bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental DNA as a detection and quantitative tool for stream‐dwelling salamanders: A comparison with the traditional active search method
Authors: Plante Félix , Bourgault Patrice , Dubois Yohann , Bernatchez Louis
Published: August 2021

As amphibians are showing significant signs of decline, adequate information and understanding of target species are essential for taking appropriate conservation measures. In recent years, environmental DNA has seen notable growth as a monitoring tool and testing this emergent method with various species has become an important step toward a better understanding of its benefits and limits for studying specific taxa. This study focused on using species‐specific qPCR assays developed in our research group to test the eDNA method for three stream‐dwelling salamander species of the Plethodontidae family: the Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), the Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus), and the Northern two‐lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata). The traditional active search method and the eDNA method were compared for both their ability to detect species as well as to provide a quantitative assessment of populations in 24 headwater streams in Québec, eastern Canada. For all three species, eDNA was detected in every stream where the target species was observed during the active search method. Moreover, eDNA was detected in nine streams where the target species was not identified with the active search. A marginally significant association was found between eDNA concentration and salamander density for D. fuscus only. All species showed high variability for eDNA concentration between qPCR technical replicates and between samples of a given stream. The results of this study lead us to conclude that eDNA can be an excellent method for detection of stream‐dwelling salamanders. Given the inconsistent quantitative aspect of eDNA with the studied species, the future of these stream‐dwelling salamander monitoring most likely lies in the combined use of both eDNA and active search methods. Hence, active search could continue to offer useful small‐scale detection and reliable quantitative data while eDNA could be implemented as an efficient and promising tool for large‐scale detection.
Ambulatory intravenous furosemide for decompensated heart failure: safe, feasible, and effective
Authors: Ahmed Fozia Z. , Taylor Joanne K. , John Anju V. , Khan Muhammad A. , Zaidi Amir M. , Mamas Mamas A. , Motwani Manish , Cunnington Colin
Published: August 2021

Aims

This study aims to establish the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment for the management of decompensated heart failure (HF) for patients enrolled in the HeartFailure@Home service.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed the clinical episodes of decompensated HF for patients enrolled in the HeartFailure@Home service, managed by ambulatory IV diuretic treatment either at home or on a day‐case unit. A control group consisting of HF patients admitted to hospital for IV diuretics (standard‐of‐care) was also evaluated. In total, 203 episodes of decompensated HF (n = 154 patients) were evaluated. One hundred and fourteen episodes in 79 patients were managed exclusively by the ambulatory IV diuretic service—78 (68.4%) on a day‐case unit and 36 (31.6%) domiciliary; 84.1% of patient episodes under the HF@Home service were successfully managed entirely in an out‐patient setting without hospitalization. Eleven patients required admission in order to administer higher doses of IV diuretics than could be provided in the ambulatory setting. During follow‐up, there were 20 (17.5%) 30 day re‐admissions with HF or death in the ambulatory IV group and 29 (32.6%) in the standard‐of‐care arm (P = 0.02). There was no difference in 30 day HF readmissions between the two groups (14.9% ambulatory vs. 13.5% inpatients, P = 0.8), but 30 day mortality was significantly lower in the ambulatory group (3.5% vs. 21.3% inpatients, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Outpatient ambulatory management of decompensated HF with IV diuretics given either on a day case unit or in a domiciliary setting is feasible, safe, and effective in selected patients with decompensated HF. This should be explored further as a model in delivering HF services in the outpatient setting during COVID‐19.
When NO. Is not Enough: Chemical Systems, Advances and Challenges in the Development of NO. and HNO Donors for Old and Current Medical Issues
Authors: Muniz Carvalho Edinilton , Silva Sousa Eduardo Henrique , Bernardes‐Génisson Vania , Gonzaga de França Lopes Luiz
Published: August 2021

Nitric oxide (NO.) has been widely studied as an active agent of many physiological and pathological processes. Currently, NO. divides attention with its sibling molecule, nitroxyl (HNO), mainly due to their differences in physiological responses broadening their applications. In order for NO. and HNO to have their multiple biological effects, they must reach quite specific concentrations in the body. This key issue makes it essential to develop strategies for delivering these molecules in a controlled and selective manner. The wide range of activities of these compounds along with smart strategies in the development of NO./HNO donors have made them a hot spot. There are some NO. donor strategies in clinical use and also others in clinical trial, while HNO donors are further behind, illustrating the opportunities to come. Along these lines, we reviewed some current exciting NO. and HNO donor species, including organic‐ and inorganic‐based compounds, as well as nanomaterial platforms and NO. donor devices. This update may provide an overview of the systems currently available and how far we have come to meet multiple pharmacological needs.
Copper(II)‐Assisted Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation: An Insight
Authors: Mounika Siripurapu , Krishnaveni Valle , Dmello Marilyn Esclance , Kalidindi Suresh Babu
Published: August 2021

