bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximity and Touch are associated with Neural but not Physiological Synchrony in Naturalistic Mother-Infant Interactions
Authors: Nguyen Trinh , Abney Drew H. , Salamander Dina , Bertenthal Bennett I. , Hoehl Stefanie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCaregiver touch plays a vital role in infants’ growth and development, but its role as a communicative signal in human parent-infant interactions is surprisingly poorly understood. Here, we assessed whether touch and proximity in caregiver-infant dyads are related to neural and physiological synchrony. We simultaneously measured brain activity and respiratory sinus arrhythmia of 4- to 6-month-old infants and their mothers (N=69 dyads) in distal and proximal joint watching conditions as well as in an interactive face-to-face condition. Neural synchrony was higher during the proximal than during the distal joint watching conditions, and even higher during the face-to-face interaction. Physiological synchrony was highest during the face-to-face interaction and lower in both joint watching conditions, irrespective of proximity. Maternal affectionate touch during the face-to-face interaction was positively related to neural but not physiological synchrony. This is the first evidence that touch mediates mutual attunement of brain activities, but not cardio-respiratory rhythms in caregiver-infant dyads during naturalistic interactions. Our results also suggest that neural synchrony serves as a biological pathway of how social touch plays into infant development and how this pathway could be utilized to support infant learning and social bonding.HighlightsMother-infant neural and physiological synchrony arise during mutual engagement.Behavioral correlates of neural and physiological synchrony diverge.Interpersonal neural synchrony is related to proximity and affective touch.Interpersonal physiological synchrony is related to infant negative affect.
Dual expression of Atoh1 and Ikzf2 promotes transformation of adult cochlear supporting cells into outer hair cells
Authors: Sun Suhong , Li Shuting , Luo Zhengnan , Ren Minhui , He Shunji , Wang Guangqin , Liu Zhiyong 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTMammalian cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) are essential for hearing. OHC degeneration causes severe hearing impairment. Previous attempts of regenerating new OHCs from cochlear supporting cells (SCs) had yielded cells lacking Prestin, a key motor protein for OHC function. Thus, regeneration of Prestin+ OHCs remains a challenge for repairing OHC damagein vivo. Here, we reported that successfulin vivoconversion of adult cochlear SCs into Prestin+ OHC-like cells could be achieved by simultaneous expression of Atoh1 and Ikzf2, two key transcriptional factors necessary for OHC development. New OHC-like cells exhibited upregulation of hundreds of OHC genes and downregulation of SC genes. Single cell transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that the differentiation status of these OHC-like cells was much more advanced than previously achieved. Thus, we have established an efficient approach to promote regeneration of Prestin+ OHCs and paved the way for repairing damaged cochleain vivovia transdifferentiation of SCs.
Slow waves form expanding, memory-rich mesostates steered by local excitability in fading anesthesia
Authors: Pazienti Antonio , Galluzzi Andrea , Dasilva Miguel , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Mattia Maurizio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDuring sleep and anesthesia, large groups of neurons throughout the entire cortex activate rhythmically producing wavefronts of activity referred to as slow-wave activity (SWA). In the arousal process, the brain restores its integrative and complex activity. The network mechanisms underlying this global state transition remain however to be elucidated. Here we investigated the network features shaping the SWA under fading anesthesia. Using electrocorticographical recordings of wide cortical areas of the mouse brain, we developed a quantitative measure of the anesthesia level based on slow-wave frequency and complexity. At deep anesthesia, we document a stringent alternation of posterior-anterior-posterior modes of propagation. With fading anesthesia, SWA evolves to produce a plethora of metastable spatiotemporal patterns. A network model of spiking neurons reproduced the data using short-range connectivity, subcortical input and a local activity-dependent adaptation. The emergence from deep anesthesia does not require modifying the connectivity, but small changes in the local excitability of cortical cell assemblies, further supporting the hypothesis of a tight bound between scales in the brain.
