bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of free, conjugated, and insoluble‐bound phenolics and their antioxidant activities in oven‐drying and freeze‐drying bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot tips
Authors: Li Jiaqiao , Li Wenting , Deng Zeyuan , Li Hongyan , Yu Yan , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2021

Bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis) shoot was reported to be rich in phenolics. In the present study, free phenolics, conjugated phenolics, and insoluble‐bound phenolics of oven‐drying and freeze‐drying bamboo shoot tips were extracted and separated, of which total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and their antioxidant activities were determined. Phenolics of different binding forms were qualitatively analyzed using HPLC–ESI–QqQ‐MS. A total of 22, 41, and 28 compounds were confirmed or tentatively identified in free, conjugated, and insoluble‐bound phenolic extraction, respectively. The majority of the identified compounds were organic acids and phenolic acids. Oven‐drying samples exhibited higher TPC (10.53–24.92 mg GAE/100 g DW) and TFC (5.80–33.27 mg CE/100 g DW) values, and stronger antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) than freeze‐drying (TPC: 1.67–15.28 mg GAE/100 g DW, TFC: 1.43–29.05 mg CE/100 g DW). Insoluble‐bound phenolics were the major contributor to the total antioxidant activity. The present study investigated the phenolics composition and antioxidant activities of different binding forms in bamboo shoot tip comprehensively, and provided available information for their high‐value deep‐processing.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of revised WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD core English questionnaire translated to Bangla
Authors: Islam Md Ekramul , Ahmed Shamim , Shahin Md Abu , Islam Md Ariful , Shazzad Md Nahiduzzamane , Haq Syed Atiqul
Published: August 2021

Background

The Community‐Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) is intended to reduce the information deficit about the epidemiology of rheumatic diseases, particularly in rural communities in high‐income countries. Multiple studies have been conducted using the WHO‐International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR)‐COPCORD core questionnaire in Bangladesh using the translated version in the Bangla language. Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaire are important to achieve better outcomes.

Aim

To develop a culturally adapted, valid, and reliable Bangla version of the WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD Core English Questionnaire to use as a rheumatic screening instrument among Bangla‐speaking people.

Methods

The original English WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD questionnaire was translated into Bangla and adapted in the local socio‐cultural context maintaining idiomatic, semantic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence between the English and Bangla versions. Pretesting was carried out among 30 patients and healthy attendants, following standard international recommendations. Content validity of the adapted Bangla version was assessed by the item‐ and scale‐level content validity indices (I‐CVI and S‐CVI). The adapted Bangla version of the WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD questionnaire was used to assess 120 patients with rheumatic problems and healthy individuals. Test‐retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

The Bangla version of the WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD questionnaire showed excellent content validity (I‐CVI = 1, S‐CVI = 1). The test‐retest reliability was also acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.7).

Conclusion

The adapted Bangla version of the WHO‐ILAR‐COPCORD questionnaire demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, in terms of content validity and test‐retest reliability, for evaluating rheumatic problems in Bangladeshi patients.
Intraoperative management of combined general anesthesia and thoracic epidural analgesia: A survey among German anesthetists
Authors: Schlesinger Tobias , Weibel Stephanie , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Sitter Magdalena , Meybohm Patrick , Kranke Peter
Published: August 2021

Background

Evidence concerning combined general anesthesia (GA) and thoracic epidural analgesia (EA) is controversial and the procedure appears heterogeneous in clinical implementation. We aimed to gain an overview of different approaches and to unveil a suspected heterogeneity concerning the intraoperative management of combined GA and EA.

Methods

This was an anonymous survey among Members of the Scientific working group for regional anesthesia within the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) conducted from February 2020 to August 2020.

Results

The response rate was 38%. The majority of participants were experienced anesthetists with high expertise for the specific regimen of combined GA and EA. Most participants establish EA in the sitting position (94%), prefer early epidural initiation (prior to skin incision: 80%; intraoperative: 14%) and administer ropivacaine (89%) in rather low concentrations (0.2%: 45%; 0.375%: 30%; 0.75%: 15%) mostly with an opioid (84%) in a bolus‐based mode (95%). The majority reduce systemic opioid doses intraoperatively if EA works sufficiently (minimal systemic opioids: 58%; analgesia exclusively via EA: 34%). About 85% manage intraoperative EA insufficiency with systemic opioids, 52% try to escalate EA, and only 25% use non‐opioids, e.g. intravenous ketamine or lidocaine.

