bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the evolution of trophic position
Authors: Moosmann Marvin , Cuenca‐Cambronero Maria , De Lisle Stephen , Greenway Ryan , Hudson Cameron M. , Lürig Moritz D. , Matthews Blake
Published: September 2021

The trophic structure of food webs is primarily determined by the variation in trophic position among species and individuals. Temporal dynamics of food web structure are central to our understanding of energy and nutrient fluxes in changing environments, but little is known about how evolutionary processes shape trophic position variation in natural populations. We propose that trophic position, whose expression depends on both environmental and genetic determinants of the diet variation in individual consumers, is a quantitative trait that can evolve via natural selection. Such evolution can occur either when trophic position is correlated with other heritable morphological and behavioural traits under selection, or when trophic position is a target of selection, which is possible if the fitness effects of prey items are heterogeneously distributed along food chains. Recognising trophic position as an evolving trait, whose expression depends on the food web context, provides an important conceptual link between behavioural foraging theory and food web dynamics, and a useful starting point for the integration of ecological and evolutionary studies of trophic position.
A hybrid optimization algorithm‐based feature selection for thyroid disease classifier with rough type‐2 fuzzy support vector machine
Authors: Sureshkumar Vidhushavarshini , Balasubramaniam Sathiyabhama , Ravi Vinayakumar , Arunachalam Ajay
Published: September 2021

Thyroid hormones are essential for all the metabolic and reproductive activities with significance to growth, and neuron development in the human body. The thyroid hormone dysfunction has many ill consequences, affecting the human population; thereby being a global epidemic. It is noticed that every one in 10 persons suffer from different thyroid disorders in India. In recent years, many researchers have implemented various disease predictive models based on Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Increasing the accuracy of disease classification is a critical and challenging task. To increase the accuracy of classification, in this paper, we propose a hybrid optimization algorithm‐based feature selection design for thyroid disease classifier with rough type‐2 fuzzy support vector machine. This work uses the hybrid optimization algorithm, which combines the firefly algorithm (FA) and butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) to select the top‐n features. The proposed hybrid firefly butterfly optimization‐rough type‐2 fuzzy support vector machine (HFBO‐RT2FSVM) is evaluated with several key metrics such as specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity. We compare our approach with well‐known benchmark methods such as improved grey wolf optimization linear support vector machine (IGWO Linear SVM) and mixed‐kernel support vector machine (MKSVM) methods. From the experimental evaluations, we justify that our technique improves the accuracy by large thereby precise in identifying the thyroid disease. HFBO‐RT2FSVM model attained an accuracy of 99.28%, having specificity and sensitivity of 98 and 99.2%, respectively.
Strengthening lower‐income families: Lessons learned from policy responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kanter Jeremy B. , Williams Deadric T. , Rauer Amy J.
Published: September 2021

Families are navigating an unstable economy due to COVID‐19. Financial stressors have the potential to strain intimate relationships and exacerbate prior inequities across lower‐income families. Notably, the economic impact of COVID‐19 disproportionately influenced Black and Latinx families. As a response to families' economic adversity during the pandemic, the federal government initiated the CARES Act. This type of federal response to lower‐income families, however, is not new. The purpose of this paper is to contextualize and historicize previous and current efforts to mitigate the consequences of financial hardship on families by comparing the assumptions and efficacy of the Healthy Marriages Initiative and the CARES act. We conclude with four recommendations to promote well‐being in lower‐income families: (1) acknowledging and reducing inequities that disproportionally impact families racialized as Black or Latinx; (2) intervening to mitigate stressors surrounding families; (3) using innovative methods to deliver relationship education; and (4) considering prevention versus intervention strategies.
Understanding relationships within cultural contexts: Developing an early childhood sibling relationship questionnaire in China
Authors: Wang Yan Z. , Li Yan , Liu Tian‐tian , Zhao Jin‐juan , Li You‐jia , Niu Xiao‐bing
Published: September 2021

Objective

Combining the cultural‐comparative approach and the indigenous approach, the current studies aimed to develop a questionnaire for measuring sibling relationship qualities in early childhood for Chinese children.

Background

In China, the number of families with more than one child is growing, calling for more research on sibling interactions in the context of contemporary Chinese culture.

Method

To ensure cultural validity in this study, 40 Chinese mothers of young children were interviewed to generate specific behavioral manifestations of dimensions related to the conceptual structure of sibling relationships found in well‐established theoretical and empirical work in the literature (i.e., including the dimensions of warmth, conflict, and rivalry). These behaviors were then aggregated and developed into 22 Likert‐scale items for the Chinese questionnaire. The new questionnaire was administered to 324 parents for exploratory factor analyses, 540 parents for confirmatory factor analyses, and 50 parents to estimate test–retest reliability.

