bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of oceanography on North Pacific armorhead recruitment in the Emperor Seamounts
Authors: Lavery Madeline A. K. , Rooper Christopher N. , Sawada Kota , Fenske Kari , Kulik Vladimir , Park Kyum Joon
Published: November 2022

The North Pacific armorhead (NPA), Pentaceros wheeleri, is thought to exhibit an extended post‐spawning epipelagic phase in which larvae disperse to the northeast Pacific Ocean. Current understanding of juvenile distribution, development, and mechanisms that drive recruitment variation, however, remains largely incomplete. The objective of this study was to compare a time series of NPA recruitment to established climate indices and to environmental covariates to explore drivers of the NPA life cycle. Additionally, this work investigates potential larval NPA transport pathways and their positional relationships to the proposed northeastern nursery grounds. Using Lagrangian particle tracking, trajectories of passive larvae were simulated at depths of 0 and 15 m for 18 years (2001–2018) from the Southern Emperor‐Northern Hawaiian Ridge (SE‐NHR) natal habitat. Dispersal distances and particle end positions were examined for their potential relationships with recruitment. Sea surface temperature and net primary productivity were evaluated as predictor variables using generalized additive modeling. Neither regression of particle end‐point characteristics nor environmental covariates resulted in significant correlations with recruitment here, perhaps owing to data limitations surrounding the nursery zone. Particles were found to be advected largely within the North Pacific transition zone in the central north Pacific. Significant seasonal correlations were found between recruitment and the Arctic Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, suggesting that NPA recruitment mechanisms respond to interannual ocean‐atmospheric climate oscillations. Better knowledge of the connections between recruitment and the environment would be valuable for stock management, and improvements for advection predictions are discussed.
Temperature legacies predict microbial metabolic quotient across forest biomes
Authors: Liu Shengen , Sun Zhaolin , Tian Peng , Zhao Xuechao , Zhou Guiyao , Dietrich Peter , Wang Qingkui , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel
Published: November 2022

Aim

Palaeoclimate legacies have been reported to influence microbial communities and carbon (C) stocks even after thousands of years. However, the direct and indirect influences of climate legacies on microbial C processes remain poorly understood and thus limit our capacity to predict how climate legacies regulate C cycling. Here, we conducted microbial, soil and vegetation surveys along a continental latitudinal transect of 4200 km covering a wide range of forest biomes. With these data, we evaluated the potential capacity of climate legacies to predict direct and indirect variations in microbial metabolic quotient (MMQ) across and within three main forest biomes: tropical, subtropical and temperate forests.

Location

North–south transect (4200 km), China.

Time period

2019.

Major taxa studied

Soil microbes.

Methods

We used molecular ecology technology to determine microbial biomass and diversity, in addition to a soil incubation experiment to measure MMQ.

Results

Palaeoclimate explained a unique portion of the variation in the continental distribution of MMQ, which showed a hump‐shaped pattern with latitude. Locations with increased isothermality (an index of temperature) over the last 20,000 years also showed the highest MMQ in the present day. Moreover, we found multiple indirect effects of climate legacies on MMQ caused either by changes in key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon and ammonium (NH4+), in lower latitudinal regions or by plant traits in higher latitudinal regions. Furthermore, MMQ was positively related to bacterial richness but negatively to fungal richness across forest biomes.

Main conclusions

Climate legacies associated with continuous changes in temperature over the last 20,000 years influenced MMQ across forest biomes. Our findings demonstrate that including climate legacies in climate carbon models is essential for better prediction of the microbe‐driven ecosystem processes under global environmental change.
Herbage and animal responses on continuously stocked ‘Ipyporã’ and ‘Mulato II’ brachiariagrasses
Authors: da Silva Carvalho Ana Paula , Domiciano Leandro F. , Paraíso Isadora G. N. , Silva Débora S. M. , Cabral Luciano S. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Pereira Dalton H. , Pedreira Bruno C.
Published: November 2022

New hybrid grass cultivars may enhance animal performance in forage‐livestock systems if they possess traits that address edaphoclimatic challenges and pest susceptibility. The objective was to assess herbage accumulation, plant‐part composition, nutritive value, and animal performance of ‘Ipyporã’ [Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard × B. brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf] and ‘Mulato II’ (B. ruziziensis × B. brizantha × B. decumbens Stapf) hybrids in the Brazilian Amazon biome. From May 2016 to May 2018, pastures were maintained under continuous stocking with variable stocking rates to maintain canopy height at 30‐cm. Herbage accumulation (HA) was greater in Mulato II (17,370 kg dry matter [DM] ha−1 year−1) than Ipyporã pastures (14,930 kg DM ha−1 year−1) across the years. In Year 1, Mulato II had greater stocking rate (1685 vs. 1215 kg body weight [BW] ha−1) and greater gain ha−1 (1130 vs. 850 kg) than Ipyporã. However, in Year 2, both cultivars had similar plant and animal responses. The Year 1 ADG was similar among cultivars or seasons but in Year 2, rainy seasons had 21 and 77% greater ADG than dry seasons for Mulato II and Ipyporã, respectively. Both cultivars can contribute to the diversification of pasture‐based livestock systems in humid tropical regions. Mulato II presented superior performance when soil moisture and fertility were not limiting (i.e., Year 1). However, both cultivars provide similar plant and animal responses in Year 2, offering viable alternatives for the diversification of pasture‐based livestock systems in the Amazon Biome.
Leveraging consumer personality and social media marketing to improve a brand's social media equity
Authors: Mathur Manisha , Lawrence Danae , Chakravarty Anindita
Published: November 2022

