bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 partial lockdown on household activities in a sample of Kuwaiti and Saudi populations
Authors: Al‐Kazi Lubna Ahmed , Al‐Sejari Maha Meshari , Al‐Ma'seb Hend Batel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSince the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID‐19 a global pandemic, partial lockdown has been used as a strict mechanism to constrain the spread of the disease. This study aims to investigate whether there are significant differences between socio‐demographic variables and household and family activities before and during the partial lockdown in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. A descriptive cross‐sectional method was used in this study. Online surveys were distributed via WhatsApp to a convenience non‐probability sample of 728 participants. The survey contained socio‐demographic information and a 22‐item questionnaire of activities that participants practiced before and during the partial lockdown. An IBM SPSS (25.0) package was utilised to analyse the data. The study found that males and homemakers reported obvious changes for both house and family activities before and during the lockdown. Participants between 40 and 49 years old reported higher scores for family activities before the lockdown. Married participants reported higher scores for house and family activities during the lockdown. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that under certain circumstances in society, cultural gender activities may change due to various reasons such as health precaution regulations, prevention policies, and social isolation.
Effect of AlN addition on the electrical resistivity of pressureless sintered SiC ceramics with B4C and C
Authors: Malik Rohit , Kim Young‐Wook 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe effect of 0–12 wt% AlN addition on the electrical resistivity of SiC ceramics pressureless sintered with 0.7 wt% B4C and 2.5 wt% C additives was investigated. The elemental analysis of SiC grains revealed a codoping of Al and N in the SiC lattice with a higher N concentration with 1 wt% AlN addition and a higher Al concentration with 12 wt% AlN addition. The electrical resistivity decreased by four orders of magnitude (1.7 × 105 → 8.3 × 101 Ω cm) with 1 wt% AlN addition due to the increased carrier density (1.7 × 1010 → 2.3 × 1015 cm−3) caused by excess N‐derived donors. However, subsequent AlN addition (4 → 12 wt%) led to an increase (2.9 × 103 → 1.2 × 104 Ω‧cm) in electrical resistivity due to (1) increased Al dopants which act as deep acceptors for trapping N‐derived carriers causing a decrease in carrier density (2.3 × 1015 → 5.9 × 1013 cm−3), (2) the formation of electrically insulating SiC‐AlN solid solution, and (3) the presence of electrically insulating AlN grains at the grain boundaries.
Synthesis of coatings on SiC fibers and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCf/SiBCN composites
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Daxin , Zhou Yuanyi , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Cai Delong , Niu Zibo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, the amorphous C, ZrB2, and BN single‐layer coatings as well as C/BN, C/ZrB2, ZrB2/BN, and C/ZrB2/BN composite coatings were prepared on SiC fibers (SiCf) by an in situ synthesis and solution impregnation–pyrolysis method. Subsequently, SiCf/SiBCN composites were fabricated by hot‐pressing sintering at 1900℃/60 MPa/30 min to explore the influence of different coatings on the microstructure and mechanical performance of resulting composites. After the preparation of single‐layer‐coated SiCf, the SiCf(BN) or SiCf(ZrB2) tended to be overlapped with each other, whereas the dispersion of amorphous C–coated SiCf was satisfying. Besides, some uneven areas and attached particles have appeared on fiber surfaces of the SiCf(BN) or SiCf(ZrB2), whereas smooth and dense surfaces of amorphous C–coated SiCf were observed. Because the uniformity of ZrB2 coatings can be partially damaged by the subsequent coating process of BN, the composite coatings of ZrB2/BN and C/ZrB2/BN were thereby not suitable for strengthening SiBCN matrix. The SiCf/SiBCN composites with C/ZrB2 coatings have desirable comprehensive mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the conventional toughening mechanisms such as fiber pull‐out and bridging, and crack deflection are not available for these composites because the serious crystallization of SiCf leading to great strength loss, resulting in catastrophic brittle fracture.
Directed Panspermia, Wild Animal Suffering, and the Ethics of World‐Creation
Authors: O'Brien Gary David 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTDirected panspermia is the deliberate seeding of lifeless planets with microbes, in the hopes that, over evolutionary timescales, they will give rise to a complex self‐sustaining biosphere on the target planet. Due to the immense distances and timescales involved, human beings are unlikely ever to see the fruits of their labours. Such missions must therefore be justified by appeal to values independent of human wellbeing. In this article, I investigate the values that a directed panspermia mission might promote. Paying special attention to the outcome in which sentient animals evolve, I argue that we have strong reasons to believe the value of a mission would be negative. Research on wild animal suffering has shown that there is a huge amount of suffering among wild animals on Earth. I argue that there are structural features of evolution by natural selection which explain the prevalence of suffering on Earth and make it predictable that suffering would prevail on the target planet too. Finally, using insights from procreative ethics I argue on non‐consequentialist grounds that creators have duties to their sentient creations which cannot be met in directed panspermia missions.
