bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of nasopharyngeal samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in a paediatric cohort
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge , Gouveia Catarina , Santos Madalena Almeida , Costa Olga , Côrte‐Real Rita , Brito Maria João 
Published: February 2021

AimThe diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends on accurate and rapid testing. Choosing an appropriate sample may impact diagnosis. Naso‐oropharyngeal swabs (NOS) are most frequently used, despite several limitations. Since studies suggest nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) as a superior alternative in children, we hypothesised collecting both nasopharyngeal swab and aspirate would improve our diagnostic accuracy.MethodsObservational, longitudinal, prospective study from 7 March to 7 May in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Lisbon. The objective was to compare the rate of detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 between NOS and NPA samples collected simultaneously.ResultsA total of 438 samples collected from 85 patients with confirmed COVID‐19. There were 47.7% overall positive specimens – 32% (70/219) positive NOS and 63.5% (139/219) positive NPA. The tests were 67.6% concordant (k = 0.45). 50.3% had positive NPA with negative NOS, while 1.3% had positive NOS with negative NPA. NPA proved to be more sensitive (98.6% with 95% confidence interval 91.2–99.9% vs. 49.6% with 95% confidence interval 41.1–58.2%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the difference between NPA and NOS positive samples was statistically significant across all population groups (age, health condition, clinical presentation, contact with COVID‐19 patients or need for hospitalisation), meaning NPA is more sensitive overall.ConclusionsNasopharyngeal aspirates had greater sensitivity than naso‐oropharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS‐CoV‐2. Our results suggest paediatric patients would benefit from collecting nasopharyngeal aspirates in hospital settings, whenever feasible, to improve diagnosis of COVID‐19.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tildipirosin following intravenous and subcutaneous administration in horses
Authors: Abu‐Basha Ehab A. , Bani Ismail Zuhair , Ababneh Mohammed M. , Hamzeh Eyad , Gehring Ronette 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of tildipirosin in horses after intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of a single dose at 4 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). A total of 12 healthy mixed breed horses were used in the study. Horses were monitored for systemic and local adverse effects, and whole blood samples were collected for hematology and plasma biochemistry analysis at time (0) and at 6, 24, and 72 h after drug administration. For PK analysis, blood samples were collected at pre‐determined times before and after tildipirosin administration. Plasma concentrations of tildipirosin were determined using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection method (UHPLC‐UV). All horses tolerated the i.v. injection of tildipirosin without showing any systemic adverse effects. However, a non‐painful, soft swelling appeared at the s.c. injection site in 5 horses (41.7%). On average, tildipirosin reached a maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1257 ng/ml (geometric mean) between 0.5 and 1.5 h after s.c. administration (Tmax). The geometric mean values for total body clearance (Cl), the apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (Vz), and the apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vss) were 0.52 L/kg·h, 22 L/kg, and 10.0 L/kg, respectively. Data collected in this study suggests that tildipirosin can be used safely in horses with caution.
Fertilization modes drive the evolution of sperm traits in Baikal sculpins
Authors: Ito T. , Kinoshita I. , Tahara D. , Goto A. , Tojima S. , Sideleva V. G. , Kupchinsky A. B. , Awata S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBaikal sculpins are a unique group of fishes, including both externally and internally fertilizing species. Sperm traits, such as morphology and motility, are predicted to undergo adaptive changes due to species fertilization modes. However, studies exploring such traits in Baikal sculpins are lacking. Here, we conducted a field study and investigated sperm traits of three sculpins with external fertilization (Cottocomephorus grewingkii, Leocottus kesslerii and Paracottus knerii) and one sculpin with internal fertilization (Comephorus dybowskii). Sperm head morphology was spherical in both types of fertilizing species; however, the head cross‐sectional area of the sperm of the internal fertilizer was smaller than that of external fertilizers. This result implies that sperm head morphology might be adapted to swim in a viscous ovarian fluid. The internal fertilizer, C. dybowskii, had longer and faster‐swimming sperms with longer motility duration than the external fertilizers, perhaps due to different sperm competition levels. Sperms of the internal fertilizer were only motile in isotonic solutions, whereas sperms of the external fertilizers were motile in lake waters, suggesting that sperm motilities are specialized according to their external/internal environments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate sperm traits of Baikal sculpins, which may have evolved adaptively along with changing fertilization modes.
Do changes in skull size of South American sea lions reflect changes in population density?
