bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of corporate taxes in the decline of the startup rate
Authors: Neira Julian , Singhania Rish
Published: January 2022

The US has experienced a joint decline in corporate tax rates and startup rates in recent decades. We study how changes in corporate taxes affect startup rates in a firm dynamics model with occupational choice. A change in profit taxes has ambiguous effects on firm selection, and therefore on the startup rate. Quantitatively, the observed fall in US corporate tax rates generates, at most, one‐fifth of the startup rate decline. Sensitivity analysis suggests that this number is best interpreted as an upper bound, indicating that corporate taxes did not play a major role in the startup rate decline.
Pain severity scores for common equine disorders as provided by horse owners and equine veterinarians
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Sanz Macarena , Kopper Jamie J. , Mattei Debora
Published: January 2022

Background

Understanding factors influencing assessment of pain in horses will facilitate communication between veterinarians and horse owners.

Objectives

To compare estimates of pain experienced by horses as provided by veterinarians and horse owners and to determine factors associated with individuals who perceive horses to be experiencing extreme pain or minimal pain.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Internet‐based questionnaires for horse owners and veterinarians included items related to recognition of pain in horses, estimated degree of pain experienced by horses, and demographic information. Variables associated with perception of a high or low degree of pain were investigated using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Final data sets included responses from 553 horse owners and 263 veterinarians. Pain scores varied widely and differences in median scores from horse owners and veterinarians were small. Horse owners providing high pain ratings were more likely to have <10 horses (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1‐3.5) and to not have a college degree (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.2). Those providing low pain ratings were less likely to own <10 horses (OR = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4‐0.9). Veterinarians providing high pain ratings were more likely to be employed in a mixed animal practice (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3‐5.9) and to lack board‐certification in a veterinary specialty (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1‐4.2). Veterinarians providing low pain ratings were more likely to be male (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3‐4.2).

Main limitations

The respondent population may be biased because of the method of questionnaire distribution and associated sampling bias. Respondents were primarily from the United States.

Conclusions

Assessments of the degree of pain horses are experiencing vary widely among horse owners and equine veterinarians.
Experimental increases in detritus boost abundances of small‐bodied fish in a sand‐affected stream
Authors: Cornell Gabriel L. , Hale Robin , Morrongiello John R. , Downes Barbara J.
Published: January 2022

Restoration projects often rely on the assumption that a local intervention will restore diminished populations, without fully understanding the constraints that limit the target species in the first place. In rivers, one common restoration technique is to place large structures, such as wood and boulders, on the bed, with the assumption that fish will subsequently arrive and use them. Nonetheless, providing large habitat structure may not overcome demographic or resource constraints on fish populations, and thus may not aid recovery. We aimed to test if resource constraints (food and cover) are limiting local densities of fishes in a degraded stream by experimentally alleviating these constraints. If the abundance of one or more species is constrained by resource availability, then local numbers of these species should increase following an increase in resources.

To test our prediction, we increased the availability of food and microhabitat complexity (cover) at sites in Hughes Creek, a degraded stream in south‐east Australia that has extensive accumulations of sand and limited in‐stream structure. At treatment sites, we hammered pairs of wooden stakes (25 cm apart) into the stream bed so that the ends of stakes protruded just above the water surface at moderate flows. Stakes effectively trapped passing sticks and leaves, which increased local detrital densities and, subsequently, invertebrate densities, hence providing food and cover for fish. Over the course of a year, we compared the changes in fish abundances at treatment sites to unmanipulated control sites.

Fish responded quickly to enhanced retention of detritus, with assemblage differences observed between treatment and control sites. We caught more river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis), Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), and mountain galaxias (Galaxias olidus) at treatment sites on some occasions, indicating that these species may be subject to resource constraints in this stream. The magnitude of observed positive fish responses was influenced by the life‐stage of individuals and local stream conditions. Importantly, treatment effects varied through time and were no longer observed after a large flood affected the study stream.

Our results show that resource constraints limit local species abundances and demonstrate a novel method of overcoming these constraints in a small, degraded stream. This is a necessary first step but future work is needed to examine whether increases in abundance are due to the provided resources increasing growth rates, survivorship, or reproduction. This work also highlights the importance of understanding species’ life histories, the broader landscape setting, and the disturbance regime when undertaking site scale restoration.
A clinical approach strategy for the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of external cervical resorption
Authors: Mavridou Athina‐Maria , Rubbers Eléonore , Schryvers Alexander , Maes Arno , Linssen Marcel , Barendregt Dick S. , Bergmans Lars , Lambrechts Paul
Published: January 2022

Aim

To propose a clinical approach strategy on the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of external cervical tooth resorption (ECR) cases. To investigate and discuss the outcome of this approach.

