bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional anaesthesia quality indicators for adult patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Hamilton G. M. , MacMillan Y. , Benson P. , Memtsoudis S. , McCartney C. J. L.
Published: January 2021

Improvement in healthcare delivery depends on the ability to measure outcomes that can direct changes in the system. An overview of quality indicators within the field of regional anaesthesia is lacking. This systematic review aims to synthesise available quality indicators, as per the Donabedian framework, and provide a concise overview of evidence‐based quality indicators within regional anaesthesia. A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane from 2003 to present, and a prespecified search of regional anaesthesia society websites and healthcare quality agencies. The quality indicators relevant to regional anaesthesia were subdivided into peri‐operative structure, process and outcome indicators as per the Donabedian framework. The methodological quality of the indicators was determined as per the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine's framework. Twenty manuscripts met our inclusion criteria and, in total, 68 unique quality indicators were identified. There were 4 (6%) structure, 12 (18%) process and 52 (76%) outcome indicators. Most of the indicators were related to the safety (57%) and effectiveness (19%) of regional anaesthesia and were general in nature (60%). In addition, most indicators (84%) were based on low levels of evidence. Our study is an important first step towards describing quality indicators for the provision of regional anaesthesia. Future research should focus on the development of structure and process quality indicators and improving the methodological quality and usability of these indicators.
Robotic colorectal surgery in Australia: evolution over a decade
Authors: Larach José Tomás , Flynn Julie , Kong Joseph , Waters Peadar S. , McCormick Jacob J. , Murphy Declan , Stevenson Andrew , Warrier Satish K. , Heriot Alexander G.
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite reports of increasing adoption of robotics in colorectal surgery worldwide, data regarding its uptake in Australasia are lacking. This study examines the trends of robotic colorectal surgery in Australia during the last 10 years.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing robotic colorectal surgery with the da Vinci robotic platform between 2010 and 2019 were obtained. Overall, numbers of specific colorectal procedures across Australia were obtained from the Medicare Benefit Schedule data over the same period. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the statistical trends of overall and specific robotic colorectal procedures over time.

Results

A total of 6110 robotic general surgery procedures were performed across Australia during the study period. Of these, 3522 (57.6%) were robotic colorectal procedures. An increasing trend of overall robotic colorectal procedures was seen over 10 years (Pearson's coefficient of 0.875; P = 0.001). While this applied to both the public and private sectors, 90.7% of the procedures were undertaken in the private sector. Restorative rectal resections, rectopexies, and right hemicolectomies accounted for 82.6% of the robotic colorectal procedures performed during this period with an increasing trend seen over time for each intervention. Moreover, a robotic approach was utilized in 12.5%, 41.0% and 9.0% of all restorative rectal resections, rectopexies and right hemicolectomies undertaken in Australia during 2019, respectively.

Conclusion

Robotic colorectal surgery has increased dramatically in Australia over the last 10 years, especially in the private sector. Penetration of robotic colorectal surgery in the public healthcare system will require focussed cost–benefit evaluations and governmental investment.
Chest keloids: effect of surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy on recurrence, a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miles Oliver J. , Zhou Jieyun , Paleri Sarang , Fua Tsien , Ramakrishnan Anand
Published: January 2021

Background

Chest keloids are a difficult sub‐group of scars to treat, likely secondary to the high wound tension in the area that promotes excessive fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. Excision and adjuvant radiotherapy has been demonstrated as an efficacious treatment for keloids in general, but no meta‐analysis exists to support the claims for chest keloids. This study aims to identify the rate of recurrence after surgical resection and radiotherapy on patients with chest keloids.

Methods

A search was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, Pubmed and Cochrane database on 22 December 2018 for terms ‘radiotherapy’, ‘keloid’ and ‘chest’. Papers included met a prospectively designed inclusion criteria assessed by multiple investigators.

Results

Twelve studies, including 1 randomized controlled trial, were included for a total of 400 patients with a chest keloid scar managed with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. Overall pooled‐estimate of recurrence rate was 22% (95% CI 12–32%). Meta‐regression did not demonstrate a significant effect for method of wound closure, type of radiotherapy, radiotherapy dose (BED10) and study type.

Conclusion

Excision and adjuvant radiotherapy represents an effective method of treatment for chest keloids, however sufficient prospective data, including randomized controlled trials, did not yet exist to support these findings. Further studies with sufficient sub‐group analysis for keloid location are required to add to the pool of literature that can be added to this meta‐analysis.
Association of temporal trends in neutrophil lymphocyte ratio on left ventricular assist device patient outcomes
Authors: Solanki Mitesh , Dobson Lucas , Alwair Hazaim , Ghafghazi Shahab , Wysoczynski Marcin , Slaughter Mark S. , Trivedi Jaimin R.
Published: January 2021

