bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatosensory deficits and neural correlates in cerebral palsy: a scoping review
Authors: Brun Clémentine , Traverse Élodie , Granger Élyse , Mercier Catherine
Published: June 2021

Aim

To synthetize studies assessing somatosensory deficits and alterations in cerebral responses evoked by somatosensory stimulation in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to typically developing individuals.

Method

A scoping review of the literature was performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Evidence‐Based Medicine Reviews, and Web of Science databases (last search carried out on 6th and 7th August 2020) with a combination of keywords related to CP and somatosensory functions. Somatosensory deficits were measured with clinical tests and alterations in cerebral responses were measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography.

Results

Forty‐eight articles were included. Overall, 1463 participants with CP (mean [SD] age 13y 1mo [4y 11mo], range 1–55y; 416 males, 319 females, sex not identified for the remaining participants) and 1478 controls (mean [SD] age 13y 1mo [5y 8mo], range 1–42y; 362 males, 334 females, sex not identified for the remaining participants) were included in the scoping review. For tactile function, most studies reported registration (8 out of 13) or perception (21 out of 21) deficits in participants with CP. For proprioception, most studies also reported registration (6 out of 8) or perception (10 out of 15) deficits. Pain function has not been studied as much, but most studies reported registration (2 out of 3) or perception (3 out of 3) alterations. Neuroimaging findings (18 studies) showed alterations in the somatotopy, morphology, latency, or amplitude of cortical responses evoked by somatosensory stimuli.

Interpretation

Despite the heterogeneity in the methods employed, most studies reported somatosensory deficits. The focus has been mainly on tactile and proprioceptive function, whereas pain has received little attention. Future research should rigorously define the methods employed and include a sample that is more representative of the population with CP.

What this paper adds

Most of the papers reviewed found tactile registration and perception deficits in the upper limbs.

Proprioceptive deficits were generally observed in cerebral palsy but results were heterogeneous.

Pain has received little attention compared to tactile and proprioceptive functions.

Neuroimaging studies supported behavioral observations.

Alterations were observed for both the most and least affected limb.
Blood glucose monitoring by insulin‐treated pilots of commercial and private aircraft: An analysis of out‐of‐range values
Authors: Garden Gillian L. , Frier Brian M. , Hine Julia L. , Hutchison Ewan J. , Mitchell Stuart J. , Shaw Kenneth M. , Heller Simon R. , Koehler Gerd , Hofmann Veronika , Gaffney Thomas P. , Maher Declan , Roberts Graham A. , Russell‐Jones David L.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To examine blood glucose measurements recorded as part of the diabetes protocol operated by the UK, Ireland and Austria, which allows commercial airline pilots with insulin‐treated diabetes to fly.

Methods

An observational study was conducted in pilots with insulin‐treated diabetes, granted medical certification to fly commercial or noncommercial aircraft, who recorded pre‐flight and hourly in‐flight blood glucose measurements. These values were correlated to a traffic light system (green 5.0 to 15.0 mmol/L; amber 4.0 to 4.9 mmol/L and 15.1 to 20.0 mmol/L; and red <4.0 mmol/L or >20.0 mmol/L) and studied for trends in glucose concentrations, time course within flight and any consequences. Pilot demographics were also analysed.

Results

Forty‐four pilots (90%) recorded one or more blood glucose value outside the green range during the 7 years of the study. Pilot age, diabetes type and duration, and follow‐up period were comparable among subgroups, and mean glycated haemoglobin did not differ before and after certification in a way which would indicate poorer glycaemic control in any subgroup. A total of 892 blood glucose values (2.31%) were outside the green range, with half reported in‐flight at various time intervals. There were 48 (0.12%) low red range values recorded, 14 (0.04%) of which occurred in‐flight; all but four were restored to within the green range by the time of the next measurement. Appropriate corrective action was taken for all out‐of‐range values, with no reports of pilot incapacitation from any cause.

Conclusions

The traffic light system appears effective in identifying and reducing the frequency and severity of out‐of‐range values.
Using machine learning to predict severe hypoglycaemia in hospital
Authors: Fralick Michael , Dai David , Pou‐Prom Chloe , Verma Amol A. , Mamdani Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Aim

To predict the risk of hypoglycaemia using machine‐learning techniques in hospitalized patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized under general internal medicine (GIM) and cardiovascular surgery (CV) at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Three models were generated using supervised machine learning: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression; gradient‐boosted trees; and a recurrent neural network. Each model included baseline patient data and time‐varying data. Natural‐language processing was used to incorporate text data from physician and nursing notes.

Results

We included 8492 GIM admissions and 8044 CV admissions. Hypoglycaemia occurred in 16% of GIM admissions and 13% of CV admissions. The area under the curve for the models in the held‐out validation set was approximately 0.80 on the GIM ward and 0.82 on the CV ward. When the threshold for hypoglycaemia was lowered to 2.9 mmol/L (52 mg/dL), similar results were observed. Among the patients at the highest decile of risk, the positive predictive value was approximately 50% and the sensitivity was 99%.

