bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal flexibility and a generalist life history promote urban affinity in butterflies
Authors: Callaghan Corey T. , Bowler Diana E. , Pereira Henrique M.
Published: May 2021

Urban expansion poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Given that the expected area of urban land cover is predicted to increase by 2–3 million km2 by 2050, urban environments are one of the most widespread human‐dominated land‐uses affecting biodiversity. Responses to urbanization differ greatly among species. Some species are unable to tolerate urban environments (i.e., urban avoiders), others are able to adapt and use areas with moderate levels of urbanization (i.e., urban adapters), and yet others are able to colonize and even thrive in urban environments (i.e., urban exploiters). Quantifying species‐specific responses to urbanization remains an important goal, but our current understanding of urban tolerance is heavily biased toward traditionally well‐studied taxa (e.g., mammals and birds). We integrated a continuous measure of urbanization—night‐time lights—with over 900,000 species' observations from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to derive a comprehensive analysis of species‐specific (N = 158 species) responses of butterflies to urbanization across Europe. The majority of butterfly species included in our analysis avoided urban areas, regardless of whether species' urban affinities were quantified as a mean score of urban affinity across all occurrences (79%) or as a species' response curve to the whole urbanization gradient (55%). We then used species‐specific responses to urbanization to assess which life history strategies promote urban affinity in butterflies. These trait‐based analyses found strong evidence that the average number of flight months, likely associated with thermal niche breath, and number of adult food types were positively associated with urban affinity, while hostplant specialism was negatively associated with urban affinity. Overall, our results demonstrate that specialist butterflies, both in terms of thermal and diet preferences, are most at risk from increasing urbanization, and should thus be considered in urban planning and prioritized for conservation.
Comparison of whole‐head and split‐head design for the clinical evaluation of anti‐dandruff shampoo efficacy
Authors: Diao Yuanyuan , Matheson Jane R. , Pi Yingying , Baines Fiona L. , Zhang Shuliang , Li Yuanpei
Published: May 2021

Objective

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that can be improved by regular use of shampoos containing anti‐fungal actives. The efficacy of anti‐dandruff shampoos can be assessed by measuring scalp flaking, one of the important dandruff symptoms. A randomized, double‐blind trial is often used with one of two clinical designs: whole‐head parallel design and split‐head paired design. We aimed to explore the difference in product differentiation between these two designs using the same two test shampoos and the same scalp flaking assessment method (Total Weighted Head Score Adhered Flakes—TWHS AF).

Methods

A clinical study was conducted with a 2‐ to 3‐week wash‐out phase and a 4‐week test phase, consisting of 2 cells: 120 subjects with whole‐head parallel design, divided into 2 subgroups (1:1) using on‐site controlled washing method (either wash their own hair at a study site, under the instruction of a study supervisor or wash their own hair at home, as per instructions, but without supervision) and 35 subjects with split‐head paired design using salon‐staff washing method. Both cells employed hair washing at frequency of three times a week and TWHS AF measurement once a week from the baseline assessment.

Results

Both designs gave similar differences in TWHS AF between products: 5.6 units (95% CI: 4.1–7.0 units) in whole‐head design and 5.9 units (95% CI: 4.9–6.9 units) in split‐head design.

Conclusion

Split‐head paired design shows a similar ability of detecting product difference as whole‐head parallel design, whereas it is a choice of more efficient and more cost‐effective, as only a quarter of the subjects are required to demonstrate the efficacy between anti‐dandruff shampoos.
Preparation of Zr3Al3C5 ceramic powder by molten salt synthesis
Authors: Chen Zihao , Gu Qiang , Ma Weikui , Qian Fan , Hao Xian , Liu Guoqi , Li Hongxia
Published: May 2021

Methods for synthesising Zr‐based MAX phases powder generally require high temperature and product processing such as milling, which can introduce impurities and high cost. A new method to syntheszse Zr3Al3C5 powder from Zr, Al, and C particles in NaCl‒KCl molten salt was reported. The effects of temperature, Al content, and type of carbon source on the formation of Al–Zr–C compounds were investigated. The results show that molten salt synthesis can be used to prepare Zr3Al3C5 powder at a low temperature. When additional Al was added to yield a Zr:Al ratio of 2:9 and resin carbon was used as the carbon source, the purity of the prepared Zr3Al3C5 reached 96%. ZrC is always present in the powder as an impurity, which is consistent with many commercial MAX phases.
Commentary: The real (?) effect of smartphone use on parenting – a commentary on Modecki et al. (2020)
Authors: McCaleb Miriam , Champion Patricia , Schluter Philip J.
Published: May 2021