Amine boranes are in limelight in recent times as they have been considered as one of the potential candidates for on‐board hydrogen storage. Among various amine boranes, Ammonia borane (AB, 19.6 wt % H) with hydridic (B−H) and protic (N−H) hydrogens on adjacent atoms is the most studied molecule. From the past decade, as the chemists try to develop effective catalysts for the release of hydrogen from AB, simultaneously new interesting chemistry of AB has been evolved. These studies increased the scope of AB for other applications such as in the synthesis of nanoparticles, as transfer hydrogenation agent, in organic synthesis, etc. Here we focus on Cu2+‐AB system in water and organic solvents (THF/diglyme) to unveil new chemistry. CuCl2 readily reacted with AB in both media to generate H2 and Cu2+ was reduced to Cu(0) when AB is present in excess. We got an insight into these reactions by carrying out reactions for various Cu2+/AB mole ratios and characterizing the reaction mixtures with 11B NMR spectroscopy. The copper products were identified by powder X‐ray diffraction technique. We noticed the formation of CuH and CuCl intermediates upon B−H bond scission by Cu2+.
Electrochemical Direct Thiolation of Lactams with Mercaptans: An Efficient Access to N‐Acylsulfenamides
Authors: Wei Zhaoxin , Wang Renjie , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Bin , Xia Yu , Abdukader Ablimit , Xue Fei , Jin Weiwei , Liu Chenjiang
Published: August 2021

An efficient and eco‐friendly electrochemical methodology for the oxidative cross coupling hydrogen evolution (CCHE) reactions of lactams with thiols is presented. Various electron deficient N‐acylsulfenamides are smoothly produced in modest to excellent yields without using any external oxidant. Elementary mechanistic insight supports a possible free radical process and hydrogen is the only side product. This approach provides a safe, convenient, and economical preparation of synthetically important N‐thiophthalimides on a gram scale.
Ferroic alternation in methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite
Authors: Qin Shengjian , Yi Shenghui , Xu Yanqing , Mi Zhou , Zhao Jinjin , Tian Xiaobao , Guo Huajun , Jiao Yinan , Zhang Guanglei , Lu Jian
Published: August 2021

Methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite has attracted broad interest for solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and so forth. Experiments have captured that the alternative coexistence of polar and nonpolar domains in MAPbI3 can be switched by photons and phonons. Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the interplay among the crystal space group, polarity, ferroic properties, and switching mechanisms for MAPbI3. Herein, we perform a statistical synthesis on ferroelectric and anti‐ferroelectric features for tetragonal MAPbI3 perovskite. The polar and nonpolar domains are ferroelectric with the I4cm space group and anti‐ferroelectric with the I4/mcm space group, respectively. The domain wall (DW) separating nonpolar and polar regions is charged. Combining the effects of the electric properties of ferroic domains and the charged DWs, novel switching mechanisms are proposed in which photons and phonons drive alternations between ferroelectric and anti‐ferroelectric domains, which provide a reasonable approach to clarify the ambiguous understanding of ferroic behavior for MAPbI3 perovskite.

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In‐depth exploration into China's industrial park air monitoring market
Authors: Zhang Weimin , Zhang Mengying
Published: August 2021

In different regions of China that can range from 5 to 100 km2, various production plants and facilities such as petrochemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, paper mills, thermal power plants, hazardous waste disposal sites makes chemical industrial parks with Chinese characteristics. At the same time, these chemical industry parks in various places are in urgent need of advanced monitoring, prewarning, and tracing technologies, in order to strengthen monitoring of atmospheric emissions in chemical industrial parks, and timely prevention of the leakage of exhaust gas and explosion accidents in the production process of these enterprises. Most of the Chinese chemical industry parks still use traditional air monitoring technologies that requires setting up passive air monitoring collection points at the boundary of enterprises and industrial parks and use the “point” sensor and pollution factors collected by air stations. However, the operation of traditional air monitoring equipment is affected by the prevailing wind conditions, thus the traditional air monitoring equipment and technology is of limited use to conduct monitoring. One of the authors of this manuscript, Weimin Zhang with Jiangsu China‐U.S. Environmental Monitoring Co. Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as EMCUS), with 10 years of has been testing and observing air diffusion law in chemical industrial parks for 10 years and has achieved fruitful success. The best way to truly achieve tracing and prewarning about the air pollution is to conduct timely three‐dimensional dynamic collection of chemical factors and then perform qualitative and quantitative analysis. Based on this theory, EMCUS has abandoned the traditional “point” passive monitoring theories. After a comprehensive analysis and comparison of air quality monitoring technology and equipment around the world, especially several investigations of advanced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) equipment and software in the United States, EMCUS initiated the three‐dimensional monitoring technology for exhaust gas emissions which fully combined with the current situations of chemical industry parks. During the EcoPartnership project, the stepwise vertical and radial air monitoring technology was fully promoted in Chinese chemical industry parks to generate key emission data.
Model updating method for hybrid simulation based on global sensitivity analysis
Authors: Zhong Weipeng , Chen Zaixian
Published: August 2021