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict mortality/complications in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients; however, the prognostic value of longitudinal NLR measurements has not been well studied. Here, we examine the mortality/complication incidence in patients with chronically increased NLR verses patients with acutely elevated NLR as a predictor of patient outcomes. This retrospective analysis included 102 patients who underwent LVAD implantation from 2016 to 2018 at a single center. The NLR was calculated at the time of surgery, and at 30 and 90 days after surgery. The NLR values were grouped into categorical data: low, normal (put in range), and high. Patients were classified in 2 groups based on change in their NLR values from surgery to 90 days; the H90 group had sustained increase of NLR over 90‐days and the N90 group had normalization of NLR at 90‐days. Actuarial survival the between study groups was measured using Kaplan–Meier curves. The N90 group had 50 patients (median age 58 (48–66) years, 21% female) at the time of LVAD placement. Group H90 had 52 patients (median age 64 (52–68) years, 16% female). Median age, body mass index (BMI), bilirubin, creatinine, and BNP at time of implant as well as type of device and implant strategy were comparable between the study groups. The post implant survival for N90 group was significantly better than the H90 group at 1 year (93% vs. 80%) and 2 years (90% vs. 67%) (log‐rank P = .001). Early post LVAD survival in patients with elevated NLR over 90 days postoperatively was significantly worse compared to patients who normalized the NLR at 90 days.
Progress in cardiovascular bioprinting
Authors: Quadri Faisal , Soman Soja Saghar , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death globally for the past 15 years. Following a major cardiac disease episode, the ideal treatment would be the replacement of the damaged tissue, due to the limited regenerative capacity of cardiac tissues. However, we suffer from a chronic organ donor shortage which causes approximately 20 people to die each day waiting to receive an organ. Bioprinting of tissues and organs can potentially alleviate this burden by fabricating low cost tissue and organ replacements for cardiac patients. Clinical adoption of bioprinting in cardiovascular medicine is currently limited by the lack of systematic demonstration of its effectiveness, high costs, and the complexity of the workflow. Here, we give a concise review of progress in cardiovascular bioprinting and its components. We further discuss the challenges and future prospects of cardiovascular bioprinting in clinical applications.
Swept‐source optical coherence tomography objective composite activity score for uveitis
Authors: Llorenç Victor , Serrano Alba R. , Mesquida Marina , Lin Phoebe , Esquinas Cristina , Sainz‐de‐la‐Maza Maite , Metea Christina , Bosch Anna , Calvo Maria , Balter Ariel , Nakamura Yukiko , Molins Blanca , Alba Carmen , Suhler Eric , Adán Alfredo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop an objective intraocular inflammation composite score.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Non‐invasive image acquisition and processing were conducted from April 2017 to April 2019. Inflammation‐grade stratified eyes from patients with active, inactive uveitis and healthy controls were recruited. After clinical assessment, four anterior and posterior segment image acquisition protocols per eye, using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT), were performed at inclusion. Eight imaging biomarkers in three domains: anterior, intermediate and posterior were studied. They were ranked and selected by discriminatory power and correlation with clinical scores. A final SS‐OCT‐derived composite uveitis activity score (SS‐UAS) was developed through multiple linear regression.

Results

We studied 224 eyes with uveitis (165 active and 59 inactive) from 165 patients (mean age 46.6 SD 15.5 years; 55.3% women) and 38 eyes from 19 healthy controls (mean age 43.6 SD 17.1; 47% women). The selected SS‐OCT‐derived biomarkers to build the final score were anterior chamber hyper‐reflective dots (anterior), high‐definition relative vitreous intensity (intermediate) and the averaged thickened retinal index (posterior). Swept‐source (SS)‐UAS was highly discriminant between active and inactive, and between active and healthy eyes (means 2.06 SD 1.86, 0.93 SD 0.44, and 0.96 SD 0.38, respectively, both p ‐, Mann–Whitney U). Construct validity (Cronbach's alpha = 0.7), internal consistency, criterion validity and reliability (concordance correlation coefficient intra‐rater = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99; inter‐rater = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99) were favourable.

Conclusions

Global intraocular inflammation can potentially be staged and scored objectively, continuously, consistently and in a valid manner through the combined processing of SS‐OCT scans.
Quality of vision and vision‐related quality of life after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dunker Suryan L. , Dickman Mor M. , Wisse Robert P.L. , Nobacht Siamak , Wijdh Robert H.J. , Bartels Marjolijn C. , Tang N.E. Mei‐Lie , van den Biggelaar Frank J.H.M. , Kruit Pieter J. , Winkens Bjorn , Nuijts Rudy M.M.A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To compare quality of vision and vision‐related quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods

Fifty‐four eyes of 54 patients with Fuchs' dystrophy from six corneal clinics in the Netherlands were randomized to DMEK or ultrathin DSAEK and examined preoperatively, and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures were corneal higher‐order aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity, straylight and vision‐related QOL.

