bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural anthraquinone compound emodin as a novel inhibitor of aurora A kinase: A pilot study
Authors: Wu Fen‐Lan , Chu Pei‐Yi , Chen Guan‐Yu , Wang Ke , Hsu Wei‐Yu , Ahmed Azaj , Ma Wen‐Lung , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Wu Yang‐Chang , Yang Juan‐Cheng
Published: August 2021

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) carries out an essential role in proliferation and involves in cisplatin resistance in various cancer cells. Overexpression of AURKA is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Thus, AURKA has been considered as a target for cancer therapy. Developing AURKA inhibitors became an important issue in cancer therapy. A natural compound emodin mainly extracted from rhubarbs possesses anti‐cancer properties. However, the effect of emodin on AURKA has never been investigated. In the present study, molecular docking analysis indicated that emodin interacts with AURKA protein active site. We also found nine emodin analogues from Key Organic database by using ChemBioFinder software. Among that, one analogue 8L‐902 showed a similar anti‐cancer effect as emodin. The bindings of emodin and 8L‐902 on AURKA protein were confirmed by cellular thermal shift assay. Furthermore, emodin inhibited the AURKA kinase activity in vitro and enhanced the cisplatin‐DNA adduct level in a resistant ovarian cancer cell line. It seems that emodin may have the potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and enhance cisplatin therapy in cancer with resistance. Collectively, our finding reveals a novel AURKA inhibitor, emodin, which may be vulnerable to ovarian cancer therapy in the future.
Exploring a New Museum Architectural Typology in Doha: From a Heritage Building to a Contemporary Art Museum
Authors: Park Geuntae
Published: August 2021

This article examines a new museum architectural typology in Doha: the transformation from a heritage building to a contemporary art museum. Although there are iconic museums that receive immense amounts of attention in the city, such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, it is also significant to investigate this type of museum development since it performs a different but critical role in achieving the goals of museum developments in Doha: a balance between promoting a global branding and grounding culture in the community. In this paper, the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and the Fire Station Artist in Residence, which were renovated from a local school and a fire station building, respectively, are examined through documentary resources and interviews. It is found how their unique architectural transition processes have contributed to enabling an imported framework of museum institutions to enrich the local art museum scene and preserve citizens’ memory and identity.
Effect of seasonality, sales growth rate, and fiscal year end on cash conversion cycle
Authors: Laik Joyaditya , Mirchandani Prakash
Published: August 2021

The cash conversion cycle (CCC) measures the duration between a firm's outgoing and incoming cash flows. Firms track the CCC metric and employ it as a benchmark since lower CCC values may signal better operational and credit performance. We develop a typification of firms based on the processing lead time and credit periods negotiated with suppliers and customers, and demonstrate how these characteristics interact with sales growth rate, seasonality, and fiscal year end to affect the CCC. Based on our analytical models, we hypothesize that the impact of sales growth rate and the indirect effect of time on CCC can be positive or negative depending on the firm type. We also identify the crucial role that demand pattern in the zone of influence, an interval that we define around the fiscal year end, plays in determining the CCC. We test our hypotheses empirically using a multi‐level (random effect) model and a fixed effect model, where the levels of analyses are the specific firm types and individual firms, respectively. Our results, based on quarterly financial data of 58 firms over a 12‐year period, confirm the hypothesized effects of sales growth rate, fiscal year end, and seasonality on the CCC. Though frequently used, the CCC is thus a nuanced metric that needs careful interpretation. The findings of the paper are important to facilitate more accurate longitudinal CCC analyses and benchmarking comparisons that account for unique differences in sales growth rate, fiscal year end, and seasonality.
Prognostic and recurrence factors after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices
Authors: Abe Masakazu , Furuichi Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Hirohito , Yoshimasu Yuu , Itoi Takao
Published: August 2021

Background

Peri‐esophageal collateral veins have been reported to be associated with the recurrence of esophageal varices (EVs). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed whether endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings obtained just before endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) are associated with the success rate of intravariceal injection, recurrence rate of EVs, and overall survival rate (OS) of patients. Furthermore, we investigated the independent predictors associated with these factors by multivariate analysis.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with risky EVs treated by EIS were analyzed. The primary endpoint was to identify independent predictors associated with the success rate of intravariceal injection, recurrence rate, and OS by multivariate analysis, to confirm the usefulness of EUS examination. The secondary endpoint was to clarify differences in recurrence rate and OS between patients who underwent additional argon plasma coagulation (APC) and those who did not, by the propensity score matching method.

Results

Luminal diameter of EVs and F factor were predictors of the success rate of intravariceal injection. APC was predictor of OS and recurrence of EVs. EUS findings were not associated with these factors. Propensity score matching (APC, 23; without APC, 23) showed that recurrence rate was significantly improved in the APC group (P = 0.050) and that OS had the tendency to be higher in the APC group (P = 0.068).