Deletion of the miR‐25/93/106b cluster induces glomerular deposition of immune complexes and renal fibrosis in mice
Authors: Ma Hongchuang , Li Xiang , Yu Shanshan , Hu Yanling , Yin Meixiang , Zhu Fubin , Xu Licheng , Wang Tianhe , Wang Huiyan , Li Hongzhi , Zhao Binghai , Huang Yadong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis, is caused by immune system dysfunction and affects only the kidneys. miRNA was involved in IgAN, in which their roles are still unknown. Herein, we found increased glomerular medulla size, proteinuria, kidney artery resistance, kidney fibrosis and immune complex deposition in 5‐month miR‐25/93/106b cluster knockout (miR‐TKO) mice. In vitro, the inhibition of miR‐25 cluster could promote cell proliferation and increase fibrosis‐related protein and transferrin receptor (TFRC) expression in human renal glomerular mesangial cell (HRMC). Luciferase assay revealed that inhibition of miR‐93/106b cluster could upregulate Ccnd1 expression through direct binding with the 3’UTR of Ccnd1. Conversely, inhibition of Ccnd1 expression prevented miR‐93/106b‐induced effect in HRMC. These findings suggested that miR‐25 cluster played an important role in the progression of IgAN, which provided new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of IgAN.
Renal, cardiovascular and safety outcomes of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy in East and South‐East Asian countries: Results from the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation Trial
Authors: Wada Takashi , Mori‐Anai Kazumi , Kawaguchi Yutaka , Katsumata Hideyuki , Tsuda Hidetaka , Iida Mitsutaka , Arakawa Kenji , Jardine Meg J 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionThe sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, canagliflozin, reduced kidney failure and cardiovascular events in the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial. We carried out a post‐hoc analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in a subgroup of participants in East and South‐East Asian (EA) countries who are at high risk of renal complications.Materials and MethodsParticipants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio of >300–5,000 mg/g were randomized to 100 mg of canagliflozin or a placebo. The effects of canagliflozin treatment on pre‐specified efficacy and safety outcomes were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression between participants from EA countries (China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan) and the remaining participants.ResultsOf 4,401 participants, 604 (13.7%) were from EA countries; 301 and 303 were assigned to the canagliflozin and placebo groups, respectively. Canagliflozin lowered the risk of primary outcome (composite of end‐stage kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine level, or renal or cardiovascular death) in EA participants (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.84). The effects of canagliflozin on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in EA participants were generally similar to those of the remaining participants. Safety outcomes were similar between the EA and non‐EA participants.ConclusionsIn the CREDENCE trial, the risk of renal and cardiovascular events was safely reduced in participants from EA countries at high risk of renal events.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the health of adults with intellectual impairment: evidence from two longitudinal UK surveys
Authors: Totsika V. , Emerson E. , Hastings R. P. , Hatton C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople with an intellectual impairment experience high levels of social and health inequalities. We investigated the impact of COVID‐19 on the physical and mental health of people with intellectual impairment, controlling for demographic risk, socio‐economic circumstances and pre‐pandemic health levels.MethodData were drawn from two UK birth cohorts that surveyed their participants on the impact of COVID‐19 in May 2020: the Millennium Cohort Study (20‐year‐old participants) and the British Cohort Survey (50‐year‐old participants). Health outcomes (COVID‐19 infection, COVID‐19 symptoms, self‐reported physical health, mental health, health service use and impact on health behaviours) were compared between people with and without intellectual impairment, adjusting for gender and ethnicity. Differences were further adjusted for self‐reported health pre‐pandemic and the impact of COVID‐19 on socio‐economic circumstances.ResultsControlling for gender and ethnicity, poor health was reported less often by younger adults [relative risks (RR): 0.44 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23, 0.86] and more often by older adults (RR: 1.99 95% CI 1.45, 2.73) with intellectual impairment compared with peers. Older adults were also more likely to experience fever and loss of taste/smell. Adjusting for pre‐pandemic health and socio‐economic circumstances eliminated some differences in the older cohort, but not in the younger one.ConclusionIn young adulthood, the impact of COVID‐19 on health outcomes was not negative. The pattern was reversed in later adulthood, although differences were mostly eliminated after adjustment suggesting a socio‐economic and age gradient of COVID‐19 impacts on intellectual impairment.
