bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis-related treatment exposure and hospitalization or in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19 during the first and second wave of the pandemic: cohort study of 1 326 312 patients in France
Authors: Penso L. , Dray-Spira R. , Weill A. , Zureik M. , Sbidian E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Data on treatment exposures for psoriasis and poor COVID-19 outcomes are limited.

Objectives

To assess the risk of hospitalization or in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19 by treatment exposure in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

All adults with psoriasis registered in the French national health-insurance (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS) database between 2008 and 2019 were eligible. Two study periods were considered: 15 February to 30 June 2020 and 1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021, the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in France, respectively. Patients were classified according to their baseline treatment: biologics, nonbiologics, topicals or no treatment. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for COVID-19 using Cox models with inverse probability of treatment weighting. The secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19.

Results

We identified 1 326 312 patients with psoriasis (mean age 59 years; males, 48%). During the first study period, 3871 patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 and 759 (20%) died; during the second period 3603 were hospitalized for COVID-19 and 686 (19%) died. In the propensity score-weighted Cox models, risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 was associated with exposure to topicals or nonbiologics [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1·11 (1·04–1·20) and 1·27 (1·09–1·48), respectively] during the first period, and with all exposure types, during the second period. None of the exposure types was associated with in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19.

Conclusions

Systemic treatments for psoriasis (including biologics) were not associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19. These results support maintaining systemic treatment for psoriasis during the pandemic.
Inorganic nitrate attenuates cardiac dysfunction: roles for xanthine oxidoreductase and nitric oxide
Authors: Gee Lorna C. , Massimo Gianmichele , Lau Clement , Primus Christopher , Fernandes Daniel , Chen Jianmin , Rathod Krishnaraj S. , Hamers Alexander J. P. , Filomena Federica , Nuredini Gani , Ibrahim Abdiwahab Shidane , Khambata Rayomand S. , Gupta Ajay K. , Moon James C. , Kapil Vikas , Ahluwalia Amrita
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

NO is a vasodilator and independent modulator of cardiac remodelling. Commonly, in cardiac disease (e.g., heart failure), endothelial dysfunction (synonymous with NO deficiency) has been implicated in increased BP, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Currently, no effective therapies replacing NO have succeeded in the clinic. Inorganic nitrate (NO3−), through chemical reduction to nitrite and then to NO, exerts potent BP lowering, but whether it might be useful in treating undesirable cardiac remodelling is not known.

Experimental approach

We analysed demographics in a nested age‐ and sex‐matched case–control study of hypertensive patients with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (NCT03088514) and assessed the effects of dietary nitrate in mouse models of cardiac dysfunction.

Key results

Lower plasma nitrite concentrations and vascular dysfunction accompanied cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in patients. In mouse models of cardiac remodelling, restoration of circulating nitrite levels using dietary nitrate improved endothelial dysfunction through targeting the xanthine oxidoreductase‐driven increase in levels of H2O2 and superoxide, and decreased cardiac fibrosis through NO‐mediated block of SMAD phosphorylation leading to improvements in cardiac structure and function.

Conclusions and implications

Dietary nitrate offers easily translatable therapeutic options for delivery of NO and thereby treatment of cardiac dysfunction.
Lobbying “from within”: A new perspective on the revolving door and regulatory capture
Authors: Yates Stéphanie , Cardin‐Trudeau Étienne
Published: July 2021

This study explores the revolving door phenomenon–when public office holders move back and forth from the public to the private sector, often becoming lobbyists–and its implications on regulatory capture. It draws on the literature on regulatory capture theory and 46 interviews conducted in Quebec with public officers (ministers, chiefs of staff, deputy ministers, and heads of governmental organizations) whose career path includes a revolving door scenario, as well as observers of the phenomenon. New light is shed on capture theory by using a broad definition of the revolving door that focuses on the entry stage. A key finding is that “cultural capture” can occur when new public officers come from the same private sector now within their purview. Based on public officers’ allegiance to their former industry, lobbying is de facto exerted, “from within.” Despite clear irregularities and conflicts of interest, most of those interviewed do not believe in tightening rules and prefer continuing with vigilance from public office holders, journalists, and other observers.
Impact of hypoxia on the pathogenesis and therapy resistance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ikeda Sho , Tagawa Hiroyuki
Published: July 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a refractory plasma cell tumor. In myeloma cells, the transcription factor IRF4, the master regulator of plasma cells, is aberrantly upregulated and plays an essential role in oncogenesis. IRF4 forms a positive feedback loop with MYC, leading to additional tumorigenic properties. In recent years, molecular targeted therapies have contributed to a significant improvement in the prognosis of MM. Nevertheless, almost all patients experience disease progression, which is thought to be a result of treatment resistance induced by various elements of the bone marrow microenvironment. Among these, the hypoxic response, one of the key processes for cellular homeostasis, induces hypoxia‐adapted traits such as undifferentiation, altered metabolism, and dissemination, leading to drug resistance. These inductions are caused by ectopic gene expression changes mediated by the activation of hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs). By contrast, the expression levels of IRF4 and MYC are markedly reduced by hypoxic stress. Notably, an anti‐apoptotic capability is usually acquired under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, but the mechanism is distinct. This fact strongly suggests that myeloma cells may survive by switching their dependent regulatory factors from IRF4 and MYC (normoxic bone marrow region) to HIF (hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment). Therefore, to achieve deep remission, combination therapeutic agents, which are complementarily effective against both IRF4‐MYC‐dominant and HIF‐dominated fractions, may become an important therapeutic strategy for MM.
The effectiveness of mitomycin C in Otolaryngology procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Luu Kimberly , Tellez Paula A. , Chadha Neil K.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of topical intraoperative mitomycin (MCC) usage in a wide range of otolaryngologic procedures with variable conclusions on effectiveness. This systematic review aims to provide a qualitative estimation of mitomycin C’s treatment effectiveness in maintaining or preventing stenosis after surgical interventions.

