bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled clinical study comparing two types of two‐piece dental implants supporting fixed restorations—Results at 8 years of loading
Authors: Walter Prisca , Pirc Miha , Ioannidis Alexis , Hüsler Jürg , Jung Ronald E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To assess clinical, technical, biological, and radiographic outcomes of implants supporting fixed restorations using two types of dental implants with non‐matching implant–abutment junctions at 8 years.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐four patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two implant systems (S1 or S2) and eventually fixed restorations. Patients were examined at loading (TL), one (T1), three (T3), five (T5), and eight years (T8). Outcome measures included implant and restoration survival, technical and biological complications, and radiographic bone levels. All data were analyzed on the implant and patient level.

Results

Ninety‐eight implants were inserted in 64 patients and loaded with fixed restorations. At 8 years, 49 patients with 42 (S1) and 36 (S2) implants (25 in group S1 and 24 in group S2 on the patient level) were re‐examined. The survival rates on the patient level were 97.6% (S1) and 97.2% (S2). The marginal bone levels (the primary endpoint) amounted to a gain of 0.21 mm (Q1: −0.11 mm; Q3: 0.5 mm) (S1) (p = .007) and to a loss of 0.24 mm (Q1: −0.79 mm; Q3: 0.05 mm) (S2) (p = .001) between baseline (TL) and T8 (intergroup p < .001). The technical complication rates were 28% (S1) and 12.5% (S2) (intergroup p = .289). Peri‐implant mucositis was observed in 24% (S1) and 50% (S2) of the implants on the patient level (intergroup p = .792). The respective figures for peri‐implantitis were 0% (S1) and 12.5% (S2) (intergroup p = .11).

Conclusions

Dental implants with non‐matching implant–abutment junctions supporting fixed restorations resulted in high survival rates independent of the system used. Differences, mainly observed in terms of technical complications (in favor of S2), biological complications (in favor of S1), and marginal bone‐level changes (in favor of group S1), appear to be clinically negligible.
Yield of chest computed tomography angiogram in cystic fibrosis patients with suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Mahan Kathleen Suzanne , Ahmad Hamna , Keenan Andrew George , Prekker Matthew Erren , Kempainen Robert Ralph
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) may be at increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE overlap substantially with those of CF respiratory exacerbations. CF patients commonly undergo chest computed tomography (CT) angiograms (CTPA) to evaluate for PE, but little is known about the clinical presentation and diagnosis of PE in this population.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to determine the diagnostic yield of CTPA for PE in adult patients with CF and assess the utility of the Revised Geneva Score (RGS) in this population.

Methods

Retrospective review of all CTPA results was performed on CF patients with suspected PE at a large CF center from 1 January 2011 through 31 March 2017. Patient demographics, medical history, and presenting signs and symptoms were abstracted by chart review.

Results

A total of 103 unique CTPA studies were performed in 68 patients. Most were hospitalized at the time of CTPA, predominantly for respiratory manifestations of CF. CTPA identified four patients with PE. The small number of positive studies precluded analysis of predictors of PE. Fewer PE were diagnosed than predicted by the Revised Geneva Score, which was intermediate probability in 77/103 (75%) patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of PE in CF patients undergoing CTPA for suspected PE was 4%, which is lower than predicted by the Revised Geneva Score. This may be due to a large overlap in the signs and symptoms of PE and exacerbations of CF lung disease.
1014. HELICHRYSUM BELLUM
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Hashi Mayumi , Brown Andrew
Published: January 2022

Helichrysum bellum Hilliard (Compositae: Inuleae: Gnaphaliinae) is described and illustrated. The genus Helichrysum, and its position in the family, is discussed, along with the placement of Hilliard's Group 28 species in relation to recent phylogenetic studies, and compared with Moeser's original placement in his early revision. The richness of the Drakensburg Alpine Centre is commented on, especially in relation to some of the species closely related to H. bellum. Cultivation, propagation and availability notes are also provided for this distinctive species. The species is considered Least Concern in previous conservation assessments.
ZT‐01: A novel somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist for restoring the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Farhat Rawad , Aiken Julian , D'Souza Ninoschka C. , Appadurai Daniel , Hull Grayson , Simonson Eric , Liggins Richard T. , Riddell Michael C. , Chan Owen
Published: January 2022

Aim

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a novel somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist, ZT‐01, to stimulate glucagon release in rats with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

The pharmacokinetics of ZT‐01 and PRL‐2903 were assessed following intraperitoneal or subcutaneous dosing at 10 mg/kg. We compared the efficacy of ZT‐01 with PRL‐2903 to prevent hypoglycaemia during an insulin bolus challenge and under hypoglycaemic clamp conditions.

Results

Within 1 hour after intraperitoneal administration, ZT‐01 achieved more than 10‐fold higher plasma Cmax compared with PRL‐2903. Twenty‐four hour exposure was 4.7× and 11.3× higher with ZT‐01 by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes, respectively. The median time to reach hypoglycaemia of more than 3.0 mmol/L was 60, 70, and 125 minutes following vehicle, PRL‐2903, or ZT‐01 administration, respectively. Furthermore, rats receiving ZT‐01 had significantly higher glucose nadirs following insulin administration compared with PRL‐2903– and vehicle–treated rats. During the hypoglycaemic clamp, ZT‐01 increased peak glucagon responses by ~4‐fold over PRL‐2903.