The hybrid simulation (HS) is a cost‐effective and promising method for investigating the seismic performance of structures. This paper proposes a model updating method for HS to improve incomplete boundary conditions and model error, and develops criteria to select the updated parameters. First, an actual HS model updating is conducted to verify the effectiveness of uniform design as a parameter estimation method. This experiment shows that parameter sensitivity has a significant relationship with the update effect. Then, the Sobol global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method is applied to the HS model updating to obtain the sensitivity indices of parameters that change with time, which provides a sound basis for parameter selection and the determination of the search range. Following this, a whole‐structure module for dynamic time history analysis is proposed to improve the boundary conditions, simplify the implementation, and refine the numerical models. The errors in six boundary conditions of the traditional HS are then analyzed. The proposed method of model updating based on GSA is then obtained by integrating the above ideas. In the case of multiple inputs of ground motion, four strategies are developed to verify the effectiveness of the method. The results of a total of 216 numerical cases under different working conditions show that the proposed method can improve the accuracy of HSs and the identified parameters.
Effects of using phase change material and non‐Newtonian power law nanofluid on different sides of a double pipe heat exchanger for phase change dynamics and energy performance improvements
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih , Öztop Hakan F.
Published: August 2021

In this study, the effects of using phase change material (PCM) and non‐Newtonian power law (PL) fluid on the performance features of a double pipe heat exchanger were numerically assessed with finite element technique. PCM and PL fluid were used in different sides of the heat exchanger while impacts of cold side fluid Re number, nanoparticles loading amount, and PL index of fluid on the dynamics characteristics of phase change process, and thermal performance were examined. There is a reduction of 71.5% in the full phase transition time (td) when cases with Re = 100 and Re = 300 are compared while cold fluid exit temperature rises by about 5.8 K with PCM‐installed heat exchanger as compared to non‐PCM configuration at Re = 300. As cases with different PL indices (n) between n = 0.8 and n = 1.2 are compared, the value of td rises by about 34%. For different nanoparticle loading, variation of td depends upon the PL index and its value rises with higher n at the highest solid volume fraction. The particle size has also impacts on the variation of td and exit temperatures which is more pronounced for power n values. A polynomial regression model is used for the estimation of td.
Myricetin: A comprehensive review on its biological potentials
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Hussain Ghulam , Imran Ali , Mehmood Zaffar , Gondal Tanweer Aslam , El‐Ghorab Ahmed , Ahmad Ishtiaque , Pezzani Raffaele , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Bacha Umar , Shariarti Mohammad Ali , Rauf Abdur , Muhammad Naveed , Shah Zafar Ali , Zengin Gokhan , Islam Saiful
Published: August 2021

Myricetin is a critical nutritive component of diet providing immunological protection and beneficial for maintaining good health. It is found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. The families Myricaceae, Polygonaceae, Primulaceae, Pinaceae, and Anacardiaceae are the richest sources of myricetin. Different researchers explored the therapeutic potential of this valuable constituent such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, cardiovascular protection, osteoporosis protection, anti‐inflammatory, and hepatoprotective. In addition to these, the compound has been tested for cancer and diabetic mellitus during clinical trials. Health benefits of myricetin are related to its impact on different cell processes, such as apoptosis, glycolysis, cell cycle, energy balance, lipid level, serum protein concentrations, and osteoclastogenesis. This review explored the potential health benefits of myricetin with a specific emphasis on its mechanism of action, considering the most updated and novel findings in the field.
Cretaceous growth strata in terrigenous basins in the East Yangtze Block: A response to Early Cretaceous extension in Southeast China
Authors: Yu Xinqi , Hu Jun , Peng Fangsheng , He Yu , Meng Linghui
Published: August 2021

