bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients' beliefs towards contingency management: Target behaviours, incentives and the remote application of these interventions
Authors: Getty Carol‐Ann , Weaver Tim , Lynskey Michael , Kirby Kimberly C. , Dallery Jesse , Metrebian Nicola
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Contingency management interventions are among the most efficacious psychosocial interventions in promoting abstinence from smoking, alcohol and substance use. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs and objections towards contingency management among patients in UK‐based drug and alcohol services to help understand barriers to uptake and support the development and implementation of these interventions.

Methods

The Service User Survey of Incentives was developed and implemented among patients (N = 181) at three UK‐based drug and alcohol treatment services. Descriptive analyses were conducted to ascertain positive and negative beliefs about contingency management, acceptability of different target behaviours, incentives and delivery mechanisms including delivering incentives remotely using technology devices such as mobile telephones.

Results

Overall, 81% of participants were in favour of incentive programs, with more than 70% of respondents agreeing with the majority of positive belief statements. With the exception of two survey items, less than a third of participants agreed with negative belief statements. The proportion of participants indicating a neutral response was higher for negative statements (27%) indicating greater levels of ambiguity towards objections and concerns regarding contingency management.

Discussion and Conclusions

Positive beliefs towards contingency management interventions were found, including high levels of acceptability towards a range of target behaviours, incentives and the use of technology devices to remotely monitor behaviour and deliver incentives. These findings have implications for the development and implementation of remote contingency management interventions within the UK drug treatment services.
Figurate erythemas – update and diagnostic approach
Authors: Boehner Alexander , Neuhauser Ruth , Zink Alexander , Ring Johannes
Published: May 2021

Figurate erythemas (FE) represent an etiopathophysiologically heterogeneous group of diseases defined by their characteristic annular erythematous skin lesions. Diagnosis is made primarily by clinical examination together with histological findings; often it is a diagnosis made by exclusion. While some authors discuss FE as clinical reaction pattern rather than distinct clinical entities, others identify four classic FE: erythema annulare centrifugum, erythema gyratum repens, erythema migrans and erythema marginatum. The differential diagnoses of FE are numerous and often challenging. We therefore present a potential diagnostic algorithm for FE that discriminates the differentials according to their temporal evolution and the clinical/histological phenotype of the various subtypes. Since some FE may present with an underlying malignancy, diligent clinicians are needed when dealing with those entities.
Different glutamate sources and endogenous co‐agonists activate extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on amacrine cells of the rod pathway microcircuit
Authors: Beltrán‐Matas Pablo , Hartveit Espen , Veruki Margaret L.
Published: May 2021

The NMDA receptors (NMDARs) expressed by AII and A17 amacrine cells, the two main inhibitory interneurons of the rod pathway microcircuit in the mammalian retina, are exclusively extrasynaptic, activated by ambient levels of glutamate, and molecularly distinct, with AII and A17 amacrines expressing GluN2B‐ and GluN2A‐containing receptors, respectively. This important sensory microcircuit thus provides a unique model to study the activation and function of extrasynaptic NMDARs. Here, we investigated the sources of glutamate and the endogenous co‐agonists (d‐serine or glycine) that activate these distinct populations of NMDARs. With acute slices from rat retina, we used whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording and measurement of current noise to monitor levels of NMDAR activity. Pre‐incubation of retina with bafilomycin A1 (an inhibitor of neurotransmitter uptake into synaptic vesicles) abolished NMDAR‐mediated noise in AII, but not A17 amacrines, suggesting a vesicular source of glutamate activates AII NMDARs, whereas a non‐vesicular source activates A17 NMDARs. Pre‐incubation of retina with l‐methionine sulfoximine (an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase) also abolished NMDAR‐mediated noise in AII, but not A17 amacrines, suggesting a neuronal source of glutamate activates AII NMDARs, whereas a glial source activates A17 NMDARs. Enzymatic breakdown of d‐serine reduced NMDAR‐mediated noise in AII, but not A17 amacrines, suggesting d‐serine is the endogenous co‐agonist at AII, but not A17 NMDARs. Our results reveal unique characteristics of these two populations of extrasynaptic NMDARs. The differential and independent activation of these receptors is likely to provide specific contributions to the signal processing and plasticity of the cellular components of the rod pathway microcircuit.
Powerful independent directors
Authors: Fogel Kathy , Ma Liping , Morck Randall
Published: May 2021

Shareholder valuations are economically and statistically positively correlated with independent director power, gauged by a composite of social network power centrality measures. Powerful independent directors’ sudden deaths reduce shareholder value significantly; other independent directors’ deaths do not, consistent with powerful independent directors increasing firm valuations. Further tests associate more powerful independent directors with less value‐destroying mergers and acquisitions, less free cash flow retention, more CEO accountability, and less earnings management. We interpret these findings as more powerful independent directors better detecting and countering CEO missteps because of better access to information, greater credibility in challenging errant top managers, or both.
Biogeochemical Coring and Preservation Method for Unconsolidated Soil Samples
Authors: Landis Richard , Hua Han , Yin Xin , Axe Lisa , Morgan Scott
Published: May 2021

