bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on interspecific competition between Eotetranychus sexmaculatus Riley and Oligonychus biharensis Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: ZHENG LIJIU , FU YUEGUAN , LIU YA , LIN YULUN , CHEN JUNYU
Published: November 2022

Natural rubber is an important tropical crop. Eotetranychus sexmaculatus Riley has been an important phytophagous mite on rubber trees since the 1980s (Liu et al. 2022). In recent years, Oligonychus biharensis Hirst as presented an increasing trend of damage to rubber trees and has become another crucial phytophagous mite. These two spider mite species both inhabit and damage the leaves. They occur separately or together in the field and have high-overlapped ecological niches. Therefore, we hypothesized that interspecific competition existed between them, and their coexistence might inhibit the population growth of one or both species to obtain food and spatial resources (Li et al. 2018). Additionally, the outbreaks of these two spider mite species have often been found with high temperature and drought stresses. Therefore, focusing on whether there is competition between the two species of spider mites and how temperature affects them, the population dynamics of E. sexmaculatus and O. biharensis (female: male=1:1), and their mixed populations were assessed at 27, 30, and 33°C. For each treatment, 30 pairs of spider mites were used. There are five starting densities of E. sexmaculatus and O. biharensis individuals: 30 vs. 0, 0 vs. 30, 10 vs. 20, 15 vs. 15, and 20 vs. 10, respectively. The virgin male and female adult mites were picked and transferred onto the rubber leaves (96 cm2). These mites were reared in climate chambers with different temperatures and the leaves were replaced regularly. The numbers of each mite stage were recorded every 5 days. The experiments ended when one of the spider mite species was extinct in the mixed populations. The results showed interspecific competition existed between E. sexmaculatus and O. biharensis. Either pure population of two spider mites was greater in numbers than the mixed populations. The populations of E. sexmaculatus were significantly suppressed by O. biharensis. The mean and peak values of the innate capacity of increase (rm) were greater in O. biharensis than E. sexmaculatus in all treatments, indicating that O. biharensis was more competitive than E. sexmaculatus. Additionally, E. sexmaculatus was rapidly replaced by O. biharensis with the increased temperature, regardless of their starting densities. At 33°C, the highest interspecific competition coefficients were obtained (0.5695 and 0.6188, respectively) when the mixed populations of E. sexmaculatus and O. biharensis were 10 vs. 20 and 20 vs. 10. In conclusion, O. biharensis was more competitive than E. sexmaculatus at all tested temperatures, regardless of their starting densities.
Expression profiles of vitellogenin-1 in Babesia ovata-infected Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks
Authors: SATO NARIKO , SUZUKI HIROSHI , UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI RIKA
Published: November 2022

Ticks are hematophagous arthropods and have a remarkable ability to transmit various parasites. Babesia ovata, a protozoan parasite that causes babesiosis in cattle, is transmitted from parent to offspring in Haemaphysalis longicornis. Although transovarial transmission is demonstrated experimentally, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of tick-Babesia in that phenomenon.
The phylogeny of acariform mites: what brought us here and perspectives
Authors: PEPATO ALMIR R. , COSTA SAMUEL G. DOS S. , KLIMOV PAVEL B.
Published: November 2022

Recent years have witnessed an increasing availability of DNA sequence data from acariform mites. However, compared to Hexapoda, a clade to which the mite diversity rivals, the amount of acariform molecular data estimated in cells in supermatrix alignments (Fig. 1) is lagging behind by approximately one decade, since insect datasets reached 107 cells in 2010 (reviewed in Kjer et al. 2016).
Effects of different hosts on biological characteristics of Ornithodoros lahorensis (Neumann, 1908)
Authors: SUN LU , ZHANG JINGKAI , XU XIAOFENG , WU YOUHONG , CHEN ZE
Published: November 2022

Ornithodoros lahorensis (Neumann, 1908) is an important zoonotic parasite, and is widely distributed in the Palearctic region. It often causes anemia in domestic animals. Under natural conditions, this species shows a special preference for sheep, but also occurs on other domestic animals, occasionally infests swallow, and also humans. O. lahorensis often lives between bricks and stones, under plaster and in cracks of roof supports of stables. The blood feeding pattern of O. lahorensis is unique among soft ticks. It usually shows a two-host pattern, i.e. biting the host all the time from larva to the last nymphal instar, detaching from the hosts as engorged nymphs, and then molting to adults which will feed on another host. However, if no host is available for the newly molted adult, O. lahorensis becomes facultatively autogenous as a one-host tick, and can even undergo two gonotrophic cycles without a blood meal. O. lahorensis has adapted to continuous parasitism at an important stage of its life cycle. However, some engorged larvae can drop off the rabbit without showing two-host feeding pattern. The number of nymphal instars of O. lahorensis is variable, especially when feeding on different hosts. This species typically has three nymphal stages, when meeting its favorite host such as sheep, whereas it has four to five nymphal stages, if its hosts are rabbits and rodents. Additionally, O. lahorensis adults are more selective about hosts than immature stages. Adult ticks can suck blood from birds, bats and rodents reluctantly, and the period of suction is delayed up to 5 hours. Therefore, the host could influence the biological features of O. lahorensis significantly.
Revisional notes on Iolaus aequatorialis Stempffer Bennett, 1958 and related species in the subgenus Philiolaus Stempffer Bennett, 1958 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Theclinae), with description of two new species
Authors: SÁFIÁN SZABOLCS , COLLINS STEVE C.
Published: November 2022