Conclusion

Machine‐learning approaches can accurately identify patients at high risk of hypoglycaemia in hospital. Future work will involve evaluating whether implementing this model with targeted clinical interventions can improve clinical outcomes.
Impact of China on trade in electronic products
Authors: Pham Cong S. , Lovely Mary E. , Nguyen Xuan , Chao Chi‐Chur
Published: June 2021

Using 6‐digit product‐level data of exports in electronics, this paper finds robust evidence that China's exports adversely affect both the intensive export margin and the extensive export margin of its competitors for the 1992–2018 period. The displacement effects of China's exports on the intensive margin apply especially for the group of intermediate and capital electronic goods and are much more robust and significantly larger in magnitude than the displacement effects found in other studies using aggregated trade data. Finally, we find that China's displacement effect is increasing in China's advantage relative to its competitors in terms of human capital index and internet access of its population.
Immunological mechanisms underlying progression of chronic wounds in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Huitema Leonie , Phillips Taylor , Alexeev Vitali , Igoucheva Olga
Published: June 2021

Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a mechanobullous skin fragility disorder characterized by defective epithelial adhesion, leading to mechanical stress‐induced skin blistering. Based on the level of tissue separation within the dermal‐epidermal junction, EB is categorized into simplex (EBS), junctional (JEB), dystrophic (DEB) and Kindler syndrome. There is no cure for EB, and painful chronic cutaneous wounds are one of the major complications in recessive (RDEB) patients. Although RDEB is considered a cutaneous disease, recent data support the underlying systemic immunological defects. Furthermore, chronic wounds are often colonized with pathogenic microbiota, leading to excessive inflammation and altered wound healing. Consequently, patients with RDEB suffer from a painful sensation of chronic, cutaneous itching/burning and an endless battle with bacterial infections. To improve their quality of life and life expectancy, it is important to prevent cutaneous infections, dampen chronic inflammation and stimulate wound healing. A clear scientific understanding of the immunological events underlying the maintenance of chronic poorly healing wounds in RDEB patients is necessary to improve disease management and better understand other wound healing disorders. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of professional phagocytes, such as neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells, the role of T‐cell‐mediated immunity in lymphoid organs, and the association of microbiota with poor wound healing in RDEB. We conclude that RDEB patients have an underlying immunity defect that seems to affect antibacterial immunity.
Foraminifera‐derived carbon contribution to sedimentary inorganic carbon pool: A case study from three Norwegian fjords
Authors: Szymańska Natalia , Łącka Magdalena , Koziorowska‐Makuch Katarzyna , Kuliński Karol , Pawłowska Joanna , Kujawa Agnieszka , Telesiński Maciej Mateusz , Zajączkowski Marek
Published: June 2021

Norwegian fjords have been recently recognized as hot spots for carbon burial due to the large amounts of terrestrial organic matter delivered to fjord sediments, as well as the high sediment accumulation rates. Here, we present the first data on the contribution of benthic foraminiferal inorganic carbon to the sediments of three Norwegian fjords. Our study shows that calcareous foraminifera, which are among the most abundant calcifying organisms in the modern global oceans, can constitute between 15% and 33% of inorganic carbon accumulated in the sediments of the two studied southern Norwegian fjords (Raunefjorden and Hjeltefjorden). In a northern Norwegian fjord (Balsfjorden), the contribution of calcareous foraminifera to the inorganic carbon pool is smaller (<1%) than the one observed in southern fjords. We also found that the amount of foraminifera‐derived carbon is primarily dependent on the species composition of the foraminifera community. Large calcareous foraminifera species, despite a lower number of individuals, constitute, on average, 13%–29% of the inorganic carbon in the two southern Norwegian fjords, while the contribution of small, highly abundant species does not exceed 4% of the inorganic carbon pools in the sediments. Calcareous foraminifera species that are indicative of dysoxic conditions have been found to have low inorganic carbon contents per specimen compared to other analysed similar‐sized calcareous foraminifera species. This relationship most likely exists due to the thin test walls of these foraminifera species, which may facilitate gas exchange. The results of our case study suggest that the climate‐driven formation of near‐bottom low‐oxygen zones may lead to the dominance of foraminifera associated with dysoxic conditions and, in consequence, to the decrease of foraminifera‐derived inorganic carbon. However, to properly analyse the contribution of carbon from thin‐walled foraminifera to the sedimentary carbon pool, further studies analysing a broader range of these species is needed.
Elective surgery in patients with inherited bleeding disorders: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Clarke Lisa , Dennington Peta M , Curnow Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Published guidelines are available to assist in the management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders in the elective surgical setting however good quality outcome data is lacking.

Aim

‐ Evaluate the outcomes of adult patients with inherited bleeding disorders, who received factor replacement for elective surgery in NSW/ACT, Australia.

‐ Assess adherence to relevant guidelines including Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) utilisation and appropriate factor replacement.