Conclusions

Although, consensus seems to be present for several aspects (patient's position during epidural puncture, main epidural substance, application mode), there is considerable heterogeneity regarding systemic opioids, rescue strategies for insufficient EA, and hemodynamic management, which might explain inconsistent results of previous trials and meta‐analyses.
Robust mapping of human–wildlife conflict: controlling for livestock distribution in carnivore depredation models
Authors: Kuiper Timothy , Loveridge Andrew J. , Macdonald David W.
Published: August 2021

Shifting human–wildlife conflict towards coexistence requires a robust understanding of where conflict happens and why. Spatial models of livestock depredation by wild predators commonly identify depredation hotspots in areas where livestock are most abundant (e.g. nearer villages or pasture). This may reflect underlying livestock distribution, rather than imply these areas are inherently risky for livestock. This limits the predictive power of these models and their usefulness for conflict mitigation and wild carnivore conservation. Here, we build spatial models of both cattle depredation (530 attacks mostly by lions and hyenas; 2009‐2013), and cattle presence (14 GPS‐collared herds; 2010‐2012) near Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. We use Bayes’ theorem to combine the cattle depredation and presence models to quantify risk as the conditional probability of depredation given livestock presence. Our raw depredation models predicted higher depredation rates where cattle presence was more likely (near villages and in more open habitats). By contrast, our risk model predicted higher risk further from human activity and in more dense vegetation (where depredation rates were higher than expected given the low probability of cattle presence). Risk has also increased sharply towards protected areas (core carnivore habitat). Our formulation of risk captures high‐risk areas as those where livestock are most accessible (i.e. vulnerable) to predators as opposed to simply where they are most available (as in much previous work). We make recommendations for livestock protection and wild carnivore conservation based on our quantification of risk, such as where to avoid herding livestock and which areas to prioritize for livestock protection. Our approach may be profitably applied to guide safer livestock grazing or herding in other contexts where depredation and livestock movement data are available. We hope that the concepts and methods that we develop here will help advance the future study and mitigation of human–wildlife conflict more generally.
Environmental associations and effects of disturbances by common wombats in alpine Tasmania
Authors: Guy Thomas R. , Kirkpatrick Jamie B.
Published: August 2021

The common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is the largest extant fossorial mammal in Tasmania. Fossorial mammals have substantial edaphic and geomorphic effects, which, in turn can affect vegetation. We asked whether wombat disturbances were associated with particular environments in an alpine environment in Tasmania, and whether, and to what degree, they altered topography, soil or vegetation. Soil analyses, vegetation surveys and topographic transects were used to test for the effects of wombat activity. We contrasted toilets and controls. We compared adjacent burrows, mounds and paths. We also mapped burrows and animal trails. Wombat burrowing created distinct topography and was linked to feeding areas by path systems. There was no difference in bulk density, pH or phosphorus among burrow mounds, paths and undisturbed areas. Burrow mounds, usually used as toilets, were higher in nitrogen (mg L−1) (9. 8 ± 6.3) than either paths (2.3 ± 2.0) or controls (1.08 mg L−1 ± 1.5). Herbs were favoured by wombat disturbance, having a mean percentage cover of 27.8 ± 4.1 on burrow mounds compared to 14 ± 2.69 on controls, and a mean percentage cover of 51.6 ± 7.8 in toilets compared to 25.6 ± 4.8 in control plots. In contrast, shrubs have greater percentage cover in controls than on mounds (47.2 ± 12.0 cf. 12.7 ± 5.0) and toilets (37.3 ± 10 cf. 17.8 ± 6.5). Overall, wombat activity and modification of the alpine environment were concentrated in grassy vegetation above the winter water table, although paths, burrows and toilets extended into less grassy alpine communities. Our results imply that common wombats have a major role in engineering topography and soils with subsequent effects on vegetation, directly affecting at least 1.2% of the study area. Their reduction, or loss, is likely to lead to substantial changes in patterns of geodiversity and biodiversity.
The effect of prior appropriation water rights on land‐allocation decisions in irrigated agriculture
Authors: Cobourn Kelly M. , Ji Xinde , Mooney Siân , Crescenti Neil F.
Published: August 2021

The doctrine of prior appropriation, which administers water rights based on seniority, may introduce heterogeneity in the risk of a water shortage among otherwise similar agricultural irrigators. We develop a theoretical model that describes how farmers with differing seniority in water rights adjust land‐allocation decisions in response to an anticipated change in water deliveries. Using a fine‐scale dataset of spatially referenced surface water rights for Idaho's Eastern Snake River Plain, we find evidence that irrigators with differing water rights make systematically different land‐allocation decisions, and that farmers with the most junior (least secure) water rights are most responsive to an expected water shortage. These irrigators adapt to anticipated dry conditions by increasing land fallowed and planting a less profitable, drought‐resilient mix of crops. Relatively dry growing season conditions exacerbate the potential for prior appropriation to introduce inefficiencies by driving a divergence in resource‐use decisions between otherwise similar irrigators with differing water rights.
Evidence that workers recognize unfertilized queen‐laid eggs for male production in stingless bees
Authors: Serra Raissa Santana , Campos Lúcio Antônio Oliveira , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: August 2021

