bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the Private Public: Witnessing Female Infanticide in Nineteenth‐Century Kathiawar
Authors: Murthy Pashmina
Published: August 2021

Nineteenth‐century British colonial discourses on female infanticide in India were marked not only by horror but also by frustration at being unable to detect its commission or identify its perpetrators. But in 1835, after years of thwarted efforts, three cases of daughter‐murder were successfully investigated in quick succession in the tributary of Kathiawar. This article uses manuscript transcripts of one of these cases to show the investigation's reliance on midwives and female servants as witnesses. Focusing on their testimony, the article shows how these women became critical participants in the colonial epistemology of female infanticide, informing and framing British understanding of this crime while also challenging it.
Ketamine administration for acute painful sickle cell crisis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed S. , AlSulaibikh Amal H. , ElTahan Mohamed R. , AlFaraj Sukayna Z. , Asonto Laila P. , AlMulhim Abdullah A. , AlAbbad Murad F. , Almaghraby Nisreen , AlJumaan Mohammed A. , AlJunaid Thamir O. , Darweesh Moath N. , AlHawaj Faisal M. , Mahmoud Alaa M. , Alossaimi Bader K. , Alotaibi Shaikhah K. , AlMutairi Talal M. , AlSulaiman PharmD Duaa A. , Alfaraj Dunya , Alhawwas Reem , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Lewis Kim , Verhovsek Madeleine , Crowther Mark , Guyatt Gordon , Alhazzani Waleed ,   in collaboration with the GUIDE Group
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single‐dose ketamine infusion in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who presented with acute sickle vasoocclusive crisis (VOC).

Methods

This study was a parallel‐group, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, pragmatic trial. Participants were randomized to receive a single dose of either ketamine or morphine, infused over 30 min. Primary outcome was mean difference in the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score over 2 h. NPRS was recorded every 30 min for a maximum of 180 min and secondary outcomes were cumulative dose of opioids, emergency department (ED) length of stay, hospital admission, change in vital signs, and drug‐related side effects. Authors performed the analysis using intention‐to‐treat principle.

Result

A total of 278 adults with SCD and who presented with acute sickle VOC participated in this trial. A total of 138 were allocated to the ketamine group. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) NPRS scores over 2 h were 5.7 (±2.13) and 5.6 (±1.90) in the ketamine and morphine groups. The ketamine group received significantly lower cumulative doses of morphine during their ED stay (mean ± SD = 4.5 ± 4.6 mg) than of the morphine group (mean ± SD = 8.5 ± 7.55 mg). Both groups had similar rates of hospital admission: 6.3% in the ketamine group had drug‐related side effects compared to 2.2% in the morphine group.

Conclusion

Early use of ketamine in adults with VOC resulted in a meaningful reduction in pain scores over a 2‐h period and reduced the cumulative morphine dose in the ED with no significant drug‐related side effects in the ketamine‐treated group.
Efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine for analgesia after lower joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta‐analysis with meta‐regression and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Gonvers E. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Grape S. , Albrecht E.
Published: August 2021

Widespread adoption of intrathecal morphine into clinical practice is hampered by concerns about its potential side‐effects. We undertook a systematic review, meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis with the primary objective of determining the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine. Our secondary objective was to determine the dose associated with greatest efficacy and safety. We also assessed the impact of intrathecal morphine on respiratory depression. We systematically searched the literature for trials comparing intrathecal morphine with a control group in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia. Our primary efficacy outcome was rest pain score (0–10) at 8–12 hours; our primary safety outcome was the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting within 24 hours. Twenty‐nine trials including 1814 patients were identified. Rest pain score at 8–12 hours was significantly reduced in the intrathecal morphine group, with a mean difference (95%CI) of −1.7 (−2.0 to −1.3), p < 0.0001 (19 trials; 1420 patients; high‐quality evidence), without sub‐group differences between doses (p = 0.35). Intrathecal morphine increased postoperative nausea and vomiting, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 1.4 (1.3–1.6), p < 0.0001 (24 trials; 1603 patients; high‐quality evidence). However, a sub‐group analysis by dose revealed that rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting within 24 hours were similar between groups at a dose of 100 µg, while the risk significantly increased with larger doses (p value for sub‐group difference = 0.02). Patients receiving intrathecal morphine were no more likely to have respiratory depression, the risk ratio (95%CI) being 0.9 (0.5–1.7), p = 0.78 (16 trials; 1173 patients; high‐quality evidence). In conclusion, there is good evidence that intrathecal morphine provides effective analgesia after lower limb arthroplasty, without an increased risk of respiratory depression, but at the expense of an increased rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting. A dose of 100 µg is a ‘ceiling’ dose for analgesia and a threshold dose for increased rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Outcomes in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for imperative vs elective indications
Authors: Tan Jo‐Lynn S. , Sathianathen Niranjan , Cumberbatch Marcus , Dasgupta Prokar , Mottrie Alexandre , Abaza Ronney , Ho Rha Koon , Yuvaraja Thyavihally B. , Parekh Dipen J. , Capitanio Umberto , Ahlawat Rajesh , Rawal Sudhir , Buffi Nicolò M. , Sivaraman Ananthakrishnan , Maes Kris K. , Gautam Gagan , Porpiglia Francesco , Turkeri Levent , Bhandari Mahendra , Challacombe Benjamin , Roscoe Porter James , Rogers Craig R. , Moon Daniel A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To assess and compare peri‐operative outcomes of patients undergoing robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for imperative vs elective indications.

