bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and application of an efficient recombineering system for Burkholderia glumae and Burkholderia plantarii
Authors: Li Ruijuan , Shi Hongbo , Zhao Xiaoyu , Liu Xianqi , Duan Qiong , Song Chaoyi , Chen Hanna , Zheng Wentao , Shen Qiyao , Wang Maoqin , Wang Xue , Gong Kai , Yin Jia , Zhang Youming , Li Aiying , Fu Jun
Published: July 2021

The lambda phage Red proteins Redα/Redβ/Redγ and Rac prophage RecE/RecT proteins are powerful tools for precise and efficient genetic manipulation but have been limited to only a few prokaryotes. Here, we report the development and application of a new recombineering system for Burkholderia glumae and Burkholderia plantarii based on three Rac bacteriophage RecET‐like operons, RecETheBDU8, RecEThTJI49 and RecETh1h2eYI23, which were obtained from three different Burkholderia species. Recombineering experiments indicated that RecEThTJI49 and RecETh1h2eYI23 showed higher recombination efficiency compared to RecETheBDU8 in Burkholderia glumae PG1. Furthermore, all of the proteins currently categorized as hypothetical proteins in RecETh1h2eYI23, RecEThTJI49 and RecETheBDU8 may have a positive effect on recombination in B. glumae PG1 except for the h2 protein in RecETh1h2eYI23. Additionally, RecETYI23 combined with exonuclease inhibitors Pluγ or Redγ exhibited equivalent recombination efficiency compared to Redγβα in Escherichia coli, providing potential opportunity of recombineering in other Gram‐negative bacteria for its loose host specificity. Using recombinase‐assisted in situ insertion of promoters, we successfully activated three cryptic non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase biosynthetic gene clusters in Burkholderia strains, resulting in the generation of a series of lipopeptides that were further purified and characterized. Compound 7 exhibited significant potential anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. This recombineering system may greatly enhance functional genome research and the mining of novel natural products in the other species of the genus Burkholderia after optimization of a protocol.
Frequency of root fenestration in a Greek subpopulation: A cone beam computed tomography clinical study
Authors: Kalaitzoglou Maria‐Elpida , Angelopoulos Christos , Lyroudia Kleoniki , Lambrianidis Theodoros
Published: July 2021

This cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study aimed to assess the root fenestration (RF) frequency in healthy, intact teeth and analyse their features in a Greek subpopulation. 432 CBCT scans were examined. 5486 teeth were evaluated for RF prevalence. RF prevalence and distribution were recorded for each jaw, tooth group, as well as patient age and sex. RF symmetry, distribution to the affected root surface and the effects of age and sex were evaluated. The prevalence of RF ranged from 0.57% (central incisors) to 7.18% (first premolars) and from 0.48% (second premolars) to 10.79% (lateral incisors) for the maxilla and the mandible, respectively. No symmetrical occurrence of RF was detected. Most RF patients presented one or two defects in both jaws. Types I and IV were the most prevalent in the maxilla, while Types III, II and V were the most prevalent in the mandible. No statistical difference was detected between different sexes and age groups (P > 0.05).
Hospitalisation for lower respiratory viral infections in older people in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Caughey Gillian E. , Jorissen Robert N. , Lang Catherine , Wesselingh Steve L. , Inacio Maria C.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To quantify incidence, trends and outcomes associated with lower respiratory viral infection (LRVI) hospitalisations in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Methods

A population‐based cohort study of residents in RACFs aged ≥65 years from New South Wales (NSW), South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC) using data from the Registry of Senior Australians (2013‐2016) was conducted. Age‐ and sex‐standardised monthly and yearly LRVI hospitalisation incidences were calculated, and time trends and risk factors were assessed.

Results

Of 268 657 residents included over the study period, 12% had ≥1 LRVI hospitalisation. Average annual incidence/1000 residents was 7.1 [6.9‐7.2] in 2013, increasing to 7.8 [7.7‐8.1] in 2016. Males, increasing co‐morbidity, presence of CHF, respiratory disease and hypertension had a higher incidence of LRVI hospitalisation. In‐hospital mortality was 14%. Within 30 days following discharge, 15% died and 8% were readmitted.

Conclusions

Prior to COVID‐19, incidence of hospitalisation for LRVI in Australia's residential aged care population was increasing and was associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Queensland's Role in the 2019 Australian Federal Election: A case study of regional difference
Authors: Williams Paul D.
Published: July 2021

This article explores the role of Queensland voters in the 2019 Australian federal election. The article identifies five key elements of a Queensland political culture before offering evidence that the Liberal‐National Coalition's exceedingly strong performance in Queensland in 2019 was not a single aberration, but one of a long and continuing pattern of electoral nonconformity. The article also argues Queensland's complex regional diversity necessitates analysis across not one or two constituencies but via six geographically, economically and demographically diverse regions. Third, the article argues the unexpectedly large swing against the Australian Labor Party in Queensland in 2019 was fuelled, overwhelmingly, by five factors, each consistent with the five core elements of a Queensland political culture.
“Money is Not the Problem”: The Slow Financialisation of Kenya’s Water Sector
Authors: Williams Joe
Published: July 2021

