bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrotactile sense might improve over time in paediatric subjects with type 1 diabetes—A mid‐term follow‐up using multifrequency vibrometry
Authors: Ising Erik , Ekman Linnéa , Elding Larsson Helena , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Impaired vibrotactile sense, mirroring diabetic peripheral neuropathy, is present among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. This study aims to re‐examine the vibrotactile sense of paediatric type 1 diabetes subjects in order to evaluate any alterations in the vibrotactile sense over time.

Methods

A VibroSense Meter I device was used to determine the vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) for seven frequencies from the pulp of index and little fingers and for five frequencies from metatarsal heads one and five on the sole of the foot, of 37 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, previously examined in a larger cohort. Subjects were followed up after a median time of 30 months. Z‐scores of VPTs were calculated using previously collected normative data.

Results

Vibrotactile perception thresholds improved over time at low frequencies (especially 16 Hz) on the foot, while not being statistically significant different on the rest of the frequencies, either on hand or foot. VPTs were not correlated with HbA1c.

Conclusion

A mid‐term follow‐up of vibrotactile sense in paediatric subjects with type 1 diabetes shows a conceivable normalization of previously impaired vibrotactile sense on some frequencies on the foot, indicating that vibrotactile sense might fluctuate over time.
Letter: the BSG COVID‐19 interim coeliac disease guidance no‐biopsy approach is safe in adults
Authors: Tashtoush Lina Bourhan , Bosanko Nicholas Charles , Broad Samuel Robin , Chan Ying Jenny , Singhal Natasha , Saji Sharon , Saju Nissy , Shah Anusha , Zulfiqar Ansab , Ilarionos Melina , Paul Siba Prosad
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Paul et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16133
Editorial: higher concentrations of cytokine blockers are needed to obtain small bowel mucosal healing during maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease
Authors: Rakowsky Shana , Cheifetz Adam S. , Papamichael Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Takenaka et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16551 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16579
Editorial: time to retire Rome IV and the Montreal definition?
Authors: Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wong et al and Wong & Chen papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16561 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16587
Editorial: time to retire Rome IV and the Montreal definition? Authors' reply
Authors: Wong Ming‐Wun , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wong et al and Kahrilas papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16561 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16572
Letter: hepatocellular carcinoma risk in patients with non‐selective beta blockers—authors' reply
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Li Fang , Dang Yifang , Taner C. Burcin , Yang Liu , Tao Cui
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al and Huang & Nguyen papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16590 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16576
Editorial: the risk of chronic diseases and congenital malformations during childhood and adolescence after inutero drug exposure to thiopurines
Authors: Lopez Robert N. , Day Andrew S.
Published: September 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jølving et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16578
Resource pre‐emption, rather than extending the growing season of native grass assemblages, reduces invasion by exotic species
Authors: Smith Monique E. , Pound Leanne M. , Facelli José M.
Published: September 2021

Questions

In Mediterranean‐type systems, invasive C3 annual grasses appear early in the season and can pre‐empt resources and attain a competitive dominance over native perennial grasses. Here, we investigated whether planting C3 and C4 native grasses (a) combined, so that resources are extracted over a longer period, or (b) at higher density would make planted communities more competitive against invasive species.

Location

Para Woodlands Reserve, near Adelaide, South Australia.

Methods

In 72 experimental plots, native grasses were planted in combinations of seasonal patterns (three levels; single‐season assemblages with either C3 or C4 and extended season with both C3 and C4) and planting density (two levels; high = 44 plants/m2 and low = 20 plants/m2). Data were collected on native plant survival and biomass, invasive biomass and soil properties.

Results

Overall, C3 native grasses were superior competitors against both invasive C3 grasses and native C4 grasses. We found no interaction between the combination of C3 and C4 grasses planted together and density of planting. Assemblages with higher densities were successful at reducing exotic plant biomass; however, there was a trade‐off with reduced individual performance among the native plants. Even though individual plants were larger in the low‐density treatment, total biomass was lower in these plots suggesting that density limits the growth of native communities as a whole. The C3 native plants were planted earlier than the C4 native plants because of differences in phenology and therefore likely pre‐empted resources and gained a size advantage, making them the superior competitor.

