bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of financial intelligence in combating the financing of terrorism
Authors: Unal Seyfettin , Altun Mehmet
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how important the countering terrorism financing is in the fight against terrorism and to what extent does financial intelligence contribute into this field.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, to collect data, semi-structured interview method was conducted for 15 experts, including academicians, judges, security and intelligence officers who have specialised and been practising in the field of terrorism. Then, the data were analysed with the descriptive and systematic method.

Findings

The findings highlight that countering terrorism financing is indispensable in the scope of the combating terrorism; however, there are still much to be done in practice to achieve more success in this field. The results also suggest that the process requires more flexible and proactive approach with the help of an autonomous financial intelligence unit to be more efficient. Moreover, there must be better cooperation and coordination at both national and international levels. Furthermore, training more professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds and raising awareness among the public and private sectors are found to be other key factors for effective combating of the system.

Originality/value

The research has been conducted on participants who mostly have been in fight against terrorism over 20 years who are aware of the early methods, as well as the recent ones both in theory and in practice. Their view is significant to understand the situation in combating financing of terrorism.
The effects of consumer esports videogame engagement on consumption behaviors
Authors: Abbasi Amir Zaib , Asif Muhammad , Hollebeek Linda D. , Islam Jamid Ul , Ting Ding Hooi , Rehman Umair
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose a model for predicting consumers’ esports videogame engagement on their ensuing consumption behaviors, which remains nebulous to date.

Design/methodology/approach

After approaching esports consumers in different gaming zones in Pakistan, this paper collected data from 364 videogame-based esports consumers. This paper deployed SmartPLS 3.2.8 software to perform the partial least squares-structural equation modeling-based analyzes.

Findings

The structural model results show that consumers’ affective and behavioral esports videogame engagement positively affects their consumption behavior, including heightened community engagement, purchase intent, coproduction, word-of-mouth and new player recruitment. However, while consumers’ cognitive esports engagement was found to positively impact community engagement, new player recruitment and coproduction, it failed to predict consumers’ esports-related purchase intent or word-of-mouth behaviors.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that a strategic focus on consumers’ esports game engagement will enable practitioners to nurture desirable consumer behaviors, including enhanced purchase intent, coproduction, word-of-mouth and new player recruitment behaviors, thus warranting consumer engagement’s strategic value as a key esports gaming metric.

Originality/value

Empirical research into the role of consumers’ esports videogame engagement on their ensuing consumption behaviors remains scant to date. Based on this gap, this study offers a timely contribution by exploring and validating a model that gauges the effect of consumers’ cognitive, emotional and behavioral esports videogame engagement on their community engagement, purchase intention, coproduction, word-of-mouth and new player recruitment. It, thus, offers important insight into the rapidly advancing field of digital esports games.
Distinct carbon fractions drive a generalisable two‐pool model of fungal necromass decomposition
Authors: See Craig R. , Fernandez Chris W. , Conley Anna M. , DeLancey Lang C. , Heckman Katherine A. , Kennedy Peter G. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: December 2020

Fungi represent a rapidly cycling pool of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soils. Understanding of how this pool impacts soil nutrient availability and organic matter fluxes is hindered by uncertainty regarding the dynamics and drivers of fungal necromass decomposition.

Here we assessed the generality of common models for predicting mass loss during fungal necromass decomposition and linked the resulting parameters to necromass substrate chemistry. We decomposed 28 different types of fungal necromass in laboratory microcosms over a 90‐day period, measuring mass loss on all types, and N release on a subset of types. We characterised the initial chemistry of each necromass type using: (a) fibre analysis methods commonly used for plant tissues, (b) initial melanin and nitrogen (N) concentrations and (c) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to assess the presence of bonds associated with common biomolecules.

We found universal support for an asymptotic model of decomposition, which assumes that fungal necromass consists of an exponentially decomposing ‘fast’ pool, and a ‘slow’ pool that decomposes at a rate approaching zero. The strongest predictor of the fast pool decay rate (k) was the proportion of cell soluble components, though initial N concentration also predicted k, albeit more weakly. The size of the slow pool was best predicted by the acid non‐hydrolysable fraction, which was positively correlated with melanin‐associated aromatics. Nitrogen dynamics varied by necromass type, ranging from net N release to net immobilisation. The maximum quantity of N immobilised was inversely related to cell soluble contents and k, as positively related to FTIR spectra associated with cell wall polysaccharides.

