bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children after uterus transplantation: 2‐year outcomes from the Dallas UtErus Transplant Study (DUETS)
Authors: Schulz Philipp , Testa Giuliano , York Jackie R. , Johannesson Liza
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe outcomes in the first 2 years of life for the children born in the Dallas UtErus Transplant Study.

Design

Cohort study comprising all live births from uterus transplantation at a single centre.

Setting

Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Population

A total of 14 children from 12 uterus transplantation recipients.

Methods

Retrospective review of data through 2 years of life.

Main outcome measures

Information on children's development was collected based on the Bright Futures Guideline and the Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire. Primary outcomes were anthropometric measures (children's body length, weight, head circumference), neurological status, cognitive status and physical development at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age.

Results

The median gestational age at delivery was 36+6 weeks, with a median birthweight of 2940 g. Follow‐up data were available for 13 offspring. Physical and neurological developmental milestones were met and were age appropriate in all children within the first 24 months. General health was good, and no abnormalities in immune development were found. Cognitive deviations were only mild and temporary and improved with interventions.

Conclusions

The children's growth and physical, neurological and cognitive development were age appropriate within the first 2 years of life. To confirm these outcomes, further data should be collected in collaboration with other centres.
Review article: A primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part XII. Sustainability of improvements in care: An introduction
Authors: Ramsden Victoria , Middleton Sandy , McInnes Elizabeth , Babl Franz E , Tavender Emma
Published: August 2022

Despite an increased focus on ways to improve implementation of evidence and de‐implementation of practices with no known benefit, there is limited guidance on how to sustain these improvements. This review provides an introduction to sustainability of improvements in care and sustainability research, discussing how to support sustainability in practice and detailing a sustainability research agenda for the emergency medicine setting.
Epidemiology, outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients transported by ambulance for dyspnoea: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zhou Jennifer , Nehme Emily , Dawson Luke , Bloom Jason , Nehme Ziad , Okyere Daniel , Cox Shelley , Anderson David , Stephenson Michael , Smith Karen , Kaye David M , Stub Dion
Published: August 2022

Objectives

There are currently limited data to inform the management of patients transported by emergency medical services (EMS) with dyspnoea. We aimed to describe the incidence, aetiology and outcomes of patients transported by EMS for dyspnoea using a large population‐based sample and to identify factors associated with 30‐day mortality.

Methods

Consecutive EMS attendances for dyspnoea in Victoria, Australia from January 2015 to June 2019 were included. Data were individually linked to hospital and mortality records to determine incidence, diagnoses, and outcomes. Factors associated with 30‐day mortality were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

During the study period, there were 2 505 324 cases attended by EMS, of whom 346 228 (14%) met inclusion criteria for dyspnoea. The incidence of EMS attendances for dyspnoea was 1566 per 100 000 person‐years, and was higher in females, older patients and socially disadvantaged areas. Of the 271 204 successfully linked cases (median age 76 years; 51% women), 79% required hospital admission with a 30‐day mortality of 9%. The most common final diagnoses (and 30‐day mortality rates) were lower respiratory tract infection (13%, mortality 11%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13%, mortality 6.4%), heart failure (9.1%, mortality 9.8%), arrhythmias (3.9%, mortality 4.4%), acute coronary syndromes (3.9%, mortality 9.5%) and asthma (3.2%, mortality 0.5%). Predictors of mortality included older age, male sex, pre‐existing chronic kidney disease, heart failure or cancer, abnormal respiratory status or vital signs and pre‐hospital intubation.

Conclusion

Dyspnoea is a common presentation with a broad range of causes and is associated with high rates of hospitalisation and death.
Production of 5‐aminolevulinic acid from hydrolysates of cassava residue and fish waste by engineered Bacillus cereusPT1
Authors: Luo Ying , Su Anping , Yang Jinshui , Yu Qijun , Wang Entao , Yuan Hongli
Published: August 2022

The economical production of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has recently received increasing attention for its extensive use in agriculture. In this study, a strain of Bacillus cereus PT1 could initially produce ALA at a titre of 251.72 mg/L by using a hydrolysate mixture of low‐cost cassava residue and fish waste. The integration of endogenous hemA encoding glutamyl‐tRNA reductase led to a 39.30% increase in ALA production. Moreover, improving cell permeability by deletion of the LytR‐CpsA‐Psr (LCP) family gene tagU led to a further increase of 59.73% in ALA production. Finally, the engineered strain B. cereus PT1‐hemA‐ΔtagU produced 2.62 g/L of ALA from the previously mentioned hydrolysate mixture in a 7‐L bioreactor. In a pot experiment, foliar spray of the ALA produced by B. cereus PT1‐hemA‐ΔtagU from the hydrolysates increased salt tolerance of cucumber by improving chlorophyll content and catalase activity, while decreasing malondialdehyde content. Overall, this study demonstrated an economic way to produce ALA using a microbial platform and evidenced the potential of ALA in agricultural application.
Biological characterization of D‐lactate dehydrogenase responsible for high‐yield production of D‐phenyllactic acid in Sporolactobacillus inulinus
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Yun , Park Tae Hyeon , Seong Hyunbin , Kim Tae‐Jip , Han Nam Soo
Published: August 2022