Cretaceous syntectonic growth strata in terrigenous basins in Southeast China have scarcely been reported in previous studies. This work focusses on the growth strata of the Early Cretaceous red beds in the East Yangtze Block (EYB), especially in the Huangshan Basin in southern Anhui Province, to help determine the Late Mesozoic tectonic domain and the precise timing of the initiation of extensional tectonics in Southeast China. Field observations show that the dip angles of the red conglomerate‐bearing sandstones from the lower part of the Huizhou Fm. vary from 49° to gentle dips towards the basin centre and that the visible and estimated thickness within a single bed increases slightly downward from the upper to the lower part. These characteristics indicate that the sedimentary area of the Early Cretaceous Huizhou Formation (Fm.) has undergone an extensional process with the expansion and deepening of the sedimentary basin by rotation of the border surface (limb) and thus deposited the extension growth strata simultaneously with (or closely after) the 139 Ma Shiling volcanic activity. Caused by a NW‐SE‐oriented extensional stress field since ca. 140 Ma, a model in which NE‐SW‐oriented tectonic lines transform to E‐W‐trending tectono‐magmatic belts by intersecting and inheriting the previous E‐W‐trending tectonic fabrics is established in the present work. Consequently, these phenomena are influenced by Palaeo‐Pacific Plate rollback and the inheritance of a structural framework from the regional basement strata and deformation series.
Risk factors for excess deaths during lockdown among older users of secondary care mental health services without confirmed COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Shanquan , Jones Peter B. , Underwood Benjamin R. , Fernandez‐Egea Emilio , Qin Pei , Lewis Jonathan R. , Cardinal Rudolf N.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate factors contributing to excess deaths of older patients during the initial 2020 lockdown beyond those attributable to confirmed COVID‐19.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study comparing patients treated between 23 March 2020 and 14 June 2020, deemed exposed to the pandemic/lockdown, to patients treated between 18 December 2019 and 10 March 2020, deemed to be unexposed. Data came from electronic clinical records from secondary care mental health services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), UK (catchment area population ∼0.86 million). Eligible patients were aged 65 years or over at baseline with at least 14 days' follow‐up, excluding patients diagnosed with confirmed or suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality.

Findings

In the two cohorts, 3,073 subjects were exposed to lockdown and 4,372 subjects were unexposed; the cohorts were followed up for an average of 74 and 78 days, respectively. After controlling for confounding by sociodemographic factors, smoking status, mental comorbidities, and physical comorbidities, patients with dementia suffered an additional 53% risk of death (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.02–2.31), and patients with severe mental illness suffered an additional 123% risk of death (HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.42–3.49). No significant additional mortality risks were identified from physical comorbidities, potentially due to low statistical power in that respect.

Conclusion

During lockdown people with dementia or severe mental illness had a higher risk of death without confirmed COVID‐19. These data could inform future health service responses and policymaking to help prevent avoidable excess death during future outbreaks of this or a similar infectious disease.
Child health, human capital, and adult financial behavior
Authors: Luik Marc‐André , Guha Thakurta Amelia , Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: August 2021

This paper provides novel evidence that child health affects adult financial behavior, that is, risky asset market participation. We do so by using a longitudinal dataset with a rich set of covariates and exploit sibling fixed‐effects (FE) to control for invariant unobserved heterogeneity. We begin by proposing a new mechanism working via skill formation and portfolio choice. To be precise, we test two hypotheses. First, we expect a negative correlation between poor child health and risky asset market participation. Second, this correlation should be mostly explained by differences in skills. To test these hypotheses, we use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 (NLSY79). Our results show that poor child health is associated with an 11 pp decrease in adult risky market participation conditional on demographics and family background. Moreover, our results suggest that disruption in pre‐labor market skill formation is a main mediator of this relationship. These results are robust to a wide range of robustness checks. Our findings have implications for the design of health policies and policies intended to increase financial literacy and asset market participation.
Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: Experience from a multicenter national group with 412 patients
Authors: Lira Renan Bezerra , De Cicco Rafael , Rangel Leonardo Guimarães , Bertelli Antônio Augusto , Duque Silva Guilherme , de Medeiros Vanderlei Joao Paulo , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: August 2021

Background

Well‐established conventional thyroidectomy has satisfactory outcomes; however, robotic and endoscopic thyroid surgery can avoid visible anterior neck scars. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is the most recent of these techniques.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 412 patients who underwent TOETVA from 2017 to 2020 in 13 Brazilian centers.

Results

The study included 359 (87.1%) females and 53 (12.9%) males, with a mean age of 40 years. There were 231 (56.1%) total thyroidectomies. The conversion rate was 0.7%. The transient vocal cord palsy rate was 7.6% (30 patients). Temporary and persistent hypocalcemia rates were 4.0% and 0.8%, respectively. There were two cases of infection (0.5%).

Discussion

This is a large multi‐institute TOETVA study, with one of the largest cohorts published to date that; despite its retrospective nature and selection bias, reached outcomes comparable to previously reported series, this study reinforced safeness, feasibility, and nationwide reproducibility for this technique.
Addressing conflicts of interest of ethical reviewers of health planning, management, policy and systems research proposals
Authors: Manguele Alexandre , Sidat Mohsin , IJsselmuiden Carel , Ferrinho Paulo
Published: August 2021

Steering health systems towards universal health coverage requires research on themes that are of particular interest to health planning, management, policy and systems researchers. Some issues, such as strikes regarded as illegal and health sector corruption, because of their social and political sensitivity have, for too long, remained outside adequate research inquiry. Their emergence in the research agenda raises some challenges for Human Research Ethics Committees, particularly related to their conflicts of interests as reviewers, that need clarification.
Examining the implementation of the Linda Mama free maternity program in Kenya
Authors: Orangi Stacey , Kairu Angela , Ondera Joanne , Mbuthia Boniface , Koduah Augustina , Oyugi Boniface , Ravishankar Nirmala , Barasa Edwine
Published: August 2021