Consumer personality traits impact consumer actions, preferences, online behaviour and shopping motives. This study examines personality traits as drivers of social media equity by addressing the mechanisms under which consumer personality traits influence social media equity. We aim to combine consumer‐level information with brand‐level metrics to advance our understanding of consumers' associations with brands on social media and how specific consumer personality traits can be leveraged to improve a brand's social media equity. Using a self‐administered survey, a total of 418 respondents from an online consumer panel participated in this study. The results from structural equation modelling revealed that while extraversion, openness to experience and neuroticism personality traits are positively associated with brand engagement and brand advocacy, agreeableness and conscientiousness are significantly associated with brand advocacy and not with brand engagement. This study advances theory by examining how consumer personality traits influence social media equity via brand engagement and brand advocacy as mediators. The findings provide rich practical insights into underlying mechanisms through which marketers can increase social media equity using consumer personality traits.
Human neutrophils ≠ murine neutrophils: Does it matter?
Authors: Nauseef William M.
Published: November 2022

Human and murine neutrophils differ with respect to representation in blood, receptors, nuclear morphology, signaling pathways, granule proteins, NADPH oxidase regulation, magnitude of oxidant and hypochlorous acid production, and their repertoire of secreted molecules. These differences often matter and can undermine extrapolations from murine studies to clinical care, as illustrated by several failed therapeutic interventions based on mouse models. Likewise, coevolution of host and pathogen undercuts fidelity of murine models of neutrophil‐predominant human infections. However, murine systems that accurately model the human condition can yield insights into human biology difficult to obtain otherwise. The challenge for investigators who employ murine systems is to distinguish models from pretenders and to know when the mouse provides biologically accurate insights. Testing with human neutrophils observations made in murine systems would provide a safeguard but is not always possible. At a minimum, studies that use exclusively murine neutrophils should have accurate titles supported by data and restrict conclusions to murine neutrophils and not encompass all neutrophils. For now, the integration of evidence from studies of neutrophil biology performed using valid murine models coupled with testing in vitro of human neutrophils combines the best of both approaches to elucidate the mysteries of human neutrophil biology.
The informativeness of investor communication with corporate insiders: Evidence from China
Authors: Meng Qingbin , Ju Congyi , Huang Qinghua , Wang Song
Published: November 2022

This study examines the informativeness of individual investors in the stock market. Specifically, we study the EasyInteraction Platform administrated by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange of China. This public platform allows individual investors to openly ask corporate insiders questions and requires the corporate insiders to answer these questions. Conducting a content analysis on the investor–firm conversations, we find that the negative tones in the investor questions have a permanent negative effect on stock prices, followed by a lower degree of earnings surprises. This effect is robust after controlling for media coverage as well as firm‐specific financial variables, and after ruling out short‐sellers and the firm competitors as the source of the negative messages. Overall, our results suggest that individual investors disclose value‐related information through public communications with corporate insiders.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of fractures: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xia Zhen‐Hua , Chen Wei‐Hua , Wang Qun
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients treated surgically for fractures using a meta‐analytic approach. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library from inception until February 2022. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to calculate the pooled effect estimate using the random‐effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias tests were also performed. Forty‐four studies involving 3 239 291 patients and reporting 11 768 VTE cases were selected for the meta‐analysis. We found that elderly (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.38‐2.15; P < .001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) ≥ 3 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.46‐2.29; P < .001), blood transfusion (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.14‐2.92; P = .013), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22‐1.61; P < .001), elevated D‐dimer (OR: 4.55; 95% CI: 2.08‐9.98; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.19‐1.54; P < .001), hypertension (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.09‐1.56; P = .003), immobility (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 2.23‐5.32; P < .001), lung disease (LD) (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.29‐4.47; P = .006), obesity (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.27‐1.82; P < .001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.21‐3.73; P = .008), prior thromboembolic event (PTE) (OR: 5.17; 95% CI: 3.14‐8.50; P < .001), and steroid use (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.73‐3.24; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of VTE. Additionally, regional anaesthesia (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45‐0.96; P = .029) was associated with a reduced risk of VTE following surgical treatment of fractures. However, alcohol intake, cancer, current smoking, deep surgical site infection, fusion surgery, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, liver and kidney disease, sex, open fracture, operative time, preoperative anticoagulant use, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke were not associated with the risk of VTE. Post‐surgical risk factors for VTE include elderly, ASA ≥ 3, blood transfusion, CVD, elevated D‐dimer, DM, hypertension, immobility, LD, obesity, PAD, PTE, and steroid use.
Correlations between residual stress and water diffusion in silica glass at low temperatures
Authors: Hausmann Bronson D. , Tomozawa Minoru
Published: November 2022

