bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasons for not having epilepsy surgery
Authors: Khoo Anthony , de Tisi Jane , Mannan Shahidul , O'Keeffe Aidan G. , Sander Josemir W. , Duncan John S.
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine reasons for adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who undergo presurgical evaluation not proceeding with surgery, and to identify predictors of this course.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data on 617 consecutive individuals evaluated for epilepsy surgery at a tertiary referral center between January 2015 and December 2019. We compared the characteristics of those in whom a decision not to proceed with surgical treatment was made with those who underwent definitive surgery in the same period. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of not proceeding with surgery.

Results

A decision not to proceed with surgery was reached in 315 (51%) of 617 individuals evaluated. Common reasons for this were an inability to localize the epileptogenic zone (n = 104) and the presence of multifocal epilepsy (n = 74). An individual choice not to proceed with intracranial electroencephalography (icEEG; n = 50) or surgery (n = 39), risk of significant deficit (n = 33), declining noninvasive investigation (n = 12), and coexisting neurological comorbidity (n = 3) accounted for the remainder. Compared to 166 surgically treated patients, those who did not proceed to surgery were more likely to have a learning disability (odds ratio [OR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07‒5.16), normal magnetic resonance imaging (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.68–11.94), extratemporal epilepsy (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.82‒4.71), bilateral seizure onset zones (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.41‒6.61) and to live in more deprived socioeconomic areas (median deprivation decile = 40%–50% vs. 50%–60%, p < .05).

Significance

Approximately half of those evaluated for surgical treatment of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy do not proceed to surgery. Early consideration and discussion of the likelihood of surgical suitability or need for icEEG may help direct referral for presurgical evaluation.
Reconstructing past thermal conditions in beach microclimates
Authors: Laloë Jacques‐Olivier , Chivers William J. , Esteban Nicole , Hays Graeme C.
Published: September 2021

Reconstruction of past conditions provides important information on how ecosystems have been impacted by climate change, but generally for microhabitats worldwide there are no long‐term empirical measurements. In these cases, there has been protracted debate about how various large‐scale environmental proxies can best be used to reconstruct local temperatures. Here we help resolve this debate by examining how well environmental proxies hindcast sand temperatures at nest depths for five sea turtle nesting sites across the world. We link instrumental air temperature and sea surface temperature records with empirical sand temperature observations in the Atlantic (Ascension Island and Cape Verde), the Indian Ocean (Chagos Archipelago), the Caribbean (St Eustatius) and the Pacific (French Polynesia). We found strong correlations between sea surface temperatures, air temperatures and sand temperatures at all our study sites. Furthermore, Granger causality testing shows variations in sea surface temperature and air temperature precede variations in sand temperatures. We found that different proxies (air or sea temperature or a combination of both) predicted mean monthly sand temperatures within <0.5°C of empirical observations. Reconstructions of sand temperatures over the last 170 years reveal a slight warming of temperatures (maximum 0.5°C per century). An analysis of 36 published datasets revealed that the gradient of the relationship between sand temperature and air temperature is relatively constant, suggesting long‐term changes in sand temperature could be extended around the world to include nesting sites where there are no empirical measurements of sand temperature. Our approaches are likely to have utility for a range of microhabitats where there is an interest in long‐term changes in temperature.
Five‐layer reverse tape casting of IT‐SOFC
Authors: Snowdon Abigail L. , Jiang Zeyu , Steinberger‐Wilckens Robert
Published: September 2021

Tape casting is a well‐established method for manufacturing thin ceramic layers with controllable thickness and porosity. This study investigates the potential of 10Sc1CeSZ material for the electrolyte and anode layers for intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFC) in an anode‐supported cell (ASC) geometry. In order to use La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8 Oxide (LSCF) cathode material, a Gd0.2Ce0.8 Oxide (GDC) barrier layer is needed; however, thermal expansion coefficient mismatch results in delamination of the GDC from the electrolyte during high temperature sintering when fabricated by conventional tape casting procedures. For the first time, ASCs have been manufactured by a five‐layer tape casting technique; barrier layer, novel composite layer, electrolyte, anode functional layer, and anode substrate. Ni‐ScCeSZ composite cells were tested between 650 and 800°C in H2:N2 fuel (85% H2) on the anode and air on the cathode to yield a maximum power density of .46 W/cm2. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this new five‐layer tape casting technique to produce IT‐SOFC.
Study of falling‐down‐type DLP 3D printing technology for high‐resolution hydroxyapatite scaffolds
Authors: Du Yao , Hu Tianyu , You Jian , Ye Yaoyao , Zhang Bin , Bao Binghui , Li Mingyang , Liu Yimei , Wang Yong , Wang Tao
Published: September 2021

