bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate prediction and genome‐wide association analysis of digital intramuscular fat content in longissimus muscle of pigs
Authors: Xie L. , Qin J. , Rao L. , Tang X. , Cui D. , Chen L. , Xu W. , Xiao S. , Zhang Z. , Huang L.
Published: July 2021

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a critical indicator of pork quality that affects directly the purchasing desire of consumers. However, to measure IMF content is both laborious and costly, preventing our understanding of its genetic determinants and improvement. In the present study, we constructed an accurate and fast image acquisition and analysis system, to extract and calculate the digital IMF content, the proportion of fat areas in the image (PFAI) of the longissimus muscle of 1709 animals from multiple pig populations. PFAI was highly significantly correlated with marbling scores (MS; 0.95, r2 = 0.90), and also with IMF contents chemically defined for 80 samples (0.79, r2 = 0.63; more accurate than direct analysis between IMF contents and MS). The processing time for one image is only 2.31 s. Genome‐wide association analysis on PFAI for all 1709 animals identified 14 suggestive significant SNPs and 1 genome‐wide significant SNP. On MS, we identified nine suggestive significant SNPs, and seven of them were also identified in PFAI. Furthermore, the significance (−log P) values of the seven common SNPs are higher in PFAI than in MS. Novel candidate genes of biological importance for IMF content were also discovered. Our imaging systems developed for prediction of digital IMF content is closer to IMF measured by Soxhlet extraction and slightly more accurate than MS. It can achieve fast and high‐throughput IMF phenotype, which can be used in improvement of pork quality.
“Great and Powerful Friends of Yesteryear”: Australia's Dilemma with “East of Suez”, 1967–71
Authors: Seddelmeyer Laura
Published: July 2021

Great Britain's decision to withdraw its forces from Southeast Asia by the mid‐1970s created uncertainty for those living in the region. The potential loss of British presence led Australia to attempt to discourage Britain from leaving, while also recsognising recognising the decision as an opportunity to re‐evaluate Australia's strategic outlook in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Scholars have treated Asia and the Pacific as two regions with distinct experiences related to withdrawal. Some address changing Anglo‐Australian relations but include little, or no, mention of the Pacific territories. Others, writing about the Pacific, focused more the individual paths taken by each island than on connecting the larger process of decolonisation in the Pacific to the one in Asia. This article pairs Australia's Strategic Basis of Defence papers with documentary evidence across multiple departments in Canberra to understand how British withdrawal from east of Suez connected Australian concerns about security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. By connecting the two areas through Australian interests, the withdrawal from east of Suez can be understood as a catalyst for Australia's pursuit of a distinctive role within its neighbourhood.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Barnes Hayley , Troy Lauren , Lee Cathryn T. , Sperling Anne , Strek Mary , Glaspole Ian
Published: July 2021

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immune‐mediated interstitial lung disease caused by an aberrant response to an inhaled exposure, which results in mostly T cell–mediated inflammation, granuloma formation, and fibrosis in some cases. HP is diagnosed by exposure identification, HRCT findings of ground‐glass opacities, centrilobular nodules, and mosaic attenuation, with traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing in fibrotic cases. Additional testing including serum IgG testing for the presence of antigen exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis, and lung biopsy demonstrating granulomas, inflammation, and fibrosis, increases the diagnostic confidence. Treatment for HP includes avoidance of the implicated exposure, immunosuppression, and anti‐fibrotic therapy in select cases. This narrative review presents the recent literature in the understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of HP.
Influence of patellar denervation on anterior knee pain and knee function following total knee replacement: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qin Yongzhi , Pu Chuancheng , Zhou Yong , Yu Jiang , Tang Jing
Published: July 2021

Background

Previous studies have reached mixed results regarding the effects of patellar denervation with electrocautery (PD) on total knee replacement (TKR). This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize all available literatures to investigate the influence of PD on postoperative anterior knee pain (AKP) and knee function after TKR.

Methods

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase, were searched from their inception to March 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi‐randomized controlled trials (quasi‐RCT) comparing PD and non‐patellar denervation (NPD) in TKR were selected, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of included trials. AKP prevalence was defined as the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs and one quasi‐RCT enrolled 1895 knees proved eligible. PD knees had significantly lower AKP prevalence than NPD knees (odds ratio [OR] = 0.54; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 0.36–0.81; p = 0.003). There was no difference between PD and NPD in terms of visual analogue scale for knee pain and range of motion, American knee society knee score, American knee society function score, patellar feller score, Oxford knee score for knee function. The results of subgroup analysis based on follow‐up duration and patella resurfacing were in accordance with the results. PD knees were not associated with a higher risk of complication or revision.

Conclusion

PD can significantly reduce the AKP prevalence following TKR without increasing the risk of complication and revision. Although the pain relief effect of PD may not be associated with improved knee function after TKR, this procedure is preferred in both patella resurfacing and patella non‐resurfacing TKR.
Associations of near work time, watching TV, outdoors time, and parents’ myopia with myopia among school children based on 38‐year‐old historical data
Authors: Pärssinen Olavi , Kauppinen Markku
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To study the prevalence and risk factors of myopia with data from a questionnaire study conducted in 1983 among Finnish school children.

