bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in health care spending and utilization among older frail adults in high‐income countries: ICCONIC hip fracture persona
Authors: Papanicolas Irene , Figueroa Jose F. , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Riley Kristen , Abiona Olukorede , Arvin Mina , Atsma Femke , Bernal‐Delgado Enrique , Bowden Nicholas , Blankart Carl Rudolf , Deeny Sarah , Estupiñán‐Romero Francisco , Gauld Robin , Haywood Philip , Janlov Nils , Knight Hannah , Lorenzoni Luca , Marino Alberto , Or Zeynep , Penneau Anne , Shatrov Kosta , Stafford Mai , van de Galien Onno , van Gool Kees , Wodchis Walter , Jha Ashish K.
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study explores differences in spending and utilization of health care services for an older person with frailty before and after a hip fracture.

Data Sources

We used individual‐level patient data from five care settings.

Study Design

We compared utilization and spending of an older person aged older than 65 years for 365 days before and after a hip fracture across 11 countries and five domains of care as follows: acute hospital care, primary care, outpatient specialty care, post–acute rehabilitative care, and outpatient drugs. Utilization and spending were age and sex standardized..

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The data were compiled by the International Collaborative on Costs, Outcomes, and Needs in Care (ICCONIC) across 11 countries as follows: Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

Principal Findings

The sample ranged from 1859 patients in Spain to 42,849 in France. Mean age ranged from 81.2 in Switzerland to 84.7 in Australia. The majority of patients across countries were female. Relative to other countries, the United States had the lowest inpatient length of stay (11.3), but the highest number of days were spent in post–acute care rehab (100.7) and, on average, had more visits to specialist providers (6.8 per year) than primary care providers (4.0 per year). Across almost all sectors, the United States spent more per person than other countries per unit ($13,622 per hospitalization, $233 per primary care visit, $386 per MD specialist visit). Patients also had high expenditures in the year prior to the hip fracture, mostly concentrated in the inpatient setting.

Conclusion

Across 11 high‐income countries, there is substantial variation in health care spending and utilization for an older person with frailty, both before and after a hip fracture. The United States is the most expensive country due to high prices and above average utilization of post–acute rehab care.
Aussie KIDS SAVE LIVES: A position statement from the Australian Resuscitation Council and supported by stakeholders
Authors: Bray Janet , Acworth Jason , Page Greg , Parr Michael , Morley Peter ,   Australian Resuscitation Council and KIDS SAVE LIVES Stakeholder Organisations
Published: August 2021

Every year 25 000 Australians experience a cardiac arrest in our community, but only 12% survive. The faster cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, known as basic life support (BLS), is commenced, the greater the chance of survival. Currently, only half of the Australian adults are trained in BLS. The Australian Resuscitation Council and key stakeholder organisations believe that the best way to ensure all Australians know how to save a life is by mandating BLS education and training in our schools. This ‘Aussie KIDS SAVE LIVES’ position statement outlines our strategy to help facilitate the introduction of a programme of regular BLS training into the Australian school curriculum.
Encapsulation of rosemary essential oil in zein by electrospinning technique
Authors: Hosseini Faeghe , Miri Mohammad Amin , Najafi Mohammadali , Soleimanifard Sediqeh , Aran Mehdi
Published: August 2021

In this study, rosemary essential oil was encapsulated in zein‐electrospun fibers at different concentrations of loading (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% v/v). The chemical composition of rosemary essential oil was determined by GC‐MS. The resultant zein‐electrospun fibers were characterized by SEM, AFM, XRD, DSC, FTIR, and NMR. After being loaded with the essential oil, the fibers were evaluated for antimicrobial properties by the disc diffusion method against S. aureus (ATCC 1112) and E. coli (ATCC 1330). The release test was studied at pH values of 3 and 7.2 in phosphate buffer for 180 min. The GC‐MS indicated that α‐pinene occurred as a major compound in rosemary essential oil. Diameters of the zein‐electrospun fibers increased in response to higher concentrations of rosemary essential oil. The AFM assay attributed a tubular morphology to the fibers. The physical status of rosemary essential oil in zein‐electrospun fibers was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). DSC thermograms and FTIR spectra confirmed the existence of the rosemary essential oil in zein‐electrospun fibers. FTIR spectra also indicated that adding rosemary essential oil to the fibers affected the secondary structure of zein protein. The NMR study showed that the electrospinning process did not change the secondary structure of zein. Disc diffusion indicated that zein‐electrospun mats generated inhibition zones against S. aureus and E. coli. The release test revealed that pH values significantly affect the release of rosemary essential oil from fibers. The results demonstrated how loading zein‐electrospun fibers with rosemary essential oil can benefit food packaging.

