bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for umbilical incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Kitazawa Masato , Miyagawa Yusuke , Muranaka Futoshi , Tokumaru Shigeo , Nakamura Satoshi , Koyama Makoto , Yamamoto Yuta , Hondo Nao , Ehara Takehito , Miyazaki Satoru , Kuroiwa Masatsugu , Soejima Yuji
Published: September 2022

Background

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS) requires a small laparotomy at the umbilicus. The wound is small and inconspicuous, but if the patient develops an umbilical incisional hernia (UIH), the wound is visible and the patient suffers from symptoms of discomfort. However, the incidence of UIH after LCRS and its risk factors are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for UIH after LCRS for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective study of 135 patients with colorectal cancer, conducted at our hospital from April 2013 to March 2019. The diagnosis of UIH was based on computed tomography and physical examination findings. Preoperative patient data such as enlargement of the umbilical orifice (EUO), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and intraperitoneal thickness (IPT) were collected and analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses for the presence of risk factors for UIH.

Results

A total of 135 patients who underwent LCRS were analysed. The incidence of UIH was 20.7%. Univariate analysis revealed significantly high body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 (P = 0.032), EUO (P < 0.001), SFT ≥18 mm (P = 0.011), and IPT ≥61 mm (P < 0.01) in the UIH group. Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in EUO (P < 0.001), SFT ≥18 mm (P = 0.046) and IPT ≥61 mm (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

EUO was the most important risk factor for UIH, followed by IPT and SFT. These findings are predictive indicators of the development of UIH after LCRS and can be assessed objectively and easily with preoperative computed tomography.
Laparoscopic versus open groin hernia repair in older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pang Ning Qi , Ng Celene Shi Ying , Wong Christy Jia Hui
Published: September 2022

Background

Groin hernia repair is a common surgical procedure and includes both open and laparoscopic techniques. Studies comparing outcomes of laparoscopic versus open groin hernia repair specifically in the geriatric population are lacking. This study compares the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open groin hernia repair techniques in older adults.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in each of the five selected databases up till June 2021: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane and PsychInfo (OVID). Outcomes measured included but were not limited to total length of hospital stay, mean total operative time, intraoperative complications, post‐operative complications such as wound infection, seroma formation, chronic pain, mesh infection and recurrence of inguinal hernia.

Results

A total of five articles were included in the final analysis. The length of postoperative hospitalization stay was shorter in patients who underwent laparoscopic hernia repair (95% CI: −1.50 to −0.72; P < 0.01, I2 = 79%). The laparoscopic repair group had a significantly smaller number of patients who sustained postoperative wound infections (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.47; P = 0.003, I2 = 0%), and lower incidence of chronic pain (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.37, P < 0.01, I2 = 46%). Analysis of the remaining outcomes did not reveal any statistically significant differences between open and laparoscopic hernia repair.

Conclusions

The results of this analysis showed a shorter length of stay, lower wound infection rates and lower chronic pain with laparoscopic groin hernia repair as compared to open repair in older adults. Future prospective studies examining the impact of age on the relationship between surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic) and surgical outcomes are needed.
Lithium in drinking water and Alzheimer's dementia: Epidemiological Findings from National Data Base of Japan
Authors: Muronaga Masaaki , Terao Takeshi , Kohno Kentaro , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Izumi Toshihiko , Etoh Masaki
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lithium levels in drinking water and prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia (AD).

Methods

Lithium levels in the drinking water of 808 cities and wards (i.e., 785 Japanese cities of 46 prefectures and 23 wards of Tokyo) in Japan were examined in relation to the prevalence of AD during the 5 years from 2010 to 2014, which was calculated on the basis of the national data base of Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the association of lithium levels with the prevalence of AD with adjustment for relevant factors (proportions of one‐person households as a family factor and people in primary industry employment as a job factor, annual total sunshine hours as a meteorological factor, and total number of beds of psychiatric hospitals as a medical factor) in total, male, and female elderly populations.

Results

The adjusted model showed a significant inverse association of lithium levels with female, but not with male, or total prevalence of AD.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that higher lithium levels in drinking water may be associated with lower prevalence of AD in female, but not male, populations.
Sleep and disparities in child and adolescent development
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Gillis Brian T. , Saini Ekjyot K. , Erath Stephen A. , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: September 2022

Sleep is a robust predictor of child and adolescent development. Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and related experiences (e.g., discrimination) are associated with sleep, but researchers have just begun to understand the role of sleep in the development of racial/ethnic and SES disparities in broader psychosocial adjustment and cognitive functioning during childhood and adolescence. In this article, we discuss poor sleep as a potential mechanism contributing to the development of such disparities, and better sleep as a potential protective factor that diminishes such disparities. We conclude by offering recommendations for research to advance understanding of sleep as a key bioregulatory system that may underlie or protect against detrimental developmental outcomes related to socioeconomic adversity and belonging to a historically minoritized group.
Pre‐ and peripubertal sex steroids are inversely associated with birth weight in preterm boys
Authors: Kvernebo Sunnergren Kjersti , Dahlgren Jovanna , Karlsson Ann‐Katrine , Nilsson Staffan , Allvin Kerstin , Ankarberg‐Lindgren Carina
Published: September 2022

Objective

The relationship between sex hormone concentrations during childhood and birth weight (BW) is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate this relationship and the associations with anthropometric data at 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 years of age in preterm boys.

