bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impacts of Built Environment on Commute Mode Choice: Evidence from China
Authors: Xianyu Jianchuan
Published: July 2022

Car dependency and its negative consequences have created the urgent need for a better understanding of the determinants of car ownership and use. To get people out of their cars, great importance has been attached to the connection between the built environment and travel behaviour. However, the mediating effect of car ownership is ignored in most studies of the relationship between the built environment and travel mode. The aim of this paper is to contribute to our understanding of the influence of the built environment on commute mode choice by considering the intermediary nature of car ownership based on a nationally representative sample from China. A recursive simultaneous bivariate probit model, which allows the analysis of the mediating effect of car ownership while modelling the relationship between the built environment and commute mode choice behaviour, is employed. Results indicate that the built environment attributes at the neighbourhood level do have both direct and indirect effects on commute mode choice. For most environmental attributes, their effects on commute mode choice are greater than their effects on car ownership. Residents may be less dependent on the car if their neighbourhoods are well-designed with more balanced land use and more attractive local job opportunities are available. The research findings suggest that land use policy should be given enough consideration in strategies for car use reduction, while more case studies are needed to examine whether results from this study can be extended to other cities.
Incidence and Associated Factors of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Abdominal Surgery in the Public Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebeyehu Geresu , Eshetu Ashenafi , Aweke Senait
Published: July 2022

Background. Postoperative pulmonary complications are a wide variety of disorders that affect normal respiratory functions, which in turn lead to morbidity and mortality. The extent to which it occurs is not yet studied in most clinical settings. This study assessed the incidence and risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Methods. A multicenter, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Menelik II, Tikur Anbessa Specialized, Zewditu Memorial, and Yekatit 12 Memorial hospitals after obtaining ethical clearance from each hospital. The study recruited a total of 287 participants using systematic random sampling. The data collection tool included sociodemographic, surgical, and anesthetic factors. Participants were followed for 7 days postoperatively, and any respiratory problems were recorded once identified. The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for analysis. A

p

value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. About 33% of the participants that underwent abdominal surgery developed postoperative pulmonary complications. Age > 65 years (AOR = 12.091, 95% CI = 3.310–44.169), duration of surgery >3 hours (AOR = 11.737, 95% CI = 3.621–38.039), preoperative oxygen saturation <94% (AOR = 10.671, 95% CI = 3.794–30.016), and postoperative serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl (

p

value <0.001) were associated with postoperative pulmonary complications significantly. Conclusion and Recommendations. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgeries was high. Age >65years, duration of surgery >3 hours, preoperative SpO2% <94%, cigarette smoking, and postoperative serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl were factors strongly associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. We recommend special care for elderly patients, limit the surgical duration to less than 3 hours, treat the underlying cause of desaturation, and correct postoperative serum albumin to prevent the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Therapeutic Potential of Liraglutide for Diabetes–Periodontitis Comorbidity: Killing Two Birds with One Stone
Authors: Yang Man , Pang Yunqing , Pei Minyu , Li Yuanyuan , Yuan Xuemin , Tang Rongbing , Wang Jing
Published: July 2022

Background. The relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional, and there is now consensus that periodontitis and diabetes are comorbid. There is a quest for a drug that can be used to treat both conditions simultaneously. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective effects of liraglutide (LIRA) on periodontitis in diabetic rats. Methods. Male Wistar rats (

n
=
46

) were randomly divided into four groups: control group (

n
=
8

), LIRA group (

n
=
8

), diabetes-associated periodontitis+0.9% saline group (diabetic periodontitis (DP)+NaCl group,

n
=
15

), and diabetes-associated periodontitis+LIRA group (DP+LIRA group,

n
=
15

). LIRA treatment lasted for 4 weeks (300 μg/kg/d) after establishment of a rat model of DP. The expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of periodontal tissues were observed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. The absorption of alveolar bone and its ultrastructural changes were observed by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography. The expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in alveolar bone was detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of Runx2 mRNA and ALP mRNA in the gingival epithelium were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. LIRA decreased alveolar bone resorption, improved the microstructure of alveolar bone, and reduced periodontal inflammation and damage (

P
<
0.05

). LIRA also reduced blood glucose level and inhibited the secretion of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, after treatment with LIRA, the ratio of RANKL/OPG was reduced, and the expression levels of ALP mRNA and Runx2 mRNA were upregulated (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. LIRA not only controls blood glucose level but also reduces inflammation and bone loss and enhances osteogenic differentiation in diabetes-associated periodontitis. Those indicate that LIRA may be used as a potential medicine for the adjunctive therapy of diabetes-periodontitis comorbidity.
A Trajectory Privacy Protect Method Based on Location Pair Reorganization
Authors: Wu Wanqing , Shang Wenlong , Lei Ruohe , Yang Xin
Published: July 2022

