bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedder status—An analysis over time and assessment of various contributing factors
Authors: Lee Li Yen Candy , Tan Jiayu , Lee Yong Sheng , Syn Christopher Kiu‐Choong
Published: April 2023

The shedder status of a person is an important consideration when evaluating probabilities of DNA transfer during activity‐level assessments. As an extension of our previously published study, the shedder statuses of 38 individuals were reassessed 1 year later. The study found that shedder status may change over time for some individuals and was associated with one's gender, number of items touched, and mobile phone usage. In 29% of touch events, no DNA allele was detected and in 99% of touch events, the amount of DNA deposited was <2 ng. The study also found that in 0.6% of touch events, the participant could be excluded as a contributor of the observed DNA profile, with another person being included. Additionally, our investigations suggest that the current three‐category system for shedder status classification may require further refinement to better represent the individuals' shedder status in a population.
Ichthyoplankton metabarcoding: An efficient tool for early detection of invasive species establishment
Authors: Van Nynatten Alexander , Gallage Kavishka S. , Lujan Nathan K. , Mandrak Nicholas E. , Lovejoy Nathan R.
Published: April 2023

Detection of invasive species is critical for management but is often limited by challenges associated with capture, processing and identification of early life stages. DNA metabarcoding facilitates large‐scale monitoring projects to detect establishment early. Here, we test the use of DNA metabarcoding to monitor invasive species by sequencing over 5000 fishes in bulk ichthyoplankton samples (larvae and eggs) from four rivers of ecological and cultural importance in southern Canada. We were successful in detecting species known from each river and three invasive species in two of the four rivers. This includes the first detection of early life‐stage rudd in the Credit River. We evaluated whether sampling gear affected the detection of invasive species and estimates of species richness, and found that light traps outperform bongo nets in both cases. We also found that the primers used for the amplification of target sequences and the number of sequencing reads generated per sample affect the consistency of species detections. However, these factors have less impact on detections and species richness estimates than the number of samples collected and analysed. Our analyses also show that incomplete reference databases can result in incorrectly attributing DNA sequences to invasive species. Overall, we conclude that DNA metabarcoding is an efficient tool for monitoring the early establishment of invasive species by detecting evidence of reproduction but requires careful consideration of sampling design and the primers used to amplify, sequence and classify the diversity of native and potentially invasive species.
Impacts of U.S. countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers
Authors: Beeler Ashley , Schaefer K. Aleks , Sestak Jacob , Conover Glenn
Published: April 2023

Countervailing duties are a trade policy instrument by which importing governments tax imports that are found to benefit from foreign subsidies. Thus, in effect, these duties attempt to remedy market distortions generated by foreign subsidies by further distorting market mechanisms. On March 11, 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued duties ranging between 19.97% and 47.05% on Moroccan phosphate imports upon finding that Moroccan exports had been receiving unfair government subsidies. In this research, we estimate the impacts of these duties on U.S. diammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate fertilizers, as well as long‐run downstream prices of five U.S. row crops with the largest phosphate usage. Using these results, we assess the implications for gross receipts in the U.S. fertilizer industry and gross margins for American farmers. We also calculate the implied change in expenditure for agricultural end users. We find that the countervailing duties have increased U.S. phosphate fertilizer prices by approximately 34% over counterfactual levels. This corresponds to an expected downstream price response ranging from around 10% for corn, cotton, and sorghum to between 1% and 4% for soybeans and wheat. This market distortion generates a $23 billion increase in gross receipts for a concentrated domestic fertilizer industry while shrinking gross margins for American farmers by 2% and 8% and increasing agricultural user expenditures by approximately $10.84 billion.
Intravasation complicating hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (HyFoSy) using ExEm® Foam
Authors: Ford Jemma , Hince Dana , Lee Emmeline , Lo Glen
Published: April 2023

Background

Transvaginal hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (HyFoSy) assesses tubal patency in an outpatient setting and without ionising radiation, unlike traditional hysterosalpingography (HSG) under fluoroscopy. Like HSG, HyFoSy may be complicated by uterine intramural contrast leak, leading to venous intravasation. Intravasation of particulate contrast agents risks pulmonary or cerebral emboli.

Aims

We aimed to assess the intravasation rate of HyFoSy using ExEm® Foam and association with endometrial thickness, ExEm® Foam volume, uterine length, adenomyosis severity, uterine morphology or pain score.

Methods

An ethics‐approved retrospective study on all HyFoSy examinations between 23 January 2018 and 27 October 2021 on sub‐fertile patients, trying to conceive.

Initial transvaginal sonography confirmed anatomy, uterine morphology, adenomyosis severity and endometrial thickness. Subspecialist radiologists performed HyFoSy with sonographer assistance. Intravasation was identified in real time but also checked for afterwards. Patients were asked to rate instillation pain/discomfort from one to ten immediately afterward.

