bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicase antigen (HAGE)‐derived vaccines induce immunity to HAGE and ImmunoBody®‐HAGE DNA vaccine delays the growth and metastasis of HAGE‐expressing tumors in vivo
Authors: Nagarajan Divya , Pearson Joshua , Brentville Victoria , Metheringham Rachael , Pockley A Graham , Durrant Lindy , McArdle Stephanie E
Published: June 2021

The management of patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) continues to pose a significant clinical challenge. Less than 30% of women with metastatic TNBC survive 5 years, despite adjuvant chemotherapy and the initial higher rates of clinical response that can be achieved with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. ImmunoBody is a plasmid DNA designed to encode a human antibody molecule with complementarity‐determining regions engineered to express cytotoxic and helper T‐cell epitopes derived from the cancer antigen of interest. The helicase antigen (HAGE) is a cancer testis antigen, which is expressed in TNBC. Herein, we have identified a 30‐amino‐acid‐long HAGE‐derived sequence containing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2‐ and HLA‐DR1‐restricted epitopes and demonstrated that the use of this sequence as a peptide (with CpG/incomplete Freund's adjuvant) or incorporated into an ImmunoBody vaccine can generate specific interferon‐γ‐secreting splenocytes in HHDII+DR1+ mice. T‐cell responses elicited by the ImmunoBody‐HAGE vaccine were superior to peptide immunization. Moreover, splenocytes from ImmunoBody‐HAGE‐vaccinated mice stimulated in vitro could recognize HAGE+ tumor cells and the human TNBC cell line MDA‐MB‐231. More importantly, the growth of implanted HHDII+DR1+HAGE+Luc+ B16 cells.
Natural Characteristics and Human Activity Influence Turbidity and Ion Concentrations in Streams
Authors: Scott Erin E. , Haggard Brian E.
Published: June 2021

All 54 km of the West Fork of the White River (WFWR) were on Arkansas's 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies for turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and sulfate for many years. This study identifies which river segments fail to meet applicable water quality standards (WQS) and investigates possible anthropogenic or natural sources of pollutants. We also evaluated a larger dataset of 119 sites in the Boston Mountains and Ozark Highlands ecoregions, compiled from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality online database. In the WFWR, water samples were collected once or twice a month at nine sites from June 2014 through June 2018. Median values for turbidity, TDS, sulfate, and chloride ranged from 1.8 to 10.8 NTU, 40.8 to 151.3 mg/L, 3.5 to 27.9 mg/L, and 3.2 to 5.5 mg/L, respectively, and generally increased from upstream to downstream (p < 0.05). Violations of the water quality standard for the parameters of interest varied by site, but generally occurred in the downstream portion of the WFWR, where land use, riparian soils, and underlying geology change. In the larger dataset, turbidity, TDS, sulfate, and chloride concentrations were all significantly greater in the Ozark Highlands than the Boston Mountains ecoregion (p < 0.05). Anthropogenic activities influence dissolved ion concentrations across these study sites, while geology and riparian soils may be important factors for differences in sulfate and turbidity.
Fabrication of transparent Y2O3 ceramics by two‐step spark plasma sintering
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hwoan , Kim Byung‐Nam , Jang Byung‐Koog
Published: June 2021

Transparent Y2O3 ceramics were successfully fabricated by spark plasma sintering applying a two‐step pressure and heating profile. Through the shrinkage curve of the single‐step SPS profile, it was confirmed that shrinkage occurred at 800°C–1250°C, and it was selected as the two‐step pressure profile. After the first‐step SPS stage at 1250°C, the second‐step SPS stage, which had the highest real in‐line transmittance, was completed at 1500°C. The two‐step SPS profile improved the shrinkage behavior and was able to achieve sufficient densification without excessive coarsening. As a result, the normalized real in‐line transmittance to 1 mm was 80.6% at 1100 nm, which is close to the theoretical transmittance of 81.6%. The two‐step pressure and heating profile in the SPS process was a significant advantage in manufacturing ceramics that were transparent and had sufficient densification.
Tuning fermi level and band gap in Li4Ti5O12 by doping and vacancy for ultrafast Li+ insertion/extraction
Authors: Wang Zhenya , Guo Hao , Ning De , Ma Xiaobai , Zheng Lirong , Smirnov Dmitry , Sun Kai , Chen Dongfeng , Sun Limei , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: June 2021

