bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airway smooth muscle remodelling in mild and moderate equine asthma
Authors: Dupuis‐Dowd Florence , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2021

Background

Airway smooth muscle remodelling in severe equine asthma includes both thickening of airway smooth muscle, resulting from hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and changes in contractility. However, airway smooth muscle changes have not been studied in milder forms of the disease.

Objectives

To investigate bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in horses with mild and moderate asthma (MEA).

Study design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

The endobronchial biopsies from 18 horses with MEA referred to the Equine Hospital of the Université de Montréal and from seven healthy age‐matched control horses were studied. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology. Airway smooth muscle cell proliferation was measured by quantifying the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) using immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. The expression of the (+)insert smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) isoform, an hypercontractile protein, was assessed by RT‐qPCR.

Results

Expression of the (+)insert SMMHC isoform in airway smooth muscle was approximately 1.5 times greater in horses with MEA compared with controls (P = .02, mean difference 0.01). Although there were no differences between groups in the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (P = .4) or myocyte density (P = .3, mean difference −0.6), the percentage of proliferating myocytes was correlated to pulmonary neutrophilia in horses with neutrophilic inflammation (P = .01, r = .80) and to the expression of the (+)insert SMMHC isoform in asthmatic horses (P = .03, r = .66).

Main limitations

Small cohorts of horses were studied, and conclusions are limited to the central airways.

Conclusions

These results confirm the presence of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in mild forms of equine asthma and pave the way for the development of biomarkers to measure asthma progression and response to therapy.
Triassic tragedy—a bone bed in the Otter Sandstone of East Devon, south‐west England
Authors: Coram Robert A. , Radley Jonathan D. , Benton Michael J.
Published: September 2021

A thin layer of Middle Triassic Otter Sandstone recently exposed on south‐west England's East Devon coast produced abundant and diverse vertebrate fossils, including previously unrecorded taxa. Some of the remains are remarkably complete, allowing CT scanning of Otter Sandstone fossils for the first time. Here we discuss the formation of this assemblage and summarize the preserved fauna, which provides an important insight into the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems following the Earth's greatest mass extinction.
Fossils explained 81
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: September 2021

Dead shells are common allochthonous clasts on British beaches. How much information of relevance to palaeontology can be gleaned from such bioclasts? One exceptional shell, a common Buccinum, is described, which preserves an array of borings and other ichnological evidence. It provides confirmation that we need to look harder at fossil gastropods, too.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on clinical and laboratory biomarkers associated with gastric damage in healthy school‐aged children: A randomized non‐blinded trial
Authors: Lucero Yalda , Lagomarcino Anne J. , Torres Juan P. , Roessler Patricia , Mamani Nora , George Sergio A. , Huerta Nicole , González Mónica , O’Ryan G Miguel
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the primary cause of gastric cancer and eradication in healthy adults has proven effective in decreasing cancer incidence. H. pylori is acquired largely in early childhood, however, the benefits of eradication in children are controversial. We aimed to determine the effect of H. pylori eradication on clinical and laboratory markers associated with gastric damage in apparently healthy school‐aged children.

Methods

This was a pilot non‐blinded trial including 61 children persistently infected with H. pylori who were randomized to eradication/no treatment and followed for at least 12 months, evaluating clinical and blood markers (Pepsinogen I (PGI) and II (PGII) determined by ELISA) associated with gastric damage. The treatment consisted of a sequential scheme including 7 days of omeprazole + amoxicillin followed by 7 days of omeprazole + clarithromycin + metronidazole; adherence and tolerance were surveyed. Eradication rates were assessed by stool antigen detection or urea breath test 1 month following treatment every 4 months thereafter to detect reinfection.

Results

Eradication occurred in 30/31 treated children (median age: 8.8, range: 7.9–10.8) and in 0/30 non‐treated controls (median age: 8.6, range: 7.9–11) (p < .001). Treatment was associated with mild transient symptoms (altered taste, nocturnal upper abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea). Baseline frequency of symptoms was low and eradication did not change symptoms compared to controls. PGI, PGII, and anti‐H. pylori seropositivity were similar in both groups at baseline and significantly decreased only in eradicated patients; PGI (92.5 vs. 74.4, p < .001), PGII (15.2 vs. 8.9, p < .001) levels, and frequency of anti‐H. pylori seropositivity (100 vs. 68%, p < .001) respectively. Four eradicated children (13%) were reinfected during follow‐up.

Conclusions

H. pylori eradication therapy in apparently asymptomatic school‐aged children was well tolerated and associated with decreased serum PGI and PGII levels. Future studies should expand on the middle‐long‐term effect of early H. pylori eradication, especially on preventing gastric cancer.
COVID‐19 mortality among people with diagnosed HIV compared to those without during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in England
Authors: Brown Alison E. , Croxford Sara E. , Nash Sophie , Khawam Jameel , Kirwan Peter , Kall Meaghan , Bradshaw Daniel , Sabin Caroline , Miller Robert F. , Post Frank A. , Harding Richard , Collins Simon , Waters Laura , Asboe David , Chadwick David R. , Delpech Valerie , Sullivan Ann K.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

We describe COVID‐19 mortality among people with and without HIV during the first wave of the pandemic in England.

