bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal sequestra in cats: 175 eyes from 172 cases (2000–2016)
Authors: Multari D. , Perazzi A. , Contiero B. , Carobbi B. , Bertoldi M. , Iacopetti I. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo report the clinical outcomes of different surgical treatments used to manage feline corneal sequestra in a large number of cases.Materials and MethodsMedical records of 172 cats affected by feline corneal sequestra and surgically managed by different techniques were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, surgical technique, visual outcomes, postoperative corneal clarity and recurrence were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐two cats (175 eyes) of different breeds, ages and sex were included in the retrospective case series. The Persian was the most represented breed (123/172; 71.5%), followed by Exotic Shorthair breed (21/172; 12.2%), Domestic shorthair breed (21/172; 12.2%) and a smaller group of other different breeds (7/172). Surgical management included a superficial (84/175 eyes) or deep (91/175 eyes) lamellar keratectomy in association with the following covering techniques (tectonic support and/or protective support): nictitans membrane flap (n=84), conjunctival pedicle graft (n=52), BioSISt graft (n=9), corneoconjunctival transposition (n=7), corneoconjunctival transposition+nictitans membrane flap (n=6), conjunctival free island graft (n=6), BioSISt+conjunctival pedicle graft (n=6), BioSISt+nictitans membrane flap (n=4) and bridge conjunctival graft (n=1). At the end of the retrospective case series, visus was present in all patients and no or mild corneal opacity was detected in 86% (151/175 eyes) of the patients. Sequestra recurred in 20 eyes (20/175; 11.4%) within 2 years.Clinical SignificanceThis paper describes the clinical outcomes of a large number of cases of feline corneal sequestra treated with varying surgical techniques and provides useful insight regarding the prognosis and outcomes of these techniques within feline ophthalmology.
Plasma disposition of ceftazidime in healthy neonatal foals following intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: McNeal Christina D. , Ryan Clare A. , Berghaus Londa J. , Credille Brenton C. , Lo Chih‐Ping , Fajt Virginia R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCephalosporin antimicrobials can be utilized for the treatment of sepsis in neonatal foals, particularly when an aminoglycoside is contraindicated. Some cephalosporins, however, are not utilized because of cost, sporadic availability, or uncertainty about efficacy. The plasma disposition of ceftazidime, a third‐generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity against a wide variety of gram‐negative bacteria and minimal renal side effects has not been reported in neonatal foals. In this study, the plasma disposition of single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) doses of ceftazidime in neonatal foals was determined. Six healthy one to two‐day‐old foals were given 25 mg/kg of ceftazidime by IV and IM routes in a cross‐over design, with a 48‐h washout period between doses. Non‐compartmental analysis was used to estimate plasma pharmacokinetic parameters. Median t1/2was 2 h and median AUC0‐lastwas 364 µg h/ml for both IV and IM administration. Median Cmaxafter IM administration was 101 µg/ml, with a median Tmaxof 0.7 h. Relative bioavailability of IM injection was 90%. There were no statistically significant differences between estimated IV and IM pharmacokinetic parameters. Plasma concentrations remained above the human CLSI susceptible breakpoint for Enterobacteriaceae for over 8 h following IV and IM administration.
