bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tacrolimus time‐in‐therapeutic range is associated with freedom from acute rejection and graft failure following intestinal transplantation
Authors: Santeusanio Andrew D. , Gu Alan , Weinberg Alan D. , Moon Jang , Iyer Kishore R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Trough‐adjusted tacrolimus is commonly prescribed following intestinal transplantation to prevent allograft rejection. Despite established practice, there remains limited direct evidence linking tacrolimus levels with improved clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a single‐center review of all adult non‐liver containing intestinal allograft recipients from 2011 to 2018. Patients received lymphocyte depleting induction and maintenance immunosuppression consisting of tacrolimus and a corticosteroid taper. Tacrolimus time‐in‐therapeutic range (TAC‐TTR) was calculated for all patients from the date of transplant until 1‐year post‐transplant using Rosendaal's method. Cox‐Proportional hazards modeling was utilized to assess freedom from acute rejection and graft failure stratified by TAC‐TTR quartile.

Results

47 patients were included in the review. Mean TAC‐TTR for the cohort was 30.2% ± 11.4. Fifteen episodes of acute rejection were observed, 8 of which were severe. Patients in the highest TAC‐TTR quartile >36% had a lower incidence of acute rejection and graft failure relative to patients with a TAC‐TTR <20%. Cox‐Proportional hazards modeling found a 10% decrease in TAC‐TTR was associated with an increased hazard for acute rejection (2.03), severe acute rejection (2.19), and graft loss (3.33).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that decreasing TAC‐TTR is a risk factor for both acute rejection as well as intestinal allograft failure.
Mental health, neurodevelopmental, and family psychosocial profiles of children born very preterm at risk of an early‐onset anxiety disorder
Authors: Morris Alyssa R , Bora Samudragupta , Austin Nicola C , Woodward Lianne J
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare the mental health and neurodevelopmental profiles of school‐age children born very preterm, with and without an anxiety disorder, and to identify neonatal medical, psychosocial, and concurrent neurodevelopmental correlates.

Method

A regional cohort of 102 (51 males, 51 females) children born very preterm (mean [SD] gestation at birth=28wks [2], range=23–31wks) was studied from birth to age 9 years alongside a comparison group of 109 (58 males, 51 females) children born at term (mean [SD] gestation at birth=40wks [1], range=38–41wks). At age 9 years, all children underwent a neurodevelopmental evaluation while parents were interviewed using the Development and Well‐Being Assessment to diagnose a range of DSM‐IV childhood psychiatric disorders. Detailed information was also available about the children’s neonatal medical course and postnatal psychosocial environment, including maternal mental health and parenting.

Results

At age 9 years, 21% (n=21) of very preterm and 13% (n=14) of term‐born children met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Clinically‐anxious children born very preterm were characterized by higher rates of comorbid mental health (odds ratio [OR]=11.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.8–34.7), social (OR=6.2, 95% CI=2.1–18.4), motor (OR=4.4, 95% CI=1.6–12.2), and cognitive (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.0–7.0) problems than those without an anxiety disorder. Concurrent maternal mental health and child social difficulties were the strongest independent correlates of early‐onset child anxiety disorders.

Interpretation

Children born very preterm who developed an early‐onset anxiety disorder were subject to high rates of comorbid problems. Findings highlight the importance of addressing both maternal and child mental health issues to optimize outcomes in this high‐risk population.

What this paper adds

One out of five school‐age children born very preterm are likely to meet DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder.

Half of these children born very preterm with an early‐onset anxiety disorder have comorbid attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Other neurodevelopmental correlates of early‐onset anxiety disorders include lower cognitive ability, motor problems, and peer social difficulties.

Concurrent maternal mental health and child social adjustment problems were the strongest correlates of early‐onset anxiety disorder risk among children born very preterm.
The evolving role of echocardiography in the assessment of patent foramen ovale in patients with left‐side thromboembolism
Authors: Filomena Domenico , Cimino Sara , Maestrini Viviana , Monosilio Sara , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Vicenzini Edoardo , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco , Agati Luciano
Published: March 2021

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common congenital cardiac abnormality found approximately in 25% of the adult population The pathophysiological role of paradoxical embolization through the PFO in ischemic stroke is well established. “Self‐expanding double disk” and, more recently, suture‐based “deviceless” systems are used for PFO closure in the setting of secondary prevention after ischemic stroke likely related to paradoxical embolization. Ultrasound plays a significant role in PFO assessment, indication to treatment, intra‐procedural guidance, and follow‐up for those undergoing PFO closure. Three different techniques are frequently used for these purposes: transesophageal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiogram, and transcranial Doppler. In this review, advantages and limits of these techniques are discussed in detail to improve our skills in detection and treatment of this important condition by using ultrasound.
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome: Are the eyes the mirror of the heart?
Authors: Çerik İdris Buğra , Dindaş Ferhat , Yalınbaş Yeter Duygu
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a disease characterized by the accumulation of fibrillary material in the extracellular matrix in the eye and many tissues. Myocardial involvement occurs as in other storage diseases. Speckle tracking echocardiography is a quantitative echocardiography modality that enables the detection of subclinical changes that cannot be detected by standard echocardiographic evaluation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate potential subclinical myocardial dysfunction in PEX patients by speckle tracking echocardiography.