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) attracts great interest due to the “zero strain” during cycles but the poor electronic and ionic conductivity critically impede the practical application. Herein, we report a synergy strategy of tuning localized electrons to shift Fermi level and band gap by Mg/Zr co‐doping and oxygen vacancy incorporation, which significantly improves Li+ and electronic transport. More importantly, the intrinsic synergistic mechanism has been revealed by neutron diffraction, X‐ray absorption spectra, and first‐principles calculations. The “elastic effect” of lattice induced by Mg/Zr co‐doping allows LTO to accommodate more oxygen vacancies to a certain degree without a severe lattice distortion, which largely improves the electronic conductivity. Mg/Zr co‐doping and oxygen vacancy incorporation effectively enhanced the dynamic characteristics of LTO electrode, achieving the excellent rate performance (90 mAh/g at 20C) and cycle stability (96.9% after 500 cycles at 10C). First‐principles calculations confirm Fermi level shifts to the conduction band, and the band gap becomes narrowed due to the synergistic modulation, and the intrinsic mechanism of the enhanced electronic and Li‐ion conductivity is clarified. This study offers some insights into achieving the fast Li+ insertion/extraction by tuning the crystal and electronic structure with lattice doping and oxygen vacancy engineering.
The Strings Attached to Bringing Future Generations into Existence
Authors: Unruh Charlotte Franziska
Published: June 2021

Many people believe that we have moral duties towards those we bring into existence in the short term: our children. Many people also believe that we have moral duties towards those we bring into existence in the long term: future generations. In this article, I explore how these beliefs are connected. I argue that the present generation is morally responsible for future generations in virtue of bringing them into existence. This responsibility entails moral duties to ensure that future people have adequate life prospects. These duties are held directly towards future generations. I argue that this direct argument can overcome challenges that indirect arguments, which justify moral duties concerning future generations via moral duties towards present children, face. The upshot is that considerations from procreative ethics help to illustrate that the present generation stands in a morally relevant special relationship to future generations, a fact that is often overlooked in intergenerational ethics.
Backlash against counter‐stereotypical leader emotions and the role of follower affect in leader evaluations
Authors: Raymondie Romain A. , Steiner Dirk D.
Published: June 2021

The goal of this research was to replicate findings related to followers’ negative evaluations of leaders expressing counter‐stereotypical emotions (e.g., females displaying anger, males displaying sadness). Drawing on predictions of the Challenge versus Threat model, this research also extended those findings by examining whether follower positive and negative affects mediated the relationship between leaders’ counter‐stereotypical emotional displays and followers’ leadership evaluations. In an online experiment, participants completed a reasoning task and received personalized performance feedback from a virtual manager represented by an avatar (male or female) displaying an emotion (neutral, angry, or sad). Participants reported task‐related positive and negative affects and rated their manager (trust, perceived effectiveness, and leader‐member exchange). We replicated previous studies showing that displaying counter‐stereotypical emotions has a negative influence on leadership evaluations. We did not find support for the mediating role of followers’ affects in the relationship between counter‐stereotypical emotional displays and leadership evaluations; although these affects influenced followers’ ratings of their manager. We discuss these findings using Backlash and Role Congruity Theory perspectives and present their theoretical and practical implications.
Migration patterns and wintering distribution of common loons breeding in the Upper Midwest
Authors: Kenow Kevin P. , Fara Luke J. , Houdek Steven C. , Gray Brian R. , Heard Darryl J. , Meyer Michael W. , Fox Timothy J. , Kratt Robert J. , Ford Scott L. , Gendron‐Fitzpatrick Annette , Henderson Carrol L.
Published: June 2021

Identification of geographic linkages among breeding, migratory and wintering common loonGavia immerpopulations is needed to inform regional and national conservation planning efforts and compensation of loons lost during marine oil spill events. Satellite telemetry and archival geolocator tags were used to determine the migration patterns and wintering locations of breeding adult and young of the year juvenile common loons captured and marked on lakes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Adult loons typically traveled from breeding lakes, often via larger staging lakes, to the Great Lakes (primarily Lake Michigan) and then on to wintering areas. Most radiomarked juvenile common loons utilized natal lakes or local lakes through mid‐November. Subsequently, the first fall migration of juvenile loons was generally initiated later, and more direct and quicker to wintering areas relative to adults. Among adult (n = 103) and juvenile (n = 23) loons that completed fall migration, most wintered in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), with smaller proportions wintering off the southern Atlantic Coast or impoundments in the southeastern United States. Spring migration of adults to breeding lakes was less prolonged than fall migration, with adult male loons tending to depart wintering areas earlier than adult females. Juvenile common loons migrated during their first spring from wintering sites in the GOM to summer in the Gulf of St Lawrence/Nova Scotia Coastal region. Juvenile mortality was largely linked to parasitic infection and emaciation; spring appeared to be a survival bottleneck among juvenile loons monitored in our study. Our results identify several areas where common loon conservation efforts could be directed to protect key habitats and minimize stressors during the non‐breeding period.
Stillborn Banking Union: Explaining Ineffective European Union Bank Resolution Rules†
Authors: Asimakopoulos Ioannis , Howarth David
Published: June 2021