Negative Excess Mortality in Pneumonia Death caused by COVID-19 in Japan
Authors: Kurita Junko , Sugawara Tamie , Sugishita Yoshiyuki , Ohkusa Yasushi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSince the emergence of COVID-19, cases of excess mortality from all causes have been very few in Japan.ObjectTo evaluate COVID-19 effects precisely, we specifically examine deaths caused by pneumonia and examine excess mortality attributable to pneumonia in Japan.MethodWe applied the NIID model to pneumonia deaths from 2005 up through November, 2020 for the whole of Japan. Introduction of routine pneumococcal vaccination for elderly people and revision in ICD10 were incorporated into the estimation model.ResultsNo excess mortality was found for 2020. However, negative excess mortality was observed as 178 in May, 314 in June, and 75 in July. No negative excess mortality was not found between August and November.Discussion and ConclusionSignificantly negative excess mortality might reflect precautions taken by people including wearing masks, washing hands with alcohol, and maintaining social distance. They reduced the infection risk not only of for COVID-19 but also of other infectious diseases causing pneumonia.
Effects of good governance, sustainable development and aid on quality of life: Evidence from sub‐saharan Africa
Authors: Sarpong Steve Yaw , Bein Murad A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe paper empirically investigates the effects of governance (GGov), official development assistance (ODA), sustainability [adjusted net savings (ANS)], and macroeconomic variables on the quality of life [human development index (HDI)] for selected sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries using the most recent data from 2000 to 2017. The study employed different panel techniques. The findings provide insightful and interesting empirical results that resonate with the magnitude of a significant of the role of GGov on ANS and HDI. Our study shows that GGov is important to improve HDI. Additionally, ANS has important implications on the well‐being of human existence in SSA. In addition to these, this study found that macroeconomic variables such as trade openness and economic growth, wealth, and opportunity creation factors like urbanization and electrification rate are essential. Furthermore, empirical results revealed that ODA has a negative and significant association with HDI, which is in line with some of the existing literature. Our findings have several implications for organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and African Development Bank. This study serves as a policy instrument and guides in coordinating SSA on promoting HDI.
Strategic or Silencing? Line Managers’ Repurposing of Employee Voice Mechanisms for High Performance
Authors: Mowbray Paula K. , Wilkinson Adrian , Tse Herman H. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we explore how the pressure to deliver high performance influences line managers in their shaping and repurposing of employee voice mechanisms to encourage improvement‐oriented voice in organizations. Using qualitative data (50 semi‐structured interviews) from two case studies, including a manufacturing organization and a university, we find line managers were proactive in the (re)shaping and repurposing of employee voice mechanisms in response to the high‐performance strategy. Where there was less HR support given to line managers, we found line managers were more inclined to create their own voice mechanisms. However, we observed that a focus on improvement‐oriented voice associated with employer interests diverted employee‐interest voice away from collective and formal channels, into more informal channels. We indicate the dangers of prioritizing an employer‐interest, improvement‐oriented voice approach.
The life cycle and field epidemiology of Uromycladium acaciae (Pucciniales) on Acacia mearnsii in South Africa
Authors: Fraser Stuart , McTaggart Alistair R. , Roux Jolanda , Nel Johan , Potgieter James , Shuey Louise S. , Somchit Chanatda , Wingfield Mike J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUromycladium acaciae has damaged plantations of Acacia mearnsii in southern Africa since 2013. Uredinia of a species of Uromycladium have been known on A. mearnsii in South Africa since the 1980s. However, the recent damage is associated with telia and spermogonia. Uredinia and telia were previously treated as conspecific with a phylogenetic species concept. However, uredinia did not form after previous artificial inoculation experiments with teliospores. Controlled studies identified the optimum conditions for basidiospore infection, but the optimum conditions for sporulation and dispersal have not been identified. To investigate the life cycle and field epidemiology of Uromycladium on A. mearnsii, spores were trapped weekly and development of disease symptoms and plant phenology were monitored monthly at three plantations. Telia and spermogonia developed independently from uredinia, and nucleotide polymorphisms between rDNA of uredinia and telia were fixed based on high throughput sequencing and PCRs. All three weather variables measured had a significant effect on teliospore abundance at two of the three sites. Teliospore abundance was greatest during trapping periods when mean relative humidity was high, mean rainfall was 4–5 mm day−1 and mean temperature was 15–16°C. Teliospore counts peaked at the end of summer, potentially the result of epidemic build‐up. Results support the hypothesis that despite sharing a most recent common ancestor, uredinia on A. mearnsii in southern Africa are independent to the life cycle of the telial rust, which likely constitutes a new introduction. Furthermore, teliospores of U. acaciae disperse under wet conditions, and the wet season between October and March is the optimal period for wattle rust development.
