bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of ablation‐induced esophageal injury associated with high‐power short duration temperature‐controlled pulmonary vein isolation using a specialized open‐irrigated ablation catheter: A retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Piringer Robert , Deneke Thomas , Foldyna Borek , Sonne Kai , Nentwich Karin , Ene Elena , Barth Sebastian , Lüsebrink Ulrich , Berkovitz Artur , Halbfass Philipp
Published: January 2021

Introduction

To evaluate short‐term efficacy and incidence of ablation‐induced endoscopically detected esophageal injury in patients undergoing high‐power, short‐duration (HPSD) pulmonary vein isolation using a novel irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter and ablation generator setup.

Methods and Results

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, who underwent AF ablation using an irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter specifically designed for a HPSD ablation approach (50 W, with a target Ablation Index of 350 at posterior wall), received postablation esophageal endoscopy after ablation. In total 45 consecutive patients (67 ± 10 years; 58% male; 42% paroxysmal AF) undergoing AF ablation using a specialized ablation catheter (QDOT) were included in the study. Thirty‐one of 45 patients (69%) underwent a first‐time pulmonary vein isolation (Group 1, 67 ± 11 years; 55% male; 48% paroxysmal AF). Fourteen patients (31%) underwent a redo AF procedure (Group 2, 66 ± 8 years; 64% male; 29% paroxysmal AF). Patients undergoing first‐time pulmonary vein isolation were included in the final analysis. In these patients an endoscopically detected esophageal lesion (EDEL) was detected in 5 of 31 (16%) patients (erosion n = 2, ulcer n = 3). Mean contact force at posterior wall ablation sites was significantly lower in patients with postprocedural EDEL compared with patients without EDEL (11.9 ± 0.8 g vs. 15.6 ± 4.7 g).

Conclusion

PVI using a specialized high‐power ablation catheter in conjunction with a HPSD ablation approach results in a 16% incidence of EDEL in first AF ablation candidates. Future studies evaluating high‐power short duration ablation strategies should include esophageal endoscopy to estimate the risk of clinically relevant esophageal complications.
Mechanical testing of four‐unit implant‐supported prostheses with extensive pink gingiva porcelain: The dentogingival prostheses proof of concept
Authors: Benalcázar Jalkh Ernesto B. , Neto Juvenal de Souza , Bergamo Edmara T. P. , Maia Camila F. , Bonfante Estevam A.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the probability of survival and failure modes of four‐unit implant‐supported porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dentogingival prostheses subjected to step‐stress accelerated life testing (SSALT).

Materials and methods

Eighteen implant‐supported PFM dentogingival prostheses with thin metallic infrastructures, which provided minimal ceramic support and improved esthetics were fabricated over external hexagonal connection UCLA abutments. SSALT was performed until specimen failure. Use level probability Weibull curve and reliability were calculated and plotted. Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (η) were also calculated. Polarized light microscope and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize fractures.

Results

Failures were dictated by material strength rather than fatigue damage accumulation. The probability of survival for loads reaching 100 and 150 N in 100,000 cycles was 92 and 61%, respectively. No cracks or fractures were identified in the veneered porcelain, whereas abutment fixation screw fracture was the chief failure mode.

Conclusion

Implant‐supported PFM four‐unit dentogingival prostheses with minimum metal framework dimensions presented favorable lifetime prediction under fatigue testing. Fractures were restricted to fixation screws.

Clinical significance

In‐vitro fatigue testing and failure mode analyses evidenced favorable lifetime prediction for 4‐unit implant‐supported dentogingival prostheses with minimum metal frameworks. Abutment fixation screw fracture might be the most frequent clinical complication. Since this proof of concept has been tested in‐vitro, further studies including different restorative materials, as well as long‐term clinical trials are warranted.
Strengths and weaknesses in the long‐term sustainability of two sympatric seabreams (Argyrops spinifer and Rhabdosargus haffara, Sparidae)
Authors: Lin Yu‐Jia , Rabaoui Lotfi , Maneja Rommel H. , Pulikkoden Abdu Rahiman Kambrath , Premlal Panickan , Nazeer Zahid , Qurban Mohammad A. , Abdulkader Khaled , Prihartato Perdana K. , Qasem Ali M. , Fita Nabil , Roa‐Ureta Ruben H.
Published: January 2021

Argyrops spinifer and Rhabdosargus haffara are two sympatric seabream species making important contributions to fisheries landings in the western Arabian/Persian Gulf. We identified the strengths and weaknesses in the long‐term sustainability of A. spinifer and R. haffara stocks by integrating multiple sources of data, including fisheries catch and effort statistics, life history traits, scientific trawl surveys and historical length frequency distribution. Four strengths were identified in A. spinifer: wide distribution of juveniles, positive association to the network of de facto fishing exclusion areas created by hundreds of oil‐gas facilities, early maturation and the existence of large and old individuals. A. spinifer suffers from two potential weaknesses: slow growth rate and higher exploitation pressure on the small‐sized individuals. R. haffara, on the other hand, has a strength of having a short life span and a fast growth rate, characteristics that make it robust to unfavourable conditions. R. haffara suffers from two weaknesses: the lack of association to the oil and gas facilities, and the preference for nearshore shallow waters with stronger negative anthropogenic impacts. Identified strengths and weaknesses of these two sparids provided a preliminary assessment about their long‐term sustainability, as well as a roadmap about how to develop different management strategies to meet specific objectives.
Continuous outmigration and sequential encountering of environmental cues are important for successful homing of hatchery‐reared, anadromous brown trout Salmo trutta
Authors: Jonsson Bror , Jonsson Nina
Published: January 2021

