bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of unplanned visits after cataract surgery in two large cohorts with different anti‐inflammatory treatment protocols
Authors: Gärdin Jan , Johansson Björn
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To compare incidences and reasons for unplanned extra visits after phacoemulsification surgery in two unselected clinical populations with different postoperative treatment protocols.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of 1000 patients that underwent cataract surgery at two adjacent clinics in Sweden. At each clinic, 500 consecutive surgeries were included. Preoperatively recorded comorbidities were registered. One clinic used a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) in combination with steroids as postoperative treatment, the other used steroids in monotherapy. Main outcome was the number of patients that returned within 6 months after surgery for at least one unplanned visit. Reasons for unplanned visits were secondary outcomes.

Results

Among patients receiving combined treatment 84 cases (16.8%) returned for at least 1 extra visit, compared with 63 cases (12.6%) in the group treated with steroids only (RR = 1.33 [95% CI 0.99–1.80, p = 0.061]). No significant differences were found regarding any underlying reasons for the visits, including cystoid macular oedema (CME). We found increased risks for CME in patients with diabetes mellitus (RR = 3.83 [95% CI 1.18–12.41, p = 0.016]) and patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) (RR = 10.76 [95% CI 3.14–36.89, p < 0.0001]).

Conclusions

Postoperative anti‐inflammatory treatment with NSAID in combination with steroids did not reduce need for unplanned postoperative visits or incidence of visually disturbing CME after cataract surgery compared with steroids alone. Patient groups with elevated risks for CME are of interest in future research regarding benefits and optimal use of NSAID treatment after cataract surgery.
Social behavior practices for child protection and well‐being among low‐income urban households in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M. Rezaul , Al Gharaibeh Fakir , Azman Azlinda , Hashim Intan H. M. , Islam Md. Robiul , Rahman Abdur
Published: October 2022

The main objective of this study was to explore the status of social behavior practices for child protection and well‐being among low‐income urban households in Bangladesh. This study used a survey method, and data were collected through a face‐to‐face structured interview from 378 low‐income household heads from 12 wards (Konabari and Kashimpur) of Zone 5 of the Gazipur City Corporation. Results found that the current status of the presence of child protection services is very low (in many cases, this number is zero except children having birth registered). A significant number (55%) of them were married between 15 and 19 years. The study found a low level of access on the components of social behaviors where around 50% to 60% caregivers stated 4 benefits of key behaviors, necessity of hand washing after defecation and before and after taking a meal, the age of boys and girls to get married off, and know the effect and consequences of child marriage. The chi‐squared tests confirmed extremely high significance in almost all of the components. Findings will be an important guideline for the policymakers, child service practitioners, and human rights workers.
Classification of rocky outcrops plant communities in the mountains of Central Argentina
Authors: Cantero Juan José , Zeballos Sebastián Rodolfo , Núñez César Omar , Sfragulla Jorge , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Funes Guillermo , Amuchástegui Andrea , Mulko José , Bonalumi Aldo , Cabido Marcelo Rubén
Published: October 2022

Aims

Classification of plant communities and identification of their diagnostic species in different types of rocky outcrops in mountains from Central Argentina. We also explored how these plant communities differ in their endemisms, chorotypes and non‐natives species composition, as well as in rock chemistry, elevation and climatic variables.

Location

Córdoba Province, Central Argentina.

Methods

The study was based on 505 phytosociological relevés collected from 2009 to 2019 using the Braun‐Blanquet cover‐abundance scale. The hierarchical ISOmetric feature mapping and Partition Around Medoids (ISOPAM) analysis was applied. The vegetation matrix was ordinated through isometric feature mapping (ISOMAP), and the geochemical and bioclimatic variables were related to the ISOMAP ordination.

Results

We identified 14 plant communities distributed in three main clusters. We recorded 59 endemic species at the national level and 28 narrow endemics, restricted to the study area and nearby mountains. The number of non‐native plants was relatively low (26 species). Perennial herbs (221 species), grasses (97 species) and shrubs (68 species) were the most prominent life forms. Plant communities were associated with rock chemistry (carbonate and acidic rocks), and also with elevation and climatic variables.

Conclusion

This study highlights the remarkable heterogeneity of outcrop vegetation in Central Argentina. It reveals that elevation and rock type (geochemical composition) were relevant factors associated with the floristic composition of plant communities and also, that outcrop habitats comprise a high level of endemisms, as well as a low number of non‐native species, suggesting a high value for the conservation of local and regional biodiversity.
On Generalized Latent Factor Modeling and Inference for High-Dimensional Binomial Data
Authors: Ma Ting Fung , Wang Fangfang , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2022

