bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a low‐dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol in the treatment of asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs
Authors: Cridge Harry , Lupiano Henrique , Nipper Julia D. , Mackin Andrew J. , Steiner Jörg M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundEstablished treatment protocols for schistosomiasis (Heterobilharzia americana) in dogs are expensive. Anecdotal reports suggest that lower doses of praziquantel, combined with fenbendazole, may eliminate asymptomatic infections.ObjectivesEvaluate the efficacy of a low‐dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol to manage asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs and compare fecal saline sedimentation (FSS) and fecal PCR (FPCR) for therapeutic monitoring.AnimalsTwelve asymptomatic dogs with positive FPCR and FSS results for schistosomiasis.MethodsProspective observational study. On day 0, dogs received praziquantel at a median dose of 5 mg/kg PO q8h for 2 days, with fenbendazole at 24 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days. Fecal PCR and FSS were repeated in all dogs on days 30, 60, and 90.ResultsBy day 30, 10 of 12 dogs were negative by FSS, but only 3 of 12 were negative by FPCR. By day 60, all 12 dogs were negative by FSS, and 8 of 12 had become negative by FPCR. By day 90, all 12 dogs remained negative by FSS, but 5 of 12 were positive by FPCR (including 2 that were negative by FPCR on day 60). Three dogs that were positive by FPCR on day 60 were re‐treated and subsequently became both FPCR and FSS negative. One FPCR‐positive dog developed a mild increase in serum ALP activity, another developed mild hypercalcemia, and a third developed diarrhea.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA low‐dose praziquantel/fenbendazole protocol may be effective for asymptomatic schistosomiasis in some dogs, but monitoring to ensure treatment success is recommended. Fecal saline sedimentation and FPCR may demonstrate discrepant results, with FPCR being positive more frequently.
An elementary approach to the Merton problem
Authors: Herdegen Martin , Hobson David , Jerome Joseph 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this article we consider the infinite‐horizon Merton investment‐consumption problem in a constant‐parameter Black–Scholes–Merton market for an agent with constant relative risk aversion R. The classical primal approach is to write down a candidate value function and to use a verification argument to prove that this is the solution to the problem. However, features of the problem take it outside the standard settings of stochastic control, and the existing primal verification proofs rely on parameter restrictions (especially, but not only, ), restrictions on the space of admissible strategies, or intricate approximation arguments. The purpose of this paper is to show that these complications can be overcome using a simple and elegant argument involving a stochastic perturbation of the utility function.
Wild ungulate responses to anthropogenic land use: a comparative Pantropical analysis
Authors: Costa Hugo C. M. , Benchimol Maíra , Peres Carlos A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Escalating human development has severely threatened natural ecosystems, especially in the Tropics, resulting in the wholesale replacement and fragmentation of native habitats and their biotas. As a result, wild vertebrates have often become isolated in natural vegetation patches surrounded by different anthropogenic land cover (ALC) types of variable habitat quality. In many regions, ALC is the dominant form of human‐modified habitat available, but its importance to wildlife remains poorly understood.

We present the first Pantropical comparative analysis of the responses of all wild hoofed mammal populations (terrestrial ungulates: Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Proboscidea) to six major ALC types (exotic pastures, annual croplands, abandoned croplands, perennial croplands, tree plantations, and agroforestry).

Specifically, we evaluate whether life‐history trait, threat status, and structural landscape contrast can explain ungulate habitat use in these ALC types. We also investigate which land uses are most likely to contribute to the persistence of Tropical cervids, bovids, tapirs, suids, and tayassuids.

We show that habitat breadth and body mass are key positive and negative life‐history predictors of wild ungulate responses to ALC, respectively. Additionally, our results indicate that perennial and annual croplands are the most detrimental to wild ungulates, whereas agroforestry exerts a relatively benign effect. ALC is more detrimental to Neotropical ungulates than to their ecological analogues in the Palaeotropics.

We emphasise the pervasive effects of large‐scale mechanised cropland, and the often positive role of agroforestry systems as supplementary habitats in sustaining wild ungulate assemblages. Large tracts of natural habitat under varying degrees of connectivity can enhance the persistence of viable Tropical ungulate populations.