Design

A prospective longitudinal single‐centre study, including 58 boys with a BW of 1325–3320 g and gestational age (GA) of 32 + 2 to 36 + 6 weeks.

Patients and Measurements

Data on GA, BW and anthropometric data between 5 and 10 years of age were recorded. Testicular development was assessed at 8 and 10 years of age. Serum concentrations of sex steroids were analysed with gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry at 5–10 years and luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) with immunoassays at 10 years of age.

Results

At 8 years of age, testosterone and estrone correlated negatively with BW, (ρ = −0.35, p = .021) and (ρ = −0.34, p = .024), respectively. At 10 years of age, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone and estradiol correlated negatively with BW (ρ = −0.39, p = .010), (ρ = −0.38, p = .013), (ρ = −0.44, p = .003) and (ρ = −0.36, p = .019), respectively. Weight gain from birth correlated with testosterone at 5 years (ρ = 0.40, p = .002), 7 years (ρ = 0.30, p = .040), 8 years (ρ = 0.44, p = .003) and 10 years (ρ = 0.40, p = .008) of age. At 10 years of age, testosterone correlated with LH (ρ = 0.42, p = .006) and FSH (ρ = 0.33, p = .033) but not with testicular volume.

Conclusions

Lower BW was associated with increased sex steroid concentrations from 8 years of age, independently of clinical signs of puberty.
Literature review on genotype–phenotype correlation in patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Yang Liqing , Shu Huiying , Zhou Min , Gong Yuping
Published: September 2022

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a prevalent inherited hemolytic disorder primarily reported in Caucasians. Recently, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have shown tremendous potential in the diagnosis of HS. HS commonly originates from variants in ANK1, SPTB, SLC4A1, SPTA1, and EPB42. This review is focused on 13 previous clinical studies on genotype–phenotype correlation, which might promote the role of causative variants in the diagnosis and prognosis of HS. Most studies have focused on the pediatric population and Asian countries. The occurrence of novel variants was common in each cohort, and variants with a high frequency of causative genes were demonstrated. In conclusion, patients with variants in SPTA1 and SLC4A1 were reported to have more severe and milder anemia, respectively. ANK1 and SPTB are the most common variants in patients with HS, and no significant difference in phenotypes was observed between patients with variants in ANK1 versus SPTB. The types and locations of variants might influence the phenotype of each genotype, whereas the roles of concomitant pathogenic genes and the source of variants deserve further investigation.
Systematic review of conservation interventions to promote voluntary behavior change
Authors: Thomas‐Walters Laura , McCallum Jamie , Montgomery Ryan , Petros Claire , Wan Anita K. Y. , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: September 2022

Understanding human behavior is vital to developing interventions that effectively lead to proenvironmental behavior change, whether the focus is at the individual or societal level. However, interventions in many fields have historically lacked robust forms of evaluation, which makes it hard to be confident that these conservation interventions have successfully helped protect the environment. We conducted a systematic review to assess how effective nonpecuniary and nonregulatory interventions have been in changing environmental behavior. We applied the Office of Health Assessment and Translation systematic review methodology. We started with more than 300,000 papers and reports returned by our search terms and after critical appraisal of quality identified 128 individual studies that merited inclusion in the review. We classified interventions by thematic area, type of intervention, the number of times audiences were exposed to interventions, and the length of time interventions ran. Most studies reported a positive effect (n = 96). The next most common outcome was no effect (n = 28). Few studies reported negative (n = 1) or mixed (n = 3) effects. Education, prompts, and feedback interventions resulted in positive behavior change. Combining multiple interventions was the most effective. Neither exposure duration nor frequency affected the likelihood of desired behavioral change. Comparatively few studies tested the effects of voluntary interventions on non‐Western populations (n = 17) or measured actual ecological outcome behavior (n = 1). Similarly, few studies examined conservation devices (e.g., energy‐efficient stoves) (n = 9) and demonstrations (e.g., modeling the desired behavior) (n = 5). There is a clear need to both improve the quality of the impact evaluation conducted and the reporting standards for intervention results.
Postsystolic shortening and early systolic lengthening for early detection of myocardial involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wan Minjie , Liu Donghong , Zhang Pengyuan , Xie Peihan , Liang Liuqin , He Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiac involvement predicts a poor prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) are used to identify subclinical myocardial involvement in various diseases. This study objected to evaluate postsystolic shortening (PSS) and early systolic lengthening (ESL) by 2D‐STE for early detection of myocardial involvement in patients with SLE.

Methods

A total of 121 patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in SLE and 30 healthy controls underwent standard 2D‐STE in our study. According to SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), we divided SLE patients into two groups: the group of inactive disease (SLEDAI ≤ 4) and active disease (SLEDAI ≥ 5). The maximum of postsystolic strain index (PSImax) and early systolic strain index (ESImax) were acquired from 17 segments of left ventricular (LV). We also compared the PSImax and ESImax of basal, medial, and apical segments between SLE patients and controls.