Developing an accurate conceptual site model (CSM) is an important process before a decision can be made regarding effective remedial actions. A critical aspect of an accurate CSM is thoroughly understanding the biogeochemistry occurring at the site in the area of concern. To collect media samples that accurately preserve the in situ biogeochemistry, a new Rotosonic core barrel and core preservation protocol was developed. The new biogeochemical core barrel (BCB) successfully isolated and preserved the in situ biogeochemical conditions of the soil core and minimized the soil core's exposure pathways to air. The BCB's success was achieved by a modified Rotosonic core barrel, a specialized drive shoe, an internal BCB core barrel piston, hydraulic extrusion of the soil core into a stainless core tube with an internal piston, and specialized core tube sealing, handling, and subsampling methods. Detailed subsampling of 65‐foot (nominally 20 m) soil core in 2‐inch (nominally 51 mm) increments within a specialized anaerobic glovebox confirmed the presence of five biogeochemical redox transition zones within the soil core. The BCB also allowed for split soil core samples for detailed mineralogical and live microbiological studies. Success of the BCB method is further evidenced by the presence of the highly redox‐sensitive surface bound iron sulfide mineral mackinawite. The BCB allowed detailed analysis of the soil core including Fe and S concentration gradients, oxidation–reduction potential gradients, volatile organic compound analysis, and live microbiological assessments.
A characterization of the Vickrey rule in slot allocation problems
Authors: Zhou Yu , Chun Youngsub , Serizawa Shigehiro
Published: May 2021

We study the slot allocation problem where agents have quasi‐linear single‐peaked preferences over slots and identify the rules satisfying efficiency, strategy‐proofness, and individual rationality. Since the quasi‐linear single‐peaked domain is not connected, the famous characterization of the Vickrey rule in terms of Holmström (1979)'s three properties cannot be applied. However, we are able to establish that on the quasi‐linear single‐peaked domain, the Vickrey rule is still the only rule satisfying efficiency, strategy‐proofness, and individual rationality.
Healthcare access and attitudes towards telehealth during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic among an Australian cohort with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Rischin Adam , Liew David , Black Rachel , Fletcher Ashley , Buchbinder Rachelle , Lassere Marissa , March Lyn , Robinson Philip C. , Hill Catherine ,   The ARAD Steering Committee†
Published: May 2021

Community restrictions due to COVID‐19 have changed healthcare, including increased telehealth use. During the early pandemic phase, a cohort of Australian patients with inflammatory arthritis was surveyed. Self‐reported access to healthcare was maintained and physical health was more likely to be self‐rated poorly than mental health. There was a high level of support for telehealth during and after the pandemic.
Examining antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
Authors: Glanger Maxine R. , Peterson Gregory , Abraham Arun
Published: May 2021

Antidepressant drugs, which are widely used in palliative care patients for both management of psychiatric disorders and non‐psychiatric symptoms, may cause a cluster of distressing symptoms on discontinuation. In dying patients, cessation of oral intake may occur either temporarily or permanently for reasons related to disease or its treatment, as well as in the days before death. We examined antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADDS). Strategies for reducing the risk of ADDS, and for managing it that should occur, are discussed.
TMEM161B‐AS1 suppresses proliferation, invasion and glycolysis by targeting miR‐23a‐3p/HIF1AN signal axis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Zuxuan , Li Guanghui , Li Zhen , Liu Junhao , Tang Yu
Published: May 2021

Mounting data have shown that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) widely participate in tumour initiation, development, progression and glycolysis in a variety of tumours. However, the clinical prognosis and molecular mechanisms of TMEM161B‐AS1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain still unknown. Here, TMEM161B‐AS1 and HIF1AN were significantly lower in ESCC tissues than in normal samples, and their low expressions were both related to TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Functionally, TMEM161B‐AS1 overexpression or miR‐23a‐3p depletion suppressed the proliferation, invasion and glycolysis as well as reduced glucose consumption and lactate production in ESCC cells. Mechanistically, TMEM161B‐AS1 manipulated HIF1AN expression by competitively sponging miR‐23a‐3p in ESCC cells. MiR‐23a‐3p mimic and HIF1AN siRNA partly reversed cell phenotypes mediated by TMEM161B‐AS1 in ESCC cells. Collectively, TMEM161B‐AS1, miR‐23a‐3p and HIF1AN may be tightly involved in ESCC development and progression as well as patients’ prognosis, and TMEM161B‐AS1/miR‐23a‐3p/HIF1AN signal axis may be a promising target for the treatment of ESCC patients.
Onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus following hypophysitis after discontinuation of combined immunotherapy. A case report
Authors: Boswell Laura , Casals Gregori , Blanco Jesús , Jiménez Amanda , Aya Francisco , de Hollanda Ana , Halperin Irene , Arance Ana M , Mora Mireia , Hanzu Felicia A
Published: May 2021

