bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of early-life animal exposure on the risk of childhood atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: findings from the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Pinot De Moira Angela , Pearce Neil , Pedersen Marie , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie
Published: April 2023

Background

Early-life animal exposure has been associated with both protective and harmful effects on asthma and allergic disease. We aimed to explore factors that may modify associations of early-life animal exposure with asthma and allergic disease, so as to better understand these differences in findings.

Methods

We used data from ≤84 478 children from the Danish National Birth Cohort recruited during pregnancy between 1996 and 2002, and linked registry data up to the child’s 13th birthday. Adjusted Cox models were used to examine associations of early-life cat, dog, rabbit, rodent, bird and livestock exposure with atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis overall, and by source of exposure (domestic or occupation), parental history of asthma or allergy, maternal education level and timing of exposure.

Results

Overall, associations between animal exposure and the three outcomes of interest were weak. However, dog exposure was associated with marginally lower risk of atopic dermatitis and asthma [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.94 and 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82–0.94, respectively], whereas prenatal domestic bird exposure was associated with slightly increased risk of asthma (aHR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.32). Source of exposure, parental history of asthma or allergy and timing of exposure modified associations. Early-life animal exposure did not appear to increase the risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (aHR range = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.95 to 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91–1.10).

Conclusions

The overall weak associations observed between animal exposure and atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were modified by type of animal, source of exposure, parental history of asthma or allergy and timing of exposure, suggesting that these factors should be considered when assessing the risks associated with early-life animal exposure.
Antibiotic Prescribing in United States Nursing Homes, 2013–2017
Authors: Riester Melissa R , Deng Yalin , Zullo Andrew R
Published: April 2023

In this national cohort of older adults residing long-term in US nursing homes between 2013 and 2017, we calculated period prevalence estimates for antibiotic prescribing, rates of prescribing, and days of therapy. Among 1 375 062 residents, 66.2% were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic during the nursing home stay. The most prevalent antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and related agents, and first-generation cephalosporins. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the most prevalent antibiotics. These results can inform antibiotic stewardship interventions to reduce antibiotic overprescribing, improve appropriateness, and reduce related adverse outcomes in nursing homes.
Chaotic gas accretion by black holes embedded in AGN discs as cause of low-spin signatures in gravitational wave events
Authors: Chen Yi-Xian , Lin Douglas N C
Published: April 2023

Accretion discs around supermassive black holes not only power active galactic nuclei (AGNs), but also host single and binary embedded stellar-mass black holes (EBHs) that grow rapidly from gas accretion. The merger of these EBHs provides a promising mechanism for the excitation of some gravitational wave events observed by LIGO–Virgo, especially those with source masses considerably larger than isolated stellar-mass black hole binaries. In addition to their mass and mass-ratio distribution, their hitherto enigmatic small spin parameters (χeff) carry important clues and stringent constraints on their formation channels and evolutionary pathways. Here, we show that, between each coalescence, the typical rapid spin of the merged EBHs is suppressed by their subsequent accretion of gas from a turbulent environment, due to its ability to randomize the flow’s spin orientation with respect to that of the EBHs on an eddy-turnover time-scale. This theory provides supporting evidence for the prolificacy of EBH mergers and suggests that their mass growth may be dominated by gas accretion rather than their coalescence in AGN discs.
Known sequence features explain half of all human gene ends
Authors: Shkurin Aleksei , Pour Sara E , Hughes Timothy R
Published: April 2023

Cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA) sites define eukaryotic gene ends. CPA sites are associated with five key sequence recognition elements: the upstream UGUA, the polyadenylation signal (PAS), and U-rich sequences; the CA/UA dinucleotide where cleavage occurs; and GU-rich downstream elements (DSEs). Currently, it is not clear whether these sequences are sufficient to delineate CPA sites. Additionally, numerous other sequences and factors have been described, often in the context of promoting alternative CPA sites and preventing cryptic CPA site usage. Here, we dissect the contributions of individual sequence features to CPA using standard discriminative models. We show that models comprised only of the five primary CPA sequence features give highest probability scores to constitutive CPA sites at the ends of coding genes, relative to the entire pre-mRNA sequence, for 59% of all human genes. U1-hybridizing sequences provide a small boost in performance. The addition of all known RBP RNA binding motifs to the model increases this figure to only 61%, suggesting that additional factors beyond the core CPA machinery have a minimal role in delineating real from cryptic sites. To our knowledge, this high effectiveness of established features to predict human gene ends has not previously been documented.
Ontogenetic social behavior and seasonal abundance of the subtropical krill Nyctiphanes simplex in northwestern Mexican waters
Authors: Mondragón-Neri Gabriel A , Gómez-Gutiérrez Jaime , García-Fernández Franklin , Gendron Diane , Busquets-Vass Geraldine , Robinson Carlos J
Published: April 2023