Design and Setting

Following the PRISMA guideline, a comprehensive systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was performed including hand‐searching and cross‐reference checking.

Participants

The search was limited to humans, sample size greater than two and study designs including a comparative arm.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcome measures varied but included rates of restenosis, number of procedures, and post‐surgical patency.

Results

A total of 571 unique abstracts and 109 full articles were reviewed. Seventy‐seven studies were included in the final analysis. The available evidence ranged from case series to randomized control studies. Meta‐analysis was deemed inappropriate due to heterogeneity of study design. Thirty‐eight studies assessed the effective of MCC in dacryocystorhinostomy, which is reported in a separate meta‐analysis. All other studies were categorized into otolaryngologic site and pathology including choanal atresia (n = 5), endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 12), airway procedures (n = 9), esophageal procedures (n = 8) and other (n = 2).

Conclusions

The published literature on the effectiveness of MMC was mixed, but suggested topical MMC improved surgical outcomes in many otolaryngologic procedures compared to controls. This was the first review to assemble literature on MMC usage for different surgical procedures. Comprehensive interpretation of the data was limited due to heterogeneity in primary outcome, procedure type and study quality. High‐quality prospective and randomized controlled studies are required to further confirm the positive effect of MMC use on surgical outcomes.
Broad‐scale patterns of geographic avoidance between species emerge in the absence of fine‐scale mechanisms of coexistence
Authors: Novella‐Fernandez Roberto , Juste Javier , Ibáñez Carlos , Rebelo Hugo , Russo Danilo , Alberdi Antton , Kiefer Andreas , Graham Laura , Paul Hynek , Doncaster Charles Patrick , Razgour Orly
Published: July 2021

Aim

The need to forecast range shifts under future climate change has motivated an increasing interest in better understanding the role of biotic interactions in driving diversity patterns. The contribution of biotic interactions to shaping broad‐scale species distributions is, however, still debated, partly due to the difficulty of detecting their effects. We aim to test whether spatial exclusion between potentially competing species can be detected at the species range scale, and whether this pattern relates to fine‐scale mechanisms of coexistence.

Location

Western Palearctic.

Methods

We develop and evaluate a measure of geographic avoidance that uses outputs of species distribution models to quantify geographic exclusion patterns expected if interspecific competition affects broad‐scale distributions. We apply the measure to 10 Palearctic bat species belonging to four morphologically similar cryptic groups in which competition is likely to occur. We compare outputs to null models based on pairs of virtual species and to expectations based on ecological similarity and fine‐scale coexistence mechanisms. We project changes in range suitability under climate change taking into account effects of geographic avoidance.

Results

Values of geographic avoidance were above null expectations for two cryptic species pairs, suggesting that interspecific competition could have contributed to shaping their broad‐scale distributions. These two pairs showed highest levels of ecological similarity and no trophic or habitat partitioning. Considering the role of competition modified predictions of future range suitability.

Main conclusions

Our results support the role of interspecific competition in limiting the geographic ranges of morphologically similar species in the absence of fine‐scale mechanisms of coexistence. This study highlights the importance of incorporating biotic interactions into predictive models of range shifts under climate change, and the need for further integration of community ecology with species distribution models to understand the role of competition in ecology and biogeography.
Body size and digestive system shape resource selection by ungulates: A cross‐taxa test of the forage maturation hypothesis
Authors: Esmaeili Saeideh , Jesmer Brett R. , Albeke Shannon E. , Aikens Ellen O. , Schoenecker Kathryn A. , King Sarah R. B. , Abrahms Briana , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar , Beck Jeffrey L. , Boone Randall B. , Cagnacci Francesca , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Chimeddorj Buyanaa , Cross Paul C. , Dejid Nandintsetseg , Enkhbyar Jagdag , Fischhoff Ilya R. , Ford Adam T. , Jenks Kate , Hemami Mahmoud‐Reza , Hennig Jacob D. , Ito Takehiko Y. , Kaczensky Petra , Kauffman Matthew J. , Linnell John D. C. , Lkhagvasuren Badamjav , McEvoy John F. , Melzheimer Joerg , Merkle Jerod A. , Mueller Thomas , Muntifering Jeff , Mysterud Atle , Olson Kirk A. , Panzacchi Manuela , Payne John C. , Pedrotti Luca , Rauset Geir R. , Rubenstein Daniel I. , Sawyer Hall , Scasta John. D. , Signer Johannes , Songer Melissa , Stabach Jared A. , Stapleton Seth , Strand Olav , Sundaresan Siva R. , Usukhjargal Dorj , Uuganbayar Ganbold , Fryxell John M. , Goheen Jacob R.
Published: July 2021

