bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate site visits, private information communication, and earnings management: evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yu , Lei Adrian C.H. , Wang Tao , Li Chuntao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide new evidence that corporate site visits give institutional investors better opportunities to obtain information and exert monitoring powers, which reduce listed firms’ earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores how private communications affect firms’ earnings management by using a sample of institutional investors’ visits to the corporate sites of Chinese listed firms between 2010 and 2018. This study uses the performance-matched Jones model (Kothari et al., 2005) to measure accrual-based earnings management and Roychowdhury’s (2006) method to measure real earnings management. The authors also perform several robustness checks including an alternative measure of accounting accruals, a two-stage instrumental regression and the Heckman two-step approach.

Findings

Using a sample of institutional investors’ site visits to Chinese listed firms during the 2010–2018 period, this study finds that institutional investors’ site visits reduce listed firms’ earnings manipulation activities (both accrual-based and real). This association is robust to several checks, including an alternative measure of accounting accruals, a two-stage instrumental regression and the Heckman two-step approach. This study further documents that other private communication approaches such as private in-house meetings and conference calls moderate the effect of site visits.

Practical implications

As the Shenzhen Stock Exchange is one of the few stock markets to mandate that listed firms record and disclose their private communication information, this study also has implications for researchers and policymakers who work in other stock markets.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first comprehensive study of the impact of private communications on earnings management. This study extends the earnings management literature by examining institutional investors’ information acquisition process and revealing a negative association between their site visits and listed firms’ earnings management. Moreover, this study examines the effects not only on traditional accounting accruals but also on real earnings management. In addition to studies that emphasize the effect of corporate site visits on individuals and market reactions, this study examines the effect of site visits on firms’ financial misbehavior. This study shows that institutional investors’ corporate site visits provide external monitoring that mitigates listed firms’ earnings management behavior.
Development of the learning disability physical activity questionnaire (LDPAQ)
Authors: Pakravan Amir , Ghazirad Marjan , Shaddel Farshad
Published: June 2022

Purpose

People with learning disabilities can be affected by complex health needs and their life expectancy is significantly reduced. Physical activity has a role in enhancing quality of life and better management of multiple health issues in this population especially if they are individually tailored to the service users’ abilities and care needs. Considering the complexities of communication, there is a need for a specific physical activity assessment tool in people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidisciplinary team of experts devised the Learning Disability Physical Activity Questionnaire (LDPAQ) as a tool to measure physical activity. The tool was tested within community and inpatient settings.

Findings

An easy-read, picture-based, self-reported and concise questionnaire with options relevant to people with learning disabilities was developed. Feedback from the audit confirmed ease of use and high levels of respondent satisfaction. A small-scale audit of the tool also confirmed the need for promoting physical activity within this population.

Originality/value

The LDPAQ is a novel questionnaire that aims to be a universally applicable tool for the assessment of physical activity status in people with learning disabilities. It is designed to be used by people with learning disabilities themselves, professionals and organisations. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of this tool.
The multiperspectival nature of place names: Ewenki mobility, river naming, and relationships with animals, spirits, and landscapes
Authors: Mamontova Nadezhda , Thornton Thomas F.
Published: June 2022

The article examines the process of production and change of place names based on data collected in 2017 among the Okhotsk Ewenki, the easternmost Indigenous community in Siberia, Russia. Through ethnographic and semiotic analysis, we show that Ewenki place names are not simply reproduced, but rather generated and transformed through empathic contact and engagement within a semiotic circle of shared knowledge and praxis among humans and other beings encountered, especially in ambulatory travel. We consider place names as complex signs which evolve from landscape, mobility as a spatial practice, and relationships with nonhuman beings. Through ecosemiotics and nonhuman ontology, we examine how the concept of shifting landscapes and interactions with different environmental agents, especially animals, contribute to the production of space and place names and their changes. We also show that the responsible voicing of the land with place names is related to Ewenki understandings of territorial prerogatives, and rights, which are perceived as being shared with other beings.
Preparation and characterization of the dimethyl sulfide‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex
Authors: Zhu Guangyong , Jin Yudie , Xiao Zuobing , Zhu Guangxu
Published: June 2022

Dimethyl sulfide has been widely used in flavors and can also be used as a solvent and catalyst. However, dimethyl sulfide is volatile, and its lasting power is weak. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfide is insoluble in water and is unstable in some cases. This study concentrated on the encapsulation of dimethyl sulfide in β‐cyclodextrin to form an inclusion complex and to improve the durability, water solubility, and stability of dimethyl sulfide. The product was successfully produced and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, diffraction of X‐rays, and thermal analysis. The dimethyl sulfide loading capacity is 6.40±0.08%. Based on the thermal release characteristics of dimethyl sulfide, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were obtained. The apparent activation energy, pre‐exponential factor, and reaction order of the dimethyl sulfide release reaction were obtained and the values were 95.0 ± 0.1 kJ/mol, 1.03 × 1015 s–1, and 1, respectively. The activation entropy change, activation enthalpy change, and activation Gibbs free energy change were 41.6 J/K, 95.0 kJ/mol, and 81.3 kJ/mol, respectively, during the process of dimethyl sulfide release at 56.7℃. To make it clear that the dimethyl sulfide molecule interacts with β‐cyclodextrin molecule, molecular simulation was used to investigate the formation process of the dimethyl sulfide‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex. The binding energy and the optimized structure were obtained. When the Z coordinate of the S atom in the dimethyl sulfide molecule is 1.1 × 10–10 m, the binding energy attained the minimum value, −51.3 kJ/mol. These basic data are helpful for understanding the dimethyl sulfide‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex formation mechanism and the interaction between dimethyl sulfide and β‐cyclodextrin.

