bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary composition of rodents across different habitats in the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Ademola Olaoluwa John , Massawe Apia W. , Mulungu Loth S. , Makundi Rhodes H.
Published: July 2022

This study aimed at investigating the dietary composition of rodents in the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania. Micro‐histological analysis of the stomach contents of rodents collected from various habitats was carried out. In the diet of Mastomys natalensis, Lemniscomys rosalia and Mus triton, seed/grain showed greater importance (>35%, >55% and 60% respectively), whereas for Lophuromys kilonzoi, plant materials were more important (>55%) than other categories. Seed/grains were more important (>20%) in the diet of Praomys delectorum, while plant materials were more important (>45%) in the diet of forest‐dwelling L. kilonzoi. Food diversity for rodents in farmland was relatively low compared with forest‐dwelling rodents. Our results indicated that the relatively low niche breadth observed in rodents caught in farms could be attributed to the major contribution of seed/grains to their diet while forest‐dwelling rodents showed greater food diversity owing to the more heterogeneous and stable nature of forests compared with farms. The abundance of food resources in both habitats would have permitted coexistence of rodent species.
Searching for a paternal phenotype for preeclampsia
Authors: Jaatinen Noora , Jääskeläinen Tiina , Ekholm Eeva , Laivuori Hannele ,   for FINNPEC
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Preeclampsia (PE) is a heterogeneous disorder and research to date has principally focused on maternal factors. In this study, however, we considered the associations between background factors and preeclampsia in men who fathered preeclamptic and non‐preeclamptic pregnancies.

Material and methods

From 2008 to 2011, participants in the Finnish Genetics of Pre‐eclampsia Consortium (FINNPEC) cohort completed a questionnaire on their background information. Questionnaire data were available from 586 men who had fathered a preeclamptic pregnancy (PE fathers) and 660 control men who had fathered a non‐preeclamptic pregnancy. Two different control groups were established: Group 1: healthy controls (n = 457), which consisted of fathers whose current partners were healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies; Group 2: other controls (n = 203), which also included fathers whose current partners had other pregnancy complications.

Results

The PE fathers more often reported preeclampsia in a previously fathered pregnancy (p < 0.05 for all). The PE and control fathers were similar in age, body mass index, smoking, and preexisting medical conditions. There were no differences in the socioeconomic background or health history of the PE and control fathers or their parents.

Conclusions

In the FINNPEC study cohort, the occurrence of preeclampsia in a previously fathered pregnancy was more common among the men who had fathered a preeclamptic pregnancy; other paternal phenotypic and lifestyle characteristics did not play a significant role in preeclampsia susceptibility of their partners.
Quality of life in adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems
Authors: Álvarez‐Aguado Izaskun , Vega Córdova Vanessa , Farhang Maryam , González Carrasco Félix , Espinosa Parra Felipe , Spencer González Herbert , Aguado Leyre Álvarez
Published: July 2022

Background

The number of people with intellectual disabilities and associated mental illness has increased considerably in recent years. This population presents greater obstacles than their peers without mental health problems in accessing education, leisure, and health services. This, conditions their quality of life (QoL) and makes them one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Methods

This study seeks to know the level of QoL of 181 people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems between the ages of 35 and 75, based on the perceptions of the professionals who work with them in different disability care services in Chile. The data were collected with the FUMAT scale.

Findings

The dimensions of self‐determination and personal development obtained the lowest scores. In addition, living in rural settings, receiving regular support, or being a man was associated with a better QoL.

Conclusions

It would be desirable to increase the frequency with which certain supports aimed at the population with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems are provided. Likewise, the exercise of informed and meaningful choices must be encouraged.
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is a potential target of memantine to improve cognitive function via the promotion of adult neurogenesis
Authors: Maeda Shoichiro , Yamada Jun , Iinuma Kyoko M. , Nadanaka Satomi , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Jinno Shozo
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) constitutes the neurogenic niche in the hippocampus. The reduction of hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in ageing‐related cognitive decline and dementia. The purpose of this study is to find candidates that improve cognitive function by analysing the effects of memantine (MEM), a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease, on CSPG and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Experimental Approach

The effects of MEM on neurogenesis‐related cells and CSPG content were assessed in the hippocampus of middle‐aged mice. The MEM‐induced alterations in gene expressions of neurotrophins and enzymes associated with biosynthesis and degradation of CSPG in the hippocampus also were measured. The effects of MEM on cognitive function were estimated using a behavioural test battery. The same set of behavioural tests was applied to evaluate the effects of pharmacological depletion of CSPG in the hippocampus.

Key Results

The densities of newborn granule cells and content of CSPG in the hippocampus were increased by MEM. The expression levels of the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis CSPG were increased by MEM. The neurotrophin‐related molecules were activated by MEM. Short‐ and long‐term memory performance was improved by MEM. Pharmacological depletion of CSPG impairs the effects of MEM on cognitive improvement in middle‐aged mice.

