guinea pigs were divided into five groups of five animals each. After surgical preparation, cochlear microcirculation was quantified by in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Placebo or LPS (1 mg, 10 µg, and 100 ng) was applied topically, and microcirculation was measured before and twice after application. A fifth group was pretreated with etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist, and afterward the lowest LPS concentrations that yielded significant results (10 µg) were applied.

Results

In the groups that had been treated with 1 mg and 10 µg LPS, a significant drop in cochlear microcirculation was observed after 30 (.791 ± .089 Arbitrary Units (AU), compared to baseline, and .888 ± .071AU) and 60 (.756 ± .101 AU and .817 ± .124 AU, respectively) minutes. The groups that had been treated with 100 ng LPS and that had been pretreated with etanercept showed no significant change in cochlear blood flow compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Lipopolysaccharide shows a dose‐dependent effect on cochlear microcirculation; this effect can already be observed after 30 min. Pretreatment with etanercept can abrogate this effect, indicating that TNF mediates the effect of LPS on cochlear microcirculation.
Semantic polysemy and psycholinguistics
Authors: Devitt Michael
Published: January 2021

The paper urges that polysemous phenomena are typically semantic not pragmatic. The part of a message sent by a polysemous expression is typically one of its meanings encoded in the speaker's language and not the result of pragmatic modification. The hearer receives that part of the message by a process of disambiguation, by detecting which item in the lexicon the speaker has selected. This is the best explanation of observed regularities. The paper argues that the experimental evidence from psycholinguistics, particularly that produced in discussions of “underspecification” and “overspecification,” does not undermine this view nor support the pragmatic alternative.
Clinical factors associated with early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy in patients on dialysis with severe hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Fonseca‐Correa Jorge I. , Nava‐Santana Carlos , Tamez‐Pedroza Luis , Paz‐Cortes Armando , Santillan‐Ceron Airy , Rojas‐Concha Luis J. , Pantoja‐Millán Juan Pablo , Sierra‐Salazar Mauricio , Velazquez‐Fernández David , Herrera Miguel F. , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Ramirez‐Sandoval Juan C.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Severe hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy for secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT/THPT) is scarcely studied. We aimed to describe and identify risk factors for early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective pair‐matched cohort study. We assessed 87 dialysis patients with SHPT (n = 73) or THPT (n = 14) paired with 146 subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who underwent parathyroidectomy and were followed for 12 months. Early severe hypocalcaemia was defined as a free Ca ≤0.8 mmol/L [3.2 mg/dl] or corrected Ca ≤1.87 mmol/L [7.5 mg/dl] within 48 h. After parathyroidectomy and persistent hypocalcaemia, as an elemental Ca intake >3.0 g/day to achieve corrected Ca >2 mmol/L [8.0 mg/dl].

Results

Early severe hypocalcaemia occurred in 77% (67/87) versus 6.8% (10/146) of subjects with SHPT/THPT and PHPT, respectively (p < .001). In SHPT/THPT cases, persistent hypocalcaemia occurred in 77% (49/64) and 64% (35/54) after 6 and 12 months of parathyroidectomy, respectively. In PHPT cases, persistent hypocalcaemia occurred in 6.8% (10/146) after 4–12 months of parathyroidectomy. Preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was the only risk factor associated to early severe hypocalcaemia (OR 7.3, 95% C.I. 1.7–10.9, p = .006) and persistent hypocalcaemia (OR 7.1, 95% C.I: 2.1–14.2, p = .011). Subjects with persistently low intact parathormone (iPTH) (<5.3 pmol/L [50 ng/ml]), suggestive of adynamic bone disease) showed higher Ca increases and less oral calcium requirements compared to those who progressively increased iPTH after parathyroidectomy.