PLA (3‐D‐phenyllactic acid) is an ideal antimicrobial and immune regulatory compound present in honey and fermented foods. Sporolactobacillus inulinus is regarded as a potent D‐PLA producer that reduces phenylpyruvate (PPA) with D‐lactate dehydrogenases. In this study, PLA was produced by whole‐cell bioconversion of S. inulinus ATCC 15538. Three genes encoding D‐lactate dehydrogenase (d‐ldh1, d‐ldh2, and d‐ldh3) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and their biochemical and structural properties were characterized. Consequently, a high concentration of pure D‐PLA (47 mM) was produced with a high conversion yield of 88%. Among the three enzymes, D‐LDH1 was responsible for the efficient conversion of PPA to PLA with kinetic parameters of Km (0.36 mM), kcat (481.10 s−1), and kcat/Km (1336.39 mM−1 s−1). In silico structural analysis and site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that the Ile307 in D‐LDH1 is a key residue for excellent PPA reduction with low steric hindrance at the substrate entrance. This study highlights that S. inulinus ATCC 15538 is an excellent PLA producer, equipped with a highly specific and efficient D‐LDH1 enzyme.
Outcomes of coronavirus disease 19 patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective registry‐based study in Iran
Authors: Zargaran Mahsa , Movassaghi Shafieh , Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Zendehdel Kazem , Rostamian Abdolrahman
Published: August 2022

Background

We aimed to study the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Iran, where most patients receive corticosteroids and are at high risk for COVID‐19 infection.

Method

We collected the demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data of all COVID‐19 patients by the clinical COVID‐19 registry system. We recruited 38 RA patients and 2216 non‐RA patients from the COVID‐19 registry. The primary outcome was mortality due to COVID‐19. We also studied the risk of intensive care unit admission and intubation in RA patients compared to non‐RA patients. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to study the association between RA and the risk of COVID‐19 outcomes.

Result

We recruited 38 RA patients and 2216 non‐RA patients from the COVID‐19 registry. The RA patients had a higher mean age (59.9 years) than the non‐RA patients (57.7 years). The group of RA patients had a larger proportion of women (76.3%) than the non‐RA patients (40.8%). The death rate due to COVID‐19 was significantly higher in RA patients than non‐RA patients (odds ratio [OR] = 2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24‐5.81). The OR was higher among those who received prednisolone than among those who did not (OR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.54‐7.81). The odds of intubation were statistically significant among patients who received corticosteroid therapy (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.07‐6.18).

Conclusion

The risk of COVID‐19 outcomes was higher in RA patients than non‐RA patients, especially for RA patients who received a low dose of prednisolone. The results of this study can be used to triage RA patients who get infected by COVID‐19. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to more precisely define the high‐risk groups.
Progressing dementia risk reduction initiatives for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults in Australia
Authors: Patel Dhvani , Montayre Jed , Karamacoska Diana , Siette Joyce
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Dementia is a global public health concern, with approximately 487,500 Australians living with this condition. As an incurable disease, collaborative public health approaches are at the forefront for risk reduction of dementia. In Australia, nearly one in three individuals older than 65 years belong to culturally and linguistically diverse populations (CALD), yet dementia prevention approaches within CALD communities remain limited. Current health services and education require a targeted multidimensional and multicultural approach for dementia prevention interventions.

Methods

Recent recognition of gaps in CALD dementia awareness and accessibility has instigated a range of initiatives that address language disparities and dementia literacy within Australia's older population. While these have created pockets of dementia awareness and health promotion, a ‘whole of community’ and government approach is needed to decrease the recognised modifiable risk factors of dementia.

Results

This work serves to identify effective methods to promote dementia risk factor reduction using behaviour change techniques through five key recommendations specific for CALD communities. These suggestions are covered by the need for federal funds to be allocated to specific culturally inclusive initiatives highlighted under primary care, public health, research and community sectors.

Conclusions

Key recommendations are created to address language disparities and dementia literacy in Australia's older population to aid healthy brain ageing for CALD older adults.
“We are the living dead”, or, the Precarious Stabilisation of Liminal Life in the Presence of CKDu
Authors: Senanayake Nari
Published: August 2022

