bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language acquisition in a multilingual society: English vocabulary norms and predictors in Singaporean children
Authors: Singh Leher , Cheng QiQi , Tan Seok Hui , Tan Agnes , Low Yen Ling
Published: October 2021

In this study, infant vocabulary development was tracked in a multilingual society (Singapore) within a socioeconomically diverse sample. The sample comprised 1316 infants from 17.4 to 27.7 months (669 females, 647 males; 88% Chinese race, 4% Malay, 4% Indian, and 0.004% mixed‐race [4% declined to provide race information]). Children varied in English language exposure and socioeconomic status. Analyses focused on identifying demographic predictors of English vocabulary size in multilingually exposed infants. Adaptations of the Macarthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory for English, Mandarin, and Malay are provided as well as English vocabulary norms that account for variation in English exposure. This manuscript reports the first set of English language norms—calibrated to English exposure—for multilingual infants in a non‐Western setting.
When judging what you know changes what you really know: Soliciting metamemory judgments reactively enhances children’s learning
Authors: Zhao Wanlin , Li Baike , Shanks David R. , Zhao Wenbo , Zheng Jun , Hu Xiao , Su Ningxin , Fan Tian , Yin Yue , Luo Liang , Yang Chunliang
Published: October 2021

Recent studies established that making concurrent judgments of learning (JOLs) can significantly alter (typically enhance) memory itself—a reactivity effect. The current study recruited 190 Chinese children (Mage = 8.68 years; 101 female) in 2020 and 2021 to explore the reactivity effect on children's learning, its developmental trajectory and associated metacognitive awareness. The results showed that making JOLs significantly enhanced retention for students in Grades 1, 3, and 5, with Cohen's ds ranging from 0.40 to 1.33. Grade 5 students exhibited a larger reactivity effect than Grade 1 and 3 students. Children's metacognitive appreciation of the effect was weak. Firsthand experience of the reactivity effect, induced by taking a memory test, enhanced their awareness and calibrated their judgment accuracy.
Influence of CYP2D6 metabolizer status on ondansetron efficacy in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case series
Authors: Edwards Andrea , Teusink‐Cross Ashley , Martin Lisa J. , Prows Cynthia A. , Mehta Parinda A. , Ramsey Laura B.
Published: October 2021

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is commonly experienced by patients receiving antineoplastic agents prior to hemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Ondansetron, a 5‐HT3 antagonist metabolized by CYP2D6, is an antiemetic prescribed to treat short‐term CINV, but some patients still experience uncontrolled nausea and vomiting while taking ondansetron. Adult CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs) are at higher risk for CINV due to rapid ondansetron clearance, but similar studies have not been performed in pediatric patients. We performed a retrospective chart review of 128 pediatric HSCT recipients who received ondansetron for CINV prevention and had CYP2D6 genotyping for 20 alleles and duplication detection. The number of emetic episodes for each patient was collected from the start of chemotherapy through 7 days after HSCT. The average age of the cohort was 6.6 years (range: 0.2–16.7) and included three UMs, 72 normal metabolizers, 47 intermediate metabolizers, and six poor metabolizers. Because UMs are the population at risk for inefficacy, we describe the course of treatment for these three patients, as well as the factors influencing emesis: chemotherapy emetogenicity, diagnosis, and duration of ondansetron administration. The cases described support guidelines recommending non‐CYP2D6 metabolized antiemetics (e.g., granisetron) when a patient is a known CYP2D6 UM, but pediatric studies with a larger sample of CYP2D6 UMs are needed to validate our findings.
Dokumentation der Psoriasis in der Routineversorgung – Expertenkonsens zu einem deutschen Datensatz
Authors: Otten Marina , Mrowietz Ulrich , von Kiedrowski Ralph Michael , Otto Ramona , Altenburg Andreas , Aschoff Roland , Beissert Stefan , Beiteke Ulrike , Bonnekoh Bernd , Hoffmann Matthias , Körber Andreas , Maaßen Dirk , Mössner Rotraut , Navarini Alexander , Petering Holger , Ramaker‐Brunke Jutta , Rosenbach Thomas , Schwichtenberg Uwe , Sticherling Michael , Sondermann Wiebke , Thaci Diamant , Timmel Andreas , Tsianakas Athanasios , Werfel Thomas , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar , Augustin Matthias
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Obwohl die Dokumentation von Patientendaten die Versorgung der Patienten mit Psoriasis in der klinischen Praxis verbessern kann, wird sie selten standardisiert und transparent durchgeführt. Das aktuelle Projekt hat das Ziel, einen Datensatz für die Dokumentation der Psoriasis in der täglichen Praxis zu entwickeln.

