bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A HOPS protein, CfVps39, is required for appressorium formation, environmental stress response and vacuolar fusion of Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Li Sizheng , Zhang Shengpei , Li He
Published: May 2021

The tea‐oil tree Camellia oleifera is native to China and is cultivated in many parts of southern China. Anthracnose on Ca. oleifera is one of the most serious diseases in China. The major causal pathogen of tea‐oil anthracnose is Colletotrichum fructicola, but the detailed molecular mechanisms of its pathogenicity are still largely unclear. Vacuolar protein sorting 39 (Vps39) is a component of the homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS) complex. To investigate the role of HOPS proteins in the fungal plant anthracnose pathogen C. fructicola, the CfVPS39 gene was deleted. This resulted in reduced mycelial growth, conidial production and complete loss of pathogenicity on tea‐oil leaves and fruits. In addition, ∆Cfvps39 showed increased sensitivity to cell wall stress, osmotic stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Further analysis revealed that CfVps39 is required for appressorium formation and homotypic vacuole fusion, both important for fungal pathogen invasion. Our study provides evidence that CfVps39 has a role in conidiation, stress response, appressorium formation, homotypic vacuole fusion and virulence against tea‐oil. This research not only provides the theories for revealing the pathogenic molecular mechanism of C. fructicola, but also has important guiding significance to reveal new fungicide targets to control this devastating disease.
Hospital readmissions following infections in dementia: a nationwide and registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Janbek Janet , Frimodt‐Møller Niels , Laursen Thomas Munk , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: May 2021

Introduction

We aimed to investigate readmission risks following infections in dementia, identify the types of infections behind the risks, and highlight the reasons for readmissions.

Methods

Acute inpatient hospital admissions for infections in Danish residents were included from 1 January 2000, or age 65 years. Primary outcomes were 7‐day readmissions risk ratios (RRs; risk following infection index admissions of people with dementia relative to those without dementia), risks by infection site, and reasons for readmission. Secondary outcomes were 30‐ and 90‐day readmission risks. Competing risk of death was estimated.

Results

Seven‐day readmission RR was increased in all age groups and was highest in the youngest patients (women RR: 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.53; men RR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.12–1.35). RRs decreased with increasing age and longer follow‐up. The most notable common readmissions were for infections and dehydration in dementia.

Conclusions

We conclude that there is a substantially increased readmission risk in people with dementia than in those without dementia, particularly within 7 days, and for the youngest in the cohort. Readmission risks were higher for infection index admissions than for admissions for causes other than infection, and readmissions were mostly due to infections. Our findings highlight the burden of infections in people with dementia and call for in‐depth investigations of determinants related to readmission risks, to inform public policy and identify avenues for interventions that can decrease or prevent potentially avoidable readmissions.
Effect of fenfluramine on convulsive seizures in CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Devinsky Orrin , King LaToya , Schwartz Danielle , Conway Erin , Price Dana
Published: May 2021

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is an X‐linked pharmacoresistant neurogenetic disorder characterized by global developmental delays and uncontrolled seizures. Fenfluramine (FFA), an antiseizure medication (ASM) indicated for treating convulsive seizures in Dravet syndrome, was assessed in six patients (five female; 83%) with CDD whose seizures had failed 5–12 ASMs or therapies. Median age at enrollment was 6.5 years (range: 2–26 years). Mean FFA treatment duration was 5.3 months (range: 2–9 months) at 0.4 mg/kg/day (n = 2) or 0.7 mg/kg/day (n = 4; maximum: 26 mg/day). One patient had valproate added for myoclonic seizures. The ASM regimens of all other patients were stable. Among five patients with tonic‐clonic seizures, FFA treatment resulted in a median 90% reduction in frequency (range: 86%–100%). Tonic seizure frequency was reduced by 50%–60% in two patients with this seizure type. One patient experienced fewer myoclonic seizures; one patient first developed myoclonic seizures on FFA, which were controlled with valproate. Adverse events were reported in two patients. The patient with added valproate experienced lethargy; one patient had decreased appetite and flatus. No patient developed valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our preliminary results suggest that FFA may be a promising ASM for CDD. Randomized clinical trials are warranted.
Group‐level variation in co‐feeding tolerance between two sanctuary‐housed communities of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin J.C. , Van Donink Sanne , Eens Marcel , Stevens Jeroen M.G.
Published: May 2021