Methods

School children (n = 4 961) from the 1st, 5th and 8th grades of school (7‐, 11‐ and 15‐year‐olds) in Central Finland were screened for vision followed by a questionnaire, which was returned by 4 352 (87.7%) participants. Myopia was categorized based on the questionnaire. Items concerned daily time spent on near work and outdoor activities, excluding time spent at school, watching TV and parental myopia and the associations of myopia with these factors were studied.

Results

The prevalence of myopia was 3%, 15% and 27% among the 7‐, 11‐ and 15‐year‐olds, and if daily near work at home was ≤1 hr, myopia prevalence was 0.5%, 3.3% and 17.6%, respectively. The adjusted risk of myopia for each daily near work hour was OR 1.476 (95% confidence interval 1.099–1.984, p = 0.010), OR 1.346 (1.170–1.584, p < 0.001) and OR 1.206 (1.076–1.352, p = 0.001), in the 3 age groups, respectively. The adjusted risk of myopia for each daily hour spent outdoors was OR 0.764 (0.648–0.900, p = 0.001) in the 11‐year‐olds and OR (0.840, 0.743–0.950, p = 0.005) in the 15‐year‐olds. Outdoors time prevented myopia at different levels of near work, although less at the highest levels, and near work increased risk of myopia with the level of outdoors time. If the ratio between near work and outdoors time was ≤0. 5 or >1.5, the prevalence of myopia was 1.4% versus 5.6%, 6.3% versus 24.7% and 15.9% versus 36.9%, among the 7‐, 11‐ and 15‐year‐olds, respectively. The higher prevalence of myopia among the 11‐ and 15‐year‐old girls than boys was explained by more near work and less outdoor time among the girls. Having two myopic parents roughly doubled the risk of myopia compared to if one myopic parent in the 11‐ and 15‐year‐olds.

Conclusions

Myopic parents, greater near work time, less outdoors time, a higher near work/outdoors ratio, and being a girl increased the risk of myopia. Myopia was rare in the 7‐ and 11‐year‐olds if daily near work at home did not exceed one hour or if the near work/outdoors ratio was not higher than 0.5. Outdoors time was associated with the prevalence of myopia at all levels of near work, although the association was weaker at the highest level.
Preoperative risk factors for technical difficulty in emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Ohya Hayato , Maeda Atsuyuki , Takayama Yuichi , Takahashi Takamasa , Seita Kazuaki , Kaneoka Yuji
Published: July 2021

Aim

We have routinely performed emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as soon as we diagnosed acute cholecystitis (AC), if patients could tolerate surgery. This study was conducted to identify the preoperative risk factors that predict the technical difficulty of emergent LC for AC.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with AC who underwent emergent LC between 2012 and 2019 was conducted. Technical difficulty was defined as the presence of the following conditions: open conversion, operative time ≥120 min, or blood loss ≥500 ml.

Results

In all, 327 patients were included and divided into difficult LC (DLC, n = 61) and nondifficult LC (non‐DLC, n = 266). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that symptom duration ≥72 h was the only independent risk factor for DLC. Comparison of late LC (beyond 72 h, LLC) and early LC (within 72 h, ELC) showed a lower rate of creation of the critical view of safety and a longer hospital stay, as well as a longer operative time, a larger amount of bleeding, and a higher open conversion rate in LLC. However, the postoperative complication rates were equivalent.

Conclusion

LC for AC with symptom duration ≥72 h tends to be technically difficult. However, it is acceptable regarding operative outcomes.
Activated macrophages promote invasion by early colorectal cancer via an interleukin 1β‐serum amyloid A1 axis
Authors: Sudo Gota , Aoki Hironori , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Takasawa Akira , Niinuma Takeshi , Yoshido Ayano , Kitajima Hiroshi , Yorozu Akira , Kubo Toshiyuki , Harada Taku , Ishiguro Kazuya , Kai Masahiro , Katanuma Akio , Yamano Hiro‐o , Osanai Makoto , Nakase Hiroshi , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: July 2021

Submucosal invasion and lymph node metastasis are important issues affecting treatment options for early colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism underlying the invasiveness of early CRCs. We performed RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) with poorly differentiated components (PORs) and their normal counterparts isolated from T1 CRC tissues and detected significant upregulation of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) in PORs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SAA1 was specifically expressed in PORs at the invasive front of T1b CRCs. Upregulation of SAA1 in CRC cells promoted cell migration and invasion. Coculture experiments using CRC cell lines and THP‐1 cells suggested that interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) produced by macrophages induces SAA1 expression in CRC cells. Induction of SAA1 and promotion of CRC cell migration and invasion by macrophages were inhibited by blocking IL‐1β. These findings were supported by immunohistochemical analysis of primary T1 CRCs showing accumulation of M1‐like/M2‐like macrophages at SAA1‐positive invasive front regions. Moreover, SAA1 produced by CRC cells stimulated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in macrophages. Our data suggest that tumor‐associated macrophages at the invasive front of early CRCs promote cancer cell migration and invasion through induction of SAA1 and that SAA1 may be a predictive biomarker and a useful therapeutic target.
How can we improve the quality of cataract services for all? A global scoping review
Authors: Yoshizaki Miho , Ramke Jacqueline , Zhang Justine H. , Aghaji Ada , Furtado João M. , Burn Helen , Gichuhi Stephen , Dean William H. , Congdon Nathan , Burton Matthew J. , Buchan John
Published: July 2021

Background

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment globally. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed operations worldwide, but good quality services are not universally available. This scoping review aims to summarise the nature and extent of published literature on interventions to improve the quality of services for age‐related cataract globally.

