bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Too far to fall: Exploring the relationship between playground equipment and paediatric upper limb fractures
Authors: Curnow Hugh , Millar Robert
Published: May 2021

Aim

Playground equipment, most notably monkey bars, appears to be involved in a high proportion of upper limb fractures (ULFs) in the Australian paediatric population. Despite this, in 2014, Australian playground standards increased the maximum acceptable ‘free height of fall’ playground equipment from 2.5 to 3.0 m, and maintained monkey bars at 2.2 m. An updated snapshot regarding playground ULFs since these changes is important. This study aimed to determine the number and severity of playground ULFs in a paediatric population, compared to other common activities involved in ULFs.

Methods

Records of all patients aged 0–17 presenting to the Austin Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department with ULFs over a 12‐month period were analysed retrospectively. ULFs included fractures to the carpal bones, radius, ulna or humerus. Variables documented included the activity involved with the fracture, and fracture management. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 725 ULF cases were collected. Playground equipment was involved in 23% (n = 162/697, missing n = 28) of fractures. Monkey bars were involved in 14% of fractures (n = 100/697, missing n = 28), 1.64 times more than the next most common activity. Monkey bars were involved in 62% (n = 100/162) of all playground fractures. In children aged 5–9, monkey bars were involved in 27% (n = 83/304) of ULFs. Monkey bars were furthermore involved in most cases of ‘severe’ fractures (requiring reduction/operation) (n = 33), with one‐third of monkey bar fractures being severe.

Conclusion

Given these findings, the authors recommend a renewed focus on measures that reduce the frequency and severity of falls from monkey bars.
Melatonin augments the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia in lambs following perinatal asphyxia
Authors: Aridas James DS. , Yawno Tamara , Sutherland Amy E. , Nitsos Ilias , Wong Flora Y. , Hunt Rod W. , Ditchfield Michael , Fahey Michael C. , Malhotra Atul , Wallace Euan M. , Gunn Alistair J. , Jenkin Graham , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: May 2021

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is standard care in high‐resource birth settings for infants with neonatal encephalopathy. TH is partially effective and adjuvant therapies are needed. Here, we examined whether the antioxidant melatonin (MLT) provides additive benefit with TH, compared to TH alone or MLT alone, to improve recovery from acute encephalopathy in newborn lambs. Immediately before cesarean section delivery, we induced asphyxia in fetal sheep via umbilical cord occlusion until mean arterial blood pressure fell from 55 ± 3 mm Hg in sham controls to 18‐20 mm Hg (10.1 ± 1.5 minutes). Lambs were delivered and randomized to control, control + MLT (60 mg iv, from 30 minutes to 24 hours), asphyxia, asphyxia + TH (whole‐body cooling to 35.1 ± 0.8°C vs. 38.3 ± 0.17°C in sham controls, from 4‐28 hours), asphyxia + MLT, and asphyxia + TH + MLT. At 72 hours, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was undertaken, and then brains were collected for neuropathology assessment. Asphyxia induced abnormal brain metabolism on MRS with increased Lactate:NAA (P = .003) and reduced NAA:Choline (P = .005), induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death across gray and white matter brain regions (P < .05), and increased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (P < .05). TH and MLT were independently associated with region‐specific reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, compared to asphyxia alone. There was an interaction between TH and MLT such that the NAA:Choline ratio was not significantly different after asphyxia + TH + MLT compared to sham controls but had a greater overall reduction in neuropathology than either treatment alone. This study demonstrates that, in newborn lambs, combined TH + MLT for neonatal encephalopathy provides significantly greater neuroprotection than either alone. These results will guide the development of further trials for neonatal encephalopathy.
Determinants of sleep problems in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Gilbertson Melissa , Richardson Cele , Eastwood Peter , Wilson Andrew , Jacoby Peter , Leonard Helen , Downs Jenny
Published: May 2021

Children with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience sleep disorders of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep breathing disorders than typically developing children. The present study examined risk factors for these sleep disorders in 447 children (aged 5–18 years), diagnosed with an intellectual disability and comorbid autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or Rett syndrome. Primary caregivers reported on their child’s sleep using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), as well as medical comorbidities and functional abilities. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the effects of these factors on SDSC t scores and a binary indicator, respectively for the relevant subscales. Receiving operating characteristic curves were generated for each logistic regression model to determine their ability to discriminate between poor and good sleep. Comorbidities rather than functional abilities were associated with poorer sleep. In particular, recurrent pain, frequent seizures, frequent coughing, constipation and prescription of sleep medications were associated with abnormal sleep across the entire sample, but predictors differed between diagnostic groups. The present study suggests that comorbidities are more strongly associated with quality of sleep than functional impairments. The present study provides new information on potential associations between frequent coughing, prescription sleep medications and sleep quality that should be further investigated.
Sleep duration and physical performance during a 6‐week military training course
Authors: Edgar David T. , Gill Nicholas D. , Beaven Christopher Martyn , Zaslona Jennifer L. , Driller Matthew W.
Published: May 2021

