bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol: MyoFit46—the cardiac sub-study of the MRC National Survey of Health and Development
Authors: Webber Matthew , Falconer Debbie , AlFarih Mashael , Joy George , Chan Fiona , Davie Clare , Hamill Howes Lee , Wong Andrew , Rapala Alicja , Bhuva Anish , Davies Rhodri H. , Morton Christopher , Aguado-Sierra Jazmin , Vazquez Mariano , Tao Xuyuan , Krausz Gunther , Tanackovic Slobodan , Guger Christoph , Xue Hui , Kellman Peter , Pierce Iain , Schott Jonathan , Hardy Rebecca , Chaturvedi Nishi , Rudy Yoram , Moon James C. , Lambiase Pier D. , Orini Michele , Hughes Alun D. , Captur Gabriella
Published: April 2022

Background

The life course accumulation of overt and subclinical myocardial dysfunction contributes to older age mortality, frailty, disability and loss of independence. The Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) is the world’s longest running continued surveillance birth cohort providing a unique opportunity to understand life course determinants of myocardial dysfunction as part of MyoFit46–the cardiac sub-study of the NSHD.

Methods

We aim to recruit 550 NSHD participants of approximately 75 years+ to undertake high-density surface electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) and stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Through comprehensive myocardial tissue characterization and 4-dimensional flow we hope to better understand the burden of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease. Supercomputers will be used to combine the multi-scale ECGI and CMR datasets per participant. Rarely available, prospectively collected whole-of-life data on exposures, traditional risk factors and multimorbidity will be studied to identify risk trajectories, critical change periods, mediators and cumulative impacts on the myocardium.

Discussion

By combining well curated, prospectively acquired longitudinal data of the NSHD with novel CMR–ECGI data and sharing these results and associated pipelines with the CMR community, MyoFit46 seeks to transform our understanding of how early, mid and later-life risk factor trajectories interact to determine the state of cardiovascular health in older age.

Trial registration: Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with trial ID: 19/LO/1774 Multimorbidity Life-Course Approach to Myocardial Health- A Cardiac Sub-Study of the MCRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD).
Real-world clinical burden and economic assessment associated with hyperkalaemia in a large integrated healthcare system: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Muhlestein Joseph B. , Kammerer Jennifer , Bair Tami L. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Le Viet T. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Lappé Donald L. , May Heidi T.
Published: April 2022

Background

Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Both acute and chronic conditions may alter potassium homeostasis. Our aim is to describe HK incidence, clinical outcomes, and associated resource use within a large, integrated healthcare system.

Methods

Adult patients seen at Intermountain Healthcare facilities with a serum potassium (sK) result between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2018 were retrospectively studied. Descriptive assessment of a population with detected HK, defined by any sK > 5.0 mmol/L and HK frequency and severity to associated resource use and characteristics of HK predictors were made. Multivariable Cox hazard regression was used to evaluate HK to outcomes.

Results

Of 1,208,815 patients included, 13% had HK. Compared to no-HK, HK patients were older (60 ± 18 vs 43 ± 18 years, P < 0.001), male (51% vs 41%, P < 0.001), and had greater disease burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index 3.5 ± 2.8 vs 1.7 ± 1.4, P < 0.001). At 3 years, more HK patients experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (19 vs 3%, P < 0.001), persisting post-adjustment (multivariable hazard ratio = 1.60, P < 0.001). They incurred higher costs for emergency department services ($552 ± 7,574 vs $207 ± 1,930, P < 0.001) and inpatient stays ($10,956 ± 93,026 vs $1,477 ± 21,423, P < 0.001). HyperK Risk Scores for the derivation and validation cohorts were: 44% low-risk, 45% moderate-risk, 11% high-risk. Strongest HK predictors were renal failure, dialysis, aldosterone blockers, diabetes, and smoking.

Conclusion

Within this large system, HK was associated with a large clinical burden, affecting over 1 in 10 patients; HK was also associated with increased 3-year MACE risk and higher medical costs. Although risk worsened with more severe or persistently recurring HK, even mild or intermittent HK episodes were associated with significantly greater adverse clinical outcomes and medical costs. The HyperK Score predicted patients who may benefit from closer management to reduce HK risk and associated costs. It should be remembered that our assumptions are valid only for detected HK and not HK per se.
Recurrent umbilical varix rupture with hemoperitoneum: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Yu W. S. , Chang M. H. , Lee H. L. , Lee Y. T. , Tsai M. C. , Wang C. C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Non-traumatic hemoperitoneum was a rare event with the risk of sudden death. Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma is the most intuitive diagnosis when hemoperitoneum occurs in cirrhotic patients who are not regularly followed up. However, other etiologies of hemoperitoneum, such as intra-abdominal varix rupture, should be kept in mind.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, Child–Pugh B was sent to our emergency department (ED) because of recurrent abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. He had similar symptoms one month ago and was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture with hemoperitoneum, therefore he underwent trans-arterial embolization (TAE). However, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed less possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed possible umbilical vein contrast agent extravasation. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of rupture umbilical varix with hemoperitoneum.

