bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial performance index increases at long‐term follow‐up in patients with mild to moderate COVID‐19
Authors: Ardahanli Isa , Akhan Onur , Sahin Ebru , Akgun Onur , Gurbanov Rafig
Published: March 2022

Background

The long‐term cardiovascular effects of Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) are not yet well known. Myocardial performance index (MPI) is a non‐invasive, inexpensive and reproducible echocardiographic parameter that reflects systolic and diastolic cardiac functions. The aim of the study was to compare MPI with a healthy control group in patients with mild or moderate COVID‐19 infection who subsequently had unexplained cardiac symptoms.

Methods

The study included 200 patients aged 18–70 years who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 infection at least 2 months ago and defined cardiac symptoms in their follow‐up. Patients with mild or moderate symptoms, no history of hospitalization, and no other pathology that could explain cardiac symptoms were included in the study. As the control group, 182 healthy volunteers without COVID‐19 were evaluated. Echocardiographic examination was performed on the entire study group. Isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), and ejection time (ET) were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. MPI was calculated with the IVCT+IVRT/ET formula.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 44.24 ± 13.49 years. In the patient group the MPI was significantly higher (.50 ± .11 vs .46 ± .07, p < .001), IVRT was longer (69.67 ± 15.43 vs 65.94 ± 12.03 ms, p = . 008), and ET was shorter (271.09 ± 36.61 vs 271.09 ± 36.61 ms, p = .028). IVCT was similar between groups (63.87 ± 13.66 vs. 63.21 ± 10.77 ms, p = .66). Mitral E and mitral A wave, E’, A’, and E/A were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Our study showed that conventional diastolic function parameters were not affected in patients who survived COVID‐19 with mild symptoms but had symptoms in the long term. However, MPI measurements showed left ventricular dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first echocardiographic follow‐up study to evaluate left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions with MPI in COVID‐19 patients. We think that when cardiac involvement assessment is required in patients who have survived COVID‐19, MPI should be measured alongside other echocardiographic measurements.
Antiseizure medication treatment pathways for US Medicare beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy
Authors: Terman Samuel W. , Youngerman Brett E. , Choi Hyunmi , Burke James F.
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to characterize antiseizure medication (ASM) treatment pathways in Medicare beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims. Medicare is the United States' federal health insurance program for people aged 65 years and older plus younger people with disabilities or end‐stage renal disease. We included beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy (International Classification of Diseases codes for epilepsy/convulsions 2014–2017, no ASM in the previous 2 years). We displayed the sequence of ASM fills using sunburst plots overall, then stratified by mood disorder, age, and neurologist prescriber. We tabulated drug costs for each pathway.

Results

We included 21 458 beneficiaries. Levetiracetam comprised the greatest number of pill days (56%), followed by gabapentin (11%) and valproate (8%). There were 22 288 unique treatment pathways. The most common pathways were levetiracetam monotherapy (43%), gabapentin monotherapy (10%), and valproate monotherapy (5%). Gabapentin was the most common second‐ and third‐line ASM. Whereas only 2% of pathways involved first‐line lacosamide, those pathways accounted for 19% of cost. Gabapentin and valproate use was increased and levetiracetam use was decreased in beneficiaries with mood disorders compared to beneficiaries without mood disorders. Levetiracetam use was increased and gabapentin, valproate, lamotrigine, and topiramate use was decreased in beneficiaries aged >65 years compared with those aged 65 years or less. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and lacosamide use was increased and gabapentin use was decreased in beneficiaries whose initial prescriber was a neurologist compared to those whose prescriber was not a neurologist.

Significance

Levetiracetam monotherapy was the most common pathway, although substantial heterogeneity existed. Lacosamide accounted for a small percentage of ASMs but a disproportionately large share of cost. Neurologists were more likely to prescribe lamotrigine compared with nonneurologists, and lamotrigine was prescribed far less frequently than may be endorsed by guidelines. Future work may explore patient‐ and physician‐driven factors underlying ASM choices.
Unnatural selection of outside directors: Consequences of Japanese corporate governance reforms
Authors: Ishida Souhei , Kochiyama Takuma
Published: March 2022

We examine how Japanese listed companies increase the number of outside directors to comply with corporate governance reforms. We find that, after the reforms, there has been an increase in the number of cases in which former company auditors (kansayaku) become outside directors in the same company. This trend is more pronounced for hitherto noncompliant firms with insufficient outside directors before the reforms. Moreover, the firms appointing company auditors as outside directors tend to change their corporate structures to maintain existing practices and minimize compliance costs. Our findings imply that Japanese reforms have increased the unnatural selection of outside directors.
On the capacity for rapid adaptation and plastic responses to herbivory and intraspecific competition in insular populations of Plectritis congesta
Authors: Skaien Cora L. , Arcese Peter
Published: March 2022