Results

Posterior corneal HOAs decreased after DMEK and increased after ultrathin DSAEK (p ≤ 0.001) 3 months after surgery and correlated positively with best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (12 months: r = 0.29, p = 0.04). Anterior and total corneal HOAs did not differ significantly between both techniques at any time point. Contrast sensitivity was better (p = 0.01), and straylight was lower (p = 0.01) 3 months after DMEK compared with ultrathin DSAEK; 95% confidence interval [CI] of log(cs) 1.10–1.35 versus 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.12, and 95% CI: log(s) 1.18 to 1.43 versus 95% CI: 1.41 to 1.66, respectively. Both were comparable at later time points. Vision‐related QOL (scale 0–100) did not differ significantly between both groups at any time point and improved significantly at 3 months (β = 12 [95% CI: 7 to 16]; p < 0.001), and subsequently between 3 and 12 months (β = 5 [95% CI: 0 to 9]; p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) results in lower posterior corneal HOAs compared with ultrathin DSAEK. Contrast sensitivity and straylight recover faster after DMEK but reach similar levels with both techniques at 1 year. Vision‐related QOL improved significantly after surgery, but did not differ between both techniques.
What controls salt‐detached contraction in the translational domain of the outer Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola?
Authors: Erdi Aurio , Jackson Christopher A.‐L.
Published: January 2021

It is now well‐established that base‐salt relief drives complex deformation patterns in the mid‐slope domain of salt‐bearing passive margins, in a location classically thought to be dominated by simple horizontal translation. However, due to a lack of detailed studies drawing on high‐quality, 3D seismic reflection data, our understanding of how base‐salt relief controls four‐dimensional patterns of salt‐related deformation in natural systems remains poor. We here use 3D seismic reflection data from, and structural restorations of the Outer Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola to examine the controls on the evolution of variably oriented salt anticlines, rollers, and walls, and related normal and reverse faults. We show that the complex geometries and kinematics of predominantly contractional salt structures reflect up to 22 km of seaward flow of salt and its overburden across prominent base‐salt relief. More specifically, this contractional deformation occurs where the seaward flow of salt is inhibited due to: (a) it flowing being forced to flow up, landward‐dipping ramps; (b) it encountering thicker, slower‐moving salt near the base of seaward‐dipping ramps; or (c) the formation of primary salt welds at the upper hinge of seaward‐dipping ramps. The rate at which salt and its overburden translates seaward varies along strike due to corresponding variations in the magnitude of base‐salt relief and, at a larger, more regional scale, primary salt thickness. As a result of these along‐strike changes in translation rate, overburden rotation accompanies bulk contraction. Our study improves our understanding of salt‐related deformation on passive margins, highlighting the key role of base‐salt relief, and showing contraction, extension and rotation are fundamental processes controlling the structural style of the mid‐slope translational domains of salt basins.
Seed consumption by small fish follows peak seed availability in a tropical dry forest river
Authors: Montes de Oca Vanessa , Wehncke Elisabet V. , Mejía‐Mojica Humberto , Mariano Néstor A.
Published: January 2021

We evaluated seed consumption by fish in an altered tropical dry forest river in Mexico. Non‐natives fishes more than natives ingested significantly more seeds in the rainy season. Fishes follow the peak of seed availability after a flood pulse released them from the soil seed banks.

Abstract in spanish is available with online material
Population‐level plant pollination mode is influenced by Quaternary climate and pollinators
Authors: Rech André Rodrigo , Ollerton Jeff , Dalsgaard Bo , Ré Jorge Leonardo , Sandel Brody , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Baronio Gudryan J. , Sazima Marlies
Published: January 2021

Patterns in ecology are the products of current factors interacting with history. Nevertheless, few studies have attempted to disentangle the contribution of historical and current factors, such as climate change and pollinator identity and behavior, on plant reproduction. Here, we attempted to separate the relative importance of current and historical processes on geographical patterns of the mating system of the tree speciesCuratella americana(Dilleniaceae). Specifically, we asked the following: (a) How do Quaternary and current climate affect plant mating system? (b) How does current pollinator abundance and diversity relate to plant mating system? (c) How does mating system relate to fruit/seed quantity and quality inC. americana? We recorded pollinators (richness, frequency, and body size) and performed pollination tests in ten populations ofC. americanaspread over 3,000 km in the Brazilian savannah. The frequency of self‐pollination in the absence of pollinators was strongly influenced by historical climatic instability and not by present‐day pollinators. In contrast, seed set from hand‐cross and natural pollination were affected by pollinators (especially large bees) and temperature, indicating the importance of current factors on out‐cross pollination. Two populations at the Southern edge of the species’ distribution showed high level of hand‐cross‐pollination and high flower visitation by large bees, but also a high level of autogamy resulting from recent colonization. Our results indicate that historical instability in climate has favored autogamy, most likely as a reproductive insurance strategy facilitating colonization and population maintenance over time, while pollinators are currently modulating the level of cross‐pollination.
Pathogenicity assessment of variants for breast cancer susceptibility genes based on BRCAness of tumor sample
Authors: Yoshida Reiko , Hagio Taichi , Kaneyasu Tomoko , Gotoh Osamu , Osako Tomo , Tanaka Norio , Amino Sayuri , Yaguchi Noriko , Nakashima Eri , Kitagawa Dai , Ueno Takayuki , Ohno Shinji , Nakajima Takeshi , Nakamura Seigo , Miki Yoshio , Hirota Toru , Takahashi Shunji , Matsuura Masaaki , Noda Tetsuo , Mori Seiichi
Published: January 2021