Results

Comparing the 22 items with items developed in similar U.S.‐based questionnaires, we found that Chinese parents emphasized qian rang (courteous compromising among siblings) while paying little attention to respect of personal space and emotional sharing among siblings. Validity and reliability checks yielded supportive results for this new questionnaire.

Conclusions

Findings regarding the different items reflected the emphasis on interdependence and restrained emotional display in Chinese culture. The new questionnaire can be used as a culturally sensitive measure of sibling relationships in China.
Climatic and landscape changes as drivers of environmental feedback that influence rainfall frequency in the United States
Authors: Moore Rachel A. , Martinetti Davide , Bigg E. Keith , Christner Brent C. , Morris Cindy E.
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have identified regions where the occurrence of rainfall significantly increases or decreases the probability for subsequent rainfall over periods that range from a few days to several weeks. These observable phenomena are termed “rainfall feedback” (RF). To better understand the land–atmosphere interactions involved in RF, the behavior of RF patterns was analyzed using data from 1849 to 2016 at ~3000 sites in the contiguous United States. We also considered changes in major land‐use types and applied a geographically weighted regression model technique for analyzing the predictors of RF. This approach identified non‐linear and spatially non‐stationary relationships between RF, climate, land use, and land type. RF patterns in certain regions of the United States are predictable by modeling variables associated with climate, season, and land use. The model outputs also demonstrate the extent to which the effect of precipitation, temperature, and land use on RF depend on season and location. Specifically, major changes were observed for land use associated with agriculture in the western United States, which had negative and positive influences on RF in summer and winter, respectively. In contrast, developed land in the eastern United States correlated with positive RF values in summer but with negative ones in winter. We discuss how changes in climate and land use would be expected to affect land–atmosphere interactions, as well as the possible role that physical mechanisms and rain‐enhanced bioaerosol emissions may play in the spatiotemporal changes observed for historical patterns of rainfall frequency in the United States.
PARAMETRIC CONDITIONAL MEAN INFERENCE WITH FUNCTIONAL DATA APPLIED TO LIFETIME INCOME CURVES
Authors: Cho Jin Seo , Phillips Peter C. B. , Seo Juwon
Published: September 2021

We propose a framework for estimation of the conditional mean function in a parametric model with function space covariates. The approach employs a functional mean squared error objective criterion. Under regularity conditions, consistency and asymptotic normality are established. The analysis extends to situations where the asymptotic properties are influenced by estimation errors arising from the presence of nuisance parameters. Wald, Lagrange multiplier, and quasi‐likelihood ratio statistics are studied. An empirical application conducts lifetime income path comparisons across different demographic groups according to years of work experience.
HLA‐B*15:11 status and carbamazepine‐induced severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions in HLA‐B*15:02 negative Chinese
Authors: Wong Christina S. M. , Yap Desmond Y. H. , Ip Patrick , Wong Wilfred H. S. , Chua Gilbert T. , Yeung Chi‐Keung , Chan Henry H. L. , Kwok Janette S. Y.
Published: September 2021

Background

HLA‐B*15:11 is associated with carbamazepine (CBZ)‐induced severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) in Japanese and some Asian populations, but such data remains relatively limited in Chinese. Routine HLA‐B*15:02 screening is mandatory before CBZ commencement, however, SCARs related to CBZ were still observed in non‐HLA*B‐15:02 carriers.

Objective

We aimed to find out the prevalence of HLA‐B*15:11 in Chinese patients and its associations with CBZ‐induced SCARs.

Method

We screened 8,328 blood samples collected for HLA allele typing before CBZ commencement during the period of January 2014 to December 2019. In HLA‐B*15:02 negative Chinese patients, HLA‐B*15:11 status were further screened, and the incidence of SCARs in the CBZ group was compared with the control group without CBZ use.

Result

In this cohort, 1416 out of 8328 patients (17%) tested HLA‐B*15:02 positive and were advised to avoid CBZ, while 80 (0.96%) were found to be HLA‐B*15:11 positive. In 6911 (83%) patients who tested HLA‐B*15:02 negative, 70 (1.01%) were HLA‐B*15:11 positive. Five out of 70 (7.14%) patients had SCARs. The incidence of SCARs in HLA‐B*15:11 carriers who received CBZ was significantly higher than those without CBZ (17.4% [4/23] vs. 2.13% [1/47], P = 0.037*). The odds ratio was 9.68 (95% CI 1.02–92.4, P = 0.048*). These included: one Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), two DRESS, and one MPE after CBZ use, while one developed MPE after phenytoin use in control.