Methods

National surveillance data on adults (aged ≥ 15 years) with diagnosed HIV resident in England were linked to national COVID‐19 mortality surveillance data (2 March 2020–16 June 2020); HIV clinicians verified linked cases and provided information on the circumstances of death. We present COVID‐19 mortality rates by HIV status, using negative binomial regression to assess the association between HIV and mortality, adjusting for gender, age and ethnicity.

Results

Overall, 99 people with HIV, including 61 of black ethnicity, died of/with COVID‐19 (107/100 000) compared with 49 483 people without HIV (109/100 000). Compared to people without HIV, higher COVID‐19 mortality rates were observed in people with HIV of black (188 vs. 122/100 000) and Asian (131 vs. 77.0/100 000) ethnicity, and in both younger (15–59 years: 58.3 vs. 10.2/100 000) and older (≥ 60 years: 434 vs. 355/100 000) people. After adjustment for demographic factors, people with HIV had a higher COVID‐19 mortality risk than those without (2.18; 95% CI: 1.76–2.70). Most people with HIV who died of/with COVID‐19 had suppressed HIV viraemia (91%) and at least one comorbidity reported to be associated with poor COVID‐19 outcomes (87%).

Conclusions

In the first wave of the pandemic in England, COVID‐19 mortality among people with HIV was low, but was higher than in those without HIV, after controlling for demographic factors. This supports the strategy of prioritizing COVID‐19 vaccination for people with HIV and strongly encouraging its uptake, especially in those of black and Asian ethnicity.
Same‐day antiretroviral therapy initiation for people living with HIV who have tuberculosis symptoms: a systematic review
Authors: Burke Rachael M. , Rickman Hannah M. , Singh Vindi , Kalua Thokozani , Labhardt Niklaus D. , Hosseinipour Mina , Wilkinson Robert J. , MacPherson Peter
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Tuberculosis symptoms are very common among people living with HIV (PLHIV) initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), are not specific for tuberculosis disease and may result in delayed ART start. The risks and benefits of same‐day ART initiation in PLHIV with tuberculosis symptoms are unknown.

Methods

We systematically reviewed nine databases on 12 March 2020 to identify studies that investigated same‐day ART initiation among PLHIV with tuberculosis symptoms and reported both their approach to TB screening and clinical outcomes. We extracted and summarized data about TB screening, numbers of people starting same‐day ART and outcomes.

Results

We included four studies. Two studies deferred ART for everyone with any tuberculosis symptoms (one or more of cough, fever, night sweats or weight loss) and substantial numbers of people had deferred ART start (28% and 39% did not start same‐day ART). Two studies permitted some people with tuberculosis symptoms to start same‐day ART, and fewer people deferred ART (2% and 16% did not start same‐day). Two of the four studies were conducted sequentially; proven viral load suppression at 8 months was 31% when everyone with tuberculosis symptoms had ART deferred, and 44% when the algorithm was changed so that some people with tuberculosis symptoms could start same‐day ART.

Conclusions

Although tuberculosis symptoms are very common in people starting ART, there is insufficient evidence about whether presence of tuberculosis symptoms should lead to ART start being deferred or not. Research to inform clear guidelines would help to maximise the benefits of same‐day ART.
Metabolic syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa: epidemiological, molecular, and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Mintoff Dillon , Benhadou Farida , Pace Nikolai P. , Frew John W.
Published: September 2021

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, suppurative condition of the pilosebaceous unit. Patients suffering from HS demonstrate a molecular profile in keeping with a state of systemic inflammation and are often found to fit the criteria for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this paper, we review the literature with regards to established data on the prevalence of MetS in HS patients and revise the odds ratio of comorbid disease. Furthermore, we attempt to draw parallels between inflammatory pathways in HS and MetS and evaluate how convergences may explain the risk of comorbid disease, necessitating the need for multidisciplinary care.
Pecuniary externalities, bank overleverage, and macroeconomic fragility
Authors: Kato Ryo , Tsuruga Takayuki
Published: September 2021

Pecuniary externalities in models with financial friction justify macroprudential policies for preventing excessive risk taking by economic agents. We extend the Diamond and Rajan model of banks with production factors and explore how a pecuniary externality affects a bank's leverage. We show that the laissez‐faire banks in our model take on excessive risks compared with the constrained social optimum. Our numerical simulations suggest that the crisis probability is 2–3 percentage points higher in the laissez‐faire economy than in the constrained social optimum.
Human respiratory syncytial virus diversity and epidemiology among patients hospitalized with severe respiratory illness in South Africa, 2012–2015
Authors: Valley‐Omar Ziyaad , Tempia Stefano , Hellferscee Orienka , Walaza Sibongile , Variava Ebrahim , Dawood Halima , Kahn Kathleen , McMorrow Meredith , Pretorius Marthi , Mtshali Senzo , Mamorobela Ernest , Wolter Nicole , Venter Marietjie , von Gottberg Anne , Cohen Cheryl , Treurnicht Florette K.
Published: September 2021

Background

We aimed to describe the prevalence of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and evaluate associations between HRSV subgroups and/or genotypes and epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with severe respiratory illness (SRI).