With the rapid development of mobile Internet and communication technology, location-based services (LBS) are widely used in our daily life. The server stores a large amount of user location data, and these location data constitute user trajectories. If trajectory information on the server is leaked, it will seriously endanger users’ privacy. Trajectory

k

-anonymity technology is one of the most important methods to protect the privacy of user trajectory. However, current trajectory

k

-anonymity methods have less discussion on the semantic of stop point when selecting dummy trajectory, which leads to the fact that attacker can still exclude the dummy trajectory from the

k

-anonymity set and infer the real trajectory by combining background knowledge with the semantic information of stop points. To address this problem, this paper decomposes the real trajectory into location pairs set; the set consists of start-end points and stop points. According to the similarity of location pairs, the similar location pairs in history trajectory set are used to generate dummy trajectory: firstly, extracting the start-end points and stop points from real trajectory and assigning semantic to them. Then, based on the semantic, temporal, and geographical attributes, eligible location pairs are selected from history trajectory set to construct equivalence class. Finally, according to the location pairs in equivalence class,

k
−
1

dummy trajectories are generated to form a

k

-anonymity set. We evaluate our method thoroughly with real dataset. The results show that our method achieve an effective data availability and higher privacy protection than other methods.
Simulation of Separation of Salt Solution from Crude Oil in a Hydrocyclone
Authors: Mohammadi Mansour , Sarafi Amir , Kamyabi Ataallah , Soltani Goharrizi Ataallah , Abolpour Bahador
Published: July 2022

In this study, separating water from oil is studied numerically. In this simulation, the Reynolds Stress Model and the mixture multiphase model are used for coupling the velocity and pressure equations using the SIMPLE algorithm. The simulated geometry is taken from an experimental setup. It results that, in the case of the crude oil as the discrete phase, by increasing the diameter of the discrete phase (crude oil) droplets, the separation efficiency increases. If the diameter of the oil droplets is greater than 100 microns, the percentage of oil output from the spillway reaches 99.5%. In the case of the water phase as the discrete phase, if the water droplets size is considered equal to 200 microns, the water separation efficiency in the spillway reaches 69%.
The Robust Semantic SLAM System for Texture-Less Underground Parking Lot
Authors: Liu Chongjun , Yao Jianjun
Published: July 2022

Automatic valet parking (AVP) is the autonomous driving function that may take the lead in mass production. AVP is usually needed in an underground parking lot, where the light is dim, the parking space is narrow, and the GPS signal is denied. The traditional visual-based simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) algorithm suffers from localization loss because of inaccurate mapping results. A new robust semantic SLAM system is designed mainly for the dynamic low-texture underground parking lot to solve the problem mentioned. In this system, a 16-channel Lidar is used to help the visual system build an accurate semantic map. Four fisheye cameras mounted at the front, back, left, and right of the vehicle are also used to produce the bird’s eye view picture of the vehicle by joint calibration. The vehicle can localize itself and navigate to the target parking lot with the semantic segmented picture and the preobtained semantic map. Based on the experiment result, the proposed AVP-SLAM solution is robust in the underground parking lot.
Association of Tumor Mutational Burden with Efficacy of Pembrolizumab±Chemotherapy as First-Line Therapy for Gastric Cancer in the Phase III KEYNOTE-062 Study
Authors: Lee Keun-Wook , Van Cutsem Eric , Bang Yung-Jue , Fuchs Charles S. , Kudaba Iveta , Garrido Marcelo , Chung Hyun Cheol , Lee Jeeyun , Castro Hugo R. , Chao Joseph , Wainberg Zev A. , Cao Z. Alexander , Aurora-Garg Deepti , Kobie Julie , Cristescu Razvan , Bhagia Pooja , Shah Sukrut , Tabernero Josep , Shitara Kohei , Wyrwicz Lucjan
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

This prespecified exploratory analysis evaluated the association between tumor mutational burden (TMB) status and outcomes of first-line pembrolizumab±chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in KEYNOTE-062.

Patients and Methods:

In patients with advanced gastric cancer and evaluable TMB data, we evaluated the association between TMB (continuous variable; square root scale) assessed with FoundationOne CDx and clinical outcomes [objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS)] using logistic (ORR) and Cox proportional hazards (PFS, OS) regression models. Clinical utility of TMB was assessed using the prespecified cutoff of 10 mut/Mb.

Results:

TMB data were available for 306 of 763 patients (40.1%; pembrolizumab, 107; pembrolizumab+chemotherapy, 100; chemotherapy, 99). TMB was significantly associated with clinical outcomes in patients treated with pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab+chemotherapy (ORR, PFS, and OS; all P < 0.05) but not with chemotherapy (all P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of TMB ≥10 mut/Mb was 16% across treatment groups; 44% of patients who had TMB ≥10 mut/Mb had high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) tumors. Improved clinical outcomes (ORR, PFS, and OS) were observed in pembrolizumab-treated patients (pembrolizumab monotherapy and pembrolizumab+chemotherapy) with TMB ≥10 mut/Mb. When the analysis was limited to the non–MSI-H subgroup, both the positive association between clinical outcomes with pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab+chemotherapy and TMB as a continuous variable and the clinical utility of pembrolizumab (with or without chemotherapy) versus chemotherapy by TMB cutoff were attenuated.