The behavioural variation in bee workers raises questions about the reproduction in eusocial bees, as well as possible triggers for ovarian activation and oviposition. However, there are no data on possible differences between queen‐laid eggs found alone or together with worker‐laid eggs in a brood cell. This study evaluated the ploidy of eggs from queens found together with worker‐laid eggs in the brood cells of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona xanthotricha. In the brood cells with two eggs, there was a difference in size between them, with the smaller one being a similar size to those found in brood cells with only one egg. The frequency of diploid eggs in brood cells with one egg was 96.6%, whereas, in those with two or more, it was 39.3%. These results suggest that egg fertilization can be identified by workers, because when there is a worker‐laid egg, those from the queen are often haploid, supporting a prediction from Hamilton's theory of kin selection.
RORγt inhibitor SR1001 alleviates acute pancreatitis by suppressing pancreatic IL‐17‐producing Th17 and γδ‐T cells in mice with ceruletide‐induced pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Jianfa , Xu Yayun , Jing Hui , Chang Qimeng , Wu Xubo , Zhang Ziping
Published: August 2021

The management of acute pancreatitis (AP) remains a challenge to clinicians worldwide for limited effective interventions. Retinoid orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is a therapeutic target for several diseases; however, it is unclear whether inhibiting RORγt can ameliorate AP. The relative expression of RORγt, IL‐17 and IL‐23 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AP patients was measured by RT‐PCR. An AP mouse model was induced by ceruletide, and SR1001 was injected before ceruletide administration. RORγt+ cells, T helper 17 cells (Th17), regulatory T cells (Tregs) and γδ T cells were assessed in the pancreas and spleen by flow cytometry. Higher RORγt expression in patients indicated the potential role of RORγt in AP progression. Analyses of the IL‐17/IL‐23 axis confirmed its role. SR1001 significantly alleviated AP histologically in the mouse model. Serum levels of amylase, IL‐6, TNFalpha, IL‐17 and IL‐23 decreased upon SR1001 treatment. SR1001 selectively decreased the number of RORγt+, Th17, Tregs and γδ T cells in the pancreas but not the spleen. Collectively, these results showed that SR1001 exerted therapeutic effects on AP by suppressing IL‐17‐secreting Th17 and γδ T cells in the pancreas. Thus, SR1001 may be a promising drug for the treatment of AP in the clinic.
“The world we live in now”: A qualitative investigation into parents’, teachers’, and children’s perceptions of social networking site use
Authors: Hayes Beatrice , James Alana , Barn Ravinder , Watling Dawn
Published: August 2021

Background

Younger children are increasingly using social networking sites (SNS; Ofcom, Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, 2019, https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/108182/children‐parents‐media‐use‐attitudes‐2017.pdf). In doing so, they may experience both benefits (e.g., enhanced social capital) and risks (e.g., cyberbullying). Parents and teachers play an important role in shaping children’s perceptions via internet mediation behaviours (Livingstone et al., 2017, J. Commun., 67, 82).

Aims

An understanding of both children’s and adults’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of SNS use within the home and school contexts is limited within current literature. This study explored parents’, teachers’, and children’s perceptions of the risks and benefits of SNS use and how adults mediate this.

Sample(s)

A sample of 42 participants, including 13 parents (aged 28–48), 14 teachers (aged 26–54), and 15 children (aged 7–12), participated within this study.

Methods

Participants took part in one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews exploring SNS use and risk and benefit perceptions, as well as internet mediation behaviours with adult participants.

Results

Findings highlight bonding social capital as the main benefit. Children recognize stranger danger as a risk but fail to perceive the wider online risks (e.g., cyberbullying). Parents’ and teachers’ restrictive mediation behaviours are informed by perceptions of stranger danger, safeguarding, and children lacking online responsibility.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of shifting guidance from stranger danger to discussing the wider SNS risks, as well as the benefits; it is crucial for greater financial investment and policy to overcome barriers to e‐safety education.
Intravesical mitomycin C (MMC) and MMC + cytosine arabinoside for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Miyata Yasuyoshi , Tsurusaki Toshifumi , Hayashida Yasushi , Imasato Yushi , Takehara Kosuke , Aoki Daiyu , Nishikido Masaharu , Watanabe Junichi , Mitsunari Kensuke , Matsuo Tomohiro , Ohba Kojiro , Taniguchi Keisuke , Sakai Hideki ,   the Nagasaki University Urological Oncology Research Group
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To compare the urinary pH, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and safety of adjuvant intravesical therapy in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) receiving mitomycin C (MMC) therapy and MMC + cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C) therapy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 165 patients with NMIBC from six hospitals were randomly allocated to two groups: weekly instillation of MMC + Ara‐C (30 mg/30 mL + 200 mg/10 mL) for 6 weeks and the same instillation schedule of MMC (30 mg/40 mL). The primary outcome was RFS, and secondary outcomes were urinary pH and toxicity in the two groups.

Results

A total of 81 and 87 patients were randomised into the MMC and MMC + Ara‐C groups, respectively. Overall, the RFS in the MMC + Ara‐C group was significantly longer (P = 0.018) than that in the MMC group. A similar significant difference was detected in patients with intermediate‐risk NMIBC, but not in those with high‐risk NMIBC. The mean (SD) urinary pH was significantly higher in the MMC + Ara‐C group than in the MMC group, at 6.56 (0.61) vs 5.78 (0.64) (P < 0.001), and the frequency of a urinary pH of >7.0 in the MMC and MMC + Ara‐C groups was 6.3% and 26.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis models including clinicopathological features and second transurethral resection demonstrated that increased urinary pH was associated with better outcomes (hazard ratio 0.18, 95% confidential interval 0.18–0.038; P < 0.001). In all, there were 14 and 10 adverse events in the MMC and MMC + Ara‐C groups, respectively, without a significant difference (P = 0.113).