Practical Application

By forming an inclusion complex with β‐cyclodextrin, the stability, durability, and water solubility of dimethyl sulfide can be improved. Dimethyl sulfide‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex can be widely used in the food, beverage, flavor, and fragrance industries. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, binding energy, and the results of molecular simulation are helpful to understand the dimethyl sulfide‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex formation mechanism and the interaction between dimethyl sulfide and β‐cyclodextrin.
Niche partitioning via host plants and altitude among fruit flies following the invasion of Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Hassani Issa Mze , Delatte Hélène , Ravaomanarivo Lala Harivelo Raveloson , Nouhou Salima , Duyck Pierre‐François
Published: June 2022

Invasions by exotic species in areas already occupied by related species may lead to extinction or niche partitioning. Bactrocera dorsalis has invaded the Comoros archipelago in 2005 where other tephritids were already present.

The host ranges of fruit flies in the Comoros were studied by conducting a seven‐year survey on the three islands of the archipelago with a substantial sampling effort comprising 91 plant species from 37 families.

The results showed that 45 fruit species in 16 families were infested by tephritid species. Eight fruit fly species were detected in the sampled fruits, but 78% of the individuals were identified as B. dorsalis, confirming its dominance and polyphagous status.

More than ten years after its invasion, B. dorsalis has replaced Ceratitis capitata as the dominant fruit fly species on several species such as mango and citrus. The coexistence between B. dorsalis and C. capitata seems possible due to the capacity of the latter to exploit different niches, i.e. higher altitudinal ranges and a few host fruit species (among which, chillies and coffee berries) constituting a refuge niche.

Information about coexistence between B. dorsalis and other tephritids is useful for the management and better estimates of invasion risks and associated biosecurity measures.
Examining a rural Victorian community's knowledge and help seeking behaviour for family violence and the role of the local public health service
Authors: Kelly Peter , Field Michael , Payne Ruth , Giallo Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Objective

The rates of family violence within some rural communities are higher than that of metropolitan areas. The extent to which these rural communities know about and access family violence support services is not well understood. Local health services often play a role in providing information and support for community members at risk of, or experiencing family violence. For a rural community in Victoria, the study aimed to: (a) determine community members' knowledge of family violence services, (b) explore community members' help seeking behaviour for family violence, (c) identify perceived barriers and enabling factors to accessing family violence services and (d) explore community members' expectations of, and preferences for, family violence support provided by local health services.

Design

A cross‐sectional, anonymous, mixed‐methods online survey.

Setting

A rural community in Victoria's Western District, Australia.

Participants

Ninety‐nine residents, over 18 years of age.

Results

The majority of respondents had been exposed to family violence. There were varying knowledge levels of family violence support services as well as a number of barriers identified that directly impacted community members seeking help. There were clear expectations about the role of the local health service in family violence identification and response.

Conclusion

There are particular challenges for rural communities in providing support for family violence. Valuable insights can be gained from local communities about their knowledge of services and help seeking behaviours. Evidence generated by this study will inform future strategic planning for family violence services and the local health service.
Encoding of spatial patterns using electrotactile stimulation via a multi‐pad electrode placed on the torso
Authors: Jure Fabricio A. , Spaich Erika G. , Malešević Jovana , Kostić Miloš , Štrbac Matija , Došen Strahinja
Published: June 2022

Background

Tactile stimulation can be used to convey information to a user in different scenarios while avoiding overloading other senses. Tactile messages can be transmitted as spatial patterns, potentially allowing for a high information throughput. The aim of the present study was to design and test different encoding schemes to determine the best approach for conveying spatial patterns.

Methods

Encoding schemes with simultaneous (SIM) and sequential pad activation (SEQ) were evaluated, including four SEQ variants designed to potentially facilitate the recognition. In SEQ‐col and SEQ‐row, the column and row of the activated pad were signified using different frequencies, while SEQ‐all and SEQ‐all‐fast included the activation of all pads where those belonging to the pattern were indicated by changes in frequency (ON pads). The success rate (SR) of the pattern identification and the response time were quantified in 15 participants who recognized 20 patterns delivered through a 3 × 2 pad matrix placed on the lateral torso.