Results

Four hundred and thirty‐six (n = 436) patients met inclusion criteria. Thirty (6.9%) experienced intravasation. Endometrial thickness and pain score were associated with intravasation. For every millimetre increase in endometrial thickness, the odds of intravasation decreased by 26% (P = 0.010). For every point increase on the pain scale, the odds of intravasation increased by 22% (P = 0.032). There was no evidence of an association between instilled ExEm® Foam volume or the other previously published parameters with intravasation.

Conclusion

A 6.9% rate of intravasation was observed. Both endometrial thickness and pain score were significantly associated with intravasation. There was no evidence of an association between ExEm® Foam volume and intravasation.
The impact of endometriosis on work ability in young Australian women
Authors: Bell Robin J. , Robinson Penelope J. , Skiba Marina A. , Islam Rakibul M. , Hemachandra Chandima , Davis Susan R.
Published: April 2023

Background

Whereas symptomatic endometriosis may affect work performance, the impact of endometriosis in the general community is not known.

Aims

The associations between endometriosis and each of sick leave and work ability, were investigated in a large sample of non‐healthcare seeking women.

Materials and Methods

This community‐based, cross‐sectional study recruited 6986 women, aged 18–39 years, from three eastern states of Australia between 11 November 2016 and 21 July 2017. Women were identified as having endometriosis if they had undergone a pelvic ultrasound and reported a diagnosis of endometriosis. Working women completed the Work Ability Index.

Results

Participants were predominantly of European ancestry (73.1%) and 46.8% were overweight or had obesity. The prevalence of endometriosis was 5.4% (95%CI 4.9–6.0%) with the highest prevalence of 7.7% (95%CI 6.5 to 9.1%) for women aged 35–39 years. Among the 4618 working women, those with endometriosis had significantly more sick days from work (33.6% reported ≥10 days vs 13.5%, overall χ2 P < 0.001). Endometriosis was associated with a greater likelihood of poor to moderate work ability, after adjusting for age, body mass index, ethnicity, relationship status, student status, insecure housing, being a carer for another person, parity, ever use of assisted reproductive technologies, and depressed mood (odds ratio 1.90, 95%CI 1.40–2.58, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence that the negative impact of endometriosis on work attendance and work ability is not limited to women with prevalent symptoms and severe disease, but appears to encompass women across a broader spectrum of this condition in the community.
GDM care re‐imagined: Maternal and neonatal outcomes following a major model of care change for gestational diabetes mellitus at a large metropolitan hospital
Authors: Laurie Josephine G. , Wilkinson Shelley A. , Griffin Alison , McIntyre Harold D.
Published: April 2023

Background

The rapidly rising prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses major challenges to the efficient, timely and sustainable provision of diabetes care.

Aim

To assess whether the implementation of a novel, digital model of care would provide improved efficiency without compromising clinical outcomes in a cohort of women with GDM.

Methods

A digital model of care was developed, implemented and evaluated using a prospective pre‐post study design in 2020–21 at a quaternary centre. We introduced six culturally and linguistically tailored educational videos, home delivery of equipment and prescriptions, and a smartphone app‐to‐clinician portal for glycaemic review and management. Outcomes were prospectively recorded by an electronic medical record. Associations between model of care and maternal and neonatal characteristics and birth outcomes were examined for all women and separately by treatment received (diet, metformin, insulin).

Results

Comparing pre‐implementation (n = 598) and post‐implementation (n = 337) groups, maternal (onset, mode of birth) and neonatal (birthweight, large for gestational age (LGA), nursery admission) clinical outcomes confirmed that the novel model of care was similar to standard, traditional care. Minor birthweight variation was noted when separated by treatment type (diet, metformin, insulin).

Conclusion

This pragmatic service redesign demonstrates reassuring clinical outcomes in a culturally diverse GDM cohort. Despite the lack of randomisation, this intervention has potential generalisability for GDM care and important key learnings for service redesign in the digital era.
Circ_0006873 suppresses the osteogenic differentiation of human‐derived mesenchymal stem cells through mediating miR‐20a/SMURF2 axis in vitro
Authors: Pang Jiangna , Wu Yongfu , Ji Yanlin , Si Yilan , Liang Fang
Published: April 2023

The clinical application of human‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in osteoporosis (OP) treatment is promising. We aimed to uncover the role of circular RNA 0006873 (circ_0006873) in OP progression using hMSCs. The levels of circ_0006873, pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA‐20a (miR‐20a), SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (SMURF2) mRNA and the mRNA levels of osteogenesis‐related markers were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The protein expression of osteogenesis‐related markers and SMURF2 was detected by Western blot assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity were determined using an ALP staining Kit and an ALP Colorimetric Assay Kit. Circ_0006873 was highly expressed in the serum samples and bone tissue samples of OP patients compared with control cases. Circ_0006873 overexpression down‐regulated the expression of osteogenesis‐related markers and reduced ALP staining and activity. Circ_0006873 down‐regulated miR‐20a level through its interaction with miR‐20a in hMSCs. Circ_0006873 suppressed osteogenic differentiation through targeting miR‐20a. SMURF2 was a molecular target of miR‐20a, and miR‐20a promoted osteogenic differentiation through targeting SMURF2. Circ_0006873 suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by upregulating SMURF2 level via sponging miR‐20a in vitro.
Physicochemical properties and structural changes of chicken breast meat subjected to radio frequency tempering combined with conventional thawing treatments
Authors: Kaewkot Chonlathee , Cheng Wen‐Ling , Tan Fa‐Jui
Published: April 2023