Conclusions

Our randomised clinical trial suggested that intravesical therapy with MMC and Ara‐C is useful and safe for patients with intermediate‐risk NMIBC. Increase in urinary pH with Ara‐C is speculated as a mechanism for increased anti‐cancer effects.
Life Satisfaction of Latin American Immigrants in Canada and Israel
Authors: Raijman Rebeca , Armony Victor , Babis Deby
Published: August 2021

We examine the mechanisms explaining the life satisfaction of Latin American migrants living in Canada (in the province of Québec) and Israel. This comparative approach allows us to consider some specific aspects of the respective integration contexts, as well as the immigrants' perceptions and expectations as they settle in these two host societies. Our survey results show that life satisfaction is associated with stronger feelings of socio‐economic success, fewer feelings of being disadvantaged because of being a foreigner, and positive personal cost‐benefit calculations about the decision to emigrate. We found two main differences between the countries. The effect of socio‐economic success on life satisfaction for immigrants in Canada was stronger than for their counterparts in Israel. The effect of attachment to the host country on the life satisfaction of immigrants in Israel was stronger than for their counterparts in Canada.
Platelet inhibition by P2Y12 antagonists is potentiated by adenosine signalling activators
Authors: Shih Chih‐Chin , Chan Melissa V. , Kirkby Nicholas S. , Vojnovic Ivana , Mitchell Jane A. , Armstrong Paul C. , Warner Timothy D.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

P2Y12 receptor antagonists reduce platelet aggregation and the incidence of arterial thrombosis. Adenosine signalling in platelets directly affects cyclic nucleotide tone, which we have shown to have a synergistic relationship with P2Y12 inhibition. Several studies suggest that ticagrelor inhibits erythrocyte uptake of adenosine and that this could also contribute to its antiplatelet effects. We therefore examined the effects on platelet activation of adenosine signalling activators in combination with the P2Y12 receptor antagonists ticagrelor and prasugrel.

Experimental Approach

Human washed platelets, platelet‐rich plasma and whole blood were used to test the interactions between ticagrelor or prasugrel and adenosine or 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA). Platelet reactivity to thrombin, protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1) activation or collagen was assessed by a combination of 96‐well plate aggregometry, light transmission aggregometry, whole blood aggregometry, ATP release assay and levels of cAMP.

Key Results

The inhibitory effects of ticagrelor and prasugrel on platelet aggregation and ATP release were enhanced in the presence of adenosine or NECA. Isobolographic analysis indicated a powerful synergy between P2Y12 receptor inhibition and adenosine signalling activators. Increased levels of cAMP in platelets were also observed. In all cases, ticagrelor showed similar synergistic effects on platelet inhibition as prasugrel in the presence of adenosine or NECA.

Conclusion and Implications

These results indicate that P2Y12 antagonists have a synergistic relationship with adenosine signalling and that their efficacy may depend partly upon the presence of endogenous adenosine. This effect was common for prasugrel and ticagrelor despite reports of differences in their effects upon adenosine reuptake.
miR‐221 confers lapatinib resistance by negatively regulating p27kip1 in HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Huynh Thanh Kieu , Huang Chih‐Hao , Chen Jhen‐Yu , Yao Jin‐Han , Yang Yi‐Shiang , Wei Ya‐Ling , Chen Hsiao‐Fan , Chen Chia‐Hung , Tu Chih‐Yen , Hsu Yuan‐Man , Liu Liang‐Chih , Huang Wei‐Chien
Published: August 2021

Development of acquired resistance to lapatinib, a dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, severely limits the duration of clinical response in advanced HER2‐driven breast cancer patients. Although the compensatory activation of the PI3K/Akt survival signal has been proposed to cause acquired lapatinib resistance, comprehensive molecular mechanisms remain required to develop more efficient strategies to circumvent this therapeutic difficulty. In this study, we found that suppression of HER2 by lapatinib still led to Akt inactivation and elevation of FOX3a protein levels, but failed to induce the expression of their downstream pro‐apoptotic effector p27kip1, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor. Elevation of miR‐221 was found to contribute to the development of acquired lapatinib resistance by targeting p27kip1 expression. Furthermore, upregulation of miR‐221 was mediated by the lapatinib‐induced Src family tyrosine kinase and subsequent NF‐κB activation. The reversal of miR‐221 upregulation and p27kip1 downregulation by a Src inhibitor, dasatinib, can overcome lapatinib resistance. Our study not only identified miRNA‐221 as a pivotal factor conferring the acquired resistance of HER2‐positive breast cancer cells to lapatinib through negatively regulating p27kip1 expression, but also suggested Src inhibition as a potential strategy to overcome lapatinib resistance.
Democratic Theory's Evasion of Race
Authors: Hytten Kathy , Stemhagen Kurt
Published: August 2021