Results

SIM was not a feasible method to present the patterns (median, 15%; IQR, 5%). The SR improved with SEQ (median, 60%; IQR, 20%) and further increased with additional cues, particularly with SEQ‐row (median, 78.3%; IQR, 23.3%) and SEQ‐all (median, 96.7%; IQR, 5%). Importantly, the stimulation time of SEQ‐all could be decreased without a substantial drop in accuracy (SEQ‐all‐fast: median, 89.2%; IQR, 19.2%).

Conclusions

The spatiotemporal stimulation with sequential activation of all pads (SEQ‐all) seems to be the method of choice when conveying tactile messages as spatial patterns. This is an important outcome for increasing the information bandwidth of communication through the tactile channel.
Discussion on “Spatial+: a novel approach to spatial confounding” by Emiko Dupont, Simon N. Wood, and Nicole H. Augustin
Authors: Papadogeorgou Georgia
Published: June 2022

I congratulate Dupont, Wood, and Augustin (DWA hereon) for providing an easy‐to‐implement method for estimation in the presence of spatial confounding, and for addressing some of the complicated aspects on the topic. I discuss conceptual and operational issues that are fundamental to inference in spatial settings: (i) the target quantity and its interpretability, (ii) the nonspatial aspect of covariates and their relative spatial scales, and (iii) the impact of spatial smoothing. While DWA provide some insights on these issues, I believe that the audience might benefit from a deeper discussion.
Termite diversity is resilient to land‐use change along a forest‐cocoa intensification gradient in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Quansah Gabriel Willie , Adu‐Bredu Stephen , Logah Vincent , Malhi Yadvinder , Eggleton Paul , Parr Catherine L.
Published: June 2022

Cocoa is an important crop for Ghana's economy, contributing 25% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The crop, however, is mainly cultivated on forest‐derived soils and is a major cause of land‐use change. Termites are an important biological component of tropical ecosystems providing numerous ecosystem services. Previous studies have indicated that termites are sensitive to forest disturbance and decrease in richness and abundance across land‐use intensification gradients, with consequences for the essential services that they provide. Native shade trees are often used to improve cocoa cultivation and may reduce the detrimental effects of land‐use change on some aspects of biodiversity. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how termites respond to land‐use change along a shade‐tree gradient in Kakum National Park and surrounding cocoa farms in Ghana (from forest at 80% tree cover to cocoa with no shade cover, to the extreme of cultivated arable crop land). It was predicted that termite richness and abundance would decrease with decreasing shade cover, and with increasing distance from the forest edge. Thirty‐four species from 29 genera were sampled, with Ancistrotermes crucifer being found in all the locations (47% of all encounters). Species richness and abundance differed marginally across the land‐use gradient, as well as the distance from the forest edge; however, species richness did not show any significance with distance. All the same, termite communities were robust to the disturbance. Our findings suggest that though site influenced species richness and abundance, cocoa trees can play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and environmental quality in an agricultural landscape by providing a habitat for forest species that are not found in pastures or farm fields. However, we caution that the relatively low forest baseline of existing forest diversity may inflate the value of cocoa land, with those forests no longer representing undisturbed natural habitats: this highlights that shifting baselines may need to be accounted for when interpreting findings in the Anthropocene.
Direct and indirect plant defenses reduce damage by a generalist but not by a specialist pod borer
Authors: Pareja Martín , Rezende Luiz
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of different plant defenses is expected to vary depending on the combination and abundance of herbivores. Effectiveness of ant‐mediated defenses can also depend on ant activity and local ant assemblage, which can vary due to human activities such as intensive grazing. We used the plantCrotalaria pallida(Fabaceae), its two pod‐boring herbivores and the ants that visit the extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) to understand how chemical defense and ant–plant associations affect plant damage. We hypothesized causal relationships between plant chemical defense, ant presence on plants and herbivore damage in scenarios of constitutive and induced plant defenses and tested the different possible relationships using path analysis. The constitutive model explained the data more adequately, and each plant defense had different effects on each herbivore species. First, chemical defense significantly reduced damage by the generalist pod borerEtiella zinckenellabut not by the specialistUtetheisa ornatrix. Second, ant presence reduced damage by the generalist, but had no effect on damage by the specialist. Third, a larger number of pods on the plant increased ant presence, as expected since more pods results in more EFNs. Finally, we show that these density‐dependent responses by ants mediate indirect cascades on herbivory and generate context‐specific responses reducing damage byE. zinckenellain sites with cattle grazing. In synthesis, we highlight that plant defenses have distinct effects on co‐occurring herbivores and that indirect defenses can mediate ecological cascades that generate context dependency in the efficiency of different defenses.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Tetrazole: A privileged scaffold for the discovery of anticancer agents
Authors: Verma Anil , Kaur Balwinder , Venugopal Sneha , Wadhwa Pankaj , Sahu Sanjeev , Kaur Paranjeet , Kumar Deepak , Sharma Ajit
Published: June 2022