Methods and Results

The study group consisting of 29 cardiac asymptomatic pseudoexfoliation syndromes and 30 healthy volunteers were included in this case‐control cross‐sectional study. Detailed echocardiographic evaluations and strain analyses of all participants were performed. Concerning standard echocardiographic parameters, there was only a marginally significant difference between the two groups in the e’ mean wave, and it was lower in the PEX group than the control group (0.07 ± 0.03, 0.10 ± 0.08, respectively, P = .06). However, in strain echocardiography, the global longitudinal strain (GLS) value was observed to be significantly lower in the PEX group than the control group (−17.02 ± 2.02, −19.29 ± 2.26, respectively P < .001). GLS was observed to be an independent predictor in the multivariable logistic regression model made to determine independent predictors of PEX syndrome (OR = 0.59, CI = 0.418–0.832, P = .003).

Conclusion

Subclinical myocardial involvement in PEX syndrome, in which standard echocardiographic techniques are blinded, can be detected by the strain echocardiography. PEX causes deterioration in the deformation parameters of the left ventricle. Systemic involvement should not be forgotten in patients with PEX and cardiac functions should be monitored.
Dynamic evolution analysis of recreational fisheries development in China
Authors: Ding Qi , Shan Xiujuan , Jin Xianshi , Gorfine Harry , Wang Yali
Published: March 2021

Understanding the dynamic spatial distribution characteristics and evolving trends in recreational fisheries development is of great importance for formulating policy for responsibly managing recreational fisheries. However, regional economic differences among China's recreational fisheries have yet to be examined and quantified. In this study, a methodological approach applies a series of techniques, including Kernel density estimates, Gini coefficients and Theil indexes, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic distribution and evolution of recreational fisheries in China. Results showed that recreational fisheries in China have been developing rapidly since the early 21st Century. The total economic value of recreational fisheries in China increased from 5.4 billion Yuan in 2003 to 90.2 billion Yuan in 2018. However, there is a serious imbalance of development of recreational fisheries between regions. Specifically, the combined economic value of recreational fisheries in the main provinces of Shandong, Hubei and Guangdong accounted for 53.4% of recreational value for the whole country, whereas the combined contribution for the bottom 20 of the 31 provinces in the country together accounted for only 10.1%. Analysis of temporal variation at four points in time by kernel density estimation revealed that the development of recreational fisheries exhibited a polarised tendency both among the provinces within the eastern, central and western regions and among the 31 provinces of China. Based on the results of the Theil index decomposition, the overall differences in China's recreational fisheries economy mostly came from differences within each region, which accounted for over 90% of the overall difference. This study provided a means to understand and visualise how key dimensions of recreational fisheries development vary within each region and within the 31 provinces of China, and provides a basis for making short‐term and long‐term policies aimed at promoting coordinated and sustainable development of recreational fisheries in China.
What drives species’ distributions along elevational gradients? Macroecological and ‐evolutionary insights from Brassicaceae of the central Alps
Authors: Patsiou Theofania‐Sotiria , Walden Nora , Willi Yvonne
Published: March 2021

Aim

Geographic distribution limits of organisms are often affected by climate, but little is known of how the impacts of climate evolve within sets of related taxa. Here we identified the climate variables most closely associated with low‐elevation limits, optimal elevations, and high‐elevation limits of plant species’ distributions and compared evolutionary lability of niche values predicting the three aspects of distribution best.

Location

Central Alps.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

The plant family Brassicaceae.

Methods

We modelled the occurrence of 110 brassicaceous species in the central European Alps and used response curves of predicted occurrence on climatic variables to reveal those variables most strongly associated with elevational distribution. We produced a phylogeny of the species, applied phylogenetic comparative analysis and tested whether niche values predicting the low and high limits and the optimum of elevational distribution were similar among related taxa.

Results

Upper limits were closely associated with the length of the vegetation season for the majority of species, while summer or spring temperatures were strongly allied with both the occurrence optimum and the lower limit. Furthermore, niche values predicting the upper limit and the optimum of elevational distribution were less conserved in contrast to niche values predicting the lower limit of distribution.