Morphometric analysis of the intercarpal ligaments of the equine proximal carpal bones during simulated flexion and extension of cadaver limbs
Authors: Olusa Timothy A. O. , Akbar Zeeshan , Murray Christina M. , Davies Helen M. S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDespite many reported cases of carpal lameness associated with intercarpal ligament injuries in horses, the morphometry, movement pattern and general intrinsic biomechanics of the carpus are largely unknown. Using osteoligamentous preparation of the carpus prepared from 14 equine cadaver forelimbs (aged 9.62 ± 4.25 years), locomotory simulations of flexion and extension movements of the carpal joint were carried out to observed carpal biomechanics and, thereafter, the limbs were further dissected to obtain morphometric measurements of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MLC and LCL); medial and lateral palmar intercarpal ligaments (MPICL and LPICL); intercarpal ligaments between radial (Cr) and intermediate (Ci) carpal bones (Cr‐Ci ICL); and intercarpal ligaments between Ci and ulnar (Cu) carpal bones (Ci‐Cu ICL). The Cr, Ci, Cu and Ca are held together by a series of intercarpal ligaments and move in unison lateropalmarly during flexion, and mediodorsally during extension with a distinguishable proximo‐distal sliding movement (gliding) of Cr and Ci against each other during movement. The mean length of MCL (108.82 ± 9.64 mm) was significantly longer (p = 0.042) than LCL (104.43 ± 7.65 mm). The Cr‐Ci ICL has a dorsopalmar depth of 37.58 ± 4.14 mm and a midpoint width of 12.05 ± 3.09 mm and its fibres ran diagonally from the medial side of the Ci in a proximo‐palmar disto‐dorsal direction (i.e. palmarodistally) to the lateral side of the Cr. The specialized movement of the Cr‐Ci ICL, which appeared to be further facilitated by a longer MCL suggest a biomechanical function by which carpal damage may be minimized in the equine carpus.
‘No zone’ approach to the management of stable penetrating neck injuries: a systematic review
Authors: Chandrananth Meera L. , Zhang Andrew , Voutier Catherine R. , Skandarajah Anita , Thomson Benjamin N. J. , Shakerian Rezvaneh , Read David J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAim: to review outcomes of the ‘no zone’ approach to penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) with the advent of high‐fidelity computed tomography‐angiography (CT‐A) in order to determine the most appropriate management for stable PNIs. Design: Systematic review. Population: Retrospective and prospective cohort studies of patients who sustained penetrating neck trauma, as defined by an injury which penetrates the platysma, and whose initial management involved CT‐A evaluation.MethodsAn extensive literature search was performed in July 2019 using the following databases: Pubmed Central, EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane CENTRAL. Only studies published in English from the last 15 years were included.ResultsNine cohort studies met inclusion criteria. There has been an increase in CT‐A focussed evaluation of PNIs in recent years. CT‐A is a highly sensitive and specific imaging choice and reduces negative neck exploration rates. A new management algorithm for stable patients involving initial radiological assessment using CT‐A, and subsequent selective surgical exploration, is safe and effective.ConclusionThe results of this review provide level 2A evidence that the ‘no zone’ approach to PNIs, complemented by CT‐A and thorough clinical assessment, is a safe management strategy which reduces negative neck exploration rates.