Conclusion

Endoscopic ultrasonography findings before EIS were associated with successful intravariceal injection but were not associated with recurrence rate or OS. Additional APC could improve OS and reduce the recurrence of EVs.
Acquisition and loss of best walking skills in children and young people with bilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Baird Gillian , Chandler Susie , Shortland Adam , Will Elspeth , Simonoff Emily , Scrutton David , Fairhurst Charlie
Published: August 2021

Aim

To explore factors predicting acquisition and loss of best walking ability in young people with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

In our population cohort (Study of Hips And Physical Experience) of 338 children (201 males, 137 females) with bilateral CP, age at achieving walking was recorded and walking ability predicted from early motor milestones. Walking was assessed at 5 to 8 years (mean 7y) and in 228 of 278 survivors at 13 to 19 years (mean 16y). Parent carers reported their view of any loss of best achieved walking. Factors potentially associated with loss of best achieved walking were explored: severity and type of motor disorder; intellect and communication; manipulative skill; general health and comorbidity; pain; orthopaedic surgery; musculoskeletal spine and lower limb deformity; weight; fatigue; mood; and presence of regular exercise regime.

Results

The ability to walk independently was reliably predicted by the motor milestone ‘getting to sit and maintain sitting’ by the age of 36 months (without aids) and 55 months (with aids). Forty‐five per cent of the cohort never walked 10 steps independently. Not all who achieved walking without aids were still doing so by a mean age of 16 years, which was associated with later age at achieving walking and the degree of musculoskeletal deformity, as was the parent carers’ report of loss of best walking.

Interpretation

In this study, development of musculoskeletal deformity was a significant factor in not maintaining best achieved walking by mean age 16 years, which is most likely to occur in young people whose walking ability is with aids over short distances or in therapy only. Prediction of future walking ability in a child with bilateral CP can be made from early motor milestones.
COVID‐19 and the impact of arterial hypertension—An analysis of the international HOPE COVID‐19 Registry (Italy‐Spain‐Germany)
Authors: El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Nuñez‐Gil Ivan J. , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Estrada Vicente , Manuel Becerra‐Muñoz Víctor , Uribarri Aitor , Fernández‐Rozas Inmaculada , Feltes Gisela , Arroyo‐Espliguero Ramón , Trabattoni Daniela , López‐País Javier , Pepe Martino , Romero Rodolfo , Castro‐Mejía Alex F. , Cerrato Enrico , Capel Astrua Thamar , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Fabregat‐Andres Oscar , Signes‐Costa Jaime , Marín Francisco , Buonsenso Danilo , Bardají Alfredo , Jesús Tellez María , Fernández‐Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos , Akin Ibrahim
Published: August 2021

Background

A systematic analysis of concomitant arterial hypertension in COVID‐19 patients and the impact of angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have not been studied in a large multicentre cohort yet. We conducted a subanalysis from the international HOPE Registry (https://hopeprojectmd.com, NCT04334291) comparing COVID‐19 in presence and absence of arterial hypertension.

Materials and Methods

Out of 5837 COVID‐19 patients, 2850 (48.8%) patients had the diagnosis arterial hypertension. 1978/2813 (70.3%) patients were already treated with ACEI or ARBs. The clinical outcome of the present subanalysis included all‐cause mortality over 40 days of follow‐up.

Results

Patients with arterial hypertension suffered significantly more from different complications including respiratory insufficiency (60.8% vs 39.5%), heart failure (9.9% vs 3.1%), acute kidney injury (25.3% vs 7.3%), pneumonia (90.6% vs 86%), sepsis (14.7% vs 7.5%), and bleeding events (3.6% vs 1.6%). The mortality rate was 29.6% in patients with concomitant arterial hypertension and 11.3% without arterial hypertension (P < .001). Invasive and non‐invasive respiratory supports were significantly more required in presence of arterial hypertension as compared without it.

In the multivariate cox regression analysis, while age≥65, benzodiazepine, antidepressant at admission, elevated LDH or creatinine, respiratory insufficiency and sepsis might be a positive independent predictors of mortality, antiviral drugs, interferon treatment, ACEI or ARBs at discharge or oral anticoagulation at discharge might be an independent negative predictor of the mortality.

Conclusions

The mortality rate and in‐hospital complications might be increased in COVID‐19 patients with a concomitant history of arterial hypertension. The history of ACEI or ARBs treatments does not seem to impact the outcome of these patients.
Data‐driven analysis of the kinetics of the JAK2V617F allele burden and blood cell counts during hydroxyurea treatment of patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Dam Marc J. B. , Pedersen Rasmus K. , Knudsen Trine A. , Andersen Morten , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Ottesen Johnny T.
Published: August 2021

Background

Hydroxyurea (HU) treatment of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) (MPNs) normalizes elevated blood cell counts within weeks in the large majority of patients. Studies on the impact of HU upon the kinetics of the JAK2V617F allele burden, leukocyte, and platelet counts over time are scarce.