Unmasking the demand for masks: Analytics of mandating coronavirus masks
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Haruna Shoji 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper analytically examines the demand for surgical masks following the recent health precautions due to coronavirus. Using a simple linear demand curve and alternatively examining the impacts of requirements that mandate (a) the wearing of masks by frontline workers; (b) suggested but not required masking by the whole public; and (c) compulsory masking by the whole public. The impacts of the different scenarios on the price elasticity of demand are determined along with the slope (or the rate of change) of elasticity. Some of these results differ when a non‐linear demand curve is considered instead. The equilibrium mask prices increase when masks are universally mandated, whereas the consumer surplus is higher when masks are recommended but not mandated. However, the ranking of consumer surplus is shown to be sensitive to the supply elasticity of masks. These considerations enable a structured means to view the demand implications of masking requirements and provide some food for policy thought.
A robust prediction model for displacement of concrete dams subjected to irregular water‐level fluctuations
Authors: Ren Qiubing , Li Mingchao , Li Heng , Song Lingguang , Si Wen , Liu Han 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMonitoring and predicting the displacement of concrete dams is one of the most crucial considerations for ensuring their long‐term safe operation. Most existing models are designed for dams subjected to common structural and environmental conditions, with little attention paid to atypical operational conditions, such as structural strengthening or sudden changes in the external environment. The motivation for this work is to develop a reliable prediction model for displacement behavior of concrete dams subjected to irregular upstream water‐level fluctuations. In our study, a reconstruction method for unevenly sampled time series is presented to analyze such data. Then, an improved model, factor weighted support vector regression (FWSVR), which differentiates various factors and their effects through a weighting matrix, is theoretically derived. The weights are determined by the RReliefF algorithm, and together with FWSVR form the final RReliefF‐based FWSVR (RFWSVR) model. In particular, the hyperparameters involved in the above modeling strategy are optimized by the Grey Wolf Optimizer. Eventually, the prediction robustness of the developed model was verified on the data from four representative monitoring points of a real‐world dam, where its accuracy was compared to classical dam behavior modeling methods, FWSVR models using other weighting methods, and an ensemble learning algorithm. Comparative evaluation of the performance of the different methods was conducted with the help of recognized statistical indices. The evaluation results show that the overall performance of the proposed RFWSVR model is optimal for the displacement prediction at the selected points when the dam case is subjected to irregular water‐level changes. This novel modeling approach may be generalized for modeling the evolution behavior of other civil or hydraulic structures.
Effects of Judet Quadricepsplasty in the Treatment of Post‐traumatic Extension Contracture of the Knee
Authors: Luo Yong , Li Hongxing , Mei Lin , Mao Xinzhan 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical outcomes and the affecting factors of Judet's quadricepsplasty on the stiffness of post‐traumatic knee flexion.MethodsA retrospective survey was analyzed from June 2015 to October 2018. A total of 15 patients (eight males, seven females; mean age, 48.27 years) with extension contracture of the knee were treated by Judet's quadricepsplasty. All cases were injuries induced by fracture trauma. The mean interval between the initial procedure and quadricepsplasty was 56.2 months (range, 13–276 months). The knee range of motion (ROM) was assessed with a goniometer. The results of the procedure were analyzed by measuring the degrees of flexion of the operated knees at different time points (before, immediately after, and late postoperatively). We evaluated Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Judet's criteria, change in the degree of knee flexion, and complications.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 14 to 47 months, with an average of 31.53 months. The degree of flexion increased from 23.33° (range, 10°–50°) preoperatively to 107.33° (range, 100°–125°) intraoperatively, followed by a slight fall in the range of flexion in the late postoperative period, which reached an average of 95.33° (range, 60°–115°) in the last follow‐up. The knee joint function was assessed according to the Judet's criteria, eight cases (53.33%) achieved excellent results, six (40%) good, one (6.67%) fair, and zero (0.00%) poor results at final follow‐up. The long‐term excellent and good rate was 93.33%. The range of flexion of the knee during operation and at the last time of follow‐up was better than that before surgery (P < 0.001). The final flexion was significantly lower than that measured at immediate postoperative (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative HSS score for the entire group was 93.73 (range, 89–96). Fifteen excellent results were obtained according to the HSS knee score. Skin infection was seen in one patient (6.67%). There were no complications such as deep sepsis, intraoperative rupture of the quadriceps tendon, fracture of the lateral femoral condyle, skin dehiscence.ConclusionJudet quadricepsplasty is an effective method to treat knee extension contracture and improve knee range of motion (ROM). It should be performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and followed by physiotherapy with continuous passive motion (CPM). The knee ROM obtained with the surgery has an excellent long‐term effect.