The forage maturation hypothesis (FMH) states that energy intake for ungulates is maximised when forage biomass is at intermediate levels. Nevertheless, metabolic allometry and different digestive systems suggest that resource selection should vary across ungulate species. By combining GPS relocations with remotely sensed data on forage characteristics and surface water, we quantified the effect of body size and digestive system in determining movements of 30 populations of hindgut fermenters (equids) and ruminants across biomes. Selection for intermediate forage biomass was negatively related to body size, regardless of digestive system. Selection for proximity to surface water was stronger for equids relative to ruminants, regardless of body size. To be more generalisable, we suggest that the FMH explicitly incorporate contingencies in body size and digestive system, with small‐bodied ruminants selecting more strongly for potential energy intake, and hindgut fermenters selecting more strongly for surface water.
Whole‐genome sequencing reveals the artificial selection and local environmental adaptability of pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Hou Haobin , Wang Xiaoliang , Ding Weixing , Xiao Changfeng , Cai Xia , Lv Wenwei , Tu Yingying , Zhao Weimin , Yao Junfeng , Yang Changsuo
Published: July 2021

To meet human needs, domestic pigeons (Columba livia) with various phenotypes have been bred to provide genetic material for our research on artificial selection and local environmental adaptation. Seven pigeon breeds were resequenced and can be divided into commercial varieties (Euro‐pigeon, Shiqi, Shen King, Taishen, and Silver King), ornamental varieties (High Fliers), and local varieties (Tarim pigeon). Phylogenetic analysis based on population resequencing showed that one group contained local breeds and ornamental pigeons from China, whereas all commercial varieties were clustered together. It is revealed that the traditional Chinese ornamental pigeon is a branch of Tarim pigeon. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses revealed significant differences in the genetic diversity of the three types of pigeons. Genome sweep analysis revealed that the selected genes of commercial breeds were related to body size, reproduction, and plumage color. The genomic imprinting genes left by the ornamental pigeon breeds were mostly related to special human facial features and muscular dystrophy. The Tarim pigeon has evolved genes related to chemical ion transport, photoreceptors, oxidative stress, organ development, and olfaction in order to adapt to local environmental stress. This research provides a molecular basis for pigeon genetic resource evaluation and genetic improvement and suggests that the understanding of adaptive evolution should integrate the effects of various natural environmental characteristics.
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins: Interaction with the skin microbiota
Authors: Rademacher Franziska , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen
Published: July 2021

The cutaneous microbiota comprises all living skin microorganisms. There is increasing evidence that the microbiota plays a crucial role in skin homeostasis. Accordingly, a dysbiosis of the microbiota may trigger cutaneous inflammation. The need for a balanced microbiota requires specific regulatory mechanisms that control and shape the microbiota. In this review, we highlight the present knowledge suggesting that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may exert a substantial influence on the microbiota by controlling their growth. This is supported by own data showing the differential influence of principal skin‐derived AMPs on commensal staphylococci. Vice versa, we also illuminate how the cutaneous microbiota interacts with skin‐derived AMPs by modulating AMP expression and how microbiota members protect themselves from the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. Taken together, the current picture suggests that a fine‐tuned and well‐balanced AMP‐microbiota interplay on the skin surface may be crucial for skin health.
Vascular and immunopathological role of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Singh Inderjit , Kim Judong , Saxena Nishant , Choi Seungho , Islam S. M. Touhidul , Singh Avtar K. , Khan Mushfiquddin , Won Jeseong
Published: July 2021

