bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing uptake and translocation of phosphorus in wheat using oxygen isotopes and mathematical modelling
Authors: Bauke Sara L. , Schnepf Andrea , von Sperber Christian , Orlowski Natalie , Lewandowski Hans , Selzner Tobias , Tamburini Federica , Amelung Wulf
Published: February 2021

Understanding P uptake in soil–plant systems requires suitable P tracers. The stable oxygen isotope ratio in phosphate (expressed as δ18OP) is an alternative to radioactive labelling, but the degree to which plants preserve the δ18OP value of the P source is unclear. We hypothesised that the source signal will be preserved in roots rather than shoots.

In soil and hydroponic experiments with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum), we replaced irrigation water by 18O‐labelled water for up to 10 d. We extracted plant inorganic phosphates with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), assessed temporal dynamics of δ18OTCA‐P values after changing to 18O‐labelled water and combined the results with a mathematical model.

Within 1 wk, full equilibration of δ18OTCA‐P values with the isotope value of the water in the growth medium occurred in shoots but not in roots. Model results further indicated that root δ18OTCA‐P values were affected by back transport of phosphate from shoots to roots, with a greater contribution of source P at higher temperatures when back transport was reduced.

Root δ18OTCA‐P partially preserved the source signal, providing an indicator of P uptake sources. This now needs to be tested extensively for different species, soil and climate conditions to enable application in future ecosystem studies.
Ambiguous workarounds in policy piloting in the NHS: Tensions, trade‐offs and legacies of organisational change projects
Authors: Goff Mhorag , Hodgson Damian , Bailey Simon , Bresnen Michael , Elvey Rebecca , Checkland Katherine
Published: February 2021

Pilot projects are increasingly used as a mechanism to enact organisational change, particularly government policy. Information technology's centrality to organisations often makes it key to the introduction of new processes. However, it can give rise to workarounds as employees circumvent impediments it presents by rejecting its prescribed use. Workarounds tend to be conceptualised dichotomously, as either ‘good’ problem solving, or ‘bad’ subversion of the technology. In pilot projects, workarounds are more ambiguous because those that support projects' successful completion in the short‐term may undermine day to day operations longer term. We draw on interview data from a policy pilot in general practice in the National Health Service in England aimed at extending access to care. We problematise the dichotomous conceptualisation of workarounds, finding they can be simultaneously supportive and undermining of policy pilots. Workarounds thereby become political, as employees are required to trade‐off consequences for themselves and the wider organisation.
Diabetes, stroke, and neuroresilience: looking beyond hyperglycemia
Authors: Krinock Matthew J. , Singhal Neel S.
Published: February 2021

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among type 2 diabetic patients. Preclinical and translational studies have identified critical pathophysiological mediators of stroke risk, recurrence, and poor outcome in diabetic patients, including endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Most clinical trials of diabetes and stroke have focused on treating hyperglycemia alone. Pioglitazone has shown promise in secondary stroke prevention for insulin‐resistant patients; however, its use is not yet widespread. Additional research into clinical therapies directed at diabetic pathophysiological processes to prevent stroke and improve outcome for diabetic stroke survivors is necessary. Resilience is the process of active adaptation to a stressor. In patients with diabetes, stroke recovery is impaired by insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation, which impair key neuroresilience pathways maintaining cerebrovascular integrity, resolving poststroke inflammation, stimulating neural plasticity, and preventing neurodegeneration. Our review summarizes the underpinnings of stroke risk in diabetes, the clinical consequences of stroke in diabetic patients, and proposes hypotheses and new avenues of research for therapeutics to stimulate neuroresilience pathways and improve stroke outcome in diabetic patients.
Surgical extractions of wisdom teeth at Tufts University, USA according to UK’s NICE guidelines
Authors: Shah Parus Amit , Ahmed Bilal , Chang David Joey , Fakitsas Dimitrios
Published: February 2021

Aims

To investigate the reasons for extraction of third molars (3Ms) at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) and compare this to the UK’s NICE guidelines.

Methods

Data were collected at TUSDM retrospectively from 99 patients who underwent surgery in 2019 under American Dental Association (ADA) codes D7220, D7230, D7240 and D7241 (removal of impacted tooth in soft tissue, partially bony, completely bony and with unusual surgical complications). Patient details of age, location of 3M, Winter's classification of impaction, reason for extraction, need for bony removal, type of anaesthesia or sedation, prescribed medications and complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 274 surgical extractions of teeth were recorded. Ages ranged from 15 to 39, with an average age of 24. Intravenous sedation (IVS) was used in 80% of patients with an average of 3.6 3Ms extracted in each of these patients, when local anaesthetic was used alone an average of two 3Ms were extracted. Ninety per cent and 78.7% of maxillary and mandibular 3Ms, respectively, were extracted with no pathology. Thirteen per cent of mandibular 3Ms were extracted due to pericoronitis (usually a single episode), 4% due to caries and 2.3% due to distal second molar (2M) caries. There were five instances of post‐operative complications, the worst being hypoesthesia of the right inferior dental (ID) nerve for 3 months.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth are removed earlier at Tufts for prophylactic reasons with the intention of preventing future problems and caries in the adjacent tooth. More evidence is required to decide which patients would benefit from prophylactic extractions.
Policy preferences in response to negative economic prospects of COVID‐19: A survey‐experiment among local politicians in four European countries
Authors: van der Voet Joris
Published: February 2021