Conclusion and Implications

MEM regulates the biosynthesis and degradation of CSPG, which may underlie the improvement of cognitive function via the promotion of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. These results imply that CSPG‐related enzymes potentially may be attractive candidates for the treatment of ageing‐related cognitive decline.
Quantification of localised vascular wedge‐shaped defects in glaucoma
Authors: Saks Danit , Schulz Angela , Sheriff Samran , Shen Ting , Gupta Vivek , Qassim Ayub , Ridge Bronwyn , Pham Ryan , Craig Jamie , Graham Stuart ,   the PROGRESSA Study Group
Published: July 2022

Background

Vascular dysfunction plays a considerable role in glaucoma pathogenesis. Previous glaucoma case studies described localised wedge‐shaped vascular defects, similar to retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) wedge defects. This study investigates the prevalence and quantification of this vessel loss, in relation to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) parameters.

Methods

This study included 608 eyes (351 participants): 192 PROGRESSA study participants (342 eyes) with suspect, preperimetric or early manifest POAG, observed for vascular wedge defect presence (cohort one); an additional 114 individuals (cohort two—208 eyes) with POAG at various stages of progression for wedge characterisation; and 38 controls (56 eyes).

Vascular wedge defects were observed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Wedge parameters and vessel densities were quantified using ImageJ software. RNFL and ganglion cell layer inner plexiform layer (GCLIPL) from OCT scans, and mean deviation (Humphrey visual field 24–2) were also assessed.

Results

Vascular wedge defects were found in 45/342 eyes (13.2%) in cohort one, in 41/208 eyes (19.7%) in cohort two and were not found in controls. Wedge defects were mostly inferotemporal (80%), and present at all disease stages. They were associated with visual field loss in the opposite hemisphere, thinner RNFL (p < 0.001), thinner GCLIPL (p = 0.003), and focal RNFL loss corresponding with the vascular defect region.

Conclusion

Vascular wedge defects are present at all POAG stages even before functional change and are strongly concordant with focal RNFL loss. Further research is needed to explore these defects in particular their temporal relationship with clinical measures of POAG.
Power to the people: Analysis of occupancy models informed by local knowledge
Authors: Brittain Stephanie , Rowcliffe Marcus , Earle Samantha , Kentatchime Fabrice , Kamogne Tagne Cedric Thibaut , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: July 2022

Power analyses help to improve the cost‐effectiveness of monitoring strategies for wildlife populations, but rarely account for variation in detection probability, affecting the power of data to detect trends in occupancy. We explore the power of occupancy models informed by two locally‐informed methods (interviews and daily diaries) to detect changes in occupancy for 14 mammal species hunted for wild meat within a community forest in Cameroon. This is the first study to use the formula developed by to compare power between locally‐informed methods and camera traps, and identify the monitoring strategies best suited to different species. Comparable effort is required between the three methods to detect 50% as 80% change in occupancy, except where occupancy is less than 0.13 (diary data), 0.03 (camera), or 0.6 (interviews). Overall, where occupancy <0.54, 200 sites and four repeat visits were required to detect at least a 30% change in occupancy. Achieving power to detect any level of change useful for conservation planning is often not viable for projects with small budgets and for species with very low detection rates. However, some species of conservation importance (e.g., gorilla, chimpanzee) are better detected and as such could be monitored using data collected in collaboration with local communities.
INnoVative trial design for testing the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of 6‐month treatment with incretin‐based therapy to prevent type 1 DIAbetes in autoantibody positive participants: A protocol for three parallel double‐blind, randomised controlled trials (INVESTDIA)
Authors: Kero Jukka , Koskenniemi Jaakko J. , Karsikas Sara , Pokka Tytti , Lou Olivia , Toppari Jorma , Veijola Riitta
Published: July 2022

Aims

β‐cell stress and dysfunction may contribute to islet autoimmunity and progression to clinical type 1 diabetes. We present a protocol of three randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP − 1) analogue liraglutide in three early stages of type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We will test 10‐ to 30‐year‐old people with multiple islet autoantibodies for their glucose metabolism and randomise participants with stage 1 (multiple islet autoantibodies and normoglycaemia), stage 2 (multiple islet autoantibodies and dysglycaemia) and early stage 3 (clinical diagnosis) type 1 diabetes, 10−14 persons in each, to a 6‐month intervention with liraglutide or placebo with 6‐month follow‐up in the stage 2 and stage 3 trials and 18‐month follow‐up in the stage 1 trial. Primary efficacy outcome in the stage 1 and stage 2 trials is a first‐phase insulin response in an intravenous glucose tolerance test and C‐peptide area under the curve in a 2‐h mixed‐meal tolerance test in the stage 3 trial. In addition, safety and tolerability of liraglutide treatment will be assessed.

Conclusions

Most prevention trials of type 1 diabetes have targeted the immune system. Treatment with GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide supports the pancreatic β‐cells, which should likewise attenuate islet autoimmunity. Our innovative study design allows simultaneous investigation of an intervention in three groups of people who represent various early stages of type 1 diabetes and maximises the eligibility to participate.