Main conclusions

These results highlight constraints on adaptation at the warm end of the climate niche and may explain observed range retractions at warm range edges due to ongoing climate change.
A gendered lens for building climate resilience: Narratives from women in informal work in Leh, Ladakh
Authors: Datey Abhijit , Bali Bhawna , Bhatia Neha , Khamrang Leishipem , Kim Sohee Minsun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we critically examine the gendered impacts of climatechange related extreme events upon workers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Climate change impacts disproportionately affect the livelihoods of women engaged in informal work like weaving from their homes and street vending. Existing research suggests that women are more likely to be among the most vulnerable in such extreme events as well as are vital agents to develop climate resilience within their communities. We draw upon unique quantitative and qualitative data to critically examine the lived experiences of female informal workers from Leh, Ladakh (India). Drawing on the work of Duchek (2020),  we explore how women informal workers navigate their daily strategies of anticipating, coping, and adapting toward climate change. From this analysis, we offer novel empirical evidence about gendered climate resilience and suggest broad recommendations for building climate resilience within mountain communities.
Countering transphobic stigma: Identity work by self‐employed Keralan transpeople
Authors: Narendran Roshni , Reveley James , Almeida Shamika
Published: March 2021

Transpeople in India forge identities at the confluence of contradictory social forces. Interviews conducted in the state of Kerala suggest that the experience of transphobic stigma results in self‐employed transpeople being abjectified. Social abjectification, in turn, triggers their identity work within liminal social spaces located between the everyday lifeworld and postcolonial legal institutions. Through this work, the participants in this study navigated the contradictions between two identity‐constituting external structures: culture and law. Culture is a source of identity threat, but it also supplies a socially legitimated identity template—thehijra—used in the vital self‐formative work of mirroring and witnessing. Similarly, trans‐supportive social policies and laws provide institutional scaffolding for identities. Yet, despite the agential nature of the participants' identity work, the inherent limitations of the law and the vulnerability of embodiment render them susceptible to the ongoing threat posed by the transphobia emanating from ambient cultural norms.
Resilience for gender inclusion: Developing a model for women in male‐dominated occupations
Authors: Bridges Donna , Wulff Elizabeth , Bamberry Larissa
Published: March 2021

What is resilience in the context of work environments where women face barriers as significant as career discrimination and harassment? In such a context, is resilience an individual responsibility? How can organizations contribute to and support employee resilience? And where is gender in this equation? This conceptual paper explores these questions using aviation, the skilled trades (i.e., carpentry, welding, plumbing) and the military as case studies to understand how gender inclusion could be better supported by resilient organizations. The barriers for women in male‐dominated industries include social exclusion, marginalization, discrimination, harassment, and other forms of social closure. How these barriers can be overcome is not well understood. We argue that individual resilience plays a part in women thriving and developing enduring careers but can only occur in combination with support from gender inclusion strategies and organizational resilience. We have developed the Resilience for Gender Inclusion (RGI) model combining gender inclusion strategies with organizational resilience strategies. The RGI model demonstrates how employee and organizational resilience intersect and may lead to the transformative potential of inclusive cultures of diversity. This will improve employee wellbeing and self‐efficacy and create a much needed sense of belonging and social inclusion for women in male‐dominated occupations.
Inherited skin disorders presenting with poikiloderma
Authors: Rayinda Tuntas , van Steensel Maurice , Danarti Retno
Published: March 2021

Poikiloderma is a skin condition that combines atrophy, telangiectasia, and macular pigment changes (hypo‐ as well as hyperpigmentation). It is often mistaken for mottled pigmentation by general practitioners or nondermatology specialists. Poikiloderma can be a key presenting symptom of Rothmund‐Thomson syndrome (RTS), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), hereditary sclerosing poikiloderma (HSP), hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP), xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Bloom syndrome (BS), Kindler syndrome (KS), and Clericuzio‐type poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN). In these conditions, poikiloderma starts early in life, usually before the second or third year. They may also be associated with photosensitivity and other significant multi‐organ manifestation developed later in life. Poikiloderma could indicate the presence of a genetic disorder with potentially serious consequences. Poikiloderma almost always precedes more severe manifestations of these genodermatoses. Prompt diagnosis at the time of presentation could help to prevent complications and mitigate the course of the disease. This review discusses these to help the practicing clinician manage patients presenting with the symptom. To further facilitate early recognition, this paper also proposes a simple diagnostic algorithm.
The effects of beta‐blockers in patients with stress cardiomyopathy
Authors: Evison Isla , Watson George , Chan Christina , Bridgman Paul
Published: March 2021

Beta‐blockers are often used in the treatment of patients with stress cardiomyopathy without firm evidence of benefit. We conducted a retrospective case note review investigating the effects of beta‐blockers on QT interval and heart rate in patients with stress cardiomyopathy over 3 days of hospital admission. We found no evidence of effects on QT interval from beta‐blocker treatment in this condition.
Are the Portuguese public hospitals sustainable? A triple bottom line hybrid data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Pederneiras Yasmim Maia , Pereira Miguel Alves , Figueira José Rui
Published: March 2021