Our contribution demonstrates and explains the ineffectiveness of European Union (EU) bank resolution rules, a core element of Banking Union. This inadequacy owes in large part to the limited access to and insufficient availability of EU resolution funds and inadequate national deposit guarantee schemes in most EU member states, in conjunction with the relatively high minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) for many EU banks. In many cases, these requirements are unlikely ever to be met – particularly for retail banks most likely to require resolution in the euro periphery. We offer a liberal intergovernmentalist analysis to explain the inadequacy of the EU resolution regime by examining German and French government preferences on EU rules on bank capital requirements agreed earlier in 2013 and national deposit guarantee schemes agreed in 2014. These government preferences were shaped significantly by the preferences of national banks and bank associations.
From Legal to Political Reasoning: National Parliaments' Use of Reasoned Opinions in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice*
Authors: Tacea Angela
Published: June 2021

The Lisbon Treaty emphasized the importance of subsidiarity control in relation to the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ). The article demonstrates that the types of reasoning national parliaments use to raise subsidiarity objections in the AFSJ depend less on the institutional strength of national parliaments in EU affairs and more on the institutional evolution and material scope of EU proposals. Relying on the AFSJ case, the article shows that national parliaments use a narrow legal interpretation of subsidiarity when the EU legislation threatens Member States' legal traditions and State powers. However, concerns about the respect of national legal diversity are replaced by a more political approach to subsidiarity control when politically sensitive and contentious issues are at stake.
Epidemiology, genetic landscape and classification of childhood diabetes mellitus in the State of Qatar
Authors: Haris Basma , Saraswathi Saras , Al‐Khawaga Sara , Hasnah Reem , Saeed Amira , Mundekkadan Shihab , Hamed Noor , Afyouni Houda , Abdel‐Karim Tasneem , Mohammed Shayma , Khalifa Amel , Al‐Maadheed Maryam , Al‐Zyoud Mahmoud , Shamekh Ahmed , Elawwa Ahmed , Al‐Khalaf Fawziya , Boughorbel Sabri , Petrovski Goran , Hussain Khalid
Published: June 2021

Aims/Introduction

To study the epidemiology, genetic landscape and causes of childhood diabetes mellitus in the State of Qatar.

Materials and methods

All patients (aged 0–18 years) with diabetes mellitus underwent biochemical, immunological and genetic testing. American Diabetes Association guidelines were used to classify types of diabetes mellitus. The incidence and prevalence of all the different types of diabetes mellitus were calculated.

Results

Total number of children with diabetes mellitus was 1,325 (type 1 n = 1,096, ≥1 antibody; type 2 n = 104, type 1B n = 53; maturity onset diabetes of the young n = 20; monogenic autoimmune n = 4; neonatal diabetes mellitus n = 10;, syndromic diabetes mellitus n = 23; and double diabetes mellitus n = 15). The incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes were 38.05 and 249.73 per 100,000, respectively, and for type 2 were 2.51 and 23.7 per 100,000, respectively. The incidence of neonatal diabetes mellitus was 34.4 per 1,000,000 live births, and in indigenous Qataris the incidence was 43.6 per 1,000,000 live births. The prevalence of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in Qatari children was double compared with other nationalities. The prevalence of maturity onset diabetes of the young in Qatar was 4.56 per 100,000.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective and comprehensive study to document the epidemiology and genetic landscape of childhood diabetes mellitus in this region. Qatar has the fourth highest incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus, with the incidence and prevalence being higher in Qatari compared with non‐Qatari. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is also higher in Qatar than in Western countries. The incidence of neonatal diabetes mellitus is the second highest in the world. GCK is the most common form of maturity onset diabetes of the young, and a large number of patients have type 1B diabetes mellitus.
Quality of life measurement in alopecia areata. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes
Authors: Chernyshov P.V. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Finlay A.Y. , Manolache L. , Marron S.E. , Sampogna F. , Spillekom‐van Koulil S. , Pustisek N. , Suru A. , Evers A.W.M. , Salavastru C. , Svensson A. , Abeni D. , Blome C. , Poot F. , Jemec G.B.E. , Linder D. , Augustin M. , Bewley A. , Salek S.S. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: June 2021

New treatment options may lead to an increased interest in using reliable and sensitive instruments to assess health‐related quality of life in people with alopecia areata (AA). The purpose of this paper is to present current knowledge about quality of life assessment in AA. The dermatology‐specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was the most widely reported health‐related quality of life instrument used in AA. Three AA‐specific (Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale, Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index and Alopecia Areata Patients' Quality of Life) and three hair disease‐specific instruments (Hairdex, Scalpdex and ‘hair‐specific Skindex‐29’) were identified with a range of content and validation characteristics: there is little evidence yet of the actual use of these measures in AA. Scalpdex is the best‐validated hair disease‐specific instrument. Further extensive validation is needed for all of the AA‐specific instruments. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes recommends the use of the dermatology‐specific DLQI questionnaire, hair disease‐specific Scalpdex and the alopecia areata‐specific instruments the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale or Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index, despite the limited experience of their use. We hope that new treatment methods will be able to improve both clinical signs and health‐related quality of life in patients with AA. In order to assess the outcomes of trials on these new treatment methods, it would be helpful when further development and validation of AA‐specific instruments is being encouraged and also conducted.
Environmental drivers of sexual dimorphism in a lizard with alternative mating strategies
Authors: Chelini Marie Claire , Brock Kinsey , Yeager Justin , Edwards Danielle L.
Published: June 2021