Collectively, our results indicate that the decomposition of fungal necromass in soils can be described as having two distinct stages that are driven by different components of substrate C chemistry, with implications for rates of N availability and organic matter accumulation in soils.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Artificial construction of the biocoenosis of deep‐sea ecosystem via seeping methane
Authors: Sun Xumei , Yang Junyi , Zheng Minhui , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: December 2020

Deep‐sea ecosystems, such as cold seeps and hydrothermal vents, have high biomass, even though they are located in the benthic zone, where no sunlight is present to provide energy for organism proliferation. Based on the coexistence of the reduced gases and chemoautotrophic microbes, it is inferred that the energy from the reduced gases supports the biocoenosis of deep‐sea ecosystems. However, there is no direct evidence to support this deduction. Here, we developed and placed a biocoenosis generator, a device that continuously seeped methane, on the 1000‐m deep‐sea floor of the South China Sea to artificially construct a deep‐sea ecosystem biocoenosis. The results showed that microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, appeared in the biocoenosis generator first, followed by jellyfish and Gammaridea arthropods, indicating that a biocoenosis had been successfully constructed in the deep sea. Anaerobic methane‐oxidizing archaea, which shared characteristics with the archaea of natural deep‐sea cold seeps, acted as the first electron acceptors of the emitted methane; then, the energy in the electrons was transferred to downstream symbiotic archaea and bacteria and finally to animals. Nitrate‐reducing bacteria served as partners to complete anaerobic oxidation of methane process. Further analysis revealed that viruses coexisted with these organisms during the origin of the deep‐sea biocoenosis. Therefore, our study mimics a natural deep‐sea ecosystem and provides the direct evidence to show that the chemical energy of reduced organic molecules, such as methane, supports the biocoenosis of deep‐sea ecosystems.
The impact of government bond purchases by the central banks in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Nakazawa Masahiko
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes the impact on financial markets of purchases of government bonds under the zero lower bound on interest rates. Using data of amount of government bonds purchased by the central banks which are categorized by remaining maturity as reported in Nakazawa and Yano (2014) “Portfolio rebalancing effects of open market operations after the global financial crisis: Evaluation through the construction of the data of purchases of government bonds categorized by remaining maturity,” KIER Discussion Paper Series, Kyoto Institute of Economic Research, Kyoto University (forthcoming, in Japanese), we compare impacts for Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The analysis finds that all three countries had a significant rise in share prices as a result of purchases of government bonds with long remaining maturity by the central banks. The results imply that the quality of capital markets plays a key role in escaping from the global financial crisis.
Health system integration with physician specialties varies across markets and system types
Authors: Machta Rachel M. , D. Reschovsky James , Jones David J. , Kimmey Laura , Furukawa Michael F. , Rich Eugene C.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine system integration with physician specialties across markets and the association between local system characteristics and their patterns of physician integration.

Data Sources

Data come from the AHRQ Compendium of US Health Systems and IQVIA OneKey database.

Study Design

We examined the change from 2016 to 2018 in the percentage of physicians in systems, focusing on primary care and the 10 most numerous nonhospital‐based specialties across the 382 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the US. We also categorized systems by ownership, mission, and payment program participation and examined how those characteristics were related to their patterns of physician integration in 2018.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We examined local healthcare markets (MSAs) and the hospitals and physicians that are part of integrated systems that operate in these markets. We characterized markets by hospital and insurer concentration and systems by type of ownership and by whether they have an academic medical center (AMC), a 340B hospital, or accountable care organization.

Principal Findings

Between 2016 and 2018, system participation increased for primary care and the 10 other physician specialties we examined. In 2018, physicians in specialties associated with lucrative hospital services were the most commonly integrated with systems including hematology‐oncology (57%), cardiology (55%), and general surgery (44%); however, rates varied substantially across markets. For most specialties, high market concentration by insurers and hospital‐systems was associated with lower rates of physician integration. In addition, systems with AMCs and publicly owned systems more commonly affiliated with specialties unrelated to the physicians’ potential contribution to hospital revenue, and investor‐owned systems demonstrated more limited physician integration.

Conclusions

Variation in physician integration across markets and system characteristics reflects physician and systems’ motivations. These integration strategies are associated with the financial interests of systems and other strategic goals (eg, medical education, and serving low‐income populations).
Analysis of hair color and texture for forensic examinations
Authors: Funes David S. H. , Bridge Candice
Published: December 2020

Efforts have been conducted to evaluate hair features empirically, for example, color; however, a review of current literature showed few studies investigating cortical texture analysis. The development of high‐resolution digital microscopes allows researchers to obtain more accurate measurements of hair features. In this study, digital microscopy was used to explore variance within the cortical texture, color, and density characteristics throughout hair strands. In this study, 20–25 naturally shed hairs from 12 individuals of different ancestries were collected. Measurements of three different features were collected: entropy texture measurements, that is, measurement of the randomness of pigment granules and cortical fusi; color distributions of the hairs via a red–green–blue (RGB) color model; and the calculation of the pigment density ratio using hue–saturation–value color model. Analysis of variance was performed on data collected from each analysis type to assess inter‐ and intra‐person variability. The F‐ratios obtained, which compares inter‐person to intra‐person variability, ranged from 9.29 to 69.24. Cortical texture and color measurements showed promising results in differentiating between inter‐person samples. Although density ratios showed the least potential for discrimination, it provided another level for differentiating inter‐person hair samples. The location that provided the best differentiation of strands from different donors could be made at a 20.0 mm distance from the strand's proximal end for all three features measured. The methods proposed in this study show the potential to quantify hair features that exhibit better differentiation of hair from different individuals.
Determination of some biological parameters of Capsodes infuscatus Brulle on summer asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus Brot.) in pastures of Canakkale Province
Authors: Özpınar Ali , Yazmış Efecan , Ali Baboo , Şahin Ali Kürşat
Published: December 2020