Material und Methoden

In vier online Delphi‐Runden und einem Präsenztreffen haben 27 Psoriasis‐Experten Variablen einem Standard‐Datensatz sowie einem optimalen und einem optionalen Datensatz zugeordnet. Die meisten Fragen waren standardisiert. Offene Fragen wurden einbezogen, um die Angabe von Gründen zu ermöglichen und die Datensätze zu vergrößern. Außerdem wurden im Präsenztreffen a) die Haltung von Patienten und b) Informationen von Dermatologen zur aktuellen Verwendung und zur Akzeptanz in Deutschland berücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse

Der Konsens‐orientierte Ansatz führte zu einem Datensatz mit 69 Variablen. Der Standard‐Datensatz enthält 20, der optimale Datensatz 31 und der optionale Datensatz 18 Variablen. Der Datensatz kann in die Bereiche in Stammdaten, allgemeiner Status/Anamnese, Anamnese der Psoriasis, Status der Psoriasis, Diagnostik und Komorbidität, Therapien und Patient‐reported Outcomes eingeteilt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Konsens‐basierte Empfehlung von Standard‐, optimalem und optionalem Datensatz für die Routineversorgung der Psoriasis soll die Entscheidungsfindung unterstützen und als Orientierungshilfe für die tägliche Praxis und für die Weiterentwicklung von Dokumentationssystemen dienen.
Influence of masticating cycles and chewing patterns on inadvertent enamel wear caused by zirconia brackets
Authors: Namura Yasuhiro , Uchida Yasuki , Inaba Mizuki , Kaetsu Ryo , Utsu Akihisa , Takamizawa Toshiki , Miyazaki Masashi , Motoyoshi Mitsuru
Published: October 2021

Little information is available about enamel wear caused by zirconia brackets, an inadvertent side effect of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine potential enamel damage induced by contact with zirconia brackets. Sliding and impact wear simulations were performed using bovine enamel specimens positioned at a 25° slant to a zirconium ball to determine wear behaviour. Different chewing patterns, tapping and grinding, were simulated. Specimens were profiled using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the mean maximum depth and surface roughness were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed. The mean maximum depth of wear values differed according to the number of mastication cycles, with a higher number of cycles producing higher depths of wear. The facet wear depth was significantly greater with the tapping pattern than with the grinding pattern. Scanning electron microscopic observation of the wear facets revealed that surface textures at the edges were rougher than those at the centre of all facets. The results of this study indicated that enamel wear was induced by contact with zirconia brackets during the early period of mastication, and that the patterns and number of cycles of mastication affected the wear progression of enamel.
DC‐GAN‐based synthetic X‐ray images augmentation for increasing the performance of EfficientNet for COVID‐19 detection
Authors: Shah Pir Masoom , Ullah Hamid , Ullah Rahim , Shah Dilawar , Wang Yulin , Islam Saif ul , Gani Abdullah , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: October 2021

Currently, many deep learning models are being used to classify COVID‐19 and normal cases from chest X‐rays. However, the available data (X‐rays) for COVID‐19 is limited to train a robust deep‐learning model. Researchers have used data augmentation techniques to tackle this issue by increasing the numbers of samples through flipping, translation, and rotation. However, by adopting this strategy, the model compromises for the learning of high‐dimensional features for a given problem. Hence, there are high chances of overfitting. In this paper, we used deep‐convolutional generative adversarial networks algorithm to address this issue, which generates synthetic images for all the classes (Normal, Pneumonia, and COVID‐19). To validate whether the generated images are accurate, we used the k‐mean clustering technique with three clusters (Normal, Pneumonia, and COVID‐19). We only selected the X‐ray images classified in the correct clusters for training. In this way, we formed a synthetic dataset with three classes. The generated dataset was then fed to The EfficientNetB4 for training. The experiments achieved promising results of 95% in terms of area under the curve (AUC). To validate that our network has learned discriminated features associated with lung in the X‐rays, we used the Grad‐CAM technique to visualize the underlying pattern, which leads the network to its final decision.
Close‐kin methods to estimate census size and effective population size
Authors: Waples Robin S. , Feutry Pierre
Published: October 2021

The last two decades have witnessed rapid developments and increasing interest in use of: (1) genetic methods to estimate effective population size (Ne) and (2) close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) methods to estimate abundance based on the incidence of close relatives. WhereasNeestimation methods have been applied to a wide range of taxa, all CKMR applications to date have been for aquatic species. These two fields of inquiry have developed largely independently, and this is unfortunate because deeper insights can be gained by joint evaluation of eco‐evolutionary processes. In this synthesis, we use simple analytical models and simulated pedigree data to illustrate how various factors (life‐history traits; patterns of variation in individual reproductive success; experimental design; stochasticity; marker type) can affect the performance of the estimators. We show that theNe/Nratio and the probability of a close‐kin match both depend on a vector of parental weights that specify relative probabilities that different individuals will produce offspring. Although age‐specific vital rates are central to both methodologies, for CKMR they can potentially bias abundance estimates unless properly accounted for, whereas they represent the signals of genetic drift thatNeestimation methods depend upon. CoordinatingNeand CKMR estimation methods using the same or overlapping datasets would facilitate joint evaluation of both the ecological and evolutionary consequences of abundance.
Fatigue behavior after pre‐corroded in a simulated body fluid for ZK60 magnesium alloy prepared by micro‐arc oxidation
Authors: Xiong Ying , Yu Yi , Yang Jie
Published: October 2021