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor/uncoupler inducing vascular pathology. Vascular pathology is an important factor for the development and progression of CNS pathology of MS, yet the role of ADMA in MS remains elusive. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are reported to have elevated blood levels of ADMA, and mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, an animal model of MS) generated by auto‐immunization of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption by pertussis toxin also had increased blood ADMA levels in parallel with induction of clinical disease. To explore the role of ADMA in EAE pathogenesis, EAE mice were treated with a daily dose of ADMA. It is of special interest that ADMA treatment enhanced the BBB disruption in EAE mice and exacerbated the clinical and CNS disease of EAE. ADMA treatment also induced the BBB disruption and EAE disease in MOG‐immunized mice even without pertussis toxin treatment, suggesting the role of ADMA in BBB dysfunction in EAE. T‐cell polarization studies also documented that ADMA treatment promotes TH1‐ and TH17‐mediated immune responses but without affecting Treg‐mediated immune response in EAE mice as well as in in vitro T‐cell culture. Taken together, these data, for the first time, document the vascular and immunopathogenic roles of ADMA in EAE, thus pointing to the potential of ADMA‐mediated mechanism as a new target of potential therapy for MS.
European Guidelines (S3) on diagnosis and management of mucous membrane pemphigoid, initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology – Part II
Authors: Schmidt E. , Rashid H. , Marzano A.V. , Lamberts A. , Di Zenzo G. , Diercks G.F.H. , Alberti‐Violetti S. , Barry R.J. , Borradori L. , Caproni M. , Carey B. , Carrozzo M. , Cianchini G. , Corrà A. , Dikkers F.G. , Feliciani C. , Geerling G. , Genovese G. , Hertl M. , Joly P. , Meijer J.M. , Mercadante V. , Murrell D.F. , Ormond M. , Pas H.H. , Patsatsi A. , Rauz S. , van Rhijn B.D. , Roth M. , Setterfield J. , Zillikens D. , C.Prost  , Zambruno G. , Horváth B. , Caux F.
Published: July 2021

This guideline has been initiated by the task forceAutoimmune Blistering Diseasesof the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, including physicians from all relevant disciplines and patient organizations. It is a S3 consensus‐based guideline that systematically reviewed the literature on mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until June 2019, with no limitations on language. While the first part of this guideline addressed methodology, as well as epidemiology, terminology, aetiology, clinical presentation and outcome measures in MMP, the second part presents the diagnostics and management of MMP. MMP should be suspected in cases with predominant mucosal lesions. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy to detect tissue‐bound IgG, IgA and/or complement C3, combined with serological testing for circulating autoantibodies are recommended. In most patients, serum autoantibodies are present only in low levels and in variable proportions, depending on the clinical sites involved. Circulating autoantibodies are determined by indirect IF assays using tissue substrates, or ELISA using different recombinant forms of the target antigens or immunoblotting using different substrates. The major target antigen in MMP is type XVII collagen (BP180), although in 10–25% of patients laminin 332 is recognized. In 25–30% of MMP patients with anti‐laminin 332 reactivity, malignancies have been associated. As first‐line treatment of mild/moderate MMP, dapsone, methotrexate or tetracyclines and/or topical corticosteroids are recommended. For severe MMP, dapsone and oral or intravenous cyclophosphamide and/or oral corticosteroids are recommended as first‐line regimens. Additional recommendations are given, tailored to treatment of single‐site MMP such as oral, ocular, laryngeal, oesophageal and genital MMP, as well as the diagnosis of ocular MMP. Treatment recommendations are limited by the complete lack of high‐quality randomized controlled trials.
Gene expression profiling of DNA methyltransferase genes in Siniperca chuatsi based on transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Zhou Min , Zhao Ziwei , Zhao Jinliang , Wu Minglin , Chen Xiaowu
Published: July 2021

The mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) DNA methyltransferase gene 1 (dnmt1) was highly expressed in the mesonephros, head kidney and gonad, whereas dnmt2 was expressed in most tissues. dnmt3a was highly expressed in the brain and spleen, but dnmt3b was mainly expressed in the brain and head kidney. The genes dnmt1 and dnmt2 were highly expressed in the early stages of embryonic development, and dnmt3a and dnmt3b were expressed later. These genes also showed certain changes after artificial diet acclimation, salinity adaptation and immune stress.
Increase of Ki‐67 index and influence on mortality in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Holmager Pernille , Langer Seppo W. , Federspiel Birgitte , Willemoe Gro Linno , Garbyal Rajendra Singh , Melchior Linea , Klose Marianne , Kjaer Andreas , Hansen Carsten Palnaes , Andreassen Mikkel , Knigge Ulrich
Published: July 2021

An increase in the Ki‐67 index in neuroendocrine neoplasms over time in relation to prognosis has scarcely been investigated. We aimed to assess whether the Ki‐67 index changed over time and also whether a change influenced prognosis. Second, we investigated the difference in the Ki‐67 index between primary tumour and metastases. From 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2019, 108 consecutive patients with gastroenteropancreatic tumours were included. Patients were followed with regard to an increase in the Ki‐67 index and all‐cause mortality. Ki‐67 determination of the primary tumour at diagnosis and at the time of radiological progression, including developed metastases, was performed. A significant increase in the Ki‐67 index was defined as a doubling of the value at disease progression compared to the value at diagnosis. In addition, in 14 patients, the Ki‐67 index of the primary tumour and present metastases at the time of diagnosis was investigated. At diagnosis, there were no differences in the Ki‐67 index between primary tumours and metastases (P = .41). Sixty‐five patients had a doubling of the Ki‐67 index. The median Ki‐67 index at the time of progression 17% (1%‐90%) vs 5% (1%‐60%) at the time of diagnosis (P = .006). A doubling of the Ki‐67 index was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio = 2.7 [1.3‐6.3], P = 0.02), after adjustment for relevant co‐variables including the Ki‐67 index at baseline. Doubling of the Ki‐67 index at the time of disease progression was associated with a significantly higher risk of all‐cause mortality. We recommend that a Ki‐67 index is obtained whenever disease progression is recorded by demonstrated progression because it may have impact on the choice of treatment.
Integrating mental health care into home‐based nursing services: A qualitative study utilising normalisation process theory
Authors: Ohlsen Sally , Sanders Tom , Connell Janice , Wood Emily
Published: July 2021