Patient and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a multinational database of 3802 adults who underwent RAPN for elective and imperative indications. Laparoscopic or open partial nephrectomy (PN) were excluded. Baseline data for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score and PADUA score were examined. Patients undergoing RAPN for an imperative indication were matched to those having surgery for an elective indication using propensity scores in a 1:3 ratio. Primary outcomes included organ ischaemic time, operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of blood transfusions, Clavien–Dindo complications, conversion to radical nephrectomy (RN) and positive surgical margin (PSM) status.

Results

After propensity‐score matching for baseline variables, a total of 304 patients (76 imperative vs 228 elective indications) were included in the final analysis. No significant differences were found between groups for ischaemia time (19.9 vs 19.8 min; P = 0.94), operating time (186 vs 180 min; P = 0.55), EBL (217 vs 190 mL; P = 0.43), rate of blood transfusions (2.7% vs 3.7%; P = 0.51), or Clavien–Dindo complications (P = 0.31). A 38.6% (SD 47.9) decrease in Day‐1 postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the imperative indication group and an 11.3% (SD 45.1) decrease was observed in the elective indication group (P < 0.005). There were no recorded cases of permanent or temporary dialysis. There were no conversions to RN in the imperative group, and seven conversions (5.6%) in the elective group (P = 0.69). PSMs were seen in 1.4% (1/76) of the imperative group and in 3.3% of the elective group (7/228; P = 0.69).

Conclusion

We conclude that RAPN is feasible and safe for imperative indications and demonstrates similar outcomes to those achieved for elective indications.
Modelling the impact of increase in sugar prices on dental caries in India
Authors: Gupta Arpit , Sharda Shweta , Jyani Gaurav , Prinja Shankar , Goyal Ashima , Gauba Krishan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of raising the price of sugar and/or sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) on caries incidence in the Indian population.

Methods

A tooth‐level decision‐analytic model was developed to evaluate a change in caries increment after increasing the price of Sugar and SSBs. The transition of a tooth from a caries‐free state to the state of tooth loss in both scenarios was modelled with the help of a Markov model for a time horizon of 63 years, ranging from 2021 to 2083 for the 12‐year‐old population cohort of India. A conceptual framework was designed to implicate the possible effects of an increase in sugar prices on the reduction of caries incidence. Health effects were estimated in terms of the number of carious lesions and tooth‐loss in both the scenarios and modelled as a product of the dose‐response relationship between sugar intake and caries incidence. The model was thus used to establish the number of caries lesions prevented, and tooth‐loss avoided. Uncertainties in the parameters were assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The Monte Carlo method was used for simulating the results 999 times.

Results

A 20% rise in the price of sugar is expected to result in the prevention of an average of 1.32 teeth in a lifetime of an individual and prevent 27.96 million tooth‐loss incidents among the population cohort of India that will eventually lead to a saving of INR (₹) 3116.32 billion (US$ 42.69 billion) on account of dental caries treatment. Similarly, increasing‐price of SSBs by 20% will lead to a 0.86% reduction in carious teeth incidence in an individual's lifetime.

Conclusion

Increasing the cost of sugar and/or SSBs will reduce the daily intake of sugar, which will reduce caries incidence and subsequent progression, thereby preventing caries‐attributed tooth‐loss and saving treatment costs.
Effect of alveolar ridge preservation on clinical attachment level at adjacent teeth: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khouly Ismael , Strauss Franz J. , Jung Ronald E. , Froum Stuart J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To test whether or not alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) changes the clinical attachment level (CAL) at adjacent teeth of extraction sockets after 6 months.

Material and methods

Seventeen patients requiring bilateral tooth extractions of the upper molars were recruited. After tooth extraction, the sockets were randomly allocated to two groups applying a split‐mouth design: (1) ARP using deproteinized bovine bone mineral containing 10% collagen (DBBM‐C) covered by a collagen membrane and (2) spontaneous healing (control). CAL, probing pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (REC), and bone levels were evaluated at the adjacent teeth of the extraction sockets at baseline and after 6 months of follow‐up.