Conclusion

Native perennial grasses can outcompete exotic plants for resources if planted earlier in the season. This resource pre‐emption appears to be more important than resource use over a longer period with C3 and C4 plants together and could be an effective restoration strategy.
Soil macro‐ and mesofauna‐mediated litter decomposition in a subtropical karst forest
Authors: Long Jian , Zhang Mingjiang , Li Juan , Liao Hongkai , Wang Xian
Published: September 2021

This study aims to quantify the effect of different soil fauna on forest litter decomposition processes under natural conditions in the Maolan karst area of southwest China. Leaf litters of two typical evergreen species (CG, Cyclobalanopsis glauca and KS, Kmeria septentrionalis) were selected to conduct a field decomposition experiment using the mesh bags with three different apertures (5, 2, and 0.03 mm). Mass remaining and nutrient variation in the litterbags were determined for one year at 3‐month intervals. The results showed that litter decomposition rate in different mesh sizes litterbags were in the order of 5 mm >2 mm >0.03 mm. Soil macrofauna had a significant effect on litter decomposition in the two types of litter and the mixture of the two. The most considerable mesofauna effect was found in the KS litter, which is 36.5% ascribed by the lowest C/N ratio (high quality). Soil mesofauna had a more significant effect on N, which was time‐dependent. Moreover, the fauna richness and abundance were affected by the decomposition time but not limited by the litter quality. This study illustrated that soil macrofauna has a significant influence on litter decomposition. The effect of mesofauna on litter mass loss and nitrogen release are determined by litter quality in the subtropical karst forest ecosystems.

Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
The impact of childhood asthma on academic performance: A matched population‐based cohort study
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca J. , McMaugh Anne , Homaira Nusrat , Lystad Reidar P. , Badgery‐Parker Tim , Cameron Cate M.
Published: September 2021

Background

There is inconclusive evidence of the effect of asthma on the academic performance of young people. This study aims to compare scholastic performance and high school completion of young people hospitalized with asthma compared to matched peers not hospitalized with asthma.

Method

A population‐based matched case‐comparison cohort study of young people aged ≤18 years hospitalized for asthma during 2005–2018 in New South Wales, Australia using linked birth, health, education and mortality records. The comparison cohort was matched on age, gender and residential postcode. Generalized linear mixed‐modelling examined risk of school performance below the national minimum standard (NMS) and generalized linear regression examined risk of not completing high school for young people hospitalized with asthma compared to matched peers.

Results

Young males hospitalized with asthma had a 13% and 15% higher risk of not achieving the NMS for numeracy (95%CI 1.04–1.22) and reading (95%CI 1.07–1.23), respectively, compared to peers. Young males hospitalized with asthma had a 51% (95%CI 1.22–1.86) higher risk of not completing year 10, and around a 20% higher risk of not completing year 11 (ARR: 1.25; 95%CI 1.15–1.36) or year 12 (ARR: 1.27; 95%CI 1.17–1.39) compared to peers. Young females hospitalized with asthma showed no difference in achieving numeracy or reading NMSs, but did have a 21% higher risk of not completing year 11 (95%CI 1.09–1.36) and a 33% higher risk of not completing year 12 (95%CI 1.19–1.49) compared to peers.

Conclusions

Educational attainment is worse for young people hospitalized with asthma compared to matched peers. Early intervention and strategies for better management of asthma symptoms may enhance academic performance for students.
Correlation of DUOX2 residual enzymatic activity with phenotype in congenital hypothyroidism caused by biallelic DUOX2 defects
Authors: Sun Feng , Zhang Rui‐Jia , Cheng Feng , Fang Ya , Yang Rui‐Meng , Ye Xiao‐Ping , Han Bing , Zhao Shuang‐Xia , Dong Mei , Song Huai‐Dong
Published: September 2021

DUOX2 is the most frequently mutated gene in patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in China. However, no reliable genotype–phenotype relationship has been found in patients with DUOX2 mutations. In this study, DUOX2 mutations were screened in 266 CH patients, and the enzymatic activity of 89 DUOX2 variants was determined in vitro. Furthermore, the DUOX2 residual activity in 76 CH patients caused by DUOX2 biallelic mutations was calculated. The thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were found to be higher and lower in patients with DUOX2 residual activity ≤22%, respectively, compared to patients with residual enzymatic activity >22%. Moreover, we interpreted the pathogenicity of DUOX2 variants by applying the ACMG classification criteria with or without PS3/BS3 evidence. The results indicated that residual DUOX2 enzymatic activity was closely related to the clinical phenotypes of CH patients caused by DUOX2 biallelic mutations. These findings suggest that the residual enzymatic activity of 22% may be a cutoff value for estimating the severity of hypothyroidism in CH patients with biallelic DUOX2 mutations. Well‐established functional studies are useful and necessary to evaluate the pathogenicity of DUOX2 variants, improving the accuracy and scope of genetic consultations.
Framing Environmental Identities: How Aquarium Staff and Volunteers Make Sense and Organize Environmental‐based Life Experiences
Authors: Mileham Michelle A.
Published: September 2021