Purpose

Using data‐driven analysis as a novel tool to model the kinetics of the JAK2V617F allele burden and blood cell counts over time during treatment with HU.

Material and methods

Using serial measurements of JAK2V617F and correlation analysis of routine hematological values (the Hb‐concentration, leukocyte count, platelet count, and lactic dehydrogenase), we present a detailed description and analysis of the kinetics of the JAK2V617F, leukocyte, and platelet counts and lactic dehydrogenase in 27 patients (PV = 18; ET = 7; PMF = 2), who were followed in the Danish randomized trial (DALIAH). To further analyze the JAK2V617F kinetics, we use a machine learning clustering algorithm to group the response patterns.

Results

Response patterns were highly heterogeneous, with clustering resulting in 3 groups and 3 outliers. In the large majority of patients, HU treatment was initially associated with a modest decline in the JAK2V617F allele burden in concert with a decline in leukocyte and platelet counts. However, HU did not induce a sustained and continuous decrease in the JAK2V617F allele burden.

Conclusion

Using data‐driven analysis of the JAK2V617F allele burden, leukocyte, and platelet kinetics during treatment with HU, we have shown that HU does not induce a sustained decrease in the JAK2V617F allele burden and neither induces sustained normalization of elevated cell counts in MPN patients. Our results may explain why MPN patients during treatment with HU still have a substantially increased risk of thrombosis.
Phenotypic plasticity as a cause and consequence of population dynamics
Authors: Brass Dominic P. , Cobbold Christina A. , Ewing David A. , Purse Bethan V. , Callaghan Amanda , White Steven M.
Published: August 2021

Predicting complex species‐environment interactions is crucial for guiding conservation and mitigation strategies in a dynamically changing world. Phenotypic plasticity is a mechanism of trait variation that determines how individuals and populations adapt to changing and novel environments. For individuals, the effects of phenotypic plasticity can be quantified by measuring environment–trait relationships, but it is often difficult to predict how phenotypic plasticity affects populations. The assumption that environment–trait relationships validated for individuals indicate how populations respond to environmental change is commonly made without sufficient justification. Here we derive a novel general mathematical framework linking trait variation due to phenotypic plasticity to population dynamics. Applying the framework to the classical example of Nicholson's blowflies, we show how seemingly sensible predictions made from environment–trait relationships do not generalise to population responses. As a consequence, trait‐based analyses that do not incorporate population feedbacks risk mischaracterising the effect of environmental change on populations.
Neurological symptoms and complications in predominantly hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: Results of the European multinational Lean European Open Survey on SARS‐Infected Patients (LEOSS)
Authors: Kleineberg Nina N. , Knauss Samuel , Gülke Eileen , Pinnschmidt Hans O. , Jakob Carolin E. M. , Lingor Paul , Hellwig Kerstin , Berthele Achim , Höglinger Günter , Fink Gereon R. , Endres Matthias , Gerloff Christian , Klein Christine , Stecher Melanie , Classen Annika Y. , Rieg Siegbert , Borgmann Stefan , Hanses Frank , Rüthrich Maria M. , Hower Martin , Tometten Lukas , Haselberger Martina , Piepel Christiane , Merle Uta , Dolff Sebastian , Degenhardt Christian , Jensen Björn‐Erik O. , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Erber Johanna , Franke Christiana , Warnke Clemens ,   the LEOSS Study Group
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

During acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection, neurological signs, symptoms and complications occur. We aimed to assess their clinical relevance by evaluating real‐world data from a multinational registry.

Methods

We analyzed COVID‐19 patients from 127 centers, diagnosed between January 2020 and February 2021, and registered in the European multinational LEOSS (Lean European Open Survey on SARS‐Infected Patients) registry. The effects of prior neurological diseases and the effect of neurological symptoms on outcome were studied using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 6537 COVID‐19 patients (97.7% PCR‐confirmed) were analyzed, of whom 92.1% were hospitalized and 14.7% died. Commonly, excessive tiredness (28.0%), headache (18.5%), nausea/emesis (16.6%), muscular weakness (17.0%), impaired sense of smell (9.0%) and taste (12.8%), and delirium (6.7%) were reported. In patients with a complicated or critical disease course (53%) the most frequent neurological complications were ischemic stroke (1.0%) and intracerebral bleeding (ICB; 2.2%). ICB peaked in the critical disease phase (5%) and was associated with the administration of anticoagulation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Excessive tiredness (odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.68) and prior neurodegenerative diseases (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.63) were associated with an increased risk of an unfavorable outcome. Prior cerebrovascular and neuroimmunological diseases were not associated with an unfavorable short‐term outcome of COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Our data on mostly hospitalized COVID‐19 patients show that excessive tiredness or prior neurodegenerative disease at first presentation increase the risk of an unfavorable short‐term outcome. ICB in critical COVID‐19 was associated with therapeutic interventions, such as anticoagulation and ECMO, and thus may be an indirect complication of a life‐threatening systemic viral infection.
Strangulating lesions of the small intestine associated with the greater omentum in horses: 32 cases
Authors: Storms N. , Salciccia A. , Grulke S. , Barbazanges P. , Detilleux J. , de la Rebière G.
Published: August 2021

Background

Strangulating lesions of the small intestine involving the greater omentum (SSIGOs) have only rarely been reported. Furthermore, information pertaining to clinical descriptions, surgical findings and outcome is lacking.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, surgical findings, postoperative outcome and risk factors associated with SSIGOs.