Trial registration

NCT02611232 (stage 1 trial), NCT02898506 (stage 2 trial), NCT02908087 (stage 3 trial).
Effect of anaerobic digestate fuel pellet production on Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella persistence
Authors: Cathcart Ashley , Smyth Beatrice M. , Forbes Christina , Lyons Gary , Murray Simon T. , Rooney David , Johnston Christopher R.
Published: July 2022

Production of digestate pellets for fuel has been identified as a promising circular economy approach to provide renewable energy and additional income to farms, while at the same time presenting the potential to divert raw digestate from nutrient‐saturated land and reduce the risk to water quality. Although previous research has investigated the feasibility of pellet production, there has been little focus on the bio‐safety aspects of the system. Little is currently known about the persistence of bacteria present in the digestate and the potential impacts on human health for those handling this product. The aim of the present research was to determine the effect that each step in the pellet production process has on bacteria numbers: anaerobic digestion, mechanical separation, solid drying, and pelletisation. Enterobacteriaceae enumeration by colony count method was used to quantify bacteria, and the presence of Salmonella at each stage was determined. The Enterobacteriaceae count reduced with each stage, and the final pelletisation step reduced bacteria numbers to below detectable levels (<10 colony forming units/g). Salmonella was only detected in the starting slurry and absent from digestate onwards. Storage of the pellets under winter and simulated summer conditions showed no reactivation of Enterobacteriaceae over time. The pelletisation process produces a digestate product with Enterobacteriaceae counts below the maximum threshold (PAS110 specification) for transport off the source farm, but care must still be taken when handling digestate pellets as complete sterilisation has not been confirmed.
Spatiotemporal patterns in China's Minimal Living allowances: The urban‐rural gap and regional differences revealed through a national poverty alleviation program
Authors: Zhang Zhonghao , Sun Shimeng , Chen Wanzhen , He Xuesong
Published: July 2022

The Minimal Living Standard Allowance System (MLSAS), established by the Chinese central government in the late 1990s, was intended to provide basic needs for urban and rural low‐income populations. Although the subsidy standards of MLSAS have increased rapidly over the years, its distributions in time and space were found imbalanced. Using the per capita subsidy income (PCSI) data of 338 Chinese cities from 2008 to 2016, this study quantified the spatiotemporal patterns of the urban‐rural gap and regional differences of MLSAS throughout China and identified the major influential socioeconomic factors of the observed patterns. The results showed that the PCSI of China's low‐income populations increased rapidly but with large variations between urban and rural residents and between geographic regions. The PCSI in rural areas was much lower than that in urban areas, whereas the Gini coefficient of PCSI in urban areas was lower than that in rural areas, indicating the allowance from MLSAS was more unequal among rural residents. Additionally, the higher PCSI was concentrated mainly in three urban agglomerations in eastern China. Most cities in central and western China lagged in terms of PCSI. Correlation analysis between PCSI and socioeconomic factors indicated that the income and GDP per capita were the most important influencing factors. With a better understanding of the overall situation of the urban‐rural gap and regional differences in implementing MLSAS, the current study should help improve the subsistence subsidy policies in China.
Patients' experiences of, and engagement with, remote home monitoring services for COVID‐19 patients: A rapid mixed‐methods study
Authors: Walton Holly , Vindrola‐Padros Cecilia , Crellin Nadia E. , Sidhu Manbinder S. , Herlitz Lauren , Litchfield Ian , Ellins Jo , Ng Pei Li , Massou Efthalia , Tomini Sonila M. , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Remote home monitoring models were implemented during the COVID‐19 pandemic to shorten hospital length of stay, reduce unnecessary hospital admission, readmission and infection and appropriately escalate care. Within these models, patients are asked to take and record readings and escalate care if advised. There is limited evidence on how patients and carers experience these services. This study aimed to evaluate patient experiences of, and engagement with, remote home monitoring models for COVID‐19.

Methods

A rapid mixed‐methods study was carried out in England (conducted from March to June 2021). We remotely conducted a cross‐sectional survey and semi‐structured interviews with patients and carers. Interview findings were summarized using rapid assessment procedures sheets and data were grouped into themes (using thematic analysis). Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

We received 1069 surveys (18% response rate) and conducted interviews with patients (n = 59) or their carers (n = 3). ‘Care’ relied on support from staff members and family/friends. Patients and carers reported positive experiences and felt that the service and human contact reassured them and was easy to engage with. Yet, some patients and carers identified problems with engagement (e.g., hesitancy to self‐escalate care). Engagement was influenced by patient factors such as health and knowledge, support from family/friends and staff, availability and ease of use of informational and material resources (e.g., equipment) and service factors.