Similarities in male and female genitalic structure isolate a small group of taxa in the genus Iolaus Hübner, [1819], subgenus Philiolaus Stempffer & Bennett, 1958, related to Iolaus aequatorialis Stempffer & Bennett, 1958. They are assigned to the newly proposed I. aequatorialis species group with two new species recognised and described. This action also clarifies previous taxonomic misunderstandings involving a few other species with similar facies because of a lack of information on male and female genital morphology.
The conquest of land by the Amphipoda (Senticaudata, Talitroidea) explained by global tectonics and vicariance
Authors: MYERS ALAN
Published: November 2022

The Talitroidea originated from a marine ancestor in the amphipod family Hyalidae that colonised marshy land flooded occasionally by the sea. From there, some descendants migrated inland along river catchments, as their terrestrial adaptations evolved, becoming riparian. Over time they colonised moist habitats in fields and forests. The superfamily Talitroidea comprises all known terrestrial amphipods and it has an almost worldwide distribution, but families have discrete distributions. Because all amphipods release fully formed young and have no dispersive phase in their life history, their potential for dispersal is extremely limited. Terrestrial talitroids are particularly constrained on a global scale, because their adaptations for terrestrial life prevent them from crossing seas or oceans. It has been hypothesised that Talitridae living on marine shores might traverse oceans on rafts of detached wrack. Support for this might be the fact that beach hoppers are the most widely distributed of the Talitroidea. However, they have been shown to abandon floating objects actively and several attempts to explain specific cases of talitrid distributions by implicating rafting have been falsified. The broad distributions of Talitroidea across the globe can be explained parsimoniously only by vicariance. The family Arcitalitridae is, with one exception, endemic to Australasia and South Africa, which have been separated from one another since the late Jurrasic c.150Ma. The exception is provided by two genera in Indochina, which probably arrived in Laurasia when India, which had been part of east Gondwana, accreted to Laurasia in the Miocene. However, terranes separated from the margins of Gondwana in the late Triassic-early Jurrasic and then accreted as allochthonous terranes to Laurasia, so the possibility of arcitalitrids arriving in Laurasia at that time, cannot be excluded. The family Makawidae, which is endemic to Zealandia and Tasmania, probably attained it’s current distribution through the expansion of the Tasman Sea in the Cretaceous.
Dishkeya, a recently described endemic Tischeriidae genus, now discovered in Colombia
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , MEY WOLFRAM
Published: November 2022

This paper describes Dishkeya ursipedella Diškus, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov. from Cundinamarca, Choachi (Colombia). The new species was collected at night time at light, therefore, the host plant remains unknown. The examination of morphology of the male genitalia of D. ursipedella revealed a highly distinctive new taxon of trumpet moths belonging to the recently described endemic genus Dishkeya Stonis. The new species is illustrated with photographs of the male genitalia, adults, and habitats. In a pictorial scheme, the male genitalia characters of D. ursipedella are compared with those of all other currently known members of Dishkeya.
Divergence in Climate Model Projections of Future Arctic Atlantification
Authors: Muilwijk Morven , Nummelin Aleksi , Heuzé Céline , Polyakov Igor V. , Zanowski Hannah , Smedsrud Lars H.
Published: November 2022

