bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unexpected larval habit of Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) raises questions about population dynamics analysis and management
Authors: McNeill Mark Richard , van Koten Chikako , Goldson Stephen Latham 
Published: March 2021

AbstractListronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) is a pest of agriculturally important graminaceous species, with mining larvae that kill the stems of the host plants. In this study, larval populations were measured in spring and summer in irrigated dairy grassland comprising Lolium perenne L. (cv. Nui) with and without the endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii Latch, M.J. Chr. and Samuels and Poa annua L.. Larvae were extracted from tillers taken from the swards of these two grass species and extracted from turves, and L. bonariensis population densities were estimated from tiller and turf larval counts on a m−2 basis. Over the study period, the total number of larvae and larval densities extracted from turves was on average 2× greater than indicated from tillers. In most seasons, larval densities from turves were significantly higher than those from the tillers, though there was no correlation between tiller and turf larval densities. Mean head capsule widths of larvae emerging from turf samples showed significant seasonal effects compared with tillers, while mean head capsule widths of all four instars were significantly greater when extracted from tillers compared with turves. There was a significant endophyte effect on head capsule widths of larvae collected in summer, but the effect was not consistent across instars or source. Conversely, no significant endophyte effect on head capsule width was found in spring populations from either tillers or turves. This study shows that in irrigated dairy pasture, a high proportion of L. bonariensis larvae can live externally of tillers, presumably among the organic matter around the base of grasses in irrigated dairy pasture, and that density estimates based only on tiller populations will have significantly underestimated actual numbers. Having a precise indication of larval population densities is essential when developing life tables or determining economic damage threshold levels.
The Recorded Interaction Task: A Validation Study of a New Observational Tool to Assess Mother‐Infant Bonding
Authors: Edwards Hannah , Buisman‐Pijlman Femke TA , Esterman Adrian , Phillips Craig , Orgeig Sandra , Gordon Andrea 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionMother‐infant bonding describes the early emotional connectedness between a mother and her infant. The quality of the mother‐infant bond early in life is related to the subsequent quality of the child's attachment, the quality of further mother‐infant interactions, and various other social outcomes across the child's life span. The Recorded Interaction Task (RIT) was developed to assess mother‐infant bonding using observational methods in a naturalistic but standardized setting, thus addressing shortcomings of previous self‐report tools. The RIT focusses on the common interaction between mother and infant (aged 2 to 5 months old), during a diaper (nappy) change. The interaction is video recorded and later assessed. The RIT must be validated before it can be used to assess mother‐infant bonding in future research or in clinical practice.MethodsFace and content validity of the RIT were assessed by a panel of 6 experts in bonding and assessment of maternal and infant behavior. The RIT and self‐reported Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were administered to 15 mother‐infant dyads with the correlation between their scores used to assess convergent validity.ResultsAcceptable face and content validity of the RIT was demonstrated. A weak correlation between the RIT and PBQ (r = −0.13) and their subscales (r = −0.22) were observed. A strong correlation between the RIT maternal behavior and infant behavior subscales was recorded (r = 0.69).DiscussionThe RIT appears to be a viable tool for the observational assessment of mother‐infant bonding. Reliability testing and piloting will be required before the RIT can be used in future research or clinical practice.
Masked high progesterone levels during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment in a patient with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency: A case report
Authors: Mizusawa Yuri , Katayama Kazuaki , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Women with 21OHD have reduced fertility because of excessive production of adrenal androgen and progesterone, which can inhibit folliculogenesis, disturb the normal gonadotropin secretion pattern and development of the endometrium, and affect endometrial receptivity. Here, we report on an infertile woman with 21OHD who initially showed normal progesterone levels and spontaneous ovulation with the treatment by an endocrinologist. However, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer repeatedly failed because of a gradual elevation in progesterone, which was masked by fertility treatment. The case underlines that close coordination is required between the endocrinologist and reproductive specialist for the total treatment for woman with 21OHD.