Zoos and aquariums are among the best informal education venues for individuals to develop conservation values and environmental identities; however, little has been studied on how individuals narrativize and frame environmental‐based life experiences, particularly of those deeply involved in such organizations (i.e., staff and volunteers). This study used a mixed methods approach over the course of three phases of research to understand aquarium staff and volunteers’ environmental identities. Here, I present data for how narratives were used to further understand environmental identity and how study participants framed environmental experiences. Findings indicate that stories are unique to individuals but the frames in which they are situated are shared. While recognizing these particular frames is meaningful to conservation‐based organizations, museums representing any discipline may consider using narratives and frame analysis as a way to understand their organization, staff, and visitors.
Antithrombotics increase bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer: Nationwide propensity score analysis
Authors: Nagami Yasuaki , Hatta Waku , Tsuji Yosuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Kakushima Naomi , Hoteya Shu , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Fukunaga Shusei , Hikichi Takuto , Kobayashi Masakuni , Morita Yoshinori , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tomida Hideomi , Inoue Takuya , Mikami Tatsuya , Hasatani Kenkei , Nishikawa Jun , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nebiki Hiroko , Nakamatsu Dai , Ohnita Ken , Suzuki Haruhisa , Ueyama Hiroya , Hayashi Yoshito , Yoshida Hisako , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Masamune Atsushi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Post‐operative bleeding is the most common adverse event in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). Patients taking antithrombotic agents has increased. We evaluated the influence of antithrombotic agents on delayed bleeding in ESD for EGC.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study in Japan. Altogether, 11,452 patients who underwent ESD for EGC in 33 institutions between November 2013 and October 2016 were enrolled. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed bleeding in patients with or without antithrombotic agents. The secondary outcome was the incidence of delayed bleeding in those who took each antithrombotic agent and the cessation status of its use compared with each matched pair of patients. We used propensity matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses.

Results

There were 1353 matched pairs of patients. The incidence of delayed bleeding was 2.8% and 10.7% in those without and with antithrombotic agents, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 4.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.88–5.99; P < 0.001). The IPTW analysis showed similar results (OR 4.21, 95% CI 3.48–5.08; P < 0.001). Antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and their combination increased such incidence. Heparin bridging therapy had high OR (8.80), and the continuation (OR 3.46) and cessation (OR 2.95) of antithrombotic agent use had similar risk.

Conclusions

Antithrombotic agents increased the incidence of delayed bleeding in patients who underwent ESD for EGC. Continuing antithrombotics may be more appropriate than heparin bridging therapy.
Efficacy of continuous glucose monitoring on maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: García‐Moreno Rosa M. , Benítez‐Valderrama Pamela , Barquiel Beatriz , González Pérez‐de‐Villar Noemí , Hillman Natalia , Lora Pablos David , Herranz Lucrecia
Published: September 2021

Aims

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Two authors conducted a systematic search using PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The inclusion criteria for the systematic review were randomized clinical trials that compared the effects of CGM and blood glucose monitoring (BGM) in women with GDM. A restricted maximum likelihood random‐effects model was used for the meta‐analysis. The measures of effect were risk ratios for categorical data and mean differences for continuous data.

Results

Of the 457 studies reviewed, six randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. A total of 482 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The use of CGM was associated with lower HbA1c levels at the end of pregnancy (mean difference: −0.22; 95%CI −0.42 to −0.03) compared to BGM. Women using CGM also had less gestational weight gain (mean difference: −1.17, 95%CI −2.15 to −0.19), and their children had lower birth weight (mean difference: −116.26, 95%CI −224.70 to −7.81). No differences were observed in the other outcomes evaluated.

Conclusion

Women with GDM using CGM may achieve lower average blood glucose levels, lower maternal weight gain and infant birth weight than women using BGM. Nevertheless, current evidence is limited by the low number of studies and the small sample sizes of these studies. Larger clinical trials are needed to better understand the effects of CGM in GDM.

Registration

PROSPERO registration ID CRD42021225651.
Offline contexts of online jobs: Platform drivers, decent work, and informality in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Cieslik Katarzyna , Banya Roland , Vira Bhaskar
Published: September 2021

Motivation

The Sustainable Development Goals targets include decent work for all by 2030 but progress in sub‐Saharan Africa has been slow. Over the past five years, the platform work sector (e‐hailing platforms in particular) has expanded considerably on the continent, providing work opportunities to the growing urban populations. The quality of this work, however, is heavily contested.

Purpose

We deepen and extend our understanding of the gig economy in sub‐Saharan Africa and assess its potential for creating decent work. Our unique contribution lies in looking at the gig economy in comparison to the local threshold (the informal economy) as opposed to wage employment.

Methods and approach

We first review the literature on the gig economy, the informal sector, and decent work in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. We then draw on a case study of e‐hailing in Lagos, Nigeria, to assess the sector’s potential to create decent work. We discuss our findings against the four pillars of the International Labour Organization’s Decent Work Agenda: productive employment, labour standards, social protection, and social dialogue.

Findings

We find that e‐hailing platforms may offer certain gains compared to regular taxiing in the informal sector but these are context‐ and platform‐specific. Examples include access to insurance, credit, and cash transfers. Gig work remains embedded in the informal economy: it is unregulated and does not abide by labour standards nor offer social protections. We also find evidence of well‐organized labour movements.