The Arctic Ocean is strongly stratified by salinity in the uppermost layers. This stratification is a key attribute of the region as it acts as an effective barrier for the vertical exchanges of Atlantic Water heat, nutrients, and CO2 between intermediate depths and the surface of the Eurasian and Amerasian basins (EB and AB, respectively). Observations show that from 1970 to 2017, the stratification in the AB has strengthened, whereas, in parts of the EB, the stratification has weakened. The strengthening in the AB is linked to freshening and deepening of the halocline. In the EB, the weakened stratification is associated with salinification and shoaling of the halocline (Atlantification). Simulations from a suite of CMIP6 models project that, under a strong greenhouse gas forcing scenario (ssp585), the overall surface freshening and warming continue in both basins, but there is a divergence in hydrographic trends in certain regions. Within the AB, there is agreement among the models that the upper layers will become more stratified. However, within the EB, models diverge regarding future stratification. This is due to different balances between trends at the surface and trends at depth, related to Fram Strait fluxes. The divergence affects projections of the future state of Arctic sea ice, as models with the strongest Atlantification project the strongest decline in sea ice volume in the EB. From these simulations, one could conclude that Atlantification will not spread eastward into the AB; however, models must be improved to simulate changes in a more intricately stratified EB correctly.
Extracting 3-D Radar Features to Improve Quantitative Precipitation Estimation in Complex Terrain based on Deep Learning Neural Networks
Authors: Cheng Yung-Yun , Chang Chia-Tung , Chen Buo-Fu , Kuo Hung-Chi , Lee Cheng-Shang
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a new quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) technique to provide accurate rainfall estimates in complex terrain, where conventional QPE has limitations. The operational radar QPE in Taiwan is mainly based on the simplified relationship between radar reflectivity Z and rain rate R [R(Z) relation] and only utilizes the single-point lowest available echo to estimate rain rates, leading to low accuracy in complex terrain. Here, we conduct QPE using deep learning that extracts features from 3-D radar reflectivities to address the above issues. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are used to analyze contoured frequency by altitude diagrams (CFADs) to generate the QPE. CNN models are trained on existing rain gauges in northern and eastern Taiwan with the three-year data during 2015–17 and validated and tested using 2018 data. The weights of heavy rains (≧10 mm h-1) are increased in the model loss calculation to handle the unbalanced rainfall data and improve accuracy.

Results show that the CNN outperforms the R(Z) relation based on the 2018 rain-gauge data. Furthermore, this research proposes methods to conduct 2-D gridded QPE at every pixel by blending estimates from various trained CNN models. Verification based on independent rain gauges shows that the CNN QPE solves the underestimation of the R(Z) relation in mountainous areas. Case studies are presented to visualize the results, showing that the CNN QPE generates better small-scale rainfall features and more accurate precipitation information. This deep learning QPE technique may be helpful for the disaster prevention of small-scale flash floods in complex terrain.
Technology-Based Self-Monitoring and Visual Supports to Teach Question Asking Skills to Young Adults With Autism in Community Settings
Authors: Bross Leslie Ann , Huffman Jonathan M. , Anderson Ashley , Alhibs Mashael , Rousey Jessica G. , Pinczynski Monique
Published: November 2022

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically benefit from individually-designed interventions to engage in reciprocal conversation. We used a multiple baseline across participants design to evaluate the effects of a technology-based self-monitoring application (i.e., I-Connect) and visual supports to teach question asking skills to three males with ASD, ages 21–26. Participants selected community locations to participate in structured conversations with peers that were audio recorded. All participants demonstrated an immediate effect to increase their number of questions asked when using I-Connect to self-monitor. However, participant responding varied when visual supports were added. Maintenance also varied across participants. Findings indicated existing evidence-based practices for learners with ASD, such as self-monitoring and visual supports, can be combined in socially valid ways. Implications and suggestions for future research related to teaching conversation skills for young adults with ASD are discussed.
Density graded polymer composite foams
Authors: Tan XueMei , Rodrigue Denis
Published: November 2022

This article reviews the main developments associated with density graded polymer composite foams. After a short introduction, a discussion is made on both density graded polymer-based composites and foams separately to better understand the challenges when both structures are combined together to produce composite foams. In all cases, the basic concepts, fabrication methods, main properties and general applications are presented. Opening for future works are also presented to conclude.
Adolescents’ Individual Characteristics and Intentions to Seek Help from Types of Peers and Parents
Authors: Sears Heather A. , MacIntyre Leslie J.
Published: November 2022

Adolescents’ relationships with friends and with parents provide them with access to potential sources of assistance when they are experiencing problems. However, we lack more nuanced information about the types of peers and parents they intend to approach and about the contributions their individual characteristics make to their plans. This study examined adolescents’ intentions to seek help for a personal/emotional problem from five types of peers and parents (female friend, male friend, romantic partner, mother, father) and evaluated the unique, common, and total contributions of youth’s individual characteristics (gender, adaptable temperament, negative affect, self-disclosure competence, and conformity to the emotional control, self-reliance, and nice in relationships gender norms) to their intentions. Participants were 358 Canadian adolescents (51% boys; Grades 9–12) who completed a survey at school. On average, adolescents reported moderate intentions to seek assistance from each type of peer and parent. Hierarchical regression and commonality analyses showed that adolescents’ gender, self-disclosure competence, and emotional control beliefs made the largest total contributions to help-seeking intentions for both types of friends; self-disclosure competence and emotional control and self-reliance beliefs were most salient for help-seeking intentions for a romantic partner; and self-reliance beliefs and negative affect were most salient for help-seeking intentions for each parent, with emotional control beliefs also contributing to help-seeking intentions for mother. These results highlight the need to include more precise terms for peers and parents in help-seeking models and in assessments of adolescents’ help-seeking intentions, and the benefit of examining the unique, common, and total contributions of adolescents’ individual characteristics to clarify their relevance to youth’s plans to seek help.
Prognostic significance of 18F-FDG PET/CT indices in metastatic renal cell cancer and evaluation of revised IMDC risk model by including 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters
Authors: Arikan Rukiye , Ozguven Salih , Telli Tugba Akin , Isik Selver , Demircan Nazım Can , Basoglu Tugba , Yasar Alper , Celebi Abdussamet , Filizoglu Nuh , Ustun Hilal Sagiroglu , Tinay Ilker , Ones Tunc , Turoglu Halil Turgut , Erdil Tanju Yusuf , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Ercelep Ozlem , Bayoglu Vedat , Kostek Osman , Dane Faysal , Yumuk Perran Fulden
Published: November 2022