We explore a hierarchical generalized latent factor model for discrete and bounded response variables and in particular, binomial responses. Specifically, we develop a novel two-step estimation procedure and the corresponding statistical inference that is computationally efficient and scalable for the high dimension in terms of both the number of subjects and the number of features per subject. We also establish the validity of the estimation procedure, particularly the asymptotic properties of the estimated effect size and the latent structure, as well as the estimated number of latent factors. The results are corroborated by a simulation study and for illustration, the proposed methodology is applied to analyze a dataset in a gene–environment association study.
Paleo‐stratigraphic permeability anisotropy controls supergene mimetic martite goethite deposits
Authors: Poulet Thomas , Giraldo Juan Felipe , Ramanaidou Erick , Piechocka Agnieszka , Calo Victor M.
Published: October 2022

The Hamersley Basin in Western Australia is one of the world's largest iron ore‐producing regions, hosting two types of ore in banded iron formations: the high‐grade martite‐microplaty haematite and the supergene martite‐goethite ores. With the high‐grade ores almost entirely mined in the last decade, the supergene ores have more recently become the dominant resource of interest. Consequently, understanding the genesis of these martite‐goethite deposits is a critical step for exploration. Yet, although various models exist, there is still no consensus on how these mineral resources formed, complicating the prediction of resource volume and location. Here, we show that the paleo‐stratigraphic permeability anisotropy (with higher permeability along strata than across) controls the supergene mimetic enrichment transport process and, subsequently, the mineralisation distribution. We introduce a flow model that implicitly represents strata with a potential function that orients the permeability tensor accurately. The numerical solver uses automatic mesh adaptivity to deliver robust solutions. By accurately reproducing the mineralisation patterns in specific deposits, we identify and quantify the paleo‐water table level and permeability anisotropy ratio as the two main controlling parameters for the mineralisation distribution. These insights provide new timing constraints for the mineralisation and the physical process of iron enrichment, suggesting much more potential mineralisation volume in the paleo‐reconstructed zones than previously anticipated. These flow models allow us to draw geological conclusions with few a priori assumptions required for the genetic model in which the transport component is dominant. The predictive power of this methodology will allow targeted drilling to narrow down the prospective areas and lower exploration costs. Furthermore, the methodology's generality applies to other commodities in sedimentary basins involving supergene processes and will improve our understanding of various genetic models.
Locking down adolescents: Victims, irresponsible subjects, or just social actors
Authors: Favretto Anna Rosa , Calvi Cristina , Carbone Domenico , Finelli Manuel
Published: October 2022

The article presents the results of a qualitative study investigating the experiences of a sample of Italian adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data were analysed in the light of the two social representations (adolescents as criminals and as victims) that permeated the Italian public debate throughout the outbreak. The findings showed the ability of boys and girls in dealing with the relationships altered by the pandemic constraints and in adapting to different regulations. This demonstrated their competence as social actors, neither criminals nor victims, who were also able to cope with the coronavirus risk in safeguarding their significant others.
Differentiation of eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis on preoperative computed tomography using deep learning
Authors: Hua Hong‐Li , Li Song , Xu Yu , Chen Shi‐ming , Kong Yong‐gang , Yang Rui , Deng Yu‐Qin , Tao Ze‐Zhang
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to develop deep learning (DL) models for differentiating between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non‐ECRS (NECRS) on preoperative CT.

Design

Axial spiral CT images were pre‐processed and used to build the dataset. Two semantic segmentation models based on U‐net and Deeplabv3 were trained to segment the sinus area on CT images. All patient images were segmented using the better‐performing segmentation model and used for training and testing of the transferred efficientnet_b0, resnet50, inception_resnet_v2, and Xception neural networks. Additionally, we evaluated the performances of the models trained using each image and each patient as a unit.

Participants

A total of 878 chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei, China) between October 2016 to June 2021 were included.

Main outcome measures

The precision of each model was assessed based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Further, we analyzed the confusion matrix and accuracy of each model.

Results

The Dice coefficients of U‐net and Deeplabv3 were 0.953 and 0.961, respectively. The average area under the curve and mean accuracy values of the four networks were 0.848 and 0.762 for models trained using a single image as a unit, while the corresponding values for models trained using each patient as a unit were 0.893 and 0.853, respectively.

Conclusions

Combining semantic segmentation with classification networks could effectively distinguish between patients with ECRS and those with NECRS based on preoperative sinus CT images. Furthermore, labeling each patient to build a dataset for classification may be more reliable than labeling each medical image.
Modified robotic ventral rectopexy with folded single titanized mesh suspension for the treatment of complex pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Fabiani Bernardina , Sturiale Alessandro , Fralleone Lisa , Menconi Claudia , d'Adamo Vittorio , Naldini Gabriele
Published: October 2022

Aim

The incidence of complex pelvic organ prolapse in female patients is about 38%, and this disorder entails social and sexual restrictions. Treatment for this disorder is complex because it can enhance other, latent, problems. The aim of the present study is to describe a new robotic‐assisted technique to simultaneously treat prolapses of different compartments with the use of a single titanized polypropylene mesh.

