bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A demonstration of conservation genomics for threatened species management
Authors: Wright Belinda R. , Farquharson Katherine A. , McLennan Elspeth A. , Belov Katherine , Hogg Carolyn J. , Grueber Catherine E.
Published: June 2020

As species extinction rates increase, genomics provides a powerful tool to support intensive management of threatened species. We use the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) to demonstrate how conservation genomics can be implemented in threatened species management. We conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 25 individuals from the captive breeding programme and reduced‐representation sequencing (RRS) of 98 founders of the same programme. A subset of the WGS samples was also sequenced by RRS, allowing us to directly compare genome‐wide heterozygosity with estimates from RRS data. We found good congruence in interindividual variation and gene‐ontology classifications between the two data sets, indicating that our RRS data reflect the genome well. We also attempted genome‐wide association studies with both data sets (regarding breeding success), but the genomic data suffered from small sample size, while the RRS data suffered from lack of precision, highlighting a key trade‐off in the design of conservation genomic research. Nevertheless, we identified a number of candidate genes that may be associated with variation in breeding success. Individual heterozygosity, as measured by WGS or RRS, was not associated with breeding success in captivity but was negatively associated with litter sizes of breeding females in the RRS data set. Our findings enable conservation managers to have confidence in RRS data while understanding its limitations, and provide avenues for further investigation into which processes underlie variation in breeding success in captive Tasmanian devils. We caution, however, that deep functional insights using RRS may be impaired by a lack of precision, especially when marker density is low.
Vitamin C is a source of oxoaldehyde and glycative stress in age‐related cataract and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Fan Xingjun , Sell David R. , Hao Caili , Liu Sabrina , Wang Benlian , Wesson Daniel W. , Siedlak Sandra , Zhu Xiongwei , Kavanagh Terrance J. , Harrison Fiona E. , Monnier Vincent M.
Published: June 2020

Oxoaldehyde stress has recently emerged as a major source of tissue damage in aging and age‐related diseases. The prevailing mechanism involves methylglyoxal production during glycolysis and modification of arginine residues through the formation of methylglyoxal hydroimidazolones (MG‐H1). We now tested the hypothesis that oxidation of vitamin C (ascorbic acid or ASA) contributes to this damage when the homeostatic redox balance is disrupted especially in ASA‐rich tissues such as the eye lens and brain. MG‐H1 measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry is several fold increased in the lens and brain from transgenic mice expressing human vitamin C transporter 2 (hSVCT2). Similarly, MG‐H1 levels are increased two‐ to fourfold in hippocampus extracts from individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and significantly higher levels are present in sarkosyl‐insoluble tissue fractions from AD brain proteins than in the soluble fractions. Moreover, immunostaining with antibodies against methylglyoxal hydroimidazolones reveals similar increase in substantia nigra neurons from individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results from an in vitro incubation experiment suggest that accumulated catalytic metal ions in the hippocampus during aging could readily accelerate ASA oxidation and such acceleration was significantly enhanced in AD. Modeling studies and intraventricular injection of 13C‐labeled ASA revealed that ASA backbone carbons 4–6 are incorporated into MG‐H1 both in vitro and in vivo, likely via a glyceraldehyde precursor. We propose that drugs that prevent oxoaldehyde stress or excessive ASA oxidation may protect against age‐related cataract and neurodegenerative diseases.
Islands within islands: genetic structuring at small spatial scales has implications for long‐term persistence of a threatened species
Authors: Major R. E. , Ewart K. M. , Portelli D. J. , King A. , Tsang L. R. , O’Dwyer T. , Carlile N. , Haselden C. , Bower H. , Alquezar‐Planas D. E. , Johnson R. N. , Eldridge M. D. B.
Published: June 2020

Maintenance of genetic diversity within species is a key objective of biodiversity conservation, and small, isolated populations are particularly vulnerable to genetic erosion. Conservation management actions such as predator removal, captive breeding and reintroduction can facilitate numerical recovery of a population, but species often remain at risk from depleted genetic diversity and inbreeding. We investigated dispersal, genetic bottlenecks and genetic population structuring in the island‐dwelling Lord Howe woodhen, a species that came perilously close to extinction in the 1970s. Analyses of mark‐resighting records and variable genetic markers (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) collected from the contemporary population and 100‐year‐old museum specimens found strong evidence of restricted dispersal at fine spatial scales, with both the contemporary and historic populations exhibiting strong population structuring between mountain and lowland/slopes sites. Additionally, genetic comparison of the contemporary population and historic specimens demonstrated a decline in genetic diversity over the past century. Specifically for the Lord Howe woodhen, we recommend ongoing genetic monitoring and translocations to increase genetic diversity within the re‐established lowland subpopulation. More generally, our results demonstrate how pronounced genetic erosion can arise in species subject to human persecution and predation by introduced predators, and how genetic fragmentation of natural populations can be present at fine geographical scales (less than hundreds of metres). Moreover, without prior information about genetic structure and subsequent genetic monitoring, conservation management can have unexpected negative consequences for the genetic health of populations. Therefore, genetic monitoring and management early in the recovery of populations is desirable to maximize their adaptive potential.
Alcohol and drug problems among Australian homicide offenders
Authors: Eriksson Li , Bryant Sarah , McPhedran Samara , Mazerolle Paul , Wortley Richard
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Most homicide studies focus upon ‘acute’ situational intoxication as opposed to ‘chronic’ substance misuse. The aims of the study were to: (1) determine the extent of homicide offenders’ alcohol and drug use in the year preceding the homicide; (2) compare the individual characteristics of homicide offenders across levels of problematic substance use; and (3) compare homicide incident characteristics across levels of problematic substance use.