Authors: Sosa Drouville Ailin , Paschetta Carolina , Crespo Enrique Alberto , Grandi María Florencia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPopulations of the South American sea lion (SASL,Otaria byronia) have been intensely exploited for leather and oil in different parts of its distribution range throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, generating large changes in abundance. In Patagonia, the SASL population was reduced by more than 90% of its original abundance, and it began to recover after sealing ended. The aim of this work was to assess changes in size and shape of the skull related to changes in population abundance during the last 100 years. Using geometric morphometry techniques, we analyzed 145 individuals (68 males and 77 females) from Patagonia. Skulls were classified by sex, time period (harvest vs. postharvest), and decades of individual's birth. Results indicated that there were differences in skull size but not in shape discriminated by time period. Moreover, individuals of the postharvest period showed a decrease in the skull size during the last two decades, coinciding with the recovery in population abundance. Our results suggest the existence of a density‐dependence response in somatic growth of SASL population of Patagonia.
PeRsOnalised nutriTion for hEalthy livINg: The PROTEIN project
Authors: Wilson‐Barnes S. , Gymnopoulos L. P. , Dimitropoulos K. , Solachidis V. , Rouskas K. , Russell D. , Oikonomidis Y. , Hadjidimitriou S. , María Botana J. , Brkic B. , Mantovani E. , Gravina S. , Telo G. , Lalama E. , Buys R. , Hassapidou M. , Balula Dias S. , Batista A. , Perone L. , Bryant S. , Maas S. , Cobello S. , Bacelar P. , Lanham‐New S. A. , Hart K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPersonalised nutrition is a novel public health strategy aiming to promote positive diet and lifestyle changes. Tailored dietary and physical activity advice may be more appropriate than a generalised ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach as it is more biologically relevant to the individual. Information and computing technology, smartphones and mobile applications have become an integral part of modern life and thereby present the opportunity for novel methods to encourage individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle. This article introduces the European Union‐funded PROTEIN project (PeRsOnalised nutriTion for hEalthy livINg) consortium and introduces the associated work packages. The primary objective of the PROTEIN project is to produce a novel adaptable mobile application suite based on sound nutrition and physical activity advice from experts in their field, accessible to all population groups, with differing health outcomes, whose behaviour can be tracked with a variety of sensors and health hazard perception. The mobile application ‘ecosystem’ that will be developed by the consortium includes a platform, mobile suite, cloud services, artificial intelligence advisor, game suite, modelling of expert’s knowledge, users’ behaviour data collection, data analysis and a dashboard for healthcare professionals. It is proposed that users will find the provision of personalised nutrition advice and real‐time data capture through a smartphone application useful, and importantly, will be encouraged by this to make positive health behaviour changes.
A gentle nudge: Can choice architecture play a role in retailers’ efforts to promote healthier choices?
Authors: Trafford E. P. , de la Hunty A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFood retailers in the UK have a responsibility to look after the health of their customers. In recognition of this, they have established a number of internal and external commitments to provide access to a wider range of healthier and more sustainable foods to support the health of their customers. However, they are also presented with specific voluntary targets from Public Health England and other organisations. Meeting these targets can present technical challenges and may be costly. Alongside more traditional approaches (such as reformulation), changing customer behaviour is being explored as an additional tool to help food retailers meet their commitments by altering customers choices towards more healthy foods. Choice architecture and ‘nudging’ are approaches that can be adopted by retailers to encourage behaviour change in customers. In this article, we explore the theoretical uses of nudge theory in a food retail environment and discuss its potential as a tool for retailers to mitigate some of the challenges presented by other approaches, but also to identify potential pitfalls in the use of nudges. There is some evidence to suggest that nudging can be a useful method to encourage behaviour change amongst consumers and that these approaches can be relatively cost‐effective and quick to implement, although they may be context‐specific. These approaches are best utilised in parallel with more established methods, such as reformulation and information campaigns, due to their relatively small effect sizes. Additionally, any nudges that are implemented should be carefully considered for both their potential efficacy and the ethical implications of their enforcement and should have adequate monitoring in place to track their effectiveness.
A protocol for tracking outcomes post intensive care
Authors: Flaws Dylan F. , Barnett Adrian , Fraser John , Latu Jiville , Ramanan Mahesh , Tabah Alexis , Tippett Vivienne , Tronstad Oystein , Patterson Sue 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCritically ill patients are more likely to survive intensive care than ever before due to advances in treatment. However, a proportion subsequently experiences post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS) incurring substantial personal, social, and economic costs. PICS is a debilitating set of physical, psychological, and cognitive sequelae but the size and characteristics of the affected population have been difficult to describe, impeding progress in intensive care rehabilitation.Aims and objectivesThe aim of this protocol is to describe recovery after admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and the predictors, correlates, and patient‐reported outcomes for those experiencing PICS. The study will support the development of screening, diagnostic, and outcome measures to improve post‐ICU recovery.DesignA prospective, multi‐site observational study in three ICUs in Brisbane, Australia. Following consent, data will be collected from clinical records and using validated self‐report instruments from 300 patients, followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months post ICU discharge.MethodsTOPIC is a prospective, multi‐site observational study using self‐report and clinical data on risk factors, including comorbidities, and outcomes. Data will be collected with consent from hospital records and participants 6 weeks and 6months post ICU discharge.ResultsThe main outcome measures will be self‐reported physical, cognitive, and psychological function 6 weeks and 6 months post‐ICU discharge.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis protocol provides a methodological framework to measure recovery and understand PICS. Data analysis will describe characteristics associated with recovery and PICS. The subsequent prediction and screening tools developed then aim to improve the effectiveness of post‐ICU prevention and rehabilitation through more targeted screening and prediction and found a program of research developing a more tailored approach to PICS.