Method

All patients referred from January 2018 to March 2019 to the Proctologic and Pelvic Floor Clinical Centre who were affected by complex pelvic organ prolapse underwent modified robotic ventral rectopexy with a folded single mesh (RVR‐FSM). The anatomical and functional outcomes were respectively evaluated using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) grading system and Wexner scores of constipation and incontinence. The satisfaction rate was investigated using a five‐point scale (1 = not satisfied to 5 = extremely satisfied).

Results

Twenty‐two women underwent RVR‐FSM with a homogeneous follow‐up of 12 months. The mean total operation time was 148 min, without any robot‐related or other intraoperative complications. No mesh‐related complications occurred. The POP‐Q grade improved for every patient, with complete resolution of bulging symptoms in 21 patients (95.4%) at 1 year of follow‐up. The Wexner constipation score showed a significant improvement, while the incontinence score slightly improved at 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion

The use of a single mesh that can be folded was shown to provide significant improvement in functional and anatomical results associated with patient satisfaction. The robotic approach allows surgeons to perform an easier procedure with correct and deep mesh fixation.
Mitophagy: A novel perspective for insighting into cancer and cancer treatment
Authors: Song Congkuan , Pan Shize , Zhang Jinjin , Li Ning , Geng Qing
Published: October 2022

Background

Mitophagy refers to the selective self‐elimination of mitochondria under damaged or certain developmental conditions. As an important regulatory mechanism to remove damaged mitochondria and maintain the internal and external cellular balance, mitophagy plays pivotal roles in carcinogenesis and progression as well as treatment.

Materials and methods

Here, we combined data from recent years to comprehensively describe the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy and its multifaceted significance in cancer, and discusse the potential of targeted mitophagy as a cancer treatment strategy.

Results

The molecular mechanisms regulating mitophagy are complex, diverse, and cross‐talk. Inducing or blocking mitophagy has the same or completely different effects in different cancer contexts. Mitophagy plays an indispensable role in regulating cancer metabolic reprogramming, cell stemness, and chemotherapy resistance for better adaptation to tumor microenvironment. In cancer cell biology, mitophagy is considered to be a double‐edged sword. And to fully understand the role of mitophagy in cancer development can provide new targets for cancer treatment in clinical practice.

Conclusions

This review synthesizes a large body of data to comprehensively describe the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy and its multidimensional significance in cancer and cancer treatment, which will undoubtedly deepen the understanding of mitophagy.
Effects of genotype and food on naltrexone exposure in adolescents
Authors: Stancil Stephani L. , Voss Michaela , Nolte Whitney , Tumberger John , Adelman William , Abdel‐Rahman Susan
Published: October 2022

Naltrexone (NTX), an opioid antagonist metabolized by aldo‐keto reductase 1C4 (AKR1C4), is prescribed for psychiatric conditions like eating disorders with variable response. Systemic exposure is highly variable in adults, yet no data exist in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate NTX exposure in adolescents with eating disorders. Adolescents aged 12–21 years with eating disorders underwent postdose blood sampling in the fasted and/or fed state. NTX and primary active metabolite, 6‐β‐naltrexol, were determined by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis. DNA was genotyped for AKR1C4 missense mutations associated with decreased activity (rs3829125 and rs17134592). Linear mixed effects modeling was performed. In 21 participants, aged 16.9 ± 1.9 years (15–21 years), 81% female participants, maximum concentration (Cmax) was 90.4 ± 129 nM/mg/kg, area under the concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) was 166 ± 154 nM h/mg/kg, and varied 63‐fold and 21‐fold, respectively. Compared with wildtype, those with AKR1C4 allelic variations (n = 7) displayed 3.2‐fold higher AUC0–∞, four‐fold higher Cmax and delayed time to Tmax. Linear mixed effects modeling demonstrated a large effect of genotype on AUC0–∞ (Cohen's d −2.3) and Cmax (Cohen's d −1.4). Food effect was large for AUC0–∞ (Cohen's d 2.6), but highly variable and failed to reach significance for Cmax. The respective model accounted for 82% of the variance in NTX AUC0–∞ and 46% of the variance in Cmax. NTX systemic exposure is highly variable in adolescents with eating disorders and modulated, in part, by AKR1C4 genotype and food intake. These findings may, in part, explain the large degree of interindividual variability observed response to NTX.
Reasons for and insights about HPV vaccination refusal among ultra‐Orthodox Jewish mothers
Authors: Zach Rivka , Bentwich Miriam Ethel
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is a pivotal tool for preventing a significant cause of cervical cancer. One particular culturally recognized context associated with negative attitudes toward the HPV vaccine is the religiousness of parents. However, relatively speaking, there remains a scarcity of studies that have focused specifically on religious groups, especially non‐Christian groups.

Purpose

To better understand the basis for members of an ultra‐Orthodox Jewish community to object to the HPV vaccine and how such objections can and cannot be reduced, thereby improving cultural competence—namely, the cultural understanding and ethical addressing of HPV vaccination refusal.

Methods

This qualitative study conducted semi‐structured interviews with ten Israeli ultra‐Orthodox mothers who are opposed to administering the HPV vaccine to their daughters. The content analysis addressed these results and extracted the major issues arising from these particular interviews.