Interfering with lysophosphatidic acid receptor edg2/lpa1 signalling slows down disease progression in SOD1‐G93A transgenic mice
Authors: Gento‐Caro Ángela , Vilches‐Herrando Esther , García‐Morales Victoria , Portillo Federico , Rodríguez‐Bey Guillermo , González‐Forero David , Moreno‐López Bernardo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsAlterations in excitability represent an early hallmark in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, deciphering the factors that impact motor neuron (MN) excitability offers an opportunity to uncover further aetiopathogenic mechanisms, neuroprotective agents, therapeutic targets, and/or biomarkers in ALS. Here, we hypothesised that the lipokine lysophosphatidic acid (lpa) regulates MN excitability via the G‐protein‐coupled receptor lpa1. Then, modulating lpa1‐mediated signalling might affect disease progression in the ALS SOD1‐G93A mouse model.MethodsThe influence of lpa‐lpa1 signalling on the electrical properties, Ca2+ dynamic and survival of MNs was tested in vitro. Expression of lpa1 in cultured MNs and in the spinal cord of SOD1‐G93A mice was analysed. ALS mice were chronically treated with a small‐interfering RNA against lpa1 (siRNAlpa1) or with the lpa1 inhibitor AM095. Motor skills, MN loss, and lifespan were evaluated.ResultsAM095 reduced MN excitability. Conversely, exogenous lpa increased MN excitability by modulating task1 ‘leak’ potassium channels downstream of lpa1. Lpa‐lpa1 signalling evoked an excitotoxic response in MNs via voltage‐sensitive calcium channels. Cultured SOD1‐G93A MNs displayed lpa1 upregulation and heightened vulnerability to lpa. In transgenic mice, lpa1 was upregulated mostly in spinal cord MNs before cell loss. Chronic administration of either siRNAlpa1 or AM095 reduced lpa1 expression at least in MNs, delayed MN death, improved motor skills, and prolonged life expectancy of ALS mice.ConclusionsThese results suggest that stressed lpa‐lpa1 signalling contributes to MN degeneration in SOD1‐G93A mice. Consequently, disrupting lpa1 slows down disease progression. This highlights LPA1 signalling as a potential target and/or biomarker in ALS.
Celebrating ‘The Week of Domestic Goods’: Children and the campaign for economic nationalism in interwar Turkey
Authors: Gökatalay Semih 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe study foregrounds the multifarious involvement of children in the economically nationalist campaign in interwar Turkey, with a focus on the Week of Domestic Goods. Children occupied a central place in economic nationalism both as present‐day promoters of domestic consumption and the loyal citizens and nationalist consumers of the future. The Kemalist elite sought to boost the consumption of locally made goods and reach out to the masses by mobilizing children in daytime parades, extracurricular activities and patriotic displays. In their assigned role of patriotic consumers, children functioned as a bridge between the families and the state. The article argues that children were not simply pawns of governmental authorities but became active economic agents as performers, intermediaries and participants in public events within the schema of economic nationalism.
Starch and lipid storage strategies in tropical trees relate to growth and mortality
Authors: Herrera‐Ramírez David , Sierra Carlos A. , Römermann Christine , Muhr Jan , Trumbore Susan , Silvério Divino , Brando Paulo M. , Hartmann Henrik 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Non‐structural carbon (NSC) storage (i.e. starch, soluble sugras and lipids) in tree stems play important roles in metabolism and growth. Their spatial distribution in wood may explain species‐specific differences in carbon storage dynamics, growth and survival. However, quantitative information on the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood is sparse due to methodological limitations.

Here we assessed differences in wood NSC and lipid storage between tropical tree species with different growth and mortality rates and contrasting functional types. We measured starch and soluble sugars in wood cores up to 4 cm deep into the stem using standard chemical quantification methods and histological slices stained with Lugol's iodine. We also detected neutral lipids using histological slices stained with Oil‐Red‐O.

The histological method allowed us to group individuals into two categories according to their starch storage strategy: fiber‐storing trees and parenchyma‐storing trees. The first group had a bigger starch pool, slower growth and lower mortality rates than the second group. Lipid storage was found in wood parenchyma in five species and was related to low mortality rates.

The quantification of the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood improves our understanding of NSC dynamics in trees and reveals additional dimensions of tree growth and survival strategies.