When rehabilitating and reintroducing trout Salmo trutta in rivers, it is a goal that as many as possible survive, home and form self‐sustaining populations. Hatchery‐reared, anadromous S. trutta have significant lower ability to return to the area where they were raised if (a) transported in a closed tank to sea and released 5 km from the River Imsa, relative to those that were (b) transported when swimming in a partly submerged tank with sea water run‐through, while being slowly towed by a boat the same distance or (c) released at the outlet of the River Imsa. Thus, if deprived from environmental cues during part of the way, they lose their ability to home.
Evaluation of sodium hypochlorite and peroxyacetic acid to prevent transfer of surface‐attached Listeria monocytogenes to produce
Authors: Joerger Rolf D. , Ganguli Arpeeta , Wachira Juliet , Hardy Quincy
Published: January 2021

Sporadic contamination of produce with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a recurrent problem. Ways for contamination to occur include transfer of the pathogen to produce from processing surfaces or soil particles to which it has become attached. Since it is known that surface‐attached Lm is less susceptible to antimicrobials than Lm grown in liquid culture, the goal of the current study was to determine if Lm grown on surfaces and released into water retained its higher tolerance of antimicrobials. In addition, transfer of Lm from surfaces or soil particles to blueberries, mung beans and spinach leaves in the presence of the antimicrobials, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) adjusted to pH 6.8 and peroxyacetic acid (PAA), was studied. The experiments were carried out with a cocktail of six Lm strains and strains obtained from produce processing plants. Results indicated that Lm released from surfaces was as susceptible to the two antimicrobials as Lm grown in liquid culture and was inactivated within seconds by an initial concentration of 100 ppm of NaOCl or PAA. Transfer of Lm grown on stainless steel coupons to blueberries in wash water was not observed at NaOCl concentrations as low as 20 ppm. In contrast, transfer of Lm from washed soil particles (COD = 1.7 ± 0.89 mg/l) in contact with mung beans was observed even at initial NaOCl or PAA concentrations of 250 ppm. Lm released from washed soil particles to which it was attached to spinach leaves could be detected in the presences of 20 ppm of NaOCl and PAA and occasionally even in the presence of 100 and 250 ppm of the antimicrobials.
“The troublesome other and I”: Parallel stories of separated parents in prolonged conflicts
Authors: Stokkebekk Jan , Iversen Anette , Hollekim Ragnhild , Ness Ottar
Published: January 2021

This qualitative study aims to explore how noncohabiting parenting couples in prolonged conflict construct the other parent and themselves. Ten parents from five parent couples were interviewed. A dyadic analytical design was used, where parent's stories of conflict were analyzed in parallel with their co‐parent. Drawing on positioning theory, self‐identity as parents emerged as implicit counter positions in storylines, which construct the co‐parent as “the troublesome other.” Two typologies of conflicted storylines were prominent in the findings:storylines of violations of trust, positioning the co‐parents in relation to traumatic events in the past and,storylines of who is bad, positioning the co‐parent as either a disloyal co‐parent or a dysfunctional parent. The findings indicate that prolonged conflicts made it impossible to find available positions for cooperation. We argue that family therapists should aid each household toward promoting child and family resilience rather than continued efforts to solve chronic conflicts.
Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help
Authors: Wymbs Brian T. , Canu Will H. , Sacchetti Gina M. , Ranson Loren M.
Published: January 2021

It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to quality of life in adulthood, and can buffer the impact of adversity, including psychological disorder. Unfortunately, much research points toward adults with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) having short‐lived and discordant romantic relationships. Despite this ample evidence, relatively little research has focused on identifying specific factors that may strengthen or explain their relational difficulties, which would have obvious relationship distress prevention and intervention implications. The current study reviews the state of the literature on romantic relationships in adults with ADHD, including differences that have been established between ADHD and non‐ADHD populations as well as distal and proximal factors that appear to increase risk of relationship distress of adults with ADHD. Finally, notable gaps in the literature are identified and implications are raised with regards to prevention and intervention efforts designed to address functional impairment in adults with ADHD.
Estimation of an uncertainty budget and performance measurement for a dual‐wavelength Twyman‐Green interferometer
Authors: Ibrahim Dahi Ghareab Abdelsalam
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the uncertainty budget from 10 sources we claim they have direct impact on measurement is estimated. The measurement has been applied to nominal step heights of 1.34 and 1.50 μm using a dual‐wavelength Twyman‐Green interferometer. Experimental results show that the measured step heights match with their nominal values with expanded uncertainty in the range of 5% from the object being measured. The performance of the measurement process over time has been estimated at different confidence levels and the obtained results show that the process is maintained in a state of statistical control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for estimation of uncertainty budget from a synthetic wavelength.
Reconstructing 3D digital model without distortion for poorly conductive porous rock by nanoprobe‐assisted FIB‐SEM tomography
Authors: Liu Jialong , Niu Suyun , Li Guoliang , Du Zhongming , Zhang Yuxing , Yang Jijin
Published: January 2021