A capacity for rapid adaptation should enhance the persistence of populations subject to temporal and spatial heterogeneity in natural selection, but examples from nature remain scarce. Plectritis congesta (Caprifoliaceae) is a winter annual that exhibits local adaptation to browsing by ungulates and hypothesized to show context‐dependent trade‐offs in traits affecting success in competition versus resistance or tolerance to browsing. We grew P. congesta from 44 insular populations historically exposed or naïve to ungulates in common gardens to (1) quantify genetic, plastic and competitive effects on phenotype; (2) estimate a capacity for rapid adaptation (evolvability); and (3) test whether traits favoured by selection with ungulates present were selected against in their absence. Plants from browsed populations bolted and flowered later, had smaller inflorescences, were less fecund and half as tall as plants from naïve populations on average, replicating patterns in nature. Estimated evolvabilities (3–36%) and narrow‐sense heritabilities (h2; 0.13–0.32) imply that differences in trait values as large as reported here can arise in 2–18 generations in an average population. Phenotypic plasticity was substantial, varied by browsing history and fruit phenotype and increased with competition. Fecundity increased with plasticity in flowering height given competition (0.47 ± 0.02 florets/cm, β ± se), but 23–77% faster in naïve plants bearing winged fruits (0.53 ± 0.04) than exposed‐wingless plants (0.43 ± 0.03) or exposed‐winged and naïve‐wingless plants (0.30 ± 0.03, each case). Our results support the hypothesis that context‐dependent variation in natural selection in P. congesta populations has conferred a substantial capacity for adaptation in response to selection in traits affecting success in competition versus resistance or tolerance to browsing in the absence versus presence of ungulates, respectively. Theory suggests that conserving adaptive capacity in P. congesta will require land managers to maintain spatial heterogeneity in natural selection, prevent local extinctions and maintain gene flow.
Standing jejunal enterotomy for resolution of an ileal impaction
Authors: Boorman Sophie , Caldwell Fred
Published: March 2022

A 22‐year‐old American Quarter Horse gelding was referred to the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine for moderate signs of abdominal pain responsive to sedation. A presumptive preoperative diagnosis of ileal impaction was made based on physical examination, ultrasonography of the abdomen and clinical pathological data. Despite appropriate medical therapy and improvement in the diagnostic and clinical parameters, the gelding continued to be uncomfortable. A standing right flank laparotomy facilitated access to the ileum which contained approximately 80 cm of consolidated ingesta from the ileocaecal orifice extending orally. The distal jejunum was exteriorised and an enterotomy performed, permitting lavage of the ingesta and resolution of the impaction. The gelding was discharged 6 days after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, the gelding re‐presented for surgical treatment of an incisional abscess. At 4‐month follow‐up, the gelding was reportedly doing well. The described surgical technique may be a viable option for resolution of ileal impactions in horses non‐responsive to medical management when exploratory celiotomy under general anaesthesia is not possible due to financial constraints, the health of the horse or other reason.
Coupling and coordination analysis of China's regional urban‐rural integration and land‐use efficiency
Authors: Song Malin , Tao Weiliang
Published: March 2022

Using the combined weighting method and the super‐efficiency Slack‐Based Measure (SBM) model, this study evaluates urban‐rural integration and land‐use efficiency across 30 provinces in China. Additionally, we explore the coupling and coordination relationship between them. The results show that the overall urban‐rural integration level and land‐use efficiency in China from 2010 to 2019 are not high. The coupling degree in various regions of China is always between 0.4 and 0.5, which is an antagonistic stage. The coordination degree in each region is roughly between 0.4 and 0.65, mainly on the verge of imbalance and coordination. However, in general, the degree of coordination tends to be a benign development, and with the passage of time, coordination degree has gradually evolved from “high in the east and west, low in the middle” to “high in the east and middle, low in the west.” Based on this, we propose overall planning to rationally promote the process of urban‐rural integration, develop urban and rural land in accordance with local conditions to accelerate the pace of land‐market reform, speed up the coordination and interaction of urban‐rural integration and land‐use efficiency, and other countermeasures.
A quasi‐natural experiment research regarding the impact of regional integration expansion in the Yangtze River Delta on foreign direct investment
Authors: Huan Hengfei , Zhu Yingming , Liu Jishuang
Published: March 2022