Results

Compared with healthy controls and the group of SLEDAI ≤ 4, the group of SLEDAI ≥ 5 had higher PSImax and ESImax value of global LV and basal segments. The absolute value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) had no difference between the group of active disease and inactive disease. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PSS was independently associated with SLEDAI and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Detection of PSS and ESL enable to identify LV systolic impairment in SLE patients at an early stage.
Left atrial myocardial intrinsic function remodeling response to repair of primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Lisi Matteo , Cameli Matteo , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Pastore Maria Concetta , Righini Francesca Maria , Flamigni Filippo , D'Ascenzi Flavio , Cavigli Luna , Focardi Marta , Rubboli Andrea , Campo Gianluca , Mondillo Sergio , Henein Michael Y.
Published: September 2022

Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valve disease which is associated with high mortality, if only managed medically. MR produces chronic and progressive volume overload with left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) dilatation and dysfunction, atrial fibrillation (AF) and eventually myocardial fibrosis, irrespective of ejection fraction (EF). Surgical correction (mitral valve repair) of MR removes the volume overload, hence unmasks pre‐operative LV structure and function disturbances, including reduced EF and global longitudinal and circumferential strain, as well as LA volume and strain. This review aims at describing LA remodeling before and after surgical repair.
Potential erodibility of semi‐arid steppe soils derived from aggregate stability tests
Authors: Koza Moritz , Pöhlitz Julia , Prays Aleksey , Kaiser Klaus , Mikutta Robert , Conrad Christopher , Vogel Cordula , Meinel Tobias , Akshalov Kanat , Schmidt Gerd
Published: September 2022

Erosion is a severe threat to the sustainable use of agricultural soils. However, the structural resistance of soil against the disruptive forces steppe soils experience under field conditions has not been investigated. Therefore, 132 topsoils under grass‐ and cropland covering a large range of physico‐chemical soil properties (sand: 2–76%, silt: 18–80%, clay: 6–30%, organic carbon: 7.3–64.2 g kg−1, inorganic carbon: 0.0–8.5 g kg−1, pH: 4.8–9.5, electrical conductivity: 32–946 μS cm−1) from northern Kazakhstan were assessed for their potential erodibility using several tests. An adjusted drop‐shatter method (low energy input of 60 Joule on a 250‐cm3 soil block) was used to estimate the stability of dry soil against weak mechanical forces, such as saltating particles striking the surface causing wind erosion. Three wetting treatments with various conditions and energies (fast wetting, slow wetting, and wet shaking) were applied to simulate different disruptive effects of water. Results indicate that aggregate stability was higher for grassland than cropland soils and declined with decreasing soil organic carbon content. The results of the drop‐shatter test suggested that 29% of the soils under cropland were at risk of wind erosion, but only 6% were at high risk (i.e. erodible fraction >60%). In contrast, the fast wetting treatment revealed that 54% of the samples were prone to become “very unstable” and 44% “unstable” during heavy rain or snowmelt events. Even under conditions comparable to light rain events or raindrop impact, 53–59% of the samples were “unstable.” Overall, cropland soils under semi‐arid conditions seem much more susceptible to water than wind erosion. Considering future projections of increasing precipitation in Kazakhstan, we conclude that the risk of water erosion is potentially underestimated and needs to be taken into account when developing sustainable land use strategies.

Highlights

Organic matter is the important binding agent enhancing aggregation in steppe topsoils.

Tillage always declines aggregate stability even without soil organic carbon changes.

All croplands soil are prone to wind or water erosion independent of their soil properties.

Despite the semi‐arid conditions, erosion risk by water seems higher than by wind.
A 57‐year‐old man with painful ophthalmoplegia and cavernous sinus involvement: Why this is not Tolosa–Hunt syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez Saúl Silvarrey , Gómez‐Muga Juan José , Onandi Rebeca Ruiz , Gallarreta Zuriñe Diez , García‐Moncó Juan Carlos
Published: September 2022

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) is an idiopathic condition included in the differential diagnosis of painful ophthalmoplegia. Although this was once a common diagnosis, the increasing availability of tests reveals an alternative etiology in many cases. Exclusion of treatable disorders is important, because the prognosis may otherwise be poor. We here describe a patient who presented with painful ophthalmoplegia with an infiltrating lesion in the cavernous sinus. Initially suspected of THS, he had a fatal evolution, and postmortem evaluation revealed cervicocephalic actinomycosis. Actinomycosis diagnosis is often missed, and still represents a challenge to the clinician. We highlight pearls and pitfalls to establish a proper diagnosis to avoid missing a treatable condition in patients with suspected THS.
Troubled waters: Barriers to preparation for bias conversations across racially/ethnically diverse families
Authors: Gonzalez Laura M. , Martin Romero Michelle Y. , Stein Gabriela Livas , Coard Stephanie Irby , Kiang Lisa
Published: September 2022

Background

Parent–child racial‐ethnic socialization conversations are an important tool to cultivate a sense of pride and equip youth to deal with discrimination. However, conversations about preparation for racial bias can be particularly difficult for parents to deliver effectively. Little research has been done that illuminates the types of challenges parents within and across racial‐ethnic groups experience with this task. The current qualitative study addresses this gap.