A bio‐ceramic coating was prepared on the surface of ZK60 magnesium alloys by micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) method. The substrate (BM) and coated (MAO) specimens were pre‐corroded in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for 12 h. Strain‐controlled and stress‐controlled loading modes were used to conduct fatigue tests for the specimens with non‐corroded and pre‐corroded, and the cyclic deformation behavior of different specimens was studied. The fatigue life of pre‐corroded MAO specimen is higher than that of pre‐corroded BM specimen. The mechanism of cyclic deformation under different loading conditions is related to twinning and slip. For the same specimens, the higher the absolute value of ratcheting strain, the lower the fatigue life. A modified total strain energy model is proposed, and the precision of life prediction is higher than that of traditional fatigue model.
CB1 receptors in corticotropin‐releasing factor neurons selectively control the acoustic startle response in male mice
Authors: Ruat Julia , Hartmann Alice , Heinz Daniel E. , Nemcova Paulina , Stoffel Rainer , Deussing Jan M. , Chen Alon , Wotjak Carsten T.
Published: October 2021

The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of the hormonal and behavioral stress responses, which critically involve corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors. While it has been shown that CRF and the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor are co‐localized in several brain regions, the physiological relevance of this co‐expression remains unclear. Using double in situ hybridization, we confirmed co‐localization in the piriform cortex, the lateral hypothalamic area, the paraventricular nucleus, and the Barrington's nucleus, albeit at low levels. To study the behavioral and physiological implications of this co‐expression, we generated a conditional knockout mouse line that selectively lacks the expression of CB1 receptors in CRF neurons. We found no effects on fear and anxiety‐related behaviors under basal conditions nor after a traumatic experience. Additionally, plasma corticosterone levels were unaffected at baseline and after restraint stress. Only acoustic startle responses were significantly enhanced in male, but not female, knockout mice. Taken together, the consequences of depleting CB1 in CRF‐positive neurons caused a confined hyperarousal phenotype in a sex‐dependent manner. The current results suggest that the important interplay between the central endocannabinoid and CRF systems in regulating the organism's stress response is predominantly taking place at the level of CRF receptor‐expressing neurons.
Living, dead, and absent trees—How do moth outbreaks shape small‐scale patterns of soil organic matter stocks and dynamics at the Subarctic mountain birch treeline?
Authors: Meyer Nele , Xu Yi , Karjalainen Katri , Adamczyk Sylwia , Biasi Christina , van Delden Lona , Martin Angela , Mganga Kevin , Myller Kristiina , Sietiö Outi‐Maaria , Suominen Otso , Karhu Kristiina
Published: October 2021

Mountain birch forests (Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp. czerepanovii) at the subarctic treeline not only benefit from global warming, but are also increasingly affected by caterpillar outbreaks from foliage‐feeding geometrid moths. Both of these factors have unknown consequences on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and biogeochemical cycles. We measured SOC stocks down to the bedrock under living trees and under two stages of dead trees (12 and 55 years since moth outbreak) and treeless tundra in northern Finland. We also measured in‐situ soil respiration, potential SOC decomposability, biological (enzyme activities and microbial biomass), and chemical (N, mineral N, and pH) soil properties. SOC stocks were significantly higher under living trees (4.1 ± 2.1 kg m²) than in the treeless tundra (2.4 ± 0.6 kg m²), and remained at an elevated level even 12 (3.7 ± 1.7 kg m²) and 55 years (4.9 ± 3.0 kg m²) after tree death. Effects of tree status on SOC stocks decreased with increasing distance from the tree and with increasing depth, that is, a significant effect of tree status was found in the organic layer, but not in mineral soil. Soil under living trees was characterized by higher mineral N contents, microbial biomass, microbial activity, and soil respiration compared with the treeless tundra; soils under dead trees were intermediate between these two. The results suggest accelerated organic matter turnover under living trees but a positive net effect on SOC stocks. Slowed organic matter turnover and continuous supply of deadwood may explain why SOC stocks remained elevated under dead trees, despite the heavy decrease in aboveground C stocks. We conclude that the increased occurrence of moth damage with climate change would have minor effects on SOC stocks, but ultimately decrease ecosystem C stocks (49% within 55 years in this area), if the mountain birch forests will not be able to recover from the outbreaks.
Participatory codesign of patient involvement in a Learning Health System: How can data‐driven care be patient‐driven care?
Authors: Knowles Sarah E. , Allen Dawn , Donnelly Ailsa , Flynn Jackie , Gallacher Kay , Lewis Annmarie , McCorkle Grace , Mistry Manoj , Walkington Pat , Brunton Lisa
Published: October 2021

Background

A Learning Health System (LHS) is a model of how routinely collected health data can be used to improve care, creating ‘virtuous cycles’ between data and improvement. This requires the active involvement of health service stakeholders, including patients themselves. However, to date, research has explored the acceptability of being ‘data donors’ rather than considering patients as active contributors. The study aimed to understand how patients should be actively involved in an LHS.

Design

Ten participatory codesign workshops were conducted with eight experienced public contributors using visual, collective and iterative methods. This led contributors to challenge and revise not only the idea of an LHS but also revise the study aims and outputs.