Methodology

A clinical approach strategy on ECR was developed based on a retrospective observation study of 542 teeth. Forty‐seven teeth were excluded due to lack of clinical/radiographical information, and 182 were immediately extracted. This approach had three steps: diagnosis, treatment planning and evaluation. During diagnosis, the medical, dental history and clinical/radiographical characteristics were evaluated. Depending on the resorption extent, ECR cases were categorized into four classes according to Heithersay's classification. During treatment planning, a treatment decision flowchart was prepared based on four main decisive criteria: probing feasibility, pain, location and extent of resorption (class), and existence of bone‐like tissue. Three treatment options were applied: (a) extraction, (b) monitoring or (c) conservative treatment by external, internal or combination of internal‐external treatments. During evaluation, assessment of ECR progression, tooth survival and other factors like aesthetics and periodontal attachment were performed. Descriptive statistical analysis of the outcome for up to 10 years (for the overall clinical approach and for each individual treatment decision), was carried out with OriginLabs OriginPro 9 and Microsoft Excel 365.

Results

A three‐step strategy was developed on how to deal with ECR cases. Indicative examples of each treatment decision were presented and discussed. The overall survival rate of this strategy was 84.6% (3 years), 70.3% (5 years), 42.7% (8 years) and 28.6% (10 years). Higher survival rate was observed for external treatment decision than for internal. The success of each treatment decision depended on the extent of the resorption (class). The success of a treatment decision should be based on the long‐term outcome, as a different evolution can be observed with time.

Conclusions

A clinical approach strategy was introduced on ECR pathosis. This strategy was not solely based on ECR class, as other important decisive criteria were considered. This step‐wise approach, has a 70.3% survival rate with a mean of 5 years. This work will hopefully provide an incentive for a broader collaboration, to potentially establish a universally accepted ECR treatment strategy.
A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study pulpitis
Authors: Richert Raphaël , Ducret Maxime , Alliot‐Licht Brigitte , Bekhouche Mourad , Gobert Stéphanie , Farges Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2022

Pulpitis is the inflammatory response of the dental pulp to a tooth insult, whether it is microbial, chemical, or physical in origin. It is traditionally referred to as reversible or irreversible, a classification for therapeutic purposes that determines the capability of the pulp to heal. Recently, new knowledge about dental pulp physiopathology led to orientate therapeutics towards more frequent preservation of pulp vitality. However, full adoption of these vital pulp therapies by dental practitioners will be achieved only following better understanding of cell and tissue mechanisms involved in pulpitis. The current narrative review aimed to discuss the contribution of the most significant experimental models developed to study pulpitis. Traditionally,in vitrotwo (2D)‐ or three (3D)‐dimensional cell cultures orin vivoanimal models were used to analyse the pulp response to pulpitis inducers at cell, tissue or organ level.In vitro, 2D cell cultures were mainly used to decipher the specific roles of key actors of pulp inflammation such as bacterial by‐products, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, odontoblasts or pulp stem cells. However, these simple models did not reproduce the 3D organisation of the pulp tissue and, with rare exceptions, did not consider interactions between resident cell types.In vitro, tissue/organ‐based models were developed to better reflect the complexity of the pulp structure. Their major disadvantage is that they did not allow the analysis of blood supply and innervation participation. On the contrary,in vivomodels have allowed researchers to identify key immune, vascular and nervous actors of pulpitis and to understand their function and interplay in the inflamed pulp. However, inflammation was mainly induced by iatrogenic dentine drilling associated with simple pulp exposure to the oral environment or stimulation by individual bacterial by‐products for short periods. Clearly, these models did not reflect the long and progressive development of dental caries. Lastly, the substantial diversity of the existing models makes experimental data extrapolation to the clinical situation complicated. Therefore, improvement in the design and standardisation of future models, for example by using novel molecular biomarkers, databased models and artificial intelligence, will be an essential step in building an incremental knowledge of pulpitis in the future.
Valued attributes of professional support for people who repeatedly self‐harm: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of first‐hand accounts
Authors: Sass Cara , Brennan Cathy , Farley Kate , Crosby Helen , Rodriguez Lopez Rocio , Romeu Daniel , Mitchell Elizabeth , House Allan , Guthrie Else
Published: January 2022