Understanding the relative importance of sexual and natural selection in shaping morphological traits is a long‐standing goal of evolutionary ecology. Male‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is typically associated with male–male competition. Similarly, male polymorphisms are considered a consequence of competitive social interactions. This classic paradigm overlooks the fact that environmental factors mediate social interactions and can lead to ecological adaptations. Common side‐blotched lizards, Uta stansburiana, are a model system for this paradigm due to well‐known rock‐paper‐scissors social dynamics between male morphs. SSD in this species has been considered primarily a consequence of social interactions, with male size resulting from the number of morphs in each population and female size being constrained through fecundity benefits. We test if the environment explains intraspecific variation in SSD and number of male morphs in U. stansburiana. By compiling data from 49 populations, we show that environmental variables are stronger predictors of SSD than the number of male morphs. Similarly, we show that the environment mediates SSD and potentially contributes to morph loss in colder environments. We propose that the environment favours smaller males in areas of high seasonality. Our results demonstrate the importance of the environment as a mediator of SSD.
Do medical schools teach medical humanities? Review of curricula in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom
Authors: Howick Jeremy , Zhao Lunan , McKaig Brenna , Rosa Alessandro , Campaner Raffaella , Oke Jason , Ho Dien
Published: June 2021

Rationale and objectives

Medical humanities are becoming increasingly recognized as positively impacting medical education and medical practice. However, the extent of medical humanities teaching in medical schools is largely unknown. We reviewed medical school curricula in Canada, the UK and the US. We also explored the relationship between medical school ranking and the inclusion of medical humanities in the curricula.

Methods

We searched the curriculum websites of all accredited medical schools in Canada, the UK and the US to check which medical humanities topics were taught, and whether they were mandatory or optional. We then noted rankings both by Times Higher Education and U.S. News and World Report and calculated the average rank. We formally explored whether there was an association between average medical school ranking and medical humanities offerings using Spearman's correlation and inverse variance weighting meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified 18 accredited medical school programmes in Canada, 41 in the UK, and 154 in the US. Of these, nine (56%) in Canada, 34 (73%) in the UK and 124 (80%) in the US offered at least one medical humanity that was not ethics. The most common medical humanities were medical humanities (unspecified), history, and literature (Canada); sociology and social medicine, medical humanities (unspecified), and art (UK); and medical humanities (unspecified), literature and history (US). Higher ranked medical schools appeared less likely to offer medical humanities.

Conclusions

The extent and content of medical humanities offerings at accredited medical schools in Canada, the UK and the US varies, and there appears to be an inverse relationship between medical school quality and medical humanities offerings. Our analysis was limited by the data provided on the Universities' websites. Given the potential for medical humanities to improve medical education and medical practice, opportunities to reduce this variation should be exploited.
Effect of vertical velocity profile approximations on estimates of dam breach discharge using surface velocities
Authors: Liu Jie , Xiao Hong , Lin Pengzhi , Zhou Chuanxing , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

In order to investigate the relationship between water surface velocity and breach hydrograph, a series of dam breach experiments with a generalised landslide dam were conducted in an open channel of 50 m × 4 m × 2 m. The large‐scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) technique was applied to measure the time history of water surface velocity during the dam breach process, and the hydrography was obtained by integrating the surface velocity along the water depth. The influence of different vertical velocity profile approximation and suspended sediment concentration on the peak breach discharge were analysed and discussed. The results showed that the water depth over the breach crest can be described as a function of water surface velocity using . A simple formula based on surface velocity and breach width for the estimation of breach discharge was further proposed and verified.
Information Sharing in a Competitive Microcredit Market
Authors: De Haas Ralph , Millone Matteo , Bos Jaap
Published: June 2021

We analyze contract‐level data on approved and rejected microloans to assess the impact of a new credit registry in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country with a competitive microcredit market. Our findings are threefold. First, information sharing reduces defaults, especially among new borrowers, and increases the return on lending. Second, lending tightens at the extensive margin as loan officers, using the new registry, reject more applications. Third, lending also tightens at the intensive margin: microloans become smaller, shorter, and more expensive. This affects both new borrowers and lending relationships established before the registry. In contrast, repeat borrowers whose lending relationship started after the registry introduction begin to benefit from larger loans at lower interest rates.
Rural differentiation and rural change: Microlevel evidence from Kenya
Authors: Fibæk Maria Mwaipopo
Published: June 2021

This study investigates how smallholder differentiation can be reconciled with processes of rural development. Conventional theories and policies are primarily based on assumptions of an undifferentiated smallholder sector. Conversely, some agrarian political economy scholars argue that smallholder differentiation may be correlated with dynamic rural development. To contribute to the debate, rural households in this study are stratified into income classes, and accumulation patterns among each income class are examined. The analysis shows that smallholder differentiation does not coincide with dynamic rural development. Instead of accumulating wealth through farming, richer households have diversified to better paid employment.
Nursing interventions for the promotion of tracheostomy self‐care: A scoping review
Authors: Queirós Sílvia Maria Moreira , Pinto Igor Emanuel Soares , de Brito Maria Alice Correia , Santos Célia Samarina Vilaça de Brito
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives

To map nursing interventions, their characteristics, and outcomes, in promoting self‐care of the person with a tracheostomy.