Nyctiphanes simplex (Euphausiidae) is the key prey for numerous pelagic predators because it is the most abundant of the 12 krill species present in the Gulf of California, forming dense and complex ontogenetic social interactions throughout its life cycle. We describe the diverse social behaviors of N. simplex and estimate its seasonal abundance in the Gulf of California accounting on average 74% of the krill assemblage. N. simplex exhibited complex and dynamic social repertoires of intraspecific behavioral interactions as early as Calyptopis 1 to adult phase, showing all possible ranges of social behavior known for pelagic invertebrates (aggregations, swarms, schools, shoals). We conclude that N. simplex displays different degrees of social behavior that concentrate abundance throughout their life cycle in epibenthic, pelagic and near surface habitats being highly adaptive behavior for feeding and reproduction. However, social interactions also pose a negative effect, facilitating parasite and disease transmission among conspecifics and facilitate predation for diverse visual predators adapted to find and prey on N. simplex aggregations and swarms. We report the most complete integrated evidence of social behavior and dataset of abundance data of any krill species in tropical and subtropical regions that have remained overlooked using traditional zooplankton net sampling methods.
COLD REGULATED GENE 27 and 28 antagonize the transcriptional activity of the RVE8/LNK1/LNK2 circadian complex
Authors: Sorkin Maria L , Tzeng Shin-Cheng , King Stefanie , Romanowski Andrés , Kahle Nikolai , Bindbeutel Rebecca , Hiltbrunner Andreas , Yanovsky Marcelo J , Evans Bradley S , Nusinow Dmitri A
Published: April 2023

Many molecular and physiological processes in plants occur at a specific time of day. These daily rhythms are coordinated in part by the circadian clock, a timekeeper that uses daylength and temperature to maintain rhythms of ∼24 h in various clock-regulated phenotypes. The circadian MYB-like transcription factor REVEILLE 8 (RVE8) interacts with its transcriptional coactivators NIGHT LIGHT-INDUCIBLE AND CLOCK-REGULATED 1 (LNK1) and LNK2 to promote the expression of evening-phased clock genes and cold tolerance factors. While genetic approaches have commonly been used to discover connections within the clock and between clock elements and other pathways, here, we used affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (APMS) to identify time-of-day–specific protein interactors of the RVE8-LNK1/LNK2 complex in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Among the interactors of RVE8/LNK1/LNK2 were COLD-REGULATED GENE 27 (COR27) and COR28, which coprecipitated in an evening-specific manner. In addition to COR27 and COR28, we found an enrichment of temperature-related interactors that led us to establish a previously uncharacterized role for LNK1 and LNK2 in temperature entrainment of the clock. We established that RVE8, LNK1, and either COR27 or COR28 form a tripartite complex in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and that the effect of this interaction in planta serves to antagonize transcriptional activation of RVE8 target genes, potentially through mediating RVE8 protein degradation in the evening. Together, these results illustrate how a proteomic approach can be used to identify time-of-day–specific protein interactions. Discovery of the RVE8-LNK-COR protein complex indicates a previously unknown regulatory mechanism for circadian and temperature signaling pathways.
The Economic Geography of Global Warming
Authors: Cruz José-Luis , Rossi-Hansberg Esteban
Published: April 2023

Global warming is a worldwide and protracted phenomenon with heterogeneous local economic effects. We propose a dynamic economic assessment model of the world economy with high spatial resolution to assess its consequences. Our model features several forms of adaptation to local temperature changes, including costly trade and migration, local technological innovations, and local natality rates. We quantify the model at a 1∘×1∘ resolution and estimate damage functions that determine the impact of temperature changes on a region’s fundamental productivity and amenities conditional on local temperatures. Welfare losses from global warming are very heterogeneous across locations, with 20% losses in parts of Africa and Latin America but also gains in some northern latitudes. Overall, spatial inequality increases. Uncertainty about average welfare effects is significant but much smaller for relative losses across space. Migration and innovation are shown to be important adaptation mechanisms. We use the model to study the impact of carbon taxes, abatement technologies, and clean energy subsidies. Carbon taxes delay consumption of fossil fuels and help flatten the temperature curve but are much more effective when an abatement technology is forthcoming.
Validation of the 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Tomelleri Alessandro , Padoan Roberto , Kavadichanda Chengappa G , Jose Augustine , Singh Kritika , Iorio Luca , Rathore Upendra , Rinaldi Emma , Baldissera Elena , Agarwal Vikas , Dagna Lorenzo , Campochiaro Corrado , Misra Durga Prasanna
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The present study validates the 2022 ACR/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) classification criteria for Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK), compared with the 1990 ACR TAK classification criteria.