Results

The contributors proposed three exemplar roles for patients in patient‐driven LHS, which aligned with the idea of three forms of transparency: informational, participatory and accountability. ‘Epistemic injustice’ was considered a useful concept to express the risks of an LHS that did not provide active roles to patients (testimonial injustice) and that neglected their experience through collecting data that did not reflect the complexity of their lives (hermeneutic injustice).

Discussion

Patient involvement in an LHS should be ‘with and by’ patients, not ‘about or for’. This requires systems to actively work with and respond to patient feedback, as demonstrated within the study itself by the adaptive approach to responding to contributor questions, to work in partnership with patients to create a ‘virtuous alliance’ to achieve change.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public contributors were active partners throughout, and co‐authored the paper.
Can depressed patients make a decision to request voluntary assisted dying?
Authors: Holmes Alex , Lange Peter , Stewart Cameron , White Ben , Willmott Lindy , Dooley Michael , Philip Jennifer , La Brooy Camille , Komesaroff Paul
Published: October 2021

Depressive symptoms, including those as part of a major depressive disorder, are common at the end of life. A number of psychiatrists consider that a diagnosis of major depression precludes the capacity to make a decision to request voluntary assisted dying (VAD), although this is not a unanimous view. This paper uses a case of a patient in which two different psychiatric opinions were formed regarding her capacity to make the decision to request VAD. The difference of view can be related to whether major depression was diagnosed and the association made between depression and the capacity to request VAD. The view that an absence of major depression is required in order to establish the capacity to request VAD is potentially at odds with the legal definition and not necessarily in keeping with the patient's experience at the end of life.
Ten‐year trends in prescribing of antiarrhythmic drugs in Australian primary care patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bezabhe Woldesellassie M. , Bereznicki Luke R. , Radford Jan , Salahudeen Mohammed S. , Garrahy Edward , Wimmer Barbara C. , Bindoff Ivan , Peterson Gregory M.
Published: October 2021

Despite changes in antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) choice in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), trends in AAD prescribing remain not investigated. We aimed to examine these changes using a nationwide Australian general practice data from 2009 to 2018. Over the 10 years, AAD prescribing in patients with AF decreased, which was mainly due to a reduction in the use of amiodarone, sotalol and digoxin. In contrast, the use of beta‐blockers and flecainide increased.
The gut microbiota and gut disease
Authors: Fehily Sasha R. , Basnayake Chamara , Wright Emily K. , Kamm Michael A.
Published: October 2021

The gut microbiota has a key role in the maintenance of good health, and in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. These conditions include the inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, coeliac disease and metabolic liver disease. Although the nature of the microbial disturbance in these conditions has not been fully characterised, this has not prevented the development of microbially based therapies. Microbial‐changing therapies may address newly recognised pathophysiological contributors of disease and have the potential to replace or supplement standard therapies. Antibiotics play a role in initial Clostridiodes difficile disease and some specific inflammatory disorders. Probiotics have a more limited proven role. Faecal microbiota transplantation is of proven therapeutic benefit in recurrent C. difficile disease and ulcerative colitis. We review the current literature for microbiota‐targeted therapies in gut disorders.
Clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 differ by age and obesity status
Authors: Cheng Wesley A. , Turner Lauren , Marentes Ruiz Carolyn J. , Tanaka Melissa L. , Congrave‐Wilson Zion , Lee Yesun , Jumarang Jaycee , Perez Stephanie , Peralta Ariana , Pannaraj Pia S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Age and obesity status are associated with severe outcomes among hospitalized individuals with COVID‐19. It remains unclear whether age and obesity are risk factors for milder COVID‐19 illness.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled SARS‐CoV‐2‐exposed individuals. Participants recorded symptoms for 28 days and were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and serology. Type, number, and duration of symptoms and SARS‐CoV‐2 laboratory parameters were compared by age and obesity status.

Results

Of 552 individuals enrolled from June 2020 to January 2021, 470 (85.1%) tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 including 261 (55.5%) adults ≥18 years, 61 (13.0%) adolescents 12–17 years, and 148 (31.5%) children <12 years. Children had fewer symptoms (median 2 vs. 3, p < 0.001) lasting fewer days (median 5 vs. 7, p < 0.001) compared with adolescents/adults. Body mass index of 300 (63.8%) individuals classified with overweight or obesity (OWOB). Individuals with OWOB suffered more symptoms compared with individuals without OWOB (median 3 vs. 2, p = 0.037), including more cough and shortness of breath (p = 0.023 and 0.026, respectively). Adolescents with OWOB were more likely to be symptomatic (66.7% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.008) and have longer respiratory symptoms (median 7 vs. 4 days, p = 0.049) compared with adolescents without OWOB. Lower RT‐PCR Ct values were found in children and symptomatic individuals compared with adolescent and adults and asymptomatic individuals, respectively (p = 0.001 and 0.022).