In this essay, Kathy Hytten and Kurt Stemhagen explore the evasion of race, particularly implicit whiteness, in democratic theory. The authors maintain that democratic theorists, especially those who write about education, avoid discussions of race, often writing in universal terms about democracy while ignoring the ways that ostensibly democratic societies reproduce white supremacy. Hytten and Stemhagen begin by describing critiques of the whiteness of democracy; next, they draw on three different approaches to democracy — decolonial, abolitionist, and Black pragmatist — to explore how we can work to disentangle the workings of democracy from racism. Significantly, all of the approaches they address center the voices of scholars of color and each one provides specific charges, resources, and tools for doing democracy differently and in ways that are explicitly antiracist.
Online relationship education for help‐seeking low‐income couples: A Bayesian replication and extension of the OurRelationship and ePREP programs
Authors: Hatch S. Gabe , Knopp Kayla , Le Yunying , Allen Maggie O. T. , Rothman Karen , Rhoades Galena K. , Doss Brian D.
Published: August 2021

Low‐income couples are at increased risk for relationship instability and divorce. In response, online relationship education programs such as ePREP and OurRelationship have been developed to more easily reach this population. A previous trial indicated that these programs promote relationship functioning (Doss et al., 2020) and individual well‐being (Roddy et al., 2020a). However, given that these effects were notably larger than previous studies of in‐person relationship education and approached effect sizes observed in couple therapy, it is possible that the magnitude of these effects was somewhat spurious; therefore, these findings need replication. The current manuscript seeks to replicate these programs’ previous effects on relationship functioning and determine whether these effects are stable. Using a sample of 671 low‐income couples seeking relationship help (N = 1337 individuals) and Bayesian estimation, the current study replicated previous findings that the OurRelationship and ePREP programs offered with four coaching calls produced reliable improvements in relationship functioning relative to a 6‐month waitlist control group. There were no statistically reliable differences between the two active interventions. Bayesian analyses indicated that the effects of the two online programs were larger than the average effects of in‐person relationship education for low‐income couples reported in previous studies, roughly equivalent to efficacy studies of in‐person relationship education reported in previous studies, smaller than those that resulted from the OurRelationship program delivered to distressed couples without an income requirement and smaller than couple therapy.
Empirical and Earth system model estimates of boreal nitrogen fixation often differ: A pathway toward reconciliation
Authors: Hupperts Stefan F. , Gerber Stefan , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gundale Michael J.
Published: August 2021

The impacts of global environmental change on productivity in northern latitudes will be contingent on nitrogen (N) availability. In circumpolar boreal ecosystems, nonvascular plants (i.e., bryophytes) and associated N2‐fixing diazotrophs provide one of the largest known N inputs but are rarely accounted for in Earth system models. Instead, most models link N2‐fixation with the functioning of vascular plants. Neglecting nonvascular N2‐fixation may be contributing toward high uncertainty that currently hinders model predictions in northern latitudes, where nonvascular N2‐fixing plants are more common. Adequately accounting for nonvascular N2‐fixation and its drivers could subsequently improve predictions of future N availability and ultimately, productivity, in northern latitudes. Here, we review empirical evidence of boreal nonvascular N2‐fixation responses to global change factors (elevated CO2, N deposition, warming, precipitation, and shading by vascular plants), and compare empirical findings with model predictions of N2‐fixation using nine Earth system models. The majority of empirical studies found positive effects of CO2, warming, precipitation, or light on nonvascular N2‐fixation, but N deposition strongly downregulated N2‐fixation in most empirical studies. Furthermore, we found that the responses of N2‐fixation to elevated CO2 were generally consistent between models and very limited empirical data. In contrast, empirical‐model comparisons suggest that all models we assessed, and particularly those that scale N2‐fixation with net primary productivity or evapotranspiration, may be overestimating N2‐fixation under increasing N deposition. Overestimations could generate erroneous predictions of future N stocks in boreal ecosystems unless models adequately account for the drivers of nonvascular N2‐fixation. Based on our comparisons, we recommend that models explicitly treat nonvascular N2‐fixation and that field studies include more targeted measurements to improve model structures and parameterization.
Favorable outcomes of rescue second‐ or third‐line culture‐based Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment in areas of high antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Lee Jung Won , Kim Nayoung , Nam Ryoung Hee , Jang Jae Young , Choi Yonghoon , Lee Dong Ho
Published: August 2021

Background

Failure of second or third‐line eradication treatment against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is principally caused by antimicrobial resistance and reduced treatment adherence.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of culture‐based rescue eradication treatments in patients who have previously experienced failed eradication treatment.

