bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Medicine Training in United States–Based Physiatry Residency Programs
Authors: Annaswamy Thiru M. , Rizzo John-Ross , Schnappinger Amy , Morgenroth David C. , Engkasan Julia Patrick , Ilieva Elena , Arnold W. David , Boninger Michael L. , Bean Allison C. , Cirstea Carmen M. , Dicianno Brad E. , Fredericson Michael , Jayabalan Prakash , Raghavan Preeti , Sawaki Lumy , Suri Pradeep , Suskauer Stacy J. , Wang Qing Mei , Hosseini Maryam , Case Christina M. , Whyte John , Paganoni Sabrina
Published: April 2021

Although the physiatric community increasingly embraces evidence-based medicine (EBM), the current state of EBM training for trainees in physiatry is unclear. The purposes of this article are to report the results of the Association of Academic Physiatrists’ surveys of physiatry residency programs in the United States, to discuss the implications of their findings, and to better delineate the “baseline” upon which sound and clear recommendations for systematic EBM training can be made. The two Association of Academic Physiatrists surveys of US physiatry residency programs reveal that most survey respondents report that they include EBM training in their programs that covers the five recommended steps of EBM core competencies. However, although most respondents reported using traditional pedagogic methods of training such as journal club, very few reported that their EBM training used a structured and systematic approach. Future work is needed to support and facilitate physiatry residency programs interested in adopting structured EBM training curricula that include recommended EBM core competencies and the evaluation of their impact.
Conducting a Scoping Review in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Authors: Lew Henry L. , Kahili-Heede Melissa K. , Mashima Pauline , Hou Wen-Hsuan
Published: April 2021

In the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, there is a continuous need to conduct literature search in advancing evidence-based practice. In addition to the traditional meta-analysis approach, many clinicians have turned their attention to systematic reviews and scoping reviews for research evidence to support clinical practice. In this article, the authors aimed to (1) compare the similarities, differences, pros, and cons between a scoping review, a systematic review, and a meta-analysis and (2) summarize the fundamental stages in conducting a scoping review. Examples of recently published articles relevant to physical medicine and rehabilitation are presented to illustrate the concept and value of scoping reviews.
Discovering the N-terminal Methylome by Repurposing of Proteomic Datasets
Authors: Chen Panyue , Sobreira Tiago Jose Paschoal , Hall Mark C. , Hazbun Tony R.
Published: April 2021

Protein α-N-methylation is an underexplored post-translational modification involving the covalent addition of methyl groups to the free α-amino group at protein N-termini. To systematically explore the extent of α-N-terminal methylation in yeast and humans, we reanalyzed publicly accessible proteomic datasets to identify N-terminal peptides contributing to the α-N-terminal methylome. This repurposing approach found evidence of α-N-methylation of established and novel protein substrates with canonical N-terminal motifs of established α-N-terminal methyltransferases, including human NTMT1/2 and yeast Tae1. NTMT1/2 are implicated in cancer and aging processes but have unclear and context-dependent roles. Moreover, α-N-methylation of non-canonical sequences was surprisingly prevalent, suggesting unappreciated and cryptic methylation events. Analysis of the amino acid frequencies of α-N-methylated peptides revealed a [S]1-[S/A/Q]2pattern in yeast and [A/N/G]1-[A/S/V]2-[A/G]3in humans, which differs from the canonical motif. We delineated the distribution of the two types of prevalent N-terminal modifications, acetylation, and methylation, on amino acids at the 1stposition. We tested three potentially methylated proteins and confirmed the α-N-terminal methylation of Hsp31 by additional proteomic analysis and immunoblotting. The other two proteins, Vma1 and Ssa3, were found to be predominantly acetylated, indicating proteomic searching for α-N-terminal methylation requires careful consideration of mass spectra. This study demonstrates the feasibility of reprocessing proteomic data for global α-N-terminal methylome investigations.

The raw MS data that supports the findings of this study were deposited with PRIDE identifier: PXD022833.

Abstract Figure

Graphical Abstract (For TOC only).
Neural bases of risky decisions involving nicotine vapor versus monetary reward
Authors: Modak Priyamvada , Hutslar Christian , Polk Rebecca , Atkinson Emily , Fisher Lindsey , Macy Jon , Chassin Laurie , Presson Clark , Finn Peter R. , Brown Joshua W
Published: April 2021