Practical Application

In this study, electrospun fibers were produced from food‐grade biopolymer to encapsulate rosemary essential oil. This product can be produced at industrial scale as an active food packaging/coating, controlled release, and delivery of the rosemary essential oil to food products and gastrointestinal. Also, it can be considered as a functional food to increase health.
A Framework for Using Robotic Process Automation for Audit Tasks*
Authors: Eulerich Marc , Pawlowski Justin , Waddoups Nathan J. , Wood David A.
Published: August 2021

The ability to develop bots to automate tasks and processes using robotic process automation (RPA) is receiving significant attention in accounting. Auditors often struggle to know what tasks to automate and how to prioritize bot development. Drawing upon socio‐technical systems (STS) theory and using a design science methodology, we develop and validate a three‐step evaluation framework to assist auditors as they decide what activities to automate. We validate this framework using interviews, surveys of experienced internal and external auditors, and two case studies. By developing and validating our framework through the lens of STS theory, we also provide several insights that help explain the mixed findings in prior research regarding the effectiveness and adoption of emerging technologies in audit. The implications of our study yield many opportunities for future research in the areas of RPA and emerging technologies in audit.
Managerial Career Concerns and Corporate Tax Avoidance: Evidence from the Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine*
Authors: Li Ningzhong , Shevlin Terry , Zhang Weining
Published: August 2021

While managers' career concerns have been shown to be influential in shaping their decisions, there is little evidence of the impact such concerns may have on managers' tax avoidance incentives. This study examines the causal effect of managers' career concerns on tax avoidance using the staggered recognition by state courts of the inevitable disclosure doctrine (IDD), a trade secret protection doctrine that places greater restrictions on managers from joining or forming a rival company. We argue that the IDD recognition increases the cost of job loss for managers whose current jobs may be in jeopardy, thereby increasing their incentive to avoid taxes in order to positively change their current employer's evaluation of their ability. The IDD recognition also reduces outside opportunities for high‐ability managers, and thereby reduces their incentive to avoid taxes in order to positively change external employers' evaluation of their ability. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we provide evidence consistent with these predictions. We further show these effects are stronger for CEOs in their early years of service in the focal firms when the market is more uncertain about their ability. Our findings suggest that managers take into account the impact of tax avoidance on their career outcomes when making tax avoidance decisions.
Machine learning is a powerful tool to study the effect of cancer on species and ecosystems
Authors: Dujon Antoine M. , Vittecoq Marion , Bramwell Georgina , Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata
Published: August 2021

Cancer is an understudied but important process in wildlife. Cancerous cells are proposed to have had significant effect on the evolution of metazoan species due to their negative effect on host fitness. However, gaining knowledge on the impact of cancer on species and ecosystems is currently relatively slow as it requires expertise in both ecology and oncology. The field can greatly benefit from automation to reduce the need of excessive manpower and analyse complex ecological datasets.

In this commentary, we examine how machine learning has been used to gain knowledge on oncogenic processes in wildlife. Using a landscape ecology approach, we explore spatial scales ranging from the size of a molecule up to whole ecosystems and detail, for each level, how machine learning has been used, or could contribute to obtain insights on cancer in wildlife populations and ecosystems.

We illustrate how machine learning is a powerful toolbox to conduct studies at the interface of ecology and oncology. We provide guidance for the readers of both fields on how to implement machine learning tools in their research and identify directions to move the field forward using this promising technology. We demonstrate how applying machine learning to complex ecological datasets will (a) contribute to quantitating the effect of cancer at different life stages in wildlife; (b) allow the mining of long‐term datasets to understand the spatiotemporal variability of cancer risk factors and (c) contribute to mitigating cancer risk factors and the conservation of endangered species.

With this study, we aim to facilitate the use of machine learning to wildlife species and to encourage discussion between the scientists of the fields of oncology and ecology. We highlight the importance of international and pluridisciplinary collaborations to collect high‐quality datasets on which efficient machine learning algorithms can be trained.
Pedigree accumulation analysis: Combining methods from community ecology and population genetics for breeding adult estimation
Authors: Sard Nicholas M. , Hunter Robert D. , Roseman Edward F. , Hayes Daniel B. , DeBruyne Robin L. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: August 2021

Estimates of the number of successfully breeding adults (NS) in a population can predict levels of recruitment. However, assessments of NS are often difficult to obtain because encounters with adults are limited due to life‐history characteristics, low abundance or other constraints associated with access to critical habitats. Alternatively, efforts to sample individuals at earlier ontogenetic stages can be more tractable, resulting in more comprehensive samples.

To estimate NS, we describe, evaluate and apply two nonparametric species richness estimators to information associated with genetic pedigree reconstruction. Simulations compared bias and precision associated with Chao and Jackknife methods when estimating NS. We also evaluated NS estimation sensitivity to two sources of variation associated with species reproductive ecology (variance in reproductive success and sex ratio skew) and genetic pedigree assignment error. Finally, the application of our novel method was demonstrated in two different species and systems (Chinook Salmon in Oregon, USA and Lake Sturgeon in Michigan, USA).