Design

The study draws on focus group data collected from parents and children from African American, Chinese American, Mexican American, and Indian American (South Asian) families (N = 138 individuals; 30 focus groups). Coding was done by a racially and ethnically diverse research team using inductive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

Results

Youth and parents reflected on barriers to having effective preparation for bias conversations, including (a) parents' uncertainty in approaching the conversations; (b) tensions in identifying, understanding, and decoding racial discrimination; and (c) generational differences between parents and youth.

Conclusion

Themes are unpacked from a social learning perspective, approaching the barriers from a person‐based, context‐based, and behavior‐based point of view. Unique and similar experiences across the racial‐ethnic groups were noted, including perspectives from U.S.‐born and immigrant parents.

Implications

The authors share implications for racial‐ethnic socialization intervention strategies with parents are shared.
“An umbrella for all things”: Black daughter's sexual decisions and paternal engagement
Authors: Dorsey Marquitta S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this article is to highlight the value of Black fathers to the sexual decision‐making processes among Black adolescent and young adult daughters.

Background

Various contextual factors, such as fewer sexual health resources in poorer communities and federal funding cuts to family planning service agencies, ultimately contribute to the sexual health decision‐making of adolescent young women and may be linked to sexual health disparities among Black adolescent women. Recent studies have reported the protective nature of a Black father's engagement to be beneficial to the behavioral outcomes of adolescent daughters.

Method

Findings from 17 semistructured interviews conducted with Black adolescent and young adult women are used to discuss the impact of Black fathers' engagement in their lives on their decision‐making processes.

Results

Findings from grounded theory and thematic analysis techniques highlight the impact of paternal advice and expectations on the respondents' sexual decisions through two primary themes: “teaches me about the game” and “umbrella‐like protection.”

Conclusion

Future research should consider interventions that consider the intersectional experiences of Black adolescent women and the implications of gender and power dynamics on how Black fathers' engagement may be important to a daughter's sexual health decision‐making processes.

Implications

Practitioners working with Black families may consider including Black fathers in sexual health communication efforts to support Black daughters' healthy sexual decision‐making.
Mesoscale oceanographic features drive divergent patterns in connectivity for co‐occurring estuarine portunid crabs
Authors: Hewitt Daniel E. , Schilling Hayden T. , Hanamseth Roshan , Everett Jason D. , Li Junde , Roughan Moninya , Johnson Daniel D. , Suthers Iain M. , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: September 2022

Larval dispersal and connectivity have important implications for fisheries management, especially for species with life cycles influenced by ocean boundary currents. Giant Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) and Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus armatus) are two estuarine portunid crabs (Family: Portunidae) that support significant commercial and recreational harvest in eastern Australia. Giant Mud Crab migrate to coastal waters to spawn, and while Blue Swimmer Crab spawn primarily within estuaries they occasionally migrate to coastal waters to spawn, followed by larval dispersal in the East Australian Current (EAC). Here, we coupled a high‐resolution oceanographic model with a Lagrangian particle tracking framework to simulate larval dispersal and determine the extent of population connectivity in this region. Our simulations indicate broad‐scale connectivity (~40–400 km), characterised by high inter‐estuary connectivity. Overall, our results suggest a north‐to‐south source‐sink structure for both species, with contributions of particles from the north ranging from 51% to 99%. Recruitment to a given estuary is dependent on the proximity of mesoscale oceanographic features of the EAC. Most notably, the EAC separation acts as a barrier to recruitment between spawning and settlement to the north/south of this region. This significantly limits interjurisdictional connectivity for these species, especially Blue Swimmer Crab, likely due to a shorter pelagic larval duration than Giant Mud Crab. Our results provide evidence to inform the assessment and management of these species.
Cerrado deforestation threatens regional climate and water availability for agriculture and ecosystems
Authors: Rodrigues Ariane A. , Macedo Marcia N. , Silvério Divino V. , Maracahipes Leandro , Coe Michael T. , Brando Paulo M. , Shimbo Julia Z. , Rajão Raoni , Soares‐Filho Britaldo , Bustamante Mercedes M. C.
Published: September 2022