Conclusion

Remote home monitoring models place responsibility on patients to self‐manage symptoms in partnership with staff; yet, many patients required support and preferred human contact (especially for identifying problems). Caring burden and experiences of those living alone and barriers to engagement should be considered when designing and implementing remote home monitoring services.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study team met with service users and public members of the evaluation teams throughout the project in a series of workshops. Workshops informed study design, data collection tools and data interpretation and were conducted to also discuss study dissemination. Public patient involvement (PPI) members helped to pilot patient surveys and interview guides with the research team. Some members of the public also piloted the patient survey. Members of the PPI group were given the opportunity to comment on the manuscript, and the manuscript was amended accordingly.
Patients' and relatives' views on unmet mental health care needs through a qualitative study: Symptoms are a major barrier
Authors: Fahmi Morgan , Georges Thibault , Leaune Edouard , Chalancon Benoit , Chasles Virginie , Blain Jeffrey , Chauliac Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Unmet needs in mental health care are a prominent issue and concern almost half of people with such disorders. Psymobile is a mobile outreach psychiatric team whose objective is to facilitate access to psychiatric services. Its intervention is at the request of relatives or social workers, making it possible to encounter situations of long‐standing unmet needs. Our objective was to understand the barriers to accessing mental health care as perceived by patients and their relatives. We conducted a qualitative study with patients and their relatives using face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews and a hierarchical thematic analysis. Four major themes were identified: psychological and behavioural barriers, socio‐economic barriers, structural barriers and physical barriers. Anosognosia or lack of insight is cited as a primary barrier, as are fear of stigma, and former negative experiences. The complexity of the French care system and the lack of literacy about mental illnesses were also emphasized by the participants. Physical determinants, such as the distance to healthcare facilities, were rarely mentioned. As a conclusion, outreach teams appear to be an appropriate way to address the issue of unmet mental health care needs when they provide psychiatric care.
PCR-based ORF typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae for rapid identification of global clones and transmission events
Authors: Nonogaki Rina , Iijima Anna , Kawamura Kumiko , Kayama Shizuo , Sugai Motoyuki , Yagi Tetsuya , Arakawa Yoshichika , Doi Yohei , Suzuki Masahiro
Published: July 2022

Aims

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid and simple genotyping method that can characterize strains causing nosocomial infections.

Methods and results

The PCR-based open reading frame (ORF) typing (POT) method consists of two multiplex PCR reactions that were designed to detect 25 ORFs specific to bacterial genetic lineages, species, antimicrobial-resistant genes (blaCTX-M group-1, blaCTX-M group-9, blaIMP and blaKPC), a capsular K1-specific gene and a virulence factor gene (rmpA/A2). The electrophoresis results are then digitized. A total of 192 strains (136 clinical and 8 reference strains of K. pneumoniae, 33 clinical and 1 reference strains of K. variicola and 14 clinical strains of K. quasipneumoniae) were classified into 95, 26 and 11 POT values, respectively. The distribution patterns of ORFs among K. pneumoniae correlated well with multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Furthermore, closely related species could be distinguished and key antimicrobial resistance and hypervirulence genes were identified as part of POT.

Conclusions

The POT method was developed and validated for K. pneumoniae. In comparison to MLST, the POT method is a rapid and easy genotyping method for monitoring transmission events by K. pneumoniae in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The POT method supplies clear and informative molecular typing results for K. pneumoniae. The method would facilitate molecular epidemiological analysis in infection control and hospital epidemiology investigations.
Effects of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 supplementation on metabolic factors in otherwise healthy overweight and obese individuals
Authors: Coman Maria Magdalena , Miorelli Lorenzo , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Cifani Carlo , Salvesi Chiara , Amedei Amedeo , Silvi Stefania , Verdenelli Maria Cristina
Published: July 2022

Aims

Probiotic supplementation approach offers the possibility to shape the gut microbiota (GM), enabling the development of innovative formulations able to improve intestinal well-being and consequently the related body weight modulation and energy metabolism. In the present clinical study, a new potential probiotic supplement based on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 was studied for weight management.

Methods and Results

Quantitative characterization by qPCR of representative bacterial groups of GM was used to determine the microbiota modulation at different supplementation periods. Furthermore, measurement of the endpoints linked to weight control (body mass index, body weight, waist circumference) was assessed. Specific questionnaires to evaluate the impact on psychological and physiological point of view were performed. Results showed that after 90 days, Lact. plantarum IMC 510 supplementation brought an improvement in endpoints linked to weight control and healthy status, although no significant changes in the microbiota composition were reported for analysed bacterial groups, except for Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.

Conclusions

We concluded that Lact. plantarum IMC 510 supplementation could be an interesting tool for weight management. More studies are needed to understand the impact on GM, for example, evaluating the production of short-chain fatty acids, since their important role in dietary metabolism. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the relationship between GM and overweight and the mechanism of action by which Lact. plantarum IMC 510 modifies body weight.