We found unbiased NS estimates were generated across a broad range of offspring sample sizes using the Chao method. Empirical results corroborated simulation‐based expectations and highlighted applications where parents and offspring are sampled, and when only offspring are sampled.

When offspring sample sizes are adequate and pedigree reconstruction errors are low, the combination of established methods from community ecology and genetic pedigree reconstruction provides an accurate alternative method to estimate NS that can facilitate population assessments.
Testing the effects of ecologically extinct mammals on vegetation in arid Australia: A long‐term experimental approach
Authors: Michael Kimberley H. , Leonard Steven W. J. , Decker Orsolya , Verdon Simon J. , Gibb Heloise
Published: August 2021

The loss of species from ecosystems can have cascading impacts on species interactions and ecosystem function. Australia has experienced the greatest loss of mammals globally in the past 200 years, but we know little of how the loss of this suite of ecosystem engineers and herbivores has affected vegetation. We used a threatened mammal reintroduction sanctuary to investigate effects of ecologically extinct mammals on plant assemblages. First, we tested the net effects of mammals using a long‐term exclusion experiment within the sanctuary. Second, we used a three‐year disturbance experiment to determine the relative roles of herbivory and physical disturbance in driving changes in plant assemblages. Third, we compared outcomes inside and outside the sanctuary to determine how effects of reintroduced mammals differed from contemporary mammal assemblages. Plant species richness was greatest in mammal exclusion plots and declined across all treatments from 2011 to 2018, probably due to drought. Plant composition changed in response to mammal exclusion, with six species increasing significantly, shrubs and myrmecochorous plants becoming more common and large‐seeded species less common. Responses to experimental disturbance were less clear. Grass and resprouters were more common, and palatable and large‐seeded plants were less common outside the sanctuary (exposed to contemporary mammal assemblage). Our study shows that reintroductions of ecologically extinct mammals have substantial impacts on plant assemblages, both through ecosystem engineering and herbivory, and these impacts differ from those of contemporary mammal faunas, suggesting that pre‐European Australian ecosystems were markedly different from contemporary ecosystems.
The impact of irrigation protocols on epoxy sealer penetration depth in dentinal tubules. Study involving laser confocal microscopy
Authors: Wilkoński Wojciech , Jamróz‐Wilkońska Lidia , Kępczyński Mariusz , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Maziarz Urszula , Opiła Janusz , Giardino Luciano
Published: August 2021

The aim was to assess the impact of irrigation protocols ended with ethanol or chlorhexidine on AH Plus penetration into dentinal tubules. 45 root canals were prepared to ISO 40/04, divided into three groups and irrigated with three protocols: Group 1 (control): 5.25% NaOCl; Group 2: 40% CA (citric acid), 5.25% NaOCl, 40% CA, water, ethanol; Group 3: 40% CA, 5.25% NaOCl, 40% CA, water, 2% chlorhexidine. Canals were filled using vertical condensation technique with gutta‐percha and fluorescein‐stained AH Plus sealer. After 72 h, 1 mm thick cross‐sections were cut at 2, 5, 8 mm from the apex. Confocal laser microscope was used to measure the sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. Mean depth of sealer penetration (in micrometres) was 107, 131, 170 (Group 1); 146, 233, 317 (Group 2); 185, 301, 542 (Group 3); in apical, middle and coronal parts, respectively. Irrigation protocol ended with chlorhexidine resulted in the deeper sealer penetration compared with alcohol.
Do private consultants promote savings and investments in rural Mozambique?
Authors: Christian Paul , Glover Steven , Kondylis Florence , Mueller Valerie , Ruzzante Matteo , Zwager Astrid
Published: August 2021

Advice from managementprofessionals can help small‐ and medium‐sized firms reach complex financial goals in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We apply lessons learned in the firm literature to determine the degree in which farmer associations face constraints to management and planning capacity that can be alleviated by the provision of advice from external consultants. In particular, we conducted a randomized control trial in 42 water user associations (WUAs) in Mozambique to examine whether more intensive attention from financial consultants through repeated follow‐up visits prompts households to save and invest in agricultural equipment. All WUAs received a financial literacy training and were eligible to receive a matching grant. Twenty‐one WUAs were randomized into the treatment group that additionally were visited by private consultants quarterly, who tailored their advice to meet individuals’ own savings and investment objectives. We find the follow‐up visits increase ‘hidden savings’ in the form of new capital investments on farmers’ own account. Thus, the visits may have changed savings’ habits by leading farmers to invest in technologies that were not directly subsidized. Our ability to detect an additional effect on the type of investments farmers targeted through the matching grant and, hence, the savings for the respective investments is limited given the power of our study design. Although the proportion of households saving increased, the intervention was likely less cost‐effective than other modalities aimed to enhance the proclivity to save.
Advances and highlights in asthma in 2021
Authors: Agache Ioana , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Cojanu Catalina , Laculiceanu Alexandru , del Giacco Stefano , Zemelka‐Wiacek Magdalena , Kosowska Anna , Akdis Cezmi A. , Jutel Marek
Published: August 2021

