bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of thrombotic complications in hospitalised and non‐hospitalised patients after COVID‐19 diagnosis
Authors: Tholin Birgitte , Ghanima Waleed , Einvik Gunnar , Aarli Bernt , Brønstad Eivind , Skjønsberg Ole H. , Stavem Knut
Published: May 2021

Infection with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) may predispose for venous thromboembolism (VTE). There is wide variation in reported incidence rates of VTE in COVID‐19, ranging from 3% to 85%. Therefore, the true incidence of thrombotic complications in COVID‐19 is uncertain. Here we present data on the incidence of VTE in both hospitalised and non‐hospitalised patients from two ongoing prospective cohort studies. The incidence of VTE after diagnosis of COVID‐19 was 3·9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·1–7·2] during hospitalisation, 0·9% (95% CI: 0·2–3·1) in the three months after discharge and 0·2% (95% CI: 0·00–1·25) in non‐hospitalised patients, suggesting an incidence rate at the lower end of that in previous reports.
Mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe alternative to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for high‐density, renal stones: a prospective, randomised trial
Authors: Ahmed Abul‐fotouh , Abdelazim Hassan , ElMesery Mahmoud , El‐feky Mohammed , Gomaa Aly , Tagreda Ibrahim , Abozied Hesham , Fahim Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To compare the outcomes of miniaturised percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini‐PCNL) and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of 10–20 mm, non‐lower pole, renal stones.

Patients and Methods

This prospective randomised double‐arm trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Egypt from February to December 2020. Adult patients with single, non‐lower pole, high‐density (≥1000 HU) renal stones were randomised to receive mini‐PCNL or ESWL. The stone‐free rate (SFR); operative, fluoroscopy and hospitalisation times; blood loss; auxiliary procedures; retreatment; unscheduled hospital readmission; and complications were compared between the groups.

Results

The primary analysis included 34 patients in the mini‐PCNL group and 33 in the ESWL group. Overall, the SFR was 97.1% in the mini‐PCNL group vs 30.3% in the ESWL group (P < 0.001). All patients in the ESWL group required retreatment, and none of them were stone‐free after the first ESWL session. None of the patients in the mini‐PCNL group required retreatment. The overall operative time, fluoroscopy time, auxiliary procedure, retreatment, and unscheduled hospital readmission were significantly higher in the ESWL group. The hospital stay and decrease in the haemoglobin level were significantly higher in the mini‐PCNL group. The groups were comparable for the overall complication rate.

Conclusions

Mini‐PCNL is more effective than ESWL for treating 10–20 mm, high‐density, non‐lower pole renal stones. Mini‐PCNL has the advantages of a high SFR and abolishing the need for retreatment and re‐hospitalisation.
The anomalous pharmacology of fentanyl
Authors: Kelly Eamonn , Sutcliffe Katy , Cavallo Damiana , Ramos‐Gonzalez Nokomis , Alhosan Norah , Henderson Graeme
Published: May 2021

Fentanyl is a key therapeutic, used in anaesthesia and pain management. It is also increasingly used illicitly and is responsible for a large and growing number of opioid overdose deaths, especially in North America. A number of factors have been suggested to contribute to fentanyl's lethality, including rapid onset of action, in vivo potency, ligand bias, induction of muscle rigidity and reduced sensitivity to reversal by naloxone. Some of these factors can be considered to represent ‘anomalous’ pharmacological properties of fentanyl when compared with prototypical opioid agonists such as morphine. In this review, we examine the nature of fentanyl's ‘anomalous’ properties, to determine whether there is really a pharmacological basis to support the existence of such properties, and also discuss whether such properties are likely to contribute to overdose deaths involving fentanyls.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc
Feasibility study of a new behavioural activation programme for young people with depressed mood
Authors: Dubicka Bernadka , Marwedel Susanne , Banares Sabah , McCulloch Amy , Tahoun Taghrid , Hearn Jasmine , Kroll Leo
Published: May 2021

Background

Behavioural activation (BA) is effective in adults with depression but the evidence for young people (YP) is less clear. We therefore developed and tested a new coproduced BA programme.

Method

In phase one (2014 to 2015 inclusive), we codeveloped with young people attending specialist child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) an 8‐session BA workbook. In Phase two (2019 to 2020 inclusive), we ran an uncontrolled feasibility study in two specialist CAMHS, with BA being offered to YP by less specialised staff.

Results

In phase one, we tested the workbook with 15 YP with depression and other comorbidities. Satisfaction was good from both YP and staff, and 9 YP reported improvement in mood. In phase two, 51 YP were offered BA; 15 declined to take part. 36 consented with three dropping out after consent. 33 YP (mean age 14.6, 12 males, 24 females) continued treatment attending a mean of 6.6 sessions. At the end of treatment, youth‐rated Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (MFQ) mean score decreased from 43.2 to 27.6, difference 14.6 (95% CI 8.7 to 20.2; n = 28), and Clinician Global Assessment Score (CGAS) mean score increased from 52.3 to 69.8, difference 18.0 (95% CI 11.9 to 24.2; n = 29). Of the 33 YP who participated in therapy, 12 (36%) recovered and were discharged.