Carcinoma, characterized by abnormal growth of cells and tissue, is a ubiquitously leading cause of mortality across the globe due to some carcinogenic factors. Currently, several anticancer agents are commercially available in the global market. However, due to their resistance and cost, researchers are gaining more interest in developing newer novel potential anticancer agents. In the search for new drugs for clinical use, the tetrazole ring system has emerged as an exciting prospect in the optimization studies of promising lead molecules. Among the various heterocyclic agents, tetrazole‐containing compounds have shown significant promise in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, particularly cancer. Here, in this review, we focused on several synthetic approaches for the synthesis of tetrazole analogs, their targets for treating cancer along with the biological activity of some of the recently reported tetrazole‐containing anticancer agents.
Investigating sacred natural sites and protected areas for forest area changes in Italy
Authors: Zannini Piero , Frascaroli Fabrizio , Nascimbene Juri , Halley John Maxwell , Stara Kalliopi , Cervellini Marco , Di Musciano Michele , De Vigili Filippo , Rocchini Duccio , Piovesan Gianluca , Alessi Nicola , Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Forests will be critical to mitigate the effects of climate and global changes. Therefore, knowledge on the drivers of forest area changes are important. Although the drivers of deforestation are well known, drivers of afforestation are almost unexplored. Moreover, protected areas (PAs) effectively decrease deforestation, but other types of area‐based conservation measures exist. Among these, sacred natural sites (SNS) deliver positive conservation outcomes while making up an extensive “shadow network” of conservation. However, little is known on the capacity of SNS to regulate land‐use changes. Here, we explored the role of SNS and PAs as drivers of forest loss and forest gain in Italy between 1936 and 2018. We performed a descriptive analysis and modeled forest gain and forest loss by means of spatial binomial generalized linear models with residual autocovariates. The main drivers of forest area changes were geographical position and elevation, nonetheless SNS and PAs significantly decreased forest loss and increased forest gain. Although the negative relationship between SNS and forest loss is a desirable outcome, the positive relationship with forest gain is concerning because it could point to abandonment of cultural landscapes with consequent loss of open habitats. We suggest a legal recognition of SNS and an active ecological monitoring and planning to help maintain their positive role in biodiversity conservation. As a novel conservation planning approach, SNS can be used as stepping stones between PAs increasing connectivity and also to conserve small habitat patches threatened by human activities.
Case series on treatment of dependence to Kamini Vidrawan Ras with opioid substitution therapy
Authors: Naren Thileepan , Silkoff David , Forsythe Marcus , Cook Jon
Published: June 2022

Introduction

A cohort of clients was recognised attending an addiction medicine clinic with similar presentations of opioid dependence from use of a rarely known Ayurvedic medication in a specific ethnic community. This retrospective case series was completed to promote wider recognition and further understanding of dependence on Kamini Vidrawan Ras (Kamini).

Methods

A retrospective file audit of the electronic medical record for clients of an addiction medicine outpatient clinic with a history of dependent use of Kamini identified 12 clients meeting inclusion criteria.

Results

All 12 clients were male, aged 27–41 years, all but one of north Indian origin, predominantly employed and predominantly (but not exclusively) without significant other substance use history. All 12 clients were treated with opioid substitution therapy.

Discussion and Conclusions

This case series highlights an opioid dependence syndrome resulting from use of an Ayurvedic medicine by men from a specific area of India, highlighting a potential adverse effect of traditional medicines in ongoing use by migrant and ethnic populations that have emigrated to Australia.
Epidermal necrolysis in the context of immuno‐oncologic medication as well as kinase inhibitors and biologics
Authors: Ziemer Mirjana , Fries Viviane , Paulmann Maren , Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: June 2022

Background

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe, primarily drug‐induced reactions of skin and mucosa. Since they differ in the extent of skin detachment but not in etiology, they are grouped together as epidermal necrolysis (EN). Due to nationwide registration, representative data are available at the German Center for the Documentation of Severe Skin Reactions (dZh). Here, an increasing number of case notifications in the context with new immuno‐oncologic drugs, kinase inhibitors and biologics have been observed.

Material and methods

Of 4,150 cases notifications between January 2003 and February 2019, 102 cases with exposure to these drug groups underwent systematic analysis, validation and causality assessment.

Results

Two cases of EN to vemurafenib were confirmed and one case to afatinib and pembrolizumab, respectively. In 14 EN cases other drugs – predominantly allopurinol or cotrimoxazole – were the causative agent. Fourteen cases were EN‐like reactions: six bullous lichenoid drug eruptions (DE) to pembrolizumab (2), obinutuzumab, nivolumab, rituximab, infliximab/nivolumab, and eight multiforme‐like DE to rituximab (2), adalimumab, ramucirumab, bevacizumab, vemurafenib, sorafenib (2). Lichenoid DE were differentiated from EN through histopathology and by the protracted course of EN, multiforme‐like DE by variable skin manifestations with only sparse epidermolysis or mucosal involvement.