Significance and Impact of the Study

However, these promising outcomes represent a clear advantage of probiotic supplementation and identify a new potential probiotic as a novel and safe therapeutic approach in the obesity prevention and management.
Cover Image, volume 34, Issue 5
Authors: Zhu Jiakang , Xie Chenyang , Wang Yingkai , Yu Haiyang
Published: July 2022

The cover image is based on the Clinical Article A digital workflow for accurately and rapidly creating an immediate provisional restoration with natural emergence profile using extracted tooth by Jiakang Zhu et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.12836.

image
Microneedle delivery of botulinum toxin type A combined with hyaluronic acid for the synergetic management of multiple sternal keloids with oily skin: A retrospective clinical investigation
Authors: Zhang Shunuo , Peng Yuan , Fan Hua , Zhang Yixin , Min Peiru
Published: July 2022

Background

For the treatment of sternal keloids, corticosteroid therapy has side effects including abnormal sebum secretion and acne. Relapse of keloids is common after corticosteroid injection in patients with oily skin. To reduce side effects and keloid recurrence, we used a combination of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as synergetic management for multiple sternal keloids in patients with oily skin.

Methods

In total, 58 patients with multiple sternal keloids who received monthly steroid injections were retrospectively included. Thirty‐two patients in the intervention group received an additional injection of BTX‐A/HA on the same day as the first injection of the steroid, while the remaining 26 patients were treated as the control group. At baseline and follow‐up visits, sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were assessed as primary outcomes, and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, keloid recurrence, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and patient satisfaction were assessed as secondary outcomes.

Results

In the control group, average sebum production and TEWL were increased to 132% and 104% of baseline, respectively, at the 24‐week follow‐up. In the intervention group, average sebum production and TEWL reached nadir at the 8‐week follow‐up and then increased to 96% and 91% of baseline, respectively, at the 24‐week follow‐up. Sternal keloid relapse was observed in 88.5% of the patients in the control group and none of the patients in the intervention group. The total VSS score at 24 weeks was 11.04 ± 0.14 and 8.93 ± 0.26 (p < 0.001) in the control group and intervention group, respectively, and the VAS score was 75 ± 5.10 and 19.14 ± 3.80 (p < 0.001) in the control group and intervention group, respectively. Higher patient satisfaction was reported in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Microneedle delivery of BTX‐A/HA decreases sebum production while improving skin barrier function. Thus, this combined therapy can relieve the side effects of corticosteroid therapy and reduce keloid recurrence.
Leiomyosarcoma arising from the ovarian vein as a gynecologic malignancy: Two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Yokoyama Yasuhiro , Goda Tomohiro , Sato Kazuki , Suzuki Mariko , Kanda Tomoko , Sato Yasumasa
Published: July 2022

Leiomyosarcoma arising from the ovarian vein has rarely been reported. Herein, we report two cases from a single institute. Given their direct connections to ovarian vessels, both leiomyosarcomas were initially suspected to be gynecological malignancies. In one case, leiomyosarcoma was discovered incidentally without any clinical symptoms; it had a close connection with the ovarian vein, was removed surgically, and the patient has survived for over 12 years. In another case, bowel obstruction caused by the tumor helped to identify metastatic leiomyosarcoma. Blood flow was supplied by the ovarian artery and grew into the lumen of the ovarian vein without invading adjacent organs. After surgical resection, the patient underwent 18 months of chemotherapy prior to palliative care. We propose that leiomyosarcoma arising from the ovarian vein should be treated as a gynecologic malignancy, especially if it develops in the lower abdomen.
Diagnostic accuracy of home sleep apnea testing using peripheral arterial tonometry for sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ichikawa Masahiro , Akiyama Tomoaki , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Anan Keisuke , Yamakawa Tadashi , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of home sleep apnea testing using peripheral arterial tonometry for sleep apnea as an alternative to polysomnography. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and diagnostic case–control studies examining the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral arterial tonometry by searching the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov databases on 5 October 2021. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool. A bivariate random‐effects model was generated to derive the summary point estimates of sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals at different apnea–hypopnea index cutoffs. This meta‐analysis included 13 studies (1227 participants, median prevalence of sleep apnea with apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 5 events per hr: 85%). The risk of bias in the included studies was low to moderate. The pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates were 96% (95% confidence interval: 93%–97%) and 44% (95% confidence interval: 32%–56%) at apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 5 events per hr, 88% (85%–91%) and 74% (63%–83%) at apnea–hypopnea index ≧ 15 events per hr, and 80% (66%–89%) and 90% (83%–95%) at apnea–hypopnea index ≧ 30 events per hr, respectively. Peripheral arterial tonometry resulted in a significant number of false negatives and false positives at any apnea–hypopnea index cutoff when applied to the median prevalence setting of the included studies. The inadequate sensitivity and specificity of peripheral arterial tonometry render it an unsuitable alternative to polysomnography for detecting sleep apnea for apnea–hypopnea index ≧ 5, 15 and 30 events per hr.
Hemiboea shimentaiensis S. Y. Miao, Y. Q. Li & T. Chen (Gesneriaceae), a new species from northern Guangdong, China
Authors: Miao Shen‐yu , Guo Guo‐xin , Dai Ke‐yuan , Xiao Jin‐hai , Li Yuan‐qiu , Chen Tao
Published: July 2022