Conclusion

HLA‐B*15:11 is a potential risk factor of CBZ‐induced SCARs in HLA‐B*15:02 negative Chinese patients. Further screening of HLA‐B*15:11 status in those HLA‐B*15:02 negative patients is recommended to avoid undesirable SCARs.
Fabrication and interaction mechanism of ovalbumin‐based nanocarriers for metallic ion encapsulation
Authors: Wan Mengxi , Huang Zhenzhen , Yang Xinxi , Chen Qiqi , Chen Leqi , Liang Siyue , Zeng Qingzhu , Zhang Ruifen , Dong Lihong , Su Dongxiao
Published: September 2021

Ovalbumin (OVA), due to its desirable physiochemistry properties and biocompatibility, has been widely adopted as bioactive compound carriers in the field of pharmacy and food. This study explored the interaction patterns between OVA and three flavonoids, namely naringin, hesperidin and anthocyanin, and the possibilities of OVA–flavonoid complexes as nanocarriers that entrap mineral substances. Results showed that ovalbumin interacts with three flavonoids through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The addition of flavonoids altered the secondary structure of OVA, decreasing the β‐sheets by 9–16% and increasing the random coils by about 20–60% for the hydroxyl groups of flavonoids coalesced with the C = O groups of amides of proteins by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction occurred from conjugation effects between aromatic rings of flavonoids and amino residues of OVA. The OVA–hesperidin complex showed comprehensive advantages over encapsulating mineral substances such as Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn.
External beam radiotherapy and radical prostatectomy are associated with better survival in Asian prostate cancer patients
Authors: Würnschimmel Christoph , Wenzel Mike , Chierigo Francesco , Flammia Rocco Simone , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F , Suardi Nazareno , Terrone Carlo , Gallucci Michele , Chun Felix KH , Tilki Derya , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To test the effect of race/ethnicity on cancer‐specific mortality after radical prostatectomy or external beam radiotherapy in localized prostate cancer patients.

Methods

In the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database 2004–2016, we identified intermediate‐risk and high‐risk white (n = 151 632), Asian (n = 11 189), Hispanic/Latino (n = 20 077) and African American (n = 32 550) localized prostate cancer patients, treated with external beam radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. Race/ethnicity‐stratified cancer‐specific mortality analyses relied on competing risks regression, after propensity score matching for patient and cancer characteristics.

Results

Compared with white patients, Asian intermediate‐ and high‐risk external beam radiotherapy patients showed lower cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 0.58 and 0.70, respectively, both P ≤ 0.02). Additionally, Asian high‐risk radical prostatectomy patients also showed lower cancer‐specific mortality than white patients (hazard ratio 0.72, P = 0.04), but not Asian intermediate‐risk radical prostatectomy patients (P = 0.08). Conversely, compared with white patients, African American intermediate‐risk radical prostatectomy patients showed higher cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.36, P = 0.01), but not African American high‐risk radical prostatectomy or intermediate‐ and high‐risk external beam radiotherapy patients (all P ≥ 0.2). Finally, compared with white people, no cancer‐specific mortality differences were recorded for Hispanic/Latino patients after external beam radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy, in both risk levels (P ≥ 0.2).

Conclusions

Relative to white patients, an important cancer‐specific mortality advantage applies to intermediate‐risk and high‐risk Asian prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiotherapy, and to high‐risk Asian patients treated with radical prostatectomy. These observations should be considered in pretreatment risk stratification and decision‐making.
Rab6b localizes to the Golgi complex in murine macrophages and promotes tumor necrosis factor release in response to mycobacterial infection
Authors: Domínguez Cadena Leslie C , Schultz Thomas E , Zamoshnikova Alina , Donovan Meg L , Mathmann Carmen D , Yu Chien‐Hsiung , Mori Giorgia , Stow Jennifer L , Blumenthal Antje
Published: September 2021

The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a central role in the host control of mycobacterial infections. Expression and release of TNF are tightly regulated, yet the molecular mechanisms that control the release of TNF by mycobacteria‐infected host cells, in particular macrophages, are incompletely understood. Rab GTPases direct the transport of intracellular membrane‐enclosed vesicles and are important regulators of macrophage cytokine secretion. Rab6b is known to be predominantly expressed in the brain where it functions in retrograde transport and anterograde vesicle transport for exocytosis. Whether it executes similar functions in the context of immune responses is unknown. Here we show that Rab6b is expressed by primary mouse macrophages, where it localized to the Golgi complex. Infection with Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) resulted in dynamic changes in Rab6b expression in primary mouse macrophages in vitro as well as in organs from infected mice in vivo. We further show that Rab6b facilitated TNF release by M. bovis BCG‐infected macrophages, in the absence of discernible impact on Tnf messenger RNA and intracellular TNF protein expression. Our observations identify Rab6b as a positive regulator of M. bovis BCG‐induced TNF trafficking and secretion by macrophages and positions Rab6b among the molecular machinery that orchestrates inflammatory cytokine responses by macrophages.
A fair classifier chain for multi‐label bank marketing strategy classification
Authors: Radovanović Sandro , Petrović Andrija , Delibašić Boris , Suknović Milija
Published: September 2021