Methods

We used the dimensions of quality adopted by WHO—effectiveness, safety, people‐centredness, timeliness, equity, integration and efficiency—to which we added planetary health. On 17 November 2019, we searched MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health for manuscripts published since 1990, without language or geographic restrictions. We included studies that reported quality‐relevant interventions and excluded studies focused on technical aspects of surgery or that only involved children (younger than 18 years). Screening of titles/abstracts, full‐text review and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Studies were grouped thematically and results synthesised narratively.

Results

Most of the 143 included studies were undertaken in high‐income countries (n = 93, 65%); 29 intervention groups were identified, most commonly preoperative education (n = 17, 12%) and pain/anxiety management (n = 16, 11%). Efficiency was the quality element most often assessed (n = 58, 41%) followed by people‐centredness (n = 40, 28%), while integration (n = 4) and timeliness (n = 3) were infrequently reported, and no study reported outcomes related to planetary health.

Conclusion

Evidence on interventions to improve quality of cataract services shows unequal regional distribution. There is an urgent need for more evidence relevant to low‐ and middle‐income countries as well as across all quality elements, including planetary health.
eFOCUS 2: A randomised crossover trial of smartphone fundoscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy aiming to improve optic disc interpretation by medical students with e‐learning support
Authors: Dunn Hamish P. , Marks Samuel , Teo Kai Z. , Dunn Stewart M. , Healey Paul R. , White Andrew J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Ophthalmoscopy and its interpretation are complex. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of smartphone fundoscopy with traditional direct ophthalmoscopy for optic disc interpretation, with e‐learning support.

Methods

We conducted a randomised, crossover study of 102 medical students. Students were offered e‐learning for optic disc interpretation. A fundoscopy objective structured clinical examination was conducted after an introductory lecture and 10‐min practical training session on smartphone fundoscopy and traditional ophthalmoscopy. Participants examined patients and simulator slides with a randomised crossover between smartphone [D‐eye (Padova, Italy) or iExaminer (Welch Allyn, Macquarie Park, Australia)] and traditional ophthalmoscopy (Welch Allyn). Optic discs were graded independently by three masked ophthalmologists. The primary outcome was the ability to interpret an optic disc as normal or abnormal. Secondary outcomes included other optic disc aspects; student preferences; and e‐learning performance.

Results

Students' agreement with the gold standard for an abnormal or normal disc was significantly greater using a smartphone (74.4%) than with direct ophthalmoscopy (68.1%, p = 0.032). More students preferred smartphone (74%) over direct ophthalmoscopy (26%, p < 0.001). E‐learning led to an improvement in optic disc interpretation scores (mean improvement = 4.5%, 95% CI = 3.7–5.2, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Medical students are more accurate at recognising an abnormal optic disc using smartphone fundoscopy than traditional direct ophthalmoscopy, and have a strong preference for smartphone fundoscopy. E‐learning may improve the interpretation of optic disc abnormalities. Smartphone fundoscopy may mitigate some technical challenges of fundoscopy and reinvigorate use of this valuable clinical examination.
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue treatment in genetic obesity: A case series
Authors: Welling Mila S. , de Groot Cornelis J. , Kleinendorst Lotte , van der Voorn Bibian , Burgerhart Jan Steven , van der Valk Eline S. , van Haelst Mieke M. , van den Akker Erica L. T. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C.
Published: July 2021

Obesity is highly prevalent and comes with serious health burden. In a minority, a genetic cause is present which often results in therapy‐resistant obesity. Liraglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogue, which has beneficial effects on satiety and weight in common obesity. We present the effects of GLP‐1 analogues in adults with a molecularly proven genetic cause of their overweight or obesity. All patients were treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg daily, in addition to intensive supportive lifestyle treatment. Anthropometrics, metabolic parameters, resting energy expenditure (REE), side effects, and subjectively reported satiety and quality of life were assessed. Two patients with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome and two patients with heterozygous pathogenic melanocortin‐4 receptor variants were treated. At baseline, their age ranged between 21 and 32 years and body mass index (BMI) ranged between 28.1 and 55.7 kg/m2. At follow‐up (ranges 43 weeks–12 years), a mean change in BMI and waist circumference was observed of −5.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2 and −15.2 ± 21.1 cm, respectively. All patients achieved ≥5% weight loss, three of them lost ≥10% of their body weight. All patients reported improved quality of life and three of them reported ameliorated satiety. Moreover, improvement of glycaemic control and dyslipidaemia were seen. In two patients, REE before and during treatment was measured, which either increased (+26% of predicted REE) or decreased (−18% of predicted REE). Two patients experienced mild side effects for a brief period. In conclusion, our case series shows beneficial effects of GLP‐1 analogues on weight, metabolic parameters and quality of life in all four patients with genetic obesity.
Comparative study of four different flavonoid compounds‐containing plant extracts functionalised waste wool for accelerating aqueous chromium(VI) reductive removal
Authors: Gu Jiayu , Dong Yongchun , Zhang Jiaxuan
Published: July 2021