Conclusions:

This exploratory analysis of KEYNOTE-062 suggests an association between TMB and clinical efficacy with first-line pembrolizumab-based therapy in patients with advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. However, after the exclusion of patients with MSI-H tumors, the clinical utility of TMB was attenuated.
A Cathepsin-Targeted Quenched Activity–Based Probe Facilitates Enhanced Detection of Human Tumors during Resection
Authors: Kennedy Gregory T. , Holt David E. , Azari Feredun S. , Bernstein Elizabeth , Nadeem Bilal , Chang Ashley , Sullivan Neil T. , Segil Alix , Desphande Charuhas , Bensen Eric , Santini John T. , Kucharczuk John C. , Delikatny Edward J. , Bogyo Matthew , Egan A.J. Matthew , Bradley Charles W. , Eruslanov Evgeniy , Lickliter Jason D. , Wright Gavin , Singhal Sunil
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Fluorescence-guided surgery using tumor-targeted contrast agents has been developed to improve the completeness of oncologic resections. Quenched activity–based probes that fluoresce after covalently binding to tumor-specific enzymes have been proposed to improve specificity, but none have been tested in humans. Here, we report the successful clinical translation of a cathepsin activity–based probe (VGT-309) for fluorescence-guided surgery.

Experimental Design:

We optimized the specificity, dosing, and timing of VGT-309 in preclinical models of lung cancer. To evaluate clinical feasibility, we conducted a canine study of VGT-309 during pulmonary tumor resection. We then conducted a randomized, double-blind, dose-escalation study in healthy human volunteers receiving VGT-309 to evaluate safety. Finally, we tested VGT-309 in humans undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Results:

In preclinical models, we found highly specific tumor cell labeling that was blocked by a broad spectrum cathepsin inhibitor. When evaluating VGT-309 for guidance during resection of canine tumors, we found that the probe selectively labeled tumors and demonstrated high tumor-to-background ratio (TBR; range: 2.15–3.71). In the Phase I human study, we found that VGT-309 was safe at all doses studied. In the ongoing Phase II trial, we report two cases in which VGT-309 localized visually occult, non-palpable tumors (TBRs = 2.83 and 7.18) in real time to illustrate its successful clinical translation and potential to improve surgical management.

Conclusions:

This first-in-human study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of VGT-309 to label human pulmonary tumors during resection. These results may be generalizable to other cancers due to cathepsin overexpression in many solid tumors.
In Vivo Syngeneic Tumor Models with Acquired Resistance to Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 Therapies
Authors: Denis Morgane , Grasselly Chloé , Choffour Pierre-Antoine , Wierinckx Anne , Mathé Doriane , Chettab Kamel , Tourette Anne , Talhi Nolan , Bourguignon Aurore , Birzele Fabian , Kress Elsa , Jordheim Lars Petter , Klein Christian , Matera Eva-Laure , Dumontet Charles
Published: July 2022

Antibodies targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have produced durable responses in a subset of patients with cancer. However, a majority of these patients will ultimately relapse due to acquired resistance. To explore the underlying mechanisms of this secondary resistance, we developed five syngeneic murine tumor variants with acquired resistance to anti–PD-1 and/or PD-L1 antibodies in vivo. Resistant in vivo models were obtained by serial treatment/reimplantation cycles of the MC38 colorectal, MB49 and MBT2 bladder, and RENCA kidney and TyrNras melanoma models. Tumor immune infiltrates were characterized for wild type and resistant tumors using spectral cytometry and their molecular alterations analyzed using RNA sequencing analyses. Alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment were strongly heterogeneous among resistant models, involving select lymphoid and/or myeloid subpopulations. Molecular alterations in resistant models included previously identified pathways as well as novel candidate genes found to be deregulated in several resistant models. Among these, Serpinf1, coding for pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) was further explored in the MC38 and the MBT2 models. Overexpression of Serpinf1 induced resistance to anti–PD-1 antibodies in the MC38 model, whereas knockdown of Serpinf1 sensitized this model as well as the primarily resistant MBT2 model. Serpinf1 overexpression was associated with increased production of free fatty acids and reduced activation of CD8+ cells, while orlistat, a compound that reduces the production of free fatty acids, reversed resistance to anti–PD-1 therapy. Our results suggest that a panel of syngeneic resistant models constitutes a useful tool to model the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms encountered in the clinic.
Significance of Low Signal in Intracranial Vertebral Artery Wall Observed on Susceptibility-Weighted Angiography
Authors: Ishimaru Hideki , Ikebe Yohei , Morikawa Minoru , Ideguchi Reiko , Tateishi Yohei , Tsujino Akira , Uetani Masataka
Published: July 2022