Sleep is vital in influencing effective training adaptations in the military. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep and changes in physical performance over 6 weeks of military training. A total of 22 officer‐trainees (age: 24 ± 5 years) from the New Zealand Defence Force were used for this prospective cohort study. Participants wore wrist‐actigraphs to monitor sleep, completed subjective wellbeing questionnaires weekly, and were tested for: 2.4‐km run time‐trial, maximum press‐up and curl‐ups before and after 6 weeks of training. Average sleep duration was calculated over 36 nights (6:10 ± 0:28 hr:min), and sleep duration at the mid‐point (6:15 hr:min) was used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups (UNDERS: 5:51 ± 0:29 hr:min, n = 11) and (OVERS: 6:27 ± 0:09 hr:min, n = 11). There were no significant group × time interactions for 2.4‐km run, press‐ups or curl‐ups (p > .05); however, small effects were observed in favour of OVERS for 2.4‐km run (59.8 versus 44.9 s; d = 0.26) and press‐ups (4.7 versus 3.2 reps; d = 0.45). Subjective wellbeing scores resulted in a significant group × time interaction (p < .05), with large effect sizes in favour of the OVERS group for Fatigue in Week 1 (d = 0.90) and Week 3 (d = 0.87), and Soreness in Week 3 (d = 1.09) and Week 4 (d = 0.95). Sleeping more than 6:15 hr:min per night over 6 weeks was associated with small benefits to aspects of physical performance, and moderate to large benefits on subjective wellbeing measures when compared with sleeping < 6:15 hr:min.
Trade‐offs between reducing complex terminology and producing accurate interpretations from environmental DNA: Comment on “Environmental DNA: What's behind the term?” by Pawlowski et al., (2020)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ezpeleta Naiara , Morissette Olivier , Bean Colin W. , Manu Shivakumara , Banerjee Pritam , Lacoursière‐Roussel Anaïs , Beng Kingsly C. , Alter S. Elizabeth , Roger Fabian , Holman Luke E. , Stewart Kathryn A. , Monaghan Michael T. , Mauvisseau Quentin , Mirimin Luca , Wangensteen Owen S. , Antognazza Caterina M. , Helyar Sarah J. , de Boer Hugo , Monchamp Marie‐Eve , Nijland Reindert , Abbott Cathryn L. , Doi Hideyuki , Barnes Matthew A. , Leray Matthieu , Hablützel Pascal I. , Deiner Kristy
Published: May 2021

In a recent paper, “Environmental DNA: What's behind the term? Clarifying the terminology and recommendations for its future use in biomonitoring,” Pawlowski et al. argue that the term eDNA should be used to refer to the pool of DNA isolated from environmental samples, as opposed to only extra‐organismal DNA from macro‐organisms. We agree with this view. However, we are concerned that their proposed two‐level terminology specifying sampling environment and targeted taxa is overly simplistic and might hinder rather than improve clear communication about environmental DNA and its use in biomonitoring. This terminology is based on categories that are often difficult to assign and uninformative, and it overlooks a fundamental distinction within eDNA: the type of DNA (organismal or extra‐organismal) from which ecological interpretations are derived.
Visual Context Modulates L2 Long‐Term Structural Priming for the Chinese Ba Construction
Authors: WANG MIN , SHEN HUIYANG , BOLAND JULIE E. , WEI HANG
Published: May 2021

This study investigates how visual context influences second language (L2) long‐term structural priming for the Chinese ba construction. The experiment consisted of a baseline phase, an exposure phase, an immediate posttest, and a delayed posttest. L2 Chinese learners (N = 120) were assigned to 1 of 4 groups for the exposure manipulation. The 3 experimental groups were exposed to simultaneous text and audio stimuli using the ba construction, accompanied by different visual contexts: a TV episode for the video group, isolated pictures for the picture group, and no nonlinguistic context for the text group. The picture and the video groups showed a greater increase in production of the ba construction from the baseline to the immediate posttest than the text group, but only the video group continued producing higher rates of the ba construction in the delayed posttest after a 3‐day interval. The production of the ba construction remained unchanged for the control group throughout the experiment. We conclude that visual context enhances L2 structural priming and that the continuous video context can support long‐term priming effects. This is the first study to directly compare the magnitude of L2 long‐term structural priming in different visual contexts, shedding light on the mechanism by which context facilitates L2 learning.
Changing demographics and risk factors for cryptococcosis: A 12‐year review at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Bhatt Mahesh , Porterfield J. Zachary , Ribes Julie A. , Arora Vaneet , Myint Thein
Published: May 2021

