bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customised targeted massively parallel sequencing enables more precise diagnosis of patients with epilepsy
Authors: Atli Emine Ikbal , Atli Engin , Yalcintepe Sinem , Demir Selma , Kalkan Rasime , Eker Damla , Gurkan Hakan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdvancement in genetic technology has led to the identification of an increasing number of genes in epilepsy. This will provide a lot of information in clinical practice and improve the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.AimTo show the importance of genes in the next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel during the evaluation of epilepsy and to emphasise the importance of genetic studies in different populations for the evaluation of genes that cause disease.MethodsThis was a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of 80 patients who underwent NGS testing with a customised epilepsy panel.ResultsIn a total of 54 (67.5%) out of 80 patients, pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) were identified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (n = 35) were identified in 29 (36.25%) out of 80 individuals. VOUS (n = 34) were identified in 28 (35%) out of 80 patients. Pathogenic, likely pathogenic and VOUS were most frequently identified in TSC2 (n = 11), SCN1A (n = 6) and TSC1 (n = 5) genes. Other common genes were KCNQ2 (n = 3), AMT (n = 3), CACNA1H (n = 3), CLCN2 (n = 3), MECP2 (n = 2), ASAH1 (n = 2) and SLC2A1 (n = 2).ConclusionsNGS‐based testing panels contribute to the diagnosis of epilepsy and might change the clinical management by preventing unnecessary and potentially harmful diagnostic procedures and management in patients. Thus, our results highlight the benefit of genetic testing in children suffering with epilepsy.
Probing infants’ sensitivity to pupil size when viewing eyes
Authors: Haynes Katherine T. , Kelsey Caroline M. , Grossmann Tobias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSensitive responding to eye cues plays a key role in human social interactions. Pupil size provides subtle cues regarding a social interaction partner's arousal states. The current study assessed infants’ sensitivity to and preference for differences in pupil size. Specifically, we examined White 14‐month‐old infants’ pupillary responses when viewing own‐race and other‐race (Asian) eyes with dilating, constricting, and static medium‐sized pupils. Our results show that, independent of race, infants’ pupils dilated more when viewing eyes with dynamically changing (dilating and constricting) pupils than when viewing eyes with non‐changing, static, and medium‐sized pupils. We also measured infants’ looking preferences, showing that, independent of race, infants preferentially attended to eyes with dilated pupils. Moreover, our results show that infants orient more quickly to pupillary changes in own‐race eyes than in other‐race eyes. These findings demonstrate that infants detect, but do not mimic, changes in pupil size in others and show a preference for eyes with dilated pupils.
Experimental approach to probe into mechanisms of high‐temperature erosion of NbB2‐ZrO2
Authors: Maity Taraknath , Gopinath Nagarajan Kirupakaran , Biswas Krishanu , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the backdrop of potential applications of boride‐based materials in high‐speed supersonic aircrafts, the present investigation probes in comprehending the mechanisms of high‐temperature erosive wear of spark plasma sintered NbB2‐ZrO2 composite. The solid particle erosion experiments were performed at different temperatures starting from room temperature (25°C) to 800°C using Al2O3 particles (50 μm). The air‐erodent particle mixture was impinged toward the target surface at normal impact with a velocity of 50 m/s. The detailed microstructural analysis using HRTEM reveals the generation and accumulation of a large number of dislocations within NbB2 and ZrO2 grains of the eroded surfaces. Such observations indicate the activation of dislocation plasticity during erosion at 800°C. XRD‐based analyses provided residual stress‐based interpretation for the enhancement of erosion resistance at high temperatures. In contrast, substantial material loss via brittle failure, involving the generation and intersection of the lateral/radial cracks, was recorded after room temperature erosion. In case of erosion at 400°C and 800°C, the residual stress relaxes as a consequence of high‐temperature exposure prior to erosion. The accumulation of dislocations near the crater region and shot peening phenomena play a dominant role in decreasing erosion rate with increasing erosion test temperature.
Mandatory Virtual Design Studio for All: Exploring the Transformations of Architectural Education amidst the Global Pandemic
Authors: Iranmanesh Aminreza , Onur Zeynep 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVirtual design studio (VDS) has been a part of the discourse of architectural pedagogy for the past two decades. VDS has been showcased as a potential educational tool in schools of architecture often in controlled, pre‐designed experiments. However, the global COVID‐19 pandemic has forced most schools to move their design studios into virtual space. This article aims to explore the potential advantages and shortcomings of VDS during the COVID‐19 quarantine from the perspective of students in a department of architecture. The study investigates three aspects of VDS namely, participating students’ evaluation of the virtual studio experience, the effectiveness of VDS in achieving the studio’s expected learning outcomes and the evaluation process for final design projects. Some 360 students from eight consecutive design studios participated in the study. The results indicate improvement in students’ ability to conduct independent research and in learning new computer‐aided design (CAD) software. Furthermore, the study finds VDS to be much more applicable for third‐ and fourth‐year students. The results also show a significant decline in background informal peer learning among students. Further studies are needed to address the implementation of a more immersive social experience in VDS.