Conclusions

A correct diagnosis is highly relevant in terms of prognosis and use of these drugs in malignoma treatment. Re‐exposure is contraindicated in EN, but possible in other DE after rigorous risk‐benefit evaluation.
Die Zecke und ich: Parasiten‐Wirt‐Interaktionen zwischen Zecken und Menschen
Authors: Schön Michael P.
Published: June 2022

Zecken, insbesondere Schildzecken (Ixodidae), die zu den bedeutendsten Überträgern gefährlicher Infektionserreger gehören, saugen für längere Zeit an ihren Wirten. Mit dieser Lebensweise haben sich zahlreiche Anpassungen bei Zecken und ihren Wirten entwickelt, deren pharmakologische Bedeutung zunehmend erkannt wird. Viele bioaktive Substanzen im Zeckenspeichel kommen als Grundlagen neuer Medikamente in Frage.

So können Komponenten des Zeckenzements zu Gewebeklebern oder Wundverschlüssen entwickelt werden. Analgetisch und antipruritisch wirkende Speichelbestandteile inhibieren Histamin und Bradykinin, andere Zeckenmoleküle binden Opioid‐oder Cannabinoid‐Rezeptoren. Zeckenspeichel hemmt den extrinsischen, den intrinsischen oder den gemeinsamen Schenkel der Blutgerinnung, was Implikationen für die Behandlung verschiedener thromboembolischer Krankheiten hat. Ebenso wirkt er vasodilatierend und beeinflusst die Wundheilung. Das breite Spektrum immunmodulatorischer und ‐suppressiver Wirkungen des Zeckenspeichels, wie die Inhibition vieler Chemokine oder zellulärer Immunreaktionen, könnte zur Entwicklung von Medikamenten gegen Entzündungen bei Autoimmunkrankheiten oder Infektionen beitragen. Durch die Entwicklung moderner Impfstoffe gegen Zecken kann schließlich die Ausbreitung ernster Infektionen eingedämmt werden. Die medizinische Bedeutung der komplexen Interaktionen von Zecken mit ihren Wirten wird zunehmend erkannt und in erste klinische Anwendungen überführt. Anhand ausgewählter Beispiele wird hier ein Überblick über die gegenseitigen Anpassungen von Zecken und Wirten gegeben, wobei der Fokus auf deren Bedeutung für medizinische Entwicklungen liegt.
Rapid diversification of the Australian Amitermes group during late Cenozoic climate change
Authors: Heimburger Bastian , Schardt Leonie , Brandt Alexander , Scheu Stefan , Hartke Tamara R.
Published: June 2022

Late Cenozoic climate change led to the progressive aridification of Australia over the past 15 million years. This gradual biome turnover fundamentally changed Australia's ecosystems, opening new niches and prompting diversification of plants and animals. One example are termites of the Australian Amitermes group (AAG), consisting of the Australian Amitermes and affiliated genera. Although the most speciose and diverse higher termite group in Australia, little is known about its evolutionary history. We used ancestral range reconstruction and diversification analyses to illuminate 1) phylogenetic relationships of the AAG, 2) biogeographical processes leading to the current continent‐wide distribution and 3) timing and pattern of diversification in the context of late Cenozoic climate change. By estimating the largest time‐calibrated phylogeny for this group to date, we demonstrate monophyly of the AAG and confirm that their ancestor arrived in Australia ~11–10 million years ago (Mya) from Southeast Asia. Ancestral range reconstruction indicates that Australia's monsoon region was the launching point for a continental radiation shaped by dispersal and within‐biome speciation rather than vicariance. We found that multiple arid‐zone species diversified from mesic and tropical ancestors in the Plio‐Pleistocene, but also observed diversification in the opposite direction. Finally, we show that diversification steadily increased from ~8 to 9 Mya during the ‘Hill Gap' and accelerated from ~4 Mya in concert with major ecological change during the Pliocene. Consistent with rapid diversification, species accumulation then slowed down into the present, likely caused by progressive niche saturation. This study provides a stepping stone for predicting future responses of Australia's termite fauna in the face of human‐mediated climate change.
Alfredian military reform: the materialization of ideology and the social practice of garrisoning
Authors: Pitt Georgina
Published: June 2022

King Alfred could not coerce his elites into implementing his ambitious military reforms. Instead, he had to persuade them to participate. Ideology can induce action, but how did an ideology focused on Christian wisdom motivate military reform? Different theoretical frameworks can help to identify promising new lines of enquiry. Assemblage theory illuminates the materialization of ideology in the burhs, the instantiation of relationships of power in the landscape. Social practice theory elucidates the consolidation of ideology through the social practice of garrisoning the burhs. These theories offer a fresh perspective on the subtle connection between Alfredian ideology and military reform.
Glymphatic dysfunction correlates with severity of small vessel disease and cognitive impairment in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Xu Jiajie , Su Ya , Fu Jiayu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Nguchu Benedictor Alexander , Qiu Bensheng , Dong Qiang , Cheng Xin
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by β‐amyloid deposition in cortical and leptomeningeal arterioles, which might result from glymphatic dysfunction. The aim was to explore glymphatic function in CAA using the non‐invasive diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space method.