Background

Cryptococcosis is classically associated with the immunocompromised patients but there is a rising appreciation for its impact on the immunocompetent hosts. We sought to analyse the trends, diagnosis, treatment of different hosts and the effect of immunodeficiency and chronic liver disease on relapse and in‐house mortality.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 12 years of patients with cryptococcosis, divided into three different groups: HIV‐infected, transplant and non‐HIV non‐transplant (NHNT). Data were analysed with Chi‐square, unpaired parametric t test, simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 114 identified patients, 23 (20.2%) had HIV infection, 11 (9.6%) had transplant, 80 (70.2%) were NHNT patients. Overall, mortality was 28.1% (32/114) and relapse occurred in 10.5% (12/114) of patients. The mortality trend was higher (OR = 2.346, p = .287) in the transplant group (45.5%, 5/11) than in HIV (26.1%, 6/23) and NHNT groups (26.3%, 21/80). HIV was associated with relapse; 30.4% (7/23) for HIV‐positive patients and 5.5% (5/91) for HIV‐negative patients (OR = 7.525, p = .002). Chronic liver disease had a large and statistically significant association with mortality on multivariate analysis (OR = 3.583, p = .013) which was more pronounced than the HIV or transplant groups. It was independently associated with mortality by chi‐square analysis (OR 3.137, p = .012).

Conclusion

Chronic liver disease represented 30.7% (35/114) of all studied patients. It was a risk factor for in‐hospital mortality. HIV infection and transplant were not statistically significant for mortality. Relapse was highest in the HIV‐infected patients at 30.4% (7/23). These data highlight the effect of type and degree of immunocompromise on cryptococcosis.
Oral parafunction and bruxism in Rett syndrome and associated factors: An observational study
Authors: Lai Yvonne Yee Lok , Downs Jenny Anne , Wong Kingsley , Zafar Sobia , Walsh Laurence James , Leonard Helen Margaret
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To explore patterns of parafunction, and bruxism, and its relationships with genotype and snoring in individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT).

Methods

Retrospective observational data of those with confirmedMECP2 mutations in theInterRettdatabase (n = 216) were used to investigate experience of parafunctional habits, and bruxism and their relationships with genotype and snoring using multivariable linear regression.

Results

The prevalence of parafunction was 98.2%. Bruxism was reported (66.2%) with the patterns mostly both diurnal and nocturnal (44.1%) and exclusively diurnal (42.7%). Compared to individuals with C‐terminal deletion, individuals with p.Arg106Trp mutations were less likely to have bruxism reported (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.02–0.98,p = 0.05) and those with p.Arg168* mutation were more likely to have frequent bruxism than none or occasional bruxism reported (aROR 3.4; 95% CI 1.1–10.7p = 0.04). The relative odds of having nocturnal bruxism constantly, compared to none/occasionally, were higher among those ‘always’ snoring (aROR 6.24; 95% CI 2.1–18.2,p = 0.001) than those with no snoring.

Conclusions

There appeared to be genotypic association with bruxism in p.Arg168* and p.Arg106Trp mutations and association between nocturnal bruxism and frequent snoring in an international sample of individuals with RTT. Clinical significance of the high prevalence of bruxism should be highlighted in relation to difficulty communicating pain and increased dental treatment need in RTT.
Fluoroless 3D mapping‐guided pacemaker implant in a pregnant patient
Authors: Gianni Carola , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Natale Andrea , Horton Rodney P.
Published: May 2021

We describe a case of pacemaker implant guided by intracardiac echocardiography and three‐dimensional anatomical mapping in a pregnant patient, with no peri‐procedural use of radiation.
Trophic partitioning and feeding capacity in Permian bryozoan faunas of Gondwana
Authors: Reid Catherine M. , Tamberg Yuta
Published: May 2021

Bryozoans are epibenthic suspension‐feeders and use their ciliated tentacles to generate feeding currents. Modern bryozoan mouth size limits the size of the particles that can be ingested, and lophophore diameter is correlated with water pumping rates. In fossil bryozoans these soft parts are absent, however mouth and lophophore dimensions can be inferred from preserved skeletons. Gondwanan Permian palaeostomate bryozoans show distinct order‐level trophic partitioning across warm to cold‐water faunas. In diverse warm‐water faunas of southern Thailand, fenestrate bryozoans consumed the smallest food particles, cryptostomes and trepostomes consumed mid‐size particles, and cystoporates consumed the largest, and widest range, of particles. In contrast, in low diversity cold‐water faunas of eastern Australia, where cystoporates and cryptostomes are uncommon, fenestrate bryozoans again consumed the smallest food particles, however the abundant trepostomes had much larger mouths than their warm‐water counterparts and consumed the largest food particles. This variation in mouth size, especially in the trepostomes, suggests that within a regional fauna mouth size is not controlled only by higher level systematics and that sessile benthic organisms are trophically structured to utilize different sized food particles from a suspended food source. Gondwanan Permian palaeostomates had much larger mouth and lophophore sizes than modern stenolaemates (cyclostomes) and are more comparable to gymnolaemate (cheilostome) bryozoans. This suggests that palaeostomates were able to access and consume the same range of food resources as modern gymnolaemate bryozoans, and feed at similar rates, prior to the marine environmental changes at the close of the Palaeozoic.
Utility of ultrasound evaluation of I‐Gel® placement in children: An observational study
Authors: Ahn Jin Hee , Park Jiyeon , Ryu kyoung Ho , Jo Jae Seong , Kang Ryung A. , Ko Justin Sangwook , Hahm Tae Soo , Jeong Ji Seon
Published: May 2021

Background

Ultrasound is not widely used to evaluate optimal supraglottic airway positioning even though it could potentially be used to identify and correct problem areas.