Methods

The fulfilment of 2022 ACR/EULAR and 1990 ACR TAK criteria from four referral centres was assessed for TAK compared with extracranial giant cell arteritis (EC-GCA) and other controls. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio of a positive test (LR+) or negative test (LR–), and area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

Among 504 patients with TAK (404 females) and 222 controls (151 females, 144 patients with EC-GCA), the 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria had better sensitivity (95.83% vs 82.94%) and NPV, but poorer specificity (63.51% vs 90.54%), PPV, LR+, LR– and AUC at the pre-determined cut-offs than the 1990 ACR criteria. The 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria had greater specificity (76.06% vs 57.62%) and AUC (0.845 vs 0.771), with similar sensitivity (93% vs 96.53%) in males as in females. The 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria performed similarly with only EC-GCA as controls (sensitivity 95.83%, specificity 60.42%, AUC 0.781). Sensitivity remained similar, whereas specificity was higher for 40–60 years vs <40 years. Cut-offs of ≥6 (sensitivity 91.87%, specificity 82.88%) and ≥7 (sensitivity 86.71%, specificity 86.49%), or removing the point for female sex (sensitivity 92.64%, specificity 81.08%) greatly improved the balance between sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

The poor specificity of the 2022 ACR/EULAR TAK criteria in real-life settings was improved by increasing the cut-off to 6 or 7, or removing the point for female sex.
Ten-Year Changes in Vision, Refractive Error, and Corneal Thickness After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Patel Sanjay V. , Hodge David O. , Nau Cherie B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

The goal of this study was to determine changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, and central corneal thickness (CCT) during the first decade after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods:

Outcomes of all consecutive eyes undergoing DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) were reviewed; eyes with untreatable comorbidities before DSAEK were excluded. DSAEK was performed through a temporal incision and all eyes were pseudophakic postoperatively. Changes in BCVA, manifest spherical equivalent, manifest cylinder (vector analysis), and CCT were assessed by using generalized estimating equation models.

Results:

BCVA improved between 6 months (0.18 ± 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR); Snellen equivalent, 20/30) and 5 years (0.10 ± 0.10 logMAR; 20/25; n = 74, P < 0.001) and then remained stable at 10 years (0.09 ± 0.10 logMAR, n = 48, P = 0.22). There was a myopic shift of −0.20 ± 0.51 D between 6 months and 5 years (n = 65, P = 0.002) that remained stable at 10 years (−0.09 ± 0.44 D; 20/25; n = 34, P = 0.33). Manifest cylinder drifted with-the-rule between 6 months and 5 years (n = 65, P < 0.001) and between 5 and 10 years (n = 34, P < 0.001). CCT was stable between 6 months (672 ± 57 μm) and 5 years (677 ± 55 μm, n = 67, P = 0.47), but increased at 10 years (702 ± 60 μm, n = 39, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Excellent BCVA can be achieved during the first decade after DSAEK for FECD, although improvement seems to plateau after 5 years. Changes in manifest refractive error were not clinically significant. The gradual increase in CCT was consistent with longer-term changes found after other types of keratoplasty.
Natural Walking Intensity in Persons With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Girnis Jaimie L. , Cavanaugh James T. , Baker Teresa C. , Duncan Ryan P. , Fulford Daniel , LaValley Michael P. , Lawrence Michael , Nordahl Timothy , Porciuncula Franchino , Rawson Kerri S. , Saint-Hilaire Marie , Thomas Cathi A. , Zajac Jenna A. , Earhart Gammon M. , Ellis Terry D.
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose:

Few persons with Parkinson disease (PD) appear to engage in moderate-intensity walking associated with disease-modifying health benefits. How much time is spent walking at lower, yet still potentially beneficial, intensities is poorly understood. The purpose of this exploratory, observational study was to describe natural walking intensity in ambulatory persons with PD.

Methods:

Accelerometer-derived real-world walking data were collected for more than 7 days at baseline from 82 participants enrolled in a PD clinical trial. Walking intensity was defined according to the number of steps in each active minute (1-19, 20-39, 40-59, 60-79, 80-99, or ≥100 steps). Daily minutes of walking and duration of the longest sustained walking bout were calculated at each intensity. Number of sustained 10 to 19, 20 to 29, and 30-minute bouts and greater at any intensity also were calculated. Values were analyzed in the context of physical activity guidelines.

Results:

Most daily walking occurred at lower intensities (157.3 ± 58.1 min of 1-19 steps; 81.3 ± 32.6 min of 20-39 steps; 38.2 ± 21.3 min of 40-59 steps; 15.1 ± 11.5 min of 60-79 steps; 7.4 ± 7.0 min of 80-99 steps; 7.3 ± 9.6 min of ≥100 steps). The longest daily sustained walking bout occurred at the lowest intensity level (15.9 ± 5.2 min of 1-19 steps). Few bouts lasting 20 minutes and greater occurred at any intensity.