Oil and natural gas prospecting requires precise pore characterisation of insulating rock samples, which involves severe charging problems in the state‐of‐art FIB‐SEM tomography, such as overexposure, drift and distortion. For weak cemented samples with very poor conductivity, the conventional ways such as decreasing accelerating voltage or current as well as coating a thin layer of carbon or gold fail to eliminate all the detrimental effect, leading to image distortion in the form of lateral shift and longitudinal stretching. A new nanoprobe‐assisted method is explored in FIB‐SEM tomography to address this problem and improve image quality. To be specific, a metallic nanoprobe is induced and attached on the sample surface to create an express path for the export of excess electrons near the region of interest, which effectively removes distortion and drift when imaging. Two adjacent areas were characterised and reconstructed into 3D digital models by FIB‐SEM tomography with nanoprobe‐assisted method applied to one region only. The lateral shift creates zigzag feature for distorted region and the longitudinal stretching of undistorted object can reach 14%. Average pore size of distorted region is larger than that of the undistorted region, however considering the longitudinal stretching, the average pore size of distorted region can be corrected to the same level as the undistorted region. The systematic error caused by distortion for poorly conductive porous rock is hazardous for digital rock physics analysis. Therefore, the nanoprobe‐assisted FIB‐SEM tomography should be regarded as a one of the optional and feasible procedures in case decreasing accelerating voltage or current as well as coating a thin layer of conductive material does not work.
COVID‐19: Knowledge, anxiety, academic concerns and preventative behaviours among Australian and Indian undergraduate nursing students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kochuvilayil Terese , Fernandez Ritin S. , Moxham Lorna J. , Lord Heidi , Alomari Albara , Hunt Leanne , Middleton Rebekkah , Halcomb Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2021

Aims and Objectives

To compare knowledge, anxiety, academic concerns and preventative behaviours between undergraduate nursing students in Australia and India during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Based on the World Health Organization's direction for containment of the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19), countries implemented varying levels of restrictions including closure of university campuses and providing on line undergraduate education.

Methods

Students in NSW, Australia and Kerala, India completed an online survey assessing their (a) knowledge and source of information about COVID‐19; (b) anxiety; and coping strategies; (c) academic concerns; and (d) preventative behaviours. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise the data.

Results

Data from 99 Australian and 113 Indian undergraduate nurses were analysed. Greater number of Indian students indicated having sufficient knowledge of COVID‐19 (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08, 0.63), getting information about COVID‐19 from social media (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01, 0.07) and being concerned about ‘attending clinical placement’ (MD‐1.08; 95% CI −1.94, −0.23). Australian students reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (MD 1.99 95% CI 1.21, 2.78), difficulty sleeping (OR 18.00; 95% CI 6.76, 47.96), concentrating (OR 33.22; 95% CI 13.85, 79.67) and eating (OR 14.05; 95% CI 3.19, 61.84). Greater number of Australian students indicated that they would go to the University if they needed to meet with other students (OR 9.21; 95% CI 3.08, 27.55), had to access the library (OR 7.20; 95% CI 3.26, 15.90) or had a group assignment (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.26, 6.77).

Conclusions

Wide variations were present in knowledge, anxiety, academic concerns and preventative behaviours among undergraduate nursing students in two countries.

Relevance to clinical practice

Undergraduate students may benefit from additional support from the University and staff in the clinical setting with online learning and resources in order to adjust to the ‘new normal’ and enable them to achieve academic success.
iPREFACE score: Integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Oji Ayako , Furukawa Takamasa , Nakakuma Masahito , Morita Mineto
Published: January 2021

Aim

Cardiotocography is used worldwide to evaluate fetal well‐being during pregnancy and labor. In past guidelines, the management plan was determined based on the assessment of the most severe waveform. There are no guidelines for evaluating the integrated recurrent decelerations; however, we believe their assessment to be essential for predicting the status of the fetus. The objective of this study was to propose an indicator for performing medical interventions during labor by creating a scoring system that reflects integrated recurrent decelerations.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included data for only full‐term single fetus births from vaginal deliveries. The score named the iPREFACE score (integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring) was calculated using cardiotocography findings from continuing 30 min before delivery. We examined the iPREFACE score and fetal acidemia association and calculated the cut‐off iPREFACE scores for acidemia using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The study included 469 delivery cases. Their iPREFACE scores exhibited a significant negative correlation with the umbilical artery blood pH (correlation coefficient; −0.43). The cut‐off iPREFACE scores for the umbilical artery blood with pH <7.20, <7.10 and <7.0 were 44, 46 and 67, respectively (the areas under the curve were 0.776, 0.962 and 0.996, respectively).