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the low signal in the intracranial vertebral artery wall observed on susceptibility-weighted angiography. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed susceptibility-weighted angiographies from 200 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation territory. The presence of eccentric or concentric low signals in the vertebral artery wall was examined and evaluated. The etiology of the low signal was also investigated as much as possible by referring to computed tomography and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). We also compared its frequency in each stroke subtype. Results: A low signal was observed in 128/200 patients (64%). The low signals (58%) corresponded to vessel wall calcification in 74 of 128 patients and to vessel wall thickening showing intermediate to low (n = 8) or high (n = 16) signals on T1WI in 24 (19%) patients. The low signal did not have vessel wall thickening or calcification in 1 patient, and the cause of the low signal could not be verified in 29 patients. According to stroke subtypes, a low signal was observed in 14/14 (100%) vertebral artery dissections, all of which corresponded to intramural hematoma. A low signal was observed in 51/65 (78%) atherothromboses, which were significantly more frequent than cardioembolism (34/66; 52%) and small-artery disease (18/39; 46%) (p < 0.01). In atherothrombosis, calcification was the most common cause of low signal (n = 32; 63%). Conclusion: Low signals on susceptibility-weighted angiography were frequently observed in vertebral artery dissection and atherothrombosis, reflecting intramural hematoma in all of the former and predominantly calcification in the latter.
De novo Pure Partial Trisomy 6p Associated with Facial Dysmorphism, Developmental Delay, Brain Anomalies, and Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Türkyılmaz Ayberk , Cimbek Emine Ayça , Çebi Alper Han , Acar Arslan Elif , Karagüzel Gülay
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Partial trisomy 6p is a rare chromosomal anomaly, characterized by low birth weight, developmental delay, craniofacial abnormalities, feeding difficulties, congenital heart defects, and renal abnormalities. Some of the partial trisomy 6p cases reported in the literature included partial monosomy of another chromosome. This is often due to the fact that one of the parents is a balanced translocation carrier, thereby making it difficult to determine the genotype-phenotype relationship. Pure partial trisomy 6p cases are even rarer and may occur as a result of a marker chromosome, tandem or inverted duplication, and interchromosomal insertion. Case Presentation: In this study, we evaluated the physical characteristics and genetic data of a 2-year-old girl with developmental delay and facial dysmorphic features. Dysmorphology assessment revealed the presence of a prominent forehead, short and narrow palpebral fissures, blepharoptosis, convex nasal ridge, hemangioma on the left eyelid, high-arched palate, retromicrognathia, and low-set ears. The patient’s G-banded karyotype was 46,XX,der(2)t(2;6)(q37.3;p22.1). Upon SNP-array analysis, aimed to determine the origin of the extra chromosomal material detected in chromosome 2 of the patient, there was a de novo 27.5-Mb duplication at 6p, arr[GRCh37] 6p25.3p22.1(204,909_27,835,272)×3, interpreted to be pathogenic. Conclusion: We present this case report to clarify the clinical findings of a rare chromosomal anomaly, discuss the genes that may be related to the phenotype and contribute to the literature in terms of knowledge regarding genotype-phenotype correlation.
Nail Loss in Mild to Moderate Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Vander Does Ashley , Gamret Alexandra Caresse , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) rarely include nail findings. When ungual involvement does occur, the most common manifestations are paronychia and onychomadesis. Onycholysis is very uncommon, and complete nail loss has not been reported in the literature. Ungual involvement is thought to be closely correlated with disease severity, with only severe PV cases demonstrating nail symptoms. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 34-year-old female presenting with mild to moderate PV yet severe onycholysis of her first toe leading to secondary nail loss in conjunction with paronychia of her bilateral thumbs. Oral tofacitinib and rituximab infusions led to strikingly rapid improvement in her nail symptoms. Discussion/Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of a thorough history and physical exam, as a primary complaint of nail symptoms in these patients may lead to unrecognized PV by even the most skilled practitioners. Tofacitinib and rituximab in combination may rapidly improve nail involvement.
Fibrosis quística: Mantener niveles óptimos de vitamina D para preservar la función pulmonar y mejorar la calidad de vida
Authors: Martínez-Valdeavellano Luisa Fernanda
Published: July 2022

Background: Life expectancy has increased in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients; however, the rate of mortality is still high, and in a majority of cases, the cause of death is due to respiratory deterioration. Vitamin D plays an important role in immunity and infection prophylaxis, as its deficiency is associated with frequent infections. In CF patients, a deficit of liposoluble vitamins is common, despite daily supplementation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between vitamin D status and lung function expressed by lung clearance index (LCI) in patients with CF. We also assessed the relation of factors such as nutritional status, genotype, and associated comorbidities such as Pseudomonas infection, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), and cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) with vitamin D and LCI. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Cystic Fibrosis Center by analyzing patients with CF who presented in our center between November 2017 and November 2019. We enrolled in the study patients diagnosed with CF, who were followed up in our CF center and who were able to perform lung function tests. Patients in exacerbation were excluded. Results: A strong negative correlation was found between vitamin D and LCI (r = -0.69, p = 0.000). A lower vitamin D storage was found in patients with CFLD and CFRD. Higher LCI values were found among patients with chronic Pseudomonas infection, with BMI under the 25th percentile, or with associated CFLD. Conclusion: In CF patients, vitamin D plays an important role, and its deficit correlates with an impaired LCI. Vitamin D deficit is a risk factor in patients with associated comorbidities such as CFLD and CFRD. Chronic infection with Pseudomonas, the presence of impaired nutritional status, and CFLD are associated with a prolonged LCI.
Modeling Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury to Increase Translational Potential
Authors: Sears Sophia M. , Orwick Andrew , Siskind Leah J.
Published: July 2022