A recent publication by Modecki and colleagues asserts that ‘more [smart]phone use was associated with higher parenting quality’. Modecki and colleagues make their generalistic concluding statement in contradiction to an increasingly conflicting research corpus, and we suggest that a more cautious interpretation of their data would be beneficial. This study used a cross‐sectional convenience sample; however elsewhere, research questions the ability of participants to accurately estimate their own smartphone use. Further, one‐sided reports of two‐sided attachment relationships may be unreliable. A useful addition to the paper would have been the inclusion and stratification of demographic information about the children whose parents were surveyed. With Modecki and colleagues seeking to describe the ‘real effect’ of smartphones on parenting, the age, stage and needs of the children studied remained largely silent. Modecki and colleagues wisely encourage us to ask more nuanced questions in our research. We wholly agree, but also urge researchers to be more nuanced in our research designs and understanding of its implications for all within the parent:child relationship.
Preparation of Cu3(BTC)2/PVC mixed matrix membrane for pomegranate seed storage
Authors: Wu Yuanyue , Wang Zhen , Zhu Liang , Xiao Kaijun , Yin Yurong , Wang Wenxia
Published: May 2021

Reducing respiratory intensity of fruits can effectively prolong their postharvest storage time. In this work, Cu3(BTC)2/PVC mixed matrix membrane (MMM) have been synthesized via a facile method and used for pomegranate seeds storage. Structural and properties of the Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM were investigated. Results revealed that Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM exhibit enhanced moisture permeability, hydrophilicity, and CO2 permeability relative to the PVC membrane. Meanwhile, CO2/O2 selection coefficient of Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM was higher than PVC membrane because that CO2 permeability was improved. Based on these results, weight loss of pomegranate seeds packed with Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM was reduced by inhibiting respiratory intensity. Meanwhile, Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM hindered the decline of total phenol content and nutrient content. We believe that our strategy demonstrate here paves the way to the design and synthesis of novel MMM for the preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Practical Applications

Mixed matrix membrane has been recognized widely used in fruits and vegetables preservation. The effect of Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM on prolonging the storage time of pomegranate seeds was investigated. The moisture permeability and gas permeability of Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMM were studied in detail. Cu3(BTC)2/PVC MMMs can effectively reduce respiratory intensity of pomegranate seeds, which helps to prolong the storage time of pomegranate seeds. The information of this study would help in the harvest preservation of pomegranate seeds, in order to make them fresh for a long time.
Microstructural, dehydration and rehydration properties of rice starch granules in noodles as affected by water and oil addition using vacuum impregnation
Authors: Leakhena On , Thong‐gnam Mas‐u‐bon , Jhoo Jin‐Woo , Boonsupthip Waraporn
Published: May 2021

The objective was to understand the vacuum impregnation/infusion (VI) for the impregnation of water and oil into rice starch granules using different sequences to influence the granule structure and the mass transfer properties during noodle drying and rehydration. The proposed type of distribution of the oil and water inside the granules was discussed. Confocal micrographs of the raw starch granules revealed that VI forced water and oil into the granules. Without VI, a portion of water was impregnated while none of the oil was. Polarized‐light micrographs showed that the addition of water into the flour prior to the oil created large, long crystals in the dried noodles. However, when the oil was added first, the crystals were small and spherical. The dehydration rate of the cooked noodles was strongly affected by oil addition using VI. The rehydration rate of the dried, cooked noodles was governed more by the drying rate than the characteristics of the noodle components. The cooking quality [cooking time (330 s), cooking loss (1.40%) and water absorption (163.64%)] of the noodles was good following the addition of oil using VI prior to adding water. VI is a powerful tool for impregnating oil and water into rice starch granules.

Practical Applications

Consumers are increasingly adopting more informed lifestyle habits, including eating healthy food. Rice is a main carbohydrate source and staple food in many countries. Lowering the glycemic index of rice products while maintaining their good quality is an ongoing challenge. The addition of water and oil into starch granules are likely stimulate starch gelatinization and oil‐starch complex formation which reduces starch digestibility. This study proved that vacuum impregnation/infusion is a powerful technique to impregnate liquids (e.g., water and oil) into rice starch granules and significantly alters the rice product properties (crystal properties, drying rate, rehydration rate, cooking time, cooking loss and water gain) in ways beneficial to the product quality. Similar benefits may apply to other starch sources, and other liquids can also be vacuum‐impregnated into starch granules. Industries using cereal‐based products can take advantage of these findings.
The association of nursing home quality ratings and spread of COVID‐19
Authors: Williams Christianna S. , Zheng Qing , White Alan J. , Bengtsson Ariana I. , Shulman Evan T. , Herzer Kurt R. , Fleisher Lee A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has severely affected nursing home residents. Given the continued high incidence of COVID‐19, and the likelihood that new variants and other infectious agents may cause future outbreaks, we sought to understand the relationship of nursing home quality ratings and measures of COVID‐19 outbreak severity and persistence.

Design

We analyzed nursing home facility‐level data on COVID‐19 cases and deaths, county‐level COVID‐19 rates, and nursing home data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including ratings from the CMS Nursing Home Five‐Star Quality Rating System. We used regression analysis to examine the association between star ratings and cumulative COVID‐19 incidence and mortality as well as persistent high resident incidence.