The effect of metformin on homocysteine levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Fang Zhuofan , Yang Xin , Pan Huijuan , Zhang Chunfang , Li Xiaoling , Bai Yan , Wang Fang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeMetformin is widely used as an insulin sensitizer in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. However, previous studies have found that the effect of metformin on the level of homocysteine were not consistent in PCOS patients. The aim of this review was to analyze the effect of metformin on homocysteine levels in patients with PCOS patients.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and Web of Science were searched according to predefined search terms. There is no restriction for publication time and language.ResultsEleven studies were included and the data were extracted. The homocysteine level in PCOS patients was significantly increased after taking metformin (mean difference [MD] −1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.16 to −0.49, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that the level of homocysteine was generally increased in PCOS patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 after taking metformin alone (MD −1.82; 95% CI −2.56 to −1.07, p < 0.00001). There was no significant change in homocysteine level in PCOS patients with BMI <25 (MD 0.69; 95% CI −0.41 to 1.79, p = 0.22). Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference when taking metformin >3 months or taking metformin ≤3 months (p = 0.84). Taking metformin ≥1700 mg/days significantly increased homocysteine levels in PCOS patients (MD −2.05; 95% CI −2.40 to −1.70, p < 0.00001). When taking metformin <1700 mg/days, there was no significant difference in homocysteine level in PCOS patients (MD 0.15; 95% CI −1.06 to 1.37, p = 0.80). The difference between the two subgroups was significant (p = 0.0006). There was no significant difference in vitamin B12 level before and after metformin treatment (MD 24.70; 95% CI −22.54 to 71.93, p = 0.31). There was a decrease in serum folic acid level after metformin administration (MD 1.03; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.26, p < 0.00001).ConclusionTaking metformin alone increased homocysteine levels and decreased folic acid levels in nonpregnant PCOS patients. And, it was suggested that the dosage of metformin should be less than 1700 mg/days. The supplement of folic acid and B vitamins during metformin administration may be essential in nonpregnant PCOS patients. We should pay much attention to the potential effect of metformin in PCOS patients.
Doppler assessment of the fetus in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19
Authors: Anuk Ali T. , Tanacan Atakan , Yetiskin Fatma D. Y. , Buyuk Gul N. , Senel Selvi A. , Keskin Huseyin L. , Moraloglu Ozlem , Uygur Dilek 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal‐fetal Doppler patterns in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19.MethodsThis prospective case–control study was conducted in Ankara City Hospital between July 1, 2020 and August 30, 2020. Thirty pregnant women who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 and completed the quarantine process were compared with 40 healthy pregnant women in terms of the fetal Doppler parameters. All pregnant women diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection were followed up in our clinic and their diagnoses have been confirmed in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of the uterine arteries (UtA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were used in addition to umbilical artery (UA) Doppler between 23 and 40 weeks of gestation. Also, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was calculated according to gestational age.ResultsThe pulsatility and resistance indices of umbilical and UtA showed a significant increase in pregnant women in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that pulsatility and resistance indices of the mean UtA were independently associated with disease (OR > 1000, 95%CI 9.77 to >1000, p = 0.009; OR 0,000 95%CI 0,000‐0,944, p = 0,049), respectively. Medical treatment was given to 16/30 (53%) of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19.ConclusionIn conclusion, uterine artery Doppler indices in the third trimester may have clinical value in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19.