Discussion and Conclusions:

Despite relatively high daily step counts, participants tended to walk at remarkably low intensity, in bouts of generally short duration, with relatively few instances of sustained walking. The findings reinforced the need for health promotion interventions designed specifically to increase walking intensity.

Video Abstract available for more insight from authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A426).
Determination of the lowest infection threshold for ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi and its impact on yield
Authors: Matthews Andrea , Muthukumar Sharan Pradeep Thiruvazhuthi , Hamill Sharon , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Chen Andrew
Published: April 2023

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important horticulture crop valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. Fusarium yellows, caused by the ascomycete fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi (Foz) is a devastating soil borne disease of ginger. It has curtailed ginger production in Australia and around the world leading to significant economic losses. An integrated approach is required to manage soil-borne diseases such as those caused by Foz. Little is known about the influence of Foz inoculum dosage on disease severity. This study aimed to establish a minimum threshold level of spores per gram of soil required for plant infection and to develop and evaluate a pot inoculation method for suitability in genetic studies on Foz resistance. To achieve this, the dominant Australian ginger cultivar ‘Canton’ was inoculated with pre-determined amounts of colony-forming unit (cfu), ranging from 0 in control, to treatments with 10, 103, 105, 106, and 107 cfu per gram of soil. The inoculum dosage positively correlated with leaf and stem yellows, and rhizome discolouration, and negatively correlated with root length and rhizome weight. The lowest threshold required for plant infection was 10 cfu per gram of soil, which may provide an important basis for outbreaks of Foz in the field. This finding adds significantly to the knowledge base on ginger soil health and contributes to the integrated management of Foz. When used at a high dose, this method can facilitate reliable and accurate screening of Foz susceptible ginger genotypes in a controlled environment.
Informed consent with people judged incapable of legally consenting
Authors: Bittick Amy , Holliman Ryan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider informed consent with those who may be legally judged incapable of consent. Frequently individuals with traumatic brain injuries and intellectual disabilities may fall into this category. This paper seeks to consider aspects of guardianship, moral and legal implications and best practices for mental health professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This practice piece reviews literature regarding informed consent, as well as pertinent issues in the professional literature regarding types of guardianship as well as the occurrence of “Lucid intervals.” Furthermore, literature from moral philosophy and current legal research was examined to fully provide readers with a grasp of the legal and ethical landscape of this issue.

Findings

The paper finds that treating consent as a one-time binary event is lacking in both practicality and nuance. Moral philosophy and issues regarding paternalism are raised, as well as practice approaches to assessment of capability and how to engage in therapy in meaningful ways.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into providing dignity-affirming therapy with a population that is often not considered in the literature of mental health ethics. When it is considered, the suggestions are so vague as to be of limited use. This manuscript provides nuance and practical applications to be a therapist that promotes dignity in those who might have varying levels of capacity to consent.
French non-profit organizations at the end of a lockdown: the relevance of differentiated policies
Authors: Plaisance Guillaume
Published: April 2023

Purpose

French non-profit organizations (NPOs) have undergone numerous health restrictions and lockdown measures in addition to the health issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this article is then to question the relevance of support policies that have been homogeneous and poorly adapted to the sectors or the number of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study makes a diagnosis of French NPOs after the first lockdown. A survey conducted among NPO leaders obtained 12,248 answers.

Findings

Disparities according to the sector of activity, the presence or not of employees and the annual budget are to be noted. Differentiated policies and actions therefore seem indispensable.

Originality/value

This article discusses the ability of French NPOs to deal with the health crisis with the help of their partners and stakeholders.
Entrepreneurial competency in agriculture: is it a panacea for the problem of farmers' welfare?
Authors: Abawa Amare
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although the majority of Ethiopians continue the on-farm and off-farm work, the country still struggles to secure food for its citizens and farmer welfare is very low. To increase farmers' welfare, improving farmers' entrepreneurial competency is believed to be the solution. However, entrepreneurial competencies are diversified, and investigating the most important dimensions specific to the agricultural sector is important. As a result, the objective of this research is to look into important entrepreneurial competencies that could help farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, survey data, collected from 178 households in North Shoa, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia is analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study revealed that of the six entrepreneurs' competencies considered, only two of them (Strategic competency and relationship competency) have a significant association with the welfare of farmers. Moreover, the study revealed that the moderating effect of agricultural extension (taking model and non-model farmers as a group) on the relationship between entrepreneurial competency and farmers' welfare is not significant.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses only on six entrepreneurial competencies from which two of them are found significant factors in farmers' welfare. Thus, future research could broaden the scope in terms of looking into additional variables.