Design and Setting

Observational study using data collected through face‐to‐face interviews in custodial and community correctional settings across Australia. Participants were recruited through an opt‐in process.

Participants

The data consist of 302 individuals convicted of murder or manslaughter.

Measurements

We used the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test to determine problematic alcohol or drug use. We also used a range of self‐report measures to ascertain offender characteristics [socio‐demographics, developmental experiences, criminal history, personality] and incident characteristics (who was killed, and situational intoxication).

Findings

Of the sample, 38.8% displayed high levels of alcohol problems and 30.8% displayed high levels of drug problems. Those displaying high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems were more likely than those without high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems to report adverse developmental experiences, low education, financial difficulties, extensive criminal histories and high levels of trait anger, impulsivity and risk‐seeking. In addition, offenders with problematic substance use were more likely to have killed non‐family and to have used substances at the time of the homicide.

Conclusions

High proportions of homicide offenders in Australia appear to have problematic substance use in the year preceding the homicide offence, and such use appears to be associated with a range of other challenging factors, including adverse childhoods, criminal involvement, low socio‐economic factors and low self‐regulation.
Temporomandibular Disorder: a practical guide for dental practitioners in diagnosis and management
Authors: Beaumont S , Garg K , Gokhale A , Heaphy N
Published: June 2020

Temporomandibular disorder is a broad term encompassing pain and/or dysfunction of the masticatory musculature and the temporomandibular joints. Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder is a common reason for seeking dental care. It is essential that dental practitioners are able to accurately diagnose and manage this condition. Identifying people at highest risk of developing a temporomandibular disorder and knowing which procedures are more likely to initiate or exacerbate a temporomandibular disorder, are important to reduce the likelihood of its acute and chronic presentation. The aim of this paper is to provide the dental practitioner with a clinical guideline for reference including practical tools to examine, diagnose and manage patients with temporomandibular disorder. In addition the risk profile of patients and procedures is explored to help minimize the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders and mitigate its symptoms. The scope of the dental practitioner in the management of acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders is presented, with guidance about when referral to a specialist is indicated.
Skin pH–dependent Staphylococcus aureus abundance as predictor for increasing atopic dermatitis severity
Authors: Hülpüsch Claudia , Tremmel Karolina , Hammel Gertrud , Bhattacharyya Madhumita , de Tomassi Amedeo , Nussbaumer Thomas , Neumann Avidan U. , Reiger Matthias , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia
Published: June 2020

Background

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD) is characterized by disrupted skin barrier associated with elevated skin pH and skin microbiome dysbiosis, due to high Staphylococcus aureus loads, especially during flares. Since S aureus shows optimal growth at neutral pH, we investigated the longitudinal interplay between these factors and AD severity in a pilot study.

Method

Emollient (with either basic pH 8.5 or pH 5.5) was applied double‐blinded twice daily to 6 AD patients and 6 healthy (HE) controls for 8 weeks. Weekly, skin swabs for microbiome analysis (deep sequencing) were taken, AD severity was assessed, and skin physiology (pH, hydration, transepidermal water loss) was measured.

Results

Physiological, microbiome, and clinical results were not robustly related to the pH of applied emollient. In contrast to longitudinally stable microbiome in HE, S aureus frequency significantly increased in AD over 8 weeks. High S aureus abundance was associated with skin pH 5.7‐6.2. High baseline S aureus frequency predicted both increase in S aureus and in AD severity (EASI and local SCORAD) after 8 weeks.

Conclusion

Skin pH is tightly regulated by intrinsic factors and limits the abundance of S aureus. High baseline S aureus abundance in turn predicts an increase in AD severity over the study period. This underlines the importance and potential of sustained intervention regarding the skin pH and urges for larger studies linking skin pH and skin S aureus abundance to understand driving factors of disease progression.
The role of peripheral blood eosinophil counts in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Xie Guogang , Ding Fengming , Han Lei , Yin Dongning , Lu Hongzhou , Zhang Min
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in Wuhan city and rapidly spread globally outside China. We aimed to investigate the role of peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) as a marker in the course of the virus infection to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and evaluation of COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

227 pneumonia patients who visited the fever clinics in Shanghai General Hospital and 97 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center were involved in a retrospective research study. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were collected. The trend of EOS level in COVID‐19 patients and comparison among patients with different severity were summarized.