Aims

We evaluated a new ultrasound scoring method to identify the position of the supraglottic airway and detect the location of air leaks during ventilation in pediatric patients.

Methods

Using a prospective observational study design, we enrolled 90 pediatric patients of ASA physical status I–III scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. After anesthesia induction, patients were assigned to a noncorrection group or a correction group after their first ultrasound evaluation. Noncorrection group comprised patients with tolerable I‐Gel positioning based on ultrasound evaluation and no problems with clinical parameters, while the correction group comprised patients with I‐Gel mispositioning based on ultrasound.

Results

After the first ultrasound evaluation, 61 patients did not need I‐Gel correction (noncorrection group), while 29 patients needed I‐Gel correction (correction group) and underwent a second ultrasound evaluation. Airway sealing pressure and total ultrasound score showed a negative correlation (r = −.845, p < .001). The area under the receiver operating curve for total ultrasound score was 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.94–0.99; p < .001). In the correction group, ultrasound score and ventilation parameters improved after correction based on ultrasound evaluation.

Conclusions

Ultrasound scores were negatively correlated with airway sealing pressure in pediatric patients. Ultrasound evaluation is useful for detecting misplacement of the I‐Gel and can be a useful tool for correction.
Vigorous growth and high yielding of rice (Oryza sativa) introgression lines and transformants carrying a PRR37 allele from wild rice O. longistaminata
Authors: Maekawa Masahiko , Kashihara Masakazu , Gichuhi Emily , Himi Eiko , Murai Masayuki , Ishikawa Noriko , Hiei Yukoh , Ishida Yuji , Komari Toshihiko , Komori Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

Wild rice species are expected to possess genes that are potentially useful for rice breeding. Backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from a cross of a japonica rice ‘Shiokari’ and a progeny line from a cross of a japonica ‘Taichung 65’ and Oryza longistaminata MwM were examined for agronomic traits. Some BILs showed vigorous growth and increased yield relative to ‘Shiokari’. One of such BILs was further analysed using QTL mapping followed by map‐based cloning to identify the causal gene. An allele of OsPRR37, which encodes a pseudo response regulator protein, in O. longistaminata was found responsible for the traits and named OlPRR37. OlPRR37 was expressed more than an OsPRR37 allele from a japonica ‘Nipponbare’ in the heterozygotes of the two alleles. The genomic clone of OlPRR37 and the coding sequences of both OlPRR37 and the ‘Nipponbare’ allele driven by the promoter of OlPRR37 similarly functioned as high‐yielding genes in transgenic rice. Thus, higher expression of PRR37 by the OlPRR37 promoter likely conferred the increased yield. Accordingly, OlPRR37 may be used to improve rice productivity.
Efficacy and safety of sulforaphane for treatment of mild to moderate depression in patients with history of cardiac interventions: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ghazizadeh‐Hashemi Fatemeh , Bagheri Sayna , Ashraf‐Ganjouei Amir , Moradi Kamyar , Shahmansouri Nazila , Mehrpooya Maryam , Noorbala Ahmad‐Ali , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: May 2021

Aim

Depression has been recognized as one of the disorders associated with cardiac interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of sulforaphane in treatment of depression induced by cardiac interventions.

Methods

After initial screening, 66 patients with previous history of at least one cardiac intervention and current mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to two parallel groups receiving either sulforaphane (n = 33) or placebo (n = 33) for six successive weeks. Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D) at baseline and week 2, 4, and 6. Safety of the treatments was checked during the trial period.

Results

Sixty participants completed the clinical trial (n = 30 in each group). Baseline demographic and clinical parameters were all similar among groups. Repeated measures analysis indicated that the sulforaphane group exhibited greater improvement in HAM‐D scores throughout the trial (P < 0.001). Response to treatment (≥50% reduction in the HAM‐D score) rate was higher in the sulforaphane group at trial endpoint (30% vs 6.67%, P = 0.042). Remission (HAM‐D score ≤ 7) rate was also higher in the sulforaphane group; however, the difference was not significant (23.33% vs 3.33%, P = 0.052). Finally, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of frequency of side effects.

Conclusions

Sulforaphane could safely improve depressive symptoms induced by cardiac interventions. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow‐up periods are warranted to confirm our results.
Trust in the Process: Renewable Energy Governance in Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Anuar Amalina , Dewayanti Aninda
Published: May 2021

Studies on renewable energy (RE) policies and policy making have generally focused on the Global North. This article homes in on how trust, an underexamined concept in the multi‐level governance literature, affects RE trajectories in Malaysia and Indonesia. Through comparative analysis, we find that different levels of trust result in similar degrees of RE policy support, but dissimilar degrees of engagement between state and societal actors in RE policy making. Negative expectations of the social grievances engendered by RE transitions contribute to reluctant, though legitimized, pursuits of clean energy production and consumption. Meanwhile, trust in actors' nationalism—that is, in opposing a Global North environmental agenda and demonstrating constitutionally aligned resource management in Malaysia and Indonesia, respectively—facilitates more inclusive policy making. Due to greater nationalism, Indonesia's state‐society engagement in RE governance is stronger and leads to a civil RE movement that outpaces Malaysia's overall.