Results

Four main novel insights were found pertaining to the negative stance toward HPV vaccination among mothers in an ultra‐Orthodox Jewish community: (a) lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine is not part of the reasoning against it; (b) rabbinical authority might have a lesser influence than expected for the moderation of HPV vaccine refusal; (c) complicated viewpoints regarding childhood vaccination may be the larger non‐moderating context for HPV vaccination refusal; and (d) cultural competence is important for the ability to change the negative attitudes toward HPV vaccination.

Conclusions

The study may improve cultural competence regarding HPV vaccination and contribute to decreasing objections to the HPV vaccine in ultra‐Orthodox communities.
Mental health, risk and protective factors at micro‐ and macro‐levels across early at‐risk stages for psychosis: The Mirorr study
Authors: Wigman Johanna T. W. , van der Tuin Sara , van den Berg David , Muller Merel K. , Booij Sanne H.
Published: October 2022

Background

The clinical staging model states that psychosis develops through subsequent stages of illness severity. To better understand what drives illness progression, more extensive comparison across clinical stages is needed. The current paper presents an in‐depth characterization of individuals with different levels of risk for psychosis (i.e., different early clinical stages), using a multimethod approach of cross‐sectional assessments and daily diary reports.

Methods

Data came from the Mirorr study that includes N = 96 individuals, divided across four subgroups (n1 = 25, n2 = 27, n3 = 24, and n4 = 20). These subgroups, each with an increasing risk for psychosis, represent clinical stages 0‐1b. Cross‐sectional data and 90‐day daily diary data on psychopathology, well‐being, psychosocial functioning, risk and protective factors were statistically compared across subgroups (stages) and descriptively compared across domains and assessment methods.

Results

Psychopathology increased across subgroups, although not always linearly and nuanced differences were seen between assessment methods. Well‐being and functioning differed mostly between subgroup 1 and the other subgroups, suggesting differences between non‐clinical and clinical populations. Risk and protective factors differed mostly between the two highest and lowest subgroups, especially regarding need of social support and coping, suggesting differences between those with and without substantial psychotic experiences. Subgroup 4 (stage 1b) reported especially high levels of daily positive and negative psychotic experiences.

Conclusions

Risk for psychosis exists in larger contexts of mental health and factors of risk and protection that differ across stages and assessment methods. Taking a broad, multi‐method approach is an important next step to understand the complex development of youth mental health problems.
A homemade simulation model improves the impact of e‐learning for the practical administration of dental anaesthesia
Authors: Martínez‐Melo Karla , Bermeo‐Escalona Josué Roberto , Gidi y Torres María Esther , Cerda‐Cristerna Bernardino Isaac
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A simulation model improves the learning of dental anaesthesia in dental students. This study explored first, the making at home of a dental anaesthesia simulation model by dental students, and second, the impact of that simulation model on the learning of dental students following an online course. We compared the level of knowledge, the level of perception of confidence to perform the basic injection technique (BIT) of dental anaesthesia, and the level of attitude towards e‐learning of the BIT between a group of dental students who had an online course with a home‐made dental anaesthesia simulation model (HMDASM) and a group of dental students who did not use that model.

Materials and methods

A group of participants (n = 28) used the HMDASM to learn the BIT with an e‐learning course. Another group of participants (n = 28) followed the same e‐learning course, but that group used a lemon to practise the BIT. The two groups answered questionnaires that explored the level of theoretical knowledge on the BIT, the level of perception of confidence to perform the BIT, and the level of attitude towards e‐learning of the BIT. Questionnaire scores from each group were compared by a Student's t‐test (p ≤ .05).

Results

The group that used the HMDASM had a level of knowledge similar to that of the other group (p > .05). The group that used the HMDASM had a level of perception of confidence to perform the BIT and a level of attitude towards online learning of the BIT higher than those of the group that did not use the simulation model (p < .05).

Conclusion

The use of a HMDASM had a positive effect on dental students following an online course to learn the BIT.
Maxillary and dental development in the offspring of protein‐restricted female rats
Authors: Calsa Bruno , Bortolança Tainá Jaqueline , Masiero Beatriz Calloni , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Marretto , de Oliveira Camila Andrea , Catisti Rosana , Santamaria‐Jr Milton
Published: October 2022