This paper analyses the “arduous and contingent” process of creating the “preconditions” for financialised forms of development in urban Kenya. Building on a growing critical literature on how finance is shaping development in the global South, the paper traces the more‐or‐less concerted effort of an array of actors and intermediaries to create a functioning market for urban water services. Such efforts, which are justified through appeals to a “finance gap” are an attempt to connect capital seeking profitable investment opportunities with a sector long starved of funding. The pursuit of financialised models of water provision, however, is deepening the gulf between service areas that are deemed profitable (or potentially profitable) and those that are not. The paper argues that it is not lack of money, but an emerging system of water service provision which prioritises commercial principles and value extraction, that shapes where investment does (and crucially) does not flow.
Effect of renal function on the risk of thrombocytopaenia in patients receiving linezolid therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Changcheng , Xia Junbo , Ye Jian , Xie Yaping , Jin Weizhong , Zhang Wei , Wang Liusheng , Ding Xuping , Lin Nengming , Wang Limin
Published: July 2021

Aims

The association of renal function and linezolid‐induced thrombocytopaenia (LIT) remains controversial. We performed a meta‐analysis to determine whether impaired renal function is associated with an increased LIT risk.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2021 for eligible studies evaluating the relationship between renal function and LIT. Indicators of renal function included renal impairment (RI), severe RI, haemodialysis status, creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Unadjusted and adjusted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated separately using a random‐effect model.

Results

A total of 24 studies with 3580 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. RI patients had an increased LIT risk compared to non‐RI patients in both the unadjusted (OR 3.54; 95% CI 2.27, 5.54; I2 = 77.7%) and adjusted analyses (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.82, 3.45; I2 = 17.9%). This association persisted in the subset of studies involving only patients receiving a fixed conventional dose (600 mg every 12 h) and other subgroup analyses by ethnicity, sample size and study quality. Moreover, the LIT risk was significantly higher in patients with severe RI and haemodialysis than in patients without severe RI and haemodialysis. The eGFR and Ccr were significantly lower in LIT patients than in non‐LIT patients.

Conclusions

Impaired renal function is associated with an increased risk of LIT. A reduced linezolid dose may be considered in RI patients at a low risk of treatment failure, ideally guided by therapeutic drug monitoring.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling of treprostinil after intravenous injection and extended‐release oral tablet administration in healthy volunteers: An extrapolation to other patient populations including patients with hepatic impairment
Authors: Wu Xuemei , Zhang Xiaohan , Xu Ruichao , Shaik Imam Hussain , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: July 2021

Aims

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure, resulting in right ventricular overload, right heart failure and eventually death. Treprostinil is a prostacyclin analogue that is used in the treatment of PAH. As an orphan drug, limited information is available regarding its disposition and its use in special populations such as elderly, paediatric and pregnant patients. The objective of the current study was to develop a robust physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for treprostinil intravenous injection and extended‐release tablet as the first step to optimize treprostinil pharmacotherapy in patients.

Methods

PBPK model was built using Simcyp simulator which integrated physicochemical properties, observed or predicted parameters for drug absorption, distribution and elimination for treprostinil, and population specific physiological characteristics. Three clinical trials after intravenous infusion and nine studies after oral administration of treprostinil extended‐release tablet in healthy volunteers were used to develop and validate the model. The simulated PK profiles were compared with the observed data. Extrapolation of the model to patient populations including patients with hepatic impairment was conducted to validate the predictions.

Results

Most of the observed data were within the 5th and 95th percentile interval of the prediction. Most of the percentage error in the PK parameters were within ±50% of the corresponding observed parameters. The developed model predicted the lung exposure of treprostinil to be approximately 0.17 times of concentration in plasma.

Conclusion

Predicted absorption, distribution, and metabolic enzyme kinetics gave an insight into the disposition of treprostinil in humans. Extrapolation of the established model to patient populations with hepatic impairment successfully documented the model reliability. The developed model has the potential to be used in the PK predictions in other special patient populations with different demographic, physiological and pathological characteristics.
Varying‐coefficient regression analysis for pooled biomonitoring
Authors: Wang Dewei , Mou Xichen , Liu Yan
Published: July 2021

Human biomonitoring involves measuring the accumulation of contaminants in biological specimens (such as blood or urine) to assess individuals' exposure to environmental contamination. Due to the expensive cost of a single assay, the method of pooling has become increasingly common in environmental studies. The implementation of pooling starts by physically mixing specimens into pools, and then measures pooled specimens for the concentration of contaminants. An important task is to reconstruct individual‐level statistical characteristics based on pooled measurements. In this article, we propose to use the varying‐coefficient regression model for individual‐level biomonitoring and provide methods to estimate the varying coefficients based on different types of pooled data. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are presented. We illustrate our methodology via simulation and with application to pooled biomonitoring of a brominated flame retardant provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Causal mediation of semicompeting risks
Authors: Huang Yen‐Tsung
Published: July 2021