Methods

Between January 2012 and December 2015, we enrolled patients of all ages admitted to two South African hospitals with SRI in prospective hospital‐based syndromic surveillance. We collected respiratory specimens and clinical and epidemiological data. Unconditional random effect multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with HRSV infection.

Results

HRSV was detected in 11.2% (772/6908) of enrolled patients of which 47.0% (363/772) were under the age of 6 months. There were no differences in clinical outcomes of HRSV subgroup A‐infected patients compared with HRSV subgroup B‐infected patients but among patients aged <5 years, children with HRSV subgroup A were more likely be coinfected with Streptococcus pneumoniae (23/208, 11.0% vs. 2/90, 2.0%; adjusted odds ratio 5.7). No significant associations of HRSV A genotypes NA1 and ON1 with specific clinical outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

While HRSV subgroup and genotype dominance shifted between seasons, we showed similar genotype diversity as noted worldwide. We found no association between clinical outcomes and HRSV subgroups or genotypes.
Evidence‐based review of the effects of nutritional supplementation for pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Yap JiannWen , Holloway Samantha
Published: September 2021

The objective of this evidence‐based review was to explore whether the evidence supports the use of nutritional supplements in pressure ulcer (PU) prevention strategies. Several electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to May week 32 019), Ovid EMBASE (1947 to May 28, 2019), EBSCO CINAHL (until June 13, 2019), Scopus (until July 9, 2019), and the Web of Science (until June 13, 2019) were searched. No limitation was placed on the year of publication. Studies considered for inclusion were those with adult populations, and only English language texts with available full text were reviewed. AMSTAR (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included in the systematic review. The Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 Levels of Evidence was used to assess the level of evidence. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument (AGREE II) was used to assess guideline article, and Appraisal tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies (AXIS) was also used for cross‐sectional studies. The search identified 1761 studies. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were retained of various designs, including 10 systematic reviews, five clinical reviews, three randomised controlled trials, two observational studies, one quasi‐experimental study, one cross‐sectional study, one cohort study, and one Clinical Guideline. Two were rated as high‐quality reviews, 14 were rated as moderate‐quality reviews, five were rated as low‐quality reviews, and three were rated as critically low‐quality reviews. The majority of the reviewed studies were of low‐to‐moderate quality because of biases in the study design and incomplete data reporting, which did not fulfil the reporting criteria of the appraisal tools. However, the majority of the studies showed a reduction in PU incidence after nutritional supplement though not significant. Whether the use of pharmacological appraisal tools to assess non‐pharmacological studies is appropriate is unclear. Regardless of the low‐to‐moderate quality of the studies in this review, nutritional supplements appear to play a role in PU prevention.
Effect of intermittent pneumatic compression with different inflation pressures on the distal microvascular responses of the foot in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ren Weiyan , Duan Yijie , Jan Yih‐Kuen , Li Jianchao , Liu Wei , Pu Fang , Fan Yubo
Published: September 2021

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is commonly used to improve peripheral circulation of the lower extremity. However, its therapeutic dosage for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) at risk for ulcers is not well established. This study explored the effect of IPC with different inflation pressures on the distal microvascular responses of the foot in people with type 2 DM. Twenty‐four subjects with and without DM were recruited. Three IPC protocols with inflation pressures of 60, 90, and 120 mmHg were applied to the foot. The foot skin blood flow (SBF) responses were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry during and after IPC interventions. Results show that all three IPC interventions significantly increased foot SBF of IPC stage in healthy subjects, but only 90 and 120 mmHg IPC significantly improved SBF in diabetic subjects. IPC with 90 and 120 mmHg showed a greater effect than 60 mmHg in both groups, but 120 mmHg IPC was more effective for diabetic subjects. This study demonstrates that 90 and 120 mmHg are effective dosages of IPC for improving blood flow in healthy people, and 120 mmHg IPC may be more suitable for people with type 2 DM.
Luck, Hypothetical Insurance, and the Costs of Children
Authors: Trifan Isa
Published: September 2021