Genes involved in the homologous recombination repair pathway—as exemplified by BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2—are frequently associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Germline mutations in the loci of these genes with loss of heterozygosity or additional somatic truncation at the WT allele lead to the development of breast cancers with characteristic clinicopathological features and prominent genomic features of homologous recombination deficiency, otherwise referred to as “BRCAness.” Although clinical genetic testing for these and other genes has increased the chances of identifying pathogenic variants, there has also been an increase in the prevalence of variants of uncertain significance, which poses a challenge to patient care because of the difficulties associated with making further clinical decisions. To overcome this challenge, we sought to develop a methodology to reclassify the pathogenicity of these unknown variants using statistical modeling of BRCAness. The model was developed with Lasso logistic regression by comparing 116 genomic attributes derived from 37 BRCA1/2 biallelic mutant and 32 homologous recombination‐quiescent breast cancer exomes. The model showed 95.8% and 86.7% accuracies in the training cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas validation cohort, respectively. Through application of the model for variant reclassification of homologous recombination‐associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer causal genes and further assessment with clinicopathological features, we finally identified one likely pathogenic and five likely benign variants. As such, the BRCAness model developed from the tumor exome was robust and provided a reasonable basis for variant reclassification.
Serum exosomal miR‐638 is a prognostic marker of HCC via downregulation of VE‐cadherin and ZO‐1 of endothelial cells
Authors: Yokota Yuki , Noda Takehiro , Okumura Yuichiro , Kobayashi Shogo , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Tomimaru Yoshito , Akita Hirofumi , Gotoh Kunihito , Takeda Yutaka , Tanemura Masahiro , Murakami Takashi , Umeshita Koji , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death. High recurrence rates after curative resection and the lack of specific biomarkers for intrahepatic metastases are major clinical problems. Recently, exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to have a role in the formation of the pre‐metastatic niche and as promising biomarkers in patients with malignancy. Here we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of intrahepatic metastasis and to identify a novel biomarker miRNA in patients with HCC. A highly intrahepatic metastatic cell line (HuH‐7M) was established by in vivo selection. HuH‐7M showed increased proliferative ability and suppression of apoptosis and anoikis. HuH‐7M and the parental cell (HuH‐7P) showed the similar expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers and cancer stem cell markers. In vivo, mice treated with exosomes derived from HuH‐7M showed increased tumorigenesis of liver metastases. Exosomes from HuH‐7M downregulated endothelial cell expression of vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VE‐cadherin) and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) in non‐cancerous regions of liver and increased the permeability of FITC‐dextran through the monolayer of endothelial cells. The miRNAs (miR‐638, miR‐663a, miR‐3648, and miR‐4258) could attenuate endothelial junction integrity by inhibiting VE‐cadherin and ZO‐1 expression. In patients with HCC, higher serum exosomal miR‐638 expression was associated with tumor recurrence. In conclusion, the miRNAs secreted from a highly metastatic cancer cell can promote vascular permeability via downregulation of endothelial expression of VE‐cadherin and ZO‐1. Serum exosomal miR‐638 expression holds potential for serving as a significant and independent prognostic marker in HCC.
Efficacy of intracameral antibiotics following manual small incision cataract surgery in reducing the rates of endophthalmitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Rana Khizar , Bahrami Bobak , van Zyl Lourens , Esterman Adrian , Goggin Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is a widely used technique for cataract surgery in the developing world. Higher rates of postoperative endophthalmitis have been reported with this technique compared with phaco‐emulsification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic intracameral (IC) antibiotics in reducing the rates of postoperative endophthalmitis following MSICS.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of patients undergoing MSICS. A literature search in PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies published from October 1992 to April 2020 evaluating MSICS with a minimum of 500 eyes reported. Two authors independently assessed eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.

Results

Twelve studies enrolling 1 494 307 eyes were included. IC antibiotics were used in 725 324 (48.5%) eyes. The risk ratio of developing endophthalmitis was 2.94 (95% CI, 1.07‐8.12; P = .037) in eyes that did not receive IC antibiotics.