Last year brought a significant advance in asthma management, unyielding to the pressure of the pandemics. Novel key findings in asthma pathogenesis focus on the resident cell compartment, epigenetics and the innate immune system. The precision immunology unbiased approach was supplemented with novel tools and greatly facilitated by the use of artificial intelligence. Several randomised clinical trials and good quality real‐world evidence shed new light on asthma treatment and supported the revision of several asthma guidelines (GINA, Expert Panel Report 3, ERS/ATS guidelines on severe asthma) and the conception of new ones (EAACI Guidelines for the use of biologicals in severe asthma). Integrating asthma management within the broader context of Planetary Health has been put forward. In this review, recently published articles and clinical trials are summarised and discussed with the goal to provide clinicians and researchers with a concise update on asthma research from a translational perspective.
Minimizing opioid consumption by eliminating patient‐controlled analgesia after penile inversion vaginoplasty with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol
Authors: Tirrell Abigail R. , Abu El Hawa Areeg A. , Bekeny Jenna C. , Fan Kenneth L. , Del Corral Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Background

Genital‐based gender affirmation surgery is a physically demanding procedure requiring extensive postoperative pain management. However, perioperative opioid use for these procedures is relatively understudied.

Objectives

This study analyzes whether intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) enhances pain control after penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) in the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, and whether non‐PCA (NCA)‐based regimens could reduce postoperative opioid use.

Methods

All patients undergoing PIV with ERAS protocols by a single provider from December 2018 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, pain scores, length of stay (LOS), and opioid usage during their hospitalization were collected. Postoperative opioid use and pain scores were compared between PCA and NCA patient cohorts.

Results

A total of 61 patients were included. 30 patients received intravenous PCA postoperatively, and 31 patients used NCA‐based narcotic pain control. All patients underwent ERAS protocol perioperatively. Average patient age was 34.5 years (SD 11.9) in the PCA cohort and 37.6 years (SD 11.9) in the NCA cohort (p = 0.242). Average total postoperative opioid use during hospital stay was reduced by 53.7% in the NCA cohort, with an average use of 501.6 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (SD 410.3) among PCA patients and an average use of 232.0 MME (SD 216.5) among NCA patients (p = 0.003). Daily average pain scores for postoperative days 1 to 6 did not differ between the PCA and NCA patient groups (p > 0.05). Average hospital LOS was shorter among NCA patients, 6.2 days (SD 1.0) versus 7.3 days (SD 1.4), respectively, (p < 0.001).

Discussion

In combination with an ERAS non‐narcotic pain control protocol, it may be possible to reduce opioid use by more than 50% and shorten length of postoperative hospital stay among patients by implementing NCA pain management protocols.

Conclusion

Minimizing postoperative opioid consumption after PIV will benefit patients and their sustained well‐being.
Adverse reactions with levamisole vary according to its indications and misuse: A systematic pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Campillo Jérémy T. , Eiden Céline , Boussinesq Michel , Pion Sébastien D. S. , Faillie Jean‐Luc , Chesnais Cédric B.
Published: August 2021

Levamisole was initially prescribed for the treatment of intestinal worms. Because of immunomodulatory properties, levamisole has been used in inflammatory pathologies and in cancers in association with 5‐fluorouracil. Levamisole is misused as a cocaine adulterant. Post‐marketing reports have implicated levamisole in the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and its use is now limited in Europe and North America. In contrast, all other parts of the World continue to use single‐dose levamisole as an anthelmintic. The aim of this study was to identify ADRs reported after levamisole exposure in VigiBase, the World Health Organisation's pharmacovigilance database, and analyse their frequency compared to other drugs and according to levamisole type of use.

Methods

All levamisole‐related ADRs were extracted from VigiBase. Disproportionality analyses were conducted to investigate psychiatric, hepatobiliary, renal, vascular, nervous, blood, skin, cardiac, musculoskeletal and general ADRs associated with levamisole and other drugs exposure. In secondary analyses, we compared the frequency of ADRs between levamisole and mebendazole and between levamisole type of use.

Results

Among the 1763 levamisole‐related ADRs identified, psychiatric disorders (reporting odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals: 1.4 [1.2–2.6]), hepatobiliary disorders (2.4 [1.9–4.3]), vasculitis (6.5 [4.1–10.6]), encephalopathy (22.5 [17.4–39.9]), neuropathy (4.3 [2.9–7.1]), haematological disorders, mild rashes and musculoskeletal disorders were more frequently reported with levamisole than with other drug. The majority of levamisole‐related ADRs occurred when the drug was administrated for a non–anti‐infectious indication.