In this study, a strategy to print hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics based on falling‐down‐type digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology with high accuracy was proposed. The monolayer curing thickness and curing broadening of the samples were compared under different conditions, and the most suitable photoinitiator for the system and optimal amount of additive dye in the slurry were obtained. The light power density and single‐layer exposure time of the light source of the DLP printer were optimized, and a number of high‐resolution models of HA scaffolds with an exact square‐channel aperture width of 380 μm were successfully printed. The shrinkage, microstructural, and mechanical properties of the HA ceramic scaffolds were studied at different sintering temperatures. The microstructure and composition of the scaffolds were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. The compressive strength and compressive modulus of HA porous scaffold were 11.61 MPa and 1.26 GPa, respectively. And the porosity of scaffold was 31.67%.
A mini review on cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Ramesh Aniruddh , Tripathi Abhinav , Balaya Palani
Published: September 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries are becoming potential solutions for replacement of batteries due to the abundance of sodium reserves and high recycling costs of lithium‐based batteries. Sodium‐based layered oxides are being widely explored as positive electrode material for sodium‐ion battery due to their high capacities and high energy densities. However, oxide‐based systems do suffer from thermal stability issues and exhibit low power density. On the other hand, polyanionic‐based compounds and Prussian blue analogues demonstrate appreciable thermal stabilities and are useful in high power density applications. This article reviews recent trends of these cathode materials.
Toxic elements in eggs and egg‐based products: occurrence, exposure assessment and risk characterisation for the Serbian population
Authors: Mitrovic Marija , Tomasevic Igor , Stefanovic Srđan , Djordjevic Vesna , Djekic Ilija
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to assess the exposure of the Serbian adult population to As, Cd, Pb and Hg through the consumption of eggs and egg‐based products and to assess health risks. Coccidiostat residues were also examined, and their contribution to acceptable daily intake was calculated. Egg samples were collected from 2018 to 2020. The consumption survey was conducted during 2020. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to estimate the intake of toxic elements based on one‐day and seven‐day recalls of egg consumption. The results obtained showed that the adult population in Serbia is not exposed to health risks from the studied toxic elements when consuming eggs and egg‐based products. The presence of anticoccidial agents was detected in 22% of egg samples at concentrations above the limits prescribed by current regulations in Serbia (which do not allow detectable levels of coccidiostats in eggs), with the main risk of exposure being to coccidiostat residues associated with maduramycin.
Effect of baking in different ovens on the quality and structural characteristics of saltine crackers
Authors: Saberi Farzad , Kouhsari Fatemeh , Abbasi Samaneh , Rosell Cristina M. , Amini Mehdi
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical and microstructural characteristics of crackers baked in four different industrial baking ovens (indirect radiation‐cyclotherm, indirect convection, hybrid and industrial tunnel‐ITO). Indirect convection and cyclotherm ovens provide the highest (5685.43 ± 51 W m−2) and the lowest (4860 ± 38.87 W m−2) amount of heat flux, respectively. Despite the amount of heat flux, indirect convection led to crackers with the highest moisture (7.86% vs. 4.82% in clyclotherm) and specific volume, but the lowest hardness. Cyclotherm resulted in crackers with lower specific volume, surface area, porosity, smooth and regular surface. Conversely, the hybrid and ITO ovens showed closer heat flux, leading to crackers with similar moisture content, texture parameters, specific volume, browning and inner porosity. Overall results show the potential of baking using different ovens for modifying the quality parameters of the crackers.
Assessment of psychological changes in young children during dental treatment: Analysis of the autonomic nervous activity and electroencephalogram
Authors: Sekiya Taki , Sugimoto Kumiko , Kubota Ayako , Tsuchihashi Natsumi , Oishi Atsushi , Yoshida Naomi
Published: September 2021

Background

Understanding the emotional changes in children during dental treatment is necessary for providing stress‐free care.

Aim

To objectively assess the stress associated with dental treatment in children, based on the autonomic nervous activity and the electroencephalogram (EEG).

Design

Twenty‐two children aged 4–9 years were recruited from outpatients of a paediatric clinic. Electrocardiogram and EEG were recorded throughout the treatment to analyze the autonomic nervous activities and the powers of brain waves, respectively. Changes in these measurements during each treatment process were evaluated in two age groups: 4–6 years and 6–9 years.

Results

Elevations in sympathetic activities accompanied by decreased parasympathetic activities induced by stress were observed during rubber dam setting (RD) in the age group of 4–6 years and during infiltration anesthesia (IA), RD, and cavity preparation with a dental turbine (CP‐T) in the age group of 6–9 years. Stress‐related beta wave increments in EEG were observed during IA and CP‐T in the age group of 6–9 years but not in the age group of 4–6 years.