This article examines how everyday encounters with kidney disease treatment in Sri Lanka’s dry zone generate distinct space‐times of liminality. Building on work that explores the alternative coordinates of biopolitical intervention, I argue that health improvement schemes in the dry zone yield complex materialisations of “living death” in conditions of austerity, poverty, and aridity. Specifically, I illustrate how intervention reconfigures body‐ecologies, dismantles infrastructures of liveability, and re‐works relations between life and time in order to stabilise liminal forms of existence. Drawing on 15 months of ethnographic data, I describe two space‐times of liminality that emerge through experiences of treatment: the “zombie” and “life in the bubble”. As part of my analysis, I document how these bodily states are ambiguously configured by experiences of care. Across these encounters, I illustrate how patients toggle back and forth between states of debility and capacity in ways that blur boundaries between life/death and bodies/environments.
A 5‐year community program in Singapore to prevent cognitive decline
Authors: Ng Ted Kheng Siang , Feng Lei , Chua Ru Yuan , Goh Lee Gan , Kua Ee Heok , Mahendran Rathi
Published: August 2022

Introduction

There is a scarcity of naturalistic follow‐up studies on cognitive stimulating activities (CSAs), particularly in a real‐world setting and over long‐term. We thus investigated a pooled novel CSA intervention to prevent cognitive decline amongst community‐dwelling older adults without dementia.

Methods

Nested within a community‐based longitudinal follow‐up cohort study of community‐dwelling and multi‐ethnic older adults (N = 991), a subset of the cohort (n = 264) underwent four single‐blinded randomized controlled trials involving four novel CSAs, including mindfulness, horticulture, art therapy, and choral singing. At the cohort's 5‐year follow‐up, we examined if involvements in the CSAs improved cognition, compared to controls (n = 727). The primary outcomes were changes in global cognition and specific cognitive domain scores measured by the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE). Exploratory subgroup analyses stratified by baseline cognitive status and the number of CSAs were also conducted.

Results

Compared to the control group, there was a small improvement in the CSA group on the total MMSE score (d = 0.108) and MMSE‐immediate recall score (d = 0.199). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed medium effect sizes of improvements (d = 0.420) in cognitive domains in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (vs. cognitively healthy) and those involved in two CSAs (vs. one CSA).

Discussion

In summary, a CSA intervention improved cognition. MCI and those involved in two CSAs gained greater benefits from the CSAs. These sustained improvements in cognitive functions could have a significant impact on delaying or preventing dementia.
New data on relevant ancient Egyptian wooden artifacts: Identification of wooden species and study of the state of conservation with multidisciplinary analyses
Authors: Geweely Neveen , Abu Taleb Amira , Ibrahim Shimaa , Grenni Paola , Caneva Giulia , Galotta Giulia , Abdallah Medhat , Atwa Dina , Plaisier Jasper , Antonelli Federica
Published: August 2022

Wood species identification and characterization of its weathering processes are crucial steps in the scientific approach of conservation of wooden cultural heritage. Many precious wooden objects of ancient Egypt are largely present in museums, nevertheless relatively little information is available concerning the nature of timber used and on their status of conservation. To address this gap, the wooden species of three relevant archaeological wood objects (statue, box, and coffin) arising from different Egyptian archaeological sites dated from the Old Kingdom (2,686–2,181 BC) to New Kingdom (1,550–1,069 BC) were deeply studied. Five hardwood and softwood species were identified belonging toTamarix mannifera,T. gennessarensis,Ficus sycomorus,Vachellia nilotica, andCedrussp. Such data confirmed the recurrence ofVachelliaandTamarixamong the most common timbers found in ancient Egypt. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and synchrotron x‐ray radiation diffraction were conducted to evaluate the archaeological wood deterioration. The formation of microcracks, biological degradation patterns (fungal colonization), or chemical characterization (accumulation of salts on and in‐between wooden cells) were detected. SEM micrographs showed the presence of fungal hyphae and conidial spores on the wooden cells. Significant changes in the chemical wood composition and decrease in the crystallinity index were detected.
Phase Ib study of eltrombopag and azacitidine in patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes and related disorders (the ELASTIC study)
Authors: Sternberg Alexander , Boucher Rebecca , Coulthard Helen Chantal , Raghavan Manoj , Culligan Dominic , Jackson Aimee , Cargo Catherine , Dennis Mike , Metzner Marlen , O'Sullivan Jennifer , Moore Rachel , Bowen David , Vyas Paresh
Published: August 2022

Treating adverse risk myelodysplastic syndromes with azacitidine exacerbates thrombocytopenia. We report a study of eltrombopag in combination with azacitidine using a 3 + 3 cohort design. Patients with baseline platelets of <150 × 109/l received eltrombopag ranging from 25 to 300 mg. An 8‐day pre‐phase of eltrombopag was followed by two cycles of combined therapy. Amongst 31 patients, there were no dose‐limiting toxicities. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 300 mg. Transient increases in bone marrow blasts at day 8 were common but no patient had protocol‐defined progression following eltrombopag monotherapy. Marrow response rates after three and six treatment cycles were 32% and 29% respectively. In all, 70% of patients treated below and 36% treated at the MTD achieved a modified International Working Group 2006 platelet response at the end of cycle two. Of the platelet transfusion independent patients at baseline, 67% treated at the MTD became transfusion dependent during the first two cycles of treatment. Apart from lack of disease progression, our findings concur with a previously reported Phase III study (A StUdy of eltromboPag in myelodysPlastic SyndrOmes Receiving azaciTidine [SUPPORT]). We conclude that eltrombopag/azacitidine is safe in terms of conventional measures defined by adverse‐event reporting. However, in light of SUPPORT and our own descriptive findings regarding efficacy, further combination studies in high‐risk disease should be considered with caution.
Students' perceptions, educational challenges and hope during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bryce Crystal I. , Fraser Ashley M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of US students both at home and at school. Little is known regarding how adolescents perceive COVID‐19 has impacted (both positively and negatively) their academic and social lives and how protective factors, such as hope, may assist with resilience. Importantly, not all pandemic experiences are necessarily negative, and positive perceptions, as well as potential protective factors, are key to understanding the pandemic's role in students' lives.