Residual stress profiles in silica glass were measured after water diffusion treatment under 47.33 kPa (355 Torr) water vapor at 350°C and 650°C. Earlier, it was found that water solubility in silica glass exhibited peculiar time dependence: Solubility increased with time exceeding the normal water solubility expected from higher temperatures. Then, the water solubility decreased with time. It was hypothesized that the stress induced by water diffusion and its subsequent relaxation is responsible for the phenomenon. Residual surface stress generation in silica glass was found to correlate closely with surface hydroxyl concentration, systematically increasing until eventual surface stress relaxation results in stress decrease for treatments beyond 265 hours at 650°C. This observation validates previous theories of time dependent diffusivity in silica glass.
Application of back propagation neural network model optimized by particle swarm algorithm in predicting the risk of hypertension
Authors: Yan Yan , Chen Rong , Yang Zihua , Ma Yong , Huang Jialu , Luo Ling , Liu Hao , Xu Jian , Chen Weiying , Ding Yuanlin , Kong Danli , Zhang Qiaoli , Yu Haibing
Published: November 2022

The structure of a back propagation neural network was optimized by a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and a back propagation neural network model based on a PSO algorithm was constructed. By comparison with a general back propagation neural network and logistic regression, the fitting performance and prediction performance of the PSO algorithm is discussed. Furthermore, based on the back propagation neural network optimized by the PSO algorithm, the risk factors related to hypertension were further explored through the mean influence value algorithm to construct a risk prediction model. In the evaluation of the fitting effect, the root mean square error and coefficient of determination of the back propagation neural network based on the PSO algorithm were 0.09 and 0.29, respectively. In the comparison of prediction performance, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the back propagation neural network based on PSO algorithm were 85.38%, 43.90%, 96.66%, and 0.86, respectively. The results showed that the backpropagation neural network optimized by PSO had the best fitting effect and prediction performance. Meanwhile, the mean impact value algorithm could screen out the risk factors related to hypertension and build a disease prediction model, which can provide clues for exploring the pathogenesis of hypertension and preventing hypertension.
FasL is a catabolic factor in alveolar bone homeostasis
Authors: Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Alí , Heimel Patrick , Lee Jung Seok , Tangl Stefan , Kuchler Ulrike , Marchesan Julie , Panahipour Layla , Lettner Stefan , Matalová Eva , Gruber Reinhard
Published: November 2022

Aim

Fas ligand (FasL) belongs to the tumour necrosis factor superfamily regulating bone turnover, inflammation, and apoptosis. The appendicular and axial skeleton phenotype of mature Faslgld mice has been reported. The impact of FasL on the alveolar bone providing support for the teeth at mature stages under healthy and induced inflammatory conditions remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

We performed a phenotypical analysis of mice carrying the homozygous Faslgld mutation and wild‐type (WT) mice (C57BL/6) under healthy conditions and upon ligature‐induced periodontitis. After 12 days, micro‐computed tomography analysis revealed the distance between the cement enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest. Additional structural parameters, such as the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and the periodontal ligament space volume, were measured. Histological analyses were performed to visualize the catabolic changes at the defect site.

Results

Healthy Faslgld mice were found to have more periodontal bone than their WT littermates. Faslgld had no significant effect on inflammatory osteolysis compared to WT controls with ligatures. Histology revealed eroded surfaces at the root and in the inter‐proximal bone in both strains.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that FasL is a catabolic factor in alveolar bone homeostasis but it does not affect the inflammatory osteolysis.
Numerical modeling of heating tomato pulp in continuous flow microwave‐assisted thermal processing: Estimation of quality parameters
Authors: Teleken Jhony T. , Dutra Anderson C. , Laurindo João B. , Carciofi Bruno A. M.
Published: November 2022

Continuous thermal treatment of tomato pulp aims for microbial and enzyme inactivation with minimal quality degradation. The objective of this work was to model the thermal treatment of tomato pulp flowing continuously inside a microwave cavity and a holding tube. The three‐dimensional model considers the Navier–Stokes, thermal energy conservation, Fourier's law of heat conduction, and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism. The tomato pulp was pseudoplastic, and the phase change during heating was considered using an equivalent specific heat capacity. The model calculated the effect of diameter of the applicator tube (Dt), volumetric flow rate (), and processing temperature () on Bacillus coagulans inactivation, lycopene and color degradation, and furan formation for a thermal treatment sufficient to reduce six logarithmic cycles of the spoilage microorganism. The results revealed that tomato pulp flowing in a tube with 38 mm diameter absorbed 98% of the electromagnetic power input. However, in terms of the food nutritional and sensory quality attributes, the better design parameter was the microwave system operating with a 42 mm diameter tube. Furthermore, the tomato pulp quality also was improved when the processing temperature increased from 100°C to 120°C (reduction of 77% of furan, and reduction of 88% and 90% of lycopene and color degradation, respectively), and in this process condition, the effect of the tube diameter on the quality attributes ceased to be important.