Survival of Staphylococcus aureus on sampling swabs stored at different temperatures
Authors: Panisello Yagüe D. , Mihaljevic J. , Mbegbu M. , Wood C.V. , Hepp C. , Kyman S. , Hornstra H. , Trotter R. , Cope E. , Pearson T. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aims
To understand the impact of storage temperature on recovery of Staphylococcus aureus on sampling swabs. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections, but also causes a variety of life-threatening diseases. With a large pool of asymptomatic carriers and transmission that can occur even through indirect contact, mitigation efforts have had limited success. Swab sampling, followed by culturing, is a cornerstone of epidemiological studies, however, S. aureus viability on swabs stored at different temperatures has not been characterized.

Methods and Results
We determined survival rates on swabs stored at five different temperatures. Samples stored at −70°C had no decay over time while samples stored at higher temperatures showed an exponential decay in viability. Mortality rates were greatest for swabs stored at 37°C. Survival at intermediate temperatures (−20 to 20·5°C) did not differ significantly, however, we observed more variation at higher temperatures.

Conclusions
To maximize recovery of S. aureus cells, samples should be stored at −70°C or processed for culturing without delay.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Epidemiological studies of bacterial diseases are typically limited to determination of pathogen presence/absence, yet quantitative assessments of pathogen load and genetic diversity can provide insights into disease progression and severity, likelihood of transmission and adaptive evolutionary potential. For studies of S. aureus where time or access to a microbiology laboratory may delay culturing, deep freezing or timely culturing will maximize the degree to which sampling results reflect source status.
Evolution of wing length and melanin‐based coloration in insular populations of a cosmopolitan raptor
Authors: Romano Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimInsular populations face different conditions than those living on continents, thus, resulting in the evolution of typical insular phenotypes, like smaller body sizes or reduced colourations. However, the generality of the so‐called “island rule” has been questioned, and intraspecific analyses on the effects of insularity on cosmopolitan species are lacking. Here, we tested the predictions of the island rule in the cosmopolitan common barn owl group.LocationWorld.TaxonBarn owl species complex.MethodsWe compared wing and bill length, as well as melanin‐based plumage traits, between thousands of insular and continental barn owls living in the Afro‐Palearctic region (Tyto alba), in the Americas (Tyto furcata) and in Australasia (Tyto javanica). We also tested whether the difference between insular and continental populations in these phenotypic traits varies among islands/archipelagos of different size and isolation.ResultsIn all the regions, we found differences between insular and continental owls in all the traits but bill length, with insular populations convergently evolving shorter wings and paler colourations. In addition, the difference in wing size between insular and continental populations is particularly marked on small and remote island systems, while melanin‐based traits are less expressed especially on large islands.Main conclusionsWe thus provide unprecedented evidence that insular conditions drive predictable phenotypic variations, even at the intraspecific level in different biogeographic regions, possibly promoting speciation events. In addition, our results also indicate that selective advantages of a given colouration can arise as the by‐product of positive selection on individuals displaying phenotypic traits which can favour island colonization and are genetically linked to melanization.
Valuing health states of people with type 2 diabetes: Analyses of the nationwide representative linked databases
Authors: Kuo Shihchen , Yang Chun‐Ting , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Ou Huang‐Tz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo estimate preference‐based measures of health‐related quality of life associated with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsIndividuals with EuroQol‐5 dimensions‐3 levels data were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Interview Survey in 2009 and 2013. Status of diabetes, comorbidities, complications and treatments were ascertained through data linkage to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Multivariable ordinary least squares, Tobit and median regression analyses were used to estimate the coefficients that represented independent impacts of patients’ characteristics on health‐related quality of life.ResultsThe mean health utility score for 2,104 participants was 0.838. Being female, aging, divorced/widowed, never worked or underweight, or having a lower monthly household income, injectable glucose‐lowering therapy, comorbid connective tissue disease or depression were associated with lower health utilities. Having an amputation led to the largest reduction by 0.288 in health utilities, followed by debilitating stroke (0.266), heart failure (0.237), other coronary heart disease (0.185), kidney dialysis/transplant (0.148), coronary revascularizations (0.093), transient ischemic attack/stroke (0.078), diabetic neuropathy (0.062), polyneuropathy (0.055) and other neuropathy (0.043).ConclusionsMajor vascular complications, connective tissue disease and depression are associated with considerably worse health‐related quality of life. These health utility estimates can facilitate health economic evaluations to determine cost‐effective strategies for diabetes management.