Being able to thaw frozen meat in a reasonable time without impairing quality is crucial for industry and households. Radio frequency (RF) techniques have been used to defrost frozen foods. The influences of RF (50 kW, 27.12 MHz) tempering combined with water immersion (WI, 20°C) thawing (RFWI) or air convection (AC, 20°C) thawing (RFAC) on the physicochemical and structural changes of chicken breast meat were investigated, and the results were compared with those of the fresh meat (FM) and the meat samples subjected to WI and AC only. The thawing processes were terminated when the core temperatures of the samples reached 4°C. The results indicated that AC was the most time‐consuming technique, whereas RFWI required the least amount of time. The moisture losses, contents of the thiobarbituric acid–reactive substance, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable counts of the meat subjected to AC were higher. Relatively less changes in water‐holding capacity, coloration, oxidation, microstructure, protein solubility, and high sensorial acceptance were observed for RFWI and RFAC. This study demonstrated that the meat thawed using RFWI and RFAC was of satisfactory quality. Therefore, the RF techniques can be effective alternatives to the time‐consuming conventional thawing methods and benefit the meat industry.
Predictability of success for combined iStent inject trabecular bypass implantation with phacoemulsification in the subsequent eye
Authors: Kiessling David , Rennings Corinna , Hild Matthias , Lappas Alexandra , Dietlein Thomas S. , Roessler Gernot F. , Widder Randolf A.
Published: April 2023

Background

To investigate in combined iStent inject implantation with phacoemulsification carried out bilaterally, whether intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering effectiveness in the first eye has a predictive potential for the outcome of the second eye in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

This retrospective study included 72 eyes from 36 participants, who underwent trabecular bypass implantation in combination with cataract surgery at two study centres (Düsseldorf, Cologne). Surgery was classified as either ‘success’ or ‘failure’ based on three scores: IOP at follow‐up <21 mmHg (Score A) or IOP < 18 mmHg (Score B), with an IOP reduction >20% respectively, without re‐surgery and IOP ≤ 15 mmHg with an IOP reduction ≥40%, without re‐surgery (Score C).

Results

The IOP lowering outcomes of first and second eyes did not differ significantly. There was a significantly higher chance of success in the second eye after effective surgery in the first eye compared with cases after a preceding failure. Within our cohort, a 76% probability of success for the subsequent eye was determined following prior success for Score A. This probability was reduced to 13% if surgery in the first eye failed. The respective probabilities were 75% and 13% for Score B and 40% and 7% for Score C.

Conclusions

In bilateral trabecular bypass implantation combined with cataract surgery, there is a high predictive potential for subsequent eyes based on the extent of IOP‐lowering in the initial eye, which should be considered by the surgeon for second eye surgeries.
Circular RNA as biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wan Mengyao , Min Xiaoli , Chu Guanglei , Luo Yumin , Han Ziping , Li Wei , Xu Ran , Luo Jichang , Li Wenjing , Yang Yutong , Ma Yan , Jiao Liqun , Wang Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Rapid diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is still challenging, and reliable biomarkers are needed. Noncoding RNAs are important for many physiological activities, among which circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proven to be more tissue‐specific and conservative. Many recent studies found the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and ischemic stroke. This systemic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify circRNAs as potential biomarkers for AIS.

Methods

This study has been prospectively registered in PROSPERO (Registration No. 11 CRD42021288033). Published literature comparing circRNA expression profiles between AIS and non‐AIS in human and animal models were retrieved from the articles published by January 2023 in major databases. We descriptively summarized the included studies, conducted meta‐analysis under a random effects model, and did bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis.

Results

Totally 23 studies were included, reporting 18 distinctive upregulated and 20 distinctive downregulated circRNAs. Diagnostic meta‐analysis indicated discriminative ability of the circRNAs. Furthermore, circRNA HECTD1, circRNA DLGAP4, circRNA CDC14A, circRNA SCMH1, and circRNA TLK1 were reported with the same regulation trend in more than one study (animal studies included). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the target genes of these five circRNAs were enriched in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that circRNAs (circRNA HECTD1, circRNA DLGAP4, circRNA CDC14A, circRNA SCMH1, and circRNA TLK1) generally are promising as potential biomarkers for AIS. However, due to the limited number of studies, diagnostic value of individual circRNA could not be validated. More in vitro and in vivo functional studies are needed.
Amphiregulin blockade decreases the levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in a 6‐hydroxydopamine Parkinson's disease mouse model
Authors: Kambey Piniel Alphayo , Liu Wen Ya , Wu Jiao , Tang Chuanxi , Buberwa Wokuheleza , Saro Adonira , Nyalali Alphonce M. K. , Gao Dianshuai
Published: April 2023

Background

Levodopa (L‐DOPA) is considered the most reliable drug for treating Parkinson's disease (PD) clinical symptoms. Regrettably, long‐term L‐DOPA therapy results in the emergence of drug‐induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in most PD patients. The mechanisms underlying motor fluctuations and dyskinesia induced by L‐DOPA (LID) are still perplexing.