Policy implications

E‐hailing may be productive work, as platform intermediation facilitates outreach and matching, translating into increased wages. This happens with the added cost of longer working hours in the absence of labour standards. We propose exploring the role of digital records kept by platforms (e.g. income volume and regularity, or customer ratings data) to facilitate the progressive transition of transport workers towards formality. We also recommend fostering industry standards (such as fair work certification) to protect workers’ rights.
Sex differences in vascular risk factors, in‐hospital management, and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke in China
Authors: Gu Hong‐Qiu , Wang Chun‐Juan , Yang Xin , Liu Chelsea , Wang Xia , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Li‐Ping , Meng Xia , Jiang Yong , Li Hao , Wang Yong‐Jun , Li Zi‐Xiao
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous assessments of sex differences for patients with acute ischemic stroke were limited in a specific region or population, narrow scope, or small sample size.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized in the China Stroke Center Alliance hospitals were analyzed. Absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were used to assess sex differences in vascular risk factors, guideline‐recommended in‐hospital management measures and outcomes, including stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale≥16), death/discharge against medical advice, major adverse cardiovascular events, pneumonia, and disability (modified Rankin Scale≥3).

Results

Of 838,229 patients analyzed, 524351 (62.6%) were men and 313,878 (37.4%) were women. Compared with men, women were older (68.6 vs. 64.7 years), had higher prevalence of hypertension (67.7% vs. 62.4%), diabetes (24.7% vs. 19.5%), and atrial fibrillation (7.1% vs. 4.3%), but lower prevalence of smoking (4.5% vs. 56.6%) and drinking (2.6% vs 35.8%) (ASDs >10%). No sex differences were seen in guideline‐directed management measures, indicated by risk‐adjusted individual measures and the all‐or‐null summary measure (34.5% vs 34.9%, ASD = 1.0%). Compared to men, women tended to have strokes that were more severe at presentation (6.5% vs. 4.5%, ASD = 8.8%) and more disabilities at discharge (34.9% vs 30.5%, ASD =9.4%). However, all sex‐related differences in outcomes were attenuated to null after risk adjustments (ASDs<2%).

Conclusions

Compared to male patients, female patients had more vascular risk factors and received similar in‐hospital care. They had strokes that were more severe at presentation and more disabilities at discharge, both of which may be explained by worse vascular risk profiles.
Fundamentals of arrhythmogenic mechanisms and treatment strategies for equine atrial fibrillation
Authors: Premont Antoine , Balthes Samantha , Marr Celia M. , Jeevaratnam Kamalan
Published: September 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathological arrhythmia in horses. Although it is not usually a life‐threatening condition on its own, it can cause poor performance and make the horse unsafe to ride. It is a complex multifactorial disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors including exercise training, comorbidities or ageing. The interactions between all these factors in horses are still not completely understood and the pathophysiology of AF remains poorly defined. Exciting progress has been recently made in equine cardiac electrophysiology in terms of diagnosis and documentation methods such as cardiac mapping, implantable electrocardiogram (ECG) recording devices or computer‐based ECG analysis that will hopefully improve our understanding of this disease. The available pharmaceutical and electrophysiological treatments have good efficacy and lead to a good prognosis for AF, but recurrence is a frequent issue that veterinarians have to face. This review aims to summarise our current understanding of equine cardiac electrophysiology and pathophysiology of equine AF while providing an overview of the mechanism of action for currently available treatments for equine AF.
Topical metformin suppresses angiogenesis pathways induced by pulsed dye laser irradiation in animal models
Authors: Wang Meiling , Lin Yan , Shi Wenhao , Chen Xuechao , Mi Zihao , Jia Zhiwei , Pan Qing , Wang Zhenzhen , Han Jian , Liu Huaxu
Published: September 2021

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the first‐line treatment for port‐wine stain (PWS). However, only a small portion of the lesions could be completely cleared by PDL treatment, which might be related to the regeneration and revascularization of the vascular structures after laser irradiation. Recently, it is believed that the suppression of regeneration and revascularization of photocoagulated blood vessels can achieve a better therapeutic outcome. We use rabbit ear and SD rat as the animal models to investigate whether PDL‐induced angiogenesis can be suppressed by topical metformin. Our results showed that topical application of metformin can effectively suppress the PDL‐induced early stage of angiogenesis via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR/P70S6K pathway in animal models.
Effects of biochar application on soil nitrogen transformation, microbial functional genes, enzyme activity, and plant nitrogen uptake: A meta‐analysis of field studies
Authors: Zhang Leiyi , Jing Yiming , Chen Chengrong , Xiang Yangzhou , Rezaei Rashti Mehran , Li Yantao , Deng Qi , Zhang Renduo
Published: September 2021

