bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warming alters plant phylogenetic and functional community structure
Authors: Zhu Juntao , Zhang Yangjian , Yang Xian , Chen Ning , Li Shaopeng , Wang Pandeng , Jiang Lin
Published: June 2020

Climate change is known to affect many facets of the Earth's ecosystems. However, little is known about its impacts on phylogenetic and functional properties of ecological communities.

Here we studied the responses of plant communities in an alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau to environmental warming across taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional levels in a 6‐year multiple‐level warming experiment.

While low‐level warming did not alter either plant species richness or phylogenetic/functional community structure, high‐level warming significantly decreased species richness. Higher level warming more strongly reduced soil moisture and caused stronger environmental filtering, consequently changing species composition and community structure. At the plant functional trait level, high‐level warming promoted species turnover through altering the effects of traits such as plant height on species extinction and SLA on species colonization. As a result, high‐, but not low‐level warming drove phylogenetic/functional community structure from overdispersion to randomness, by filtering out species that were functionally dissimilar and distantly related to the resident species.

Synthesis. Our study provides evidence that the responses of plant phylogenetic and functional community structure to low warming differ from those in the future scenarios of increasing temperature. Importantly, the extinction of species that was functionally dissimilar and distantly related to the resident species contributed to alterations in plant community structure under high warming. Our study underscores the need to incorporate the phylogenetic and functional perspectives to gain a more complete understanding of community responses to climate warming.
Vibrio natriegens: an ultrafast‐growing marine bacterium as emerging synthetic biology chassis
Authors: Hoff Josef , Daniel Benjamin , Stukenberg Daniel , Thuronyi B W. , Waldminghaus Torsten , Fritz Georg
Published: June 2020

The marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens is the fastest‐growing non‐pathogenic bacterium known to date and is gaining more and more attention as an alternative chassis organism to Escherichia coli. A recent wave of synthetic biology efforts has focused on the establishment of molecular biology tools in this fascinating organism, now enabling exciting applications – from speeding up our everyday laboratory routines to increasing the pace of biotechnological production cycles. In this review, we seek to give a broad overview on the literature on V. natriegens, spanning all the way from its initial isolation to its latest applications. We discuss its natural ecological niche and interactions with other organisms, unveil some of its extraordinary traits, review its genomic organization and give insight into its diverse metabolism – key physiological insights required to further develop this organism into a synthetic biology chassis. By providing a comprehensive overview on the established genetic tools, methods and applications we highlight the current possibilities of this organism, but also identify some of the gaps that could drive future lines of research, hopefully stimulating the growth of the V. natriegens research community.
Appraising home purchase appraisals
Authors: Calem Paul , Kenney Jeanna , Lambie‐Hanson Lauren , Nakamura Leonard
Published: June 2020

Home appraisals are produced for millions of residential mortgage transactions each year. In addition to preventing fraudulent transactions, an important benefit of appraisals when they report a value below the contract price is that they help borrowers renegotiate prices with sellers. However, appraised values are rarely below the purchase contract price: Some 30% of appraisals in our sample are exactly at the home price (with less than 10% of them below it). We construct a simple but intuitive model to explain how appraisers’ incentives within the institutional framework that governs mortgage lending lead to information loss in appraisals (i.e., appraisals set equal to the contract price). We also present new empirical findings relevant to the issue of appraisal accuracy, based on analysis of appraisal and contract price data and analysis of mortgage default patterns. One new finding—that the frequency of appraisal equal to contract price increases at the loan‐to‐value boundaries (notches) typical of mortgage pricing schedules—is, in fact, implied by our model. In addition, consistent with information loss or, more broadly, with the view that appraisals often artificially confirm the contract price, we find that mortgages with appraised value equal to the contract price are more likely to default.
Nondestructive Differentiation of Polyester Single White Fibers Using Synchrotron Radiation Microbeam X‐ray Fluorescence Spectrometry with Vertical Focusing
Authors: Nishiwaki Yoshinori , Honda Sadao , Yamato Takuma , Kondo Ryosuke , Kaneda Atsunori , Hayakawa Shinjiro
Published: June 2020

In this study, the nondestructive differentiation of individual white polyester clothing fibers was accomplished via synchrotron radiation microbeam X‐ray fluorescence (SR‐μ‐XRF) analysis. SR‐μ‐XRF with vertical focusing is a useful nondestructive method for the analysis of a single polyester clothing fiber. Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB) mirror was used to vertically focus 20 keV X‐rays for the analysis of 22 individual white polyester fibers taken from clothing commonly sold in Japan. SR‐μ‐XRF with a vertical focused 2 μm (V) × 300 μm (H) beam was approximately 12.8 times more sensitive than SR‐XRF with an unfocused 300 μm (V) × 300 μm (H) beam for the detection of elements in single fibers. The minimum detection limits (MDLs) of the SR‐μ‐XRF method were 8.15 ppm for Cl and 0.06 ppm for Br. In addition to Ti in TiO2 delustering agents, Zr and Nb impurities in the delustering agents were detected in individual fibers. Sb from a polymerization catalyst and Co from a transesterification catalyst were also detected in individual fibers. Comparing the Ti Kβ/Sb Lα,β and Zr Kα/Nb Kα X‐ray intensity ratios was a useful way to distinguish individual clothing fibers, and 98% of the fibers were differentiated when additional trace elements were used as discrimination indicators.
Selecting people based on person‐organisation fit: Implications for intrateam trust and team performance
Authors: Hu Qiongjing , Yao Jingjing , Zhang Zhi‐Xue
Published: June 2020