Conclusion

The iPREFACE score may predict fetal acidemia and could be used as an indicator for timely medical interventions during labor. Because assessments using a cardiotocography are quick and easy to perform, the iPREFACE score could be a valuable tool in clinical practice.
Incidental Findings in Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Dental Implants in 1002 Patients
Authors: Kachlan Mamdouh O. , Yang Jie , Balshi Thomas J. , Wolfinger Glenn J. , Balshi Stephen F.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency and elevate the awareness of the prevalence of nondental pathology in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken for implant placement treatment planning and postplacement evaluation. The data from the CBCT should be read by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist for proper diagnosis of dental and nondental pathology and referred to the medical specialist for proper management when necessary.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study analyzed 1002 consecutive CBCT scans taken at a single private practice noting the prevalence of nondental pathology in CBCT images for all dental implant procedures. All scans were taken from November 2007 to March 2020. One board certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist systemically read all scans and reported all findings in the maxilla and mandible, condyles and TMJ, paranasal sinuses, nasal fossa, pharyngeal airway, skull base and temporal bone, neck soft tissues, and cervical spine. The incidental findings, variation of normal anatomy, or pathology reported in these structures were categorized based on anatomic location and significance and the incidence was investigated.

Results

Pathologies ranged from innocuous sinusitis, to more serious atherosclerotic calcification of the carotid arteries, narrowed airways, and neoplastic lesions. Fifty‐one different findings were noted, of which 36 were pathologies that required referral or follow‐up.

Conclusions

Incidental findings can be detected in CBCT scans for dental implants. The clinician must be familiar with the radiographic diagnosis of head and neck pathology, and/or must refer these images to an appropriate specialist for the radiographic interpretation of the full volume.
Developmental Associations Between Sympathy and Mutual Disclosure in Friendships From Mid‐Adolescence to Early Adulthood
Authors: Bechtiger Laura , Steinhoff Annekatrin , Buchmann Marlis , Shanahan Lilly
Published: January 2021

Sympathy is regarded as an important precursor to the development of emotional intimacy, including mutual disclosure. In turn, emotional intimacy is assumed to foster the development of sympathy. Yet, research has not examined how sympathy and mutual disclosure in generic friendships are mutually related to one another during mid‐adolescence to early adulthood. Data came from three waves of the Swiss Survey of Children and Youth (COCON; N = 1,258). Bidirectional links between sympathy and mutual disclosure were tested with autoregressive cross‐lagged panel analyses. Sympathy at age 15 was associated with mutual disclosure in friendships at 18, which in turn was associated with sympathy at 21. Multi‐group models suggested that our model better describes these processes in females than in males.
Evaluation of seven rapid diagnostic tests for detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies in China
Authors: Chen Bing , Ma Zhong‐Hui , Xu Bing , Chang Hao , He Xiao‐Xia , Pei Li‐Jian , Ren Ya‐Nan , Xing Wen‐Ge
Published: January 2021

Rapid diagnostic tests as an attractive alternative to enzyme immunoassay could identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected persons more expeditiously. The availability of high performing and quality‐assured rapid diagnostic tests are essential to scale‐up HCV screening. The study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of seven domestic HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits. The kits were evaluated by using HCV serum panels, including HCV basic panel, analytical specificity panel, mixed titre performance panel, characteristic panel, seroconversion panel, and genotype qualification panel. The results showed that clinical sensitivity, clinical specificity and analytical specificity of seven rapid diagnostic tests kits ranged from 94% (95% CI: 83.2–98.6) to 100% (95% CI: 91.5–100). Furthermore, specimens with HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6 could be detected by HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits, whereas specimens with genotypes 1a and 2b could not be detected. Additionally, most HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits had great performance in diagnosing different titres and/or different bands samples, but some low S/CO value specimens may not be fully detected by few rapid diagnostic test kits. In conclusion, seven HCV rapid diagnostic tests reagents presented high sensitivity, specificity, good anti‐interference and detection ability of early infection, which could meet the requirements of clinical HCV antibody screening.
Traffic noise drives an immediate increase in call pitch in an urban frog
Authors: Higham V. , Deal N. D. S. , Chan Y. K. , Chanin C. , Davine E. , Gibbings G. , Keating R. , Kennedy M. , Reilly N. , Symons T. , Vran K. , Chapple D. G.
Published: January 2021

Noise pollution is an underappreciated component of global environmental change and can impact species that have a strong reliance on acoustic communication. In urban areas, traffic noise can interfere with the ability of animals to communicate and complete essential aspects of their daily lives. We investigated the impact of traffic noise on the calling behaviour of the brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii) in south‐eastern Melbourne, the fastest‐growing human population centre in Australia. We placed six acoustic recorders at increasing distances from a busy suburban road and recorded the calling behaviour (call pitch and call rate) of brown tree frogs immediately before and after loud traffic noises, and in response to different chorus sizes. Traffic noise resulted in a significant, but short‐term, increase in call pitch in the brown tree frog. Both call pitch and call rate decreased with increasing distance from the road, yet traffic noise still resulted in increased call pitch even 200–300 m from the road. Conversely, although traffic noise increased call pitch across all chorus sizes of the brown tree frog, larger chorus sizes were associated with decreased call pitch. Our study highlights the pervasive, and sustained, impact that anthropogenic noise can have on urban frog populations.
Do Kindergarteners Develop Awareness of the Statistical Regularities They Acquire?
Authors: Spit Sybren , Andringa Sible , Rispens Judith , Aboh Enoch O.
Published: January 2021