Biochar application can influence soil nitrogen (N) cycle through biological and abiotic processes. However, studies on comprehensive examination of the effects of biochar application on microbially mediated N‐cycling processes (N mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, and fixation) and soil N fate (i.e., plant N uptake, soil N2O emission, and N leaching) are warranted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of biochar application on soil N transformation, microbial functional gene abundance, enzyme activity, and plant N uptake. To achieve the objective of this study, a meta‐analysis involving 131 peer‐reviewed field experiments was conducted. Results showed that field application of biochar significantly enhanced soil and content, N mineralization, nitrification, N2 fixation, and plant N uptake by 5.3%, 3.7%, 15.3%, 48.5%, 14.7%, and 18.3%, respectively, but reduced N2O emissions and N leaching by 14.9% and 10.9%, respectively. Biochar application also increased the abundance of soil denitrifying/nitrifying genes (amoA, narG, nirS/nirK+S, and nosZ), proportion of N2 fixation bacteria, and N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase activity by 18.6%–87.6%. Soil content was positively correlated with AOA‐amoA abundance, and soil N2O emission was positively correlated with the relative abundance of genes (e.g., amoA, narG, and nirS/nirK) involved in N2O production. Furthermore, long‐term biochar application tended to increase AOB‐amoA and nirK+S abundance, especially soil N2O emission and N leaching. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that biochar application accelerated microbially mediated N‐cycling processes under field conditions, thereby enhancing soil N availability and plant productivity. However, long‐term biochar application may increase N losses. Therefore, future studies should be conducted to examine the effect of long‐term biochar application on the soil N cycle and the underlying microbial mechanisms.
Change in subjective health status among frail older Japanese people owing to the coronavirus disease pandemic and characteristics of their responses
Authors: Kera Takeshi , Kawai Hisashi , Ejiri Manami , Takahashi Junta , Nishida Kazumasa , Harai Akihiro , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ihara Kazushige , Kim Hunkyung , Obuchi Shuichi
Published: September 2021

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic remains a major global public health issue, and it has led to restrictions in physical and social activities among community‐dwelling people, including frail older adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of the pandemic on the subjective health status and characteristics of community‐dwelling frail older adults by assessing their knowledge of infection, behaviors and negative psychological response.

Methods

During October 2019, 720 older adults participated in “The Otassha Study.” A year after the COVID‐19 outbreak, between June 29 and July 31, 2020, a health status questionnaire, comprising questions concerning knowledge about infection, behaviors and psychological responses during the pandemic, was sent to all participants of the health examination in 2019. Respondents were divided into the robust and frail groups, and their responses were compared.

Results

Although the self‐reported health status of the older adults in both groups was worse in 2020 than in 2019, differences were not observed in the degree of deterioration between the groups. Those in the frail group had fewer resources of information related to COVID‐19 and had fewer coping behaviors for health maintenance compared with the robust group.

Conclusion

Information gathering and actions aimed at health maintenance tended to be weaker among older adults with frailty, although the influence of COVID‐19 on subjective health status did not differ significantly between robust and frail adults. Therefore, robust and frail older adults may need to adopt different countermeasures to prevent worse health during this pandemic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 1053–1059.
Virtual learning object for developing knowledge about the diagnosis and management of molar incisor hypomineralization
Authors: Aguilar Gálvez Denisse , Noal Fernanda C. , Arriola‐Guillén Luis Ernesto , Hugo Fernando Neves , Leal Soraya Coelho , Borba de Araujo Fernando
Published: September 2021

Aim

To develop, apply, and evaluate a virtual learning object (VLO) for teaching undergraduate dental students and paediatric dentists to diagnose and manage molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

Design

This controlled educational intervention included 170 undergraduate dental students and 50 paediatric dentists. The student intervention group (VLOG) was trained by the VLO, the control group of students (CG) received a synchronous virtual class, and the group of paediatric dentists (PDG) was trained by the VLO. Pre‐test and post‐test data were analyzed with a mixed one‐way and Tukey’s post hoc ANOVA test (α = 0.05). The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed with the one‐way ANOVA test and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

The values obtained in the pre‐test were significantly lower than those obtained in the post‐test for all groups. The specialists showed a higher level of knowledge before and after the MIH training compared with the students (p < .001). Similarly, statistical differences were found in the level of knowledge, which increased after MIH training (p < .001). There were no differences between the CG and VLOG.

Conclusions

The level of knowledge increased in all groups after training regardless of the method used. VLOG works similar to traditional teaching approaches.
Trends and seasonality in public interest in dental trauma: Insights from Google Trends
Authors: Simsek Huseyin , Kardes Sinan , Kilic Munevver , Kardes Elif
Published: September 2021

Aim

To assess trends and seasonal variation of dental trauma by using the Google Trends data.