Methods

Patients who had persistent H. pylori infection following at least one eradication treatment were recommended to undergo culture analysis to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations of various antimicrobials via endoscopic resection. Consenting patients were assigned one of four therapeutic treatments based on an algorithm determined by antimicrobial resistance. These treatments consisted of 7 or 14‐day administration of clarithromycin‐containing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) triple therapy; esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin (MEA) therapy; esomeprazole, bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline (quadruple) therapy; or lansoprazole, rifabutin, and amoxicillin (RLA) therapy. Eradication efficacy, adherence, and adverse events were assessed aside clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 132 patients were enrolled, with 84 patients completing the study. The overall resistance rates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and moxifloxacin were 13.1%, 83.3%, 47.6%, and 71.4%, respectively. The patients were allocated to the PPI triple (n = 11), MEA (n = 15), quadruple (n = 53), or RLA triple (n = 5) therapy group. The eradication rates in the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses were 90.5% (76 of 84 patients) and 93.8% (76 of 81 patients), respectively. Nausea was the most frequent adverse event (25.0%).

Conclusions

As a rescue therapy, culture‐based susceptibility‐guided eradication treatment was both effective and safe, even for patients exhibiting high antimicrobial resistance.
The effect of two rotary and two reciprocating NiTi systems on postoperative pain after root canal retreatment on single‐rooted incisor teeth: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Çanakçi Burhan Can , Er Özgür , Genç Şen Özgür , Süt Necdet
Published: August 2021

Aim

This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of two rotary (ProTaper Retreatment + ProTaper Gold and Hyflex EDM) and two reciprocating (Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold) NiTi systems on postoperative pain after root canal retreatment on single‐rooted incisor teeth.

Methodology

One hundred and eighty patients scheduled for root canal retreatment were randomly assigned to one of the four groups according to the NiTi system (ProTaper Retreatment + ProTaper Gold, Hyflex EDM, Reciproc Blue or WaveOne Gold) used for the removal of root canal fillings and further canal preparation. The working length was determined to be 1 mm shorter than the ‘0.0’ mark of the apex locator. Root canals were filled with gutta‐percha and an epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer using a lateral compaction technique. The teeth were restored using a resin composite material. A single operator performed the retreatments in a single visit. The incidence and intensity of postoperative pain were rated on a numeric rating scale by patients 24, 48 and 72 h after retreatment. The number of analgesic tablets (400 mg Ibuprofen) taken by patients was also recorded. Data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon and chi‐square tests.

Results

For the intensity of postoperative pain, the difference between the four groups was not significantly different (p > .05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of analgesic medication intake (p > .05).

Conclusions

The rotary and reciprocating NiTi systems tested in this study were associated with similar intensity of postoperative pain and intake of analgesics following root canal retreatment on single‐rooted incisor teeth completed in one visit.
Alumina‐based filters made via binder jet 3D printing of alumina powder, colloidal silica infiltration, and sintering
Authors: Cramer Corson L. , Armstrong Beth L. , Trofimov Artem A. , Wang Peter L. , Siddel Derek H. , Wang Hsin , Cakmak Ercan , Klett James W. , Elliott Amy M.
Published: August 2021

Alumina‐based, porous filter media was made via a binder jet 3D printing process consisting of an alumina powder printing step with subsequent heating, colloidal silica infiltration, drying, and sintering to consolidate particles yet retain a net open porous microstructure. The composites made were alumina‐silica or alumina‐mullite, where the silica sintering aid was used to densify and join the alumina particles. The resulting composite structures had open porosities in the 25–31 vol% range as measured by Archimedes density. Pressure drops were measured across the filter media at constant flow rates to compare disc shapes and complex, 3D printed filters based on the N95 design requirements. Complex, 3D‐printed alumina composites were produced with acceptable pressure drops for N95 implementation.
Partial versus radical nephrectomy in clinical T2 renal masses
Authors: Klett Dane E , Tsivian Matvey , Packiam Vignesh T , Lohse Christine M , Ahmed Mohamed E , Potretzke Theodora A , Gopalakrishna Ajay , Boorjian Stephen A , Thompson R Houston , Leibovich Bradley C , Potretzke Aaron M
Published: August 2021

Objective

To report perioperative, renal functional and oncologic outcomes for patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy for cT2 renal masses.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent partial (n = 72) or radical nephrectomy (n = 379) for cT2 renal masses from 2000 to 2016. After propensity adjustment using inverse probability weighting, the following were compared by surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy): complications, renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate as continuous and as <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 and 3 years postoperatively and overall, metastases‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Results

After propensity adjustment, clinical and radiographic features were well‐balanced between groups. Overall and severe complications were more common for partial compared with radical nephrectomy, although not statistically significant (19 vs 13%, P = 0.14 and 4 vs 2%, P = 0.3, respectively). Estimated glomerular filtration rate change at 1 and 3 years was more pronounced in radical compared with partial nephrectomy (median −16 vs −5 and −14 vs −2, respectively, P < 0.001). A greater proportion of radical nephrectomy patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 at 1 and 3 years (55 vs 17% and 48 vs 17%, respectively, P < 0.01). In renal cell carcinoma patients, overall, metastases‐free and cancer‐specific survival were not significantly different between groups (median survivor follow up 7.1 years, interquartile range 3.6–11.4).