Substantial effort has gone into neuroimaging studies of neural mechanisms underlying addiction. Human studies of smoking typically either give monetary reward during an fMRI task or else allow subjects to smoke outside the scanner, after the session. This raises a fundamental issue of construct validity, as it is unclear whether the same neural mechanisms process decisions about nicotine that process decisions about money. To address this, we developed a novel MR-compatible nicotine vaping device, such that access to nicotine vapor could be controlled and monitored. We recruited heavy smokers to perform a gambling task with nicotine and monetary reward on separate days. This allowed a direct comparison between the neural mechanisms of choosing and receiving immediate drug vs. monetary reward. We found substantial differences in the neural mechanisms that underlie risky choices about money vs. drug reward, including a reversal of the well-known error effects in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Inter-Subject EEG Correlation Reflects Time-Varying Engagement with Natural Music
Authors: Kaneshiro Blair , Nguyen Duc T. , Norcia Anthony M. , Dmochowski Jacek P. , Berger Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Musical engagement can be conceptualized through various activities, modes of listening, and listener states—among these a state of focused engagement. Recent research has reported that this state can be indexed by the inter-subject correlation (ISC) of EEG responses to a shared naturalistic stimulus. While statistically significant ISC has been reported during music listening, these reports have considered only correlations computed across entire excerpts and do not provide insights into time-varying engagement. Here we present the first EEG-ISC investigation of time-varying engagementwithina musical work. From a sample of 23 adult musicians who listened to a cello concerto movement, we find varying levels of ISC throughout the excerpt. In particular, significant ISC is observed during periods of musical tension that build to climactic highpoints, but not at the highpoints themselves. In addition, we find that a control stimulus retaining envelope characteristics of the intact music, but little other temporal structure, also elicits significant neural correlation, though to a lesser extent than the original excerpt. In all, our findings shed light on temporal dynamics of listener engagement during music listening, establish connections between salient musical events and EEG ISC, and clarify specific listener states that are indexed by this measure.
Evolving the olfactory system with machine learning
Authors: Wang Peter Y. , Sun Yi , Axel Richard , Abbott L.F. , Yang Guangyu Robert
Published: April 2021

The convergent evolution of the fly and mouse olfactory system led us to ask whether the anatomic connectivity and functional logic of olfactory circuits would evolve in artificial neural networks trained to perform olfactory tasks. Artificial networks trained to classify odor identity recapitulate the connectivity inherent in the olfactory system. Input units are driven by a single receptor type, and units driven by the same receptor converge to form a glomerulus. Glomeruli exhibit sparse, unstructured connectivity to a larger, expansion layer of Kenyon cells. When trained to both classify odor identity and to impart innate valence onto odors, the network develops independent pathways for identity and valence classification. Thus, the defining features of fly and mouse olfactory systems also evolved in artificial neural networks trained to perform olfactory tasks. This implies that convergent evolution reflects an underlying logic rather than shared developmental principles.
Image processing and genome-wide association studies in sunflower identify loci associated with seed-coat characteristics
Authors: Hasson Hod , Dudhe Mangesh Y. , Mandel Tali , Warschefsky Emily , Rieseberg Loren H. , Hübner Sariel
Published: April 2021

Sunflower seeds (technically achenes) are characterized by a wide spectrum of sizes, shapes, and colors. These traits are genetically correlated with the branching plant architecture loci, which were introgressed into restorer lines to facilitate efficient hybrid production. To break this genetic correlation between branching and seed traits, high resolution mapping of the genes that regulate seed traits is necessary. Recent progress in genomics permits acquisition of comprehensive genotyping data for a large diversity panel, yet a major constraint for exploring the genetic basis of important phenotypes across large diversity panels is the ability to screen and characterize them efficiently. Here, we implement a cost-effective image analysis pipeline to phenotype seed characteristics in a large sunflower diversity panel comprised of 287 individuals that represents most of the genetic variation in cultivated sunflower. A genome-wide association analysis was performed for seed-coat size and shape traits and significant signals were identified around genes regulating phytohormone activity. In addition, significant seed-coat color QTLs were identified and candidate genes that effect pigmentation were detected including a phytomelanin regulating gene on chromosome 17. Finally, QTLs associated with the seed-coat striped pattern were identified and phytohormone regulating candidate genes were detected. The implementation of image analysis phenotyping for GWAS allowed efficient screening of a large diversity panel and identification of valuable genetic factors effecting seed characteristics at the finest resolution to date.
Albumin-binding Aptamer Chimeras for Improved siRNA Bioavailability
Authors: Rosch Jonah C. , Hoogenboezem Ella N. , Sorets Alexander G. , Duvall Craig L. , Lippmann Ethan S.
Published: April 2021

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are potent nucleic acid-based drugs designed to target disease driving genes that may otherwise be undruggable with small molecules. However, the potential of administering therapeutic siRNAin vivois limited by poor pharmacokinetic properties, including rapid renal clearance and nuclease degradation. Nanocarriers have traditionally been explored as means to overcome these challenges, but they have intrinsic downsides such as dose-limiting toxicity and synthetic complexity. Backpacking on natural carriers such as albumin, which is present at high concentration and has a long half-life in serum, is an effective way to modify pharmacokinetics of biologic drugs that otherwise have poor bioavailability. In this work, we sought to develop albumin-binding aptamer-siRNA chimeras to improve the bioavailability of siRNA. We used a Systematic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) approach to obtain RNA aptamers with modified bases that bind albumin with high affinity. We then fused the aptamers directly to an siRNA to generate the chimera structure. These aptamer-siRNA chimeras are stable in serum, exhibit potent gene knockdown capabilitiesin vitro, and display extended circulation timein vivo. We suggest that this albumin-binding aptamersiRNA chimera approach is a promising strategy for drug delivery applications.
Characterization of European cities’ climate shift – an exploratory study based on climate analogues
Authors: Rohat Guillaume , Goyette Stéphane , Flacke Johannes
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Climate analogues have been extensively used in ecological studies to assess the shift of ecoregions due to climate change and the associated impacts on species survival and displacement, but they have hardly been applied to urban areas and their climate shift. This paper aims to use climate analogues to characterize the climate shift of cities and to explore its implications as well as potential applications of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a methodology to match the current climate of cities with the future climate of other locations and to characterize cities’ climate shift velocity. Employing a sample of 90 European cities, the authors demonstrate the applicability of this method and characterize their climate shift from 1951 to 2100.