Method

Utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches, the present study descriptively examined 726 6th through 12th grade (51% female, 53% White) students' perceptions of how COVID‐19 related to educational and life disruptions, and positive aspects of their lives, within the United States. Analyses additionally explored the role of pre‐pandemic hope in improving feelings of school connectedness during the pandemic.

Results

Results showed that most students felt that switching to online learning had been difficult and their education had suffered at least moderately, with a sizeable proportion of students feeling less academic motivation compared with last year. When asked to share qualitative answers regarding perceived challenges and positive aspects of life, themes were consistent with quantitative perceptions. Students' pre‐pandemic hope positively predicted students' feelings of school connectedness.

Conclusions

Findings paint a complex picture of youth's COVID‐19 experiences and have implications for proactive ways to support students as COVID‐19 continues to affect daily life and educational structures and practices.
Development of categorical speech perception in Mandarin‐speaking children and adolescents
Authors: Feng Yan , Peng Gang
Published: August 2022

Although children develop categorical speech perception at a very young age, the maturation process remains unclear. A cross‐sectional study in Mandarin‐speaking 4‐, 6‐, and 10‐year‐old children, 14‐year‐old adolescents, and adults (n = 104, 56 males, all Asians from mainland China) was conducted to investigate the development of categorical perception of four Mandarin phonemic contrasts: lexical tone contrast Tone 1‐2, vowel contrast /u/−/i/, consonant aspiration contrast /p/−/ph/, and consonant formant transition contrast /p/−/t/. The results indicated that different types of phonemic contrasts, and even the identification and discrimination of the same phonemic contrast, matured asynchronously. The observation that tone and vowel perception are achieved earlier than consonant perception supports the phonological saliency hypothesis.
National Survey of United Kingdom Paediatric Allergy Services
Authors: Wells Rosy , McKay Cathy , Makwana Nick , Vyas Deepan , Vaughan Sophie , Christopher Anne , Thomas Lucy , Primett Misbah , Diwakar Lavanya , Alvis Shamir , Perkin Michael R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Comprehensive national assessments of paediatric allergy services are rarely undertaken, and have never been undertaken in the United Kingdom. A 2006 survey estimated national capacity at 30,000 adult or paediatric new allergy appointments per year and identified 58 hospital clinics offering a paediatric allergy service.

Objective

The UK Paediatric Allergy Services Survey was the first comprehensive assessment of UK paediatric allergy service provision.

Methods

All 450 UK hospitals responded to a survey. Paediatric allergy services are provided in 154 lead hospitals with 75 further linked hospitals. All 154 lead paediatric allergy services completed a detailed questionnaire between February 2019 and May 2020.

Results

The 154 paediatric allergy services self‐define as secondary (126/154, 82%) or tertiary (28/154, 18%) level services. The annual capacity is 85,600 new and 111,400 follow‐up appointments. Fifty‐eight percent (85/146) of services offer ≤10 new appointments per week (no data provided from 8 services—2 no response, 6 unknown) and 50% (70/139) of the services undertaking challenges undertake ≤2 food or drug challenges per week (no data from 3 challenge services). Intramuscular adrenaline is rarely used during challenges—median annual frequency 0 in secondary services and 2 in tertiary services. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is offered in 39% (60/154) of services, with 71% (41/58) of these centres treating ≤10 patients per annum (no data from 2 immunotherapy services). The 12 largest services see 31% of all new paediatric allergy appointments, undertake 51% of new immunotherapy patient provision and 33% of food or drug challenges. Seventy percent (97/126) of secondary and all tertiary services are part of a regional paediatric allergy network. Only nine services offer immunotherapy for any food (3 for peanut), 10 drug desensitization and 18 insect venom immunotherapy.

Conclusions

There has been a fourfold increase in paediatric allergy clinics and an approximately sevenfold increase in new patient appointment numbers in the United Kingdom over the past 15 years. Most services are small, with significant regional variation in availability of specific services such as allergen immunotherapy. Our findings emphasize the need for national standards, local networks and simulation training to ensure consistent and safe service provision.
The use of MRI in a tertiary smell and taste clinic: Lessons learned based on a retrospective analysis
Authors: Hutson Kristian , Kumaresan Kala , Johnstone Laura , Philpott Carl
Published: August 2022

Background

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common but underreported problem that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. OD is prevalent in over 5% of the adult population and can be broadly categorised into conductive and sensorineural causes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can form part of the diagnostic work up, although its exact role is often debated.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of MRI in managing patients with OD.