Related Articles

Ash, John. 2010. “New Nuclear Energy, Risk, and Justice: Regulatory Strategies for an era of Limited Trust.” Politics & Policy 38 (2): 225‐284. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00237.x

Khodr, Hiba, and Isabella Ruble. 2013. “Energy Policies and Domestic Politics in the MENA Region in the Aftermath of the Arab Upheavals: The Cases of Lebanon, Libya, and KSA.” Politics & Policy 41 (5): 656‐689. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12033

Wood, Steve. 2009. “Energy Security, Normative Dilemmas, and Institutional Camouflage: Europe's Pragmatism.” Politics & Policy 37 (3): 611‐635. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00187.x
Optimal quarantine‐related strategies for COVID‐19 control models
Authors: Grigorieva Ellina V. , Khailov Evgenii N. , Korobeinikov Andrei
Published: May 2021

At the time when this paper was written, quarantine‐related strategies (from full lockdown to some relaxed preventive measures) were the only available measure to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic. However, long‐term quarantine and especially full lockdown is an extremely expensive measure. To explore the possibility of controlling and suppressing the COVID‐19 epidemic at the lowest possible cost, we apply optimal control theory. In this paper, we create two controlled Susceptible‐Exposed‐Infectious‐Removed (SEIR) type models describing the spread of COVID‐19 in a human population. For each model, we solve an optimal control problem and find the optimal quarantine strategy that ensures the minimal level of the infected population at the lowest possible cost. The properties of the corresponding optimal controls are established analytically using the Pontryagin maximum principle. The optimal solutions, obtained numerically, validate our analytical results. Additionally, for both controlled models, we find explicit formulas for the basic reproductive ratios in the presence of a constant control and show that while the epidemic can be eventually stopped under long‐term quarantine measures of maximum strength (full lockdown), the strength of quarantine can be reduced under the optimal quarantine policies. The behavior of the appropriate optimal solutions and their dependence on the basic reproductive ratio, population density, and the duration of quarantine are discussed, and practically relevant conclusions are made.
Third‐party callers to the national suicide prevention lifeline: Seeking assistance on behalf of people at imminent risk of suicide
Authors: Gould Madelyn S. , Lake Alison M. , Kleinman Marjorie , Galfalvy Hanga , McKeon Richard
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assist suicidal individuals, people in their social network are often directed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline). The study's objective was to provide information on third‐party calls made out of concern for another person.

Method

Reports on 172 third‐party calls concerning individuals deemed to be at imminent suicide risk were completed by 30 crisis counselors at six Lifeline crisis centers.

Results

Third‐party callers were most likely to be calling about a family member or friend and were significantly more likely than persons at risk to be female and middle‐aged or older. Counselors were able to collect information about suicide risk, and counselors and third‐parties were nearly always able to identify at least one intervention to aid the person at risk. Emergency services were contacted on 58.1 percent of the calls, which represents a somewhat higher rate of emergency services involvement than previously reported on imminent risk calls placed by the person at risk. Characteristics of third‐parties and persons‐at‐risk each predicted emergency service involvement, but counselor characteristics did not. Non‐emergency interventions were implemented on 68.6 percent of calls.

Conclusions

Individuals calling the Lifeline when they are worried about someone are provided a range of interventions which can supplement, and at times replace, calling 911.
The impact of macroeconomic factors on suicide in 175 countries over 27 years
Authors: Meda Nicola , Miola Alessandro , Slongo Irene , Zordan Mauro Agostino , Sambataro Fabio
Published: May 2021

Background

Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide, three‐quarters of which are males. Economic factors influence suicide rates, but a worldwide perspective of their impact according to age and sex is lacking.

Method

We queried publicly available datasets on economic factors and on suicide rates stratified according to sex and age, from 1991 to 2017, for 175 countries. Thus, we analyzed approximately 21 million deaths by suicide using a multivariable regression model approach.

Results

Every 1% increase in global unemployment rates is associated with a 1% upsurge in male deaths by suicide (Relative risk (RR) = 1.01 [CI 95% 1.00–1.01] with respect to females) or 5000 excess male deaths. A 1% higher unemployment rate also exerts age‐specific effects on suicide rates, since, among adults aged 30–59, the suicide rate is increased by 2–3%. Lastly, for every 1000 US dollar increase in the GDP per capita, suicide rates are reduced by 2% (RR = 0.98 [0.98–0.98]), corresponding to a reduction of 14,000–15,000 suicide deaths per year globally.