Diabetes is a rare, but potentially life‐threatening, adverse event of immune checkpoint inhibitors that requires prompt recognition and treatment. It usually occurs in the first 3 months of treatment and is typically related to programmed cell death‐1 antibodies, alone or in combined therapy. It has rarely been described developing after immunotherapy cessation. We present a 51‐year‐old man with metastatic melanoma, who developed acute‐onset diabetes 52 days after combined immunotherapy cessation with nivolumab and ipilimumab, and 25.6 months after receiving the first dose. He presented with acute hyperglycemic symptoms, ketosis, complete insulin depletion and negative autoimmunity, fulfilling the criteria of fulminant type 1 diabetes. The patient had previously developed hypophysitis with isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency during immunotherapy. We describe a case of late‐onset fulminant type 1 diabetes developing after immunotherapy cessation. Patient education and active follow up after immunotherapy discontinuation are crucial to warrant a timely intervention.
Financial Frictions and Macro‐Economic Fluctuations in Emerging Economies
Authors: AKINCI ÖZGE
Published: May 2021

The country risk premium predicted by the dynamic real business cycle models in emerging markets is procyclical, whereas it is countercyclical in the data. This paper proposes a model in which a time‐varying risk premium emerges endogenously through a variant of the Bernanke–Gertler–Gilchrist financial accelerator mechanism. The estimated model can account for the volatility and the countercyclicality of risk premium as well as for other key business cycle moments. Time‐varying uncertainty in firm‐specific productivity significantly contributes to delivering a countercyclical default rate and explains more than half of the variances in the trade balance and risk premium.
Societal Benefit of Multiple Currencies
Authors: ARAUJO LUIS , FERRARIS LEO
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a new reason why countries may want to keep separate currencies rather than form a currency union. In a search model of a two‐country world, keeping multiple currencies with trade restrictions that favor the use of the domestic currency in domestic goods markets is socially beneficial relative to forming a currency union or letting multiple currencies circulate in all countries without restrictions. Multiple currencies improve the allocation of liquidity in the presence of trading frictions that make the use of currencies necessary to exchange commodities.
Development and evolution of the vestibular apparatuses of the inner ear
Authors: Mackowetzky Kacey , Yoon Kevin H. , Mackowetzky Emily J. , Waskiewicz Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

The vertebrate inner ear is a labyrinthine sensory organ responsible for perceiving sound and body motion. While a great deal of research has been invested in understanding the auditory system, a growing body of work has begun to delineate the complex developmental program behind the apparatuses of the inner ear involved with vestibular function. These animal studies have helped identify genes involved in inner ear development and model syndromes known to include vestibular dysfunction, paving the way for generating treatments for people suffering from these disorders. This review will provide an overview of known inner ear anatomy and function and summarize the exciting discoveries behind inner ear development and the evolution of its vestibular apparatuses.
Rotating between day and night shifts: Factors influencing sleep patterns of hospital nurses
Authors: Shin Seunghwa , Kim SuHyun
Published: May 2021

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns of hospital nurses using a wearable electronic device and determine the influence of rotating day and night shifts and lifestyle factors on their sleep efficiency.

Background

Nurses working in shifts are vulnerable to sleep disturbances. However, little is known about the influence of rotating day and night shift schedules and healthy lifestyle on nurses’ daily sleep patterns.

Design

Descriptive correlational design.

Methods

Thirty‐two hospital nurses working in shifts and 32 hospital nurses not working in shifts participated in data collection. Their sleep patterns were measured for six consecutive days using Fitbit Charge 3™, and information on alcohol consumption, exercise, and eating habits were assessed using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Scheffe's test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guideline.

Results

Overall, nurses working on rotating day and night shifts had significantly shorter total sleep time, longer sleep onset latency, and lower sleep efficiency than those not working in shifts. In particular, nurses working for 3 or 4 consecutive night shifts had significantly shorter total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency and longer sleep onset latency than those working for 0–2 consecutive night shifts. Rotating day and night shifts and alcohol consumption significantly influenced sleep efficiency.

Conclusions

A work schedule of ≥3 consecutive night shifts and the habit of alcohol consumption before bed time influence nurses’ sleep efficiency.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Given the poor sleep pattern among nurses working in shifts, particularly those working on ≥2 consecutive night shifts, it is necessary to develop an optimal shift schedule and a program to promote healthy lifestyle among hospital nurses.
Creating an Indigenous Māori‐centred model of relational health: A literature review of Māori models of health
Authors: Wilson Denise , Moloney Eleanor , Parr Jenny M. , Aspinall Cathleen , Slark Julia
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

Identify the key concepts, principles and values embedded within Indigenous Māori models of health and wellbeing; and determine how these could inform the development of a Māori‐centred relational model of care.

Background

Improving health equity for Māori, similar to other colonised Indigenous peoples globally, requires urgent attention. Improving the quality of health practitioners’ engagement with Indigenous Māori accessing health services is one area that could support improving Māori health equity. While the Fundamentals of Care framework offers a promising relational approach, it lacks consideration of culture, whānau or family, and spirituality, important for Indigenous health and wellbeing.