Hemiboea shimentaiensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from northern Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. It is most similar to H. gamosepala, H. rubribracteata and H. malipoensis in the nearly white corolla, which appears in a few species of Hemiboea, and nearly glabrous inner base of the corolla tube. It can be easily distinguished from the latter three species by the stoloniferous habit, distinct silvery veins, glabrous corolla except for a ring of hairs inside, anther coherent along ventral face when young, but cohering apically at maturity, three separate staminodes with lateral ones resembling deformed anthers, and with few sterile pollen grains inside, to antheroids at the tips of the staminodes. The life cycle and fluctuations in the population are unknown and need further study, the conservation status of H. shimentaiensis was not assessed.
Bone Cement and Pedicle Screw for the Treatment of Spinal Tumors with Spinal Cord Compression and Posterior Wall Defects
Authors: Shao Xiaofeng , Wu Jian , Zhou Zhangzhe , Lv Nanning , Chen Kangwu , He Shuangjun , Sun Zhiyong , Qian Zhonglai
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of posterior internal fixation with open vertebroplasty (VP) and posterior internal fixation with open kyphoplasty (KP) in the treatment of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) with posterior wall destruction.

Methods

This retrospective study, conducted between January 2016 and May 2019, equally divided 60 patients with MESCC and posterior wall destruction into two groups based on the surgical method: open vertebroplasty with pedicle screw fixation (VP group) and open kyphoplasty with pedicle screw fixation (KP group). Visual analogue scale (VAS), SF‐36 scores, middle vertebral height (MVH), and posterior vertebral height (PVH) were evaluated for the two groups preoperatively, postoperatively, and 1 year after surgery. Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score, Frankel grades and complications were recorded and evaluated.

Results

Five patients were excluded from the analysis, and our study cohort consisted of 55 adult patients who met the inclusion criteria. The VAS and SF‐36 scores of these two groups of patients significantly improved, when compared with those before the surgery (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in total cost (8835 ± 1468 vs 9540 ± 053 USD) and cement volume (4.51 ± 0.96 ml vs 6.35 ± 1.09 ml) between two groups (P < 0.05). The MVH and PVH of these two groups of patients significantly improved, when compared with those before the surgery (P < 0.05). The MVH was significantly larger in the KP group than in the VP group postoperatively (20.15 ± 4.86 vs 17.70 ± 3.78, P < 0.05) and at the final follow‐up (20.42 ± 5.59 vs 17.28 ± 3.23, P < 0.05). However, the PVH of the two groups did not significantly differ at the two postoperative follow‐ups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found in surgery time, time from surgery to discharge, blood loss and complications between both groups postoperatively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the short term, both approaches are effective and safe in patients with MESCC and posterior wall destruction. The posterior internal fixation with open VP may be a good choice of surgical method in patients with MESCC and posterior wall defects.
Progress of Periosteal Osteogenesis: The Prospect of In Vivo Bioreactor
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Yu Baofu , Wang Zi , Li Qingfeng , Dai Chuanchang , Wei Jiao
Published: July 2022

Repairing large segment bone defects is still a clinical challenge. Bone tissue prefabrication shows great translational potentials and has been gradually accepted clinically. Existing bone reconstruction strategies, including autologous periosteal graft, allogeneic periosteal transplantation, xenogeneic periosteal transplantation, and periosteal cell tissue engineering, are all clinically valuable treatments and have made significant progress in research. Herein, we reviewed the research progress of these techniques and briefly explained the relationship amongin vivomicroenvironment, mechanical force, and periosteum osteogenesis. Moreover, we also highlighted the importance of the critical role of periosteum in osteogenesis and explained current challenges and future perspective.
Factors Related to Preoperative Coronal Malalignment in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis: An Analysis on Coronal Parameters
Authors: Zhang Zifang , Liu Tao , Wang Yan , Wang Zheng , Zheng Guoquan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Recently the effects of coronal malalignment (CM) in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) have been reported, however, there was few studies on the correlated parameters of coronal alignments at pre‐operation. The aims of this current study were to investigate the associations of coronal parameters with scoliosis and coronal alignment, and to explore the relationships between the coronal pelvic tilt and coronal alignment in DLS.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐one DLS patients in our hospital from May 2016 to December 2020 were reviewed and documented. The coronal balance distance (CBD, the offset between the center of C7 and the plumb line drawn from the center of S1), major Cobb (MC), fractional Cobb (FC), L4 coronal tilt, L5 coronal tilt, coronal pelvic tilt, apical rotation, and the vertebras in major curve were measured and documented. CM was considered if the CBD ≥ 30mm. All of those participants were assigned into group A (CBD ≥ 30 mm) and group B (CBD < 30 mm). Comparisons of demographic and radiographic data were performed between groups A and B. Pearson correlation and further multiple regression with stepwise method analysis were used to investigate those coronal parameters correlated to MC and CBD, respectively.