Setting

All nursing homes in the CMS COVID‐19 Nursing Home Dataset reporting data that passed quality assurance checks for at least 20 weeks and that were included in the January 2021 Nursing Home Care Compare update.

Participants

Residents of the included nursing homes.

Measurements

Cumulative resident COVID‐19 incidence and mortality through January 10, 2021; number of weeks with weekly resident incidence of COVID‐19 in the top decile nationally.

Results

As of January 10, 2021, nearly all nursing homes (93.6%) had reported at least one case of COVID‐19 among their residents, more than three‐quarters (76.9%) had reported at least one resident death, and most (83.5%) had experienced at least 1 week in the top decile of weekly incidence. In analyses adjusted for facility and county‐level characteristics, we found generally consistent relationships between higher nursing home quality ratings and lower COVID‐19 incidence and mortality, as well as with fewer high‐incidence weeks.

Conclusion

Nursing home quality ratings are associated with COVID‐19 incidence, mortality, and persistence. Nursing homes receiving five‐star ratings, for overall quality as well as for each domain, had lower COVID‐19 rates among their residents.
Spinal interleukin‐1β induces mechanical spinal hyperexcitability in rats: Interactions and redundancies with TNF and IL‐6
Authors: König Christian , Vazquez Enrique , Eß Sabrina , Ebbinghaus Matthias , Vorpahl Björn , Ebersberger Andrea , Schaible Hans‐Georg
Published: May 2021

Both spinal tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) contribute to the development of “mechanical” spinal hyperexcitability in inflammatory pain states. Recently, we found that spinal sensitization by TNF was significantly reduced by blockade of spinal IL‐6 signaling suggesting that IL‐6 signaling is involved in spinal TNF effects. Here, we explored whether spinal interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), also implicated in inflammatory pain, induces “mechanical” spinal hyperexcitability, and whether spinal IL‐1β effects are related to TNF and IL‐6 effects. We recorded the responses of spinal cord neurons to mechanical stimulation of the knee joint in vivo and used cellular approaches on microglial and astroglial cell lines to identify interactions of IL‐1β, TNF, and IL‐6. Spinal application of IL‐1β in anesthetized rats modestly enhanced responses of spinal cord neurons to innocuous and noxious mechanical joint stimulation. This effect was blocked by minocycline indicating microglia involvement, and significantly attenuated by interfering with IL‐6 signaling. In the BV2 microglial cell line, IL‐1β, like TNF, enhanced the release of soluble IL‐6 receptor, necessary for spinal IL‐6 actions. Different to TNF, IL‐1β caused SNB‐19 astrocytes to release interleukin‐11. The generation of “mechanical” spinal hyperexcitability by IL‐1β was more pronounced upon spinal TNF neutralization with etanercept, suggesting that concomitant TNF limits IL‐1β effects. In BV2 cells, TNF stimulated the release of IL‐1Ra, an endogenous IL‐1β antagonist. Thus, spinal IL‐1β has the potential to induce spinal hyperexcitability sharing with TNF dependency on IL‐6 signaling, but TNF also limited IL‐1β effects explaining the modest effect of IL‐1β.

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The impact of state earned income tax credit increases on material and medical hardship
Authors: Kondratjeva Olga , Roll Stephen P. , Despard Mathieu , Grinstein‐Weiss Michal
Published: May 2021

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides substantial financial assistance to low‐ and moderate‐income workers and has been shown to reduce poverty and encourage employment. Many US states have also implemented their own EITCs to supplement the federal tax credits. Leveraging unique administrative and survey data and employing a difference‐in‐differences approach, this study investigates how changes in state EITC benefits between 2012 and 2016 impacted the levels of material and medical hardships in states that expanded or enacted state credits. We find that small changes in state EITC levels can alleviate medical hardship, but not most other types of hardship, especially when states experience a greater benefit increase or implement new state EITCs. Our research points to the limitations of using relatively modest tax credits to offset many of the economic challenges faced by low‐ and moderate‐income households.
Toward a “human being to commodity model” as an explanation for men's violent, sexual consumption of women
Authors: Yeh Marie A. , Eilert Meike , Vlahos Aphrodite , Baker Stacey Menzel , Stovall Tony
Published: May 2021

This research proposes a consumer behavior model that highlights how women may be valuated across a continuum of living human being to commodity. We use the social epidemic of men's sexual violence against women to build a model that reframes sexual violence as men's violent consumption of women. Our model describes the process through which men can think about women as a commodity. We propose different paths through which commoditization occurs—men perceiving women as instrumental, interchangeable, and violable, as well as denying their subjectivity and autonomy—which can lead to violent consumption (the commitment of sexual violence). While sexual violence is a complex problem that defies easy solutions, we believe our nuanced and concrete model is more informative to actions to stop sexual violence than existing theories. We also discuss the role of other factors, including the marketplace, in enabling, attenuating, and reversing this process.
The influence of time, resource, and gender ideology on the division of domestic work in Korea
Authors: Ryu Soomin , Kim Jinhee
Published: May 2021