The harmonious interaction between humans and the biosphere determines how sustainable existence and coexistence are. However, when social challenges appear, sustainability is heavily compromised. Health is one of the areas affected by such challenges, with the delivery of health services being ensured by health systems. Consequently, understanding how sustainable health services are, especially those that consume the majority of resources—hospitals—is indispensable for a sustainable future. For this reason, we propose using a hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to study hospital sustainability in Portugal under environmental, social, and economic perspectives, in cooperation with the Portuguese Ministry of Health. In particular, the proposed methodology incorporates the preference information of decision makers (via the construction of utility scales and the determination of Möbius coefficients) and criteria interactivity, due to the integration of the Choquet multiple criteria preference aggregation model in the DEA approach. In the end, despite approximately 30% of the sampled 29 assessed hospitals were deemed as efficient across the three perspectives in 2018, only 1 was entirely sustainable.
Characterizing manufacturing wastewater in the United States for the purpose of analyzing energy requirements for reuse
Authors: Fuchs Heidi , Rao Prakash
Published: March 2021

This paper seeks to inform an improved understanding of the energy tradeoff associated with on‐site manufacturing water reuse in the United States from a lifecycle perspective, in part by developing an analytical framework for understanding when this tradeoff for reuse is beneficial. We survey the literature to assess the current state of reuse and its motives and barriers in the United States, before synthesizing information from publicly available EPA data on contaminants in US manufacturing wastewaters and technologies for treating them. Using the available data, we derive a set of “ubiquitous contaminants” among the top ten in terms of mass discharged in more than half of US manufacturing subsectors (NAICS 31–33) according to EPA permit data. We also present information on proven treatment trains and their energy requirements. We then compare water quality requirements for specific contaminants in reclaimed water to those characteristic of wastewater streams currently being discharged from manufacturing plants into surface waters to highlight sectors with reuse opportunities that could require little cost to realize, such as primary metals and, to a lesser extent, petroleum and coal products. We conclude by highlighting data limitations that need to be rectified before applying the framework more broadly and discussing how these data gaps could be filled. Better understanding the relationship between energy and water in the context of on‐site manufacturing water reuse would allow manufacturers to improve resiliency by reducing regulatory, physical, and reputational risks while lessening their footprint on local watersheds.
Brain insulin, insulin‐like growth factor 1 and glucagon‐like peptide 1 signalling in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ferreira Sergio T.
Published: March 2021

Although the brain was once considered an insulin‐independent organ, insulin signalling is now recognised as being central to neuronal health and to the function of synapses and brain circuits. Defective brain insulin signalling, as well as related signalling by insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), is associated with neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that cognitive impairment could be related to a state of brain insulin resistance. Here, I briefly review key epidemiological/clinical evidence of the association between diabetes, cognitive decline and AD, as well as findings of reduced components of insulin signalling in AD brains, which led to the initial suggestion that AD could be a type of brain diabetes. Particular attention is given to recent studies illuminating mechanisms leading to neuronal insulin resistance as a key driver of cognitive impairment in AD. Evidence of impaired IGF‐1 signalling in AD is also examined. Finally, we discuss potentials and possible limitations of recent and on‐going therapeutic approaches based on our increased understanding of the roles of brain signalling by insulin, IGF‐1 and glucagon‐like peptide 1 in AD.
Homocysteine – what is it good for?
Authors: Miller J. W.
Published: March 2021

Click here to view the Review by Smith AD and Refsum H
A new masticatory performance scale to integrate food biting, comminution and mixing ability in removable partial denture wearers
Authors: Inamochi Yuka , Fueki Kenji , Yoshida‐Kohno Eiko , Hayashi Yoko , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: March 2021

Background

The existing masticatory performance (MP) tests cannot comprehensively evaluate objective masticatory function.

Objectives

We aimed to examine the construct validity and responsiveness and determine the clinically minimum important difference (MID) and related factors of a newly developed MP scale to integrate food biting, comminution and mixing ability in patients with removable partial dentures (RPDs).

Methods

Masticatory performance tests using gummy jelly, peanuts and colour‐changeable gum were performed before and 3 months after RPD treatment in 248 partially dentate patients. A 10‐point ordinal subscale was created for each MP test based on the distributions of MP values, and the three subscales were integrated into a single scale (iMP scale). We analysed the correlations between MP values and iMP scores and determined the effect size for RPD treatments and the MID on the basis of patient perception of chewing ability.

Results

iMP scores exhibited moderate correlations with the three MP values (|ρ| = 0.73–0.79, p < .001) and with the change scores (|ρ| =0.61–0.64, p < .001). The mean iMP score significantly increased after RPD treatment (p < .001), and the effect size was 0.35. Of the 248 patients, 55 (22%) reported a slight improvement in chewing ability with a mean iMP score change of 2.1 points. Sex and the number of missing teeth were significantly associated with iMP scores (p < .05).