Results

The majority of COVID‐19 patients (71.7%) had a decrease in circulating EOS counts, which was significantly more frequent than other types of pneumonia patients. EOS counts had good value for COVID‐19 prediction, even higher when combined with neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. Patients with low EOS counts at admission were more likely to have fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath, with more lesions in chest CT and radiographic aggravation, and longer length of hospital stay and course of disease than those with normal EOS counts. Circulating EOS level gradually increased over the time, and was synchronous with the improvement in chest CT (12 days vs 13 days, P = .07), later than that of body temperature (12 days vs 10 days, P = .014), but earlier than that of the negative conversion of nucleic acid assays (12 days vs 17 days, P = .001).

Conclusion

Peripheral blood EOS counts may be an effective and efficient indicator in diagnosis, Evaluation, and prognosis monitoring of COVID‐19 patients.
Cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinant‐specific IgE obscures true atopy and exhibits ⍺‐1,3‐fucose epitope‐specific inverse associations with asthma
Authors: Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Mpairwe Harriet , Versteeg Serge A. , van Diepen Angela , Nassuuna Jacent , Kabagenyi Joyce , Nambuya Irene , Sanya Richard E. , Nampijja Margaret , Serna Sonia , Reichardt Niels‐Christian , Hokke Cornelis H. , Webb Emily L. , van Ree Ronald , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Elliott Alison M.
Published: June 2020

Background

In high‐income, temperate countries, IgE to allergen extracts is a risk factor for, and mediator of, allergy‐related diseases (ARDs). In the tropics, positive IgE tests are also prevalent, but rarely associated with ARD. Instead, IgE responses to ubiquitous cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) on plant, insect and parasite glycoproteins, rather than to established major allergens, are dominant. Because anti‐CCD IgE has limited clinical relevance, it may impact ARD phenotyping and assessment of contribution of atopy to ARD.

Methods

Using an allergen extract‐based test, a glycan and an allergen (glyco)protein microarray, we mapped IgE fine specificity among Ugandan rural Schistosoma mansoni (Sm)‐endemic communities, proximate urban communities, and importantly in asthmatic and nonasthmatic schoolchildren.

Results

Overall, IgE sensitization to extracts was highly prevalent (43%‐73%) but allergen arrays indicated that this was not attributable to established major allergenic components of the extracts (0%‐36%); instead, over 40% of all participants recognized CCD‐bearing components. Using glycan arrays, we dissected IgE responses to specific glycan moieties and found that reactivity to classical CCD epitopes (core β‐1,2‐xylose, α‐1,3‐fucose) was positively associated with sensitization to extracts, rural environment and Sm infection, but not with skin reactivity to extracts or sensitization to their major allergenic components. Interestingly, we discovered that reactivity to only a subset of core α‐1,3‐fucose‐carrying N‐glycans was inversely associated with asthma.

Conclusions

CCD reactivity is not just an epiphenomenon of parasite exposure hampering specificity of allergy diagnostics; mechanistic studies should investigate whether specific CCD moieties identified here are implicated in the protective effect of certain environmental exposures against asthma.
Micro Aggressions and Connections in the Context of National Multiculturalism: Everyday Geographies of Racialisation and Resistance in Contemporary Scotland
Authors: Peterson Melike
Published: June 2020

This paper is organised around geographies of encounter, power and living together. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, in‐depth interviews and focus groups in the West and North of Glasgow, I explore the micro connections and aggressions shaping everyday encounters for some (ethnic and cultural) minorities, contributing to debates on the potentials and challenges of multicultural living. The research contributes to this work by offering a detailed embodied/felt account of belonging and racism in contemporary Glasgow, challenging dominant narratives that construct Scottishness as having “no problem with racism”. As worrying shifts around immigration and multiculturalism continue on a broader political level, including in Scotland, I use the conceptual frame of micro connection, to detail how people actively resist being racialised and othered, and attempt to transform public spaces in Glasgow by “quietly” carving out and inhabiting alternative spaces of belonging.
Association between atopic keratoconjunctivitis and the risk of keratoconus
Authors: Weng Shih‐Feng , Jan Ren‐Long , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Tseng Sung‐Huei , Chang Yuh‐Shin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the risk of keratoconus (KCN) in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).