The paper examines how time availability, relative monetary contribution, and gender ideology are related to a couple's contribution to domestic work in South Korea, using data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. OLS regressions with fixed effects indicate that couples' hours worked were significantly associated with their own and their spouse's time spent on domestic work. The wife's relative wage was another essential determinant in the division of domestic work between wife and husband. Although the wife's gender ideology was not a significant factor for her domestic work time, a husband whose wife had more gender‐equitable attitudes was more likely to devote time to domestic work. Going beyond earlier studies, we also present new evidence for gender display: the wife's relative wage had a curvilinear relationship with the couple's time spent on domestic work. The broader implications of the main findings are also discussed.
Understanding digital consumers' well‐being in Asia: The moderating roles of digital natives and privacy concerns
Authors: Kwak Youshin , Kim Jeeyeon , Kim Yeolib , Choi Jeonghye
Published: May 2021

As digital technologies permeate our lives, the effect of digital device use on well‐being has become a hot‐button issue. In this research, we focus on digital usage and digital shopping via online and mobile devices and investigate their relationships with well‐being using a public data from South Korea. Overall, online usage and online shopping increase well‐being, whereas mobile usage and mobile shopping decrease it. Interestingly, these relationships are complex and idiosyncratic as including digital natives and privacy concerns as moderators provides varied results. Among digital natives, the positive effect of online usage on well‐being decreases whereas the negative effects of mobile usage and mobile shopping on well‐being increase. Furthermore, privacy concerns weaken the effects of mobile usage and online shopping on well‐being.
Association between resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism and acne vulgaris
Authors: Akcılar Raziye , Dizen Namdar Nazlı , Arslan Utku Selve
Published: May 2021

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disease and develops on the face and upper trunk. Resistin, a member of the cysteine‐rich secretory proteins family, is an adipokine expressed primarily in macrophages and monocytes; it has a role to play in the inflammatory period.

Aims

This study's purpose was to detect whether known resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism plays a role in the pathogenesis of AV.

Methods

Patients with AV (n = 94) and healthy controls (n = 94) were enrolled in this investigation. Resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism was decided by PCR‐RFLP procedure.

Results

The distribution of genotype frequencies of resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism was significantly different between the AV and healthy controls (p = 0.002). We found that the resistin gene (−420 C > G) CG genotype exhibited a significant association with decreased acne vulgaris risk.

Conclusions

Our study is the first report investigating the relationship between the risk of AV and resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism in the Turkish population. Resistin gene (−420 C > G) polymorphism is related to AV pathogenesis. CG genotype has a protective role and may be linked to a reduced risk of AV development. Furthermore, studies are needed to verify these findings in other populations.
Estimation of energy expenditure using the oral 13C‐bicarbonate technique in privately owned adult and senior dogs of three different body sizes
Authors: Marcussen Caroline , Jørgensen Ea Meng , Lemire‐Dilling Nickie , Tauson Anne‐Helene
Published: May 2021

Knowledge about energy requirements (ER) of dogs is important in order to provide dogs with an appropriate energy supply. In this study, the oral 13C‐bicarbonate technique (o13CBT) was used to estimate energy expenditure (EE) in 50 privately owned dogs of different body sizes (small: Danish–Swedish Farmdog (DSF, n = 16), medium: Beagle (n = 15), large: Labrador Retriever (n = 19)), of different ages (adult: 2–7 years (n = 33), senior: ≥8 years (n = 17)). The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the method in the field and to get more information about ER of dogs. All dogs were measured twice, on two separate days under standardized, resting conditions. The dogs were fasted overnight prior to measurements, which were carried out in home environment. Only measurements of dogs resting calmly were included in the statistical analyses. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in EE was found between days of measurements. The EE measured in Labrador Retrievers (405 kJ (97 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than of Beagles (530 kJ (127 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day) and DSF (497 kJ (119 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day), the difference between Beagles and DSF being non‐significant. Senior dogs had significantly lower (p < 0.001) EE values than adult dogs with least square means (LSM) of 441 kJ (105 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day and 513 kJ (123 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day respectively. Analysed within breeds, EE of senior Labrador Retrievers (370 kJ (88 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day)) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than adults (439 kJ (105 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day), as well as in DSF (453 kJ (108 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day and 541 kJ (129 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day for senior and adult dogs respectively). However, the EE was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between adult (548 kJ (131 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day) and senior (499 kJ (119 kcal)/kg BW0.75/day) Beagles. This study suggests that when measured under standardized resting conditions, the o13CBT can provide reliable results of EE and be a helpful tool to get more knowledge about ER of dogs of different sizes, breeds and ages.
Grapiprant: A snapshot of the current knowledge
Authors: Sartini Irene , Giorgi Mario
Published: May 2021