Background

Prognostic markers in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) are still insufficient. Any prognostic model objectively determines disease burden.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) parameters and outcomes in mRCC, and to define a revised International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) model for the intermediate-risk group.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of mRCC was conducted. To investigate the prognostic significance of 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were determined in pre-treatment images. Cutoff values were defined by ROC curve analyses and their association with outcomes was analyzed. Additionally, a TLG-adjusted IMDC model was created by stratifying intermediate-risk group patients according to TLG levels.

Results

The study included 52 patients. The disease control rate (DCR) was 61.5% and median overall survival (OS) was 18 months (95% confidence interval=9.2–25.8). In the univariate analyses, IMDC score, MTV, and TLG were prognostic factors for Disease Control Rate (DCR), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-Performance Status (PS), IMDC score, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), treatment option, MTV, and TLG were prognostic factors for OS ( P < 0.05 each). In the multivariate analyses, MTV was an independent prognostic factor for DCR, and ECOG-PS, LDH, IMDC score, and TLG were independent prognostic factors for OS. According to the revised-IMDC model, the intermediate-favorable group showed longer OS than the intermediate-unfavorable group.

Conclusion

Pretreatment MTV was independent prognostic factor for DCR and ECOG-PS, LDH, IMDC score, and TLG were independent prognostic factors for OS. Revised-IMDC model could identify patients with a worse prognosis among the IMDC intermediate-risk group.
Non-model friction disturbance compensation for an inertially stabilized platform based on type-2 fuzzy control with self-adjusting correction factor
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Wang Weiqian , Gao Hao , Shu Tongtong , Zhu Zhuangsheng
Published: November 2022

To decrease the effect of nonlinear friction disturbance on the control accuracy of the inertially stabilized platform (ISP) for aerial remote sensing applications, a non-model friction compensation method based on type-2 fuzzy control (T-2 FC) is proposed. To improve the controller’s adaptability, an online complex self-adjusting correction factor method is designed, in which both the fuzzy regulator and the improved integral time absolute error method are combined to adjust the weighting factor and the quantitative factor of the T-2 FC online, respectively. In this way, the nonlinear friction disturbance error is compensated in real-time to obtain high system control accuracy. The experimental results show that compared with traditional PID control and the single T-2 FC, the proposed T-2 FC with self-adjusting correction factor has better disturbance rejection capability to the nonlinear friction disturbance. The ISP has seen a tremendous improvement in both stability and control precision.
Shear bond strength and failure modes of composite to dentin under different light-curing conditions
Authors: Miljkovic Milan , Dacic Stefan , Mitic Aleksandar , Petkovic Dusan , Andjelkovic-Apostolovic Marija
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to examine the effects of different light-curing modes on the immediate shear bond strength (SBS) of different composite resin types to dentin using universal adhesive. Human teeth were extracted and sectioned to obtain flat dentin slices. The universal adhesive was applied in total-etch mode. Conventional and bulkfill composites were used to create cylindric build-ups. Full power and Ramp mode were used to light-cure the adhesive and composite resin. SBS test was performed in a universal testing machine, and failure modes were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two-way ANOVA and Student t-test were used to analyze statistical data. Significantly higher SBS was obtained when bulkfill composite was used compared to the conventional one ( p < .001). The difference between Full power and Ramp curing mode was insignificant ( p = .4). Mixed failure was the predominant type. Low SBS resulted in adhesive failure, while high SBS resulted in cohesive failure. Shear bond strength was not curing-dependent but rather material-dependent. Ramped curing does not contribute to higher bond strength. Bulkfill composite seems to be more favourable in terms of bond strength.
Anisometropic amblyopia: A review of functional and structural changes and treatment
Authors: Meng Can , Zhang Yan , Wang Shurong
Published: November 2022