Study design

This is a retrospective case series of 32 horses with a diagnosis of SSIGOs.

Methods

Data from hospital records of horses identified with SSIGOs between 2005 and 2020 including signalment, clinical findings at presentation, initial laboratory results, surgical findings, surgical procedures performed and postoperative survival were analysed. The prevalence of SSIGOs was determined. SSIGO was compared with small intestinal strangulating and nonstrangulating lesions and other types of colic to identify potential risk factors among signalment data and to determine outcome, using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

SSIGOs were present in 2.3% (32/1413) of all horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy for colic, 4.7% of all horses with primary small intestinal lesions (32/683) and 5.6% of strangulating small intestinal lesions (32/570). Surgical findings included primary strangulation by the greater omentum with or without involvement of a lipoma‐like mass originating from the greater omentum (15/32 [47%]), adhesions involving the greater omentum leading to strangulation of the small intestine (14/32 [44%]) and small intestine incarceration through an omental rent (3/32 [9%]). The short‐term survival rate defined as survival until discharge was 53% (17/32) considering all SSIGO cases, and 85% (17/20) for SSIGO cases recovered from anaesthesia. Risk factors identified were increasing age and year of surgery.

Main limitations

The limitations of this study are retrospective study design and the limited number of SSIGO cases reflecting the rarity of this condition.

Conclusions

Numerous anatomical configurations of SSIGO exist, but clinical presentation is similar to other strangulating small intestinal lesions. Although uncommon, SSIGOs should be considered a potential cause of small intestine strangulation.
Successful treatment of a severely contaminated open metatarsophalangeal joint luxation by arthrodesis
Authors: Haspeslagh M. , Schauvliege S. , Martens A.
Published: August 2021

A horse with an open medial luxation of the left metatarsophalangeal joint with extensive cartilage and soft tissue damage and severe contamination of the wound was treated with a two‐stage approach. In the first stage, the lesion was cleaned, the luxation was reduced, the wound was sutured and the limb was kept in a cast for a total time of 56 days. In the second stage, an arthrodesis of the affected joint was carried out, using a 13‐hole broad 4.5 LCP plate. The limb was then kept in a cast for an additional total time of 56 days. At 70 days after the arthrodesis, the horse was brought in for a final check‐up, and only a mechanical lameness remained at that time. No significant complications occurred. Previous case reports on the treatment of metatarso‐/metacarpophalangeal luxations include neither cases as severe as the one presented here nor treatment by fetlock arthrodesis. This case illustrates that horses with a complicated, open luxation of the fetlock can be salvaged for breeding purposes.
Multicavitary septic effusions associated with actinobacillosis in an adult Tennessee Walking Horse with weight loss
Authors: Means K. , Townsend K. , Johnson P.
Published: August 2021

Multicavitary effusions were identified in an 18‐year‐old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding that had been losing weight throughout the previous 6 months. Based on results of microbiological culturing of peritoneal and pleural fluid, peritonitis and pleuritis were attributed to actinobacillosis. Whereas previous case reports indicate that most horses affected with actinobacillosis are typically presented with signs that include acute colic, fever, lethargy, inappetence and respiratory signs (dyspnoea, coughing or nasal discharge), and in which haematological abnormalities (leucocytosis, neutrophilia or leucopenia) are readily identified, the only abnormality in this case was progressive weight loss. The gelding made a complete recovery following drainage of fluid from both the peritoneal and pleural spaces and treatment with broad‐spectrum antimicrobials. Peritoneal and pleural effusions were readily identified by ultrasonography, facilitating collection of fluid from which the diagnoses were established. Actinobacillosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of weight loss in adult horses, even when typical clinical signs of acute peritonitis or pleuritis are not identified.
Increases in extreme heat stress in domesticated livestock species during the twenty‐first century
Authors: Thornton Philip , Nelson Gerald , Mayberry Dianne , Herrero Mario
Published: August 2021