Grapiprant is the pioneer member of the novel piprant class, a potent and specific antagonist of the prostaglandin E2 receptor 4. It has been approved in veterinary medicine for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs at the dose regimen of 2 mg/kg once a day by the FDA and EMA (for pain only) in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The aim of this narrative review was to report the analytical methods, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of grapiprant in several animal species using the best available published scientific evidence. In conclusion, most of the analytical methods proposed for grapiprant detection are simple, reliable, sensitive and validated. The pharmacokinetics show discrepancies between animal species. The therapeutic efficacy seems more suited to chronic rather than acute pain.
A genetic variant in toll‐like receptor 5 is linked to chemokine levels and hepatocellular carcinoma in steatohepatitis
Authors: Nischalke Hans Dieter , Fischer Janett , Klüners Alexandra , Matz‐Soja Madlen , Krämer Benjamin , Langhans Bettina , Goeser Felix , Soyka Michael , Stickel Felix , Spengler Ulrich , Nattermann Jacob , Strassburg Christian P. , Berg Thomas , Lutz Philipp
Published: May 2021

Background & Aims

Bacterial translocation drives liver disease progression. We investigated whether functional genetic variants in toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5), the receptor for bacterial flagellin, affect the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Healthy controls (n = 212), patients with alcohol abuse without liver disease (n = 382), and patients from a discovery cohort of alcohol‐associated cirrhosis (n = 372 including 79 HCC cases), a validation cohort of alcohol‐associated cirrhosis (n = 355 including 132 HCC cases), and a cohort of cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n = 145 including 62 HCC cases) were genotyped for the TLR5 rs5744174 and rs5744168 polymorphisms. Chemokine levels were measured by ELISA in patients' sera and supernatants of flagellin‐stimulated healthy monocytes.

Results

Frequency of the TLR5 rs5744174 TT genotype was similar in healthy controls (33%), controls with alcohol abuse (34%), and patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis in the discovery (28%), validation (33%), and NASH cohort (31%). The TT genotype was enriched in patients with versus without HCC in the discovery, validation, and NASH cohort (41% vs 25%; 39% vs 29%; 40% vs 24%; p < .05 each). This genotype remained a risk factor for HCC (OR = 1.9; p = .01) after multivariate correction for age, gender, diabetes, and carriage of the PNPLA3 148M variant. Interleukin‐8 induction in monocytes from healthy controls and serum levels of interleukin‐8 and CXCL1 from cirrhotic patients with the TT genotype were significantly increased versus C allele carriers.

Conclusion

The TLR5 rs5744174 polymorphism, affecting immune response to flagellin, is linked to occurrence of HCC in cirrhosis caused by steatohepatitis.
An open‐label non‐inferiority randomised control trial comparing nebulised amphotericin B with oral itraconazole in patients with pulmonary aspergilloma
Authors: Ray Animesh , Manikanta Jagdeesh , Singh Komal , Gabra Pavan , Vyas Surabhi , Singh Gagandeep , Xess Immaculata , Sethi Prayas , Meena Ved Prakash , Soneja Manish , Sinha Sanjeev , Wig Naveet , Kabra SK
Published: May 2021

Background

Pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) is a common complication seen in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae. Antifungal therapy, including oral azoles, is commonly used though only surgical resection offers curative benefit. Local administration of amphotericin B, like intracavitary instillation, has been effective in aspergilloma patients though nebulised amphotericin B (nAB) has never been formally assessed.

Objective

The aim of this prospective, non‐inferior, open‐label, randomised control trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulised amphotericin B compared to oral itraconazole therapy in the treatment of PA.

Patients/Methods

Diagnosed cases of PA (n=33) were randomised into the control group receiving oral itraconazole (n=18) and intervention group receiving nebulised amphotericin B (n = 15). Response to treatment was assessed both clinically and radiologically at the end 6 months.

Results and Conclusion

The number of patients showing overall improvement at the end of 6 months in the control arm(oral itraconazole) vs intervention arm(nebulised amphotericin B) was 65% (95% CI 38.3–85.8) and 67%(95% CI 38.4%–88.2%), respectively, in the intention‐to‐treat and 79% (95% CI 49.2%–95.3%), and 65% (95% CI 38.4%–88.2%), respectively, in the per‐protocol analysis. While there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control arm in both the analyses, non‐inferiority was shown in the per‐protocol but not in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. No major adverse events were noted in either group; however, a significant proportion of patients receiving nAB reported minor cough (40%), which, however, did not lead to discontinuation of therapy in any patients. Nebulised amphotericin B can be an effective therapeutic option for pulmonary aspergilloma patients.
Identifying associations between dental arch relationship scores, relative deprivation and other cleft audit outcomes. Part 2
Authors: Sullivan Zak Christopher , Van Eeden Simon , May Joanna , Flannigan Norah , Seshu Madhavi , Dominguez‐Gonzalez Susana
Published: May 2021