Background: Cisplatin-induced kidney injury is a major challenge hindering treatment of cancer patients. Thirty percent of patients treated with cisplatin develop acute kidney injury (AKI). Even patients that do not develop AKI are at risk for long-term decline in renal function and development of chronic kidney disease. Despite researchers’ best efforts, no therapeutic agents to treat or prevent cisplatin-induced kidney injury have made it past phase 2 clinical trials. Summary: Modeling cisplatin-induced kidney injury in rodents has primarily been done using a single, high-dose model of injury. Newer models of injury have utilized repeated, low, or intermediate doses of cisplatin to incorporate the study of maladaptive repair processes following a renal insult. We believe that utilization of all these models is important to understand and treat the diverse types of cisplatin-induced kidney injury patients develop in the clinic. Incorporating comorbidities such as cancer and development of large animal models is also vital to increasing the human relevance of our studies. Key Messages: Utilizing multiple dosing models of cisplatin-induced kidney injury, including relevant comorbidities and biological variables, and development of large animal models will increase the translational potential of preclinical studies.
Smoking-Interaction Loci Affect Obesity Traits: A Gene-Smoking Stratified Meta-Analysis of 545,131 Europeans
Authors: Lee Won-Jun , Lim Ji Eun , Kang Ji-One , Ha Tae-Woong , Jung Hae-Un , Kim Dong Jun , Baek Eun Ju , Kim Han Kyul , Chung Ju Yeon , Oh Bermseok
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Although many studies have investigated the association between smoking and obesity, very few have analyzed how obesity traits are affected by interactions between genetic factors and smoking. Here, we aimed to identify the loci that affect obesity traits via smoking status-related interactions in European samples. Methods: We performed stratified analysis based on the smoking status using both the UK Biobank (UKB) data (N = 334,808) and the Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) data (N = 210,323) to identify gene-smoking interaction for obesity traits. We divided the UKB subjects into two groups, current smokers and nonsmokers, based on the smoking status, and performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference adjusted for BMI (WCadjBMI), and waist-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI) in each group. And then we carried out the meta-analysis using both GWAS summary statistics of UKB and GIANT for BMI, WCadjBMI, and WHRadjBMI and computed the stratified p values (pstratified) based on the differences between meta-analyzed estimated beta coefficients with standard errors in each group. Results: We identified four genome-wide significant loci in interactions with the smoking status (pstratified < 5 × 10−8): rs336396 (INPP4B) and rs12899135 (near CHRNB4) for BMI, and rs998584 (near VEGFA) and rs6916318 (near RSPO3) for WHRadjBMI. Moreover, we annotated the biological functions of the SNPs using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and GWAS databases, along with publications, which revealed possible mechanisms underlying the association between the smoking status-related genetic variants and obesity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that obesity traits can be modified by the smoking status via interactions with genetic variants through various biological pathways.
Trends in Stroke Burden in Central and Eastern Europe from 1990–2019
Authors: Dokova Klara G. , Feigin Valery L.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: There has been wide recognition of the health divide between Western Europe and the former socialist countries from Central and Eastern Europe. However, these have not been assessed in terms of burden of disease, and the effect of stroke has not been fully elucidated, especially in terms of time trends. Methods: The West-Eastern European stroke burden was analysed using data from the Global Burden of Stroke (GBD) Study 2019 in terms of disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) and years of life lost (YLL) over the period 1990–2019 by gender. Data were extracted on a regional (West, Central, and East Europe) and country level for the twenty former socialist countries from Central and East Europe according to GBD regional definitions. We focused on the trends of age-standardized stroke DALY rates across the three decades and compared them with the average rates for West Europe. Main Findings: All Central and East European countries experienced a decline in all-cause disease burden between 1990 and 2019, and a gap was confirmed between the East, the Central, and the West European region for men but not for women. The age-standardized stroke DALY rates declined in the three European regions and in all twenty Central and East European countries but at a different pace. The stroke DALY rates among women exhibited the greatest decline in the West −59% (95% UI [−60; −57]) followed by the Central European region −48% (95% UI [−53; −42]) and lowest among women in East Europe −37% (95% UI [−43; −29]). The decline in men was even higher than among women −61% (95% UI [−63; −60]), while in Central Europe it was −43% (95% UI [−50; −37]) and in the East −25% (95% UI [−34; −14]), leading to widening of the gap between East, Central, and West Europe in relation to stroke burden. YLL represented more than 70% of stroke DALYs and more than 90% of DALYs for men in East European countries. Conclusions: The burden of stroke contributes to the European health gap through preventable premature stroke deaths. There are some very successful countries in stroke burden management from both Central (Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Hungary) and East Europe (Estonia), suggesting that closing the health gap between East and West is a realistic aim.
Three new species of Remaneicaris Jakobi, 1972 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Parastenocarididae) from the Ribeirão do Ouro River, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with some remarks on the groundpattern of the Parastenocarididae
Authors: CORGOSINHO PAULO HENRIQUE C. , ARBIZU PEDRO MARTÍNEZ , SANTOS-SILVA EDINALDO NELSON DOS
Published: July 2022