This study investigates how the negative economic prospects of the COVID‐19 pandemic affect local government politicians' policy preferences in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Spain. The study examines to what extent politicians prefer increasing the role of government (directive state), transferring public tasks to private sector organizations (hollow state), transferring public tasks to third sector organizations (communitarian state), or downsizing and reducing the role of government without transferring tasks (coping state). The experiment primes decision‐makers on the pandemic's negative financial and economic prospects vis‐à‐vis its impact on health and well‐being. When negative economic prospects are emphasized, the study finds decreased preferences for a directive state and increased preferences for a coping state. The study concludes that how decision‐makers interpret the nature of a crisis determines their preferred response: An emphasis on the negative economic prospects of the COVID‐19 pandemic is likely to increase preferences for renewed policies of austerity.
There Are No Purely Aesthetic Obligations
Authors: Dyck John
Published: February 2021

Do aesthetic reasons have normative authority over us? Could there be anything like an aesthetic ‘ought’ or an aesthetic obligation? I argue that there are no aesthetic obligations. We have reasons to act certain ways regarding various aesthetic objects – most notably, reasons to attend to and appreciate those objects. But, I argue, these reasons never amount to duties. This is because aesthetic reasons are merely evaluative, not deontic. They can only entice us or invite us – they can never compel us. Beauty gives us goods without shoulds.
Uncovering candidate genes involved in photosynthetic capacity using unexplored genetic variation in Spring Wheat
Authors: Joynson Ryan , Molero Gemma , Coombes Benedict , Gardiner Laura‐Jayne , Rivera‐Amado Carolina , Piñera‐Chávez Francisco J. , Evans John R. , Furbank Robert T. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Hall Anthony
Published: February 2021

To feed an ever‐increasing population we must leverage advances in genomics and phenotyping to harness the variation in wheat breeding populations for traits like photosynthetic capacity which remains unoptimized. Here we survey a diverse set of wheat germplasm containing elite, introgression and synthetic derivative lines uncovering previously uncharacterized variation. We demonstrate how strategic integration of exotic material alleviates the D genome genetic bottleneck in wheat, increasing SNP rate by 62% largely due to Ae. tauschii synthetic wheat donors. Across the panel, 67% of the Ae. tauschii donor genome is represented as introgressions in elite backgrounds. We show how observed genetic variation together with hyperspectral reflectance data can be used to identify candidate genes for traits relating to photosynthetic capacity using association analysis. This demonstrates the value of genomic methods in uncovering hidden variation in wheat and how that variation can assist breeding efforts and increase our understanding of complex traits.
TaASR1‐D confers abiotic stress resistance by affecting ROS accumulation and ABA signalling in transgenic wheat
Authors: Qiu Ding , Hu Wei , Zhou Yu , Xiao Jie , Hu Rui , Wei Qiuhui , Zhang Yang , Feng Jialu , Sun Fusheng , Sun Jiutong , Yang Guangxiao , He Guangyuan
Published: February 2021

Cultivating new crop cultivars with multiple abiotic stress tolerances is important for crop production. The abscisic acid‐stress‐ripening (ASR) protein has been shown to confer abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, the mechanisms of ASR function under stress condition remain largely unclear. In this study, we characterized all ASR family members in common wheat and constitutively overexpressed TaASR1‐D in a commercial hexaploid wheat cultivar Zhengmai 9023. The transgenic wheat plants exhibited increased tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses and increased grain yields under salt stress condition. Overexpression of TaASR1‐D conferred enhanced antioxidant capacity and ABA sensitivity in transgenic wheat plants. Further, RNA in situ hybridization results showed that TaASR1‐D had higher expression levels in the vascular tissues of leaves and the parenchyma cells around the vascular tissues of roots and stems. Yeast one‐hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that TaASR1‐D could directly bind the specific cis‐elements in the promoters of TaNCED1 and TaGPx1‐D. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TaASR1‐D can be used to breed new wheat cultivars with increased multiple abiotic stress tolerances, and TaASR1‐D enhances abiotic stress tolerances by reinforcing antioxidant capacity and ABA signalling.
No Picnic: Cavell on Rule‐Descriptions
Authors: Sandis Constantine
Published: February 2021