Identify associations between dental arch relationship scores, oral health status and deprivation index in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Ninety‐two 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic complete UCLP and thirty‐nine 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic complete BCLP from the United Kingdom. Data were collected from the 5‐year audit outcomes submitted to the Cleft Registry and Audit Network (CRANE). The index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and Welsh index of deprivation were used to assess a relative measure of deprivation. Comparisons of 5‐year‐old index/BCLP Deciduous Dentition Yardstick outcome against IMD and dmft are performed using multivariable linear regression models. Both UCLP and BCLP had a high percentage of children with dmft >0 (47% and 49%, respectively). The mean dmft for the UCLP cohort was 2.8 and 2.6 for the BCLP cohort. In the UCLP group, a poorer 5‐year‐old index was associated with an increased dmft score (P = .023) and higher level of deprivation (P = .010). In the BCLP group, there was no significant associations between BCLP Deciduous Dentition Yardstick, dmft and IMD. A poorer dental arch relationship outcome may be associated with higher level of area deprivation and oral health status, in children with UCLP. Those with a poor outcome for the 5‐year‐old Index are more likely to have increased caries experience.
Situation analyses of caregivers’ knowledge on infant liquid formula in Japan: a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Mizutani Shinichiro , Takahashi Kenzo , Matsuura Masaaki
Published: May 2021

Background

Sales of the first domestic liquid infant milk formula in Japan started in March 2019, and some local governments have started to stockpile the formula in case of disasters. This study aimed to assess caregivers’ knowledge of liquid formula to promote better utilization during disaster situations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study was conducted between August 26 and October 4, 2019, in Aiiku Hospital and Aiiku Clinic (Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan). Caregivers of infants at their 1‐, 3–4‐, and 6–7‐month medical check‐ups participated. Caregivers’ knowledge about the cup feeding method and handling of residual (left over) formula was evaluated. Caregivers were divided into high or low knowledge groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relation between caregivers’ information sources on liquid formula and each caregiver’s level of knowledge (high or low).

Results

Only 10.5% of caregivers were included in the high knowledge group regarding the cup feeding method, whereas 83.1% of caregivers were included in the high knowledge group regarding handling of residual liquid formula. Only 8.1% of caregivers were included in the high knowledge group regarding both cup feeding and handling of residual liquid formula. Logistic regression analysis showed that none of the information sources (hospital/clinic, TV/newspaper/magazine/website, milk company’s website/advertisements, retail store, study meeting/event/social networking service, friend/infant’s grandmother, workplace) affected the caregivers’ knowledge.

Conclusions

Caregivers’ knowledge on the cup feeding method and handling of left over liquid formula was insufficient. Proactive and correct provision of information is required to improve caregivers’ knowledge as this is an urgent infant safety issue in disaster situations.
Effect of different parietal hypoperfusion on neuropsychological characteristics in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Tabuchi Hajime , Ito Daisuke , Saito Naho , Yamagata Bun , Konishi Mika , Takebayashi Minoru , Ikeda Manabu , Mimura Masaru
Published: May 2021

Background

In early‐stage amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), differences in the neuropsychological characteristics of each individual are subtle. We investigated differences in neuropsychological performance between aMCI patients with and without hypoperfusion in the medial parietal regions (MP). We further compared patients with hypoperfusion in the left and right lateral parietal regions.

Methods

We examined 165 aMCI patients (mean age: 76.8 ± 5.5 years; 87 women) who had undergone neuropsychological measurement and single‐photon emission computed tomography. We classified participants into two subgroups with and without hypoperfusion: MP hypoperfusion (+) and MP hypoperfusion (−); classification was based on Z‐scores (calculated by three‐dimensional stereotactic surface projection technique) of three regions of interest in the parietal lobes (i.e. MP regions including posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus and left and right inferior parietal lobules (lateral parietal regions)). The MP hypoperfusion (−) group was classified into left lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) subgroups. We performed either univariate or multivariate ancova to compare neuropsychological scores for continuous variables between groups and examined dichotomous variables using χ2 tests.

Results

In the overall aMCI sample, scores on logical memory delayed recall in the MP hypoperfusion (+) group were significantly lower than those in the MP hypoperfusion (−) group. Total scores on Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test delayed recall were also marginally lower in the MP hypoperfusion (+) group than in the MP hypoperfusion (−) group. Comparisons of neuropsychological test scores between the left and right lateral parietal hypoperfusion (+) groups revealed no significant differences.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that MP hypoperfusion (+) is associated with more robust memory deficits than MP hypoperfusion (−). Combining neuropsychological tests and single‐photon emission computed tomography findings may be useful for early detection of cognitive decline in aMCI.
New revival phenomena for linear integro–differential equations
Authors: Boulton Lyonell , Olver Peter J. , Pelloni Beatrice , Smith David A.
Published: May 2021

We present and analyze a novel manifestation of the revival phenomenon for linear spatially periodic evolution equations , in the concrete case of three nonlocal equations that arise in water wave theory and are defined by convolution kernels. Revival in these cases is manifested in the form of dispersively quantized cusped solutions at rational times. We give an analytic description of this phenomenon, and present illustrative numerical simulations.
The Janus‐faced effects of COVID‐19 perceptions on family healthy eating behavior: Parent’s negative experience as a mediator and gender as a moderator
Authors: Mahmoud Ali B. , Hack‐Polay Dieu , Fuxman Leonora , Nicoletti Maria
Published: May 2021