Seasonal effects in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, richness and intensity in vervet monkeys living in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Blersch R. , Bonnell T. R. , Barrett L. , Henzi S. P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractParasite and pathogen incidence and prevalence is driven by both periodic variation in environmental conditions and host characteristics. Given the increasing risk of zoonotic transmission to humans, and the close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non‐human primates, understanding this variation in parasite dynamics is becoming essential for epidemiologists and conservationists alike. The extreme seasonal temperatures coupled with declining annual rainfall and severe periodic drought of the semi‐arid Karoo poses distinct challenges to both hosts and pathogens and serves as a window into how animals confront climate change‐induced environmental changes. Here we quantified annual variation in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, intensity and richness in three troops of wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and determined what climatic variables were driving these changes. Further, we assessed whether there is long‐term temporal dependence in intra‐individual faecal egg counts. We found variation in the prevalence of five genera of helminths identified in the study population, but little variation in parasite richness across the year. Such variation was driven primarily by precipitation and maximum daily temperature. Finally, we found structure in faecal egg counts, suggesting that contrary to previous findings, egg shedding of Trichostrongylus sp. and ?Protospirura sp. are not stochastic processes and may serve as an indicator of individual levels of infection in our population. Combined, these results provide the first report of seasonal effects in gastrointestinal parasites of vervet monkeys living in an extreme environment.
Uroflowmetry pattern in detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Wada Naoki , Watanabe Masaki , Ishikawa Mayumi , Takeuchi Keigo , Miyauchi Kotona , Abe Noriyuki , Banjo Hiroko , Kita Masafumi , Kakizaki Hidehiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate if uroflowmetry (UFM) curve patterns could differentiate between detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).MethodsA hundred consecutive data sets of male patients who were evaluated using UFM and invasive urodynamics (pressure flow study) were retrospectively collected. DU and BOO were diagnosed according to the bladder contractility index and BOO index. The UFM curve with two or more notches was defined as sawtooth pattern, and the interrupted pattern was defined if several curves with interruptions reducing to zero were noted. We also compared other UFM parameters including maximum and average flow rates (Qmax and Qave), voiding time, time to Qmax, the slope to first peak flow, the number of notches on the curve (sawtooth pattern), the number of curves (interrupted pattern), and the maximum drop on the sawtooth pattern.ResultsTwenty‐five and forty‐nine patients were categorized in the BOO group and the DU group, respectively. The incidence of sawtooth pattern was significantly higher in the DU group (57%) than in the BOO group (32%), while the incidence of interrupted pattern was not different between the two groups (36% in the BOO group and 49% in the DU group). There were significant differences in age (area under the curve = 0.75), prostatic volume (0.67), the slope to first peak flow (0.58), the number of notches on the curve (0.61), and the maximum drop (0.76) between the two groups.ConclusionsThe sawtooth UFM pattern is more common in patients with DU than in those with BOO. New parameters on UFM curve patterns could be helpful to evaluate DU and BOO without invasive urodynamics.
Renal supportive care programs: An observational study assessing impact on hospitalization and survival outcomes
Authors: Chia Xiu Xian , Johnston Rebecca , Aggarwal Rajesh , Huynh Thang , Notaras Stephanie , Zekanovic Dragana , Gordon Katrina , Sasongko Victoria , Makris Angela 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimRenal supportive care (RSC) programs are used to manage non‐dialysis end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of RSC programs on hospitalization and survival outcomes in these patients.MethodsA retrospective, single‐centre observational cohort study of non‐dialysis ESKD patients was undertaken. Hospitalizations and survival from eGFR≤15 ml/min was compared between patients managed in an RSC program (RSC group) and patients receiving standard conservative therapy (non‐RSC group). Local databases, physician letters and electronic medical records were used for data collection. Prevalent patients from 2013 to 2017 with eGFR ≤15 ml/min were included. Cox proportion hazard testing and generalized linear modelling was undertaken to adjust for confounders.ResultsA total of 172 patients were included (95 RSC; 75 non‐RSC). The median age was 82 years [IQR 78–85], 46% were male, the median Charlson‐comorbidity Index was 5 [IQR 4–7]. The RSC group had significantly lowered haemoglobin level (102 g/L vs. 111 g/L) and fewer English‐speakers (34% vs. 44%). RSC was associated with the decreased number of days in hospital per year (estimated means 46.6 days [95% CI 21–67] vs. 83.2 days [95%CI 60.5–105.8]; p = .01) and decreased number of hospital admissions per year (estimated means 5.4 [95%CI 2.1–8.8] vs. 12.3 [95%CI 8.2–16.4]; p = .01) compared with non‐RSC. Median overall survival from eGFR≤15 in the entire cohort was 735 days, with no significant difference between RSC and non‐RSC groups (p = .9), both unadjusted and adjusted for confounders.ConclusionRSC programs can significantly decrease the number and length of hospitalizations in conservatively managed ESKD patients.