In his first paper, ‘Must We Mean What We Say?’, Stanley Cavell defended the methods of ordinary language philosophy against various charges made by his senior colleague, Benson Mates, under the influence of the empirical semantics of Arne Naess.1Cavell’s argument hinges on the claim that native speakers are asourceof evidence for 'what is said' in language and, accordingly, need not base their claims about ordinary language upon evidence. In what follows, I maintain that this defence against empirical semantics applies equally well to experimental philosophy's attack on doing philosophy from the armchair. In so doing, I attempt to clarify – and adjust – Cavell's claim that statements about ordinary language are rule‐descriptions that are neither analytic nor synthetic.
Global warming and increasing maize cultivation demand comprehensive efforts in disease and insect resistance breeding in north‐western Europe
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Juroszek Peter
Published: February 2021

Maize productivity is threatened by global climate change. Climate change scenarios suggest that north‐western (NW) Europe will get warmer and drier during the main crop‐growing period. In general, more northerly regions will benefit, whereas more southerly regions will suffer suboptimal rain‐fed farming conditions. In these latter regions in particular, the resulting probable lower realized on‐farm maize grain and biomass yields must be safeguarded. Breeding for resistance against already existing and emerging diseases and insect pests is one component to achieve yield stability across years. Durable multiple‐disease resistance will become especially crucial. Herein, we focus on disease resistance breeding approaches in maize, especially related to northern corn leaf blight and Fusarium ear rots, although virus and bacterial diseases will become more important as well. Continuous adjustments of disease resistance breeding strategies will be required. Insect pest resistance breeding must be improved considerably, as in a warmer world insects will thrive, probably causing detrimental direct (feeding, sucking, etc.) and indirect (vectors of pathogens, feeding wounds creating gateways for many pathogens, passive transport of inoculum across maize plants) effects. Four case studies on insects that are already prevalent in NW Europe or may be expected in the near future are covered in this review. Maize cultivars need to combine both durable multiple‐disease and multiple‐insect resistance, although the implementation of many different effective resistance resources in breeding programmes will be challenging, particularly if trade‐offs among breeding goals appear.
The Effect of the EU‐Brand on Citizens’ Trust in Policies: Replicating an Experiment
Authors: Eshuis Jasper , van de Geest Thijs , Klijn Erik Hans , Voets Joris , Florek Magdalena , George Bert
Published: February 2021

Karens et al. (2016) conducted an experiment to measure the effect of the European Union (EU) brand on citizens’ trust in policies. Experiments conducted with economics students in Belgium, Poland, and The Netherlands showed a consistently positive and significant effect of applying the EU brand, on trust in the policies. This study presents seven replications conducted several years after Karens et al.'s experiments. The replications show no significant effects of the EU brand on trust in policies. These findings demonstrate that brand effects may vary over time. To identify a population effect size across all experiments, a meta‐analysis was conducted. The meta‐analysis shows that—overall—the EU‐brand has a small but significant positive effect on citizens' trust in policies. The article tests earlier findings, and discusses intricacies of conducting replications. It elaborates explanations for the results in the replications, and the replication problems with experiments based on evaluative conditioning.
AQP8 participates in oestrogen‐mediated buffalo follicular development by regulating apoptosis of granulosa cells
Authors: Cao Lihua , Li Sheng , Huang Shihai , Shi Deshun , Li Xiangping
Published: February 2021

Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of small membrane‐spanning proteins, are involved in fluid transport, cell signalling and reproduction. Regulating AQP8 expression influences apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), ovarian folliculogenesis, oogenesis and early embryonic development in mice, but its role has never been investigated in other species. The aim of the present study was to characterize the AQP8 function in buffalo follicular development. The expression pattern of AQP8 in buffalo follicle was analysed by immunohistochemistry method. 17β‐Estradiol (E2) or oestrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780 was used to treat GCs cultured in vitro, and the expression of AQP8 was detected using qRT‐PCR. Its roles in apoptosis of buffalo GCs were investigated by shRNA technology. AQP8 was found to be expressed higher in secondary follicles (p < .05), and its mRNA level in GCs was upregulated by E2 via receptor‐mediated mechanism in a dose‐dependent manner. A 732‐bp buffalo AQP8 coding region was obtained, which was highly conserved at the amino acid level among different species. AQP8‐shRNA2 had more effective inhibition on target gene than AQP8‐shRNA1 (66.49% vs. 58.31%) (p < .05). Knockdown of AQP8 induced GCs arrested at G2/M stage and occurred apoptosis. Compared with the control group, higher Caspase9 expression were observed in AQP8‐shRNA2 lentivirus infected GCs (p < .05), while Bcl‐2 and Bax expression levels had no obvious change (p > .05). Altogether, the above results indicate that AQP8 is involved in oestrogen‐mediated regulation of buffalo follicular development by regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis of GCs.
Election 2020
Authors: Paschel Tianna S. , Mora G. Cristina
Published: February 2021

This article reviews predictions made in an earlier piece entitled “Anti‐Blackness as a Logic for Anti‐Immigrant Resentment: Evidence from California” (Mora and Paschel 2020).
Conceptualizing and Measuring Autocratization Episodes
Authors: Pelke Lars , Croissant Aurel
Published: February 2021