Nutritional restriction during developmental periods impairs organ physiology. Female rats were subjected to protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation to analyze dental and maxillary development. Four exposure groups were considered: normal‐protein diet during pregnancy and lactation (NP, 17% casein), low‐protein diet during lactation (LP‐L, 6% casein), low‐protein diet during pregnancy and lactation (LP), and low‐protein diet during pregnancy (LP‐G). Maxillae from 15‐day‐old male pups were collected. All protein‐restricted groups presented increased dentin thickness and reduced alveolar bone area. When protein restriction was applied during both gestation and lactation (LP), harmful effects were observed in the form of loss of protective OPG (osteoprotegerin) in tooth epithelium‐mesenchyme, due to higher RANKL expression, delay in odontoblast maturation, less dental pulp vascularity, reduction in amount of alveolar bone, and less matrix mineralization. In the LP‐L group, effects of protein restriction seemed less harmful, and despite less alveolar bone, the enhancement in BMP‐7, VEGF, and RANKL seems a compensatory signal to maintain maxillary osteogenesis. In LP‐G animals, Dspp expression was higher, suggesting a delay in odontoblast maturation or expression recuperation. In conclusion, maternal protein restriction affects dental and maxillary development. A low‐protein diet only in gestation allows for normal development. A low‐protein diet during gestation‐lactation results in impaired odontogenesis that may increase susceptibility of dental anomalies.
Use of antimicrobials licensed for systemic administration in UK equine practice
Authors: Allen Sarah E. , Verheyen Kristien L. P. , O'Neill Dan G. , Brodbelt Dave C.
Published: October 2022

Background

Judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) is important for preserving therapeutic effectiveness. Large‐scale studies of antimicrobial prescribing can provide clinical benchmarks and help identify opportunities for improved stewardship.

Objectives

To describe systemic AMU in UK equine practice and identify factors associated with systemic and Category B (third and fourth generation cephalosporins, quinolones and polymixins) AMU.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Anonymised electronic patient records (EPRs) for all equids attended by 39 UK veterinary practices between 1 January and 31 December 2018 were collected via the VetCompass programme. Systemic antimicrobial prescriptions were identified using electronic keyword searches. Indications for AMU were determined through manual review of a randomly selected subset of EPRs. The types and frequency of systemic antimicrobials prescribed and indications were summarised using descriptive statistics. Mixed‐effects logistic regression was used to evaluate practice‐ and horse‐related risk factors.

Results

Systemic antimicrobials were prescribed to 12 538 (19.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2%–19.8%) of 64 322 equids attended in 2018. Category B antimicrobials were prescribed to 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8%–2.0%) of attended equids and in 8.9% (95% CI: 8.5%–9.4%) of antimicrobial courses. Bacteriological culture was performed in 19.1% (95% CI: 17.1%–21.3%) of Category B antimicrobial courses. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobial classes were potentiated sulphonamides (50.2% of equids receiving antimicrobials) and tetracyclines (33.5% of equids receiving antimicrobials). Integumentary disorders were the most common reason for systemic AMU (40.5% of courses). Urogenital disorders were the most common reason for Category B AMU (31.1% of courses). Increased odds of systemic and Category B AMU were observed in equids <1 year compared with those aged 5–14 years. Breed was associated with AMU, with odds of systemic and Category B AMU highest in Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred crosses.

Main limitations

Convenience sample of practices may limit generalisability.

Conclusions

Empirical use of Category B antimicrobials remains commonplace.
Prevalence of the RAPGEF5 c.2624C>A and PLOD1 c.2032G>A variants associated with equine familial isolated hypoparathyroidism and fragile foal syndrome in the US Thoroughbred population (1988–2019)
Authors: Elcombe Megan E. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Magdesian K. Gary , Finno Carrie J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Equine familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (EFIH) and fragile foal syndrome (FFS) are both fatal recessive conditions reported in Thoroughbred foals. The causal variants for EFIH (RAPGEF5 c.2624C>A; EquCab3.0. chr4: g.54108297G>T) and FFS (PLOD1 c.2032G>A; EquCab3.0, chr2: g.39927817) were recently reported. Prevalence assessment for these variants in a large cohort of samples is needed to provide evidence‐based recommendations for genetic testing.

Objectives

To estimate the frequency of the EFIH and FFS variant alleles in the United States Thoroughbred population between 1988 and 2019, and determine whether these are recent mutations or are increasing in frequency due to current breeding practices.

Study design

Population allele frequency study.

Methods

Genomic DNA from hair and serum samples were genotyped for the EFIH and FFS. Allele frequencies between cohorts, based on year of birth (1988–2000, n = 728) and (2001–2019, n = 1059), as well as across the seven geographical regions of the United States were compared by Fisher's Exact tests.

Results

EFIH and FFS allele frequencies were not significantly different between the two time points studied (0.008 and 0.004, respectively, in the older cohorts and 0.008 and 0.009 in most recent years). No EFIH or FFS homozygotes were detected. A sample from 1992 was identified as a carrier for EFIH and one from 1993 a carrier for FFS. Non‐significant changes in geographical distribution of carriers for both traits were observed.

Main limitations

The earliest samples available for study were from foals born in 1988.

Conclusions

The EFIH and FFS variants are present at low frequency in the United States Thoroughbred population but are not recent mutations. There is no evidence to support changes in allele frequency over time. However, given the closed studbook and breeding practices, continued monitoring of breed allele frequencies and genetic testing is recommended to avoid the mating of carriers and production of affected foals.
Equine sinusitis aetiology is linked to sinus microbiome by amplicon sequencing
Authors: Lowman Megan E. , Tipton Craig D. , Labordère Alexandra L. , Brown James A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Information regarding the microbiome in sinusitis using genetic sequencing is lacking and more‐in‐depth understanding of the microbiome could improve antimicrobial selection and treatment outcomes for cases of primary sinusitis.