Conclusion

Early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy in severe HPT were a common event associated directly to preoperative ALP levels. Subjects with persistently low postoperative iPTH normalized serum Ca more frequently after 1 year of follow up.
Early predictors of acute kidney injury in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Yildirim Cigdem , Ozger Hasan Selcuk , Yasar Emre , Tombul Nazrin , Gulbahar Ozlem , Yildiz Mehmet , Bozdayi Gulendam , Derici Ulver , Dizbay Murat
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aims to determine the frequency of COVID‐19 related AKI and to identify the early predictors of AKI.

Methods

This study is a single‐center, retrospective, observational study. Hospitalized COVID‐19 patients between 24/03/2020 and 31/05/2020 were included in the study. All patients were evaluated for renal dysfunctions with urine dipstick, protein/creatinine ratio, albumin/creatinine ratio in spot urine, serum cystatin C, serum creatinine level on hospital admission, and 28th day of hospital admission. To assess the utility of these parameters to predict AKI, a receiver‐operating characteristic curve was generated and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results

348 patients were included. The average incidence of AKI was 4.9% (n = 17). The incidence of AKI in mild, moderate and severe COVID‐19 cases was 1.3% (n = 4), 9.0% (n = 3) and 76.9% (n = 10), respectively. Proteinuria was detected in 7.8% (n = 27) of patients with a urine dipstick test. In spot urine analysis, proteinuria was found in 20.1% (n = 70) of patients. The frequency of persistent proteinuria was 5.2% (n = 18). The AUC alue of serum cystatin C, D‐dimer and albumin/creatinine ratio to predict COVID‐19 related AKI were 0.96 (0.90 to 1.0), 0.94 (0.89–0.98), and 0.95 (0.91–0.98).

Conclusion

In COVID‐19 patients with normal serum creatinine levels on hospital admission, albuminuria, serum cystatin C and D‐dimer levels may be an early predictor of COVID‐19 related AKI and these patients should be monitored closely for AKI. Since the sample size in the AKI group was small, our study results should be confirmed with larger cohort studies.
Race and major pulmonary complications following inpatient pediatric otolaryngology surgery
Authors: Sivak Erica , Mpody Christian , Willer Brittany L. , Tobias Joseph , Nafiu Olubukola O.
Published: January 2021

Background

Compared to their white peers, black children are more likely to experience serious respiratory complications in the perioperative period. Whether a racial difference exists in the occurrence of late postoperative respiratory complications is largely unknown. Here, we evaluated a multi‐institutional cohort of children who underwent various elective otolaryngology procedures to examine the racial differences in major postoperative pulmonary complications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of elective inpatient otolaryngology cases from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2012–2018). We used propensity score matching of black to white patients to compare the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, defined as the occurrence of either pneumonia, unplanned reintubation, or prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation.

Results

The matched cohort was comprised of 4786 black and white patients (2 393 of each race). Black children were more likely to develop postoperative pulmonary complications compared to white peers (29.3% vs. 24.2%; odds ratio: 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.20, 1.59; P‐value < .001). Furthermore, black children were almost two times more likely to require unplanned postoperative reintubation, relative to their white peers (2.6% vs. 1.3%; odds ratio: 2.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.33, 3.22; P‐value < .001). Similarly, black children were estimated to have 37% relative greater odds of requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (28.6% vs. 23.7%; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 1.58; P‐value < .001). Finally, being of black race conferred greater odds of requiring prolonged hospital length of stay, relative to being of white race (38.6% vs. 34.5%; odds ratio:1.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.09, 1.42; P‐value = .004).

Conclusion

Black children undergoing elective otolaryngological surgery are more likely to develop major postoperative pulmonary complications.
An early experience of COVID‐19 disease in pediatric and young adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Solomon Sonia , Pereira Tanya , Samsonov Dmitry
Published: January 2021

Background

COVID‐19 is caused by a novel form of coronavirus known as SARS‐CoV‐2. Patients can present with a wide variety of symptoms from fever to severe respiratory distress. Immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant recipients, may present with atypical symptoms, making the diagnosis of COVID‐19 more difficult to make. New reports have been emerging about the management of COVID‐19 disease in adult renal transplant recipients. However, very little is known in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Methods

Here, we describe a case report of four pediatric renal transplant recipients who presented with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 disease.