This study has been carried out in the years of 2016–2017 to determine biological parameters of Capsodes infuscatus Brulle (Hemiptera: Miridae) on asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus Broth.) in the pastures of Canakkale, Turkey. In order to determine the population fluctuation of C. infuscatus, counting was done twice in a week on leaves, stems and flowers of plants in two different locations in the pasture. It was determined that the C. infuscatus aestivates in dried asphodel stalks as eggs. The first nymphal stages can be seen at the end of February, while adult population ends at the end of May. It was observed that both the nymphal and adult stages of C. infuscatus were feeding together on A. aestivus from March to May. In 2016, an average of 7.86%, 57.26%, 8.72% and 34.12% C. infuscatus individuals were recorded on plant, leaves, stems and flowers, respectively. In 2017, an average of 22.08%, 67.5%, 15.0% and 17.56% C. infuscatus individuals were recorded on plant, leaves, stems and flowers, respectively. The mortality rates of C. infuscatus nymphal stages were 94.76% in grazing area and 95.77% in non‐grazing area. We concluded that C. infuscatus has potential for the biological control of A. aestivus.
Prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in adult patients undergoing heart surgery – a pilot randomised controlled trial (PROPHESY trial)
Authors: Green L. , Roberts N. , Cooper J. , Agarwal S. , Brunskill S.J. , Chang I. , Gill R. , Johnston A. , Klein A. A. , Platton S. , Rossi A. , Sepehripour A. , Stanworth S. , Monk V. , O'Brien B.
Published: December 2020

There is equipoise regarding the use of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in bleeding patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We performed a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the recruitment rate for a large trial, comparing the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma on haemostasis (1 h and 24 h post‐intervention), and assessing safety. Adult patients who developed bleeding within 24 h of cardiac surgery that required coagulation factor replacement were randomly allocated to receive prothrombin complex concentrate (15 IU.kg−1 based on factor IX) or fresh frozen plasma (15 ml.kg−1). If bleeding continued after the first administration of prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration, standard care was administered. From February 2019 to October 2019, 180 patients were screened, of which 134 (74.4% (95%CI 67–81%)) consented, 59 bled excessively and 50 were randomly allocated; 25 in each arm, recruitment rate 35% (95%CI 27–44%). There were 23 trial protocol deviations, 137 adverse events (75 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 62 fresh frozen plasma) and 18 serious adverse events (5 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 13 fresh frozen plasma). There was no increase in thromboembolic events with prothrombin complex concentrate. No patient withdrew from the study, four were lost to follow‐up and two died. At 1 h after administration of the intervention there was a significant increase in fibrinogen, Factor V, Factor XII, Factor XIII, α2‐antiplasmin and antithrombin levels in the fresh frozen plasma arm, while Factor II and Factor X were significantly higher in the prothrombin complex concentrate group. At 24 h, there were no significant differences in clotting factor levels. We conclude that recruitment to a larger study is feasible. Haemostatic tests have provided useful insight into the haemostatic changes following prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration. A definitive trial is needed to ascertain the benefits and safety for each.
Tracing the Links between Infrastructure‐Led Development, Urban Transformation, and Inequality in China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Apostolopoulou Elia
Published: December 2020

In this paper, I explore the links between infrastructure‐led development, urban transformation and inequality in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). I theorise the BRI as a spatial fix to the overaccumulation problems of Chinese capitalism and I pay particular attention to the role of urbanisation. By drawing on postcolonial geographies, my goal is to offer a relational analysis of divergent trajectories of socio‐spatial urban change driven by BRI projects in Athens, Colombo and London. My key argument is that urban transformation driven by the BRI signals the emergence of a new form of infrastructure‐led, authoritarian neoliberal urbanism. This engenders both new urban formations and new urban politics that, despite variegated expressions across different contexts, are reconfiguring urban space and are transforming the social geography of each city by creating, facilitating or exacerbating spatial fragmentation and social segregation.
Asthma and allergies correlate with mental health problems in preschool children
Authors: Edvinsson Sollander Sofia , Fabian Helena , Sarkadi Anna , Salari Raziye , Fält Elisabet , Dahlberg Anton , Feldman Inna , Durbeej Natalie
Published: December 2020

Aim

To explore the relations between asthma, allergies and mental health problems in preschool children, aged 3‐5 years.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional Swedish study, we used data on 4649 children in Uppsala municipality whose parents and preschool teachers had responded to questions measuring asthma and allergies, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessment of mental health problems. Logistic regression models were used to explore the relations between asthma and allergies and mental health problems.