Four different plant material extracts containing flavonoid compounds were prepared with fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) and Vaccinium spp. (VS), Ginkgo biloba L. (GBL) leaves and grape seeds. On the basis of several characterisation, these extracts were then used for functionalising waste wool fibres by an exhaustion dyeing process. Content of deposited flavonoid compounds and aqueous chromium(VI) reductive removal capacity of four plant material extract dyed wool fibres were investigated and compared. The results indicated that LRM and VS extracts contained more flavonoid compounds (0.12‐0.15 mg ml−1) than the other two extracts (0.06‐0.08 mg ml−1), which led to high content of deposited flavonoid compounds and strong chromium(VI) reductive removal performance of their dyed wool fibres. Importantly, 0.10 mmol L−1 of chromium(VI) species could be almost completely removed by fallen GBL extract dyed wool fibre from water by increasing content of deposited flavonoid compounds up to 8.0 mg g−1, which offer a novel strategy to produce cost‐effective, environmental‐friendly and renewable chromium(VI) removal material based on waste control by waste.
Molecular evidence suggesting the persistence of residual SARS‐CoV‐2 and immune responses in the placentas of pregnant patients recovered from COVID‐19
Authors: Wu Hao , Liao Shujie , Wang Yiming , Guo Ming , Lin Xingguang , Wu Jianli , Wang Renjie , Lv Dan , Wu Di , He Mengzhou , Hu Bai , Long Rui , Peng Jing , Yang Hui , Yin Heng , Wang Xin , Huang Zhixiang , Lan Ke , Zhou Yanbin , Zhang Wei , Xiao Zhenyu , Zhao Yun , Deng Dongrui , Wang Hongmei
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Recent studies have shown the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the tissues of clinically recovered patients and persistent immune symptoms in discharged patients for up to several months. Pregnant patients were shown to be a high‐risk group for COVID‐19. Based on these findings, we assessed SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid and protein retention in the placentas of pregnant women who had fully recovered from COVID‐19 and cytokine fluctuations in maternal and foetal tissues.

Materials and Methods

Remnant SARS‐CoV‐2 in the term placenta was detected using nucleic acid amplification and immunohistochemical staining of the SARS‐CoV‐2 protein. The infiltration of CD14+ macrophages into the placental villi was detected by immunostaining. The cytokines in the placenta, maternal plasma, neonatal umbilical cord, cord blood and amniotic fluid specimens at delivery were profiled using the Luminex assay.

Results

Residual SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid and protein were detected in the term placentas of recovered pregnant women. The infiltration of CD14+ macrophages into the placental villi of the recovered pregnant women was higher than that in the controls. Furthermore, the cytokine levels in the placenta, maternal plasma, neonatal umbilical cord, cord blood and amniotic fluid specimens fluctuated significantly.

Conclusions

Our study showed that SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid (in one patient) and protein (in five patients) were present in the placentas of clinically recovered pregnant patients for more than 3 months after diagnosis. The immune responses induced by the virus may lead to prolonged and persistent symptoms in the maternal plasma, placenta, umbilical cord, cord blood and amniotic fluid.
Doll play prompts social thinking and social talking: Representations of internal state language in the brain
Authors: Hashmi Salim , Vanderwert Ross E. , Paine Amy L. , Gerson Sarah A.
Published: July 2021

Doll play provides opportunities for children to practice social skills by creating imaginary worlds, taking others’ perspectives, and talking about others’ internal states. Previous research using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) found a region over the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) was more active during solo doll play than solo tablet play, implying that doll play might present opportunities for rehearsing theory of mind and empathy skills, even when playing alone. In this research, we addressed this more directly by investigating 4–8‐year‐old children's (N = 33) use of internal state language (ISL; i.e., references to emotions, desires, and cognitions) when playing with dolls and on tablets, both by themselves and with a social partner, and their associated brain activity in the pSTS using fNIRS. We found that children used more ISL about others when playing with dolls than when playing on tablets, particularly when they were playing alone. This mirrored the patterns seen in pSTS activity in previous research. When individual variability in ISL about others was considered, more ISL about others was linked to stronger pSTS activation. Thus, variability in pSTS activity during play is not about the perceptual or physical differences between toys (e.g., dolls are more human‐like) but about what children think about when they engage in different kinds of play. This is the first research to investigate brain activity during spontaneously occurring ISL and indicates that children have a tendency to take and discuss others’ perspectives during doll play, with implications for social processing in the brain. A video abstract of this article can be viewed athttps://youtu.be/58HgxbuhBzU.
Omega‐3 phospholipids and obesity‐associated NAFLD: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Mitrovic Marko , Sistilli Gabriella , Horakova Olga , Rossmeisl Martin
Published: July 2021

Prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases in line with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and there is no approved drug therapy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n‐3 series (omega‐3) are known for their hypolipidaemic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Existing clinical trials suggest varying effectiveness of triacylglycerol‐ or ethyl ester‐bound omega‐3 in the treatment of NAFLD, without affecting advanced stages such as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Preclinical studies suggest that the lipid class used to supplement omega‐3 may determine the extent and nature of their effects on metabolism. Phospholipids of marine origin represent an alternative source of omega‐3. The aim of this review is to summarise the available evidence on the use of omega‐3 phospholipids, primarily in obesity‐related NAFLD, and to outline perspectives of their use in the prevention/treatment of NAFLD. A PubMed literature search was conducted in May 2021. In total, 1088 articles were identified, but based on selection criteria, 38 original papers were included in the review. Selected articles describing the potential mechanisms of action of omega‐3 phospholipids have also been included. Preclinical evidence clearly indicates that omega‐3 phospholipids have strong antisteatotic effects in the liver, which are stronger compared to omega‐3 administered as triacylglycerols. Multiple mechanisms are likely involved in the overall antisteatotic effects, involving not only the liver but also adipose tissue and the gut. Robust preclinical evidence for strong antisteatotic effects of omega‐3 phospholipids in the liver should be confirmed in clinical trials. Further research is needed on the possible effects of omega‐3 phospholipids on advanced NAFLD.
Discriminatory capacity of obesity indicators as predictors of high liver fat in US adolescents
Authors: Correa‐Rodríguez María , Izquierdo Mikel , García‐Hermoso Antonio , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson
Published: July 2021

Background

The aims of this study were to assess the potential of 16 anthropometric, body composition and endocrine indexes as predictors of high liver fat and determine the most appropriate cut‐off points in US adolescents.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a population of 816 adolescents aged 12‐17 years. The FibroScan®502V2 device was used to estimate the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Body fat percentage, fat mass, trunk fat percentage and trunk fat mass were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Anthropometric data and metabolic parameters were determined. Receiver operating characteristic curves were analysed to estimate the optimal cut‐off points that best identify adolescents with high liver fat (CAP ≥90th percentile).

Results

In boys, triponderal mass index (TMI) had the highest area under curve (AUC) value (0.865) and the optimal cut‐off score for TMI was 17.47 kg/m3, which had 81.32 sensitivity and 82.99 specificity. In girls, trunk fat index (TFI) had the highest AUC value (0.826) and its optimal cut‐off score in screening for high liver fat was 3.76 kg/m2, which had 74.04 sensitivity and 88.03 specificity. Fat mass index (FMI) index had the second highest AUC values (0.863 in boys 0.812 in girls) in both sex; the cut‐off point for the detection of high liver fat was <8.66 kg/m2 for girls and <7.45 kg/m2 for boys.

Conclusion

Assessment of TMI in boys, TFI in girls, and FMI in both sexes are low‐cost and easy‐to‐use parameters that may be useful as early screening tools for possible high liver fat in adolescents.
Increased estimated fat‐free mass and fat mass associated with improved clinical outcome in heart failure
Authors: Gotsman Israel , Keren Andre , Amir Offer , Zwas Donna R.
Published: July 2021

Background

Increased weight measured by body mass index is associated with better clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF). The effect of specific components of body mass on outcome is limited. We evaluated the impact of fat‐free mass and fat mass on mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization in a large real‐world cohort of patients with chronic HF.

Methods

Body measurements were assessed in patients with chronic HF. Fat‐free mass, fat mass and waist circumference were calculated based on specifically derived formulas.

Results

The cohort included 6328 HF patients. Mean follow‐up was 744 days. Increased body composition indices including body mass index, fat‐free mass index and fat mass index, per cent body fat and waist circumference were associated with better survival. Cox regression analysis after adjustment for other significant parameters demonstrated that these indices were all associated with improved survival. The strongest association was seen with fat‐free mass index with a graded increase in survival; lowest death in the highest quartile compared to reference second quartile (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.67‐0.93, P < .01). There was no interaction with sex or HF type. Analysis of the clinical outcome of death and cardiovascular hospitalization demonstrated that a worse prognosis was in the lowest quartile of all the indices. A sensitivity analysis, analysing these indices as continuous parameters using restricted cubic splines, demonstrated a clear continuous association between these indices and increased survival in both sexes.

Conclusions

Body mass including fat‐free mass and fat mass was associated with improved survival in patients with HF.
cVEMP and VAT for the diagnosis of vestibular migraine
Authors: Yao Yufang , Zhao Zhiyue , Qi Xiaoyuan , Jia Hongning , Zhang Lihua
Published: July 2021

Background

Although the diagnostic criteria of vestibular migraine (VM) have already been defined, various clinical manifestations of VM and the lack of pathognomonic biomarker result in high rate of misdiagnosis and mismanagement. A timely and accurate diagnosis tool for the evaluation of VM is highly needed.