Method

A retrospective analysis was performed between 2000 and 2018 to describe patient characteristics, surgical details, factor provision and outcomes. Univariate analysis was used to determine variables associated with guideline adherence. Covariates with p < 0.1 were included in the multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 1065 surgeries were performed on 571 patients. Diagnoses included Haemophilia A (43.5%), Haemophilia B (9.7%), von Willebrand disease (VWD) (45.3%) and rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) (1.6%). Bleeding complications were reported in 14 surgeries and 19 patients received factor replacement beyond standard duration of prophylaxis. Approximately 50% of all surgeries were performed in a HTC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diagnosis, surgical specialty, sex and year (p < 0.001) were associated with non‐compliance with variable pattern within each category. Factor replacement was as expected except for plasma‐derived Factor VIII/VWF usage in patients with VWD undergoing major bleeding risk surgery. VWD classification (p < 0.001) was associated with this deviation.

Conclusion

Low complication rates demonstrate that elective surgery in Australia is being safely performed in patients with inherited bleeding disorders however non‐compliance with published guidelines exists highlighting areas of practice and policy discrepancies that warrant further exploration.
Upper Eocene travertine‐lacustrine carbonate in the Jianchuan basin, southeastern Tibetan Plateau: Reappraisal of its origin and implication for the monsoon climate
Authors: Sakuma Aki , Kano Akihiro , Kakizaki Yoshihiro , Tada Ryuji , Zheng Honbo
Published: June 2021

The Asian monsoon is one of the largest climatic systems in the world, but age of its onset has been estimated differently ranging from the late Eocene to the Quaternary. We investigated the sedimentology and stable isotopic compositions of the upper Eocene Jiuziyan Formation, a terrestrial limestone unit in the Jianchuan basin, Yunnan Province in China. This limestone formation is restricted in several localities in the central part of the basin. Previously, this has been characterized as palustrine carbonate and the transition to the sublacustrine deposit of the overlying Shuanghe Formation was interpreted as the appearance of wetter climate during the late Eocene. Our observations of macro‐ and microfacies revealed sedimentary fabrics indicating rapid CaCO3 precipitation, such as dendritic calcite and calcified reed stems, which are unlikely to develop in a simple lacustrine setting. High carbonate content (mostly >90 %) and restricted distribution of the Jiuziyan limestone indicate a depositional setting spatially limited and isolated from clastic influx. These findings, together with clearly higher δ13C values (−0.7 ‰ to +6.9 ‰) and lower δ18O values (−14.6 ‰ to −10.5 ‰) than those of the Shuanghe Formation, indicate that the limestone was mainly travertine, carbonate formed from endogenic spring water. The elevated δ13C resulted from a large amount of CO2 degassing from spring water with high pCO2. In addition, the occurrence of centimeter‐scale lamination coupled with cyclic changes in δ13C and δ18O is almost identical with the modern annually‐laminated travertine reported from Baishuitai in northern Yunnan Province, implying comparable amplitude of seasonal temperature and precipitation changes to the record of the modern travertine at Baishuitai. Our results do not contradict the previous interpretation of late Eocene wetting and additionally suggest the existence of the late Eocene monsoon climate in the Jianchuan basin.
SEARCH AND THE SOURCES OF LIFE‐CYCLE INEQUALITY
Authors: Griffy Benjamin S.
Published: June 2021

I study how initial wealth affects lifetime earnings inequality when labor markets are frictional. To do this, I construct a model life‐cycle model with search frictions, incomplete markets, and endogenous human capital accumulation. In the model, incomplete markets prevent low‐wealth workers from smoothing consumption, causing them to accept low pay jobs while unemployed. In anticipation, they build savings instead of human capital while employed. This amplifies the importance of initial wealth for life‐cycle inequality. Using this model, I find that differences in initial wealth cause larger differences in lifetime earnings than either initial human capital or ability.
Effect of malondialdehyde oxidation on structure and physicochemical properties of amandin
Authors: Xin Luo , Zhang Yufeng , Duan Wenshan , Ai Mingyan , Song Hongbo , Huang Qun , Lu Jiankang
Published: June 2021

Oil, accounting for 45% of almonds, is easily oxidised and can further induce the protein oxidation to reduce their quality. Structure and physicochemical properties of amandin, the main water‐soluble protein in almonds, inducing oxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated. The results showed that the content of carbonyl group increased from 5.23 to 33.25 nmol mg−1 of protein with the increase in MDA concentration (P < 0.05). However, the sulphydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, particle size and the absolute value of ζ‐potential first increased and then decreased. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) confirmed that the structure of amandin changed from order to disorder. Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis revealed that mild oxidation (0–0.1 mmol L−1 MDA) exposed hydrophobic groups of the protein. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) suggested that protein oxidation promoted crosslinking between protein molecules. Furthermore, protein oxidation markedly declined the total amino acid content of amandin (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MDA oxidation changed the structure and amino acid content of amandin, and caused the protein aggregate and crosslink through hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction.
Feasibility of once weekly exenatide‐LAR and enhanced diabetes care in Indigenous Australians with type 2 diabetes (Long‐acting‐Once‐Weekly‐Exenatide laR‐SUGAR, ‘Lower SUGAR’ study)
Authors: Ekinci Elif I. , Pyrlis Felicity , Hachem Mariam , Maple‐Brown Louise J. , Brown Alex , Maguire Graeme , Churilov Leonid , Cohen Neale
Published: June 2021