Conclusion

Although umbilical varix rupture is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum, it should be kept in mind in cirrhotic patients with unexplained hemoperitoneum.
Prediction of low Apgar score at five minutes following labor induction intervention in vaginal deliveries: machine learning approach for imbalanced data at a tertiary hospital in North Tanzania
Authors: Tarimo Clifford Silver , Bhuyan Soumitra S. , Zhao Yizhen , Ren Weicun , Mohammed Akram , Li Quanman , Gardner Marilyn , Mahande Michael Johnson , Wang Yuhui , Wu Jian
Published: April 2022

Background

Prediction of low Apgar score for vaginal deliveries following labor induction intervention is critical for improving neonatal health outcomes. We set out to investigate important attributes and train popular machine learning (ML) algorithms to correctly classify neonates with a low Apgar scores from an imbalanced learning perspective.

Methods

We analyzed 7716 induced vaginal deliveries from the electronic birth registry of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). 733 (9.5%) of which constituted of low (< 7) Apgar score neonates. The ‘extra-tree classifier’ was used to assess features’ importance. We used Area Under Curve (AUC), recall, precision, F-score, Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), balanced accuracy (BA), bookmaker informedness (BM), and markedness (MK) to evaluate the performance of the selected six (6) machine learning classifiers. To address class imbalances, we examined three widely used resampling techniques: the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and Random Oversampling Examples (ROS) and Random undersampling techniques (RUS). We applied Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) to evaluate the net benefit of the selected classifiers.

Results

Birth weight, maternal age, and gestational age were found to be important predictors for the low Apgar score following induced vaginal delivery. SMOTE, ROS and and RUS techniques were more effective at improving “recalls” among other metrics in all the models under investigation. A slight improvement was observed in the F1 score, BA, and BM. DCA revealed potential benefits of applying Boosting method for predicting low Apgar scores among the tested models.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity for more algorithms to be tested to come up with theoretical guidance on more effective rebalancing techniques suitable for this particular imbalanced ratio. Future research should prioritize a debate on which performance indicators to look up to when dealing with imbalanced or skewed data.
Prevalence of and factors associated with astigmatism in preschool children in Wuxi City, China
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Lu Zijing , Shen Yihui , Chu Ting , Pan Xubin , Wang Cun , Wang Jihong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To investigate the status of astigmatism in preschool children in Wuxi City, and explore the risk factors related to astigmatism. The risk factors related to astigmatism development as predictors can help us identify preschool children who need vision screening at an early stage to ensure good visual quality.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 kindergartens randomly selected in five districts of Wuxi City in November 2018. All preschool children were measured by objective refractometry under non-cycloplegic refraction. The basic information of preschool children was collected. The relevant factors of astigmatism in the questionnaire were completed by parents. Spss 26. 0 software was used for univariate and multivariate correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 889 preschool children participated in the study, 864 were finally included in the study. The prevalence of astigmatism was 36.0%. The risk of astigmatism in premature children was higher than that in non-premature children (adjusted odds ratio = 1.841). The prevalence of astigmatism with parents’ astigmatism history was higher, compared with preschool children without parents’ astigmatism history (adjusted odds ratio = 2.037). When maternal age at childbirth was older (≥ 35 years old), the risk of astigmatism increased in preschool children (adjusted odds ratio = 2.181). Compared with bottle feeding, the risk of astigmatism for mixed feeding and breastfeeding reduced in preschool children. Compared with preschool children exposed to electronic screen for less than 2 h every day, preschool children exposed to electronic screen for more than 2 h had an increased risk of astigmatism (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The prevalence of astigmatism among preschool children in Wuxi City was high. Some risk factors such as premature birth, parents’ astigmatism history, maternal age at childbirth, feeding pattern, and electronic screen exposure time were closely related to the occurrence of astigmatism among preschool children. For preschool children with significant risk factors, their eyesight should be checked regularly to ensure their visual quality.
HIV-related knowledge, information, and their contribution to stigmatization attitudes among females aged 15–24 years: regional disparities in Indonesia
Authors: Arifin Hidayat , Ibrahim Kusman , Rahayuwati Laili , Herliani Yusshy Kurnia , Kurniawati Yulia , Pradipta Rifky Octavia , Sari Gevi Melliya , Ko Nai-Ying , Wiratama Bayu Satria
Published: April 2022

Background

Stigmatization attitudes among youths toward people living with HIV (PLWH) is still an issue and concern in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the regional disparities, levels of HIV-related knowledge, information, and contributions related to stigmatization attitudes among females aged 15–24 years in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with The 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) was used. A total of 12,691individual records of females aged 15–24 years were recruited through two-stage stratified cluster sampling. The endpoint was stigmatization attitude. Then, bivariate and multivariate binary logistics were performed.