A widely accepted answer to the question of who should bear the costs of children is that non‐parents have an obligation to help share some of these costs with parents. This poses a challenge to mainstream luck egalitarian theories, as they seem unable to account for this widespread parental justice view. I argue that the challenge is serious enough to turn parental justice into a test case for the plausibility of luck egalitarianism. I discuss a very promising approach that could help meet the challenge, namely the hypothetical insurance argument for parental subsidies. I argue that, despite its promise, the argument only establishes a permission to socialise the costs of children but fails to establish a distinctive requirement of justice. Finally, I show why establishing a permission is not sufficient to meet the challenge that parental justice poses to luck egalitarians.
Deletion of natriuretic peptide receptor C alleviates adipose tissue inflammation in hypercholesterolemic Apolipoprotein E knockout mice
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Xue Fei , Sui Wenhai , Meng Linlin , Xie Lin , Zhang Cheng , Yang Jianmin , Zhang Yun
Published: September 2021

The inflammation of adipose tissue is one of the most common secondary pathological changes in atherosclerosis, which in turn influences the process of atherosclerosis. Natriuretic peptides have been revealed important effect in regulating adipose metabolism. However, the relationship between natriuretic peptide receptor C and inflammation of adipose tissue in atherosclerosis remains unknown. This study aims to explore the effect natriuretic peptide receptor C exerts on the regulation of the adipose inflammation in atherosclerotic mice induced by western‐type diet and its overlying mechanisms. To clarify the importance of NPRC of adipose inflammation in atherosclerotic mice, NPRC expression was measured in mice fed with chow diet and western‐type diet for 12 weeks and we found a considerable increase in adipose tissue of atherosclerotic mice. Global NPRC knockout in mice was bred onto ApoE−/− mice to generate NPRC−/−ApoE−/− mice, which displayed remarked increase in browning of white adipose tissue and lipolysis of adipose tissue and decrease in adipose inflammation manifested by decreased macrophage invasion to form less CLS (crown‐like structure), reduced oxidative stress and alleviated expression of TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐1β and MCP1, but increased expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue. Moreover, our study showed that white adipose tissue browning in NPRC−/−ApoE−/− atherosclerotic mice was associated with decreased inflammatory response through cAMP/PKA signalling activation. These results identify NPRC as a novel regulator for adipose inflammation in atherosclerotic mice by modulating white adipose tissue browning.
Epidemiological characteristics of diabetic kidney disease in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jun‐Sing , Yen Fu‐Shun , Lin Kun‐Der , Shin Shyi‐Jang , Hsu Yueh‐Han , Hsu Chih‐Cheng ,   Diabetes Kidney Disease Research Committee of the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Published: September 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a critical microvascular complication of diabetes. With the continuous increase in the prevalence of diabetes since 2000, the prevalence of DKD has also been increasing in past years. The prevalence of DKD among individuals with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan increased from 13.32% in 2000 to 17.92% in 2014. The cumulative incidence of DKD among individuals with type 1 diabetes in Taiwan was higher than 30% during 1999–2012. DKD is the leading cause of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), with a prevalence of approximately 45% in a population on chronic dialysis in Taiwan. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of ESRD in the receipt of dialysis also increased from 1.32% in 2005 to 1.47% in 2014. Risk factors for DKD development are age, race, family history, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, dietary patterns, and lifestyles. Prognostic factors that aggravate DKD progression include age, family history, sex, glycemic control, blood pressure (BP), microvascular complications, and atherosclerosis. This review summarizes updated information on the onset and progression of DKD, particularly in the Taiwanese population. Translating these epidemiological features is essential to optimizing the kidney care and improving the prognosis of DKD in Asian populations.
Rare morph Lake Malawi mbuna cichlids benefit from reduced aggression from con‐ and hetero‐specifics
Authors: Tyers Alexandra M. , Cooke Gavan M. , Turner George F.
Published: September 2021

Balancing selection is important for the maintenance of polymorphism as it can prevent either fixation of one morph through directional selection or genetic drift, or speciation by disruptive selection. Polychromatism, the presence of multiple genetically determined colour phenotypes, can be maintained if the fitness of alternative morphs depends on the relative frequency in a population. In aggressive species, negative frequency‐dependent antagonism can prevent an increase in the frequency of rare morphs as they would only benefit from increased fitness while they are rare. Heterospecific aggression is common in nature and has the potential to contribute to rare morph advantage. Here we carry out field observations and laboratory aggression experiments with mbuna cichlids from Lake Malawi, to investigate the role of con‐ and heterospecific aggression in the maintenance of polychromatism and identify benefits to rare morphs which are likely to result from reduced aggression. We hypothesize that rare morph individuals receive less aggression than common morph individuals and therefore have an ecological advantage. Within species we found that males and females bias aggression towards their own morph, adding to the evidence that inherent own‐morph aggression biases can contribute to balancing selection. Over‐representation of rare morph territory owners may be influenced by two factors; higher tolerance of different morph individuals as neighbours, and the ability of rare morphs to spend more time feeding. Reduced aggression to rare morph individuals by heterospecifics may also contribute to rare morph advantage.
Sex and morph differences in age‐dependent trait changes in a polymorphic songbird
Authors: Cain Kristal E. , Griffith Simon C. , Kruuk Loeske E. B.
Published: September 2021