Design and methods

A qualitative literature review on Māori models of health and wellbeing yielded nine models to inform a Māori‐centred relational model of care. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for reporting literature reviews.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified that included dimensions of health and wellbeing; whanaungatanga (connectedness); whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships); and socio‐political health context (colonisation, urbanisation, racism, and marginalisation). Health and wellbeing for Māori is a holistic and relational concept. Building relationships that include whānau (extended family) is a cultural imperative.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance and relevance of relational approaches to engaging Māori and their whānau accessing health services. It signals the necessary foundations for health practitioners to build trust‐based relationships with Māori. Key elements for a Māori‐centred model of relational care include whakawhanaungatanga (the process of building relationships) using tikanga (cultural protocols and processes) informed by cultural values of aroha (compassion and empathy), manaakitanga (kindness and hospitality), mauri (binding energy), wairua (importance of spiritual wellbeing).

Relevance to clinical practice

Culturally‐based models of health and wellbeing provide indicators of important cultural values, concepts and practices and processes. These can then inform the development of a Māori‐centred relational model of care to address inequity.
Evaluating different strategies for poor ovarian response management: a retrospective cohort study and literature review
Authors: Pantou Agni , Giannelou Polina , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Maziotis Evangelos , Tzonis Panagiotis , Koutsouni Anastasia , Pappa Charikleia , Philippou Anastassios , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

This retrospective study compares four different strategies for managing poor ovarian response (POR), namely, conventional stimulation (300 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer (CONVF), mild stimulation (150 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer (MILDF), mild stimulation embryo banking (MILDB), and embryo banking in natural cycles (NATB). In total, 796 POR patients were considered eligible. Statistical analysis revealed a shorter duration of stimulation and a lower required amount of gonadotropins in MILDF compared with CONVF (9.34 ± 1.17 versus 10.37 ± 1.14; 1402 ± 176 versus 3110 ± 343, P < 0.001). Comparing MILDF and MILDB, a higher number of available oocytes and embryos was observed in MILDB (2.36 ± 1.15 versus 6.58 ± 1.11; 1.72 ± 1.02 versus 3.51 ± 0.61, P < 0.001). Moreover, the MILDB presented with a lower number of required oocyte retrievals and a higher number of oocytes per oocyte retrieval compared with NATB (3.90 ± 1.56 versus 7.15 ± 1.80; 1.95 ± 0.74 versus 0.89 ± 0.20, P < 0.001). Data indicate that MILDF is equally efficient and associated with a shorter duration of stimulation and a lower required amount of gonadotropins compared with CONVF. Embryo accumulation may be more efficient compared with a fresh embryo transfer. MILDB may be a more efficient approach compared with NATB. To conclude, embryo accumulation following mild stimulation appears to form the optimal strategy for POR management. More studies are needed to verify these conclusions.
Nematode pests of some major cereals in Nigeria: Need for integration of morphological/morphometrical, biochemical, and molecular diagnostic approaches for accurate identification
Authors: Abdulsalam Sulaiman , Shaibu Abdulwahab S. , Ojonuba Jibrin M. , Peng Huan , Peng Deliang
Published: May 2021

Plant‐parasitic nematodes pose a major threat to crop production in Nigeria. Comprehensive data on yield losses for most cereal crops are not readily available. Research on maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has shown an 18%–67% reduction in yield linked to the destructiveness of parasitic nematodes, particularly root‐knot and root‐lesion nematodes. Continuous monoculture and a conservative approach to agriculture increase the incidence and population density of nematodes, leading to higher levels of damage and losses in most cultivated cereal crops. These losses affect the food security of the growing population of Nigeria and many African countries that are heavily dependent on cereals. The accurate identification of nematodes is fundamental for effective management strategies. Nematode taxonomy based on morphology has been difficult due to intraspecific character variations coupled with the limited expertise of indigenous nematologists. Biochemical and molecular marker‐based tools and approaches have allowed efficient diagnosis of most nematode species affecting cereal production globally. These approaches have proved useful due to their practicality, rapidness, accuracy, and cost‐effectiveness. This review describes the important economic effects of these parasitic nematodes on cereal production and highlights the need for integrative approaches to taxonomy for accurate species identification that will improve nematode diagnosis, thereby contributing to the increase of food production in Nigeria.
Short‐term economic impacts of ecological restoration in estuarine and coastal environments: a case study of Lone Cabbage Reef
Authors: Botta Robert , Borsum J. Scott , Camp Edward V. , Court Christa D. , Frederick Peter
Published: May 2021