Methods

Here, we first performed the analysis on the microarray data set (GSE55096) from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) repository and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using linear models for microarray analysis (Limma) R packages from the Bioconductor project. 12 genes (Nr4a2, Areg, Tinf2, Ptgs2, Pdlim1, Tes, Irf6, Tgfb1, Serpinb2, Lipg, Creb3l1, Lypd1) were found to be upregulated. Six genes were validated on quantitative polymerase chain reaction and subsequently, Amphiregulin (Areg) was selected (based on log2 fold change) for further experiments to unravel its involvement in LID. Areg LV_shRNA was used to knock down Areg to explore its therapeutic role in the LID model.

Results

Western blotting and immunofluorescence results show that AREG is significantly expressed in the LID group relative to the control. Dyskinetic movements in LID mice were alleviated by Areg knockdown, and the protein expression of delta FOSB, the commonly attributable protein in LID, was decreased. Moreover, Areg knockdown reduced the protein expression of P‐ERK. In order to ascertain whether the inhibition of the ERK pathway (a common pathway known to mediate levodopa‐induced dyskinesia) could also impede Areg, the animals were injected with an ERK inhibitor (PD98059). Afterward, the AIMs, AREG, and ERK protein expression were measured relative to the control group. A group treated with ERK inhibitor had a significant decrease of AREG and phosphorylated ERK protein expression relative to the control group.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results indicate unequivocal involvement of Areg in levodopa‐induced dyskinesia, thus a target for therapy development.
The neurotrophic activities of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor are potentiated by binding with apigenin, a common flavone in vegetables, in stimulating the receptor signaling
Authors: Gao Alex Xiong , Xia Tracy Chen‐Xi , Lin Lish Sheng‐Ying , Dong Tina Ting‐Xia , Tsim Karl Wah‐Keung
Published: April 2023

Aims

We aimed to identify the neurotrophic activities of apigenin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone) via its coordination with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and an elevated signaling of tyrosine kinase receptor B (Trk B receptor).

Methods

The direct binding of apigenin to BDNF was validated by ultrafiltration and biacore assay. Neurogenesis, triggered by apigenin and/or BDNF, was determined in cultured SH‐SY5Y cells and rat cortical neurons. The amyloid‐beta (Aβ)25‐35‐induced cellular stress was revealed by propidium iodide staining, mitochondrial membrane potential, bioenergetic analysis, and formation of reactive oxygen species levels. Activation of Trk B signaling was tested by western blotting.

Results

Apigenin and BDNF synergistically maintained the cell viability and promoted neurite outgrowth of cultured neurons. In addition, the BDNF‐induced neurogenesis of cultured neurons was markedly potentiated by applied apigenin, including the induced expressions of neurofilaments, PSD‐95 and synaptotagmin. Moreover, the synergy of apigenin and BDNF alleviated the (Aβ)25‐35‐induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The synergy could be accounted by phosphorylation of Trk B receptor, and which was fully blocked by a Trk inhibitor K252a.

Conclusion

Apigenin potentiates the neurotrophic activities of BDNF through direct binding, which may serve as a possible treatment for its curative efficiency in neurodegenerative diseases and depression.
Gut microecological regulation on bronchiolitis and asthma in children: A review
Authors: Xue Sichen , Abdullahi Rukkaiya , Wu Naisheng , Zheng Jishan , Su Miaoshang , Xu Manhuan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Asthma and bronchiolitis in children are considered common clinical problems associated with gut microbiota. However, the exact relationship between gut microbiota and the above‐mentioned diseases remains unclear. Here, we discussed recent advances in understanding the potential mechanism underlying immune regulation of gut microbiota on asthma and bronchiolitis in children as well as the role of the gut–lung axis.

Methods

We retrieved and assessed all relevant original articles related to gut microbiota, airway inflammation‐induced wheezing in children, and gut–lung axis studies from databases that have been published so far, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Wanfang Database.

Results

The infant period is critical for the development of gut microbiota, which can be influenced by gestational age, delivery mode, antibiotic exposure and feeding mode. The gut microbiota in children with asthma and bronchiolitis is significantly distinct from those in healthy subjects. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in asthma and bronchiolitis in children. The presence of intestinal disturbances in lung diseases highlights the importance of the gut–lung axis.

Conclusion

Gut microbiota dysbiosis potentially increases the risk of asthma and bronchiolitis in children. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the gut–lung axis with regard to the gut microbiota of children with respiratory diseases could contribute to clinical practice for pulmonary diseases.
Adverse drug effects as a deterrent against willingness to use in the future among nightclub/festival attendees
Authors: Palamar Joseph J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

It is largely unknown whether adverse effects experienced from recreational drug use affect willingness to use again. This study determined whether adverse effects from select party drugs affect reported willingness to use again in the next month among a high‐risk population—people who attend electronic dance music parties at nightclubs or dance festivals.