Objective

The current study aims to investigate the potential feasibility of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and vestibular autorotation test (VAT) as a diagnosis tool for VM.

Methods

A total of 211 subjects were recruited into the current study with all subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: healthy control group, general migraine group and VM group. Test of cVEMP and VAT was conducted in all the groups, and the generated data were statistically compared.

Results

Compared with the other two groups, cVEMP P13‐N23 amplitudes of VM patients showed a significant decline. Mean latency values of the VM group had no significant difference in comparison with other groups. Asymmetry ratios showed increased level in VM patients compared to the control groups, without significant difference. VAT results showed that all the horizontal gain, horizontal phase, vertical gain and vertical phase differ from the other two groups to varying degrees at higher frequency.

Conclusion

cVEMP and VAT have potential usage in the assessment of VM and can serve as powerful tool in diagnosis of VM.
On the use of air temperature and precipitation as surrogate predictors in soil respiration modelling
Authors: Jian Jinshi , Steele Meredith K. , Zhang Lin , Bailey Vanessa L. , Zheng Jianqiu , Patel Kaizad F. , Bond‐Lamberty Benjamin P.
Published: July 2021

Soil respiration (RS), the soil‐to‐atmosphere CO2 flux that is a major component of the global carbon cycle, is strongly influenced by local soil temperature (Tsoil) and water content (SWC). Regional to global‐scale RS modelling thus requires this information at local scales, but few high‐quality, wall‐to‐wall (global) Tsoil and SWC data exist. As a result, such modelling efforts commonly use air temperature (Tair) and monthly precipitation (Pm) as surrogate predictors, but their site‐scale accuracy and potential bias are unknown. Here, we used monthly data from 880 sites across a wide variety of different environmental conditions (i.e., climate, ecosystem type, elevation, vegetation leaf habit and drainage conditions) to determine the suitability of Tair as a surrogate for Tsoil, and data from 507 sites to examine the suitability of Pm as a surrogate for SWC. Site‐specific linear and second‐order exponential non‐linear models were compared using model evaluation metrics (i.e., slope, p‐value of slope, root mean square error [RMSE], index of agreement and model efficiency). We found that Tsoil and Tair are highly correlated and explain similar RS variability. In contrast, Pm is not a good surrogate for SWC, even though Pm explains a similar amount of RS variability to SWC. The wide variability in the site‐specific relationships between RS and SWC means that no single relationship can be used for large‐scale modelling. The results from this study support the use of Tair in continental‐to‐global scale RS models, and highlight the urgent need for continental‐to‐global scale SWC datasets for the modelling and evaluation of future soil carbon dynamics under global climate change.

Highlights

The accuracy of air temperature and precipitation as surrogates in global soil respiration modelling is unknown.

Monthly air temperature and soil temperature are strongly correlated and explained similar amounts of variability in soil respiration.

Relationships between precipitation and soil water content are extremely variable by region, thus precipitation is a poor surrogate in global modelling.

There is a need for accurate multiscale soil moisture datasets to evaluate future soil carbon dynamics.
Updated understanding of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis: From virulence factors to commensals and clonal complexes
Authors: Hwang Jonwei , Thompson Alyssa , Jaros Joanna , Blackcloud Paul , Hsiao Jennifer , Shi Vivian Y.
Published: July 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory dermatosis that has multiple contributing factors including genetic, immunologic and environmental. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) has long been associated with exacerbation of AD. SA produces many virulence factors that interact with the human skin and immune system. These superantigens and toxins have been shown to contribute to adhesion, inflammation and skin barrier destruction. Recent advances in genome sequencing techniques have led to a broadened understanding of the multiple ways SA interacts with the cutaneous environment in AD hosts. For example, temporal shifts in the microbiome, specifically in clonal complexes of SA, have been identified during AD flares and remission. Herein, we review mechanisms of interaction between the cutaneous microbiome and SA and highlight known differences in SA clonal complexes that contribute to AD pathogenesis. Detailed knowledge of the genetic strains of SA and cutaneous dysbiosis is becoming increasingly relevant in paving the way for microbiome‐modulating and precision therapies for AD.
Movescapes and eco‐evolutionary movement strategies in marine fish: Assessing a connectivity hotspot
Authors: Lowerre‐Barbieri Susan K. , Friess Claudia , Griffin Lucas P. , Morley Danielle , Skomal Gregory B. , Bickford Joel W. , Hammerschlag Neil , Rider Mitchell J. , Smukall Matthew J. , van Zinnicq Bergmann Maurits P. M. , Guttridge Tristan L. , Kroetz Andrea M. , Grubbs R. Dean , Gervasi Carissa L. , Rehage Jennifer S. , Poulakis Gregg R. , Bassos‐Hull Kim , Gardiner Jayne M. , Casselberry Grace A. , Young Joy , Perkinson Matt , Abercrombie Debra L. , Addis Dustin T. , Block Barbara A. , Acosta Alejandro , Adams Aaron J. , Danylchuk Andy J. , Cooke Steven J. , Whoriskey Frederick G. , Brownscombe Jacob W.
Published: July 2021