Methods

Sixty‐three patients with CAA were prospectively recruited together with seventy age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls. The Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were applied to screen global cognitive status. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were conducted to calculate the index for diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS index), and linear regression models were used to assess its relationships with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers, cognitive status and blood biomarkers. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to explore the role of the baseline ALPS index in disease recurrence.

Results

Patients with CAA exhibited a lower ALPS index than controls globally (p < 0.001). In addition, a lower ALPS index was related to more enlarged perivascular space in basal ganglia (p = 0.026), more lacunes (p < 0.001), higher white matter hyperintensity Fazekas score (p = 0.049), elevated total magnetic resonance imaging burden of CSVD (p = 0.034) and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (p = 0.001) as well as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p < 0.001) in CAA. During a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, a higher ALPS index was associated with lower disease recurrence (p = 0.022). The ALPS index was also negatively correlated with serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, neurofilament light and chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 in CAA.

Conclusions

Patients with CAA showed impaired glymphatic function. The ALPS index was significantly related to CSVD severity, cognitive impairment and disease recurrence in CAA.
Applying space‐for‐time substitution to infer the growth response to climate may lead to overestimation of tree maladaptation: Evidence from the North American White Spruce Network
Authors: Wu Fang , Jiang Yuan , Zhao Shoudong , Wen Yan , Li Wenqing , Kang Muyi
Published: June 2022

Under climate change circumstances, increasing studies have reported the temporal instability of tree growth responses to climate, which poses a major challenge to linearly extrapolating past climate and future growth dynamics using tree‐ring data. Space‐for‐time substitution (SFTS) is a potential solution to this problem that is widely used in the dendrochronology field to project past or future temporal growth response trajectories from contemporary spatial patterns. However, the projected accuracy of the SFTS in the climate effects on tree growth remains uncertain. Here, we empirically test the SFTS method by comparing the effect of spatial and temporal climate variations on climate responses of white spruce (Picea glauca), which has a transcontinental range in North America. We first applied a response surface regression model to capture the variations in growth responses along the spatial climate gradients. The results showed that the relationships between growth and June temperature varied along spatial climate gradients in a predictable way. And their relationships varied mainly along with local temperate condition. Then, the projected correlation coefficients between growth and climate using SFTS were compared against the observed. We found that the growth response changes caused by spatial versus temporal climate variations showed opposite trends. Moreover, the projected correlation coefficients using the SFTS were significantly lower than the observed. This finding suggests that applying the SFTS to project the growth response of white spruce might lead to an overestimation of the degree of tree maladaptation in future climate scenarios. And the overestimation is likely to get weaker from Alaska and Yukon Territory in the west to Quebec in the east. Although this is only a case study of the SFTS method for projecting tree growth response, our findings suggest that direct application of the SFTS method may not be applicable to all regions and all tree species.
The long‐term clinical benefits and economic costs associated with increased use of prophylaxis among patients with haemophilia A in China: Population‐based predictions from 2018 to 2033
Authors: He Xiaoning , Wang Xu , Dong Chaohui , Zhao Mingyue , Wu Jing
Published: June 2022

Aim

To predict the long‐term benefits and economic costs of the improvements in haemophilia care in China demonstrated by increasing use of prophylaxis, compared with the current status.

Methods

City‐level predictions from 2018 to 2033 were conducted for five representative cities in China. The long‐term clinical and economic outcomes in the scenario where haemophilia care has significantly improved and the existing scenario of haemophilia care were calculated and compared. The model input data were obtained from local records, expert interviews, published literature, and other sources. Outcome measures including number of bleeds and joint bleeds, number of target joints, disability rate, direct and indirect costs were calculated at the patient and population levels.

Results

The long‐term predictions for 2033 demonstrated significantly improved bleed control and joint outcomes due to increased use of prophylaxis. The total number of averted bleed events per patient ranged from 3.9 in Shenyang to 16.1 in Zhengzhou in 2033, and the population‐level averted bleed events ranged from 1963 in Xiamen to 14,868 in Zhengzhou. The treatment improvement also leads to significant economic costs driven by increase in clotting factor costs (more than 90%). At the population level, the additional total costs were highest in Zhengzhou (CNY 177.4 million) and lowest in Shenyang (CNY 45.4 million), due to their different population sizes and various existing treatment regimens. The outpatient and hospitalization costs decreased, while the factor costs increased.

Conclusion

The long‐term prophylaxis is associated with avoided bleed events and disabilities. The improved treatment regimens are also associated with a significant economic burden, driven by factor costs.
The effect of egg white diet on phosphorus control in dialysis patients
Authors: Azmandian Jalal , Shamspour Najmeh , Alinaghi Langari Tahereh , Talaei Khales Soflaei Behrouz , Alinaghi Langari Ahmad , Ahmadipour Habibeh , Mousavi Maryam , Masoumi Hamed
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Nutritional interventions have been envisaged to improve hyperphosphatemia and malnutrition, two important risk factors associated with mortality in dialysis patients. We evaluated the effects of egg white consumption on serum phosphate and malnutrition in dialysis patients.