Originality/value

The study investigated the moderating effect of the farmers' category as a model and non-model on the relationship between entrepreneurial competency and farmers' welfare, which is the first to discuss the moderation effect.
Is “stay-at-home” synonymous of inactivity? Factors related to sedentary lifestyle in a Brazilian sample during COVID-19 initial quarantine
Authors: Souza Tamires Cássia de Melo , Oliveira Lívya Alves , Liboredo Juliana Costa , Della Lucia Ceres Mattos , Ferreira Lívia Garcia , Daniel Marina Martins , Anastácio Lucilene Rezende
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle (<150 min of physical exercise/week) and associated factors of this behavior in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

An observational study was conducted through an online questionnaire in August–September 2020 (5.5 months after the beginning of the pandemic in the country). Socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, dietary and perceived stress data were evaluated as possible related factors to a sedentary lifestyle through multiple logistic regression analysis.

Findings

A total of 1,347 individuals were evaluated (median of 31 years old, 80.1% women), of whom 76.7% were considered sedentary. Associated factors to a sedentary lifestyle were being overweight; a greater difference between current weight and prepandemic weight; female sex; lower percentage of home-cooked meals; greater increase in the frequency of consumption of alcoholic beverages; higher frequency of consumption of cereals, sausages and sweets during the pandemic; and higher score of perceived stress.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have aimed to reveal the associated factors to a sedentary lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Protective factors against a sedentary lifestyle were eating breakfast, being a student, living with parents, a higher frequency of fruit consumption, a higher rate of alcohol consumption and a higher cognitive restriction of food intake during the pandemic. Most of the study participants were sedentary, especially women. A sedentary lifestyle was associated with worse lifestyle/eating habits and stress. Such findings encourage an interdisciplinary approach because habits and lifestyle have numerous interferences.
Gambling on the stock market: the behavior of at-risk online traders
Authors: Grégoire Philippe , Dixon Melanie Rose , Giroux Isabelle , Jacques Christian , Goulet Annie , Eaves James , Sévigny Serge
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Online investment platforms offer an environment that may lead some traders into excessive behaviors akin to gambling. Over the last decade, gambling behaviors associated with the stock market have attracted the attention of many researchers but the literature on the subject remains scarce. This study aims to present the results of live interviews with a sample (N = 100) of retail investors trading online, and contrasts trading habits with gambling behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants are divided in three groups according to their score on an adapted version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (referred to as the PGSI-Trading), and their trading habits and behaviors are compared.

Findings

The authors find that traders with higher PGSI-Trading scores are more likely to display gambling-related behaviors such as trading within a short timeframe, being motivated by making money quickly and experiencing high sensations when trading.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small but the authors proceeded this way in order to gather some qualitative data that would be helpful to clinicians in the Province of Quebec. The questionnaire used to classify traders at risk of being gamblers (PGSI-Trading) has not been validated.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will be helpful to clinicians who hwork with patients suffering from excessive online stock trading habits.

Social implications

Clinicians observe an increasing number of patients who consult with excessive stock trading habits. This study has brought new information allowing clinicians to better understand how gambling manifests itself on the stock market.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the trading habits of individuals classified in terms of their score on an adapted PGSI questionnaire.
Gestational hypertensive disorders and blood pressure and childhood cardiac outcomes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bongers‐Karmaoui Meddy N. , Wiertsema Clarissa J. , Mulders Annemarie G. M. G. J. , Helbing Wim A. , Hirsch Alexander , Roest Arno A. W. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Gaillard Romy
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess whether gestational hypertensive disorders and higher gestational blood pressure were associated with subclinical changes in offspring cardiac structure and function during childhood.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Population

A cohort of 2502 mother–offspring pairs.

Methods

Maternal blood pressure was measured in early, mid and late pregnancy, and information on gestational disorders were obtained from medical records. Offspring cardiac measurements were assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance at 10 years.

Main outcome measures

Left and right ventricular end‐diastolic volumes (LVEDVs and RVEDVs), and ejection fractions, and left ventricular mass (LVM).

Results

Offspring exposed to pre‐eclampsia had a lower right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (difference, −0.31 SDS; 95% CI −0.60, −0.02); however, no associations with other cardiac outcomes were present. Higher maternal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in early and late pregnancy was associated with lower LVEDVs and RVEDVs (p < 0.05), with the strongest effect in early pregnancy. No associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) with offspring outcomes were present. These associations persisted after additional adjustment for birth and child factors. Paternal SBP and DBP were not associated with offspring cardiac outcomes.