Conclusions

Partial nephrectomy appears to be a relatively safe and a potentially effective treatment for cT2 renal masses, conferring better renal functional preservation compared with radical nephrectomy. These data support continued use of partial nephrectomy for renal masses >7 cm in appropriately selected patients.
Sensitive detection of anti‐spike antibodies enables improved understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis
Authors: Milling Simon
Published: August 2021

Mass vaccination of the global population against SARS‐CoV‐2 will, we hope, turn the tide against this devastating pandemic. To complement vaccinations, better tools are needed to enable viral infections and immunological protection to be monitored. Accurate tools provide sound data for informed decision‐making at many levels, from personal to governmental. The measurement of viral RNA is currently routinely used to detect active infections, but only gives a positive result during infection and is unable to reveal historic infections. Tests involving a detection of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies can reveal prior exposures to virus and can measure anti‐viral immune responses induced after natural infection or after vaccination. They may eventually also be used to predict an individual's likelihood of becoming re‐infected. Here, we report on the development of a sensitive ELISA technique to detect multiple isotypes of antibodies against the spike glycoprotein, in samples of both serum and saliva. This paper provides an important step towards understanding the immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 and may therefore eventually help us to effectively control it.
The use of closed incision negative pressure therapy for incision and surrounding soft tissue management: Expert panel consensus recommendations
Authors: Silverman Ronald P. , Apostolides John , Chatterjee Abhishek , Dardano Anthony N. , Fearmonti Regina M. , Gabriel Allen , Grant Robert T. , Johnson Owen N. , Koneru Suresh , Kuang Anna A. , Moreira Andrea A. , Sigalove Steven R.
Published: August 2021

As the use of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) becomes more widespread, dressing designs have evolved to address implementation challenges and meet surgeon demand. While traditional application of ciNPT was limited to the immediate suture line, a novel dressing that covers the incision and additional surrounding tissues has become available. To expand upon previous ciNPT recommendations and provide guidance on this new dressing, an expert panel of plastic surgeons convened to review the current literature, identify challenges to the implementation and sustainability of ciNPT, and use a modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on the appropriate use of ciNPT with full‐coverage dressings. After three rounds of collecting expert opinion via the Delphi method, consensus was reached if 80% of the panel agreed upon a statement. This manuscript establishes 10 consensus statements regarding when ciNPT with full‐coverage foam dressings should be considered or recommended in the presence of patient or incision risk factors, effective therapeutic settings and duration, precautions for use, and tools and techniques to support application. The panel also discussed areas of interest for future study of ciNPT with full‐coverage dressings. High‐quality, controlled studies are needed to expand the understanding of the benefits of ciNPT over the incision and surrounding tissues.
The impact of the Shanley Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programme on older persons' knowledge of, and attitudes and behaviours towards, pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Shanley Emer , Patton Declan , Avsar Pinar , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Moore Zena
Published: August 2021

Pressure ulcers (PUs) have a profound impact on individuals, with studies demonstrating that compared with similarly aged persons, those living with a PU have a significantly lower quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the Shanley Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programme (SPUPP) on older persons' knowledge of, and attitudes and behaviours towards, PU prevention. This was a multi‐centre, open‐label, randomised controlled trial. The population of interest was older persons living in the community who attended either a day care centre or a retirement group and were deemed to be at risk of PUs due to reduced mobility. Stratified random sampling was used to randomise based on days of attendance at day care centre/retirement group. Pretest and post‐test were applied to the intervention and control groups. The SPUPP is a multimedia programme delivered using electronic media, hard copy materials, activities, and patient diaries and addresses the key tenets of PU prevention as described by the SKIN bundle. The programme contains five separate sessions delivered over 5 weeks. The impact of the SPUPP was assessed using the patient knowledge of and attitude and behaviour towards PU prevention instrument (KPUP). A total of 64 persons, 32 in each group, took part in the study. Of these, 75% (n = 48) were female, with a mean age of 81.9 years (SD: 5.56 years). Further, 68.8% (n = 44) were either overweight or obese and 40.6% (n = 26) were usually incontinent of urine. There were no differences between the intervention and control groups in mean scores during the pretest stage. However, at post‐test, the mean scores for the intervention group were higher than the control group, 16.87 (SD: 1.88) versus 12.41 (SD: 3.21), respectively. For the post‐test stage, mean differences between the two groups in favour of the intervention group (∆ = 4.46) were statistically significant, as t = 6.76, P = .0001, and equal variances were not assumed. The SPUPP impacted positively on knowledge scores of the participants and positively influenced attitudes and behaviours towards PU prevention. Thus, this research provides information regarding the potential to enhance patient involvement in PU prevention.
The effects of NCBP3 on METTL3‐mediated m6A RNA methylation to enhance translation process in hypoxic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ye Fei , Wang Xiaoyan , Tu San , Zeng Lixiong , Deng Xu , Luo Wenzhi , Zhang Zhihui
Published: August 2021