Conclusions

The iMP scale comprehensively evaluated objective masticatory function, including food biting, comminution and mixing ability in RPD wearers, and an increase of two points on the iMP scale was considered to be the MID in RPD treatments.
How Single Older Men Reach Poverty and Its Relationship with Help‐Seeking Preferences1
Authors: Murayama Yoh , Yamazaki Sachiko , Hasebe Masami , Takahashi Tomoya , Kobayashi Erika
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to clarify patterns of poverty among single older men and examine this population's help‐seeking preferences. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 83 older single men in poverty. Three main patterns of poverty were identified: lifelong, job turnover, and retirement. A common characteristic among these patterns indicated that they did not recognize their difficulties as problems. Furthermore, we identified five groups of help‐receiving preferences: independent, resignation, mutual‐aid, other‐oriented, and seeking. Among these, the independent and resignation groups were influenced by past experiences of failing to seek help, which was characteristic of the lifelong pattern type. Furthermore, the mutual‐aid and seeking groups were oriented toward positive help‐seeking, which was characteristic of the job turnover and retirement pattern types. However, neither group actively sought help for social isolation or lack of social support, suggesting that it would have been challenging to establish social relationships early on in life. Thus, it is important to establish initiatives that enable older people to understand their current state and to think about their future depending on three patterns of poverty.
MA and Togetherness (Ittaikan) in the Narratives of Dancers and Spectators: Sharing an Uncertain Space
Authors: Tseng Chiahuei , Cheng Miao , Matout Hassan , Fujita Kazuyuki , Kitamura Yoshifumi , Shioiri Satoshi , Ho I‐Lien , Bachrach Asaf
Published: March 2021

The Japanese concept/character MA (間), commonly translated as “gap, interval, or the in between,” partakes in many forms of Japanese arts and daily‐life practices. In this article, we report the results of a qualitative research on the meaning or experience of MA and its relation with the feeling of togetherness in the context of contemporary dance improvisation. We interviewed performers and spectators (all professional dancers) while they watched the videotaped and reduced stick‐figure versions of short dance improvisations created in a laboratory installed with motion‐capture sensors. Based on the individual narratives, and inspired by Japanese and occidental aesthetic writings, we elaborate a specific understanding of MA as attending to the event's preacceleration, and how this experience causally relates to the feeling of togetherness (一体感, ittaikan). We propose that MA, understood not extensionally (as an empty space or a silent gap), but intentionally/internally as a certain quality of attention or perceptual mode, is fertile ground for serendipity. MA as an interpersonal ethical construct suggests a transsubjective difference as a foundation for a collective coming together.
Topographical distribution and radiographic pattern of lung lesions in canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy
Authors: Lo E. J. Y. , Schwarz T. , Corcoran B. M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the radiographic lung pattern and topographical distribution in canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy.

Materials and Methods

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs diagnosed with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Lateral thoracic radiographs were examined for the presence of increased radiopacity, classification of pattern, topography of lung changes (cranioventral, perihilar, caudodorsal, caudoventral) and severity of pulmonary lesions.

Results

Forty‐four cases were identified with the Labrador retriever being the most commonly affected breed; there was a mean age of 5 years and an equal gender distribution. Coughing was the most common clinical sign. Circulating eosinophilia was present in 39% of dogs, with a mean peripheral eosinophilia of 5.1×109cells/L and a mean bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia of 40%. Eighty percent of dogs had an abnormal lung pattern in at least one of the four lung fields; the remaining had normal thoracic radiographs. The most common patterns were a bronchial and a bronchointerstitial pattern, with 41 and 89% distribution to the caudodorsal lung field, respectively.

Clinical Significance

A bronchial and bronchointerstitial pattern are the most common radiographic lung patterns seen in canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy with these patterns most frequently topographically distributed to at least the caudodorsal lung field. Furthermore, within the caudodorsal lung field, a bronchointerstitial pattern predominates. This radiographic and topographical finding may allow eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy to take precedence on a differential diagnoses list before confirmatory bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sampling.
Short‐ and long‐term outcome in cats diagnosed with pyothorax: 47 cases (2009‐2018)
Authors: Krämer F. , Rainer J. , Bali M. S.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aims of this retrospective study were to report the short‐ and long‐term outcome in cats treated for pyothorax and to identify prognostic indicators as well as determine recurrence rate.

Methods

Medical records from April 2009 to August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were included if a diagnosis of pyothorax was confirmed via cytology and/or culture of pleural fluid. Cats diagnosed with or suspected of having other thoracic diseases and cats with no evidence of pleural effusion were excluded from the study.

Results

Fifty‐five cats met the inclusion criteria. Eighty five percent (n=47) cats underwent medical management with thoracostomy tubes, pleural lavage and broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Fifteen percent (n=5) cases failed medical treatment and underwent thoracotomy. Twenty eight percent (n=13) did not survive to hospital discharge. Short‐term survival (14 days) was achieved in 72% (n=34). Long‐term follow‐up was available for 31 of 34 with a long‐term survival rate of 68% (n=30). The recurrence rate was 6% (n=2).