Conclusion

Monitoring the autonomic nervous activities during treatments is useful in assessing stresses in a wide age of young children, whereas EEG monitoring is applicable only to children older than 6 years.
Key stakeholder perspectives on obstacles to an autism‐specific Medicaid waiver service delivery model
Authors: Holingue Calliope , Jang Yeon , Azad Gazi , Landa Rebecca
Published: September 2021

Background

Children and youth with autism spectrum disorder have significant, multi‐system needs that require supports, such as the autism waiver (AW) service delivery model. This study aimed to identify and describe characteristics of the AW, define obstacles and strengths in the provision of adequate services and provide recommendations for improving overall effectiveness.

Methods

This mixed‐methods exploratory study used an electronic survey to gain information and perceptions of AW provider agency directors (n = 27) and service coordinators (n = 30).

Results

The key barriers reported were the shortage of qualified staff, inadequate staff training, complexity of cases or symptom severity of clients and lack of communication at multiple levels throughout the agency as well as with parents.

Conclusions

Recommendations include reinforcing the workforce through higher salaries, greater training and communication interventions. These strategies may reduce staff turnover and shortage, lighten the caseload, reduce the waitlist period and improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of AW services.
Characteristics and optimal ablation settings of a novel, contact‐force sensing and local impedance‐enabled catheter in an ex vivo perfused swine ventricle model
Authors: Tsutsui Kenta , Kawano Daisuke , Mori Hitoshi , Kato Ritsushi , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Sumitomo Naokata , Fukaya Hidehira , Iwanaga Shiro , Nakano Shintaro , Muramatsu Toshihiro , Matsumoto Kazuo
Published: September 2021

Background

Local impedance (LI) has emerged as a new technology that informs on electrical catheter‐tissue coupling during radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Recently, IntellaNav StablePoint, a novel LI‐enabled catheter that equips contact force (CF) sensing, has been introduced. Although StablePoint and its predecessor IntellaNav MiFi OI share the common technology that reports LI, distinct mechanics for LI sensing between the two products raise a concern that the LI‐RF lesion formation relationship may differ.

Methods

In an ex vivo swine cardiac tissue model, we investigated the initial level and range of a reduction in LI during a 60‐s RF ablation and the resultant lesion characteristics at nine combinations of three energy power (30, 40, and 50 W) and CF (10, 30, and 50 g) steps. Correlations and interactions between CF, LI, wattage, and formed lesions were analyzed. Incidence of achieving LI drop plateau and that of a steam pop were also determined.

Results

Positive correlations existed between CF and initial LI, CF and absolute/relative LI drop, CF and lesion volume, and LI drop and lesion volume. At the same LI drop, wattage‐dependent gain in lesion volume was observed. Steam pops occurred in all CF steps and the prevalence was highest at 50 W. LI drop predicted a steam pop with a cutoff value at 89Ω.

Conclusion

In StablePoint, wattage crucially affects LI drop and lesion volume. Because 30 W ablation may by underpowered for intramural lesion formation and 50 W often resulted in a steam pop, 40 W appears to achieve the balance between the safety and efficacy.
Antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from meat and meat products
Authors: Abbasi Kobra , Tajbakhsh Elahe , Momtaz Hassan
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is an important food pathogen that has the ability to form biofilms. This pathogen has been implicated in foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of meat and meat products. Since the role of meat products as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant S. aureus and biofilm formers has not been studied, this research was conducted to assess the incidence, antimicrobial resistance, and presence of biofilm‐forming genes in S. aureus bacteria from meat and meat products. For this purpose, 440 samples of meat and meat products were randomly collected from supermarkets of Shahrekord city, Iran. S. aureus isolates were highlighted and identified through biochemical tests. All S. aureus isolates were profiled for susceptibility to 14 antibiotics and the corresponding resistance genes were searched. The quantification of biofilm formation followed by a screening of biofilm formation encoding genes was done. Of the 440 samples collected, 61 were found to contain S. aureus. The incidence of S. aureus among the beef meat (16/61) was the highest followed by its incidence in sausage (10/61) and lunch meat (9/61). At least one isolate of S. aureus carries one of the following resistance gene blaZ, mecA, tet K, linA, tetM, erm A, ermB, and aac A‐D. High distribution of icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, clfB, and clfA, biofilm formation genes and Enterotoxin encoding genes sea, seb, sec, and sed. The ability of biofilm production and the presence of virulence determinants in the genome of S. aureus can contribute to their pathogenicity. This research demonstrated the roles of meat and meat products as reservoirs of biofilm‐forming and antimicrobial‐resistant strains of S. aureus. This poses a food safety and public health problem. However, further work needs to be done to better understand the implication of icaABCD biofilm forming genes present in S. aureus from meat and meat products in their resistance.
Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of lethal acanthocephalosis in captive neotropical primates
Authors: Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues , Pereira Fernanda Mara Aragão Macedo , dos Santos Daniel Oliveira , de Carvalho Thaynara Parente , Soares‐Neto Lauro Leite , Mangueira Danyele Karoline Avante , Lisbôa Larissa Martins , Mamede Rafael Bezerra , Hoppe Estevam Guilherme Lux , Momo Claudia , Santos Renato Lima
Published: September 2021

Background

Acanthocephalosis is an important cause of death in captive New World primates (NWP). Once established in a colony, it is extremely difficult to treat and control, quickly spreading among NWP with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to characterize the disease associated with infection with acanthocephalans according to its epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological aspects in a captive NWP population.