Addition of liver stiffness enhances the predictive accuracy of the PAGE‐B model for hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chon Hye Yeon , Lee Han Ah , Suh Sang Jun , Lee Jung Il , Kim Byung Seok , Kim In Hee , Lee Chang Hyeong , Jang Byoung Kuk , Lee Hyun Woong , Hwang Jae Seok , Lee Chang Hun , Lee Jin‐Woo , Yu Jung Hwan , Seo Yeon Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Kim Seung Up ,   The Korean Transient Elastography Study Group
Published: January 2021

SummaryBackgroundThe modified PAGE‐B (mPAGE‐B) and PAGE‐B models reliably predict the risk of developing chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Aim(s)To investigate whether the addition of liver stiffness (LS) value, assessed using transient elastography, enhanced the predictive accuracies of these modelsMethodsPatients with CHB who started anti‐viral therapy (AVT) between 2007 and 2017 were enrolled. The training (Yonsei University Hospital) and validation (seven Korean referral institutes) cohorts contained 1211 and 973 patients, respectively.ResultsBased on multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.051, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.031‐1.071), male sex (HR = 2.265, 95% CI = 1.463‐3.506), lower platelet count (HR = 0.993, 95% CI = 0.989‐0.997) and greater LS values (HR = 1.015, 95% CI = 1.002‐1.028) were independently associated with an increased risk of HCC development (all P < 0.05). Thus, we developed a modified PAGELS‐B model (maximum score 34) that included age, male sex, platelet count and LS value. The integrated area under the curve of the modified PAGELS model was greater than those of the PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B models (0.760 vs 0.714 and 0.716, respectively) in the derivation dataset. The cumulative HCC incidence was significantly higher in the high‐risk (modified PAGE‐BLS score ≥ 24) group than in the intermediate‐risk (modified PAGELS‐B score 12‐24) or low‐risk (modified PAGELS‐B score < 12) group (all P < 0.001). Similar results were observed in the validation cohort.ConclusionsThe predictive accuracies of the PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B models were validated in Korean patients with CHB receiving AVT. However, the modified PAGELS‐B model featuring the addition of LS value showed higher predictability than the PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B models.
Thick skin cutters of Siberian frozen mummies—The coevolutionary adaptation of Eurasian Ice Age spotted hyenas
Authors: Diedrich Cajus G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSiberian extinct top predators—Ice Age spotted hyenas—are discovered in the permafrost of Yakutia in‐between frozen mammoth, rhinoceros, bison or horse carcasses, such as in Mongolia at new open‐air sites. Historic described European holotypes and new crania from Siberia, Mongolia, and Europe allow presenting the monophyly of Crocuta reaching back 2.53 Mio years (Late Pliocene). Spotted hyenas coevolved in dental change and body size to their largest guilt, thick‐skinned elephants and rhinoceroses. The Late Pleistocene (MIS 5d‐3, 113.00–25.000 BP) Crocuta crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss, 1823) is proven to have scavenged Siberian woolly rhinoceros Coeleodonta antiquitatis (Blumenbach, 1799) carcasses. Rhino mummy skins have scavenging signs attributable only to hyenas. Chew cuts of breaking‐cutting scissor dentition are found at mummy skins. The last Eurasian hyenas left always similar chew‐damaged woolly rhinoceroses’ crania with braincase openings and damaged mandibles, whereas their deep bite scratches are often found on the distal joints of long bones. Strongest rhino bone damage is found at natal den sites (cave or open air), to which hyenas imported guilt to their cubs. The recently known Ice Age spotted hyena palaeobiogeography overlaps exactly with those of woolly rhinoceros and mammoths. All reached Bering Straits.