There is growing evidence of important variation in how animals age, in particular in how the expression of traits changes with age among different species and populations. However, less is known about variation within populations, which may include variation in ageing patterns between different types of individuals (e.g. sexes or distinct polymorphisms) and between different types of traits (e.g. general traits versus those used in social signalling contexts). We used 6 years of longitudinal data to examine age‐related changes in trait expression in a captive population of Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), a socially monogamous songbird with genetically determined colour morphs that differ in behaviour and physiology. We contrasted ageing patterns of different types of traits (social signalling vs. size‐related) in both sexes and in two colour morphs, using a mixed model approach to account for both within‐ and between‐individual effects. We found pronounced sex differences in how social signalling traits change with age, showing a quadratic pattern in males, but not changing with age in females. In contrast, we observed no sex‐specific ageing patterns in size traits. We also found subtle morph differences in how size‐related traits changed with age, with black morphs stable or increasing with age while red morphs showing a decline with age. Finally, we found an interesting sex by morph interaction in one important social signal (headband width). These results highlight the importance of using within‐individual approaches to understand ageing patterns across types of individuals (sex, morph, etc.) and the need for further research on the ageing patterns of traits that may experience different selective pressures.
Tapeworms as pathogens of fish: A review
Authors: Scholz Tomáš , Kuchta Roman , Oros Mikuláš
Published: September 2021

Tapeworms (Cestoda) represents a species rich (about 5000 species) group of flatworms (Neodermata) parasitizing all groups of vertebrates including humans, with about 1000 species parasitizing elasmobranchs and almost 500 occurring in teleosts as adults. They are common parasites of cultured fish, both as adults and larvae (metacestodes), but only few adult tapeworms are actually pathogenic for their fish hosts. In contrast, cestode larvae can be harmful for fish, especially plerocercoids migrating throughout their tissue and internal organs. Current knowledge of host–parasite relationships, including immune response of fish infected with tapeworms, is still insufficient to enable adequate control of cestodoses, and most data available were obtained several decades ago. Treatment of fish infected with adult tapeworms is effective, especially with praziquantel, whereas the treatment of metacestodes is problematic. Control measures include interruption of the complex life cycle and prevention of transport of uninspected fish to new region.
Liquidity risk and the beta premium
Authors: Gong Cynthia M. , Luo Di , Zhao Huainan
Published: September 2021

As opposed to the “low beta low risk” convention, we show that low beta stocks are illiquid and exposed to high liquidity risk. After adjusting for liquidity risk, low beta stocks no longer outperform high beta stocks. Although investors who “bet against beta” earn a significant beta premium under the Fama–French three‐ or five‐factor models, this strategy fails to generate any significant returns when liquidity risk is accounted for. Our work helps understand the beta premium from a new liquidity‐risk perspective, and draws useful implications for both fund and corporate managers.
Assessment of larvae killing pneumatic conveying system elbow: Screening the pressure drop and numerical simulation
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Peyman , Shahgholi Gholamhossein , Fanaei Adel Rezvanivand , Rostampour Vahid
Published: September 2021

Optimum design of the conveying process plays a key role in the enhancement of system performance. In this study, a critical section of a larvae killing system in wheat conveying was evaluated experimentally and numerically. Three elbow angles of 105, 120, and 135° according to physical constraints were assessed to achieve the best conveying condition. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to obtain numerical results. Also, the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and discrete phase method (DPM) were applied to simulate the turbulences and interaction between solid–gas phases, respectively. The results showed that a minimum pressure drop of 131 Pa occurred in the 120° configuration, and this configuration has the best development from the velocity magnitude viewpoint. Of note, the lowest vorticity magnitude (as a positive factor in safe conveying) was obtained for the 120° configuration in which the vorticity magnitude 63% less than 105°. Also, the contours of turbulence intensity and erosion, comprehensively investigated. Considering all aspects, the 120° configuration was selected as the optimum conveying angle in the larvae killing system.

Practical applications

The larvae killing system is the main part of the wheat conveying processes. The optimal condition of conveying could be obtained using new numerical methods. Computational fluid dynamics is a powerful method in the simulation of process phenomena. The results achieved from this research could be utilized for energy saving through decreasing the pressure drop, besides understanding of flow field within the system.
Negative treatments… Changing our words to drive deprescribing
Authors: Stefanacci Richard G.
Published: September 2021

See the Reply by Radomski et al.
The willingness of UK adults with intellectual disabilities to take COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Hatton C. , Bailey T. , Bradshaw J. , Caton S. , Flynn S. , Gillooly A. , Jahoda A. , Maguire R. , Marriott A. , Mulhall P. , Oloidi E. , Taggart L. , Todd S. , Abbott D. , Beyer S. , Gore N. , Heslop P. , Scior K. , Hastings R. P.
Published: September 2021

Background

Given the much greater COVID‐19 mortality risk experienced by people with intellectual disabilities (ID), understanding the willingness of people with ID to take a COVID‐19 vaccine is a major public health issue.