Teamwork is widely adopted in organisations. Although much evidence indicates that using person‐organisation (P‐O) fit as a selection criterion benefits individual employees, little is known about how this practice influences team functioning. Drawing on the input‐mediator‐outcome model and the research on value congruence, this study built and tested a model that links P‐O fit in recruitment to work teams' performance. Based on data collected from team members, team leaders, human resources managers, and chief executive officers in 96 firms, we found that P‐O fit in recruitment had a positive relationship with team performance and that intrateam trust mediated the relationship between P‐O fit in recruitment and team performance. Further, this mediated relationship existed only when the organisation had a weak, rather than strong, respect‐for‐people culture. This study contributes to the P‐O fit and team literature and has practical implications for human resources practices and team management.
Endoscopic management of stricturing Crohn's disease
Authors: Gu Yu Bei , Zhong Jie ,   Chinese IBD Endoscopic Club
Published: June 2020

The natural history of Crohn's disease (CD) usually begins with primary intestinal inflammation, which progresses gradually to stricturing lesions. Stricture is a complicated, intractable but very common clinical problem in the management of CD. Difficulties remain in treating stricturing CD because of the limited efficacy of drug therapy and relapse of stricturing lesions cannot be completely avoided by surgery. Endoscopic management is a bridging therapy between drug therapy and surgical intervention, mainly including endoscopic balloon dilatation and endoscopic stricturotomy, and has been found to be effective for treating stricturing CD. Its explicit curative effect, less invasiveness and high safety performance make endoscopic management more acceptable by both the physician and patient. Although some patients require repeated endoscopic treatment and ultimately cannot avoid surgery, yet it can significantly delay the time to surgery and improve the quality of life. Physicians carrying out the endoscopic procedure need to be trained for performing this procedure. In this review we summarized the diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of stricturing CD.
Selection and perception of methotrexate treatment information in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Leonardo Nieves , Lester Susan , Graham Michelle , Barrett Claire , Whittle Samuel , Rowett Debra , Buchbinder Rachelle , Hill Catherine L.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine beliefs about methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in relation to utilized information sources.

Methods

RA patients, who were current participants in the Australian national biologic registry, completed an online questionnaire regarding their use and views about MTX (N = 1010). Participants who used MTX were asked about which MTX information sources they consulted, and whether positive or negative views were obtained. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ), was used to measure patient beliefs about MTX.

Results

The survey response rate was 804/1010 (80%). MTX survey data were analyzed for 742 RA participants (mean age 59 years, 76% female, mean disease duration 19 years) who had used MTX, with 494/742 (67%) reporting current use. Participants consulted multiple information sources (median 3, interquartile range 1‐5). Rheumatologists (98%), general practitioners (GPs) (55%), internet searches (39%), educational websites (38%), and pharmacists (37%) were the most common information sources utilized. Positive MTX information was most often obtained from rheumatologists (92%), GPs (66%), and educational websites (56%). Negative information was most often obtained from relatives, social media, internet chat rooms and friends. Information from rheumatologists was the most influential on favorable BMQ MTX‐specific scores, whereas information from educational websites also affirmed the need for MTX.

Conclusion

RA patients have significant concerns regarding MTX and consult a variety of sources for MTX information. However, the patient perception of this information varies widely. Rheumatologists and educational websites are the most important information sources in terms of a positive influence on the patient's perception of MTX.
Loss of riparian vegetation associated with decreases in bird specialists: A case study from a subtropical desert
Authors: Hidalgo Aranzamendi Nataly , Ugarte Mauricio
Published: June 2020