Three new species of the parastenocaridid genus Remaneicaris Jakobi, 1972 were discovered in interstitial near-shore waters of the small river Ribeião do Ouro (a tributary of the Paraopeba river, in the São Francisco hydrographic basin). Remaneicaris tridactyla n. sp., R. paratridactyla n. sp. and R. juliae n. sp. are described in detail. The presence of a 1- segmented endopod on the male leg 3, previously reported for some Remaneicaris species, is confirmed here, and the phylogenetic relevance of this structure is discussed. These new species differ from each other by the shape of the leg 3 exopod and endopod, shape of leg 4 endopod, ornamentation of the telson and previous urosomites, and by the number of sensilla and dorsal pores. Some remarks on the groundpattern of the Parastenocarididae are given.
Two new species and a new record of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) from Korea
Authors: PONOMARENKO MARGARITA , PARK KYU-TEK
Published: July 2022

Two new species of Gelechiidae, Teleiopsis motleella, sp. nov., and Sitotroga pseudopsacasta, sp. nov., are described from Korea. Illustrations of adults and male genitalia are provided. Scrobipalpa spumata (Povolný, 2001), comb. n., is newly recorded from Korea. It was described from the female, and the male genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time.
A review of Palaearctic Teuchophorus, with a new species from Bulgaria (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)
Authors: POLLET MARC A.A. , KECHEV MIHAIL
Published: July 2022

The Palaearctic species of Teuchophorus are reviewed and a key provided to males. T. chaetifemoratus is described as new from Bulgaria. The male of this species is easily recognized by the ventral and posteroventral rows of strong curved bristles on the hind femur and, in contrast to all other Palaearctic species, its hind tibia does not show any peculiar chaetotaxy. It shares the same habitat preference as most of its Western European congeners, whereas Mediterranean species occur in more open habitats. T. simplex Mik is recorded for the first time from Bulgaria. T. bisetus Loew is reinstated as a distinct species, whereas T. tenuemarginatus Strobl most probably does not belong to Teuchophorus and is regarded as nomen dubium. In contrast to the literature, European, African and some Oriental Teuchophorus species have 6 dorsocentral bristles instead of 5, and the entire generic range encompasses 4 to 6 dorsocentral bristles. Two morphological features are found in both sexes of all Teuchophorus species and are the only reliable characters to separate this genus from Sympycnus (sensu lato): the oblique position of crossvein dm-cu and the anterior bend at the base of the distal section of vein M 1 .
The hydroid and medusa of Amphinema rollinsi (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), a new species of pandeid from the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, USA
Authors: WIDMER CHAD L.
Published: July 2022

A new species of pandeid hydromedusa is described from the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, California. Using a remotely operated vehicle, hydroid colonies were collected from artificial substrates that had been emplaced there at a depth of 1019m for five months. Material was returned alive to the laboratory and placed in culture. Medusae released from the hydroids were raised to maturity. Both hydroids and medusae possessed morphological characters corresponding to the genus Amphinema, but neither stage matched descriptions of those of any known species in the genus. Amphinema rollinsi, sp. n., is described herein based on characters of the field-collected hydroid colonies and their laboratory-raised medusae.
A new species of Ananteris Thorell (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Colombia
Authors: BOTERO-TRUJILLO RICARDO
Published: July 2022

Ananteris myriamae sp. nov. is described from the department of Meta, Colombia. This species is characterized, among other features, by the presence of two concavities in the anterior margin of the carapace, and six carinae in metasomal segment IV. With its description, the number of known species of Ananteris is raised to 59, five of which are present in Colombia.
A morphology-based phylogeny of the Liolaemus alticolor–bibronii group (Iguania: Liolaemidae)
Authors: QUINTEROS ANDRÉS SEBASTIÁN
Published: July 2022

The genus Liolaemus was split in two subgenera, Liolaemus sensu stricto and Eulaemus. Inside the Liolaemus sensu stricto subgenus, many groups have been proposed. One of them is the L. alticolor-bibronii group. Here, I studied 184 morpho-logical characters of more than one thousand specimens that of the L. alticolor-bibronii group. Many of these characters are original from this study, especially the characters related to color pattern. Also, I include eight population without tax-onomic status. Using those characters and terminal taxa, I performed phylogenetic analyses using parsimony as optimality criterion, under implied weight. Two difpferent topologies were found. The results show that the L. alticolor-bibronii group is monophyletic, and that it is sister to the L. gravenhorsti group. This finding is congruent with previous morpho-logical and molecular phylogenies. Also, nested within the L. alticolor-bibronii group the L. lemniscatus and the L. robert-mentensi groups are found. In contrast to previous hypotheses, Liolaemus tacnae is never recovered as a member of the L. alticolor-bibronii group.
New occurrences of lithodid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Lithodidae) from the coasts of Africa, with the description of a new species of Paralomis White, 1856
Authors: MUÑOZ ISABEL , GARCÍA-ISARCH EVA
Published: July 2022