A Tale of Three Countries: What is the Relationship Between COVID‐19, Lockdown and Happiness?
Authors: Greyling Talita , Rossouw Stephanie , Adhikari Tamanna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic led many governments to implement lockdown regulations to curb the spread of the virus. Though lockdowns do minimise the physical damage caused by the virus, there may also be substantial damage to population well‐being. Using a pooled data set, we analyse the relationship between a mandatory lockdown and happiness in three diverse countries: South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. These countries differ amongst others in terms of lockdown regulations and duration. The primary aim is to determine, whether a lockdown is negatively associated with happiness, notwithstanding the characteristics of a country or the strictness of the lockdown regulations. Second, we compare the effect size of the lockdown on happiness between these countries. We use Difference‐in‐Difference estimations to determine the association between lockdown and happiness and a Least Squares Dummy Variable estimation to study the heterogeneity in the effect size of the lockdown by country. Our results show that a lockdown is associated with a decline in happiness, regardless of the characteristics of the country or the type and duration of its lockdown regulations. Furthermore, the effect size differs between countries in the sense that the more stringent the stay‐at‐home regulations are, the greater it seems to be.
Perceived barriers encountered by oral health professionals in the Australian public dental system providing dental treatment to individuals with special needs
Authors: Lim Mathew Albert Wei Ting , Liberali Sharon Andrea Corinne , Calache Hanny , Parashos Peter , Borromeo Gelsomina Lucia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate barriers experienced by clinicians treating individuals with special needs in the Australian public dental system.Methods and resultsOral health professionals working at primary care clinics in the public dental system were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews or focus groups to discuss the challenges they faced in managing patients with special needs. Qualitative methods, employing inductive thematic analysis, revealed two primary barriers: 1. clinicians lacked confidence in their ability to treat patients with special needs because of insufficient training and experience, and difficulties obtaining information about their patients, and 2. barriers within the public dental system, including inadequate funding, equipment and facilities, and productivity pressures prevented clinicians from being able to provide the care patients required. The priority and understanding of the oral health for these individuals within the public dental system and wider disability sector was also raised.ConclusionA perceived lack of training and experience in managing individuals with special needs was a barrier to treating patients with special needs. Other significant barriers were under‐resourcing of the public dental system and a lack of priority and understanding regarding oral health among carers of individuals with special needs and other health professionals.
The future of continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: See Emily , Ronco Claudio , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOver the last 40 years, acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care units (ICUs) of high‐income countries has transitioned from the predominant use of intermittent hemodialysis (and the much less common use of peritoneal dialysis) to the almost exclusive use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Accordingly, CRRT has become the most common form of vital organ support delivered to critically ill patients. A series of clinical and technical advances has enabled the transformation of basic CRRT machines into highly sophisticated and customized devices. Recent work has focused on using evidence from clinical trials to enhance the application of CRRT with regard to timing of initiation, choice of modality, dose, and anticoagulation. However, many questions remain unanswered. Uncertainty surrounding volume control and the utility of strategies to minimize circulatory stress are key areas for future development. Advances in membrane technology, combination with other extracorporeal therapies, and personalization of CRRT delivery may provide additional benefit to certain subgroups. Development of quality metrics and use of data analytics to audit and benchmark could provide important insight into practice, while biofeedback and automated CRRT prescription could increase safety. In this review, we summarize the evolution of CRRT and highlight several future areas for development.