Anthropogenic climate change is expected to have major impacts on domesticated livestock, including increased heat stress in animals in both intensive and extensive livestock systems. We estimate the changes in the number of extreme heat stress days per year for animals raised outdoors that can be expected in the major domesticated animal species (cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs) across the globe during this century. We used the temperature humidity index as a proxy for heat stress, calculated using temperature and relative humidity data collated from an ensemble of CMIP6 climate model output for mid and end century. We estimate changes in the proportions of different livestock species that may be at increased risk of extreme heat stress under two contrasting greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Results are discussed in relation to changes in the suitability of different climate conditions for domesticated livestock during the current century. We find that by end century, extreme heat stress risk is projected to increase for all livestock species in many parts of the tropics and some of the temperate zones, and to become climatically more widespread, compared to 2000. Although adaptation options exist for both intensive and extensive livestock production systems, the increasing pervasiveness of extreme heat stress risk in the future will seriously challenge the viability of outdoor livestock keeping, particularly in the lower latitudes in lower and middle‐income countries where the costs of adaptation may be challenging to address.
Vegetation grows more luxuriantly in Arctic permafrost drained lake basins
Authors: Chen Yating , Liu Aobo , Cheng Xiao
Published: August 2021

As Arctic warming, permafrost thawing, and thermokarst development intensify, increasing evidence suggests that the frequency and magnitude of thermokarst lake drainage events are increasing. Presently, we lack a quantitative understanding of vegetation dynamics in drained lake basins, which is necessary to assess the extent to which plant growth in thawing ecosystems will offset the carbon released from permafrost. In this study, continuous satellite observations were used to detect thermokarst lake drainage events in northern Alaska over the past 20 years, and an advanced temporal segmentation and change detection algorithm allowed us to determine the year of drainage for each lake. Quantitative analysis showed that the greenness (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) of tundra vegetation growing on wet and nutrient‐rich lake sediments increased approximately 10 times faster than that of the peripheral vegetation. It takes approximately 5 years (4–6 years for the 25%–75% range) for the drainage lake area to reach the greenness level of the peripheral vegetation. Eventually, the NDVI values of the drained lake basins were 0.15 (or 25%) higher than those of the surrounding areas. In addition, we found less lush vegetation in the floodplain drained lake basins, possibly due to water logging. We further explored the key environmental drivers affecting vegetation dynamics in and around the drained lake basins. The results showed that our multivariate regression model well simulated the growth dynamics of the drainage lake ecosystem (, p < .001) and peripheral vegetation (, p < .001). Among climate variables, moisture variables were more influential than temperature variables, indicating that vegetation growth in this area is susceptible to water stress. Our study provides valuable information for better modeling of vegetation dynamics in thermokarst lake areas and provides new insights into Arctic greening and carbon balance studies as thermokarst lake drainage intensifies.
Development potential of Chinese smart cities and its spatio‐temporal pattern: A new hybrid MADM method using combination weight
Authors: Chu Zhen , Cheng Mingwang , Yu Ning Neil
Published: August 2021

Taking advantage of information communication technology, a smart city is a city that has its critical urban infrastructure upgraded to optimise resources allocation and maintenance activities. It serves as a new technology‐based solution to mitigate urban diseases and to improve urban development in China. However, unbalanced and uncoordinated smart city development potential (SCDP) would impede the future construction of the smart city. Consequently, this study aims to measure SCDP and further examine the equality of its spatial distribution in China. In this regard, a brand‐new hybrid multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) model is proposed to evaluate SCDP. Subsequently, a series of spatial analyses are introduced to uncover the spatial differentiation of SCDP. The results suggest that (a) overall SCDP in China has a continuous upward tendency, and the SCDP compositions of six subsystems contribute variously; (b) over time high‐SCDP cities agglomerated in the east, whereas most of the low‐SCDP cities clustered in the west. This feature indicates that SCDP in China is unevenly distributed; (c) high‐SCDP cities preferred to cooperate in coordinated efforts rather than develop independently. This study makes new contributions to smart city development research in terms of methodology and empirical evidence.
Neutrophils in secondary lymphoid organs
Authors: Lok Laurence S. C. , Clatworthy Menna R.
Published: August 2021

Neutrophils are traditionally considered short‐lived, circulating innate immune cells that are rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation in response to infectious and inflammatory stimuli. Neutrophils efficiently internalize, kill or entrap pathogens, but their effector molecules may cause collateral tissue damage. More recently, it has been appreciated that neutrophils can also influence adaptive immunity. Lymph nodes (LNs) are immune cell‐rich secondary lymphoid organs that provide an ideal platform for cellular interaction and the integration of immunological information collected from local tissues. A variety of peripheral stimuli promote neutrophil migration to draining LNs via blood or lymphatics, utilizing differing molecular cues depending on the site of entry. Within LNs, neutrophils interact with other innate and adaptive cells. Crosstalk with subcapsular sinus macrophages contributes to the control of pathogen spread beyond the LN. Neutrophils can influence antigen presentation indirectly by interacting with DCs or directly by expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules for antigen presentation. Interactions between neutrophils and adaptive lymphocytes can alter B‐cell antibody responses. Studies have shown conflicting results on whether neutrophils exert stimulatory or inhibitory effects on other LN immune cells, with stimulus‐specific and temporal differences in the outcome of these interactions. Furthermore, neutrophils have also been shown to traffick to LNs in homeostasis, with a potential role in immune surveillance, antigen capture and in shaping early adaptive responses in LNs. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning the effects of neutrophils on LN immune cells and adaptive immunity could facilitate the development of neutrophil‐targeted therapies in inflammatory diseases.
(Re)‘Thinking’ family in nursing care in pandemic times
Authors: Fernandes Carla Sílvia , Magalhães Bruno , Silva Sílvia , Edra Beatriz
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study aimed to identify which strategies are being adopted to deal with family restrictions in health units and assess nurses' perceptions of including families in nursing care during the current pandemic.