Results

The findings showed that female youths who have no HIV-related knowledge (62.15%) and some source of information (52.39%). The highest prevalence of stigmatizing attitude was 59.82%, on Java Island. Multivariate analysis showed that females living in Sulawesi and Kalimantan; those living in a rural area; and those with more HIV-related knowledge were less likely to have a stigmatizing attitude. Conversely, females with the middle- to richest-wealth index and had some HIV-related information were more likely to have a stigmatizing attitude.

Conclusion

An understanding of stigmatizing attitudes should be considered through demographic factors, knowledge, and source of HIV-related information. The Indonesian government should pay more attention to indicators of HIV-related knowledge and information. Moreover, we suggest that the government collaborates with youths to disseminate information and restructure and reanalyze policies about HIV.
Can the French version of the short Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire or its subsets predict the evolution of patients with acute, (sub) acute and chronic pain?
Authors: Korogod Natalya , Steyaert Arnaud , Nonclercq Olivier , Opsommer Emmanuelle , Berquin Anne
Published: April 2022

Background

Prevention of chronic pain relies on accurate detection of at-risk patients. Screening tools have been validated mainly in (sub) acute spinal pain and the need of more generic tools is high. We assessed the validity of the French version of the short Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ) in patients with a large range of pain duration and localization.

Methods

First, we re-analyzed data from a 6-month longitudinal study of 73 patients with (sub) acute spinal pain consulting in secondary line settings. Secondly, we performed a new 12-month longitudinal study of 542 primary care patients with (sub) acute and chronic pain in different localizations (spinal, limbs, “non-musculoskeletal”). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and cutoff scores were computed and compared for different subpopulations and ÖMPSQ subscores.

Results

Data from patients suffering from (sub) acute and chronic spinal pain consulting in both primary and secondary care settings confirmed the validity of the short French ÖMPSQ version and its subsets. In the primary care cohort, the performance of the questionnaire and its psychosocial subscore was variable but at least “fair” in most populations ((sub) acute and chronic, spinal and limb pain). Cutoff scores showed quite large variability depending on the outcome and the subpopulation considered.

Conclusions

These results confirm the usefulness of the short French ÖMPSQ for prediction of the evolution of (sub) acute and chronic patients with spinal and limb pain, whatever its duration. However, increasing population heterogeneity results in slightly worse predictive performance and largely variable cutoff scores. Consequently, it might be difficult to choose universal cutoff scores and other criteria, such as patients’ values and the available resources for patient management, should be taken into account.
When giants talk; robotic dialog during thoracolumbar and sacral surgery
Authors: Schroeder Josh E. , Houri Saadit , Weil Yoram A. , Liebergall Meir , Moshioff Rami , Kaplan Leon
Published: April 2022

Background

Spinal trauma patients treated in a specialized hybrid operating room (OR) using two robotic systems communicating during surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with thoracolumbar or sacral fractures who underwent surgical fixation between Jan 2017 to Jan 2020 with robotic-guided percutaneous pedicle screw insertion in the specialized hybrid OR with Robotic flat panel 3D C-arm (ArtisZeego) for intraoperative interventional imaging connected with the robotic-guidance platform Renaissance (Mazor Robotics).

Results

Twenty eight surgeries were performed in 27 patients; 23 with traumatic spinal fractures, 4 with multi-level thoracolumbar compression fractures due to severe osteoporosis. Average patient age 49 (range 12–86). Average radiation exposure time 40 s (range 12–114 s). Average radiation exposure dose 11,584 ± SD uGym2 (range 4454–58,959). Lumber levels operated on were between T5 and S2 (shortest three vertebras and longest eight vertebras). 235 (range 5–11) trajectories were performed. All trajectories were accurate in all cases percutaneous pedicle screws placement was correct, without breach noted at the pedicle in any of the cases. No major complications reported. In all cases, follow-up X-rays showed adequate fracture reduction with restoration.

Conclusions

Merging of surgical robotics technologies increases patient safety and surgeon and patient confidence in percutaneous spine traumatic procedures.
Effects of calorie intake and sampling time on thyroid stimulating hormone concentration
Authors: Dong Aimei , Huang Youyuan , Huang Yucheng , Jia Bing
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood sampling after calorie intake on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, compared with blood sampling in fasting state.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Subjects from the outpatients in the department of endocrinology without evidence of thyroid diseases were included and then randomized into the fasting group, diet intake group, and glucose intake group, respectively. Fasting blood was collected from all subjects at 7:00 am for the measurement of TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations. Afterwards, the subjects were maintained at fasting state (fasting group), had an intake of the mixed diet with 400 kcal calories (diet intake group), and had an intake of 75 g glucose (glucose intake group), respectively, and blood was collected again 2 h later (9:00 am on the same day) for TSH and FT4 level measurement and comparison.