Conclusions

No consistent associations of gestational hypertensive disorder status with childhood cardiac outcomes were present. Higher maternal DBP throughout pregnancy was associated with lower childhood LVEDVs and RVEDVs. Stronger maternal–offspring rather than paternal–offspring associations were present, which may suggest that suboptimal maternal gestational haemodynamic adaptations affects offspring cardiac structure through direct intrauterine effects. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and examine the underlying mechanisms.
Licensed firearm dealers, legal compliance, and local homicide: A case study
Authors: Stansfield Richard , Semenza Daniel , Xu Jie , Griffiths Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Research summary

This study uses a combination of tract‐level and street network‐level analyses to examine: (1) the overall association between federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) and homicides, (2) the relationship between dealers with serious violations (such as selling to prohibited buyers or failing to record sales) and homicide, and (3) whether the dealer–homicide association is moderated by community disadvantage. Results replicate and confirm a relationship between dealers and homicides in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Importantly, however, we also find that proximity to noncompliant dealers specifically elevates the risk of lethal violence.

Policy implications

We detail how a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local agencies to regulate firearm dealers and ensure that legal compliance can be instrumental in reducing gun violence. There is a clear need for increased oversight of gun dealers and more robust policies that hold negligent dealers accountable, including the necessary funding and regulatory manpower to enable regular auditing and support consistent follow‐up for noncompliant dealers. A comprehensive policy framework that supports supply‐side gun violence reduction should include additions to state‐level laws that require record keeping, videotaping and store security, and regular inspection for firearm dealers.
Short cervix and preterm birth in the top end
Authors: Brown Kiarna , Lam Chor Kiu (Maree) , Binks Michael
Published: April 2023

Background

Reducing rates of preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant challenge. The Northern Territory (NT) records some of the highest rates of PTB in the country, especially in First Nations women. In 2014, a Western Australian (WA) preterm birth prevention initiative involved the implementation of seven key initiatives. One of these was routine mid‐trimester cervical length measurement. The initiative successfully reduced PTB rates following its first year of implementation. This was the first successful reduction in PTB, including the earlier gestational ages, across a population.

Aims

To assess the uptake of routine cervical length measurement in the Top End of the NT after the success of the WA PTB prevention initiative and assess if treatment of a short cervix improved PTB rates.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all women who received antenatal care and delivered their baby at the NT's only tertiary hospital was performed. Mid‐trimester ultrasound scan data were collected from two separate time windows, before and after the implementation of the WA intervention. Treatments and gestational age at birth were recorded.

Results

Adoption of routine screening of cervical length measurement at mid‐trimester ultrasound in the NT was successful, increasing from 4 to 88%. Detection rates of short cervix doubled. However, there was no difference to PTB rates despite targeted management.

Conclusion

PTB remains a significant challenge in the NT, especially for First Nations women who are found to have a short cervix more commonly than non‐Indigenous women in the Top End.
Mechanical bowel preparation with pre‐operative oral antibiotics in elective colorectal resections: an Australian single institution experience
Authors: Liew Amos Nepacina , Narasimhan Vignesh , Peeroo Saania , Arachchi Asiri , Tay Yeng Kwang , Lim James , Nguyen Thang Chieng , Saranasuriya Chaminda , Suhardja Thomas Surya , Teoh William , Centauri Suellyn , Chouhan Hanumant
Published: April 2023

Background

Anastomotic leaks (AL) and surgical site infections (SSI) are serious complications after colorectal resection. Studies have shown the benefits of pre‐operative oral antibiotics (OAB) with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in reducing AL and SSI rates. We aim to investigate our experience with the short‐term outcomes of AL and SSI following elective colorectal resections in patients receiving OAB with MBP versus MBP only.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed from our database for patients who underwent elective colorectal resection between January 2019 and November 2021. Prior to August 2020, OAB was not used as part of MBP. After 2020, Neomycin and Metronidazole were used in conjunction with MBP. We evaluated differences in AL and SSI between both groups.

Results

Five hundred and seventeen patients were included from our database with 247 having MBP while 270 had OAB and MBP. There was a significantly lower rate of AL in patients receiving MBP and OAB as compared to MBP alone (0.4% versus 3.0%, P‐value = 0.03). The SSI rate at our institution was 4.4%. It was lower in patients with MBP and OAB as compared to MBP alone, but this was not clinically significant (3.3% versus 5.7%, P‐value = 0.19).

Conclusion

The association in the reduction of AL with the addition of OAB to the MBP protocol seen here reinforces the need for future randomized controlled trials in the Australasian context. We recommend colorectal institutions in Australian and New Zealand consider OAB with MBP as part of their elective colorectal resection protocol.
Long‐term neurological morbidity among children delivered by vacuum extraction ‐ a national cohort study
Authors: Ulfsdottir Hanna , Ekéus Cecilia , Tedroff Kristina , Åberg Katarina , Järnbert‐Pettersson Hans
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This is the first nationwide cohort study of vacuum extraction (VE) and long‐term neurological morbidity. We hypothesized that VE per se, and not only complicated labor, can cause intracranial bleedings, which could further cause neurological long‐term morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of neonatal mortality, cerebral palsy (CP), and epilepsy among children delivered by VE in a long‐term perspective.