Background

The development of competencies in self‐care of a person with a tracheostomy is recognised as one of the most significant nursing intervention areas for the promotion of autonomy, prevention of complications and adaptation. Identifying nursing interventions for the promotion of self‐care of the person with a tracheostomy enables enhanced clinical practice knowledge within different care contexts and the identification of gaps in the available evidence.

Design

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology was used to perform this scoping review.

Method: A search was conducted on the CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search for grey literature included Portugal´s Open Access Scientific Repository, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Studies published in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French were included. The PRISMA‐ScR checklist was used.

Results

From a total of 4,224 identified articles, 31 were included in this review. Multiple nursing interventions were identified and grouped into four types of action: informing, managing, determining and attending. Although most interventions are implemented with the face‐to‐face method, there is a growing interest in using technologies for this purpose. The dose is the characteristic most poorly described in interventions. Various results were obtained; however, valid assessment tools were not always used.

Conclusions

Designing and testing intervention programmes for the promotion of self‐care of the person with a tracheostomy is necessary, based on available and robust evidence to guide clinical practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review allowed to systematise nursing interventions to promote self‐care of the person with a tracheostomy. The use of combined interventions and methodologies is likely to be more effective in care delivery.
Simulation as a joint learning activity in clinical placement—interaction between first‐year nursing students and qualified nurses
Authors: Aamlid Hege , Tveit Bodil
Published: June 2021

Aims

The purpose of the study was to explore students’ experiences from joint simulation training with qualified nurses that took place in students’ first‐year placement at a nursing home.

Background

Nursing students’ clinical placement in nursing homes has been pictured as inadequate, boring and irrelevant. There is a need for innovative learning designs that include increased collaboration between the educational institution and clinical placement site to support student learning in practice. Simulation training is highlighted as a learning activity that enhances practical skills and reflection.

Design

The study had a qualitative evaluation design to explore and capture students’ experiences and provide an understanding of the impact of the joint simulation activity during placement.

Methods

Three retrospective focus group interviews were conducted with a total of twenty nursing students. Written reflective notes from sixteen of the students were included in the study. The data were analysed by means of a thematic content analysis. COREQ reporting guidelines were used.

Results

Four themes were identified as follows: (a) anxiety and arrangements, (b) realistic scenarios—real nurses, (c) debriefing and reflection and (d) the aftereffect of the simulation training for the clinical placement.

Conclusions

The joint simulation training gave the students an opportunity to actively participate in a complex clinical learning situation together with qualified nurses and within a safe environment. This learning activity provoked feelings and stress within the students. However, it also enriched the students’ learning experience and strengthened the outcome of the clinical placement through an improved relationship between the students and qualified nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Creating collaborative learning activities between nursing homes and universities, such as joint simulation, can increase relevance and enhance learning and student satisfaction in their clinical placement. It can also promote nursing homes as interesting learning arena and future workplace for nursing students.
COVID‐19 associated brain/spinal cord lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement: A meta‐analysis of the relationship to CSF SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Lewis Ariane , Jain Rajan , Frontera Jennifer , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Galetta Steven , Balcer Laura , Melmed Kara R.
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose

We reviewed the literature to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) who had neurological symptoms and had an MRI that showed (1) central nervous system (CNS) hyperintense lesions not attributed to ischemia and/or (2) leptomeningeal enhancement. We sought to determine if these findings were associated with a positive CSF severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods

We performed a systematic review of Medline and Embase from December 1, 2019 to November 18, 2020. CSF results were evaluated based on the presence/absence of (1) ≥ 1 CNS hyperintense lesion and (2) leptomeningeal enhancement.

Results

In 117 publications, we identified 193 patients with COVID‐19 who had an MRI of the CNS and CSF testing. There were 125 (65%) patients with CNS hyperintense lesions. Patients with CNS hyperintense lesions were significantly more likely to have a positive CSF SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR (10% [9/87] vs. 0% [0/43],p= 0.029). Of 75 patients who had a contrast MRI, there were 20 (27%) patients who had leptomeningeal enhancement. Patients with leptomeningeal enhancement were significantly more likely to have a positive CSF SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR (25% [4/16] vs. 5% [2/42],p= 0.024).