Amblyopia is the decreased best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in one or both eyes caused by the abnormal processing of visual input during development. One common cause of amblyopia is anisometropia, which has attracted widespread attention. Many structural changes occur in the primary and extrastriate visual areas of the cerebral cortex, as well as in the eyes, in patients with anisometropic amblyopia. Understanding these mechanisms has provided a favorable theoretical basis for treating anisometropic amblyopia. This article reviews the functional and anatomical changes and progress toward the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia.
Shifting the burden of emissions permit approval in the United States: The case for improved state action
Authors: Piekarz-Porter Elizabeth , Cailas Michael D.
Published: November 2022

Federal regulations in the United States of America concerning the environment are currently in the process of being re-implemented and redeveloped after years of roll-back under the Trump Administration. This opinion recommends three steps that individual states could take to support stronger environmental policies, which are rooted in ‘environmental justice’ in relation to issuing emission permits, so as to mitigate the impact of industry upon overburdened communities, and in doing so improve air quality, whilst the federal government reworks its own standards. Given the current political situation, which is heavily contested, and the complicated legal structure of the USA the opinion concludes, that in the context of issuing permits, and having considered a range of environmental law issues at each level of the United States government, that states have a vital role to play in mitigating the ‘environmental impact’ of pollution on underserved communities, and in tackling other environmental problems.
Improving ergonomic performance of work pants for delivery personnel based on skin deformation measurement
Authors: Song Wenfang , Ye Ying , Huiming Hu , Chai Lifang , Chen Zihao
Published: November 2022

Clothing plays a significant role in affecting the performance, comfort, and mobility of human body. However, no study explored the clothing for delivery personnel with improved ergonomic performance. The purpose of this study was to develop a pair of novel work pants to increase the mobility and comfort of delivery personnel. Skin deformation rates of eight university students were measured using surface-painting-line method under various typical activities simulating those of the delivery personnel. Then, based on the results, a pair of novel pants was developed. After that, 25 male students were recruited to compare the ergonomic performances between the novel work pants and traditional pants using both objective and subjective methods. It is discovered that the largest skin deformation rate was at the centerline in the upper (49.3%) and lower knee regions (52.3%) under riding activity. Novel work pants were then developed by creating folded structures in the regions based on the deformation rates, which could be stretched and shortened following human movement. Human tests revealed that the novel pants could significantly increase the range of motion of hip flexion and improve ease of move and comfort sensations in the knees and limbs as well as reducing pressure sensations in these regions. The novel work pants could effectively improve wearers’ mobility and comfort both in the limbs and was thus expected to reduce the limb fatigue and improve performance of the delivery personnel.
Effect of an Online Mindfulness Course for Hospital Doctors During COVID-19 Pandemic on Resilience and Coping
Authors: Hanson Petra , Villarreal Manuel , Khan Majid , Dale Jeremy , Sankar Sailesh
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Physicians’ wellbeing is a priority to prevent increasing rates of poor mental health and burnout, exacerbated by caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured mindfulness courses have been shown to be beneficial, but face-to-face delivery is not always feasible in the context of busy health services. Remotely delivered structured mindfulness courses could enable wider participation, particularly at time when social distancing to prevent infection transmission is necessary. Our objective was to test the feasibility of a remotely delivered structured mindfulness course for hospital doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

This was a feasibility study run at one English hospital between January and March 2021, when COVID-19 admissions were at a high. Interested doctors participated in a 6-session remotely delivered mindfulness course. Sessions lasted 90 min and could be attended on-line or the recording watched at later time. Main outcome measures were data on interest, course attendance and engagement, together with validated psychological outcome measures at baseline and follow-up after course completion.

Results:

20 doctors expressed interest to participate and 16 started the course. Of these, 12 completed at least 3 sessions (median = 4); difficulty attending resulted from conflicting clinical commitments and rosters. Twelve participants completed the follow-up survey. They rated the course highly and all perceived it to have been useful, with statistically significant ( P < .01) improvements in wellbeing and mindfulness scores. They all stated that they would recommend this course to their colleagues and most (10/12) were interested in follow-up mindfulness sessions.

Conclusion:

Remotely delivered structured mindfulness training for hospital doctors was feasible, but there is a need to address the difficulties that affected attendance in order to optimize accessibility and completion of such programs.
Respiratory muscle training in neuromuscular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Watson Kathryn , Egerton Thorlene , Sheers Nicole , Retica Sarah , McGaw Rebekah , Clohessy Talia , Webster Penny , Berlowitz David J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Neuromuscular disease causes a progressive decline in ventilatory function which respiratory muscle training may address. Previous systematic reviews have focussed on single diseases, whereas this study systematically reviewed the collective evidence for respiratory muscle training in children and adults with any neuromuscular disease.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for randomised controlled trials. Three reviewers independently reviewed eligibility, extracted characteristics, results, determined risk of bias and combined results using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis.