Conclusion

The great majority of the levamisole‐related ADRs concerned its immunomodulatory indication and multiple‐dose regimen. Our results suggest that single‐dose treatments for anthelmintic action have a good safety profile.
Hierarchical cancer heterogeneity analysis based on histopathological imaging features
Authors: Ren Mingyang , Zhang Qingzhao , Zhang Sanguo , Zhong Tingyan , Huang Jian , Ma Shuangge
Published: August 2021

In cancer research, supervised heterogeneity analysis has important implications. Such analysis has been traditionally based on clinical/demographic/molecular variables. Recently, histopathological imaging features, which are generated as a byproduct of biopsy, have been shown as effective for modeling cancer outcomes, and a handful of supervised heterogeneity analysis has been conducted based on such features. There are two types of histopathological imaging features, which are extracted based on specific biological knowledge and using automated imaging processing software, respectively. Using both types of histopathological imaging features, our goal is to conduct the first supervised cancer heterogeneity analysis that satisfies a hierarchical structure. That is, the first type of imaging features defines a rough structure, and the second type defines a nested and more refined structure. A penalization approach is developed, which has been motivated by but differs significantly from penalized fusion and sparse group penalization. It has satisfactory statistical and numerical properties. In the analysis of lung adenocarcinoma data, it identifies a heterogeneity structure significantly different from the alternatives and has satisfactory prediction and stability performance.
With rhyme and reason: Recognizing reasons for disliked practices increases tolerance
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Schlette Anniek , Adelman Levi , Yogeeswaran Kumar
Published: August 2021

Disapproval of others’ beliefs and practices is an inevitable consequence of living with diversity, and the ability to tolerate, or put up with, these differences is crucial to maintain a functional society. Considering reasons to condone what one disapproves of is considered a key aspect of tolerance. Across three national samples (N = 1,708), the current research examines how recognizing arguments to support practices that one disapproves of increases tolerance. Studies 1–2 demonstrate that when participants generate arguments to support Muslim minority practices (Study 1) and Orthodox Protestant minority practices (Study 2), they disapprove of, they show increased tolerance towards such practices in society. In Study 3, the importance of considerations is experimentally extended by demonstrating that perceiving objectionable behaviour as more reasonable increases tolerance. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the importance of engaging in and perceiving reasonable considerations to enhance tolerance of dissenting beliefs or practices.
Lower urinary tract electrical sensory assessment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Lely Stéphanie , Schmidhalter Melanie R. , Knüpfer Stephanie C. , Sartori Andrea M. , Schneider Marc P. , Stalder Stephanie A. , Kessler Thomas M. , Liechti Martina D. , Mehnert Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To summarize the current literature on lower urinary tract electrical sensory assessment (LUTESA), with regard to current perception thresholds (CPTs) and sensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and to discuss the applied methods in terms of technical aspects, confounding factors, and potential for lower urinary tract (LUT) diagnostics.

Methods

The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Medline (PubMed), Embase and Scopus were searched on 13 October 2020. Meta‐analyses were performed and methodological qualities of the included studies were defined by assessing risk of bias (RoB) as well as confounding.

Results

After screening 9925 articles, 80 studies (five randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 75 non‐RCTs) were included, comprising a total of 3732 patients and 692 healthy subjects (HS). Of these studies, 61 investigated CPTs exclusively and 19 reported on SEPs, with or without corresponding CPTs. The recording of LUTCPTs and SEPs was shown to represent a safe and reliable assessment of LUT afferent nerve function in HS and patients. LUTESA demonstrated significant differences in LUT sensitivity between HS and neurological patients, as well as after interventions such as pelvic surgery or drug treatments. Pooled analyses showed that several stimulation variables (e.g. stimulation frequency, location) as well as patient characteristics might affect the main outcome measures of LUTESA (CPTs, SEP latencies, peak‐to‐peak amplitudes, responder rate). RoB and confounding was high in most studies.

Conclusions

Preliminary data show that CPT and SEP recordings are valuable tools to more objectively assess LUT afferent nerve function. LUTESA complements already established diagnostics such as urodynamics, allowing a more comprehensive patient evaluation. The high RoB and confounding rate was related to inconsistency and inaccuracy in reporting rather than the technique itself. LUTESA standardization and well‐designed RCTs are crucial to implement LUTESA as a clinical assessment tool.
Long noncoding RNA just proximal to X‐inactive specific transcript facilitates aerobic glycolysis and temozolomide chemoresistance by promoting stability of PDK1 mRNA in an m6A‐dependent manner in glioblastoma multiforme cells
Authors: Li Xu Dong , Wang Min Jie , Zheng Jiang Lin , Wu Yue Hui , Wang Xuan , Jiang Xiao Bing
Published: August 2021