Methods

This nationwide, retrospective, matched cohort study included 186 202 newly diagnosed AKC patients who were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM), code 372.05, and selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The age‐ and sex‐matched control group included 186 202 non‐AKC patients selected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. Patient information was collected between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2011, and both groups of patients were tracked from the index date until December 2013. The incidence and risk of KCN (ICD‐9‐CM, code 371.6) were compared between the groups. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for KCN. The cumulative KCN incidence rate was calculated with the Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Results

In total, 62 AKC patients and 26 controls developed KCN during the follow‐up period. The incidence rate of KCN was 2.49 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57–3.93; p < 0.0001) higher in AKC patients than in controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, AKC patients were 2.25 times more likely to develop KCN than controls (adjusted HR, 2.25; 95% CI = 1.41–3.58; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) patients had an increased risk of developing KCN. Therefore, AKC patients should be advised of this risk.
Eye patching after cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of short‐term corneal oedema
Authors: Gazit Inbal , Dubinsky‐Pertzov Biana , Or Lior , Pras Eran , Belkin Avner , Einan‐Lifshitz Adi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of postoperative eye patching after routine cataract surgery on corneal oedema and visual acuity on the first postoperative day.

Setting

One public healthcare centre.

Design and methods

This randomized controlled trial included patients undergoing uneventful cataract surgery in one medical centre. Patients were randomized into two groups: the surgical eye was patched with a single dose of a local steroid and antibiotic for 24 hr in the first group, and a plastic shield was used in the second with local steroid and antibiotic drops. The eyes were examined preoperatively and on the first postoperative day. Examination included the following: best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), full slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) using the IOL Master 700 (Zeiss, Germany). Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and operation time were recorded for all cases.

Results

One hundred eyes of 100 patients were included in the study. The postoperative increase in CCT 24 hr after surgery was 138 and 70 µm in the patched group as compared to the non‐patched group, respectively (p = 0.001). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on the first postoperative day was 0.5 ± 0.45 LogMAR and 0.3 ± 0.3 LogMAR in the patched and non‐patched group, respectively (p = 0.01). There was no difference in CDE (11.33 ± 9.2 and 10.22 ± 7.3; p = 0.94) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Eye patching after routine cataract surgery is associated with an increase in corneal oedema and slower visual recovery on the first postoperative day.
A nationwide questionnaire survey on accidental magnet ingestion in children in Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Ryosuke , Okuda Masumi , Kikuchi Shogo , Iwayama Hideyuki , Hataya Hiroshi , Okumura Akihisa
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim is to investigate the actual situation of accidental ingestion of magnets in children in Japan and the clinical features of the resulting gastrointestinal damage.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire and sent it to 496 board‐certified training hospitals nationwide. Information was collected on the number of children with accidental magnet intake from 2015 to 2017, witnesses of magnet intake, number and type of magnets, presence or absence of gastrointestinal injury, treatment, etc

Results

The number of cases of accidental ingestion of magnets within the study period was 104, with a median age of 2 years. About half of the incidents were unwitnessed. There were 33 cases of accidental ingestion of multiple magnets. Among them, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 4 children and surgery in 10, and significantly invasive treatment was required in comparison with single‐magnet ingestion. Gastrointestinal injury was observed in 11 cases, 10 of which were caused by multiple‐magnet ingestion. All 10 of these patients underwent surgical treatment. There was no mortality.

Conclusion

The incidence of accidental magnet ingestion in Japan is estimated to be 50‐70 per year. Unwitnessed cases are not uncommon. Multiple magnet ingestion often causes gastrointestinal injury. Many cases of gastrointestinal injury are caused by ingestion of magnetic toys.
Thematic analysis of acceptability and fidelity of engagement for behaviour change interventions: The Let’s Move It intervention interview study
Authors: Palsola Minttu , Renko Elina , Kostamo Katri , Lorencatto Fabiana , Hankonen Nelli
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Intervention participants’ responses to and engagement with interventions are a key intermediate step between interventions and intended outcomes. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate crucial aspects of engagement, namely acceptability (experienced cognitive and emotional responses to the intervention), receipt (comprehension of intervention content), and skill enactment (skill performance in target settings), within the Let’s Move It, a multi‐component school‐based physical activity intervention.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative study embedded in a cluster‐randomized trial, with individual interviews of purposefully sampled intervention participants immediately post‐intervention (n = 21) and at 14 months (n = 14).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Abductive coding process was taken to identify categories for themes.

Results

The analysis resulted in 12 themes and 18 subthemes. Overall, participants reported perceived effectiveness of and affective attitude towards the intervention (acceptability) and understood the main messages and skills (receipt). For example, findings indicated comprehension of the non‐judgemental nature and choice‐providing messages of the intervention underpinned by self‐determination theory. Despite reporting understanding how and why to perform the skills, not using them was a highlighted theme (skill enactment), particularly for self‐regulatory techniques such as planning. Friends’ role as key self‐motivation technique was a prevalent theme. In the within‐individual analysis, three different engager types were identified: positive, ambivalent, and negative.