Conclusions

Males who have lost their jobs in adulthood are those at higher risk of suicide and to whom financial support measures should be delivered in a timely manner.
Measuring Partisan Media Bias Cross‐Nationally
Authors: Castro Laia
Published: May 2021

Partisan media bias has been difficult to operationalize, and it rarely has been analyzed cross‐nationally. This study presents new measures of media bias and applies them to data covering 24 EU countries. To build the measures, we employ two benchmarks of political balance—objectivity and neutrality. We rely on cross‐national content data on parties' visibility from 13'893 mentions in news stories, 530 expert evaluations on party favorability of media outlets, and survey data on media audiences' partisan preferences from 24'068 individuals. Scores are used to assess partisan media bias at country, outlet, and party levels.
Characterization of the cutaneous mycobiota in Persian cats with severe dermatophytosis
Authors: Myers Alexandra N. , Older Caitlin E. , Diesel Alison B. , Lawhon Sara D. , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline
Published: May 2021

Background

Persian cats are predisposed to chronic and severe dermatophytosis. Alterations to the cutaneous microbiota are one potential contributor to this predisposition.

Objectives

To characterise the cutaneous and environmental fungal microbiota of Persian cats with chronic, severe dermatophytosis, and to compare the fungal microbiota of cats with and without dermatophytosis.

Animals

Thirty‐six client‐owned cats, including 26 Persian cats and 10 domestic long hair (DLH) cats.

Methods and materials

Skin and home environment swabs were collected from Persian cats with severe, chronic dermatophytosis as well as groups of healthy control cats (Persian and DLH). Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region was performed in addition to ITS1 quantitative PCR and fungal culture.

Results

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the fungal ITS region detected Microsporum sp. DNA from all Persian cats diagnosed with dermatophytosis and from environmental samples of their homes. A significant difference in community structure was identified between cases and controls, largely resulting from the Microsporum spp. DNA in samples from affected cats. Persian cats with dermatophytosis do not exhibit decreased fungal diversity. NGS failed to identify dermatophyte DNA on two culture‐positive asymptomatic Persian controls and identified Trichophyton rubrum DNA from a culture‐negative asymptomatic Persian control.

Conclusions

Aside from M. canis, our results indicate that an underlying fungal dysbiosis is not likely to play a role in development of dermatophytosis in Persian cats. Other explanations for predisposition to this disease, such as a primary immunodeficiency, ineffective grooming or unique features of Persian cat hair should be investigated.
Treatment of canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with oclacitinib: a case report
Authors: Aslan Jeylan , Shipstone Michael A. , Sullivan Louise M.
Published: May 2021

Canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma (CETL) is associated with a poor prognosis and without consistently beneficial treatment options. This case report describes a 9‐year‐old Staffordshire bull terrier with CETL treated with oclacitinib (0.7 mg/kg twice daily), resulting in partial remission that was maintained for three months. Further studies are warranted.
Erythema multiforme complicated by bacterial folliculitis in a 3‐year‐old Nubian goat
Authors: Peden Kaitlyn S. , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Clark Mitzi D. , Miller Julia E.
Published: May 2021

Erythema multiforme is a rare hypersensitivity reaction that is reported in several domestic animal species, and not in goats. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological features of erythema multiforme and secondary bacterial skin infection in a goat.
Hangman–Hangaroo Game Design Using Automata Theory
Authors: Yusoff Yusliza , Nazmi Amirul , Izzat Mohd , Irwan Mohd Shafiq , Zulfahmi Muhd , Sallehuddin Roselina
Published: May 2021

Automata theory plays an important role in various areas especially in game design. This paper describes the concept of automata theory in designing one of the most popular classical game which is Hangman. In this study, we focused on a game called Hangaroo, which implemented the same concept as in Hangman game. We studied and discussed the combination of automata and game theory that can be considered in order to design the game. As a result, we found that, automata theory is the fundamental access in designing and developing Games.
Comparative Study on Feature Selection Techniques in Intrusion Detection Systems using Ensemble Classifiers
Authors: Nazifi Kagara Bello
Published: May 2021