Therapeutic interventions are an important adjunct to self‐help strategies for people who self‐harm. There is little guidance for those offering therapy on the effective components of interventions for people who self‐harm. This was a systematic review aiming to identify the factors that contribute to positive experiences of therapy as described by people who have reduced or stopped self‐harm. The review followed PRISMA guidelines to locate and synthesize peer‐reviewed qualitative studies describing experiences of therapy among people who had reduced or stopped self‐harm. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were peer reviewed and conducted for at least two researchers independently. Relevant first‐hand quotations were extracted from eligible studies and synthesized using a thematic analysis in collaboration with experts with personal and professional experience of self‐harm. Twenty‐three studies met eligibility criteria. Themes identified in the reported accounts were arranged under two meta‐themes. ‘Positive aspects of seeing a professional’ identified aspects of professional care that were common to all encounters: the value of sharing, space to talk and reflect, and the boundaries inherent in contact with a professional. ‘Positive attributes of individual professionals’ depended upon individual characteristics: the ability to build reciprocal trust by being non‐judgemental, showing genuine empathic concern, and being confident to talk about and respond directly to self‐harm. Our review indicates that therapeutic alliance is perceived as key to effective professional help for self‐harm, irrespective of underlying principles of therapy. All forms of therapy should be timely and reliable and centred around the needs of the individual and their experience of self‐harm.
Melanoma susceptibility genes in paediatric melanoma and differences in children or adolescents and sporadic or familial cases
Authors: Helgadottir Hildur
Published: January 2022

Linked article: C. Pellegrini et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17735.
Skin cancer risk among testicular germ‐cell cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reiter O. , Voss V.B. , Fluss R. , Boyce L.M. , DeFazio J.L. , Halpern A.C. , Marghoob A.A.
Published: January 2022

Testicular germ‐cell tumours (TGCT) are the most common cancer among young adult men. Previous studies suggested TGCT survivors have an increased risk for skin cancer. The goal of this study was to systematically review the literature and evidence regarding skin cancer risk among TGCT survivors compared with the general population. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Databases and reference lists were included in the search. A systematic review of all comparative studies with more than 10 TGCT survivors reporting on skin cancer incidence was performed. A meta‐analysis of the Standardized Incidence Rate (SIR) was calculated by pooling study‐specific log‐transformed estimates using the random‐effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Nineteen studies that reported on 147 935 TGCT survivors were included. Pooled SIR for skin cancer and for melanoma incidence among TGCT survivors were 1.93 (95% CI 1.62–2.29, P < 0.0001) and 1.81 (95% CI 1.57–2.08, P < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, compared to the general population, TGCT survivors have an increased risk for developing skin cancer and melanoma. Additional long‐term studies that include TGCT survivors, additional risk factors and all subtypes of skin cancer are required.
Validated 5 – Point photonumeric scales for the assessment of hand atrophy
Authors: Green Jeremy B. , Pavicic Tatjana , Pooth Rainer , Prinz Valentina , Cajkovsky Mia , Hernandez Claudia A. , Mueller Daniel S. , Sattler Sonja , Klepetko Heike , Kerscher Martina , Suwanchinda Atchima , Fabi Sabrina G. , Cotofana Sebastian , Frank Konstantin , Day Doris
Published: January 2022

Objective

Quantifying the degree of dorsal hand atrophy is a challenging endeavor, but often necessary, in both the clinical and the research setting. The aim of this investigation was to create and consecutively validate a 5‐point photonumeric scale for assessment of dorsal hand atrophy.

Material and Methods

A medical team created a novel 5‐point photonumeric scale. Twelve international raters were involved in the digital validation, while five raters performed a live validation.

Results

For the digital validation of the Croma Hand Atrophy Assessment Scale, a total of 72 subjects (58 females, 14 males) with a mean age of 43.0 ± 14.4 years [18–73 years] were assessed. For the live validation, 88 subjects (73 females, 15 males) with a mean age of 45.0 ± 14.1 years [20–73 years] were rated. The results revealed almost perfect intra‐rater (ICC: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.88–0.92]) and inter‐rater agreements (ICC: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.81–0.89] and 0.86 [95% CI:0.82–0.89]) in the digital validation and substantial intra‐rater (ICC: 0.79 [95% CI: 0.75–0.82]) and inter‐rater agreements (ICC: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.68–0.81] and ICC: 0.67 [95% CI: 0.54–0.77]) in the live validation.

Conclusion

The created scale to assess dorsal hand atrophy has been shown to provide substantial‐to‐almost perfect agreement in the digital and live validation cycles and reached comparable intra‐rater and inter‐rater agreement to already published and validated scales. It is expected that the created scale will help physicians and researchers in the assessment of hand atrophy in the clinical and research setting in the future.
Development and Evaluation of a Broad spectrum Polyherbal Sunscreen formulation using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Safranal
Authors: Sanju Nanda , Vineet Mittal , Kumud Madan
Published: January 2022

Introduction

UV absorption properties of bioactive agents has led to their screening and development to provide photoprotection. Safranal is one such secondary plant metabolite obtained from Saffron (Crocus sativus) and reported to possess antioxidant and antisolar properties. The objective of this research was to design a suitable delivery system for the topical delivery of Safranal and to develop broad‐spectrum polyherbal sun protection cream with mild photoprotection.