Conclusions

This programme demonstrated preliminary evidence for effectiveness and utility. Less specialised staff were able to use BA, and this may reduce secondary waits for more specialist therapy. More research is needed about the role of BA in specialist CAMHS.
Commensal microbiota contributes to predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Chufeng , Wang Jixin , Sun Zhongwen , Cao Yufeng , Mu Zhengshuai , Ji Xuming
Published: May 2021

Immunotherapy against cancer, through immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 axis, is particularly successful in tumors by relieving the immune escape. However, interindividual responses to immunotherapy are often heterogeneous. Therefore, it is essential to screen out predictive tumor biomarkers. In this study, we analyzed the commensal microbiota in stool samples and paired sputum samples from 75 metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at baseline and during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Results showed distinct microbes’ signatures between the gut microbiota and paired respiratory microbiota. The alpha diversity between the gut and respiratory microbiota was uncorrelated, and only the gut microbiota alpha diversity was associated with anti‐programmed cell death‐1 response. Higher gut microbiota alpha diversity indicated better response and more prolonged progression‐free survival. Comparison of bacterial communities between responders and nonresponders showed some favorable/unfavorable microbes enriched in responders/nonresponders, indicating that commensal microbiota had potential predictive value for the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Generally, some rare low abundance gut microbes and high abundance respiratory microbes lead to discrepancies in microbial composition between responders and nonresponders. A significant positive correlation was observed between the abundance of Streptococcus and CD8+ T cells. These results highlighted the intimate relationship between commensal microbiota and the response to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. Gut microbiota and respiratory microbiota are promising biomarkers to screen suitable candidates who are likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor‐based immunotherapy.
Electrophysiological Evidence of Space‐Number Associations in 9‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Bettoni Roberta , Addabbo Margaret , Bulf Hermann , Macchi Cassia Viola
Published: May 2021

Infant research is providing accumulating evidence that number‐space mappings appear early in development. Here, a Posner cueing paradigm was used to investigate the neural mechanisms underpinning the attentional bias induced by nonsymbolic numerical cues in 9‐month‐old infants (N = 32). Event‐related potentials and saccadic reaction time were measured to the onset of a peripheral target flashing right after the offset of a centered small or large numerical cue, with the location of the target being either congruent or incongruent with the number’s relative position on a left‐to‐right oriented representational continuum. Results indicated that the cueing effect induced by numbers on infants’ orienting of eye gaze brings about sensory facilitation in processing visual information at the cued location.
Phylogenetic value of jaw elements of lacertid lizards (Squamata: Lacertoidea): a case study with Oligocene material from France
Authors: Wencker Lukardis Charlotte Marie , Tschopp Emanuel , Villa Andrea , Augé Marc Louis , Delfino Massimo
Published: May 2021

Several extinct species are known from the family Lacertidae, but due to poor preservation, many of them are based on single bones. Here, we compare phylogenetic signals of disarticulated premaxillae, maxillae and dentaries of lacertids from four French Oligocene localities (Coderet, La Colombière, Roqueprune 2, Mas de Got B). We identified five morphotypes among the premaxillae, six among the maxillae, and ten among the dentaries. These morphotypes were scored as individual taxa per locality into three separate character matrices with the same 246 characters, one matrix for each jaw element. Subsequently, the phylogenetic position of the morphotypes was tested using maximum parsimony. The consensus trees with the dentaries and the maxillae found a large polytomy including all taxa except the outgroup taxon Gekko gecko. The consensus tree with the premaxillae showed a considerably more resolved topology but found all morphotype taxa outside Lacertidae. In a second step, we compared the constitution of our three datasets and the morphotype taxa. Our results suggest that a combination of convergent characters and missing data led to the outgroup position of the premaxilla morphotype taxa. The poor resolution of the maxillae strict consensus is likely a consequence of their fragmentary preservation. For the dentaries, a high amount of missing data due to the high number of morphotype taxa most likely caused the poor tree resolution. Indeed, tests with fewer morphotypes found tree resolutions comparable to the premaxilla data. When linking the morphotypes, five possible lacertid “species” were found. Comparison with already known French Oligocene lacertid species points to a slightly higher species richness of Lacertidae at that time than known before. Reliable species classification based on phylogeny only seems possible when combining the jaw elements or in association with other cranial and postcranial material, putting some doubt on species identifications based on single bones.
Assessment of cytotoxicity and sensitization potential of intradermally injected tattoo inks in reconstructed human skin
Authors: Karregat Joey J. J. P. , Rustemeyer Thomas , van der Bent Sebastiaan A. S. , Spiekstra Sander W. , Thon Maria , Fernandez Rivas David , Gibbs Susan
Published: May 2021

Background

The number of people within the European population having at least one tattoo has increased notably, and with it the number of tattoo‐associated clinical complications. Despite this, safety information and testing regarding tattoo inks remain limited.