Conclusion

Identifying misunderstandings and difficulties in skill acquisition can help interpret main trial outcomes and inform further intervention optimization. This study provides an example of how to use thematic analysis to assess acceptability, receipt, and enactment in interventions.
Preferences for scarce medical resource allocation: Differences between experts and the general public and implications for the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Grover Simmy , McClelland Alastair , Furnham Adrian
Published: June 2020

This study concerns what lay people believe is the best way to allocate scarce medical resources. A sample of 515 individuals completed a short questionnaire asking them to rank‐order eight different ethical positions with respect to the allocation of scarce resources. They showed a strong preference for the ‘saves most lives’ and ‘sickest first’ options, with ‘reciprocity’ and a ‘lottery’ being least favoured. There was a reasonable degree of unanimity amongst respondents and comparatively few correlations with individual difference factors such as demography. The preference results are compared to expert recommendations (Emanuel et al., 2020, N. Engl. J. Med., 382, 2049) made in light of the current coronavirus pandemic, and differences are highlighted. Implications for scare medical resource allocations are discussed, and limitations of the study acknowledged.
Pylons ablaze: Examining the role of 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs and support for violence
Authors: Jolley Daniel , Paterson Jenny L.
Published: June 2020

Amid increased acts of violence against telecommunication engineers and property, this pre‐registered study (N = 601 Britons) investigated the association between beliefs in 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and the justification and willingness to use violence. Findings revealed that belief in 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy theories was positively correlated with state anger, which in turn, was associated with a greater justification of real‐life and hypothetical violence in response to an alleged link between 5G mobile technology and COVID‐19, alongside a greater intent to engage in similar behaviours in the future. Moreover, these associations were strongest for those highest in paranoia. Furthermore, we show that these patterns are not specific to 5G conspiratorial beliefs: General conspiracy mentality was positively associated with justification and willingness for general violence, an effect mediated by heightened state anger, especially for those most paranoid in the case of justification of violence. Such research provides novel evidence on why and when conspiracy beliefs may justify the use of violence.
Functional outcomes after pyeloplasty in solitary kidneys: structured analysis with the implication of Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) staging criteria to predict long‐term renal function recoverability
Authors: Elbaset Mohamed A. , Zahran Mohamad H. , Elrefaie Eman , Elgamal Mostafa , M.A. Sharaf , Ezzat Osama , Elmeniar Ali M. , Badawy Mohamed , Osman Yasser
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To assess the long‐term functional outcomes after pyeloplasty in solitary kidney (SK) models and to define factors affecting postoperative renal function recoverability in adults.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated all adult patients who underwent pyeloplasty for pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in SK. Long‐term renal function was assessed by diuretic scintigraphy and morphological changes were also determined, e.g. renal parenchymal volume (RPV) and parenchymal thickness (PT). We considered a >20% increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as improvement, >20% decrease as deterioration, and changes within 20% as stationary renal function. Univariate and multivariate analysis for factors affecting renal function recoverability, including the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) Staging System postoperatively, were performed.

Results

The study included 62 patients with a mean (SD) age of 29 (10.5) years. At a median of 48 months, the mean (SD) GFR increased from 41.3 (17) to 48.5 (20.1) mL/min (P < 0.001), with a significant increase in RPV and PT (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively). Follow‐up renal function was static, improved and decreased in 39 (63.4%), 17 (27%) and six (9.6%) patients, respectively. Functional success was achieved in 90.4%. Patient’s age ≥39 years, PT ≤0.75 cm and higher early postoperative AKIN staging were predictors associated with a 4.8‐, 3.2‐ and 2.7‐fold deterioration in renal function.

Conclusion

Pyeloplasty in SK preserved renal function in 90.4% of the present patients. Pyeloplasty in SK when associated with older age, decreased PT preoperatively, and early higher AKIN staging postoperatively was associated with poor renal function recoverability.
Integrins meet complement: The evolutionary tip of an iceberg orchestrating metabolism and immunity
Authors: Merle Nicolas S , Singh Parul , Rahman Jubayer , Kemper Claudia
Published: June 2020

Immunologists have recently realized that there is more to the classic innate immune sensor systems than just mere protection against invading pathogens. It is becoming increasingly clear that such sensors, including the inflammasomes, toll‐like receptors, and the complement system, are heavily involved in the regulation of basic cell physiological processes and particularly those of metabolic nature. In fact, their “non‐canonical” activities make sense as no system directing immune cell activity can perform such task without the need for energy. Further, many of these ancient immune sensors appeared early and concurrently during evolution, particularly during the developmental leap from the single‐cell organisms to multicellularity, and therefore crosstalk heavily with each other. Here, we will review the current knowledge about the emerging cooperation between the major inter‐cell communicators, integrins, and the cell‐autonomous intracellularly and autocrine‐active complement, the complosome, during the regulation of single‐cell metabolism.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Canonical and non‐canonical functions of the complement system in health and disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.14/issuetoc
Risk factors for suicide attempt in children, adolescents, and young adults hospitalized for mental health disorders
Authors: Ong Mei‐Sing , Lakoma Matthew , Gees Bhosrekar Sarah , Hickok Jason , McLean Laura , Murphy Michael , Poland Russell E. , Purtell Nancy , Ross‐Degnan Dennis
Published: June 2020

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death among children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA), and mental health disorders are a major contributing factor. Yet, suicidal behaviors among children and AYA with mental health concerns remain understudied and age‐specific risk factors are poorly understood. We examined the risk factors for suicide attempt in children and AYA with mental health disorders across three age groups: pre‐adolescent children (aged ≤ 12), adolescents (aged 13–17), and young adults (aged 18–25).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of children and AYA hospitalized for a mental health disorder (n = 18,018) at a private hospital system with 141 facilities across the United States (year 2014).