Social tolerance in group‐living animals can be viewed as a counterweight against competitive interests necessary to obtain coexistence equilibrium and maintain group cohesion. As such, it forms an interesting phenomenon to study at the group level, but how can this be done most informatively? Here, we use three group‐level co‐feeding assays and social network analysis to study social tolerance in two groups of chimpanzees living under similar circumstances within a sanctuary to i) reassess whether social tolerance may be a group‐specific parameter in chimpanzees and derive inferences about its long‐term stability, and ii) compare the characteristics and resultant patterns between two established and one new assay. We show that the three assays expose the same (predicted) group‐level differences in social tolerance as in the previous study eight years ago, thereby providing preliminary evidence for stability in group‐specific levels of social tolerance in chimpanzees, despite changing group compositions. Furthermore, from an experimental point of view, we identify the new assay as more valid than the two established ones based on the consideration that resources may deplete at different rates across groups, which would consequently alter the need for tolerance differentially. We discuss implications for the study of social tolerance and highlight the importance of taking into account intraspecific variation in social animals.
A time‐dependent stress and strain estimation method for notched components of power‐law creep materials under combined primary and secondary loads
Authors: Gong Cheng , Gong Jian‐Guo , Xuan Fu‐Zhen
Published: May 2021

Finite element analyses on notched beams and axis‐symmetric pipes of power‐law creep materials subjected to combined primary and secondary loads are performed in this work. In view of the characteristics of time‐dependent strain energy density at notches under combined loads, a time‐dependent stress and strain estimation method to address the primary and secondary loads has been proposed by considering the stress ratio between the reference stress devoted by primary stress and the total reference stress. The applicability of the modified method to notched components with different geometrical configurations and load conditions is discussed. Good agreement between the results of inelastic analysis and the modified method is observed.
Systems genetic analysis of binge‐like eating in a C57BL/6J x DBA/2J‐F2 cross
Authors: Yao Emily J. , Babbs Richard K. , Kelliher Julia C. , Luttik Kimberly P. , Borrelli Kristyn N. , Damaj M. Imad , Mulligan Megan K. , Bryant Camron D.
Published: May 2021

Binge eating is a heritable trait associated with eating disorders and refers to the rapid consumption of a large quantity of energy‐dense food that is, associated with loss of control and negative affect. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States; however, the genetic basis is unknown. We previously identified robust mouse inbred strain differences between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J in binge‐like eating of sweetened palatable food in an intermittent access, conditioned place preference paradigm. To map the genetic basis of changes in body weight and binge‐like eating (BLE) and to identify candidate genes, we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in 128 C57BL/6J x DBA/2J‐F2 mice combined with PheQTL and trait covariance analysis in GeneNetwork2 using legacy BXD‐RI trait datasets. We identified a QTL on Chromosome 18 influencing changes in body weight across days in females (log of the odds [LOD] = 6.3; 1.5‐LOD: 3–12 cM) that contains the candidate gene Zeb1. We also identified a sex‐combined QTL influencing initial palatable food intake on Chromosome 5 (LOD = 5.8; 1.5‐LOD: 21–28 cM) that contains the candidate gene Lcorl and a second QTL influencing escalated palatable food intake on Chromosome 6 in males (LOD = 5.4; 1.5‐LOD: 50–59 cM) that contains the candidate genes Adipor2 and Plxnd1. Finally, we identified a suggestive QTL in females for slope of BLE on distal Chromosome 18 (LOD = 4.1; p = 0.055; 1.5‐LOD: 23–35 cM). Future studies will use BXD‐RI strains to fine map loci and support candidate gene nomination for gene editing.
A new model for silicification of cyanobacteria in Proterozoic tidal flats
Authors: Moore Kelsey R. , Gong Jian , Pajusalu Mihkel , Skoog Emilie J. , Xu Megan , Feliz Soto Tania , Sojo Victor , Matreux Thomas , Baldes Matthew J. , Braun Dieter , Williford Kenneth , Bosak Tanja
Published: May 2021

Microbial fossils preserved by early diagenetic chert provide a window into the Proterozoic biosphere, but seawater chemistry, microbial processes, and the interactions between microbes and the environment that contributed to this preservation are not well constrained. Here, we use fossilization experiments to explore the processes that preserve marine cyanobacterial biofilms by the precipitation of amorphous silica in a seawater medium that is analogous to Proterozoic seawater. These experiments demonstrate that the exceptional silicification of benthic marine cyanobacteria analogous to the oldest diagnostic cyanobacterial fossils requires interactions among extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), photosynthetically induced pH changes, magnesium cations (Mg2+), and >70 ppm silica.
Ovarian mucinous and seromucinous neoplasms: problematic aspects and modern diagnostic approach
Authors: Talia Karen L , Parra‐Herran Carlos , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: May 2021

The morphological spectrum of primary ovarian mucinous and seromucinous tumours is broad, and presents an array of diagnostic challenges, many unique to these tumour types. This reflects the heterogeneous nature of these lesions, their varied histogenesis and evolving classification systems over recent decades, with further modification to the seromucinous category incorporated in the recently published 5th edition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Classification of female genital tumours. In this review we provide an update on the classification of these neoplasms and discuss their histogenesis and diverse morphology, focusing on areas which are diagnostically problematic. We also cover tumour grading, differential diagnosis, immunohistochemistry, the recent elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of ovarian mucinous neoplasia and discuss the gross and intra‐operative handling of these tumours. A number of diagnostic issues remain unresolved, highlighting the importance of further research on this front, as well as a multidisciplinary approach in the care of patients with ovarian mucinous and seromucinous neoplasia.
Modification of volatile profiles of silver carp surimi gel by immersion treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
Authors: Xu Yanshun , Yang Yunyi , Liu Cikun , Sun Yingying , Wen Xinyi , Xia Wenshui
Published: May 2021