Results

A total of 14 patients were available for reexamination. From baseline to 6 months of follow‐up mean CAL changes of all six sites at adjacent teeth of the extraction sockets amounted to −0.23 ± 0.65 mm (gain) in ARP group and 0.05 ± 0.86 mm (loss) in the control group with significant differences in favor of ARP (p = 0.04). The CAL gain was significantly more favorable at mesiopalatal sites (p = 0.01). Consistently, the mean reduction of PD of all six sites amounted to −0.68 ± 0.84 mm in ARP and −0.34 ± 0.74 mm in the control group (intergroup p = 0.02). The PD reduction was significant (p = 0.001) at the mesiopalatal sites in ARP. BOP, REC, and bone levels showed no significant differences between the groups (intergroup p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although ARP with DBBM‐C revealed a trend toward CAL gain and PD reduction at adjacent teeth of extraction sites, these adjunctive benefits seem to be clinically negligible.
Design of customized soft‐tissue substitutes for posterior single‐tooth defects: A proof‐of‐concept in‐vitro study
Authors: Sun Yue , Yu Tao , Strasding Malin , Liu Xinran , Burkhardt Felix , Schäfer Birgit , Sailer Irena , Nesic Dobrila
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Soft‐tissue volume augmentation treatments do not provide the satisfactory long‐term functional and esthetic outcomes. The aim of the study was to develop a standardized digital procedure to design individual soft‐tissue substitutes (STS) and apply mathematical modeling to obtain average shape STS for single posterior tooth defects.

Material and methods

Thirty‐three casts from 30 patients were scanned. STS were designed with a computer‐aided design software and a systematic procedure standardized the measurements across all STS using 3D‐analysis software. The occlusal, mesial–distal, and buccal–lingual planes were defined to partition, each STS and produce a mesh. The thickness values of each 3D slice were documented in a coordinate system chart to generate a scatter graph. Graphs were embedded into images (Orange software) and images were analyzed via hierarchical clustering.

Results

Three STS groups were identified according to shape. Two shapes corresponded to the maxilla defects: a square (n = 13) with dimensions of 10 mm in a lingual–buccal (length) and 7–10 mm in a mesial–distal (width) direction; a rectangle (n = 11) of 11 mm in length and 4–7 mm in width. The average shape for mandible defects (n = 9) was smaller (6–8 mm in length, 5–10 mm in width). The highest thickness in all STS was in the buccal portion, above the alveolar ridge, with median values of 2 mm. The lowest thickness of 0.2 mm was at the edges.

Conclusions

The study developed novel methodology to design customized, as well as average shape STS for volume augmentation. Future STS harboring adapted geometry might increase volume augmentation efficiency and accuracy, while reducing surgical time.
Linking in‐situ and ex‐situ populations of threatened amphibians through genome banking
Authors: Burger Isabella , Julien Allison R. , Kouba Andrew J. , Barber Diane , Counsell Kristen R. , Pacheco Carlos , Krebs Jessi , Kouba Carrie K.
Published: August 2021

Genetic variation of the endangered Puerto Rican crested toad (PRCT; Peltophryne lemur) has dwindled over time in both wild and captive populations, leading to long‐term sustainability issues for the recovery program. To address this challenge, we propose that PRCTs can be used as a model species to show how in‐situ and ex‐situ populations can be linked through sperm biobanking and gamete transfer, expanding genetic variability of both populations. Male toads (n = 10) in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico were administered human chorionic‐gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing‐hormone‐releasing‐hormone analog (GnRHa) to stimulate spermiation. Sperm was collected noninvasively from 9/10 males, cryopreserved in 10% trehalose with either 10% N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMFA) or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and transported in liquid nitrogen vapor to the National Amphibian Genome Resource Bank at Mississippi State University. Ultrasonography was used to identify females (n = 3) with mature oocytes for GnRHa‐induced oviposition of eggs for in‐vitro fertilization (IVF). Post‐thaw sperm motility was 28% and 25% for sperm cryopreserved with DMFA or DMSO, respectively. Of the 9,672 eggs used for IVF, 4% (n = 306/6,981) were fertilized with frozen–thawed sperm, compared with 20% (n = 525/2691) fertilized with fresh sperm controls. Overall, 46 toadlets were produced from frozen–thawed sperm. After 4.5 months of headstarting, 14 juvenile toads produced from various genetic crosses using frozen–thawed sperm were released to new sites in the wild, introducing unique genetic representation and new founder lines. After 1.5 years, 24 adult toads produced using frozen–thawed sperm continue to thrive in the captive collection, and one of these males has now produced an F2 generation of offspring with 5,085 tadpoles released to the wild. This transformational study is the first to produce reproductively viable adult PRCTs using cryopreserved sperm from hormonally‐induced wild males and captive females, introducing innovative methods that link in‐situ and ex‐situ populations of endangered amphibians to revolutionize genetic management.
Prognostic value of coronary flow velocity reserve in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Xie Jinjie , Yang Ya , Wang Luya , Pan Yufan , Zhang Ruiying , Qu Yichen , Li Rongjuan , Wen Wenhui , Wu Yue , Li Jialu , Ma Xiaohai
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) can provide useful quantitative information on the functional status of coronary artery circulation, and an impaired CFVR (< 2.0) was associated with a significant increase in the occurrence of cardiac events. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), but the relationship between impaired CFVR and outcome in HoFH has never been discussed before

Methods

To explore the long‐term prognostic value of CFVR in patients with HoFH, 39 HoFH patients with CFVR data (mean age with 16.7 years) were enrolled from the Genetic and Imaging of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Han Nationality Study. All patients were divided into impaired CFVR (CFVR < 2.0, n = 17) and preserved CFVR (CFVR≥2.0, n = 22) group. Follow‐up was performed until a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) occurred or up to June 30, 2020