Methods

Adults (age ≥ 18) entering nightclubs/festivals were surveyed in New York City in 2018–2022 (n = 2981). Participants were asked about past‐month use of common party drugs (cocaine, ecstasy, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] and ketamine), whether they had experienced a harmful or very unpleasant effect after use in the past 30 days, and whether they intend to use again in the next 30 days if offered by a friend. The relationship between having experienced an adverse outcome and willingness to use again was examined in a bivariable and multivariable manner.

Results

Experiencing an adverse effect after past‐month cocaine (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.95) or ecstasy use (aPR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.80) was associated with lower risk for willingness to use again. Adverse effects related to LSD use were related to lower risk of being willing to use again in the bivariable model, but in multivariable models, risk was not attenuated for willingness to use LSD or ketamine again.

Discussion and Conclusions

Personally experienced adverse effects can deter willingness to use certain party drugs again in this high‐risk population. Interventions targeting cessation of recreational party drug use can likely benefit from focusing on deleterious effects of use that have been experienced.
Effects of global change on bird and beetle populations in boreal forest landscape: An assemblage dissimilarity analysis
Authors: Bouderbala Ilhem , Labadie Guillemette , Béland Jean‐Michel , Boulanger Yan , Hébert Christian , Desrosiers Patrick , Allard Antoine , Fortin Daniel
Published: April 2023

Aim

Despite an increasing number of studies highlighting the impacts of climate change on boreal species, the main factors that will drive changes in species assemblages remain ambiguous. We study how species community composition would change following anthropogenic and natural disturbances. We determine the main drivers of assemblage dissimilarity for bird and beetle communities.

Location

Côte‐Nord, Québec, Canada.

Methods

We quantify two climate‐induced pathways based on direct and indirect effects on species occurrence under different forest harvest management scenarios. The direct climate effects illustrate the impact of climate variables while the indirect effects are reflected through habitat‐based climate change. We develop empirical models to predict the distribution of 127 and 108 species under climate‐habitat and habitat‐only models, respectively, over the next century. We analyse the regional and the latitudinal species assemblage dissimilarity by decomposing it into balanced variation in species occupancy and occurrence and occupancy and occurrence gradient.

Results

Both pathways increased dissimilarity in species assemblage. At the regional scale, both effects have an impact on decreasing the number of winning species. Yet, responses are much larger in magnitude under mixed climate effects. Regional assemblage dissimilarity reached 0.77 and 0.69 under mixed effects versus 0.09 and 0.10 under indirect effects for beetles and birds, respectively, between RCP8.5 and baseline climate scenarios when considering forest harvesting. Latitudinally, assemblage dissimilarity increased following the climate conditions pattern.

Main conclusions

The two pathways are complementary and alter biodiversity, mainly caused by species turnover. Yet, responses are much larger in magnitude under mixed climate effects. Therefore, inclusion of climatic variables considers aspects other than just those related to forest landscapes, such as life cycles of animal species. Moreover, we expect differences in occupancy between the two studied taxa. This could indicate the potential range of change in boreal species concerning novel environmental conditions.
Preference and performance of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, on six cereal crop species
Authors: Lu Junjiao , Zhang Biao , Zhuang Mengmeng , Ren Meifeng , Li Daqi , Yan Haiwang , Long Jiamin , Jiang Xiaoling
Published: April 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major migratory invasive pest that poses a severe threat to agricultural production and food security in China. In this study, we estimated the effects of six cereal crops on the development, survival, and fecundity of FAW using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table: maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], oats (Avena sativa L.), millet (species, authority) (all Poaceae), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) (Amaranthaceae). In a six‐choice test using detached leaf material, FAW larvae preferentially occurred on maize, followed by sorghum, within 6–24 h, and occurred the least on millet and quinoa. After 24 h, they had consumed the most leaf material from sorghum and maize, and the least from quinoa. In no‐choice tests using detached leaf material, they performed best on maize in terms of development (e.g., short development time), survival (e.g., high larval survival and pupation rate), and fecundity (e.g., high number of oviposition days and number of eggs laid per female), resulting in the highest predicted population growth (e.g., high intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate). Although maize was found to be the most appropriate host plant, FAW was able to complete its life cycle on all six tested cereals. Our findings can help in predicting population dynamics and deepening our understanding of the potential damage incurred by FAW infestation, especially in regions under maize cultivation.
Bibliometric analysis of Helicobacter pylori resistance—from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Li Meng , Gao Ning , Wang Shaoli , Guo Yufeng , Liu Zhen
Published: April 2023

Background

Drug resistance in Helicobacter pylori severely affects the efficacy of eradication therapy, and a number of studies have been conducted on this issue. The aim of this study was to assess the progress in this field using a bibliometric approach.

Materials and Methods

Publications related to H. pylori resistance from 2002 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Relevant information including titles, authors, countries, and keywords was extracted, and the data were processed using Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software for co‐authorship, co‐citation, and co‐occurrence analysis.