Objective

To assess cytotoxicity and sensitization potential of 16 tattoo inks after intradermal injection into reconstructed human skin (RHS).

Methods

Commercially available tattoo inks were injected intradermally into RHS (reconstructed epidermis on a fibroblast‐populated collagen hydrogel) using a permanent makeup device. RHS biopsies, tissue sections, and culture medium were assessed for cytotoxicity (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay [MTT assay]), detrimental histological changes (haematoxylin and eosin staining), and the presence of inflammatory and sensitization cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1α, IL‐8, IL‐18; enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay).

Results

Varying degrees of reduced metabolic activity and histopathological cytotoxic effects were observed in RHS after ink injection. Five inks showed significantly reduced metabolic activity and enhanced sensitization potential compared with negative controls.

Discussion

Using the RHS model system, four tattoo inks were identified as highly cytotoxic and classified as potential sensitizers, suggesting that allergic contact dermatitis could emerge in individuals carrying these inks. These results indicate that an RHS‐based assessment of cytotoxicity and sensitization potential by intradermal tattoo ink injection is a useful analytical tool to determine ink‐induced deleterious effects.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography of xanthogranuloma: Correlation with vertical and horizontal histopathology
Authors: Lacarrubba Francesco , Verzì Anna Elisa , Puglisi Davide Francesco , Broggi Giuseppe , Caltabiano Rosario , Micali Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a new noninvasive technique for a real‐time, vertical, and horizontal imaging of the skin at cellular resolution. A 47‐year‐old female presented with a 6‐month history of an asymptomatic yellowish papule. LC‐OCT evaluation was able to show the diagnostic microscopic features of xanthogranuloma and showed an excellent correlation with vertical and horizontal histopathological sections by revealing enlarged dermal papillae containing multiple, bright roundish giant cells, corresponding to foamy histiocytes, and giant cells characterized by a dark center surrounded by a highly hyper‐refractile peripheral ring, corresponding to Touton cells. LC‐OCT may represent a valid, noninvasive alternative to histopathological examination in clinically atypical cases of xanthogranuloma.
HIV infection and anaemia do not affect HbA1c for the detection of diabetes in black South Africans: Evidence from the Durban Diabetes Study
Authors: Hird Thomas R. , Partap Uttara , Moodley Pravi , Pirie Fraser J. , Esterhuizen Tonya M. , O'Leary Brian , McCarthy Mark I. , Young Elizabeth H. , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Motala Ayesha A.
Published: May 2021

Objective

South Africa has a high burden of HIV infection and anaemia. These conditions may cause HbA1c to over‐ or underestimate glycaemia; however, this has not been comprehensively investigated in African populations. We assessed the association of anaemia, HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) with HbA1c, and implications for the detection and diagnosis of diabetes, in a black South African population.

Research design and methods

In this population‐based cross‐sectional study in eThekwini municipality (Durban), South Africa, we assessed HbA1c and conducted oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), HIV diagnostic tests and full blood count measurements among 1067 participants without a history of diabetes diagnosis. Linear regression was used to examine differences in HbA1c by anaemia (comparator: no anaemia), or HIV and ART (comparator: no HIV) status. HbA1c‐based diabetes prevalence was compared with OGTT‐based prevalence among individuals with anaemia and with untreated and ART‐treated HIV.

Results

In adjusted analyses, normocytic and microcytic anaemia were associated with higher HbA1c compared with no anaemia, whereas macrocytic anaemia and ART‐treated HIV were associated with lower HbA1c compared with no anaemia and no HIV, respectively. However, magnitudes of association were small (range:  = −3.4 mmol/mol or −0.31%, p < 0.001 [macrocytic anaemia] to = 2.1 mmol/mol or 0.19%, p < 0.001 [microcytic anaemia]). There was no significant difference in diabetes prevalence based on HbA1c or OGTT among individuals with anaemia (2.9% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.69), untreated HIV (1.6% vs. 1.6% p = 1.00) or ART‐treated HIV (2.9% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that anaemia and HIV status appear unlikely to materially affect the utility of HbA1c for diabetes detection and diagnosis in this population. Further studies are needed to examine these associations in sub‐Saharan African populations.
Effect of team cohesion on flow: An empirical study of team‐based gamification for enterprise resource planning systems in online classes
Authors: Zhao Yu (Audrey) , Srite Mark , Kim Sumin , Lee Jinwoong
Published: May 2021