The Accuracy of Transferring Casts in Maximal Intercuspal Position to a Virtual Articulator
Authors: He Mingzhu , Ding Qian , Li Linlin , Yang Guangju , Zhao Yijiao , Sun Yuchun , Zhang Lei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo analyze the accuracy of transferring casts in maximal intercuspal position to a virtual articulator by using transfer plates in the laboratory scanner before and after occlusal optimization.Material and methodsFive sets of standard dental casts were mounted on a mechanical articulator in maximal intercuspal position. The number and position of occlusal contacts were determined with 12‐μm articulating foil. After a calibration process according to the manufacturer's instructions, the mountings were transferred to a virtual articulator using the transfer plates in a laboratory scanner. The occlusion of the digital casts was determined before and after the occlusal optimization process. Then, the sensitivity and positive predictive value were determined by comparing the occlusal contact points in the virtual articulator with those in the mechanical articulator. To evaluate trueness, the occlusal surface of the maxillary teeth in the mechanical articulator was recorded by polyvinyl siloxane occlusal record in maximal intercuspal position and retained on the mandibular arch. The trueness was calculated as the deviation between the occlusal surface of the maxillary teeth in the mechanical articulator and the virtual articulator. To evaluate precision, one set of the casts was scanned 10 times. And the deviation of the interarch position of the maxillary arches when superimposing the mandibular arches of every 2 different scans was calculated.ResultsThe sensitivity before occlusal optimization (0.14 ± 0.15) was significantly lower than that after occlusal optimization (0.82 ± 0.10) (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the positive predictive value before (0.80 ± 0.45) and after (0.81 ± 0.09) occlusal optimization (p = 0.952). The trueness before (91.0 ± 10.7 µm) and after (75.4 ± 25.2 µm) occlusal optimization had no significant difference (p = 0.249). The precision before occlusal optimization (11.6 ± 3.8 µm) was significantly superior to that after occlusal optimization (75.6 ± 39.2 µm ) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe accuracy of transferring casts in maximal intercuspal position to a virtual articulator using transfer plates in the laboratory scanner could be improved after occlusal optimization and can meet the clinical needs for occlusal design and analysis of prostheses.
Room to roam for African lions Panthera leo: a review of the key drivers of lion habitat use and implications for conservation
Authors: Sargent Rebecca , Deere Nicolas J. , McGowan Philip J.K. , Bunnefeld Nils , Pfeifer Marion 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Globally, large terrestrial carnivores (Carnivora) have suffered precipitous declines in population and range. Today, they must persist in increasingly isolated natural habitat patches within a human‐dominated matrix. Effective conservation aimed at supporting carnivores in such landscapes requires species‐specific understanding of habitat requirements.

We present results from a review of the published literature to assess the current state of knowledge regarding habitat preferences of the African lion Panthera leo, with the aim of identifying common drivers of habitat use across contexts.

Using the Web of Science, we identified 154 usable articles and extracted information relating to study topic, location, habitats described, land‐use type, and any documented habitat preferences.

Only 31 studies documented evidence of habitat use, and collectively, they suggested that preferences for specific habitat types were varied and context‐specific. The importance of prey abundance and proximity to water was highlighted in multiple studies. Anthropogenic factors interfered with expected patterns of habitat use. There was evident bias in study locations: 83% of the habitat‐use studies were based in only three countries, and 70% were focussed on protected or managed areas.

Our synthesis suggests that lions demonstrate behavioural plasticity in habitat use in response to anthropogenic pressures. To understand the limits of this plasticity and to manage Africa’s changing landscapes effectively for roaming lions, future research should be focussed on analysis of habitat use outside protected areas, taking into account gradients of distance to water, prey abundance, and anthropogenic risk.
Prevalence and impact of HLA and MICA allele mismatching on donor‐specific antibodies induction in kidney transplant rejection
Authors: Romphruk Amornrat V. , Simtong Piyapong , Suntornnipat Jidpinan , Sudwilai Yupaporn , Cheunta Siriluk , Chan‐on Chitranon , Leelayuwat Chanvit 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTAimDonor‐recipient antigen mismatching for anti‐human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and MICA is one of the risk factors for antibody induction leading to graft rejection. Our aim was to analyze the incidence and specificity of the different DSAs developing and to investigate the impact of HLA and MICA allele mismatches on antibody production in kidney transplant patients experiencing antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 253 consecutive recipients of kidney transplant who were diagnosed as experiencing AMR.ResultsOur results showed that around 27% of our patients were positive for DSAs over a median follow‐up period of 24 months. Antibody to HLA‐DQ7 was the most prevalent DSA detected. The allele mismatch number was significantly lower for DQ loci than ‐A and ‐B loci (DQ vs. A, p < .001; DQ vs. B, p = .002). Considering each HLA antigen, the incidence rate of DQ‐DSA [41.9 (32.92–51.46; 95%CI)] was much higher than the rate observed for DSA directed to ‐A, ‐DR and ‐B loci. Half of the recipients in the DQ‐DSA‐only group, and the DQ‐DSA together with non‐DQ group, had MFI > 5000. Only one case developed de novo MICA‐DSA (MICA002).ConclusionOur study indicates that mismatching for HLA and MICA alleles leads to the development of HLA and MICA antibodies in some kidney transplant recipients. We have also demonstrated that DSA to the DQ locus is the most prevalent in kidney transplant patients with AMR. Thus, matching the DQ locus in kidney allocation algorithms may reduce post‐transplant development of DSA.