Conclusions

We conclude that ZT‐01 may be effective in restoring glucagon responses and preventing the onset of hypoglycaemia in patients with T1D.
Developmental niche construction in necrophagous larval societies: Feeding facilitation can offset the costs of low ambient temperature
Authors: Aubernon Cindy , Fouche Quentin , Charabidze Damien
Published: January 2022

This study explored the trade‐offs between thermal regulation and aggregation, two key factors impacting blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae development.

Recent works have demonstrated that necrophagous maggots engage in developmental niche construction, which provides adaptive benefits. First, each species has a preferential temperature, at which larvae grow fast and efficiently. Second, larvae are attracted by each other and aggregate in large maggot masses. These groups modify the local environment and facilitate the exodigestion process (niche construction by perturbation). However, aggregation and relocation towards thermal preferendum are not always compatible under field conditions, forcing larvae to make choices.

To test the developmental consequences of such trade‐offs, 40 or 80 Lucilia sericata larvae were placed on a thermal gradient (from 22 to 48°C) with or without a captive aggregate of 40 larvae located at 22°C, and their development speed, size and survival were measured.

A previous study showed that in such situation the free larvae alone relocated at 33°C, while in the presence of captive larvae they gathered with the captive group at 22°C. In the present developmental study, we observed that such 22°C aggregated larvae actually grew as fast as if they were at 33°C.

This result shows that niche construction, here resulting from larval gregarism and feeding facilitation, can compensate for the physiological costs of low ambient temperature. This finding confirms that aggregation of necrophagous Diptera larvae is an efficient adaptation to the carrion environmental constraints and highlights the adaptive value of developmental niche construction.
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 regulates growth cone filopodia and axon dispersion in the optic tract of Xenopus laevis tadpoles
Authors: Elul Tamira , Lim John , Hanton Kenneth , Lui Austin , Jones Kenton , Chen George , Chong Celeste , Dao Sophia , Rawat Radhika
Published: January 2022

Previous studies show that the main cannabinoid receptor in the brain—cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R)—is required for establishment of axonal projections in developing neurons but questions remain regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms, especially in neurons developing in their native environment. We assessed the effects of CB1R signalling on growth cone filopodia and axonal projections of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in whole mount brains from Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Our results indicate that growth cones of RGC axons in brains from tadpoles exposed to a CB1R agonist had fewer filopodial protrusions, whereas growth cones from tadpoles exposed to a CB1R inverse agonist had more filopodia than growth cones of RGC axons in whole brains from control tadpoles. However, application of both the CB1R agonist and inverse agonist resulted in RGC axons that were overly dispersed and undulatory in the optic tract in situ. In addition, expression of a mutant for cadherin adhesive factor, β‐catenin, that disrupts its binding to α‐catenin, and application of an inhibitor for actin regulator non‐muscle Myosin II, phenocopied the effects of the CB1R agonist and inverse agonist on growth cone filopodia, respectively. These findings suggest that both destablization and stabilization of growth cone filopodia are required for RGC axonal fasciculation/defasciculation in the optic tract and that CB1R regulates growth cone filopodia and axon dispersion of RGCs by oppositely modulating β‐catenin adhesive and Myosin II actin regulatory functions. This study extends and confirms our understanding of cannabinoid mechanisms in sculpting developing neuronal circuits in vivo.
‘We have goals but [it is difficult]’. Barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence among women using alcohol and other drugs living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Ndirangu Jacqueline W. , Gichane Margaret W. , Browne Felicia A. , Bonner Courtney P. , Zule William A. , Cox Erin N. , Smith Kevin M. , Carney Tara , Wechsberg Wendee M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Women living with HIV who misuse alcohol and live in economically disadvantaged settings in South Africa experience a multitude of contextual barriers as they navigate the HIV care continuum. The Women's Health CoOp (WHC), a brief, woman‐focused, behavioural, evidence‐based intervention, has been shown to be effective in reducing heavy drinking and improving HIV‐related outcomes among this key population. However, these women face other broader socioecological barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Methods

The WHC was implemented in a modified, stepped‐wedge implementation science trial in public health clinics and substance use treatment programmes in Cape Town, South Africa. A qualitative substudy was conducted to explore barriers to HIV treatment adherence among women enrolled in this trial. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with 69 participants 6 months after completion of the WHC workshops. Focus groups were audio‐recorded (with consent), transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 33 years and the mean self‐reported number of drinks per day was 13. The main contextual factors influencing participants’ ART adherence were intrapersonal‐level factors (substance use, financial constraints, food insecurity; community‐level factors (anticipated and enacted stigma, community violence) and institutional‐level factors (patient–provider relationships, health facility barriers, environmental stigma).