Results

Suicide attempts six months prior to hospitalization were reported in 12.1% (n = 177) pre‐adolescent children, 22% (n = 1476) adolescents, and 17.9% (n = 1766) young adults. Evidence of psychological trauma was present in 55.4% of pre‐adolescent children, 51.2% of adolescents, and 44.5% of young adults. Predictors for suicide attempt observed across all three age groups included the following: female sex, depressive disorder, and being a victim of bullying. Risk factors for suicide attempt specific to pre‐adolescent children included being uninsured and having an unsafe home or school environment. Among AYA, suicide attempt was associated with non‐Hispanic white, family history of suicide, emotional traumas, and other traumatic experiences. Alcohol use disorder was also a significant predictor of suicide attempt in young adults.

Conclusions

Suicide attempts among children and AYA admitted to a hospital with mental health concerns are highly prevalent. Socioeconomic stressors appeared to be an important contributing factor of suicidal behavior in pre‐adolescent children but not in older AYA. Effective suicide prevention strategies targeting children and AYA would need to consider age‐specific risk factors.
The impact of cyberbullying on schoolchildren’s dental anxiety in Brazil: A cross‐sectional multi‐level study
Authors: Silveira Ethieli R. , Costa Vanessa P. P. , Goettems Marília L. , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Azevedo Marina S. , Correa Marcos B. , Demarco Flávio F.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This cross‐sectional study assessed the correlation between individual and school‐related social environment variables with dental anxiety in Brazilian schoolchildren aged 8‐12 years.

Methods

A sample of children from 20 private and public schools (n = 1211) from Pelotas, Brazil, were selected. Socioeconomic data were collected from parents, and data regarding children characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Dental anxiety (the outcome) was assessed by the following question: ‘Are you afraid of going to the dentist?’ Dental examinations were performed to assess caries experience (DMFT ≥ 1). The social school environment was assessed by a questionnaire administered to schools’ coordinators and considered: type of school, verbal violence between students, presence of gangs at school and cyberbullying episodes. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to investigate the association between school social environment and dental anxiety.

Results

The prevalence of dental anxiety was 9.1% (95%CI 7.5‐10.8). For the individual variables, anxiety was more prevalent in girls [1.85 (1.21‐2.81)], in children with less‐educated mothers [1.50 (1.00‐2.27)] and in children who never attended to the dentist [2.48 (1.65‐3.72)]. For contextual variables, episodes of cyberbullying in school increased the prevalence of dental anxiety by almost 80% [1.78 (1.14‐2.78)].

Conclusions

The school social environment influences dental anxiety. The results suggest that it is important to establish strategies focused on promoting healthier environments and preventing cyberbullying in order to reduce the occurrence of dental anxiety.
Heparin affects the induction of regulatory T cells independent of anti-coagulant activity and suppresses allogeneic immune responses
Authors: Kashiwakura Y , Kojima H , Kanno Y , Hashiguchi M , Kobata T
Published: June 2020

Heparin is a widely used anti-coagulant that enhances anti-thrombin (AT) activity. However, heparin also suppresses immune and inflammatory responses in various rodent models and clinical trials, respectively. The mechanism by which heparin suppresses immune responses is unclear. The effect of heparin on regulatory T cells (Tregs) in allogeneic immune responses was analysed using an acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) mouse model and mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs). In-vitro culture systems were utilized to study the effects of heparin on Tregs. Heparin administration reduced mortality rates and increased the proportion of Tregs in the early post-transplantation period of aGVHD mice. In both murine and human MLRs, heparin increased Tregs and inhibited responder T cell proliferation. Heparin promoted functional CD4+CD25+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ Treg generation from naive CD4+ T cells, increased interleukin (IL)-2 production and enhanced the activation of pre-existing Tregs with IL-2. Heparin-induced Treg increases were not associated with anti-coagulant activity through AT, but required negatively charged sulphation of heparin. Importantly, N-acetyl heparin, a chemically modified heparin without anti-coagulant activity, induced Tregs and decreased mortality in aGVHD mice. Our results indicate that heparin contributes to Treg-mediated immunosuppression through IL-2 production and suggest that heparin derivatives may be useful for immunopathological control by efficient Treg induction.
The positive effect of tenting screws for primary horizontal guided bone regeneration: A retrospective study based on cone‐beam computed tomography data
Authors: César Neto João B. , Cavalcanti Marília C. , Sapata Vitor M. , Pannuti Cláudio M. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Naenni Nadja , Thoma Daniel S. , Romito Giuseppe A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To radiographically evaluate the effect of the adjunctive use of tenting screws (TS) for primary horizontal guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Materials & Methods