The effect of immersion treatment with different concentration (0, 1.0, 5.0, 20.0 and 100.0 mm) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on volatile profiles and gel properties of silver carp surimi gel were investigated. The results showed that the immersion treatment with H2O2 obviously changed flavour characteristic of surimi gel depending on H2O2 concentration and different layers (outside, middle and inner). The contents of typical fishy off‐flavour substances such as 1‐octen‐3‐ol, heptanal, nonanal, octanal and decanal were largely reduced in the outside layer of surimi gel after H2O2 treatment, with no obvious change in the inner portion. The gel strength and whiteness were increased after H2O2 treatment with concentration higher than 20 mm. The content of carbonyl compounds was positively correlated with the concentration of H2O2, suggesting that the volatiles variation of surimi gel probably be highly related to the protein oxidation. In conclusion, immersion treatment with H2O2 provided a promising method to remove fishy odour of surimi gel with improved gel properties.
Caring perceptions and experiences of fathers of children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Lin Pei‐Jung , Liu Yu‐Ting , Huang Chin‐Hui , Huang Shu‐He , Chen Chi‐Wen
Published: May 2021

Aim

To identify fathers' perceptions and experiences of caring for their children with congenital heart disease.

Design

A qualitative systematic review.

Data sources

PubMed, Clinical Key, the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence‐based practice database, CINAHL Complete, Embase and PsycINFO were searched for all journal articles published before May 2020.

Review methods

After applying the selection criteria, five studies were identified reporting on fathers with children between 1 month and 12 years. The quality of the articles was evaluated.

Results

Six main themes regarding fathers' perceptions and experiences of caring for their children with congenital heart disease were identified: (1) lack of disease knowledge, (2) responsibility to the family and emotional suppression, (3) gratitude for the sustained life of their children, (4) acceptance of being different from others, (5) regrouping and planning for the future and (6) the struggles of father–child relationships.

Conclusion

In caring for their children with congenital heart disease, fathers are akin to a suffering warrior, full of hardship. With a self‐imposed sense of responsibility and suppressed emotions, fathers may feel lonely and hurt, but they must fight for their families and children.
Safety and efficacy of telephone clinics during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the provision of care for patients with cancer
Authors: Watson Naomi , Cox Anita , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Dzienis Marcin , Hughes Ian
Published: May 2021

Background

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, telephone clinics have been utilised to reduce the risk of transmission. Evidence supporting its quality and safety is required.

Aims

Assess the efficacy and safety of telephone clinics in delivering care to established oncology patients and assess patient and health professionals’ preference (telephone vs face‐to‐face clinics).

Methods

Retrospective chart audit in the month preceding and month following the introduction of telephone clinics at the Gold Coast University Hospital and a patient and health professional questionnaire.

Results

In total, 1212 clinical encounters occurred in the month post the introduction of telephone clinics (vs 1208 encounters prior). There were no statistically significant differences in 24‐h (18 vs 22, P = 0.531) or 7‐day admissions (50 vs 46, P = 0.665) comparing encounters in the month prior to the introduction of telephone clinics versus the month post, but there was a statistically significant difference in 30‐day mortality post systemic therapy in favour of the post‐telephone clinic period (7 vs 0 patients, P = 0.008). Of the 222 patients who undertook the questionnaire, 42.3% preferred telephone clinics (95% confidence interval (CI) 35.97–48.97), 25.2% preferred face‐to‐face clinics (95% CI 19.92–31.39) and 32.4% did not prefer one method over another. Of the 24 health professionals who undertook the questionnaire, 70.8% felt patients preferred phone clinics.

Conclusions

Generally, patients and clinicians viewed telephone clinics favourably. Nevertheless, a large portion of patients still prefer face‐to‐face clinics. Services should be tailored to individual preferences. Although there were no ‘red flags’ in terms of mortality or admission rates, further longitudinal research is required.
Association between frailty and clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients requiring Code Blue activation
Authors: Brown Hamish , Donnan Matthew , McCafferty Jonathan , Collyer Taya , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Gupta Sachin
Published: May 2021

Background

Code Blues allow a rapid, hospital wide response to acutely deteriorating patients. The concept of frailty is being increasingly recognised as an important element in determining outcomes of critically ill patients. We hypothesised that increasing frailty would be associated with worse outcomes following a Code Blue.

Aims

To investigate the association between increasing frailty and outcomes of Code Blues.

Methods

Single‐centre retrospective design of patients admitted to Frankston Hospital in Australia between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 who triggered a Code Blue. Frailty evaluation was made based on electronic medical records as were the details and the outcomes of the Code Blue. The primary outcome measure was a composite of hospital mortality or Cerebral Performance Categories scale ≥3. Secondary outcomes included the immediate outcome of the Code Blue and hospital mortality.