Background

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, health organisations limited access for visitors.

Introduction

Family centred care needs to be guaranteed, and alternatives for face‐to‐face interaction should be fostered. Therefore, there is an urgent need to rethink the family in nursing care during a pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive exploratory mixed‐method study in Portugal using an electronic questionnaire. The study included 192 nurses recruited using a non‐probabilistic convenience sample. The study was reported using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

Results

A total of 41.1% of participants (n = 79) reported that visits to their services were not authorised, and 66.7% (n = 128) reported resorting to video calls because of the restrictions imposed. Regarding attitude assessment, the average score of the scale was 77.9 (SD = 10.0), ranging between 26 and 98. When analysing the different dimensions of the ‘Families' Importance in Nursing Care ‐ Nurses Attitudes’ scale, family data stand out as a burden.

Conclusion

Although a large percentage of participants had a positive attitude towards families and tried to find strategies to maintain family centred care, many nurses still considered the family as a burden. The current COVID‐19 pandemic may have aggravated this perception.

Implications for nursing practice, nursing policy and health policy

The continued implementation of family centred nursing practice is essential for child‐well‐being, including during the current pandemic. Therefore, having intervention policies with alternative forms of care is highly recommended.
Do companies try to conceal financial misstatements through auditor shopping?
Authors: Singer Zvi , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2021

Prior studies on auditor shopping primarily focused on the motivation to avoid unfavorable audit opinions, such as going concern and modified opinion. In this study, we show that companies that misstate their financial statements engage in auditor shopping to try to conceal the financial misstatements. In other words, their misstatements would have been discovered sooner had they made an opposite “replace or retain” auditor decision. We further show that engagement in auditor shopping results in a higher turnover of the CEO, the CFO and audit committee members but only when auditor shopping involves auditor dismissal. Thus, we document the negative consequences of engaging in auditor shopping. Finally, we show that effective monitoring curbs auditor shopping. Our findings should be of interest to regulators who continue to express concerns over this practice as well as to senior managers and audit committee members.
Genomic footprints of Quaternary colonization and population expansion in the Patagonian‐Fuegian region rules out a separate southern refugium in Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Giorello Facundo M. , D’Elía Guillermo , Lessa Enrique P.
Published: August 2021

Aim

During the glacial phases, the Andean slopes of southern South America were covered by ice sheets, causing the isolation of many species in glacial refugia. This work aimed to test the number and putative location of glacial refugia in southern South America and establish the sources, timing and direction of post‐glacial colonization events.

Location

Southern South America, Patagonia.

Taxon

Olive mouse (Abrothrix olivacea).

Methods

Using exome capture, we genotyped 7339 SNPs in 172 specimens of A. olivacea collected at 21 localities distributed across the steppe, grasslands, and forests in the Patagonian‐Fuegian region and seven specimens from two other species of Abrothrix. Based on the effective migration rate, principal component analysis, and admixture composition, we first study the population structure of A. olivacea. The source and direction of colonization events were inferred using the directionality index and standard population genetic analyses. To study the role of the glacial phases, we performed a bayesian demographic analysis to infer divergences times and ancestral population sizes.

Results

Population genomic analyses based on SNPs of more than 7000 exons identified three Patagonian genetic clusters: Valdivian forests, continental Magellan forests, and a combination of continental open biomes and Tierra del Fuego. The directionality index supports a single source in northwestern forests, in line with a Valdivian forest refugium, from which the post‐glacial colonization may have started. The effective diversity rate, the onset of population expansions and divergence times also support a Valdivian forest refugium and rule out a separate southern refugium in Tierra del Fuego.

Main conclusions

Our results support a coastal refugium located in or near the previously proposed Valdivian refugium and reject in situ differentiation in Tierra del Fuego. More in general, our demographical analysis reveals the role of the Last Glacial Maximum in affecting the population dynamics (i.e., contraction and expansion) of A. olivacea and in fostering the geographical diversification of populations.
Fibroblasts from the oral masticatory and lining mucosa have different gene expression profiles and proliferation rates
Authors: Kabakov Liron , Nemcovsky Carlos E. , Plasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Meir Haya , Bar Daniel Z. , Weinberg Evgeny
Published: August 2021

Aims

To compare the gene expression profiles and proliferation rates of fibroblasts from the oral lining and masticatory mucosae.