Design/Method

A retrospective analysis of the records of patients presenting to a national smell and taste clinic over a 5‐year period was performed. Variables included demographics, endoscopic findings, final diagnosis, psychophysical smell test and imaging results.

Results

A total of 409 patients, with an age range of 10–93 years, underwent clinical assessment and smell testing, of which 172 patients (42%) had MRI scans. Imaging in younger age‐groups was associated with a higher rate of positive findings, however identifiable causes for OD were recorded across the range. MRI provided both diagnostic and prognostic information in those with idiopathic, traumatic and congenital causes of OD. For example, MRI provided information on the extent or absence of gliosis in those with a head trauma history allowing further treatment and prognosis.

Conclusion

We recommend the adjunct use of MRI in patients with a clear history and examination findings of head injury, congenital cases and in apparent idiopathic cases. MRI should be requested to compliment clinical findings with a view to aiding decision‐making on treatment and prognosis independent of patient's age.
The Role of Language Switching During Cross‐Talk Between Bilingual Language Control and Domain‐General Conflict Monitoring
Authors: Jiao Lu , Timmer Kalinka , Liu Cong , Chen Baoguo
Published: August 2022

The relationship between bilingual language control and executive control is debated. The present study investigated the effect of short‐term language switching in a comprehension task on executive control performance in unbalanced bilinguals. Participants were required to perform a context task and an executive control task (i.e., flanker task) in sequence. A picture‐word matching task created different language contexts in Experiment 1 (i.e., L1, L2, and dual‐language contexts). By modifying the color‐shape switching task, we created different contexts that do not involve language processing in Experiment 2 (i.e., color, shape, and dual context). Experiment 1 showed overall faster responses (in both congruent and incongruent trials) in the flanker task after a language switching context than after single (L1 or L2) contexts. This suggests that the language switching in a comprehension task affected general monitoring performance. By contrast, the nonlinguistic contexts in Experiment 2 did not affect flanker performance. This provides further evidence for the crucial role of language processing during switching to elicit short‐term adaptions on domain‐general conflict monitoring. Overall, our findings add to the previous studies by showing cross‐talk between bilingual language control and domain‐general conflict monitoring when language switching occurs in a comprehension task.
The role of transesophageal echocardiography in guiding heart donation after circulatory death
Authors: Vandenbriele Christophe , Brouckaert Janne , Hans Grégory , Tchana‐Sato Vincent , Vandendriessche Katrien , Gunst Jan , Ancion Arnaud , Van Cleemput Johan , Ledoux Didier , Rex Steffen , Neyrinck Arne , Rega Filip
Published: August 2022

Heart donation after circulatory death (DCD) can significantly expand the heart donor pool, helping to overcome the problem of organ shortage and the increase in waiting list mortality and morbidity. To improve the outcome of DCD heart transplantation, thoraco‐abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA‐NRP) can be performed by selectively restoring circulation followed by in vivo functional heart assessment. Here, we report on the use of periprocedural transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) as a minimally invasive cardiac assessment tool during different stages of a DCD heart procurement procedure using TA‐NRP. We conclude that TOE is a valuable method to assess the donor heart for transplantation eligibility before and after withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapy and during subsequent TA‐NRP.
Sebaceous gland atrophy in seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp; a pilot study
Authors: Nagrani Neha S. , Goldberg Lynne J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Sebaceous gland (SG) atrophy is well‐documented in scalp lesions of psoriasis and has been considered as an important clue to psoriatic alopecia. However, its specificity for psoriasis has been questioned over the years. We hypothesize that SG atrophy is not specific for psoriasis and looked for its presence in biopsies of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of biopsy specimens of clinically suspected and histopathologically proven seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp for changes in SGs between January 1, 2014 and August 6, 2021.

Results

SGs lobules were smaller and narrower in five of the six cases of seborrheic dermatitis, and SG atrophy was present in four out of six cases.

Conclusions

SG atrophy is observed in seborrheic dermatitis and is not specific for psoriasis or psoriatic alopecia.
Global habitat loss of a highly migratory predator, the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans)
Authors: Dale Jonathan J. , Brodie Stephanie , Carlisle Aaron B. , Castleton Michael , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Block Barbara A.
Published: August 2022

Aim

Climate change is driving the redistribution of species throughout the oceans. However, the speed and magnitude of species responses, including shifts in their distribution, are variable and species specific. Quantifying the effect of environmental conditions on species distributions is crucial to informing management and conservation efforts. Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a wide‐ranging top predator occurring circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters and is heavily impacted by international longline fisheries. This study aimed to predict the global distribution of blue marlin and characterize the effects of climate variability thereon.