Results

One hundred and forty‐eight of 911 screened patients were included in the final analysis. Seventy‐three were deemed ‘frail’ and the remainder deemed ‘fit’. Seventy‐eight  percent of frail patients reached the primary outcome, compared with 41% of fit patients (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated frailty to be associated with primary outcome (odds ratio = 2.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–6.44; P = 0.01). A cardiac aetiology for the Code Blue was also associated with an increased odds of primary outcome (OR = 3.52; 95% CI 1.51–8.05; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Frailty is independently associated with the composite outcome of hospital mortality or severe disability following a Code Blue. Frailty is an important tool in prognostication for these patients and might aid in discussions regarding treatment limitations.
Efficacy of Audio‐prompted Rate Guidance in Improving Resuscitator Performance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Children
Authors: Berg Robert A. , Sanders Arthur B. , Milander Melinda , Tellez David , Liu Paul , Beyda David
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of audio‐prompted rate guidance during chest compressions on the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on children.

Methods

This 24‐month prospective study occurred in the pediatric intensive care units of a university hospital and a children's hospital. Intubated children with nontraumatic cardiac arrest were eligible. After placement of an infrared capnometer between the endotracheal tube and resuscitation bag, an audiotape instructed the resuscitator to perform chest compressions at 100 per minute or 140 per minute for one minute, followed by another minute at the other rate. End‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure () was recorded prior to audiotape instruction and after one minute of CPR at each rate.

Results

Six patients, two boys and four girls, with a mean age of 15 ± 13 months (range 2‐36 months) were studied. All had asystole or pulseless electrical activity. CPR was provided for 14 ± 9 minutes prior to institution of the study protocol. at 140/min was higher than at baseline (12 ± 7 torr versus 4 ± 3 torr, p < 0.05). There was a trend towards higher s at 100/min compared with baseline (11 ± 12 torr versus 4 ± 3 torr, p = 0.08). s did not differ at 100/min compared with 140/min.

Conclusions

In support of prior adult and animal investigations suggesting that basic CPR is often performed poorly and at inappropriately slow rates, audio‐prompted rate guidance during CPR in children resulted in higher , suggesting improved CPR performance.
Evolutionary rescue at different rates of environmental change is affected by trade‐offs between short‐term performance and long‐term survival
Authors: Liukkonen Martta , Kronholm Ilkka , Ketola Tarmo
Published: May 2021

As climate change accelerates and habitats free from anthropogenic impacts diminish, populations are forced to migrate or to adapt quickly. Evolutionary rescue (ER) is a phenomenon, in which a population is able to avoid extinction through adaptation. ER is considered to be more likely at slower rates of environmental change. However, the effects of correlated characters on evolutionary rescue are seldom explored yet correlated characters could play a major role in ER. We tested how evolutionary background in different fluctuating environments and the rate of environmental change affect the probability of ER by exposing populations of the bacteria Serratia marcescens to two different rates of steady temperature increase. As suggested by theory, slower environmental change allowed populations to grow more effectively even at extreme temperatures, but at the expense of long‐term survival at extreme conditions due to correlated selection. Our results indicate important gap of knowledge on the effects of correlated selection during the environmental change and on evolutionary rescue at differently changing environments.
Targeting property flood resilience in flood risk management
Authors: Webber James L. , Chen Albert S. , Stevens John , Henderson Rob , Djordjević Slobodan , Evans Barry
Published: May 2021

In this article, we evaluate property flood resilience (PFR) to manage pluvial and combined tidal/ fluvial flood risks. We achieve this by evaluating flood risk and intervention targeting strategies across a case study in Bristol (UK) using data types generally available for preliminary option assessment. We investigate opportunities for mitigating flood damages within catchments using PFR and evaluate two targeting strategies: Installing PFR across strategic areas of a catchment and targeting interventions at specific high‐risk properties. We find that individually targeting PFR is more effective than focusing resources on specific high‐risk areas. Targeting pluvial flood measures at individual properties across our case study provides an average annual benefit per property of approximately £750 more than applying zonal targeting, supporting use of high‐resolution modelling in surface water management, and highlighting the applicability of PFR to manage damages at specific high‐risk properties which may not fall under the protection of community level defences. A similar approach provides the best outcomes for fluvial targeting; however, the hazard is more concentrated and so a zonal targeting approach may be more acceptable. Overall, we find resistance based PFR an effective intervention to mitigate damages, however complementary strategies are required when managing extreme flooding.
Attitudes toward deprescribing among adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Navid Pedram , Nguyen Linh , Jaber Diana , Zarzuela Kate , Musse Mahad , Lu Wang Marcos , Requijo Tatiana , Kozlov Elissa , Masterson Creber Ruth M. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Lachs Mark , Goyal Parag
Published: May 2021

Background/Objectives

Attitudes toward deprescribing could vary among subpopulations. We sought to understand patient attitudes toward deprescribing among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center in New York City.