Results

A total of 150 subjects were enrolled, of whom 146 met the inclusion criteria, with 48, 48, and 50 in the diet intake group, glucose intake group, and fasting group, respectively. The TSH in the diet intake group was significantly lower at 9:00 am (TSH9am) than the level at 7:00 am (TSH7am) (P < 0.001), with a median variation of -0.71 mU/L, and a median variation rate of -32.4%. In the glucose intake group, TSH9am was also significantly lower than TSH7am (P < 0.001), with a median variation of -0.73 mU/L, and a median variation rate of -31.5%. For the fasting group, TSH9am decreased slightly but was significantly lower than TSH7am (P < 0.001), with a median variation of -0.1 mU/L, and a median variation rate of -5.2%. According to TSH7am measurements, 9 subjects (3 subjects in each group) met the diagnostic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism. However, according toTSH9am measurements, only 2 patients in the fasting group met the diagnostic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

Compared with the fasting state, the TSH level at 2 h after the calorie intake was decreased by about 30%, which might influence the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100047454 (18/06/2021).
Response of US psychiatric programs to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on trainees
Authors: Durns Tyler , Gethin-Jones Thomas , Monson Eric , O’Donohoe Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Background

Medical training program and hospital response to the COVID-19 pandemic has varied greatly and has impacted trainee well-being. Which factors have specifically related to trainee wellness, however, has not yet been examined in depth. The aim of the study was to understand trainee perspectives on the individual psychiatry trainee programs’ hospitals’ objective COVID-19 preparedness management. We also sought and to gauge how program changes, and general pandemic-related concerns, have been associated with trainee satisfaction and burnout.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study of psychiatric trainees was distributed electronically throughout the country via various psychiatry residency program listservs in April 2020. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing simple linear regression.

Results

From 352 respondents (346 complete responses and 6 partial responses), the most frequent program changes were “decreased number of rotations requiring in-person patient care” and “increased call hours or duties.” Of pandemic-related concerns surveyed, the two greatest were “spreading COVID-19 to family/friends” and “co-residents’ burnout and anxiety.” A positive relationship was found between trainee satisfaction with perceived COVID-19 departmental response and comfort level of residents/fellows in expressing concerns with attending clinicians and department leadership.

Conclusions

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, trainees have experienced a variety of changes to trainee program policies and guidelines. Overall, poor communication and trainee dissatisfaction with departmental response correlated with concern of infection and anxiety/burnout. Insights garnered from this study could provide scaffolding for the best practices to reduce trainee physician anxiety/burnout for the current and future pandemics of this variety and magnitude.
The German version of the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA-G): cross-cultural adaptation and validation study in Austrian acute care settings
Authors: Osmancevic Selvedina , Großschädl Franziska , Stijic Marko , Lohrmann Christa
Published: April 2022

Background

Adapting practices to respond sensitively to increasingly culturally diverse patients can be challenging. Therefore, cultural competence among nurses needs to be assessed to evaluate their current cultural competence and the need for interventions to improve daily nursing practice. Little is known about cultural competence of nurses in German-speaking countries, including Austria, as there is currently no validated tool in German to assess cultural competence in nurses. The aims of this study were to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Cultural Competence Assessment scale in German and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

This is a methodology study with a cross-sectional design. Conducting a convenience sampling, Austrian nurses working in the direct care of patients in acute care settings were invited to participate in this study. Data collection was conducted in March 2021. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were conducted by following the guidelines of Sousa et al. (J Eval Clin Pract 17:268-74, 2011) and Beaton et al. (Spine 25:3186-91, 2000). The face and content validity, structural validity, and internal consistency reliability of the Cultural Competence Assessment scale, which consists of 25 items, was evaluated. Data were analysed using content validity index, confirmatory factor analyses as well as McDonald’s Omega. Descriptive statistics were computed with the statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics 26, while the confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the R package Lavaan.

Results

Overall, 915 nurses completed the questionnaire. Twenty items had an acceptable item content validity index. Using confirmatory factor analyses, a two-factor model with 14 items yielded a good fit (x2/df = 3.16; CFI = .923; TLI = .908; RMSEA = .055 (.049–.062) and SRMR = .039). Internal consistency reliability was found to be acceptable, as indicated by a Omega of .87.