Autocratization affects democracies and autocracies with gradual setbacks in democratic qualities. The current debate on autocratization is lacking a comprehensive and systematic overview of different autocratization concepts and empirical measures. Addressing the gap, this research note identifies and discusses different strategies of operationalizing autocratization periods with continuous democracy data from Freedom House, Polity IV and the Varieties of Democracy (V‐Dem) project. Evidence for 26 different autocratization measures for 1900‐2019 reveals major inconsistencies between different measures. Our findings suggest that autocratization episodes should be measured with V‐Dem’s Electoral Democracy Index (EDI) or with V‐Dem’s Liberal Democracy Index (LDI), which provide fine‐grained data and the possibility to test for measurement noise. A 10% threshold reduces the risk of conceptual stretching and enables researchers to detect both autocratization episodes that do and do not result in regime breakdown. We also recommend researchers to additionally test empirical findings with different carefully selected thresholds.
Usefulness of high‐frequency ultrasound in differentiating basal cell carcinoma from common benign pigmented skin tumors
Authors: Qin Jing , Wang Juncheng , Zhu Qingli , Liu Jie , Gao Yuanjing , Wang Yukun , Jin Hongzhong
Published: February 2021

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Occasionally, it may have an appearance similar to that of some benign pigmented skin lesions. Therefore, additional information is needed to differentiate these lesions.

Materials and Methods

A diagnostic accuracy study was performed from February 2018 to April 2019. All lesions underwent ultrasound examination with 50 and 20 MHz probes. The high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) images were evaluated independently by 2 experienced doctors for the presence of predefined features, including the depth, shape, margin, anechoic area, hyperechoic spots, epidermal interrupted echo, mushroom sign, flat‐bottom sign, and superficial hyperechoic focus (SHEF).

Results

A total of 54 BCCs, 51 melanocytic nevi and 55 seborrheic keratoses (SK), were included. BCCs often involved the subcutaneous tissue (11/54, 20.4%; P < .001) and had an irregular shape (26/54, 48.1%; P < .001) and ill‐defined borders (26/54, 48.1%; P < .001), while most benign pigmented lesions had a regular shape (101/106, 95.3%; P < .001) and well‐defined borders (95/106, 89.6%; P < .001). BCCs occasionally showed anechoic areas (10/54, 18.5%; P < .001) and epidermal interrupted echo (18/54, 33.3%; P < .001). Moreover, hyperechoic spots could be found in BCCs (43/54, 79.6%), nevi (27/51, 52.9%), and SK (30, 54.5%) (P = .001), with mean number of 7.3, 5.5, and 8.0, respectively. The mushroom signs were all present in melanocytic nevi (18/51, 35.3%), while the flat‐bottom sign (43/55, 78.2%; P < .001) and SHEF (40/55, 72.7%; P < .001) presented mainly in SKs.

Conclusions

Based on the typical features, HFUS could improve the accuracy of BCC identification and should be considered when dermatologists are unsure about the lesion type.
Changes in skin wrinkles and pores due to long‐term mask wear
Authors: Park Minhye , Kim Hongbi , Kim Suyeon , Lee Juseon , Kim Sungeun , Byun Ji Won , Hwang‐Bo Jeon , Park Keun Hyung
Published: February 2021

Background

The spread of COVID‐19 has made mask wear essential. Expecting that long‐term mask wear would change the characteristics of skin, this study investigated changes in skin wrinkles and pores caused by long‐term mask wear and whether or not use of moisturizers has an effect on any changes.

Materials and methods

The study participants were 20 women who were instructed to wear a mask for at least 6 hours a day for 4 weeks. Measurements of skin wrinkles and pores were obtained before and after the 4 weeks of mask wear. The effects of application of a moisturizer were assessed by applying moisturizer within the mask‐wearing area. They completed a questionnaire about skin changes at the end of the study period.

Results

After wearing the mask for 4 weeks, there was a significant increase in the skin wrinkles and pores; both variables decreased significantly in skin areas where a moisturizer had been applied. The results of the questionnaire‐based survey indicated the study participants considered that long‐term wearing of a mask had affected their skin.

Conclusion

Wearing a mask for extended periods increases skin wrinkles and pores and using a moisturizer when wearing the mask helps to reduce this problem.
Towards a new classification of Muscidae (Diptera): a comparison of hypotheses based on multiple molecular phylogenetic approaches
Authors: Grzywacz Andrzej , Trzeciak Paulina , Wiegmann Brian M. , Cassel Brian K. , Pape Thomas , Walczak Kinga , Bystrowski Cezary , Nelson Leanne , Piwczyński Marcin
Published: February 2021