The semi‐competing risks problem arises when one is interested in the effect of an exposure or treatment on both intermediate (e.g., having cancer) and primary events (e.g., death) where the intermediate event may be censored by the primary event, but not vice versa. Here we propose a nonparametric approach casting the semi‐competing risks problem in the framework of causal mediation modeling. We set up a mediation model with the intermediate and primary events, respectively as the mediator and the outcome, and define an indirect effect as the effect of the exposure on the primary event mediated by the intermediate event and a direct effect as that not mediated by the intermediate event. A nonparametric estimator with time‐varying weights is proposed for direct and indirect effects where the counting process at timetof the primary event and its compensator are both defined conditional on the status of the intermediate event right beforet, . We show that is a zero‐mean martingale. Based on this, we further establish theoretical properties for the proposed estimators. Simulation studies are presented to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed method. Its advantage in causal interpretation over existing methods is also demonstrated in a hepatitis study.
Haematologic responses and survival do not significantly decrease with subsequent lines of therapy in systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: results from an analysis of real‐world longitudinal data
Authors: Ravichandran Sriram , Cohen Oliver C. , Law Steven , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Mahmood Shameem , Foard Darren , Fontana Marianna , Martinez‐Naharro Ana , Whelan Carol , Gillmore Julian D. , Lachmann Helen J. , Hawkins Philip N. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D.
Published: July 2021

Systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) is an incurable disorder, and the natural history is incompletely understood. In this study, we describe its natural history based on an analysis of real‐world longitudinal data. All patients seen at the National Amyloidosis Centre, UK, between February 2010 and August 2019 and treated with up‐front bortezomib are included. In all, 1 276 patients received the first‐line treatment; 259, 85, and 32 patients received second, third, and fourth treatment lines, respectively. Among patients requiring further treatment after the first line, 77·2% started the second line within two years of the first line; 50·5%, 50·6%, 40·1% and 40·6% of patients had achieved at least very good partial response after the first, second, third and fourth treatment lines. Median overall survival (OS) from first, second, third and fourth lines was 45 months, 56 months, 37 months and not reached, respectively (P = 0·109). In summary, although relapses occur in AL amyloidosis, the outcomes and responses do not worsen with each subsequent relapse, making it attractive to design therapeutics with curative intent.
Dasatinib dose optimisation based on therapeutic drug monitoring reduces pleural effusion rates in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Rousselot Philippe , Mollica Luigina , Guilhot Joëlle , Guerci Agnès , Nicolini Franck E. , Etienne Gabriel , Legros Laurence , Charbonnier Aude , Coiteux Valérie , Dartigeas Caroline , Escoffre‐Barbe Martine , Roy Lydia , Cony-Makhoul Pascale , Dubruille Viviane , Gardembas Martine , Huguet Françoise , Réa Delphine , Cayssials Emilie , Guilhot François , Bergeron Anne , Molimard Mathieu , Mahon Francois-Xavier , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Busque Lambert , Bouchet Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Dasatinib is a second‐generation BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Dasatinib 100 mg per day is associated with an increased risk of pleural effusion (PlEff). We randomly evaluated whether therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may reduce dasatinib‐associated significant adverse events (AEs) by 12 months (primary endpoint). Eligible patients started dasatinib at 100 mg per day followed by dasatinib (C)min assessment. Patients considered overdosed [(C)min ≥ 3 nmol/l) were randomised between a dose‐reduction strategy (TDM arm) and standard of care (control arm). Out of 287 evaluable patients, 80 patients were randomised. The primary endpoint was not met due to early haematological AEs occurring before effective dose reduction. However, a major reduction in the cumulative incidence of PlEff was observed in the TDM arm compared to the control arm (4% vs. 15%; 11% vs. 35% and 12% vs. 39% at one, two and three years, respectively (P = 0·0094)). Molecular responses were superimposable in all arms. Dasatinib TDM during treatment initiation was feasible and resulted in a significant reduction of the incidence of PlEff in the long run, without impairing molecular responses. (NCT01916785; https://clinicaltrials.gov).
‘Look not at what is contrary to propriety’: A meta‐analytic exploration of the association between religiosity and sensitivity to disgust
Authors: Yu Zhaoliang , Bali Persefoni , Tsikandilakis Myron , Tong Eddie M. W.
Published: July 2021