Many studies suggest that detecting statistical regularities in linguistic input plays a key role in language acquisition. Although statistical learning is not necessarily implicit in nature, it is often defined as learning that happens without awareness. This article investigates whether statistical learning in young children is indeed implicit, as often assumed. We trained 63 kindergarteners on a miniature language and assessed learning using a picture‐matching task. We used an opt‐out task to measure whether the kindergarteners possessed awareness of an acquired meaningful grammatical marker. In the opt‐out paradigm, participants demonstrate awareness by expressing uncertainty through a nonverbal response: opting out. Our results are compatible with an earlier study of which the present study is a partial replication, suggesting that kindergarteners can acquire this marker from distributional properties in the input. Furthermore, although none of the children could verbalize knowledge of the structure during exit interviews, their behavior during the opt‐out task indicated that they developed awareness of it.
Iron‐rich olivine in the unequilibrated ordinary chondrite, MET 00526: Earliest stages of formation
Authors: Dobrică Elena , Brearley Adrian J.
Published: January 2021

In order to understand the effects of the earliest stages of hydrothermal alteration and fluid‐assisted metamorphism on the matrices of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs), we have investigated the fine‐grained matrix of MET 00526 (L3.05) using multiple electron microscope techniques. Iron‐rich olivines (Fa50‐100) are present in all four representative fine‐grained matrix regions analyzed in this study. This study shows for the first time the occurrence of FeO‐rich olivines in distinct submicron veins that crosscut regions of matrix consisting of amorphous silicates and phyllosilicates, providing evidence for elemental mass transport in a hydrothermal fluid. Our detailed transmission electron microscopy study reinforces the idea that FeO‐rich olivines are formed on asteroidal parent bodies by the interaction between a hydrothermal fluid and the pristine solar nebular materials that may be the product of condensation processes in the protoplanetary disk, that is, amorphous silicates. We propose that the FeO‐rich olivines currently observed in MET 00526 matrix are the products of three possible reaction mechanisms, (1) replacement of amorphous silicates, (2) precipitation from an SiO‐rich fluid, and (3) replacement of phyllosilicates; all these mechanisms take place in the presence of an iron‐rich fluid. The chemical evolution of the hydrothermal fluid could trigger the formation of either fayalite or phyllosilicates depending on the Si/Fe ratios. A low Si/Fe ratio is required to form FeO‐rich olivines, rather than phyllosilicates, which form at high Si/Fe ratio. Although MET 00526 records the effects of secondary alteration processes, its fine‐grained matrix still preserves some evidence of its pristine, solar nebular characteristics.
TonB‐dependent transporters in the Bacteroidetes: Unique domain structures and potential functions
Authors: Pollet Rebecca M. , Martin Lauryn M. , Koropatkin Nicole M.
Published: January 2021

The human gut microbiota endows the host with a wealth of metabolic functions central to health, one of which is the degradation and fermentation of complex carbohydrates. The Bacteroidetes are one of the dominant bacterial phyla of this community and possess an expanded capacity for glycan utilization. This is mediated via the coordinated expression of discrete polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) that invariantly encode a TonB‐dependent transporter (SusC) that works with a glycan‐capturing lipoprotein (SusD). More broadly within Gram‐negative bacteria, TonB‐dependent transporters (TBDTs) are deployed for the uptake of not only sugars, but also more often for essential nutrients such as iron and vitamins. Here, we provide a comprehensive look at the repertoire of TBDTs found in the model gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the range of predicted functional domains associated with these transporters and SusD proteins for the uptake of both glycans and other nutrients. This atlas of the B. thetaiotaomicron TBDTs reveals that there are at least three distinct subtypes of these transporters encoded within its genome that are presumably regulated in different ways to tune nutrient uptake.
Gut mycobiome: The probable determinative role of fungi in IBD patients
Authors: Beheshti‐Maal Alireza , Shahrokh Shabnam , Ansari Saham , Mirsamadi Elnaz Sadat , Yadegar Abbas , Mirjalali Hamed , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multi‐factorial autoimmune disorder that its causative agents are unknown. The gut microbiota comprises of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa that its role in IBD has remained controversially. Bacteria constitute more than 99% of the gut microbiota composition, and the main core of the gut microbiota is composed from Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The gut microbiota plays an important role in training, development and haemostasis of the immune responses during the life. Fungi compose a very small portion of gut microbiota, but play determinative roles in homeostasis of the gut bacterial composition and the mucosal immune responses. An interkingdom correlation between bacteria and fungi has been suggested. For example, the presence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium reduces the viability and colonisation of C albicans. Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, which is known as dysbiosis, are a usual event in patients who suffer from IBD. Although the main reason for this alteration is not clear, the interaction between gut bacteria and gut fungi seems to be an important subject in IBD patients. This review covers new findings on the interaction between fungi and bacteria and the role of fungi in the pathophysiology of IBD.
Smart secretion management to protect nurses from COVID19 and other infectious diseases
Authors: Saseedharan Sanjith , Karanam Roopa , Kadam Vaijayanti , Shirsekar Suvarna
Published: January 2021