Results

Children with asthma (8.5%) had elevated odds of having emotional symptoms as rated by parents (OR: 1.34; 1.02‐1.76) and teachers (OR: 1.44; 1.09‐1.91). According to parents’ ratings, these children also had elevated odds of showing mental health problems in general according to the SDQ total score (OR: 1.42; 1.05‐1.94). Children with food allergies or intolerance (4.4%) only had elevated odds of having emotional symptoms (OR: 1.64; 1.16‐2.33), as reported by parents. These results remained significant after adjustment for parental background factors.

Conclusion

Preschool children with asthma and food allergies or intolerance are at risk of having concurrent mental health problems. Mental health problems should be assessed in children with these disorders. Adequate support and/or referral to specialised services should be offered when needed.
The influence of Holocene forest dynamics on the chironomid fauna of a boreal lake (Flocktjärn, northeast Sweden)
Authors: Engels Stefan
Published: December 2020

There is a notable lack of palaeoecological records, particularly quantitative palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, for northeast Sweden. Here I use a lake sediment record from lake Flocktjärn to reconstruct Holocene terrestrial vegetation change and lake ecosystem dynamics, and to study the relationship between these components of the environment. After a period in which the vegetation around the lake is characterized by boreal forest, thermophilous arboreal taxa such as Ulmus establish in the Flocktjärn area from 6000 cal. a BP onward. Picea becomes abundant from 2930 cal. a BP onward, in line with results from other records from the region. The chironomid fauna of the lake shows high turnover before 7700 cal. a BP, after which an assemblage dominated by taxa indicative of shallow, warm and relatively nutrient rich conditions establishes. A transition to chironomid taxa that are indicative of slightly lower temperatures and lower nutrient levels occurs at 5260 cal. a BP. A chironomid‐inferred mean July air temperature record shows unreliable inferences for the record pre‐dating 7700 cal. a BP, a Holocene Thermal Maximum with temperatures around 14 °C between 7700–5260 cal. a BP, and temperatures around 12.5 °C between 5260 cal. a BP and the present. A numerical comparison between upland vegetation change and chironomid faunal dynamics for the first time shows that either vegetation change directly impacted on the chironomid fauna of the lake, or alternatively an external factor impacted on both the terrestrial and the aquatic ecosystem, resulting in concurrent changes in both parts of the ecosystem. This novel evidence of ecosystem connectivity is of vital importance to landscape management, as ongoing climate and land use change is likely to lead to increased pressure on lake ecosystems.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and hypertension: a review of vasodilatory mechanisms of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: Bercea Cristiana‐Ioana , Cottrell Graeme S. , Tamagnini Francesco , McNeish Alister J.
Published: December 2020

Hypertension is often characterised by impaired vasodilation involving dysfunction of multiple vasodilatory mechanisms. ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can reduce blood pressure and vasodilation. In the endothelium, DHA and EPA improve function including increased NO bioavailability. However, animal studies show that DHA‐ and EPA‐mediated vasodilation persists after endothelial removal, indicating a role for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The vasodilatory effects of ω‐3 PUFAs on VSMCs are mediated via opening of large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (BKCa), ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (KATP) and possibly members of the Kv7 family of voltage‐activated potassium channels, resulting in hyperpolarisation and relaxation. ω‐3 PUFA actions on BKCa and voltage‐gated ion channels involve electrostatic interactions that are dependent on the polyunsaturated acyl tail, cis‐geometry of these double bonds and negative charge of the carboxyl headgroup. This suggests structural manipulation of ω‐3 PUFA could generate novel, targeted, therapeutic leads.
First‐in‐human study of the cancer peptide vaccine TAS0313 in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Kondo Shunsuke , Shimizu Toshio , Koyama Takafumi , Sato Jun , Iwasa Satoru , Yonemori Kan , Fujiwara Yutaka , Shimomura Akihiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Tamura Kenji , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: December 2020

TAS0313, a novel cancer vaccine cocktail, was developed to overcome the disadvantages of previously developed short and long peptide vaccines; it comprises several long peptides targeting multiple cancer antigens. We evaluated TAS0313 monotherapy in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors for which no other therapies were available. In the dose‐finding cohort, patients received TAS0313 (9 or 27 mg) on days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1 and 2, and then on day 1 of each subsequent 21‐day cycle. The primary objective was the evaluation of safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives were evaluation of efficacy, tumor responses, and immune activation (CTL, IgG, and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte [TIL] levels). The full analysis set contained 10 patients in the 9‐mg group and seven in the 27‐mg group. No dose‐limiting toxicities were reported in cycle 1. All adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were grade 1 or 2; the most common ADRs were injection site‐related events. The best response was stable disease in four of 17 patients. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) duration was 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.0‐2.3) months overall; patients with baseline low lymphocyte counts (≤750/μL) had shorter PFS. Compared with baseline, TILs were increased in five patients. Although CTLs, IgG, and TILs were induced, no correlative pattern with clinical outcomes was observed. The safety, tolerability, and induction of immune responses in patients with advanced solid tumors receiving TAS0313 were confirmed. Further evaluation of TAS0313’s efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab is underway. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.jp (JapicCTI‐183824).
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and all‐cause mortality: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Silverii Giovanni Antonio , Monami Matteo , Mannucci Edoardo
Published: December 2020