Background

Diabetes is 3‐4 times more prevalent in Indigenous Australians with blood glucose levels often above target range. Once weekly formulations of exenatide(exenatide‐LAR) have demonstrated significantly greater improvements in glycaemic management with no increased risk of hypoglycaemia and with reductions in bodyweight but have not been studied in Indigenous Australians.

Aims

To assess the feasibility and metabolic effects of once weekly supervised injection of exenatide‐LAR in addition to standard care in Indigenous Australians with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Two communities in Central Australia with longstanding specialist clinical outreach services were allocated by random coin toss to receive once‐weekly exenatide‐LAR injection with weekly nurse review and adjustment of medication for 20 weeks (community with exenatide‐LAR) or to weekly nurse review in addition to standard care over 20 weeks (community without exenatide‐LAR). The primary outcome was the feasibility of an intensive diabetes management model of care with and without weekly supervised exenatide‐LAR. Secondary outcomes included change in HbA1c.

Results

Thirteen participants from the community with exenatide‐LAR and nine participants from the community without exenatide‐LAR were analysed. Eighty‐five percent of individuals in the community with exenatide‐LAR and 67% in the community without exenatide‐LAR attended more than half of clinic visits. Median difference in the change in HbA1c from baseline to final visit, adjusted for baseline HbA1c, between the community with exenatide‐LAR and the community without exenatide‐LAR was −3.1%, 95% CI (−5.80%, −0.38%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Weekly exenatide‐LAR combined with weekly nurse review demonstrated greater improvements in HbA1c, highlighting its potential for use in remote communities.
Capturing the rapidly evolving study of adaptation
Authors: Fruciano Carmelo , Franchini Paolo , Jones Julia C
Published: June 2021

Research on the genomics of adaptation is rapidly changing. In the last few decades, progress in this area has been driven by methodological advances, not only in the way increasingly large amounts of molecular data are generated (e.g. with high‐throughput sequencing), but also in the way these data are analysed. This includes a growing appreciation and quantitative treatment of covariation among units within the same data type (e.g. genes) or across data types (e.g. genes and phenotypes). The development and adoption of more and more integrative tools have resulted in richer and more interesting empirical work. This special issue – comprising methodological, empirical, and review papers – aims to capture a ‘snapshot’ of this rapidly evolving field. We discuss in particular three important themes in the study of adaptation: the genetic architecture of adaptive variation, protein‐coding and regulatory changes, and parallel evolution. We highlight how more traditional key themes in the study of genetic architecture (e.g. the number oflociunderlying adaptive traits and the distribution of their effects) are now being complemented by other factors (e.g. how patterns of linkage and number oflociinteract to affect the ability to adapt). Similarly, apart from addressing the relative importance of protein‐coding and regulatory changes, we now have the tools to look in‐depth at specific types of regulatory variation to gain a clearer picture of regulatory networks. Finally, parallel evolution has always been central to the study of adaptation, but now we are often able to address the question of whether – and to what extent – parallelism at the organismal or phenotypic level is matched by parallelism at the genetic level. Perhaps most importantly, we can now determine what mechanisms are driving parallelism (or lack thereof) across levels of biological organization. All these recent methodological developments open up new directions for future studies of adaptive changes across traits, levels of biological organization, demographic contexts and time scales.
Inconsistent effects of local and landscape factors on two key pests in Israeli vineyards
Authors: Krasnov Helena , Cohen Yafit , Goldshtein Eitan , Ovadia Shmuel , Sharon Rakefet , Harari Ally R. , Blank Lior
Published: June 2021

An ecoinformatics approach was used to test how two noxious species in grapevines with varying host preferences and movement characteristics: the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), and a parasitic fungus, the grape powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), are affected by local and landscape variables. Data were collected from 202 vineyards during four seasons: 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and analysed using generalized mixed models. We hypothesized that the European grapevine moth would be affected most by the landscape variables, while the grape powdery mildew would be affected most by local ones. We found that the number of sprayings during the season was an important variable explaining variation in infestation levels between vineyards for both species. At the landscape scale, we found larger variations in the relationship between the studied variables and the two pests, but both were also affected by the surrounding land use including areas of deciduous orchards. Understanding the factors that affect the occurrence of various pests in the same environment might improve farmers' decision‐making.
First examination of sterols in the marine dinoflagellate genus Vulcanodinium
Authors: Vandergrift Stephanie L. , Elkins Lindsey C. , Alves‐de‐Souza Catharina , Leblond Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2021