Pedagogy using gamification has recently received much attention as a way of enhancing student learning and retention. Additionally, academic institutions are making extensive use of online resources to expand teaching beyond the traditional classroom setting. Both academic institutions and companies utilize virtual teams to accomplish remote teamwork, particularly in a post‐COVID environment. Despite the growing interest in incorporating gamification into teaching for business school courses, prior researchers have paid little attention to team‐based gamification in the online learning environment. The purpose of this study is to examine if team members’ perceived team cohesion influences their perceptions of flow. Also, we investigate the relationships among three flow dimensions: concentration, perceived control, and perceived enjoyment. We tested our research model using an enterprise resource planning simulation game involving 187 business students. The results of structural equation modeling with partial least squares analysis support all of our hypotheses.
Right ventricular‐arterial coupling – A new perspective for right ventricle evaluation in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Deaconu Silvia , Deaconu Alexandru , Scarlatescu Alina , Petre Ioana , Onciul Sebastian , Vijiac Aura , Onut Roxana , Zamfir Diana , Marascu Gabriela , Iorgulescu Corneliu , Radu Dan Andrei , Bogdan Stefan , Vatasescu Radu , Dorobantu Maria
Published: May 2021

Background

Right ventricular – arterial (RV‐PA) coupling can be estimated by echocardiography using the ratio between (TAPSE) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP). TAPSE/PASP ratio proved to be a prognostic parameter in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective

To evaluate the significance of RV‐PA coupling in patients with HFrEF undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

Patients undergoing CRT in our center between January 2017 and November 2019 were eligible. Response to CRT was defined by a reduction of more than 15% of left ventricle systolic volume (LVESV) one year after CRT. Primary endpoint was a composite of HF hospitalizations and death during follow‐up.

Results

54 patients (Age 64.0 ± 13.8 years; 58% male; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 28.4 ± 1.3%) were prospectively included. After a mean follow‐up of 31 ± 12.9months, the primary endpoint had occurred in 18 (33.3%) patients. A lower TAPSE/PASP ratio was associated with baseline worse HF symptoms, lower LVEF and long‐term less LV reverse remodeling (P < .05). After one year CRT improved RV systolic function (TAPSE, RV global longitudinal strain, P < .05), but not TAPSE/PASP ratio (P = .4). The ratio TAPSE/PASP (AUC=0.834) ≥ 0.58 mm/mm Hg showed good sensitivity (90%) and specificity (81.8%) for predicting response to CRT while a ratio <0.58 mm/mm Hg was associated with a higher risk of death and HF hospitalizations during the follow‐up (HR 5.37 95%CI [1.6–18], P < .001).

Conclusion

RV‐PA coupling evaluation using TAPSE/PASP ratio predicts CRT response. A lower TAPSE/PASP ratio is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Surgical aortic valve replacement and left ventricular remodeling: Survival and sex‐related differences
Authors: Barletta Giuseppe , Del Bene Maria Riccarda , Venditti Francesco , Pilato Giuseppe , Stefàno Pierluigi
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To analyze how left ventricular (LV) remodeling and hypertrophy geometry evolve after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in octogenarian patients, and identify potential sex‐related differences and implications for long‐term outcomes.

Methods

In 170 patients with aortic stenosis ([AS], age 80 ± 4 years, 59% women), hypertrophy geometry and remodeling (LV index) were reanalyzed one year post‐SAVR. The six‐year outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Pre‐SAVR, 65% of the women and 38.6% of the men (P < .001) showed adaptive remodeling. Concentric hypertrophy was prevalent in adaptive remodeling, and mixed and dilated hypertrophy were more prevalent in maladaptive remodeling. At one year, the remodeling patterns and sex distribution were similar to those observed pre‐SAVR, but the LV index decreased in women and increased in men (P < .0001). Women with adaptive remodeling had a higher incidence of persistent concentric hypertrophy with higher LV filling pressures. Long‐term survival was better in women and worse in men with adaptive remodeling (P = .039). Men with adaptive remodeling and men with concentric hypertrophy had the highest risk of cardiac death. This risk was similar between sexes for patients with maladaptive remodeling and dilated hypertrophy. Women with LV ejection fraction >55% had a lower risk of cardiac death than men.

Conclusions

The long‐term outcomes of SAVR differ between sexes in older patients with AS and adaptive LV remodeling. The LV index facilitates studying the pathways of adaptation to AS. The follow‐up shifts help explain the sex differences in long‐term outcomes post‐SAVR. Concentric hypertrophy is associated with the highest risk of cardiac death in men.
Layer‐specific longitudinal strain predicts left ventricular maximum wall thickness in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tsugu Toshimitsu , Nagatomo Yuji , Dulgheru Raluca , Lancellotti Patrizio
Published: May 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was (a) to clarify the detailed mechanisms of structural and functional abnormalities of myocardial tissue in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using layer‐specific strain (LSS) and compare it with healthy subjects (b) to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LSS for HCM.