Design

Google Trends was used to obtain relative search volume (RSV) of search terms such as dental trauma, broken tooth, chipped tooth, knocked‐out tooth, avulsed tooth, and gum trauma. The search strategy was set to the time period (January 2004 to December 2019), region (worldwide, the United States, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and Turkey), Web search, and all categories. Seasonal variation was evaluated using the cosinor analysis.

Results

The worldwide RSV values of broken tooth, chipped tooth, knocked‐out tooth, and avulsed tooth have shown a general increase in recent years with an upward forecast line. The RSV values of dental trauma have shown a general increase in recent years with a plateau forecast line, and gum trauma has shown a stable trend with a plateau forecast line. Seasonal variation of chipped tooth, broken tooth, dental trauma, knocked‐out tooth, avulsed tooth, and gum trauma was not found statistically significant in any of the countries (p > .025). The top related queries of chipped tooth and broken tooth were about pain, fix/repair, and cost. The top related topics for avulsed tooth and knocked‐out tooth are about infant, child, toddler, and primary tooth.

Conclusions

People's interest on dental trauma, broken tooth, chipped tooth, knocked‐out tooth, and avulsed tooth has shown a general increase in recent years without showing a seasonal pattern. Healthcare professionals should pay more attention to people's concerns and informational needs.
Effectiveness of water fluoridation in an upper‐middle‐income country: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Belotti Lorrayne , Frazão Paulo
Published: September 2021

Aim

To summarize the information on the effectiveness of community water fluoridation (CWF) on the reduction of dental caries in the context of the wide use of fluoridated toothpaste in Brazil.

Design

A systematic review was conducted regarding the effect of CWF based on studies with Brazilian population groups using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and SCOPUS. The literature search was conducted up to August 2019. Studies that compared caries experience in at least two areas, one fluoridated and the other non‐fluoridated, by mean dmft/DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index or caries prevalence (caries vs. caries‐free) were included. Considering the beginning of widespread use of fluoride dentifrice and the time for producing dental caries decline, studies published before 1995 were excluded. Descriptive analysis and meta‐analyses were carried out. The effect size was measured by mean difference for dmft and DMFT ± SD and odds ratios on a logarithmic scale for caries prevalence.

Results

Of the 574 studies retrieved, 16 and 10 were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Fluoridated areas exhibited lower mean dmft/DMFT than non‐fluoridated areas did. The mean difference in the dmft between non‐fluoridated and fluoridated areas was −2.28 (95% CI −3.26; −1.30) for children aged 5–8 years and −1.12 (95% CI −1.93; −0.32) for those aged 3–12 years; the mean difference in the DMFT was −0.61 (95% CI −0.80; −0.42) for the children aged between 7 and 12 years. The caries prevalence was 1.4 times and 57% lower, respectively, at primary and permanent dentition in fluoridated areas. Heterogeneity was observed in all age groups, ranging from 77.6% to 98.2%.

Conclusion

Community water fluoridation remains effective in preventing dental caries in children younger than 13 years, even with the widespread use of fluoridated toothpaste.
Effect of humidity on friction, wear, and plastic deformation during nanoscratch of soda lime silica glass
Authors: He Hongtu , Qiao Qian , Xiao Tongjin , Yu Jiaxin , Kim Seong H.
Published: September 2021

Physical flaws and defects on glass surfaces are known to reduce the mechanical strength and chemical durability of glass. The formation of surface defects depends not only on the mechanical conditions of the physical contact but also on the environment in which the contact is made. In this study, the nanoscratch behavior of soda lime silica (SLS) glass was investigated in 10% and 60% relative humidity (RH) conditions. Based on the evolution of friction and scratch depth, the deformation of SLS glass surface could be divided into four regimes: elastic deformation and recovery (E), RH‐independent mild plastic deformation (P‐1), RH‐dependent intermediate plastic deformation (P‐2), and RH‐independent severe plastic formation (P‐3). It is quite surprising to observe that plastic deformation of the glass surface has dependence on RH of the environment (outside the glass) because plastic deformation is the process occurring below the surface (inside the glass) by the externally applied load. From this result, it can be inferred that frictional energy dissipation mode at the sliding interface, which is a function of adsorbed water molecules, influences the subsurface deformation mode. Although friction, wear, and subsurface deformation/damage are all coupled, there is no direct one‐on‐one correlation among them.
Evaluation of acrylamide production by Rhodococcus rhodochrous (RS-6) cells immobilized in agar matrix
Authors: Sahu Ruchi , Meghavarnam Anil K. , Janakiraman Savitha
Published: September 2021

Aims

The efficiency of acrylamide production was examined with immobilized cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous (RS-6) containing NHase.