Conclusions

Routine use of IC antibiotics may help to reduce the rates of endophthalmitis following MSICS and significantly improve the safety of this effective form of cataract surgery.
Differences in the reactions of adolescents to family violence
Authors: Izaguirre Ainhoa , Källström Åsa
Published: January 2021

Intimate partner violence is a pervasive problem and many children and adolescents live under such circumstances. The aim of this research is to qualitatively explore variations among adolescents' reactions to violence occurring at their homes by trying to identify specific patterns in how these adolescents reacted to the violence and how this is related to the length of time they have been exposed to the violence. Fifty‐eight adolescents (26 boys and 32 girls, 13–18 years of age) recruited in their schools completed a self‐report questionnaire including qualitative open questions regarding the beginning of the violence and their reactions to it. Adolescents often described having reacted to the violence by attempting to distance themselves from it, or by interfering to protect their mother. Only the adolescents who began witnessing family violence at a specific point in time, when something significant happened in their families or because of changes in society, expressed not wanting to think about it or described being impeded from interfering or protecting their mothers because they felt distressed. Among the adolescents who had experienced family violence for their entire life, they often described that they did nothing to prevent the violence or they avoided thinking about it.
Novel mutations in ZP1: Expanding the mutational spectrum associated with empty follicle syndrome in infertile women
Authors: Wu Ling , Li Menghui , Yin Mingru , Ou Yangjie , Yan Zhiguang , Kuang Yanping , Yan Zheng , Li Bin
Published: January 2021

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a serious and complex reproductive complication for infertile women suffering from the recurrent failure of oocyte retrieval in an in vitro fertilization procedure, and its pathogenesis remains obscure. Increasing evidence highlights the genetic basis of EFS occurrence. In this study, we identified two novel missense mutations (c.1127G > A, p.C376Y and c.325C > T, p.R109C), two novel frameshift mutations (c.800_801delAG, p.E267Gfs*80 and c.1815_1825delGGTCCTTTTGC, p.V606Afs*42), one novel nonsense mutation (c.199G > T, p.E67Ter), and three reported mutations (c.769C > T, p.Q257Ter; c.1430 + 1G > T, p.C478Ter and c.1169_1176delTTTTCCCA, p.I390Tfs*16) in five unrelated probands, showing similar EFS manifestations, which expands the mutational spectrum of individuals with autosomal recessive ZP1. Current research will provide a better understanding of the biological functions of ZP1, and some insight into the determination of ZP1 variation as an additional rule for assessing the EFS disease.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of implant‐supported single‐unit crowns with cantilever extension in posterior areas: A retrospective study with a follow‐up of at least 10 years
Authors: Schmid Eric , Roccuzzo Andrea , Morandini Michele , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Implant‐supported restorations with cantilever extension may display high rates of biological and technical complications.

Purpose

To report the outcomes of single‐unit crowns with cantilever extension (SCCs).

Materials and methods

Patients with SCCs were reevaluated after ≥10 years of loading. Radiographic marginal bone levels (mBLs) at baseline (ie, delivery of SCCs) and follow‐up were calculated and compared between implant surfaces adjacent to and distant from the cantilever extension. Implant survival and success rates were calculated.

Results

Twenty‐one patients with 25 SCs supported by 25 implants were reevaluated after a mean of 13.6 ± 3.8 years (range: 10–19 years). No implants were lost. The mean overall mBLs changed from 0.99 mm ± 0.95 at baseline to 0.95 mm ± 0.99 at follow‐up (p = 0.853). The mean pocket probing depths changed from 3.39 mm ± 0.62 at baseline to 3.34 mm ± 0.54 at follow‐up (p = 0.635). Loss of retention occurred 3× in 2 patients (14.3%). At follow‐up, peri‐implant health was diagnosed in 10 (48%) and peri‐implant mucositis in 11 (52%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, the use of implant‐supported SCs with cantilever extension in posterior areas represents a reliable long‐term treatment option with a 100% implant survival rate and minimal marginal bone level changes.
Immediate implant in the posterior region combined with alveolar ridge preservation and sealing socket abutment: A retrospective 3D radiographic analysis
Authors: Alexopoulou Marianzela , Lambert France , Knafo Bryan , Popelut Antoine , Vandenberghe Bart , Finelle Gary
Published: January 2021

Background

Customized sealing socket abutment (SSA) has been claimed to optimize the peri‐implant hard and soft tissues in type 1 implant placement. However, the evidence to claim the benefits of this technique over the use a conventional healing abutment remains weak.

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to provide a 3D‐radiographic evaluation of hard tissues changes following immediate implant placement in molar sites combined to ARP technique and installation of SSA.

Materials and Methods

Baseline and follow‐up (FU) CBCTs (from 1 to 5 years) of 26 patients were collected and included in the study. Baseline and FU CBCTs were superimposed and horizontal and vertical bone changes were assessed.

Results

A total of 26 patients and 27 implants were included. Horizontal bone remodeling was not significant in any of the measured areas except in the most cervical level, where a mean bone remodeling of 0.73 mm was found. Proximal and buccal vertical bone changes were not significant.