Riparian habitats provide refuge for unique plant and animal assemblages. Many riparian habitats in arid ecosystems have lost most of their vegetation and associated fauna, due to a reduction of their original extension by land transformation. Using a case study from the subtropical desert of Peru, we quantified avian richness, diversity and abundance of resident species in twelve sites with a varying degree of anthropogenic impact, using an anthropogenic index (A.I.) as a proxy of alteration of the original vegetation. Sites with lower values of A.I. were those with the highest percentage of riparian cover. We found that species richness was higher at sites with a higher percentage of riparian vegetation (low A.I.), although bird diversity did not differ between sites. Five bird species, mostly insectivorous passerines, showed higher abundances at sites with low A.I., suggesting that less riparian cover is associated with lower abundances of such species. Despite its conspicuous presence, the Slender‐billed Finch, an endemic species recorded at all sites, was found at lower abundances when riparian vegetation was scarcer. Only one species showed the opposite trend, the Rufous‐collared sparrow, a dietary generalist songbird, which was more abundant at sites with higher A.I. Other 20 species analysed showed no trend. Moreover, several species had few records precluding a formal statistical analysis. This study offers valuable data on the negative impact that the loss of native vegetation could have on riparian communities of subtropical ecosystems, for which no other long‐term data exist. The protection, management and restoration of riparian strips should be a priority for bird conservation in human‐modified environments, particularly for those in developing countries.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Sperm structure of the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Authors: Roopnarine Narindra H. , Gupta Sunil K. , du Plessis Lizette , Aire Tom A.
Published: June 2020

It remains a major concern that sperm structure has continued to be poorly investigated and reported in avian species. To our knowledge, sperm structure in the order Pelecaniforme has not been reported. Although McFarlane (1963; Proceedings of the XIII International Ornithological Congress; Ithaca, NY; American Ornithologists’ Union) reported the study of spermatozoa in two genera and two species of the family Ardeidae, he did not provide an account, or the names of the species examined. The present report on the sperm structure of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, is, thus, the first in the order Pelecaniformes (this bird has been placed variably under the order Ciconiiformes, or the order Pelecaniformes). Five sexually mature and reproductively active male cattle egrets were obtained from the wild, humanely euthanized, the reproductive organs dissected out, and tissues from the ducti deferentia were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The sperm structure of this bird is generally similar to that described for most non‐passerine birds. However, the acrosome is a short, conical or bullet‐shaped, blunt‐ending organelle that lacks a perforatorium. The base of the acrosome is flat and makes contact with the nucleus along, a correspondingly flat plane. The nucleus, thus, ends anteriorly in a flat plane devoid of a concavity or a rostrum, and an endonuclear canal. The acrosomal and nuclear features of this bird are, therefore, main deviations from the situation in the non‐passerine clade of birds.
Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma: dermal and subcutaneous
Authors: Wong Gwyneth Natalie , Webb Angela , Gyorki David , McCormack Chris , Tran Phillip , Ngan Samuel Y. , Slavin John , Henderson Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

Leiomyosarcoma of skin (LMS) can be sub‐classified on pathology appearances as Dermal or Subcutaneous. The aim of this study was to provide treatment recommendations for these uncommon tumours.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with dermal and subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma managed at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia from January 2003 to December 2018 was performed. Eighty‐three patients were identified (64 dermal leiomyosarcoma, 19 subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma).

Results

Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma were larger (median size 14 mm dermal, 49 mm subcutaneous, P = 0.01). No patient with a dermal leiomyosarcoma developed metastatic disease compared to 4 of the 19 subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma (5‐year overall survivals, 98% and 88%, respectively, P = 0.03). The most common site of metastasis was to the lung. No difference in risk of local recurrence was apparent (5‐year recurrence‐free survivals were 85% and 78%, respectively, P = 0.17). Adjuvant radiotherapy was used in 16 (25%) dermal leiomyosarcoma patients and 13 (68%) subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma patients (P < 0.001). Local recurrence was uncommon in both tumour subtypes when patients received definitive surgical excision (minimum histological margins of 10 mm as per institutional protocol) regardless of whether radiotherapy was used. The 5‐year local recurrence‐free survival for dermal leiomyosarcoma treated with radiotherapy was 93% versus 83% without radiotherapy (P = 0.7) and for subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma was 69% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.9).

Conclusions

Dermal leiomyosarcoma have an excellent prognosis, particularly after definitive surgical excision with margins of at least 10 mm. Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma has poorer outcomes and should be managed by wider excision and considered for adjuvant radiotherapy.
Rapid screening of COVID‐19 patients using white blood cell scattergrams, a study on 381 patients
Authors: Osman Jennifer , Lambert Jérome , Templé Marie , Devaux Floriane , Favre Rémy , Flaujac Claire , Bridoux Delphine , Marque‐Juillet Stéphanie , Bruneel Fabrice , Mignon François , Diaz‐Flores Ernesto , Hentgen Véronique , Greder‐Belan Alix , Azarian Reza , Koukabi Mehrsa , Rousselot Philippe , Raggueneau Victoria , Manéglier Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Complementary tools are warranted to increase the sensitivity of the initial testing for COVID‐19. We identified a specific ‘sandglass’ aspect on the white blood cell scattergram of COVID‐19 patients reflecting the presence of circulating plasmacytoid lymphocytes. Patients were dichotomized as COVID‐19‐positive or ‐negative based on reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan results. Sensitivity and specificity of the ‘sandglass’ aspect were 85·9% and 83·5% respectively. The positive predictive value was 94·3%. Our findings provide a non‐invasive and simple tool to quickly categorize symptomatic patients as either COVID‐19‐probable or ‐improbable especially when RT‐PCR and/or chest CT are not rapidly available.
Ready Exerciser One: Effects of music and virtual reality on cycle ergometer exercise
Authors: Bird Jonathan M. , Karageorghis Costas I. , Baker Steven J. , Brookes David A. , Nowicky Alexander V.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Physical inactivity remains a major global health concern, and researchers have been encouraged to explore the role of technology in the promotion of physical activity. Technologies that deliver audio‐visual stimuli are frequently applied in the exercise domain. However, there is a paucity of research that examines the efficacy of modern virtual reality (VR) technology in this context. We investigated the effects of VR and music on affective, perceptual, enjoyment, and cardiac responses to aerobic‐type exercise.