Results

37 studies (40 publications from 1986–2021, n=951 participants) were included. Respiratory muscle training improved forced vital capacity (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.40 (95% confidence interval 0.12–0.69)), maximal inspiratory (SMD 0.53 (0.21–0.85)) and maximal expiratory pressure (SMD 0.70 (0.35–1.04)) compared to control (usual care, sham or alternative treatment). No impact on cough, dyspnoea, voice, physical capacity or quality of life was detected. There was high degree of variability between studies.

Discussion

Study heterogeneity (children and adults, different diseases, interventions, dosage and comparators) suggests that the results should be interpreted with caution. Including all neuromuscular diseases increased the evidence pool and tested the intervention overall.

Conclusions

Respiratory muscle training improves lung volumes and respiratory muscle strength in neuromuscular disease, but confidence is tempered by limitations in the underlying research.
Frailty in older people living with HIV: current status and clinical management
Authors: Kehler D. Scott , Milic Jovana , Guaraldi Giovanni , Fulop Tamas , Falutz Julian
Published: November 2022

This paper will update care providers on the clinical and scientific aspects of frailty which affects an increasing proportion of older people living with HIV (PLWH). The successful use of combination antiretroviral therapy has improved long-term survival in PLWH. This has increased the proportion of PLWH older than 50 to more than 50% of the HIV population. Concurrently, there has been an increase in the premature development of age-related comorbidities as well as geriatric syndromes, especially frailty, which affects an important minority of older PLWH. As the number of frail older PLWH increases, this will have an important impact on their health care delivery. Frailty negatively affects a PLWH’s clinical status, and increases their risk of adverse outcomes, impacting quality of life and health-span. The biologic constructs underlying the development of frailty integrate interrelated pathways which are affected by the process of aging and those factors which accelerate aging. The negative impact of sarcopenia in maintaining musculoskeletal integrity and thereby functional status may represent a bidirectional interaction with frailty in PLWH. Furthermore, there is a growing body of literature that frailty states may be transitional. The recognition and management of related risk factors will help to mitigate the development of frailty. The application of interdisciplinary geriatric management principles to the care of older PLWH allows reliable screening and care practices for frailty. Insight into frailty, increasingly recognized as an important marker of biologic age, will help to understand the diversity of clinical status occurring in PLWH, which therefore represents a fundamentally new and important aspect to be evaluated in their health care.
Fibronectin glomerulopathy with monoclonal gammopathy responding to bortezomib plus dexamethasone: a case report
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Qi Xueting , Ma Zhigang , Huang Wenhui
Published: November 2022

Background

Fibronectin glomerulopathy is a rare, familial glomerular disease characterized by mesangial fibronectin deposition in the glomeruli. It is caused by the genetic defect in fibronectin and does not involve the activation of the immune system. Therefore, glomerular immunoglobulin and complement staining is generally absent or weak. Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is an increasing cause of renal lesion, featured by light chain (κ or λ) and/or heavy chain restriction in glomeruli. Herein, we report a case of fibronectin glomerulopathy presenting as strong IgA and C3 immunostaining in renal biopsy, concomitant with monoclonal gammopathy (monoclonal IgA κ).

Case presentation

A 44-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for one-month pedal edema. The serum albumin of 19.6 g/l, and the 24-h urine protein was 15.092 g. Immunofixation electrophoresis displayed monoclonal IgA. The renal biopsy showed the mesangial deposits positive for IgA (3+) and C3 (3+) and also for IgG (2+), IgM (2+), and C1q (2+) IF microscopy. In addition, the staining intensity of light chain κ was slight greater than that of light chain λ. The glomerular deposits were strongly positive by FN by immuohistochemistry. The patient was treated with bortezomib, dexamethasone in combination with cyclophosphamide and gained partial remission.

Conclusion

We present the first FNG patient with strong IgA and C3 immunostaining in the context of monoclonal IgA κ in the circulation. Perhaps FNG, monoclonal IgA κ and immune activation are potentially interplayed and eventually induce renal injuries.
Effects of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and aflibercept for branch retinal vein occlusion on the choroid: a retrospective study
Authors: Kishishita Shuta , Sakanishi Yoshihito , Morita Shu , Matsuzawa Moe , Usui-Ouchi Ayumi , Ebihara Nobuyuki
Published: November 2022

Background

Macular edema is found in more than half of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) cases, leading to visual loss in most of these cases. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor is currently the standard treatment for macular edema due to BRVO (BRVO-ME). The difference in the effects of aflibercept and ranibizumab on the choroid in BRVO-ME is unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and aflibercept on BRVO-ME.

Methods

We retrospectively observed changes in choroidal thickness in the subfoveal region in 36 patients with BRVO-ME who visited the Department of Ophthalmology at the Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital. The patients were treated with intravitreal injection of aflibercept or ranibizumab and followed up for 12 months or more.