Conclusions

Within the limits of a retrospective study, dimensional alveolar ridge changes 1 to 5 years after immediate implant placement in molar sites with simultaneous ARP technique and installation of SSA seem to be very limited.
Pathological changes in neurovascular units: Lessons from cases of vascular dementia
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Yan , Yan Xiu‐Li , Guo Zhen‐Ni , Yang Yi
Published: January 2021

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second leading cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD). The decrease of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to different degrees is one of the main causes of VD. Neurovascular unit (NVU) is a vessel‐centered concept, emphasizing all the cellular components play an integrated role in maintaining the normal physiological functions of the brain. More and more evidence shows that reduced CBF causes a series of changes in NVU, such as impaired neuronal function, abnormal activation of glial cells, and changes in vascular permeability, all of which collectively play a role in the pathogenesis of VD. In this paper, we review NVU changes as CBF decreases, focusing on each cellular component of NVU. We also highlight remote ischemic preconditioning as a promising approach for VD prevention and treatment from the NVU perspective of view.
National level use of International Union for Conservation of Nature knowledge products in American National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Authors: McCay Shelby D. , Lacher Thomas E.
Published: January 2021

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) currently serves as the multilateral environmental framework for protecting biodiversity. Parties to the CBD are required to develop and submit National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and National Reports. These documents serve as the instruments used by governments and stakeholders to identify their priorities, implement, and track progress to the CBD. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has produced biodiversity and conservation knowledge products that are fundamental for tracking the progress of targets such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. We examined if countries in the Americas are using knowledge products based on IUCN standards to help construct their documents; 234 documents were analyzed for knowledge product keywords. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was mentioned in 91.8% of keyword‐coded segments. IUCN publications, Protected Areas Categories, Key Biodiversity Areas, the Red List of Ecosystems and World Database on Protected Areas had 8.2% of the remaining segments. Further studies should investigate awareness of knowledge products among national focal points for the CBD to determine their limited use in document development. IUCN knowledge products should continue to form an integral part of future indicators during this critical moment for biodiversity conservation.
Changes in prey fields increase the potential for spatial overlap between gentoo penguins and a krill fishery within a marine protected area
Authors: Ratcliffe Norman , Deagle Bruce , Love Kieran , Polanowski Andrea , Fielding Sophie , Wood Andrew G. , Hill Simeon , Grant Susie , Belchier Mark , Fleming Andrew , Hall Jonathan
Published: January 2021

AIM

Management of competition with predators is an important consideration for fisheries, particularly within marine protected areas (MPAs) where conservation is a primary objective. We aimed to test whether static no‐take zones within a large, sustainable‐use MPA prevented overlap between gentoo penguins and a krill fishery during two winters with contrasting prey fields.

LOCATION

South Georgia, Southwest Atlantic Ocean.

METHOD

We used satellite tracking (N = 16, June–September 2018) to describe gentoo penguin movements and distribution and quantified their overlap with the MPA’s no‐take zone (NTZ) and the krill fishing grounds. DNA metabarcoding of scats (N = 220, April–September 2018) was used to quantify diet.

RESULTS

When krill were at moderate densities and evenly distributed in 2001, gentoo penguins would have spent all of their time within the 12 NM NTZ, but when availability was low in 2018, they spent 46.3% of their time outside the NTZ and 9.6% within the krill fishing grounds. The extension of the NTZ to 30 km in response to this finding would have produced a 14.9% increase in protection for penguins and displaced 4% of fishery hauls. Gentoo penguin diet comprised 25.8% krill, which is lower than in the late 1980s but more than in 2009.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Gentoo penguins extend their foraging range when krill is scarce, which increases the potential for spatial overlap with the krill fishery during periods of nutritional stress. Current regulations allow for expansion of both extent and catches by the krill fishery and, should this occur, gentoo penguins may face heightened risks from competition. A dynamic ocean management framework, that extends closed areas in response to near real‐time data on penguin movements and krill density estimates, may reduce the potential for competition in this sustainable‐use MPA while allowing a profitable krill fishery.
Barriers and facilitators to community participation for preschool age children born very preterm: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cameron Kate L , FitzGerald Tara L , Albesher Reem A , McGinley Jennifer L , Allison Kim , Lee Katherine J , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Spittle Alicia J
Published: January 2021

Aim

We compared preschool age children born very preterm with term‐born controls to: (1) understand the association between very preterm birth and community participation, (2) determine if motor impairment or social risk affect participation differently between groups, and (3) understand environmental barriers and supports to participation for parents.

Method

Forty‐eight children born very preterm (<30wks’ gestation; 22 males, 26 females) and 96 controls (47 males, 49 females) were assessed at 4 to 5 years’ corrected age for community participation using the Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure. Motor skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition and the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire.

Results

Children born very preterm participated less frequently than term‐born children (difference in means=–0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] –0.54 to –0.03, p=0.029). Social risk was associated with lower frequency (interaction p<0.001) and involvement (interaction p=0.05) in community activities for children in the very preterm group only. Parents of children born very preterm perceived more barriers (odds ratio=4.32, 95% CI 1.46–12.77, p=0.008) and environmental factors to be less supportive of participation than parents of controls (difference in medians=–6.21, 95% CI –11.42 to –1.00, p=0.02).

Interpretation

Children born very preterm may benefit from ongoing support to promote participation, especially in families of higher social risk.

What this paper adds

Children born preterm attend community activities less often than term‐born children.

When attending community activities, involvement was similar between preschool age children born preterm and at term.

Social risk negatively impacted participation for children born preterm, but not at term.

Motor impairment did not appear to influence participation frequency or involvement.