Location

Global.

Methods

To conduct this study, pop‐up satellite archival tags (n = 144) deployed by recreational anglers through a global citizen science programme were used to generate a large tracking data set (14,928 days, 210,983 km from deployment to pop‐up locations) of blue marlin movement across three ocean basins. State‐space modelled tracking position estimates were used to create a species distribution model to represent global habitat suitability for blue marlin. Habitat suitability was determined by fitting a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) as a function of environmental covariates which was used to predict monthly global blue marlin habitat from 2000 to 2016.

Results

Blue marlin habitat preference had the strongest association with sea surface temperature. Seasonal variation in blue marlin habitat occurs primarily at the latitudinal edges of the distribution range. Over the duration of the study, 96% of core habitat declined in suitability, with a concurrent poleward increase in suitability of marginal habitat.

Main Conclusions

This study highlights the successful application of citizen‐based science to develop a long‐term global telemetry dataset. The present‐day loss of highly suitable habitat suggests ocean warming may be making equatorial waters less suitable even to highly mobile species. Blue marlin is likely to respond by following preferred habitat as it shifts poleward.
Biological and molecular characterization of Cladosporium sp. and Acremonium zeylanicum as biocontrol agents of Aphis fabae in a tri‐trophic system
Authors: Mousavi Khaled , Rajabpour Ali , Parizipour Mohamad Hamed Ghodoum , Yarahmadi Fatemeh
Published: August 2022

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are the most important category of microbial agents and considered to be crucial elements in biological control. In this study, two species of EPF, Cladosporium sp. AF98 (Ascomycota: Davidiellaceae) and Acremonium zeylanicum IR87 (Petch) W. Gams & H.C. Evans (Ascomycota: Hypocreaceae), were isolated from infected individuals of the citrus cottony scale, Pulvinaria aurantia Cockerell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), and the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), respectively. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the ribosomal DNA, the fungal isolates were subjected to molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity of the fungal isolates to the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli, was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Both fungal isolates caused considerable aphid mortality and no significant differences were observed in pathogenicity of the isolates. The severity of the fungal isolate effect on the aphid increased as the conidial concentration increased. Time was found to be a more important factor than conidia concentration in isolate efficacy. Olfactory experiments indicated that Lysiphlebus fabarum Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Aphidiinae), an important parasitoid wasp of A. fabae, can detect cues from the fungus‐infected aphids and can avoid them. Therefore, fungal isolates have considerable potential for the microbiological control of the aphid and are also compatible with other means of biological control of the pest.
Distinct disease trajectories in frontotemporal dementia–motor neuron disease and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia: A longitudinal study
Authors: Long Zhe , Irish Muireann , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier , Burrell James R.
Published: August 2022

Background and purpose

The heterogeneity of cognitive and behavioural disturbances in frontotemporal dementia–motor neuron disease (FTD‐MND), and clinical differences between FTD‐MND and FTD subtypes, have been illustrated cross‐sectionally. This study aimed to examine the FTD‐MND disease trajectory by comparing clinical features of FTD‐MND and the behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) longitudinally.

Methods

Neuropsychological and disease severity assessments were conducted in a cohort of FTD‐MND (baseline, n = 42; follow‐up, n = 18) and bvFTD (baseline, n = 116; follow‐up, n = 111) using a longitudinal, case–control design. Age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched controls (n = 52) were recruited. Predictors of clinical progression were analyzed. Voxel‐based morphometry analysis was undertaken to investigate the progression of brain atrophy.

Results

At baseline, FTD‐MND was characterized by semantic and general cognition deficits, whereas bvFTD had greater behavioural disturbances. General cognition and language deteriorated in FTD‐MND when followed longitudinally. Language deficits at baseline predicted cognitive deterioration and disease progression and correlated with progressive atrophy of language regions. Further deterioration in behaviour was evident in bvFTD over time. The rate of disease progression (i.e., general cognition, semantic association, and disease severity) was significantly faster in FTD‐MND than in bvFTD.

Conclusions

FTD‐MND and bvFTD appear to have distinct disease trajectories, with more rapid progression in FTD‐MND. Language impairments should be closely monitored in FTD‐MND as potential predictors of cognitive deterioration and disease progression.
ERIM: An ensemble of rare itemset mining and its application in the automotive industry
Authors: Akdas Devrim Naz , Birant Derya , Yildirim Taser Pelin
Published: August 2022