Practical applications

This work presented a numerical simulation‐based study to enhance the microwave‐assisted thermal processing design for liquid foods. The mathematical tool developed here allows a detailed evaluation of the electromagnetic power dissipation and temperature profiles in the tomato pulp and how these parameters affect microbial inactivation and the food's nutritional and sensory quality attributes. These results contribute to understanding the microwave heating system and guide microwave equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, the model can be useful for optimizing and controlling microwave‐assisted pasteurization/sterilization processes.
Explaining Monetary Spillovers: The Matrix Reloaded
Authors: KEARNS JONATHAN , SCHRIMPF ANDREAS , XIA FAN DORA
Published: November 2022

This paper relies on a high‐frequency identification approach to provide new insights into monetary policy spillovers by major central banks. Our long and broad sample (1999–2019, from four major economies to 47 advanced and emerging market economies) allows us to accurately identify the properties of spillovers and to shed light on different transmission channels. We find that spillovers by the Fed to foreign interest rates are economically large, but more surprisingly, document an intensification of spillovers by the European Central Bank over time. Spillovers are more significant to bond yields in advanced economies than they are to those in emerging markets. Differentiating across key spillover channels, we find strongest support for a financial links channel, but weaker evidence for the macroeconomic links channel and foreign exchange regime channel.
Preclinical and clinical imaging techniques as pathophysiological biomarkers — A preface to the special issue “Brain Imaging”
Authors: Villemagne Victor L. , Li Yulong
Published: November 2022

Molecular imaging techniques have become important tools to characterize and measure biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Nowadays, molecular imaging techniques are widely used in preclinical and clinical studies to assess the molecular dynamics under physiological conditions and during pathological processes. This special issue on Brain Imaging (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1111/[ISSN]1471‐4159.brain‐imaging) will highlight some of the recent advances in developing new tools and applying molecular imaging techniques to understand biomarker dynamics in health and diseases.
Coracoid strength as an indicator of wing‐beat propulsion in birds
Authors: Akeda Takumi , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2022

Birds generate a propulsive force by flapping their wings. They use this propulsive force for various locomotion styles, such as aerodynamic flight, wing‐paddle swimming and wing‐assisted incline running. It is therefore important to reveal the origin of flapping ability in the evolution from theropod dinosaurs to birds. However, there are no quantitative indices to reconstruct the flapping abilities of extinct forms based on their skeletal morphology. This study compares the section modulus of the coracoid relative to body mass among various extant birds to test whether the index is correlated with flapping ability. According to a survey of 220 historical bird specimens representing 209 species, 180 genera, 83 families and 30 orders, the section modulus of the coracoid relative to body mass in non‐flapping birds was significantly smaller than that of flapping birds. This indicates that coracoid strength in non‐flapping birds is deemphasised, whereas in flapping birds the strength is emphasised to withstand the contractile force produced by powerful flapping muscles, such as them.pectoralisandm.supracoracoideus. Therefore, the section modulus of the coracoid is expected to be a powerful tool to reveal the origin of powered flight in birds.
Factors associated with facial pressure injury in patients receiving non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation mask: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Wu Pei‐Ling , Li Yi‐Jou , Pai Hsiang‐Chu , Liu Chien‐Chi
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with facial pressure injury (FPI) in patients receiving non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during hospitalisation in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify predictors of FPI.

Background

Non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation is a method of treating patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure. However, FPI may occur due to unsuitable nasal‐oral NIPPV masks and discomfort in contact with the skin surface.

Design

A retrospective case–control study.

Methods

From January 2018 to October 2020, a total of 397 patients admitted to a national hospital in Taiwan were enrolled. Patients received NIPPV and routinely used under‐mask prophylactic dressings during hospitalisation. Patients were divided into the non‐FPI group (n = 357) and the FPI group (n = 40). Demographic, clinical characteristics, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores, and Braden Scale scores were collected from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the contribution of each factor to the FPI, and odds ratios were reported. The STROBE checklist was used in this retrospective case–control study.

Results

There were significant differences between the groups in age, serum albumin, C‐reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), disease severity, Braden Scale score, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and use of corticosteroids. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factor for FPI was the Braden Scale score [OR = 1.630 (1.176–2.260)], BMI [OR = 0.396 (0.210–1.784)] and corticosteroids [OR = 0.394 (0.159–1.811)], which were predictors of FPI in patients with NIPPV.