Aims and objectives

To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing community nurses being trained as psychological wellbeing practitioners and integrating this practice into home‐based primary care nursing, through key stakeholders’ perceptions.

Background

Current drivers in UK primary care aim to increase access to mental health services and treatment, to achieve parity of esteem between physical and mental health care for patients who are housebound. However, there remains limited evidence on how to successfully implement this. Training community nurses as psychological wellbeing practitioners to offer mental health care alongside their current home‐based services is one option.

Design

A pluralistic qualitative study. This study followed the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research.

Methods

Twenty key stakeholders were purposively recruited and interviewed including twelve health professionals and eight patients. Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using a theoretical thematic analysis informed by normalisation process theory concepts of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring, to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Results

Staff and patients reported high coherence and cognitive participation, valuing the integrated roles. Facilitators included the development of clearer referral pathways and increased mental health knowledge in the wider team. However, sustainability and current siloed healthcare systems were identified as barriers to implementation.

Conclusions

A key obstacle to long‐term implementation was the practical structures and financial boundaries of siloed healthcare systems, making long‐term sustainability unviable.

Relevance to clinical practice

Community nurses with additional mental health training can integrate these skills in practice and are valued by their team and patients offering holistic care to patients within their home and informal knowledge transfer to the wider team. However, long‐term sustainability is required if this is to be adopted routinely. Further evidence is needed to better understand the positive outcomes to patients and potential cost savings.
A Comparative Study of the Accuracy of Dental CAD Programs in Designing a Fixed Partial Denture
Authors: Lee Yong‐sang , Kim Sung Yong , Oh Kyung Chul , Moon Hong‐Seok
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Error testing at each stage of prosthetic manufacturing remains relatively underdeveloped for computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing methods, and no experimental studies have validated the computer‐aided design programs. This study aimed to test the accuracy and trueness of the computer‐aided design of a three‐unit fixed prosthesis.

Materials and Methods

Three computer‐aided design programs (Exocad, Dental System™, and inLab 16) were tested on the designs of a three‐unit fixed partial denture, and a three‐dimensional analysis program was used to calculate the internal clearance error for the computer‐aided design prostheses. The Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's post hoc tests were used to reveal significant differences in trueness between the three computer‐aided design programs (α < 0.05).

Results

Dental System™ showed the lowest mean error values for #24 and #26 at the mesial margin (both 0 µm), mesial wall (0.10, 0.12 µm, respectively), occlusal surface (–0.05, 0.10 µm), distal wall (0.23, –0.02 µm), and distal margin (both 0 µm). In sum, except for the mesial margin and distal margin site of tooth #26, the mean error value of Dental System™ was statistically the lowest, followed by those of Exocad and inLab 16 (p < 0.003).

Conclusions

The accuracy of computer‐aided design differed according to the type of computer‐aided design program. Dental System™ achieved the best trueness at the margins, axial walls, and occlusal surface, followed by Exocad and inLab 16.
Insurance fraud detection with unsupervised deep learning
Authors: Gomes Chamal , Jin Zhuo , Yang Hailiang
Published: July 2021

The objective of this paper is to propose a novel deep learning methodology to gain pragmatic insights into the behavior of an insured person using unsupervised variable importance. It lays the groundwork for understanding how insights can be gained into the fraudulent behavior of an insured person with minimum effort. Starting with a preliminary investigation of the limitations of the existing fraud detection models, we propose a new variable importance methodology incorporated with two prominent unsupervised deep learning models, namely, the autoencoder and the variational autoencoder. Each model's dynamics is discussed to inform the reader on how models can be adapted for fraud detection and how results can be perceived appropriately. Both qualitative and quantitative performance evaluations are conducted, although a greater emphasis is placed on qualitative evaluation. To broaden the scope of reference of fraud detection setting, various metrics are used in the qualitative evaluation.
Fabricated or induced illness in children: A guide for Australian health‐care practitioners
Authors: Tully Joanna , Hopkins Oliver , Smith Anne , Williams Katrina
Published: July 2021