Increasing demand for ecological restoration in the pursuit of long‐term persistence of resource benefits has resulted in the development of a “restoration economy” in the United States, which has provided opportunity for business growth associated with ecological sustainability. Nearly all the restoration monitoring and evaluation efforts focus on the ecological outcomes of restoration, although the social and economic outcomes have received far less attention. One type of economic outcome that is often overlooked includes short‐term economic impacts, which measure the market activity associated with the implementation of an ecological restoration project. This paper will provide an overview of how input–output analysis can be used as a method to quantify the short‐term economic impacts of ecological restoration projects. Using the Lone Cabbage Reef restoration project in Florida as a case study and IMPLAN regional economic modeling software, we found that the implementation phase of the project supported 44 full‐time and part‐time jobs earning $1.01 million in labor income and generated $5.08 million in total industry output, including $3.02 million in total value added within the regional economy. These findings support the notion that short‐term economic impacts are an important component when evaluating ecological restoration projects and can provide stakeholders with immediate and tangible, albeit short‐term results.
Editorial diversity in medical education journals
Authors: Yip Sharon Wing Lam , Rashid Mohammed Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Background

In recent years, the field of medical education has sought to amplify the voices of those from traditionally marginalised groups and medical education journals have sought to become more accessible and diverse. This study sought to examine the gender and geographical representation of editors and editorial board members in medical education journals.

Methods

Information about individual editors and editorial board members of 10 medical education journals was retrieved from their websites in January 2021, including their gender and the country in which they were based. Countries were categorised according to World Bank Income Classification and World Bank Geographical Regions. We then calculated the Composite Editorial Board Diversity Score for each journal.

Findings

Of 488 editors and editorial board members, 283 (58.0%) were male, 452 (92.6%) were based in high‐income countries and 322 (66.0%) were from the four countries with greatest representation (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada).

Discussion

The composition of medical education journals’ editorial leadership teams remains dominated by males and those from higher income and Western countries. Strikingly, little change has taken place since this was last examined 17 years ago despite the field becoming apparently more globalised. As medical education strives to become a more inclusive and diverse discipline, developing policies to create more globally representative editorial leadership teams should now be an urgent priority.
A cell wall invertase controls nectar volume and sugar composition
Authors: Minami Anzu , Kang Xiaojun , Carter Clay J.
Published: May 2021

Nectar volume and sugar composition are key determinants of the strength of plant–pollinator mutualisms. The main nectar sugars are sucrose, glucose and fructose, which can vary widely in ratio and concentration across species. Brassica spp. produce a hexose‐dominant nectar (high in the monosaccharides glucose and fructose) with very low levels of the disaccharide sucrose. Cell wall invertases (CWINVs) catalyze the irreversible hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose in the apoplast. We found that BrCWINV4A is highly expressed in the nectaries of Brassica rapa. Moreover, a brcwinv4a null mutant: (i) has greatly reduced CWINV activity in the nectaries; (ii) produces a sucrose‐rich nectar; but (iii) with significantly less volume. These results definitively demonstrate that CWINV activity is not only essential for the production of a hexose‐rich nectar, but also support a hypothetical model of nectar secretion in which its hydrolase activity is required for maintaining a high intracellular‐to‐extracellular sucrose ratio that facilitates the continuous export of sucrose into the nectary apoplast. The extracellular hydrolysis of each sucrose into two hexoses by BrCWINV4A also likely creates the osmotic potential required for nectar droplet formation. These results cumulatively indicate that modulation of CWINV activity can at least partially account for naturally occurring differences in nectar volume and sugar composition. Finally, honeybees prefer nectars with some sucrose, but wild‐type B. rapa flowers were much more heavily visited than flowers of brcwinv4a, suggesting that the potentially attractive sucrose‐rich nectar of brcwinv4a could not compensate for its low volume.
Hematologic values in domestic pigeons naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium
Authors: Parvandar Asadollahi Kaveh , Mayahi Mansour , Rocky Alireza , Khajeh Gholam Hossein , Mosavari Nader
Published: May 2021

Avian mycobacteriosis is an important disease of birds and is most often caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium genavense. However, little information on the hematologic changes associated with this infectious disease in pigeons has been published. The aim of this investigation was to compare the hematologic parameters of domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) naturally infected with M avium subsp. avium (MAA) with clinically healthy pigeons. Blood samples were collected from 12 pigeons with suspected mycobacteriosis and 12 clinically healthy pigeons. All the birds with suspect infections were necropsied, and affected organs were cultured and examined on histopathology for mycobacteriosis. Total leukocyte and erythrocyte counts were performed on each blood sample with the Natt and Herrick method using a Neubauer hemocytometer. White blood cell (WBC) differential counts were performed on Giemsa‐stained blood smears. Packed cell volumes (PCVs) were measured using the microhematocrit technique. Hemoglobin concentrations were measured with a spectrophotometer using the cyanomethemoglubin method. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHCs), and mean cell volumes (MCVs) were calculated manually. All of the infected birds had typical histopathologic findings of avian mycobacteriosis, which were confirmed using microbiologic and molecular methods to detect MAA. The hematologic data from the two groups were compared. The total WBC, heterophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were significantly higher, and the PCV, HGB, MCH, and MCHC values were significantly lower in the infected birds compared with the clinically healthy pigeons.
Comprehensive analysis of a zeolite‐packed upflow baffled septic tank using tracer tests and mathematical modelling
Authors: Santiago‐Díaz Ángel Luis , Benítez‐Olivares Guillermo , Salazar‐Peláez Mónica L. , de los Cobos Vasconcelos Daniel , Mugica‐Álvarez Violeta
Published: May 2021