Effects of apple polyphenols and chitosan‐based coatings on quality and shelf life of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) as determined by low field nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Lan Weiqing , Liu Jiali , Wang Meng , Xie Jing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, the effects of apple polyphenols (AP) with chitosan (CS) coating on quality enhancement of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during ice storage was assessed. Microbiological (total viable counts [TVC], psychrophilic bacteria counts [PBC], H2S‐producing bacteria counts, Pseudomonas bacteria counts) and physicochemical (K‐value, total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], thiobarbituric acid [TBA], water‐holding capacity [WHC] and color difference) indicators were measured periodically. Meanwhile, low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the changes in moisture and lipid. The results showed that AP combined with CS could inhibit the increase of TVC, K‐value, TBA, and TVB‐N. Meanwhile, the results of LF‐NMR showed that group treated with 1.0%AP + 2.0%CS was superior in water retention, but overall water loss in different groups was less, which was similar to the change of WHC. For fluorescence intensity analysis, 1.0%AP + 2.0%CS group showed a slower increase than other groups during whole storage period, which was consistent with TBA value. In conclusion, the shelf life of large yellow croaker in control group was 8 days, while 1.0% AP combined with 2.0% CS could retard the quality deterioration and prolong the shelf life for another 8 days.
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Consolidation in Emerging Economies: New Narrative Evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: CARRIÈRE‐SWALLOW YAN , DAVID ANTONIO C. , LEIGH DANIEL 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe estimate the effects of fiscal consolidation on economic activity based on a new narrative data set for 14 emerging economies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Following a Romer and Romer identification approach, we examine contemporaneous policy documents to identify changes in fiscal policy motivated by a desire to reduce the budget deficit and not by responding to the economic cycle. We find that a fiscal consolidation of 1% of GDP reduces real GDP by, on average, 0.9% in two years. The estimated effects are close to those we find for advanced economies based on a comparable narrative data set. We also find a strong “twin deficits” relation in LAC, with fiscal consolidation triggering an adjustment of the current account balance and depreciation of the real exchange rate that are more pronounced than in advanced economies.
Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerance of a cosmetic mask containing 89% of vichy volcanic mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid after facial laser procedures
Authors: Torreao Paulo , Phua Edmond , Clark Raphael , Fernandes Erika , Pontes Thais , Fonseca Ana P. , Singh Nadia , Seesurn Bandana , Nielsen Marion , Valois Audrey , Kerob Delphine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundM89 M (Mineral 89 mask, Laboratoires Vichy, France), containing 89% Vichy volcanic mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid, aims to strengthen and repair skin barrier.AimsTo assess the efficacy, tolerance, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL) using M89 M after laser procedures (LP).MethodsM89 M was applied immediately post‐LP for 10 minutes, then daily for 5 days and 2‐3 times a week, up to 28 days on the faces of 51 women. Evaluations were performed immediately post‐LP, immediately after M89 M application at D0, D1, D5, and D28, and included criteria such as erythema and skin dryness. Subjects scored burning and warm sensations, itching, skin tightness, and stinging. Skin hydration using a Corneometer, skin barrier integrity using a Tewameter, and erythema using a Chromameter were assessed. Local tolerance and adverse events were recorded. After 28 days, subjects answered a questionnaire regarding the M89 M subjective cosmetic properties and QOL.ResultsAll subjects were in their mid‐forties with a phototype of II, III, or IV. M89 M significantly (P < .001) reduced the immediate cutaneous discomfort sensation and laser procedure‐related symptoms (burning, warmth sensation, itching/stinging, skin tightness). Skin hydration, and erythema, assessed using instrumental measures, were also significantly improved immediately after mask application (P ≤ .01). Subjects highly appreciated M89 M and their QOL improved after 28 days of use. Local tolerance was good to excellent in both studies.ConclusionM89 M is effective and safe immediately after esthetic procedures such as ablative and nonablative lasers and also improves the subject's QOL.