Results

From 2002 to 2022 (as of 09/24/2022), the field of H. pylori–resistance research produced a total of 2677 publications with a total of 75217 citations, with an overall upward trend in the annual number of articles published, reaching a peak of 204 in 2019. Articles were mainly published in Q1 or Q2 journals, with Helicobacter (TP = 261) publishing the most literature, Baylor College of Medicine (TP = 68) and Deng‐chyang wu (TP = 38) being the most prolific institutions and authors, respectively. China and the United States were the locations of most of the articles, accounting for 35.08% of the global publication volume. Keyword co‐occurrence analysis divided H. pylori‐resistance research into four clusters: “Therapeutic Strategies,” “Diseases,” “Mechanism Research and Epidemiology,” and “Drug Research.” “Drug research” and burst detection indicate that the current research hotspot involves the selection and analysis of treatment strategies.

Conclusions

H. pylori–resistance research has become a popular research field, and although there are significant contributions from Europe, the United States, and East Asia, there are significant imbalances between regions that cannot be ignored. In addition, the exploration of treatment strategies remains a key issue for research at the current stage.
Effect of hollow spheres on the properties of lightweight periclase‐magnesium aluminate spinel refractories
Authors: Liu Zhenying , Zhang Hanxin , Wang Kai , Cui Kai , Xie Nan , Huang Shouwu , Xue Changguo , Zhu Hongzheng , Liu Yin
Published: April 2023

This study presents new lightweight periclase‐magnesium alumina spinel refractories for the working lining of cement rotary kilns in which magnesium alumina spinel hollow spheres are used to replace conventional dense fused magnesia‐aluminate spinel aggregates. The effects of adding spinel hollow spheres on the physical properties, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and slag resistance of the samples were explored. The results showed that compared with the sample prepared with dense aggregates, the sample prepared with hollow spheres had a 10.3% higher cold compressive strength, 44.1% higher modulus of rupture (MOR), and lower bulk density. Additionally, with increasing hollow spheres content, the thermal conductivity decreased from 3.79 W/(m·K) to 2.53 W/(m·K), and the high‐temperature MOR increased from 2.82 to 4.09 MPa. The highest residual strength ratio was 90.73% (15 wt.% hollow spheres), which is 1.17 times that of the sample prepared without hollow spheres. Moreover, microstructure and energy dispersive spectroscopy of crucible specimens after corrosion by cement clinker showed that specimens with 15 wt.% hollow sphere additions had a better slag resistance. Introducing hollow spheres reduced the thermal conductivity of the refractories, providing a new strategy for improving the heat insulation performance of kiln linings.
PETS AND ATOPIC DISORDERS IN INFANCY
Authors: Arshad S H
Published: April 2023

This population‐based prospective study assessed the relationship between pets and atopic disorders in infancy. One or more pets were found in 61.4% of households. Pets were found in homes with a family member affected by asthma or rhinitis as often as in homes with no allergy in the family. The presence of pets was not shown to affect the development of atopic manifestations in the first 12 months of life. Infants exposed to cats developed skin prick test sensitivity to cat dander significantly more often (p=0.01) than those infants who had had no such exposure.
ARE MEASUREMENTS OF CHEST EXPANSION AND PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE WORTHWHILE IN ASSESSING CANDIDATES FOR LIFE ASSURANCE?
Authors: Pengelly C D R
Published: April 2023

Measurements of chest expansion (CE) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were taken in 117 subjects for life assurance medical examinations in 1989. The results for both values were significantly greater in males than in females, but there was no significant correlation between them in either males or females. Seventy‐four per cent of the subjects were accepted as average assurance risks and 26% were below average. However, there was no significant difference between CE and PEFR in the two groups and smoking appeared to have no influence. The reasons for not accepting subjects as average risk are tabulated and it is concluded that CE and PEFR are not helpful in assessing candidates for life assurance.
ARE PATIENTS' ATTITUDES THE CAUSE OF LONG WAITING LISTS?
Authors: Turner A G , Cooke H
Published: April 2023

This paper studies the rate of non‐attendance for both out‐patient clinics and in‐patient care. It relates this to the waiting times for both services.

If all patients who did not attend clinics had informed us beforehand, thus enabling us to give their appointments to other patients, the out‐patient waiting time could have been reduced from six months to one week. If a similar approach was taken with the in‐patient waiting list, the waiting time could have been reduced from 15 months to nine months.
HISTAMINE‐INDUCED CORONARY ARTERY SPASM: THE CONCEPT OF ALLERGIC ANGINA
Authors: Kounis N G , Zavras G M
Published: April 2023

Histamine, the main amine released during allergic reactions, can provoke coronary arterial spasm manifested as angina pectoris. This has been shown during clinical and laboratory studies. The effects of histamine on cardiac function are mediated via H1‐ and H2‐ receptors situated on the four cardiac chambers and coronary arteries. Coronary arteries of cardiac patients are hyperactive and contain stores of histamine which can initiate coronary artery spasm.