Balloon catheter occlusion of the maxillary, internal, and external carotid arteries in standing horses
Authors: Genton Martin , Farfan Maëlle , Tesson Camille , Laclaire Anne‐Louise , Rossignol Fabrice , Mespoulhes‐Rivière Céline 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of balloon catheter occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and maxillary artery (MA) in standing horses.Study designExperimental and clinical cases series.AnimalsEight healthy horses (phase 1) and 11 clinical cases (phase 2).MethodsOcclusions were performed on standing horses under sedation and local anesthesia. In phase 1, four horses underwent bilateral ICA balloon catheter occlusion, and four horses underwent balloon catheter occlusion of the ECA and MA. In phase 2, horses were treated by occlusion of ICA (n = 7), ECA (n = 2), or ECA and ICA (n = 2).ResultsInternal carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of eight and seven of nine arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively. The procedures lasted 53 and 50 minutes, respectively, and catheters were inserted over 13 ± 0.7 cm (mean ± SD). External carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of seven and four of four arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively, with mean durations of 31 and 26 minutes, respectively, and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 11.9 cm. Maxillary artery occlusion was successful in five of seven arteries (phase 1), with a mean surgical duration of 47 minutes and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 42.8 cm.ConclusionBalloon catheter occlusion of the ICA, ECA, and MA was achieved in most standing horses.Clinical significanceBalloon catheter occlusion in standing horses provides an alternative to prevent or treat hemorrhage related to guttural pouch mycosis, particularly in horses in which general anesthesia might pose a risk.
Nonlinear Feedback Control of the Inductrack System Based on a Transient Model
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Yang Bingen , Gao Hao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As a new strategy for magnetic levitation envisioned in the 1990s, the Inductrack system with Halbach arrays of permanent magnets has been intensively researched. The previous investigations discovered that an uncontrolled Inductrack system may be unstable even if the vehicle travels well below its operating speed and that instability can be persistent near and beyond the operating speed. It is therefore necessary to stabilize the system for safety and reliability. With strong nonlinearities and complicated electromagneto-mechanical coupling, however, the transient response of such a dynamic system is difficult to predict with fidelity. Because of this, model-based feedback control of Inductrack systems has not been well addressed. In this paper, by taking advantage of a recently available two degrees-of-freedom transient model, a new feedback control method for Inductrack systems is proposed. In the control system development, active Halbach arrays are used as an actuator, and a feedback control law, which combines a properly tuned proportional-integral-derivative controller and a nonlinear force-current mapping function, is created. The proposed control law is validated in numerical examples, where the transient motion of an Inductrack vehicle traveling at constant speeds is considered. As shown in the simulation, the control law efficiently stabilizes the Inductrack system in a wide range of operating speed, and in the meantime, it renders a smooth system output (real-time levitation gap) with fast convergence to any prescribed reference step input (desired levitation gap).
Solitary median maxillary central incisor with congenital strabismus and autoimmune thyroiditis in a young child
Authors: Alex Tom , Shenoy Rathika Damodara 
Published: February 2021

Single median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome is rare. It is commonly associated with other midline defects. About 50% of children with SMMCI have short stature, associated with isolated growth hormone deficiency or panhypopituitarism.A 6-year-old girl presented to us with worsening convergent squint, slowing linear growth and a suspected pituitary macroadenoma on neuroimaging. The key findings on examination included a disproportionate short stature, SMMCI, congenital abduction defect and pseudohypertrophy of calf muscles with myopathy. The evaluation showed autoimmune thyroiditis with pituitary hyperplasia. Bone age corresponded to 3 years.Three months after initiation of thyroxine, her myopathy resolved, and the hormone profile and neuroimaging were normal. Autoimmune thyroiditis in association with SMMCI is not reported previously. This case study emphasises the importance of growth monitoring and the exclusion of common treatable conditions.
Casual blood glucose and subsequent cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among 159 731 participants in Cohort of Norway (CONOR)
Authors: Riise Hilde Kristin Refvik , Igland Jannicke , Sulo Gerhard , Graue Marit , Haltbakk Johannes , Tell Grethe Seppola , Iversen Marjolein Memelink 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionOur aim was to assess the association between casual blood glucose level and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality among community-dwelling adults without a diagnosis of diabetes.Research design and methodsIn this community-based cohort study, 159 731 individuals with a measurement of casual blood glucose were followed from their participation date in Cohort of Norway (CONOR) (1994–2003) until a CVD episode, death or 31 December 2009. All analyses were done using Cox proportional hazard regression, and the results are reported as multivariable-adjusted HRs with 95% CI.ResultsCompared with those with normal glucose levels (<7.8 mmol/L), participants categorized as having borderline (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) levels showed an increased risk of a stroke (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.49) and cardiovascular (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.48), and all-cause (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.38) mortality, while participants with high glucose levels (>11.0 mmol/L) had an even more increased risk. One mmol/L increase in glucose level was associated with an increased risk of all four endpoints among participants with borderline as well as within normal glucose levels. In analyses stratified by sex and age group, the CVD risk estimates tended to be higher in women than in men and in those <65 years of age but no significant interactions were found.ConclusionAn increase in casual blood glucose levels, even within the range of normal and borderline levels, was positively associated with increased risk of CVD and mortality among community-dwelling adults without a known diagnosis of diabetes.