Objectives

To describe sinus microbiota in samples from horses with sinusitis and compare microbiota and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes between primary, dental‐related and other secondary causes of sinusitis.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Records of equine sinusitis from 2017 to 2021 were reviewed and historical microbial amplicon sequence data were obtained from clinical diagnostic testing of sinus secretions. Following bioinformatic processing of bacterial and fungal sequence data, the sinus microbiota and importance of sinusitis aetiology among other factors were investigated from the perspectives of alpha diversity (e.g., number of operational taxonomic units [OTUs], Hill1 Diversity), beta diversity, and differentially abundant taxa. Quantitative PCR allowed for comparisons of estimated bacterial abundance and detection rate of common antibiotic resistance‐associated genes. In a smaller subset, longitudinal analysis was performed to evaluate similarity in samples over time.

Results

Of 81 samples analysed from 70 horses, the bacterial microbiome was characterised in 66, and fungal in five. Only sinusitis aetiology was shown to significantly influence microbiome diversity and composition (p < 0.05). Dental‐related sinusitis (n = 44) was associated with a significantly higher proportion of obligate anaerobic bacteria, whereas primary sinusitis (n = 12) and other (n = 10) groups were associated with fewer bacteria and higher proportions of facultative anaerobic and aerobic genera. Antimicrobial resistance genes and fungal components were exclusively identified in dental‐related sinusitis.

Main limitations

Retrospective nature, incomplete prior antimicrobial administration data.

Conclusions

Molecular characterisation in sinusitis identifies microbial species which may be difficult to isolate via culture, and microbiome profiling can differentiate sinusitis aetiology, which may inform further treatment, including antimicrobial therapy.
Acute phase protein concentrations following serial procaine penicillin G injections in horses
Authors: Gordon Danielle L. , Foreman Jonathan H. , Connolly Sara L. , Schnelle Amy N. , Fan Timothy M. , Barger Anne M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute phase protein (APP) measurement is used to detect inflammation. Intramuscular (IM) injections could cause tissue injury and induce an acute phase response (APR).

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of IM procaine penicillin G (PPG) injections on APP concentrations in horses.

Study design

Prospective longitudinal design.

Methods

PPG was administered intramuscularly to six horses, twice daily, for 5 days. Plasma fibrinogen (FIB), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (HAP), creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were quantified daily for 5 days before the first injection, during the course of administration, and for 4 days after the final dose. Analytes were quantified every other day for the remaining 16 days. Data were compared using a parametric or non‐parametric repeated measures ANOVA and a Tukey's or Mann–Whitney rank sum test, respectively. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

CK was increased over baseline (mean ± SD: 200 ± 74 IU/L) on Days 1–6 (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02, mean ± SD: 723–1177 ± 355–544 IU/L) and AST was increased above baseline (mean ± SD: 233 ± 58 IU/L) on Days 2–7 and 10 (p < 0.001 to p = 0.05, mean ± SD: 307–437 ± 79–146 IU/L). Increased FIB was noted over baseline (mean ± SD: 177 ± 30 mg/dl) on Days 6–8 and 10 (p = 0.02 to p = 0.03, mean ± SD: 234–252 ± 33–49 mg/dl). SAA was increased above baseline (mean ± SD: 4.7 ± 2.9) on Day 6 (p = 0.02, mean ± SD: 113 ± 186 μg/ml). There was no change in HAP.

Main limitations

Healthy horses were used, small sample size, and a lack of a negative control group.

Conclusions

Serial intramuscular procaine penicillin G (IM PPG) injections may result in increased positive APP concentrations in horses and this must be considered when these test results are interpreted.
The influence of equine hoof conformation on the initiation and progression of laminitis
Authors: Akbari Shahkhosravi Naeim , Kakavand Reza , Davies Helen M. S. , Komeili Amin
Published: October 2022

Background

The health and performance of horses are significantly affected by diseases associated with the hoof. Laminitis is a critical hoof disease that causes pain and, potentially, severe hoof and bone pathology.

Objective

To generate an equine hoof finite element (FE) model to investigate the impact of normal and toe‐in hoof conformations on the degeneration (decrease in elastic modulus) of the laminar junction (LJ), as occurs in chronic laminitis.

Study design

Computer software modelling.

Methods

A hoof FE model was generated to investigate the biomechanics of hoof laminitis. A 3D model, consisting of nine components, was constructed from computed tomography scans of an equine left forelimb hoof. The model was loaded with 100 cycles of trotting. Two different centres of pressure (COP) paths representing normal and toe‐in conformations were assigned to the model. LJ injury was modelled by degenerating the tissue's elastic modulus in the presence of excessive maximum principal stresses.