IgG4 disease as a differential diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Swansbury Andrew , Pilkington Richard J. J. , Kennedy Matthew , Adams James R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo highlight the need to include IgG4 disease in the differential diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodWe will present two cases which recently presented to the Maxillofacial Department at the RVI hospital, Newcastle, UK. One had a large palatal ulceration and one had a soft tissue mass on the orbital floor with extensions into the maxillary antrum.ResultsBoth cases had clinical and radiographic features indicative of SCC, however, following biopsy a definitive diagnosis of IgG4 disease was made. The patients were treated successfully medically via MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) with rheumatology. This involved the use of immunosuppressants including Prednisolone and Rituximab.ConclusionsTreatment for head/neck SCC typically involves large resections with significant impacts upon a patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is important that alternative diagnosis is considered and excluded. We hope these cases show that IgG4 disease should be on this list.
Representation of women, older patients, ethnic, and racial minorities in trials of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Khan Safi U. , Subramanian Charumathi Raghu , Khan Muhammad Usman , Asad Zain Ul Abideen , Talluri Swapna , Madhanakumar Aarthi , Lone Ahmad Naeem , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Michos Erin D. , Alkhouli Mohamad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundRepresentation trends of women, older adults, and ethnic/racial minorities in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain.MethodsWe systematically reviewed 134 AF related RCTs (phase II and III) encompassing 149,162 participants using Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov through April 2019 to determine representation trends of women, older patients (≥75 years), and ethnic/racial minorities. Weighted data on the prevalence of AF from epidemiological studies were used to compare the representation of the studied groups of interest in AF RCTs to their expected burden of the disease.ResultsOnly 18.7% of the RCTs reported proportion of older patients, and 12.7% RCTs reported ethnic/racial minorities. The proportions of women in RCTs versus general population were 35.2% and 35.1%, of Hispanics were 11.9% and 5.2%, of Blacks were 1.2% and 5.7%, of American Indian/Alaskans were 0.2% and 0.2%, of Asians were 14.2% and 2.4%, of native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders were 0.05% and 0.1% and of non‐Whites were 19.5% and 22.5%, respectively. The weighted mean age (SD) across the trials was 65.3 (3.2) years which was less than the corresponding weighted mean age of 71.1 (4.5) years in the comparative epidemiological data.ConclusionThe reporting of older patients and ethnic/racial minorities was poor in RCTs of AF. The representation of women and American Indian/Alaskan natives matched their expected population share of disease burden. Hispanics and Asians were over‐represented and Blacks, native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and non‐Whites were under‐represented in RCTs of AF.
Governance reform, decentralization, and teamwork in public service delivery: Evidence from theHonduranhealth sector
Authors: Grillos Tara , Zarychta Alan , Andersson Krister 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPublic service delivery improves when civil servants work together effectively as teams. While decentralization reforms are common strategies for enhancing the delivery of health services in developing countries, most studies emphasize their effects through rational‐choice mechanisms. Fewer studies consider the behavioral implications of decentralization and its potential to improve or hinder the day‐to‐day work environment for health sector staff. We use an incentivized behavioral game to assess the effectiveness of teamwork among civil servants in decentralized and comparable centrally administered municipal health systems in Honduras. We find that teams from decentralized municipalities are less effective at working together and that this is driven by the adverse effects of the reform among existing staff: new staff pairs are relatively effective, while existing staff do not work as well with each other and in mixed teams. Our findings suggest that policymakers should take measures to help ensure that governance reforms do not undermine the effectiveness of existing staff.