Method

In December 2020 to February 2021, across the United Kingdom, 621 adults with ID were interviewed remotely and 348 family carers or support workers of adults with ID with greater needs completed an online survey, including a question on willingness to take a COVID‐19 vaccine if offered.

Results

Eighty‐seven per cent of interviewees with ID were willing to take a COVID‐19 vaccine, with willingness associated with white ethnicity, having already had a flu vaccine, gaining information about COVID‐19 from television but not from social media, and knowing COVID‐19 social restrictions rules. A percentage of 81.7% of surveyed carers of adults with ID with greater needs reported that the person would be willing to take a COVID‐19 vaccine, with willingness associated with white ethnicity, having a health condition of concern in the context of COVID‐19, having had a flu vaccine, being close to someone who had died due to COVID‐19, and having shielded at some point during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Reported willingness to take the COVID‐19 vaccine is high among adults with ID in the United Kingdom, with factors associated with willingness having clear implications for public health policy and practice.
Pressure–temperature–time–deformation (P–T–t–d) path for Devonian forearc deposits in the Imjingang Belt, South Korea: Implications for Permian–Triassic collisional orogenesis on the eastern margin of Eurasia
Authors: Kim Hyeong Soo , Ree Jin‐Han , Kang Hee‐Cheol , Yi Keewook
Published: September 2021

The Taean Formation on the central western margin of the Korean Peninsula contains layered metapelite, quartzo‐feldspathic schist, amphibolite, calcsilicate, and impure marble. The layering was formed by tectonic transposition of the original bedding. The formation has lithologic and isotopic age signatures similar to those of metasedimentary rocks of the Imjingang Belt, which is the eastern extension of the Qinling–Dabie–Sulu Belt, and the depositional age of the formation can be constrained to the Late Devonian. The metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) path for the formation is characterized by a high ΔP/ΔT prograde part and subsequent near‐isothermal decompression with peak P–T conditions of 600–620°C and 9.0–10.5 kbar, based on observations of mineral assemblages and phase equilibria modelling. Strong compressional deformation (Dn) produced a N–S‐trending Sn foliation that transposed the earlier Sn–1 and isoclinal Fn folds and was coeval with an episode of medium‐ to high‐pressure amphibolite‐facies metamorphism. The NNE–SSW‐trending left‐lateral Ryeseonggang Fault played a key role in producing the N–S distribution of the metamorphosed forearc deposits along the western coast of the Korean Peninsula. The peak metamorphism and deformation occurred during the early Permian to Early Triassic (276–250 Ma), with retrogression taking place during the Late Triassic (c. 230 Ma), as inferred from new U–Pb zircon age data and previous titanite and muscovite ages for the formation. The clockwise P–T–t (time)–d (deformation) path for the Taean Formation indicates rapid burial during Dn followed by rapid exhumation during the Permian–Triassic collision between the Qinling microcontinent and the North China Craton.
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory using Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rahmani Aelon , Chew Yee Lian
Published: September 2021

Learning is an essential biological process for survival since it facilitates behavioural plasticity in response to environmental changes. This process is mediated by a wide variety of genes, mostly expressed in the nervous system. Many studies have extensively explored the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This review will focus on the advances gained through the study of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans provides an excellent system to study learning because of its genetic tractability, in addition to its invariant, compact nervous system (~300 neurons) that is well‐characterised at the structural level. Importantly, despite its compact nature, the nematode nervous system possesses a high level of conservation with mammalian systems. These features allow the study of genes within specific sensory‐, inter‐ and motor neurons, facilitating the interrogation of signalling pathways that mediate learning via defined neural circuits. This review will detail how learning and memory can be studied in C. elegans through behavioural paradigms that target distinct sensory modalities. We will also summarise recent studies describing mechanisms through which key molecular and cellular pathways are proposed to affect associative and non‐associative forms of learning.

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Spanish nurses’ experiences with personal protective equipment and perceptions of risk of contagion from COVID‐19: A qualitative rapid appraisal
Authors: Romeu‐Labayen Maria , Tort‐Nasarre Glòria , Alvarez Bruna , Subias‐Miquel Martí , Vázquez‐Segura Eva , Marre Diana , Galbany‐Estragués Paola
Published: September 2021

Aims and Objetives

Explore nurses' experiences and perception of risk regarding the use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain.

Background

The contribution of our study is to use qualitative methods to understand nurses' experiences and perceptions of the risk of the contagion linked to the shortage of PPE during the first wave of the pandemic, whose explosive start strained health systems around the globe.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design according to the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal model.

Methods

Semi‐structured videoconference interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 29 nurses including staff nurses, nursing supervisors and nursing directors from hospital and community services of the Spanish health system. Interviews lasted 30–45 min and were conducted in May 2020. We carried out a thematic analysis using Dedoose. The COREQ checklist was used to report findings.

Results

We identified the following themes and subthemes: 1. Experiences with personal protective equipment: scarcity, inequality, reutilization, self‐protection, delegation of responsibility, and gap between protocols and reality; 2. Perception of the risk of contagion: lack of credibility, lack of trust, lack of support, and meeting subjective needs.