This research examines the effects of COVID‐19 perceptions and negative experiences during the pandemic time on parental healthy eating behavior and whether these relationships interact with a parent’s gender. We ran a survey of parents who had at least one child aged 3 to 17 years old living in the United Kingdom. We received 384 valid responses, which were analysed via a variance‐based structural equation modeling approach to test our hypotheses. The results revealed that COVID‐19 perceptions effects were Janus‐faced. While they indirectly and negatively impact healthy eating behavior mediated by triggering negative experiences during the pandemic, COVID‐19 perceptions, however, directly get parents, especially fathers, more engaged into healthy eating behavior – making COVID‐19 perceptions total effects positive on healthy eating behavior. This explorative model is novel in the sense that it is the first of its kind to cast light on how parental healthy eating behavior can be shaped in pandemic time. The research is particularly timely due to the uncertain times in which the research is situated, that is, the worldwide pandemic (also termed COVID‐19); the paper highlights how family eating practices can undergo dramatic shifts during acute crises.
The elusive link between eye‐movement patterns and facial expression recognition
Authors: Yitzhak Neta , Pertzov Yoni , Aviezer Hillel
Published: May 2021

Different stereotypical facial expressions convey unique signals of muscular activity in distinct face regions. For example, the recognition of anger relies on decoding the downward drawing of the brows, while disgust recognition relies on decoding nose wrinkling and upper lip raising. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that one’s ability to identify a facial expression is strongly influenced by the facial features that gaze was fixated upon. Indeed, a large body of research supports the claim that facial fixation distributions and emotion recognition are strongly associated: fixating information‐rich regions enhances emotion recognition, while suboptimal face‐scanning impedes it. Here, we offer a critical assessment of whether the data support this link. We critically review several bodies of research, examining the relationship between gaze exploration of facial expressions and emotion recognition, across different cultures, neuropsychological conditions, age, gender, as well as personal tendencies of facial visual exploration and different experimental conditions. Integrating results from these diverse fields suggests that compelling evidence regarding the manner that emotion recognition relies on visual scanning patterns has yet to emerge. While it is clear that certain facial features are differentially diagnostic for stereotypical emotion recognition, how that information is sampled and extracted remains elusive. We suggest that the dominant approach of examining the distribution of fixation locations may not be sufficient for solving this puzzle. Rather, using more complex eye‐tracking analyses and taking into account the extrafoveal processing are crucial for revealing the contribution of visual scanning to emotion recognition.
Formation of the Yangtze Three Gorges: Insights from detrital apatite fission‐track dating of sediments from the Jianghan Basin
Authors: Yang Chaoqun , Shen Chuanbo , Zattin Massimiliano , Yu Wu
Published: May 2021

The establishment of the course of the modern Yangtze River is a topic of ongoing debate, with the formation of the Three Gorges, incised in the Huangling Massif, representing the key event under discussion. Downstream of the Three Gorges, the Cenozoic succession of the Jianghan Basin has been investigated to detect the moment of incision into the Three Gorges. Detrital apatite fission‐track data from Eocene to Miocene sediments drilled in the Jianghan Basin suggest that material was supplied by the Dabie, Qinling and Jiangnan Orogens during Eocene to early Oligocene times. At late Oligocene, the source of sediments switched to the Huangling Massif, implying incision of the Three Gorges. We therefore propose that the modern Yangtze River system formed at the late Oligocene.
Unusual presentation of Ramsay‐Hunt Syndrome in kidney transplant patient
Authors: Via Reque Cortes Daniela Del Pilar , Paes Menezes Filho Marcelo , Braga Barbosa Géssica Sabrine , Didier M. Ferreira Tomás , Reusing José Otto , David Neto Elias
Published: May 2021

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in craniospinal sensory neurons and is characterized by a painful erythematous rash in the affected dermatome. Although kidney transplant recipients who are chronically maintained on immunosuppressive regimens are considered at risk, there are only a few cases described. We report a well‐documented case of a 50‐year‐old male kidney transplant recipient who presented Ramsay‐Hunt syndrome with atypical neurological finds.
An assessment of the management of anaemia in acute care settings in the United Kingdom: The value of a collaborative approach
Authors: Rampotas Alexandros , Prodger Catherine F. , Murphy Michael F.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Patients presenting to acute care settings with anaemia are at risk of inadequate investigation and inappropriate blood transfusion. In collaboration with Haematology Specialty Trainee Audit and Research (HaemSTAR), this study set out to assess current red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice and anaemia management in acute care settings across the United Kingdom.