Conclusions

Adolescents and adults with OWOB experience more respiratory symptoms from COVID‐19 despite similar viral loads. These findings underscore the importance of vaccinating individuals with OWOB.
Does ownership structure affect firm performance? Evidence of Indian bank efficiency before and after the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Wanke Peter , Skully Michael , Wijesiri Mahinda , Walker Thomas , dalla Pellegrina Lucia
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between bank ownership and efficiency before and after the 2008–2009 Global Financial Crisis. Using a sample of 58 Indian commercial banks from 2005 to 2017, we examine the interconnection between these factors in a dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. We use an innovative modeling strategy based on a two‐stage dynamic DEA framework. The first stage employs the Dynamic Slack‐Based Measure model to measure bank efficiency, explicitly considering the effects of desirable and undesirable carry‐overs between consecutive periods. In a second stage, we perform a regression of the efficiency scores on bank ownership types and several other contextual factors, while also accounting for the presence of endogenous relationships between the variables involved. Our results show that foreign banks outperform their domestic competitors, with bank size and profitability being the main drivers. We also find that while foreign and state‐owned banks were more efficient than their rivals during the Global Financial Crisis, private banks recovered quickly, reaching the efficiency standards of state‐owned banks by 2017. The latter faced a prolonged decrease in efficiency, gradually losing their initial advantage over their private domestic counterparts. Our results are robust to alternative regression specifications, especially those aimed at addressing potential endogeneity issues. The applied methodology and the findings of our research should be of interest to scholars, bank managers, and policymakers. The latter, in particular, should be concerned about the medium‐term effects of reforms that unevenly affect banks with different ownership structures, especially in terms of bank resilience to aggregate shocks.
Trophic strategies of two sympatric endemic pigeons in insular ecosystems: a framework for understanding spatiotemporal frugivory interactions
Authors: Marrero Patricia , Nogales Manuel
Published: October 2021

Pigeons are considered to play key ecological roles in frugivory and seed dispersal. They have colonised numerous oceanic islands and diversified into several species in sympatry. How these species coexist in similar niches is poorly understood although dietary separation is among the mechanisms suggested to avoid trophic overlap. We investigated the trophic ecology of the two endemic Columba species co‐occurring in the laurel forest and thermosclerophyllous relicts of two of the Canary Islands. This study includes diet description in spatiotemporal terms, its relationship with fruit availability and seed treatment in 10 study areas established on La Palma and La Gomera. We used non‐invasive DNA analysis to identify the faeces of the two congeneric species and microhistological methods to examine their diets. The degree of trophic overlap was evaluated by niche similarity and breadth indices. Molecular faecal sampling determined the spatiotemporal distribution of both pigeons to identify their areas of coexistence. These frugivorous pigeons' diets did not differ concerning the main plant species, but they diverged quantitatively in the proportions and parts of plants consumed. Lauraceae fruits were their staple foods although Rhamnaceae and some Fabaceae and Solanaceae were also important. Both pigeons showed selective preferences for some fruits. Significant spatiotemporal variations in their diets were observed along with a general tendency to increase fruit intake at its ripening times. Our results suggest that different trophic strategies facilitate the coexistence of these frugivorous columbids. These pigeons act as seed dispersers and/or predators depending on seed features (size and hardness), and this may have valuable implications for their conservation.
Targeting of EIF4EBP1 by miR‐99a‐3p affects the functions of B lymphocytes via autophagy and aggravates SLE disease progression
Authors: Yang Meng , Yang Binbin , Deng Danqi
Published: October 2021

Excessive activation of immune cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The regulation of immune cells by miRNAs is a research hotspot. In this study, second‐generation high‐throughput sequencing revealed a reduction in miR‐99a‐3p expression in patients with SLE; however, the specific mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. After transfection with an miR‐99a‐3p agomir, the proliferation of Ball‐1 cells decreased and the levels of their apoptosis increased. The opposite effects were observed in cells transfected with the miR‐99a‐3p antagomir. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR‐99a‐3p directly targeted EIF4EBP1. Rescue experiments confirmed the proposed interaction between miR‐99a‐3p and EIF4EBP1. In vitro, in vivo and clinical investigations further confirmed that the miR‐99a‐3p agomir reduced the expression of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A. In the in vivo experiments, serum levels of anti‐nuclear antibodies, double‐stranded DNA, IgE, IgM, IL‐6, IL‐10 and B lymphocyte stimulator were higher in mice from the antagomir group than those in mice from the MRL/lpr group. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A, the urinary protein levels, and the C3 immunofluorescence deposition increased in mice from the antagomir group. The upregulation of miR‐99a‐3p expression protected B cells from EIF4EBP1‐mediated autophagy, whilst the downregulation of miR‐99a‐3p expression induced autophagy via the EIF4EBP1‐mediated regulation of the autophagy signalling pathway in B cells isolated from individuals with SLE. Based on these results, miR‐99a‐3p and EIF4EBP1 may be considered potential targets for SLE treatment.
Effect of ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation on extraction kinetics, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of Citrus jambhiri peel essential oil
Authors: Priyadarshi Swati , Kashyap Piyush , Gadhave Ram Kaduji , Jindal Navdeep
Published: October 2021