Method

Safranal‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were formulated using probe sonication technique. The effect of variables like lipid concentration, surfactant concentration, and stirring time was studied using central composite design using Design Expert 7.0 (Stat‐Ease, Inc., USA). These SLN were combined with zinc oxide, pearl powder, Pterocarpus santalinus, a natural colorant with skin whitening effect and dispersed in a dermatological acceptable carrier with excellent skin‐nourishing properties. Other natural ingredients namely almond oil, hen egg oil, and aloe vera gel were also incorporated due to their sun protection properties.

Results

Particle size analysis of prepared SLN revealed the particles in the range of 460–980 nm (F9). Entrapment efficiency was found between 88% and 99%. SLN was further characterized by techniques like DSC, FTIR, and TEM. Evaluation of sunscreen cream by transmittance method showed good texture, excellent rheological properties, optimum pH, and stability. The developed product showed broad spectrum of sunscreen protection with SPF 9.22, UV‐A ++, and *** Boot Star Rating.

Conclusion

The significant inhibitory activity of Safranal on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) analyzed by biochemical investigation method and a higher SPF established that this bioorganic molecule is a strong photoprotective agent. Designing solid lipid nanoparticles and incorporation of other traditional ingredients in the recipe augmented its antisolar property and provided an all natural sunscreen.
Retrospective study on the factors influencing the severity of pressure injuries among intensive care unit patients
Authors: Chang Wen‐Pei , Weng Pei‐Wei
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

This study investigated the factors of pressure injuries in patients in intensive care units (ICU).

Background

Pressure injuries among patients in ICUs can be prevented by the early assessment of risk factors and taking appropriate preventative measures.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

ICU patients who suffered from pressure injuries between January 2016 and August 2018 at a hospital in Taiwan were selected. Patient medical histories and data associated with pressure injuries and medical treatment were collected from electronic medical records. A total of 256 patients were included in our analysis. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Results

A multivariate model of multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that when compared to Stage 1 pressure injuries, Stage 2–4 pressure injuries were associated with albumin levels. Patients with lower albumin levels were at greater odds of Stage 2–4 pressure injuries than Stage 1 pressure injuries. In addition, when compared to unstageable pressure injuries or deep tissue injuries, Stage 1 pressure injuries were associated with the use of fentanyl and haemoglobin levels. Patients using fentanyl were more likely to suffer from unstageable pressure injuries, and those with lower haemoglobin levels were more likely to suffer from unstageable pressure injuries or deep tissue injuries.

Conclusion

When patients were simultaneously on ventilators and taking midazolam or fentanyl, the incidence of pressure injuries with greater severity became higher. Furthermore, ICU patients with lower albumin and haemoglobin levels were more likely to suffer from pressure injuries of greater severity.

Relevance to clinical practice

For critically ill patients on ventilators, it is recommended to devise a means of assessing each patient daily as well as systematically reduce their dosage of midazolam or fentanyl. Furthermore, regularly monitoring albumin and haemoglobin levels to understand their nutritional status is necessary.
Art of connectedness: Value‐creating care for older persons provided with toileting assistance and containment strategies—A critical interpretive synthesis
Authors: Göransson Carina , Larsson Ingrid , Carlsson Ing‐Marie
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

The aim was to conduct a synthesis of the literature on value‐creating care for older persons with incontinence provided with toileting assistance and containment strategies, from the perspectives of older persons and healthcare professionals.

Background

Incontinence is a health problem for many persons worldwide and the problem will increase as the global population ages. It can have a profound impact on a person's wellbeing, and assistance with toileting and containment strategies is common in home care settings and nursing homes.

Design

The design was a literature review with an iterative, reflexive and critical approach.

Methods

A critical interpretive synthesis was conducted. Ten papers published between 2011 and 2019 were analysed. The PRISMA ‐ScR Checklist was used in this review.

Results

Based on the findings, the conceptual construct ‘The art of connectedness’ was developed, built on co‐created care, personalised care and reflective care between the older person and healthcare professionals. Co‐created care is based on establishing a relationship, building trust and respecting preferences. Personalised care consists of meeting the person's needs, promoting comfort and maintaining self‐determination. Reflective care entails showing empathy, upholding the person's dignity and developing professional competence.

Conclusions

Value‐creating care consists conceptually of a connectedness that starts with co‐creating the care together with the older person in a close relationship. Assistance is given and received based on the older person's individual needs and is highly valued by the older person as it helps them maintain self‐determination. Reflective care is of importance for healthcare professionals.

Relevance for practice

The findings are hoped to enhance healthcare professionals’ understanding of how to improve the clinical encounter in nursing when providing assistance. They may also stimulate critical reflection among healthcare professionals on how to improve assistance to meet the older person's values.
Overtime and alertness of rotating‐shift nurses: An observational study using ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Min Ari , Hong Hye Chong , Son Sungtaek , Scott Linda D.
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of overtime on alertness at work among rotating‐shift nurses in South Korea and to investigate whether these effects of overtime vary across the different types of shifts.