Practice patterns and influence of allograft nephrectomy in pediatric kidney re‐transplantation: A pediatric nephrology research consortium study
Authors: Verghese Priya S. , Luckritz Kera E. , Moudgil Asha , Chandar Jayanthi , Ranch Daniel , Barcia John , Lin Jen‐Jar , Grinsell Matthew , Zahr Rima , Engen Rachel , Twombley Katherine , Fadakar Paul K. , Jain Amrish , Al‐Akash Samhar , Bartosh Sharon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere are no guidelines regarding management of failed pediatric renal transplants.Materials & MethodsWe performed a first of its kind multicenter study assessing prevalence of transplant nephrectomy, patient characteristics, and outcomes in pediatric renal transplant recipients with graft failure from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016.ResultsFourteen centers contributed data on 186 pediatric recipients with failed transplants. The 76 recipients that underwent transplant nephrectomy were not significantly different from the 110 without nephrectomy in donor or recipient demographics. Fifty‐three percent of graft nephrectomies were within a year of transplant. Graft tenderness prompted transplant nephrectomy in 91% (P < .001). Patients that underwent nephrectomy were more likely to have a prior diagnosis of rejection within 3 months (43% vs 29%; P = .04). Nephrectomy of allografts did not affect time to re‐listing, donor source at re‐transplant but significantly decreased time to (P = .009) and incidence (P = .0002) of complete cessation of immunosuppression post‐graft failure. Following transplant nephrectomy, recipients were significantly more likely to have rejection after re‐transplant (18% vs 7%; P = .03) and multiple rejections in first year after re‐transplant (7% vs 1%; P = .03).ConclusionsPractices pertaining to failed renal allografts are inconsistent—40% of failed pediatric renal allografts underwent nephrectomy. Graft tenderness frequently prompted transplant nephrectomy. There is no apparent benefit to graft nephrectomy related to sensitization; but timing / frequency of immunosuppression withdrawal is significantly different with slightly increased risk for rejection following re‐transplant.
Melatonin improves heat tolerance in Actinidia deliciosa via carotenoid biosynthesis and heat shock proteins expression
Authors: Xia Hui , Zhou Yuanjie , Deng Honghong , Lin Lijin , Deng Qunxian , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan , Zhang Xiao'ai , Liang Dong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe whole‐genome molecular mechanisms of melatonin (MT)‐mediated enhancement of thermotolerance in plants has rarely been studied. In this study, the genome‐wide gene expression profiles of kiwifruit seedlings primed with MT and non‐MT at 45°C were analyzed by RNA‐Seq. A total of 3299 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between MT and non‐MT treatment, in which carotenoid biosynthesis was one of the high‐enrichment pathways revealed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Further, qRT‐PCR verified that MT significantly induced the upregulated expression of the carotenoid biosynthesis gene, which was consistent with the increase of carotenoid content. In addition, 10 heat shock proteins (HSPs) were identified to have a highly upregulated expression by MT. These findings provide a set of informative and fundamental data on the role of MT in heat resistance.
How does she do it all? Effects of education on reconciliation of employment and informal caregiving among Austrian women
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo , Ilinca Stefania 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe introduction of reforms to the Austrian pension system in the early 2000s resulted in a significant increase in the employment rate of older working age women. This increase was highly differentiated along education groups, with increases in employment rates concentrated among those with secondary and tertiary education. Logistic regression analysis is applied to SHARE data from waves 1 and 6, to determine whether the increase in labour market participation of women aged 50+ in Austria has affected informal caregiving across education lines. Unlike their secondary and tertiary educated counterparts, lower educated women were more likely to provide high intensity care in 2015 than in 2004, resulting in an education gradient that was not present before. In comparison, the overall probability to provide care has not changed significantly, irrespective of older women's education. Other possible adjustments were also explored, such as decreased participation in social activities or higher care burden. There is also limited evidence of compensation by increased informal care provision among men. Both employment and informal care provision have become more segmented in Austria in the wake of the pension reforms of 2004.