Findings

Results show that cities’ climate shift follows rather strictly north-to-south transects over the European continent and that the average southward velocity is expected to double throughout the twenty-first century. These rapid shifts will have direct implications for urban infrastructure, risk management and public health services.

Originality/value

These findings appear to be potentially useful for raising awareness of stakeholders and urban dwellers about the pace, magnitude and dynamics of climate change, supporting identification of the future climate impacts and vulnerabilities and implementation of readily available adaptation options, and strengthening cities’ cooperation within climate-related networks.
Using microseismic events to improve the accuracy of sensor orientation for downhole microseismic monitoring
Authors: Huo Yuanhang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jie , Yang Hui
Published: April 2021

Event locations are essential for microseismic monitoring endeavours to map hydraulic fractures. For downhole monitoring, the event back‐azimuthal angle, which is commonly evaluated as the average of the P‐wave polarization angle at each sensor, is necessary to project the 2D location in the vertical plane determined by the traveltime information to the 3D space. The accuracy of the P‐wave polarization angle at each sensor depends on the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the waveforms, as well as relies on the accuracy of the sensor orientation. The conventional approaches of the sensor orientation require an event with known back‐azimuth angle, such as surface orientation shots, perforation shots, ball‐drop events or teleseismic events. In terms of availability, the signals of the perforation shots or ball‐drop events are the most widely used information. But they are usually characterized by a low signal‐to‐noise ratio. We propose a new method to incorporate high‐signal‐to‐noise ratio microseismic events with unknown back‐azimuth angles into the sensor orientation process. It can significantly improve the accuracy of the relative orientation angles among all of the sensors, and also improve the accuracy of the absolute orientation angles by linking the relative orientation angles to the sensors with the high‐signal‐to‐noise ratio waveforms of the perforation shots or ball‐drop events. We use both synthetic and field data to test the feasibility and reliability of the new method. The results reveal that the new method can reduce the uncertainty of the orientation angle and improve the accuracy of the microseismic location, compared with the conventional approach when utilizing a perforation shot or ball‐drop event alone.
Mitigating agency costs in the housing market
Authors: Turnbull Geoffrey K. , Waller Bennie D. , Wentland Scott A.
Published: April 2021

We investigate two mechanisms that plausibly curtail agency costs in the homeowner‐listing agent relationship. Empirically, we find that differences in compensation structures across brokers effectively mitigate agency costs, while additional training associated with licensure made little, if any, difference. The evidence is consistent with managers/partners of a brokerage (principal brokers) having stronger incentives to internalize potential reputational spillovers for their brokerage offices. For identification, we exploit the timing of brokers’ incentives changing using a difference‐in‐differences (within agent) approach. Further, in a triple‐difference specification that leverages a setting where local reputational incentives are most instrumental, we find the clearest evidence of agency cost mitigation among principal brokers of non‐franchise, locally owned brokerages.
Application of team‐based learning for teaching food analysis
Authors: Castro Luis F. , Peuker Steffen , Mott Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Food analysis courses introduce the theory and application of analytical procedures to characterize foods and their ingredients. Students learn the principles behind analytical techniques commonly used to analyze foods in the industry and evaluate their suitability for the analysis of specific food products. Food analysis courses have traditionally been taught in a lecture‐based format. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing team‐based learning (TBL), an established collaborative learning technique, in an undergraduate food analysis course to enhance student learning. Post‐course student surveys, quizzes, and exam scores were used to assess the effectiveness of the TBL implementation. TBL uses pre‐reading assignments, individual and team quizzes, and problem solving in teams to create an active learning environment in the classroom that increases student engagement and long‐term learning. The results from surveys, quizzes, and exam scores from the Food Analysis course show a successful implementation in the classroom: no significant difference in the average midterm exam scores was observed between the TBL and lecture formats (p ≤ 0.05), indicating that TBL maintained performance on midterm exams, students reported being engaged in the course, and the deliberately designed group work encouraged students to prepare for class and participate in the activities. The students also reported that they were able to recall information better, and that the effectiveness of TBL activities helped them strengthen concepts. In conclusion, the results suggest that TBL is beneficial for students in food analysis, and that implementation in additional food science courses could help improve student learning.
Diagnostic tools used for melanoma: A survey of Australian general practitioners and dermatologists
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer , Ting Sarajane , Paul Eldho , Smith Andrea L , Watts Caroline G , Kelly John , Cust Anne E , Mar Victoria
Published: April 2021

Background/Objective

Diagnostic tools such as dermoscopy, sequential digital dermoscopy imaging (SDDI), total body photography (TBP) and automated diagnostic tools are available to assist in early melanoma diagnosis. The use, accessibility and barriers of dermoscopy have been well studied; however, there are few similar studies regarding SDDI, TBP and automated diagnostic tools. We aim to understand the use of these diagnostic aids amongst Australian general practitioners (GPs) and dermatologists.