Network usage has become a paramount aspect of life, therefore, securing our networks is crucial. The world is experiencing a rapid breakthrough of internet usage, most especially with the concept of internet of things (IoT), now internet of everything (IoE. ). Real network data is rowdy, noisy and inconsistent. These issues with the data influences the performance of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and develop manifold of false alarms. Feature selection technique is used to remove the inconsistent and rowdy data from a large data set and presents a refined set of data. This research work adopts the use of two distinct feature selection technique in parallel: ReliefF ranking and particle swarm optimization, using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and logistic regression (LR) as the machine learners, to first clean the data, train the classifiers, and subsequently classify new instances. The results showed that, the combination of the ReliefF with the ensemble machine learning (Linear Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression) has a higher classification accuracy of 99.7% compared to the Particle swarm optimization (PSO) which attained an accuracy of 98.6%.
A Review of Support Vector Machine-based Intrusion Detection System for Wireless Sensor Network with Different Kernel Functions
Authors: Hamzah Muhammad Amir , Othman Siti Hajar
Published: May 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is among the popular communication technology which capable of self-configured and infrastructure-less wireless networks to monitor physical or environmental conditions. WSN also is the most standard services employed in commercial and industrial applications, because of its technical development in a processor, communication, and low-power usage of embedded computing devices. However, WSN is vulnerable due to the dynamic nature of wireless network. One of the best solutions to mitigate the risk is implementing Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to the network. Numerous researches were done to improve the efficiency of WSN-IDS because attacks in networks has been evolved due to the rapid growth of technology. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is one of the best algorithms for the enhancement of WSN-IDS. Nevertheless, the efficiency of classification in SVM is based on the kernel function used. Since dynamic environment of WSN consist of nonlinear data, linear classification of SVM has limitations in maximizing its margin during the classification. It is important to have the best kernel in classifying nonlinear data as the main goal of SVM to maximize the margin in the feature space during classification. In this research, kernel function of SVM such as Linear, RBF, Polynomial and Sigmoid were used separately in data classification. In addition, a modified version of KDD’99, NSL-KDD was used for the experiment of this research. Performance evaluation was made based on the experimental result obtained. Finally, this research found out that RBF kernel provides the best classification result with 91% accuracy.
Mapping the Mangrove Vulnerability Index Using Geographical Information System
Authors: Amad Fatimah Shafinaz , Mohd Yunus Mohd Zulkifli , Abd Wahab Ahmad Khairi , Ibrahim Nuremira , Mohamad Izni Izati
Published: May 2021

A mangrove vulnerability assessment's goal is to generate recommendations for reducing vulnerability. Mangrove forests, which grow in the intertidal zones and estuary mouths between land and sea, exist in two worlds at once. Mangroves provide crucial stability for preventing shoreline erosion. It helps to maintain land level by sediment accretion while balancing sediment loss by serving as buffers catching materials washed downstream. Climate change, especially the associated increase in sea level, poses a serious threat to mangrove coastal areas, and it is critical to devise strategies to mitigate vulnerability through strategic management planning. Experts are attempting to determine how mangroves have been affected by climate change and rising sea levels. How do we forecast the consequences and effect of rising sea levels on mangroves, and then adjust and mitigate them accordingly? Vulnerability implies the risk of being assaulted or hurt, whether physically or emotionally. Environmental vulnerability is a feature of impact exposure as well as ecological systems' susceptibility and adaptive potential to environmental tensors. Researchers in this study ranked mangrove vulnerability on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating very low vulnerability and 5 indicating very high vulnerability. The Physical Mangrove Index (PMI), Biological Mangrove Index (BMI), and Threat Mangrove Index (HMI) are the three major groups of the Mangrove Vulnerability Index (MVI)). The study's main objective is to develop an accurate and efficient GIS database system that has been formulated and tested or implemented in three (3) separate areas, namely, Kukup Island, Tanjung Piai, and Sungai Pulai. The study develops a GIS-based Mangrove Vulnerability Index (MVI) Model for a selected ecosystem, and highlights mangrove vulnerability by ranking them from least to most vulnerable using parameters. The study also provides a forecast for the mangrove loss in the next 50 and 100 years, as well as to classify areas where mangroves are most vulnerable.
Editorial. Dossier: Challenges and Alternatives of Latin American Dental Education
Authors: Roa Gamboa Nidia , Martínez Sandoval Gloria , Pardo Silva María Isabel , Delgado Troncoso Sandra Cecilia , Delgado Troncoso Jorge Enrique
Published: May 2021

Universitas Odontologica presents its second dossier of 2020 on, “Challenges and Alternatives of Latin American Dental Education,” which is the result of a call for manuscript released among different professional and academic networks throughout the region. The dossier includes six articles mainly on use of teaching-and-learning technologies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental education, as well as academic repetition and learning factors.
Microbiological and Molecular Characteristics of Microorganisms of Importance in Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease: Research Contributions in Colombia
Authors: Gamboa Jaimes Fredy Omar , García Robayo Dabeiba Adriana , Plazas Leandro Augusto
Published: May 2021