Audit and Feedback: An Evidence‐Based Practice Literature Review of Nursing Report Cards
Authors: Whalen Madeleine , Maliszewski Barbara , Gardner Heather , Smyth Sharon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs more hospitals transition to electronic health records (EHR) and rely on technology to inform practice, what is done with that information is increasingly important. Performance report cards for physicians and nurses are not new, yet there is little recent evidence on nurse‐specific audit and feedback.AimThe aim of the project was to conduct an evidence‐based practice (EBP) review to answer the question, “Does implementing an individualized audit and feedback report tool for nurses improve compliance, adherence, and/or performance of nursing tasks?”.MethodsEvidence was gathered from several databases. Reviewers read and appraised articles that answered the EBP question using the Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model. Data were then collated to synthesize and generate recommendations.ResultsOf the initial 613 unique articles, eight (two research and six quality improvement) were included. Six articles demonstrated improvements while two did not. Articles analyzed nursing documentation (n = 3), tasks or skills (n = 2), and best practice compliance (n = 3). One manuscript utilized an EHR‐generated report; all others were completed by hand. Overall, there was not consistent and compelling evidence to support individualized audit and feedback report tools in nursing. However, several themes emerged related to sustainability, timing of feedback, audit, and feedback in the context of quality improvement, and the methods of acquiring and distributing data.Linking Evidence to ActionThe ubiquity and ease of the EHR make providing automated feedback to nurses tempting, yet it is not supported by the literature. More implementation science research is needed to explore audit and feedback reports in nursing. This article adds to the literature by highlighting a significant lack of consistent and compelling positive results from the well‐established quality improvement strategy of audit and feedback in the nursing population. The absence of good data is as telling as its presence.
Constraint-Based Analysis of Parallel Kinematic Articulated Wrist Mechanisms
Authors: Damerla Revanth , Awtar Shorya 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a systematic constraint-based analysis of the performance attributes of eight parallel kinematic articulated wrist mechanisms from the existing literature. These performance attributes include the number, nature (i.e., pure rotation, or translation, or a combination), and location of a mechanism’s Degrees of Freedom (DoFs) in the nominal and displaced configurations, load transmission capability along these DoFs, and load-bearing capability along the constraint directions. This systematic analysis reveals performance tradeoffs between these performance attributes for a given mechanism as well as design tradeoffs across these mechanisms. This analysis also helps inform the suitability of a given mechanism for specific applications.
Deployable Convex Generalized Cylindrical Surfaces Using Torsional Joints
Authors: Nelson Todd G. , Baldelomar Pinto Luis M. , Bruton Jared T. , Deng Zhicheng , Nelson Curtis G. , Howell Larry L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The ability to deploy a planar surface to a desired convex profile with a simple actuation can enhance foldable or morphing airfoils, deployable antennae and reflectors, and other applications where a specific profile geometry is desired from a planar sheet. A model using a system of rigid links joined by torsional springs of tailorable stiffness is employed to create an approximate curved surface when two opposing tip loads are applied. A system of equations describing the shape of the surface during deployment is developed. The physical implementation of the model uses compliant torsion bars as the torsion springs. A multidimensional optimization algorithm is presented to place joints to minimize the error from the rigid-link approximation and account for additional manufacturing and stress considerations in the torsion bars. A proof is presented to show that equal torsion spring spacing along the horizontal axis of deployed parabolic profiles will result in minimizing the area between the model’s rigid-link approximation and smooth curve. The model is demonstrated through the physical construction of a deployable airfoil surface and a metallic deployable parabolic reflector.
Development and Optimization of Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration Cutting Device Based on Single Excitation
Authors: Yin Sen , Dong Zhigang , Bao Yan , Kang Renke , Du Wenhao , Pan Yanan , Jin Zhuji 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting (UEVC) technique, as an advanced cutting method, has been successfully applied to machine difficult-to-cut materials for the last decade. In this study, the mechanism of the elliptical vibration locus caused by the “asymmetric structure” on the horn was analyzed theoretically first, and the corresponding relationship between the degree of asymmetry and the elliptical vibration locus was determined based on the finite element method (FEM). Then, an efficient single-excitation UEVC device with “asymmetric structure” was developed and optimized. The resonant frequency of the device was 40.8 kHz, and the amplitude reached 14 µm, which effectively broke the limitation of cutting speed in UEVC. Finally, the UEVC device’s performance was tested, and the advantages in improving the tungsten alloy surface quality and reducing diamond cutting tool wear validated the technical capability and principle of the proposed device.