Methods

Between June 2019 and January 2020, GPs and dermatologists across Australia were invited to participate in an online survey. Surveys were distributed through GP and dermatology organisations.

Results

A total of 227 survey responses were received, 175 from GPs and 52 from dermatologists. Amongst GPs, 44.6% worked in a skin cancer clinic. Dermoscopy was used at least occasionally by 98.9% of all GPs. SDDI was used by 93.6% of skin cancer GPs, 80.8% of dermatologists and 45.3% of generalist GPs. TBP was used or recommended by 77.1% of generalist GPs, 82.3% of skin cancer GPs and 86.5% of dermatologists. The most common barriers to the use of TBP were cost, limited accessibility, poor patient compliance, and time required for both patients and doctors. Very few clinicians reported using automated diagnostic tools. There was an interest in future diagnostic aids for melanoma in 88% of GPs and dermatologists.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy, SDDI and TBP were commonly used by responding Australian skin cancer GPs and dermatologists in this survey. Automated diagnostic tools were not reported to be used routinely. Several barriers were identified for use of TBP.
Pattern and burden of opioid‐related hospitalizations in the USA from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Bedi Prabhjot , Rai Manoj P. , Bumrah Karandeep , Singh Vikas K. , Arora Tanureet K. , Singh Tanveer
Published: April 2021

Aims

The current opioid crisis in the USA is a formidable challenge for the healthcare system, and the general population. Our objective is to characterize the burden of opioid‐related disorders in an inpatient setting in the USA for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of the NIS was performed to identify and analyse hospitalizations with an opioid‐related diagnosis in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Descriptive statistics and regression models were utilized to define the demographics of the population of interest and measure the outcomes.

Results

We identified 962 900 discharges with opioid‐related diagnosis in 2016, 982 710 in 2017 and 942 110 in 2018. The majority were age <60 years, were found in residents of low‐income zip codes and covered by Medicaid. The adjusted mean total hospitalization cost trended up from $12 828 (95% confidence interval [CI] 12 547–13 108) in 2016, to $13164.9 (95% CI 12 872.47–13 457.34) in 2017 and then to $13 626.65 (95% CI 13 325.95–13 927.34) in 2018. The adjusted mortality was highest in 2016; 2.26% (95% CI 2.16–2.35) and it trended down to 1.97% (95% CI 1.88–2.05) in 2017, and to 1.89% (95% CI 1.81–1.98) in 2018.

Conclusions

Opioid‐related disorders cause a significant number of hospitalizations in the USA. A large proportion of these patients are age <60 years, have lower household income, and are covered by Medicaid. Programmes directed towards this specific group can help reduce the overall burden of hospitalizations.
Pairwise likelihood estimation for confirmatory factor analysis models with categorical variables and data that are missing at random
Authors: Katsikatsou Myrsini , Moustaki Irini , Jamil Haziq
Published: April 2021

Methods for the treatment of item non‐response in attitudinal scales and in large‐scale assessments under the pairwise likelihood (PL) estimation framework and under a missing at random (MAR) mechanism are proposed. Under a full information likelihood estimation framework and MAR, ignorability of the missing data mechanism does not lead to biased estimates. However, this is not the case for pseudo‐likelihood approaches such as the PL. We develop and study the performance of three strategies for incorporating missing values into confirmatory factor analysis under the PL framework, the complete‐pairs (CP), the available‐cases (AC) and the doubly robust (DR) approaches. The CP and AC require only a model for the observed data and standard errors are easy to compute. Doubly‐robust versions of the PL estimation require a predictive model for the missing responses given the observed ones and are computationally more demanding than the AC and CP. A simulation study is used to compare the proposed methods. The proposed methods are employed to analyze the UK data on numeracy and literacy collected as part of the OECD Survey of Adult Skills.
Exploring history in the social ecology of care leaving: Northern Ireland as illustration
Authors: Pinkerton John
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to promote thinking about care leave leaving from a historical perspective. It suggests that Bronfenbrenner's social ecological modelling of human development provides a promising conceptual framework for doing that. It not only provides a micro to macro layered systemic perspective but also draws attention to the ‘chronosystem’, covering both biographical and historical changes. The potential use of the historical dimension to Bronfenbrenner's modelling will be illustrated by considering the development of care leaving within Northern Ireland over a 50‐year period (1968–2018). Reflecting the historical trajectory of recent political conflict in this UK jurisdiction, the dynamics of the chronosystem of care leaving within two periods will be described and discussed: the ‘Troubles’ (1968–1998) and ‘Post Conflict’ (1998–2018). It will be concluded that there is a need for further work of this type because acknowledging history in this way as part of social ecology provides a deeper understanding of the systemic dynamics of care leaving.
Leaving care in Norway in a historic and current perspective: As a function of the Nordic welfare model
Authors: Storø Jan
Published: April 2021