Conclusions

Facial pressure injury may still occur in patients who routinely use prophylactic dressings under NIPPV masks. This study provides information on continuing education training for FPI to more accurately identify high‐risk and timely preventive measures to reduce FPI.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Addressing FPI‐related factors to prevent facial skin damage and reduce comorbidities in patients using NIPPV masks.
Pricing Currency Risks
Authors: CHERNOV MIKHAIL , DAHLQUIST MAGNUS , LOCHSTOER LARS
Published: November 2022

The currency market features a small cross‐section, and conditional expected returns can be characterized by few signals: interest differential, trend, and mean reversion. We exploit these properties to construct the ex ante mean‐variance efficient portfolio of individual currencies. The portfolio is updated in real time and prices all prominent currency trading strategies, conditionally and unconditionally. The fraction of risk in these assets that does not affect their risk premiums is at least 85%. Extant explanations of carry strategies based on intermediary capital or global volatility are related to these unpriced components, while consumption growth is related to the priced component of returns.
The role of extracellular histones in COVID‐19
Authors: de Vries Femke , Huckriede Joram , Wichapong Kanin , Reutelingsperger Chris , Nicolaes Gerry A. F.
Published: November 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) had spread from China and, within 2 months, became a global pandemic. The infection from this disease can cause a diversity of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with an increased risk of vascular hyperpermeability, pulmonary inflammation, extensive lung damage, and thrombosis. One of the host defense systems against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Numerous studies on this disease have revealed the presence of elevated levels of NET components, such as cell‐free DNA, extracellular histones, neutrophil elastase, and myeloperoxidase, in plasma, serum, and tracheal aspirates of severe COVID‐19 patients. Extracellular histones, a major component of NETs, are clinically very relevant as they represent promising biomarkers and drug targets, given that several studies have identified histones as key mediators in the onset and progression of various diseases, including COVID‐19. However, the role of extracellular histones in COVID‐19 per se remains relatively underexplored. Histones are nuclear proteins that can be released into the extracellular space via apoptosis, necrosis, or NET formation and are then regarded as cytotoxic damage‐associated molecular patterns that have the potential to damage tissues and impair organ function. This review will highlight the mechanisms of extracellular histone‐mediated cytotoxicity and focus on the role that histones play in COVID‐19. Thereby, this paper facilitates a bench‐to‐bedside view of extracellular histone‐mediated cytotoxicity, its role in COVID‐19, and histones as potential drug targets and biomarkers for future theranostics in the clinical treatment of COVID‐19 patients.
Low‐dose aspirin does not lower the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin
Authors: Shami Jessica J. P. , Yan Vincent K. C. , Wei Yue , Alwafi Hassan , Blais Joseph E. , Wan Eric , Wong Carlos K. H. , Cheung Ka Shing , Leung Wai K. , Wong Martin C. S. , Wong Ian C. K. , Chan Esther W.
Published: November 2022

Background

Low‐dose aspirin and metformin have been individually associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Whether their concurrent use in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

Objective

Among individuals with T2DM taking metformin, we sought to evaluate the association between low‐dose aspirin versus no aspirin and the risk of CRC.

Methods

A multiple‐database new‐user cohort study of patients with T2DM taking metformin was conducted between 2007 and 2010 (Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System [CDARS], Hong Kong) and 2007–2016 (The Health Improvement Network [THIN], UK). The primary outcome was incident CRC. Patients were followed from index date of prescription until the earliest occurrence of an outcome of interest, an incident diagnosis of any cancer, death, or until 31 December 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Estimates were pooled using an inverse variance random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2.

Results

After one‐to‐one propensity‐score matching, 57,534 patients were included (CDARS = 16,276; THIN = 41,258). The median (IQR) follow‐up was 9.3 (6.5–10.7) years in CDARS and 3.2 (1.1–5.8) years in THIN. The concurrent use of low‐dose aspirin and metformin was not associated with a lower risk of CRC compared to metformin only (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.05, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Low‐dose aspirin was not associated with a lower risk of CRC in patients with T2DM taking metformin. Our study does not support the routine use of low‐dose aspirin in this population.
Thyroid nodules in children and adolescents: Investigation and management
Authors: Sandy Jessica L , Titmuss Angela , Hameed Shihab , Cho Yoon Hi , Sandler Gideon , Benitez‐Aguirre Paul
Published: November 2022