Citrus jambhiri processing generates 40% peel waste with considerable waste management constraints. Interestingly, these peels are a rich source of essential oil. Hence, in this study, the essential oil was extracted from fresh peels and peel powder (PP) of C. jambhiri using hydrodistillation (HD) and ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation (USHD). Kinetic study, physicochemical, antimicrobial, and chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from PP and fresh peel with albedo (FPA) and without albedo (FPWA) using HD and USHD was studied. The kinetic study was further experimentally validated using the first and second‐order kinetic model. The integrated equations were used to test the fitting of the model with obtained experimental data. Kinetics of oil extraction from PP using USHD showed that extraction process best fitted in second‐order kinetic model with a high coefficient of determination (R2 = .999), yield (3.63%) and extraction rate constant (K2 = 0.0306), showing that it validated the process thoroughly. The physicochemical properties of essential oils obtained from both extraction methods fall within an acceptable range. Specific gravity, acid value, and total phenolic content showed no significant difference between both extraction methods while others differed significantly. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity increased with ultrasound treatment. GC–MS analysis of different oil samples revealed that 10 compounds extracted from each extraction with the highest amount of d‐limonene (61.29%) were obtained from PP using USHD. USHD stands as a fast, efficient, and economical method for extracting essential oil and can be a potential source for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Practical Application

Citrus jambhiri peels are discarded as waste material. Its comprehensive utilization is urgently needed. Essential oil from citrus peels is an important biologically active substance containing tens to hundreds of bioactive compounds with health‐promoting characteristics. Ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation is a promising extraction technique to enhance product quality and reduce production time and consumed energy. Application of the novel proposed methods combined with conventional or alternative to increase the extraction rate on an industrial scale could be recommended.
Labour, mechanization, market integration, and government policy: Agrarian change and lowland rice cultivation in northeastern Thailand and southern Laos
Authors: Baird Ian G. , Manorom Kanokwan , Piyadeth Santi , Gaja‐Svasti Sirasak , Ninchaluene Chanthavisouk
Published: October 2021

Over the last two decades, significant changes in lowland rice cultivation practices have occurred in mainland Southeast Asia. Here, we compare lowland rice farming in six provinces in northeastern Thailand and four districts in Savannakhet Province in southern Laos and consider the ways that agrarian change, including the deepening of capitalist relations, is occurring. Some of the most important changes taking place relate to increasing mechanization, remittances, changing bases of labour's simple reproduction, and the increased importance of international markets, especially for organic rice. These changes and associated government policies are having a considerable influence on agricultural practices. The Chinese market for organic rice from Laos is reducing pesticide and herbicides use and prolonging hand‐transplanting of paddy, while encouraging farmers to use uniform sized high‐yielding rice varieties, and abandoning local seeds. Rice exports from Laos are having both positive and negative environmental effects, indicating the nuanced influences of particular international markets and government policies.
Effects of COVID‐19 early release of pension funds: The case of Chile
Authors: Lorca Miguel
Published: October 2021

Amid the extraordinary economic effects of COVID‐19, some policymakers have turned to retirement accounts to support individuals in financial hardship. Given the haste, the long‐term impacts and their heterogeneity have scarcely been analyzed. Using Monte Carlo simulations on the Chilean Social Protection Survey linked with administrative data, this study quantifies the effects of a 10% early release of pension funds. Each withdrawn dollar brings losses of 1.59 dollars in future retirement savings, reducing monthly pension benefits by 7.26%. This policy raises income inadequacy and inequality in retirement, increasing government expenditure by 4.33% to counteract these effects for 65‐year‐old retirees. We propose four policies to mitigate these effects and address the current challenges of most defined contribution pension schemes. Increasing contributions combined with an intragenerational solidarity component shows the biggest impacts. Contribution enforcement, reducing tax evasion, and delaying retirement by at least 1 year via incentives have lower but significant effects.
Daily stress and sleep associations vary by work schedule: A between‐ and within‐person analysis in nurses
Authors: Slavish Danica C. , Dietch Jessica R. , Kane Heidi S. , Messman Brett A. , Garcia Odalis , Wiley Joshua F. , Yap Yang , Kelly Kimberly , Ruggero Camilo , Taylor Daniel J.
Published: October 2021