Role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection: A review of clinical evidence
Authors: Baswan Sudhir M. , Klosner Allison E. , Weir Cathy , Salter‐Venzon Dawna , Gellenbeck Kevin W. , Leverett Jesse , Krutmann Jean 
Published: May 2021

SummaryCarotenoids, a class of phytonutrients, have been well established to boost skin's innate resistance against ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced erythema (sunburn). Many of the published clinical studies thus far have focused on the measurement of erythema as the primary clinical indicator of skin protection against UVB radiation. More recent studies have shown that carotenoid supplementation provides even more skin protection than previously shown as new clinical and molecular endpoints beyond UVB‐induced erythema have been reported. These recent studies have demonstrated that carotenoids also provide photoprotection against UVA‐induced pigmentation and inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1, heme oxygenase‐1, and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9. This article provides a comprehensive review of the published clinical evidence on skin benefits of carotenoids in the last five decades and indicates new perspectives on the role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection.
Risk factors for very preterm delivery out of a level III maternity unit: The EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study
Authors: Desplanches Thomas , Morgan Andrei S. , Jones Peter , Diguisto Caroline , Zeitlin Jennifer , Martin‐Marchand Laetitia , Benhammou Valérie , Lecomte Bénédicte , Rozé Jean‐Christophe , Truffert Patrick , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Sagot Paul , Roussot Adrien , Fresson Jeanne , Blondel Béatrice 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRegionalisation programmes aim to ensure that very preterm infants are born in level III units (inborn) through antenatal referral or transfer. Despite widespread knowledge about better survival without disability for inborn babies, 10%‐30% of women deliver outside these units (outborn).ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors associated with outborn deliveries and to estimate the proportion that were probably or possibly avoidable.MethodsWe used a national French population‐based cohort including 2205 women who delivered between 24 and 30+6 weeks in 2011. We examined risk factors for outborn delivery related to medical complications, antenatal care, sociodemographic characteristics and living far from a level III unit using multivariable binomial regression. Avoidable outborn deliveries were defined by pregnancy risk (obstetric history, antenatal hospitalisation) and time available for transfer.Results25.0% of women were initially booked in level III, 9.1% were referred, 49.8% were transferred, and 16.1% had outborn delivery. Risk factors for outborn delivery were gestational age <26 weeks (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13, 1.66), inadequate antenatal care (aRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10, 1.81), placental abruption (aRR 1.66, 95% CI 1.27, 2.17), and increased distance to the closest level III unit ((aRR 2.79, 95% CI 2.00, 3.92) in the 4th versus 1st distance quartile). Among outborn deliveries, 16.7% were probably avoidable, and 25.6% possibly avoidable, which could increase the proportion of inborn deliveries between 85.9% and 92.9%. Avoidable outborn deliveries were mainly associated with gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and haemorrhage, but not distance.ConclusionsOur study identified some modifiable risk factors for outborn delivery; however, when regionalised care relies heavily on antenatal transfer, as it does in France, only some outborn deliveries may be prevented. Earlier referral of high‐risk women will be needed to achieve full access to tertiary care.
Racial inequity in preterm delivery among college‐educated women: The role of racism
Authors: Brase Piper , MacCallum‐Bridges Colleen , Margerison Claire E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundNon‐Hispanic Black (NHB) women face a 50% increased risk of delivering preterm compared to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) women in the United States. Sociodemographic and pregnancy risk factors do not fully explain this inequity. This inequity exists even among women with a college education, although recent empirical analysis on racial inequities in preterm delivery (PTD) among college‐educated women is lacking. Furthermore, the contribution of preconception risk factors to the racial inequity in PTD has not been examined.ObjectivesTo determine whether: (i) there is a NHB‐NHW inequity in PTD among college‐educated women; (ii) the prevalence of known, measured sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception PTD risk factors differs between NHB and NHW college‐educated women; (iii) equalising the distribution of risk factors between college‐educated NHB and NHW women reduces or eliminates the racial inequity in PTD.MethodsWe analysed US natality data from 2015 to 2016 among women with a college degree or higher (n = 2 326 512). We calculated frequencies of sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception risk factors among all women and separately by race/ethnicity. We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate the association between race/ethnicity and PTD controlling for known, measured sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception factors.ResultsThe largest percentage point differences in risk factors between NHW and NHB women were observed for marital status, trimester of care initiation, body mass index, and birth interval. Among college‐educated women, the unadjusted risk of PTD for NHB women was 1.77 (95% CI 1.74, 1.79) times the risk for NHW women. After controlling for sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception factors, this attenuated to RR 1.47 (95% CI 1.45, 1.49).ConclusionsA racial inequity in PTD persists among college‐educated women. Racism contributes to the NHB‐NHW inequity in PTD, in part, through its influence on known sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception risk factors for PTD and, in part, through unmeasured pathways.