This work analysed the hydraulic behaviour and treatment efficiency of an upflow baffled septic tank (UBST) through tracer tests and mathematical modelling using the axial dispersion and the tank‐in‐series (TIS) models. The tracer tests were performed under different HRTs (12, 18 and 24 h) and configurations (UBST, UBST with sludge and UBST with sludge and zeolite filter). UBST followed a non‐ideal flow, and configuration modifications, rather than HRT, altered its hydraulic behaviour. Mathematical modelling indicated that the TIS model calculated with mean squared error (φ) described adequately UBST hydraulic behaviour (R2 = 0.9833). Additionally, UBST is recommended to operate under 24 h HRT to reach satisfactory hydraulic and pollutant removal efficiencies. At this HRT, total COD and ammonium removals were 75.1% and 49.3%, respectively, which were better than those obtained without the zeolite (71.2% and 1.8%, respectively). However, it quickly saturated, so it is necessary to deepen the research on this topic.
THE RE‐DISCOVERY OF CONTEMPLATION THROUGH SCIENCE: A RESPONSE TO TOM McLEISH
Authors: Williams Rowan
Published: May 2021

This is a response to Tom McLeish's Boyle Lecture 2021 on the rediscovery of contemplation through science. Several implications are sketched: no single mind can encompass fully what there is to be known; we are likely to be unaware of the full range of what it is that is acting upon us or informing us at any given moment; and the universe that we encounter is a system of interaction and implication in which nothing is simply passive or lifeless.
Cardiorespiratory plasticity in humans following two patterns of acute intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Keough Joanna R. G. , Tymko Michael M. , Boulet Lindsey M. , Jamieson Alenna N. , Day Trevor A. , Foster Glen E.
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do cardiorespiratory experience‐dependent effects (EDEs) differ between two different stimulus durations of acute isocapnic intermittent hypoxia (IHx; 5‐min vs. 90‐s cycles between hypoxia and normoxia)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

There was long‐term facilitation in ventilation and blood pressure in both IHx protocols, but there was no evidence of progressive augmentation or post‐hypoxia frequency decline. Not all EDEs described in animal models translate to acute isocapnic IHx responses in humans, and cardiorespiratory responses to 5‐min versus 90‐s on/off IHx protocols are largely similar.

Peripheral respiratory chemoreceptors monitor breath‐by‐breath changes in arterial CO2 and O2, and mediate ventilatory changes to maintain homeostasis. Intermittent hypoxia (IHx) elicits hypoxic ventilatory responses, with well‐described experience‐dependent effects (EDEs), derived mostly from animal work involving intermittent 5‐min cycles of hypoxia and normoxia. These EDEs include post‐hypoxia frequency decline (PHxFD), progressive augmentation (PA) and long‐term facilitation (LTF). Comparisons of these EDEs between animal models and humans using similar IHx protocols are lacking. In addition, it is unknown whether shorter bouts of hypoxia, which may be more relevant to clinical conditions, elicit EDEs of similar magnitudes in humans. Respiratory (frequency, tidal volume and minute ventilation () and cardiovascular (heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP)) variables were measured during and following two patterns of acute isocapnic IHx in 14 healthy human participants (four female): (1) 5 × 5 min and (2) 5 × 90 s on/off hypoxia. Participants’ end‐tidal was clamped at 45 Torr during hypoxia and 100 Torr during normoxia. We found that (1) PHxFD and PA were not present in either IHx pattern (P > 0.14), (2) LTF was present in following both 5‐min (P < 0.001) and 90‐s isocapnic IHx trials (P < 0.001), and (3) LTF was present in MAP following 5‐min isocapnic IHx (P < 0.001), and trended towards significance following 90‐s IHx (P = 0.058). We demonstrate that acute isocapnic IHx alone may not elicit all of the EDEs that have been described in animal models. Additionally, ventilatory LTF occurred regardless of the length of hypoxia–normoxia cycles.
Características que influyen en la susceptibilidad a la enfermedad periodontal en la población pediátrica. Revisión integradora
Authors: Romero Sánchez Mario Rafael , Colmenares Millán María Marcela
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: Durante la niñez y la adolescencia ocurren numerosos cambios biológicos que deben considerarse por el impacto que tienen en estados de salud o enfermedad periodontal. Estos cambios se relacionan con las propiedades histomorfológicas, la composición de la biopelícula y el desarrollo gradual del sistema inmune durante las diferentes etapas de crecimiento y desarrollo. Este es un tema ampliamente expuesto en población adulta pero poco descrito en la población pediátrica. Objetivo: Sintetizar la evidencia actual sobre las características que influyen en la susceptibilidad a la enfermedad periodontal en la población pediátrica. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión integradora de artículos, estados del arte y textos completos y con base en la experiencia clínica. Se tuvieron en cuenta las características morfológicas, microbiológicas e inmunológicas del periodonto. Resultados: En los tejidos periodontales de los niños existe mayor grosor y número de capas del epitelio de unión, infiltrado celular inflamatorio adyacente al epitelio de unión, mayor cantidad de vasos y predominio de fibras del tejido conectivo laxas. Se presenta un incremento de patógenos periodontales a medida que aumenta la edad y es proporcional al grado de inflamación que se encuentra asociado a un sistema inmune inmaduro. Conclusión: El riesgo de desarrollar gingivitis a temprana edad es bajo. Sin embargo, a medida que el niño crece, aumenta su susceptibilidad a la inflamación gingival mediada por las características de la microbiota y factores relacionados con la edad como el desarrollo y la madurez del sistema inmune.
Complete Genome Sequence of Phascolarctobacterium faecium G 104, Isolated from the Stools of a Healthy Lean Donor
Authors: Rachek Sadjia , Nikpoor Naghmeh , Gómez del Pulgar Eva M. , Gonzaga Aitor , Sanz Yolanda , Tompkins Thomas A.
Published: May 2021