Background

In 2013, Kenya introduced a free maternity policy in all public healthcare facilities. In 2016, the Ministry of Health shifted responsibility for the program, now called Linda Mama, to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and expanded access beyond public sector. This study aimed to examine the implementation of the Linda Mama program.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study at the national level and in 20 purposively sampled facilities across five counties in Kenya. We collected data using in‐depth interviews (n = 104), administered patient‐exit questionnaires (n = 108), and carried out document reviews. Qualitative data were analysed using a framework approach while quantitative data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Linda Mama was designed and resulted in improved accountability and expand benefits. In practice however, beneficiaries did not access some services that were part of the revised benefit package. Second, out of pocket payments were still being incurred by beneficiaries. Health facilities in most counties had lost financial autonomy and had no access to reimbursements from NHIF for services provided; but those with financial autonomy were able to boost facility revenue and enhance service delivery. Further, fund disbursements from NHIF were characterised by delays and unpredictability. Implementation experiences reveal that there was inadequate communication, claim processing challenges and reimbursement rates were deemed insufficient.

Conclusions

Our findings show that there are challenges associated with the implementation of the Linda Mama program and highlights the need for process evaluations for programs to track implementation, ensure continuous learning, and provide opportunities for course correcting programs' implementation.
Association of metformin use on metabolic acidosis in diabetic patients with chronic hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis and renal impairment
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Chan Raymond Ngai Chiu , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Tse Yee‐Kit , Liang Lilian Yan , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Zhang Xinrong , Li Guan‐Lin , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

Metformin is an oral anti‐hyperglycemic recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as a preferred initial pharmacologic agent for type 2 diabetes. Metabolic acidosis is a rare yet severe side effect of it. We examined the association of metformin use and dosage on the risk of metabolic acidosis in diabetic patients with different degrees of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐related cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Metabolic acidosis was defined by blood pH ≤7.35, together with lactate >5 mmol/L or arterial bicarbonate ≤18 mmol/L or venous bicarbonate ≤21 mmol/L, and/or diagnosis codes. Child‐Pugh class and CKD stage were included in the model as time‐dependent covariates. Age, gender, comorbidities, and use of relevant medications were adjusted as covariates. Maximum daily dose of metformin was classified into ≤1000 mg and >1000 mg.

Results

We identified 4431 diabetic patients with CHB‐related cirrhosis between 2000 and 2017 from a territory‐wide database in Hong Kong. The risk of metabolic acidosis increased with Child‐Pugh class B and C cirrhosis regardless of CKD stage (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR] ranged from 3.50 to 86.16). Metformin use was associated with a higher risk in patients with Child‐Pugh class B or C cirrhosis and stage 3A CKD or above (aSHR ranged from 1.55 to 2.46). In stage 4/5 CKD, a daily dose of metformin ≤1000 mg was still associated with a higher risk of metabolic acidosis regardless of the severity of cirrhosis (aSHR ranged from 2.45 to 3.92).

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with Child‐Pugh class B cirrhosis or above were at a higher risk of metabolic acidosis. Metformin further increased the risk in patients with Child‐Pugh class B cirrhosis or above and stage 3A CKD or above. Dose adjustment in stage 4/5 CKD did not reduce the risk of metabolic acidosis.
Comparison of platelet‐rich fibrin with zinc oxide eugenol in the relief of pain in alveolar osteitis
Authors: Reeshma Satheesh , Dain Chacko Pearl
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Alveolar osteitis (AO) is the most common painful post‐operative complication after tooth extraction. The common modalities used in the management of AO are lavage, placement of medicated dressings, analgesics, and antibiotics. The present study was undertaken to compare platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) for pain relief in AO.

Methods

All cases meeting the eligibility criteria received two different treatment modalities over a span of 18 months. At the analysis stage, the final sample size comprised 70 patients, with 35 patients appropriated in each group. Group A patients received ZOE and Group B received PRF. Pain scores were measured on “1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th” days based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and compared in both groups of patients. The collected data were analyzed using the chi‐square test, t test, and Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

In patients treated with ZOE dressing, the average VAS scores observed were 7.4 ± 1.5, 5.1 ± 1.1, 3.4 ± 0.9, and 2.1 ± 0.7, respectively, on the “1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th” follow‐up days. In patients treated with PRF, the average VAS score observed were 4.1 ± 1.2, 2.6 ± 0.9, 1.7 ± 0.9, and 0.8 ± 0.8 respectively.