Nursing is never neutral: Political determinants of health and systemic marginalization
Authors: Dickman Nathan Eric , Chicas Roxana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe nursing community in the United States polarized in September 2020 between Dawn Wooten's whistleblowing about forced hysterectomies at an immigration center in Georgia and the American Nurses Association's refusal to endorse a presidential candidate despite the Trump administration's mounting failures to address the public health crisis posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This reveals a need for more attention to political aspects of health outcome inequities. As advocates for health equity, nurses can join in recent scholarship and activism concerning the political determinants of health. In this paper, we examine recent work on the political determinants of health with an aim to add two things. First, we seek to build further on the notion of “political” determinants of health by distinguishing policy and governance structures from dynamics of politicization through appeal to critical disabilities studies. Second, we seek to apply this further nuanced approach to challenge rhetorical uses of “vulnerable populations,” where this phrase serves to misrecognize systemic institutionalized forces that actively exploit and marginalize people and groups. By refocusing attention to political systems organized around and perpetuating inequitable health outcomes, nurses and other health care professionals—as well as those whom they serve—can concentrate their effort and power to act on political determinants of health in bringing about more equitable health outcomes.
Brown planthopper infestations alter sugar metabolism in the rice plant as well as brown planthopper
Authors: Liu Yong‐Kang , Xu Wen‐Xuan , Xu Jing‐Jing , Zheng Si‐Rui , Yan Jia‐Jie , Ding Yu‐Tong , Shen Bo , Tang Bin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCarbohydrate plays an important role in rice resistance or tolerance to pests, and also affects the continuous feeding of brown planthoppers (BPHs) on rice. However, the change in the sugar metabolism of BPH and rice plant after BPH infestation is not well studied. In this study, the rice variety Taichung Native 1 (TN1) was taken as a control group, and four kinds of common rice varieties in Zhejiang province (China), Zhong Jiazao 17 (ZJZ17), Zhong Zheyou 8 (ZZY8), Tian Youhuazhan (TYHZ), and Jing Liangyouhuazhan (JLYHZ), were taken as experimental group. The results showed that the BPHs best preferred the TN1 rice variety. BPHs in fifth instar feeding on the other four rice varieties had lower levels of trehalose, glucose, and glycogen, and the difference in sugar levels further resulted in differences in trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase and trehalase expression and trehalase activity. In addition, after BPHs infestation, the glucose content in the sheath at 30 days decreased, while it increased in the sheath at 60 days. Moreover, the trehalose content in the sheath at 30 and 60 days decreased. The starch in the leaves at 60 days also decreased. This study demonstrated that both BPHs and rice plant showed changes in carbohydrate metabolism after BPHs feeding on rice, but these changes varied with rice varieties and rice growth stage. These results provide a basis for a better understanding the physiological interaction between BPH and rice plant.