The present meta‐analysis is aimed at assessing the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on all‐cause mortality and differences across different trials and molecules of the class. We included all randomized clinical trials with a duration of treatment longer than 52 weeks, enrolling at least 100 patients in each arm, and comparing an SGLT2 inhibitor with any comparator or placebo. Out of 139, 235 and 145 items identified, 21 trials were selected, enrolling 39 593 and 30 771 patients in SGLT2 inhibitor and comparator arms, respectively, with a median duration of 104 weeks, and reporting 2474 and 2298 deaths for SGLT2 inhibitors and comparators, respectively. No relevant heterogeneity was found (I2 = 17%). Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a significant reduction in all‐cause mortality (MH‐OR [95% CI] 0.86 [0.81, 0.91] P < .00001). Meta‐regression analyses found a significant direct association of treatment effect only with the proportion of Asian subjects enrolled, and an inverse correlation with the proportion of Caucasian patients. In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce all‐cause mortality in randomized controlled trials.
Rapid glucose rise reduces heart rate variability in adults with type 1 diabetes: A prospective secondary outcome analysis
Authors: Eckstein Max L. , Moser Othmar , Tripolt Norbert J. , Pferschy Peter N. , Obermayer Anna A. M. , Kojzar Harald , Mueller Alexander , Abbas Farah , Sourij Caren , Sourij Harald
Published: December 2020

To investigate differences in heart rate variability (HRV) during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in response to the rate of change in glucose and to different glycaemic ranges in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This was a single‐centre, prospective, secondary outcome analysis in 17 individuals with type 1 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin 53 ± 6.3 mmol/L), who underwent two OGTTs (after 12 and 36 hours of fasting) investigating differences in HRV in response to rapid glucose increases/decreases and different glycaemic ranges during OGTT. Based on the rate of change in glucose level, the variables heart rate (P < 0.001), square root of the mean standard difference of successive R‐R intervals (P = 0.002), percentage of pairs of R‐R intervals with >50 ms difference (P < 0.001) and corrected QT interval (P = 0.04) were significantly altered, with HRV particularly reduced during episodes of rapid glucose rises. Glycaemic ranges during OGTT had no impact on HRV (P < 0.05). Individuals with type 1 diabetes showed no changes in HRV in response to different glycaemic ranges. HRV was dependent on the rate of change in glucose, especially rapid increases in glucose level.
Dysthyroidism in dermato/polymyositis patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Watad Abdulla , Bragazzi Nicola L. , Damiani Giovanni , Nissan Ella , Comaneshter Doron , Cohen Arnon D. , Amital Howard
Published: December 2020

Background

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are two rare autoimmune disorders occasionally described with dysthyroidism; however, no solid evidence still proves such an association.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of dysthyroidism among DM/PM patients.

Design and setting

A nation‐wide case‐control study was conducted.

Methods

From the Clalit Health Services health records database, we extracted 2085 (DM = 1475 (70.7%), PM = 610 (29.3%)) PM/DM cases and 10 193 sex‐age matched controls in the period 2000‐2018. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the link dysthyroidism and PM/DM. Survival analysis was also performed.

Results

The rate of hyperthyroidism was significantly (P = .0097) higher in cases (n = 40, 1.9%) with respect to controls (n = 123, 1.2%). Similarly, the rate of hypothyroidism was significantly (P < .0001) associated with cases (n = 234, 11.2%) when compared to controls (n = 853, 8.4%). At the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both DM (OR 1.31 [95%CI 1.07‐1.60], P = .0087) and PM (OR 1.54 [95%CI 1.21‐1.95], P = .004) were significantly associated with hypothyroidism, whereas DM (OR 1.70 [95%CI 1.10‐2.61], P = .0165) but not PM (OR 1.45 [0.83‐2.55], P = .1947) was found to be associated with hyperthyroidism. Subjects with PM and positive for anti‐Sjögren's syndrome‐related antigen A (SSA) auto‐antibody displayed a significant risk of developing hyperthyroidism (OR 5.85 [95%CI 1.02‐33.74], P = .0480), whereas individuals with DM and positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) had a higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism (OR 2.65 [95%CI 1.00‐7.03], P = .0498).