Conclusion

Both ZOE and PRF were effective in pain control during the follow‐up period. However, the pain intensity measured as a pain score using VAS was, lower in the PRF group than in the ZOE group on all follow‐up days.
He Tapu Te Whare Tangata (sacred house of humanity): Under‐screened Māori women talk about HPV self‐testing cervical screening clinical pathways
Authors: Adcock Anna , Stevenson Kendall , Cram Fiona , MacDonald Evelyn Jane , Geller Stacie , Hermens Jordanna , Lawton Beverley
Published: August 2021

Objective

To develop an in‐depth understanding of HPV self‐testing cervical screening clinical pathways for never‐/under‐screened Māori women.

Methods

Based on a community‐based cluster randomized controlled trial in Aotearoa (New Zealand), a Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) qualitative study enrolled Māori women who met the eligibility criteria of the HPV trial intervention (aged 25–69 years, no screen in >4 years). In total, 28 were recruited (22 had a negative test, six had a positive test and colposcopy). They were asked about their clinical pathway.

Results

The HPV self‐test was seen as empowering and promoting bodily autonomy, although some women expressed fears or misconceptions about this new technology. While those with a negative test were relieved, for the six women who had a positive test, there were many fears, compounded by seeking out information on the Internet. When attending colposcopy, the importance of support and responsive care was emphasized.

Conclusion

HPV self‐testing has the potential to improve access to cervical screening and reduce inequities for Māori. Care must be taken in the delivery of screening and colposcopy results. Primary care and colposcopy services need to take special care with never‐/under‐screened Māori women to provide sensitive, responsive care, and mitigate trauma.
Acanthoscurria gomesiana spider‐derived synthetic mygalin in the dorsal raphe nucleus modulates acute and chronic pain
Authors: Medeiros Ana C. , Medeiros Priscila , de Freitas Renato L. , da Silva Júnior Pedro Ismael , Coimbra Norberto C. , dos Santos Wagner F.
Published: August 2021

Mygalin, a diacylspermidine that is naturally found in the hemolymph of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana, is of interest for development as a potential analgesic. Previous studies have shown that acylpolyamines modulate glutamatergic receptors with the potential to alter pain pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mygalin on acute and chronic pain in rodents. For evaluation of acute pain, Wistar rats were subjected to tail‐flick and hot‐plate nociceptive tests. For the evaluation of chronic neuropathic pain, a partial ligation of the sciatic nerve was performed and, 21 days later, animals were examined in hot‐plate, tail‐flick, acetone, and von Frey tests. Either Mygalin or vehicle was microinjected in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) before the tests. Another group was pretreated with selective antagonists of glutamate receptors (LY 235959, MK‐801, CNQX, and NBQX). Mygalin decreases nociceptive thresholds on both acute and chronic neuropathic pain models in all the tests performed. The lowest dose of mygalin yielded the most effective nociception, showing an increase of 63% of the nociceptive threshold of animals with neuropathic chronic pain. In conclusion, mygalin microinjection in the DRN results in antinociceptive effect in models of neuropathic pain, suggesting that acylpolyamines and their derivatives, such as this diacylspermidine, could be pursued for the treatment of neuropathic pain and development of selective analgesics.
MiRNA‐Wnt signaling regulatory network in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jafarzadeh Meisam , Soltani Bahram M.
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common malignancies worldwide and the Wnt signaling pathway is recognized as the main disrupted pathway in this malignancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized to contribute to the pathogenesis of CRC by triggering or impeding the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, transcriptional regulation of miRNAs by canonical Wnt signaling also participates in CRC cell progression. In this review, we present comprehensive literature of the existing data on the interaction of miRNAs and Wnt signaling that could be useful in future studies in the field of CRC management.
An improved Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck ion channel model and numerical studies on effects of boundary conditions, membrane charges, and bulk concentrations
Authors: Chao Zhen , Xie Dexuan
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an improved Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck ion channel (PNPic) model is presented, along with its effective finite element solver and software package for an ion channel protein in a solution of multiple ionic species. Numerical studies are then done on the effects of boundary value conditions, membrane charges, and bulk concentrations on electrostatics and ionic concentrations for an ion channel protein, a gramicidin A (gA), and five different ionic solvents with up to four species. Numerical results indicate that the cation selectivity property of gA occurs within a central portion of ion channel pore, insensitively to any change of boundary value condition, membrane charge, or bulk concentration. Moreover, a numerical scheme for computing the electric currents induced by ion transports across membrane via an ion channel pore is presented and implemented as a part of the PNPic finite element package. It is then applied to the calculation of current–voltage curves, well validating the PNPic model and finite element package by electric current experimental data.
Quantifying the Pharmacodynamics of Morphine in the Treatment of Postoperative Pain in Preverbal Children
Authors: Goulooze Sebastiaan C. , de Kluis Tirsa , van Dijk Monique , Ceelie Ilse , de Wildt Saskia N. , Tibboel Dick , Krekels Elke H.J. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J.
Published: August 2021