Parents of children born preterm perceived more barriers to participation than parents of term‐born children.
A comparison of the acceptability and psychometric properties of scales assessing the impact of type 1 diabetes on quality of life—Results of ‘YourSAY: Quality of Life’
Authors: Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Cooke Debbie D. , Hendrieckx Christel , Coates Elizabeth J. , Heller Simon R. , Speight Jane
Published: January 2021

Aims

To compare the acceptability, reliability and validity of five contemporary diabetes‐specific quality of life (QoL) scales among adults with type 1 diabetes in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Methods

Adults with type 1 diabetes (UK = 1139, Australia = 439) completed a cross‐sectional, online survey including ADDQoL‐19, DCP, DIDP, DSQOLS and Diabetes QoL‐Q, presented in randomised order. After completing each scale, participants rated it for clarity, relevance, ease of completion, length and comprehensiveness. We examined scale acceptability (scale completion and user ratings), response patterns, structure (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) and validity (convergent, concurrent, divergent and known groups). To assess cross‐country reproducibility, analyses conducted on the UK dataset were replicated in the Australian dataset.

Results

Findings were largely consistent between countries. All scales were acceptable to participants: ≥90% completing all items, and ≥80% positive user ratings, except for DSQOLS’ length. Scale structure was not supported for the DCP. Overall, in terms of acceptability and psychometric evaluation, the DIDP was the strongest performing scale while the ADDQoL‐19 and Diabetes QoL‐Q scales also performed well.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the recently developed brief (7 items), neutrally worded DIDP scale is acceptable to adults with type 1 diabetes and has the strongest psychometric performance. However, questionnaire selection should always be considered in the context of the research aims, study design and population, as well as the wider published evidence regarding both the development and responsiveness of the scales.
The role of systolic–diastolic coupling in distinguishing impaired diastolic recoil in healthy aging and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: MacNamara James P. , Koshti Vivek , Cheng I‐Jou , Dias Katrin A. , Hearon Christopher M. , Cornwell William , Howden Erin J. , Levine Benjamin D. , Sarma Satyam
Published: January 2021

Background

Age‐related changes to left ventricular (LV) early diastolic recoil confound the diagnostic value of e′ velocity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Systolic–diastolic coupling quantifies passive left ventricular elastic recoil and may be superior to e′ in differentiating abnormal diastolic recoil in HFpEF from healthy aging. This study aims to determine the effect of healthy aging and HFpEF on systolic–diastolic coupling.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 141, aged 20‐90 years) underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) to quantify LV filling pressure and tissue Doppler echocardiography to define peak velocities and excursion (velocity time integral) of the mitral annulus. Separately, HFpEF patients (n = 12, age 67 ± 5 years) and controls (n = 12, age 68 ± 5 years) underwent RHC and echocardiography. Systolic–diastolic coupling was measured as early diastolic excursion (EDexc) divided by systolic excursion (Sexc).

Results

In healthy adults, EDexc/ Sexc declined by 15% per decade of life (r2 = 0.53, P < .001). EDexc/Sexc was significantly lower in HFpEF compared with controls (0.43 ± 0.11 vs 0.56 ± 0.11, P = .011), while e′ was similar (6.2 ± 1.5 vs 6.8 ± 1.3 cm/s, P = .33). Using ROC analysis, EDexc/Sexc had an AUC to detect HFpEF of 0.82 (0.61‐0.95, P = .007), which was superior to e′ alone (AUC 0.60(0.39‐0.80), P = .39; P = .026 for difference).

Conclusions

Systolic–diastolic coupling, quantified by the EDexc/Sexc ratio, declined linearly with healthy aging. The EDexc/Sexc ratio was further reduced in HFpEF and able to predict HFpEF more accurately than e′ alone. Systolic–diastolic coupling may be a useful diagnostic tool to detect HFpEF.
The price of doing business: Why replaceable foreign firms get worse government treatment
Authors: Johns Leslie , Wellhausen Rachel L.
Published: January 2021

We argue that a host government treats foreign firms better if those foreign firms have fewer replacements. We identify a key structural determinant of replaceability: the startup costs that foreign firms must incur to begin production. Since the host government can only take from foreign firms that actually produce in its market, it must treat foreign firms better when their startup costs are high, lest the government drive all foreign firms out. Our theoretical model applies contemporary trade theory to foreign direct investment and provides insights about the understudied relationship between foreign and domestic firms. Most importantly, it endogenizes market entry and exit, establishing the importance of entry despite scholars' long‐time focus on exit. Our analysis uses cross‐national firm‐level data on taxes and production outcomes, and we provide a new industry‐level measure of government treatment of foreign firms.
Evolution of DELLA function and signaling in land plants
Authors: Phokas Alexandros , Coates Juliet C.
Published: January 2021