Data from the Integrated Tracking of Aquatic Animals in the Gulf of Mexico (iTAG) network, and sister networks, were used to evaluate fish movements in the Florida Keys—an extensive reef fish ecosystem just north of Cuba connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. We analysed ~2 million detections for 23 species, ranging from reef fish such as Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus, Serranidae) to migratory apex predators such as white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias, Lamnidae). To facilitate comparisons across species, we used an eco‐evolutionary movement strategy framework that identified measurable movement traits and their proximate and ultimate drivers. Detectability was species‐specific and quantified with a detection potential index. Life stages detected in the study area varied by species and residency varied with life stage. Four annual movement types were identified as follows: high site‐fidelity residents, range residents, seasonal migrants and general migrants. The endangered smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata, Pristidae), a seasonal migrant, exhibited the greatest within‐ecosystem connectivity. Site attachment, stopover and deep‐water migration behaviours differed between individuals, species and annual movement types. All apex predators were migratory. General migrants were significantly larger than fish in the other movement types, a life‐history and movement trait combination that is common but not exclusive, as many small pelagics also migrate. Most teleosts exhibited movements associated with spawning. As concerns grow over habitat and biodiversity loss, multispecies movescapes, such as presented here, are expected to play an increasingly important role in informing ecosystem‐based and non‐extractive fisheries management strategies.
Risk factors for suicidal behavior in late‐life depression: A retrospective preliminary clinical study
Authors: Liu Chaomeng , Pan Weigang , Zhu Dandi , Mao Peixian , Ma Xin
Published: July 2021

Aim

To explore the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior (SB) using logistic regression analysis and the propensity score matching (PSM) method among Chinese patients suffering from late‐life depression (LLD).

Method

Patient information sheets were retrieved with the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) code from an electronic database that comprised patient medical information. Herein, we set SB as a dependent variable, and gender, marital status, monthly income, quality of interpersonal relationships, hobbies, impulsivity, severity of depression, psychiatric symptoms or not, and having histories of smoking, drinking, major mental trauma as independent variables according to clinical experience and previous findings. For uncertain independent risk factors associated with SB generated by logistic regression analysis, PSM was performed for further verification.

Results

The differences between the SB group and non‐SB group for marital status, severity of depression, a history of drinking, and a history of major mental trauma were found to be statistically significant in univariate comparisons (P < 0.05); binary logistic regression analysis and PSM analysis showed that the severity of depression, a history of drinking, and a history of major mental trauma were independent risk factors associated with SB of patients with LLD with an odds ratio greater than one.

Conclusion

The severity of depression, a history of drinking, and a history of major mental trauma were independently associated with the occurrence of SB of patients with LLD in China. Further longitudinal and prospective studies are warranted to examine the dynamic changes of confounding risk factors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 849–854.
Longitudinal analysis of client appointment adherence under Universal Test and Treat strategy: A stepped‐wedge trial
Authors: Boeke Caroline E. , Khan Shaukat , Walsh Fiona J. , Lejeune Charlotte , Hettema Anita , Spiegelman Donna , Okello Velephi , Bärnighausen Till
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Universal Test and Treat (UTT) strategies are being adopted across sub‐Saharan Africa based on clinical benefits to morbidity and mortality and to attain targets of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Universal Test and Treat is expected to change the client population at clinics, due to more asymptomatic HIV clients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed the impact of UTT on client appointment adherence at 14 government‐managed health facilities in Eswatini's public sector health system.

Methods

We assessed the impact of UTT on client adherence to appointment schedules from 2014 to 2017 in a stepped‐wedge trial. Repeated measures analysis was used to assess adherence to each scheduled appointment (primary definition: presenting for care within 7 days after the scheduled appointment), adjusting for time, age, sex, stage, marital status, ART status and facility.

Results

Among 3354 clients (62.1% female; 57.4% < 35 years), a median (interquartile range) of 10 (6–15) appointments were scheduled during follow‐up. In a multivariable‐adjusted model, appointment adherence was significantly greater in clients who were female [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–1.52], older (e.g. 40 to < 50 years vs. < 20 years; OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.00–2.09), married (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.19–1.44), had lower WHO stage at study enrolment (1–2 vs. 3–4: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13–1.41), and were currently on ART (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.62–4.82). However, UTT strategy was not significantly associated with client adherence to scheduled appointments (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.72–1.45).

Conclusions

Despite transitioning to UTT, there was no change in visit adherence, a reassuring finding given the large volume of clients currently being initiated at earlier stages of HIV.
Repair of teeth with cracks in crowns and roots: An observational clinical study
Authors: Malentacca Augusto , Zaccheo Fabrizio , Scialanca Matteo , Fordellone Francesco , Rupe Cosimo , Lajolo Carlo
Published: July 2021

Aim

This retrospective observational study investigated the survival rate of teeth with radicular cracks that were restored using composite materials.