Conclusion

For cats with pyothorax that survive to discharge the prognosis is excellent and the condition is associated with a low recurrence rate.
Multiple (Non)Religious Identities Leads to Undercounting Religious Nones and Asian Religious Identities
Authors: Corcoran Katie E. , Scheitle Christopher P. , Dabbs Ellory
Published: March 2021

The study of religion typically assumes that individuals can only identify with one religion, which is inconsistent with lived religious experience. Surveys that only allow respondents to select one choice may underrepresent religious traditions in which multiple religious identities are more likely. We argue that religious “nones” and those who identify with Asian religions will be more likely to identify multiple (non)religious identities and that this will lead to these identities being undercounted in surveys allowing individuals to select only one identity. We use a sample of Mechanical Turk participants half of whom received the standard one choice (non)religious identity option and the other half could select as many (non)religious identities as they wanted. This allows us to show which (non)religious identities are undercounted when only one selection is permitted and to identify what factors are associated with reporting more than one (non)religious identity. We find support for our hypotheses.
Parasites, niche modification and the host microbiome: A field survey of multiple parasites
Authors: O’Keeffe Kayleigh R. , Halliday Fletcher W. , Jones Corbin D. , Carbone Ignazio , Mitchell Charles E.
Published: March 2021

Parasites can affect and be affected by the host's microbiome, with consequences for host susceptibility, parasite transmission, and host and parasite fitness. Yet, two aspects of the relationship between parasite infection and host microbiota remain little understood: the nature of the relationship under field conditions, and how the relationship varies among parasites. To overcome these limitations, we performed a field survey of the within‐leaf fungal community in a tall fescue population. We investigated how diversity and composition of the fungal microbiome associate with natural infection by fungal parasites with different feeding strategies. A parasite's feeding strategy affects both parasite requirements of the host environment and parasite impacts on the host environment. We hypothesized that parasites that more strongly modify niches available within a host will be associated with greater changes in microbiome diversity and composition. Parasites with a feeding strategy that creates necrotic tissue to extract resources (necrotrophs) may not only have different niche requirements, but also act as particularly strong niche modifiers. Barcoded amplicon sequencing of the fungal ITS region revealed that leaf segments symptomatic of necrotrophs had lower fungal diversity and distinct composition compared to segments that were asymptomatic or symptomatic of other parasites. There were no clear differences in fungal diversity or composition between leaf segments that were asymptomatic and segments symptomatic of other parasite feeding strategies. Our results motivate future experimental work to test how the relationship between the microbiome and parasite infection is impacted by parasite feeding strategy and highlight the potential importance of parasite traits.
Scale‐dependent signatures of local adaptation in a foundation tree species
Authors: von Takach Brenton , Ahrens Collin W. , Lindenmayer David B. , Banks Sam C.
Published: March 2021

Understanding local adaptation is critical for conservation management under rapidly changing environmental conditions. Local adaptation inferred from genotype‐environment associations may show different genomic patterns depending on the spatial scale of sampling, due to differences in the slope of environmental gradients and the level of gene flow. We compared signatures of local adaptation across the genome of mountain ash (Eucalyptusregnans) at two spatial scales: A species‐wide data set and a topographically‐complex subregional data set. We genotyped 367 individual trees at over 3700 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), quantified patterns of spatial genetic structure among populations, and used two analytical methods to identify loci associated with at least one of three environmental variables at each spatial scale. Together, the analyses identified 549 potentially adaptive SNPs at the subregion scale, and 435 SNPs at the range‐wide scale. A total of 39 genic or near‐genic SNPs, associated with 28 genes, were identified at both spatial scales, although no SNP was identified by both methods at both scales. We observed that nongenic regions had significantly higher homozygote excess than genic regions, possibly due to selective elimination of inbred genotypes during stand development. Our results suggest that strong environmental selection occurs in mountain ash, and that the identification of putatively adaptive loci can differ substantially depending on the spatial scale of analyses. We also highlight the importance of multiple adaptive genetic architectures for understanding patterns of local adaptation across large heterogenous landscapes, with comparison of putatively adaptive loci among spatial scales providing crucial insights into the process of adaptation.
Riboflavin and friends: Remarkably versatile vitamins
Authors: Powers H. J.
Published: March 2021

Having been awarded the 2019 British Nutrition Foundation Annual Prize I had looked forward to delivering a lecture to assembled guests at the BNF Annual Day at the Royal College of Physicians in London, in 2020. Unfortunately, this was not to be; the COVID‐19 global pandemic prevented a face‐to‐face meeting, and my talk was delivered remotely. In the paper, I shall summarise some of the research that I have carried out during my career as a nutrition scientist. I shall not dwell in much detail on any single aspect of my work but rather I shall attempt to show how my research interests developed over the decades, how one thing led to another, so to speak. The elements of my work that I have selected, in order to make this short walk together, commence with vitamin B2, riboflavin and a consideration of two particular aspects of function. I then move on to folate in the context of homocysteine metabolism and cardiovascular disease and finally consider the role of this vitamin and other methyl donors in cancer risk and outcome.
Therapeutic approach for myotonic dystrophy: Recent advances in translational research
Authors: Nakamori Masayuki
Published: March 2021