Previous research has suggested that disgust sensitivity contributes to moral self‐regulation. The relationship between religiosity and disgust sensitivity is frequently explored as a moderator of moral‐regulating ideologies, such as conservative and traditional ideologies. However, religiosity is suggested to differ from these in moral attitudes against social dominance and racial prejudice. Psychological theories, such as the societal moral intuition and the evolved hazard‐perception models, have proposed that there could be reasons to support a distinct relationship between religiosity and disgust sensitivity. These reasons relate to the intuitive pursuit of spiritual purity and the non‐secular transcendental emotional‐reward value of moral behaviour for religious individuals. In the present manuscript, we conducted the first dedicated meta‐analytic review between religiosity and disgust sensitivity. We analysed a summary of forty‐seven experimental outcomes, including 48,971 participants. Our analysis revealed a significant positive association (r = .25) between religiosity and disgust sensitivity. This outcome suggests that sensitivity to disgust could have distinct spiritual purity and moral self‐regulatory response value for religious individuals.
Causes and prevention of kidney stones: separating myth from fact
Authors: Garbens Alaina , Pearle Margaret S.
Published: July 2021

Despite high‐level evidence supporting the use of pharmacotherapy therapy for the prevention of kidney stones, adherence to medications is often poor because of side‐effects, inconvenience and cost. Furthermore, with a desire for more ‘natural’ products, patients seek dietary and herbal remedies over pharmacotherapy. However, patients are often unaware of the potential side‐effects, lack of evidence and cost of these remedies. Therefore, in the present review we examine the evidence for a few of the commonly espoused non‐prescription agents or dietary recommendations that are thought to prevent stone formation, including lemonade, fish oil (omega fatty acids), Phyllanthus niruri and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. While the present review includes only a few of the stone‐modulating recommendations available to the lay community, we focussed on these four due to their prevalent use. Our goal is not to only dispel commonly held notions about stone disease, but also to highlight the lack of high‐level evidence for many commonly utilised treatments.
Recalling the pathology of Parkinson's disease; lacking exact figure of prevalence and genetic evidence in Asia with an alarming outcome: A time to step‐up
Authors: Mahmood Arif , Shah Abid Ali , Umair Muhammad , Wu Yiming , Khan Amjad
Published: July 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common and progressive neurodegenerative disease globally, with major symptoms like bradykinesia, impaired posture, and tremor. Several genetic and environmental factors have been identified but elucidating the main factors have been challenging due to the disease's complex nature. Diagnosis, prognosis, and management of such diseases are challenging and require effective targeted attention in developing countries. Recently, PD is growing rapidly in many crowded Asian countries as an alarming threat with inadequate knowledge of its prevalence, genetic architecture, and geographic distribution. This study gave an in‐depth overview of the prevalence, incidence and genomic/genetics studies published so far in the Asian population. To the best of our knowledge, PD has increased significantly in several Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Israel over the past few years, requiring a greater level of care and attention. Genetic screening of families with PD at national levels and establishing an official database of PD cases are essential to get a comprehensive and conclusive view of the exact prevalence and genetic diversity of PD in the Asian population to properly manage and treat the disease.
COVID‐19: Review of European recommendations and experts’ opinion on dental care. Summary and consensus statements of group 5. The 6th EAO Consensus Conference 2021
Authors: Gurzawska‐Comis Katarzyna , Becker Kathrin , Brunello Giulia , Klinge Björn
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The present work reports the EAO workshop group 5 and consensus plenary discussions and statements based on two reviews summarising European guidelines and experts’ opinion on infection control and prevention (ICP) in dentistry during the pandemic.

Material

Two manuscripts were presented at the 6th EAO Consensus Conference. The first study compared the most recent national guidelines/recommendations of European countries. The second paper was an experts’ opinion‐based survey on application of ICP regulation during the second wave. The outcome of COVID‐19 group discussion was presented to all participants of the consensus to come to an agreement about the consensus statements and clinical recommendation.

Results

The dynamic of the pandemic had an impact on rapidly published and frequently updated national guidelines in Europe. As guidelines were not based on solid evidence, they were supplemented by experts’ opinion on ICP in dentistry. The dental care should be guaranteed during the pandemic; however, in case of suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 disease, the treatment should be postponed if possible. Remote triage and patient‐related measures (i.e., social distancing, hand hygiene and mask wearing) were recommended to be the most efficient to reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. The type of personal protective equipment for dental staff should be adequate to the procedure and infection risk.

Conclusions

Adequate infection control protocols have to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients to minimise the spreading of COVID‐19. We foresee the importance of continuously updating the national dental guidelines, considering the evolution of the pandemic and new scientific evidence becoming available.
Dental care during COVID‐19 pandemic: Follow‐up survey of experts' opinion
Authors: Brunello Giulia , Gurzawska‐Comis Katarzyna , Becker Kathrin , Becker Jürgen , Sivolella Stefano , Schwarz Frank , Klinge Björn
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The purpose of the present survey is to give an update of European experts' opinion on infection control and prevention in dentistry during second wave of pandemic. The secondary aim was to analyze how experts' opinion changed in the light of the new scientific evidence since the first wave.