While the pharmacokinetics of morphine in children have been studied extensively, little is known about the pharmacodynamics of morphine in this population. Here, we quantified the concentration‐effect relationship of morphine for postoperative pain in preverbal children between 0 and 3 years of age. For this, we applied item response theory modeling in the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of COMFORT‐Behavior (COMFORT‐B) scale data from 2 previous clinical studies. In the model, we identified a sigmoid maximal efficacy model for the effect of morphine and found that in 26% of children, increasing morphine concentrations were not associated with lower pain scores (nonresponders to morphine up‐titration). In responders to morphine up‐titration, the COMFORT‐B score slowly decreases with increasing morphine concentrations at morphine concentrations >20 ng/mL. In nonresponding children, no decrease in COMFORT‐B score is expected. In general, lower baseline COMFORT‐B scores (2.1 points on average) in younger children (postnatal age <10.3 days) were found. Based on the model, we conclude that the percentage of children at a desirable COMFORT‐B score is maximized at a morphine concentration between 5 and 30 ng/mL for children aged <10 days, and between 5 and 40 ng/mL for children >10 days. These findings support a dosing regimen previously suggested by Krekels et al, which would put >95% of patients within this morphine target concentration range at steady state. Our modeling approach provides a promising platform for pharmacodynamic research of analgesics and sedatives in children.
Teaching pediatric behavior management in student dentists with constructive video feedback from faculty
Authors: Hu Shijia , Mok Betty Yuen Yue , Tok Wee Wah , Wong Mun Loke , Hong Catherine Hsu Ling
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The range of child behaviors encountered in real‐life situations far exceeds that of any classroom‐based simulated scenarios. For such reasons, clinical training with real‐time clinical supervisor's feedback is optimal for learner‐centricity. This study aimed to objectively evaluate the effect of video feedback on the student dentist's ability to manage behaviors in children.

Methods

Third‐year dental student volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups: control and intervention. They were video recorded for three pediatric dental treatment sessions and received standard feedback for all sessions. Additionally, the intervention group received two constructive 1‐on‐1 feedback sessions after the first and second video sessions. Students’ application of behavior management techniques for all recorded treatment sessions was scored with a study‐specific objective scale (maximum score: 20; larger score indicating better performance) by two independent and blinded evaluators. A self‐administered student questionnaire elicited subjective feedback on the intervention.

Results

There was a significant difference (p = 0.008) between behavior management scores when comparing all pre‐intervention sessions (10.74 ± 3.55) and all post‐intervention sessions (13.57 ± 2.96). The intervention significantly improved these techniques: 1. Providing specific feedback – positive reinforcement and descriptive praise (p = 0.006) and 2. Distraction – Using imagination with stories and singing (p = 0.035). The feedback sessions (4.29 ± 0.54) were perceived to be significantly (p = 0.032) more effective than having the students view the videos on their own (3.76 ± 0.87).

Conclusion

Video feedback improved the behavior management scores of student dentists. The faculty feedback sessions were found by student dentists to improve confidence and the techniques for managing children.
Colossoma macropomum—A tropical fish model for biology and aquaculture
Authors: Val Adalberto L. , de Oliveira Alzira M.
Published: August 2021

Tambaqui, a species native to the Amazon and Orinoco Basins and their tributaries, has a history marked by biological resilience that makes this species a model for studies focused on ecology, physiology, and fish farming. In addition, it is of economic interest, due to its favorable characteristics for production in farms and its unique flavor. As the tambaqui responds in a unique way to several environmental disturbances of natural origin, the species is often used in environmental studies. Some of these studies have been revisited in this review. We revised aspects related to its natural history, habitats and geographic distribution, physiological and biochemical adaptations, and zootechnical performance. The extraordinary adaptation of the tambaqui is the fast expansion of its lower lip when exposed to low oxygen availability that is improved simultaneously with other adjustments. The resilience of this species to significant alterations in water pH is also surprising, and is incomparable with that of other species, as only when it is exposed to pH 3.5, does the tambaqui begin to present physiological‐biochemical disturbances. The analysis of the gene expression of tambaqui specimens under different experimental conditions has shed light on the adaptive mechanisms used by this unique Amazonian species. In this sense, this review sought to gather information regarding the tambaqui, and its many biological features employed to survive environmental challenges.
New practical scoring system to predict post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: Development and validation
Authors: Fujita Koichi , Yazumi Shujiro , Uza Norimitsu , Kurita Akira , Asada Masanori , Kodama Yuzo , Goto Masashi , Katayama Toshiro , Anami Takahiro , Watanabe Akihiko , Sugahara Atsushi , Mukai Hidekazu , Kawamura Takashi
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most serious adverse event of ERCP. Therefore, it is important to identify high‐risk patients who require prophylactic measures. The aim of this study was to develop a practical prediction model for PEP that identifies high‐risk patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent ERCP at three tertiary hospitals between April 2010 and September 2012 were enrolled. The dataset was divided into a training set (two centers) and validation set (one center). Using the training set, univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for PEP. We constructed a scoring system and evaluated reproducibility using the validation set.