Results

During a median follow‐up of 89 months, 16 events were registered, 12 of which were occurred in the impaired CFVR group and four occurred in the preserved CFVR group. The event‐free survival rate of impaired CFVR group was significantly lower than that in the preserved CFVR group (29.4% vs 81.8%, P < .001), and CFVR < 2.0 was independently associated with prognosis before and after adjustment for related risk factors (HR 5.197, 95% CI 1.669 to 16.178, P = .004 and HR 5.488, 95% CI 1.470 to 20.496, P = .011, respectively)

Conclusions

an impaired CFVR predicts a worse outcome in HoFH. CFVR shows an independent value in the prediction of long‐term outcome in HoFH.
Contributions and future priorities for soil science: Comparing perspectives from scientists and stakeholders
Authors: Cimpoiasu Mihai O. , Dowdeswell‐Downey Emily , Evans Daniel L. , McCloskey Christopher S. , Rose Lewis S. , Sayer Emma J.
Published: August 2021

Soils are a fundamental natural resource but intensifying demands and increasing soil degradation necessitate focussed research into the sustainable use of soils. Since soil functioning is critical for the operations and performance of multiple industries, businesses and municipalities, soil scientists need to actively engage with these bodies to orientate research goals towards stakeholder needs. To achieve this, stakeholder views about the current and potential contributions of soil science to different sectors need to be taken into account when setting the future research agenda. Here, we assessed whether the current and future research priorities of soil science match the needs of four major industrial and environmental sectors: agriculture, ecosystem services and natural resources, waste management, and water management. We used an online questionnaire, distributed to 192 organisations and via social media, to compare stakeholders' and scientists' perceptions of (a) the contributions of soil science to date, (b) the areas not currently served by soil science and (c) future research needs in soil science. Stakeholders generally rated the contributions of soil science to date as ‘great’ or ‘fundamental’, but scientists rated the contributions more highly. Respondents identified numerous areas that soil research has not yet sufficiently addressed, which were mostly sector‐specific and often overlapped with perceived future research needs. Importantly, stakeholders' and scientists' views of future research priorities differed strongly within sectors, with the notable exception of agriculture, where views were generally consistent. We conclude that soil science may hold unexplored potential in several industrial and environmental sectors. We call for improved research communication and greater stakeholder involvement to shape the future soils research agenda and ensure the sustainable use of soils across multiple areas of society.

Highlights

How soil science has served, and could further serve, four major sectors was investigated.

Soil science contributions to agriculture, ecosystem services, waste and water sectors were assessed.

Stakeholders' and scientists' views on future contributions of soil science frequently differed.

Greater stakeholder engagement could greatly enhance the impact of soil science in the future.
Little effect of tree species richness on within‐ and between‐plot variability in soil chemical properties in a young plantation forest
Authors: Dhiedt Els , Baeten Lander , De Smedt Pallieter , Verheyen Kris
Published: August 2021

Trees impact the chemical properties of the soil in which they grow. When planting forests, the choice of tree species and species combinations is thus expected to partly determine the spatial variation in soil properties, even in the early stages of forest development. We made use of a biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning experiment in Belgium, FORBIO (FORest BIOdiversity and Ecosystem Functioning). The studied site is situated on former agricultural land on loamy sandy soil and replicates tree species richness (1–4 species) and composition. Soil samples (0–10 cm) were taken at five locations in 1, 2 and 4 species plots. We measured the total C and N concentration, the Olsen P, the pH‐H2O and the available Ca, Mg and K concentration. We hypothesised that the within‐plot spatial variability would increase with species richness and that the between‐plot variability would decrease with species richness. We found little evidence to support our hypothesis. We only found a smaller within‐plot variability in monocultures than mixtures for Ca, pH and C:N. Potential reasons for the little evidence for the effect of tree species richness may include the fact that the forest is only 9 years old, the agricultural land‐use history and the soil texture. Further research in sites with different soil properties or different land‐use history is needed to generalise these results.

Highlights

Variation in soil chemistry was studied in young forest plots varying in tree species richness.

Larger within‐ and a smaller between‐plot variation in mixtures than monocultures was expected.

Larger within‐plot variation in mixtures was only found for for Ca, pH and C:N.