Results

Thirty‐one patients suffering from CM were assigned into group A, and the rest of 130 patients were assigned to group B accordingly. Then the incidence of CM was about 19.3% (31/161). Patients in group A had less vertebras in the main curve (P = 0.009), however, the apical rotation (P < 0.001) and the L4 coronal tilt (P = 0.007) were much larger. Although the MC (P = 0.426) and FC (P = 0.06) had no difference between the two groups, the match between MC and FC was much smaller (p = 0.021) in group A. The coronal pelvic tilt correlated significantly with FC (r = 0.552, p < 0.001), but mildly with MC (r = −0.366, p < 0.001), L4 coronal tilt (r = 0.348, p < 0.001), and L5 coronal tilt (r = 0.351, p < 0.001), respectively. The CBD correlated strongly with L4 coronal tilt (r = −0.471, p < 0.001) and L5 coronal tilt (r = −0.468, p < 0.001), respectively, but mildly with FC (r = −0.255, p = 0.016). Further multiple regression analysis revealed that only L4 coronal tilt was the independent factor for MC (r2 = 0.549, p < 0.001) and CBD (r2 = 0.221, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CM in DLS patients is about 19% at pre‐operation. With similar major Cobb, the less the vertebras in the major curve, the larger the CBD. L4 coronal tilt may correlate significantly to scoliosis and CBD. Coronal pelvic tilt may be just one of the compensations for the scoliosis deformity but effects CBD directly.
Gender and Attitudes Towards a Peace Agreement in Situations of Intractable Conflict: The Case of the Jewish‐Israeli Society
Authors: Rosler Nimrod , Yuchtman‐Yaar Ephraim , Alkalay Yasmin
Published: July 2022

The question of whether women are more oriented towards peace has been debated in the research literature for several decades but has not been systematically tested in conflict‐driven areas. The aim of our article is twofold: (1) to suggest a conceptual framework regarding gender differences in support for peace in intractable conflict and test it in a prominent case study; and (2) to examine whether major events leading to conflict reescalation have differential effects on women and men. Across 145 polls carried out on a monthly basis among nationally representative samples of Jewish‐Israelis between 1995 and 2006, we found only marginally higher levels of support for the Oslo Accords among women versus men, while conflict‐related worldviews—political ideology and religiosity—had a much larger effect. Furthermore, violent reescalation in the conflict had a stronger effect on reducing men's levels of support for the Oslo Accords than those of women. Robustness analysis of 196 monthly surveys from 2002 until 2018 examining the effect of gender on support for negotiation provided further support for our findings. Overall, our analyses indicate that sex‐based differences play a minor role in explaining attitudes towards peace in situations of protracted violent conflicts at different stages, compared to the prominent effects of political ideology and religiosity.
Relationship of greater sage‐grouse to natural and assisted recovery of key vegetation types following wildfire: insights from scat
Authors: Germino Matthew J. , Anthony Christopher R. , Kluender Chad R. , Ellsworth Ethan , Moser Ann M. , Applestein Cara , Fisk Matthew R.
Published: July 2022

Megafires are creating severe conservation problems worldwide for wildlife that have obligate dependencies on plant species that are foundational but fire‐intolerant. Wildfire‐induced loss of native perennials and increases in exotic annual grasses threaten greater sage‐grouse (GRSG, Centrocercus urophasianus) in its sagebrush steppe habitat in western North America. Post‐fire restoration using herbicides, seeding, and planting of native perennials such as sagebrush are common, but there are few assessments of GRSG response to the treatments. We measured the presence of GRSG scat and modeled the probability of GRSG presence (PrGRSG‐scat) in relation to variation in plot‐level and landscape‐level predictors, and land treatments, in an intensive, repeat sampling from 2017 to 2020 of 113,000 ha area burned in 2015 in the Soda Megafire (Oregon and Idaho, U.S.A.). GRSG scat was present in less than 200 of more than 8,000 observations, as would be expected for a philopatric species (i.e. high fidelity to home site) returning to degraded habitat. PrGRSG‐scat was positively associated with sagebrush presence at the plot level and was positively related to elevation, lower‐angle slopes, and proximity to sagebrush seedling outplant islands. The statistical significance of relationships of PrGRSG‐scat to restoration treatments was marginal at best, with the largest effect being a positive response of PrGRSG‐scat to pre‐emergent herbicide sprayed to reduce exotic annual grasses. More time may be required for restored sagebrush steppe to meet GRSG needs or for GRSG to “adopt” the restored vegetation. Moreover, whereas scat is a convenient and non‐invasive method to monitor GRSG, its post‐fire scarcity weakens the strength of statistical inference on GRSG recovery patterns and response to restoration.
Personality and context‐related factors of helping and helping‐related affect during early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bodroža Bojana , Dinić Bojana M.
Published: July 2022