Conclusion

Comprehensive interventions addressing the contextual barriers and unique challenges faced by women who misuse alcohol in low‐resource settings that intersect with HIV treatment nonadherence should be implemented in tandem with successful biobehavioural HIV interventions for long‐term effectiveness and sustainability.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our South African community collaborative board has been involved throughout this study; participants and clinic staff voices have been essential in our interpretation of these findings.
REGULATING INSURANCE MARKETS: MULTIPLE CONTRACTING AND ADVERSE SELECTION
Authors: Attar Andrea , Mariotti Thomas , Salanié François
Published: January 2022

This article studies an insurance market on which privately informed consumers can simultaneously trade with several firms operating under a regulation that prohibits cross‐subsidies between contracts. The regulated game supports a single equilibrium allocation in which each layer of coverage is fairly priced given the consumer types who purchase it. This competitive allocation cannot be Pareto‐improved by a social planner who observes neither consumers' types nor their trades with firms. Public intervention under multiple contracting and adverse selection should thus arguably target firms' pricing strategies, leaving consumers free to choose their preferred amount of coverage.
Wasted bread flour as a novel ingredient in cake making
Authors: Guerra‐Oliveira Priscila , Belorio Mayara , Gómez Manuel
Published: January 2022

Bread is one of the most wasted products in both industry and retail. This study analysed the use of bread flour of various particle sizes (1000 μm, 500 μm and 200 μm) in different percentages for sponge formulations (10% and 20%) and layer cakes (10%, 20% and 30%). Viscosity, microstructure and density of batters, as well as specific volume, texture and colour of cakes were evaluated. The inclusion of bread flour change batter microstructure. Viscosity does not affect the sponge batters but it tends to increase in the layers, mostly in the case of finer flours. The specific volume is reduced in sponge cakes while hardness is generally increased, even with the lowest percentages of bread flour. In layers, this reduction in volume is only visible at the highest doses of flours below 500 microns with no changes in hardness.
Improved aqueous solubility, bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of quercetin following pH‐driven encapsulation in whey protein isolate
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhong Qixin , Chen Zhengxing
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to increase the water solubility and potential bioavailability of quercetin by encapsulation in whey protein isolate (WPI) based on a green, efficient pH‐driven method. According to the results, the water solubility of quercetin increased by 346.9: times after loading into WPI nanoparticles. When the initial quercetin concentration was 0.25 mg mL−1 and WPI was 2% w/v, the encapsulation efficiency reached 94.1%, the Z‐average diameter was 36.63 nm, and the zeta potential was −36.4 mV at pH 7.0. The fluorescence spectroscopy assay suggested the molecular complexation of quercetin and WPI at pH 12.0. X‐ray diffraction assay indicated the enclosure of amorphous quercetin in WPI. Correspondingly, the bioaccessibility increased from 2.76% to 31.23% and the Caco‐2 cell monolayer uptake increased from 0% to 2.12% after nanoencapsulation. This work confirmed that the pH‐driven method is an effective approach to prepare WPI–quercetin nanocapsules to improve physical and potentially biological properties of quercetin.
Significance of WT1 and multiparameter flow cytometry assessment in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pan Xinan , Gao Mengge , Sun Yuqian , Zhou Yang , Wang Ke , Wang Yu , Xu Lanping , Zhang Xiaohui , Huang Xiaojun , Zhao Xiao‐Su
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring through Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene expression and multicolor flow cytometry (FCM) in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT).

Methods

For this purpose, WT1 gene expression and the CMML‐related abnormal immunophenotype were examined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and FCM, respectively.

Results

In total, 59 patients with CMML who underwent allo‐HSCT were enrolled in this study. Thirteen cases (22.0%) developed hematological relapse, and 15 patients (25.4%) expired during the follow‐up period. Thirty‐four patients (37.6%) were positive for WT1 (WT1+), and 44 patients (74.6%) were positive for FCM prior to allo‐HSCT. After allo‐HSCT, there were 21 WT1+ patients (35.6%) and 10 patients (16.9%) who were positive in FCM (FCM+). Post‐transplant WT1+ (post‐WT1 0.6+; 50.7% vs. 7.6%, p < .001) and post‐transplant FCM+ (post‐FCM+; 90.0% vs. 8.8%, p < .001) indicated a higher 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) compared with the WT1− or FCM−patients. Multivariate analysis of event‐free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and CIR showed that the FCM status after transplantation was an independent prognostic factor for relapse (p < .05).

Conclusion

Both FCM and WT1 after HSCT were identified as important predictors of recurrence of CMML following transplantation and may be useful in guiding interventions against disease relapse.
Comparative analysis of three serum‐free light‐chain detection systems in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhu Guoqing , Fu Xue , Ren Yansong , Wang Yansheng , Wang Shoulei , An Gang
Published: January 2022

Objective

To observe the comparability of serum‐free light chain (sFLC) detected by Beckman, Siemens, and Binding Site.