Little effect of tree species richness may be due to young age, agricultural land‐use history or soil texture.
More than just a dental practitioner: A realist evaluation of a dental anxiety service in Norway
Authors: Bryne Emilie , Hean Sarah , Evensen Kjersti , Bull Vibeke
Published: August 2021

Patients with dental phobia or a history of trauma tend to avoid dental services, which may, over time, lead to poor oral health. In Norway, a specific service targets these patients by providing exposure therapy to treat their fear of attendance and subsequently enable oral restoration. Dental practitioners deliver the exposure therapy, which requires a role change that deviates from their traditional practice. This paper explores how – and under what circumstances – dental practitioners manage this new role of alleviating dental anxiety for patients with a history of trauma or dental phobia. Using a realist evaluation approach, this paper develops theory describing which contexts promote mechanisms that allow practitioners to alleviate dental anxiety for patients with trauma or dental phobia. A multi‐method approach, comprising service documents (n = 13) and stakeholder interviews (n = 12), was applied. The data were then analysed through a content analysis and context‐mechanism‐outcome heuristic tool. Our findings reveal that dental practitioners must adopt roles that enable trust, a safe space, and gradual desensitisation of the patient to their fear triggers. Adopting these roles requires time and resources to develop practitioners' skills – enabling them to adopt an appropriate communication style and exposure pace for each patient.
New wine in old bottles: current progress on P5 ATPases
Authors: Huang Zhiwen , Feng Zhigang , Zou Yan
Published: August 2021

P5 ATPases are evolutionarily conserved P‐type transporters. Despite their important roles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in lysosomes, the substrate specificities and transporting mechanisms of P5 ATPases have remained mysterious. Recently, several studies have provided genetic, biochemical, and structural evidence to help elucidate the physiological functions and substrates of P5 ATPases. Here, we summarize this progress and discuss the potential transport mechanisms of the P5 ATPases—in particular, P5A ATPase—for further study.
Prenatal exercise in fetal development: a placental perspective
Authors: Chae Song Ah , Son Jun Seok , Du Min
Published: August 2021

Maternal obesity (MO) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common in Western societies, which impair fetal development and predispose offspring to metabolic dysfunction. Placenta is the organ linking the mother to her fetus, and MO suppresses the development of vascular system and expression of nutrient transporters in placenta, thereby affecting fetal development. For maintaining its proper physiological function, placenta is energy demanding, which is met through extensive oxidative phosphorylation. However, the oxidative capacity of placenta is suppressed due to MO and GDM. Recently, several studies showed that physical activity during pregnancy enhances oxidative metabolism and improves placental function, which might be partially mediated by exerkines, referring to cytokines elicited by exercise. In addition, as an endocrine organ, placenta secretes cytokines, termed placentokines, including apelin, superoxide dismutase 3, irisin, and adiponectin, which mediate fetal development and maternal metabolism. Possible molecular mechanisms linking maternal exercise and placentokines to placental and fetal development are further discussed. As an emerging field, up to now, available studies are limited, mostly conducted in rodents. Given the epidemics of obesity and metabolic disorders, as well as the prevalence of maternal sedentary lifestyle, the effects of exercise of pregnant women on placental function and placentokine secretion, as well as their impacts on fetal development, need to be further examined.
Association between oral health status and oral food intake level in subacute stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation unit
Authors: Matsuo Koichiro , Sekimoto Yu , Okamoto Mieko , Shibata Seiko , Otaka Yohei
Published: August 2021

Background

Stroke patients often suffer from dysphagia during their recovery. We hypothesised that subacute stroke patients with dysphagia had more deteriorated oral health status including muscle strength and motor function.

Objective

Quantitatively investigate oral health status and identify associations with oral feeding status in stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation unit.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 187 stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation unit. Oral feeding status was examined using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and the cohort was divided into three groups based on FOIS score as non‐oral feeding (FOIS‐123; 22 patients), dysphagic diet (FOIS‐45; 74 patients), and regular diet (FOIS‐67; 91 patients) groups. Activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Oral health status was measured quantitatively in six oral function parameters and Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and differences according to the FOIS, age and FIM were statistically tested.

Results

In bivariate analysis, two parameters, tongue pressure and tongue‐lip motor functions were significantly higher in the regular diet group than in the other groups (P < .01). Gross OHAT score was also significantly better in the regular diet group than in the other groups (P < .01). These significant associations mostly remained in the multiple model after adjusting for age and FIM.

Conclusion

This study suggests that, amongst oral health status, tongue strength and motor function, as well as OHAT score, may have strong associations with oral feeding status in subacute stroke patients at convalescent rehabilitation units regardless of ADL levels.
Modeling Vapor Migration for Estimating the Time to Reach Steady State Conditions
Authors: Jourabchi Parisa , Lin Gary Kuo‐Ching
Published: August 2021

The design and planning of soil vapor sampling for vapor intrusion assessment require an estimate of the time for vapor migration from the contamination source to reach steady state prior to vapor sampling and analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study presents the model derivation, analytical solutions, as well as the assumptions and limitations of a one‐dimensional VOC vapor transport model based on diffusion in porous media and equilibrium partitioning of VOCs in solid, aqueous, and vapor phases. The model assumes a finite domain with boundary conditions that represent the scenarios of vapor migration in the real environment. The derivation of the conceptual model is presented along with its practical use and implications as illustrated through case examples. Consideration of the upper (or exit) boundary condition along with the distance between the source and the applicable boundary, rather than the distance from the source to the measurement point, are shown to be critical in the time estimates as compared to an expression typically used and cited in guidance documents. The study reveals the importance of defining a conceptual model and relevant boundaries in assessing near steady state conditions, and suggests a tiered approach in refining the estimate with increasing level of effort for practical applications in vapor assessment.
The impact of Helicobacter pylori infection, eradication therapy, and probiotics intervention on gastric microbiota in young adults
Authors: Yuan Ziying , Xiao Shiyu , Li Sizhu , Suo Baojun , Wang Ye , Meng Lingmei , Liu Zuojing , Yin Zhihao , Xue Yan , Zhou Liya
Published: August 2021

Background

The impact of probiotics on non‐Helicobacter pylori gastric microbiota and its role in microbial restoration after eradication were relatively unknown. We aimed to explore the effect of H. pylori eradication and probiotic intervention on gastric microbiota in young adults.