Participants

Consecutive patients with HFpEF seen in July 2018–December 2019 at a program dedicated to providing care to older adults with HFpEF.

Measurements

We assessed the prevalence of vulnerabilities outlined in the domain management approach for caring for patients with heart failure and examined data on patient attitudes toward having their medicines deprescribed via the revised Patient Attitudes Toward Deprescribing (rPATD).

Results

Among 134 patients with HFpEF, median age was 75 (interquartile range 69–82), 60.4% were women, and 35.8% were nonwhite. Almost all patients had polypharmacy (94.0%) and 56.0% had hyperpolypharmacy; multimorbidity (80.6%) and frailty (78.7%) were also common. Overall, 90.3% reported that they would be willing to have one or more of their medicines deprescribed if told it was possible by their doctors; and 26.9% reported that they would like to try stopping one of their medicines to see how they feel without it. Notably, 91.8% of patients reported that they would like to be involved in decisions about their medicines. In bivariate logistic regression, nonwhite participants were less likely to want to try stopping one of their medicines to see how they feel without it (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval [0.09–0.62], p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF contend with many vulnerabilities that could prompt consideration for deprescribing. Most patients with HFpEF were amenable to deprescribing. Race may be an important factor that impacts patient attitudes toward deprescribing.
Greenhouse gas emissions of Norwegian seafoods: From comprehensive to simplified assessment
Authors: Ziegler Friederike , Jafarzadeh Sepideh , Skontorp Hognes Erik , Winther Ulf
Published: May 2021

The seafood sector is facing difficulties to meet the increasing demand for product greenhouse gas emission (GHG) assessments. We quantified GHGs of important seafood products of Norway, the world's second largest seafood exporter. We present results and improvement options for products of farmed salmon and wild‐caught shrimp, king crab, cod, and herring, followed to their dominating markets, based on detailed data for 2017. To enable more frequent monitoring, without engaging in a full assessment, we then suggest a simplified approach, focusing on the main drivers of production‐related emissions. The simplified approach is used to analyze temporal trends from 2007–2017 for fisheries and 1990–2017 for salmon aquaculture. Finally, the simplified approach was compared to the comprehensive assessment for 2017 to define species‐specific upscaling factors. Results show that salmon and crustacean products in 2017 caused higher emissions than cod and herring products, with feed and fuel use being the main emission drivers, whereas airfreighted products had the highest emissions of all products. Large improvement potential from average to best performers within each production system exists. The simplified approach shows that the fuel‐use intensity of Norwegian fisheries has increased by almost 50% for shrimp over the past decade whereas it has decreased for fish by 20% for demersal species such as cod and 5–10% for pelagic species such as herring. Feed‐related emissions for salmon, on the other hand, have increased by almost 30% during the same period, because of an increasing feed conversion ratio and increased inclusion of emission‐intensive feed inputs.
Framework Fracture of Zirconia Supported Full Arch Implant Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Evaluation of Cantilever Length and Distal Cross‐Sectional Connection Area in 140 Patients Over an Up‐To‐7 Year Follow‐Up Period
Authors: Tirone Federico , Salzano Stefano , Rolando Erik , Pozzatti Laura , Rodi Donata
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between different dimensional parameters in implant‐supported monolithic zirconia fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) and the incidence of framework fracture in a large sample of cases in vivo.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study evaluated all patients rehabilitated with screw‐retained zirconia IFCDPs between January 2013 and April 2019 at a private practice. The minimum follow‐up period was 1 year after occlusal loading. Fractures were classified as: type I—fractures that happened between but not involving the two most posterior screw‐access openings (SAOs) and type II—fractures of the distal cantilever. Cantilever length, distal connector cross‐sectional area, and screw access opening length were measured using data obtained from digital scans. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between types I and II fractures and the independent variables (dimensional parameters). Using the receiver operating characteristic curves, two parameters were identified to be useful for establishing a cut‐off and predicting type II fractures.

Results

A total of 180 prostheses delivered to 140 patients were analyzed. Five implants failed in three patients: three before delivery of the definitive prostheses and two after. Ten prostheses failed (5.6% prosthetic failure rate): 2 because of implant failures, and 8 because of framework fractures. Five fractures were classified as type I and three as type II. Significant associations were found between cantilever length and type I fractures (Wald = 5.772, df = 1, p = 0.016), distal connector cross‐sectional area and type II fractures (Wald = 3.806, df = 1, p = 0.051), and cantilever length and the total number of fractures (Wald = 6.117, df = 1, p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Zirconia IFCDPs may be reliable medium‐term solutions if some dimensional parameters are followed. The ratios between the cantilever length and cross‐sectional connector area should be <0.51, while the ratio between the cantilever length and screw access opening length should be <1.48.
CHURCH UNDER LEVIATHAN
Authors: Wong Baldwin
Published: May 2021