Inhibition of the sodium–glucose co‐transporter SGLT2 by canagliflozin ameliorates diet‐induced obesity by increasing intra‐adipose sympathetic innervation
Authors: Yang Xuping , Liu Qinhui , Li Yanping , Ding Yi , Zhao Yan , Tang Qin , Wu Tong , Chen Lei , Pu Shiyun , Cheng Shihai , Zhang Jinhang , Zhang Zijing , Huang Ya , Li Rui , Zhao Yingnan , Zou Min , Shi Xiongjie , Jiang Wei , Wang Rui , He Jinhan 
Published: January 2021

Background and PurposeInhibition of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) induces hypoglycaemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion and increasing the use of fat. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study was aimed to determine the effects of canagliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, on diet‐induced obesity and the underlying mechanism(s).Experimental ApproachAdult C57BL/6J male mice were fed with a standard chow diet or high‐fat diet supplemented with vehicle or canagliflozin. Whole body energy expenditure was monitored by metabolic cages, noradrenaline levels were measured by HPLC, glucose uptake was measured by PET/CT, and mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT‐PCR and western blotting analysis.Key ResultsMice treated with canagliflozin were resistant to high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and its metabolic consequences. Canagliflozin treatment decreased fat mass and increased energy expenditure via increasing thermogenesis and lipolysis in adipose tissue. Mechanistically, SGLT2 inhibition by canagliflozin elevated adipose sympathetic innervation and fat mobilization via a β3‐adrenoceptor‐cAMP‐PKA signalling pathway. Finally, we showed that canagliflozin improved insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice fed with a high‐fat diet.Conclusions and ImplicationsChronic inhibition of SGLT2 increased energy consumption by increasing intra‐adipose sympathetic innervation to counteract diet‐induced obesity. The present study reveals a new therapeutic function for SGLT2 inhibitors in regulating energy homeostasis.
The impact of postoperative complications and delay of adjuvant chemotherapy on oncological outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Fransgaard Tina , Caspar Thygesen Lau , Gögenur Ismail 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimPostoperative complications are believed to result in poorer long‐term oncological outcomes. The contribution of time to chemotherapy has not been analysed in detail. Our aim was to examine the association between postoperative complications and long‐term oncological outcomes and overall survival, and the influence of delay in chemotherapy on these outcomes.MethodThe study was a nationwide register‐based observational study that included patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in Denmark between 2010 and 2015. Information regarding postoperative complications was obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group national clinical registry. A Cox regression model was used to estimate disease‐free survival, recurrence‐free survival and all‐cause mortality in patients surviving for 180 days or more after surgery.ResultsA total of 4083 patients were included, of whom 690 had postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were associated with increased odds of delay to adjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio 4.56, 95% CI 3.67–5.66, p < 0.0001). An unadjusted analysis revealed that patients with complications had poorer disease‐free survival and recurrence‐free survival and had increased all‐cause mortality. In multivariate analysis, postoperative complications were not associated with poorer disease‐free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 1.02, 95% CI 0.88–1.18, p = 0.80] recurrence‐free survival (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.89–1.25, p = 0.56) or all‐cause mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86–1.26, p = 0.67).ConclusionThis study showed no association between the occurrence of postoperative complications and long‐term prognosis when adjusting for time to adjuvant chemotherapy.
Patient engagement in an online coaching intervention for parents of children with suspected developmental delays
Authors: Ogourtsova Tatiana , O’Donnell Maureen E , Filliter Jillian H , Wittmeier Kristy ,   BRIGHT Coaching Group, Majnemer Annette 
Published: January 2021

AimTo evaluate patient engagement processes in the development of a new health coaching intervention for parents of children with suspected developmental delays.MethodA cross‐sectional mixed‐method study design was used. Researchers (n=18) and patient‐partners (n=9) were surveyed using the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) in areas of: (1) communication/supports for participation; (2) sharing views/perspectives; (3) impacts/influence of engagement initiative; and (4) final thoughts/satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and an inductive thematic‐based approach were used to analyse the data.ResultsFor both study groups, high agreement, with responses largely ranging between ‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’, was noted on all four sections of the PPEET. Qualitative reports reflected that patient engagement was important, meaningful, and had a significant impact on the quality of the project and on the professional development of researchers in their understanding and use of patient‐oriented methodology. Patient‐partners noted challenges related to having realistic deadlines in providing feedback and a lack of a broader range of representation among members.InterpretationThe benefits and challenges of applying patient‐oriented strategies to a multicentre trial were highlighted. These will be used to enhance our engagement processes.What this paper adds

Researchers and patient‐partners reported successful and beneficial patient engagement.

Enablers included members’ commitment, communication, partnership, and supports.

Engagement barriers were mainly reported by patient‐partners rather than researchers.

Barriers included communication issues, group homogeneity, and task management difficulties.

Patient engagement enhanced the relevance and quality of the research project.