Material & Methods

An anonymous online 14‐item questionnaire was sent to a total of 27 leading academic experts in Oral (and Maxillofacial) Surgery from different European countries, who had completed a previous survey in April‐May 2020. The questionnaire covered the topics of dental setting safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and patient‐related measures to minimize transmission risk. Data collection took place in November‐February 2020/21.

Results

26 experts participated in the follow‐up survey. The overall transmission risk in dental settings was scored significantly lower compared to the initial survey (p < .05), though the risk associated with aerosol‐generating procedures (AGP) was still considered to be high. Maximum PPE was less frequently recommended for non‐AGP (p < .05), whereas the majority of experts still recommended FFP2/FFP3 masks (80.8%), face shields or goggles (88.5%), gowns (61.5%), and caps (57.7%) for AGP. Most of the experts also found mouth rinse relevant (73.1%) and reported to be using it prior to treatment (76.9%). No uniform opinion was found regarding the relevance of COVID‐19 testing of staff and patients.

Conclusion

With the continuation of dental care provision, transmission risk has been scored lower compared to the first wave of pandemic. However, high risk is still assumed for AGP, and maximum PPE remained advised for the respective treatments.
Summary of European guidelines on infection control and prevention during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Becker Kathrin , Gurzawska‐Comis Katarzyna , Brunello Giulia , Klinge Björn
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The current COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the need for a review of guidelines on infection control and prevention to ensure safe delivery of dental care. However, it is not clear to what extent the rapidly published European guidelines reflect the current evidence and thus provide homogeneous recommendations.

Material & Methods

Guidelines from all European Union countries, Scotland, Switzerland and United Kingdom were retrieved. Information on triage, mouth rinse, personal protective equipment (PPE) for aerosol free/ generating procedures (non‐AGP/AGP) and treatment of potentially infectious patients were summarized and compared with recommendations from international organizations (WHO, ECDC, CDC).

Results

All included countries (30/30) published COVID‐19 guidelines in 2020. All countries recommended triage and to postpone non‐urgent treatment of potentially infectious patients. Hydrogen peroxide (1%–1.5%) was the most frequently recommended antiseptic mouth rinse to reduce viral load (24/30). PPE for non‐AGP treatments included mainly surgical masks (21/30) or FFP2/FFP3/N95 masks (16/30), whereas FFP2/FFP3 masks (25/30) and face shields (24/30) were recommended for AGP by the vast majority of guidelines. For high‐risk/COVID positive patients, most countries recommended maximum protection and treatment in specialized dental clinics (22/30).

Conclusion

There was general agreement among recommendations for triage, mouth rinse, and PPE during AGP and treatment of potentially infectious patients. In contrast, recommendations on PPE for non‐AGP treatment varied considerably among the European countries possibly due to limited scientific evidence regarding transmission risk during non‐AGP treatments.
Wild meat trade over the last 45 years in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Mayor Pedro , El Bizri Hani R. , Morcatty Thais Q. , Moya Kelly , Bendayán Nora , Solis Samantha , Vasconcelos Neto Carlos F. A. , Kirkland Maire , Arevalo Omar , Fang Tula G. , Pérez‐Peña Pedro E. , Bodmer Richard E.
Published: July 2021

The trade in wild meat is an important economic component of rural people's livelihoods, but it has been perceived to be among the main causes of the decline of wildlife species. Recently, the COVID‐19 pandemic has brought to light an additional concern of wildlife markets as a major human‐health challenge. We analyzed data from the largest longitudinal monitoring (1973–2018) of the most important urban wild‐meat markets in Iquitos, Peru, to examine the trends in and impacts of these markets on people's livelihoods. Over the last 45 years, wild meat sales increased at a rate of 6.4 t/year (SD 2.17), paralleling urban population growth. Wild meat sales were highest in 2018 (442 t), contributing US$2.6 million (0.76%) to the regional gross domestic product. Five species of ungulates and rodents accounted for 88.5% of the amount of biomass traded. Vulnerable and Endangered species represented 7.0% and 0.4% of individuals sold, respectively. Despite growth in sales, the contribution of wild meat to overall urban diet was constant: 1–2%/year of total meat consumed. This result was due to greater availability and higher consumption of cheaper meats (e.g., in 2018, poultry was 45.8% cheaper and was the most consumed meat) coupled with the lack of economic incentives to harvest wild meat species in rural areas. Most wild meat was sold salted or smoked, reducing the likelihood of foodborne diseases. Community‐based wildlife management plans and the continued trade bans on primates and threatened taxa may avoid biodiversity loss. Considering the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, future management plans should include potential viral hosts and regulation and enforcement of hygiene practices in wild‐meat markets.
Effect of lymphadenectomy in colorectal cancer with isolated synchronous para‐aortic lymph node metastasis
Authors: Lee Sung Chul , Kim Hee Cheol , Lee Woo Yong , Yun Seong Hyeon , Cho Yong Beom , Huh Jung Wook , Park Yoon Ah , Shin Jung Kyong
Published: July 2021

Aim

There is controversy about the treatment of para‐aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis and usefulness of surgical removal. We investigated the clinical effects of synchronous isolated PALN dissection in patients with this metastasis.