Results

FE models successfully showed findings similar to clinical observations, confirming third phalanx (P3) dorsal rotation, a symmetric distal displacement of the P3 (2 mm at the lateral and medial sides) in the normal model, and an asymmetric distal displacement of the P3 (4 mm at the lateral and 1.5 mm at the medial side) in the toe‐in model. The proximal distance between P3 and the ground after LJ degeneration in the current model was significantly different from experimental measurements from healthy hooves (P < 0.01).

Main limitations

The inability to account for variations in population geometry and approximation of boundary conditions and system relations were the limitations of the current study.

Conclusions

The distribution of LJ tissue degeneration was symmetric at the quarters in the normal hoof and in comparison, there was a lateral concentration of degeneration in the toe‐in model.
Genetic relationship and diversity of cultivars and breeding lines of tetraploid Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and its hybrids with Lolium‐Festuca complex based on genome‐wide allele frequency
Authors: Tamura Ken‐ichi , Kiyoshi Takako , Kubota Akito , Arakawa Akira , Fujimori Masahiro , Yonemaru Jun‐ichi
Published: October 2022

Genetic relatedness and diversity of 62 cultivars and breeding lines of tetraploid Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.; 39 accessions) and its interspecific hybrids, Festulolium (18 accessions), and hybrid ryegrass (Lolium × hybridum Hausskn.; 5 accessions), mainly from Japan, were revealed based on 2,824 genome‐wide allele frequencies obtained by the genotyping by random amplicon sequencing‐direct (GRAS‐Di) method using bulk genomic DNA testing. Genomic composition of each accession was estimated according to the occurrence of 77,373 unique GRAS‐Di sequences in the reference population consisting of diploid Italian ryegrass, meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The high correlation coefficient (0.98) between the fescue‐specific reads ratio and the previously obtained f‐ratio of genomic in situ hybridization in Festulolium cultivars suggests the usefulness of this simple method. Both cluster analysis based on Nei's standard genetic distance (DST) and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that groups were formed largely by species. However, the complex heritage of Lolium‐Festuca (Festulolium) materials could not be determined by species registration or breeding history alone. Some Festulolium accessions were closely related to Italian ryegrass, whereas some defined as Italian ryegrass may actually be interspecific hybrids. The high genetic diversity of Festulolium compared to Italian ryegrass and hybrid ryegrass revealed by PCA seems due to the wide range of fescue‐specific read ratios (0.04–33.0%). Tetraploid Italian ryegrass did not show clear structural differentiation, but some genetic relationships attributable to breeding history were demonstrated. Mean pairwise DST of tetraploid Italian ryegrass cultivars was significantly lower than that of diploids. Tetraploids and diploids could be separated by PCA plot. Although mean expected heterozygosities of tetraploid and diploid cultivars were not significantly different, the results suggest that the utilization of diploid genetic resources is effective in maintaining and increasing the genetic diversity of breeding populations of tetraploid Italian ryegrass.
The teaching of headache medicine in France: A questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Beltramone Marion , Redon Sylvain , Fernandes Sara , Ducros Anne , Avouac Alexandre , Donnet Anne
Published: October 2022

Background

The treatment of patients with headache represents an important part of a neurologist's activity. It requires sufficient training for neurology residents. In France, residents in neurology can complete this training by attending specialized consultations or by participating in a postgraduate training program called “Diplôme Inter‐Universitaire Migraine et Céphalées” (DIUMC).

Objective

The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the French residents' knowledge in headache medicine and the impact of different types of training in headache medicine that are available in France.

Methods

An anonymous survey was carried out among 548 French residents in neurology.

Results

The questionnaires of 121 residents (22.1%) were analyzed. Among them, 54.5% (66/121) had no complementary training apart from the internship (Group 1), 21.5% (26/121) had attended only specialized consultations (Group 2), and 24% (29/121) had participated in the DIUMC (Group 3). There was no difference between all groups regarding the knowledge of the prevalence of primary or chronic headaches. There was almost no difference between the groups in the management of episodic migraine. In contrast, the management of tension‐type headache and chronic headache was better known by residents of Group 3 than residents of Group 1. In these two diseases, residents of Group 3 offered prophylactic treatment more often. Almost 29% of the residents (35/121) had read the French guidelines for the diagnosis and management of migraine. In Group 3, residents had read them significantly more often (1.6% in Group 1, 38.5% in Group 2 and 62.1% in Group 3, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows the lack of knowledge among French neurology residents regarding headache medicine. It highlights the interest of specific training programs that could improve the practical and theoretical knowledge of future neurologists.
PRAME is a useful marker for the differential diagnosis of melanocytic tumours and histological mimics
Authors: Chen Yan‐ping , Zhang Wen‐wen , Qiu Ya‐ting , Ke Long‐feng , Chen Hao , Chen Gang
Published: October 2022

Aims

Although the morphological assessment of melanoma is generally straightforward, diagnosis can be especially difficult when the significant morphological and immunohistochemical results overlap with those of benign and malignant melanocytic tumours and histological mimics. This study assessed the potential diagnostic utility of measuring PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemically in naevi, melanomas and clear cell sarcomas (CCSs) in Chinese patients.