Political philosophers have long disagreed on the issue of whether churches should exercise restraint in the appeal to religious reasons in public discussion and political mobilization. Exclusivists defend the restraint, whereas inclusivists reject it. Both sides, however, assume the existence of a democratic government. In this essay, I discuss whether churches should exercise restraint in a non‐democratic, authoritarian society. I defend inclusivism and believe that churches should not restrain themselves, especially when doing so can promote democracy and prevent severe injustices. First, I argue that two exclusivist arguments which justify the restraint cannot be applied in an authoritarian society. Second, I defend inclusivism because religious reasons are effective in cultivating active citizens that strengthen the democratic movement. Finally, I use the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong as an example to show how inclusivism can enhance democratic movements under authoritarianism.
State Heterogeneity Analysis of Financial Volatility using high‐frequency Financial Data
Authors: Chun Dohyun , Kim Donggyu
Published: May 2021

Recently, to account for low‐frequency market dynamics, several volatility models, employing high‐frequency financial data, have been developed. However, in financial markets, we often observe that financial volatility processes depend on economic states, so they have a state heterogeneous structure. In this article, to study state heterogeneous market dynamics based on high‐frequency data, we introduce a novel volatility model based on a continuous Itô diffusion process whose intraday instantaneous volatility process evolves depending on the exogenous state variable, as well as its integrated volatility. We call it the state heterogeneous GARCH‐Itô (SG‐Itô) model. We suggest a quasi‐likelihood estimation procedure with the realized volatility proxy and establish its asymptotic behaviors. Moreover, to test the low‐frequency state heterogeneity, we develop a Wald test‐type hypothesis testing procedure. The results of empirical studies suggest the existence of leverage, investor attention, market illiquidity, stock market comovement, and post‐holiday effect in S&P 500 index volatility.
Intentional and unintentional selection during plant domestication: herbivore damage, plant defensive traits and nutritional quality of fruit and seed crops
Authors: Fernandez Anahí R. , Sáez Agustín , Quintero Carolina , Gleiser Gabriela , Aizen Marcelo A.
Published: May 2021

Greater susceptibility to herbivory can arise as an effect of crop domestication. One proposed explanation is that defenses decreased intentionally or unintentionally during the domestication process, but evidence for this remains elusive. An alternative but nonexclusive explanation is presumed selection for higher nutritional quality.

We used a metaanalytical approach to examine susceptibility to herbivores in fruit and seed crops and their wild relatives. Our analyses provide novel insights into the mechanisms of increased susceptibility by evaluating whether it can be attributed to either a reduction in herbivore defensive traits, including direct/indirect and constitutive/inducible defenses, or an increase in the nutritional content of crops.

The results confirm higher herbivory and lower levels of all types of defenses in crops compared to wild relatives, although indirect defenses were more affected than direct ones. Contrary to expectations, nutritional quality was lower in crops than in wild relatives, which may enhance biomass loss to herbivores if they increase consumption to meet nutritional requirements.

Our findings represent an important advance in our understanding of how changes in defensive and nutritional traits following domestication could influence, in combination or individually, crop susceptibility to herbivore attacks.
Genetics of non‐syndromic and syndromic oculocutaneous albinism in human and mouse
Authors: Fernández Almudena , Hayashi Masahiro , Garrido Gema , Montero Andrea , Guardia Ana , Suzuki Tamio , Montoliu Lluis
Published: May 2021

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is the most frequent presentation of albinism, a heterogeneous rare genetic condition generally associated with variable alterations in pigmentation and with a profound visual impairment. There are non‐syndromic and syndromic types of OCA, depending on whether the gene product affected impairs essentially the function of melanosomes or, in addition, that of other lysosome‐related organelles (LROs), respectively. Syndromic OCA can be more severe and associated with additional systemic consequences, beyond pigmentation and vision alterations. In addition to OCA, albinism can also be presented without obvious skin and hair pigmentation alterations, in ocular albinism (OA), and a related genetic condition known as foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve decussation defects, and anterior segment dysgenesis (FHONDA). In this review, we will focus only in the genetics of skin pigmentation in OCA, both in human and mouse, updating our current knowledge on this subject.
A bio‐behavioral intervention combining task analysis with skill‐based training to train toothbrushing among children with intellectual disability
Authors: Gaunkar Ridhima , Gadiyar Akshatha , Kamath Vinayak , Nagarsekar Aradhana , Sanjeevan Vinita , Kamat Amita Kenkre
Published: May 2021

Aims

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have special health care needs. Teaching self‐care behaviors like toothbrushing helps reduce their dependence on adult caregivers. We present a bio‐behavioral intervention combining task analysis with skill‐based teaching of toothbrushing behavior aimed to promote autonomy in children with various types of ID.

Methods

One hundred twenty children with ID enrolled at a special school in the State were included in the study. After baseline measurements using task analysis, four methods were used to train the children ‐ instruction, three‐phase modeling, physical guidance, and descriptive praise. The caregiver was trained and given instructional videos for reinforcement. After 4 weeks, the children were asked to brush their teeth and performance was evaluated.