Development of an assessment scale for engagement in activities for patients with moderate to severe dementia
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Umeda Ren , Shoumura Yuko , Kurogi Tatsunari , Nagata Yuma , Ishimaru Daiki , Yoshimitsu Koji , Tabira Takayuki , Ishii Ryouhei , Nishikawa Takashi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundVarious types of therapy, including occupational therapy, are utilised for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia. In order to determine the optimal rehabilitation strategy for such patients and examine the treatment efficacy, an assessment scale for engagement in various group activities that can be easily applied in clinical situations is required. We herein report the development of the Assessment Scale for Engagement in Activities (ASEA) and its clinical utility.MethodsThe ASEA was developed by nine occupational therapists and a psychiatrist with experience in developing measures for dementia, in accordance with the COSMIN (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments) checklist. This assessment comprises 10 items covering four domains: Engagement in the Activity, Interaction, Arousal, and Affect. Participants with moderate to severe dementia who resided in a psychiatric acute phase hospital in Japan were assessed in terms of engagement in activities using the ASEA and Todai‐shiki Observational Rating Scale (TORS), and in terms of cognitive function using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). We examined the internal consistency, inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability, content validity, and concurrent validity of the ASEA.ResultsCronbach's alpha of the ASEA was 0.889. The overall inter‐rater reliability was 0.937 (Spearman rank correlation, P < 0.001), and the intraclass correlation (ICC) for each item was 0.490–0.965 (P < 0.018–0.001). The overall test–retest reliability was 0.778 (Spearman's rank correlation, P < 0.001), and the ICC for each item was 0.498–0.863 (P < 0.023–0.001). The test–retest correlations were significant for almost all items, aside from ‘Interaction with others’ (P = 0.051). The concurrent validity, examined using the TORS and MMSE, was 0.920 and 0.304 (Spearman's rank correlation, P < 0.001–0.006).ConclusionsThe ASEA has confirmed reliability and validity, aside from ‘Interaction with others’ regarding test–retest reliability. Generally, this assessment tool has clinical utility and allows the evaluation of activity engagement among patients with moderate to severe dementia.
Anti‐A and SARS‐CoV‐2: an intriguing association
Authors: de Freitas Dutra Valeria , Bonet‐Bub Carolina , Yokoyama Ana Paula H. , Achkar Ruth , Machado Rafael Rahal Guaragna , Assunção Murilo , Candelária Gabriela , Soares Camila Pereira , Fachini Roberta Maria , Fontão‐Wendel Rita , Hamerschlak Nelson , Reis Luiz Fernando Lima , Araujo Danielle Bastos , Nudelman Victor , Pinho Joao R. R. , Rizzo Luiz V. , Sakashita Araci M. , Scuracchio Patrícia , Durigon Edison Luiz , Wendel Silvano , Kutner Jose M. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundBlood groups and anti‐A isohemagglutinin may be involved in susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively studied 268 COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors and 162 COVID‐19 inpatients (total 430 subjects, confirmed by RT‐PCR) and 2,212 healthy volunteer first‐time blood donors as a control group. These were further divided into two groups: those with anti‐A (blood types O and B) and those without it (types A and AB). Titres of nucleoproteins, and neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody were measured in the convalescent plasma donors and inpatients. Multivariate logistic regression and non‐parametric tests were applied.ResultsPersons having types O or B showed less infection prevalence than those of types A or AB (OR = 0·62, 95% CI 0·50–0·78; P < 0·001), but there was no difference when COVID‐19 inpatients were analysed. Immunoglobulins M, G and A were lower in COVID‐19 subjects of types O or B group than those of A or AB (0·16 vs. 0·19; P = 0·03, 2·11 vs. 2·55; P = 0·02, 0·23 vs. 0·32; P = 0·03, respectively).ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort, COVID‐19 individuals were less likely to belong to blood types O and B, and also had lower SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titres than A and AB individuals. COVID‐19 severity did not associate with the blood groups.
Tables of Moments and Deflections for a Rectangular Plate Fixed on All Edges and Carrying a Uniformly Distributed Load
Authors: Evans Thomas H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The problem of the clamped rectangular plate with a uniform load was solved by Hencky in 1913 and independently by Boobnoff in 1914. The former calculated values only for the case of a square plate. In 1937, Wojtaszak, using Hencky’s method, calculated several other cases. In this paper the maximum moments and deflections for all side ratios between 1.0 and 2.0, by intervals of 0.1, are determined following Hencky’s procedure. Growing out of the necessity for solving eight groups of simultaneous equations in twelve unknowns a short cut on the usual trial and error process of solution was developed.