Methods and Results

Forty‐one patients with HCM and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 66% male, 52 ± 18 years, LVEF 62.9% ± 3.7%) and 41 controls matched for age and sex (66% male, 52 ± 20 years, LVEF 63.5% ± 8.2%) underwent 2D‐speckle tracking echocardiography. Absolute values of LSS were globally lower and the ratio of endocardial/epicardial layer (End/Epi ratio) was higher in HCM. LSS gradually increased from the epicardial toward the endocardial layer at all chamber views and at all levels of the LV. LSS and End/Epi ratio at the apex were higher than those at the middle or basal level of the LV. End/Epi ratio was correlated with LV maximal wall thickness both controls (r = .35, P = .03) and HCM (r = .81, P < .001). End/Epi ratio was an independent factor associated with LV maximal wall thickness (β = 0.96, P < .001). A higher End/Epi ratio (≥1.31) was associated with diagnostic criteria for HCM (sensitivity 98%, specificity 95%, area under the curve 0.99, P < .001).

Conclusion

LSS has the potential for unraveling the mechanism of impaired LV wall motion in HCM and to accurately detect HCM.
Examining persistent effects of extractive institutions in the United States
Authors: Rose Liam , Shepard Asha
Published: May 2021

This paper estimates the medium‐ to long‐run effects of slavery in the United States in a spatial regression discontinuity design. Using the boundary between free and slave states immediately antebellum, we find that legal slavery decreased per capita manufacturing output by as much as 30% in the decades following the Civil War. Perhaps surprisingly, agricultural output and farm values were only briefly depressed in former slave states after the war. Although emancipation ended slavery, political forces kept the institution from being completely disintegrated, and we explore channels through which this was possible. We show that slavery affected the structure of the economy in a given region—specifically through agricultural production decisions—and that these structures persisted long after passage of the 13th Amendment. However, sharecropping played a relatively small role in this region. Our results support mounting evidence in recent literature of the significant and lasting effects of institutions on economic development.
Income, education and their impact on treatments and survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Larfors Gunnar , Moreno Berggren Daniel , Garelius Hege , Jädersten Martin , Nilsson Lars , Rasmussen Bengt , Ejerblad Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess whether socioeconomic indices such as income and educational level can explain part of the variation in survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and further to assess whether these factors influence care and treatment decisions.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study on 2945 Swedish patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2018 and included in the Swedish MDS Register. Relative mortality was assessed by Cox regression, whereas treatment differences were assessed by Poisson regression. Regarding mortality, patients were also compared to a matched comparison group from the general population.

Results

Mortality was 50% higher among patients in the lowest income category compared to the highest and 40% higher in patients with mandatory school education only compared to those with college or university education. Treatment with hypomethylating agents and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, as well as investigation with cytogenetic diagnostics were also linked to income and education. The findings were not explained by differences in risk class or comorbidity at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

Income and education are linked to survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Socioeconomic status also seems to influence treatment intensity as patients with less income and education to a lesser degree receive hypomethylating agents and transplants.
N‐acetylcysteine reduces addiction‐like behaviour towards high‐fat high‐sugar food in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Sketriene Diana , Battista Damien , Perry Christina J. , Sumithran Priya , Lawrence Andrew J. , Brown Robyn M.
Published: May 2021

Compulsive forms of eating displayed by some obese individuals share similarities with compulsive drug‐taking behaviour, a hallmark feature of substance use disorder. This raises the possibility that drug addiction treatments may show utility in the treatment of compulsive overeating. N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a cysteine pro‐drug which has experienced some success in clinical trials, reducing cocaine, marijuana and cigarette use, as well as compulsive behaviours such as gambling and trichotillomania. We assessed the impact of NAC on addiction‐like behaviour towards highly palatable food in a rat model of diet‐induced obesity. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were placed on a high‐fat high‐sugar diet for 8 weeks and then assigned to diet‐induced obesity‐prone (DIO) or diet‐induced obesity‐resistant (DR) groups based on weight gain. DIO and DR rats were subjected to an operant conditioning paradigm whereby rats could lever press for high‐fat high‐sugar food pellets. This alternated with periods of signalled reward unavailability. Before treatment DIO rats ate more in their home cage, earned more food pellets in operant sessions, and responded more during periods that signalled reward unavailability (suggestive of compulsive‐like food seeking) compared with DR rats. This persistent responding in the absence of reward displayed by DIO rats was ameliorated by daily injections of NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. By the end of the treatment period, lever‐pressing by NAC‐treated DIO rats resembled that of DR rats. These findings suggest that NAC reduces addiction‐like behaviour towards food in rats and supports the potential use of this compound in compulsive overeating.
A first exploration of perceived pros and cons of quantitative gait analysis in equine clinical practice
Authors: Hardeman A. M. , Van Weeren P. R. , Serra Bragança F. M. , Warmerdam H. , Bok H. G. J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Quantitative gait analysis is rapidly gaining ground in equine practice, and pros and cons are regularly discussed within the scientific literature. However, no data exist on the appreciation of the technique by equine clinicians, their motivation to use it or not, and their perception of its value in daily practice.