Methods

We examined the immunohistochemical expression of PRAME in 317 melanocytic naevi, 178 primary melanomas, 72 metastatic melanomas and 19 CCSs and compared the sensitivity and specificity of PRAME immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic tumours and histological mimics.

Results

Of the 317 melanocytic naevi, 98.1%were completely negative for PRAME; six cases showed focal PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of lesional melanocytes. Diffuse nuclear immunoreactivity for PRAME was found in 89.9% of primary melanomas and 93.1% of metastatic melanomas. Regarding melanoma subtypes, PRAME was expressed in 100% of superficial spreading melanomas, 100% of melanomas arise in congenital naevus, 91.4% of nodular melanomas, 87.8% of acral lentigo melanomas, 80.0% of lentigo malignant melanomas, 60.0% of Spitz melanomas, 96.2% of mucosal melanomas and 80.0% of uveal melanomas. None of the two desmoplastic melanomas expressed PRAME. Of the 19 CCS cases, 89.5% were negative for PRAME and 10.5% showed focal weak PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of tumour cells.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that PRAME may be a useful marker to support a suspected diagnosis of melanoma. In addition, lack of PRAME expression is a valuable hint to CCS in a suspected case, and then molecular confirmation of the presence of EWSR1 rearrangement is necessary.
Mental health nursing capability development: Perspectives of consumers and supporters
Authors: Hurley John , Foster Kim , Campbell Kat , Edan Vrinda , Hazelton Michael , Kennedy Hamilton , Roper Cath , Lakeman Richard
Published: October 2022

Mental health nursing requires a specialist range of capabilities and values. In Australian contexts, the preparation of nurses to work in mental health settings has attracted criticism from government reviews, academics, and graduate nurses. Insufficient mental health content and clinical placement experience in undergraduate nursing courses have been central to this criticism. The study aim was to identify the areas and modalities of capability development of graduate mental health nurses, from the perspectives of end point users. In order to meet the aim, a four‐item cross‐sectional online survey with three additional and open‐ended questions was developed. The questions were co‐designed with consumer academics and reviewed by consumer and carer organizations. The survey was widely distributed across Australian consumer and carer organizations, with 95 useable responses. Findings indicated strong support for lived experience being integrated into teaching teams for nurses, as well as support for undergraduate direct entry for mental health nursing. Themed content from open‐ended responses reflected the survey outcomes as well as prioritizing skill development to support better therapeutic relating and nurse self‐care. Key findings included strong support for greater lived experience input into mental health nurse education, specialist undergraduate preparation and a focus on developing relational capabilities in the mental health nurse workforce.
Thermally enhanced dislocation density improves both hardness and fracture toughness in single‐crystal SrTiO3
Authors: Salem Mostafa Negm , Ding Kuan , Rödel Jürgen , Fang Xufei
Published: October 2022

Dislocation‐tuned functionality in ceramic oxides for potential versatile applications gains increasing attention. As the widespread chemical doping suffers from poor temperature stability, dislocations in well‐controlled mesoscopic structure may be an alternative to thermally stable intrinsic doping features. To this end, the dislocation density in plastic zones introduced by cyclic Brinell indentation is considered under thermal annealing conditions. The considerably enhanced dislocation density due to thermal treatment is found to impact both microhardness and fracture toughness, albeit only to a modest degree. The mechanistic understanding centers around enhanced mobility and multiplication of the pre‐engineered dislocations at elevated temperatures driven by the residual indentation stress, as well as the strengthened interaction of point defects and dislocations at high temperature.
US liberals and conservatives live in different (linguistic) worlds: Ideological differences when interpreting business conversations
Authors: Holtgraves Thomas , Bray Ky
Published: October 2022

When people use language to communicate, their intended meanings are not always conveyed by words alone. Instead, speakers sometimes convey their meaning in a relatively subtle, or indirect, fashion, and this requires some interpretation on the part of the receiver. In this study we investigated differences between US liberals and conservatives in their interpretation of conversation utterances that have these types of potential indirect meanings. Past research demonstrating cognitive differences between conservatives and liberals suggests liberals should be more likely than conservatives to engage in cognitive processes designed to uncover potential indirect meanings. To test this, we created a conversation between two businessmen that contained five types of indirect utterances that were chosen from the pragmatics literature. Participants were asked to rate the likelihood of an indirect interpretation of each of these utterances, as well as two control utterances that did not convey an indirect meaning. In three studies (Total N = 664) liberals were significantly more likely to endorse the indirect interpretations of these utterances (but not the control utterances) than were conservatives. Several possible cognitive mediators (Empathy Quotient, Need for Cognition, and Cognitive Flexibility) were examined but did not account for the effect. The results demonstrate an important interactional implication of the cognitive processing differences between liberals and conservatives. Future research should attempt to extend these findings by using different utterances and contexts, as well as examining other potential mediators.