Conclusion

The German version of the Cultural Competence Assessment scale (CCA-G) can be recommended for measuring cultural competence behaviour of nurses in acute care settings. The 14-item scale showed strong construct validity and acceptable internal consistency. Further research using repeated measures could determine the cultural sensitivity and indicate if the tool is applicable in other healthcare settings and for other healthcare professionals.
Priming with copper-chitosan nanoparticles elicit tolerance against PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress and salinity in wheat
Authors: Farooq Tahir , Nisa Zaib Un , Hameed Amjad , Ahmed Toheed , Hameed Arruje
Published: April 2022

In this study Cu-chitosan nanoparticles (Cu-CNP) have been employed as eco-friendly and safer priming agents to induce salt and PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress tolerance in wheat seedlings. Seed priming is a facile on-farm stress management technique that requires a little amount of priming agent and minimizes the eco-toxicological effects on soil fertility. The wheat seeds were primed with 0.12% and 0.16% Cu-CNP for eight hours and were allowed to germinate under normal, PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress (15% PEG-6000  – 3.0 Mpa) and salt stress (150 mM). For comparison, non-primed and hydro-primed seeds were also allowed to germinate as control under the same conditions. The biochemical analyses suggested the priming treatments enhanced the POD activity under salt stress but it was decreased under PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress. Priming with 0.12% Cu-CNP induced a significant increase in CAT while the opposite effect was observed in 0.16% treated seedling under stress and non-stress conditions. Both priming treatments did not allow the over-expression of SOD under both stress conditions. The total phenolic contents were also decreased significantly under all conditions. Except for priming with 0.16% Cu-CNP under PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress, a suppression in MDA was observed under both stress conditions. Surprisingly, the Cu-CNP priming induced a significant increase in β-carotenoids, total carotenoids, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll under normal and stress conditions. In conclusion, the controlled expression of enzymatic antioxidants, low contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants and suppression of MDA mirror the stress mitigating role of Cu-CNP against PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress and salinity. The stress-insulating potential has also been reinforced by the enhanced production of plant and photosynthetic pigments. All these priming-induced biochemical changes produced positive effects on growth and germinating parameters in wheat seedlings under PEG-induced hyperosmotic stress as well as salinity.
Description of the female, nymph and larva and mitochondrial genome, and redescription of the male of Ixodes barkeri Barker, 2019 (Acari: Ixodidae), from the short-beaked echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus, with a consideration of the most suitable subgenus for this tick
Authors: Barker Dayana , Kelava Samuel , Shao Renfu , Seeman Owen D. , Jones Malcolm K. , Nakao Ryo , Barker Stephen C. , Apanaskevich Dmitry A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Ixodes barkeri, a tick with a distinctive ventrolateral horn-like projection on palpal segment 1, was described in 2019 from two male ticks from the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, Australia. However, females lie at the core of the taxonomy and subgenus classification of Ixodes; hence, we sought specimens of female ticks, successfully recovering females, plus nymphs and larvae. Mitochondrial genomes are also desirable additions to the descriptions of species of ticks particularly regarding subgenus systematics. So, we sequenced the mt genomes of I. barkeri Barker, 2019, and the possible relatives of I. barkeri that were available to us (I. australiensis Neumann, 1904, I. fecialis Warburton & Nuttall, 1909, and I. woyliei Ash et al. 2017) with a view to discovering which if any of the subgenera of Ixodes would be most suitable for I. barkeri Barker, 2019.

Results

The female, nymph, larva and mitochondrial genome of Ixodes barkeri Barker, 2019, are described for the first time and the male of I. barkeri is redescribed in greater detail than previously. So far, I. barkeri is known only from a monotreme, the short-beaked echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus (Shaw, 1792), from the highland rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, Australia.

Conclusions

Our phylogeny from entire mitochondrial genomes indicated that I. barkeri and indeed I. woyliei Ash et al., 2017, another tick that was described recently, are best placed in the subgenus Endopalpiger Schulze, 1935.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnosing predated tags in telemetry survival studies of migratory fishes in river systems
Authors: Buchanan Rebecca A. , Whitlock Steven L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Acoustic telemetry is a powerful tool for studying fish behavior and survival that relies on the assumption that tag detection reflects the presence of live study subjects. This assumption is violated when tag signals continue to be recorded after consumption by predators. When such tag predation is possible, it is necessary for researchers to diagnose and remove these non-representative detections. Past studies have employed a variety of data-filtering techniques to address the issue, ranging from rule-based algorithms that rely on expert judgements of behavior and movement capabilities of study subjects and their predators to automated pattern-recognition techniques using multivariate analyses. We compare four approaches for flagging suspicious tracks or detection events: two rule-based expert-opinion approaches of differing complexity and two unsupervised pattern-recognition approaches with and without data from deliberately tagged predators. We compare alternative approaches by applying these four filters to a case study of survival estimation of acoustic-tagged juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the San Joaquin River, California, United States.

Results

Filtering approaches differed in the number and composition of tags suspected of being consumed by predators; the largest differences occurred between the two broad categories, rule-based versus pattern recognition. All methods required some investigator judgement and all flagged a small subset (5%) of suspicious tags that had exceptionally long residence times and evidence of upstream transitions; 27% of tags showed evidence of predation based on at least one filter. The complex rule-based filter deemed the most tags suspicious (21%) and the simpler pattern-recognition method the fewest (10%). Reach-specific survival estimates from the four filters were mostly within 2% of the unfiltered estimates, but differences up to 11% were observed.