The Collection of Decapod and Stomatopod Crustaceans from the Cádiz Oceanographic Centre (CCDE-IEOCD) compris-es a number of lithodid crabs from Spanish surveys carried out in African waters. The revision of this material allowed the confirmation of new records of Lithodes ferox Filhol, 1885 in Guinea–Bissau and Mauritania, Lithodes mamillifer Macpherson, 1988 in Mozambique, Neolithodes asperrimus Barnard, 1947, Neolithodes grimaldii (A. Milne Edwards & Bouvier, 1894) and Paralomis erinacea Macpherson, 1988 in Mauritania, Paralomis africana Macpherson, 1982 in Na-mibia and Paralomis cristulata Macpherson, 1988 in Guinea–Bissau. Some of these records contribute to extent the geo-graphical and/or bathymetrical range of the species. One new species of the genus Paralomis from Namibia is described and illustrated. This species shows close affinity with its congener Paralomis pectinata Macpherson, 1988, from Venezu-ela. The morphological differences between the two species are included.
Ctenus monaghani spec. nov., a nocturnal hunter from the forest floor in Laos (Araneae: Ctenidae)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: July 2022

The genus Ctenus Walckenaer 1805 was recently revised by Jäger (2012) for Laos and neighbouring countries. He followed the broader definition of the genus by Steyn et al. (1997) and recorded five species from Laos, three of which were described as new (Jäger 2012). In May 2012 one male of the genus Ctenus was collected in the Khammouan Province, Laos. It belongs to an undescribed species, which is described below.
Stronger North Atlantic than Tropical Pacific Effects on North Pacific Decadal Prediction
Authors: Lv Zhen , Yang Jun-Chao , Lin Xiaopei , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2022

Sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the North Pacific (NP) has broad impacts on climate, ecology, and fishing, but its decadal prediction remains challenging. Some studies have highlighted the importance of tropical Pacific forcing on NP SST variability, while others suggested a non-negligible role of North Atlantic forcing. The contribution of each region to NP SST decadal prediction needs to be carefully evaluated. Here, we apply linear inverse models (LIMs) to assess decadal prediction skill of observed NP SST (based on predictions averaged over 2–5 and 6–9 years in advance). By using model experiments that restore to observed SST variability, we quantify tropical Pacific and North Atlantic forcing, and find that the latter exhibits stronger contribution than the former to NP SST decadal prediction. Specifically, by removing the North Atlantic forcing (tropical Pacific forcing), the area ratio of the NP region with significant prediction skill reduces from 49% to 29% (43%) for years 2–5 and from 48% to 26% (44%) for years 6–9. Further analyses reveal the possible reason: NP SST decadal prediction is strongly modulated by two leading non-orthogonal patterns of the LIMs with long decay time (although higher-order patterns also play a role for years 2–5); the North Atlantic forcing largely and robustly contributes to the long decay time, while the tropical Pacific forcing plays a secondary role. Our study calls for more efforts on improving the simulation of the Atlantic trans-basin effect for better predicting NP climate.
Development and Evaluation of Ensemble Consensus Precipitation Estimates over High Mountain Asia
Authors: Maina Fadji Z. , Kumar Sujay V. , Dollan Ishrat Jahan , Maggioni Viviana
Published: July 2022

Precipitation estimates are highly uncertain in complex regions such as High Mountain Asia (HMA), where ground measurements are very difficult to obtain and atmospheric dynamics poorly understood. Though gridded products derived from satellite-based observations and/or reanalysis can provide temporally and spatially distributed estimates of precipitation, there are significant inconsistencies in these products. As such, to date, there is little agreement in the community on the best and most accurate gridded precipitation product in HMA, which is likely area dependent because of HMA’s strong heterogeneities and complex orography. Targeting these gaps, this article presents the development of a consensus ensemble precipitation product using three gridded precipitation datasets [the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), and the ECMWF reanalysis ERA5] with a localized probability matched mean (LPM) approach. We evaluate the performance of the LPM estimate along with a simple ensemble mean (EM) estimate to overcome the differences and disparities of the three selected constituent products on long-term averages and trends in HMA. Our analysis demonstrates that LPM reduces the high biases embedded in the ensemble members and provides more realistic spatial patterns compared to EM. LPM is also a good alternative for merging data products with different spatiotemporal resolutions. By filtering disparities among the individual ensemble members, LPM overcomes the problem of a certain product performing well only in a particular area and provides a consensus estimate with plausible temporal trends.
Prediction of Meso-γ-Scale Local Heavy Rain by Ground-Based Cloud Radar Assimilation with Water Vapor Nudging
Authors: Kato Ryohei , Shimizu Shingo , Ohigashi Tadayasu , Maesaka Takeshi , Shimose Ken-ichi , Iwanami Koyuru
Published: July 2022