Materials and methods

Primary human fibroblasts were retrieved from the posterior masticatory hard palate and the lining alveolar mucosa of five individuals. The gene expression profile was evaluated using total RNA sequencing. The proliferation rate was determined colorimetrically.

Results

Substantial differences in specific gene groups and pathways were observed between fibroblasts from the two tissues. Significantly enriched gene ontology processes were focused on the extracellular components. Lining mucosa fibroblasts exhibited significantly higher expression of the principal structural collagens, cranial neural crest markers, and homeobox genes associated with positional memory. Masticatory mucosa fibroblasts showed greater expression of genes related to transforming growth factor‐β signalling, which may be associated with fibrosis. In addition, they expressed higher levels of the EP2 prostaglandin E2 receptor and Toll‐like receptor 1. Finally, masticatory mucosa fibroblasts exhibited a 10%–30% higher proliferation rate.

Conclusions

Fibroblasts from the lining and masticatory oral mucosae are phenotypically heterogeneous, presenting distinct gene expression profiles and proliferation rates. These features may contribute to their specific physiological functions and have relevance for potential therapeutic applications.
Sleeping through COVID‐19: a longitudinal comparison of 2019 and 2020 infant auto‐videosomnography metrics
Authors: Kahn Michal , Gradisar Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

With the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, pediatric experts called attention to the potential adverse effects of living restrictions (e.g., lockdown) on child well‐being, but at the same time– acknowledged their possible benefits. To date, only few data‐driven reports have been published on child sleep during COVID‐19, and all have been based on parent‐ or self‐reports. This study used auto‐videosomnography to capture the effects of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders imposed in the USA on objectively measured infant sleep.

Methods

Auto‐videosomnography metrics of infants assessed nightly between January and May 2020 were compared with metrics of an equivalent infant cohort, assessed in the corresponding 2019 period. A total of 610 infants (50.7% girls) aged 6–18 months (M = 11.8,SD = 3.6) were included, with 71,472 analyzed nights. Multilevel models were applied to assess differences between 2019 and 2020 infant sleep pre‐ and during‐lockdown.

Results

Whereas infant cohorts were equivalent in demographic and January–March/April sleep characteristics, during the 2020 lockdown infants had longer nighttime sleep durations (Mdifference = 11.0 min,p = .01), later morning rise times (Mdifference = 9.5 min,p = .008), and later out‐of‐crib times (Mdifference = 12.3 min,p < .0001), compared to the equivalent 2019 period. In addition, weekday‐weekend differences in sleep onset and midpoint times were diminished during 2020 home‐confinement compared to the equivalent 2019 period (2019:Mdifference = 5.5 min,p < .0001;Mdifference = 4.5 min,p < .0001; 2020:Mdifference = 2.3 min,p = .01;Mdifference = 3.1 min,p < .0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the negative implications of COVID‐19 living restrictions in other domains, our findings indicate that there might be a silver lining—in promoting longer and more consistent infant sleep. These benefits should be considered in determining policy for the current and future pandemics.
Estimating the dispersal of Lepeophtheirus salmonis sea lice within and among Atlantic salmon sites of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Authors: Parent Marianne I. , Stryhn Henrik , Hammell K. Larry , Fast Mark D. , Grant Jon , Vanderstichel Raphaël
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of infestation pressures on the abundance of the parasitic sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick (NB), Canada, using the Fish‐iTrends database for the years 2009–2018. Infestation pressures were calculated as time‐lagged weighted averages of the abundance of adult female (AF) sea lice within a site (internal infestation pressure: IIP) and among sites (external infestation pressure: EIP). The EIP weights were calculated from seaway distances among sites and a Gaussian kernel density for bandwidths of 5 to 60 km. The EIP with a bandwidth of 10 km had the best fit, as determined with Akaike's information criterion, and historical AF sea lice abundance. This estimated dispersal distance of 10 km was similar to previous studies in Norway, Scotland and in New Brunswick. The infestation pressures estimated from empirical AF sea lice abundance within and among sites significantly increased the abundance of AF sea lice (p < .001). This study concludes that sea lice burdens within Atlantic salmon farms in the Bay of Fundy, NB, are affected by within site management and could be improved by synchronizing treatments between sites.
Food safety knowledge, hygiene practices, and eating attitudes of academics and university students during the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Görür Nurullah , Topalcengiz Zeynal
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic on food safety knowledge, hygiene practices, and eating attitudes of academics and university students in Turkey. A cross‐sectional survey invitation was emailed to the participants from various academic ranks and departments at chosen universities from different region of country. Academics were requested to forward the invitation email to enrolled students to their classes. Responds were accepted in the period of 45 days in April and May 2020 during this pandemic. The relationships between socio‐demographic factors (gender, marital status, parental status, faculty/student status, academic rank, and age) and food safety knowledge, hygiene practices, and eating attitudes of respondents were determined. Academics (n = 240) and university students (n = 479) responded to food safety knowledge statements with similar percentages during the coronavirus pandemic. Improved hygiene practices were observed for both groups to avoid disease during the coronavirus pandemic. Both groups had eating attitudes toward consumption at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gender was the most prominent factor associated with 9 out of 10 hygiene practices before and during the coronavirus pandemic (p < .05). No, single, and multiple socio‐demographic factors were in association with food safety knowledge or eating attitudes of respondents. This study indicates that reactions of both academics and university students are similar during the coronavirus pandemic for food safety‐associated knowledge, practices, and attitudes.
Long‐term outcomes of cold snare polypectomy for superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors
Authors: Okimoto Kenichiro , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Shiratori Wataru , Nagashima Ariki , Ishikawa Tsubasa , Tokunaga Mamoru , Kaneko Tatsuya , Oura Hirotaka , Kanayama Kengo , Akizue Naoki , Ohta Yuki , Taida Takashi , Saito Keiko , Arai Makoto , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