Discovering previously unknown anomalies that are rare and dramatically differ from the majority of the data is a critical need for the automotive industry. Rare itemset mining (RIM), one of the pattern‐based methods, has been used for anomaly detection due to providing successful analysis results. However, several aspects still need to be explored, such as improving the mining process by identifying more targeted, valuable and reliable rare itemsets. Motivated by this fact, this study proposes a novel approach, named ensemble of rare itemset mining (ERIM), which investigates weak rare itemsets (WRIs) using different algorithms and aggregates these rules to obtain strong rare itemsets (SRIs). This study also combines four different RIM algorithms (Apriori Rare, Apriori Inverse, CORI and RP‐Growth) as base learners for the first time. The proposed ERIM approach is a general methodology that can be applied to any field, but, in this study, it was used in the automotive industry as a case study. In the experiments, ERIM was applied to a real‐world gear manufacturing dataset to discover anomalies in machine downtimes. The experimental results were evaluated in terms of the number of itemsets and the length of itemsets by giving some samples, as well. The results showed that the proposed ERIM approach gives more reliable common knowledge by jointly considering the relation between WRIs discovered by the base learners. The findings indicated that the proposed ERIM technique was successful in detecting anomalies whose support values are below 7.12. Furthermore, it is clear from the experimental results that the ERIM discovered the highest number of SRIs, 1403, each of which is a 3‐itemset. Finally, the results showed that our method performed 43.37% better on average than state‐of‐the‐art methods on the same dataset.
Urbanization causes biotic homogenization of woodland bird communities at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Sidemo‐Holm William , Ekroos Johan , Reina García Santiago , Söderström Bo , Hedblom Marcus
Published: August 2022

Urbanization is a major contributor to biodiversity declines. However, studies assessing effects of urban landscapes per se (i.e., disentangled from focal habitat effects) on biodiversity across spatial scales are lacking. Understanding such scale‐dependent effects is fundamental to preserve habitats along an urbanization gradient in a way that maximizes overall biodiversity. We investigated the impact of landscape urbanization on communities of woodland‐breeding bird species in individual (local scale) and across multiple (regional scale) cities, while controlling for the quality of sampled habitats (woodlands). We conducted bird point counts and habitat quality mapping of trees, dead wood, and shrubs in 459 woodlands along an urban to rural urbanization gradient in 32 cities in Sweden. Responses to urbanization were measured as local and regional total diversity (γ), average site diversity (α), and diversity between sites (β). We also assessed effects on individual species and to what extent dissimilarities in species composition along the urbanization gradient were driven by species nestedness or turnover. We found that landscape urbanization had a negative impact on γ‐, α‐, and β‐diversity irrespective of spatial scale, both regarding all woodland‐breeding species and red‐listed species. At the regional scale, dissimilarities in species composition between urbanization levels were due to nestedness, that is, species were lost with increased landscape urbanization without being replaced. In contrast, dissimilarities at the local scale were mostly due to species turnover. Because there was no difference in habitat quality among woodlands across the urbanization gradient, we conclude that landscape urbanization as such systematically causes poorer and more homogeneous bird communities in adjacent natural habitats. However, the high local turnover and the fact that several species benefited from urbanization demonstrates that natural habitats along the entire urbanization gradient are needed to maintain maximally diverse local bird communities.
Cardiovascular medications and long‐term mortality among stroke survivors in the Brazilian Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity (EMMA)
Authors: Souza Karla AS , Varella Ana C , Olmos Rodrigo D , Romagnolli Carla , Gooden Tiffany E , Thomas G Neil , Lip Gregory YH , Santos Itamar S , Lotufo Paulo A , Benseñor Isabela M , Goulart Alessandra C ,   NIHR Global Health Research Group on Atrial Fibrillation Management
Published: August 2022

Aim

To investigate the association between medication use and long‐term all‐cause mortality in a Brazilian stroke cohort.

Methods

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were evaluated. Medication use was assessed as: never, only pre‐stroke, only post‐stroke, and continuous use. We evaluated anti‐hypertensives, anti‐diabetics, lipid‐lowering drugs, anti‐platelets, and anti‐coagulants. Cox regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Among 1173 incident stroke cases (median age: 68; 86.8% were ischemic, 70% first‐ever stroke), medication use was low (overall: 17.5% pre‐stroke, 26.4% post‐stroke, and 40% were under continuous use). Anti‐hypertensives and anti‐platelets (aspirin) were the continuous cardiovascular medications used most often, at 83.5% and 72%, respectively, while statins (39.7%) and anti‐diabetics (31.3%) were the least used. Medication use (pre‐stroke, post‐stroke and continuous use) was associated with a reduction in all‐cause mortality risk, particularly among those under continuous use (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.66) compared with never‐users. Among ischemic stroke patients, this effect was similar (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40–0.68). No significant associations were evident among hemorrhagic stroke patients.

Conclusions

The risk of all‐cause mortality was reduced by 48% among those with ischemic stroke under continuous use of medications. Secondary prevention should be emphasized more strongly in clinical practice.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 715–722.
Predictive ability of the total score of the Kihon checklist for the incidence of functional disability in older Japanese adults: An 8‐year prospective study
Authors: Matsuzaki Hideaki , Kishimoto Hiro , Nofuji Yu , Chen Tao , Narazaki Kenji
Published: August 2022

Aim

To investigate the association between the total score of the Kihon checklist (t‐KCL score) and functional disability over an 8‐year follow‐up period, and to examine whether the t‐KCL score in the basic model with risk factors contributes to the incremental predictive ability for functional disability among older adults.