Methods

Patients with colorectal cancer with isolated PALN metastasis were selected between January 2008 and December 2016 at Samsung Medical Center. Patients who were selected for gross‐free PALN dissection were set as the dissection group (DG). Patients who did not undergo PALN dissection or underwent biopsy were set as the non‐dissection group (NDG). The oncological and operative outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 73 patients were recruited. The most clinical and pathological characteristics were not significantly different. The incidence of postoperative complications was also similar. The 5‐year overall survival of DG patients was 33.9%, that of NDG patients was 10.1%, and the survival curves were significantly different (P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis revealed that location of tumour in the left colon rather than in the right colon was a risk factor affecting survival in sub‐analysis.

Conclusion

PALN dissection did not increase postoperative complications and had a better effect on patient survival. It is suggested that lymphadenectomy be performed more aggressively when PALN metastasis is seen in patients with right colon cancer.
Determining clinical cutoff scores for the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile psychological health, physical health and quality of life questions
Authors: Mammen Kristie , Mills Llewellyn , Deacon Rachel M. , Bruno Raimondo , Dunlop Adrian , Holmes Jennifer , Luksza Jennifer , Shakeshaft Anthony , Farrell Michael , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief instrument that measures self‐reported substance use, health, and wellbeing in the previous 28 days for people in alcohol and other drug treatment. Previous studies have established the concurrent validity, inter‐rater, and test–retest reliability of the tool. The current study sought to identify recommended cutoff scores for ATOP items for psychological health, physical health and quality of life that identify clients reporting clinically significant problems warranting further assessment and/or intervention, compared to cutoffs used by ‘gold‐standard’ measures for these domains.

Methods

Clients attending for treatment for problems with opioid (n = 144) or alcohol use (n = 134) completed the ATOP and comparison standardised questionnaires (Kessler‐10, Short Form Survey 12 and the Personal Wellbeing Index) with a researcher. Receiver operating characteristics analysis, along with clinician perspectives, were used to recommend cutoff scores for ATOP items indicative of clinically significant problems.

Results

A cutoff score of 5 or less out of 10 was identified as an optimal pragmatic cutoff for ATOP items relating to psychological health, physical health and quality of life items with regards to balancing sensitivity, specificity, and application in a treatment setting.

Discussion and Conclusions

The recommended clinical cutoffs will support clinicians and treatment services to identify clients who require further assessment and follow up for their psychological health, physical health and quality of life. The current study provides further evidence for the utility of the ATOP for individual clinical review, service planning and research.
Friend and foe? The effects of grassland management on global patterns of spider diversity
Authors: Oyarzabal Guilherme , Guimarães Murilo
Published: July 2021

1. Grassland ecosystems have been used worldwide for food production through pastoral and cropping activities. In these ecosystems, spiders constitute important mesopredators, which are affected by grassland management in opposite ways. Historically, the spider taxonomic diversity has been the main focus in studies of grazing impacts in grassland ecosystems, while the intrinsic variability of traits within spiders have been neglected, which may have led to mistaken conclusions. Our objective is to reanalyse the effects of grazing on spider taxonomic and functional guilds on worldwide grasslands.

2. We conducted a systematic review of the literature from the last 10 years, to assess the influence of grazing on the taxonomic and functional guild diversity of spiders worldwide. Using Generalised Linear Mixed Models, we assessed the effects of grazing pressure and type of herd on abundance, richness of spider species, and guilds.

3. In the taxonomic perspective, we found no evidence of grazing impact on the abundance and richness of spiders. However, in the functional guild perspective, high grazing pressure reduced the diversity of web building spiders and enhanced diversity of ground dwelling spiders. Moreover, pastures containing more than one grazing species enhanced the diversity of ambush spiders.

4. Overall, the functional guild diversity of spiders in grassland ecosystems seems to be more influenced by grazing intensity. Our results suggest that grazing intensity can change the guild composition of the araneofauna in grasslands, with guilds responding differently to grazing.
Computational neuronal correlation with enhanced synchronized activity in the basal ganglia and the slowing of thalamic theta and alpha rhythms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cakir Yuksel
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work is computationally to correlate the synchronized neuronal activity of basal ganglia and slowing in theta and alpha rhythms in electroencephalogram (EEG) signal in thalamic region in case of dopamine depletion and decrease of synaptic connections. The used network topology is a scale‐free network with constant node degree. The dopamine‐modulated type Izikhevich neuron model is used for modeling the striatal region, consisting of fast‐spiking interneurons, D1 and D2 type dopamine expressing medium spiny neurons. On the other hand, the ordinary Izikhevich neuron model is used in the modeling of extrastriatal basal ganglia (BG) regions where globus pallidus (GP) subregion neurons have also dopamine‐dependent parameters. The thalamic region of the network is mass modeled including inhibitory input from basal ganglia. Depending on the decrease of synaptic connections and dopamine level, the synchronization among basal ganglia neuron populations is investigated. The effect of synaptic delay on synchronization is also considered. It is observed that the decrease of dopamine neurotransmitter and decrease in the number of synaptic connections cause an increased synchronous activity in BG. Also, slowing in theta and alpha bands in thalamus EEG signals is observed. This shows the causal relation between synchronization and power shifting to lower frequency components in the case of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD).
Contrasting contributions of movement onset and duration to self‐evaluation of sensorimotor timing performance
Authors: Jovanovic Ljubica , López‐Moliner Joan , Mamassian Pascal
Published: July 2021