Background

Nurse overtime is prevalent in healthcare settings to manage nursing shortages and staffing needs; however, it negatively affects patient and nurse outcomes. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the effects of previous overtime shifts and overtime for consecutive shifts on alertness during work.

Design

A prospective observational study was employed. The study followed STROBE checklist for observational studies.

Methods

Data were collected between June 2019 and February 2020 from 82 nurses who worked in acute care hospitals. An ecological momentary assessment was used to capture real‐time data of overtime and alertness. Alertness scores were estimated using the sleep/wake data measured by an actigraph. Mixed‐effect models were employed to investigate the association between overtime and alertness.

Results

A majority of the shift nurses worked overtime. Episodes of a decline in alertness scores to the level of increased accident or serious error risk (alertness score ≤80) were most frequently seen during night shifts (98.9%), followed by day (59.8%) and evening shifts (10.1%). Previous‐day overtime hours and consecutive overtime days were associated with decreased alertness scores during work. A significantly positive correlation was observed between alertness scores ≤80 and previous‐day overtime hours and consecutive overtime days in all shifts.

Conclusions

The study findings indicate that a majority of nurses who work overtime experience decreased alertness while on duty.

Relevance to clinical practice

Policy development at the government, organisational and unit level is needed to guarantee adequate rest for shift nurses by adjusting work schedules and assignments and limiting overtime.
Black and Latinx Adolescents’ Developing Commitment to Antiracist Activism Over Four Years of High School
Authors: May Sidney , Seider Scott , El‐Amin Aaliyah , Diaz Brianna , Graves Daren
Published: January 2022

This qualitative study considered the development of a commitment to antiracist activism among Black and Latinx adolescents (n = 50) over 4 years of high school. Four waves of interviews with participating adolescents were analysed using a critical consciousness framework to consider participants’ descriptions of their developing commitment to antiracist activism and the factors contributing to this development. From these analyses emerged five different trajectories of adolescents’ developing commitment to activism that included steady growth over 4 years of high school, more sudden growth in the final years of high school, steady growth in the beginning years of high school followed by subsequent disengagement, and, finally, students whose commitments remained consistently high or low throughout high school.
Antibacterial activity of colloidal copper nanoparticles against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris) bacteria
Authors: Sharma P. , Goyal D. , Chudasama B.
Published: January 2022

Antibacterial activities of as-synthesized nanoparticles have gained attention in past few years due to rapid phylogenesis of pathogens developing multi-drug resistance (MDR). Antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on surrogate pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (MTCC no. 739) and Proteus vulgaris (MTCC no. 426) was evaluated under culture conditions. Three sets of colloidal CuNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction method with per batch yield of 0·2, 0·3 and 0·4 g. As-synthesized CuNPs possess identical plasmonic properties and have similar hydrodynamic particle sizes (11–14 nm). Antibacterial activities of CuNPs were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests, cytoplasmic leakage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. MIC and MBC tests revealed dose dependence bactericidal action. Growth curves of E. coli show faster growth inhibition along with higher cytoplasmic leakage than that of P. vulgaris. This might be because of increased membrane permeability of E. coli. CuNP–microorganism interaction induces oxidative stress generated by ROS. Leakage of cytoplasmic components, loss of membrane permeability and ROS generation are the primary causes of CuNP-induced bacterial cell death. As-synthesized CuNPs exhibiting promising antibacterial activities and could be a promising candidate for novel antibacterial agents.
The efficacy and safety of desmopressin acetate applied for nocturia in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qihua , Alshayyah Rami , Yang Bo
Published: January 2022

Background

Desmopressin acetate was recommended for nocturia in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients recently, but its effect and safety is still controversial. We aimed to establish a systematic review and meta‐analysis to confirm its effect on symptom relief and adverse effects.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and Science Direct databases from January 2000 to October 2021 for controlled trials of BPH patients comparing oral desmopressin with control groups. The mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were meta‐analyzed.

Results

Four articles with 500 patients were included. Significantly greater benefit was detected for the desmopressin group in the improvement of nocturia (P = .004), international prostate symptom score – storage (IPSS‐S) (P = .03), and quality of life (QoL) (P = .04) scores. Patients treated with desmopressin were at higher risk than the control group for short‐term adverse events (P < .001), including nausea (4.71%, P = .04), headache (20%, P < .00001), dizziness (5.88%, P = .02) and hyponatremia (4.71%, P = .04), but the long‐term incidence might decrease.