Objectives

To make a first inventory of opinions, expectances and experiences of equine veterinarians concerning the use of quantitative gait analysis in their daily general practice.

Study design

Survey.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent out to a group of equine orthopaedic clinicians working in an equine clinic or practice. Respondents were classified as users (having clinical experience with quantitative gait analysis) or not (nonusers). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Within the sample population, users were more positive about the usefulness of quantitative gait analysis than nonusers. Veterinarians who purchased a system were motivated by better objectivity, transparency, documentation and client service. Main reasons not to purchase a system were costs and complexity of data interpretation. A minority of both users and nonusers deemed quantitative gait analysis also suitable for equine professionals other than veterinarians.

Main limitations

Users (n = 40) outnumbered nonusers (n = 32), sample size was limited (n = 72) and insufficient to allow for generalisation of results.

Conclusions

Users of quantitative gait analysis were more positive about the technology than nonusers. More data are needed to allow for generalisation of the results. Regularly repeating this survey may help in monitoring, and eventually guiding the process of integration of gait analysis technology within equine clinical practice by providing valuable information for individual clinics, educational institutions and the industry producing this technology.
Mental health in the commercial fishing industry: Modern uncertainties and traditional risks
Authors: King Tanya J. , Turner Rachel , Versace Vincent , Abernethy Kirsten , Kilpatrick Sue , Brumby Susan
Published: May 2021

Commercial fishers face a range of stressors that impact physical and mental health. However, there is limited research on the level of mental ill‐health among fishers and on the nature of stressors that contribute to their psychological distress. This paper focuses on the experiences of commercial wild‐catch fishers and analyses the results of an Australian national survey conducted in 2017 (n = 872) (Appendix S1). We first assess underlying themes in perceived stressors, identifying three distinct categories termed ‘traditional risks’, ‘modern uncertainties’ and ‘future concerns’. Second, we assess the level of self‐reported psychological distress, demonstrating higher occurrence of high to very high psychological distress among commercial fishers in comparison with the national population. Third, we examine the relationship between different groups of stressors and psychological distress, finding that stronger perceptions of both ‘traditional risks’ and ‘modern uncertainties’ are associated with greater levels of psychological distress among fishers. Fourth, recognizing diversity within the industry, we examine differences in these relationships among skippers and crew (work role), and inshore versus offshore fishers (fishing location). Our analysis demonstrates that ‘traditional risks’ and ‘modern uncertainties’ differentially impact on fisher mental health and depend on the individual's role in the industry and their fishing location. The findings suggest that changes to factors associated with modern uncertainty stressors—including government management techniques, red tape, media representation and political support—could significantly improve mental health in the commercial fishing sector.

[Correction added on 09 June 2021, after first online publication: Abstract has been corrected in this version.]
Disease‐specific interactome alterations via epichaperomics: the case for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ginsberg Stephen D. , Neubert Thomas A. , Sharma Sahil , Digwal Chander S. , Yan Pengrong , Timbus Calin , Wang Tai , Chiosis Gabriela
Published: May 2021

The increasingly appreciated prevalence of complicated stressor‐to‐phenotype associations in human disease requires a greater understanding of how specific stressors affect systems or interactome properties. Many currently untreatable diseases arise due to variations in, and through a combination of, multiple stressors of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental nature. Unfortunately, how such stressors lead to a specific disease phenotype or inflict a vulnerability to some cells and tissues but not others remains largely unknown and unsatisfactorily addressed. Analysis of cell‐ and tissue‐specific interactome networks may shed light on organization of biological systems and subsequently to disease vulnerabilities. However, deriving human interactomes across different cell and disease contexts remains a challenge. To this end, this opinion article links stressor‐induced protein interactome network perturbations to the formation of pathologic scaffolds termed epichaperomes, revealing a viable and reproducible experimental solution to obtaining rigorous context‐dependent interactomes. This article presents our views on how a specialized ‘omics platform called epichaperomics may complement and enhance the currently available conventional approaches and aid the scientific community in defining, understanding, and ultimately controlling interactome networks of complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Ultimately, this approach may aid the transition from a limited single‐alteration perspective in disease to a comprehensive network‐based mindset, which we posit will result in precision medicine paradigms for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Biochar increases tree biomass in a managed boreal forest, but does not alter N2O, CH4, and CO2 emissions
Authors: Grau‐Andrés Roger , Pingree Melissa R. A. , Öquist Mats G. , Wardle David A. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gundale Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Biochar soil amendment may provide the forestry sector with a formidable tool to simultaneously sequester carbon (C) in the soil and aboveground by enhancing plant productivity, yet several key uncertainties remain. Crucially, empirical evidence of long‐term effects of biochar management on vegetation and on greenhouse gas emissions in forest ecosystems is scarce. Using a large field experiment in a young managed boreal forest in northern Sweden, we investigated the effects of biochar (applied either on the soil surface or mixed in the soil 8–9 years prior to this study) on supply rates of soil nutrients, on survival and growth of planted Pinus sylvestris, on community composition of the understory vegetation, and on forest floor fluxes of N2O, CH4, and CO2. We found that biochar promoted P. sylvestris survival only when biochar was applied on the soil surface. Conversely, biochar enhanced P. sylvestris growth overall, resulting in a 19% increase in C stored in biomass. Biochar also altered the composition of the understory vegetation, especially when mixed into the soil, and promoted a more resource‐conservative community (i.e., with more ericaceous shrubs and less graminoids and forbs). Meanwhile, supply rates of the main soil nutrients were largely unaffected by biochar. Finally, we found that biochar did not alter overall N2O and CO2 emissions and CH4 uptake from the forest floor. Our findings show that biochar amendment increased the net C input to the system, since, besides directly increasing soil C stocks, biochar enhanced biomass growth without increasing soil C losses. Therefore, our study suggests that biochar could potentially be used for emissions abatement in intensively managed boreal forests.
Evaluating the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in preventing caries amongst Long‐Term Care Facility Residents
Authors: Jabir Eman , McGrade Catherine , Quinn Grainne , McGarry Joe , Nic Iomhair Aoife , Kelly Niamh , Srinivasan Murali , Watson Sinead , McKenna Gerald John
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of professionally applied fluoride varnish on the incidence of dental caries amongst older adults resident in LTCFs in Northern Ireland.