Clinically detectable thyroid nodules are less common in children than adults. However, they are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Therefore, thorough evaluation of paediatric thyroid nodules is necessary, and an understanding of the features associated with a higher risk of malignancy is important to guide management and referral. Thyroid cancer in children differs significantly from that seen in adults in terms of genetics, presentation, response to treatment and prognosis. Children often present with more advanced disease, but the vast majority have excellent long‐term prognosis. Evaluation and management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer require a multidisciplinary team approach and involvement of specialists with experience in this field. This review summarises investigative pathways for thyroid nodules in children and outlines current management strategies for paediatric thyroid nodules and cancer.
Integrative taxonomy of the stalk‐eyed bug genus Chauliops (Heteroptera: Malcidae: Chauliopinae) reveals orogeny‐driven speciation
Authors: Li Yan‐Fei , Wang Shu‐Jing , Zhou Jia‐Yue , Gao Cui‐Qing , Zheng Chen‐Guang , Xue Huai‐Jun , Bu Wen‐Jun
Published: November 2022

Economically significant bean pests of the genus Chauliops are species rich in the areas surrounding the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and provide an excellent system for speciation studies. Here, an integrative taxonomic approach, employing morphological analyses, population genetic methods, and multiple molecular species delimitation methods, was used to clarify the taxonomy of Chauliops in East and Southeast Asia. Four new species (Chauliops parahorizontalis Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops albida Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops bicoloripes Li & Bu, sp. nov., and Chauliops paraconica Li & Bu, sp. nov.) were described, which increases the number of Chauliops species in this area from six to 10; a key for Chauliops species is also provided. Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation revealed that Chauliops was divided into four clades: Clade A (Chauliops bisontula + [Chauliops horizontalis + C. parahorizontalis sp. nov.]), Clade B (C. albida sp. nov. and C. bicoloripes sp. nov.), Clade C (Chauliops quaternaria and Chauliops zhengi), and Clade D (Chauliops fallax + [Chauliops conica + C. paraconica sp. nov.]). Two species diversification events of Chauliops estimated to have occurred 7–1 million years ago (Ma) and 25–13 Ma were detected. These speciation events were consistent with the two historical uplift events of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, suggesting that orogeny might have provided opportunities for the diversification of Chauliops species on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our findings show that population genetic analyses can be used to delimit related species and that orogeny is a key driver of species diversification on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Strategies to identify and dissect trade‐offs in plants
Authors: Laitinen Roosa A. E. , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: November 2022

Trade‐offs between traits arise and reflect constraints imposed by the environment and physicochemical laws. Trade‐off situations are expected to be highly relevant for sessile plants, which have to respond to changes in the environment to ensure survival. Despite increasing interest in determining the genetic and molecular basis of plant trade‐offs, there are still gaps and differences with respect to how trade‐offs are defined, how they are measured, and how their genetic architecture is dissected. The first step to fill these gaps is to establish what is meant by trade‐offs. In this review we provide a classification of the existing definitions of trade‐offs according to: (1) the measures used for their quantification, (2) the dependence of trade‐offs on environment, and (3) experimental designed used (i.e. a single individual across different environments or a population of individuals in single or multiple environments). We then compare the approaches for quantification of trade‐offs based on phenotypic, between‐individual, and genetic correlations, and stress the need for developing further quantification indices particularly for trade‐offs between multiple traits. Lastly, we highlight the genetic mechanisms underpinning trade‐offs and experimental designs that facilitate their discovery in plants, with focus on usage of natural variability. This review also offers a perspective for future research aimed at identification of plant trade‐offs, dissection of their genetic architecture, and development of strategies to overcome trade‐offs, with applications in crop breeding.
Autoencoders for unsupervised real‐time bridge health assessment
Authors: Giglioni Valentina , Venanzi Ilaria , Poggioni Valentina , Milani Alfredo , Ubertini Filippo
Published: November 2022

Over the last decades, the rising number of aging infrastructures has progressively fueled much interest toward the field of structural health monitoring. Following the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence algorithms, an autoencoder‐based damage detection technique within the context of unsupervised learning is proposed in this paper to provide support for practical engineering applications. The developed methodology uses the autoencoder to reconstruct raw acceleration sequences of user‐defined length collected from a healthy structure. To quantify the errors between the original input and the reconstructed output, which may be representative of damage occurrence, two indexes of reconstruction loss are selected as damage‐sensitive features. To support damage detection, a selected number of short‐time sequences are finally grouped into a unique macrosequence. The novel procedure can effectively both work at the single sensor level, as well as combine the predictive models using an ensemble learning strategy. Avoiding system identification, results obtained in the Z24 bridge demonstrate that the proposed method is quite effective for local damage detection with limited computational effort and using a limited number of sensors, thereby suitable to be easily applicable in the context of real‐time bridge assessment.
Home ranges and diving behavior of endangered New Zealand sea lions along the Catlins coast of South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Reed Nathan , Childerhouse Simon , Robertson Bruce C. , Davis Randall W.
Published: November 2022