Methods

In this study, 110 patients who were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology from November 2019 to August 2020. According to the instructions of equipment and reagent manufacturers, three detection systems (Binding Site, Beckman, and Siemens) were used to detect the serum‐free light chain of selected analysis samples. Meanwhile, sFLC test results of the three instruments were compared. According to EP9‐A3 guide, correlation and consistency were conducted by Bland‐Altman and Passing‐Bablok regression.

Results

The free kappa light‐chain serum samples and the free lambda light‐chain samples were quantitatively analyzed by the three systems. Binding Site, Beckman, and Siemens free light‐chain detection results were as follows: FLC‐κ: 42.23 (3.73, 423), 34.55 (6.5, 194), 39.85 (3.73, 423); FLC‐λ: 31.46 (1.39, 8180.42), 32 (4.3, 275), 37.65 (2.28, 526); rFLC (FLC‐κ/FLC‐λ): 1.21 (0, 131.28), 0.96 (0.02, 43.49), 1.04 (0.04, 40.29). The Kappa valuation of FLC‐κ between Beckman and Binding Site is 0.97, Kappa valuation of FLC‐λ between Beckman and Binding Site is 0.96, Kappa valuation of rFLC between Beckman and Binding Site is 0.97. The Kappa valuation of FLC‐κ between Siemens and Binding Site is 0.96, Kappa valuation of FLC‐λ between Siemens and Binding Site is 0.88, Kappa valuation of rFLC between Siemens and Binding Site is 0.94.

Conclusion

All of the three systems can meet the needs of diagnosis and treatment in clinical application. These analyses showed a very good concordance between Beckman, Siemens, and Binding Site.
The Principle of Perfection in Thirteenth‐Century Accounts of Christ’s Human Knowledge
Authors: Lim Joshua H.
Published: January 2022

Thomas Aquinas’s account of Christ’s threefold human knowledge (beatific, infused and acquired) has been criticized by Jean Galot as relying on an a priori philosophical principle of perfection rather than on the account of Christ's humanity as found in the Gospel narratives. As a result, Aquinas’s portrait of Christ appears foreign both to the Gospels and to common human experience. This article examines Galot’s critique, which has, in varying degrees, been adopted both by Aquinas’s detractors and defenders. Through an examination of thirteenth‐century accounts of perfection (primarily that of the Summa Halensis and Albert the Great), I show that Aquinas’s use of the principle of perfection in the Summa theologiae is fundamentally grounded in his reading of Scripture and is justified squarely on the basis of the redemptive economy. Specifically, I show how Aquinas roots the exigency of Christ’s perfection in the various human modes of knowing explicitly in an account of his soteriological mission, insofar as his humanity is the instrument of redemption.
Chitinolytic digestibility of cross‐linked chitosan gels by an enzyme complex from Streptomyces kurssanovii
Authors: Tikhonov VE , Yamskov IA , Varlamov VP , Ilyina AV , Davankov VA
Published: January 2022

The action of a microbial chitinolytic enzyme complex from Streptomyces kurssanovii on chitosan gels with various degrees of cross‐linking and on the O‐derivatives of the gels was examined. The rate of digestion of the gels was shown to depend on the degree of cross‐linking as well as on the size of the O‐substituent, decreasing greatly with a rise in substitution.
Phase pure rhombohedral R3¯m$R\bar{3}m$ AgCoO2 delafossite: Rietveld, selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, and magnetic studies
Authors: A. Nancy Anna Anasthasiya , S. Murugesan , E. Prabhu , N. Sivaraman , K.I. Gnanasekar
Published: January 2022

A p‐type rhombohedral AgCoO2 (S.G. ) reported to form only at pressures greater than 300 MPa at 773 K, is stabilized in pure phase at 0.2 MPa oxygen pressure. Analysis of powder X‐ray diffraction pattern by Rietveld and selected area electron diffraction patterns confirms the purity of rhombohedral phase. Core‐shell X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy studies show that Ag ions are in +1 oxidation state with Co ions largely in +3 state. AgCoO2 is paramagnetic undergoing super‐paramagnetic transition at 44 K. The magnetic moment of Co is 0.001 μB which corresponds to low spin (LS) Co3+ along with a small fraction of LS Co4+ ions.
A methodological review on the characterization of microalgal biofilm and its extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: Cheah Yi Tong , Chan Derek Juinn Chieh
Published: January 2022

Biofilm secreted by microalgae are extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) composed mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. These EPSs immobilize the cells and stabilize biofilm, mediating adhesion towards solid surfaces. The EPSs valorization through industrial exploitations and scientific works is becoming more popular, but the bottleneck of such studies is the lack of consensus among researchers on the selection of detection techniques to be used, especially for novice researchers. It is a daunting task for any inexperienced researcher when they fail to identify the right tools needed for microalgal biofilm studies. In this review, a well-refined analysis protocol about microalgal biofilm and EPSs were prepared including its extraction and characterization. Pros and cons of various detection techniques were addressed and cutting-edge methods to study biofilm EPSs were highlighted. Future perspectives were also presented at the end of this review to bridge research gaps in studying biofilm adhesion via EPSs production. Ultimately, this review aims to assist novice researchers in making the right choices in their research studies on microalgal biofilms in accordance to the available technologies and needs.
The Addition of Traditional Birth Attendant Care to a Home‐Based Skilled Nursing Program in Rural Guatemala: A Secondary Analysis from a Quality Improvement Database
Authors: Nacht Amy , Rivera Claudia , Montes Saskia Bunge , Zambrano Andrea Jimenez , Lamb Molly M. , Bolanos Antonio , Asturias Edwin , Berman Stephen , Heinrichs Gretchen , Harrison Margo S
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The use of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in low‐ and middle‐income countries remains controversial. The aim of this secondary analysis was to observe factors associated with visiting a TBA in addition to a skilled nurse for antepartum care and how this additional care was associated with birth characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