Recently, the usage of machine learning algorithms is subject to discussion from a legal and ethical point of view. Unwanted discrimination regarding gender or race of a prediction model can lead to legal consequences. Therefore, during predictive model learning, one needs to be aware of possible bias and adjust the model to be fair. However, in bank marketing applications, one customer can receive multiple offers instead of just one. Because of their correlation between, a multi‐label classification approach is the most suitable one. This paper proposes a fair classifier chain machine learning model for multi‐label classification. Our algorithm solves the multi‐label classification problem in an efficient manner, and it is suitable for real‐life application employment. The proposed approach allows for controlling fairness constraints during the process of machine learning. It is based on the logistic regression model, thus enabling high efficiency and understandability. We apply our model to a real‐life model from bank marketing campaign response prediction. The obtained results are promising. More specifically, our model achieves high fairness measures having an increase from 7% to 17%. However, fairness has a price of a decrease in predictive performance, up to 9% of AUC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first algorithm that introduce fairness constraints in multi‐label classification problems.
Use of a novel 4D intracardiac echocardiography catheter to guide interventional electrophysiology procedures
Authors: Kaplan Rachel M. , Narang Akhil , Gay Hawkins , Gao Xu , Gibreal Mohammed , Arora Rishi , Chicos Alexandru , Kim Susan , Passman Rod , Patil Kaustubha , Pfenniger Anna , Verma Nishant , Lin Albert , Knight Bradley P.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Standard two‐dimensional (2D), phased‐array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is routinely used to guide interventional electrophysiology (EP) procedures. A novel four‐dimensional (4D) ICE catheter (VeriSight Pro, Philips) can obtain 2D and three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric images and cine‐videos in real‐time (4D). The purpose of this study was to determine the early feasibility and safety of this 4D ICE catheter during EP procedures.

Methods

The 4D ICE catheter was placed from the femoral vein in ten patients into various cardiac chambers to guide EP procedures requiring transseptal catheterization, including ablation for atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure. 2D‐ and 3D‐ICE images were acquired in real‐time by the electrophysiologist. A dedicated imaging expert performed digital steering to optimize and postprocess 4D images.

Results

Eight patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (cryoballoon in seven patients, pulsed field ablation in one, additional radiofrequency left atrial ablation in one). Two patients underwent left atrial appendage closure. High quality images of cardiac structures, transseptal catheterization equipment, guide sheaths, ablation tools, and closure devices were acquired with the ICE catheter tip positioned in the right atrium, left atrium, pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery. There were no complications.

Conclusion

This is the first experience of a novel deflectable 4D ICE catheter used to guide EP procedures. 4D ICE imaging is safe and allows for acquisition of high‐quality 2D and 3D images in real‐time. Further use of 4D ICE will be needed to determine its added value for each EP procedure type.
Reliance on science by inventors: Hybrid extraction of in‐text patent‐to‐article citations
Authors: Marx Matt , Fuegi Aaron
Published: September 2021

We curate and characterize a complete set of citations from patents to scientific articles, including 16.8 million from the full text of USPTO and EPO patents. Combining hand‐tuned heuristics and the GROBID machine‐learning package, we achieve much higher performance than machine learning alone. Recall is evaluated with a set of 5939 randomly sampled, cross‐verified “known good” citations, which the authors have never seen. At 99.4% precision, we achieve recall rates of 78% for the full test set and 88% for references specified without mistakes. We compare these “in‐text” citations with those on the front page of patents. In‐text citations are more diverse temporally, geographically, and topically; moreover, they are less self‐referential and less likely to be copied from one patent to the next. In‐text citations have dropped from two‐thirds of all patent‐to‐article citations half a century ago to about one‐third today. In replicating two articles that use only front‐page citations, we show that failing to capture in‐text citations leads to understating the role of academic science in commercial invention. All patent‐to‐article citations, the known‐good test set, and the source code are available at http://relianceonscience.org.
Do clinical practice guidelines consider evidence about diagnostic test consequences on patient‐relevant outcomes? A critical document analysis
Authors: Tuut Mariska K. , Burgers Jako S. , van der Weijden Trudy , Langendam Miranda W.
Published: September 2021

Rationale, aims and objectives

Supporting evidence for diagnostic test recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) should not only include diagnostic accuracy, but also downstream consequences of the test result on patient‐relevant outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which evidence‐based CPGs about diagnostic tests cover all relevant test‐treatment pathway components.

Methods

We performed a systematic document analysis and quality assessment of publicly accessible CPGs about three common diagnostic tests: C‐reactive protein, colonoscopy and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Evaluation of the impact of the full test‐treatment pathway (diagnostic accuracy, burden of the test, natural course of target condition, treatment effectiveness, and link between test result and administration of treatment) on patient relevant outcomes was considered best practice for developing medical test recommendations.