Background

COVID‐19 has been linked to over 40 million infections and 1.1 million deaths in 210 countries as of October 19, 2020. This highly contagious communicable disease has put not only infected individuals but other patients and frontline workers like nurses at risk in hospitals, especially in Intensive Care units (ICUs).

There is a need for minimizing patient contact, improving hand hygiene practices, and optimizing healthcare provider time, especially nurses. Globally it is estimated that nearly a million health care providers have been infected with COVID‐19 as of the end of October 2020.

Methods

This retrospective service evaluation documents the experience of health care providers in a COVID‐19 ICU in India that was used to implement new protocols for secretion management and oral hygiene. Patient chart information and staff feedback were utilized.

Intervention

This pilot study captures the practical benefits of using VAPCare, an automated, closed‐loop system for oral secretion removal.

Results

Six patients were included in this small‐scale study; three patients following the current standard of care for suctioning and oral hygiene and three receiving the new VAPCare and Lumen device protocol. With the new device protocol, the number of infected secretion interactions by a nurse was 50% lower, and nursing time spent on oral hygiene and secretion management 70% less than seen with the current standard of care. The number of disposable gloves used with VAPCare and Lumen was reduced by over 50%. All 10 nurses and six doctors gave positive feedback on device usage. The department recommended updating protocols to prioritize the use of the new secretion management system for patients with COVID19 and other highly contagious conditions.

Conclusion

The findings are an early indication that using VAPCare for patients could help protect infected patients, other ICU patients, and health care workers.
Asyneuma cupulare, a new species of Campanulaceae from southern Western Ghats, India and lectotypification of Campanula fulgens (Asyneuma fulgens)
Authors: Venugopal Divya K. , Nampy Santhosh , Mohan Vishnu , Francis Dani
Published: January 2021

Asyneuma cupulare (Campanulaceae) is described as a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India. The new species belongs to the section Eupodanthum and is morphologically close to Asyneuma fulgens in the same section, mainly for the absence of appendages on calyx, erect nature of capsules and calyx lobes after anthesis, presence of 3‐lobed stigma and absence of agglutination in upper part of corolline lobes, but differs in having 4‐angular puberulent stems, puberulent leaves, glabrous filaments and stigma, and cupular 6‐ribbed capsules. Its description is given and diagnostic morphological characters of closely related species are compared and discussed. Information on habitat and conservation status is provided. The typification of Asyneuma fulgens is also discussed.
Biochemical and biophysical pH clamp controlling Net H+ efflux across the plasma membrane of plant cells
Authors: Wegner Lars H. , Li Xuewen , Zhang Jie , Yu Min , Shabala Sergey , Hao Zhifeng
Published: January 2021

P‐type H+ ATPases mediate active H+ efflux from plant cells. They generate a proton motive force across the plasma membrane, providing the free energy to drive the transport of other solutes, partly by coupling to H+ influx. Wegner & Shabala (2020) recently suggested that passive H+ influx can exceed pump‐driven efflux due to ‘active buffering’, that is, cytosolic H+ scavenging and apoplastic H+ generation by metabolism (‘biochemical pH clamp’). Charge balance is provided by K+ efflux or anion influx. Here, this hypothesis is extended to net H+ efflux: even though H+ pumping is faster than backflow via symporters and antiporters, a progressive increase in the transmembrane pH gradient is avoided. Cytosolic H+ release is associated with bicarbonate formation from CO2. Bicarbonate serves as substrate for the PEPCase, catalyzing the reaction from phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetate, which is subsequently reduced to malate. Organic anions such as malate and citrate are released across the plasma membrane and are (partly) protonated in the apoplast, thus limiting pump‐induced acidification. Moreover, a ‘biophysical pH clamp’ is introduced, that is, adjustment of apoplastic/cytosolic pH involving net H+ fluxes across the plasma membrane, while the gradient between compartments is maintained. The clamps are not mutually exclusive but are likely to coexist.
Modeling thiamine fortification: a case study from Kuria atoll, Republic of Kiribati
Authors: Green Tim J. , Whitfield Kyly C. , Daniels Lisa , Brown Rachel C. , Houghton Lisa A.
Published: January 2021