Conclusions

Sensitivity of survival results to tag predation and predator filtering depends on the study setting, spatiotemporal scale of inference, and habitat use of predators. Choice of filtering technique depends on the data available and knowledge of the study system. We recommend that survival studies include clear documentation of filtering methods and report on robustness of results to the filtering approach selected.
Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar patients with a low omega-3 index and reduced heart rate variability: the “BIPO-3” trial
Authors: Berger Michael , Seemüller Florian , Voggt Alessandra , Obermeier Michael , Kirchberg Franca , Löw Anja , Riedel Michael , von Schacky Clemens , Severus Emanuel
Published: April 2022

Background

Research suggests that a low omega-3 index may contribute to the low heart rate variability and the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders. However, so far, no intervention trial with EPA and DHA has been conducted in bipolar patients attempting to increase their heart rate variability.

Methods

119 patients with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV were screened, with 55 euthymic bipolar patients—owing to inclusion criteria (e.g. low omega-3 index (< 6%), SDNN < 60 ms.)—being enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, 12-week parallel study design with omega-3 fatty acids (4 capsules of 530 mg EPA, 150 mg DHA) or corn oil as a placebo, in addition to usual treatment. Heart rate variability as well as the omega-3 index were measured at baseline and at the endpoint of the study.

Results

A total of 42 patients (omega-3: n = 23, corn oil: n = 19) successfully completed the study after 12 weeks. There was a significant increase in the omega-3 index (value at endpoint minus value at baseline) in the omega-3 group compared to the corn oil group (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the change of the SDNN (value at endpoint minus value at baseline) between the treatment groups (p = 0.22). In addition, no correlation between changes in SDNN and change in the omega-3 index could be detected in the omega-3 group (correlation coefficient = 0.02, p = 0.94) or the corn oil group (correlation coefficient =  − 0.11, p = 0.91). Similarly, no significant differences between corn oil and omega-3 group regarding the change of LF (p = 0.19), HF (p = 0.34) and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.84) could be demonstrated.

Conclusions

In our randomized, controlled intervention trial in euthymic bipolar patients with a low omega-3 index and reduced heart rate variability no significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids on SDNN or frequency-domain measures HF, LF and LF/HF ratio could be detected. Possible reasons include, among others, the effect of psychotropic medication present in our trial and/or the genetics of bipolar disorder itself. Further research is needed to test these hypotheses.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00891826. Registered 01 May 2009–Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00891826
Evaluation of beliefs and attitudes among caregivers of child labor about mental disorders first aid and stigma
Authors: Ghadirian Laleh , Sayarifard Azadeh
Published: April 2022

Background

The beliefs and attitudes of caregivers of working children about mental health issues and first aid and their attitudes about the stigma of mental health problems can affect their motivation to seek professional help for affected children. This study aimed to assess the mental health literacy among caregivers of child labor about first aid for mental health and their attitudes about the stigma of mental disorders.

Methods

The Depression Health Literacy Questionnaire has been used in this cross-sectional study. All caregivers of working children who were willing to participate were included in the study. This group is covered by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) located in the 17th district of Tehran.

Results

Questionnaires completed by 131 caregivers were analyzed. The average age of the participants was 32.6 (± 7.9) years. Of which 130 (99.2%) were mothers. Amongst, only 37 individuals (28.2%) were confident in their ability to help their children in case of depression symptoms. A majority of participants, 109 (83.2%), believed that asking a depressed child about suicidal ideation was harmful.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, the literacy among caregivers of child labor about mental health first aid in our study needs to be improved. There is also a need for educational and community-based programs to reduce the stigma about mental health disorders, including depression.
Estimation of the historical dry deposition of air pollution indoors to the monumental paintings by Edvard Munch in the University Aula, in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Grøntoft Terje , Frøysaker Tine
Published: April 2022

The historical (1835–2020) deposition of major air pollutants (SO2, NOx, O3 and PM2.5) indoors, as represented by the monumental Edvard Munch paintings (c. 220 m2) installed in 1916 in the Oslo University Aula in Norway, were approximated from the outdoor air concentrations, indoor to outdoor concentration ratios and dry deposition velocities. The annual deposition of the pollutants to the paintings was found to have been 4–25 times lower than has been reported to buildings outdoors in the urban background in the centre of Oslo. It reflected the outdoor deposition but varied less, from 0.3 to 1.2 g m−2 a−1. The accumulated deposition since 1916, and then not considering the regularly performed cleaning of the paintings, was found to have been 43 ± 13 g m−2, and 110 ± 40 g m−2 in a similar situation since 1835. The ozone deposition, and the PM2.5 deposition before the 1960s, were a relatively larger part of the accumulated total indoor (to the paintings) than reported outdoor deposition. About 18 and 33 times more O3 than NOx and PM2.5 deposition was estimated to the paintings in 2020, as compared to the about similar reported outdoor dry deposition of O3 and NOx. The deposition of PM2.5 to the paintings was probably reduced with about 62% (50–80%) after installation of mechanical filtration in 1975 and was estimated to be 0.011 (± 0.006) g m−2 in 2020.