Methods

Fifty‐six H. pylori‐negative and 95 H. pylori‐positive subjects aged 19–30 were included in this study. H. pylori‐infected individuals were randomly assigned to quadruple therapy, probiotics supplemented quadruple therapy, or probiotics monotherapy group. Gastric mucosa and gastric juice samples were collected before and 2 months after treatment for 16SrRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The gastric microbial community structure and composition differed from H. pylori‐negative subjects 2 months after successful H. pylori eradication. The α diversity of gastric mucosal microbiota significantly increased and was higher than H. pylori‐negative subjects, while the α diversity of gastric juice microbiota decreased and was lower than the H. pylori‐negative. After probiotics supplemented eradication treatment, Bifidobacterium was enriched in gastric mucosa, Lactobacillus was enriched in gastric juice, potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Campylobacter decreased, and the microbial diversity was closer to that of H. pylori‐negative subjects compared to quadruple therapy group. Probiotics monotherapy significantly altered the diversity, community structure, and composition of gastric microbiota but showed no advantage in H. pylori inhibition and upregulating beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and related metabolism pathways. Certain potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium increased after probiotic monotherapy.

Conclusion

H. pylori eradication significantly disrupted gastric microbiota in young adults and could not be restored in a short time. Probiotics supplementation partially helped restore the gastric dysbiosis caused by eradication therapy, but it might be unnecessary for H. pylori‐infected young adults to take probiotics alone.
Primary high‐grade non‐anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study of 364 cases
Authors: Xu Bin , David Julia , Dogan Snjezana , Landa Iñigo , Katabi Nora , Saliba Maelle , Khimraj Anjanie , Sherman Eric J , Tuttle Robert Michael , Tallini Giovanni , Ganly Ian , Fagin James A , Ghossein Ronald A
Published: August 2021

Aims

We aimed to study the clinicopathological and molecular features of high‐grade non‐anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (HGTCs), a carcinoma with a prognosis intermediate between those of well‐differentiated carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma.

Methods and results

This study included 364 HGTC patients: 200 patients (54.9%) were diagnosed with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), based on the Turin consensus (HGTC‐PDTC), and 164 were diagnosed with high‐grade features that did not meet the Turin criteria (HGTC‐nonPDTC). HGTCs are aggressive: the 3‐year, 5‐year, 10‐year and 20‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 89%, 76%, 60%, and 35%, respectively. Although DSS was similar between HGTC‐PDTC and HGTC‐nonPDTC patients, HGTC‐PDTC was associated with higher rate of radioactive iodine avidity, a higher frequency of RAS mutations, a lower frequency of BRAF V600E mutations and a higher propensity for distant metastasis (DM) than HGTC‐nonPDTC. Independent clinicopathological markers of worse outcome were: older age, male sex, extensive necrosis and lack of encapsulation for DSS; older age, male sex and vascular invasion for DM‐free survival; and older age, necrosis, positive margins and lymph node metastasis for locoregional recurrence‐free survival. The frequencies of BRAF, RAS, TERT, TP53 and PTEN alterations were 28%, 40%, 55%, 11%, and 10%, respectively. TP53, PTEN and TERT were independent molecular markers associated with an unfavourable outcome, independently of clinicopathological parameters. The coexistence of BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutation increased the risk of DM.

Conclusions

The above data support the classification of HGTC as a single group with two distinct subtypes based on tumour differentiation: HGTC‐PDTC and HGTC‐nonPDTC.
Aluminum to germanium inversion in mullite‐type RAlGeO5: Characterization of a rare phenomenon for R = Y, Sm–Lu
Authors: Ghosh Kowsik , Murshed M. Mangir , Fischer Michael , Gesing Thorsten M.
Published: August 2021