Conclusion

Desmopressin acetate can reduce nocturia frequency and improve the IPSS‐S and QoL score in BPH patients. Some adverse reactions of desmopressin, such as hyponatremia, headache, dizziness and nausea, may be mild and short‐term. No significant difference of desmopressin was found in improving the overall IPSS score and maximum urine flow.
Real‐time geographic settling of a hybrid zone between the invasive winter moth (Operophtera brumata L.) and the native Bruce spanworm (O. bruceata Hulst)
Authors: Andersen Jeremy C. , Havill Nathan P. , Boettner George H. , Chandler Jennifer L. , Caccone Adalgisa , Elkinton Joseph S.
Published: January 2022

Hybridization plays an important and underappreciated role in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of species. Following the introduction of a non‐native organism to a novel habitat, hybridization with a native congener may affect the probability of establishment of the introduced species. In most documented cases of hybridization between a native and a non‐native species, a mosaic hybrid zone is formed, with hybridization occurring heterogeneously across the landscape. In contrast, most naturally occurring hybrid zones are clinal in structure. Here, we report on a long‐term microsatellite data set that monitored hybridization between the invasive winter moth, Operophtera brumata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), and the native Bruce spanworm, O. bruceata, over a 12‐year period. Our results document one of the first examples of the real‐time formation and geographic settling of a clinal hybrid zone. In addition, by comparing one transect in Massachusetts where extreme winter cold temperatures have been hypothesized to restrict the distribution of winter moth, and one in coastal Connecticut, where winter temperatures are moderated by Long Island Sound, we found that the location of the hybrid zone appeared to be independent of environmental variables and maintained under a tension model wherein the stability of the hybrid zone was constrained by population density, reduced hybrid fitness, and low dispersal rates. Documenting the formation of a contemporary clinal hybrid zone may provide important insights into the factors that shaped other well‐established hybrid zones.
Genetic isolation by distance underlies colour pattern divergence in red‐eyed treefrogs (Agalychnis callidryas)
Authors: Clark Meaghan I. , Bradburd Gideon S. , Akopyan Maria , Vega Andres , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Robertson Jeanne M.
Published: January 2022

Investigating the spatial distribution of genetic and phenotypic variation can provide insights into the evolutionary processes that shape diversity in natural systems. We characterized patterns of genetic and phenotypic diversity to learn about drivers of colour‐pattern diversification in red‐eyed treefrogs (Agalychnis callidryas) in Costa Rica. Along the Pacific coast, red‐eyed treefrogs have conspicuous leg colour patterning that transitions from orange in the north to purple in the south. We measured phenotypic variation of frogs, with increased sampling at sites where the orange‐to‐purple transition occurs. At the transition zone, we discovered the co‐occurrence of multiple colour‐pattern morphs. To explore possible causes of this variation, we generated a single nucleotide polymorphism data set to analyse population genetic structure, measure genetic diversity and infer the processes that mediate genotype–phenotype dynamics. We investigated how patterns of genetic relatedness correspond to individual measures of colour pattern along the coast, including testing for the role of hybridization in geographic regions where orange and purple phenotypic groups co‐occur. We found no evidence that colour‐pattern polymorphism in the transition zone arose through recent hybridization. Instead, a strong pattern of genetic isolation by distance indicates that colour‐pattern variation was either retained through other processes such as ancestral colour polymorphisms or ancient secondary contact, or else it was generated by novel mutations. We found that phenotype changes along the Pacific coast more than would be expected based on genetic divergence and geographic distance alone. Combined, our results suggest the possibility of selective pressures acting on colour pattern at a small geographic scale.
Accommodating Ambiguity Within Aquinas’ Philosophy Of Truth
Authors: Nancekievill Catherine
Published: January 2022

To what extent can Aquinas' philosophy of truth accommodate ambiguity? If an ambiguous object is that which exhibits multiple conflicting meanings, and truth, as ‘the conformity of thing and intellect', has its source and purpose in the divine, does the ambiguous lead us away from God? If so, how do we square this with the experience of the ambiguous, such as in art, that appears to draw us towards the divine? The paper explores this aporia by an analysis of the first two questions of De Veritate in conversation with Feser's Scholastic Metaphysics and Pickstock's Truth in Aquinas. Drawing on these three sources, truth is posited as a translation of being. However, it becomes clear that any translation is imperfect, given the difference between the medium of the existence of the thing and the medium of truth in the intellect. Hence, multiple, sometimes contradictory, propositions are needed in order to express the being of the thing. Moreover, it is shown how the ambiguous can prompt recursive returning to the singular, drawing us beyond merely identifying ‘what' a thing is, and beyond propositions, to share in the divine actualization of existence.
Impaired neuromuscular transmission in facial muscles of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A single‐fiber electromyography study
Authors: Watanabe Keisuke , Shibuya Kazumoto , Misawa Sonoko , Nagashima Kengo , Suzuki Yo‐ichi , Suichi Tomoki , Kojima Yuta , Nakamura Keigo , Kano Hiroki , Prado Mario , Uzawa Akiyuki , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: January 2022

Background

Decremental responses in repetitive nerve stimulation studies have been reported in the limb muscles of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Aim

To reveal the function of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the frontalis muscle, which is less affected in ALS.