Whether regional integration can promote the urban agglomeration to attract foreign direct investment and expand the opening‐up is a question worthy of in‐depth discussion. This paper constructs a quasi‐natural experiment from the perspective of regional integration expansion in the Yangtze River Delta, using the panel data of 208 cities in China from 2005 to 2017. The main purposes are to examine and analyze the common trends and regional differences regarding the influences of regional integration on FDI in entire cities, incumbent cities, and new cities. Next, the internal mechanisms of expansion on FDI are explored. The results show that the regional integration exerted a significant positive effect on the FDI of the entire Yangtze River Delta. For different regions, the effect of regional integration on FDI in the incumbent cities was higher than that in the new cities. In terms of mechanisms, regional integration could affect FDI through industrial division mechanism and market unification mechanism, yet the role of economic connection mechanism exhibited regional differences. The conclusions of this paper bear important enlightenment for promoting the construction of regional integration in China and the high‐quality growth of FDI in the Yangtze River Delta.
Gaining more insight into ankle pain in haemophilia: A study exploring pain, structural and functional evaluation of the ankle joint
Authors: Roussel Nathalie Anne , Chantrain Valérie‐Anne , Foubert Anthe , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cedric , Meeus Mira , Guillaume Sylvain , Lecouvet Frédéric , Krüger Steffen , Hilberg Thomas , Lobet Sebastien
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Ankle arthropathy is highly prevalent among people with haemophilia (PwH), even with prophylaxis, and leads to pain and disability. Mechanisms and consequences of painful symptoms related to ankle arthropathy have not been extensively studied.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 30 adult PwH was included (60 ankles). Ankle structure was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (IPSG‐MRI) and ultrasound (HEAD‐US). The HJHS 2.1 assessed function of ankles and knees. Physical functioning was assessed with the Timed Up and Go test, the 2‐Minute Walking Test and activity limitations with the HAL questionnaire. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire. Overall pain severity was examined using the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire and ankle pain intensity with a visual analogue scale. Pressure pain thresholds with an algometer assessed pain sensitivity. Spearman correlations were used to calculate interrelations between joint structure, function and pain.

Results

Twenty‐five PwH (83%) reported ≥1 painful joint, with 67% reporting the ankle as most painful joint. MRI‐confirmed abnormalities were seen in 76% of talocrural and 55% of subtalar joints. HEAD‐US abnormalities were seen in 93% of the ankles. A large variation was seen in pain sensitivity at the ankle. While moderate to high correlations were observed between ankle structure and HJHS, no meaningful correlations were found between MRI‐scores and pain intensity or sensitivity.

Conclusions

Structural joint damage is present in many ankles but is not related to pain in PwH. Further studies should consider somatosensory nervous system dysfunction in PwH as contributing factor to painful ankle arthropathy.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on people living with migraine: Results of the MiCOAS qualitative study
Authors: Buse Dawn C. , Gerstein Maya T. , Houts Carrie R. , McGinley James S. , Uzumcu Alyssa A. , McCarrier Kelly P. , Cooke Alexis , Touba Nancy M. , Nishida Tracy K. , Wirth R. J. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: March 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is an ongoing global health crisis that has had a range of impacts on people living with migraine.

Methods

Qualitative interviews performed as part of the Migraine Clinical Outcome Assessment System project, a multi‐stage Food and Drug Administration–grant funded program to develop a patient‐centered core set of outcome measures for use in migraine clinical trials, offered an opportunity to explore the experience of living with migraine during the pandemic as well as to examine whether migraine treatment priorities, symptoms, and associated disability changed due to the pandemic. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the United States between the summer and fall of 2020 with 40 individuals with self‐reported, medically diagnosed migraine who self‐reported that they had not tested positive for or been diagnosed with COVID‐19.

Results

Seventy percent (n = 28) of the sample reported ≥1 pandemic‐related impact on their life with migraine. Fourteen participants reported both positive and negative impacts, twelve reported negative impacts only, and two reported positive impacts only. Among those reporting ≥1 pandemic‐related impact, nine participants (32%) reported more frequent and five (17%) reported less frequent migraine attacks. Other negative impacts included interrupted medical care (n = 9; 32%), and greater stress (n = 13; 46%). The most frequent positive impact reported was greater access to health care (n = 8; 29%). Ictal and interictal symptoms were not noted to change due to the pandemic, but some respondents reported less disability due to increased flexibility of schedules and reduced expectations. Treatment priorities did not change due to the pandemic.

Conclusion

The global COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in both negative and positive impacts for people living with migraine. Lessons to be considered when moving into a post‐pandemic world include benefits of and satisfaction with telehealth and the benefits and importance of healthy lifestyle habits and flexibility such as improved sleep, reduced stress, and fewer social expectations.
Comparison of HIV DNA decay and immune recovery between early and chronic HIV‐infected individuals 96 weeks after ART
Authors: Qin Yuanyuan , Song Ting , Su Bin , Jiao Yanmei , Liu Lifeng , Liu Zhiying , Zhou Yihong , Chen Yaokai , Wu Hao
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has prolonged the lives of HIV‐infected individuals, HIV reservoir remains the main stumbling block to HIV cure. Presently, early ART initiation is one of the effective measures to reduce the HIV reservoir. The effects of ART in Chinese individuals with acute and early HIV infection (AEHI) and chronic HIV infection (CHI) were analyzed in this study.

Methods

We performed virological and immunological parameter analysis in 29 AEHI and 19 CHI individuals who were initiated into ART in Beijing, China. The HIV DNA, CD4+ T‐cell and CD8+ T‐cell counts, and CD4/CD8 ratios between the two groups were compared using statistical analyses.