Improving the chemotherapy resistance of temozolomide (TMZ) is of great significance in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Long non‐coding RNA just proximal to the X‐inactive specific transcript (JPX) has been proven to be involved in cancer progression. However, the intrinsic significance and molecular mechanism by which JPX orchestrates GBM progression and TMZ chemotherapy resistance remain poorly understood. Here, JPX was found to be significantly elevated in GBM tissues and cell lines, and patients with high expressions of JPX showed significantly worse prognoses. Functional experiments revealed its carcinogenic roles in GBM cell proliferation, TMZ chemoresistance, anti‐apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and aerobic glycolysis. Mechanistically, JPX formed a complex with phosphoinositide dependent kinase‐1 (PDK1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and promoted its stability and expression. Furthermore, an RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment showed that JPX interacted with N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase FTO alpha‐ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase (FTO) and enhanced FTO‐mediated PDK1 mRNA demethylation. JPX exerted its GBM‐promotion effects through the FTO/PDK1 axis. Taken together, these findings reveal the key role of JPX in promoting GBM aerobic glycolysis and TMZ chemoresistance in an m6A‐dependent manner. Thus, it comprises a promising novel therapeutic target for GBM chemotherapy.
Clinical, radiographic, and immunological evaluation of angulated screw‐retained and cemented single‐implant crowns in the esthetic region: A 1‐year randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lv Xiao‐Lei , Qian Shu‐jiao , Qiao Shi‐chong , Gu Ying‐Xin , Lai Hong‐Chang , Shi Jun‐Yu
Published: August 2021

Background

Screw‐retained implant crowns are considered more biologically compatible than cemented crowns due to the absence of excess cement. However, traditional screw‐retained implant crowns are not viable when the access hole of the screw channel would need to be located in an esthetic area, which would compromise the esthetic outcome of the treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and immunological outcomes of angulated screw‐retained and cemented single‐implant crowns in the esthetic region.

Materials and methods

The study was a single‐center, open‐label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly placed in two groups: angulated screw‐retained group (AG) and cemented group (CG). Implant survival rate, bleeding on probing rate (BOP%), probing depth (PD), modified plaque index (mPI), marginal bone loss (MBL), concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) in peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF), mechanical complications, and pink esthetic score/white esthetic score (PES/WES) were evaluated.

Results

Fifty‐six patients (AG: 29, CG: 27) attended the 1‐year examination. The drop‐out rate was 6.67%. No implant failure was found in both groups during the observation period. BOP% was significantly lower in the AG than that in the CG (mean, 21.84% ± 19.97% vs. 37.04% ± 26.28%, p = 0.018). The concentration of TNF‐α in PICF was significantly higher in the AG than that in the CG (median, 13.54 vs. 4.62, p = 0.019). No significant difference of PD, mPI, MBL, IL‐6, or mechanical complication rates was found between the two groups. Mean scores for PES/WES were 21.71 and 21.64 in the AG and CG, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the present results, both treatment options showed acceptable clinical outcomes in the short term. Angulated screw‐retained crowns might benefit the peri‐implant soft tissue. However, studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to confirm whether the higher concentration of TNF‐α will compromise the long‐term outcomes of treatment.
Effects of isometric handgrip exercise with or without blood flow restriction on interference control and feelings
Authors: Yamada Yujiro , Song Jun Seob , Bell Zachary W. , Wong Vickie , Spitz Robert W. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether isometric handgrip exercise, with or without blood flow restriction, would alter interference control and feelings. 60 healthy young adults completed three experimental visits, consisting of four sets of 2 min isometric handgrip exercise, at 30% of maximal strength with or without blood flow restriction (50% of arterial occlusion pressure), or a non‐exercise/time‐matched control. Exercise‐induced feeling inventory and Stroop Color Word Test were performed at pre‐ and ~10‐min post‐exercise, respectively. Bayes factors (BF10) quantified the evidence for or against the null. There were no changes or differences between conditions for interference control following exercise with or without blood flow restriction (Incongruent BF10: 0.155; Stroop Interference BF10: 0.082). There were also no differences in the error rate as well as no differences between conditions for changes in ‘positivity’ or ‘revitalization’. Feelings of ‘tranquility’ were reduced relative to a control following exercise with (median δ [95% credible interval]: −0.74 (−1.05, −0.45), BF10: 5515.7) and without (median δ: −0.72 [−1.02, −0.41], BF10: 571.3) blood flow restriction. These changes were not different between exercise conditions. Feelings of ‘physical exhaustion’ were increased relative to a control following exercise without blood flow restriction (median δ: 0.35[0.09, 0.61], BF10: 5.84). However, this increase was not different from the same exercise with blood flow restriction. These results suggest that 1) isometric handgrip exercise could be performed without impairing interference control, even when blood flow restriction is added, and that 2) changes in feelings occur independent of changes in interference control.
991. NICOTIANA ROSULATA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