Nurses experience poor sleep and high stress due to demanding work environments. Night shift work is common among nurses and may exacerbate stress–sleep associations. We examined bidirectional associations between daily stress and sleep, and moderation by recent shift worker status and daily work schedule among nurses. Participants were 392 nurses (92% female; 78% White, mean age = 39.54, SD = 11.15) who completed 14 days of electronic sleep diaries and actigraphy. They simultaneously completed assessments of daily stress and work schedule upon awakening (day shift vs. night shift [work between 9 p.m.–6 a.m.] vs. off work). Participants were classified as recent night shift workers if they worked at least one night shift during the past 14 days (n = 101; 26%). In the entire sample, greater daily stress predicted shorter self‐reported total sleep time and lower self‐reported sleep efficiency that night. Shorter self‐reported and actigraphy total sleep time and lower self‐reported sleep efficiency predicted higher next‐day stress. Compared with recent night shift workers, day workers reported higher stress after nights with shorter total sleep time. Stress‐sleep associations mostly did not vary by nurses’ daily work schedule. Sleep disturbances and stress may unfold in a toxic cycle and are prime targets for tailored interventions among nurses. Night shift workers may be less susceptible to the effects of short sleep on next‐day stress. Research is needed to understand the short‐ and long‐term effects of shift work and address the unique sleep challenges nurses face.
Bioerosion and its relationship with skeletal density of Platygyra daedalea and Porites harrisoni in Larak Island, Persian Gulf
Authors: Mashhadi Hamed , Seyfabadi Jafar , Rezai Marnani Hamid , Ghodrati Shojaei Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Due to the extreme environmental conditions in the Persian Gulf, the bioerosion rate in the coral reefs of the region deem to be higher than the other regions, which may disturb the balance between the processes of the reef growth and destruction. The bioerosion rate in Platygyra daedalea and Porites harrisoni in three stations of Larak Island (Hormuz Strait, 56°39′35.7″ E & 26°88′65.17″ N) was assessed in 2017. This study also examined the effect of skeletal density on the severity of bioerosion rate. For this purpose, five coral pieces of each species were collected from the stations. Each piece was cut in the direction of the longest central axis with a thickness of about 7 mm, and their photographs were taken. The bioeroded area was evaluated by ImageJ 1.44 software, and the freezing method was used to measure the skeletal density. A total of four groups of macrobioeroders were found in both coral species, including bivalves, polychaetes, sponges, and barnacles. Also, increased skeletal density was positively correlated with bioerosion in P. daedalea, but not in P. harrisoni. This indicates that some bioeroders prefer denser corals for various reasons. Evidence from this research suggests that skeletal density was the most important factor affecting the degree of bioerosion rate. However, other environmental factors such as depth may also affect the bioerosion rate to certain degrees.
Dead wood diversity promotes fungal diversity
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Limpens Juul , Sterck Frank J. , Sass‐Klaassen Ute , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Hefting Mariet , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Goudzwaard Leo , Dam Nico , Dam Marjo , Veerkamp Mirjam T. , van den Berg Bart , Brouwer Emiel , Chang Chenghui , Poorter Lourens
Published: October 2021

Dead wood is a source of life as it provides habitat and substrate for a wide range of fungal species. A growing number of studies show an important role of wood quality for fungal diversity, but in most cases for a limited number of wood traits or tree species. In this study, we evaluate how abiotic and biotic factors affect the fungal diversity and composition during dead wood decomposition. For ten common European tree species, fresh similar‐sized logs were incubated simultaneously in two Dutch forests. Annual surveys of fungal fruiting bodies were made for an 8‐year period. For each tree species, 20 fresh stem traits were measured that are important for chemical and physical defence and for nutritional quality. Throughout eight years, 4644 fruiting bodies belonging to 255 species and 90 genera were recorded on the logs of ten tree species. Fungal frequency and richness were higher for Angiosperms than for Gymnosperms, both for individual tree species and as a group, and higher for tree species with more acquisitive stem trait strategies (i.e. high nutritional value and low physical defence). Differences in fungal communities were strongly driven by phylogenetic group (Gymnosperms versus Angiosperms), stem traits, decay time and forest sites, together explaining 23% of the variation. Fungal communities in sandy site diverged early in the decay process but converged later because of substrate homogenization. Of the 128 fungal species included in the analyses, 41% showed a preference for specific tree species and 34% for a specific successional year. In conclusion, dead wood quality, determined by tree species and decay stage, is an important driver of fungal diversity. For forest management, promoting a wide array of dead tree species (especially angiosperm species), a range of stem trait values and decay stages will increase fungal and, thereby, forest biodiversity.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Acetabular Rim Fracture after Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation: A Case Series Study
Authors: Zhong Mingjin , Xie Huanyu , Fu Zicai , Lu Wei , Zhu Weimin , Ouyang Kan
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical and radiographic short‐term results of arthroscopic treatment for posterior labrum tears with an attached bony fragment after traumatic posterior hip dislocation.

Methods

Between July 2014 and May 2019, a consecutive series of nine patients diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear with an attached bony fragment after traumatic posterior hip dislocation were treated by hip arthroscopic techniques. The patients had been injured in traffic accidents (n = 6) or high falls (n = 3). All patients were provided primary treatment at the emergency department of our institution, and then were transferred to our department for arthroscopy. Demographic data (e.g. gender, age, etc), intraoperative findings, the preoperative and postoperative multiple clinical scores and radiological results were subsequently assessed. Visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) and modified Harris hip scores (mHHSs) were measured and compared before surgery, and at the last follow‐up.

Results

A total of nine patients were enrolled, all of them were male, with a mean age at surgery of 32.2 ± 5.6 years (range, 22–65 years). The patients were followed‐up for an average of 26.5 ± 4.1 (range, 24 to 50 years). During the arthroscopic surgery, all patients had labral tears with posterior acetabular rim fracture. All patients had loose osteochondral fragments. Five had partial or complete tears of ligamentum teres. Two patients had osteochondral damage. Two had capsular rupture. Postoperative X‐ray films and three dimension computed tomography (3D‐CT) showed satisfactory reduction of posterior acetabular wall fractures. The mHHS before surgery and at 1 year and 2 years after surgery were 51.8 ± 4.3, 81.8 ± 2.0 and 87.5 ± 1.9 respectively; VAS scores were 5.6 ± 0.5, 1.3 ± 0.3 and 0.7 ± 0.3 respectively. As compared with the condition before surgery, there was a significant improvement in the mHHS and VAS scores at 1 year and 2 years after surgery (P < 0.01). There was no significant improvement in the mHHS and VAS scores between 1 year and 2 years after surgery (P < 0.05). At the final follow‐up, all patients had regained full range of motion (ROM) and were satisfied with the results. None of the patients showed signs of heterotopic ossification, avascular necrosis or progression of osteoarthritis of the hip joint.