Conclusion

The presence of CNS hyperintense lesions or leptomeningeal enhancement on neuroimaging from patients with COVID‐19 is associated with increased likelihood of a positive CSF SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR. However, a positive CSF SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR is uncommon in patients with these neuroimaging findings, suggesting they are often related to other etiologies, such as inflammation, hypoxia, or ischemia.
Leukaemic infiltration in the oral and maxillofacial region: An update
Authors: de Sena Ana Carolina Velasco Pondé , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Costa Fernanda Pereira Delgado , Lemos Ana Paula Vilaça , Kakehasi Fabiana Maria , Travassos Denise Vieira , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Silva Tarcília Aparecida
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to integrate the available data published on leukaemic infiltration in the oral and maxillofacial region into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical manifestations, imaginological characteristics, management and survival.

Materials and methods

An electronic search with no publication date restriction was undertaken in October 2020 in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase. Overall survival was calculated by survival analysis with the Kaplan‐Meier test. A critical appraisal of included articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

Results

A total of 63 studies including 68 patients were selected for data extraction. The most common haematologic diagnosis was acute myeloid leukaemia (47%). The most affected individuals were 40 to 49 years old (20.9%). The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.2:1. The gingiva was the most affected site (37%). Swelling/mass/oedema (33.7%) and enlargement/hyperplasia/hypertrophy (25.5%) were the main clinical findings. Osteolytic lesions with bone destruction were the main imaginological characteristics among the reported cases. Follow‐up was available for 36 patients. Overall, within the 21‐month follow‐up, the survival probability dropped to 14.3%.

Conclusion

A considerable number of studies reported oral manifestations mainly in individuals with the acute form of leukaemia. Children and adults were affected, but the fifth decade of life was the most common. Dentists should be vigilant since these manifestations may be important for a diagnosis and for the monitoring of the treatment response and recurrence of haematological neoplasia.
The effect of intrinsic and extrinsic quality on the willingness to pay for a convenient meal: A combination of home‐use‐test with online auctions
Authors: Garrido Dolores , Gallardo R. Karina , Ross Carolyn F. , Montero Maria Laura , Tang Juming
Published: June 2021

A sensory evaluation using a home‐use‐test (HUT) setting and experimental online auctions at three storage times, were used to elicit willingness to pay (WTP) for two samples of ready meals with extended shelf life, one using microwave assisted pasteurization system (MAPS) and the other using freezing. The effect of the information on the name of a new technology and the environmental impacts associated with each technology was also measured. We found that sensory characteristics of the ready meal are the key drivers for subjects' WTP. Considering the specific context of this study, we did not find evidence that the name of the technology and the information on the environmental impacts associated with each technology impacted participants' WTP.

Practical Applications

Our study contributes by presenting a protocol for conducting a combined HUT and online auction across three storage times for a complex food matrix (i.e., the jambalaya ready meal) in which the eating environment is important. Also influential is that participants actually ate the meal, therefore the sensory evaluation results that were gathered were more impactful for bids than the extrinsic attributes included. Given the logistic challenges of conducting a HUT along with experimental auctions across time, this study had a limited number of participants. Therefore, we cannot provide a conclusive evidence that disclosing the name of the technology used and its effects on the environment would encourage purchase of ready meals.
The impact of cognitive and noncognitive factors on odor discrimination performance
Authors: Sabiniewicz Agnieszka , Wrage Florian , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate which components among a range of cognitive and noncognitive factors contribute to odor discrimination and to which extent. One hundred sixty participants were assessed for olfactory discrimination considering (a) the sequence of presentation of the detection target and (b) response time taken to perform the discrimination task. Participants were tested with several cognitive tests covering executive functioning, and semantic memory and noncognitive tests measuring optimism, mindset, general self‐efficacy, and self‐esteem. Hierarchical regression analyses conducted in classic and Bayesian ways demonstrate a strong impact of semantic memory and age on odor discrimination performance. Conversely, executive functions together with noncognitive factors and response time were rather weak predictors of odor discrimination performance. Additionally, the positioning of the target odor, when presented last, facilitated the correct choice in odor discrimination. In conclusion, odor discrimination is related to semantic memory, while noncognitive factors exert only minor influences on odor discrimination scores.

Practical Applications

In the present study, we found that the target odor, when presented as the last of the three pens, facilitated the correct choice in odor discrimination process. Even though, the influence of the target odor position was noticed only in case of several trials, it should be considered in the future studies. Moreover, the amount of time taken to respond when performing odor discrimination task did not contribute strongly to the final outcome. Thus, controlling for the response time in this kind of task appears not to be highly significant.
Meta‐analysis of energy intake of growing–finishing pigs in China
Authors: Hou Lei , Wang Li , Wen Xiaolu , Yang Xuefen , Gao Kaiguo , Zhu Cui , Li Long , Xiao Hao , Jiang Zongyong
Published: June 2021