The Brazilian Cerrado is one of the most biodiverse savannas in the world, yet 46% of its original cover has been cleared to make way for crops and pastures. These extensive land‐use transitions (LUTs) are expected to influence regional climate by reducing evapotranspiration (ET), increasing land surface temperature (LST), and ultimately reducing precipitation. Here, we quantify the impacts of LUTs on ET and LST in the Cerrado by combining MODIS satellite data with annual land use and land cover maps from 2006 to 2019. We performed regression analyses to quantify the effects of six common LUTs on ET and LST across the entire gradient of Cerrado landscapes. Results indicate that clearing forests for cropland or pasture increased average LST by ~3.5°C and reduced mean annual ET by 44% and 39%, respectively. Transitions from woody savannas to cropland or pasture increased average LST by 1.9°C and reduced mean annual ET by 27% and 21%, respectively. Converting native grasslands to cropland or pasture increased average LST by 0.9 and 0.6°C, respectively. Conversely, grassland‐to‐pasture transitions increased mean annual ET by 15%. To date, land changes have caused a 10% reduction in water recycled to the atmosphere annually and a 0.9°C increase in average LST across the biome, compared to the historic baseline under native vegetation. Global climate changes from increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations will only exacerbate these effects. Considering potential future scenarios, we found that abandoning deforestation control policies or allowing legal deforestation to continue (at least 28.4 Mha) would further reduce yearly ET (by −9% and −3%, respectively) and increase average LST (by +0.7 and +0.3°C, respectively) by 2050. In contrast, policies encouraging zero deforestation and restoration of the 5.2 Mha of illegally deforested areas would partially offset the warming and drying impacts of land‐use change.
Global biodiversity conservation requires traditional Chinese medicine trade to be sustainable and well regulated
Authors: Wang Yifu , Turvey Samuel T. , Leader‐Williams Nigel
Published: September 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highlighted by conservation practitioners as an ongoing threat to many overharvested plant and animal species, including several charismatic threatened vertebrates. However, studies that provide evidence‐based and practical recommendations on how to better regulate the TCM trade for sustainability and biodiversity conservation remain limited. China is the biggest promotor of and market for TCM and understanding the TCM trade in China is important for global biodiversity conservation. In particular, conservation researchers need to better understand how the TCM trade and its regulations interact with China's development needs and should collaborate with TCM communities to propose locally adapted suggestions to decision makers. However, progress in these areas has been restricted by language, cultural, and knowledge barriers. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current status of TCM‐related regulations in China, identify weaknesses in regulation frameworks, and highlight issues that currently limit our understanding of the magnitude, dynamics, and impact of the trade. We propose changes in trade regulations, actions to enhance law enforcement, and future research directions to encourage a more sustainable TCM trade that benefits both global biodiversity conservation and TCM development.
Noise pareidolia test for predicting delirium in hospitalized older patients with cognitive decline
Authors: Hashimoto Yutaka , Kano Osamu , Ebihara Satoru
Published: September 2022

Aim

Although older people are at an increased risk of developing delirium during hospitalization, no definitive screening tools exist to predict the condition. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the noise pareidolia test (NPT) as a tool for predicting the onset of post‐hospitalization delirium in older adults.

Methods

Hospitalized patients who were cared for by a multidisciplinary geriatric care team owing to behavioral symptoms, difficulties in communication, and a history of dementia or delirium were analyzed. The NPT was performed on patients who could complete a Mini‐Mental State Examination within 3 days of admission. Demographic and clinical data were recorded on the same day as the NPT or within 3 days of admission. Delirium was assessed using the observation‐based Delirium Screening Tool (DST).

Results

Of 96 patients, 59 were in the DST‐negative group and 37 in the DST‐positive group. Benzodiazepine agonist use, serum potassium levels, and the number of images in which pareidolia was noted (i.e., the NPT score) significantly differed between groups. Logistic regression analysis identified benzodiazepine agonist use (odds ratio, 2.897; P = 0.032), serum potassium levels (odds ratio, 0.427; P = 0.041) and NPT scores (odds ratio, 1.253; P = 0.017) as significant predictors of DST results. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an NPT score of 1 as the appropriate cutoff value.

Conclusions

A positive NPT score was identified as an independent predictor of delirium in older patients admitted to an acute care hospital with cognitive dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 883–888.
The hemoglobinopathies, molecular disease mechanisms and diagnostics
Authors: Harteveld Cornelis L. , Achour Ahlem , Arkesteijn Sandra J. G. , ter Huurne Jeanet , Verschuren Maaike , Bhagwandien‐Bisoen Sharda , Schaap Rianne , Vijfhuizen Linda , el Idrissi Hakima , Koopmann Tamara T.
Published: September 2022

Hemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic disorders in the world with an ever increasing global disease burden each year. As most hemoglobinopathies show recessive inheritance carriers are usually clinically silent. Programmes for preconception and antenatal carrier screening, with the option of prenatal diagnosis are considered beneficial in many endemic countries. With the development of genetic tools such as Array analysis and Next Generation Sequencing in addition to state of the art screening at the hematologic, biochemic and genetic level, have contributed to the discovery of an increasing number of rare rearrangements and novel factors influencing the disease severity over the recent years. This review summarizes the basic requirements for adequate carrier screening analysis, the importance of genotype–phenotype correlation and how this may lead to the unrevealing exceptional interactions causing a clinically more severe phenotype in otherwise asymptomatic carriers. A special group of patients are β‐thalassemia carriers presenting with features of β‐thalassemia intermedia of various clinical severity. The disease mechanisms may involve duplicated α‐globin genes, mosaic partial Uniparental Isodisomy of chromosome 11p15.4 where the HBB gene is located or haplo‐insufficiency of a non‐linked gene SUPT5H on chromosome 19q, first described in two Dutch families with β‐thalassemia trait without variants in the HBB gene.
Practical application of mathematical calculations and statistical methods for the routine haematology laboratory
Authors: Padmore Ruth , Petersen Katryna , Campbell Chris , Chennette Manon , Sabourin Ann , Shaw Julie
Published: September 2022

Background

Statistical analyses are embedded as critical functions in the routine haematology laboratory.