Methods and Results

Different entrapment matrices such as agar, alginate and polyacrylamide were used. Various immobilization parameters like agar concentration, cell concentration and reaction conditions affecting the bioconversion process using suitable matrices were determined. The cells immobilized with agar matrix were found to be most effective for acrylonitrile conversion. The bioconversion was more efficient in beads prepared with 2% agar and 5% (v/v) cell concentration. The entire conversion of acrylonitrile to acrylamide with agar entrapped cells was achieved in 120 min at 15°C. The agar entrapped R. rhodochrous (RS-6) cells exhibited 8% (w/v) tolerance to acrylonitrile and 35% tolerance to acrylamide. The immobilized cells also retained 50% of its conversion ability up to seven cycles. The laboratory-scale (1 L) production resulted in 466 g L−1 accumulation of acrylamide in 16 h.

Conclusions

The cells immobilized in agar showed better stability and biocatalytic properties and increased reusability potential.

Significance and Impact of the study

The agar-immobilized Rhodococcus rhodochrous (RS-6) cells showed enhanced tolerance for both the substrate and product and is economical for the large-scale production of acrylamide.
Development of a harmonized method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Bordetella avium using broth microdilution and detection of resistance genes
Authors: Gütgemann Franziska , Müller Anja , Churin Yury , Jung Arne , Braun Ann S. , Yue Min , Kehrenberg Corinna
Published: September 2021

Aims

In response to a request from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), the objective of this study was to develop a harmonized method for broth microdilution susceptibility testing of Bordetella (B.) avium, the major causative agent of infectious coryza in poultry.

Methods and Results

To find a suitable test medium, growth curves with four epidemiologically unrelated B. avium isolates were created in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB), CAMHB + 2.5% lysed horse blood and veterinary fastidious medium. All isolates showed good growth in CAMHB, therefore MIC values were determined using this medium and the homogeneity of the values was determined. An essential MIC agreement of 99.7% was calculated. Testing of a larger strain collection (n = 49) for their susceptibility to 24 antimicrobials confirmed the suitability of the tested method and revealed some isolates with elevated MICs of florfenicol (n = 1), streptomycin (n = 2), tetracyclines (n = 5), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 6). PCR assays detected the resistance genes aadA1, dfrB1, floR, sul1, sul2 and tet(A).

Conclusions

The method used enables easy reading and a good reproducibility of MIC values for B. avium.

Significance and Impact of Study

Application of the tested method allows harmonized resistance testing of B. avium and identification of isolates with elevated MIC values.
Natural pigment from Monascus: The production and therapeutic significance
Authors: Chaudhary Vishu , Katyal Priya , Poonia Anuj Kumar , Kaur Jaspreet , Puniya Anil Kumar , Panwar Harsh
Published: September 2021

Objective

The present review highlights the advantages of using natural colorant over the synthetic one. We have discussed the fermentation parameters that can enhance the productivity of Monascus pigment on agricultural wastes.

Background

Food industry is looking for natural colours because these can enhance the esthetic value, attractiveness, and acceptability of food while remaining nontoxic. Many synthetic food colours (Azorubine Carmoisine, quinoline) have been prohibited due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. Increasing consumer awareness towards the food safety has forced the manufacturing industries to look for suitable alternatives. In addition to safety, natural colorants have been found to have nutritional and therapeutic significance. Among the natural colorants, microbial pigments can be considered as a viable option because of scalability, easier production, no seasonal dependence, cheaper raw materials and easier extraction. Fungi such as Monascus have a long history of safety and therefore can be used for production of biopigments.

Method

The present review summarizes the predicted biosynthetic pathways and pigment gene clusters in Monascus purpureus.

Results

The challenges faced during the pilot-scale production of Monascus biopigment and taming it by us of low-cost agro-industrial substrates for solid state fermentation has been suggested.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind, therapeutic properties of Monascus pigments and their derivatives, they have huge potential for industrial and pharmaceutical application.

Application

Though the natural pigments have wide scope in the food industry. However, stabilization of pigment is the greatest challenge and attempts are being made to overcome this by complexion with hydrocolloids or metals and by microencapsulation.
The interplay between mitochondria and store‐operated Ca2+ entry: Emerging insights into cardiac diseases
Authors: Nan Jinliang , Li Jiamin , Lin Yinuo , Saif Ur Rahman Muhammad , Li Zhengzheng , Zhu Lingjun
Published: September 2021