Methods

From 2010 to 2020, a Brazilian zoo had recurrent deaths of NWP associated to acanthocephalan parasitism. Clinical and pathological profiles of these animals were analyzed considering the host species, sex, age, weight, clinical signs, therapeutic protocols, and pathological findings.

Results

A total of 27 deaths associated with acanthocephalosis were recorded, all lethal cases affected tamarins and lion tamarins, corresponding to 67.5% of total deaths during the course of this study. Ten animals died with no previously detected clinical signs, whereas cases with noticeable clinical signs often had apathy and progressive weight loss, resulting in cachexia. Symptomatic NWP were treated with anthelmintic protocols, antibiotics, and support therapy. However, all hospitalized animals died and had grossly detectable adult acanthocephalans in the intestinal lumen that were identified as Prosthenorchis sp., which were associated with transmural and ulcerative enteritis.

Conclusions

This report revealed the impact of acanthocephalosis in a naturally infected captive colony of NWP, particularly affecting tamarins (Saguinus spp.) and lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.), with failed treatment and control strategies.
Interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo in human tubal pregnancy: Current knowledge and perspectives
Authors: Jiang Huan , Li Jian‐Xiong
Published: September 2021

Aim

More than 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tubes. As the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy remains largely unclear, the development of strategies to prevent and treat tubal pregnancy still represents a major clinical challenge. This review thoroughly summarizes the current data, aiming to determine the genes and signaling pathways that are involved in the pathophysiology of human tubal pregnancy.

Methods

An electronic search from databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Chinese databases was carried out using key words pertaining to the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy from the perspectives of both the Fallopian tubes and the embryo. A review of the literatures including review articles, experimental, and observational studies and case reports published between 1999 and 2021 was conducted.

Results

Tubal pregnancy results from the interaction networks between the Fallopian tube and the embryo rather than from simple tubal abnormality. Furthermore, the embryo‐maternal communication is supposed to start from the preimplantation period to the implantation period.

Conclusion

A greater understanding of the interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo is of great significance for the prevention and medical treatment of tubal pregnancy.
Thank you for the bad news: Reducing cynicism in highly identified employees during adverse organizational change
Authors: Sguera Francesco , Patient David , Diehl Marjo‐Riitta , Bobocel Ramona
Published: September 2021

Adverse changes, such as layoffs or wage cuts, can irremediably damage the relationship between employees and their organization. This makes it all the more important for organizations to provide information about these changes to avoid the emergence of organizational cynicism among their employees. Drawing on uncertainty management theory, we argue that informational justice and organizational identification jointly regulate organizational cynicism in the context of adverse change. In addition, we examine whether informational justice influences employee exit intentions through cynicism. We test our hypotheses using a multi‐method approach, encompassing one experiment (Study 1), one large‐scale survey of 1,795 employees undergoing a major restructuring (Study 2), and a five‐wave field survey of 174 workers undergoing layoffs and wage cuts (Study 3). In all three studies, poorer communication from the organization predicted greater exit intentions through increased cynicism for employees who were more (rather than less) identified with the organization. By integrating the literature on informational justice, organizational identification, and cynicism, our research offers a more nuanced understanding of the antecedents and consequences of cynicism in the context of adverse organizational change.

Practitioner points

Organizations undergoing adverse changes, such as layoffs and wage cuts, should provide employees with timely and detailed explanations for the changes (i.e., informational justice).

When employees do not receive timely and detailed explanations for adverse changes, they are more likely to become cynical, and to decide to leave the organization.

Providing adequate explanations is especially important for employees who strongly identify with the organizations because they are more sensitive to informational justice.

Providing explanations is not as effective in reducing cynicism among employees with low levels of organizational identification.

When organizations fail to explain adverse changes, employees who identify strongly with the organization may become as cynical as employees whose identities are less closely tied to the organization.
Boys’ and Girls’ Interactions With Same‐Gender Friends and Other‐Gender Friends: A Focus on Problem Disclosures
Authors: Borowski Sarah K. , Rose Amanda J.
Published: September 2021

The current study examines adolescents’ subjective experiences interacting with same‐gender and other‐gender friends, with a focus on interactions involving disclosure about personal problems. Participants were 510 youth (65% White or European American, 26% Black or African American) in seventh grade (n = 244; M = 13.01 years; 51% girls) and tenth grade (n = 266; M = 16.03 years; 52% girls). Adolescents completed an event‐contingent sampling assessment to record interactions with same‐gender and other‐gender friends. Results indicated that middle adolescents were more likely to interact with other‐gender friends than early adolescents. Girls were more likely to report problem disclosure interactions than boys; however, boys reported more positive subjective experiences in problem disclosure interactions with other‐gender friends than did girls.
Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm‐level factors
Authors: McFalls Matthew , Ramirez Marizen , Harland Karisa , Zhu Motao , Morris Nichole L. , Hamann Cara , Peek‐Asa Corinne
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Rural public roads experience higher crash fatality rates than other roadways, with agricultural equipment adding greater risk of injury and fatality. This study set out to describe farmers’ experiences with farm equipment crashes and predictors of crashes at the farm level.