Conclusion

Traumatic dislocation is accompanied by a variety of intra‐articular hip joint pathologies. Managing posterior acetabular rim fracture after traumatic posterior hip dislocation using arthroscopic reduction and fixation with anchors is a safe and minimally invasive option and delays the progression of traumatic osteoarthritis.
Bloodstream bacterial infections in thalassemic pediatric and adolescent patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chaya Weerapong , Anurathapan Usanarat , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Techasaensiri Chonnamet , Pakakasama Samart , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: October 2021

Background

Thalassemic patients usually require regular blood transfusions; however, HSCT can provide a cure. Incidence of IBI in pediatric patients post‐HSCT is still scant.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore whether thalassemic patients had a different incidence of post‐HSCT IBI compared with patients with other underlying diseases. Factors associated with IBI in the pediatric population undergoing HSCT were also investigated.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, clinical data of pediatric patients who underwent HSCT during the period from 2011 to 2016 were reviewed and analyzed. The primary outcome was incidence of IBI within 1‐year post‐HSCT.

Results

Of 123 patients, 53 were thalassemic. IBI was diagnosed in 23 patients within 1 year after HSCT (incidence: 19.5 episodes/1000 patients/month). The IBI incidence was lower in thalassemic patients than in patients with other underlying diseases (6.9 vs. 31.6 episodes/1000 patients/month). Having thalassemia as an underlying disease was the only factor associated with lower IBI in pediatric post‐HSCT patients (hazard ratio: 0.245; 95% confidence interval, 0.080–0.748). In post‐HSCT thalassemic patients, IBI mostly occurred within 100 days after HSCT, and most of these cases had catheter‐related blood stream infection. The risk of IBI tended higher for haploidentical HSCT, but this difference was not statistically significantly different.

Conclusion

The IBI incidence after HSCT was lower in thalassemic patients than in those with other underlying diseases. Catheter‐related blood stream infection was the major IBI in these patients. IBI was not a major complication in thalassemic pediatric patients undergoing HSCT.
Characteristics of Biotin lipoyl attachment and 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase acyltransferase of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus and its modulatory functions on goat PBMCs in vitro
Authors: Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Wen Zhaohai , Naqvi Muhammad Ali‐ul‐Husnain , Liang Meng , Tian Xiaowei , Feng Kangli , Muhammad Khand Faiz , Memon Muhammad Ali , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li Xiangrui , Yan Ruofeng
Published: October 2021

Biotin lipoyl attachment and 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase acyltransferase (BLAODA), as an essential excretion of Haemonchus contortus (HcESPs), was identified to have antigenic functions. T helper‐9 (Th9) cells secrete interleukin (IL)‐9, a signature cytokine associated with tumour immunology, allergy and autoimmunity. Nonetheless, the understanding of modulatory functions of BLAODA on Th9 and other immune cells is limited. In this study, the BLAODA gene was cloned, and the recombinant (r) protein of BLAODA (rHcBLAODA) was expressed and immunoblotting was performed. The results revealed that HcBLAODA gene was successfully cloned and rHcBLAODA protein was expressed. The localization of rHcBLAODA was confirmed on the surface of gut sections from adult H. contortus. The rHcBLAODA protein capability to react precisely with anti‐H. contortus antibodies were confirmed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Further functional analysis showed that interaction of rHcBLAODA with host cells significantly enhanced Th9 cells generation, IL‐9 expression, nitric oxide production and cell apoptosis while suppressing the cells proliferation and cells migration depending on the concentration. Overall, these findings suggest that rHcBLAODA protein could modulate the host immune response by inducing Th9 cells to secrete IL‐9 cytokine in vitro.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion secondary to trauma in a dog
Authors: Cilli Nicole M. , Bellis Tara
Published: October 2021

Objective

To describe a case of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion in a dog secondary to trauma.

Case Summary

A 14‐year‐old neutered female mixed breed dog presented for evaluation of bite wounds. The dog sustained multiple puncture wounds to the cervical area, stifle, and elbow. Treatment was initiated with isotonic crystalloid fluids, analgesia, broad‐spectrum antimicrobials, and gastroprotectants. The dog developed hyponatremia with concurrent serum hypoosmolality and inappropriate urine hyperosmolality and urine sodium secretion, leading to a diagnosis of the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion. The hyponatremia improved, and the dog improved clinically and was discharged 3 days after admission.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first case description of the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion in a dog suffering from trauma. Inappropriate ADH secretion is largely under‐recognized in veterinary patients. Increased awareness of this syndrome can lead to initiation of appropriate treatment and improved outcomes.