Design

A fully counterbalanced, within‐subjects design was employed.

Methods

A convenience sample of recreationally active adult volunteers (N = 24) completed a 12‐min protocol during which they exercised under music, VR, VR‐with‐music, and control conditions.

Results

Analyses indicated a Condition × Time interaction for affective valence and perceived activation. Moreover, a main effect of condition emerged for state attention and perceived enjoyment. The VR and VR‐with‐music conditions elicited the most positive affective valence, highest levels of perceived activation, greatest number of dissociative thoughts, and most exercise enjoyment. Differences between these two conditions were negligible across the breadth of dependent variables.

Conclusions

The present findings illustrate the efficacy of modern VR technology in the exercise context, applied both with and without musical accompaniment. Additional research is required to assess the degree to which the findings are replicable among sedentary or ageing segments of the population. Given the emerging support pertaining to a positive relationship between affective responses and exercise adherence, VR technology should be considered as a means by which to promote an enjoyable exercise experience.
Reconciling multiple counterfactuals when evaluating biodiversity conservation impact in social‐ecological systems
Authors: Bull Joseph W. , Strange Niels , Smith Robert J. , Gordon Ascelin
Published: June 2020

When evaluating the impact of a biodiversity conservation intervention, a counterfactual is typically needed. Counterfactuals are possible alternative system trajectories in the absence of an intervention. Comparing observed outcomes against the chosen counterfactual allows the impact (change attributable to the intervention) to be determined. Because counterfactuals by definition never occur, they must be estimated. Sometimes, there may be many plausible counterfactuals, including various drivers of biodiversity change and defined on a range of spatial or temporal scales. Here, we posit that, by definition, conservation interventions always take place in social‐ecological systems (SES) (i.e., ecological systems integrated with human actors). Evaluating the impact of an intervention in an SES, therefore, means taking into account the counterfactuals assumed by different human actors. Use of different counterfactuals by different actors will give rise to perceived differences in the impacts of interventions, which may lead to disagreement about its success or the effectiveness of the underlying approach. Despite that there are biophysical biodiversity trends, it is often true that no single counterfactual is definitively the right one for conservation assessment, so multiple evaluations of intervention efficacy could be considered justifiable. Therefore, we propose calculating the sum of perceived differences, which captures the range of impact estimates associated with different actors in a given SES. The sum of perceived differences gives some indication of how closely actors in an SES agree on the impacts of an intervention. We applied the concept of perceived differences to a set of global, national, and regional case studies (e.g., global realization of Aichi Target 11 for marine protected areas, effect of biodiversity offsetting on vegetation condition in Australia, and influence of conservation measures on an endangered ungulate in Central Asia). We explored approaches for minimizing the sum, including a combination of negotiation and structured decision making, careful alignment of expectations on scope and measurement, and explicit recognition of any intractable differences between stakeholders.
Exophytic condyloma: are they as benign as we think?
Authors: Jochum S. B. , Tian W. , Goczalk M. G. , Ritz E. M. , Favuzza J. , Govekar H. R. , Bhama A. R. , Saclarides T. J. , Jakate S. , Hayden D. M.
Published: June 2020

Aim

As the understanding of anal dysplasia continues to develop, controversy remains regarding treatment of these lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lesion type (flat vs exophytic) and the association between morphology and dysplasia.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected pathological database of patients > 17 years old who underwent operative excision/biopsies for presumed anal condyloma or dysplasia from 2009 to 2018. The analysis includes comparisons between patient factors, phenotype and grade of dysplasia.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients had 423 lesions. The mean age of the study population was 48.2 years. 62.3% were men and 46.4% of patients were black. 47.8% of patients were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and 39.1% were men who have sex with men (MSM). There were 176 (41.6%) flat lesions and 234 (55.3%) exophytic lesions. Exophytic lesions were 2.5‐fold more likely to be associated with a higher grade of dysplasia than flat lesions (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.09–6.32). Neither lesion type nor dysplasia severity was associated with human papillomavirus, lesion location or patient characteristics, including race, MSM or HIV status.