Nicotiana rosulata is illustrated from plants grown from seeds collected near Leonora in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. The plants were cultivated in the quarantine house of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation of this species are discussed.
998. NICOTIANA PILA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

The new species Nicotiana pila is described here from plants collected in the Little Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Seeds were germinated and plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which were used for the illustration. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
1001. NICOTIANA MEGALOSIPHON
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

Nicotiana megalosiphon is illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which were grown from seeds collected near the bridge over the Mehi River near Moree, New South Wales, Australia. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology, etymology and cultivation are discussed. The two subspecies previously recognised within this taxon are here elevated to species level: N. megalosiphon (sensu stricto) and N. sessilifolia (comb. nov.).
Modern Cytopathology: An evolving field
Authors: Troncone Giancarlo , Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita
Published: August 2021

The modern‐day cytopathologist is equipped with an armamentarium of useful tools that have refined cytological diagnoses, provided predictive and prognostic information to guide patient care, and enabled more therapeutic options for patients. This Special Issue aims to highlight some of the aspects that are inherent to the role of Modern Cytopathology for diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with cancer.
Collaboration for conservation: Assessing countrywide carnivore occupancy dynamics from sparse data
Authors: Van der Weyde Leanne K. , Tobler Mathias W. , Gielen Marie Charlotte , Cozzi Gabriele , Weise Florian J. , Adams Tempe , Bauer Dominik , Bennitt Emily , Bowles Matthew , Brassine Alienor , Broekhuis Femke , Chase Michael , Collins Kai , Finerty Genevieve E. , Golabek Krystyna , Hartley Robyn , Henley Steve , Isden Jessica , Keeping Derek , Kesch Kristina , Klein Rebecca , Kokole Morulaganyi , Kotze Robynne , LeFlore Eric , Maude Glyn , McFarlane Kevin , McNutt J. Weldon , Mills Gus , Morapedi Mompoloi , Morgan Simon , Ngaka Keitumetse , Proust Nicolas , Rich Lindsey , Roodbal Marnus , Selebatso Moses , Snyman Andrei , Stein Andrew , Sutcliff Robert , Tshimologo Botilo , Whitesell Carolyn , Winterbach Christiaan , Flyman Michael V.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Assessing the distribution and persistence of species across their range is a crucial component of wildlife conservation. It demands data at adequate spatial scales and over extended periods of time, which may only be obtained through collaborative efforts, and the development of methods that integrate heterogeneous datasets. We aimed to combine existing data on large carnivores to evaluate population dynamics and improve knowledge on their distribution nationwide.

Location

Botswana.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2016, we collated data on African wild dog, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyaena and lion gathered with different survey methods by independent researchers across Botswana. We used a multi‐species, multi‐method dynamic occupancy model to analyse factors influencing occupancy, persistence and colonization, while accounting for imperfect detection. Lastly, we used the gained knowledge to predict the probability of occurrence of each species countrywide.

Results

Wildlife areas and communal rangelands had similar occupancy probabilities for most species. Large carnivore occupancy was low in commercial farming areas and where livestock density was high, except for brown hyaena. Lion occupancy was negatively associated with human density; lion and spotted hyaena occupancy was high where rainfall was high, while the opposite applied to brown hyaena. Lion and leopard occupancy remained constant countrywide over the study period. African wild dog and cheetah occupancy declined over time in the south and north, respectively, whereas both hyaena species expanded their ranges. Countrywide predictions identified the highest occupancy for leopards and lowest for the two hyaena species.

Main Conclusions

We highlight the necessity of data sharing and propose a generalizable analytical method that addresses the challenges of heterogeneous data common in ecology. Our approach, which enables a comprehensive multi‐species assessment at large spatial and temporal scales, supports the development of data‐driven conservation guidelines and the implementation of evidence‐based management strategies nationally and internationally.
WASH for all: A systematic review of Physiological and Sociological Characterization Framework segmentation in WASH policies, programmes, and projects
Authors: Delhi Venkata Santosh Kumar , Devkar Ganesh , Narayanan Sriharini , Devaraj Reeba , Ayyangar Akshaya , Rajan A. Thillai
Published: August 2021

Motivation

Initially, governments started with the overarching objective of providing universal access to WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services. During the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period 2000–2015, there was increased motivation to understand requirements of different sectors of the population in order to ensure universal, equitable access.

Purpose

This article reports findings of a systematic review looking at three questions: what segments of the population have been addressed in WASH policies, and programme and projects? How do the population segments vary between sectors and regions? What barriers, strategies, and benefits for providing WASH services have been identified for different population segments?

Methods and approach

Populations can be segmented using two broad paradigms: Physiological Characterization Framework (PCF), which classifies the population on the basis of the life cycle; and Sociological Characterization Framework (SCF), classifying the population on the basis of caste, ethnicity, income, location, and occupation. Policy documents and programme and project (P&P) documents pertaining to the WASH sector were synthesized.