Graphical Abstract
Physiological and biochemical responses of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) to different light treatments
Authors: Saapilin Nurul Sakinah , Yong Wilson Thau Lym , Cheong Bo Eng , Kamaruzaman Khairul Azfar , Rodrigues Kenneth Francis
Published: April 2022

Background

Artificial agriculture is promoted as an economically viable technology for developing plants under controlled conditions whereby light, water, and fertilizer intake are regulated in a controlled manner to produce maximum productivity with minimal resources. Artificial light has been used to produce high-quality vegetables because it can regulate plant growth and phytochemical production through light intensity, photoperiod, and spectrum modulation. This study aimed to compare the physiological and biochemical responses of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) grown under artificial light with varying light intensities (75 and 150 µmol m−2 s−1), photoperiods (12:12 and 6:6:6:6 h), and wavelengths (blue, red, and magenta) to plants grown in a glasshouse under natural light. The novelty of this study lies in the manipulation of artificial LED lighting to achieve high-quality plant growth and phytochemical composition in B. rapa model vegetables for potential optimal productivity.

Results

The analysis revealed that B. rapa grown under artificial lights produced more consistent biomass yield and had a higher chlorophyll content than B. rapa grown under natural light (control). Plants grown under artificial lights have also been shown to produce biochemical compositions derived primarily from fatty acids, whereas plants grown under natural light have a biochemical composition derived primarily from alkanes. Twenty compounds were found to be statistically different between light treatments out of a total of 31 compounds detected, indicating that they were synthesized in response to specific light conditions. Exposure to the full artificial light spectrum (white) resulted in the absence of compounds such as dodecane and 2,6,10-trimethyltridecane, which were present in B. rapa grown in natural light, whereas exposure to the blue spectrum specifically induced the production of tetracosane. Eicosane, neophytadiene, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, and (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid were all prevalent compounds produced in B. rapa regardless of light conditions, and their absence may thus affect plant development and survival.

Conclusions

The results show that cultivation under artificial light produced consistent biomass, high chlorophyll content, and phytochemical content comparable to natural light conditions (control). These findings shed light on how artificial light could improve the production efficiency and organoleptic qualities of Chinese cabbage.

Graphical Abstract
Intense pulsed light-based treatment for the improvement of symptoms in glaucoma patients treated with hypotensive eye drops
Authors: Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose Maria , Oribio-Quinto Carlos , Milans-del-Bosch Almudena , Perez-Garcia Pilar , Morales-Fernandez Laura , Garcia-Bella Javier , Benitez-del-Castillo Jose Manuel , Garcia-Feijoo Julian , Piñero David P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients is a significant ocular co-morbidity that can affect 40% to 59% of these patients worldwide. The current study was aimed at evaluating the potential clinical benefit of an intense pulsed light (IPL)-based treatment in glaucomatous patients with ocular surface disease due to prolonged hypotensive eyedrop treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first series analyzing the therapeutic effect of this treatment option in this type of patients.

Methods

This non-comparative prospective case series study enrolled a total of 30 glaucoma patients ranging in age from 57 to 94 years old and treated with hypotensive eyedrops for years with dry eye symptomatology. All patients received four sessions of IPL treatment using the Optima IPL system (Lumenis, Yokneam, Israel) adjusted to the official optimized Lumenis setting. Changes in symptomatology, corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), tear osmolarity, tear meniscus height (TMH), meiboscore and meibomian gland expressibility was analyzed after treatment.

Results

Statistically significant reductions were observed after IPL treatment in the symptomatology scores measured with different questionnaires [ocular surface disease index (OSDI), standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) and symptom assessment questionnaire in dry eye (SANDE)] as well as with the visual analogue scale (P < 0.001). Mean change in OSDI was − 15.0 ± 11.3. A significant reduction was found after treatment in the corneal staining score (P < 0.001). A significant reduction was found in tear film meniscus height (P = 0.012), as well as in tear film osmolarity (P = 0.001). A significant reduction was also found in meibomian gland expressibility (P = 0.003), changing the percentage of grade 3 eyes from 44.4% before IPL to 17.2% after treatment.