Muscidae are a megadiverse dipteran family that exhibits extraordinary diversity in morphology and life history as both immatures and adults. The classification of Muscidae has been long debated, and most higher‐level relationships remain unknown. In this study, we used multilocus Sanger sequencing (mS‐seq), anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) and restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) approaches to examine relationships within Muscidae. The results from AHE and RAD‐seq largely correspond to those obtained from mS‐seq in terms of overall topology, yet phylogenomic approaches received much higher nodal support. The results from all molecular approaches contradict the traditional classification based predominantly on adult morphology, but provide an opportunity to re‐interpret the morphology of immature stages. Rearrangements in Muscidae classification are proposed as follows: (i) Mesembrina Meigen and Polietes Rondani are transferred from Muscinae to Azeliinae; (ii) Reinwardtiinae stat. rev. is resurrected as a subfamily distinct from Azeliinae; (iii) Eginia Robineau‐Desvoidy, Neohelina Malloch, Syngamoptera Schnabl and Xenotachina Malloch are transferred to Reinwardtiinae stat. rev.
Rupelian Kazakhstan floras in the context of early Oligocene climate and vegetation in Central Asia
Authors: Averyanova Anna , Tarasevich Valentina , Popova Svetlana , Utescher Torsten , Li Shu‐Feng , Mosbrugger Volker , Xing Yaowu
Published: February 2021

The Oligocene represents a transitional phase from a “hot‐house” to a “cold‐house” climate. Central Asia has undergone substantial environmental changes and tectonic events; however, we know little about how these tectonic events shaped the climate and biodiversity in Central Asia. Here, we present a detailed study on the early Oligocene palaeobotanical record in Kazakhstan using various qualitative and quantitative techniques of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. According to our data, mixed mesophytic and coniferous–deciduous forest vegetation existed in a warm‐temperate, largely humid yet seasonal climate, while western Kazakhstan tended to be warmer and wetter compared to eastern Kazakhstan. Our results suggest that after the Eocene–Oligocene transition, the climate became cooler and more seasonal causing the disappearance of subtropical elements. Compared to the present‐day, the climate was substantially warmer and wetter, supporting forest vegetation in the study area.
Adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Apanga Paschal Awingura , Kumbeni Maxwell Tii
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the Nabdam district, Ghana. Data were collected from 527 pregnant women randomly selected from antenatal care clinics from 16 healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with COVID‐19 preventive measures, whilst adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of wearing a face mask 18.0% (95% CI: 14.73%, 21.32%); of handwashing/hand sanitising 31.7% (95% CI: 27.70%, 35.67%), and of social distancing, 22.0% (95% CI: 18.46%, 25.56%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms [Adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.86, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.89] and knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 4.60, 95% CI: 1.23, 17.18) were associated with wearing a face mask. Pregnant women who knew that avoiding the touching of eyes, nose and mouth can prevent COVID‐19 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.28), and knowledge of the virus being transmitted via contaminated objects/surfaces (aOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.42, 11.76), were associated with handwashing/hand sanitising. Knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 15.27, 95% CI: 1.87, 124.43) was also associated with social distancing.

Conclusion

The findings of our study suggest that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms, transmission and preventive measures may play an important role in the practice of preventive measures against COVID‐19 among pregnant women.
The price of quality care: cross‐sectional associations between out‐of‐pocket payments and quality of care in six low‐income countries
Authors: Gage Anna , Aryal Amit , Paul Joseph Jean , Cohen Jessica
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the relationship between out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments and primary health care quality in six low‐income countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Nepal, Senegal and Tanzania.

Methods

We examined the association between OOP payments and quality of care during antenatal care and sick child care visits using Service Provision Assessments data. We defined four process quality outcomes from observations of clinical care: visit duration, history‐taking items asked, exam items performed, and counselling items delivered. The outcome is the total amount paid for services. We used multilevel models to test the relationship between OOP payments and each quality measure in public, private non‐profit and private for‐profit facilities controlling for patient, provider, and facility characteristics.

Results

Across the six countries, an average of 42% of the 29 677 observed clients paid for their visit. In the adjusted models, OOP payments were positively associated with the visit duration during sick child visits, with history‐taking and exam items during antenatal care visits, and with counselling in private for‐profit facilities for both visit types. These associations were strong particularly in Afghanistan, the DRC and Haiti; for example, a high‐quality antenatal care visit in the DRC would cost approximately USD 1.12 more than a visit with median quality.

Conclusion

Provider effort was associated with higher OOP payments for sick child and antenatal care services in the six countries studied. While many families are already spending high amounts on care, they must often spend even more to receive higher quality care.
Blood type change identifies late dominance reversal of chimerism after double umbilical cord blood transplantation with review of the literature
Authors: Ho Andrea P. , Ho Bethany E. , Berg Mary P. , Gutman Jonathan A. , Draper Nicole L.
Published: February 2021

Background

A 30‐year‐old man underwent double umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with reduced intensity conditioning. The cords had identical HLA types and were each a 5/6 match to the patient. Following transplantation, cord 2 initially dominated all tested cell populations. At day +306, we observed an unusual reversal of dominance chimerism pattern in which cord 1 instead dominated all tested populations.

Study Design & Methods

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based short tandem repeat (STR) assays were performed on the peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The white blood cell (WBC) populations from the peripheral blood were manipulated for testing to create subpopulations enriched for CD3, CD33, and CD56.