Vulcanodinium is an ecologically relevant dinoflagellate genus due to its production of neurotoxins known as pinnatoxins. We present here the first examination of the sterols of a Vulcanodinium rugosum isolate. Sterols are ringed lipids that assist in maintaining rigidity of cellular membranes, and the Dinophyceae are well‐studied for their ability to produce a diverse array of sterols, many of which have chemotaxonomic utility. We have determined that V. rugosum produces a set of major sterols, namely cholesterol, dinosterol, 4α,24‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐22E‐en‐3β‐ol, and 4α,24‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐ol, common to the Dinophyceae. However, this displayed marked differences from those studied members of the genera Scrippsiella and Peridinium, the closest phylogenetic relatives. Included in these differences is production by V. rugosum of a much lower percentage of dinostanol, a saturated form of dinosterol.
Do glia provide the link between low‐grade systemic inflammation and normal cognitive ageing? A 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 7 tesla
Authors: Lind Anna , Boraxbekk Carl‐Johan , Petersen Esben Thade , Paulson Olaf Bjarne , Andersen Ove , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Marsman Anouk
Published: June 2021

Low‐grade systemic inflammation contributes to ageing‐related cognitive decline, possibly by triggering a neuroinflammatory response through glial activation. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) at 7T in normal human individuals from 18 to 79 years in a cross‐sectional study, we previously observed higher regional levels of myo‐inositol (mIns), total creatine (tCr) and total choline (tCho) in older than younger age groups. Moreover, visuo‐spatial working memory (vsWM) correlated negatively with tCr and tCho in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and mIns in hippocampus and thalamus. As mIns, tCr and tCho are higher in glia than neurons, this suggest a potential in vivo connection between cognitive ageing and higher regional levels of glia‐related metabolites. In the present study, we tested whether these metabolic differences may be related to low‐grade systemic inflammation. In the same individuals, plasma concentrations of the proinflammatory markers C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 8 (IL‐8), and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) were measured on the same day as 1H‐MRS assessments. We tested whether CRP, IL‐8, and TNF‐α concentrations correlated with the levels of glia‐related metabolites. CRP and IL‐8, but not TNF‐α, were higher in older (69–79 years) than younger (18–26 years) individuals. CRP correlated positively with thalamic mIns and negatively with vsWM. IL‐8 correlated positively with ACC tCho and hippocampal mIns, but not with vsWM. Mediation analysis revealed an indirect effect of IL‐8 on vsWM via ACC tCho. Together, these findings corroborate the role of glial cells, perhaps via their role in neuroinflammation, as part of the neurobiological link between systemic inflammation and cognitive ageing.

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Oestrogen treatment modulates the impact of cognitive experience and task complexity on memory in middle‐aged surgically menopausal rats
Authors: Koebele Stephanie V. , Quihuis Alicia M. , Lavery Courtney N. , Plumley Zachary M. T. , Castaneda Arthur J. , Bimonte‐Nelson Heather A.
Published: June 2021

Menopause has been linked to changes in memory. Oestrogen‐containing hormone therapy is prescribed to treat menopause‐related symptoms and can ameliorate memory changes, although the parameters impacting oestrogen‐related memory efficacy are unclear. Cognitive experience and practice have been shown to be neuroprotective and to improve learning and memory during ageing, with the type of task playing a role in subsequent cognitive outcomes. Whether task complexity matters, and whether these outcomes interact with menopause and oestrogen status, remains unknown. To investigate this, we used a rat model of surgical menopause to systematically assess whether maze task complexity, as well as order of task presentation, impacts spatial learning and memory during middle age when rats received vehicle, low‐17β‐oestradiol (E2) or high‐E2 treatment. The direction, and even presence, of the effects of prior maze experience differed depending on the E2 dose. Surgical menopause without E2 treatment yielded the least benefit, as prior maze experience did not have a substantial effect on subsequent task performance for vehicle treated rats regardless of task demand level during the first exposure to maze experience or final testing. High‐dose E2 yielded a variable benefit, and low‐dose E2 produced the greatest benefit. Specifically, low‐dose E2 broadly enhanced learning and memory in surgically menopausal rats that had prior experience on another task, regardless of the complexity level of this prior experience. These results demonstrate that E2 dose influences the impact of prior cognitive experience on learning and memory during ageing, and highlights the importance of prior cognitive experience in subsequent learning and memory outcomes.
Topical antimicrobial peptides in combined treatment of acne patients
Authors: Ma Ziyuan , Kochergin Nikolay , Olisova Olga , Snarskaya Elena
Published: June 2021

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that affects over 80% of adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of an isotretinoin treatment course with GDP‐20 (granulysin‐derived peptides) versus the conventional isotretinoin monotherapy prescribed to patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne.