Results

We retrieved 15 recommendations in 15 CPGs. The methodological quality of the CPGs varied from poor to excellent. Ten recommendations considered diagnostic accuracy. Four of these were funded on a systematic review and rating of the certainty in the evidence. None of the CPGs evaluated all steps of the test‐treatment pathway. Burden of the test was considered in three CPGs, but without systematically reviewing the evidence. Natural course was considered in two CPGs, without a systematic review of the evidence. In three recommendations, treatment effectiveness was considered, supported with a systematic review and rating of the certainty in the evidence in one CPG. The link between test result and treatment administration was not considered in any CPG.

Conclusions

The included CPGs hardly seem to consider evidence about test consequences on patient‐relevant outcomes. This might be explained by reporting issues and challenging methodology. Future research is needed to investigate how to facilitate guideline developers in explicit reliable consideration of all steps of a test‐treatment pathway when developing diagnostic test recommendations.
A new species of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River basin
Authors: Faustino‐Fuster Dario R. , de Souza Lesley S.
Published: September 2021

A new species of Cetopsorhamdia is described from material collected on rapid inventories and ichthyological expeditions in the Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The new species can be differentiated from all other species of Cetopsorhamdia by the colouration pattern on fins, number of vertebrae, number of ribs, level insertion of dorsal fin, number of rays on dorsal and pectoral fin, osteological characters and several other morphometric characters. The new species is distributed along tributaries of the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.
Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review
Authors: Saini Kriteeka , Mysore Venkataram
Published: September 2021

Background

Vitamin D, a vitamin and hormone, plays an important role in dermatology and dermatotherapeutics, due to its anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and regulation of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. It also affects the hair cycle, and its role in hair loss is under constant research.

Objectives

This review aims to give a brief overview of vitamin D biology within the hair follicle, role in the etiopathogenesis, and rationale for supplementation in various alopecias.

Methods

A PubMed literature search was performed to review relevant current literature and studies investigating the role of vitamin D in the etiopathogenesis, as a supplement and a potential therapeutic modality in hair loss.

Results and Conclusion

Vitamin D is intricately involved in various signaling pathways of growth and differentiation of hair follicles. Most studies show an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and non‐scarring alopecias such as telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with scarring alopecia. However, conclusive studies to demonstrate the benefit of vitamin D administration in correcting hair loss and managing these conditions are lacking. Hence, further studies are needed before vitamin D can be routinely recommended as a treatment modality in these conditions.
Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Gopal Sriram , Ajgaonkar Ashutosh , Kanchi Padmaja , Kaundinya Aditi , Thakare Vaishali , Chauhan Sanjaya , Langade Deepak
Published: September 2021

Background

Perimenopause is the period during which many physiological changes mark the transition into the final menstrual period of a woman and these changes are associated with climacteric symptoms.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of an Ashwagandha root extract on the climacteric symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and hormonal parameters in perimenopausal women.

Materials and Methods

In this 8‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 100 women with climacteric symptoms were randomly allocated to take either a placebo or 300 mg of an Ashwagandha root extract twice daily. Outcomes were measured using the menopause rating scale (MRS), menopause‐specific QoL (MENQoL), hot flash score, and hormonal changes in estradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.

Results

Among 100 participants enrolled, 91 participants completed the study. In comparison with the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in total MRS score (p < 0.0001), reflected by significant reductions in the psychological (p = 0.0003), somato‐vegetative (p = 0.0152), and urogenital (p < 0.0001) domains. Ashwagandha intake demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in total MENQoL scores (p < 0.0001) and was also associated with a statistically significant increase in serum estradiol (p < 0.0001) and a significant reduction in serum FSH (p < 0.0001) and serum LH (p < 0.05) compared with the placebo. There was no significant between the group differences in the serum testosterone level.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ashwagandha root extract can be a safe and effective option to relieve mild to moderate climacteric symptoms during perimenopause in women.
A Longitudinal Study of Differences in Perceived Parenting Practices Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Girls
Authors: Tucker Xanthia , Berona Johnny , Hipwell Alison E. , Keenan Kate
Published: September 2021

Parental warmth and control are consistent and persistent correlates of adolescent health and may be particularly important for sexual minority girls, who experience higher rates of adverse health outcomes than their heterosexual peers. Differences in perceptions of parental trust, positivity, supervision, and discipline from ages 11–17 years were examined between sexual minority and heterosexual girls using data from the Pittsburgh Girls Study, a longitudinal, community‐based study. Results indicated that sexual minority girls reported lower levels of parental trust and positivity compared to heterosexual girls beginning in mid‐adolescence; differences in supervision were present at age 11 years and persisted over time. Further investigation of this perceived difference is warranted given the importance of familial support for health promotion.
Understanding Factors Associated With Intimate Disclosure Between Black Youth and Nonparental Familial Adults
Authors: Rivens Ariana J. , Billingsley Janelle T. , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: September 2021