Data from 655 treatments of 116 studies were used in a meta‐analysis to determine the daily digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) intake of Chinese growing–finishing pigs, and to predict feed efficiency responses to change in dietary DE, ME and NE. Three alternative functions (i.e., polynomial, Bridges and asymptotic function) were employed for fitting daily DE, ME or NE intakes to mean body weight. The results showed that the three models from the current study provided reasonable fit (allR2 > 0.83) for the energy intake data. However, under the same energy system, the polynomial function had the smallest Akaike's information criteria (AIC) and residual standard deviation (RSD), followed by Bridges and asymptotic functions. The three model‐generated energy intakes of growing pigs were significantly less than that of the Chinese Feeding Standard of Swine, but similar to that of the National Research Council (2012), while the values of finishing pigs were greater than both standards. Compared with those that predict feed efficiency based on DE or ME, the equation with NE as a predictor had the minimized AIC and RSD. It was also found that feed efficiency increased with increasing dietary energy density (DED), but this response varied with pig body weight, and the lighter pigs were more sensitive to DED than heavier pigs.
A new cyanobacterial genus Altericista and three species, A. lacusladogae sp. nov., A. violacea sp. nov., and A. variichlora sp. nov., described using a polyphasic approach
Authors: Averina Svetlana , Polyakova Elena , Senatskaya Ekaterina , Pinevich Alexander
Published: June 2021

Several strains of unicellular cyanobacteria from the culture collection of St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (CALU), which were preliminary identified as Synechocystis sp., are reclassified in the new genus Altericista. Three new species are proposed, A. lacusladogae, A. violacea, and A. variichlora. The last species produces accessory chlorophylls d and f in cultures illuminated by far‐red light, an attribute rarely observed in cyanobacteria, especially in unicellular strains. This genus is morphologically similar to Synechocysis having coccoid cells that divide in two successive planes at right angles, containing no sheath or capsule, and having the lamellar system represented by peripheral concentric thylakoids. Altericista shows ecological, biochemical, and physiological characters unlike those in Synechocystis and has the distinguishing phenotypic characters as follows: freshwater, non‐halotolerant ecotype; palmitate and α‐linoleate as major fatty acids; and the ability to photoacclimate, including several types of complementary chromatic adaptation. Genetic differences from Synechocystis sp. include 16S rRNA, rpoC1, and rbcL gene sequences, as well as sequence and folding of 16S‐23S ITS.
Nurse practitioner scope of practice and the prevention of foot complications in rural diabetes patients
Authors: Hughes Danny R. , Filar Candice , Mitchell David T.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Diabetic foot ulcers afflict a quarter of type‐2 diabetes mellitus patients and are associated with higher mortality rates among people with diabetes. Routine primary and preventive care is essential to both prevent and treat foot ulcers before they can contribute to further adverse outcomes. One approach for expanding this care to people with diabetes in rural communities is increasing the practice authority of nurse practitioners. This study examines whether the presence of nurse practitioner practice authority is associated with fewer foot ulcer complications in rural populations as measured through the incidence of foot debridement—a common procedure for addressing severe diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods

This study uses medical claims to estimate the incidence of foot debridement for US counties. A multivariable linear regression was performed to examine the association between nurse practitioner practice authority and the county incidence of foot debridement after adjusting for measures of local health care workforce and sociodemographics.

Findings

Nurse practitioner practice authority was associated with 219.4 fewer foot debridements per 10,000 enrollees (P < .001) in rural counties. Rural health clinics (P < .03) and skilled nursing facilities (P < .03) were also associated with fewer rural debridements. The number of nurse practitioners (P < .69) and primary care physicians (P < .69) per enrollee were not significant. No measure of health care workforce was associated with the incidence of foot debridement in urban counties.

Conclusions

Expanding nurse practitioner practice authority may be an effective solution for preventing complications from diabetic foot ulcers in rural communities.
Titanium mesh osteosynthesis for the treatment of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures in four dogs
Authors: Vallefuoco R. , Bird F. , Gordo I. , Brissot H. , Fina C.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Major goals in maxillofacial fracture treatment include to restore the dental occlusion, stabilise the major skeletal supports, restore the contour of the face and achieve proper function and appearance of the face. Titanium is considered an optimal material for maxillofacial reconstruction due to its biocompatibility, high strength, minimal inflammatory reaction and minimal imaging artefact.

Objectives

To describe the clinical details, surgical technique, pre‐ and postoperative imaging and short‐ and long‐term follow‐up of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures treated with titanium mesh and titanium screws in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective short case series included four client‐owned dogs with maxillofacial fractures. After appropriate medical stabilisation, preoperative CT examination of the head was obtained in all patients for evaluation of fracture configuration and surgical planning. The maxillofacial fractures were stabilised by titanium mesh osteosynthesis. Short‐ and long‐term clinical and radiographic follow‐ups were available for all dogs.