Methods

Our study included 60 Russian subjects affected with AV of mild‐to‐moderate severity divided into two therapeutic groups. Half of the patients were female; mean age was 19.5 ± 5.6 years. Group 1 was treated with topical GDP‐20 twice daily to the affected skin of the face combined with systemic isotretinoin in a fixed low dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day. Group 2 was treated with systemic isotretinoin as a monotherapy.

Results

The assessment of the changes of AV lesion count on the 12th week of the treatment showed that in Group 1, the mean value of open comedo number reduced from 21.4 ± 6.1 at day 0 to 4.4 ± 2.5 (p < 0.05), the mean number of closed comedo reduced from 7.6 ± 3.5 to 2.4 ± 1.05 (p < 0.05), and those of papules‐pustules reduced from 6.1 ± 1.03 to 1.4 ± 0.2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Topical antimicrobial peptides (GDP‐20) combined with low doses of systemic isotretinoin mild‐to‐moderate resulted in considerable improvement of clinical manifestations of mild‐to‐moderate AV and threefold reduction in the disease severity with IGA score 0–1 after 12 weeks. Topical application of GDP‐20 antimicrobial peptides can improve the efficacy of low‐dose systemic isotretinoin in combined treatment of mild‐to‐moderate AV.
Associations between person‐centred care and job strain, stress of conscience, and intent to leave among hospital personnel
Authors: Van Diepen Cornelia , Fors Andreas , Ekman Inger , Bertilsson Monica , Hensing Gunnel
Published: June 2021

Aim

To determine the associations between person‐centred care (PCC) and job strain, stress of conscience and intent to leave among healthcare professionals in Swedish hospital departments.

Background

Hospitals have experienced difficulty in retaining qualified healthcare personnel. Previous studies have shown that working in a person‐centred environment could offset this challenge, but research is scarce.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design using the STROBE checklist.

Methods

Healthcare professionals (n = 94) in six hospital departments in Sweden completed a survey measuring perceived PCC, job strain, stress of conscience and intent to leave. Data were collected from April 2019 to April 2020. Bivariate analysis was used to describe the sample and correlations between the explanatory variables and perceived PCC and its subscales. Regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between perceived PCC and job strain, stress of conscience and intent to leave.

Results

The organisational and environmental support subscale of perceived PCC showed significant correlations with all explanatory variables, while the extent of personalising care subscale only correlated with job strain and intent to leave. The regression analyses showed that higher perceived PCC was associated with higher job strain, less stress of conscience and less intent to leave.

Conclusion

Higher perceived PCC is associated with work‐related factors in hospital departments. There is scope for further research in this area.
Valuation effects of the US–China trade war: The effects of foreign managers and foreign exposure
Authors: Ding Haoyuan , Pu Bo , Qi Tong , Wang Kai
Published: June 2021

With an event study approach, this study examines the valuation effects of the US–China trade war. It is found that Chinese listed firms with American managers record lower announcement returns than their counterparts. This effect is heterogenous for firms with different foreign exposures. Specifically, the negative effect is more pronounced for firms exporting to the US market, while other foreign exposures, such as overseas direct investments and foreign shareholders mitigate the negative effects of American managers. These findings provide micro‐level evaluation of trade policy with the combination of stock market and corporate governance.
“The Way you Interpret Health”: Adolescent Definitions and Perceptions of Health Literacy
Authors: Joseph Patrece , Fleary Sasha A.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are required to take increased responsibility for their health. Although health literacy is implicated in adults' health decision‐making and health behaviors, little is known about adolescents' health literacy and its relationship to their health behaviors. Furthermore, adolescent health literacy research overlooks adolescent development‐specific needs and skills. Therefore, we qualitatively explored adolescents' (1) definitions of health literacy, preventive health behaviors, and health risk behaviors; and (2) perception of the health literacy/health behavior relationship.

METHODS

Six semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with adolescents (N = 37) who answered questions about their perceptions of health literacy, preventive health behaviors, and health risk behaviors. Focus groups were coded using thematic analysis. Themes representing adolescents' definitions of health literacy were secondarily coded for alignment with definitions in the literature.

RESULTS

Some of adolescents' health literacy definitions aligned with the adult health literacy literature. They considered health literacy a tool for informed decision‐making, but acknowledged not always using these skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents' definitions of health literacy were multidimensional, going beyond numeracy and literacy skills. Developmental characteristics and adolescents' definition of health risk behaviors were related to use of health literacy skills. Opportunities for adolescents to develop and practice health literacy skills are discussed.
The role of input and hydrological parameters uncertainties in extreme hydrological simulations
Authors: Meresa Hadush , Tischbein Bernhard , Mendela Josephine , Demoz Rediet , Abreha Tarikua , Weldemichael Metsihat , Ogbu Kingsley
Published: June 2021