Background

The oral health status of older adults within Long‐Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) is significantly worse than their community living peers. Whilst evidence suggests an important role for fluoride varnish in preventing caries in this population, very few studies have evaluated this intervention.

Materials and Methods

A quality improvement project was undertaken with dentate residents (n = 190) in nine LTCFs who had fluoride varnish applied by Dental Care Professionals on two separate occasions during a 12‐month period (intervention group). Nine LTCFs were chosen as matched controls (control group) with comparable numbers of residents of similar medical status (n = 217). For the intervention group, oral hygiene training was also provided for the care home staff.

Results

A total of 407 patients (n = 271 female) were included in the analyses (mean age [SD]: 84.1 [6.6] years). After 12 months, the intervention group recorded a significant reduction in mean number of carious teeth (mean [95% CI]: −0.85 [−1.12, −0.58]; P < .001). Patients in the control group had significant increases in the mean number of carious teeth (mean [95% CI]: 0.21 [0.05, 0.37]; P = .012), mean plaque score (mean [95% CI]: 1.16 [0.28, 2.04]; P = .010) and mean DMFT score (mean [95% CI]: 0.13 [0.04, 0.22]; P = .004).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential role of fluoride varnish in combination with oral hygiene training for staff in the prevention and arrest of carious lesions among older adults in LTCFs.
Simultaneous Determination of Insoluble Fluoride‐Forming and High Field‐Strength Element Abundances in Rock Samples by ICP‐QMS through Isotope Dilution‐Internal Standardisation
Authors: Kagami Saya , Yokoyama Tetsuya
Published: May 2021

A new method for precise measurement of the mass fractions of insoluble fluoride‐forming elements (IFFEs) and high field‐strength elements (HFSEs) in rock samples by ICP‐QMS was developed. Unlike previous methods, in which the two elemental groups are measured separately using two solutions prepared from distinct sample aliquots (i.e., separate methods), this technique prepares a solution by acid digestion from a single sample aliquot, then divides the solution into two fractions that are dedicated to the measurement of IFFEs and HFSEs. The incorporation of IFFEs/HFSEs into insoluble fluorides during HF digestion was overcome by adjusting the Ca‐Al‐Mg composition of the sample by Al addition before acid digestion. The acceptable composition was Ca/(Ca+Al) < 0.43 and Mg/(Mg+Al) < 0.40 with hot plate digestion, whereas the limited condition of Ca/(Ca+Al) < 0.40, Mg/(Mg+Al) < 0.40 and Al/(Mg+Ca) < 1.86 was required for digestion under high pressure and temperature. For samples with an unacceptable composition, the change in Ca‐Al‐Mg composition by Mg/Ca addition should be prohibited because the reaction of HF with the added solution before sample decomposition forms fluorides that coprecipitate HFSEs. The developed method yielded mass fractions consistent with data from the separate methods (± 5%) and achieved a repeatability of < 4% for most elements.
Does human scent bias the survival of bird nests?
Authors: Weldon Paul J.
Published: May 2021