The study included a convenience sample of women living in Southwestern Guatemala enrolled in a community nursing program between October 1, 2018, and December 3, 2019. This analysis describes the sociodemographic characteristics, antepartum care, birth outcomes, and postpartum behaviors of women who received antepartum care with skilled nurses only compared with women who received antepartum care with skilled nurses and a TBA.

Results

Of the 316 enrollees, 259 had given birth and completed their postpartum visit at the time of analysis. Three women were excluded because of missing data. The majority of women in the study sample reported visiting a TBA over the course of their pregnancies (80.9%). Women who saw a TBA in addition to the nurse were similar to the comparator sample except that they were almost 3 times more likely to have 8 or more prenatal contacts with the nurse. In separate multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for number of prenatal visits, women who saw a TBA in addition to nurses had a reduced likelihood of cesarean birth, increased likelihood of birth with a TBA, and increased likelihood of breastfeeding within one hour of birth compared with women who only received antenatal care from nurses. Patient‐reported adverse outcomes were not included in the analysis because of low prevalence and concern about data quality and missing data.

Discussion

Among a convenience sample of women in the Trifinio community in rural Guatemala, a large proportion of women continued to seek the care of a TBA in pregnancy while using a skilled nursing program for antenatal care. Intentionally integrating the TBA into the maternity care workforce may be beneficial for improving pregnancy care quality measures.
Effect of light intensity on growth performance and bone development of tibia in broilers
Authors: Wu Yujun , Zhou Xiumin , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Wenyu , Yang Ying
Published: January 2022

Light management affects the health outcomes and growth performance of broiler chickens. However, the effects of different light intensities on growth performance and its association with tibia development of broilers remain unclear. In the present study, 462 Ross male broilers were divided into seven treatment groups with 6 replicates (11 birds per replicate), and then were subjected to different light intensity levels (0.5, 2, 5, 7, 9, 13 or 19 Lx) for 42 days. The results demonstrated that broilers under lower light intensity (2, 5Lx) obtained higher body weight (p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Lower light intensity exposure had no effects on the length, width, weight, breaking strength and the mineral density of the tibia (p > 0.05), but led to increased ash content and phosphorus during the starter phase (p < 0.05). Also, plasma levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and alkaline phosphatase were increased in response to lower light intensity conditions (p < 0.05), but decreased under higher light intensity (p < 0.05), indicating dynamic mineral metabolic and depositional activity to light intensity. In addition, broilers exposed to lower intensity (0.5 Lx, 2 Lx and 5 Lx) during the starter phase had decreased hypertrophic chondrocytes (p < 0.05), but did not affect resting zone chondrocytes and proliferative chondrocytes of the growth plate (p > 0.05). In contrast, the light intensity did not affect the growth performance and the development of the tibia of broilers during the finishing phase. In summary, we demonstrated that lower light intensity promoted the growth performance and the bone development of broilers. Application of lower light intensity at the starter phase might be a management strategy for broiler industries.
No perfect sleep! A systematic review of the link between multidimensional perfectionism and sleep disturbance
Authors: Stricker Johannes , Kröger Lasse , Küskens Anna , Gieselmann Annika , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: January 2022