Twenty‐eight patients in need of staged bone augmentation were consecutively treated in a private practice. A xenogenic particulate bone substitute material (DBBM) and a resorbable collagen membrane were used in all patients. Subjects were divided into two groups: control (conventional GBR; n = 22) and test (tenting screws in conjunction with GBR ‐ TS; n = 22). CBCT images were obtained before augmentation and after 6–8 months. CBCTs were superimposed, and linear horizontal measurements were performed. Alveolar ridge width (RW) and ridge width change (RWchange) were assessed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm below the bone crest.

Results

Forty‐four sites in 28 patients were evaluated. No differences between the groups were detected for RW at baseline (TS: 5.87 ± 2.41; control: 5.36 ± 1.65). Regarding RWchange, TS promoted an additional effect at 1 and 3 mm below the crest compared to control (p < .05; RWchange‐1 TS: 3.72 ± 2.46; control: 1.25 ± 3.05; RWchange‐3 TS: 3.98 ± 2.53; control: 2.50 ± 2.02). The final RW was greater in group TS compared to the control group at the 1, 3, and 5 mm level (p < .05).

Conclusions

The use of tenting screws exerted a positive effect on staged GBR with a greater final RW at the 3 mm level. In addition, GBR in conjunction with TS was able to provide consistent bone augmentation at lingual/palatal sites.
Prosthetic outcomes and clinical performance of CAD‐CAM monolithic zirconia versus porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal implant crowns in the molar region: 1‐year results of a RCT
Authors: Mühlemann Sven , Lakha Tabrez , Jung Ronald E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Benic Goran I.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical performance of monolithic zirconia implant crowns as compared to porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) implant crowns.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐six healthy patients received reduced diameter implants in the molar region. Following random allocation, either a monolithic zirconia crown (Mono‐ZrO2) or a (PFM) was inserted. Crown and implant survival rates, modified USPHS criteria, clinical measurements, and interproximal marginal bone level (MBL) were assessed at crown delivery (baseline, BL) and at the 1‐year follow‐up (1y‐FU). Data were analyzed descriptively. Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied for statistical analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results

Thirty‐nine Mono‐ZrO2 and 37 PFM crowns were delivered. At the 1y‐FU, one crown in each group was lost due to loss of the implant. Technical complications occurred in the PFM group and were limited to four minor ceramic chippings resulting in a total technical complication rate of 11.1% (p = .024). Anatomical form and color match compared to the adjacent dentition were rated significantly inferior for the Mono‐ZrO2 crowns. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups at BL (34 Mono‐ZrO2 34 PFM) and at 1y‐FU (36 Mono‐ZrO2 31 PFM). No significant differences between the groups were detected with respect to the change in MBL and to the soft tissue parameters.

Conclusions

Monolithic zirconia crowns are a similarly successful alternative option to PFM crowns for restoring single implants in the posterior area.
SP1‐mediated upregulation of LINGO‐1 promotes degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in optic nerve injury
Authors: Wu Yali , Zhan Zongyi , Quan Yadan , Yang Yangfan , Chen Xiaotao , Liu Liling , Wu Kaili , Yu Minbin
Published: June 2020

Backgrounds

Insults to the axons in the optic nerve head are the primary cause of loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in traumatic, ischemic nerve injury or degenerative ocular diseases. The central nervous system–specific leucine‐rich repeat protein, LINGO‐1, negatively regulates axon regeneration and neuronal survival after injury. However, the upstream molecular mechanisms that regulate LINGO‐1 signaling and contribute to LINGO‐1–mediated death of RGCs are unclear.

Methods

The expression of SP1 was profiled in optic nerve crush (ONC)–injured RGCs. LINGO‐1 level was examined after SP1 overexpression by qRT‐PCR. Luciferase assay was used to examine the binding of SP1 to the promoter regions of LINGO‐1. Primary RGCs from rat retina were isolated by immunopanning and RGCs apoptosis were determined by Tunnel. SP1 and LINGO‐1 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry and Western bolting. Neuroprotection was assessed by RGC counts, RNFL thickness, and VEP tests after inhibition of SP1 shRNA.