Conclusions

Physicians treating PM/DM patients should consider screening for thyroid dysfunction on a regular basis.
Acute ischaemic stroke in the absence of established vascular risk factors: Patient characteristics, stroke mechanism and long‐term outcome
Authors: Nannoni Stefania , Scherz‐Moussa Youma Ali , Amiguet Michael , Eskandari Ashraf , Strambo Davide , Michel Patrik
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Some acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients do not display established vascular risk factors (EVRFs). The aim was to assess their clinical characteristics, stroke subtype etiological classification and long‐term outcome.

Methods

All consecutive AIS patients from the Acute Stroke Registry of Lausanne (2003–2018) were retrospectively analyzed with complete assessment of the following EVRFs: hypertension, diabetes, major cardioembolic sources, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, alcohol abuse, previous stroke/transient ischaemic attack and depression/psychosis. Patients without EVRFs were compared to patients with one or more EVRFs using appropriate statistical models.

Results

Of 4889 included patients, 103 (2.1%) had no EVRFs. In multiple regression analysis, patients without EVRFs were significantly younger (odds ratio [OR] 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08–0.20) and had more multiterritorial strokes (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.26–9.05). Strokes were more often related to patent foramen ovale (PFO) (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.44–6.32) and less to atherosclerosis, cardioembolism or small vessel disease. In patients <55 years old, PFO (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.50–5.08) and contraceptive use in females (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.40–5.41) were more frequent, whereas sleep apnea syndrome (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01–0.63) was less. In patients ≥55 years, female sex (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.43–5.65) and active cancer (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.34–7.94) were more prevalent. At 12 months, patients without EVRFs had worse adjusted functional outcome (Rankin shift ORadj 0.63; 95% CI 0.42–0.95) and higher rate of recurrence and death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.11; 95% CI 1.19–3.74).

Conclusions

In a consecutive cohort of AIS patients, only 2% showed no EVRFs. PFO and contraceptive use exhibited a strong association with the absence of EVRFs in younger patients and female sex and active cancer in elderly patients. Our findings highlight the importance of searching for previously unknown risk factors and/or unusual stroke mechanisms in patients without EVRFs.
Forage yield gap analysis for tall fescue pastures in Argentina: A modelling approach
Authors: Insua Juan R. , Machado Claudio F. , Garcia Sergio C. , Berone Germán D.
Published: December 2020

A large gap between actual and potential herbage production of tall fescue is a major limitation for livestock production systems in Argentina. The objectives of this work were to (a) calibrate and test the ability of a published pasture–soil water model to represent herbage growth dynamics of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] under different growing conditions, using data from controlled field experiments; (a) use the evaluated model to predict the magnitude and time of the year that N or soil water would constrain tall fescue from attaining its potential growth rate in the south‐eastern Pampas of Argentina; and (c) quantify herbage production gains and temporal variability for a proposed improved management practice (IMP) of N fertilizer under different meteorological and soils scenarios. After tall fescue‐specific calibration, the model accurately represented the response of tall fescue herbage mass to irrigation and N fertilization (root mean square error of prediction <550 kg DM ha−1, R2 > .70) observed in thirteen single‐season, controlled, field experiments. Results from a 40‐year simulation show that the gap between fertilized and unfertilized tall fescue pastures in Argentina can exceed 14 t DM ha−1 year−1. The proposed IMP maximized responses to N in autumn and early spring, reducing the annual herbage production gaps by 38%. The effect of IMP on annual herbage production was larger (4–5 t DM ha−1 year−1) than the effect due to variability in soils’ ability to store water (2–4 t DM ha−1 year−1) or annual variability in meteorological conditions (±1–2 t DM ha−1 year−1). This work provides a sound modelling approach to identify, for a particular forage species and site, most of the main gaps of herbage production; and to quantify, without the need of long‐term, expensive field studies, some of the potential gains (and risks associated with temporal variability), that could be achieved by producers. In addition, our results clearly indicate that site‐specific calibration is required for the model to provide accurate predictions and sound management advice to farmers.
Botanical composition and aroma compounds of semi‐arid pastures in Algeria
Authors: Senoussi Asma , Schadt Iris , Hioun Soraya , Chenchouni Haroun , Saoudi Zineddine , Aissaoui Zitoun–Hamama Ouarda , Zidoune Mohammed Nasreddine , Carpino Stefania , Rapisarda Teresa
Published: December 2020