In 2014, there was an outbreak of beriberi on Kuria, a remote atoll in Kiribati, a small Pacific Island nation. A thiamine‐poor diet consisting mainly of rice, sugar, and small amounts of fortified flour was likely to blame. We aimed to design a food fortification strategy to improve thiamine intakes in Kuria. We surveyed all 104 households on Kuria with a pregnant woman or a child 0–59 months. Repeat 24‐h dietary recalls were collected from 90 men, 17 pregnant, 44 lactating, and 41 other women of reproductive age. The prevalence of inadequate thiamine intakes was >30% in all groups. Dietary modeling predicted that rice or sugar fortified at a rate of 0.3 and 1.4 mg per 100 g, respectively, would reduce the prevalence of inadequate thiamine intakes to <2.5% in all groups. Fortification is challenging because Kiribati imports food from several countries, depending on price and availability. One exception is flour, which is imported from Fiji. Although resulting in less coverage than rice or sugar, fortifying wheat flour with an additional 3.7 mg per 100 g would reduce the prevalence of inadequacy to under 10%. Kiribati is small and has limited resources; thus, a regional approach to thiamine fortification is needed.
Assessing Sampling Error in Pseudo‐Panel Models
Authors: Khan Rumman
Published: January 2021

While pseudo‐panels are useful when only repeated cross‐section data are available, estimates are likely to be attenuated and suffer from sampling error if cell sizes (number of individuals grouped together in a cohort) are too few. However, there is no consensus on how large cell size needs to be, with recommendations ranging from 100 to several thousands. This is due to sampling error being affected by both cell size and three important types of variation in the cohort data (across and within cohorts and over time). We combine these into a single metric, called CAWAR, and demonstrate its relationship to sampling error using Monte Carlo simulations and an empirical application. We produce recommended values for CAWAR beyond which sampling error bias is minimal and from these one can easily calculate the required cell size.
Nurses’ decision‐making related to administering as needed psychotropic medication to persons with dementia: an empty systematic review
Authors: Walsh Brittany , Dahlke Sherry , O’Rourke Hannah , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: January 2021

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia occur in approximately 75% of people with dementia admitted to acute care. Acute care nurses’ decision‐making regarding administering ‘as needed’ (pro re nata or PRN) psychotropic medications to persons with dementia are not well understood. This is an important clinical concern because ‘as needed’ medications are given at the discretion of the nurse. A comprehensive, systematic search and screen for studies that explored nurses’ decision‐making related to administering as needed psychotropic medication to persons with dementia in acute care settings was conducted. No studies that reported nurses’ decision‐making related to administration of as needed psychotropic medications to hospitalized persons with dementia were identified. In light of this, we present a discussion based on a narrative review of what is known on this topic from other settings, based on papers found in our original review. We will briefly explore what is needed in future research to address the gap in knowledge about nurse’ decision‐making related to administering as needed psychotropic medications.

Implications for practice

Research is needed to understand and inform the decision‐making process in the administration of as needed psychotropic medications to hospitalized persons with dementia.
Perspectives of people with late age‐related macular degeneration on mental health and mental wellbeing programmes: a qualitative study
Authors: Dillon Lisa , Gandhi Sarthak , Tang Diana , Liew Gerald , Hackett Maree , Craig Ashley , Mitchell Paul , Keay Lisa , Gopinath Bamini
Published: January 2021

Purpose

People with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) experience high rates of depression, but rarely engage in or have access to tailored mental wellbeing programmes. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of those primarily with late AMD on mental health and mental wellbeing programmes.

Methods

Twenty‐eight people with late AMD in at least one eye, and one person with early AMD in both eyes, aged 56–87 years (mean age 78 years) attending a private eye clinic between December 2019 and January 2020 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, participated. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed deductively using content analysis, following the individual level factors for health promotion interventions in the behaviour change wheel: Capability (Physical & Psychological), Opportunity (Physical & Social), and Motivation (Reflective & Automatic).

Results

Six major themes were identified: Capability: (1) Impact of vision loss on mobility and leisure pursuits; (2) Adjustment to living with vision loss; Opportunity: (3) Program considerations for those with AMD; (4) Stigma and self‐perception of vision loss and mental health; Motivation: (5) Accumulation of vision‐related issues as a barrier to participation; (6) Examples of others living with vision loss. General personal factors relevant to delivery of a programme in this age group were also identified: Comorbidities; Limitations using technology; Isolation; Financial concerns and Beliefs that undesired effects of aging are inevitable.

Conclusions

Complex individual, environmental and social factors influence the perspectives of people with late AMD on mental health, and potential participation in mental wellbeing programmes. These factors should be considered when developing and implementing mental wellbeing programmes to improve the emotional and functional rehabilitation outcomes for people with AMD.
Impossible fictions part II: Lessons for mind, language, and epistemology
Authors: Nolan Daniel
Published: January 2021

Impossible fictions have lessons to teach us about linguistic representation, about mental content and concepts, and about uses of conceivability in epistemology. An adequate theory of impossible fictions may require theories of meaning that can distinguish between different impossibilities; a theory of conceptual truth that allows us to make useful sense of a variety of conceptual falsehoods; and a theory of our understanding of necessity and possibility that permits impossibilities to be conceived. After discussing these questions, strategies for resisting the picture of impossible fictions presented here and in Part I are discussed. Perhaps apparently impossible fictions describe possibilities after all; or perhaps impossible fictions are all trivial; or perhaps some apparently intelligible impossible fictions are unintelligible after all.
Oral health needs of athletes with intellectual disability in Southern Europe: Greece, Italy and Spain
Authors: Fernández Rojas Carla , Emmanouil Dimitris , Dellavia Claudia , Limeres Jacobo , Castro Natalia , Marks Luc A.M.
Published: January 2021

Aims

The population with intellectual disabilities (ID) has been reported to be a vulnerable population in terms of oral health. The aims of this study were to evaluate the oral condition and treatment needs of Special Olympics (SO) athletes from Greece, Italy and Spain.