Methods

We performed axonal‐stimulated single‐fiber EMG studies in the frontalis muscles in 27 patients with ALS, 32 with myasthenia gravis (MG), and 12 healthy controls were performed.

Results

The mean value of mean consecutive difference (MCD) in ALS was greater than controls (P < .05), but smaller than MG (P < .01) [ALS; 26.5, MG;47.7, control;16.4 (µs)]. The percentage of endplates with increased jitter (MCD >51μs) in ALS was also greater than controls (P < .001) but smaller than MG (P < .001) [ALS; 7.7, MG; 29.4, control; 0.8 (%)]. In ALS, the mean MCD was negatively correlated with the bulbar subset of ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS‐R) (r = −0.67, P < .01). No axonal blocking was observed in all cohorts. In the facial muscles that are relatively preserved in ALS, jitter in single‐fiber EMG was significantly increased, possibly caused by dysfunction of the presynaptic NMJ and motor nerve terminals.

Conclusions

Assessment of neuromuscular transmission could provide a new insight into the pathophysiology of motor nerve terminal dysfunction in ALS.
Exogenous progesterone short‐termly affects the periodontal environment in perimenopausal women
Authors: Man Ying , Sun Lu , Qin Jianyong , Zhang Xinyue , Yan Shengjie , Niu Feifei
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous progesterone in the periodontal environment of perimenopausal women.

Methods

Either with or without periodontitis, 100 perimenopausal women received 3 months of progesterone treatment, as well as age‐matched 100 perimenopausal and 100 postmenopausal women without treatments were enrolled (N = 50). The gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and tooth mobility (TM), as well the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were analyzed.

Results

Periodontitis showed higher GI, PD, and CAL than non‐periodontitis at perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods. In women without periodontitis, the GI and PD, and the GCF levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were increased by 3 months of progesterone treatment, but recovered from the 6th month in the absence of progesterone. In women with periodontitis, only the PD was short‐termly increased by progesterone treatment. For those without progesterone treatment, the GI, PD, and TM were not significantly different between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women either with periodontitis or not.

Conclusions

Exogenous progesterone short‐termly exacerbated the inflammation and PD in perimenopausal women without periodontitis, and the PD in those with periodontitis.
Imagination as a process
Authors: Wiltsher Nick
Published: January 2022

According to recent orthodoxy, imagination is best characterised in terms of distinctive imaginative states. But this view is ill‐suited to characterisation of the full range of imaginative activities—creation, fantasy, conceiving, and so on. It would be better to characterise imagination in terms of a distinctive imaginative process, with the various imaginative activities as more determinate implementations of the determinable process.
Joint optimization of mission abort and protective device selection policies for multistate systems
Authors: Zhao Xian , Chai Xiaofei , Sun Jinglei , Qiu Qingan
Published: January 2022

For safety‐critical systems such as aircrafts and submarines, mission abort is commonly deployed to enhance system survivability at the cost of reducing mission success probability. In addition to mission abort, protective device can also mitigate the failure risk of safety‐critical systems by reducing the magnitude of external shocks. Considering the effect of protective device on system failure behavior, this article proposes a condition‐based mission abort policy where a mission is terminated and rescue procedure starts immediately if the state of system is worse than a control limit. Based on the developed mission abort policy, mission reliability and system survivability are evaluated to analyze the risk of mission failure and system failure. The optimal mission abort threshold balancing the tradeoff between mission reliability and system survivability is investigated. Furthermore, the joint optimization of mission abort and protective device selection policies is explored by simultaneously optimizing the defensive factor and abort threshold. A numerical example on a hydraulic system is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed policies.
Depth‐dependent hydration dynamics in human skin: Vehicle‐controlled efficacy assessment of a functional 10% urea plus NMF moisturizer by near‐infrared confocal spectroscopic imaging (KOSIM IR) and capacitance method complemented by volunteer perception
Authors: Gallinger Julia , Kuhn Andreas , Wessel Sonja , Behm Peter , Heinecke Silke , Filbry Alexander , Hillemann Linus , Rippke Frank
Published: January 2022

Background

Stratum corneum (SC) hydration is vital for the optimal maintenance and appearance of healthy skin. In this context, we evaluated the efficacy of an NMF‐enriched moisturizer containing 10% urea on different aspects of SC hydration of dry skin.

Material and Methods

In two clinical studies, the hydration efficacy of the moisturizer in comparison to its vehicle was investigated. In the first study, 42 subjects applied the moisturizer and the vehicle to one lower leg each. Thirty minutes and 24 h after this single treatment, SC hydration was measured by corneometry. Volunteers also rated skin moisturization and evaluated product properties. In the second study, 27 subjects each treated one forearm twice daily for 2 weeks with the moisturizer and the vehicle. Then, depth‐resolved water‐absorption spectra were measured by near‐infrared confocal spectroscopic imaging (KOSIM IR).