Results

Proper dental occlusion and reconstruction of the anatomic buttresses was achieved in all cases. All dogs recovered uneventfully from the surgery and no complications were recorded on the long‐term follow‐up up to 43 months. Occlusion was maintained in all dogs, as well as excellent cosmesis of the midface.

Clinical Significance

Titanium mesh osteosynthesis can achieve sufficient rigidity and lead to uncomplicated healing of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures. This internal fixation method can be considered a valuable option to treat maxillofacial fractures in particular in cases of large bone defect and midface reconstruction.
Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with neoplastic or inflammatory central nervous system disorders
Authors: Mariani Christopher L. , Niman Zachary E. , Boozer Lindsay B. , Ruterbories Laura K. , Early Peter J. , Muñana Karen R. , Olby Natasha J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key molecular driver of angiogenesis and vascular permeability and is expressed by a wide variety of neoplasms. Although blood VEGF concentrations have been quantified in intracranial tumors of dogs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VEGF concentration might be a more sensitive biomarker of disease.

Objective

Concentrations of VEGF in CSF are higher in dogs with central nervous system (CNS) neoplasia compared to those with meningoencephalomyelitis and other neurologic disorders.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐six client‐owned dogs presented to a veterinary teaching hospital.

Methods

Case‐control study. Cerebrospinal fluid was archived from dogs diagnosed with CNS neoplasia and meningoencephalomyelitis. Control dogs had other neurological disorders or diseases outside of the CNS. A commercially available kit was used to determine VEGF concentrations.

Results

Detectable CSF VEGF concentrations were present in 49/63 (77.8%) neoplastic samples, 22/24 (91.7%) inflammatory samples, and 8/39 (20.5%) control samples. The VEGF concentrations were significantly different between groups (P < .0001), and multiple comparison testing showed that both neoplastic and inflammatory groups had significantly higher concentrations than did controls (P < .05), but did not differ from each other. Gliomas and choroid plexus tumors had significantly higher VEGF concentrations than did the control group (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cerebrospinal fluid VEGF concentrations may serve as a marker of neoplastic and inflammatory CNS disorders relative to other conditions.
Balloon valvuloplasty in 2 juvenile alpacas with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis
Authors: Funk Logan L. , Rodriguez Kiira T. , Leach Stacey B.
Published: June 2021

Two juvenile alpacas, 1 male and 1 female, were presented for evaluation of grade V/VI bilateral basilar systolic heart murmurs. Both animals were ultimately diagnosed with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis and a small ventricular septal defect. Transvenous balloon valvuloplasty was performed in each animal using methods described in the dog. A double balloon technique was employed in the first case, with a balloon‐annulus ratio of ~1.55. For the second case, a high‐pressure dilatation balloon catheter with a balloon‐annulus ratio of ~1.33 was selected. Experience with both procedures indicates that balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is technically feasible in alpacas using techniques extrapolated from those used in dogs. Furthermore, accepted criteria for procedural success were fulfilled for both alpacas, with more than a 50% reduction in the echocardiographically derived transpulmonic pressure gradient after intervention.
Transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound for analyzing the outcomes of pelvic floor surgery for the treatment of anterior compartment prolapse: A comparative study of transvaginal mesh and native‐tissue repair
Authors: Liu Lin‐Na , Liu Xiu‐Ni , Liu Chang , Yao Meng‐Yan , Xu Hui‐Xiong
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare the outcomes of transvaginal mesh (TVM) and native‐tissue repair (NTR) for the repair of anterior compartment prolapse.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 90 patients with anterior compartment prolapse who underwent pelvic organ prolapse surgery between January 2018 and October 2020. A TVM was used to treat 53 patients and 37 underwent NTR. All patients underwent a standardized interview, clinical examination, and four‐dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS) before and after the surgery. The primary outcome was anatomic recurrence evaluated by ultrasonic parameters. The secondary outcomes were subjective recurrence and complications.

Results

Subjective recurrence was 9.43% (5/53) for TVM and 16.22% (6/37) for NTR (P = .522). Significant recurrence of prolapse on ultrasound occurred in five patients (9.43%) after TVM and 12 (32.43%) after NTR; there was a significant difference between the TVM and NTR groups (P = .006). In the TVM group, the mesh was visible on ultrasound in each patient. The mesh exposure rate was 1.89% (1/53). The postoperative hiatal area reduction in the TVM group, compared with the NTR group, was statistically significant (5.55 ± 4.71 cm2 vs 3.09 ± 5.61 cm2, P = .027). The incidence of de novo stress urinary incontinence was higher in the TVM group (20.75% vs 2.70%, P = .03). After surgery, there were significant differences between the two groups based on bladder descent (12.02 ± 8.64 mm vs 22.41 ± 13.95 mm, P = .000) and urethral rotation angle (25.26 ± 13.92° vs 40.27 ± 23.72°, P = .001).

Conclusion

PFUS is effective for evaluating postoperative outcomes. TVM facilitates a better anatomic cure than NTR for anterior compartment prolapse.