Effect of comorbid pulmonary disease on the severity of COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gülsen Askin , König Inke R. , Jappe Uta , Drömann Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and continues to spread worldwide. Persistent questions remain about the relationship between the severity of COVID‐19 and comorbid diseases, as well as other chronic pulmonary conditions. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to examine in detail whether the underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma and chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) were associated with an increased risk of more severe COVID‐19. A comprehensive literature search was performed using five international search engines. In the initial search, 722 articles were identified. After eliminating duplicate records and further consideration of eligibility criteria, 53 studies with 658,073 patients were included in the final analysis. COPD was present in 5.2% (2191/42,373) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 1.4% (4203/306,151) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.99–3.34, Z = 7.15, p < 0.001). CRD was present in 8.6% (3780/44,041) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 5.7% (16,057/280,447) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.74–2.64, Z = 7.1, p < 0.001). Asthma was present in 2.3% (1873/81,319) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 2.2% (11,796/538,737) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.79–1.60, Z = 0.66, p = 0.50). In conclusion, comorbid COPD and CRD were clearly associated with a higher severity of COVID‐19; however, no association between asthma and severe COVID‐19 was identified.
The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields
Authors: de Vries Marion , Claassen Liesbeth , te Wierik Margreet , Das Enny , Mennen Marcel , Timen Aura , Timmermans Danielle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aims to increase insights into the potential role of the media in the amplification and attenuation of modern risks in society, by studying the dynamics and contents of the newspaper coverage about the potential health risk posed by rubber granulate in the Netherlands. We thematically analysed 153 national newspaper articles about the risks posed by rubber granulate between September 2016 and February 2017. Our results suggest that newspaper coverage might have contributed to heightened public risk perceptions by presenting the negligible health risk as uncertain, focusing on controversy between authorities and experts, describing responses such as concerns, commotion, and adopted risk mitigation measures by members of the public, and by providing insufficient contextualization on whether hazardous substances in rubber granulate pose a threat to health. The risks posed by rubber granulate is one of the many modern risks that has become subject to heated and mediated public discussions. Our results provide in‐depth insights into important content elements in media coverage during such discussions and the impact of these elements on public perceptions. Public health institutes and other authorities might be able to mitigate the amplification of risks through media coverage by means of appropriate preparedness and response.
Blueprints for rural economy: Philip Lowe's work in rural and environmental social science
Authors: Ward Neil , Phillipson Jeremy 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPhilip Lowe died in February 2020, and so an academic career spanning five decades in environmental and rural social science and the sociology of knowledge came to an end. A pioneer of the social science of environmentalism, since the early 1990s, Philip Lowe had been closely associated with the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University in the UK and had been the intellectual force behind establishing rural economy as both a subject and mode of social science analysis. This article reflects on a career and the evolving concept of ‘rural economy’ as an economic form, a policy realm and a knowledge practice. Through this history, it presents an account of the contribution of Philip Lowe's research and writing that, as a result of his death, now stands as a bounded and complete body of work for the benefit of future generations of scholars.
Inoculation theory in the post‐truth era: Extant findings and new frontiers for contested science, misinformation, and conspiracy theories
Authors: Compton Josh , van der Linden Sander , Cook John , Basol Melisa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough there has been unprecedented attention to inoculation theory in recent years, the potential of this research has yet to be reached. Inoculation theory explains how immunity to counter‐attitudinal messages is conferred by preemptively exposing people to weakened doses of challenging information. The theory has been applied in a number of contexts (e.g., politics, health) in its 50+ year history. Importantly, one of the newest contexts for inoculation theory is work in the area of contested science, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. Recent research has revealed that when a desirable position on a scientific issue (e.g., climate change) exists, conventional preemptive (prophylactic) inoculation can help to protect it from misinformation, and that even when people have undesirable positions, “therapeutic” inoculation messages can have positive effects. We call for further research to explain and predict the efficacy of inoculation theory in this new context to help inform better public understandings of issues such as climate change, genetically modified organisms, vaccine hesitancy, and other contested science beliefs such as conspiracy theories about COVID‐19.