Results

At weeks 48 and 96, the total HIV DNA was significantly lower in the AEHI group than that the CHI group (2.48 [2.26–2.66] vs. 3.06 [2.79–3.33] log10 copies/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), p < 0.01 at week 48 and 2.17 [1.85–2.45] vs. 2.92 [2.73–3.24] log10 copies/106 PBMCs, p < 0.01 at week 96, respectively). The CD4/CD8 T‐cell ratio in the AHI group at week 24 was significantly higher than that in the CHI group (0.71 [0.50–0.99] vs. 0.45 [0.34–0.65], p = 0.08). After 48 weeks of ART, there was still a negative correlation between the CD4/CD8 ratio and the HIV DNA level in the CHI group rather than the AEHI group.

Conclusions

Early ART initiation could enhance an earlier immunological recovery in AEHI. Immunological normalization after ART initiation could provide important protection against the viral reservoir seeded in AEHI individuals.
The spectrum of kidney biopsy findings in Chinese HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Ma Jie , Zheng Qingyue , Zhang Hanlin , Wen Yubing , Ye Wenling , Ye Wei , Zheng Ke , Gao Ruitong , Chen Limeng , Li Taisheng , Li Xuemei , Yu Yang , Lyu Wei
Published: March 2022

Objectives

HIV‐associated kidney disease is common but data on the pathology spectrum of kidney biopsy in China is lacking. This study aimed to illustrate the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and pathological spectrum of different subtypes of HIV‐associated kidney disease in China.

Methods

Eighteen HIV patients with renal biopsy indications at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to October 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. All had CD4 counts and HIV viral load measurements. Renal biopsies were examined with light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Shapiro‐Wilk test was used to test whether the data was normally distributed. The data is presented as medians (interquartile range), number (%), or means (±SD) according to their distribution.

Results

Seventeen patients had glomerular disease, and one patient had interstitial nephritis. Membranous nephropathy was present in eight patients (47.1%), and IgA nephropathy in four patients (23.5%). The difference in urine protein and serum albumin before and after treatment was statistically significant and no deaths or dialysis were observed to the end of follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study found that classic HIV‐associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was uncommon in Chinese HIV patients. HIV immune complex kidney (HIVICK) disease, such as membranous or IgA nephropathy, was more common, and associated with better prognosis. Antiretroviral therapy, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers were effective in decreasing proteinuria and preserving renal function. The use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents seems safe. However, the nephrotoxic effect of antiretroviral agents and other medications should be carefully monitored.
Factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 low‐level viremia and its impact on virological and immunological outcomes: A retrospective cohort study in Beijing, China
Authors: Bai Ruojing , Lv Shiyun , Hua Wei , Su Bin , Wang Sen , Shao Ying , Li Zaicun , Liu An , Sun Lijun , Dai Lili
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We evaluated the impact of low‐level viremia (LLV) on virological failure and immune reconstitution among people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) treated with different antiretroviral regimens in Beijing, China.

Methods

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1‐positive adults who were registered at an infectious disease hospital in Beijing between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2020 were administered antiretroviral therapy (ART) and whose viral load and CD4 counts were monitored were included in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with LLV in patients on different ART regimens. Cox proportional hazard model was employed to analyze the virological suppression and immune reconstitution cumulative probability in patients with LLV during follow‐up.

Results

A total of 10 124 HIV‐1‐infected participants was included. LLV occurred in 723 (8.2%), 204 (10.9%), 133 (8.6%), and 53 (14.4%) patients on first‐line ART, second‐line ART, third‐line ART, and simplified regimens, respectively. Virological failure occurred in 514 (5.8%), 289 (15.5%), 86 (5.5%), and 34 (9.2%) patients on first‐line ART, second‐line ART, third‐line ART, and simplified regimens, respectively. Earlier enrollment, lower baseline CD4 count, and higher baseline viral load were risk factors associated with LLV. LLV was related to increased hazards of virological failure compared to viral suppression of ≤50 copies/ml for those on first‐line ART.

Conclusions

The risk of virological failure and poor immune reconstitution increases when LLV occurs. Targeted viral load and CD4 count monitoring are recommended for people living with HIV‐1 with LLV to improve health‐related outcomes.
Unsettling the migration and development narrative. A Latin American critical perspective
Authors: Delgado Wise Raúl
Published: March 2022

The efforts to build an institutional framework for the governance of migration followed a complex and uncertain route. Since 2006, these efforts—which culminated in the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Secure Migration in 2018—focused on the relationship between migration and development in an attempt to avoid the negative connotations surrounding human mobility, particularly across the North‐South divide. At the heart of the debates is an attempt to reconcile two irreconcilable positions: a human‐rights centred approach and the securitization question which reaffirms the right of states to criminalize migrants under the façade of the right of states to control “illegal” migration. The aim of this paper is to delve into these issues by upsetting the migration and development hegemonic narrative from an alternative perspective rooted in the critical Latin American development school of thought.
Associations between psychiatric polygenic risk scores and general and specific psychopathology symptoms in childhood and adolescence between and within dizygotic twin pairs
Authors: Chen Cen , Lu Yi , Lundström Sebastian , Larsson Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul , Pettersson Erik
Published: March 2022

Background

Although polygenic risk scores (PRS) predict psychiatric problems, these associations might be attributable to indirect pathways including population stratification, assortative mating, or dynastic effects (mediation via parental environments). The goal of this study was to examine whether PRS‐psychiatric symptom associations were attributable to indirect versus direct pathways.