A cross‐sectional study on clinico‐dermoscopic features of periorbital melanosis in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ramakrishnan Smera , Hegde Spandana P. , Shenoy Manjunath M. , Pinto Malcolm , M Iqbal Amina A. , Amin Vishal B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionPeriorbital melanosis (POM) is an esthetic facial concern on increasing trend and has a severe emotional impact on patients. We aimed to study the clinical and dermoscopic patterns of periorbital melanosis to aid in the classification and strategize therapy.MethodsA cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted on one hundred patients with POM in a tertiary care center in India from January 2020‐March 2020. Dermoscopic assessment of POM was done using video dermatoscope– FotoFinder Medicam 1000s (magnification up to 140x).ResultsThe mean age of participants was 32.8 ± 9 years. It was more prevalent among females (78%). The constitutional type (43%) of POM was the most common followed by shadow‐effect type (32%). The various dermoscopic pigmentary patterns seen were scattered pigmented dots (56%), exaggerated pigment network (31%), globules (30%), and blotches (27%). Dilated veins and telangiectasia were seen in 50% and 32% of subjects, respectively. Exaggerated skin markings were seen in 43% of participants. Scattered pigmented dots were most commonly seen in constitutional, vascular, and shadow types but were significantly associated with vascular type. Exaggerated pigment network was the most frequent pigmentary pattern in post‐inflammatory type of POM. Globules were significantly associated with constitutional as well as shadow type of POM and blotches with shadow type of POM.ConclusionsPeriorbital melanosis presents as multifactorial entity with constitutional type being the most common. The dermoscopic patterns of POM may provide a clue to the underlying etiology, thereby helping to plan appropriate treatment.
Anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy among nurses during COVID‐19 pandemic: A large cross‐sectional study
Authors: Simonetti Valentina , Durante Angela , Ambrosca Rossella , Arcadi Paola , Graziano Giusi , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Simeone Silvio , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Cicolini Giancarlo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAim and objectivesTo assess the prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy and their predicting factors among nurses facing COVID‐19.BackgroundThe spread of COVID‐19 throughout the world determined a series of modifications of several National Health Service organisations, with a potential series of psychological consequences among nurses, who were particularly afflicted by this situation of changes and precariousness.DesignA cross‐sectional study was carried out from February–April 2020.MethodsA total of 1,005 nurses employed in different Italian hospital wards, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, were recruited. Analyses were based on descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used in this study.ResultsThe prevalence of sleep disturbances, moderate anxiety and low self‐efficacy was 71.4%, 33.23% and 50.65%, respectively. We found a positive correlation between anxiety and sleep quality (0.408; p < .0001) and negative correlations between self‐efficacy and anxiety (−0.217; p < .0001) and sleep quality and self‐efficacy (−0.134; p < .0001).The factor independently associated with all variables was gender. Females were more prone to sleep disturbances, anxiety and low levels of self‐efficacy than males (p < .05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and low self‐efficacy among Italian nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic was high. Healthcare managers should recognise and consider these results to reduce the risk of the onset of major mental problems that could result in post‐traumatic stress disorder.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses facing major incidents as COVID‐19 pandemic are among healthcare personnel exposed to a high risk to develop psychological disturbance that should be assessed and recognised, in order to find helpful coping strategies to inform support services and avoid to hesitate in post‐traumatic stress disorders.
Foreign Safe Asset Demand and the Dollar Exchange Rate
Authors: JIANG ZHENGYANG , KRISHNAMURTHY ARVIND , LUSTIG HANNO 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTWe develop a theory that links the U.S. dollar's valuation in FX markets to the convenience yield that foreign investors derive from holding U.S. safe assets. We show that this convenience yield can be inferred from the Treasury basis, the yield gap between U.S. government and currency‐hedged foreign government bonds. Consistent with the theory, a widening of the basis coincides with an immediate appreciation and a subsequent depreciation of the dollar. Our results lend empirical support to models that impute a special role to the United States as the world's provider of safe assets and the dollar as the world's reserve currency.
Violence and sexual dysfunction among infertile Egyptian women
Authors: Ghoneim Hanan M. , Taha Omima T. , Ibrahim Zakia M. , Ahmed Amal A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate domestic violence and sexual dysfunction in infertile women.Materials and MethodsWe recruited women complaining of infertility (primary or secondary infertility). A control group of fertile women attending the outpatient clinic for any concern was recruited. Domestic violence was evaluated using the Arabic validated NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (NORAQ). Female sexual function was evaluated using the Arabic validated female sexual function index.ResultsThere was no significant difference between both groups in rates of exposure to violence (p‐value 0.830). Primary infertility was a significant contributing factor in infertile women's exposure to violence (p‐value 0.001). All the studied population had female sexual dysfunction, with more dysfunction was reported by the infertile women (total score 18.87 ± 5.92, 19.51 ± 5.42, p‐value 0.072). They differed significantly in arousal (2.83 ± 1.33, 3.13 ± 1.29, p‐value 0.001) and satisfaction (3.98 ± 1.27, 4.28 ± 1.28, p‐value 0.003) which were impaired in infertile women.ConclusionsThe recruited infertile women were exposed to violence. Emotional abuse was the most common reported type of violence. Sexual dysfunction was reported in the entire studied population with no significant difference relating to fertility.