Methods

In an open‐label, per protocol clinical trial, conducted in Kerman dialysis centers, 150 hemodialysis patients aged ≥18 years with serum phosphorus ≥5.5 mg/dl were included in the study. All participants limited their intake of foods containing phosphorus for 4 weeks, and then they were divided into a control and an intervention group. The control group continued their ordinary diet and the participants in the intervention group consumed a Telavang egg white pack (containing six egg whites, 96 calories, 24 g protein) as a substitute for meat products 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Finally, changes in serum albumin, phosphorus, calcium, PTH, and cholesterol were measured.

Findings

At the baseline, there were no significant differences in the laboratory variables between the two groups. After 8 weeks, serum cholesterol (124.3 ± 38.1, vs. 135.8 ± 28.8, p = 0.003) and phosphorus levels (4.5 ± 1.03, vs. 6.7 ± 1.5, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also, serum albumin (4.5 ± 0.07 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4, p = 0.001) was significantly higher in the intervention group. Moreover, phosphorus, PTH, and cholesterol levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than their baseline values (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The results showed that the egg white could be a useful source of protein for dialysis patients, as it simultaneously reduces serum phosphorus and cholesterol, and increases serum albumin.
Primary impact of simultaneous use of double devices through one‐working channel when performing flexible ureteroscope with ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stone: In bench and retrospective clinical study
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Shinsuke , Yamamichi Fukashi , Fujita Masaichiro , Tominaga Koki , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of two devices versus a single device through a single working channel in flexible ureteroscopy using a ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stones.

Methods

In a bench study, the time to (i) set laser fiber, (ii) exchange laser fiber and nitinol basket through working channel, and (iii) pull out the device from working channel were measured 10 times in each step. In a clinical study, 156 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy with a ureteral access sheath for a ureteral stone in middle and upper ureter between April 2019 and November 2021 were assessed. One device was used at a time for 79 patients (S‐Group) and two were simultaneously used for 77 (D‐Group). Surgical outcomes and complications were compared.

Results

In the bench study, the mean time to change from laser fiber to basket and from basket to laser fiber through the working channel were 26.1 ± 3.7 s and 23.6 ± 2.0 s (p = 0.084), respectively, which were significantly longer than the laser setup time (p < 0.001). In the clinical study, although the stone‐free rate was not significantly different between the groups (S‐Group 89.8%, D‐Group 93.5%; p = 0.412), the median operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and the rate of postoperative stenting was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in the D‐Group. There were no significant between‐group differences in intra‐ and post‐operative complications.

Conclusion

The simultaneous use of two devices through a single working channel is safe and could help save the time needed to exchange the laser fiber and nitinol basket.
On the role of metaheuristic optimization in bioinformatics
Authors: Calvet Laura , Benito Sergio , Juan Angel A. , Prados Ferran
Published: June 2022

Metaheuristic algorithms are employed to solve complex and large‐scale optimization problems in many different fields, from transportation and smart cities to finance. This paper discusses how metaheuristic algorithms are being applied to solve different optimization problems in the area of bioinformatics. While the text provides references to many optimization problems in the area, it focuses on those that have attracted more interest from the optimization community. Among the problems analyzed, the paper discusses in more detail the molecular docking problem, the protein structure prediction, phylogenetic inference, and different string problems. In addition, references to other relevant optimization problems are also given, including those related to medical imaging or gene selection for classification. From the previous analysis, the paper generates insights on research opportunities for the Operations Research and Computer Science communities in the field of bioinformatics.
Habitat change and its consequences on reef fish specialization in biogeographic transition zones
Authors: Lin Yuting Vicky , Hsiao Wanchien Victoria , Chen Wei‐Jen , Denis Vianney
Published: June 2022

Aim

Reef fishes are commonly recognized as sentinels of the ongoing tropicalization in biogeographic transition zones between temperate and tropical areas. Despite the reliance of these marine ectotherms on the benthos, the importance of benthic habitat has rarely been considered as a factor constraining fish distribution. Therefore, our study aims at examining the consequences of both temperature and benthic variations on the fish fauna and diagnosing potential sentinels of these environmental changes.

Location

Taiwan, West Pacific.

Taxon

Teleostei (184 species).

Methods

We examined how the partitioning of habitats can influence the specialization of fish fauna along a latitudinal gradient. We diagnosed ‘specialist’ and ‘generalist’ fishes in this partitioning. For each specialist, we further evaluated whether its distribution is constrained by temperature, benthic habitat or both factors combined. The change in sea surface temperature over the last three decades was also monitored.

Results

Fish fauna showed the highest specialization when tropical and subtropical partitions of habitat were considered. Fifty‐one tropical specialists, 7 subtropical specialists and 21 possible generalists were identified. Among specialists, 13 species were associated with temperature, 19 with habitat and 26 with both factors. Steady warming occurred across latitudes, but was accentuated in the winter of subtropical habitat.