Methods

The sample consisted of 3,907 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. In childhood, their parents rated them on 98 symptoms. In adolescence (n = 2,393 DZ pairs), both the parents and the twins rated themselves on 20 symptoms. We extracted one general and seven specific factors from the childhood data, and one general and three specific factors from the adolescent data. We then regressed each general factor model onto ten psychiatric PRS simultaneously. We first conducted the regressions between individuals (β) and then within DZ twin pairs (βw), which controls for indirect pathways.

Results

In childhood, the PRS for ADHD predicted general psychopathology (β = 0.09, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.12]; βw = 0.07 [0.01, 0.12]). Furthermore, the PRS for ADHD predicted specific inattention (β = 0.04 [0.00, 0.08]; βw = 0.09 [0.01, 0.17]) and specific hyperactivity (β = 0.07 [0.04, 0.11]; βw = 0.09 [0.01, 0.16]); the PRS for schizophrenia predicted specific learning (β = 0.08 [0.03, 0.13]; βw = 0.19 [0.08, 0.30]) and specific inattention problems (β = 0.05 [0.01, 0.09]; βw = 0.10 [0.02, 0.19]); and the PRS for neuroticism predicted specific anxiety (β = 0.06 [0.02, 0.10]; βw = 0.06 [0.00, 0.12]). Overall, the PRS‐general factor associations were similar between individuals and within twin pairs, whereas the PRS‐specific factors associations amplified by 84% within pairs.

Conclusions

This implies that PRS‐psychiatric symptom associations did not appear attributable to indirect pathways such as population stratification, assortative mating, or mediation via parental environments. Rather, genetics appeared to directly influence symptomatology.
Non‐laboratory‐based risk assessment model for case detection of diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes in primary care
Authors: Dong Weinan , Tse Tsui Yee Emily , Mak Lynn Ivy , Wong Carlos King Ho , Wan Yuk Fai Eric , Tang Ho Man Eric , Chin Weng Yee , Bedford Laura Elizabeth , Yu Yee Tak Esther , Ko Wai Kit Welchie , Chao Vai Kiong David , Tan Choon Beng Kathryn , Lam Lo Kuen Cindy
Published: March 2022

Introduction

More than half of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre‐diabetes (pre‐DM) cases remain undiagnosed, while existing risk assessment models are limited by focusing on diabetes mellitus only (omitting pre‐DM) and often lack lifestyle factors such as sleep. This study aimed to develop a non‐laboratory risk assessment model to detect undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes mellitus in Chinese adults.

Methods

Based on a population‐representative dataset, 1,857 participants aged 18–84 years without self‐reported diabetes mellitus, pre‐diabetes mellitus, and other major chronic diseases were included. The outcome was defined as a newly detected diabetes mellitus or pre‐diabetes by a blood test. The risk models were developed using logistic regression (LR) and interpretable machine learning (ML) methods. Models were validated using area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC), precision‐recall curve (AUC‐PR), and calibration plots. Two existing diabetes mellitus risk models were included for comparison.

Results

The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes mellitus was 15.08%. In addition to known risk factors (age, BMI, WHR, SBP, waist circumference, and smoking status), we found that sleep duration, and vigorous recreational activity time were also significant risk factors of diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes mellitus. Both LR (AUC‐ROC = 0.812, AUC‐PR = 0.448) and ML models (AUC‐ROC = 0.822, AUC‐PR = 0.496) performed well in the validation sample with the ML model showing better discrimination and calibration. The performance of the models was better than the two existing models.

Conclusions

Sleep duration and vigorous recreational activity time are modifiable risk factors of diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes in Chinese adults. Non‐laboratory‐based risk assessment models that incorporate these lifestyle factors can enhance case detection of diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes.
Assessing the Impact of Equating Error on Group Means and Group Mean Differences
Authors: Li Dongmei
Published: March 2022

Equating error is usually small relative to the magnitude of measurement error, but it could be one of the major sources of error contributing to mean scores of large groups in educational measurement, such as the year‐to‐year state mean score fluctuations. Though testing programs may routinely calculate the standard error of equating (SEE), the commonly used summary statistics of SEE are not direct quantifications of the impact of equating error on group means. This article proposed summary statistics that directly quantify the impact of equating error on group means or group mean differences and provided empirical and analytical methods to estimate these statistics. Examples based on empirical data were used to illustrate practical applications of these statistics.
Marginal and internal fit of lithium disilicate endocrowns fabricated using conventional, digital, and combination techniques
Authors: Abduljawad Danyh Emad , Rayyan Mohammad Ramadan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To compare the marginal and internal adaptation of endocrowns produced using conventional technique, digital technique, and combination (cast digitization) techniques using microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT).