Conclusions

The scarcity of personal protective equipment and inequality in its distribution led nurses to take initiatives to feel more protected. Mid‐ranking supervisors were caught between the responsibility of monitoring and rationing personal protective equipment and providing the necessary protection to nurses. The disjuncture between protocols and the available supply of personal protective equipment caused confusion. Lack of credibility, lack of trust and lack of support from management influenced participants' perception of the risk of contagion. Mid‐ranking supervisors were often responsible for trying to alleviate fear among nursing staff.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the factors involved in risk perception can be helpful to decision‐makers who help protect nurses in clinical practice. These results can help administrators and policymakers because they point to the need for nurses to feel that their departments and centers look after their safety at work. Transparent communication and emotional support may contribute to their well‐being in the face of risk.
Brain mitochondrial dysfunction and driving simulator performance in untreated obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Vakulin Andrew , Green Michael A. , D’Rozario Angela L. , Stevens David , Openshaw Hannah , Bartlett Delwyn , Wong Keith , McEvoy R. Doug , Grunstein Ronald R. , Rae Caroline D.
Published: September 2021

It is challenging to determine which patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have impaired driving ability. Vulnerability to this neurobehavioral impairment may be explained by lower brain metabolites levels involved in mitochondrial metabolism. This study compared markers of brain energy metabolism in OSA patients identified as vulnerable vs resistant to driving impairment following extended wakefulness. 44 patients with moderate‐severe OSA underwent 28hr extended wakefulness with three 90min driving simulation assessments. Using a two‐step cluster analysis, objective driving data (steering deviation and crashes) from the 2nd driving assessment (22.5 h awake) was used to categorise patients into vulnerable (poor driving, n = 21) or resistant groups (good driving, n = 23). 1H magnetic resonance spectra were acquired at baseline using two scan sequences (short echo PRESS and longer echo‐time asymmetric PRESS), focusing on key metabolites, creatine, glutamate, N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) in the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex and left orbito‐frontal cortex. Based on cluster analysis, the vulnerable group had impaired driving performance compared with the resistant group and had lower levels of creatine (PRESS p = ns, APRESS p = 0.039), glutamate, (PRESS p < 0.01, APRESS p < 0.01), NAA (PRESS p = 0.038, APRESS p = 0.035) exclusively in the left orbito‐frontal cortex. Adjusted analysis, higher glutamate was associated with a 21% (PRESS) and 36% (APRESS) reduced risk of vulnerable classification. Brain mitochondrial bioenergetics in the frontal brain regions are impaired in OSA patients who are vulnerable to driving impairment following sleep loss. These findings provide a potential way to identify at risk OSA phenotype when assessing fitness to drive, but this requires confirmation in larger future studies.
Correlates of inadequate sleep health among primary school children
Authors: Belmon Laura S. , Komrij Nina L. , Busch Vincent , Oude Geerdink Esmée , Heemskerk Danique M. , de Bruin Ed J. , Chinapaw Mai J.M. , van Stralen Maartje M.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present study was to explore potential factors of inadequate sleep health (i.e. sleep duration, quality, and timing) of school‐aged children. Data were collected among 382 primary school children (aged 4–13 years) and their parents. Personal characteristics (i.e. age, sex), individual lifestyle behaviours (i.e. screen use, sleep hygiene behaviour), social and community factors (i.e. parental sleep‐related practices, parental barriers, perceived ethnicity), and living conditions (i.e. parental educational level, sleep environment) were assessed with a parental questionnaire. Sleep duration, quality, and timing were assessed with a sleep diary. Associations were analysed using linear mixed models and logistic regression analyses. In total, 332 children, with a mean (range) age of 7.5 (4–13) years, were included in the analyses. The mean sleep duration was 632 min/night, the mean sleep quality score was 40, on a scale from 10 to 50, and 25% had a bedtime that varied >40 min between weekdays. Factors negatively associated with children’s sleep health included older age, perceived non‐Dutch cultural background, lower parental pre‐sleep emotional support, the parental barrier to get their child to bed on time when siblings have a later bedtime, high parental educational level, sleeping in a darkened bedroom, and being brought to bed after falling asleep. On average, children in the present study had adequate sleep health. The factors found to be associated with children’s sleep health are useful for future healthy sleep research and intervention development.
Ethnic differences in response to lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Mingling , Moran Lisa J. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha , Sood Surbhi , Bennett Christie J. , Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Absetz Pilvikki , Teede Helena , Lim Siew
Published: September 2021