Many paediatricians have, or will have at some time in their career, a child under their care who has, or is suspected to have, Fabricated or Induced Illness in a Child (FIIC). Often a pattern of investigation, treatment and referral develops, with things ‘just not quite adding up’ and the diagnosis of FIIC is not considered. How can Australian health‐care practitioners better recognise and respond to concerns around fabricated or induced illness? When should concerns be reported to protective services? How should we talk to families when we suspect fabrication or induction of illness in their child, and what is the role of specialised forensic paediatric services in Australia in relation to such cases? FIIC is almost certainly not as rare as commonly perceived and it can be identified early. Although challenging, FIIC can be managed effectively with a thoughtful multidisciplinary team approach. This article aims to provide paediatricians with a strategy that will hopefully serve to raise awareness, facilitate earlier intervention and simplify the approach to management, encouraging the view that taking action need be no different to addressing any other complex paediatric problem.
Protecting image rights in the face of digitalization: A United States and European analysis
Authors: Heugas Alix C.
Published: July 2021

The star of the movie “Rebel without a Cause,” James Dean, died in 1955. Yet the latest film he will officially be credited in, dates back to no sooner than 2020. Indeed, the movie “Finding Jack” will incorporate a hologram of James Dean, resurrected from the dead to play a character in this brand new performance under his name. This does not represent an exceptional singular case however. Technology is advancing at a drastic pace; which legislation sometimes struggles to keep up with. The novel ways of digitally reproducing human beings have brought along with them serious questions concerning Personality Rights protection. These rights diverge considerably from one jurisdiction to another, on a variety of topics such as the acknowledgement of posthumous protection or the scope of the right to privacy versus publicity rights, for example. This paper offers an evaluation of these rights, based on a comparative analysis across different civil and common law countries, which will hopefully provide an insight into how image rights are being safeguarded at present. The paper concludes proposing a potential future framework to ensure personality right protection in an increasingly digitized world.
A tool to assess underlying factors to water provision among Guinean children
Authors: Ninamou Nèmanan Richard , Dupuis Jérémie B. , Zagré Noël‐Marie , Daffé Mamady , Blaney Sonia
Published: July 2021

In many countries, water is provided to children under 6 months of age (CU6M) in addition to breast milk (BM), hence increasing the risk of child mortality and morbidity. Factors related to this practice have not been thoroughly investigated either a tool to assess them. Based on the extended theory of planned behaviour (eTPB), we aim to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess psychosocial and environmental factors that may contribute/limit the water provision in addition to BM by mothers of CU6M in the Republic of Guinea. A three‐step process was used. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were held to identify salient beliefs related to each of the four constructs of the eTPB. Data from FGDs were used to develop a questionnaire composed of 88 items administered to 428 mothers. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to identify latent factors for each construct. A shorter version of the questionnaire was administered to another sample of 300 mothers. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed. Hancock and Mueller's H reliability indices were computed on final models to assess the tool's validity and reliability. The final questionnaire included 57 items. For all four final models, most criteria for fit indices of CFA were generally met. Reliability coefficients were all equal to or above 0.90 for each construct. This research offers a tool that could be used to investigate determinants of water provision besides BM among mothers of CU6M. Further validation in other contexts is warranted.
Commentary: Recognising patient preparation to improve patient‐centred care for diverse populations
Authors: Wang Xuyi Mimi
Published: July 2021

The author draws parallels between patient‐centred care and equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in medicine. Recognizing the preparations patients undertake for healthcare encounters may improve patient‐centred care for diverse populations.
Transcendentality and the Gift: On Gunton, Milbank, and Trinitarian Metaphysics
Authors: Leung King‐Ho
Published: July 2021

This article considers the compatibility between the doctrine of the Trinity and the theory of the transcendental properties by offering an account of the notion of the ‘gift’ as a transcendental term. In particular, this article presents a re‐reading of John Milbank’s influential theology of the gift through Colin Gunton’s project of developing ‘trinitarian transcendentals’. Showing how Milbank’s notion of the gift could be systematically understood in terms of what Gunton calls a ‘trinitarianly developed transcendental’ which nonetheless avoids many of the problems found in Gunton’s original project, this article argues that understanding ‘gift’ as a transcendental term not only provides new ways of conceiving the relationship between the philosophy of transcendental properties and various traditional doctrines, it can moreover demonstrate how the traditional and biblical names of the Holy Spirit as ‘the Gift’ and the Son as ‘the Word’ can offer new ways of developing distinctively trinitarian accounts of metaphysics.
Evidence for selectively constrained 3D flower shape evolution in a Late Miocene clade of Malagasy Bulbophyllum orchids
Authors: Artuso Silvia , Gamisch Alexander , Staedler Yannick M. , Schönenberger Jürg , Comes Hans Peter
Published: July 2021

Questions concerning the evolution of complex biological structures are central to the field of evolutionary biology. Yet, still little information is known about the modes and temporal dynamics of three‐dimensional (3D) flower shape evolution across the history of clades.

Here, we combined high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography with 3D geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to test models of whole‐flower shape evolution in the orchid family, using an early Late Miocene clade (c. 50 spp.) of Malagasy Bulbophyllum as model system.