Material and methods

The study population included 1 509 589 term singleton children planned for vaginal birth in Sweden (January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2017). We investigated the risk of neonatal death (ND), CP, and epilepsy among children delivered by VE (successful or failed) and compared their risks with those born by spontaneous vaginal birth and emergency cesarean section (ECS). We used logistic regression to study the adjusted associations with each outcome. The follow‐up time was from birth until December 31, 2019.

Results

The percentage and total number of children with the outcomes were ND (0.04%, n = 616), CP (0.12%, n = 1822), and epilepsy (0.74%, n = 11 190). Compared with children delivered by ECS, those born by VE had no increased risk of ND, but there was an increased risk for those born after failed VE (adj OR 2.23 [1.33–3.72]). The risk of CP was similar among children born by VE and those born spontaneously vaginally. Further, the risk of CP was similar among children born after failed VE compared with ECS. The risk of epilepsy was not increased among children born by VE (successful/failed), compared with those who had spontaneous vaginal birth or ECS.

Conclusions

The outcomes ND, CP, and epilepsy are rare. In this nationwide cohort study, children born after successful VE had no increased risk of ND, CP or epilepsy compared with those delivered by ECS, but there was an increased risk of ND among those born by failed VE. Concerning the studied outcomes, VE appears to be a safe obstetric intervention; however, it requires a thorough risk assessment and awareness of when to convert to ECS.
Observations and description of a rare escape mechanism in a snake: Cartwheeling in Pseudorabdion longiceps (Cantor, 1847) (Squamata, Colubridea)
Authors: Quah Evan Seng Huat , Grismer Larry Lee , Anuar M. S. Shahrul
Published: April 2023

We report an observation of cartwheeling behavior to escape predators employed by the Dwarf Reed Snake (Pseudorabdion longiceps). This rolling motion is a rare escape mechanism which has not been formally documented in detail for any other species of snake or reptile. This finding also extends our knowledge on the kinetic abilities in snakes.

Abstract in Malay is available with online material.
14, 15‐EET alleviates neurological impairment through maintaining mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium via AMPK/SIRT1/FoxO1 signal pathways in mice with cerebral ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Tang Jing , Chen Yiang , Li Jinyuan , Yan Shuo , Wang Zenan , Deng Xinyu , Feng Ke , Zhang Yanshuo , Chen Chunrong , Geng Huixia , Wang Yanming , Wang Lai
Published: April 2023

Aim

To explore whether 14, 15‐EET regulates mitochondrial dynamics to exert neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion model was used to observe brain infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis by TTC staining and Tunel assay, modified neurological severity score to detect neurological impairment, HE staining and Nissl staining to observe neuron damage, western blot and immunofluorescence methods to detect the expression of mitochondrial dynamics‐related proteins, transmission electron microscopy, and Golgi‐Cox staining to detect mitochondrial morphology and neuronal dendritic spines.

Results

14, 15‐EET reduced the neuronal apoptosis and cerebral infarction volume induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R), inhibited the degradation of dendritic spines, maintained the structural integrity of neurons, and alleviated neurological impairment. Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion induces mitochondrial dynamics disorders, upregulates the expression of the mitochondrial division protein Fis 1, and inhibits the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1, while 14, 15‐EET treatment reverses this process. Mechanistic studies have shown that 14, 15‐EET promotes the phosphorylation of AMPK, upregulates the expression of SIRT1 and phosphorylation of FoxO1, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial division and promoting mitochondrial fusion, preserving mitochondrial dynamics, maintaining neuronal morphological and structural integrity, and alleviating neurological impairment induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion. Compound C treatment diminishes the neuroprotective effect of 14, 15‐EET following MCAO/R in mice.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the novel neuroprotective mechanism of 14, 15‐EET, providing a novel approach for the development of drugs based on mitochondrial dynamics.
Health outcomes and service use patterns associated with co‐located outpatient mental health care and alcohol and other drug specialist treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Glover‐Wright Clare , Coupe Kym , Campbell Alexander Charles , Keen Claire , Lawrence Patrick , Kinner Stuart A. , Young Jesse T.
Published: April 2023

Issues

Despite long‐standing recommendations to integrate mental health care and alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment, no prior study has synthesised evidence on the impact of physically co‐locating these specialist services on health outcomes.

Approach

We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL for studies examining health outcomes associated with co‐located outpatient mental health care and AOD specialist treatment for adults with a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and mental illness. Due to diversity in study designs, patient populations and outcome measures among the included studies, we conducted a narrative synthesis. Risk of bias was assessed using the MASTER scale.

Key Findings

Twenty‐eight studies met our inclusion criteria. We found provisional evidence that integrated care that includes co‐located mental health care and AOD specialist treatment is associated with reductions in substance use and related harms and mental health symptom severity, improved quality of life, decreased emergency department presentations/hospital admissions and reduced health system expenditure. Many studies had a relatively high risk of bias and it was not possible to disaggregate the independent effect of physical co‐location from other common aspects of integrated care models such as care coordination and the integration of service processes.