Index for the appropriate vancomycin dosing in premature neonates and infants
Authors: Endo Aiju , Nemoto Atsushi , Hanawa Kazumi , Ishikawa Takahiro , Koshiishi Mai , Maebayashi Yuki , Hasebe Yohei , Naito Atsushi , Kobayashi Yoshifumi , Isobe Katsuhiko , Kawano Yayoi , Hanawa Takehisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn neonates, vancomycin (VCM) is used to treat Gram‐positive bacterial infections. However, VCM blood concentrations are affected by gestational age, bodyweight (BW), and renal function. The initial VCM dose adjustment can therefore be difficult, and few reports have evaluated this issue. In this study, we investigated the factors determining the appropriate VCM dosing schedule in neonates, especially premature infants.MethodsThe VCM dosage and trough concentrations were retrospectively investigated from the initial treatment to maintenance therapy in neonatal intensive care unit patients who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring. We examined the average single‐administration VCM dosage during maintenance therapy. We then compared the actual VCM dose with that calculated using an index comprising six items that influence the VCM daily dose (postnatal age, gestational age, BW, serum creatinine level, urine output, and lactate level).ResultsTwenty premature infants were included. The average BW of patients at the initial VCM administration was 975 g. During maintenance therapy, the average VCM dose was 8.4 mg/kg, and the median trough concentration was 12.4 μg/mL. When we applied the six‐item index, 18 of 20 patients (90%) had concordant results between the actual VCM dosing schedule and the VCM calculated using the index.ConclusionsThe average VCM dose and six‐item index can facilitate the transition from the initial VCM dose to an appropriate dose in many cases and contribute to early treatment in low‐birthweight infants with more variable BW, distribution volumes, and renal function. In conclusion, our six‐item index may help standardize VCM administration in premature infants.
The State of the Netherlands v Urgenda Foundation: Distilling best practice and lessons learnt for future rights‐based climate litigation
Authors: Wewerinke‐Singh Margaretha , McCoach Ashleigh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOn 20 December 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, in the decision of The State of the Netherlands v Urgenda Foundation, upheld the lower courts’ finding that the State of the Netherlands is legally obliged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 25 percent by the end of 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The Supreme Court’s widely acclaimed decision is principally grounded in human rights law, with specific standards deduced from international climate change law and science. This case note analyses the role of international law in the Supreme Court’s reasoning, with attention to both strengths and weaknesses of the judgement. First, it highlights parts of the judgement that represent best practice in adjudicating climate change, such as the operationalization of an integrated approach to international law. Second, it identifies human rights questions resulting from the Supreme Court’s narrow focus on the rights of residents of the Netherlands in determining a specific mitigation target. It concludes with reflections on how the universality of human rights can be safeguarded in rights‐based climate litigation before domestic courts.
Interventions to optimise nutrition in older people in hospitals and long‐term care: Umbrella review
Authors: Brunner Silvia , Mayer Hanna , Qin Hong , Breidert Matthias , Dietrich Michael , Müller Staub Maria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundInpatients have a high need for protein‐energy intake because of increased physical stress metabolism due to illnesses. Protein‐energy undernutrition in older patients increases the risk of complications such as falls, pressure ulcers and even death. An overview of effective interventions addressing this complex issue of malnutrition in older people is missing.AimsTo give an overview of effective interventions to optimise nutrition in older people in hospitals and long‐term care.DesignAn umbrella review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA statement, was conducted in April 2020.MethodsA systematic search of publications from 2010 until 2020 was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane Database. Included were studies reporting nutrition interventions that involved nurses or the interprofessional team in optimising older hospitalised people's nutrition. Excluded were studies investigating the effects of parenteral nutrition, certain food supplements or tube feeding and research from intensive, community or palliative care. Components of interventions were classified according to the intervention Nutrition management: Patients’ assistance, patients’ instruction, foodservice, environment for meals and nutrient‐dense snacks.FindingsIncluded were 13 reviews from 19 countries of the continents Asia, Australia, Europe and North America from hospitals and long‐term care settings. An interprofessional food promoting culture, including staff training as part of a multi‐component measure, has shown to be a successful element in implementing activities of Nutrition Management.ConclusionSeveral studies synthesised that optimising nutrition in older people in hospitals and long‐term care is achievable. Interventions were effective if—on a meta‐level—staff training was addressed as part of a multi‐component measure to reach an interprofessional food promoting culture.Implications for practiceInterventions to optimise older people's nutrition have to consider an interprofessional food promoting culture, including staff training about the importance of nutrition, patients’ assistance and an appropriate environment for meals.