Results

There was increased independence in the performance of toothbrushing behavior, the mild and moderate ID groups showing the most improvement. Steps like oral manipulation of the toothbrush showed the greatest improvement in these groups. The severe ID group showed improvement in certain skills, while requiring assistance for others that demanded dexterity.

Conclusion

This intervention can be implemented by special schools and special care dentistry centers to foster autonomy in oral self‐care skills in the mild and moderate ID children, and complemented with other methods for severe ID children.
Reference data for hop tests used in pediatric ACL injury rehabilitation: A cross‐sectional study of healthy children
Authors: Warming Susan , Alkjær Tine , Herzog Robert Bennike , Lundgaard‐Nielsen Mathilde , Zebis Mette Kreutzfeldt
Published: May 2021

In rehabilitation, four single‐leg hop tests are frequently used for evaluation of ACL‐injured children. However, reference values on single‐leg hop performance and the corresponding limb symmetry indexes (LSIs) of healthy children younger than 15 years of age are lacking. Thus, the purpose was to describe hop performance and LSIs in healthy Danish children, and to quantify the proportion of participants passing LSI values of ≥85% as well as ≥90%. Healthy children aged 9–15 years were invited to participate in the study. Hop performance (single hop, 6‐m timed hop, triple hop, and cross‐over hop) was assessed for each leg for each hop test and expressed as absolute, normalized (to body height), and LSI values. Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate mean ±SD for all outcomes within age and gender groups. Further, the 95% reference interval was calculated for each age and gender group. A total of 531 healthy children (52% girls) were included in the study, representing seven age groups (9‐15 years). The LSI group means across all participants for the four hop tests ranged between 84 and 95%. Between 70 and 83% of the children had an LSI of ≥85%, while 50 to 65% of the children had an LSI of ≥90%. The present reference material can be used in clinical practice when evaluating hop performance in pediatric ACL patients.
Histological and immunohistochemical investigation of canine prostate carcinoma with identification of common intraductal carcinoma component
Authors: de Brot Simone , Lothion‐Roy Jennifer , Grau‐Roma Llorenç , White Emily , Guscetti Franco , Rubin Mark A. , Mongan Nigel P.
Published: May 2021

A limited number of species, including men and dogs, spontaneously develop prostate cancer (PC). The histological and molecular relevance of canine PC as a model for the disease in men remains controversial. To address this challenge, this study aimed to assess the histomorphology and expression of basal cell, urothelial and neuroendocrine markers [p63, high molecular weight cytokeratin (HMWCK), Uroplakin 3 (UPIII), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE)] in canine PC (n = 41). Based on histomorphology, 10/41 (24%), 21/41 (51%) and 9/41 (22%) were classified as adenocarcinoma (AC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), and mixed carcinoma, respectively. Tumour inflammation was common, frequently severe [20/41 (49%)], and associated with neutering (p < .02) and urothelial differentiation (p < .02). Most (36/40, 90%) cancers contained only rare cells with basal cell marker expression or were negative. The expression of UPIII was absent or weak in the majority (33/38, 87%) of tumours, with moderate to strong staining in the remaining cases. NSE expression in PC was rare and limited to 2/14 (14%) cases. Tumour extension into benign ducts and glands was a common finding with presence in 17/39 (44%) of carcinomas with and without urothelial differentiation. In conclusion, we confirm that canine PC is characterized by absent or weak expression of basal cell and urothelial markers. Although rare, NSE expression, potentially indicating neuroendocrine differentiation, is reported for the first time in canine PCa. Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate with concurrent invasive PCa (IDCP‐inv) is a frequent, not previously described, finding in dogs with PC.
Genetic drift of MERS‐CoV in Saudi Arabia during 2012–2019
Authors: Pan Yuan‐Qing , Guo Fan , Bahoussi Amina Nawal , Shi Rui‐Zhu , Li Ya‐Qian , Xing Li
Published: May 2021

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by MERS‐CoV that infects both human and camel. Camel is supposed to be the natural reservoir for human infection while the sources for most of the primary human infection cases are still not known. We identified two conserved pyrimidine nucleotides that flank UAAU element in MERS‐CoV 5'‐UTR. These conserved pyrimidine nucleotides distinguish MERS‐CoVs into 3 types, that is, UUAAUU, CUAAUU and CUAAUC (referred to as U‐‐‐‐U, C‐‐‐‐U, and C‐‐‐‐C types, respectively). Human MERS‐CoV displays a genetic drift from U‐‐‐‐U, C‐‐‐‐U, to C‐‐‐‐C from 2012 to 2019. Camel virus displays a genetic drift from U‐‐‐‐U to C‐‐‐‐U with a time lag when compared with human virus. The discrepancy in genetic drift seems not to support the notion that camel serves as the only natural reservoir for human infection.
Increasing SERCA function promotes initiation of calcium sparks and breakup of calcium waves
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Uchinoumi Hitoshi , Bers Donald M.
Published: May 2021

Key points

Increasing sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pump activity enhances sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca) load, which increases both ryanodine receptor opening and driving force of Ca release flux.