Care leavers need support in the transition to adulthood. Care leavers in Norway benefit from the universalistic and somewhat generous Nordic welfare model. However, this model is constructed to meet general needs identified in the whole population. More specific needs in smaller groups may not be so well planned for. The article discusses this dilemma in the light of two previously published articles by the author and two co‐authors, where the topics are the history of leaving care support in Norway and how the Nordic welfare model may represent a problematic frame for leaving care support. The ‘parental functions’ of child welfare and social services are discussed and so is the connection between the welfare model's ability to cover up for the needs of the many versus the few and vulnerable.
COVID‐19 and Canadian farmland markets in 2020
Authors: Lawley Chad
Published: April 2021

Early evidence suggests that Canadian farmland values increased in 2020. Farming returns were not negatively impacted by COVID‐19 and it appears as though farming returns will be strong into 2021. Low interest rates in 2020 contributed to substantial farmland value increases in the last half of 2020. There is some evidence that the development component of farmland values increased in 2020. The future consequences of COVID‐19 on farmland values are unclear. Some economists suggest that future inflationary risks have increased. A return to inflation rates comparable to those experienced in the 1970s is unlikely, but if increased inflation does materialize it will put upward pressure on farmland values, while increases in nominal and real interest rates will push farmland values down.
Effects of self‐control, drug‐use peers and family attachment on drug use among Chinese users: A gender‐specific analysis
Authors: Zhang Serena Yunran , Demant Jakob
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The increasing trend of synthetic drug use has been a significant concern in China. The current research adopted a gendered perspective to examine the effects of self‐control, drug‐use peers and family attachment on drug use frequency in China.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey research recruited 785 people who used drugs from four compulsory drug rehabilitation institutions in Guangdong and Shandong Province of China in 2018. Ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted to examine the gendered effects of self‐control (Grasmick et al.'s cognitive scale), drug‐use peers and family attachment on drug use frequency.

Results

Low self‐control was neither a significant nor gendered predictor of drug use frequency when controlling for effects of drug‐use peers and family attachment. Drug‐use peers strongly increased participants' drug use frequency, regardless of gender. However, an important finding is that for males, support from families reduced drug use frequency but conversely meeting and contact with families increased drug use frequency. For females, only trust in families prevented their further involvement in drug use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Low self‐control may not be a core explanatory factor for drug use behaviours in China. Thus, treatment programs should focus more on skills building than self‐control. Future programs could focus more on reducing association with their drug‐use peers and further explore the complex relationships with their families. Gender should be considered in treatment options.
Im Zusammenhang mit COVID‐19‐Infektionen beschriebene Hautmanifestationen
Authors: Tomsitz Dirk , Biedermann Tilo , Brockow Knut
Published: April 2021

Die Prävalenz aller kutanen Manifestationen, die direkt mit einer COVID‐19‐Infektion assoziiert sind, ist unbekannt. Allerdings steigt die Anzahl der entsprechenden Berichte schnell an und unser vorläufiges Wissen entwickelt sich rasch weiter. Die gemeldeten Hautmanifestationen lassen sich in zwei Gruppen einteilen: (1) Hautveränderungen, die unspezifisch auf eine mögliche infektiöse Erkrankung hinweisen, speziell makulopapulöses Exanthem, Urtikaria und Erythema multiforme, und (2) Hautveränderungen, die spezifischer auf eine COVID‐19‐Infektion hindeuten, insbesondere windpockenartige Läsionen, Livedo reticularis oder Frostbeulen‐artige Läsionen. Letztere scheinen mit thromboembolischen Ereignissen und vaskulären Veränderungen in Zusammenhang zu stehen.
Nicht‐alkoholische Fettlebererkrankung und Psoriasis – besteht ein gemeinsames proinflammatorisches Netzwerk?
Authors: Heitmann Johanna , Frings Verena G. , Geier Andreas , Goebeler Matthias , Kerstan Andreas
Published: April 2021