The view that perfectionists are prone to experiencing sleep disturbance is widely held. Yet, almost three decades of empirical research have yielded conflicting results. Whereas some researchers viewed perfectionism as a risk factor for sleep disturbance, others spoke of “adaptive” or “positive” forms of perfectionism in the context of sleep. The multidimensional conceptualisation of perfectionism may resolve this disagreement. Thus, this systematic review aimed to clarify the perfectionism‒sleep disturbance link using the widely accepted two‐dimensional perfectionism model, differentiating perfectionistic concerns (defined by worries over imperfections) and perfectionistic strivings (defined by excessively high personal standards). A systematic literature search returned 24 relevant empirical studies. Perfectionistic concerns were robustly linked to sleep disturbance. Perfectionistic strivings displayed comparatively small and inconsistent relations with sleep disturbance. Finally, cross‐sectional mediation studies suggested that psychological distress and dysfunctional cognitive processes might underlie the perfectionistic concerns‒sleep disturbance link. These findings show that considering perfectionistic concerns in explaining, predicting, and treating sleep disturbance may be a promising approach. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings appeared neither universally adaptive nor maladaptive. We identified several critical gaps in the empirical literature and point towards future research directions, highlighting the need for more longitudinal studies.
Intensive care unit nurses' conflict of conscience: Walking the Razor's edge
Authors: Jodaki Kurosh , Esmaeili Maryam , Cheraghi Mohammad Ali , Mazaheri Monir
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to explore the conditions that accompany conflict of conscience experienced by nurses in intensive care units. A qualitative approach guided the study, which was undertaken between April 2020 and April 2021. A total of 15 registered nurses working in intensive care units were recruited through purposive sampling. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed two themes: “conflict of conscience in relation to the structure” and “conflict of conscience based on context.” Conflict of conscience in relation to the structure consisted of two categories: conflict of interest and conflict of conscience and law. Conflict of conscience based on context consisted of two categories: care dilemmas and arbitrary behaviors with end‐stage patients. A variety of factors were accompanied by a conflict of conscience for nurses in intensive care units. Given that conflict of conscience has negative consequences for the health and quality of nursing care, health care managers need to tailor strategies to reduce the negative consequences considering the findings of the study.
Relationship between dysphagia, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and esophagogastric junction distensibility
Authors: Jain Anand S. , Allamneni Chaitanya , Kline Meredith , Dalsania Raj , Godiers Marie , Keilin Steven , Srinivasan Shanthi , Mittal Ravinder
Published: January 2022

Background

It is debated whether high‐resolution manometric (HRM) integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) or functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) distensibility index (DI) is the superior measure of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening. We examined the relationship between the DI and IRP and assessed correlations with dysphagia symptoms in patients with achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO).

Methods

Patients with achalasia and those with barium tablet retention at the EGJ were grouped as follows: Group 1:Achalasia (IRP ≥ 15 mmHg + complete absence of normal peristalsis); Group 2: Manometric +FLIP EGJOO (IRP ≥ 15 mmHg with some intact peristalsis + DI ≤ 2.8 mm2/mmHg); Group 3: Abnormal DI only (DI ≤ 2.8 mm2/mmHg + IRP <15 mmHg); and Group 4: Normal IRP and DI (IRP ≥ 15 mmHg + DI > 2.8 mm2/mmHg). Correlation between the DI, baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure (BLESP), IRP, and dysphagia (Eckardt score) was assessed. Multivariable analysis was used to assess variables associated with dysphagia score ≥2.

Key Results

A total of 79 patients were included: Group 1 (n = 31), Group 2 (n = 33), Group 3 (n = 14), and Group 4 (n = 1). DI did not correlate with BLESP or IRP in the whole sample or subgroups. DI was the only variable associated with dysphagia score ≥2 (p = 0.006). DI < 1.25 mm2/mmHg had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 52% (p = 0.0003) for dysphagia score ≥2.

Conclusions & Inferences

DI does not correlate with HRM EGJ measurements and is the metric with the strongest effect on dysphagia severity. The various biological elements that may cause restrictive EGJ function should be the subject of future studies.
Plant phosphorus‐use and ‐acquisition strategies in Amazonia
Authors: Reichert Tatiana , Rammig Anja , Fuchslueger Lucia , Lugli Laynara F. , Quesada Carlos A. , Fleischer Katrin
Published: January 2022

In the tropical rainforest of Amazonia, phosphorus (P) is one of the main nutrients controlling forest dynamics, but its effects on the future of the forest biomass carbon (C) storage under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations remain uncertain. Soils in vast areas of Amazonia are P‐impoverished, and little is known about the variation or plasticity in plant P‐use and ‐acquisition strategies across space and time, hampering the accuracy of projections in vegetation models. Here, we synthesize current knowledge of leaf P resorption, fine‐root P foraging, arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, and root acid phosphatase and organic acid exudation and discuss how these strategies vary with soil P concentrations and in response to elevated atmospheric CO2. We identify knowledge gaps and suggest ways forward to fill those gaps. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework for the variations in plant P‐use and ‐acquisition strategies along soil P gradients of Amazonia. We suggest that in soils with intermediate to high P concentrations, at the plant community level, investments are primarily directed to P foraging strategies via roots and arbuscular mycorrhizas, whereas in soils with intermediate to low P concentrations, investments shift to prioritize leaf P resorption and mining strategies via phosphatases and organic acids.
Can periodontal pockets and caries lesions act as reservoirs for coronavirus?
Authors: Natto Zuhair S. , Afeef Marwah , Bakhrebah Muhammed A. , Ashi Heba , Alzahrani Khaled A. , Alhetheel Abdulkarim F. , Fletcher Hansel M.
Published: January 2022