Results

A total of 2719 ERCPs were analyzed. PEP developed in 133 cases (4.9%). Risk factors (adjusted odds ratios [OR]) in the training set were a history of PEP (OR: 4.2), intact papilla (OR: 2.4), difficult cannulation (OR: 1.9), pancreatic guidewire‐assisted biliary cannulation (OR: 2.2), pancreatic injection (OR: 2.1), pancreatic intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS)/sampling from the pancreatic duct (OR: 2.2), and biliary IDUS/sampling from the biliary tract (OR: 2.8). A scoring system was constructed using these seven clinical variables. The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of this model were 0.799 in the training set and 0.791 in the validation set. In the high‐risk group at a score of 3 or higher, the incidence of PEP was 13.4%, and all severe/fatal cases were in the high‐risk group.

Conclusions

This scoring system helps to predict each patient's risk and select preventive measures.
Biases in low‐information environments: Understanding for‐profit and non‐profit salary differentials in Haiti
Authors: DeMattee Anthony J. , Rutherford Alasdair C.
Published: August 2021

The Global South contains low‐information environments that impose information search costs on organisations. We compare explanations for how employers make decisions in these environments. To do so, we analyse salaries collected from employers in Haiti, including local and international non‐profits and domestic and foreign businesses. Although preliminary findings suggest that international non‐governmental organisations pay above‐market salaries, accounting for alternative explanations from behavioural economics causes the organisational form's importance to dissipate. We find that anchoring and framing mechanisms separately influence decision‐making. These findings direct us to focus more on the actions and tools managers use to make decisions in low‐information environments.
An improved functional assay in blood spot to diagnose Barth syndrome using the monolysocardiolipin/cardiolipin ratio
Authors: Vaz Frédéric M. , van Lenthe Henk , Vervaart Martin A. T. , Stet Femke S. , Klinkspoor Johanne H. , Vernon Hilary J. , Goorden Susan M. I. , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Kulik Willem , Wanders Ronald J. A.
Published: August 2021

Barth syndrome is an X‐linked disorder characterized by cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, and neutropenia, caused by deleterious variants in TAFAZZIN. This gene encodes a phospholipid‐lysophospholipid transacylase that is required for the remodeling of the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin (CL). Biochemically, individuals with Barth syndrome have a deficiency of mature CL and accumulation of the remodeling intermediate monolysocardiolipin (MLCL). Diagnosis typically relies on mass spectrometric measurement of CL and MLCL in cells or tissues, and we previously described a method in blood spot that uses a specific MLCL/CL ratio as diagnostic biomarker. Here, we describe the evolution of our blood spot assay that is based on the implementation of reversed phase‐UHPLC separation followed by full scan high resolution mass spectrometry. In addition to the MLCL/CL ratio, our improved method also generates a complete CL spectrum allowing the interrogation of the CL fatty acid composition, which considerably enhances the diagnostic reliability. This addition negates the need for a confirmatory test in lymphocytes thereby providing a shorter turn‐around‐time while achieving a more certain test result. As one of the few laboratories that offer this assay, we also evaluated the diagnostic yield and performance from 2006 to 2021 encompassing the use of both the original and improved assay. In this period, we performed 796 diagnostic analyses of which 117 (15%) were characteristic of Barth syndrome. In total, we diagnosed 93 unique individuals with Barth syndrome, including three females, which together amounts to about 40% of all reported individuals with Barth syndrome in the world.
Evaluating N‐difluoromethyltriazolium triflate as a precursor for the synthesis of high molar activity [18F]fluoroform
Authors: Pees Anna , Vosjan Maria J. W. D. , Chai Jin Young , Cha Hyojin , Chi Dae Yoon , Windhorst Albert D. , Vugts Danielle J.
Published: August 2021

The trifluoromethyl group is a prominent motif in biologically active compounds and therefore of great interest for the labeling with the positron emitter fluorine‐18 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Multiple labeling strategies have been explored in the past; however, most of them suffer from low molar activity due to precursor degradation. In this study, the potential of 1‐(difluoromethyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐3‐ium triflate as precursor for the synthesis of the [18F]trifluoromethylation building block [18F]fluoroform with high molar activity was investigated. The triazolium precursor was reacted under various conditions with [18F]fluoride, providing [18F]fluoroform with radiochemical yields (RCY) and molar activities (Am) comparable and even superior with already existing methods. Highest molar activities (Am = 153 ± 14 GBq/μmol, dc, EOS) were observed for the automated procedure on the Neptis® perform module. Due to its easy handling and good RCY and Am in the [18F]fluoroform synthesis, the triazolium precursor is a valuable alternative to already known precursors.