Results

The observed point bifurcated into the affected and non-affected sides 500 μm from the fovea. The central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were 564.2 ± 268.5 μm and 228.8 ± 50.1 μm, respectively, in the ranibizumab group (16 patients, 16 eyes) and 542.4 ± 172.5 μm and 246.1 ± 59.1 μm, respectively, in the aflibercept group (20 patients, 20 eyes). The changes in CMT at 12 months were 324.0 ± 262.6 μm and 326.55 ± 187.2 μm in the ranibizumab and aflibercept groups, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.97). Similarly, the changes in SFCT over 12 months were not significant between the groups (ranibizumab, 41.9 ± 33.0 μm; aflibercept, 43.8 ± 43.8 μm, p = 0.89).

Conclusion

The effects of ranibizumab and aflibercept on choroidal thickness in BRVO-ME were the same regardless of the site. Although BRVO is a retinal disease, we hope that we can further explore the mechanism of BRVO-ME by observing changes in the choroid in the future.
Validation of the vault prediction model based on the sulcus-to-sulcus diameter and lens thickness: a 925-eye prospective study
Authors: Zhu Qiu-Jian , Xing Xiao-Ying , Zhu Man-Hui , Ma Lie , Yuan You , Song E.
Published: November 2022

Background

To verify the accuracy and stability of the prediction formula based on the ciliary sulcus diameter and lens thickness and to analyse factors influencing the prediction results.

Methods

In total, 925 eyes from 506 subjects were enrolled in this prospective study between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Subjects were divided into four seasons, each spanning three months. The target vault was set to be between 300 μm and 700 μm according the prediction formula. The actual vault was measured one month postoperatively. The Bland–Altman test, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) were used to evaluate the agreement between the predicted vault and the actual vault. Eyes with absolute prediction errors greater than 300 μm were further analysed.

Results

The mean predicted vaults for the four seasons were 503 ± 99, 494 ± 96, 481 ± 92 and 502 ± 93 μm, while the mean actual vaults were 531 ± 189, 491 ± 179, 464 ± 179 and 529 ± 162 μm, respectively. The predicted and actual vaults of the overall subjects were 493 ± 95 and 500 ± 180 μm, respectively. Of the 925 eyes, 861 eyes (93.08%), 42 eyes (4.54%), and 22 eyes (2.38%) showed a normal vault, high vault, and low vault, respectively. Bland–Altman plots showed that the mean difference between the actual vault and predicted vault overall (± 95% LoA) was 6.43 ± 176.2 μm (-339 to 352 μm). Three UBM features may lead to large prediction errors (more than 300 μm): wide iris-ciliary angle (ICA), iris concavity and anteriorly positioned ciliary body.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the accuracy and stability of the prediction formula through the validation of a large sample size and a long time span. Wide ICA, iris concavity and anteriorly positioned ciliary body may have an effect on vault.
Prognostic value of exercise capacity in incident diabetes: a country with high prevalence of diabetes
Authors: Jamiel Abdelrahman A. , Ardah Husam I. , Ahmed Amjad M. , Al-Mallah Mouaz H.
Published: November 2022

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a fast-growing health problem that imposes an enormous economic burden. Several studies demonstrated the association between physical inactivity and predicting the incidence of diabetes. However, these prediction models have limited validation locally. Therefore, we aim to explore the predictive value of exercise capacity in the incidence of diabetes within a high diabetes prevalence population.

Methodology

A retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients free of diabetes who underwent clinically indicated treadmill stress testing. Diabetic patients at baseline or patients younger than 18 years of age were excluded. Incident diabetes was defined as an established clinical diagnosis post-exercise testing date. The predictive value of exercise capacity was examined using Harrell’s c-index, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination index (IDI).

Results

A total of 8,722 participants (mean age 46 ± 12 years, 66.3% were men) were free of diabetes at baseline. Over a median follow-up period of 5.24 (2.17–8.78) years, there were 2,280 (≈ 26%) new cases of diabetes. In a multivariate model adjusted for conventional risk factors, we found a 12% reduction in the risk of incident diabetes for each METs achieved (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.88–0.92; P < 0.001). Using Cox regression, exercise capacity improved the prediction ability beyond the conventional risk factors (AUC = 0.62 to 0.66 and c-index = 0.62 to 0.68).

Conclusion

Exercise capacity improved the overall predictability of diabetes. Patients with reduced exercise capacity are at high risk for developing incidence diabetes. Improvement of both physical activity and functional capacity represents a preventive measure for the general population.
The aftermath of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest for young exercisers - a qualitative study in Norway
Authors: Hardeland Camilla , Leonardsen Ann-Chatrin Linqvist , Isern Cecilie Benedicte , Berge Hilde Moseby
Published: November 2022

Background

When surviving a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of surviving may be present for months or years. The survivors' family and colleagues are also highly affected by the incident. There is little knowledge about experiences of surviving SCA in individuals who prior to the incident were young and reported to exercise regularly. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the aftermath of surviving a SCA in young, regular exercisers.