Clinical observations indicate that angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction can be provoked by acute allergic reaction. The coincidental occurrence of chest pain and allergic reaction accompanied by clinical and laboratory findings of classical angina pectoris seems to constitute the syndrome of allergic angina. The clinical symptoms of allergic angina include chest discomfort, dyspnoea, faintness, nausea, pruritus and urticaria. They are accompanied by signs such as hypotension, diaphoresis, pallor and bradycardia. There are also electrocardiographic findings indicating myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias and conduction defects.

Thus, in patients undergoing acute allergic reaction, the development of chest pain could be explained by the mechanism of coronary arterial spasm provoked by the release of histamine, which constitutes the syndrome of allergic angina.
WILSON'S DISEASE, KAYSER AND FLEISCHER'S SIGN AND WALSHE'S TREATMENT
Authors: McIntyre Neil
Published: April 2023

Wilson's disease is named after Kinnier Wilson (1878‐1937), a famous British neurologist. It is an inherited condition, due to an excess of copper in the liver and brain. The mechanism is unknown, but the gene has been mapped to chromosome 13. The worldwide prevalence is about 30 per million. Patients present with liver disease and/or neuropsychiatric manifestations. Early diagnosis is crucial because there is an effective treatment. This treatment, usually with penicillamine, must be continued for life and without interruption. Liver transplantation may be lifesaving in patients with fulminant hepatitis, or with severe liver disease which is unresponsive to treatment.
DOCTORS' KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIO‐LEGAL ASPECTS OF PATIENT CARE
Authors: Benbow SJ , King D , Barrett JA
Published: April 2023

Doctors' knowledge of socio‐legal aspects of patient care is poor. To quantify this a questionnaire on certain socio‐legal topics was sent to 400 general practitioners and 250 hospital doctors. The responses were compared to a group of social workers. Both hospital doctors and general practitioners did badly on all topics considered. Social workers' knowledge was significantly better overall, (P<0.01).

Our results confirm the lack of knowledge amongst a broad spectrum of doctors. We suggest that this may be related to a lack of emphasis on these aspects in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
OFLOXACIN VERSUS TRIMETHOPRIM AND CO‐TRIMOXAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF UNCOMPLICATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN GENERAL PRACTICE
Authors: Spencer RC , Cole TP
Published: April 2023

A large‐scale, randomised, multicentre single‐blind clinical trial was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy and tolerance of ofloxacin, trimethoprim and co‐trimoxazole in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in general practice.

A total of 1,069 patients from 76 centres across the UK were enrolled in the study, and randomised to one of the following treatment groups: ofloxacin (200 mg od), trimethoprim (200 mg bd) or co‐trimoxazole (trimethoprim 160 mg and sulphamethoxazole 800 mg bd). Each patient received five days of medication. Clinically, ofloxacin was as effective as trimethoprim and co‐trimoxazole. However, the bacteriological cure rate was significantly better for ofloxacin, with eradication of the initial causative pathogen by the end of treatment in 92% of patients in the ofloxacin group, compared with 81% for trimethoprim and co‐trimoxazole (P = 0.0002). There was also a lower relapse rate for ofloxacin. Ofloxacin was well tolerated: adverse events were reported by 67 (12.4%) patients in the ofloxacin group, compared with 48 (18.7%) patients in the co‐trimoxazole group and 37 (13.6%) patients in the trimethoprim group. Ofloxacin can therefore be considered a suitable alternative for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: EPIDEMIOLOGY, ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Dimitry E S , Rizk B
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

Ectopic pregnancy was first clearly described by Abulcasis, a famous Arabic writer on surgical topics.1 Although maternal deaths from ectopic pregnancy have declined, it is still the leading cause of death in the first trimester and accounts for 6–11% of all maternal deaths. From 1982 to 1984, 14 women died in England and Wales from this condition.2 The presence of ectopic pregnancy subjects women to the uncertainties of intra‐abdominal bleeding, laparotomy, extended hospital stay and fetal loss. Furthermore, they could face reduced future fertility.3
CONSERVATIVE THERAPY FOR TENNIS ELBOW
Authors: Ernst E
Published: April 2023

Tennis elbow is a common overuse syndrome. It is accompanied by degenerative changes in the enthesis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. It may be best diagnosed clinically by eliminating other possible causes of lateral elbow pain. Physical methods should always be selected as initial treatment. Immobilisation is the initial advice that most doctors give: ultrasound has been shown to be effective in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial, and low energy laser has been found to reduce objective but not subjective symptoms.