Implications

There are few high‐quality, peer‐reviewed studies establishing the impact of co‐located mental health care and AOD specialist treatment on health outcomes. Further research is required to inform policy, guide implementation and optimise practice.

Conclusion

Integrated care that includes the co‐location of mental health care and AOD specialist treatment may yield health and economic benefits.
Case of a novel self‐assembling peptide hemostatic gel as a therapeutic tool for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition‐related bleeding
Authors: Sekine Masanari , Matsumoto Keita , Mashima Hirosato
Published: April 2023

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Moso bamboo expansion into a broadleaved forest alters the dominant soil organic carbon source
Authors: Shao Shuai , He Hongbo , Liang Chenfei , Chen Junhui , Qin Hua , Wang Shanshan , Wang Zhongqian , Li Yi , Jia Weina , Zheng Xuli , Chen Yong , Fuhrmann Jeffry J. , Xu Qiufang , Zhang Xudong
Published: April 2023

Both microbes and plants contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) formation and retention, but their roles in controlling SOC dynamics in forest soils under Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) expansion remain unclear. Here, amino sugars and lignin monomers were measured to represent microbial necromass and plant‐derived components, respectively. The observed decline in both amino sugars and lignin monomers during Moso bamboo expansion indicates a reduction in microbial necromass and recalcitrant plant contributions to SOC composition. This could be attributed to a limitation of microbial substrates and proliferation caused by the reduced litter inputs resulting from the expansion. The proportion of microbial necromass contributing to the SOC pool increased, but that of lignin monomers decreased, as SOC content decreased with Moso bamboo expansion. This suggests that the decrease of SOC during bamboo expansion was mainly due to the reduction of lignin, while the increased contribution of microbial‐derived carbon to SOC may serve to improve SOC stability. Our study sheds light on the altered SOC source inputs resulting from Moso bamboo expansion and emphasizes the need for sustainable forestry management practices that differentiate between microbial‐ and plant‐derived carbon pools.
Formation of fine granular area in a non‐defect matrix of austenitic stainless steel during very high cycle fatigue
Authors: Chai Guocai , Bergström Jens , Burman Christer
Published: April 2023

A fine granular area, FGA, is a typical phenomenon observed at the very high cycle fatigue fracture crack origin with a subsurface defect in the material. The FGA has been widely investigated, and different mechanisms have been proposed. In this paper, the formation of FGA in a non‐defect matrix of one austenitic steel during very high cycle fatigue was studied using a progressive stepwise load‐increasing method and electron scanning microscopy/electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) technique. A nano rough surface area or FGA at the fatigue crack origin has been observed in the subsurface matrix without any defect. It is a new phenomenon. A mechanism was proposed using the dislocation plasticity theory. The formation of FGA in a non‐defect matrix is a localized plasticity exhausting process by strain localization, grain fragmentation, stress concentration and nano crack initiation and propagation along low‐angle grain boundaries.
ID‐TIMS Sm‐Nd and Sr Isotope Ratios of Reference Material Basalt Ribeirão Preto (BRP‐1)
Authors: Neto Carla , de Morisson Valeriano Claudio , Enzweiler Jacinta , Paravidini Gabriel , Carvalho Manuela , Heilbron Monica , Lana Cristiano , Larizzatti João Henrique
Published: April 2023

This work presents Sm‐Nd and Sr isotopic ratios of the BRP‐1 (“Basalt Ribeirão Preto”) reference material (RM) based on repeated TIMS measurements over twelve years carried out by the LAGIR laboratory, Brazil. The BRP‐1 RM was produced by the Brazilian Geological Survey from a ca. 130 Ma within‐plate basalt, collected from a quarry near Ribeirão Preto city in the Paraná basin. Isotope ratios were measured using a TRITON mass spectrometer. Instrumental bias and fractionation corrections were performed based on repeated measurements of the certified RMs JNdi‐1 and NIST SRM 987. The measured Nd and Sr isotopic ratios of BRP‐1 are: 143Nd/144Nd = 0.512408 ± 0.000010 (2s), and 87Sr/86Sr = 0.706011 ± 0.000017 (2s). The mass fractions of Sm and Nd are 11.0 ± 0.2 and 51.9 ± 0.6 μg g‐1, respectively, showing no significant differences compared with the accepted values from the literature. No significant difference between measurements was observed, whether digesting samples in single or batch mode, using metal‐jacketed PTFE bombs or PFA vials, or with or without the addition of a spike. The accuracy of these results was evaluated through the measurement of well‐characterised USGS RMs, such as AGV‐1, BCR‐1, BHVO‐1, G‐2 and GSP‐1.