Methods

A survey of farm operators was conducted in 9 Midwestern states (IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, and WI) in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistical Service.

Findings

From 1,282 farms operating equipment on public roads in 2013, 7.6% of farmers reported that equipment from their farm had ever been in a crash (n = 97). Crashes occurred most often in June‐August (44.0%) and were most often reported as being during the daytime (71.3%), on dry roads (79.4%), or in clear weather (71.4%). While most farmers responded that they were driving the farm equipment at the time of the crash (52.0%), nearly half of crashes involved their employees as the driver (48.0%). Crashes often went unreported to law enforcement (28.6%).

Conclusion

To illustrate crash probabilities for farms with different profiles, we included farm acreage, crop farming, vehicle horsepower, annual miles driven, and the total number of farm vehicles driven on public roads in a predictive model. Large crop farms of 241+ acres, those who drove farm vehicles 1,430+ miles per year, and those with 20 or more farm vehicles had the highest probability of crash of 0.14.
Species distribution and ecological suitability analysis for potential tick vectors of Kyasanur forest disease in the Western Ghats of Kerala
Authors: Rathinam Balasubramanian , Sidhik Sahina
Published: September 2021

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is a tick‐borne zoonotic viral disease with an estimated case fatality rate of 3% to 5% in humans. The KFD virus is transmitted to both humans and animals by infected ticks, primarily the Haemaphysalis species. Our study was undertaken following reports of five confirmed cases and three deaths due to KFD in Malappuram district of Kerala in 2014 to determine the diversity of Ixodidae ticks on vegetation and their possible infection with the KFD virus. Overall, 3502 hard ticks belonging to three genera and eight species were collected from two forest divisions. Haemaphysalis was the predominant tick species (92.72%). Tick positivity for the KFD virus was 4 (5.33%) of 75 pools of ticks tested. Kyasanur forest disease viral RNA was detected from the genera Haemaphysalis and Amblyomma. The KFD virus was detected in 2 of 35 pools (5.71%) of Haemaphysalis spinigera, 1 of 30 pools (3.33%) of Haemaphysalis turturis, and 1 of 3 pools (3.33%) of Amblyomma integrum from the south forest division. The ticks reached their peak density between December and February and then decreased from the end of May. The temperature in the area ranges from 28°C to 30°C, which is suitable for tick survival.
Genetic differences between Japan and other countries in cyp51A polymorphisms of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Majima Hidetaka , Arai Teppei , Kusuya Yoko , Takahashi Hiroki , Watanabe Akira , Miyazaki Yasunari , Kamei Katsuhiko
Published: September 2021

Background

Mutations in cyp51A gene are known as main mechanisms of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus, whereas azole‐susceptible strains also carry cyp51A mutations (polymorphisms). The polymorphisms found in Europe mainly consist of two combinations of mutations, that is combinations of five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cyp51A, referred to as cyp51A‐5SNPs, and combinations of three SNPs of cyp51A, referred to as cyp51A‐3SNPs. Few studies have compared the distributions of cyp51A polymorphisms between different regions.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the regional differences of cyp51A polymorphisms.

Methods

We compared the proportions of cyp51A polymorphisms in clinical and environmental strains isolated in various countries, and analysed the strains phylogenetically using short tandem repeats (STRs) and whole‐genome sequence (WGS).

Results

Among the Japanese strains, 15 out of 98 (15.3%) clinical strains and 8 out of 95 (8.4%) environmental strains had cyp51A polymorphisms. A mutation of cyp51AN248K was the most prevalent polymorphism in both clinical (n = 14, 14.3%) and environmental strains (n = 3, 3.2%). Only one environmental strain harboured cyp51A‐5SNPs, which was reported to be the most prevalent in Europe. For phylogenetic analyses using STRs and WGS, 183 and 134 strains, respectively, were employed. They showed that most of the strains with cyp51AN248K clustered in the clades different from those of the strains with cyp51A‐5SNPs and cyp51A‐3SNPs as well as from those with TR34/L98H mutations.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there are genetic differences between cyp51A polymorphisms of A. fumigatus in Japan and Europe.
Warming drives a ‘hummockification’ of microbial communities associated with decomposing mycorrhizal fungal necromass in peatlands
Authors: Maillard François , Fernandez Christopher W. , Mundra Sunil , Heckman Katherine A. , Kolka Randall K. , Kauserud Håvard , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: September 2021

Dead fungal mycelium (necromass) represents a critical component of soil carbon (C) and nutrient cycles. Assessing how the microbial communities associated with decomposing fungal necromass change as global temperatures rise will help in determining how these belowground organic matter inputs contribute to ecosystem responses.