Results

All patients presented with upper respiratory infection symptoms, with one requiring hospitalization for hypoxia. Patients were treated mostly with supportive care. Two of the patients developed AKI which resolved four to eight weeks after illness. All four patients developed COVID IgG antibodies one to two months after becoming infected.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrates that immunocompromised renal transplant recipients have comparable outcomes compared with immunocompetent children.
Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation: A new and serious foliar disease of Eucalyptus caused by Elsinoe necatrix sp. nov.
Authors: Pham Nam Q. , Marincowitz Seonju , Solís Myriam , Duong Tuan A. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Barnes Irene , Slippers Bernard , Muro Abad Jupiter I. , Durán Alvaro , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: January 2021

In 2014, a new and serious leaf and shoot disease of unknown aetiology appeared in Eucalyptus plantations of North Sumatra, Indonesia. The disease is characterized by black necrotic spots that initially appear on young leaves and petioles, which become scab‐like as the lesions age. Infected trees respond to infection by producing shoots with small leaves that commonly appear feathered. Fruiting structures typical of most foliar pathogens are not seen, but using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fungal spores are evident and associated with the scab‐like structures. Using culture‐dependent methods, cultures resembling a species of Elsinoe were isolated from the lesions. DNA sequence comparisons for four gene regions, as well as morphological observations, showed that the fungus is an undescribed species in Elsinoe, for which the name Elsinoe necatrix sp. nov. is provided. Pathogenicity trials on a Eucalyptus clone with the Elsinoe species resulted in scab‐like structures similar to those observed under field conditions and the fungus was easily reisolated from the resulting lesions. This study includes a description of the pathogen and characterization of the disease, for which the name Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation is suggested.
Risk preference and child labor: Econometric evidence
Authors: Frempong Raymond Boadi , Stadelmann David
Published: January 2021

Households may invest in the human capital development of their children not only for altruistic reasons but also as insurance against future income shocks. Therefore, the allocation of the child's time between school and work is a function of the risk preference of the household head. This paper analyzes the relationship between parental risk preferences and child labor decisions using recall information on child labor and a risk elicitation question. Results reveal that risk‐averse households are more likely to send their children to work. Endogeneity issues are addressed by employing instrumental variables. These results suggest that child labor may be driven by the need to maximize the household's expected income from the child. Regarding heterogeneity, we find that the child labor effect of risk‐aversion is higher for older children. Furthermore, the father's risk‐aversion matters for the probability of child labor, while the intensity of child labor increases with the mother's risk‐aversion. The findings call for an understanding of the behavioral context of the affected households and how risk preferences can affect the success of proposed policies to reduce child labor.
Grading foreign aid agencies: Best practices across traditional and emerging donors
Authors: Palagashvili Liya , Williamson Claudia R.
Published: January 2021

Despite the rapid growth of non–Development Assistance Committee (DAC) emerging donors, these non‐traditional donors are historically left out of the discussion on aid effectiveness. In this paper, we provide the first full evaluation of aid agency best practices across multiple agency categories. We rank and compare DAC donors, emerging non‐DAC donors, and multilateral and UN agencies in the following five best practice categories: transparency, overhead costs, aid specialization, selective allocation, and effective delivery channels. Contrary to public impressions that emerging donors engage in worse practices, we find that non‐DAC agencies rank similarly to DAC donors: Both groups are equally poor performers. Emerging donors engage in less aid fragmentation across countries and use fewer ineffective delivery channels. Traditional DAC donors, however, provide more transparent reporting. Overall, we find that multilateral agencies and UN donors outperform both DAC and non‐DAC bilateral agencies. Collectively, our results suggest that most aid donors do not meet their own standards for best practices, and this finding is not unique to emerging donors. We highlight how our results reflect the broader political economy of aid allocation.