Phascolarctobacterium faecium
is a strict anaerobe belonging to the
Firmicutes
phylum that is found abundantly in the human gastrointestinal tract. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
P. faecium
G 104, a strain isolated from a fresh stool sample from a healthy lean donor.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhizobium phaseoli Podophage Palo
Authors: Nabhani Ali , Rushing Leika , Newkirk Heather , Burrowes Ben , Young Ryland , Gonzalez Carlos
Published: May 2021

Here, we present the genome of Palo, a T7-like podophage of
Rhizobium phaseoli
. The genome is 46.3 kb and contains 58 predicted protein-coding genes, including a novel signal-anchor-release (SAR) endolysin, a homolog of the T5 A1 protein required for DNA transfer, and a dual-start holin/antiholin pair.
Faulty foundations: Early breakup of the southern Utah Cordilleran foreland basin
Authors: Enriquez St. Pierre Gabriela A. , Johnson Cari L.
Published: May 2021

Anomalous features of Upper Cretaceous strata in southern Utah challenge existing tectonic and depositional models of the Cordilleran foreland basin. Extreme thickness variations, net to gross changes, and facies distributions of nonmarine to marginal marine strata of the Turonian–early Campanian Straight Cliffs Formation are documented across the Southwestern High Plateaus. Contrary to most traditional models of foreland basin architecture, regional correlations demonstrate abrupt stepwise thickening, with a punctuated increase in average grain size of key intervals from west to east, i.e., proximal to distal relative to the fold-thrust belt. Except in the most proximal sections, fluvial drainage systems were oriented predominantly subparallel to the fold-thrust belt. Combined, these results suggest that modern plateau-bounding faults may have had topographic expressions as early as Cenomanian time, and influenced the position of the main axial river system by creating northeast-trending paleotopography and sub-basins. Laramide-style tectonism (e.g., basement-involved faults) is already cited as a driver for sub-basin development in latest Cretaceous–Cenozoic time, but new data presented here suggest that this part of the foredeep was “broken” into distinct sub-basins from its earliest stages. We suggest that flexural foundering of the lithosphere may have caused early stage normal faulting in the foredeep. Regional implications of these new data indicate that both detachment-style and basement-involved structures were simultaneously active in southern Utah earlier than previously recognized. These structures were likely influenced by inherited Proterozoic basement heterogeneities along the edge of the Colorado Plateau. This interpretation suggests that tectonic models for the region should be reevaluated and has broader implications for understanding variability and geodynamics of foreland basin evolution.
DisseminatedMycobacterium simiaeandMycobacterium aviuminfection causing an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a female patient with HIV infection
Authors: Bachofner Jacqueline Alexandra , Ikenberg Kristian , Schulthess Bettina , Nemeth Johannes
Published: May 2021

This case study discusses the management of a disseminatedMycobacterium simiaeandMycobacterium aviuminfection causing an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a 52-year-old woman with HIV infection. DisseminatedM. aviuminfections have extensively been described in HIV patients; however, reports of infections withM. simiaeare rare. Treatment ofM. simiaeinfections is challenging due to its high rates of natural drug resistances, and thus far, no standard treatment regimen exists.
Hypovolaemic shock due to intra-abdominal haemorrhage from multiple uterine fibroids
Authors: Takaki Erika , Goto Mayako , Hori Kensuke , Ito Kimihiko
Published: May 2021