Meso-γ-scale (2–20 km) local heavy rain (LHR) can cause fatalities through the sudden rise of rivers and flooding of roads. To help prevent this loss of life, we developed prediction methods for these types of meteorological hazards. We assimilated ground-based cloud radar (Ka-band radar) data that can capture cloud droplets before raindrops form and attempted to predict LHR with a cloud resolving numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. High-temporal (1-min interval) three-dimensional cloud radar data obtained through special observation were assimilated using a water vapor nudging method in the pre-rain stage of an LHR-causing cumulonimbus. While rainfall was not predicted by the NWP model without assimilation, LHR was predicted approximately 20 min after the conclusion of cloud radar data assimilation cycling. Results suggest that NWP with cloud radar data assimilation in the pre-rain stage has great potential for predicting LHR, and can lead to an early evacuation warning and subsequent evacuation of vulnerable populations.

Significance Statement

The development of prediction methods for local (within several kilometers) heavy rain (LHR) is important because LHR events can cause deaths through the sudden rise of rivers and flooding of roads by rapidly developing (≤30 min) rain clouds. This study aims to develop a method for predicting LHR even before it begins to rain, which has been difficult to date. Using a technique called data assimilation, which integrates observation and simulation, we developed a method for assimilating cloud radar observations that can capture cloud droplets before raindrops form. As a result, we succeeded in predicting LHR before rainfall commenced. By extending and applying this research, early evacuation of vulnerable populations during LHR is possible.
Antidepressant utilization patterns and predictors of treatment continuation in pregnant women: A 16-year population-based cohort
Authors: Hung Chun , Chan Joe Kwun Nam , Wong Corine Sau Man , Fung Vivian Shi Cheng , Lee Krystal Chi Kei , Chang Wing Chung
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Existing data on prenatal antidepressant prescribing patterns are mostly derived from Western countries, with limited research assessing antidepressant continuation and reinitiation during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine antidepressant prescribing practice among Chinese pregnant women in Hong Kong.

Methods:

This population-based study identified women aged 15–50 years who delivered their first and singleton child, and had redeemed at least one antidepressant prescription within 3 months pre-pregnancy and/or during pregnancy between 2003 and 2018, using data from the health-record database of Hong Kong public healthcare services. Antidepressant utilization patterns before and during pregnancy, and factors associated with antidepressant continuation and reinitiation following medication discontinuation were evaluated.

Results:

Of 466,358 pregnancies, 3019 (0.67%) received antidepressants within 3 months of pre-pregnancy and/or during pregnancy, and 2700 (0.58%) had prenatal antidepressant use. There was a significant rising trend of prenatal antidepressant use over time (0.6% in 2003 to 1.3% in 2018; odds ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval = [1.08, 1.10], p < 0.001). A consistent pattern of decreasing overall antidepressant use from 3 months pre-pregnancy to the second trimester was observed, followed by a slight increase in the third trimester. Almost half ( n = 949, 49.5%) of 1918 women on antidepressants in 3 months pre-pregnancy continued treatment beyond the first trimester. A total of 8.2% that discontinued antidepressants in 3 months pre-pregnancy or in the first trimester reinitiated treatment in the later stage of pregnancy. Older age at conception (⩾35 years), recent calendar year of delivery (2015–2018), pre-existing depression/anxiety disorders, longer-term pre-pregnancy antidepressant treatment and pre-pregnancy prescription of other psychotropics were significantly associated with antidepressant continuation. Antidepressant reinitiation was predicted by pre-existing depression/anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:

Our results that prenatal antidepressant use is increasingly prevalent and half of pregnant women discontinued antidepressants 3 months before or after conception underscore the need for future research to clarify the risk and benefit of antidepressant continuation versus discontinuation to facilitate development of evidence-based guidelines, so as to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.
The Role of Self-Study in Addressing Competency Decline Among Airline Pilots During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mizzi Andrew , Lohmann Gui , Carim Junior Guido
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the self-study methods used by pilots while grounded and their perception of competence decline and confidence upon their return to flying.

Background

Previously, long absences from flying were managed on a case-by-case basis. Thousands of pilots returning to flying as the pandemic eases have burdened airline training systems. Limited research has been conducted on the decline in skills of airline pilots while operationally absent from the cockpit. Few studies have considered this topic in the context of a pandemic.

Method

A questionnaire study was conducted with 234 airline pilots who were grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Uncertainty regarding sudden and indefinite periods of grounding made it challenging to maintain motivation to self-study. This matter was aggravated by the additional financial and personal stress caused by the state of the airline industry and the outcomes of the pandemic. The participants anticipated a decline in manual flying skills as the worst outcome after being absent from the flight deck. However, these pilots proved quick to recover these skills when they resumed flying. It took significantly more time for pilots to regain proficiency in applying knowledge, procedures and compliance with regulations, situation awareness and workload management.

Conclusion

The study proposes recommendations for pilots and airlines to harness essential self-study practices in competency areas identified to have significantly declined.

Application

The outcome of this paper guides airlines, pilots and regulators in better understanding how grounded pilots observe skill decline in a broader range of competencies.