Background: Dental caries is an infectious and multifactorial pathological process that destroys hard dental tissues, and Streptococcus mutans is found as the main microorganism associated with this disease.a multifactorial infectious disease, and, in its etiology, diverse microorganisms are involved, among which Porphyromonas gingivalis is of vital importance due to its virulence factors and role in the development of periodontal pathology. Purpose and Method: This integrative review article built on the basis of previously published research experiences of the authors of this document and contrasted with other studies worldwide, aimed to describe the microbiological and molecular characteristics of S. mutans and P. gingivalis, microorganisms, respectively, of great importance in dental caries and periodontal disease. Important studies were found with the use of the following keywords or medical subject headings (MeSH) in Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar: “S. mutans” and “P. gingivalis” and "phenotypic identification" and "genotypic characterization”. Results: From S. mutans, different biotypes were identified according to the methodology used, wide antimicrobial susceptibility and genotypic variability by AP-PCR that depends on the nesting of the primers on the DNA. Of P. gingivalis, high susceptibility to antimicrobials and broad genotypic discrimination were found by the AFLP technique. Conclusion: the deep phenotypic and genotypic knowledge of S. mutans and P. gingivalis, bacteria of great importance in dental caries and periodontal disease, together with the classical epidemiological study could be very important in the application of better prevention and control strategies that impact the oral public health in these two diseases.
Estado periodontal y microbiota del surco gingival en dentición temporal y mixta. Revisión sistemática
Authors: Querubín Jiménez María Camila , Vela Palomino Yadira Selenne , Romero Sánchez Mario Rafael , Colmenares Millán María Marcela , García Robayo Dabeiba Adriana , Suárez Castillo Ángela
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: Los microorganismos de la biopelícula dental coexisten en relativa armonía. Los cambios microambientales pueden generar un crecimiento excesivo de microorganismos patógenos relacionados con procesos inflamatorios crónicos como gingivitis y periodontitis. La microbiota del surco gingival puede variar sustancialmente dependiendo de las características fisiológicas de niños y adolescentes. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia sobre la composición bacteriana en niños de 3-12 años y su asociación con el estado gingival y periodontal. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática mediante una búsqueda en las bases PubMed, SciELO, LiLACS, ProQuest, EBSCO, Web of Science, Scopus y ScienceDirect. Se leyeron títulos, resúmenes y textos completos. Se determinó la calidad y validez de los estudios por medio de las listas Consort y Strobe. Se clasificaron los artículos según nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación mediante la SIGN. Resultados: Los perfiles microbianos de la biopelícula supra y subgingival en niños son similares en más del 80 % con predominio de Actynomices spp y Streptoccoccus spp, principalmente S. sanguinis. La colonización temprana de la microbiota supra y subgingival se relaciona con la presencia de inflamación gingival en niños de mayor edad. La evidencia sobre condición sistémica, características sociodemográficas, interacción bacteriana, composición microbiana y estado periodontal fue limitada y no concluyente. Conclusión: No existe suficiente evidencia que confirme la relación entre la composición bacteriana con el estado gingival y periodontal en niños de 3-12 años. No obstante, se percibe que, a medida que incrementa la edad, se favorece la presencia de patógenos relacionados con la enfermedad periodontal.
Relación entre hábitos de higiene bucal, sintomatología depresiva y pérdida de inserción clínica
Authors: Moral de la Rubia José , Rodríguez Franco Norma Idalia
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: no es claro si la sintomatología depresiva tiene un efecto significativo sobre la periodontitis, ni cuál es su vía de acción. Objetivo: comprobar el efecto directo de los hábitos de higiene bucal sobre la pérdida de inserción clínica, así como el efecto de la sintomatología depresiva sobre la pérdida de inserción clínica, ya sea directo o mediado por los hábitos de higiene bucal. Métodos: se usó un muestreo no probabilístico incidental en tres poblaciones. Se administraron el Inventario de Depresión de Beck-II y la Escala de Hábitos de Higiene Bucal. Se midió pérdida de inserción clínica a 35 pacientes odontológicos con periodontitis, 26 pacientes de salud mental con sintomatología depresiva y 29 personas sin estas condiciones. Resultados: peores hábitos de higiene bucal tuvieron un efecto directo significativo en una mayor pérdida de inserción entre personas de población general. El efecto de la depresión sobre la pérdida de inserción clínica fue significativo, directo y no estuvo mediado por hábitos de higiene bucal en pacientes dentales y personas de población general. Su efecto fue pequeño y no significativo entre pacientes de salud mental. El sentido de la predicción de una mayor sintomatología depresiva fue hacia una mayor pérdida de inserción en población general y pacientes de salud mental de acuerdo con las expectativas, pero su sentido fue el contrario en pacientes dentales. Conclusiones: el modelo revisado en pacientes odontológicos, con el sentido invertido de esta última vía, releva el efecto de unas expectativas positivas de recuperar la salud oral.
Social, Academic, and Family Factors Associated With Academic Repetition in Dental Students
Authors: Fortich Mesa Natalia , Reales Gutiérrez Yuranis
Published: May 2021

Background: Student repetition is a multifactorial phenomenon, of a socio-educational type, associated with different characteristics (sociodemographic, academic, family) in students of institutions, being a recurring manifestation in university institutions, which makes evident the need to identify the factors that intervene in the process, which would help to avoid or reduce dropout. Purpose: to determine the academic, social and family factors associated with student repetition in dental students from a university institution on the Colombian Caribbean coast. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional study, in a representative sample of dental students in a repetition and non-repetition condition, who voluntarily answered a validated instrument to measure, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, the associated factors that may influence student repetition and familiar functionality. Results: of 244 participants with a predominance of the female gender, 40,2 % repeating. they never received vocational guidance (19,4 %), in general they reported good family functionality (91 %). The factors associated with student repetition were: socioeconomic status, academic levels and income of the parents, Saber11 test results and the number of times they have repeated a semester and / or a subject. Conclusion: The identification of these factors allows the design of strategies that encompass the impact of this condition so that higher education institutions can act in a timely manner to reduce these rates.