Methods and results

A cross‐sectional study was performed with data collected in annual SO events held in Greece, Italy and Spain, between 2010 and 2012. The recorded parameters were the presence/absence of edentulism, untreated decay, filled or missing teeth, sealants, tooth injury and signs of gingival disease. Among the main findings, the prevalence of untreated decay was 57.0% in Greece, 48.8% in Italy and 41.7% of the Spanish athletes. The prevalence of signs of gingival disease was 61.1% in Greece, 60.6% in Italy and 66.1% in Spain. While the majority of the athletes were in need of dental treatment.

Conclusions

Oral disease is an unresolved problem among athletes with ID in these Mediterranean countries. Therefore efforts should be directed to meet their treatment needs and to prevent oral disease.
Effects of Nonresponse, Measurement, and Coverage Bias in Survey Estimates of Voting
Authors: Brenner Philip S.
Published: January 2021

Objective

The objective is to estimate the relative contributions of nonresponse, coverage, and measurement biases in survey estimates of voting.

Methods

We survey 3,000 Boston‐area households sampled from an address‐based frame matched, when possible, to telephone numbers. A two‐phase sampling design was used to follow up nonrespondents from phone interviews with personal interviews. All cases were then linked to voting records.

Results

Nonresponse, coverage, and measurement‐biased survey estimates at varying stages of the study design. Coverage error linked to missing telephone numbers biased estimates that excluded nonphone households. Overall estimates including nonphone households and nonrespondent interviews include 25 percent relative bias equally attributable to measurement and nonresponse.

Conclusion

Bias in voting measures is not limited to measurement bias. Researchers should also assess the potential for nonresponse and coverage biases.
Characterization of two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐A*25:71 and HLA‐C*07:899 in Russian individuals
Authors: Loginova Maria , Makhova Olga , Kutyavina Svetlana , Kashin Konstantin , Paramonov Igor
Published: January 2021

Two novel HLA alleles were detected using next‐generation sequencing.
Prevalence of SOEs and intergenerational income persistence: Evidence from China
Authors: Fan Haichao , Fang Zheng , Huang Bihong , Zhou Mohan
Published: January 2021

This paper evaluates the impact of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) on intergenerational income persistence in China. Using population census, we first estimate the intergenerational income elasticities (IGEs) across Chinese prefecture‐level cities. We then find that the prevalence of SOEs in a city is negatively associated with its IGE. The estimation using the geographic variation in SOEs created by the ‘156 Projects’ as an instrumental variable shows the suggestive evidence that the relationship between the prevalence of SOEs and intergenerational income persistence might be causal. Further analysis reveals that the prevalence of SOEs may hamper intergenerational mobility through (1) stifling competition from the private sector and (2) facilitating occupational inheritance within SOEs. Our research implies that reforming SOEs shall promote social mobility.
Feasibility, indications, and radiographically confirmed diagnoses of standing extremity cone beam computed tomography in the horse
Authors: Pauwels Frederik E. , Van der Vekens Elke , Christan Yan , Koch Christoph , Schweizer Daniela
Published: January 2021

Objective

To report on the feasibility, indications, and diagnostic yield of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of horses' extremities performed under standing sedation.

Study design

Retrospective clinical case series.

Sample population

Fifty‐nine CBCT examinations in 58 horses.

Methods

Examinations were categorized for indications for CBCT dependent on a suspicion, presence, or absence of a diagnosis prior to CBCT. The number of acquisitions per examination, total time for the examination, diagnostic score of each acquisition (diagnostic, diagnostic‐compromised, nondiagnostic), and additional diagnostic information regarding preexisting diagnostic information were recorded.

Results

Three (median) acquisitions were performed per examination in a median study time of 14 minutes. In 24 of 33 cases with a suspected diagnosis, this diagnosis was confirmed or definitively refuted; in seven of 33 cases, the suspected diagnosis was refuted without a new diagnosis; and, in two of 33 cases, the suspected diagnosis could not be confirmed nor could a new diagnosis be made. In five of nine cases without a preexisting diagnosis, a diagnosis was established. In 16 cases with a diagnosis prior to CBCT, additional information was recorded, or a surgical plan was prepared. In 14 of 18 cases in which additional contrast techniques were used, additional information was gained.

Conclusion

Standing CBCT of the horses' extremities is feasible and can produce diagnostic information in a timely fashion.

Clinical significance

The results provide evidence of the practicality and diagnostic potential of standing CBCT of horses' extremities.