Hypoxia as a crucial pathogenesis factor usually results in huge harmful effects on cardiac injury and dysfunction. Our previous study has uncovered the global transcriptome and translatome profiles of cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo to response to hypoxia by RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling sequencing. We observe a series of differential expressed genes between transcription and translation, which may be attributed to the hypoxia‐specific binding affinity of nuclear cap‐binding subunit 3 (NCBP3) at 5' untranslation region of target genes. Although we observe that NCBP3 can facilitate translational process in myocardium under hypoxia stress, the underlying molecular mechanism of NCBP3 for gene translation modulation remains unclear. In this study, we performed NCBP3 immunoprecipitation for mass spectrum and found that METTL3 and eIF4A2 particularly interacted with NCBP3 in hypoxic rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we observed that METTL3‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation was elevated in hypoxia, but compromised by NCBP3 or METTL3 knockdown. Finally, we also demonstrated that NCBP3/METTL3/eIF4A2 regulatory axis plays a specific role in cardiomyocytes undergoing hypoxic stress. Taken together, we unmasked NCBP3, a novel hypoxia‐specific response protein functions as a scaffold to coordinate METTL3 and eIF4A2 for enhancing gene translation by m6A RNA methylation in cardiomyocytes upon hypoxic stress.
Middle‐childhood executive functioning mediates associations between early‐childhood autism symptoms and adolescent mental health, academic and functional outcomes in autistic children
Authors: Ameis Stephanie H. , Haltigan John D. , Lyon Rachael E. , Sawyer Amanda , Mirenda Pat , Kerns Connor M. , Smith Isabel M. , Vaillancourt Tracy , Volden Joanne , Waddell Charlotte , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bennett Teresa , Duku Eric , Elsabbagh Mayada , Georgiades Stelios , Ungar Wendy J. , Zaidman‐Zait Anat , Lai Meng‐Chuan , Szatmari Peter ,   for the Pathways in ASD Study Team
Published: August 2021

Background

Executive functioning (EF) varies in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is associated with clinical symptoms, academic, and adaptive functioning. Here, we examined whether middle‐childhood EF mediates associations between early‐childhood autism symptoms and adolescent outcomes in children with ASD.

Methods

The Pathways in ASD Cohort comprising children recruited at the time of ASD diagnosis (at 2–4 years‐of‐age) and followed prospectively across eight subsequent timepoints over ~10 years was used. A subset of Pathways participants (n = 250) with Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)‐Parent Form data from at least one timepoint when participants were school‐aged was analyzed. A mediation framework was used to examine whether BRIEF‐measured EF across age 7–10 years (middle‐childhood) mediated associations between early‐childhood autism symptoms (measured using the parent‐report Social Responsiveness Scale across age 2–6 years) and clinical, academic, and functional outcomes, indexed at age >10–11.8 years (early‐adolescence) using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)‐Internalizing and Externalizing Scales, Academic Performance from the Teacher's Report Form, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Models were rerun substituting clinician‐rated and teacher‐rated measures, where possible.

Results

Mediation models indicated a significant indirect effect of middle‐childhood EF on associations between early‐childhood autism symptoms and externalizing behavior, academic performance, or adaptive functioning in early adolescence; kappa squared (κ2) effect sizes ranged from large to small. Model findings were stable across raters. Middle‐childhood EF did not mediate associations between early‐childhood autism symptoms and adolescent internalizing behavior.

Conclusions

Among children with an ASD diagnosis, middle‐childhood EF may be one pathway through which early‐childhood autism symptoms influence a variety of outcomes in early‐adolescence. An experimental study targeting middle‐childhood EF to improve adolescent academic, emotional/behavioral, and adaptive functioning is needed to evaluate the clinical meaningfulness of these findings.
Falls in older adults after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Goldstein David W. , Hajduk Alexandra M. , Song Xuemei , Tsang Sui , Geda Mary , McClurken James B. , Tinetti Mary E. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Chaudhry Sarwat I.
Published: August 2021

Background

After hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), older adults may be at increased risk for falls due to deconditioning, new medications, and worsening health status. Our primary objective was to identify risk factors for falls after AMI hospitalization among adults over age 75.

Methods

We used data from the Comprehensive Evaluation of Risk Factors in Older Patients with AMI (SILVER‐AMI) study, a prospective cohort study of 3041 adults age 75 and older hospitalized with AMI at 94 community and academic medical centers across the United States. In‐person interviews and physical assessments, as well as medical record review, were performed to collect demographic, clinical, functional, and psychosocial data. Falls were self‐reported in telephone interviews and medically serious falls (those associated with emergency department use or hospitalization) were determined by medical record adjudication. Backward selection was used to identify predictors of fall risk in logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 554 (21.6%) participants reported a fall and 191 (6.4%) had a medically serious fall within 6 months of discharge. Factors independently associated with self‐reported falls included impaired mobility, prior fall history, longer hospital stay, visual impairment, and weak grip. Factors independently associated with medically serious falls included older age, polypharmacy, impaired functional mobility, prior fall history, and living alone.

Conclusions

Among older patients hospitalized for AMI, falls are common in the 6 months following discharge and associated with demographic, functional, and clinical factors that are readily identifiable. Fall risk should be considered in post‐AMI clinical decision‐making and interventions to prevent falls should be evaluated.