Aim

This educational article is aimed at providing an overview of these topics and practical application examples.

Materials, Methods, and Results

Topics covered include mathematical conversion between units, maintaining a quality control (QC) system, statistical methods for reagent validation, and determining uncertainty of measurement (UoM).

Discussion

Additional considerations may be required when a regional laboratory program is in place, such as the harmonization of INR results and determination of therapeutic reference intervals for unfractionated heparin therapy.

Conclusion

The coauthors of this manuscript are fortunate to be part of regional network of hospital laboratories, the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA).
Incorporation limit of MoO3 in sodium borosilicate glasses
Authors: Sukenaga Sohei , Unozawa Hiroki , Chiba Yuki , Tashiro Masanori , Kawanishi Sakiko , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Optimizing the concentration of molybdenum incorporated in a borosilicate glass matrix is essential in the vitrification of high‐level radioactive waste. However, the incorporation limit of MoO3 in fundamental borosilicate systems has been rarely correlated with the local structure of the molybdenum cations. This study investigates the variations in the incorporation limit of MoO3 in ternary sodium borosilicate glass upon varying the B2O3/(SiO2 + B2O3) ratio (i.e., B). The incorporation limit of MoO3 was less than 3 mol% in the low‐B region (B < 0.7), where molybdenum cations mainly existed as [MoO4]2−. However, when B was higher than 0.85, the incorporation limit was higher than 6 mol%, and the Raman spectra indicated the presence of octahedrally coordinated molybdenum cations, essential to stabilize the Mo–O–Mo linkage. The variation in the local structure of molybdenum cations can be explained by the available amount of non‐framework cations compensating for the negative charge near [MoO4]2−. These results allow the development of glass compositions with a high incorporation limit of MoO3 simply by controlling the local structure near the molybdenum cations.
Failure by slow crack growth of SiC fibers: Comparing the lifetime scatter for single filaments and multifilament tows
Authors: Mazerat Stéphane , Pailler René
Published: September 2022

SiC‐based fibers are subjected to slow crack growth, a crack growth mechanism activated by stresses and the chemical environment, as identified by static fatigue testing. Such tests can be performed on filaments or bundles. Although both types of specimens show a similar lifetime variation, testing of bundles is often preferred. This work compares the scatter of lifetimes predicted for filaments and for tows using a dedicated Monte Carlo simulation tool relying on the following hypotheses: The stress applied to a single filament can be defined, whereas the size of its most critical flaw cannot; on a bundle, neither the applied stress nor the strength of the critical filament (which triggers the cascade failure and the tow failure) can be defined. Depending on the parallelism of fibers inside the bundle and their strength dispersion, the lifetime scatter can be narrower for filaments compared to tows or vice versa.
Comparison of Monkeypox virus genomes from the 2017 Nigeria outbreak and the 2022 outbreak
Authors: Wassenaar Trudy M. , Wanchai Visanu , Ussery David W.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The current Monkeypox virus (MPX) outbreak is not only the largest known outbreak to date caused by a strain belonging to the West-African clade, but also results in remarkably different clinical and epidemiological features compared to previous outbreaks of this virus. Here, we consider the possibility that mutations in the viral genome may be responsible for its changed characteristics.

Methods and Results

Six genome sequences of isolates from the current outbreak were compared to five genomes of isolates from the 2017 outbreak in Nigeria and to two historic genomes, all belonging to the West-African clade. We report differences that are consistently present in the 2022 isolates but not in the others. Although some variation in repeat units was observed, only two were consistently found in the 2022 genomes only, and these were located in intergenic regions. A total of 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms were consistently present in the 2022 isolates compared to the 2017 isolates. Of these, 25 caused an amino acid substitution in a predicted protein.

Conclusions

The nature of the substitution and the annotation of the affected protein identified potential candidates that might affect the virulence of the virus. These included the viral DNA helicase and transcription factors.

Significance

This bioinformatic analysis provides guidance for wet-lab research to identify changed properties of the MPX.
ISGylation of EMD promotes its interaction with PDHA to inhibit aerobic oxidation in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Cui Jiangtao , Cao Leiqun , Tian Xiaoting , Miao Yayou , Wang Yikun , Qiu Shiyu , Guo Wanxin , Ma Lifang , Xia Jinjing , Zhang Xiao
Published: September 2022