The effectiveness of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) regarding long‐term outcomes is not fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate long‐term outcomes of CSP for SNADETs.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with sporadic SNADETs and treated with CSP at Chiba University Hospital between March 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Long‐term outcomes, short‐term outcomes, and adverse events were investigated.

Results

In total, 35 patients with 46 lesions were included. The en‐bloc resection rate was 97.8%. Thirty‐seven lesions (80.4%) were diagnosed as adenomatous. The R0 resection rate for adenomatous lesions was 70.3%. Follow‐up investigations more than 12 months after CSP were completed for 35 adenomatous lesions (94.6%). The median observation period after CSP was 48 months. One patient whose observation period was only 3 months died from chronic heart failure with cardiac sarcoidosis 6 months after CSP. No patient died from SNADETs. The relapse‐free survival rate at 12 months after CSP was 97.1%. One recurrence (2.7%) was observed 12 months after CSP. We removed the recurrence lesion with CSP and cold forceps polypectomy. No new recurrence occurred within the observation period. No perforation or post‐operative bleeding occurred for CSP.

Conclusions

Cold snare polypectomy for diminutive and small SNADETs is a safe and useful procedure with a high en‐bloc resection rate and long‐term local control capability.
A statewide elder mistreatment virtual assessment program: Legal, ethical, and practical issues
Authors: Halphen John M. , Solis Christina F. , Burnett Jason
Published: August 2021

Telecommunication assisted forensic assessments of capacity and mistreatment by geriatricians with expertise in elder abuse and self‐neglect are helping to meet the demand for such forensic services for Adult Protective Services (APS) clients in remote and underserved areas of Texas. The use of synchronous audiovisual assisted interviews instead of in‐person interviews with clients to provide capacity assessments has become more important with the arrival of the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is growing interest in establishing similar programs in other states using geriatrician faculty from medical schools to serve the clients of their state Adult Protective Services agencies. The arrangement between APS and the geriatricians at McGovern Medical School in Houston, Texas is novel. The structure of the arrangement is important for the success of the program. Legal, ethical, and practical considerations are discussed in this article, including approaches to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, physician liability, state law, and resource limitations. It is hoped that sharing how one such collaboration has addressed these important issues will suggest approaches for the structuring of similar programs.
Barriers to learning a new technology to go online among older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Li Weixin , Ornstein Katherine A. , Li Yan , Liu Bian
Published: August 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of using information and communication technology (ICT) to address daily and healthcare needs. The barriers for older adults in the United States to learn a new technology to go online during the pandemic remain to be studied.

Methods

Using data from the 2019–2020 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative survey of older Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older in the United States, we used multivariable logistic regression models to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with learning a new technology to go online during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Our sample represented 23,547,688 older adults nationally, of which the majority (60.2%) increased ICT use during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, most older adults (71.8%) did not report learning a new technology to go online. Those who did not learn a new technology to go online had less of an increase in ICT use than those who learned either with help or by themselves (50.7% vs. 78.4% or 89.2% respectively, p < 0.01). The odds of learning a new technology decreased with increasing age (aOR [95%CI] = 0.96 [0.94–0.98]), being male (aOR [95%CI] = 0.56 [0.45–0.72]), having lower than high school educational attainment (aOR [95%CI] = 0.38 [0.29–0.50]), decreasing income levels (aORs ranged from 0.28 to 0.54), and self‐reported fair or poor general health (aOR [95%CI] = 0.65 [0.47–0.90]).

Conclusion

The identified sociodemographic and clinical factors could inform targeted intervention strategies to improve ICT use among older adults during the evolving COVID‐19 pandemic and in the future.