DELLA proteins are master growth regulators that repress responses to a group of plant growth hormones called gibberellins (GAs). Manipulation of DELLA function and signaling was instrumental in the development of high‐yielding crop varieties that saved millions from starvation during the “Green Revolution.” Despite decades of extensive research, it is still unclear how DELLA function and signaling mechanisms evolved within the land plant lineage. Here, we review current knowledge on DELLA protein function with reference to structure, posttranslational modifications, downstream transcriptional targets, and protein–protein interactions. Furthermore, we discuss older and recent findings regarding the evolution of DELLA signaling within the land plant lineage, with an emphasis on bryophytes, and identify future avenues of research that would enable us to shed more light on the evolution of DELLA signaling. Unraveling how DELLA function and signaling mechanisms have evolved could enable us to engineer better crops in an attempt to contribute to mitigating the effects of global warming and achieving global food security.
Trends in mandibular fracture patterns in central Telangana – A retrospective overview and analysis
Authors: Devarakonda Visalakshi , Navakoti Prasad , Sungal Raghavendra Prasad , Sakleshpur Mruthyunjaya Chaitan , Karanam Anil Kumar , Sanobar Arshiya
Published: January 2021

Background/Aim

Socio‐economic, environmental and cultural influences may lead to discrepancies in the distribution and occurrence of orofacial injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze the patient demographics and current patterns of mandibular fractures within a geographic population.

Material and Methods

The medical records of patients with facial trauma treated over a period of 3 years were retrieved and reviewed. Their data were analyzed based on the following parameters—age, gender, mechanism of trauma, seasonal variation, drug/alcohol abuse at the time of trauma, number, and anatomic location of fractures.

Results

Of all the patients with maxillofacial injuries, 56% had mandibular fractures and 80% of these were sustained in road traffic accidents. Nearly 44% of patients had multiple mandibular fractures giving an average of about 1.6 fractures per mandible. Alcohol abuse was seen in 39% of patients. Seasonal influence indicated that the monsoon season had the highest incidence of trauma.

Conclusion

Fracture patterns vary according to the etiology of the fracture and direction of the impact force. This information can help in the diagnosis and as a guide to future funding of preventive public health programs.
Parasitoid pressure does not elicit defensive polyphenism in the green peach aphid
Authors: Uriel Yonathan , Abram Paul K. , Gries Gerhard
Published: January 2021

1. Aphids are capable of adapting to parasitoid pressure in the absence of sexual reproduction using epigenetically controlled polyphenism. Asexual lineages of aphids could thus become resistant to parasitoids over time and with repeated exposure, hampering biocontrol efforts that rely on parasitoid wasps.

2. Prior to this study, wing polyphenism and reproductive polyphenism had been reported as parasitoid‐adaptive responses in asexual lineages of at least two species of aphids, but it remained unclear whether parasitoid exposure could induce other defensive polyphenisms. Using a rigorous, replicated experimental evolution design, we aimed to induce adaptive polyphenisms in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer, through serial exposures of single asexual lines to the parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck over four consecutive generations.

3. We measured changes in parasitoid susceptibility, reproductive schedule, body size, and production of pink or alate offspring compared to aphid control lines not exposed to parasitoids. Despite this consistently strong selective parasitoid pressure, there was no evidence that asexual lineages of M. persicae adapt to parasitoid pressure using adaptive polyphenism.

4. Our data indicate that pseudo‐crowding stress – where aphids disturbed by parasitoids or predators wander within a colony, increasing aphid‐to‐aphid contact and creating the illusion of a more crowded environment – may be necessary for M. persicae to produce defensive polyphenisms in response to parasitoid attack.
Comparison of antipsychotic naïve first‐episode psychosis patients and healthy controls in Uganda
Authors: Mwesiga Emmanuel K. , Akena Dickens , Koen Nastassja , Nakku Juliet , Nakasujja Noeline , Stein Dan J.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The risk factors for a first episode of psychosis in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are not well described. The study compared the association of different risk factors in patients with first‐episode psychosis patients and healthy controls from an LMIC context.

Methods

A comparative, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was performed in antipsychotic naïve first‐episode psychosis patients and healthy controls at the National referral hospital in Uganda. Standardized tools were used to assess sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex, socioeconomic status) and clinical (e.g., childhood trauma, quality of life) variables. First episode psychosis participants were compared to healthy controls in terms of sociodemographic and clinical variables, and logistic regression was used to determine predictors of FEP.

Results

Our final sample included 198 antipsychotic naïve first‐episode psychosis participants and 82 controls. Most participants were female (68.5%) with a mean age of 29.4 years. After adjusting for age and sex, FEP patients when compared to controls were less likely to be female [AOR 0.18 (95%CI 0.03–0.85; p = .031)], more likely to have experienced emotional abuse [AOR 1.30 (95%CI 1.02–1.65; p = .032)] and more likely to have a poor quality of life [AOR 0.93 (95%CI 0.89–0.97; p = .002)].

Discussion

The risk factors for a first episode of psychosis in this low and middle‐income population were like those described in high‐income countries. Further studies on interventions to prevent the transition to psychotic disorders in this sub‐groups of patients are recommended. Also, the use of specialized early intervention services in improving the quality of life needs to be evaluated.