Other forms of physical treatment like electrotherapy, thermotherapy and massages can be tried, even though proof of their efficacy needs to be established more firmly. When physical treatments have failed, steroid injections can help. If symptoms still persist, then surgery is called for. There are still many open questions surrounding the syndrome of tennis elbow. Research into this common soft tissue disease should be intensified.
WHICH CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER FOR ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE?
Authors: Tan K , Lewis S
Published: April 2023

Calcium channel blockers have been available since the early 1960s. Extensive research has been undertaken to evaluate their usefulness in the treatment of patients with ischaemic heart disease. We have reviewed the pharmacology of these drugs and the major clinical trials. In particular, we have examined the effect of calcium channel blockers on the progression of atheroma, and their role in the following clinical settings: following myocardial infarction, following non‐Q‐wave myocardial infarction, and in unstable angina.
ARE NON‐STEROIDAL ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY DRUGS ALWAYS NECESSARY? A GENERAL PRACTICE SURVEY
Authors: Swift G L , Rhodes J
Published: April 2023

The number of patients receiving long‐term ‘repeat prescriptions’ for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was examined in a General Practice; a group of them with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal pain attempted to withdraw their NSAID treatment and substitute alternative analgesics.

Thirty‐eight randomly selected patients, with conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis, were interviewed and alternative analgesics prescribed to replace their NSAID therapy. After one month, 22 had very satisfactory pain relief without their NSAID but 16 had resumed therapy, with four of them on a reduced dosage; three others wished to try an alternative analgesic again. Five initially with gastro‐intestinal symptoms were asymptomatic within a month of discontinuing their NSAID. After four months, 24 of the 38 had discontinued NSAIDs, including one who had an upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage during the study; two others were taking a reduced dosage.
HOME SWEET HEN — A GUIDE TO HOME ENTERAL NUTRITION
Authors: Park R H R , Galloway A , Russell R I , Ewing A B , Machattie G , Davidson L
Published: April 2023

Initial experience of home enteral nutrition (HEN) was gained from malnourished patients with Crohn's disease.1–6 The rationale for HEN was to improve the patients' lifestyle by reducing the need for repeated admissions for nutritional support: this method is extremely useful in correcting nutritional problems. Over the past ten years the use of HEN has expanded to cover other clinical areas including correction of growth retardation secondary to gastrointestinal disease,7,8 cystic fibrosis,9,10 inborn errors of metabolism,11 congenital heart disease,12 and chronic renal failure,13 in addition to many types of neoplasia14 and chronic neurological diseases.14

At the present time, approximately 150 patients receive HEN within the catchment area of the Greater Glasgow Health Board (population 940,000). Despite the increasing availability of HEN many clinicians and dietitians are still reluctant to consider HEN as a ‘routine adjunct’ to clinical management, claiming that it is too dangerous or complicated. The aims of this article are to explain our method of running a HEN service, offer advice on practical problems and discuss further developments and potential difficulties.
THE ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS
Authors: Cooke R A , Chambers J B
Published: April 2023

The echocardiographic appearance in suspected endocarditis must always be interpreted in the context of the clinical findings. Thus although echocardiography may contribute to the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis, it should rarely be used as a screening test. It is highly sensitive for the detection of complications such as abscesses or valvular regurgitation and can estimate their severity. Although transthoracic imaging will allow a complete study in many cases, the transoesophageal approach is superior for the detection of abscesses and the assessment of prosthetic mitral valves. Patients with large vegetations, particularly on the mitral valve, are at increased risk of embolism but there is no convincing evidence to support prophylactic surgery in these cases.
HALLUCINATIONS AS A PRESENTING FEATURE IN MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION
Authors: Rosbotham J , Ritter J M , Watson J P
Published: April 2023

A 68‐year‐old man with malignant hypertension of renovascular origin presented with visual impairment and complex visual hallucinations. Four weeks after the hypertension had been controlled by drugs, the hallucinations ceased and electroencephalographic evidence of encephalopathy resolved.
PERFORATION OF AN ABDOMINAL VISCUS ASSOCIATED WITH A PNEUMOTHORAX
Authors: Lim A , Ling R , Diggory R , Copeland G
Published: April 2023

Pneumothorax is a very unusual presenting complication of a perforated abdominal viscus. We present two such cases. The importance of close scrutiny of chest radiographs taken for abdominal disease is stressed.
ALVEOLAR RHABDOMYOSARCOMA: A CASE PRESENTATION
Authors: Swift R I , Hershman M J , Wood C B
Published: April 2023

We present a case report of an unusual tumour, presenting as a mass on the forearm. We have used this case to review the current literature and histological classification of rhabdomyosarcoma.
THE INCIDENCE OF DELAYED PNEUMOTHORAX AS A COMPLICATION OF SUBCLAVIAN VEIN CATHETERISATION
Authors: Spiliotis J , Kordossis T , Kalfarentzos F
Published: April 2023

Delayed pneumothorax after subclavian vein catheterisation is a poorly recognised complication which can result hours or days after the catheter placement. We present our experience, during a three‐year prospective study of 318 patients with 343 catheter placements in the subclavian vein.

Seven patients (2.2%) developed pneumothorax immediately after the subclavian vein catheterisation. Two patients (0.6%) developed delayed asymptomatic pneumothorax that was recognised 48 and 72 hours after the catheter placement.

The importance of recognition and treatment of this complication is obvious in patients with a central venous catheter, especially when they are to be operated under general anaesthesia and/or mechanical respiratory support.