Intra-abdominal bleeding due to uterine fibroids is extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Herein, we report a case of preoperatively diagnosed hypovolaemic shock due to intra-abdominal haemorrhage, in which fatal sequelae were prevented. A 46-year-old non-pregnant woman was brought to the hospital with a sudden-onset lower abdominal pain. On admission, she was in shock, and abdominal CT showed severe intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Since bleeding from uterine fibroids was suspected, an emergency simple total hysterectomy was performed, and her condition became stable after the operation. Intra-abdominal haemorrhage with hypovolaemic shock requires prompt surgical intervention. Although it occurs very rarely due to bleeding from uterine fibroids, imaging shows large fibroids; if the patient is not pregnant, bleeding from the fibroids should be considered.
Multi-decadal coastal evolution of a North Atlantic shelf-edge vegetated sand island — Sable Island, Canada
Authors: Eamer Jordan B.R. , Didier David , Kehler Dan , Manning Ian , Colville David , Manson Gavin , Jagot Alexandre , Kostylev Vladimir E.
Published: May 2021

Impacts from a changing climate, in particular sea-level rise, will be most acutely felt on small oceanic islands. A common configuration of mid-latitude islands is the sandy barrier island. Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada is a vegetated sand island near the shelf edge, 160 km from the nearest point of land, that is morphologically similar to a barrier island. This study uses 60 years of airphoto records to analyse changes in coastline position through digitized shore and vegetation (foredune proxy) lines. Rates of coastal movement are analysed to model the future (2039) coastal configuration. The analyses suggest that the majority of the coastline on Sable Island is in retreat, with net retreat on the south side of the island only partially offset by modest net advance on the north side. The different morphologies of the beach–dune systems of South Beach and North Beach, driven by incident wind and waves, yield these different coastline responses. Projected loss of 10 ha by 2039 of the climax heath vegetative community to shoreline retreat suggests a trend toward island instability due to coastline migration. Island-wide data set trends show support for two different but complementary hypotheses about whole-island evolution: (1) the island is mobile via bank migration driving southern coastline changes and experiencing sediment transport toward the east, or (2) the island is generally immobile and losing subaerial sediments (and thus shrinking) likely due to ongoing (and accelerating) sea-level rise.
Bifurcation Analysis of a One-Prey and Two-Predators Model with Additional Food and Harvesting Subject to Toxicity
Authors: Mulugeta Biruk Tafesse , Yu Liping , Ren Jingli
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a three-dimensional one-prey and two-predators model, with additional food and harvesting in the presence of toxicity is proposed. Additional food is being provided to one predator. The dynamics and bifurcations of the system are investigated using center manifold theorem, normal form theory and Sotomayor’s theorem. It is proved that the system undergoes transcritical bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, generalized Hopf bifurcation, Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation and cusp bifurcation with respect to different parameters. Bifurcation diagrams of the system with respect to toxic effect and harvesting effect are illustrated. The phase portraits and solution curves are also presented to verify the dynamic behavior. The results show that the combined effect of the factors has the power of transforming simple ecosystems into complex ecosystems.
Fast–Slow Variable Dissection with Two Slow Variables: A Case Study on Bifurcations Underlying Bursting for Seizure and Spreading Depression
Authors: Ma Kaihua , Gu Huaguang , Zhao Zhiguo
Published: May 2021

The identification of nonlinear dynamics of bursting patterns related to multiple time scales and pathology of brain tissues is still an open problem. In the present paper, representative cases of bursting related to seizure (SZ) and spreading depression (SD) simulated in a theoretical model are analyzed. When the fast–slow variable dissection method with only one slow variable (extracellular potassium concentration, [Formula: see text]) taken as the bifurcation parameter of the fast subsystem is used, the mismatch between bifurcation points of the fast subsystem and the beginning and ending phases of burst appears. To overcome this problem, both slow variables [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (intracellular sodium concentration) are regarded as bifurcation parameters of the fast subsystem, which exhibits three codimension-2 bifurcation points and multiple codimension-1 bifurcation curves containing the saddle-node bifurcation on an invariant cycle (SNIC), the supercritical Hopf bifurcation (the border between spiking and the depolarization block), and the saddle homoclinic (HC) bifurcation. The bursting patterns for SD are related to the Hopf bifurcation and the depolarization block while for SZ to SNIC. Furthermore, at the intersection points between the bursting trajectory and the bifurcation curves in plane ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), the initial or termination phases of burst match the SNIC or HC point well or the Hopf point to a certain extent due to the slow passage effect, showing that the fast–slow variable dissection method with suitable process is still effective to analyze bursting activities. The results present the complex bifurcations underlying the bursting patterns and a proper performing process for the fast–slow variable dissection with two slow variables, which are helpful for modulation to bursting patterns related to brain disfunction.
Chaotic Dynamical Behavior of Coupled One-Dimensional Wave Equations
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Junmin , Feng Zhaosheng
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we consider the chaotic oscillation of coupled one-dimensional wave equations. The symmetric nonlinearities of van der Pol type are proposed at the two boundary endpoints, which can cause the energy of the system to rise and fall within certain bounds. At the interconnected point of the wave equations, the energy is injected into the system through an anti-damping velocity feedback. We prove the existence of the snapback repeller when the parameters enter a certain regime, which causes the system to be chaotic. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate our theoretical results.