In this study, we characterized the structure of bacterial and fungal communities associated with multiple types of decaying mycorrhizal fungal necromass incubated within mesh bags across a 9°C whole ecosystem temperature enhancement in a boreal peatland.

We found major taxonomic and functional shifts in the microbial communities present on decaying mycorrhizal fungal necromass in response to warming. These changes were most pronounced in hollow microsites, which showed convergence towards the necromass‐associated microbial communities present in unwarmed hummocks. We also observed a high colonization of ericoid mycorrhizal fungal necromass by fungi from the same genera as the necromass.

These results indicate that microbial communities associated with mycorrhizal fungal necromass decomposition are likely to change significantly with future climate warming, which may have strong impacts on soil biogeochemical cycles in peatlands. Additionally, the high enrichment of congeneric fungal decomposers on ericoid mycorrhizal necromass may help to explain the increase in ericoid shrub dominance in warming peatlands.
Economic Inequality and Divergence in Family Formation in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Stoebenau Kirsten , Madhavan Sangeetha , Smith‐Greenaway Emily , Jackson Heide
Published: September 2021

Economic inequality has been rising in many sub‐Saharan African countries alongside rapid changes to union and family formation. In high‐income countries marked by rising inequality, union and family formation practices have diverged across socioeconomic statuses, with intergenerational social and health consequences for the disadvantaged. In this study, we address whether there is also evidence of demographic divergence in low‐income settings. Specifically, we model the age at first marriage and first birth by socioeconomic status groups for women born between 1960 and 1989 using Demographic and Health Survey data from 12 sub‐Saharan African countries where economic inequality levels are relatively high or rising. We argue that economic and sociocultural factors may both serve to increasingly delay marriage and childbearing for the elite as compared to others in the context of rising inequality. We find emerging social stratification in marriage and childbearing, and demonstrate that this demographic divergence is driven by the elites who are increasingly marrying and having children at later ages, with near stagnation in the age at first marriage and birth among the remaining majority. We urge further research at the intersection of socioeconomic and demographic inequality to inform necessary policy levers and curtail negative social and health consequences.
Cover Image
Authors: Wang Xiling , He Yuqing , Wei Hua , Wang Lei
Published: September 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article A clock regulatory module is required for salt tolerance and control of heading date in rice by Xiling Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14167.

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Immunotherapeutic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhizic Acid on Leishmania major‐infection BALB/C mice
Authors: Sheikhi Shima , Khamesipour Ali , Radjabian Tayebeh , Ghazanfari Tooba , Miramin Mohammadi Akram
Published: September 2021

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a public health problem in endemic areas. The objective of the current study was to investigate the immunotherapeutic activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (HEG) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in the treatment of Leishmania major (L. major)‐infected BALB/c mice. In this study, the effect of HEG and GA was checked in vitro on growth of L. major promastigote and amastigote using MTT assay and microscopic counting, respectively. For in vivo experiment, the lesion induced by L. major on BALB/c mice were treated intraperitoneally with HEG, GA, meglumine antimoniate or phosphate buffer saline (negative control) for one month. Then, the lesion development and the parasite burden of the lymph node was assessed, the cytokine response (IFN‐γ and IL‐4) to Leishmania antigens was evaluated using ELISA method. The results showed that HEG and GA significantly inhibited the growth of L. major promastigotes and amastigotes, the lesion development, parasite burden in the lymph nodes, level of IFN‐γ and the ratio of IFN‐γ/IL‐4 in HEG, GA and meglumine antimoniate‐treated mice were significantly higher compared with the negative control group, there was no difference between the HEG, GA and meglumine antimoniate group. It is concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of G. glabra and glycyrrhizic acid showed therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects on L. major‐infected BALB/c mice
Evaluation of medullary cytokine expression and clinical and laboratory aspects in severe human visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Teles Leandro de Freitas , Viana Agostinho Gonçalves , Cardoso Mariana Santos , Pinheiro Guilherme Rafael Gomide , Bento Gabriele Ariadine , Lula Jamille Fernandes , Soares Tânia de Cássia Moreira , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Carvalho Silvio Fernando Guimarães de
Published: September 2021

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious public health problem. The factors that can determine whether VL develops and progresses to severe form have not been fully identified, but a specific cellular immune response appears to play a key role. Therefore, understanding immunopathogenesis can be useful in preventing a serious clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods

Bone marrow samples were collected from patients with severe VL (SVL) or non‐severe VL (NSVL). Cytokine levels and parasitic load were analysed by RT‐qPCR. There is a statistically significant difference in the leukocyte parameter in patients with SVL and NSVL compared with the control patients (p = .006 and p = .014, respectively).