Materials and Methods

Ten freshly extracted human mandibular molar teeth were prepared for all‐ceramic endocrowns. A total of 40 Lithium Disilicate (IPS e.max) endocrowns were fabricated and grouped according to the impression and production technique to four groups: Group (CO): Conventional impression/heat pressed endocrowns (n = 10), Group (CAD): Direct scanning of teeth/CAD‐CAM endocrowns (n = 10), Group (COMIO): Combination; Cast digitization using Intraoral scanner/CAD‐CAM endocrowns (n = 10), Group (COML): Combination; Cast digitization using laboratory scanner/CAD‐CAM endocrowns (n = 10). Micro‐computed tomography was used to measure the marginal and internal gaps in 11 predetermined sites. Mean marginal and internal gaps were compared using analysis of variance and Scheffe's post hoc test.

Results

CO, CAD, COMIO, and COML groups showed significant differences in the mean marginal gap (150 ± 35 μm, 120 ± 27 μm, 110 ± 24 μm, 120 ± 29 μm, respectively p = 0.013), gap at line angle (280 ± 70 μm, 130 ± 37 μm, 140 ± 54 μm, 130 ± 33 μm, respectively, p < 0.001), gap at cavity wall (210 ± 76 μm, 140 ± 43 μm, 140 ± 52 μm, 150 ± 44 μm, respectively, p = 0.010) and gap at pulpal floor (500 ± 150 μm, 240 ± 58 μm, 260 ± 59 μm, 240 ± 64 μm, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Digitally fabricated endocrowns showed superior marginal and internal fit compared to the conventionally fabricated endocrowns.

Clinical Significance

Marginal and internal adaptation are detrimental factors for the success and survival of dental restorations including endocrowns. When compared with the conventional impressions and conventional production techniques, Digital workflow is more predictable and reliable as it reduces errors and improves the accuracy of fit.
Evidence of multiple paternity for the endemic Xingu River stingray
Authors: Torres Yan , Charvet Patricia , Faria Vicente V. , de Castro Andrey L. F.
Published: March 2022

Multiple paternity (MP) is a phenomenon observed for more than 30 elasmobranch species. The Batoidea is more specious than the Selachii, but only three studies of MP have been conducted on batoids. The occurrence of MP in freshwater stingrays was tested using microsatellite markers, which were developed for Potamotrygon leopoldi. Six mothers and their litters were genotyped, providing the first evidence of MP for Potamotrygonidae, with an MP frequency of 33%.
Potentials of3Dextrusion‐based printing in resolving food processing challenges: A perspective review
Authors: Agunbiade Adedoyin O. , Song Lijun , Agunbiade Olufemi J. , Ofoedu Chigozie E. , Chacha James S. , Duguma Haile T. , Hossaini Sayed Mahdi , Rasaq Waheed A. , Shorstkii Ivan , Osuji Chijioke M. , Owuamanam Clifford I. , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Korzeniowska Małgorzata , Guine Raquel P. F.
Published: March 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing has promising application potentials in improving food product manufacturing, increasingly helping in simplifying the supply chain, as well as expanding the utilization of food materials. To further understand the current situation of 3D food printing in providing food engineering solutions with customized design, the authors checked recently conducted reviews and considered the extrusion‐based type to deserve additional literature synthesis. In this perspective review, therefore, we scoped the potentials of 3D extrusion‐based printing in resolving food processing challenges. The evolving trends of 3D food printing technologies, fundamentals of extrusion processes, food printer, and printing enhancement, (extrusion) food systems, algorithm development, and associated food rheological properties were discussed. The (extrusion) mechanism in 3D food printing involving some essentials for material flow and configuration, its uniqueness, suitability, and printability to food materials, (food material) types in the extrusion‐based (3D food printing), together with essential food properties and their dynamics were also discussed. Additionally, some bottlenecks/concerns still applicable to extrusion‐based 3D food printing were brainstormed. Developing enhanced calibrating techniques for 3D printing materials, and designing better methods of integrating data will help improve the algorithmic representations of printed foods. Rheological complexities associated with the extrusion‐based 3D food printing require both industry and researchers to work together so as to tackle the (rheological) shifts that make (food) materials unsuitable.