Abnormal nuclear structure caused by dysregulation of skeletal proteins is a common phenomenon in tumour cells. However, how skeletal proteins promote tumorigenesis remains uncovered. Here, we revealed the mechanism by which skeletal protein Emerin (EMD) promoted glucose metabolism to induce lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Firstly, we identified that EMD was highly expressed and promoted the malignant phenotypes in LUAD. The high expression of EMD might be due to its low level of ubiquitination. Additionally, the ISGylation at lysine 37 of EMD inhibited lysine 36 ubiquitination and upregulated EMD stability. We further explored that EMD could inhibit aerobic oxidation and stimulate glycolysis. Mechanistically, via its β‐catenin interaction domain, EMD bound with PDHA, stimulated serine 293 and 300 phosphorylation and inhibited PDHA expression, facilitated glycolysis of glucose that should enter the aerobic oxidation pathway, and EMD ISGylation was essential for EMD‐PDHA interaction. In clinical LUAD specimens, EMD was negatively associated with PDHA, while positively associated with EMD ISGylation, tumour stage and diameter. In LUAD with higher glucose level, EMD expression and ISGylation were higher. Collectively, EMD was a stimulator for LUAD by inhibiting aerobic oxidation via interacting with PDHA. Restricting cancer‐promoting role of EMD might be helpful for LUAD treatment.
The Massachusetts COVID‐19 initiative provides evidence for a practical, multi‐faceted, participatory implementation process
Authors: Boltz Marie , Murphy Terrence
Published: September 2022

This Editorial comments on the article by Lipsitz et al. in this issue.
Ludwik Gumplowicz (1897–1898), Ibn Khaldun: An Arab Sociologist of the 14th Century
Authors: Bucholc Marta
Published: September 2022

Ludwik Gumplowicz (1838–1909) was one of the key figures of the early period of sociology. Polish Jew, born in Krakow, he was Professor of Public Law at the University of Graz. His theory focused on intergroup conflict, but also on the origins and functioning of the state. His 1897–1898 contribution Ibn Khaldun: An Arab Sociologist of the 14th Century is a highly original attempt to use Ibn Khaldun's philosophy of history to defend his own sociological concepts, including the role of group dynamics and the significance of political and cultural factors in the constitution of communities. Gumplowicz argues for the relevance of Ibn Khaldun's ideas for the world of late nineteenth century, with its hectic academic debates and its troubled politics.
In vitro screening and in vivo evaluation of antiparasitic phytochemicals against Cryptocaryon irritans in pompano, Trachinotus ovatus
Authors: Mao Wei‐Wei , Zhao Zi‐Chen , Li Gui‐Hua , Guo Wei‐Liang , Ding Ze‐Hao , Wang Shi‐Feng , Sun Yun , Cao Zhen‐Jie , Li Jian‐Long , Zhou Yong‐Can
Published: September 2022

Cryptocaryon irritans, one of the most devastating holotrichous ciliated protozoans, causes massive economic losses in the pompano, Trachinotus ovatus, mariculture industries. Considering the many advantages of phytochemicals, such as low cost, low residuals, and low pollution, they can be a good alternative for the prevention and control of C. irritans infestations. In this study, 14 phytochemicals were evaluated for their antiparasitic activity against the theront of C. irritans, and nine showed significant antiparasitic activity. Nerolidol was the most promising compound, causing 100% mortality of theronts with 30‐min exposure at a concentration of 10.0 μl/L. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of nerolidol on C. irritans theronts, protomonts, and tomonts were 2.1, 13.3, and 7.1 μl/L, respectively. Abnormal morphologies of the theronts, trophonts, and tomonts were observed after exposure to 10.0, 30.0, and 10.0 μl/L nerolidol solution for 15 min, 30 min, and 480 min, respectively. A diet supplemented with 2.3 ml/kg of nerolidol reduced the number of trophonts on the gills of pompano by 95.7% decrease compared with the control groups and the theront chemotaxis to pompano mucus and sera, while increased the survival rate of infected pompanos by 24.44%, and had no significant effect on pompano hindgut and serum myeloperoxidase. These results suggest that nerolidol is a new potential drug for controlling fish cryptocaryonosis.
The diversity of rhizospheric bacterial communities associated with Trichoderma-treated rice fields
Authors: Abdullah N.S. , Doni F. , Chua K.O. , Mispan M.S. , Saiman M.Z. , Mohd Yusuf Y. , Mohd Suhaimi N.S.
Published: September 2022

Microbial-based fertilizer has been widely used as a healthier and better alternative to agrochemical products. However, the effects of biofertilizers on the rhizospheric microbiota has rarely been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of symbiotic fungus Trichoderma asperellum SL2-based inoculant on the soil bacterial population through next generation sequencing using a metabarcoding approach. The treatment plots were treated with T. asperellum SL2 spore suspension, while the control plots were treated with sterilized distilled water. The results showed similar bacterial microbiome profiles in the soil of control and T. asperellum SL2-treated plots. In conclusion, the application of the T. asperellum SL2 inoculant had not exerted a negative impact towards the bacterial population as similar observation was reflected in control plots. Nonetheless, future research should be conducted to investigate the effects of repeated application of T. asperellum SL2 over a longer period on the rice microbiota communities.
Immunology of hepatitis D virus infection: General concepts and present evidence
Authors: Hoblos Reem , Kefalakes Helenie
Published: September 2022