Die Psoriasis ist eine multifaktoriell bedingte immunvermittelte Krankheit, die nicht nur die Haut betrifft, sondern häufig mit Psoriasisarthritis, kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen und metabolischem Syndrom mit Adipositas und Diabetes mellitus assoziiert ist. Neuerdings rückt auch die nichtalkoholische Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD) in den Fokus, die bei bis zu 50 % der Patienten mit Psoriasis auftritt. Sie ist definiert durch eine Leberverfettung, deren Ursache nicht auf übermäßigen Alkoholkonsum zurückzuführen ist. Die NAFLD hat sich mit einer Prävalenz von circa 25 % in den Industrienationen zur häufigsten Ursache einer chronischen Lebererkrankung entwickelt und umfasst neben der blanden Fettlebererkrankung die nichtalkoholische Steatohepatitis (NASH), welche durch eine Entzündung mit hepatozellulärer Apoptose und konsekutiver Leberfibrose charakterisiert ist. Unklar ist bislang, ob die psoriatische Systementzündung oder gemeinsame Begleiterkrankungen (Komorbidität) wie Adipositas zur Entstehung der NAFLD beitragen. Studienergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass systemisch wirksame proinflammatorische Zytokine wie TNFα, Interleukin (IL)‐6 und ‐17 die Verbindung zwischen Psoriasis und NAFLD herstellen könnten. Legt man eine IL‐17‐vermittelte Entzündung zugrunde, könnte die IL‐17‐Blockade, die für die Psoriasis gut etabliert ist, eine Therapieoption für beide Erkrankungen darstellen. Die frühzeitige Erkennung einer NAFLD sowie ein besseres Verständnis ihrer Pathophysiologie im Kontext des entzündlichen Netzwerks der psoriatischen Systemerkrankung ist somit auch hinsichtlich individualisierter Therapieansätze bedeutsam.
Correlating Bedrock Folds to Higher Rates of Arsenic Detection in Groundwater, SoutheastWisconsin,USA
Authors: Stewart Eric D. , Stewart Esther K. , Bradbury Kenneth R. , Fitzpatrick William
Published: April 2021

Arsenic in private drinking water wells is a significant problem across much of eastern Wisconsin, USA. The release mechanism and stratigraphic distribution of sulfide and iron (hydr)oxide sources of arsenic in bedrock aquifers are well understood for northeastern Wisconsin. However, recent geologic mapping has identified numerous small bedrock folds to the south, and the impact of these geologic structures on local groundwater flow and well contamination has been little studied. This paper examines the hydrologic and structural effects of the Beaver Dam anticline, southeast Wisconsin, on arsenic in groundwater in the region. Multivariate logistic regression shows wells near the Beaver Dam anticline are statistically more likely to detect arsenic in groundwater compared to wells farther away. Structural and hydrologic changes related to folding are interpreted to be the cause. Core drilled near the fold axis is heavily fractured, and many fractures are filled with sulfides. Elevated hydraulic conductivity estimates are also recorded near the fold axis, which may reflect a higher concentration of vertical fractures. These structural and hydrologic changes may have led to systematic changes in the distribution and concentration of arsenic‐bearing mineral hosts, resulting in the observed detection pattern. For areas with similar underlying geology, this approach may improve prediction of arsenic risk down to the local level.
In utero and peripartum antiretroviral exposure as predictor of cognition in 6‐ to 10‐year‐old HIV‐exposed Ugandan children – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ezeamama AE , Zalwango SK , Sikorskii A , Tuke R , Musoke PM , Giordani B , Boivin MJ
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To quantify association between in utero/peripartum antiretroviral (IPA) exposure and cognition, i.e. executive function (EF) and socioemotional adjustment (SEA), in school‐aged Ugandan children who were perinatally HIV‐infected (CPHIV, n = 100) and children who were HIV‐exposed but uninfected (CHEU, n = 101).

Methods

Children were enrolled at age 6–10 years and followed for 12 months from March 2017 to December 2018. Caregiver‐reported child EF and SEA competencies were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. IPA type – combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), intrapartum single‐dose nevirapine ± zidovudine (sdNVP ± ZDV), nevirapine + zidovudine + lamivudine (sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC) – or no IPA (reference) was verified via medical records. IPA‐related standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in cognitive competencies were estimated from regression models with adjustment for caregiver sociodemographic and contextual factors. Models were fitted separately for CPHIV and CHEU.

Results

Among CPHIV children, cART (SMD = −0.82, 95% CI: −1.37 to −0.28) and sdNVP ± ZDV (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.81 to −0.00) vs. no IPA predicted lower executive dysfunction over 12 months. Intrapartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC vs. no IPA predicted executive dysfunction (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.30–1.31), SEA problems (SMD = 0.63–0.76, 95% CI: 0.00–1.24) and lower adaptive skills (SMD = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.75–0.02) over 12 months among CHEU. Further adjustment for contextual factors attenuated associations, although most remained of moderate clinical importance (|SMD| > 0.33).

Conclusions

Among CPHIV children, cART and sdNVP ± ZDV IPA exposure predicted, on average, lower executive dysfunction 6–10 years later. However, peripartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC predicted executive and SEA dysfunction among CHEU 6–10 years later. These data underscore the need for more research into long‐term effects of in utero ART to inform development of appropriate interventions so as to mitigate cognitive sequelae.
Phylogeographic history of Japanese macaques
Authors: Ito Tsuyoshi , Hayakawa Takashi , Suzuki–Hashido Nami , Hamada Yuzuru , Kurihara Yosuke , Hanya Goro , Kaneko Akihisa , Natsume Takayoshi , Aisu Seitaro , Honda Takeaki , Yachimori Syuji , Anezaki Tomoko , Omi Toshinori , Hayama Shin‐ichi , Tanaka Mikiko , Wakamori Hikaru , Imai Hiroo , Kawamoto Yoshi
Published: April 2021

Aim

Understanding patterns and processes of geographic genetic variation within and among closely related species is the essence of phylogeography. Japanese macaques, also called snow monkeys, have been extensively studied, particularly in the fields of sociobiology, ecology and experimental biology; however, our knowledge of their evolutionary history is relatively limited. In this study we aimed to elucidate the geographic patterns of genetic variation in Japanese macaques and the processes that underlie them.