Based on landmark data of 38 species, our high‐dimensional model fitting decisively rejects a purely neutral mode of evolution, suggesting instead that flower shapes evolved towards a primary adaptive optimum. Only a small number of recently evolved species/lineages attained alternative shape optima, resulting in an increased rate of phenotypic evolution.

Our findings provide evidence of constrained 3D flower shape evolution in a small‐sized clade of tropical orchids, resulting in low rates of phenotypic evolution and uncoupled trait–diversification rates. We hypothesise that this deep imprint of evolutionary constraint on highly complex floral structures might reflect long‐term (directional and/or stabilizing) selection exerted by the group’s main pollinators (flies).
Early encounters
Authors: Fischer‐Lichte Erika
Published: July 2021

This essay discusses two early encounters of theater that took place in different parts of the world at approximately the same time: in the German‐speaking countries in Europe and on the islands of Japan in Asia during the second half of the sixteenth century and the first decades of the seventeenth century. In both cases a particular kind of “national” theater emerged from these developments, which was able to embrace elements of highly diverse origins: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Weimar theater plays and devices from different European performance cultures, and Izumo no Okuni’s kabuki elements stemming from a range of genres, including the Christian mystery plays. These new forms, recognized as a national theater, came into existence by way of intercultural performances. Ultimately, what came into being out of an “intercultural” encounter was later deemed genuinely “intracultural.”
Norm Entrepreneurship in Global Cybersecurity
Authors: Glen Carol M.
Published: July 2021

New technologies create new challenges for global security that leave even the most militarily powerful countries vulnerable to attack. Countries are gearing up for electronic warfare and, in this realm, the old rules of international conflict either do not apply or have not been developed. Governments have yet to find stable policy solutions to match potential cyber threats. The challenge then is to establish new global norms concerning acceptable behavior in cyberspace. This article analyzes the attempts to construct global cybersecurity norms. It differs from much of the existing literature on norm‐construction since it moves beyond the interstate level to examine subnational groups and private sector actors that function as norm entrepreneurs in this policy area. The article posits that while nation states remain central, nonstate actors are playing an increasingly important role in cybersecurity norm‐building, supplementing state action, and, to some degree, compensating for state inaction when cooperation reaches an impasse.

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Glen, Carol M. 2014. “Internet Governance: Territorializing Cyberspace?” Politics & Policy 42 (5): 635‐657. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12093

Hellmeier, Sebastian. 2016. “The Dictator's Digital Toolkit: Explaining Variation in Internet Filtering in Authoritarian Regimes.” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1158‐1191. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12189

Zeng, Jinghan, Tim Stevens, and Yaru Chen. 2017. “China's Solution to Global Cyber Governance: Unpacking the Domestic Discourse of ‘Internet Sovereignty.’” Politics & Policy 45 (3): 432‐464. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12202
A competitive PCR‐based method to detect a single copy of T‐DNA insertion in transformants
Authors: Fan Hua , Huang Liu‐Yuan , Tong Xin , Yang Liu‐Jie , Shi Jiao‐Jiao , Jiao Jiao , Xu Hua‐Quan , Li Ying‐Chao , Wang Dan‐Yang
Published: July 2021

Gene function studies benefit from the availability of mutants. In plants, Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation is widely used to create mutants. These mutants, also called transformants, contain one or several transfer‐DNA (T‐DNA) copies in the host genome. Quantifying the copy number of T‐DNA in transformants is beneficial to assess the number of mutated genes. Here, we developed a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method to detect a single copy of a T‐DNA insertion in transformants. The competitor line BHK−‐1 that contains a single copy of competitor BHK− (BHK, Basta, Hygromycin, Kanamycin‐resistant genes) was crossed with test transformants and the genomic DNA of F1 plants was subjected to competitive PCR. By analyzing the gray ratio between two PCR products, we were able to determine whether or not the test transformants contained a single copy of T‐DNA insertion. We also generated the control lines BHK±1:1 and BHK±2:1, which contain the target (BHK+) and competitor (BHK−) in a ratio of 1:1 and 2:1, respectively. The ratios of their PCR products are useful references for quantitative analysis. Overall, this method is reliable and simple in experimental manipulations and can be used as a substitute for Southern‐blot analysis to identify a single copy of T‐DNA insertion in transformants.
Thermal features, ambient temperature and hair coat lengths: Limitations of infrared imaging in pregnant primitive breed mares within a year
Authors: Maśko Małgorzata , Witkowska‐Piłaszewicz Olga , Jasiński Tomasz , Domino Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