Discussion

Exophytic lesions were more than twice as likely to have advanced dysplasia compared with flat lesions. A clearer understanding of the association between gross lesion appearance and dysplasia will allow more appropriate counselling of patients and the development of better screening and treatment guidelines for anal condylomata and dysplasia.
Climate warming moderates the impacts of introduced sportfish on multiple dimensions of prey biodiversity
Authors: Loewen Charlie J. G. , Strecker Angela L. , Gilbert Benjamin , Jackson Donald A.
Published: June 2020

Human‐assisted introductions of exotic species are a leading cause of anthropogenic change in biodiversity; however, context dependencies and interactions with co‐occurring stressors impede our ability to predict their ecological impacts. The legacy of historical sportfish stocking in mountainous regions of western North America creates a unique, natural quasiexperiment to investigate factors moderating invasion impacts on native communities across broad geographic and environmental gradients. Here we synthesize fish stocking records and zooplankton relative abundance for 685 mountain lakes and ponds in the Cascade and Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranges, to reveal the effects of predatory sportfish introduction on multiple taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic dimensions of prey biodiversity. We demonstrate an innovative analytical approach, combining exploratory random forest machine learning with confirmatory multigroup analysis using multivariate partial least‐squares structural equation models, to generate and test hypotheses concerning environmental moderation of stocking impacts. We discovered distinct effects of stocking across different dimensions of diversity, including negligible (nonsignificant) impacts on local taxonomic richness (i.e. alpha diversity) and trophic structure, in contrast to significant declines in compositional uniqueness (i.e. beta diversity) and body size. Furthermore, we found that stocking impacts were moderated by cross‐scale interactions with climate and climate‐related land‐cover variables (e.g. factors linked to treeline position and glaciers). Interactions with physical morphometric and lithological factors were generally of lesser importance, though catchment slope and habitat size constraints were relevant in certain dimensions. Finally, applying space‐for‐time substitution, a strong antagonistic (i.e. dampening) interaction between sportfish predation and warmer temperatures suggests redundancy of their size‐selective effects, meaning that warming will lessen the consequences of introductions in the future and stocked lakes may be less impacted by subsequent warming. While both stressors drive biotic homogenization, our results have important implications for fisheries managers weighing the costs/benefits of stocking—or removing established non‐native populations—under a rapidly changing climate.
Does altitude affect blood gases in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Coşkun Yavuz Yasemin , Altun Eda , Sevinc Can , Guney Ibrahim , Korez Muslu Kazim , Biyik Zeynep , Altintepe Lutfullah
Published: June 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to determine whether predialysis blood gases is affected by altitude differences in hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistulas living in Turkey at three different altitudes.

Methods

Patients' predialysis blood gases were compared by standardizing both arterial blood gases collections and working methods for patients undergoing hemodialysis using a dialysate with the same properties at altitudes of 30 m (sea level), 1020 m (moderate altitude), and 1951 m (high altitude).

Findings

Blood gases disorders were detected in 32 (82.1%) high altitude group patients, whereas 49 (74.2%) sea level group patients had no blood gases disorders (P < 0.001). pH values in the high altitude group were significantly lower than those in the other groups, and the pH increased as altitude decreased (P < 0.001). The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) values was higher in the sea level group than in the other groups and increased at lower sea levels (P < 0.001). Bicarbonate values were significantly higher in the sea level group than in the other groups and increased at lower sea levels, similar to PaCO2 values (P < 0.001). The partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) values in the high altitude and sea level groups were significantly higher and increased at lower sea levels (P < 0.001). The oxygen saturation (SaO2) values were significantly lower in the high altitude group than in the other groups and increased gradually at lower sea levels (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Predialysis metabolic acidosis was more pronounced in patients undergoing hemodialysis at high altitudes, whereas PaCO2, PaO2, and SaO2 values were lower.
Observed restrictive feeding practices among low‐income mothers of pre‐adolescents
Authors: Bauer Katherine W. , Weeks Heidi M. , Shah Kinari , Ludwig‐Borycz Elizabeth , Riley Hurley , Lumeng Julie C. , Miller Alison L.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To describe verbal and non‐verbal restrictive feeding practices used by low‐income mothers with their pre‐adolescent children during a laboratory‐based protocol, and examine associations between mother/child anthropometrics, child appetitive traits and mothers’ restrictive practices.

Methods

Mothers and children (dyad n = 108, mean child age = 11.0 years [SD = 1.2]) were provided a standardized meal and then buffet of desserts. Sessions were video‐recorded, and trained coders reliably identified positive and negative restrictive statements, non‐verbal restrictive behaviours and redirection to healthier foods. Mother/child anthropometrics were measured by trained study staff and child appetitive traits reported by mothers using subscales of the Children's Eating Behaviours Questionnaire. Negative binomial regression was used to examine associations between mother/child characteristics and restrictive practices.