Mullite‐type RMn2O5 (R = Y, rare‐earth element) ceramics are of ongoing research attentions because of their interesting crystal‐chemical, physical, and thermal properties. We report a detailed structural, spectroscopic and thermal analysis of the series of mullite‐type RAlGeO5 (R = Y, Sm‐Lu) phases. Polycrystalline samples are prepared by solid‐state synthesis methods. Each sample is characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction followed by Rietveld refinements, showing that they are isotypic and crystallize in the space group Pbam. The change of the metric parameters is explained in term of the lanthanide contraction effect. A rare inversion of Al/Ge between octahedral and pyramidal sites have been observed for these mullite‐type so called O10 compounds, and the inversion parameter found to be between 0.22(1) and 0.30(1) for different R‐cations. The  bond distances and their bond valence sums (BVSs) support the respective inversions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculated phonon density of states (PDOS) and electronic band structures are compared for the vibrational and electronic band gap features respectively. Analysis of UV/Vis absorption spectra using both derivation of absorption spectra fitting (DASF) and Tauc's methods demonstrates that each of the RAlGeO5 O10 compounds is high bandgap semiconductor, possessing direct transition between 4.1(1) and 5.4(1) eV. Both Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra show clear red shift (quasi‐harmonic) of the vibrational wavenumbers with respect to the ionic radii of the R‐cations. Selective Raman bands at higher wavenumber region further complement the inversion of Al/Ge between two coordination sites. The higher decomposition temperature of the RAlGeO5 compounds, compared to those of RMn2O5 phases, is explained in terms of higher bond strength of Al/Ge‐O than those of Mn‐O. Irrespective to the inversion between Al‐ and Ge‐sites, the decomposition temperature also depends on the type of R‐cation in RAlGeO5.
Strong links between plant traits and microbial activities but different abiotic drivers in mountain grasslands
Authors: Weil Sarah‐Sophie , Martinez‐Almoyna Camille , Piton Gabin , Renaud Julien , Boulangeat Louise , Foulquier Arnaud , Saillard Amélie , Choler Philippe , Poulenard Jérôme ,   ORCHAMP Consortium, Münkemüller Tamara , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: August 2021

Aim

Plant–soil interactions can be major driving forces of community responses to environmental changes in terrestrial ecosystems. These interactions can leave signals in aboveground plant functional traits and belowground microbial activities and these signals can manifest in observed covariations. However, we know little about how these plant–soil linkages vary in response to environmental conditions at biogeographic scales for which experiments are impossible. Here, we investigate patterns of direct and indirect linkages between plant functional traits, soil microbial activities and environmental conditions in mountain grasslands along elevational gradients.

Location

The French Alps.

Taxon

Vascular plants and soil microbiota.

Methods

We analysed observational grassland data sampled along 14 elevational gradients across the entire French Alps (between 1500 and 2800 m of elevation). Using Graphical Lasso, we inferred a partial correlation network to tease apart direct and indirect plant–soil linkages without defining the direction of interactions a priori.

Results

We found tight spatial associations of plant traits with microbial activities, climate driving the former and soil properties the latter. In these plant–soil linkages, the dominance of specific plant traits was more important than their diversity. We then showed that in sites with conservative plant traits and reduced organic matter quality, soil microbes invested strongly in nutrient acquisition.

Main conclusions

By investigating plant–soil linkages along elevational gradients in the French Alps, we showed that plant functional traits and belowground microbial activity are tightly linked and how they depend on environmental conditions. Overall, we demonstrated how soil functioning can be integrated in studies of ecosystem shifts under environmental change at large spatial scales.
Therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells‐derived exosomes on osteoarthritis
Authors: Jin Yi , Xu Min , Zhu Hai , Dong Chen , Ji Juan , Liu Yake , Deng Aidong , Gu Zhifeng
Published: August 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown chondroprotective effects in clinical models of osteoarthritis (OA). However, effects of MSC‐derived exosomes on OA remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of exosomes from human bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs) in alleviating OA. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) and destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery were performed on the knee joints of a rat OA model, followed by intra‐articular injection of BM‐MSCs or their exosomes. In addition, BM‐MSC‐derived exosomes were administrated to primary human chondrocytes to observe the functional and molecular alterations. Both of BM‐MSCs and BM‐MSC‐derived exosomes alleviated cartilage destruction and subchondral bone remodelling in OA rat model. Administration of BM‐MSCs and exosomes could reduce joint damage and restore the trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular number and connectivity density of OA rats. In addition, in vitro assays showed that BM‐MSCs‐exosomes could maintain the chondrocyte phenotype by increasing collagen type II synthesis and inhibiting IL‐1β–induced senescence and apoptosis. Furthermore, exosomal lncRNA MEG‐3 also reduced the senescence and apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by IL‐1β, indicating that lncRNA MEG‐3 might partially account the anti‐OA effects of BM‐MSC exosomes. The exosomes from BM‐MSCs exerted beneficial therapeutic effects on OA by reducing the senescence and apoptosis of chondrocytes, suggesting that MSC‐derived exosomes might provide a candidate therapy for OA treatment.
In and out: Traffic and dynamics of thrombopoietin receptor
Authors: Roy Anita , Shrivastva Saurabh , Naseer Saadia
Published: August 2021