Results

We demonstrate that SP1 was upregulated in ONC‐injured RGCs. SP1 was bound to the LINGO‐1 promoter, which led to increased expression of LINGO‐1. Treatment with recombinant Nogo‐66 or LINGO‐1 promoted apoptosis of RGCs cultured under serum‐deprivation conditions, while silencing of SP1 promoted the survival of RGCs. SP1 and LINGO‐1 colocalized and were upregulated in ONC‐injured retinas. Silencing of SP1 in vivo reduced LINGO‐1 expression and protected the structure of RGCs from ONC‐induced injury, but there was no sign of recovery in VEP.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that SP1 regulates LINGO‐1 expression in RGCs in the injured retina and provide insight into mechanisms underlying LINGO‐1–mediated RGC death in optic nerve injury.
Perceptions of vulture supplementary feeding site managers and potential hidden risks to avian scavengers
Authors: Brink Christiaan W. , Santangeli Andrea , Amar Arjun , Wolter Kerri , Tate Gareth , Krüger Sonja , Tucker Andrew S. , Thomson Robert L.
Published: June 2020

Under the current African vulture crisis, supplementary feeding sites (SFS), which provide carrion resources, have become a popular conservation tool to address vulture declines. In South Africa, this practice is unregulated and the context in which SFS operate and their adherence to best management practices is currently unknown. In this study, we conducted a survey with SFS managers regarding the management of their SFS to evaluate potential conservation implications of different practices. Half of the SFS surveyed were associated with livestock farming. Overall, most managers (84%) perceived some benefit from running an SFS, largely attributed to cleaning services provided by vultures. Over half of the managers perceived no disadvantages from running SFS. We found a positive correlation between numbers of vultures seen at SFS and the amount of food provided there. Despite unintentional and intentional poisoning being identified by experts as the most critical threats to vultures in Southern Africa, only 47 and 24% of managers, respectively, listed these as potential threats to vultures, highlighting limited understanding of current vulture conservation issues. Most managers (85%) vetted carcasses for provisioning suitability based on whether they had been treated with veterinary drugs, but relatively few managers (10%) did the same for lead (Pb) contamination. Only 30% of managers considered threats to vultures when they decided on a location for their SFS. Overall, this study unveils that at many SFS, safety conditions are not met and vultures may be exposed to risks, such as the ingestion of toxic substances (e.g., Pb) or electrocution by energy infrastructure. To minimize unintended negative consequences from SFS, it will be essential to increase the interaction between SFS managers and conservation practitioners, to increase the flow of information on best management practices and enforce stringent and clear guidelines that minimize any risks to vultures.
Recommendations for the Operation of Endoscopy Centers in the setting of the COVID‐19 pandemic – World Endoscopy Organization guidance document
Authors: Guda Nalini M. , Emura Fabian , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar , Rey Jean‐Fracois , Seo Dong‐Wan , Gyokeres Tibor , Tajiri Hisao , Faigel Douglas
Published: June 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the etiologic agent causing the disease Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID‐19), resulting in a worldwide pandemic. Non‐emergent endoscopy services have been disrupted as incidence and hospitalizations were rising. It is anticipated that the peak incidence may be leveling off in many parts of the world, but there is a concern for resurgence of the virus activity. Thus, it is important for endoscopy units to have plans in place during peak times of the epidemic and when resuming endoscopic services as the pandemic wanes. The global endoscopy community is faced with the challenge of providing care during this time. The WEO‐COVID guidance task force has provided this resource document based on the current evidence and consensus opinion. These World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) recommendations are meant to guide endoscopists worldwide, should be interpreted in light of specific clinical conditions and resource availability and may not apply in all situations. This guidance document does not supersede the need to check for all local regulations and legislations.
Utilizing registry data to identify children with cerebral palsy previously enrolled in the magnesium sulfate randomized clinical trial
Authors: Adams‐Chapman Ira
Published: June 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Shepherd et al. on pages 1170–1175of this issue.
Evidence from the Productive Safety Net Programme in Ethiopia: Complementarities between social protection and health policies
Authors: Hirvonen Kalle , Bossuyt Anne , Pigois Remy
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Social protection policies typically involve multiple sectors, ranging from food security to health care. Despite this, limited research is directed toward understanding how different social protection programmes complement each other.

Purpose

We explore complementarities between three major national social protection programmes in rural Ethiopia: the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP), the Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme and the Health Fee Waiver (HFW) system.

Approach and methods

We use secondary data from districts in which the PSNP operates to study the coverage of the CBHI and the HFW schemes. We then quantify the prevalence of health shocks reported by poor households and calculate the annual out‐of‐pocket (OOP) health care expenses incurred by poor households in these districts.

Findings

We find limited overlap between the PSNP and the CBHI or HFW schemes. In districts in which the CBHI operates, about 22% of the PSNP households are enrolled into CBHI. For 10% of all PSNP households, the CBHI insurance premium was waived due to their poverty status. In non‐CBHI districts, 3.5% of PSNP households report having benefitted from HFW. Moreover, many households report serious health shocks that resulted in loss of consumption or assets. The estimated OOP health expenditures are high, even among those households enrolled into CBHI or benefitting from HFW.

Policy implications

Taken together, these findings suggest that there is scope to improve the linkages between these three major social protection programmes in Ethiopia to protect the poorest and most vulnerable households.