Results

Nearly all mothers (89.8%) engaged in restrictive feeding during the dessert buffet. Positive restrictive statements were the most common form of restriction (mean statements/10 minutes = 3.2 [SD = 3.1]). No associations were observed between children's body mass index (BMI) or appetitive traits and mothers’ restrictive feeding practices. Associations of small effect size were observed between mothers’ BMI, use of positive restrictive statements (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.98 [0.96‐0.996]) and non‐verbal restrictive behaviours (IRR = 0.96 [0.93‐0.99]).

Conclusions

Laboratory‐based feeding protocols can objectively assess nuances in restrictive feeding practices. Further research is needed to understand how specific approaches to restriction affect children's eating behaviours and weight.
Cognitive ability in virtual reality: Validity evidence for VR game‐based assessments
Authors: Weiner Erik J. , Sanchez Diana R.
Published: June 2020

Virtual reality (VR) technology may provide unique benefits for assessing individual characteristics, in contrast with traditional assessments. This study examined validity evidence for the use of VR game (VRG) scores to indicate specific cognitive abilities. Participants completed three VRGs, three computer‐based assessments (CBAs), and additional scales. To evaluate convergent validity, VRG scores were compared with CBA scores. For divergent validity, VRG scores were compared with five factors of personality based on the Five Factor Model. For criterion‐related validity, VRG scores were compared with academic achievement (i.e., grade point average). Findings generally provided support that the VRG scores are related to certain spatial reasoning subdimensions of cognitive ability. However, further research is needed to examine the qualities of VRGs as assessment tools.
Rotation de la main‐d'œuvre en Amérique latine: différences de nature et d'intensité
Authors: BECCARIA Luis , MAURIZIO Roxana
Published: June 2020

L'étude de la rotation de la main‐d'œuvre est particulièrement importante pour l'Amérique latine où les cycles économiques sont accentués et où la protection sociale est limitée. Les auteurs estiment l'intensité de cette rotation dans six pays d'Amérique latine au cours des années 2000, décomposent les différences observées et examinent les trajectoires des travailleurs. Les taux de rotation de la main‐d'œuvre apparaissent très différents, ce qui s'explique surtout par le degré d'emploi informel et temporaire. Dans tous les cas, une grande partie des sorties de l'emploi se font vers le chômage ou le travail précaire.
A major new alliance in Australian healthcare: the Australian consensus framework for ethical collaboration in the healthcare sector
Authors: Lipworth Wendy , Fitzpatrick Jane , Cosenza Adrian , Kerridge Ian , Subramanian Peter , Verhoeven Alison , Wells Leanne
Published: June 2020

The 'Australian Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration in the Healthcare Sector' (ACF) is an Australian initiative aimed at countering dysfunction and growing mistrust in the health sector through the development of a cross‐sectoral consensus framework. The development of this framework arose from Australia's involvement in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) and has since become the largest of its kind internationally, with over 70 signatories representing professional bodies, industry organisations, hospital and health services associations, regulators and patient and advocacy groups. In this article, we describe and critique the framework and outline its implementation.
Retrieval medicine and pre‐hospital care in remote Australia
Authors: Ting Joseph
Published: June 2020

Retrieval medicine and pre‐hospital care in remote Australia are challenging, requiring competencies in major trauma, high‐risk obstetrics, critical care in adults and children, severe mental health‐related agitation and envenomation. They keep a city‐based retrieval and pre‐hospital care doctor on their toes. Cultural fluencies to enhance care for Aboriginal and remote communities are critical during the long hours taken for the patient journey from the accident scene or clinic to definitive care.
To solve or to observe? The case of problem‐solving interactivity within child learning games
Authors: Tetourová Tereza , Hannemann Tereza , Javora Ondřej , Volná Kristina , Šisler Vít , Brom Cyril
Published: June 2020

We explored whether problem‐solving interactivity within an instructional game fosters learning for children aged 8–10 years. Participants (N = 139) studied a biological topic either through a game‐based learning environment (in which they solved assigned problems by interacting with a plant model) or from a standard learning environment (in which they observed how the problems were solved in an animation) (i.e., between‐subject design). The treatments were equal with regard to learning content and guidance. No between‐group differences in learning outcomes were detected (comprehension: d = 0.16; transfer: d = −0.01). Self‐rating of enjoyment tended to be higher in the game group (d = 0.32), and when the children could choose between the treatments in a free‐choice period, they strongly preferred the interactive game (87.5%). The results suggest that both the interactive and the non‐interactive treatments are useful, but their applicability may differ depending on the learning context (e.g., school vs. home).
Study within a trial protocol: Same‐day consent vs. delayed consent in a randomized trial
Authors: Elfghi Marah , Jordan Fionnuala , Sultan Sherif , Tawfick Wael
Published: June 2020

Background

Randomized trials are designed to evaluate the effects of health care interventions. The recruitment process in a randomized trial can be challenging. Poor recruitment can have a negative impact on the allocated budget and estimated completion date of the study and may result in an underpowered research that will not adequately answer the original research question.