Self‐disclosure is an important relational process during adolescence. Given that Black adolescents contend with developmental changes and contextual risks, they may stand to benefit greatly from disclosing personal information to supportive nonparental adults. This qualitative study explored factors associated with youth intimate disclosure among 24 dyads of Black youth and their adult relatives. Analyses identified four types of adult behaviors associated with youth intimate disclosure: (1) setting the tone for youth disclosure, (2) expressing interest in youth well‐being, (3) supportive engagement during disclosure, and (4) acting on youths’ disclosure. Findings suggest that when adult relatives demonstrate interest and attunement to youths’ needs, youth may feel more motivated to disclose. Implications for adults interested in supporting Black youths’ disclosure are discussed.
Impacts of Re:MIX—A School‐Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Incorporating Young Parent Coeducators
Authors: Manlove Jennifer , Welti Kate , Whitfield Brooke , Faccio Bianca , Finocharo Jane , Ciaravino Samantha
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Latinx adolescents are at increased risk of teen pregnancy. This study evaluates the impact of Re:MIX, a comprehensive sexuality education program cofacilitated by professional health educators paired with young parent educators implemented with primarily Latinx youth in Texas.

METHODS

A cluster randomized trial was conducted with students in grades 8‐10 in 57 classrooms across three schools. Students completed baseline, post‐test, and long‐term follow‐up surveys to determine the impact of the program on behavioral outcomes—sexual experience and unprotected sex—and on mediating factors including intentions, attitudes, knowledge, and self‐efficacy related to sexual activity and contraception.

RESULTS

Re:MIX was implemented with fidelity and educators were well‐received. At post‐test, compared to control students, Re:MIX students were more likely to intend to use hormonal or long‐acting contraceptive methods if they had sex, had greater reproductive health knowledge, had more confidence in their ability to ask for and give consent, and were more likely to know where to obtain contraception. Most findings were sustained at the long‐term follow‐up, but there were no impacts on behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation and impact findings highlight the promising approach of pairing young parent educators with experienced health educators for teen pregnancy prevention among Latinx students.
COVID‐19, adaptative immune response and metabolic‐associated liver disease
Authors: Miele Luca , Napodano Cecilia , Cesario Alfredo , De Magistris Antonio , Pocino Krizia , Basile Umberto , Rapaccini Gian L. , Gasbarrini Antonio , Grieco Antonio
Published: September 2021

Metabolic diseases are associated with a higher risk of a severer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) course, since fatty liver is commonly associated with metabolic disorders, fatty liver itself is considered as a major contributor to low‐grade inflammation in obesity and diabetes. Recently a comprehensive term, metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), has been proposed. The hepatic inflammatory status observed in MAFLD patients is amplified in presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Intestinal dysbiosis is a powerful activator of inflammatory mediator production of liver macrophages. The intestinal microbiome plays a key role in MAFLD progression, which results in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, patients with metabolic disorders and COVID‐19 can have a worse outcome of COVID‐19. This literature review attempts to disentangle the mechanistic link of MAFLD from COVID‐19 complexity and to improve knowledge on its pathophysiology.
Interaction between flucloxacillin and azoles: Is isavuconazole next?
Authors: Van Daele Ruth , Wauters Joost , Vandenbriele Christophe , Lagrou Katrien , Vos Robin , Debaveye Yves , Spriet Isabel
Published: September 2021

Background

Isavuconazole is a triazole antifungal drug, approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. It has been previously reported that an interaction between flucloxacillin and voriconazole may lead to subtherapeutic voriconazole exposure, when used concomitantly. Since isavuconazole is also metabolised via cytochrome P450 enzymes, the same interaction may be expected.

Objectives

We aim to document exposure to isavuconazole in patients concomitantly treated with flucloxacillin.

Patients

We report two patients treated with both isavuconazole and flucloxacillin, in whom we determined isavuconazole concentrations.

Results

Low isavuconazole trough concentrations (<1 mg/L) were observed in two patients under concomitant treatment with flucloxacillin.

Conclusions

In combination with flucloxacillin, low isavuconazole concentrations were observed but an adequate isavuconazole exposure may be reached with dose augmentation. Therapeutic drug monitoring of isavuconazole is recommended to ensure an adequate exposure.
COVID‐19 and dental workers: The Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP) survey
Authors: Nicola Discepoli , Raspini Mario , Landi Luca , Sforza Nicola , Crea Alessandro , Cavalcanti Raffaele , Cairo Francesco
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the proportion of COVID‐19 infections among a population of Italian Dental workers across different geographical area of Italy and to analyze the impact of both the preventive measures/strategies adopted and the psychological influences.