Movement execution is not always optimal. Understanding how humans evaluate their own motor decisions can give us insights into their suboptimality. Here, we investigated how humans time the action of synchronizing an arm movement with a predictable visual event and how well they can evaluate the outcome of this action. On each trial, participants had to decide when to start (reaction time) and for how long to move (movement duration) to reach a target on time. After each trial, participants judged the confidence they had that their performance on that trial was better than average. We found that participants mostly varied their reaction time, keeping the average movement duration short and relatively constant across conditions. Interestingly, confidence judgements reflected deviations from the planned reaction time and were not related to planned movement duration. In two other experiments, we replicated these results in conditions where the contribution of sensory uncertainty was reduced. In contrast to confidence judgements, when asked to make an explicit estimation of their temporal error, participants' estimates were related in a similar manner to both reaction time and movement duration. In summary, humans control the timing of their actions primarily by adjusting the delay to initiate the action, and they estimate their confidence in their action from the difference between the planned and executed movement onset. Our results highlight the critical role of the internal model for the self‐evaluation of one's motor performance.
Deep‐time convergent evolution in animal communication presented by shared adaptations for coping with noise in lizards and other animals
Authors: Ord Terry J. , Klomp Danielle A. , Summers Thomas C. , Diesmos Arvin , Ahmad Norhayati , Das Indraneil
Published: July 2021

Convergence in communication appears rare compared with other forms of adaptation. This is puzzling, given communication is acutely dependent on the environment and expected to converge in form when animals communicate in similar habitats. We uncover deep‐time convergence in territorial communication between two groups of tropical lizards separated by over 140 million years of evolution: the Southeast Asian Draco and Caribbean Anolis. These groups have repeatedly converged in multiple aspects of display along common environmental gradients. Robot playbacks to free‐ranging lizards confirmed that the most prominent convergence in display is adaptive, as it improves signal detection. We then provide evidence from a sample of the literature to further show that convergent adaptation among highly divergent animal groups is almost certainly widespread in nature. Signal evolution is therefore curbed towards the same set of adaptive solutions, especially when animals are challenged with the problem of communicating effectively in noisy environments.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease due to MORC2 mutations in Spain
Authors: Sivera Rafael , Lupo Vincenzo , Frasquet Marina , Argente‐Escrig Herminia , Alonso‐Pérez Jorge , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Querol Luis , del Mar García‐Romero María , Ignacio Pascual Samuel , García‐Sobrino Tania , Paradas Carmen , Francisco Vázquez‐Costa Juan , Muelas Nuria , Millet Elvira , Jesús Vílchez Juan , Espinós Carmen , Sevilla Teresa
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

MORC2 mutations have been described as a rare cause of axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT2Z). The aim of this work was to determine the frequency and distribution of these mutations throughout Spain, to provide a comprehensive phenotypical description and, if possible, to establish a genotype–phenotype correlation.

Methods

Retrospectively, data on patients diagnosed with CMT2Z in Spain were collected and clinical, electrophysiological and muscle imaging information were analysed.

Results

Fifteen patients with CMT2Z were identified throughout Spain, seven of them belonging to a single kindred, whilst the rest were sporadic. The most common mutation was p.R252W, and four new mutations were identified. Eleven patients were categorized as having a scapuloperoneal phenotype, with asymmetric muscle weakness, early proximal upper limb involvement and frequent spontaneous muscular activity with distal sensory impairment and pes cavus, whilst two presented with a more classic length dependent sensory motor phenotype. This distinction was corroborated by the distribution of muscle fatty infiltration in muscle imaging. Two other patients were classified as having a neurodevelopmental phenotype consisting in congenital or early onset, delay in motor milestones, and global developmental delay in one of them. Nerve conduction studies revealed an unequivocally axonal neuropathy with frequent spontaneous activity, and serum creatine kinase levels were increased in 50% of the patients.