The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) varies by ethnicity, but ethnic differences in response to diabetes prevention interventions remain unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed ethnic differences in the effects of lifestyle interventions on T2DM incidence, glycemic outcomes (fasting glucose, 2‐h glucose, HbA1c), anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, waist circumference), and lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, energy intake, energy from fat, fiber intake). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases were searched (to June 15, 2020) for randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials on lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in adults at risk of T2DM. Ethnicity was categorized into European, South Asian, East and Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African groups. Forty‐four studies were included in meta‐analyses. Overall, lifestyle interventions resulted in significant improvement in T2DM incidence, glycemic outcomes, anthropometric measures, physical activity, and energy intake (all P < 0.01). Significant subgroup differences by ethnicity were found for 2‐h glucose, weight, BMI, and waist circumference (all P < 0.05) but not for T2DM incidence, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and physical activity (all P > 0.05). Few studies in non‐European groups reported dietary intake. Lifestyle interventions in different ethnic groups may have similar effects in reducing incidence of T2DM although this needs to be confirmed in further studies.
The impact of spectacle lenses for myopia control on visual functions
Authors: Gao Yi , Lim Ee Woon , Yang Adeline , Drobe Björn , Bullimore Mark A
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Spectacle lenses containing multiple small peripheral elements have been developed for myopia control in children. It is important that their effect on vision be quantified by (i) fixation through the peripheral portion, thereby using foveal vision and (ii) by fixation through the central portion and presentation of peripheral targets.

Methods

The above approaches were used in five studies to evaluate two novel spectacle lens designs: spectacle lenses with Highly Aspherical Lenslets (HAL) and Slightly Aspherical Lenslets (SAL). A single vision lens served as a control. Visually normal adults participated in each study. The first two studies had subjects fixate through the periphery of the lenses. High and low (10%) contrast visual acuity was measured with the Freiburg Vision Test and reading speed for high and low contrast words measured with a sentence generator. The other three studies assessed peripheral vision while subjects fixated through the central portion of the lens. Peripheral contrast sensitivity was measured using two cycles per degree drifting Gabor stimuli. Peripheral motion perception was further evaluated using random dot stimuli. Finally, attention was measured using an established test of useful field of view with three levels of complexity.

Results

The periphery of the HAL lens significantly reduced low contrast visual acuity, but not high contrast visual acuity, while the effect of the SAL lens was not significant for either. Neither test lens affected reading speed for high contrast words, but the HAL lens significantly affected performance for low contrast words. Neither test lens affected peripheral motion perception or useful field of view.

Conclusions

Low contrast visual acuity and reading was slightly reduced while high contrast visual acuity was unaffected when fixating through the periphery of the novel lens designs. None of the peripheral measures of vision was affected by the novel lens designs.
Successful treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 of upper limb with cryoneurolysis of the stellate ganglion: A rare case report
Authors: Sarridou Despoina , Papadopoulou Dimitra , Paraskevopoulos Tilemachos , Stavropoulou Evmorfia
Published: September 2021

Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) is a multifactorial condition that is related to neural damage, and leads to chronic neuropathic pain. Due to its multifactorial nature, there are many methods that have been recruited for its management. Most of them limit the symptoms to some degree, but the most effective of them so far seems to be blockade of the sympathetic innervation of the region. We present the case of a 71‐year‐old woman, with an upper limb fracture which was treated conservatively, and later on developed CRPS type I. Analgesic medications and pregabalin were ineffective in controlling her symptoms. Blockade of the stellate ganglion was performed with local anesthetic and dexamethasone. After the stellate ganglion blockade was marked as successful in relieving her symptoms, cryoneurolysis was performed which was very effective. There are not many cases that have been treated with cryoneurolysis, and this is what makes this case interesting.
Septic arthritis in childhood: A 24‐year review
Authors: Ohta Eiji , Setoue Takashi , Ito Kazutoshi , Kojima Kanako , Kodera Tatsurou , Onda Yasuhiro , Kawano Hiroyasu , Niimi Toshikazu , Kakura Hiroya , Nagamitsu Shinichiro
Published: September 2021

Background

We investigated the pathogenic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children diagnosed with septic arthritis (SA) during the past 24 years and identified the risk factors for SA‐related sequelae.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients admitted to Fukuoka University Hospital from 1997 to 2020. Causative pathogens were compared between the first (1997–2008) and second (2009–2020) periods. We also compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics in patients with known or unknown pathogens, and in patients with or without sequelae.

Results

A total of 37 patients with SA were identified, including 28 patients (76%) in the first period and nine patients (24%) in the second period. Sixteen of 37 patients (43%) were younger than 2 years, including two neonates. Pathogens were identified in 25 (68%) of 37 patients. Patients with known pathogens had a significantly higher C‐reactive protein level on admission than those with unknown pathogens (P < 0.05). The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (38%, 14/37). Although S. aureus and Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) were predominant pathogens in the first period, Hib was not found in the second period. Six (16%) of 37 patients with SA experienced sequelae. Moreover, the risk factors for the development of sequelae were significantly associated with infection at age <1 month and delayed surgical treatment (>4 days).

Conclusions

The incidence of SA had decreased dramatically in the second period, and Hib was no longer the predominant pathogen. Earlier surgical drainage should be performed in neonates with SA.