Practical Applications

As a processing technology with digital additive manufacturing methodology, 3D food printing over the decades has evolved greatly with the extrusion‐based type increasingly studied. This perspective review scoped the potentials of 3D extrusion‐based printing in resolving food processing challenges. In this work, we demonstrated how this extrusion‐based technique increasingly contributes to situate the 3D food printing as among innovative technologies with an upscale dimension. To fully embrace the extrusion‐based 3D printing, the food industry needs to primarily understand the potentials this technology would provide in enhancing food material properties/types.
Mass modeling of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananasa) based on selected physical attributes
Authors: Birania Sapna , Attkan Arun Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Nitin , Singh Vijay Kumar
Published: March 2022

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa) is one of the most popular soft and delicious fruits used as such or for flavor production. In this study, different physical characteristics such as dimensions, weight, volume, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, and projected areas were determined and the prediction of mass based on these physical characteristics was done, using five models: linear, quadratic, power, S‐curve, and logarithmic of different size grades (large, medium, and small) and ungraded fruits. The results showed that the mass modeling of ungraded fruits resulted in the best model fitting as compared to the graded fruits. The linear model (M = −2.874 + 0.001 V) based on the actual volume of ungraded fruits was the best‐fitted model, having the highest R2 value of 0.996 for the prediction of mass of strawberry. Among all the graded fruits, the most appropriate model was linearly based (M = −2.45 + 0.001 V) on the actual volume of the large size strawberry with an R2 value of 0.984. The results showed that the models based on the actual volume were the most appropriate models in both graded and ungraded fruits.

Practical Applications

Fruit grading based on mass is an important feature of packaging since it reduces the handling wastage and transport resources by improving packaging formations and also optimizes the marketability of products. Fruits of uniform size, shape, and weight are generally preferred by consumers. Horticultural crops are usually graded based on size, appearance, and weight. Fruit mass is generally used as a grading parameter in automatic graders because of its accuracy and effectiveness of the operation. Thus, the study directed the mass modeling of strawberry fruit based on some selected engineering properties so that the results can be used to develop a precise automatic grading system for fruit grading based on the mutual approach of mass and size of the fruit. This paper makes available information about the interaction between the mass of the fruit and its axial dimensions, volume, and projected area.
Mild cognitive impairment as a clinical and research outcome: Ready for prime time?
Authors: Deardorff William James , Lee Sei J.
Published: March 2022

This editorial comments on the article by Gaussoin et al. in this issue.
OsMAPK6 phosphorylates a zinc finger protein OsLIC to promote downstream OsWRKY30 for rice resistance to bacterial blight and leaf streak
Authors: Wang Lihan , Chen Jie , Zhao Yuqin , Wang Shiping , Yuan Meng
Published: March 2022

Rice OsLIC encoding a CCCH zinc finger transcription factor plays an important role in immunity. However, the immune signaling pathways that OsLIC‐involved and the underlying mechanisms that OsLIC‐conferred resistance against pathogens are largely unclear. Here, we show that OsLIC, as a substrate for OsMAPK6, negatively regulates resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) by directly suppressing OsWRKY30 transcription. Biochemical assays showed that OsLIC bound to OsWRKY30 promoter and suppressed its transcription. Genetic assays confirmed that the osilc knockout mutants and OsWRKY30‐overexpressing plants exhibited enhanced resistance to Xoo and Xoc, knocking out OsWRKY30 in the oslic mutants attenuated the resistance against bacterial pathogens. OsMAPK6 physically interacted with and phosphorylated OsLIC leading to decreased OsLIC DNA‐binding activity, therefore, overexpression of OsLIC partially suppressed OsMAPK6‐mediated rice resistance. In addition, both OsMAPK6‐phosphorylated activation of OsLIC and phosphorylation‐mimic OsLIC5D had reduced DNA‐binding activity towards OsWRKY30 promoter, thereby promoting OsWRKY30 transcription. Collectively, these results reveal that OsMAPK6‐mediated phosphorylation of OsLIC positively regulates rice resistance to Xoo and Xoc by modulating OsWRKY30 transcription, suggesting that OsMAPK6‐OsLIC‐OsWRKY30 module is an immune signaling pathway in response to the bacterial pathogens.
A multi‐technique study of corrosion products at the steel–concrete interface under two exposure conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Studer Patrick , Angst Ueli
Published: March 2022

Steel corrosion can cause serious damage to reinforced concrete structures. This study employed multiple techniques, including SEM/BSE, EDX and Raman spectroscopy, to analyse the distribution and mineral composition of corrosion products (rusts) in corroded reinforced cementitious materials under two conditions, namely, chloride‐induced corrosion and accelerated corrosion in carbonated mortar. Results showed that corrosion products tend to precipitate in large pore spaces close to the steel bar, such as the bleed water zones and voids. Corrosion products initially grew on the walls of these large pores and then the interior was filled with needle‐like products gradually. In carbonated mortar, the length of some corrosion layers matches well the size of the coarse aggregate close to the steel. The main phases that were identified based on Roman spectra are magnetite and maghemite (after samples were exposed to atmosphere). Siderite was observed in carbonated mortars, which is not commonly found under natural conditions.
Energetic demands of lactation produce an increase in the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor in the hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area of the rat despite a reduction in circulating ghrelin
Authors: Wellman Martin , Budin Radek , Woodside Barbara , Abizaid Alfonso
Published: March 2022