Results

Chimerism studies on day +77 showed the following: cord 1: 44%‐CD3; 0%‐CD33; 16%‐CD56; cord 2: 56%‐CD3; 100%‐CD33; 84%‐CD56. Cord 2 initially dominated in all tested cell populations. Chimerism studies performed on post‐transplantation day +306 uncovered a reversal of dominance chimerism pattern in which cord 1 now dominated in all cell populations (cord 1: 82%‐CD3; >95%‐CD33; 67%‐CD56; cord 2: 18%‐CD3; <5%‐CD33; 33%‐CD56). Between days +127 and  +244, the patient's blood type shifted from B Rh‐positive to A Rh‐negative.

Conclusion

The change in the patient's blood type identified a late reversal of dominance chimerism pattern. This is a rare occurrence, previously cited only once, which is inconsistent with published data that early high CD3 counts and unseparated bone marrow chimerism predominance at day +100 predict long‐term cord dominance in double UCBT in the vast majority of cases.
Comparison between intracorporeal and extracorporeal ligations in a laparoscopic ovariectomy model in dogs
Authors: Martin Kyle W. , Karn Krystina , Mickas Matthew S. , Fransson Boel A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To compare the influence of extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations on the duration of and complications associated with laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.

Study design

Prospective randomized experimental study.

Animals

Healthy intact female dogs (n = 18).

Methods

The left and right ovarian pedicles of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were randomly assigned to intracorporeal (n = 18) or extracorporeal (n = 18) ligation groups. Surgeries were performed by two American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and two ACVS residents. The time required to place extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations, duration of surgery, and intraoperative complications were compared between ligation techniques. Postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

The time required for intracorporeal ligation (17.3 ± 8.7 minutes) did not differ from that required for extracorporeal ligation (15.1 ± 6.1 minutes; P = .38). The total duration of surgery was 102.7 ± 28.7 minutes including portal placement and veterinary student closure of incisions. Ligation of the ovarian pedicle was successful in 16 of 17 dogs. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in three dogs, and postoperative complications were noted in three dogs, without apparent difference between ligation techniques.

Conclusion

No difference was identified between extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations of ovarian pedicles.

Clinical significance

This study does not provide evidence to support one ligation technique rather than the other.
Cost of breast cancer care in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Erfani Parsa , Bhangdia Kayleigh , Mugunga Jean Claude , Pace Lydia E. , Fadelu Temidayo
Published: February 2021

Objective:

This review will describe the scope of the literature on the cost of breast cancer care in low- and middle-income countries and summate the methodological characteristics and approaches of these economic evaluations.

Introduction:

In the past decade, there has been global momentum to improve capacity for breast cancer care in low- and middle-income countries, which have higher rates of breast cancer mortality compared to high-income countries. Understanding the cost of delivering breast cancer care in low- and middle-income countries is critical to guide effective cancer care delivery strategies and policy.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies that estimate the cost of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries will be included. Studies not available in English will be excluded.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Review guidelines will be utilized. The search strategy has been developed in consultation with a medical librarian and will be carried out on five electronic databases from their inception (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, WHO Global Index Medicus) as well as in gray literature sources. Two independent reviewers will review all abstracts and titles in the primary screen and full-text articles in the secondary screen. A third reviewer will adjudicate conflicts. One reviewer will perform data extraction. Study demographics, design, and methodological characteristics (such as costing perspective, time horizon, and included cost categories) will be summarized in narrative and tabular formats. The methodological quality of studies will be evaluated using a validated economic evaluation tool.
Factors associated with electrical stimulation‐induced performance fatigability are dependent upon stimulation location
Authors: Inns Thomas B. , McCormick Daniel , Greig Carolyn A. , Atherton Philip J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Piasecki Mathew
Published: February 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

How does peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) compare with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) used clinically to reduce muscle atrophy?

What is the main finding and its importance?