Conclusions

IPL therapy combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) seems to be an effective option to improve symptomatology in glaucomatous patients with ocular surface disease due to prolonged hypotensive eyedrop treatments, with an additional improvement in clinical signs, such as tear osmolarity and corneal staining.
Anopheles stephensi: a guest to watch in urban Africa
Authors: Kweka Eliningaya J.
Published: April 2022

Malaria vector control programs in Sub-Saharan Africa have invested many efforts and resources in the control of eight-sibling species of Anopheles gambiae complex and An. funestus group. The behaviour of sibling species of these vectors is well known and used for implementing the current intervention tools. The reports of An. stephensi in urban Africa with different habitats breeding behaviour is an alert on the success of malaria vector control efforts achieved so far. This communication intends to give an insight on what should be considered as a challenge for the management of An. stephensi in urban Africa to retain the achievement attained in malaria control.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension due to antiphospholipid syndrome initially mimicking chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yeo Jina , Shin Nami , Ahn Kyung-Jin , Seo Miryoung , Jang Albert Youngwoo , Kim Minsu , Chung Wook-Jin
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the second most common lung complication in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients. However, the concurrent development of APS-related nonthrombotic PAH is rarely reported. Lack of awareness for group 1 PAH in APS patient may contribute to underdiagnosis of this condition. Herein, we reviewed the case of a 56-year-old female who was diagnosed with PAH related to APS that mimicked chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It is crucial to be aware of the possibility of a group 1 PAH diagnosis, even though patients have already been diagnosed with CTEPH. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach and serial follow-up right heart catheterization with echocardiography are important to make a timely diagnosis and provide optimal treatment for APS-related PAH in patients with CTEPH-like clinical features.
Functional and structural characteristics in patients with diabetic macular oedema after switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept treatment. Three year results in real world settings
Authors: Sepetis Anastasios E. , Clarke Holly , Gupta Bhaskar
Published: April 2022

Background

Our aim was to examine the long term anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with refractory diabetic macular oedema (DMO) undergoing treatment switch from ranibizumab to aflibercept.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with DMO undergoing treatment switch from ranibizumab to aflibercept at a single centre between 2015 and 2017. Primary outcomes were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT).

Results

57 eyes from 44 patients were included. Following switch to aflibercept, median (IQR) BCVA improved to 73 (64–77) letters at 3 months (p = 0.0006), to 73 (61–78) letters at 6 months (p = 0.0042), to 73 (65–77) at 9 months (p = 0.0006), and to 73 (63–75) letters at 18 months (p = 0.0444). At 36 months following switch, 12 eyes had gained > 10 letters, 5 eyes had gained 5–9 letters, 25 remained stable (± 5 letters), 7 eyes lost 5–9 letters and 8 eyes lost > 10 letters. A significant reduction in CMT at all trimesters following treatment switch was found except at month 24.

Conclusions

We provide real world data suggesting a sustained anatomical and functional benefit of switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept in the treatment of refractory DMO.
Frequency regularization of a linked wind–diesel system using dual structure fuzzy with ultra-capacitor
Authors: Sharma Gulshan , Narayanan K. , Adefarati T. , Sharma Sachin
Published: April 2022

Microgrids (μ-grids) are gaining increased interest around the world for supplying cheap and clean energy. In this paper, a μ-grid comprising a wind turbine generator (WTG) and diesel generator (DG) is considered. It is one of most practical and demanding systems suitable for the present energy crisis in isolated or rural areas. However, wind energy is intermittent in nature while load demand changes frequently. Therefore, a µ-grid can experience large frequency and power fluctuations. The speed governor of the DG tries to minimize the frequency and power deviations in µ-grid though its operation is slow and cannot adequately minimize system deviations. The paper proposes a novel arrangement based on a dual structured fuzzy (DSF) whose structure changes according to the switching limit with a reduced rule base. It has the capability to switch between proportional and integral actions and hence improves the frequency regularization of the μ-grid. The proposed strategy is tested in a μ-grid and the results considering step load alteration, load alteration at different instants of time, nonstop changing load request are compared with some of the well published methods to validate the effectiveness and simplicity of the present design. In addition, it shows that ultra-capacitor establishment in a μ-grid has a positive impact in minimizing system deviations with DSF for the studied cases.
Restricting the construction of second homes in tourist destinations: an effective intervention towards sustainability?
Authors: Stricker Luzius
Published: April 2022

This study evaluates the impact of the second home restriction (Lex Weber) on construction investments in Switzerland. Different specifications and variations are defined, and the changes in investment behaviour are analysed. A first basic model considers the variation in investments through a discrete event study analysis, while a second model includes a continuous treatment variable to account for the different strong impacts of the law in various municipalities. In the second step, these two basic models are developed in a way that allows to include controls for the different cantonal legislation. The results show that with a delay of three years (due to the expiration of permits), the law had the desired impact on new construction investments. Additionally, the importance of the changes on different outcomes in the local economy and tourism industry are discussed.