Subjects and Methods

The current cross‐sectional survey was administered with a web‐based form. To be eligible for the study, participants had to be 18 years and being dentists or dental hygienists members of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP). A 23‐item questionnaire concerning positiveness to COVID‐19, clinical strategies and psychological attitude within the pandemic was administered. Sub‐group analysis was conducted according to geographical macro‐area.

Results

A total of 790 dentists and dental hygienists were included. A total of 4.7% participants developed a positive diagnosis to COVID‐19. The Northwest of Italy experienced almost double of COVID‐19‐positive participants (p < 0.05). Preoperatory mouthwashes together with natural air change/ventilation were the most frequent approaches used to prevent COVID‐19 outbreak. Positive and proactive attitudes were predominant among participants. Only a reduced proportion feels some concerns for the future.

Conclusions

Prevalence of positive COVID‐19 among dental workers in Italy was double in Northwest area in comparison with the whole country proportion. Preventive strategies comprise mainly ultrasound reduction and preoperative mouthwashes.
Improving student nurses’ perspectives towards older people with an e‐learning activity: A quasi‐experimental pre‐post design
Authors: Dukes Cassidy , Dahlke Sherry , Pietrosanu Matthew , Kalogirou Maya R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite older people being the largest demographic accessing health care, nurses often lack knowledge about how to work with them and may hold ageist perceptions towards them. Previous research has identified the gaps in their education program and offered suggestions on what and how to fill those gaps in education related to older people. E‐learning activities to fill these gaps were developed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine if nursing students’ perceptions about older people could be improved through an e‐learning activity focused on communication and understanding older people.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental pre‐post design was used to test whether the understanding and communication with older people e‐learning activity improved student nurses’ perceptions about older people. A feedback survey was also analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand students’ perceptions of the learning activity.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in participant's negative perceptions towards older people after completing the e‐learning activity. Participants enjoyed the activity and believed that it improved their knowledge of older people, their confidence in working with older people, and their perceptions about older people.

Conclusions

The strength of the e‐learning activity in this study is that the educator need not be an expert in order to use the activity in their course. In this way, knowledge about older people is facilitated despite the dearth of nurse educators with gerontological expertise. More research to test this activity in other universities is needed.

Implications for Practice

Improved understanding and communicating with older people could improve person‐centered‐care. The flexible delivery of this learning activity could facilitate practicing nurses understanding and communication strategies if offered to them.
Subnormal short‐latency facial mimicry responses to dynamic emotional facial expressions in male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders and callous‐unemotional traits
Authors: van Boxtel Anton , Zaalberg Ruud , de Wied Minet
Published: September 2021

Using still pictures of emotional facial expressions as experimental stimuli, reduced amygdala responses or impaired recognition of basic emotions were repeatedly found in people with psychopathic traits. The amygdala also plays an important role in short‐latency facial mimicry responses. Since dynamic emotional facial expressions may have higher ecological validity than still pictures, we compared short‐latency facial mimicry responses to dynamic and static emotional expressions between adolescents with psychopathic traits and normal controls. Facial EMG responses to videos or still pictures of emotional expressions (happiness, anger, sadness, fear) were measured. Responses to 500‐ms dynamic expressions in videos, as well as the subsequent 1500‐ms phase of maximal (i.e., static) expression, were compared between male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders and high (n = 14) or low (n = 17) callous‐unemotional (CU) traits, and normal control subjects (n = 32). Responses to still pictures were also compared between groups. EMG responses to dynamic expressions were generally significantly smaller in the high‐CU group than in the other two groups, which generally did not differ. These group differences gradually emerged during the 500‐ms stimulus presentation period but in general they were already seen a few hundred milliseconds after stimulus onset. Group differences were absent during the 1500‐ms phase of maximal expression and during exposure to still pictures. Subnormal short‐latency mimicry responses to dynamic emotional facial expressions in the high‐CU group might have negative consequences for understanding emotional facial expressions of others during daily life when human facial interactions are primarily dynamic.
Higher dimensional generalization of the Benjamin‐Ono equation: 2D case
Authors: Riaño Oscar , Roudenko Svetlana , Yang Kai
Published: September 2021