Both of these effects promote Ca spark formation and wave propagation.

However, increasing SERCA activity also accelerates local cytosolic Ca decay as the wave front travels to the next cluster, which limits wave propagation.

As a result, increasing SERCA pump activity has a biphasic effect on the propensity of arrhythmogenic Ca waves, but a monotonic effect to increase Ca spark frequency and amplitude.

Waves of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca) release can cause arrhythmogenic afterdepolarizations in cardiac myocytes. Ca waves propagate when Ca sparks at one Ca release unit (CRU) recruit new Ca sparks in neighbouring CRUs. Under normal conditions, Ca sparks are too small to recruit neighbouring Ca sparks where Ca sensitivity is also low. However, under pathological conditions such as a Ca overload or ryanodine receptor (RyR) sensitization, Ca sparks can be larger and propagate more readily as macro‐sparks or full Ca waves. Increasing SERCA pump activity promotes SR Ca load, which promotes RyR opening and increases driving force of the Ca release flux from SR to cytosol, promoting Ca waves. However, high sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity can also decrease local cytosolic [Ca] as it approaches the next CRU, thereby reducing wave appearance and propagation. In this study, we use a physiologically detailed model of subcellular Ca cycling and experiments in phospholamban‐knockout mice, to show how Ca waves are initiated and propagate and how different conditions contribute to the generation and propagation of Ca waves. We show that reducing diffusive coupling between Ca sparks by increasing SERCA activity prevents Ca waves by reducing [Ca] at the next CRU, as do Ca buffers, low intra‐SR Ca diffusion and distance between CRUs. Increasing SR Ca uptake rate has a biphasic effect on Ca wave propagation; initially it enhances Ca spark probability and amplitude and CRU coupling, thereby promoting arrhythmogenic Ca wave propagation, but at higher levels SR Ca uptake can abort those arrhythmogenic Ca waves.
Emerging roles for kisspeptin in metabolism
Authors: Izzi‐Engbeaya Chioma , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: May 2021

Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide hormone, has been firmly established as a key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and mammalian reproductive behaviour. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has emerged suggesting a role for kisspeptin in regulating metabolic processes. This data suggest that kisspeptin exerts its metabolic effects indirectly via gonadal hormones and/or directly via the kisspeptin receptor in the brain, pancreas and brown adipose tissue. Kisspeptin receptor knockout studies indicate that kisspeptin may play sexually dimorphic roles in the physiological regulation of energy expenditure, food intake and body weight. Some, but not all, in vitro work demonstrates positive effects on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, which is more marked at higher kisspeptin concentrations. Acute and chronic in vivo rodent, non‐human primate and human studies reveal enhancement of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in response to pharmacological doses of kisspeptin. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the metabolic effects of kisspeptin, further mechanistic work and translational studies are required to address unanswered questions and establish the metabolic effects of kisspeptin in diverse human populations (including women, people with obesity and people with diabetes).

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Dynamic Invariance in Near-Field Acoustic Levitation
Authors: Elie Nicolas , Blouin Antoinette , Brunetière Noël
Published: May 2021

It is possible to levitate a mass by vibrating a flat disk located under the mass. This near-field acoustic levitation is particularly useful for eliminating friction between moving objects. This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study of the dynamic behavior of a levitating mass for different magnitudes of oscillation of the flat disk. The magnitude of the vibration of the mass appears to be independent of the amplitude of the vibration of the disk over a range of two orders of magnitude. This unusual behavior is due to the simultaneous changes of the stiffness of the air film and the natural frequency of the system as the plate vibration is changed. As the plate oscillation is reduced, the distance to resonance decreases, allowing an increase of the ratio of the output to input signals in such a way that the output remains constant. This result can be useful for improving the energy efficiency of the levitation.
High-Frequency Guided Wave Propagation and Scattering in Silicon Wafers
Authors: Robyr Jean-Luc , Mathieu Simon , Masserey Bernard , Fromme Paul
Published: May 2021

Thin monocrystalline silicon wafers are employed for the manufacturing of solar cells with high conversion efficiency. Micro-cracks can be induced by the wafer cutting process, leading to breakage of the fragile wafers. High-frequency guided waves allow for the monitoring of wafers and detection and characterization of surface defects. The material anisotropy of the monocrystalline silicon leads to variations of the guided wave characteristics, depending on the guided wave mode and propagation direction relative to the crystal orientation. Selective excitation of the first antisymmetric A0 wave mode at 5 MHz center frequency was achieved experimentally using a custom-made wedge transducer. Strong wave pulses with limited beam skewing and widening were measured using noncontact laser interferometer measurements. This allowed the accurate characterization of the Lamb wave propagation and scattering at small artificial surface defects with a size of less than 100 µm. The surface extent of the defects of varying size was characterized using an optical microscope. The scattered guided wave field was evaluated, and characteristic parameters were extracted and correlated with the defect size, allowing in principle detection of small defects. Further investigations are required to explain the systematic asymmetry of the guided wave field in the vicinity of the indents.