COVID‐19 pandemic led to introduction of lockdown measures in many countries, while in Serbia the Government also introduced the curfew by which vulnerable groups of citizens were prohibited from leaving their homes at any time. In such a situation many citizens organized to voluntarily offer their help to those in isolation, which offered a unique opportunity to examine prosocial behavior in the natural setting of global crisis. This study examined the differences between non‐helpers and helpers, as well as groups of helpers who provided their help to close or unknown others, in personality (prosocial tendencies, selfishness and communal narcissism) and context‐related factors (situation specific empathy and fear) of prosocial behaviors. Additionally, the study also analyzed the helping‐related affect among helpers, depending on the recipient of help and personality characteristics. Results revealed that groups of helpers with different recipients of help (close persons, unknown persons or both) were not different among each other, but they were different from non‐helpers. Non‐helpers were more selfish and had self‐focused prosocial tendencies, and they showed less empathy towards people in isolation, compared to helper groups. However, the helping‐related affect depended on the recipient of help and helper's personality traits. This study confirmed some previous findings and offered novel insights into factors related to helping in crises.
Adaptation to a new environment with pre‐adaptive genomic features – Evidence from woody plants colonizing the land–sea interface
Authors: Guo Zixiao , Xu Shaohua , Xie Wei , Shao Shao , Feng Xiao , He Ziwen , Zhong Cairong , Huang Kaichi , Wu Chung‐I , Shi Suhua
Published: July 2022

Adaptation to new environments is a key evolutionary process which presumably involves complex genomic changes. Mangroves, a collection of approximately 80 woody plants that have independently invaded intertidal zones >20 times, are ideal for studying this process. We assembled near‐chromosome‐scale genomes of three Xylocarpus species as well as an outgroup species using single‐molecule real‐time sequencing. Phylogenomic analysis reveals two separate lineages, one with the mangrove Xylocarpus granatum and the other comprising a mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis and a terrestrial Xylocarpus rumphii. In conjunction with previous studies, we identified several genomic features associated with mangroves: (i) signals of positive selection in genes related to salt tolerance and root development; (ii) genome‐wide elevated ratios of non‐synonymous to synonymous substitution relative to terrestrial relatives; and (iii) active elimination of long terminal repeats. These features are found in the terrestrial X. rumphii in addition to the two mangroves. These genomic features, not being strictly mangrove‐specific, are hence considered pre‐adaptive. We infer that the coastal but non‐intertidal habitat of X. rumphii may have predisposed the common ancestor to invasion of true mangrove habitats. Other features including the preferential retention of duplicated genes and intolerance to pseudogenization are not found in X. rumphii and are likely true adaptive features in mangroves. In conclusion, by studying adaptive shift and partial shifts among closely related species, we set up a framework to study genomic features that are acquired at different stages of the pre‐adaptation and adaptation to new environments.
Covid-19: magnifying pre-existing urban problems
Authors: Valizadeh Paria , Iranmanesh Aminreza
Published: July 2022

The effects of the transformations that have been experienced during the Covid-19 global crisis have the potential to endure beyond the frame of the pandemic. This could become a time when a new world order, which emerges out of this crisis, oscillates between socialism and authoritarianism. Meanwhile, cities are the first ground where transformations caused by a crisis find places to manifest. Pandemics, economic recessions, terrorist attacks, and other crises, all leave their traces on the socio-spatial organization of cities and related urban experiences. In this context, this study conducts a critical review of existing conflicting possibilities, where each has the potential to produce changes in urban space and to affect the ways urban space is experienced. The article critically reviews these concepts via the two major interlinked types of non-pharmaceutical mitigation strategies against the pandemic within urban contexts: first, those that restrict movement and interaction, and second, those that concern digital space. The review shows the potential for two alternatives, oscillating between new forms of authoritarianism and social solidarity around the world.
Predictive Machine Learning Model for Bottom Hole Flowing and Average Formation Pressure in Underground Gas Storage
Authors: Sui Gulei , Du Hongyong , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Bo , Zhu Hongxiang
Published: July 2022

Considering that injection–production of underground gas storage (UGS) is characterized by periodic and dramatic change, effective and fast model for predicting the pressure of UGS would not only be a valuable tool to figure out pressure variety but also of great benefit in optimizing injection and production. This study proposes a practical pressure prediction procedure for UGS to adapt the imbalances between injection and production on a timely basis. In this work, a first step in establishing a novel correlativity measure algorithm to screen out the objective injector–producer wells is proposed. A continuous feature selection strategy aims at selecting and filtrating feature to form the input variables of the pressure predictive model. Eventually, the long-short term memory model is used to fit the variation of pressure. Besides, an in-depth discussion illustrates the importance of well site division and model sensitivity analysis. The predictive capability of the proposed approach is verified by a real application scenario. Experimental results reveal that predictive relative error is less than 5%, which proves that the above procedure exhibits better prediction performance. The novelty of this work is that it is a purely data-driven approach that can directly interpret conventional surface measurements into intuitive subsurface pressure parameters, ideal for field applications of UGS.