We consider a higher‐dimensional version of the Benjamin‐Ono (HBO) equation in the 2D setting: , which is ‐critical, and investigate properties of solutions both analytically and numerically. For a generalized equation (fractional 2D gKdV) after deriving the Pohozaev identities, we obtain nonexistence conditions for solitary wave solutions, then prove uniform bounds in the energy space or conditional global existence, and investigate the radiation region, a specific wedge in the negative ‐direction. We then introduce our numerical approach in a general context, and apply it to obtain the ground state solution in the 2D critical HBO equation, then show that its mass is a threshold for global versus finite time existing solutions, which is typical in the focusing (mass‐)critical dispersive equations. We also observe that globally existing solutions tend to disperse completely into the radiation in this nonlocal equation. The blow‐up solutions travel in the positive ‐direction with the rescaled ground state profile while also radiating dispersive oscillations into the radiative wedge. We conclude with examples of different interactions of two solitary wave solutions, including weak and strong interactions.
Initial experimental experience of triple‐knockout pig red blood cells as potential sources for transfusion in alloimmunized patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Bikhet Mohamed H. , Marques Marisa B. , Nguyen Huy Q. , Cui Yehua , Javed Mariyam , Raza Syed Sikandar , Ayares David , Iwase Hayato , Cooper David K. C. , Hara Hidetaka
Published: September 2021

Background

Blood transfusion remains important in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, alloimmunization after blood transfusion is associated with patient morbidity and mortality. Triple‐knockout (TKO) pigs (i.e., pigs in which the three known xenoantigens to which humans have anti‐pig antibodies have been deleted) may be an alternative source of RBCs for these patients because many humans have no preformed antibodies to TKO pig RBCs (pRBCs).

Methods and materials

In an in vitro study, plasma from alloimmunized (n = 12) or non‐alloimmunized (n = 12) SCD patients was used to determine IgM/IgG binding to, and CDC of, TKO pRBCs. In an in vivo study, after an estimated 25% of blood volume was withdrawn from two capuchin monkeys, CFSE‐labeled TKO pRBCs were transfused. Loss of TKO pRBCs was monitored by flow cytometry, and 7 weeks later, 25% of blood was withdrawn, and CFSE‐labeled monkey RBCs were transfused.

Results

The in vitro study demonstrated that plasma from neither alloimmunized nor non‐alloimmunized SCD patients bound IgM/IgG to, or induced CDC of, TKO pRBCs. In the in vivo study, survival of TKO pRBCs in the two capuchin monkeys was of 5 and 7 days, respectively, whereas after allotransfusion, survival was >28 days.

Conclusions

In conclusion, (1) in the present limited study, no antibodies were detected that cross‐reacted with TKO pRBCs, and (2) TKO pigs may possibly be an alternate source of RBCs in an emergency if no human RBCs are available.
Clinical, advanced imaging data and outcome of inflammatory and neoplastic orbital disease in 81 dogs and 16 cats in Australia (2010–2019)
Authors: Coall Sarah M. , Premont Johana E. , Flatz Katharina , Hindley Kate , Groth Allyson , Billson Francis M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To characterize the clinical presentation, advanced imaging features, and outcome of orbital disease in a referral population of dogs and cats that underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Animals studied

Client‐owned animals.

Procedures

Animals referred for orbital disease undergoing ophthalmic examination and either head MRI or CT were included. Demographic and imaging features were compared between animals diagnosed with inflammatory disease and neoplastic disease using Mann‐Whitney U and Fischer's exact tests.

Results

Ninety‐seven animals (81 dogs and 16 cats) were included. Eighty‐four and 13 patients underwent CT and MRI scanning, respectively. Inflammatory orbital disease was more frequently detected than neoplasia in dogs (59% vs. 41%) and cats (62% vs. 39%). Orbital cellulitis was the most common diagnosis in dogs (36/81, 44.4%) and cats (8/16, 80%). A foreign body was suspected in 36.1% of dogs with orbital cellulitis but only 3 were retrieved during orbitotomy. Multi‐drug resistant bacteria were identified in 3 samples and influenced treatment plans. The most common neoplasms were sarcoma (10/30) and carcinoma (7/30) in dogs and lymphoma in cats (3/6). Imaging findings of osteolysis (p = 0.0002) and intracranial extension (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with neoplasia in dogs. In contrast, osteolysis extension was present in cats with both inflammatory (7/10) and neoplastic (6/6) orbital disease.

Conclusions

Inflammatory disease, particularly orbital cellulitis, was more common than neoplasia in dogs and cats with orbital disease in our population. We recommend including bacterial culture and susceptibility as part of the diagnostic work up when orbital cellulitis is suspected.
An extensive review on sustainable developments of dry and near-dry electrical discharge machining processes
Authors: Boopathi Sampath
Published: September 2021

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is very essential unconventional electro-thermal machining process to machine the contour profile of hard materials in modern production industries. The liquid dielectric fluid has been replaced by the gas and minimum quantity of liquid mixed with gas (gas-mist) to encourage the green machining processes. The various gases and gas-mist have been used as the working fluid in dry and near-dry EDM respectively. The research-contextual, various dielectric fluids, sustainable and innovative developments, process parameters, machining characteristics, and optimization techniques applied in various dry and near-dry EDM have been illustrated through an extensive literature survey. Future research opportunities in both dry and near-dry EDM have been summarized to promote eco-friendly EDM research activities.