Methods and Results

Fifteen different hospitals participated in the study over a period of a month beginning 01 January 2020. Eight‐hundred and twenty‐eight eligible patients presenting to acute care settings with anaemia received RBC transfusions during this period. Of these, 159 (19.2%) received inappropriate transfusions according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, and 257 (31%) could have been treated with alternatives to transfusion. One‐hundred and fifty‐four (18.6%) did not have a cause for their anaemia identified by the time they were discharged from hospital, and in over 50% of these cases that was because of inadequate investigation with blood tests, specialist investigation or referral, or both.

Conclusion

This study found that the appropriateness of transfusion and investigation of anaemia in acute care settings warrant improvement and also demonstrates the value of HaemSTAR in facilitating time‐efficient collection of high‐quality data.
Integration of electric, calcium, reactive oxygen species and hydraulic signals during rapid systemic signaling in plants
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Mittler Ron
Published: May 2021

The sensing of abiotic stress, mechanical injury or pathogen attack by a single plant tissue results in the activation of systemic signals that travel from the affected tissue to the entire plant. This process is essential for plant survival during stress and is termed systemic signaling. Among the different signals triggered during this process are calcium, electric, reactive oxygen species and hydraulic signals. These are thought to propagate at rapid rates through the plant vascular bundles and to regulate many of the systemic processes essential for plant survival. Although the different signals activated during systemic signaling are thought to be interlinked, their coordination and hierarchy still need to be determined. Here, using a combination of advanced whole‐plant imaging and hydraulic pressure measurements, we studied the activation of all four systemic signals in wild‐type and different Arabidopsis thaliana mutants subjected to a local treatment of high‐light (HL) stress or wounding. Our findings reveal that activation of systemic membrane potential, calcium, reactive oxygen species and hydraulic pressure signals, in response to wounding, is dependent on glutamate receptor‐like proteins 3.3 and 3.6. In contrast, in response to HL stress, systemic changes in calcium and membrane potential depended on glutamate receptor‐like 3.3 and 3.6, while systemic hydraulic signals did not. We further show that plasmodesmata functions are required for systemic changes in membrane potential and calcium during responses to HL stress or wounding. Our findings shed new light on the different mechanisms that integrate different systemic signals in plants during stress.
Focused ultrasound tumour ablation in small animal oncology
Authors: Latifi Max , Hay Alayna , Carroll Jennifer , Dervisis Nikolaos , Arnold Lauren , Coutermarsh‐Ott Sheryl L. , Kierski Katharine R. , Klahn Shawna , Allen Irving C. , Vlaisavljevich Eli , Tuohy Joanne
Published: May 2021

The cancer incidence rates for humans and animals remain high, and efforts to improve cancer treatment are crucial. Cancer treatment for solid tumours includes both treatment of the primary tumour and of metastasis. Surgery is commonly employed to resect primary and metastatic tumours, but is invasive, and is not always the optimal treatment modality. Prevention and treatment of metastatic disease often utilizes a multimodal approach, but metastasis remains a major cause of death for both human and veterinary cancer patients. Focused ultrasound (FUS) tumour ablation techniques represent a novel non‐invasive approach to treating cancer. FUS ablation is precise, thus sparing adjacent critical structures while ablating the tumour. FUS ablation can occur in a thermal or non‐thermal fashion. Thermal FUS ablation, also known as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation, destroys tumour cells via heat, whereas non‐thermal FUS, known as histotripsy, ablates tumour cells via mechanical disintegration of tissue. Not only can HIFU and histotripsy ablate tumours, they also demonstrate potential to upregulate the host immune system towards an anti‐tumour response. The aim of this report is provide a description of HIFU and histotripsy tumour ablation, with a focus on the basic principles of their ablation mechanisms and their clinical applicability in the field of veterinary oncology.
Effects of Bypass Ratio Change Trend on Performance in a Military Aircraft Turbofan Engine With Comparative Assessment
Authors: Akdeniz Halil Yalcin , Balli Ozgur
Published: May 2021

In this study, it is aimed to observe the bypass effects on energetic and exergetic performance in a JT3D-3B Military Aircraft Turbofan Engine and its components. For this aim, the comprehensive energy and exergy analyses are performed separately at the various bypass ratios: BPR: 1.30 (Case A), BPR: 1.34 (Case B), BPR: 1.38 (Case C), BPR: 1.40 (Case D), BPR: 1.42 (Case E), BPR: 1.45 (Case F), and BPR: 1.36 (original design). As per the performance results, while the energetic efficiency of the engine is found to be 27.93% for Case F, 27.85% for Case E, 27.72% for Case D, 27.60% for Case C, 27.17% for Case B, 26.97% for Case A, the exergetic efficiency of the engine is found to be 26.23% for Case F, 26.23% for Case E, 26.11% for Case D, 26.00% for Case C, 25.59% for Case B, and 25.39% for Case A, Furthermore, with the increase of bypass ratio step by step from 1.30 to 1.45, while the energetic efficiency, the exergetic efficiency, the relative exergy consumption value tends to increase, the fuel exergy waste ratio value, the productivity lack ratio, and exergetic improvement potential value of the overall engine tends to decrease. This study can be helpful for turbofan engine users, owners, and designers.