NMES resulted in progressive increases in M‐wave duration and delay of muscle relaxation throughout a single stimulation protocol, findings not observed with PNS. This suggests PNS recruits from a wider pool of muscle fibres/motor units, providing a more favourable alternative to NMES for rehabilitation intervention.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is increasingly viewed as a central tenet to minimise muscle loss during periods of disuse/illness – typically applied directly over a muscle belly. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is afforded less attention, despite providing a more global contractile stimulus to muscles. We investigated NMES versus PNS in relation to performance fatigability and peripheral contributions to voluntary force capacity. Two fatigue protocols were assessed separately: (1) over‐quadriceps NMES and (2) peripheral (femoral) nerve stimulation (PNS). Before and after each session, a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was performed to assess force loss. Knee‐extensor force was measured throughout to assess contractile function in response to submaximal electrical stimulation, and M‐wave features quantified myoelectrical activity. NMES and PNS induced similar voluntary (MVC, NMES: −12 ± 9%, PNS: −10 ± 8%, both P < 0.001) and stimulated (NMES: −45 ± 12%, PNS −27 ± 27%, both P < 0.001) force reductions. Although distinct between protocols, myoelectrical indicators of muscle recruitment (M‐wave area and amplitude) and nerve conduction time did not change throughout either protocol. Myoelectrical propagation speed, represented as M‐wave duration, and the delay before muscle relaxation began both progressively increased during NMES only (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). NMES myoelectrical changes suggested performance fatigability, indicating activation of superficial fibres only, which was not observed with PNS. This suggests PNS recruits a wider pool of muscle fibres and motor units and is a favourable alternative for rehabilitation. Future work should focus on implementing PNS interventions in clinically relevant scenarios such as immobilisation, care homes and critical illness.
Should We Base Training Prescription on the Force–Velocity Profile? Exploratory Study of Its Between-Day Reliability and Differences Between Methods
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Sánchez-Martínez Guillermo , Torrontegi Elaia , Vázquez-Carrión Javier , Montalvo Zigor , Haff G. Gregory
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To analyze the differences in the force–velocity (F–v) profile assessed under unconstrained (ie, using free weights) and constrained (ie, on a Smith machine) vertical jumps, as well as to determine the between-day reliability. Methods: A total of 23 trained participants (18 [1] y) performed an incremental load squat jump test (with ∼35%, 45%, 60%, and 70% of the subjects’ body mass) on 2 different days using free weights and a Smith machine. Nine of these participants repeated the tests on 2 other days for an exploratory analysis of between-day reliability. F–v variables (ie, maximum theoretical force [F0], velocity [v0], and power, and the imbalance between the actual and the theoretically optimal F–v profile) were computed from jump height. Results: A poor agreement was observed between the F–v variables assessed under constrained and unconstrained conditions (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] < .50 for all). The height attained during each single jump performed under both constrained and unconstrained conditions showed an acceptable reliability (coefficient of variation < 10%, ICC > .70). The F–v variables computed under constrained conditions showed an overall good agreement (ICC = .75–.95 for all variables) and no significant differences between days (P > .05), but a high variability for v0, the imbalance between the actual and the theoretically optimal F–v profile, and maximal theoretical power (coefficient of variation = 17.0%–27.4%). No between-day differences were observed for any F–v variable assessed under unconstrained conditions (P > .05), but all of the variables presented a low between-day reliability (coefficient of variation > 10% and ICC < .70 for all). Conclusions: F–v variables differed meaningfully when obtained from constrained and unconstrained loaded jumps, and most importantly seemed to present a low between-day reliability.
Prior exercise impairs subsequent performance in an intensity- and duration-dependent manner
Authors: Fullerton Madison M. , Passfield Louis , MacInnis Martin J. , Iannetta Danilo , Murias Juan M.
Published: February 2021

Prior constant-load exercise performed for 30-min at or above maximal lactate steady state (MLSSp) significantly impairs subsequent time-to-task failure (TTF) compared with TTF performed without prior exercise. We tested the hypothesis that TTF would decrease in relation to the intensity and the duration of prior exercise compared with a baseline TTF trial. Eleven individuals (6 males, 5 females, aged 28 ± 8 yrs) completed the following tests on a cycle ergometer (randomly assigned after MLSSp was determined): (i) a ramp-incremental test; (ii) a baseline TTF trial performed at 80% of peak power (TTFb); (iii) five 30-min constant-PO rides at 5% below lactate threshold (LT−5%), halfway between LT and MLSSp (Delta50), 5% below MLSSp (MLSS−5%), MLSSp, and 5% above MLSSp (MLSS+5%); and (iv) 15- and 45-min rides at MLSSp (MLSS15 and MLSS45, respectively). Each condition was immediately followed by a TTF trial at 80% of peak power. Compared with TTFb (330 ± 52 s), there was 8.0 ± 24.1, 23.6 ± 20.2, 41.0 ± 14.8, 52.2 ± 18.9, and 75.4 ± 7.4% reduction in TTF following LT−5%, Delta50, MLSS−5%, MLSSp, and MLSS+5%, respectively. Following MLSS15 and MLSS45 there were 29.0 ± 20.1 and 69.4 ± 19.6% reductions in TTF, respectively (P < 0.05). It is concluded that TTF is reduced following prior exercise of varying duration at MLSSp and at submaximal intensities below MLSS.