Methods

The study had a qualitative design, conducting in-depth individual interviews with SCA survivors < 50 years of age reporting to exercise ≥ 5 h/week and/or who suffered SCA during or less than 60 min after exercise. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation in-line with recommendations from Malterud.

Results

18 of 31 eligible participants were included in the study. Through analysis we identified ‘Establishing a new everyday life’ as superordinate category, with subordinate categories a) being part of my surroundings, b) expecting normality but facing a new reality and c) lucky to be alive!

Conclusion

This study adds knowledge about young and regular exercisers’ experiences after surviving a SCA. The obligations of everyday life in young survivors of SCA often imply a high work load and complex tasks, e.g. due to being in the beginning of their career or even still studying. Healthcare personnel, as well as the society, need to acknowledge that although lucky to be alive and apparently well-functioning, young survivors of SCA may have persistent challenges that cause frustration and reduced quality of life.
Social determinants of health and the prediction of missed breast imaging appointments
Authors: Sotudian Shahabeddin , Afran Aaron , LeBedis Christina A. , Rives Anna F. , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch. , Fishman Michael D. C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Predictive models utilizing social determinants of health (SDH), demographic data, and local weather data were trained to predict missed imaging appointments (MIA) among breast imaging patients at the Boston Medical Center (BMC). Patients were characterized by many different variables, including social needs, demographics, imaging utilization, appointment features, and weather conditions on the date of the appointment.

Methods

This HIPAA compliant retrospective cohort study was IRB approved. Informed consent was waived. After data preprocessing steps, the dataset contained 9,970 patients and 36,606 appointments from 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2019. We identified 57 potentially impactful variables used in the initial prediction model and assessed each patient for MIA. We then developed a parsimonious model via recursive feature elimination, which identified the 25 most predictive variables. We utilized linear and non-linear models including support vector machines (SVM), logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF) to predict MIA and compared their performance.

Results

The highest-performing full model is the nonlinear RF, achieving the highest Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 76% and average F1 score of 85%. Models limited to the most predictive variables were able to attain AUC and F1 scores comparable to models with all variables included. The variables most predictive of missed appointments included timing, prior appointment history, referral department of origin, and socioeconomic factors such as household income and access to caregiving services.

Conclusions

Prediction of MIA with the data available is inherently limited by the complex, multifactorial nature of MIA. However, the algorithms presented achieved acceptable performance and demonstrated that socioeconomic factors were useful predictors of MIA. In contrast with non-modifiable demographic factors, we can address SDH to decrease the incidence of MIA.
Process evaluation of the ‘Grip on Health’ intervention in general and occupational health practice
Authors: Vossen Emma , van der Gulden Joost W. J. , van Genabeek Joost A.G.M. , Schaap Rosanne , Anema Johannes R. , Schaafsma Frederieke G.
Published: November 2022

Background

For working patients with a lower socioeconomic position, health complaints often result from a combination of problems on multiple life domains. To prevent long-term health complaints and absence from work, it is crucial for general and occupational health professionals to adopt a broad perspective on health and to collaborate when necessary. This study aimed to evaluate how the ‘Grip on Health’ intervention is implemented in general and occupational health practice to address multi-domain problems and to promote interprofessional collaboration.

Method

A process evaluation was performed among 28 general and occupational health professionals, who were trained and implemented the Grip on Health intervention during a six-month period. The ‘Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations’ was used to evaluate facilitators and barriers for implementing Grip on Health. Data included three group interviews with 17 professionals, a questionnaire and five individual interviews.

Results

While most health professionals were enthusiastic about the Grip on Health intervention, its implementation was hindered by contextual factors. Barriers in the socio-political context consisted of legal rules and regulations around sickness and disability, professional protocols for interprofessional collaboration, and the Covid-19 pandemic. On the organizational level, lack of consultation time was the main barrier. Facilitators were found on the level of the intervention and the health professional. For instance, professionals described how the intervention supports addressing multi-domain problems and has created awareness of work in each other’s healthcare domain. They recognized the relevance of the intervention for a broad target group and experienced benefits of its use. The intervention period was, nevertheless, too short to determine the outcomes of Grip on Health.

Conclusion

The Grip on Health intervention can be used to address problems on multiple life domains and to stimulate interprofessional collaboration. Visualizing multi-domain problems appeared especially helpful to guide patients with a lower socioeconomic position, and a joint training of general and occupational health professionals promoted their mutual awareness and familiarity. For a wider implementation, stakeholders on all levels, including the government and professional associations, should reflect on ways to address contextual barriers to promote a broad perspective on health as well as on collaborative work.