Methodology

The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (prot. N°2370CELazio1), Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04430205. Between 1991 and 2019, 87 teeth with radicular cracks (87 patients [46 men, 41 women, mean age 50.2 years]) were treated with adhesive composite restorations. Forty‐five cracks were observed in the maxillary posterior teeth (molars and premolars), 40 in the mandibular posterior teeth and only two cracks in the anterior teeth, both in maxilla. Based on the depth of the crack, teeth were categorized as proximal radicular cracked teeth (PRCT), in which the fracture line was restricted within the pulpal floor or the coronal one‐third of the root and deep radicular cracked teeth (DRCT), in which the fracture line extended to the middle and apical thirds of the root canal up to the apex. Bone loss/recovery was evaluated radiographically at 1‐year follow‐up. All patients were treated using surgical microscopy by the same operator. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of extraction. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to analyse PRCT and DRCT.

Results

Among 87 cracked teeth, 66 were molars, 19 premolars and 2 incisors. Fifty‐two were DRCT, 35 were PRCT, 46 had a periodontal probing defect. Patients were followed up for a mean of 66.9 months (standard deviation 44.6, min 1 to max 172). Lack of probing depth was a significant protective factor against extraction (odds ratio [OR] 0.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.003–0.27, p < .05), whereas further bone loss (OR 10.63, 95% CI 2.08–54.36, p < .05) was a risk factor for extraction. More than 50% of teeth treated with the adhesive protocol were functional (46 of 87 teeth [χ2 test], p < .05) at 5‐year follow‐up. Among the PRCT group, a 78% survival rate at 5 years was found, while among the DRCT group, a 58% survival rate was found.

Conclusion

Composite resin restorations resulted in tooth survival in >50% of patients; 85.4% of PRCT and 61.5% of DRCT were functional after 5 years of follow‐up.
In vitro evaluation of natural hydroxyapatite from Osteoglossum bicirrhosum fish scales for biomedical application
Authors: Horta Marla Karolyne dos Santos , Moura Francisco José , Aguilar Marilza Sampaio , Westin Cecília Buzatto , Navarro da Rocha Daniel , de Campos José Brant
Published: July 2021

This study reports the obtainment of bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAp) extracted from scales of arowana fish (FSHA) (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) by alkaline treatment followed by calcination at 600 and 800°C. The cell viability and bioactivity of hydroxyapatite particles (FSHA) were investigated and compared with those of HAp synthesized (s.HA) by the precipitation method. The HAp particles from fish scales showed non‐toxic behavior to dental pulp stem cells similar to HAp synthesized. Additionally, bioactivity assays show that the Hap from natural source forms the bone‐like apatite layer faster than s.HA sample, after being incubated in McCoy medium for 3 days. The results illustrate that HAp obtained from Osteoglossum bicirrhosum fish scale bio‐waste showed excellent biocompatibility. Besides, this study provides an effective method for converting low‐cost bio‐waste into a value‐added and it can be a potential alternative biomaterial for various biomedical applications.
Active genic machinery for epigenetic RNA modifications in bees
Authors: Bataglia L. , Simões Z. L. P. , Nunes F. M. F.
Published: July 2021

Epitranscriptomics is an emerging field of investigation dedicated to the study of post‐transcriptional RNA modifications. RNA methylations regulate RNA metabolism and processing, including changes in response to environmental cues. Although RNA modifications are conserved from bacteria to eukaryotes, there is little evidence of an epitranscriptomic pathway in insects. Here we identified genes related to RNA m6A (N6‐methyladenine) and m5C (5‐methylcytosine) methylation machinery in seven bee genomes (Apis mellifera, Melipona quadrifasciata, Frieseomelitta varia, Eufriesea mexicana, Bombus terrestris, Megachile rotundata and Dufourea novaeangliae). In A. mellifera, we validated the expression of methyltransferase genes and found that the global levels of m6A and m5C measured in the fat body and brain of adult workers differ significantly. Also, m6A levels were differed significantly mainly between the fourth larval instar of queens and workers. Moreover, we found a conserved m5C site in the honeybee 28S rRNA. Taken together, we confirm the existence of epitranscriptomic machinery acting in bees and open avenues for future investigations on RNA epigenetics in a wide spectrum of hymenopteran species.
Ectopic lymphoid follicles in progressive multiple sclerosis: From patients to animal models
Authors: Zhan Jiangshan , Kipp Markus , Han Wenling , Kaddatz Hannes
Published: July 2021

Ectopic lymphoid follicles (ELFs), resembling germinal centre‐like structures, emerge in a variety of infectious and autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. ELFs can be found in the meninges of around 40% of the investigated progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) post‐mortem brain tissues and are associated with the severity of cortical degeneration and clinical disease progression. Of predominant importance for progressive neuronal damage during the progressive MS phase appears to be meningeal inflammation, comprising diffuse meningeal infiltrates, B‐cell aggregates and compartmentalized ELFs. However, the absence of a uniform definition of ELFs impedes reproducible and comparable neuropathological research in this field. In this review article, we will first highlight historical aspects and milestones around the discovery of ELFs in the meninges of progressive MS patients. In the next step, we discuss how animal models may contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying ELF formation. Finally, we summarize challenges in investigating ELFs and propose potential directions for future research.