Novelty: Prior constant-PO exercise, performed at intensities below MLSSp, reduces subsequent TTF performance. Subsequent TTF performance is reduced in a linear fashion following an increase in the duration of constant-PO exercise at MLSSp.
Partitioning maternal and exogenous diet contributions to otolith 87Sr/86Sr in kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Janak Jill M. , Linley Timothy J. , Harnish Ryan A. , Shen Steve D.
Published: February 2021

Strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) recorded in the otoliths of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are commonly used to identify natal origin. For species that migrate at or soon after emergence, the embryonic region of the otolith provides the only record of provenance. However, maternal contribution of Sr from the yolk can confound the isotopic signature of the natal site. We experimentally quantified maternal and exogenous diet contributions to otolith 87Sr/86Sr over embryonic development in kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Eggs from two populations in isotopically distinct lakes were incubated and reared in a common water source. Timing of developmental events and proportional contribution from yolk to otolith 87Sr/86Sr differed significantly between the two populations. We suggest that the magnitude of difference in 87Sr/86Sr between yolk and water, the relative concentrations of Sr and Ca in these isotopic sources, and population-specific effects on otolith growth and composition contribute to this variation. Understanding how these factors affect otolith 87Sr/86Sr could extend the use of otolith geochemistry for determining provenance to species and populations in which natal site rearing is limited.
mTOR inhibition as a possible pharmacological target in the management of systemic inflammatory response and associated neuroinflammation by lipopolysaccharide challenge in rats
Authors: Guden Demet Sinem , Temiz-Resitoglu Meryem , Senol Sefika Pinar , Kibar Deniz , Yilmaz Sakir Necat , Tunctan Bahar , Malik Kafait U. , Sahan-Firat Seyhan
Published: February 2021

Neuroinflammation plays a critical role during sepsis triggered by microglial activation. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has gained attraction in neuroinflammation, however, the mechanism remains unclear. Our goal was to assess the effects of mTOR inhibition by rapamycin on inflammation, microglial activation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis associated with the changes in the inhibitor-κB (IκB)-α/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway activity following a systemic challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats received saline (10 mL/kg), LPS (10 mg/kg), and (or) rapamycin (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin blocked phosphorylated form of ribosomal protein S6, NF-κB p65 activity by increasing degradation of IκB-α in parallel with HIF-1α expression increased by LPS in the kidney, heart, lung, and brain tissues. Rapamycin attenuated the increment in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, the inducible nitric oxide synthase, gp91phox, and p47phox in addition to nitrite levels elicited by LPS in tissues or sera. Concomitantly, rapamycin treatment reduced microglial activation, brain expression of caspase-3, and Bcl-2-associated X protein while it increased expression of B cell lymphoma 2 induced by LPS. Overall, this study supports the hypothesis that mTOR contributes to the detrimental effect of LPS-induced systemic inflammatory response associated with neuroinflammation via IκB-α/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
Startup Qilimanjaro—towards a European full-stack coherent quantum annealer platform
Authors: Canivell V. , Forn-Díaz P. , Garcia-Saez A. , Sagastizabal R.
Published: February 2021

Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech is the full-stack quantum spin-off of three research institutions, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), the Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE) and the University of Barcelona (UB). The company addresses the emerging quantum readiness demand from industry and academia, by providing both algorithmic development services as well as access to a new coherent quantum annealer platform, a special purpose quantum computer. Qilimanjaro is a member of the AVaQus European Commission’s H2020 FET-Open consortium for coherent quantum annealing development, which is led by one of Qilimanjaro’s founders at IFAE. A special feature of Qilimanjaro are its funding sources being exclusively international client contracts.
Detection of the Intention of Direction Changes During Gait Through EEG Signals
Authors: Soriano-Segura Paula , Iáñez Eduardo , Ortiz Mario , Quiles Vicente , Azorín José M.
Published: February 2021

Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are becoming an important technological tool for the rehabilitation process of patients with locomotor problems, due to their ability to recover the connection between brain and limbs by promoting neural plasticity. They can be used as assistive devices to improve the mobility of handicapped people. For this reason, current BCIs have to be improved to allow an accurate and natural use of external devices. This work proposes a novel methodology for the detection of the intention to change the direction during gait based on event-related desynchronization (ERD). Frequency and temporal features of the electroencephalographic (EEG) signals are characterized. Then, a selection of the most influential features and electrodes to differentiate the direction change intention from the walking is carried out. Best results are obtained when combining frequency and temporal features with an average accuracy of [Formula: see text]%, which are promising to be applied for future BCIs.
Randomized Parallel Algorithm for Maximizing Nonsubmodular Function Subject to Cardinality Constraint
Authors: Tan Jingjing , Chen Wenting , Li Meixia , Wang Wenchao
Published: February 2021

The problem of maximization submodular functions with a cardinality constraint has been extensively researched in recent years. Balkanski and Singer were the first to study this class problem. Subsequently, Chekuri and Kent recently extended these results to more general constraints, that is, [Formula: see text]-cardinality constraint, partition and laminar matroids, matching, knapsack constraints, and including their intersection. They proposed a [Formula: see text] approximation randomized-parallel-greedy algorithm which are poly-logarithmic adaptivity. However, these existing approaches are hardly extended to the nonsubmodular case. In this paper, we investigate the problem of maximization on a nonsubmodular function subject to a cardinality constraint, provided the objective function is specified by a generic submodularity ratio [Formula: see text]. We design a [Formula: see text]-approximation Greedy algorithm by using the technical aspects to maximize the multilinear relaxation of the object function under the [Formula: see text]-cardinality constraints. The adaptive of multilinear relaxation is [Formula: see text]; the number of oracle is [Formula: see text].