The periodontal pocket and likely caries lesions may act as a reservoir and source of dissemination and development of systemic infections. While periodontal pockets have been found to harbor several viral species, there is no information on its ability to serve as a reservoir for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). We have used a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) approach to evaluate SARS‐CoV‐2 in periodontal pockets and cavitated caries lesions in a cross‐sectional study of 72 participants who were divided into six groups: symptomatic positive COVID‐19 cases with periodontal pockets, symptomatic positive with cavitated caries lesions, asymptomatic positive with periodontal pockets, asymptomatic positive with cavitated caries lesions, positive control, and negative control. A total of 180 samples were interrogated by RT‐PCR to amplify the SARS‐CoV‐2 E and S genes. SARS‐CoV‐2 was present in 41.7% of symptomatic positive COVID‐19 cases with periodontal pockets and 16.7% of symptomatic positive with cavitated caries lesions. The mean Ct value of E and S genes in periodontal pockets patients were 36.06±0.46 and 30.06±6.73, respectively, and the mean Ct value for both genes in caries lesions patients were 35.73±4.14, and 34.78±1.93, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 among periodontal pockets were 20.8% (95% CI 7.13–42.15), 100% (95% CI 73.54–100.0), and 47.2% (95% CI 30.22–64.51), respectively. Among cavitated caries lesions patients, they were 8.3% (95% CI 1.03–27.0), 100% (95% CI 73.54–100.0), and 38.9% (95% CI 23.14–56.54), respectively. SARS‐CoV‐2 can be detected in periodontal pockets and caries lesions, and these sites may act as reservoirs for the virus. However, the sensitivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 detection is low compared with other methods. To our knowledge, this report is the first to investigate the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 and periodontal pockets and caries.
Occurrence and distribution of micro/nanoplastics in soils and their phytotoxic effects: A review
Authors: Maity Sukhendu , Guchhait Rajkumar , Sarkar Moumita Biswas , Pramanick Kousik
Published: January 2022

Some recent studies have reviewed the occurrence and phytotoxicity of micro/nanoplastics, but their distribution in the soil environment, mechanisms of uptake by roots and the mode of action are unclear. Thus, this review comprehensively represents the relative abundance of micro/nanoplastics in different soil types and their toxicities in plants with insights into their partitioning to different soil matrices, uptake mechanisms, and the mode of action. Partitioning of micro/nanoplastics to different soil matrices (like—soil particles, naturally occurring soil organic matters, pore waters and soil fauna) could modify their bioavailability to plants. The small micro/nanoplastic particles can be taken up by roots through the apoplastic and symplastic pathways. In this regard, cellular endocytosis and aquaporin might play a significant role. The shape of the polymers can also regulate their uptake, and the polymers with spherical shapes are more easily absorbed by roots than the polymers with other shapes. Bioaccumulation of micro/nanoplastic induces oxidative stress, which, in turn, causes alterations of gene expressions and different metabolic pathways responsible for plant growth, biomass production and synthesis of secondary metabolites.
Learning the two parameters of the Poisson–Dirichlet distribution with a forensic application
Authors: Cereda Giulia , Corradi Fabio , Viscardi Cecilia
Published: January 2022

In forensic science, the rare type match problem arises when the matching characteristic from the suspect and the crime scene is not in the reference database; hence, it is difficult to evaluate the likelihood ratio that compares the defense and prosecution hypotheses. A recent solution consists of modeling the ordered population probabilities according to the two‐parameter Poisson–Dirichlet distribution, which is a well‐known Bayesian nonparametric prior, and plugging the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters into the likelihood ratio. We demonstrate that this approximation produces a systematic bias that fully Bayesian inference avoids. Motivated by this forensic application, we consider the need to learn the posterior distribution of the parameters that governs the two‐parameter Poisson–Dirichlet using two sampling methods: Markov Chain Monte Carlo and approximate Bayesian computation. These methods are evaluated in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we compare the likelihood ratio that is obtained by our proposal with the existing solution using a database of Y‐chromosome haplotypes.
Effects of Build Angle on Additively Manufactured Aluminum Alloy Surface Roughness and Wettability
Authors: Bailey Christopher M. , Morrow Jordan A. , Stallbaumer-Cyr Emily M. , Weeks Cameron , Derby Melanie M. , Thompson Scott M.
Published: January 2022

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was utilized to create a series of aluminum alloy (i.e., AlSi10Mg) 5 mm-diameter support pillars with a fixed height of 5 mm containing varying filet angles and build orientations (i.e., 0 deg, 10 deg, 20 deg, 30 deg, 40 deg, 50 deg, and 60 deg from the normal surface) to determine surface roughness and water wettability effects. From experiments, anisotropic wetting was observed due in part to the surface heterogeneity created by the LPBF process. The powder-sourced AlSi10Mg alloy, typically hydrophobic, exhibited primarily hydrophilic behavior for build angles of 0 deg and 60 deg, a mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic behavior at build angles of 10 deg and 20 deg, and hydrophobic behavior at 30 deg, 40 deg, and 50 deg build angles. Measured surface roughness, Ra, ranged from 5 to 36 µm and varied based on location. 3D-topography maps were generated, and arithmetic mean heights, Sa, of 15.52–21.71 µm were observed; the anisotropy of roughness altered the wetting behavior, thereby prompting some hydrophilic behavior. Build angles of 30 deg and 40 deg provided for the smoothest surfaces. A significantly rougher surface was found for the 50 deg build angle. This abnormally high roughness is attributed to the melt pool contact angle having maximal capillarity with the surrounding powder bed. In this study, the critical melt pool contact angle was near equal to the build angle, suggesting that a critical build angle exists, which gives rise to pronounced melt pool wetting behavior and increased surface roughness due to enhanced wicking followed by solidification.
Performance Assessment of Seawater, Wet and Dry Cooling in a 50-MW Parabolic Trough Collectors Concentrated Solar Power Plant in Kuwait
Authors: Sorbet Fco. Javier , Fernandez-Peruchena Carlos , Zaversky Fritz , Chakroun Walid , Alotaibi Sorour A. , Ahmed Mansour , Sanchez Marcelino , García-Barberena Javier
Published: January 2022