Aim

We aim to perform a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to evaluate the impact of same‐day consent or delayed consent on recruitment and retention in the host trial.

Methods

This SWAT is designed as an observational study. However, the host trial is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle modification program in patients with peripheral arterial disease. For this trial and SWAT, same‐day consent is defined as the patient giving consent on the same day, after the investigator has fully explained the predesigned information leaflet for the host trial. Delayed consent is defined as the patient feeling they still need further time to consider their decision to participate or not.

Swat registration

The SWAT was registered on the Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Research.
Acute kidney injury following the use of different proton pump inhibitor regimens: A real‐world analysis of post‐marketing surveillance data
Authors: Chen Gang , Ning Li‐Juan , Qin Yan , Zhao Bin , Mei Dan , Li Xue‐Mei
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Recent evidence has concerned acute kidney injury (AKI) after the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) application. There are few real‐world studies to compare the occurrences, clinical features, and prognosis of AKI related to various PPI regimens. We aimed to evaluate and compare the links between different PPIs and AKI in a large population by investigating the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) until recently.

Methods

Disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis were used in data mining to screen the suspected AKI after different PPIs based on the FAERS from January 2004 to December 2019. The times to onset, fatality, and hospitalization rates of PPI‐associated AKI were also investigated.

Results

We identified 19 522 PPI‐associated AKIs, which appeared to influence more middle‐aged patients than elderly ones (53.04% vs 33.94%). Women were more affected than men (55.42% vs 44.58%). Lansoprazole appeared a stronger AKI association than other PPIs, based on the highest reporting odds ratio (reporting odds ratio = 20.8, 95% confidence interval = 20.16, 21.46), proportional reporting ratio (proportional reporting ratio = 15.55, χ2 = 73 899.68), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (empirical Bayes geometric mean = 15.15, 95% confidence interval = 14.76). The median time to AKI onset was 446 (interquartile range [IQR] 16–2176) days after PPI administration. PPIs showed a significant difference in average time to AKI onset (P < 0.001), with the shortest of 9 (IQR 3–25) days for rabeprazole and the longest of 1221 (IQR 96.5–2620) days for esomeprazole. PPI‐associated AKI generally led to a 5.69% fatality rate and an 8.94% hospitalization rate. The highest death rate occurred in rabeprazole (15.35%).

Conclusions

Based on the FAERS database, we profiled AKI related to various PPIs with more details in occurrences, clinical characteristics, and prognosis. Concern should be paid for PPIs when applied to patients with a tendency for AKI.
A noninvasive myorelaxant approach resulting in gummy smile improvement—A pilot study
Authors: Bojanowski Krzysztof , Corona Pedro , Ma Stephanie , Zhao Hui
Published: June 2020

Background

The opportunity to shape facial appearance through noninvasive muscle relaxation procedures remains largely unfulfilled. Here, a hypothesis was tested whether an intraoral application of a mucoadhesive, biodegradable slow release formulation may trigger beneficial cosmetic outcomes in and around the mouth.

Aims

A clinical case study was designed to determine the effect of a transbuccal delivery of a formulation containing a botanical muscle relaxant on the appearance of the smile line. The ingredients of this formulation were then tested for metalloproteinase inhibition, in fibroblast culture model, to further determine their value for intraoral application.

Patients/Methods

A bioadhesive patch device was engineered and applied under the upper lip of three volunteers. Changes in gingival coverage were interrogated by morphometry. Levels of MMP1 and MMP3 in fibroblast culture‐conditioned medium were measured by sandwitch ELISA and cell proliferation by sulforhodamine B method.

Results

The cosmetic benefit of the transoral delivery of skeletal muscle relaxing formulation was demonstrated by loosening upper lip skin and improving the gummy smile condition. The ingredients of that formulation also had an inhibitory effect on MMP1 and MMP3 protein level in vitro, and enhanced cell proliferation in the adult fibroblast model.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results indicate that the transbuccal delivery platform is an effective approach to improve gingival coverage, while potentially providing beneficial functionality for both skin and the oral cavity.
Lichen planus pemphigoides after body tattooing
Authors: Lim Agnes , Tang Po Yin , Oh Choon Chiat
Published: June 2020

Decorative tattooing is very popular worldwide and is associated with cutaneous complications, ranging from infections to localized or generalized skin reactions. We report a case of a patient presenting with generalized violaceous pruritic papular lesions 1 month after obtaining a black ink tattoo. Histological examination of a papular lesion distal to the tattoo site showed focal band‐like lymphocytic infiltrate. He subsequently developed bullae over the papular lesions, with elevated serum BP180 antibody levels. A diagnosis of generalized lichen planus and lichen planus pemphigoides was made. He responded to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids and ciclosporin. We also reviewed the presentation and treatment of published cases of lichenoid reactions in the literature. With the increasing popularity of tattoos, awareness of this potential complication and possible treatments is important.
The functional characterization of LjNRT2.4 indicates a novel, positive role of nitrate for an efficient nodule N2‐fixation activity
Authors: Valkov Vladimir Totev , Sol Stefano , Rogato Alessandra , Chiurazzi Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Atmospheric nitrogen (N2)‐fixing nodules are formed on the roots of legume plants as result of the symbiotic interaction with rhizobia. Nodule functioning requires high amounts of carbon and energy, and therefore legumes have developed finely tuned mechanisms to cope with changing external environmental conditions, including nutrient availability and flooding. The investigation of the role of nitrate as regulator of the symbiotic N2 fixation has been limited to the inhibitory effects exerted by high external concentrations on nodule formation, development and functioning.