This study aims to determine the botanical composition of different pastures in a semiarid region of Algeria and investigate the aromatic profile of the characteristic plant species grazed by goats and sheep. At three pastures (1: montane area with spontaneous vegetation ‘never cultivated before’, 2: previously cultivated but set at rest, 3: cultivated, under cereal production), plants were sampled twice during April–May to determine plant composition. Based on dominance of fresh aerial biomass of each plant per pasture and consumption by dairy goats, 10 species (Atractylis humilis, Calendula arvensis, Filago pygmaea, Globularia alypum, Hordeum vulgare, Malva sylvestris, Plantago sp., Scolymus hispanicus, Sonchus asper and Thymus algeriensis) were selected and sampled once at flowering stage to characterize their aromatic profile. The odour‐active compounds (OACs) of the selected species were extracted using steam distillation, then detected and identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC/MS/O). The analysis of botanical composition revealed the presence of 70 species (29 in mountain, 40 in set at rest, 11 in cultivated pasture) belonging to 62 genera and 22 families, with dominance of Asteraceae species. A total of 86 different OACs were identified, including mainly terpenes (21) and aldehydes (18). Among the OACs, 19 different compounds have various odour notes including herbaceous, floral, sweet spicy, fried, mint, cooked, fruity, sulphur, sweet and unpleasant notes. The number of OACs and individual chemical classes differed significantly between selected species. Atractylis humilis contained more OACs than Scolymus hispanicus and Plantago sp., whereas Globularia alypum had higher number of OACs compared to Plantago sp. This study gave a general overview on plant aroma profile of semiarid pastures in Algeria and suggests that the aromatic profile of grazed plants in the pasture is determinant of the aromatic quality of dairy‐derived foods which depends also on animal feed selection.
Stigma in relation to families living with parental mental illness: An integrative review
Authors: Reupert Andrea , Gladstone Brenda , Helena Hine Rochelle , Yates Scott , McGaw Violette , Charles Grant , Drost Louisa , Foster Kim
Published: December 2020

Stigma is a pervasive social mechanism with negative ramifications for people who experience mental illness. Less is known about the stigma experiences of families where a parent has a mental illness. This review aims to identify and synthesize evidence on the concept of stigma and stigma‐related experiences and outcomes reported by parents and children living with parental mental illness. An integrative review method was employed, with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines to search and select literature and extract and analyse data. This approach allows for inclusion of theoretical and empirical literature and for concept definition. Fifty‐eight papers, mostly from the USA, Australia, and the UK, met the inclusion criteria. Stigma was primarily conceptualized in families as a marked difference that was negatively appraised, and which could be internalized. Some articles examined how underpinning assumptions could shape the behaviour of individuals and groups and be embedded within social institutions and structures. For parents, mental illness stigma was interconnected with stigma relating to perceived violations of social and cultural norms related to parenting. Children’s experience of stigma resulted in bullying, embarrassment, guilt and social isolation, and efforts to conceal their parent’s mental illness. One outcome was that stigma prevented children and parents from seeking much needed supports. Public health policies and campaigns that focus exclusively on promoting open disclosure of mental illness to foster community education outcomes are unlikely to be effective without additional strategies aimed at preventing and redressing the structural impacts of stigma for all family members.
Some Are more Equal than Others: Report Allocation to Members of the European Parliament from New Member States
Authors: Schädler Robin , Brandsma Gijs Jan
Published: December 2020

Rapporteurs in the European Parliament are influential figures, drafting reports, preparing and collecting amendments and negotiating files on behalf of Parliament as a whole. Previous studies have shown a persistent under‐representation of MEPs from the post‐2004 accession states among rapporteurs. In this study, we demonstrate the evolution of this disparity. Although it no longer exists at the surface, MEPs from accession states are still very much under‐represented in the allocation of files that are negotiated with the Council using trilogues – leaving them mostly with prime responsibility for short and relatively uncomplicated files. This shows that unequal representation has taken on a more subtle guise than before, with ‘west‐European’ MEPs still firmly in the driving seat.
A clinical evaluation of resin nanoceramic CEREC Omnicam restorations associated with several factors
Authors: Oz Fatma Dilsad , Bolay Sukran , Canatan Simge
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical performance of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing resin nanoceramic posterior restorations fabricated by CEREC Omnicam system.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐seven Lava Ultimate posterior restorations were placed in 44 patients by one operator. Restorations were cemented using a resin cement system (Duo‐Link). The clinical performance of the restorations was evaluated with USPHS guidelines in a mean time of 45‐month. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Log Rank (Mantel–Cox) tests (SPSS 22.0, α = 0.05).

Results

Thirty‐eight restorations in 26 patients were evaluated at recall examinations by two evaluators other than the clinician who had placed the restorations who were blinded to groups. The survival rates of Lava Ultimate were 86.8%. A total of 5 (13.2%) failures were found. After a mean time of 45‐month survival rate of vital and non‐vital teeth were 90 and 83.3% respectively. The failures were not significantly influenced by gender, tooth arch, restoration size, the treated region and vitality.

Conclusion

Chair‐side posterior resin nanoceramic restorations were clinically successful restorations with a survival rate of 86.8% after a mean time of 45‐month.