Store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) machinery, including Orai channels, TRPCs, and STIM1, is key to cellular calcium homeostasis. The following characteristics of mitochondria are involved in the physiological and pathological regulation of cells: mitochondria mediate calcium uptake through calcium uniporters; mitochondria are regulated by mitochondrial dynamic related proteins (OPA1, MFN1/2, and DRP1) and form mitochondrial networks through continuous fission and fusion; mitochondria supply NADH to the electron transport chain through the Krebs cycle to produce ATP; under stress, mitochondria will produce excessive reactive oxygen species to regulate mitochondria‐endoplasmic reticulum interactions and the related signalling pathways. Both SOCE and mitochondria play critical roles in mediating cardiac hypertrophy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and cardiac ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. All the mitochondrial characteristics mentioned above are determinants of SOCE activity, and vice versa. Ca2+ signalling dictates the reciprocal regulation between mitochondria and SOCE under the specific pathological conditions of cardiomyocytes. The coupling of mitochondria and SOCE is essential for various pathophysiological processes in the heart. Herein, we review the research focussing on the reciprocal regulation between mitochondria and SOCE and provide potential interplay patterns in cardiac diseases.
Role of nutritional supplements in selected dermatological disorders: A review
Authors: Sardana Kabir , Sachdeva Soumya
Published: September 2021

Background

While a plethora of literature continues to be published on the role of nutritional agents both in lay press and indexed journals, the data is not on a firm footing and leaves the dermatologist in a quandry and the patient confused. The various agents include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, diets & gluten. A proper knowledge of the role of nutritional supplements in dermatological diseases can be a useful tool in advising the patients and in certain cases ameliorating the disorder.

Patients/Methods

Literature review of last 15 years was made using the terms “diet in dermatology,” “nutrition and skin,” “nutritional supplements in dermatology,” “nutritional agents and acne,” “nutritional agents and alopecia,” and “nutritional agents and psoriasis.”

Results

While there are multiple publications on the use of nutritional supplements for amelioration of skin diseases, most of them are based on either associations or in vitro studies, but very few transcend the rigors of a clinical trial or the holey grail of a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial. There seem to be some evidence in acne, psoriasis, telogen effluvium, urticaria & vitiligo. Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis have a strong link with diet. Rosacea has a strong link with certain foods, but the other disorders like melasma, aphthous stomatitis do not have any scientifically validated association with diet.

Conclusions

Our updated review examines the role of nutritional supplements and antioxidants in various dermatological disorders. We have found that there are varying levels of evidence with notable associations of low glycemic diet & acne, fish oil & weight loss with psoriasis, fish oils & probiotics with atopic dermatitis & vitamins & botanical extracts with vitiligo. The evidence for diet and nutrition in bullous disorders and photoageing is scarce. The role of low histamine diet in urticaria is useful in select cases of episodic urticaria. Rosacea is triggered by hot and spicy food . Apart from gluten and Dermatitis Herpetiformis, no diet can be considered disease modifying in our reveiw. The lack of comparison of nutritional or dietary modiffication with conventional validated agents, makes the data difficult to translate in real world patient management.
Diagnostic implications of MicroRNAs; 155, 146 a, and 203 lesional expression in alopecia areata: A preliminary case‐controlled study
Authors: Mustafa Amany Ibrahim , Al ‐refaie Asmaa Mohamed , El‐Shimi Ola Samir , Fawzy Eman , Sorour Neveen Emad
Published: September 2021

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune mediated disorder that attacks hair follicles with unknown pathophysiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, and their aberrant expression or function has been involved in different autoimmune conditions.

Objectives

We aimed at exploring the association between some miRNAs lesional expression and AA pathogenesis by measurement of miRNAs‐155, 146a, and 203 expression levels in the lesional skin from patchy AA patients and to evaluate their relation with the studied parameters.

Subjects and Methods

Skin expression levels of miRNAs‐155, 146a, and 203 were evaluated in 50 patients with patchy AA and 25 healthy controls using reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). The activity and severity of alopecia were assessed according to AA Investigational Assessment Guidelines criteria.

Results

Studied patients showed significant up‐regulation of miRNAs‐203, 146a, and 155 lesional tissue expression levels when compared to control group (p < 0.05 each). Only miRNA‐146a skin expression level was significantly higher in patients with multiple lesions (p < 0.001). However, patients with active AA had significantly higher tissue expression levels of the investigated miRNAs than those with inactive disease (P 0.001, 0.009, and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Investigated miRNAs seem to be role players in AA pathogenesis and may be considered potential indicators of disease activity. However, more research is needed to clarify their accurate role and clinical importance.
Choledochal cyst theories going pear‐shaped? Evolution of choledochal cyst during intrauterine life in a case evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and postnatal outcomes
Authors: Castro Pedro Teixeira , Araujo Júnior Edward , Fazecas Tatiana Mendonça , Ribeiro Gerson , Macedo Nicanor , Werner Heron
Published: September 2021

A choledochal cyst is a rare abdominal malformation and was first reported almost three centuries before. There are few theories describing the evolution of the cyst through the lifespan of affected patients until diagnosis and prompt treatment; however, there is no image documentation of the evolution of the malformation. In this report, we demonstrate the evolution of a type I choledochal cyst in a fetus from the 24th to the 37th week of gestation using magnetic resonance imaging and perinatal outcomes with correlation with pathophysiological mechanisms.