Location

Japan.

Taxa

Japanese macaque, Macaca fuscata; rhesus macaque, M. mulatta; Taiwanese macaque, M. cyclopis.

Methods

Double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to identify genome‐wide single nucleotide variants. We used fineRADstructure, ADMIXTURE and principal component analyses to estimate the genetic population structure. Phylogenetic relationships were then inferred based on neighbour‐net, neighbour‐joining, maximum likelihood and SVDquartets algorithms. We assessed gene flow using demographic inference and ABBA‐BABA tests, and estimated past distributions during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) using ecological niche modelling.

Results

Japanese macaques show a sister group relationship with a clade comprising Chinese rhesus, Indian rhesus and Taiwanese macaques. Japanese macaques comprise major north‐eastern and south‐western clades, with a boundary located near central Japan, and gene flow between the north‐eastern and south‐western lineages was detected. Refugia during the LGM were estimated to be distributed in limited areas along the south coasts of the Japanese archipelago.

Main conclusions

Phylogeographic variation of Japanese macaques is likely due mainly to northeast–southwest divergence, which resulted from withdrawal into refugia during the glacial period, and subsequent gene flow.
Effects of temperature and relative humidity on mating and survival of sterileDrosophila suzukii
Authors: Krüger Alexandra P. , Vieira Júlia G. A. , Scheunemann Tiago , Nava Dori E. , Garcia Flávio R. M.
Published: April 2021

Drosophila suzukii(Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a widely distributed pest species of soft‐skinned fruits. Recent studies suggest the use of sterile insect technique (SIT) as a control method for this species; however, many factors can impact effectiveness of a SIT programme, including the environmental conditions. Environmental condition is critical at the time of the release and in the days afterwards, since it may impact sterile insects’ survival and ability to mate. Thus, we verified the influence of temperature and relative humidity on mating and survival of fertile and sterileD. suzukii, when insects were food provided or deprived. Highest mating rates occurred when sterile or fertile flies provided with food were exposed to 25ºC or 81%–100% relative humidity, while temperatures of 10 and 35ºC and humidity below 60% impaired mating. Overall, mating rate among food‐deprived flies was low in all temperatures and humidity levels tested, but fertile insects were more prone to mate when compared to sterile flies. Survival was negatively influenced by high temperatures, low relative humidity and food deprivation. The information present in this study is useful to be considered for release of sterileD. suzukii.
Development of a semi‐quantitative PCR assay for the detection of Francisella halioticida and its application to field samples
Authors: Charles Maud , Quesnelle Yann , Glais Guillaume , Trancart Suzanne , Houssin Maryline
Published: April 2021

The current study describes the development and application of a TaqMan® real‐time PCR assay for the detection of the bacterium Francisella halioticida. Previously, detection of F. halioticida is relied on bacterial culture and conventional PCR; however, the real‐time PCR provides many advantages because it is faster, less labour‐intensive and reduces the risk of cross‐contamination. DNA samples from mussels collected in April 2020 from seven sites in northern Brittany (France) were tested using the newly developed real‐time PCR assay. The objective was to screen for the presence of F. halioticida during spring mortality events. The bacterium was detected in 71.4% of the samples tested and was present at all sites except for Saint‐Brieuc and Mont‐Saint‐Michel, two sites which were not concerned by mortality at the time of sampling. Less than a month later, Saint‐Brieuc was affected by unusual mortalities and F. halioticida was detected in almost all mussels (81.25%). The findings from this study provide further evidence indicating that F. halioticida may be contributing to mussel mortalities; however, a direct causal relationship has not yet been established. The real‐time PCR assay developed in this study allows for rapid, specific and sensitive detection of F. halioticida which should prove useful for future studies concerning the involvement of this bacterium with shellfish mortalities.
Quality of nutritional care provided to patients who develop hospital acquired malnutrition: A study across five Australian public hospitals
Authors: Palmer Michelle , Hill Jan , Hosking Breanne , Naumann Fiona , Stoney Rachel , Ross Lynda , Woodward Talia , Josephson Christine
Published: April 2021

Background

Little is known about the nutritional care provided to patients who develop hospital acquired malnutrition (HAM). The present study aimed to describe the quality of nutritional care provided to patients who developed HAM and determine whether this differed by length of stay (LOS).

Methods

A retrospective medical records audit was conducted on adults with LOS > 14 days across five Australian public hospitals from July 2015 to January 2019 who were clinically assessed to have HAM. Descriptors and nutrition‐related care data were sourced. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Chi‐squared andt‐tests were used to compare patient data by LOS ≤ or > 50 days.