Results

Urea, alanine transaminase and albumin parameters had a significant difference p = .036, p = .039 and p = .017, respectively, between SVL and NSVL. Although high levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were present in all groups of individuals with VL, they were not statistically associated with severity. In patients with active VL, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 were associated, respectively, with a reduction and increase in the parasite load, strong and significant positive association between IFN‐γ and IL‐10 (rho = .627 and p = .003).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that VL stimulates an non‐dichotomized inflammatory response between Th1/Th2 and that bone marrow is an important tissue for immune regulation.
Globalizing plant health
Authors: Oliver Richard
Published: September 2021

There are four broad methods to control diseases in crops: agronomy, genetics, chemistry, and biosecurity. These methods appear to differ markedly in their cost, where the cost falls, and their effectiveness. I review the features of these four methods. There is a lack of data and details on the costs and effectiveness of these methods, but based on the data, I suggest that resources for genetic disease resistance including global isolate collections, global host germplasm collections, and genotyping and phenotyping platforms should be increased. A modest increase in funds would be expected to have a major impact on food security and would also prolong the effectiveness of chemical, agronomical, and biosecurity methods to improve disease control.
Knowledge exchange enhances engagement in ecological restoration and rehabilitation initiatives
Authors: Favretto Nicola , Stringer Lindsay C. , Dougill Andrew J. , Kruger Liezl
Published: September 2021

Effective knowledge sharing and community engagement can be major enablers in the pursuit of socially relevant benefits from ecological restoration and rehabilitation. Focusing on two ecological restoration and rehabilitation practitioner organizations and their workers, this paper evaluates perceptions of the extent to which short‐term knowledge exchange contributes to social goals in ecological restoration and rehabilitation in South Africa through (1) stakeholder engagement and awareness of community well‐being, and (2) knowledge enrichment. Data collected through impact questionnaires, participatory site visits, practical work exchange, focus group discussions, and a workshop are analyzed using thematic analysis framed by the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration #1 and #2. We explore participants' perceptions of knowledge exchange benefits and discuss implications for future collaboration in establishing long‐term knowledge exchange. Findings show that knowledge exchange is perceived to result in enhanced teamwork engagement, and strengthened knowledge on restoration techniques through mutual learning, inspiration, and a strengthened sense of community. Findings suggest that sustained knowledge exchange and engagement activities between different practitioner organizations is key to realize and transform short‐term perceived benefits into long‐term applied socioecological impacts across landscapes in dryland Africa. There is a need to progress from short‐term, horizontal learning, to long‐term (horizontal and vertical) knowledge exchange, to inform restoration project design and implementation.
Fitness to drive after acquired brain injury: Results from patient cognitive screening and on‐road assessment compared to age‐adjusted norm values
Authors: Samuelsson Kersti , Lundqvist Anna , Selander Helena , Wressle Ewa
Published: September 2021

Fitness to drive after acquired brain injury or disease is a common question in rehabilitation settings. The aim of the study was to compare age‐matched norms with patient cognitive test results used to predict fitness to drive. A second aim was to analyze the contribution from an on‐road assessment to a final decision on resumption of driving after an acquired brain injury. Retrospective cognitive test results from four traffic medicine units (n = 333) were compared with results from a healthy norm population (n = 410) in Sweden. Patients were dichotomized according to the final decision as fit or unfit to drive made by the traffic medicine team. The norm group had significantly better results in all age groups for all cognitive tests compared with the patients considered unfit to drive and fit to drive. A binary regression analysis for the patient group showed an explained value for fit to drive/unfit to drive of 88%, including results for the Nordic Stroke Driver Screening Assessment total score, Useful Field of View total score and the final outcome from an on‐road assessment. Results from the present study illustrate the importance of using several tests, methods and contexts for the final decision regarding fitness to drive.
Transfusion management of trauma from the 2019 El Paso mass shooting incident
Authors: Qiao Jesse , Ray Bradford , Wians Frank , Abadie Jude
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Mortality rates, transfusion ratios, trauma management logistics, and assault characteristics from the El Paso mass shooting incident (MSI) are evaluated in comparison to other MSIs. In 2019, El Paso, TX experienced the eighth‐deadliest MSIs in modern US history. In this 21st mass killing in the United States of 2019, 19 people died immediately, and four of 27 injured, later died from ballistic injuries.

Materials and Methods

We examined the victims' injuries, pre‐hospital treatments, transfusions, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) interpretation, tranexamic acid (TXA) use, and compared El Paso's outcomes with other MSIs.