Clinical Significance

Chair‐side CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic restorations can be a successful choice for vital and non‐vital teeth with acceptable survival rates.
Quality grading of jujubes using composite convolutional neural networks in combination with RGB color space segmentation and deep convolutional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Guo Zhongyuan , Zheng Hong , Xu Xiaohang , Ju Jianping , Zheng Zhaohui , You Changhui , Gu Yu
Published: December 2020

As an important link in the processing of jujube products, the qualities classification of jujubes have an important impact on improving the value of commodities. In this study, jujube target was extracted based on the RGB color space characteristics and then put into a black background through a mask. The data augmentation method combined deep convolutional generative adversarial networks and rigid transformation (RT) was used to improve the data richness of defective jujubes, effectively solve the imbalance problem between different types of jujube data. A composite convolutional neural network (CNN) method based on residual networks was designed to effectively solve the problem of misjudgment between jujubes with subtle defects and healthy jujubes. The overall results illustrated that the defect detection accuracy of the proposed scheme was 99.2%, which was superior to the widely used support vector machine and CNN methods. This work could be applied to the actual processing site and greatly improved the quality classification effect of jujubes.

Practical Applications

Cracks, peeling, wrinkles, and other defects have seriously affected the quality and value of jujubes, and the quality classification of jujubes is imperative. This paper proposes a set of deep learning schemes from three aspects of improving data quality, enhancing data richness, and designing more accurate and effective classification models. Experimental results show that this scheme can significantly improve the accuracy of jujube quality grading.
Home‐Based Medical Care: High‐Value Health Care During Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Beyond
Authors: Fessler Emily B. , Soriano Theresa , Whitehouse Christina R. , Miller Rachel K.
Published: December 2020

Ms. H is a 78‐year‐old woman with a history of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and recent stroke who was discharged 1 month ago from a subacute rehabilitation facility. She moved in with her son because she now requires a walker and cannot return to her third‐floor apartment. One evening, Ms. H develops a low‐grade fever and mild shortness of breath intermittently relieved by her albuterol inhaler. Her son is worried, but knows that his mom does not want to return to the hospital.
Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in a lethal toxoplasmosis outbreak affecting captive howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.)
Authors: Santana Clarissa Helena , de Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues , dos Santos Daniel O. , Pimentel Samantha Pinheiro , de Souza Lucas dos Reis , Moreira Larissa Giannini Alves , Braz Heloísia Maria Bressan , de Carvalho Thaynara Parente , Lopes Carlos Eduardo Bastos , Oliveira Jefferson Bruno Soares , de Paula Nayara Ferreira , de Carvalho Marcelo Pires Nogueira , Alves Bruna Farias , Pena Hilda Fátima Jesus , Santos Renato Lima
Published: December 2020

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and warm‐blooded animals. This study describes an outbreak of toxoplasmosis in howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) and survival of capuchins (Sapajus apella), under the same environmental conditions.

Methods

Howler monkeys were submitted to post‐mortem examination. Tissue samples were processed to histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect lesions and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Tissue samples were also frozen and submitted to PCR and genotyping of T. gondii.

Results

Typical lesions were observed in several organs including the liver, lymph node, and brain, with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of T. gondii demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. T. gondii genomic sequences were amplified by PCR, and genotyping characterized the same T. gondii clone in all howler monkeys.

Conclusions

Our results support the notion that some species of neotropical primates are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and the hypothesis that capuchins (S. apella) may be resistant.
Carbon‐rich microfossils preserved in the Proterozoic crater‐filling breccias of the Sudbury impact structure, Canada
Authors: Gurov Yevgeniy P. , French Bevan M. , Permiakov Vitaliy V.
Published: December 2020

Two forms of carbon‐rich microfossils were discovered in the breccias of the Onaping Formation, Sudbury impact structure. The first form is represented by single particles scattered in the matrix of the breccias and included in the vesicles in altered glass. These particles are leaf‐shaped, stem‐shaped, tubular, and spherical objects ranging from 5–10 μm to 200–300 µm in size. It is suggested that algal flora inhabiting the ocean basin before the Sudbury impact was the source of plant material in the Onaping Formation. The second form of carbon‐rich microparticles in the Onaping Formation is represented by plant detritus in carbon‐bearing fragments of mudstones included in the breccia matrix. The microparticles in the mudstones are mainly ribbon‐like shreds from 3–5 µm to 200–300 µm long, while rare particles have more complex shapes. The matrix of the mudstones is a fine‐grained clay‐like substance with a network of micron‐wide open‐joint fissures. Contents of carbon in the mudstone matrix are 12–15 wt%. Muddy bottom sediments of the pre‐impact sea are supposed as a source of mudstone fragments in the breccias. Fragments of mudstones and carbon‐rich microparticles are an important source of organic carbon in the breccias of the Onaping Formation. Discovery of microfossils in the breccias of the Onaping Formation suggests the presence of a previously unknown complex algal flora that inhabited the pre‐impact sea before the impact event 1.85 billion years ago at the very end of the Paleoproterozoic.