Kuwait is a country with great potential for concentrated solar power (CSP) due to its high solar resource. The current work analyzes the potential of the application of CSP technology in the country and its particularities. Specifically, the current work examines a CSP plant with parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology and how this technology is affected in its performance depending on the location (inland or coastal) and the refrigeration system (wet, dry, or seawater cooled). The modeling methodology is based on a two-step approach: first, the Rankine steam power cycle is modeled in detail in a state-of-the-art steady-state simulation environment, obtaining the performance of the power cycle for each cooling technology; second, the power cycle performance maps are integrated into a detailed transient system-level simulation model of the complete CSP plant in order to perform annual yield simulations for the different representative locations of the climate of Kuwait. These results provide valuable information on both the potential of this technology for its more immediate application such as electricity generation and other future applications such as the desalination of seawater where the location must necessarily be coastal.
Making digital aquatint with the Ising model
Authors: Meurice Yannick
Published: January 2022

Aquatint is a printmaking technique that gives visual texture to prints. This patterning is shown to be similar to patterns that emerge from the Ising model of magnetism. We provide a concrete Python-based example that generates semi-realistic textures and can be used to manipulate existing images. Our experience in classrooms of first year seminar undergraduate students shows that this activity helps artistically inclined students to develop an interest in physics and computer science. It may also be suitable for a joint art and science project for high-school seniors.
Characteristics of Forces at the Clinician–Patient and Patient–Table Interfaces During Thoracic Spinal Manipulation in Asymptomatic Adults Are Consistent With Deformable Body Models
Authors: Thomas Joshua , Murphy Thomas , Tran Steve , Howarth Samuel J. , Starmer David , Funabashi Martha
Published: January 2022

Investigating all forces exerted on the patient’s body during high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) remains fundamental to elucidate how these may contribute to SMT’s effects. Previous conflicting findings preclude our understanding of the relationship between SMT forces acting at the clinician–patient and patient–table interfaces. This study aimed to quantify forces at the clinician–participant and participant–table interfaces during thoracic SMT in asymptnomatic adults. An experienced clinician provided a posterior to anterior SMT centered to T7 transverse processes using predetermined force–time characteristics to 40 asymptomatic volunteers (20 females; average age = 27.2 [4.9] y). Forces at the clinician–participant interface were recorded by triaxial load cells; whereas, forces at the participant–table interface were recorded by the force-sensing table technology. Preload force, total peak force, time to peak, and loading rate at each interface were analyzed descriptively. Total peak vertical forces at the clinician–participant interface averaged 532 (71) N while total peak forces at the participant–table interface averaged 658 (33) N. Forces at the participant–table interface were, on average, 1.27 (0.25) times larger than the ones at the clinician–participant interface. Larger forces at the participant–table interface compared with the ones at the clinician–participant interface during thoracic SMT are consistent with mathematical models developed to investigate thoracic impact simulating a dynamic force-deflection response.
Qualitative Exploration of Family Influences on Physical Activity in Hispanic Families
Authors: John Jemima C. , Heredia Natalia I. , McNeill Lorna H. , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Schembre Susan M. , Lee MinJae , Opusunju Jasmine J. , Goetz Margaret , Aguirre Maria , Reininger Belinda M. , Strong Larkin L.
Published: January 2022

Background: Limited information exists on how the family unit aids or impedes physical activity (PA) engagement within Hispanic populations. This qualitative study explored family-level influences on PA in dyads of adult Hispanic family members (eg, parent–adult child, siblings, spouses). Methods: In-person interviews and brief surveys were conducted together with 20 dyads lasting 1.5 hours each. Two researchers coded and analyzed text using thematic analysis in NVivo (version 11.0). They resolved discrepancies through consensus and used matrix coding analysis to examine themes by participants’ demographics. Results: The participants were mainly women (70%), from Mexico (61.5%), and they reported low levels of acculturation (87.5%). Themed facilitators for PA included “verbal encouragement,” “help with responsibilities,” “exercising with someone,” and “exercising to appease children.” Themed challenges included “lack of support,” “challenges posed by children,” “sedentary behaviors,” and “competing responsibilities.” Women more so than men described family-level challenges and facilitators, and dyads where both study partners were physically active provided more positive partner interaction descriptions for PA support than other dyads. Conclusions: This study suggests that leveraging family support may be an important approach to promote and sustain PA, and that family-focused interventions should integrate communication-building strategies to facilitate family members’ ability to solicit support from each other.