Results

The moisturizer exerted a superior hydrating effect compared to the vehicle. KOSIM IR measurements show that, compared to the vehicle, the moisturizer significantly improved the water gradient in the SC from the surface to a depth of 15 μm. Moreover, the moisturizer received high acceptance ratings from the volunteers and was preferred to the vehicle.

Conclusion

The humectants applied in the investigated moisturizer improved SC water content in total and as a function of depth. The combination of depth‐resolved data (KOSIM IR) with classical corneometry provides an integrated concept in the measurement of skin hydration, rendering both methods complementary. These findings were in line with the volunteers` self‐assessments of the moisturizer properties that are relevant to treatment adherence.
Differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma by high‐resolution ultrasound elastography
Authors: Han Xiaohua , Li Jiyou , Zeng Fuqiang , Liu Hongmei , He Yanni
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the value of high‐resolution ultrasonic quantitative parameters of shear wave elastography (SWE) in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A total of 86 cases of BCC were enrolled as the case group, and 38 other similar skin pigmented lesions were randomly selected as the control group. Using pathological results as the gold standard, the diagnostic test method was used to evaluate the ability of high‐frequency ultrasonic elastography to diagnose BCC, and the 2D ultrasonographic features, blood flow image characteristics, and SWE of BCC were summarized.
Identification and distribution of pathogens coinfecting with Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus in humans, livestock and wildlife
Authors: Middlebrook Earl A. , Romero Alicia T. , Bett Bernard , Nthiwa Daniel , Oyola Samuel O. , Fair Jeanne M. , Bartlow Andrew W.
Published: January 2022

Zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosis, Q fever and Rift Valley fever (RVF) caused by Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and RVF virus, respectively, can have devastating effects on human, livestock, and wildlife health and cause economic hardship due to morbidity and mortality in livestock. Coinfection with multiple pathogens can lead to more severe disease outcomes and altered transmission dynamics. These three pathogens can alter host immune responses likely leading to increased morbidity, mortality and pathogen transmission during coinfection. Developing countries, such as those commonly afflicted by outbreaks of brucellosis, Q fever and RVF, have high disease burden and thus common coinfections. A literature survey provided information on case reports and studies investigating coinfections involving the three focal diseases. Fifty five studies were collected demonstrating coinfections of Brucella spp., C. burnetii or RVFV with 50 different pathogens, of which 64% were zoonotic. While the literature search criteria involved ‘coinfection’, only 24/55 studies showed coinfections with direct pathogen detection methods (microbiology, PCR and antigen test), while the rest only reported detection of antibodies against multiple pathogens, which only indicate a history of co‐exposure, not concurrent infection. These studies lack the ability to test whether coinfection leads to changes in morbidity, mortality or transmission dynamics. We describe considerations and methods for identifying ongoing coinfections to address this critical blind spot in disease risk management.
Hard gluon evolution in warming medium
Authors: Ben F. G. , Machado M. V. T.
Published: January 2022

We describe the energy distribution of hard gluons travelling through a dense quark–gluon plasma whose temperature increases linearly with time, within a probabilistic perturbative approach. The results were applied to the thermalization problem in heavy ion collisions. In the weak coupling picture this thermalization occurs from “the bottom up”: high energy partons, formed early in the collision, radiate low energy gluons which then proceed to equilibrate among themselves, forming a thermal bath that brings the high energy sector to equilibrium. We see that, in this scenario, the dynamic we describe must set in around $$t \sim 0.5$$

t
∼
0.5

fm/c after the collision in order to reach a fully thermalized state at $$t \sim 1$$

t
∼
1

fm/c. We then look at the entropy density and average temperature of the soft thermal bath, as the system approaches (local) thermal equilibrium.
Design and Evaluation of Accessible Collaborative Writing Techniques for People with Vision Impairments
Authors: Das Maitraye , Piper Anne Marie , Gergle Darren
Published: January 2022

Collaborative writing tools have been used widely in professional and academic organizations for many years. Yet, there has not been much work to improve screen reader access in mainstream collaborative writing tools. This severely affects the way people with vision impairments collaborate in ability-diverse teams. As a step toward addressing this issue, the present article aims at improving screen reader representation of collaborative features such as comments and track changes (i.e., suggested edits). Building on our formative interviews with 20 academics and professionals with vision impairments, we developed auditory representations that indicate comments and edits using non-speech audio (e.g., earcons, tone overlay), multiple text-to-speech voices, and contextual presentation techniques. We then performed a systematic evaluation study with 48 screen reader users that indicated that non-speech audio, changing voices, and contextual presentation can potentially improve writers’ collaboration awareness. We discuss implications of these results for the design of accessible collaborative systems.