Infection with the hepatitis D virus induces the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis, affecting over 12 million people worldwide. Chronic HDV infection leads to rapid development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in ~70% of patients within 15 years of infection. Recent evidence suggests that an interplay of different components of the immune system are contributing to viral control and may even be implicated in liver disease pathogenesis. This review will describe general concepts of antiviral immune response and elicit the present evidence concerning the interplay of the hepatitis D virus with the immune system.
Clinical impact of posterior wall isolation in catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Gao Xiaofei , Chen Lian , Shen Lishui , Liu Meijun , Xu Yizhou
Published: September 2022

Background

The clinical outcomes of pulmonary venous isolation alone for persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) remain unclear. Adjuvant posterior wall isolation (PWI) has become a potential supplementary strategy for improving the outcome of PerAF ablation. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of PWI added to catheter ablation for PerAF.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing the outcomes of PerAF ablation with and without PWI. The efficacy outcomes were recurrence of atrial arrhythmia (AA), atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrial tachycardia (AT), and the safety outcome was adverse events.

Results

In total, eight studies with 1428 patients were included in the pooled analyses. The results showed that PWI significantly reduced the recurrence of AA (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.87, p = .002, I2 = 63%) and AF (RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.40–0.80, p = .001, I2 = 70%). AT recurrence (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.67–1.27, p = .63, I2 = 42%) and adverse events (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.67–1.84, p = .70, I2 = 0%) were comparable between the two groups. In the sub‐analyses, the efficacy of PWI in reducing AA recurrence was consistent in patients who underwent cryoablation or debulking ablation.

Conclusion

PWI effectively decreased AA recurrence after PerAF ablation without increasing the risk of AT or procedure‐related complications. However, more randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.
A novel method for non‐invasive blood pressure estimation based on continuous pulse transit time: An observational study
Authors: Shin Hangsik
Published: September 2022

Unlike traditional pulse transit time (PTT), continuous PTT (CPTT) can be used to calculate PTT from all samples within the cardiac cycle. It has the potential to be utilized for continuous blood pressure (BP) estimation. This study evaluated the feasibility of CPTT as a non‐invasive consecutive blood pressure estimation method in 20 volunteers. The CPTT was calculated with a time delay in all discrete samples of photoplethysmograms measured at two different body sites. BP was then calculated with a regression equation. For comparative evaluation, BP based on PTT was also estimated. Continuous blood pressure was measured using a non‐invasive volume clamp BP monitoring device. Four types of BP measurement, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP), were estimated using PTT and CPTT. Correlation coefficients and root‐mean‐squared‐error (RMSE) were used for evaluating BP estimation performance. For estimating SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP, PTT‐based BP estimation showed correlations of .407, .373, .410, and .286, respectively, and CPTT‐based BP estimation showed correlations of .436, .446, .506, and .097, respectively. With PTT‐based estimation, the RMSE between the estimated BP and the baseline BP was 5.44 ± 1.56 mmHg for SBP, 3.14 ± 0.46 mmHg for DBP, 3.66 ± 0.70 mmHg for MAP, and 3.73 ± 1.31 mmHg for PP. The estimated BP using CPTT showed RMSE of 5.36 ± 1.39 mmHg for SBP, 3.02 ± 0.49 mmHg for SBP, 3.44 ± 0.63 mmHg for MAP, and 3.91 ± 1.41 mmHg for PP.
International legal requirements for environmental and socio‐cultural assessments for large‐scale industrial fisheries
Authors: Nakamura Julia , Diz Daniela , Morgera Elisa
Published: September 2022

This article seeks to clarify the extent of international legal requirements for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) for large‐scale industrial fisheries, including whether these requirements entail the assessments of potential social and cultural impacts of the sector's activities. We discuss the current practices of impact assessments more generally and explain the potential and actual environmental and social impacts caused by large‐scale industrial fisheries. Based on this analysis, we revisit the international legal foundations for a duty to carry out EIAs, arguing that such a duty applies to large‐scale industrial fisheries. We also argue that EIAs for large‐scale industrial fisheries, as well as SEAs for related policies and programmes, should integrate the assessment of social and cultural impacts, based on a mutually supportive interpretation of international law regimes dedicated to the sea, fisheries, biodiversity and human rights.
Clinical shadowing experience PIF rubric
Authors: Owens Jordana B. , Tucker Jennifer E. , Pearson William G.
Published: September 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a tool for documenting professional identity formation (PIF) among preclinical medical students, via reflective writings (RWs) about their clinical shadowing experiences.

Approach

To address our key questions, stakeholders conducted comprehensive literature analysis, and the authors developed an analytic rubric through an iterative immersion/crystallisation process.

Evaluation

Rubric iterations were empirically tested, assessed for interrater reliability, refined and then applied in successive development phases to medical student RW narratives. Twenty‐nine first‐year RWs on their shadowing experiences were included for this developmental evaluation.

Implications

The clinical shadowing experience PIF rubric is a theory‐informed analytic tool that demonstrates feasibility of measuring PIF in preclinical medical students' RWs. Reliable use of this tool currently requires a team approach that could be improved by machine learning.