New Zealand sea lions (NZSL, Phocarctos hookeri) were extirpated from mainland New Zealand during pre‐European subsistence hunting. They began reoccupying South Island in 1994, and the newest breeding colony arose in 2006 along the Catlins Coast on southeastern South Island and currently consists of <10 individuals. The goal of this study was to use animal‐borne satellite telemeters and miniature data recorders (MDRs) to determine home ranges, three‐dimensional movements, and foraging strategy of female NZSL along the Catlins Coast during the austral winter of 2019. Total home ranges were small (97 km2) and primarily restricted to nearshore areas. Dives were shallow (8.9 m), short in duration (1.4 min), and had a mean swimming speed of 1.5 m s−1. We identified three dive types based primarily on total dive duration, mean maximum depth, total distance swam, and path linearity. The estimated at‐sea metabolic rate varied among dive types because of differences in flipper stroke frequency and swim speed. Female NZSL along the Catlins Coast have smaller home ranges and make shorter foraging trips compared with females in the Auckland Islands, and suitable habitat for breeding and prey availability along the southeast coast are encouraging for future population growth.
Active screening of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis with serum beta‐glucan and endotracheal aspirates galactomannan and fungal culture
Authors: Pavone Paolo , Russello Giuseppe , Salati Giovanni , Corsini Romina , Salsi Pierpaolo , Vizzini Loredana , Lombardini Cristina , Spaggiari Lucia , Besutti Giulia , Menozzi Valentina , Spadoni Anna , Facciolongo Nicola , Piro Roberto , Carretto Edoardo , Massari Marco
Published: November 2022

Background

Since February 2021 active screening of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been implemented in our institution.

Objectives

To evaluate CAPA incidence in our centre and evaluate performance of our screening protocol.

Methods

We screened once per week, collecting endotracheal aspirates for fungal culture and galactomannan (GM) and serum for 1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan (BG). In case of positivity (GM more than 4.5, platelia assay, and/or BG >7 pg/ml, wako and/or positive fungal culture), second‐level investigations were performed to pursue CAPA diagnosis according to ECMM/ISHAM criteria: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fungal culture and GM, chest computed tomography (CT), serum GM.

Results

A total of 102 patients were screened (median age 64 years, range 39–79; 28 (27.4%) females). Twenty‐two patients were diagnosed with CAPA (21%). 12 patients were positive for serum BG, 17 patients were positive for endotracheal aspirates GM and 27 patients were positive for endotracheal aspirates fungal culture. Thirty‐two BALs were performed, and 26 patients underwent CT chest. Following the second level investigations 61% of the patients with positive screening tests were diagnosed with CAPA. Serum BG above 20 pg/ml or positive serum GM were always associated with typical CT chest signs of aspergillosis. Compared with 1 single positive test, having 2 positive screening test was significantly more associated with CAPA diagnosis (p = .0004).

Conclusions

Active CAPA screening with serum 1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan and endotracheal aspirates galactomannan and fungal cultures and consequent second level investigations led to high number of CAPA diagnosis. Combining more positive fungal biomarkers was more predictive of CAPA diagnosis.
Understandable multifunctionality measures using Hill numbers
Authors: Byrnes Jarrett E. K. , Roger Fabian , Bagchi Robert
Published: November 2022

In ecology, multifunctionality metrics measure the simultaneous performance of multiple ecosystem functions. If species diversity describes the variety of species that together build the ecosystem, multifunctionality attempts to describe the variety of functions these species perform. A range of methods have been proposed to quantify multifunctionality, successively attempting to alleviate problems that have been identified with the previous methods. This has led to a proliferation of more‐or‐less closely related metrics which, however, lack an overarching theoretical framework. Here we borrow from the comprehensive framework of species diversity to derive a new metric of multifunctionality. Analogously to the effective number of species used to quantify species diversity, the metric we propose is influenced both by the number of functions as well as, crucially, the evenness of performance levels across functions. In addition, the effective multifunctionality also considers the average level at which the functions are performed. The result is a measure of the cumulative performance of the system were all functions provided equally. The framework allows for the inclusion of the correlation structure among functions, thus allowing it to account for non‐independence between functions. We show that the average metric is a special case of the newly proposed metric when all functions are uncorrelated and performed at equal levels. We hope that by providing a new metric of multifunctionality anchored in the rigorous framework of species diversity based on effective numbers, we will overcome the considerable skepticism that the larger community of ecologists has built against indices of multifunctionality. We thereby hope to help popularize this important concept which, like biological diversity, describes a fundamental property of ecosystems and thus lies at the heart of ecology.
Autologous Osteoperiosteal Transplantation for the Treatment of Large Cystic Talar Osteochondral Lesions
Authors: Guo Hao , Chen Zhuhong , Wei Yuxuan , Chen Botao , Sun Nian , Liu Yijun , Zeng Canjun
Published: November 2022

Objective

The effectiveness of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation (AOPT) for the treatment of large cystic talar osteochondral lesions (OCLs) should be further evaluated, and the postoperative cartilage coverage is questionable. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of AOPT for the treatment of large cystic talar OCLs and to report second‐look arthroscopic results.