Human‐scent contamination of bird nests and the human‐made trails leading to them is suspected to influence nest survival by attracting or deterring predatory mammals. This paper (1) reviews studies in which human‐scent contamination was suspected to have biased the survival of real and artificial nests by influencing the behaviour of predatory mammals, (2) summarizes the procedures used in attempts to mitigate human‐scent contamination in nest‐survival studies, and (3) describes procedures to enhance the design and interpretation of nest‐survival experiments. The behaviour of various non‐domesticated mammals is confirmed or suspected to be affected by human scent, so similar effects on nest predators are plausible. However, suggestions that human scent affects nest survival by influencing the behaviour of predatory mammals are poorly supported, due to a dearth of appropriately designed experiments. Some studies failed to include measures to reduce human‐scent contamination, and the effectiveness of scent‐mitigation methods used in other studies has seldom been verified. In addition, volatile compounds arising from soil and vegetation disturbed underfoot by field researchers may have confounded many nest‐survival studies. Investigators have routinely inferred human‐scent effects from post hoc predation patterns or have simply acknowledged possible human‐scent effects among other potential influences of nest fate. Studies are needed of the effects of human scent using uniform methods of scent application and verified methods of scent mitigation, where the fates of different types of nests are examined under a range of field conditions. More fundamentally, studies of naïve and experienced mammals are needed to assess their responses to human scent and clarify its salience in wildlife disturbance.
Preliminary investigation of the feasibility of a long‐term but low‐frequency preventive intervention for depression in Japanese high schools
Authors: Kambara Kohei , Kira Yugo , Kohno Risa , Ogata Akiko
Published: May 2021

Aim

We explored the feasibility of a long‐term but low‐frequency psychological preventive intervention in a high school setting.

Background

High school students may experience depression; psychological interventions to improve social and cognitive skills may be useful to decrease such depression. A long‐term but low‐frequency intervention may be feasible in this setting because of its minimal time demands and lack of need for specialist human resources

Design

We conducted a single‐arm longitudinal descriptive study with an intervention applied six times over 2 years in one high school.

Method

We conducted a psychological preventive intervention with 94 high school students in one school for 2 years (April 2014 to March 2016). This intervention aimed to improve social and cognitive skills. We measured social skills, cognitive distortion, and depression five times during the 2‐year period, through a self‐report scale.

Results/Findings

Scores for maintaining relationship skills tended to increase over the 2 years. However, depression did not decrease over the intervention period.

Conclusion

Although our research did not include control conditions and the intervention did not decrease depression, the six‐session programme for high school adolescents improved an aspect of social skills that is a preventive factor against depression.
Dynamics of conditional survival and risk factors in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer using a multi‐institutional Japan‐wide database
Authors: Chikamatsu Sotaro , Shiota Masaki , Onozawa Mizuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kawai Taketo , Eto Masatoshi , Kume Haruki , Akaza Hideyuki ,   the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (J‐CaP)
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to analyze the conditional survival and prognostic factors in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer using the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer database.

Methods

Data on patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy between 2001 and 2003 from a nationwide database of the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer were used. The conditional 5‐year progression‐free rate, cancer‐specific survival and overall survival, as well as the conditional mortality owing to prostate cancer and other causes were calculated as per subgroups. Prognostic factors for progression‐free rate, cancer‐specific survival and overall survival at each time after androgen deprivation therapy initiation were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The conditional 5‐year progression‐free rate and cancer‐specific survival, but not overall survival, gradually increased with time. The prognostic impact of stage IV characteristics (T4, N1 and M1) changed over time; however, the prognostic impact of the Gleason score remained unchanged. In the subgroup analysis, prostate‐specific mortality risk reduced over time in patients with stage IV prostate cancer, whereas non‐prostate cancer mortality increased over time in elderly patients.

Conclusions

Information regarding conditional survival and mortality obtained in this study would provide a benchmark for physicians and cancer survivors.
Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis: implications for long‐term usage of immunosuppressive drugs and review of the literature
Authors: He Jianna , Williamson Luke , Cai Ken , Wong Peter , Sturgess Allan , Taper John , Manolios Nicholas
Published: May 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease where methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as the first‐line therapy. The combination of RA and MTX is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). RA patients with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) have impaired T‐lymphocyte function, thus allowing an overgrowth of EBV‐positive lymphoblastoid cells. We examined the association of EBV with LPD in immunosuppressed RA patients, particularly those treated with MTX.

Aim

To review the relationship between RA, EBV‐associated LPD and MTX use.

Methods

We reported two cases of RA patients with long‐term MTX treatment who subsequently developed EBV‐positive LPD, followed by a review of the relevant literature.

Results

Compared with normal population, RA patients have a higher risk of lymphoma, with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma being the most common subtype. MTX withdrawal can lead to lymphoma regression. Other biological therapies, such as abatacept and tocilizumab, are not associated with increased EBV‐positive lymphoma diagnosis in RA patients.

Conclusion

The association between EBV, lymphoma and MTX highlights the need to consider reducing or stopping MTX in patients who have had stable RA for many years.