Results

Eligible patients (n = 208) were 64% male, with median (range) LOS of 51 (15–354) days, body mass index = 26.8 ± 6.2 kg m−2and mean ± SD age of 65 ± 17 years. Malnutrition screening was first completed a median (range) of 0 (0–31) days after admission, with weekly screening conducted on 29% of patients. Mean (range) time to initial dietitian assessment was 9 (0–87) days and 27 (2–173) days until malnutrition diagnosis. Thirty‐seven percent of patients were weighed within 24 h of a dietitian requesting it, and 51% had fluid retention that may have masked further weight loss. Most (91%) patients consumed < 80% of nutrition requirements for > 2 weeks. However, 54% did not receive additional nutrition support (e.g., enteral nutrition), which was not considered by the dietitian in 28% (n = 31/112) of these patients. Only 40% consumed adequate intake prior to discharge. Those with LOS > 50 days (50%,n = 104/208) took 24 days longer to be diagnosed with malnutrition and lost 2.4 kg more body weight during admission (p < 0.010).

Conclusions

Opportunities exist to optimise nutritional care to facilitate the prevention and management of hospital acquired malnutrition in long‐stay patients.
The impact of forecasting cash flows on enhancing analysts’ own earnings forecasts: International evidence and the effect of IFRS adoption
Authors: Wang Changjiang , Yu Minna
Published: April 2021

Using a large international sample from 1995 to 2018, we find that individual analysts’ earnings forecasts accompanied with cash flow forecasts are more accurate than those not accompanied with cash flow forecasts, suggesting that the findings for the United States in Call et al. (2009) apply to other countries. In addition, using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that the positive association between cash flow forecast provisions and earnings forecast accuracy is weakened after mandatory IFRS adoption. Furthermore, we find that the reduced usefulness of forecasting cash flow for analysts’ own earnings prediction after mandatory IFRS adoption is more pronounced in countries with a common law origin and strong legal enforcement as opposed to countries with a code law origin and weak legal enforcement.
HY5 regulates light‐responsive transcription of microRNA163 to promote primary root elongation in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Li Tao , Lian Hongmei , Li Haojie , Xu Yufang , Zhang Huiyong
Published: April 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plants. Many miRNAs are responsive to environmental signals. Light is the first environmental signal perceived by plants after emergence from the soil. However, less is known about the roles and regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in response to light signal. Here, using small RNA sequencing, we determined that miR163 is significantly rapidly induced by light signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. The light‐inducible response of miR163 functions genetically downstream of LONG HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a central positive regulator of photomorphogenesis. HY5 directly binds to the two G/C‐hybrid elements in the miR163 promoter with unequal affinity; one of these elements, which is located next to the transcription start site, plays a major role in light‐induced expression of miR163. Overexpression of miR163 rescued the defective primary root elongation of hy5 seedlings without affecting lateral root growth, whereas overexpressing of miR163 target PXMT1 inhibited primary root elongation. These findings provide insight into understanding the post‐transcriptional regulation of root photomorphogenesis mediated by the HY5‐miR163‐PXMT1 network.
The positive psychology constructs of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Turkey
Authors: Meral B. F. , Wehmeyer M. L. , Cinisli N. A. , Yilmaz E.
Published: April 2021

Background

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine positive psychology constructs (life orientation/optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, psychological well‐being and personal well‐being) that may predict the family quality of life (FQOL) of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Turkey.

Methods

Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 660 parents of children with IDD who responded to six assessments, including a measure of FQOL. An analysis using stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify predictors of FQOL as rated by parents.

Results

The four constructs including personal well‐being, psychological well‐being, life orientation (optimism) and life satisfaction significantly explained 60% of the total variance of FQOL. The amount of explained variance, beta scores and correlations suggests that these positive psychology constructs are significant predictors of FQOL of parents of children with IDD in Turkey.

Conclusion

The study findings suggested that positive psychological constructs at the individual level were positively related to FQOL at the group level. Personal well‐being was the strongest predictor of FOQL of parents who have children with IDD in Turkey. The results also indicated that other constructs including psychological well‐being, an optimistic life orientation and life satisfaction contribute significantly to the FQOL of parents of children with IDD.
Insulin and endocannabinoids in the mesolimbic system
Authors: Sallam Nada A. , Borgland Stephanie L.
Published: April 2021

Easy access to palatable food and an abundance of food‐related cues exacerbate non‐homeostatic feeding. The metabolic and economical sequelae of non‐homeostatic feeding outweigh those of homeostatic feeding and contribute significantly to the global obesity pandemic. The mesolimbic dopamine system is the primary central circuit that governs the motivation to consume food. Insulin and endocannabinoids (eCBs) are two major, presumably opposing, players in regulating homeostatic and non‐homeostatic feeding centrally and peripherally. Insulin is generally regarded as a postprandial satiety signal, whereas eCBs mainly function as pre‐prandial orexinergic signals. In this review, we discuss the effects of insulin and eCB‐mediated actions within the mesolimbic pathways. We propose that insulin and eCBs have regional‐ and time course‐dependent roles. We discuss their mechanisms of actions in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens, as well as how their mechanisms converge to finely tune dopaminergic activity and food intake.