Lactating rats show changes in the secretion of hormones and brain signals that promote hyperphagia and facilitate the production of milk. Little is known, however, about the role of ghrelin in the mechanisms sustaining lactational hyperphagia. Here, we used Wistar female rats that underwent surgery to sever the galactophores to prevent milk delivery (GC rats) and decrease the energetic drain of milk delivery. We compared plasma acyl‐ghrelin concentrations and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) mRNA expression in different brain regions of GC rats with those of sham operated lactating and nonlactating rats. Additional lactating and nonlactating rats were implanted with cannulae aimed at the lateral ventricles and were used to compare feeding responses to central ghrelin or GHSR antagonist infusions to those of nonlactating rats receiving similar infusions on day 14–16 postpartum (pp). Results show lower plasma acyl‐ghrelin concentrations on day 15 pp sham operated lactating rats compared to GC or nonlactating rats. These changes occur in association with increased GHSR mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of sham operated lactating rats. Despite lactational hyperphagia, infusions of ghrelin (0.25 or 1 μg) resulted in similar increases in food intake in lactating and nonlactating rats. In addition, infusions of the GHSR antagonist JMV3002 (4 μg in 1 μl of vehicle) produced greater suppression of food intake in lactating rats than in nonlactating rats. These data suggest that, despite lower plasma ghrelin, the energetic drain of lactation increases sensitivity to the orexigenic effects of ghrelin in brain regions important for food intake and energy balance, and these events are associated with lactational hyperphagia.
Decreased dysmenorrhea pain in girls by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers following supplementation with oleoylethanolamide: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kazemi Mahnaz , Lalooha Fatemeh , Nooshabadi Mohamadreza Rashidi , Haghighian Hossein Khadem
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the oleoylethanolamide (OEA) effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in girls with primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was done on population consisted of female students who had dysmenorrhea pain based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire. Patients were randomly allocated to groups consuming a capsule containing 125 mg of OEA per day (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 2 months. The severity of the pain, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. In this study, SPSS software was used to analyze the data.

Results

According to the results, oral supplementation with OEA for 60 days significantly increased TAC (p = 0.022) and decreased the menstrual pain (p = 0.040), MDA (p = 0.011), CRP (p = 0.01), and TNF‐α (p = 0.038) compared to the placebo group. Also, intragroup changes were statistically significant on the mean of pain (p = 0.042), TAC (p = 0.032), MDA (p = 0.023), CRP (p = 0.027), and TNF‐α (p = 0.029) at the end of the study in the intervention group. Changes in the studied factors at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study in the placebo group were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Considering the reducing effects of OEA on menstrual pain, using of this supplement can be introduced as an alternative medicine to reduce the use of anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Prospective Associations Between Pornography Viewing and Sexual Aggression Among Adolescents
Authors: Waterman Emily A. , Wesche Rose , Morris Grace , Edwards Katie M. , Banyard Victoria L.
Published: March 2022

Adolescence is a critical period for sexuality development; this study examined prospective associations between pornography use and sexual aggression using a longitudinal study of middle and high school students surveyed five times across 3 years (mean age = 13.7 years at baseline; 53.2% female; 76.5% White; 21.0% Native American; 88.9% heterosexual). Across waves, 15.7%–29.0% of adolescents had viewed pornography in the past 6 months. Results indicated significant, reciprocal associations between pornography and sexual harassment perpetration that were stronger for male adolescents, and some significant associations between pornography use and subsequent sexual assault perpetration. Findings underscore the need to consider multiple theories of the link between pornography viewing and aggression and need for media literacy sexual education beginning in middle school.
Association between schizotypal traits and food neophobia: Mediating effect of chemosensory hedonic capacity
Authors: Huang Yan‐yang , Li Zi‐lin , Zou Lai‐quan
Published: March 2022

Food neophobia, the reluctance to try novel food, is associated with numerous personality traits. Schizotypy, a subclinical phenotype of schizophrenia, consists of reduced severity of symptoms or traits of schizophrenia, which have been shown to consume a poor diet. However, there is no study directly examining the relationship between food neophobia and schizotypal traits. In addition, chemosensory hedonic capacity, the ability to experience pleasure simulated by smell or taste, is considered to be related to both schizotypal traits and food neophobia. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of chemosensory hedonic capacity on the relationship between schizotypal traits and food neophobia. In the present study, 2,581 college students completed the Food Neophobia Scale, Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and Chemosensory Pleasure Scale to examine food neophobia traits, schizotypal traits, and chemosensory hedonic capacity, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that schizotypal traits were significantly positively correlated with food neophobia. Mediation analysis revealed that chemosensory hedonic capacity partially mediated the relationship between schizotypal traits, especially negative schizotypal traits and food neophobia. In conclusion, schizotypal traits were associated with food neophobia, and the relationship between schizotypal traits and food neophobia was mediated by chemosensory hedonic capacity.

Practical Applications

The present study is among the first to reveal that food neophobia was associated with schizotypal traits, which was mediated by chemosensory hedonic capacity. Therefore, our results might provide a new perspective of alleviating food neophobia by improving chemosensory hedonic capacity such as olfactory and gustatory training in the schizophrenia spectrum disorder.