Conclusions

MORC2 mutations are a rare cause of CMT in Spain, but in‐depth phenotyping reveals a recognizable phenotypic spectrum that will be clinically relevant for future identification of this disease.
Sibling relationships among U.S. citizen children of undocumented Mexican parents
Authors: Londoño Tatiana , Gulbas Lauren E. , Zayas Luis H.
Published: July 2021

Current U.S. immigration policies disproportionately impact Mexican‐origin mixed‐status families, yet few studies examine the consequences of immigration enforcement (e.g., immigration‐related arrest and detention) and deportation on sibling dynamics. Given this gap, this study focuses on the experiences and changes within sibling relationships in the aftermath of parental detention and deportation. We analyzed a subsample of 20 citizen children interviews (7 sibling dyads; 2 sibling triads) from a multi‐site binational study that examined the psychosocial functioning of U.S. citizen children with undocumented Mexican parents. Using inductive thematic analysis, we explored the roles and functional importance of sibling relationships before and after experiences of parents’ detention and deportation. Our findings suggest that prior to detention or deportation experiences, sibling relationships were described as “normal.” After these experiences, however, sibling relationships changed and developed protective adaptations, including more open communication about their experiences and the assumption of caregiving roles. In cases where deportation did not occur, there still existed the threat of future immigration‐related action, which contributed to fear and an inability to share feelings and experiences among siblings. Our findings suggest that sibling relationships might serve as an important locus of stability and protection. Yet, adaptive communication may not emerge as long as the threat of apprehension, detention, and deportation exists.
Probing invadosomes: technologies for the analysis of invadosomes
Authors: Lin Shan‐Shan , Su You‐An , Chuang Mei‐Chun , Liu Ya‐Wen
Published: July 2021

Invadosomes are protrusive and mechanosensitive actin devices critical for cell migration, invasion, and extracellular matrix remodeling. The dynamic, proteolytic, and protrusive natures of invadosomes have made these structures fascinating and attracted many scientists to develop new technologies for their analysis. With these exciting methodologies, many biochemical and biophysical properties of invadosomes have been well characterized and appreciated, and those discoveries elegantly explained the biological and pathological effects of invadosomes in human health and diseases. In this review, we focus on these commonly used or newly developed methods for invadosome analysis and effort to reason some discrepancies among those assays. Finally, we explore the opposite regulatory mechanisms among invadosomes and focal adhesions, another actin‐rich adhesive structures, and speculate a potential rule for their switch.
Influence of the volume content of α + β colonies on the very high cycle fatigue behavior of a titanium alloy
Authors: Yang Kun , Huang Qi , Zhong Bin , Liu Yong Jie , He Chao , Liu Hanqing , Su Ning , Wang Qingyuan , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2021

A turbine engine blade alloy (Ti‐8Al‐1Mo‐1V) under different heat treatment conditions was employed to conduct ultrasonic fatigue tests to investigate the influence of the colony content of bimodal titanium alloys on the high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behavior. As a result, the increase in the content of colonies or the decrease in the content of primary α grains (αp) can be achieved by a double‐annealed treatment below the α + β to β transformation temperature. A higher colony content will result in a higher HCF and VHCF properties. The crack initiation life has a lower sensitivity to the microstructure change in the αp/colony content than the fatigue crack growth life. With the fatigue life increasing from the HCF regime to the VHCF regime, the impact of the microstructure evolution on fatigue resistances gradually decreases. Irreversibly, slips mainly along the maximum shearing stress direction make the plastic strain accumulate within some favorably oriented αp grains and further cause the nucleation of fatigue micro‐cracks. The formation of the fine granular area is attributed to the comprehensive effects of the vacuum‐enhanced plasticity and the numerous cyclic pressing.
Barriers and facilitators to mobile health and active surveillance use among older adults with skin disease
Authors: Johnson Austin , Shukla Neha , Halley Meghan , Nava Vanessa , Budaraju Janya , Zhang Lucy , Linos Eleni
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, including teledermatology. Monitoring skin lesions using teledermatology may become increasingly important for several skin diseases, including low‐risk skin cancers. The purpose of this study was to describe the key factors that could serve as barriers or facilitators to skin disease monitoring using mobile health technology (mHealth) in older adults.

Methods

Older adult dermatology patients 65 years or older and their caregivers who have seen a dermatologist in the last 18 months were interviewed and surveyed between December 2019 and July 2020. The purpose of these interviews was to better understand attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that could serve as barriers and facilitators to the use of mHealth and active surveillance to monitor low‐risk skin cancers.

Results

A total of 33 interviews leading to 6022 unique excerpts yielded 8 factors, or themes, that could serve as barriers, facilitators or both to mHealth and active surveillance. We propose an integrated conceptual framework that highlights the interaction of these themes at both the patient and provider level, including care environment, support systems and personal values.

Discussion and conclusions

These preliminary findings reveal factors influencing patient acceptance of active surveillance in dermatology, such as changes to the patient‐provider interaction and alignment with personal values. These factors were also found to influence adoption of mHealth interventions. Given such overlap, it is essential to address barriers and facilitators from both domains when designing a new dermatology active surveillance approach with novel mHealth technology.

Patient or public contribution

The patients included in this study were participants during the data collection process. Members of the Stanford Healthcare and Denver Tech Dermatology health‐care teams aided in the recruitment phase of the data collection process.