Methods

We followed 2209 older adults aged ≥65 years without functional disability at baseline. The t‐KCL score was determined using a baseline survey questionnaire. Functional disability was defined based on information from long‐term care certifications. The association between the t‐KCL score and functional disability was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model. The incremental predictive ability of the t‐KCL score for functional disability was evaluated by the difference of the C‐statistic, category‐free net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

The median follow‐up period was 7.8 years, and 557 participants developed functional disability. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of functional disability for a 1‐point increase of the t‐KCL score was 1.08 (1.06–1.10). Adding the t‐KCL score to the basic model significantly improved the C‐statistic (95% CI) from 0.747 (0.728–0.768) to 0.760 (0.741–0.781). When the t‐KCL score was added to the basic model, the NRI and IDI were 0.187 (95% CI: 0.095–0.287) and 0.020 (95% CI: 0.012–0.027), respectively.

Conclusions

The t‐KCL score had an independent positive association with functional disability over an 8‐year follow‐up. Furthermore, adding the t‐KCL score to the basic model improved the predictive ability for functional disability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 723–729.
An improved method to assess skeletal muscle mass in patients with liver cirrhosis based on computed tomography images
Authors: Sugiyama Yoshiaki , Ishizu Yoji , Ando Yusuke , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Ito Takanori , Imai Norihiro , Nakamura Masanao , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Ishigami Masatoshi
Published: August 2022

Aim

Conventionally, the skeletal muscle area with computed tomography (CT) attenuation ranging from −29 to +150 Hounsfield unit (HU) divided by height squared (the conventional skeletal muscle index [SMI]) was used as an index of skeletal muscle mass. However, it includes fat‐infiltrated skeletal muscle, which is known to have poor function. This study aims to determine whether the low‐fat SMI, which uses skeletal muscle mass with CT attenuation ranging from +30 to +150 HU, or conventional SMI appropriately reflects the function of skeletal muscle.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients with cirrhosis whose handgrip strength was measured. Among them, 48 patients underwent a physical performance assessment such as liver frailty index (LFI) and short physical performance battery (SPPB), and 80 underwent quality of life (QOL) assessment. The relationships between each SMI and handgrip strength, LFI, SPPB, and QOL were evaluated.

Results

Low‐fat SMI was significantly correlated with handgrip strength (males, R = 0.393, p = 0.002; females, R = 0.423, p < 0.001) and LFI (males, R = −0.535, p = 0.035; females, R = −0.368, p = 0.039), whereas conventional SMI was not. When using low‐fat SMI, patients with low skeletal muscle mass had significantly low handgrip strength, LFI, SPPB, and physical and social‐related QOL score than those without. By contrast, no significant differences were found for any items when using conventional SMI.

Conclusions

Low‐fat SMI is a good index of skeletal muscle mass that appropriately reflects skeletal muscle function.
Effectiveness of root resection techniques compared with root canal retreatment or apical surgery for the treatment of apical periodontitis and tooth survival: A systematic review
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Walter Clemens , Tsesis Igor
Published: August 2022

Background

To manage apical periodontitis in root filled maxillary and mandibular molars, root resection techniques may be employed to avoid the loss of the tooth.

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to systematically analyse the effectiveness of root resection techniques (root resection/crown resection/root amputation) for the management of apical periodontitis with non‐surgical root canal retreatment or apical surgery by the evaluation of clinical and patient‐related outcomes (PROMS), in human experimental studies and longitudinal studies.

Methods

An electronic literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE via OVID interface, EMBASE and Cochrane Central, supplemented by a manual hand search of the grey literature, was performed up to 25th September 2021. Randomized controlled trials, comparative clinical trials and observational studies reporting on the outcome (tooth survival and patient‐reported outcome measures with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year) of root resection techniques for treating apical periodontitis were identified. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

From a total of 2098 reports, 36 were considered for further screening. Three retrospective studies, published between 2018 and 2020, were included in this systematic review. A high heterogeneity in terms of protocols, study design and the reported outcomes were observed. The risk of bias was scored as low to moderate. These three studies consisted of data from 305 resected teeth, from 254 patients, with a follow‐up period of 1–16.8 years. Overall, 151 teeth were extracted during the follow‐up period. In these studies, root resection treatment was carried out on 42 teeth exclusively for endodontic reasons. One of these studies reported 12 out of 23 teeth lost at follow‐up. None of the studies reported on PROMS.

Discussion

Although root resection techniques may be used for treating teeth with apical periodontitis, the data are limited. Furthermore, the studies are very heterogeneous and associated with high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Given the current level of available evidence, it is not possible to recommend, or dismiss, root resection techniques for managing apical periodontitis.

Registration

PROSPERO database (CRD42021260306).