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, caused by unstable genomic expansions of CTG or CCTG repeats. Mutant RNA transcripts containing expanded repeats form ribonuclear foci and cause a toxic gain‐of‐function by perturbing splicing factors in the nucleus, resulting in misregulation of alternative pre‐mRNA splicing, known as “spliceopathy.” The misregulated splicing is thought to be responsible for multisystemic symptoms in DM. Although no curative treatment exists, recent advances in basic and translational research provide clues on therapeutic interventions for DM. Here, the RNA‐mediated molecular pathomechamism and therapeutic approaches targeting the toxic RNA with antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules are reviewed.
Scaling up of Brazil's Criança Feliz early childhood development program: an implementation science analysis
Authors: Buccini Gabriela , Venancio Sonia Isoyama , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: March 2021

To address inequities that prevent socioeconomically vulnerable young children from reaching their full developmental potential, Brazil implemented Programa Criança Feliz (PCF) (“Happy Child” early childhood development program) in 2934 of its 5570 municipalities. A qualitative case study was carried out on the basis of in‐depth interviews with 22 key informants, employing purposive sampling, from past or current national and state coordination teams. Thematic analysis followed the RE‐AIM framework, and complex adaptive system constructs mapped how barriers and enablers influenced scale‐up. One overarching theme related to PCF emergence, and 18 subthemes were identified within the RE‐AIM. An enabling national political environment favored PCF emergence through a top‐down approach that led to governance challenges. Changes in the enrollment criteria for families facilitated reach, and evidence‐based methodology favored the designing of the home visits. However, operationalizing the intersectoral actions remains a barrier for effectiveness, while intrasectoral resistance across levels delayed adoption. WhatsApp facilitated networking, capacity building, and adoption. Rushed scale‐up generated barriers for quality delivery and led to different implementation pathways across municipalities. Legal institutionalization is critical to assure permanent funding and maintenance. PCF has enhanced early childhood services in Brazil, but strong negative feedback loops need to be addressed for effective sustainability.
Opportunities and challenges of speed breeding: A review
Authors: Wanga Maliata Athon , Shimelis Hussein , Mashilo Jacob , Laing Mark D.
Published: March 2021

Breeding new and high performing cultivars with market‐preferred traits take more than 10 years in the absence of an integrated pre‐breeding programme. During the early phases of breeding a significant amount of time, space and resources are invested in the selection and genetic advancement stages after initial crosses are performed with parental genotypes. Speed breeding has the potential to reduce the time required for cultivar development, release and commercialization. The objective of this review was to present the key opportunities and challenges of speed breeding to guide pre‐breeding and breeding programmes. Key challenges of speed breeding include: (a) access to suitable facilities, (c) staff trained in the protocol, (b) adopting major changes to breeding programme design and operations, and (d) the need for long‐term funding. The current review highlights the potential advantages of speed breeding for the successful development and release of pure line cultivars in self‐pollinated crops in ~5 years versus 8 to 10 years when using traditional methods.
Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling fibre content of sugarcane (Saccharum hybrids spp.)
Authors: Islam Md S. , Pan Yong‐Bao , Lomax Lionel , Grisham Michael P.
Published: March 2021

The fibre content (FC) of sugarcane millable stalks is important for both sugar and bioenergy production. Higher FC favours the energy producer while lower FC facilitates the efficient sugar extraction. A molecular marker for FC helps select improved sugarcane cultivars with favourable partitioning of FC for both sugar and energy production industries. A quantitative trait loci (QTL) study was conducted using an enriched linkage map of LCP 85‐384 and FC data from two crop cycles (plant cane and first ratoon) of its self‐progeny population. A total of five unique QTL were identified across both crop cycles and combined, of which three QTL (qFC020, qFC044 and qFC053) were common explained a total of 22.46%, 23.93% and 25.14% of the phenotypic variances for plant cane, first ratoon and combined data, respectively. As FC values increased gradually, the QTL allele combination effect also increased. Using markers linked to these putative common QTL alleles would benefit the breeders to select sugarcane lines for sugar and bioenergy production.
Trade policy uncertainty: Evidence from the Arab League countries
Authors: Benaddi Atika , Silva Peri
Published: March 2021