Quantifying possible sources of uncertainty in simulations of hydrological extreme events is very important for better risk management in extreme situations and water resource planning. The main objective of this research work is to identify and address the role of input data quality and hydrological parameter sets, and uncertainty propagation in hydrological extremes estimation. This includes identifying and estimating their contribution to flood and low flow magnitude using two objective functions (NSE for flood and LogNSE for low flow), 20,000 Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) hydrological parameter sets, and three frequency distribution models (Log‐Normal, Pearson‐III, and Generalized Extreme Value). The influence of uncertainty on the simulated flow is not uniform across all the selected three catchments due to different flow regimes and runoff generation mechanisms. The result shows that the uncertainty in high flow frequency modeling mainly comes from the input data quality. In the modeling of low flow frequency, the main contributor to the total uncertainty is model parameterization. The total uncertainty of QT90 (extreme peak flow quantile at 90‐year return period) quantile shows that the interaction of input data and hydrological parameter sets have a significant role in the total uncertainty. In contrast, in the QT10 (extreme low flow quantile at 10‐year return period) estimation, the input data quality and hydrological parameters significantly impact the total uncertainty. This implies that the primary factors and their interactions may cause considerable risk in water resources management and flood and drought risk management. Therefore, neglecting these factors and their interaction in disaster risk management, water resource planning, and evaluation of environmental impact assessment is not feasible and may lead to considerable risk.

Recommendations for Water Resource Managers

The role of hydrological parameters and climate input data is significant in flood and low flow estimations and significantly impacts water resources and extremes management.

Input data dominantly controlled flood magnitude and frequency, whilst the low flow magnitude and frequency were dominantly affected by both input data quality and hydrological parameters.

It is crucial to consider the main features that cause considerable risk in water resource management and extreme risk management.

Neglecting the primary factors and their interaction in disaster risk management, water resource planning, and evaluation of environmental impact assessment is not feasible and may lead to considerable risk.

Improved extreme water management through a complex modeling approach to better prepare for the impact of extreme high and low flow changes are the best long‐ and short‐term plans and strategies to combat and minimize the risk in water‐related sectors of the local economy.
Periprosthetic infections: How do we diagnose and treat? Results of an online survey and comparison with international recommendations
Authors: Otto‐Lambertz Christina , Glauner Andreas , Yagdiran Ayla , Eysel Peer
Published: June 2021

Objective

Endoprosthetic replacement surgery of hip and knee joints is widely performed, but always carries the risk of developing periprosthetic infection (PPI). Treatment of PPI is lengthy and demanding for the patient, often involving multiple surgeries as well as lengthy drug therapies. Remediation is not always successful despite extensive therapy.

Methods

An online survey was used to investigate whether the therapeutic measures implemented in German hospitals are based on international treatment recommendations. For this purpose, German physicians who regularly treat periprosthetic infections in their clinics were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire asked about internal hospital procedures. These were then compared with international recommendations.

Results

With a response rate of 10.9%, the questionnaire shows agreement with the international recommendations in large parts of the operative and medicinal procedures. In preoperative imaging for example, two‐plane radiographs are the standard. Similarly, the participants' approach to preoperative specimen collection, incubation time, and operative management (regarding one‐ or two‐stage approach to septic joint) reflects the recommendations.

Deviations were particularly evident in the area of laboratory diagnostics, where the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is determined in only 17.1%, contrary to the recommendations. Whereas procalcitonin (PCT) and blood culture sampling takes place regularly. Clear differences emerges in the use of drains, which, contrary to the recommendations, are used very regularly (almost 70%).

In this survey, the time intervals between the onset of infection symptoms and the start of therapy (prosthesis‐preserving therapy) is shown to be longer than recommended internationally.

Conclusion

In summary, however, the recommended approaches of the international groups in most respects are followed, a high willingness of respondents to collaborate with local infectious disease specialists demonstrates the complexity of the disease.
Comparison of the Wiltse Approach and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation Under O‐arm Navigation for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Lu Ying‐jie , Miao Yi‐ming , Zhu Tian‐feng , Wu Qian , Shen Xu , Lu Dong‐dong , Zhu Xue‐song , Gan Min‐feng
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the Wiltse approach and percutaneous pedicle screw placement under O‐arm navigation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 54 patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar fracture who received minimally invasive treatments between October 2014 and October 2018 in this retrospective study. Among these, 28 patients (22 males and six females, with a mean age of 48.6 ± 9.6 years) were treated with pedicle screw fixation through the Wiltse approach (WPSF), and another 26 (15 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 45.7 ± 10.6 years) received percutaneous pedicle screw fixation under O‐arm navigation (OPSF). Statistical methods were used to perform a detailed comparison of clinical outcomes, radiologic findings, and complications between the two groups obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow‐up.

Results

All patients underwent surgery successfully and finished a follow‐up of more than 12 months. No serious complications, such as infection, blood vessel injury, or spinal cord or nerve root injury occurred. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, local Cobb angle (LCA), vertebral wedge angle (VWA), and R value were notably improved after surgery, though there was no clear discrepancy between the groups at each time point (P > 0.05). During the follow‐up period, no patients developed neurological impairment or implant‐related complications, and no patients underwent revision surgery. The WPSF group had a significantly shorter operation time than the OPSF group (68.1 ± 9.8 vs 76.1 ± 9.0 minutes, P = 0.005). Moreover, the WPSF group showed less cost of surgery than the WPSF group (48142.1 ± 1430.1 vs 59035.4 ± 1152.7 CNY, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the intraoperative bleeding, length of incision, or postoperative hospitalization time (P > 0.05). The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was 95.2% (160/168) in the WPSF group and 96.8% (151/156) in the OPSF group, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.432).