Infrared thermography is a non‐invasive technique which allows to distinguish between pregnant and non‐pregnant animals. Detecting accurate body surface temperatures can be challenging due to external factors altering thermograph measurements. This study aimed to determine the associations between the ambient temperature, the hair coat features and the temperatures of mares' abdomens. It compared pregnant and non‐pregnant mares throughout 11 months. The research was carried out on 40 Konik Polski mares, which were divided into pregnant and non‐pregnant groups. The temperature (Tmax, maximal; Taver, average; Tmin, minimal) of the mares' abdomen was evaluated in two regions of interest: the whole area of the lateral surface of the mares' abdomen (Px1) and the flank area of the lateral surface of mares' abdomen (Px2). During the increasing period, the slopes in the linear regression equation did not differ significantly for ambient (Tamb) and surface temperatures in both groups. In the decreasing period, the slopes did not differ significantly for Tamb and Tmax in the non‐pregnant group. They also did not differ for Tamb and Taver in Px1 and Tamb and Tmin in Px1 in both pregnant and non‐pregnant groups respectively. Other slopes varied significantly (p < .001). There was no evidence of parallel changes in hair coat features and measured temperatures. The flank area appears more suitable for thermal imaging in pregnant mares due to the seasonal fluctuations in hair coat lengths.
Being certain that negative events will happen or that positive events will not happen: Depressive predictive certainty and change in suicide ideation over time
Authors: Rosario‐Williams Beverlin , Rombola Christina , Miranda Regina
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Relatively little research has examined the precise components of hopelessness that increase vulnerability to suicidal thinking. We examined whether certainty about an absence of positive future outcomes (Certainty‐AP) would more strongly predict suicide ideation over time than certainty about negative future outcomes (Certainty‐N).

Method

Young adults (N = 208), ages 18–34 (M = 19.08, SD = 2.22), with either recent suicide ideation, suicide attempt history, or past‐year psychiatric diagnosis were assessed four times over 18 months.

Results

We used multilevel modeling to assess within‐participant differences in suicide ideation over time. Both Certainty‐AP and Certainty‐N predicted later suicide ideation above and beyond generalized hopelessness and depressive symptoms, when examined in separate models. However, Certainty‐AP emerged as a stronger predictor of suicide ideation than Certainty‐N when examined in the same model.

Discussion

These findings suggest that certainty about an absence of positive future outcomes may have a more unique prospective relationship to SI than certainty about the presence of negative future outcomes. We discuss clinical and theoretical implications of these findings.
From “what works” to “making it work”: A practice perspective on evidence‐based standardization in frontline service organizations
Authors: Bakkeli Vidar , Breit Eric
Published: July 2021

Evidence‐based standards are becoming increasingly influential in frontline services connected to labor market inclusion of vulnerable citizens. To increase our understanding of standardization in such public service delivery, this study draws on interviews and ethnographic fieldwork from two frontline offices in the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (2017–2018) that use the evidence‐based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) standard. Adopting a theoretical perspective of organizational practices, the study highlights two distinct approaches to practicing IPS in the frontline organizations: as a “practice shift” in one organization (i.e., creating and legitimizing radically new service practices involving closer collaboration with employers) and as a “practice revival” in the other (i.e., reinstating more traditional service practices involving a holistic client orientation). Each approach relates to a specific constellation of recruitment practices, dynamics between frontline supervisors and staff, and team integration. The study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it shows the underlying flexibility embedded in standardization and how standards may be implemented and adapted in ways that may either promote more radical change or revive traditional practices. Second, it nuances positions in the literature on the impact of standards on professional service work. On this basis, the study suggests broadening the attention in research on evidence‐based standards in public service delivery from discussions of “what works” to understanding the broader organizational dynamics involved in “making it work.”
Adolescent Health Series: HPV infection and vaccination in sub‐Saharan Africa: 10 years of research in Tanzanian female adolescents ‐ narrative review
Authors: Whitworth Hilary , Changalucha John , Baisley Kathy , Watson‐Jones Deborah
Published: July 2021

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality in many sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries, including Tanzania. Most cervical cancer cases worldwide are attributable to infection of the cervix with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a vaccine‐preventable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Over the past 10 years, we have conducted a programme of HPV research in pre‐adolescents and adolescents in Mwanza, the second‐largest city in Tanzania, which is situated in a malaria‐endemic region. In this narrative review article, we summarise the contribution of our work, alongside work of others, to improve the understanding of HPV epidemiology in SSA and development of setting‐appropriate, evidence‐based intervention strategies. We present evidence for very high prevalence and incidence of HPV infection among female SSA adolescents around the time of sexual debut, describe risk factors for HPV acquisition, and discuss associations between HPV, HIV and other STIs, which are also highly prevalent within this population. We summarise findings from early clinical trials of HPV vaccines in SSA, the first of which was an immunogenicity and safety trial conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania, and Dakar, Senegal. Within the trial, we evaluated for the first time the potential impact of malaria and helminth infection on vaccine‐induced antibody responses in Tanzanian girls. We describe research evaluating optimal HPV vaccine delivery strategies within this setting, perceived requirements for and barriers to vaccine implementation among key informants from LMIC, vaccine acceptability among girls and parents, and opportunities for co‐delivery of interventions alongside HPV vaccination to an adolescent population. Finally, we discuss country‐level barriers to vaccine uptake in LMIC, and ongoing studies in Tanzania and other SSA countries of reduced‐dose HPV vaccination schedules that may alleviate cost and logistical barriers to vaccine implementation.