Thrombopoiesis had long been a challenging area of study due to the rarity of megakaryocyte precursors in the bone marrow and the incomplete understanding of its regulatory cytokines. A breakthrough was achieved in the early 1990s with the discovery of the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) and its ligand thrombopoietin (TPO). This accelerated research in thrombopoiesis, including the uncovering of the molecular basis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and the advent of drugs to treat thrombocytopenic purpura. TpoR mutations affecting its membrane dynamics or transport were increasingly associated with pathologies such as MPN and thrombocytosis. It also became apparent that TpoR affected hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence while priming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) towards the megakaryocyte lineage. Thorough knowledge of TpoR surface localization, dimerization, dynamics and stability is therefore crucial to understanding thrombopoiesis and related pathologies. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms of TpoR traffic. We will focus on the recent progress in TpoR membrane dynamics and highlight the areas that remain unexplored.
Punctuational ecological changes rather than global factors drive species diversification and the evolution of wing phenotypes inMorphobutterflies
Authors: Chazot Nicolas , Blandin Patrick , Debat Vincent , Elias Marianne , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: August 2021

Assessing the relative importance of geographical and ecological drivers of evolution is paramount to understand the diversification of species and traits at the macroevolutionary scale. Here, we use an integrative approach, combining phylogenetics, biogeography, ecology and quantified phenotypes to investigate the drivers of both species and phenotypic diversification of the iconic Neotropical butterfly genusMorpho. We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny for all known species and inferred historical biogeography. We fitted models of time‐dependent (accounting for rate heterogeneity across the phylogeny) and paleoenvironment‐dependent diversification (accounting for global effect on the phylogeny). We used geometric morphometrics to assess variation of wing size and shape across the tree and investigated their dynamics of evolution. We found that the diversification ofMorphois best explained when considering variable diversification rates across the tree, possibly associated with lineages occupying different microhabitat conditions. First, a shift from understory to canopy was characterized by an increased speciation rate partially coupled with an increasing rate of wing shape evolution. Second, the occupation of dense bamboo thickets accompanying a major host‐plant shift from dicotyledons towards monocotyledons was associated with a simultaneous diversification rate shift and an evolutionary ‘jump’ of wing size. Our study points to a diversification pattern driven by punctuational ecological changes instead of a global driver or biogeographic history.
Dose response of coconut rhinoceros beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to 92 kV x‐ray irradiation
Authors: Jenkins Daniel M. , Watanabe Shizu , Haff Ron P. , Melzer Michael J. , Jackson Eric , Liang Pei‐Shih
Published: August 2021

To evaluate the potential suitability of x‐ray irradiation as a physical control method for invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) (Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus 1758; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), either through sterile insect technique (SIT) or through direct irradiation of naturally infested materials in the field, we recorded longevity of eggs, larval and adult life stages of CRB irradiated with different doses of x‐rays emitted from a tube energized at 92 kV. Eggs and larvae were highly susceptible to radiation at all tested doses (down to about 2–5 Gy), though adults required larger doses (at least 50 Gy) to render them incapable of reproducing. At exposures near 50 Gy sterilized adults nevertheless were observed to survive for more than a month, suggesting SIT may be a viable control approach for this beetle. Similarly, these results may facilitate the discovery of hidden breeding sites in the wild by tagging and releasing sterilized adults. While larvae were highly susceptible to x‐ray irradiation, irradiation would probably not be an effective tool for field control due to rapid attenuation of radiation energy (exponential decay coefficients ranging from about 0.3–0.6 cm−1) in the organic nesting materials we tested, and the tendency for CRB adults to burrow and oviposit deep in mulch (1 m or more).
Paired facial treatment with 755nm picosecond laser with diffractive lens array and 1060nm laser lipolysis of the submentum: An open‐label prospective trial
Authors: Wang Jordan V. , Christman Mitalee P. , Feng Hao , Pomerantz Hyemin , Lederhandler Margo , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: August 2021

Background

Performing multiple cosmetic treatments in a single session to target different aspects of facial rejuvenation is an effective regimen. Picosecond lasers with a fractionated handpiece can target fine lines, which can supplement submental fat reduction procedures. However, limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of single‐session treatment strategies.

Aims

To assess the safety and utility of paired facial treatment with 755 nm picosecond laser with diffractive lens array (DLA) and 1060 nm laser lipolysis of the submentum.

Patients/Methods

A prospective clinical study investigated the utility of paired facial treatment with 755 nm picosecond laser with DLA and 1060 nm diode laser lipolysis of the submentum. Subjects received treatments during the same session. Subjects were enrolled to receive up to 3 picosecond laser and 2 lipolysis treatments at 2‐8‐week intervals.

Results

Eleven subjects completed the study. Mean age was 52.1 years, and 81.8% were female. Fitzpatrick skin types II‐VI were represented. For investigator global aesthetics improvement scores (GAIS), 63.6%, 81.8%, and 85.7% had improvement from baseline at 30‐, 90‐, and 180‐day follow‐up, respectively. At 180‐day follow‐up, 100% maintained improvement from 90‐day follow‐up. At 90‐day follow‐up, calculations for neck laxity showed a significant improvement of 11.7% from baseline (p < 0.001) with a mean amount of lift of 42.7 mm2, which was above the predetermined threshold (20 mm2). No serious or unexpected treatment effects were observed.

Conclusion

Paired facial treatment with 755 nm picosecond laser with DLA and 1060 nm laser lipolysis of the submentum improved clinical aesthetic outcomes. This treatment regimen was demonstrated to be safe, well‐tolerated, and well‐liked by subjects.