Findings

At a policy level, SCF is used more widely than PCF. In the context of PCF, women were the focus of a relatively large number of policies. Adequacy, environmental, and attitudinal barriers were those most commonly identified across both PCF and SCF segments in WASH policies and P&Ps. In PCF, beneficiary participation and information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies were the more commonly adopted strategies, whereas project management, financing, and provision of services were more frequently adopted for SCF. Availability was the most common benefit identified across PCF and SCF in terms of policy and also P&P.

Policy implications

WASH policies can create an enabling framework by specifically mentioning the different PCF segments in order to facilitate adoption and percolation of the life‐course approach in P&Ps. Incorporating this approach within the current SCF paradigm can help achieve inclusiveness. Greater effort is required to understand barriers faced by PCF segments and to devise strategies to overcome them. Policy‐makers should expand the spectrum of benefits to all categories within PCF in WASH policies.
Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID‐19 testing sites and mortality
Authors: Dalva‐Baird Nathan P. , Alobuia Wilson M. , Bendavid Eran , Bhattacharya Jay
Published: August 2021

Background

In 2020, early U.S. COVID‐19 testing sites offered diagnostic capacity to patients and were important sources of epidemiological data about the spread of the novel pandemic disease. However, little research has comprehensively described American testing sites’ distribution by race/ethnicity and sought to identify any relation to known disparities in COVID‐19 outcomes.

Methods

Locations of U.S. COVID‐19 testing sites were gathered from 16 April to 28 May 2020. Geographic testing disparities were evaluated with comparisons of the demographic makeup of zip codes around each testing site versus Monte Carlo simulations, aggregated to statewide and nationwide levels. State testing disparities were compared with statewide disparities in mortality observed one to 3 weeks later using multivariable regression, controlling for confounding disparities and characteristics.

Results

Nationwide, COVID‐19 testing sites geographically overrepresented White residents on 7 May, underrepresented Hispanic residents on 16 April, 7 May and 28 May and overrepresented Black residents on 28 May compared with random distribution within counties, with new sites added over time exhibiting inconsistent disparities for Black and Hispanic populations. For every 1 percentage point increase in underrepresentation of Hispanic populations in zip codes with testing, mortality among the state's Hispanic population was 1.04 percentage points more over‐representative (SE = 0.415, p = .01).

Conclusions

American testing sites were not distributed equitably by race during this analysis, often underrepresenting minority populations who bear a disproportionate burden of COVID‐19 cases and deaths. With an easy‐to‐implement measure of geographic disparity, these results provide empirical support for the consideration of access when distributing preventive resources.
Volatile chemical signals underlying the host plant preferences of Tuta absoluta
Authors: Subramani Vanitha , Pagadala Damodaram Kamala Jayanthi , Goravale Krishnegowda Ramegowda , Parepally Saravan Kumar , Kempraj Vivek , Thimmappa Raghava , Kodthalu Seetharamaiah Shivashankara , Vaddi Sridhar , Hookunda Boregowda Lingaiah
Published: August 2021

The South American leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a serious pest of tomato causing substantial annual economic losses at a global scale. Our study comprised choice and no‐choice bioassays, aimed at understanding the preference of this oligophagous pest for a few selected solanaceous hosts (tomato, potato, eggplant, ashwagandha, black nightshade, wild tomato, tobacco, and datura), and the identification of the volatile cues that influence its host selection process. In choice assays, T. absoluta females preferred tomato for oviposition over all the other plants, whereas ashwagandha, tobacco, and datura were the least preferred; on datura zero eggs were laid. A similar trend was observed in the subsequent number of larval mines formed. The moth’s preference for host plants of the genus Solanum was quite evident in both the choice and no‐choice assays. Tomato plant volatiles were found to be more attractive to the female moths in single‐ and dual‐choice olfactometer assays. In electroantennographic bioassays, the mean depolarization was significant for tomato, potato, ashwagandha, and eggplant compared to empty air and honey. In total 76 volatile compounds were identified in the GC‐MS analysis across the eight previously selected host–plant headspace samples. Principal component analysis revealed that 1‐fluorododecane and p‐quinone mainly contributed to the observed variation among the host plant volatiles. Of all the host plants, tomato, wild tomato, and tobacco were found to share similarities with respect to volatile cues, whereas ashwagandha, eggplant, and datura were found to be closely related. The other two hosts, potato and black nightshade, had fewer volatiles in common. Volatile cues, namely p‐quinone, 2‐carene, δ‐curcumene, and 1,2‐diethylbenzene, in tomato could serve as oviposition stimulants to T. absoluta, whereas the presence of 1‐fluorododecane in host plants such as datura, eggplant, ashwagandha, and black nightshade, might have deterred T. absoluta from ovipositing. 1‐Fluorododecane was found to be completely absent in tomato.