We investigate the effects of trade policy uncertainty on the entry decisions of exporters into Arab League markets. Using a product‐level dataset on World Trade Organization members exporting to Arab League countries for the years 1998–2015, we provide empirical evidence that trade policy uncertainty, a result of significant gaps between tariff bindings and applied tariffs (“tariff water”), led to the reduced entry of exporters into Arab League markets. We then extend our analysis to investigate the effects of policy uncertainty combined with additional uncertainty related to falling incomes associated with the 2007–2010 worldwide economic downturn. Our results suggest that this macroeconomic shock contributed to a considerably more uncertain economic environment, thereby affecting the decision to enter these markets. We also analyze exporters’ decisions to enter new markets, while controlling for the level of market power displayed by the Arab League importing country. We find empirical evidence confirming that the effects of uncertainty on entry magnify in the presence of high levels of market power.
Risk of hepatitis‐E virus infections among blood donors in a regional blood transfusion centre in western India
Authors: Mishra Kanchan K. , Patel Krima , Trivedi Apeksha , Patel Parizad , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Bharadva Sumit
Published: March 2021

Background

Hepatitis‐E virus (HEV) is an emerging infectious threat to blood safety. The enormity of the transmission of HEV and its clinical consequence are issues currently under debate. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HEV‐RNA in blood donors in western India.

Materials and Methods

We screened 13 050 blood donors for HEV using HEV‐RNA screening of 10 mini‐pools using RealStar HEV RT‐PCR Kit (95% limit of detection (LOD): 4.7 IU/ml). Furthermore, all HEV‐RNA‐positive donors were investigated for the presence of IgM/IgG antibody along with liver function tests.

Results

Of the 13 050 blood donations, 7 (0.53%) were found to be HEV‐RNA positive, and the prevalence of HEV nucleic acid testing yield cases among blood donors was 1 in 1864. All seven HEV‐RNA‐positive samples were tested with anti‐HEV IgM and anti‐HEV IgG antibodies; this resulted in two (28.5%) positive anti‐HEV IgM and two (28.5%) positive anti‐HEV IgG antibodies. Hepatic activity was measured, with two of seven HEV‐RNA‐positive donors demonstrating abnormal serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) andserum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). Two HEV‐RNA‐positive blood donors who had abnormal SGOT and SGPT were found to have a high HEV viral load. Furthermore, we were able to follow up two HEV‐RNA donors, and both were HEV‐RNA positive and had anti‐HEV IgM and anti‐HEV IgG antibodies; moreover, their liver function tests were also abnormal. One of the HEV‐RNA donors with high viral load did show hepatitis‐E‐like virus on electron microscopy.

Conclusion

Our studies indicate that there is a significant risk of blood‐borne transmission of HEV. This finding may help to provide a direction towards the safety of blood transfusions in clinical settings in countries like India, which fall under the endemic category for HEV infection.
Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophytonbenhamiae in a dog
Authors: Scarpa Miguel Angel , Etchecopaz Alejandro Nazareno , Abrantes Ruben Antonio , Mas Javier Alejandro , Romero Núñez Camilo , Miranda Contreras Laura
Published: March 2021

Trichophyton benhamiae was diagnosed in a 9‐year‐old female dog by histopathological evaluation, fungal culture and confirmation by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. Successful therapy was achieved with itraconazole, bathing with miconazole and chlorhexidine shampoo, and topical application of sodium hypochlorite as a rinse.
Evidence Theory Representations for Properties Associated With Weak Link/Strong Link Systems, Part 1: Loss of Assured Safety
Authors: Helton Jon C. , Brooks Dusty M. , Darby John L.
Published: March 2021

The use of evidence theory in the analysis of loss of assured safety (LOAS) for weak link (WL)/strong link (SL) systems is introduced and illustrated. Article content includes (i) an introduction to evidence theory, (ii) definition of two WLs and two SLs used for illustration, (iii) belief and plausibility for the occurrence of LOAS for a one WL/two SL system, and (iv) a sampling-based procedure for the verification of belief and plausibility calculations. The presented results can be generalized to systems with more than one WL and two SLs.
Evidence Theory Representations for Properties Associated With Weak Link/Strong Link Systems, Part 3: Margins for Failure Time and Failure Temperature
Authors: Helton Jon C. , Brooks Dusty M. , Darby John L.
Published: March 2021

The use of evidence theory and associated cumulative plausibility functions (CPFs), cumulative belief functions (CBFs), cumulative distribution functions (CDFs), complementary cumulative plausibility functions (CCPFs), complementary cumulative belief functions (CCBFs), and complementary cumulative distribution functions (CCDFs) in the analysis of time and temperature margins associated with loss of assured safety (LOAS) for one weak link (WL)/two strong link (SL) systems is illustrated. Article content includes cumulative and complementary cumulative belief, plausibility, and probability for (i) SL/WL failure time margins defined by (time at which SL failure potentially causes LOAS) − (time at which WL failure potentially prevents LOAS), (ii) SL/WL failure temperature margins defined by (the temperature at which SL failure potentially causes LOAS) − (the temperature at which WL failure potentially prevents LOAS), and (iii) SL/SL failure temperature margins defined by (the temperature at which SL failure potentially causes LOAS) − (the temperature of SL whose failure potentially causes LOAS at the time at which WL failure potentially prevents LOAS).