We describe a nitrate‐dependent route acting at low external concentrations that become crucial in hydroponic conditions to ensure an efficient nodule functionality. Combined genetic, biochemical and molecular studies are used to unravel the novel function of the LjNRT2.4 gene.

Two independent null mutants are affected by the nitrate content of nodules, consistent with LjNRT2.4 temporal and spatial profiles of expression. The reduced nodular nitrate content is associated to a strong reduction of nitrogenase activity and a severe N‐starvation phenotype observed under hydroponic conditions. We also report the effects of the mutations on the nodular nitric oxide (NO) production and content.

We discuss the involvement of LjNRT2.4 in a nitrate‐NO respiratory chain taking place in the N2‐fixing nodules.
Mendelssohns' cosmopolitan map and Solstad’s rural Telemark
Authors: Haugen Marius Warholm
Published: June 2020

This article makes a comparative analysis of La carte des Mendelssohn (2015), by the Belgian novelist Diane Meur, and Det uoppløselige episke element i Telemark i perioden 1591–1896 (2013), by the Norwegian novelist Dag Solstad. It examines how these two original literary projects explore different modalities of the relationship between genealogy and geography in order to challenge established forms of historical family narratives. Solstad's text is anchored in the local, circumscribed to the rural areas of the Norwegian region of Telemark, while Meur's text is an exploration of cosmopolitanism; however, they come together in exposing the profound interconnectedness between people and places and its relational productivity.
Xanthoma striatum palmare and biliary tract atresia: An unusual association
Authors: Joner Mattias Fernanda , Escobar Gabriela Fortes , Peruzzo Juliano
Published: June 2020

Cutaneous xanthomas develop as a result of lipid deposition in the dermis and may be a manifestation of various systemic diseases. The morphology and anatomic location of xanthomas are often a clue to the underlying cause. Xanthoma striatum palmare (XSP) is classically associated with dysbetalipoproteinemia and rarely observed in hepatic disorders. We present a case of a 2‐year‐old child diagnosed with XSP and biliary tract atresia.
Modelling Fuel Injector Spray Characteristics in Jet Engines by Using Vine Copulas
Authors: Coblenz Maximilian , Holz Simon , Bauer Hans-Jörg , Grothe Oliver , Koch Rainer
Published: June 2020

The emission requirements for jet engines are becoming more stringent and the combustion process determines pollutant emissions. Therefore, we model the distribution of fuel drops generated by a fuel injector in a jet engine, which can be assumed to be a five-dimensional problem in terms of drop size, x-position, y-position, x-velocity and y-velocity. The data are generated by numerical simulations of the fuel atomization process for several jet engine operating conditions. In combustion simulations, the variables are usually assumed to be independent at the start of the simulation, which is clearly not so as our data show. The dependence between some of the variables is non-monotone and asymmetric, which makes the modelling task difficult. Our aim is to provide a realistic parametric model for the dependence structure. For this, we employ vine copulas which provide a flexible way to construct a multivariate distribution function. However, we need to use non-standard bivariate copulas as building blocks. Using this copula representation enables us to create realistic samples of fuel spray droplets which improve the prediction of the combustion process and the pollutant emissions. Moreover, this approach is significantly faster than solving the set of differential equations describing fuel disintegration.
Shrinkage estimation of the exponentiated Weibull regression model for time‐to‐event data
Authors: Hossain Shakhawat , Khan Shahedul A.
Published: June 2020

The exponentiated Weibull distribution is a convenient alternative to the generalized gamma distribution to model time‐to‐event data. It accommodates both monotone and nonmonotone hazard shapes, and flexible enough to describe data with wide ranging characteristics. It can also be used for regression analysis of time‐to‐event data. The maximum likelihood method is thus far the most widely used technique for inference, though there is a considerable body of research of improving the maximum likelihood estimators in terms of asymptotic efficiency. For example, there has recently been considerable attention on applying James–Stein shrinkage ideas to parameter estimation in regression models. We propose nonpenalty shrinkage estimation for the exponentiated Weibull regression model for time‐to‐event data. Comparative studies suggest that the shrinkage estimators outperform the maximum likelihood estimators in terms of statistical efficiency. Overall, the shrinkage method leads to more accurate statistical inference, a fundamental and desirable component of statistical theory.