Results

Fifteen casualties were treated for bullet injuries at University Medical Center (UMC). Three were in critical condition; one died during surgery. Of the remaining victims, two were guarded, and the remaining ten in stable condition. Anatomic trauma locations included chest, abdomen, hip, breast, thigh and arm. Haemostatic agents and TXA were administered to arriving patients. Seven casualties receiving blood products were administered 95 units at UMC (45 red blood cells [RBC], 38 fresh frozen plasma [FFP], 8 platelets and 4 cryoprecipitate). ROTEM guided mass transfusion decisions in three patients. Out of seven MSIs reviewed, El Paso had the highest mortality rate (50.0%) and lowest RBC:FFP:admission ratio (1.18 at UMC).

Conclusion

We report the greatest proportion of transfusions per admission for an MSI and are first to discuss ROTEM roles to guide transfusion and manage coagulopathy during an MSI. This case highlights the severity and impact of MSIs on victims and requirements to follow established transfusion protocols with adjunct use of ROTEM, TXA and haemostatic agents.
Parental experiences of caring for their preschool children after declining vaccines: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Huel Christine , Harding Jillian , MacKinnon Karen , Gordon Carol , MacDonald Shannon E.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

This review will explore the experiences of parents after making the decision not to vaccinate their young children. This review aims to help health care providers understand parents’ specific care strategies for their under-vaccinated or unvaccinated young children.

Introduction:

Much of the current qualitative research literature on parents who hesitate or refuse to vaccinate their young children focuses on parental perceptions about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and decision-making. However, limited attention has been paid to measures taken by parents to help their young children avoid contracting communicable diseases, promote resistance, and enhance their children's health.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider qualitative studies that describe parents’ experiences of caring for their young children, aged 0 to six years, after making the decision not to vaccinate. Studies undertaken in any context will be considered. Studies that focus on young children who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated for reasons not related to parental refusal will be excluded.

Methods:

The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence will be followed. Databases will be searched from 1998 onwards, and will include Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, with no language limits. Following critical appraisal, findings that describe parental experiences and the care activities they perform related to their young children will be extracted. The JBI process of meta-aggregation will be used to identify categories and synthesize findings. The ConQual approach will be used to assess confidence in the findings.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021241781
Iran in Motion
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

Completed in 1938, the Trans-Iranian Railway connected Tehran to Iran's two major bodies of water: the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf in the south. Iran's first national railway, it produced and disrupted various kinds of movement—voluntary and forced, intended and unintended, on different scales and in different directions—among Iranian diplomats, tribesmen, migrant laborers, technocrats, railway workers, tourists and pilgrims, as well as European imperial officials alike. Iran in Motion tells the hitherto unexplored stories of these individuals as they experienced new levels of mobility.
Drawing on newspapers, industry publications, travelogues, and memoirs, as well as American, British, Danish, and Iranian archival materials, Mikiya Koyagi traces contested imaginations and practices of mobility from the conception of a trans-Iranian railway project during the nineteenth-century global transport revolution to its early years of operation on the eve of Iran's oil nationalization movement in the 1950s. Weaving together various individual experiences, this book considers how the infrastructural megaproject reoriented the flows of people and goods. In so doing, the railway project simultaneously brought the provinces closer to Tehran and pulled them away from it, thereby constantly reshaping local, national, and transnational experiences of space among mobile individuals.
Introduction
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

The introduction provides an overview of the book. Rather than seeing the Trans-Iranian Railway exclusively in the context of national integration under an authoritarian state, this book analyzes the project as a series of contestations over mobility and weaves together multiple interconnected stories. The introduction explains that this book uses the concept of “mobility” both spatially and qualitatively to study physical movement, such as travel and migration, as individual embodied experience. By taking this approach, it shows how the railway project reorganized the movement of the nation in both senses, which in turn produced new spatial categories and differentiated mobile subjects. This story is situated in studies of globalization, infrastructure, and space. The introduction’s last section provides brief summaries of the seven main chapters.
Nationalizing the Railway
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

Chapter 3 examines the convergence of imperial and Iranian railway imaginations in post–World War I Iran. Drawing on Majles proceedings, the Iranian press, and railway station architecture, this chapter demonstrates that through the railway project the new Pahlavi state attempted to produce a national territorial space with its own distinct economy and culture.
Death on the Persian Corridor
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

Using industry publications and American archival documents from the Allied occupation period, chapter 5 focuses mainly on railway accident prevention measures to illustrate that railway operations required a perfect alignment of sociopolitical, technological, and environmental pieces. The material structure of the railway alone was insufficient to achieve the production of safe, speedy, and stable movement of trains. Seeing speed as corruptible through human behavior and perfectible through human endeavor, technocrats of the IRO and the Allied forces tried to contain its danger by reforming the embodied practice of movement among workers. They enacted safety regulations and sought standardization in many realms, specifying mundane physical motions of workers for particular procedures. The chapter also suggests that workers were not passive objects of reform but used their knowledge of the infrastructural system for goals different from those of technocrats.