Conclusion

Both WPSF and OPSF were safe and effective for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture. Although the two groups showed favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes through to final follow‐up, we recommended the minimally invasive WPSF given its shorter operation time and lower cost of surgery.
How does attachment imagery for paranoia work? Cognitive fusion and beliefs about self and others mediate the impact on paranoia and anxiety
Authors: Sood Monica , Carnelley Katherine , Newman‐Taylor Katherine
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Paranoia describes unfounded and distressing interpersonal threat beliefs. Secure attachment imagery has been shown to attenuate paranoia and anxiety in non‐clinical and clinical groups, but little is known about the differential effects of anxious and avoidant imagery or mechanisms of change. In this study, we tested the impact of secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment imagery on paranoia, anxiety, and help‐seeking intentions. We also examined hypothesized mechanisms of change, specifically whether cognitive fusion and negative self‐ and other‐beliefs mediate these relationships.

Design

This study utilized an experimental, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A large (N = 303), international general population sample with high levels of non‐clinical paranoia completed a series of measures before and after engaging in secure, anxious, or avoidant imagery.

Results

Relative to anxious and avoidant attachment imagery, secure attachment imagery reduced paranoia and anxiety and increased help‐seeking intentions. Cognitive fusion and negative self‐ and other‐beliefs mediated the impact of attachment imagery on paranoia and anxiety, but not help‐seeking.

Conclusions

In line with attachment and cognitive theory, secure attachment imagery is effective in reducing paranoia and anxiety and works by reducing cognitive fusion and negative self‐ and other‐beliefs. These novel findings suggest that the secure imagery task could be incorporated into cognitive and behavioural therapies to reduce distressing interpersonal threat beliefs and associated negative affect, and increase help‐seeking intentions.

Practitioner points

When working with people experiencing paranoia, secure attachment imagery may be effective in reducing state paranoia and anxiety and improving help‐seeking intentions.

Attachment imagery works by influencing beliefs about self and others, and the degree to which people are fused with their beliefs. In clinical practice, the rationale for the imagery task fits well with psychological models of paranoia and the secure imagery task can be introduced as a way to cope when struggling with distressing beliefs about self and others, and feeling overwhelmed by these fears.
Ultrastructural changes observed in Colletotrichum alienum conidia following treatment with cold plasma or plasma‐activated water
Authors: Siddique Sharmin S. , Hardy Giles E. St.J. , Bayliss Kirsty L.
Published: June 2021

Previous studies demonstrated that a reduction in germination of Colletotrichum alienum conidia could be achieved following treatment with cold plasma (CP) or incubation with plasma‐activated water (PAW). In this study, the mode of action of CP and PAW on C. alienum conidia was explored using transmission electron microscopy. Following treatment of the conidia, noticeable ultrastructural changes were observed, including cell wall maceration, disorganization of the cytoplasm and vacuole, and changes to the nuclei and mitochondria. Disorganization of the cytoplasm was exhibited by 85% of conidia after CP or PAW treatment. Also, 85% of conidia were observed with disorganized vacuoles after 6 min of CP treatment and 65% after 3 hr incubation in PAW. Further, 45% or more conidia had modified cell walls after PAW incubation or CP treatment. Deformation of conidia was observed in 23% of conidia after PAW incubation. These ultrastructural changes are a likely reason for the reduced germination of C. alienum conidia following CP or PAW treatment.
Right‐Wing Rural Populisms: Comparative Analysis of Two European Regions*
Authors: Corradi Valerio
Published: June 2021

The most significant political fact of the latest elections within the European Union is the growth, in all states, of right‐wing “populist” political formations. Alongside this, one of the most relevant aspects is the significant share of support that these “parties” have in suburban, peripheral and rural areas. Starting from this premise, the first part of the article aims to discuss the relevance of the rural‐urban dichotomy and how territorial differences are an important factor in the growth of right‐wing populism. The second part proposes a comparative analysis of the political trends recorded in recent years in two economically advanced European regions: Auvergne‐Rhône‐Alpes (France) and Lombardia (Italy). The analysis of the official results of the 2019 European elections and of the previous elections in the two regions, shows the entrenchment in rural areas of the consensus for right‐wing populist formations (Lega and Rassemblement National) but also the presence of different discourses and political strategies, which reveal the different nuances that rural populism can take.
Whole blood for trauma patients: Outcomes at higher doses
Authors: Richards Justin E. , Jackson Bryon P.
Published: June 2021

See article on page 1710–1720, in this issue