Methods

From June 1, 2017, to June 1, 2021, all talar OCLs at our center were reviewed. Painful cystic lesions treated with AOPT were included in the study. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS; 0–100 points) ankle‐hindfoot score, Foot Function Index (FFI; 0–100 points), visual analog scale (VAS; 0–10 points) score, and Tegner score (0–10 points) were used to describe pain and functional outcomes. Furthermore, complications, patient‐reported satisfaction degrees, imaging results (including computed tomography and magnetic resonance), and second‐look arthroscopic evaluation data were also collected for analysis.

Results

A total of 29 cases were eligible for the study, and 26 responded to the latest follow‐up request, with a mean follow‐up duration of 30.2 (range, 12–57) months. The AOFAS score improved from 69.2 ± 10.9 preoperatively to 80.9 ± 10.0 at the latest follow‐up (p = 0.000). The FFI score improved from 30.4 ± 18.4 preoperatively to 16.3 ± 14.0 at the latest follow‐up (p = 0.000). The VAS pain score improved from 4.0 ± 2.1 preoperatively to 2.5 ± 2.0 at the latest follow‐up (p = 0.001). No donor site morbidity was found. The mean postoperative MOCART score was 57.7 ± 9.5. Second‐look arthroscopy showed a fibrillated cartilage‐like surface at the lesion site in most cases, while two cases exhibited a nearly normal surface.

Conclusion

The transplantation of osteoperiosteal cylinder autografts taken from the iliac crest for the treatment of large cystic talar OCLs yielded acceptable clinical results. Good integration of the bony part was observed, but cartilage regeneration remained uncertain.
Food allergy in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐11
Authors: Tanno Luciana Kase , Demoly Pascal
Published: November 2022

There are increasing global data regarding the prevalence of food allergy and food‐induced anaphylaxis. However, knowledge in morbidity and mortality epidemiological data is still not optimal, and international comparable standards remain poorly accessed. This information could in turn support better clinical practice and possibly prevent future severe reactions and avoidable fatalities. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the standard diagnostic tool used for epidemiology, health management, and clinical purposes supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also used to determine health care payment and reimbursement of providers and health care services in hospitals. Thanks to the academic and technical efforts under the ALLERGY in ICD‐11 initiative the pioneer “Allergy and hypersensitivity conditions” section has been built under the “Disorders of the Immune System” chapter of the ICD‐11. The “Food hypersensitivity” (FH) subsection is classified under the “Complex allergic or hypersensitivity conditions” section and “Food‐induced anaphylaxis” is under the “Anaphylaxis” section. In order to inform the development of strategies to reduce preventable FHs/food allergies, the burden of disease in different healthcare settings and patient populations and their common etiologies need to be understood. Besides, greater specificity regarding clinical conditions and services delivered will provide payers, policy makers, and providers with better information to make major refinements to countries payment and reimbursement systems, including the design and implementation of pay‐for‐performance program.The new classification addressed to FHs will enable the collection of more accurate epidemiological data to support quality management of patients with FHs/food allergies, and better facilitate health care planning and decision‐making and public health measures to prevent and reduce their morbidity and mortality. The improved logic and standardized definitions through the ICD‐11 (and other WHO classifications) will also facilitate international comparisons of quality care and the sharing of best practice globally.
Eosinophilic pustule smear in the diagnosis of pediatric post‐transplant eosinophilic folliculitis
Authors: Pupa Lauren , Blessing Melissa M. , Hunt Raegan
Published: November 2022

Hematologic‐associated eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a subtype of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) which develops in patients with underlying hematological malignancies after treatment with chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant (BMT), or stem cell transplant (SCT). Few cases of hematological‐associated EPF have been reported in pediatric patients. Skin biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. We describe a case in which Wright staining of a pustule smear for eosinophils provided data to rapidly support a clinical diagnosis of hematologic‐associated EPF.
Social determinants of health and preventable emergency department patient encounters among adults with hypertension
Authors: Ware Katilya S. , Chidume Tiffani , Chou Chiahung
Published: November 2022

Limited access to resources promoting optimal health outcomes can lead to increased emergency department utilization for conditions often manageable by primary care resulting in rising healthcare costs, overcrowding in emergency departments, and poor patient outcomes. Social determinants of health often affect an individual's ability to achieve optimal health. To examine the association between social determinants of health and hypertension‐related patient encounters among adults, we analyzed data from a 340‐bed community hospital in the southeast region of the United States. Gender, race, and geographic location were strongly associated with hypertension‐related encounters. Hypertension‐related encounters in the emergency department were highest in women, African Americans, and young adults. Insurance status and geographic location were also strongly associated. Public health nursing is positioned to prevent disease and increase access to care, considering hypertension‐related encounters in the emergency department account for a significant number of overall visits.