Main Conclusions

Our results suggested that the distribution of some specialist fishes was constrained only by temperature while the distribution of some others also depended on the availability of benthic habitats. Consequently, under global warming, the distribution of some specialists might shift in a manner that follows the movement of isotherms, while the distribution of others might also be conditioned by the poleward shifts of benthos. A temporal mismatch between the emergence of suitable thermal environments and the arrival of some specialists may exist. Therefore, the tropicalization of high‐latitude areas may be characterized by different waves of colonization.
Effects of artificial intelligence‐assisted dental monitoring intervention in patients with periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Kang‐Ling , Huang Chiung‐Lin , Lin Ying‐Chun , Du Je‐Kang , Chen Fu‐Li , Kabasawa Yuji , Chen Chih‐Chang , Huang Hsiao‐Ling
Published: June 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effects of an at‐home artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted dental monitoring application on treatment outcomes in patients with periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Participants with periodontitis were recruited and randomly assigned to an AI (n = 16), AI and human counselling (AIHC; n = 17), or control (CG; n = 20) group. All participants received non‐surgical periodontal treatment. We employed an AI‐assisted tool called DENTAL MONITORING® (DM) intervention, a new technological AI monitoring product that utilizes smartphone cameras for intra‐oral scanning and assessment. Patients in the AI and AIHC groups received additional (a) DM or (b) DM, respectively, with real‐person counselling over 3 months. Periodontal parameters were collected at baseline and follow‐ups. A mixed‐design model analysed the follow‐up effects over time.

Results

The AI and AIHC groups, respectively, exhibited greater improvement in probing pocket depth (PPD) (mean diff = −0.9 ± 0.4 and −1.4 ± 0.3, effect size [ES] = 0.76 and 1.98), clinical attachment level (mean diff = −0.8 ± 0.3 and −1.4 ± 0.3, ES = 0.84 and 1.77), and plaque index (mean diff = −0.5 ± 0.2 and − 0.7 ± 0.2, ES = 0.93 and 1.81) at 3‐month follow‐up than the CG did. The AIHC group had a greater reduction in PPD (ES = 0.46) and clinical attachment level (ES = 0.64) at the 3‐month follow‐up compared with the AI group.

Conclusions

Using AI monitoring at home had a positive effect on treatment outcomes for patients with periodontitis. Patients who received AI‐assisted health counselling exhibited better treatment outcomes than did patients who received AI monitoring alone.
The effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on active periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Van Ravensteijn Myrlon M. , Timmerman Mark F. , Brouwer Ester A. G. , Slot Dagmar Else
Published: June 2022

Aim

“Host modulatory therapy” (HMT) with ω‐3 fatty acids aims at reducing inflammation. With HMT as an adjunct, a better result of periodontal therapy is expected. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis (MA) was to examine the additional effect of ω‐3 fatty acids to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (SRP) on the probing pocket depth (PPD) and the clinical attachment level (CAL).

Materials and Methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL libraries were searched up to January 2021 for randomized controlled trials in patients with chronic periodontitis, treated with SRP/placebo as controls and SRP/ω‐3 fatty acids as the test group.

Results

The search identified 173 unique abstracts, and screening resulted in 10 eligible publications. Descriptive analysis showed a significant effect on the PPD and CAL in favour of the groups with ω‐3 fatty acids in the majority of comparisons. MA revealed that adjunctive use of ω‐3 fatty acids to SRP resulted in 0.39 mm more PPD reduction (95% CI: −0.58; −0.21) and 0.41 mm more CAL gain (95% CI: −0.63; −0.19) than SRP alone.

Conclusions

In patients with periodontitis, dietary supplementation with ω‐3 fatty acids as an adjunct to SRP is more effective in reducing the PPD and improving the CAL than SRP alone. If SRP is indicated, the use of ω‐3 fatty acids can be considered for a moderate extra added effect on PPD reduction and CAL gain. The strength of this recommendation is moderate.
Systematic and scoping reviews to assess biological parameters
Authors: Feres Magda , M. Duarte Poliana , Figueiredo Luciene C. , Gonçalves Cristiane , Shibli Jamil , Retamal‐Valdes Belen
Published: June 2022

Introduction

An evidence synthesis approach compiling biological/laboratory data is effective in advancing health‐related knowledge. However, this approach is still underused in the oral health field.

Methods

This commentary discusses the opportunities and challenges of systematic and scoping reviews of laboratory data in dentistry. Special focus is on the potential of these reviews to elucidate etiological and treatment concepts of oral diseases, such as periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.

Results

The following difficulties associated with such studies are discussed: (i) selection of ideal study design, (ii) assessment of “risk of bias” and definition of “certainty of evidence”, (iii) evidence assembly and summary, and (iv) the paper review process.

Discussion

Despite those challenges, high‐quality reviews integrating laboratory data may generate relevant scientific information and help identify new avenues for future investigations. Experts in different oral health topics should build a process capable of helping researchers assemble and interpret these types of data.