bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of Visual Experience Affects Multimodal Language Production: Evidence From Congenitally Blind and Sighted People
Authors: Mamus Ezgi , Speed Laura J. , Rissman Lilia , Majid Asifa , Özyürek Aslı
Published: January 2023

The human experience is shaped by information from different perceptual channels, but it is still debated whether and how differential experience influences language use. To address this, we compared congenitally blind, blindfolded, and sighted people's descriptions of the same motion events experienced auditorily by all participants (i.e., via sound alone) and conveyed in speech and gesture. Comparison of blind and sighted participants to blindfolded participants helped us disentangle the effects of a lifetime experience of being blind versus the task‐specific effects of experiencing a motion event by sound alone. Compared to sighted people, blind people's speech focused more on path and less on manner of motion, and encoded paths in a more segmented fashion using more landmarks and path verbs. Gestures followed the speech, such that blind people pointed to landmarks more and depicted manner less than sighted people. This suggests that visual experience affects how people express spatial events in the multimodal language and that blindness may enhance sensitivity to paths of motion due to changes in event construal. These findings have implications for the claims that language processes are deeply rooted in our sensory experiences.
Exhaust dyeing of meta‐aramid yarn at low temperature and time
Authors: Kukreja Komal , Panda Prasanta K.
Published: January 2023

Exhaust dyeing of aramid fibre is difficult due to its high crystalline and compact structure. In this study aramid yarn is pre‐treated with solvent dimethyl sulphoxide to facilitate the dyeing process and then dyeing is achieved with a cationic dye. Pre‐treatment at high temperature leads to the reduction in tensile strength of yarn which is not desirable. Therefore, in this work pre‐treatment has been carried out at different temperatures and time to standardise those parameters to enhance the dye uptake with minimum reduction in strength. Further, dyeing temperature and time has been standardised keeping the standard pre‐treatment parameters fixed. From the study, pre‐treatment temperature of 30°C for 10 min and dyeing temperature of 100°C for 30 min are found suitable for better colour strength without much compromising on strength of yarn. The fastness properties of untreated and treated dyed yarns were comparable.
Featured Cover
Authors: Yin Qing , Bi Ruiye , Li Haohan , Li Qianli , Li Peiran , Wang Ruiyu , Zhu Songsong
Published: January 2023

The cover image is based on the Original Article Regulatory role of human fibrocartilage stem cells in condyle osteochondroma by Qing Yin et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13342.

image
From moulage to metrics: Bibliometric survey of visual arts in dermatopathology and dermatology
Authors: Regmi Aayushma , Dahiya Madhu
Published: January 2023

Background

Both dermatopathology and dermatology are highly visual medical specialties. We performed a bibliometric literature survey of the visual arts in reference to either discipline to better understand how medical literature approaches art within the context of the two specialties.

Materials and Methods

We performed a bibliometric analysis of publications found via multiple medical search engines and selected keywords meant to capture art‐related publications in dermatopathology and dermatology. Keywords (art, portrait, painting, dermatology, dermatopathology) and keyword combinations were entered into the search engines PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubs Hub, and Scopus. Topics of articles, years of publication, countries of origin, and contributing journals were compiled and analyzed.

Results

Eighty publications were retrieved between January 1903 and August 2021. The highest number of articles were found in both PubMed and Google Scholar (n = 55), and the top publication year was 2020 (n = 11). Geographically, the United States of America (n = 38) had the greatest number of articles. The dermatology and art keyword combination yielded the most journal articles (n = 36), and the maximum number of publications were retrieved from JAMA Dermatology (n = 14) followed by the American Journal of Dermatopathology (n = 10).

Conclusion

Our survey showed an increasing number of publications related to the visual arts and dermatopathology/dermatology during the examined period, and a transition from observational case studies (often relating to art history) to articles examining the incorporation of the visual arts into medical training programs or professional societies.
Hedgehog pathway mutations are involved in the pathogenesis of plaque‐type “trichoblastoma”: A report of two cases
Authors: Giang Jenny , Mooyaart Antien L. , Martens‐de Kemp Sanne R. , Jaspars Lies , Wakkee Marlies , Eijken Erik , Voogt Walter , Dinjens Winand N. M. , Damman Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

We present two cases of plaque‐type trichoblastoma with atypical foci. A rare variant of trichoblastoma is the plaque variant, which is characterized by poor circumscription and locally infiltrative growth pattern. These lesions mostly require multiple stages of Mohs micrographic surgery. Debate still exists whether this variant should be considered as a benign entity or as “low‐grade” malignant counterpart of trichoblastoma. In this report we describe two cases of plaque‐type trichoblastoma with atypical foci, which harbored somatic mutations in the Hedgehog pathway, thus should be acknowledged as intermediate malignancies. In addition, extensive molecular workup of both the trichoblastic and atypical component in sequential lesions in the same patient was performed.
Impact of ramus coronary artery on computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) in no apparent coronary artery disease
Authors: Tsugu Toshimitsu , Tanaka Kaoru , Nagatomo Yuji , Belsack Dries , Argacha Jean‐François , Cosyns Bernard , De Maeseneer Michel , De Mey Johan
Published: January 2023

Background

The ramus artery contributes to the development of turbulence, which may influence computed tomography (CT) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) even without coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between ramus‐induced turbulence and FFRCT is unclear.

Method and Results

A total of 120 patients with <20% coronary stenosis assessed by both FFRCT and invasive coronary angiography were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: absent‐ramus (n = 72), small‐ramus that could not be analyzed by FFRCT (n = 18), and large‐ramus that could be analyzed by FFRCT (n = 30). FFRCT measurements were performed at the proximal and distal segments of the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and ramus artery. With absent‐ramus and small‐absent ramus groups, FFRCT was measured at the distal end of the left main trunk at the same level for the proximal segments of the LAD and LCX. In absent‐ramus group, proximal FFRCT showed no significant differences between three vessels (LAD = .96 ± .02; MID = .97 ± .02; LCX = .97 ± .02). However, in small and large‐ramus groups, proximal FFRCT was significantly higher in the ramus artery than LAD and LCX (small‐ramus, LAD = .95 ± .03, Ramus = .97 ± .02, LCX = .95 ± .03; large‐ramus: LAD = .95 ± .03, Ramus = .98 ± .01; LCX = .96 ± .03; p < .05). A large ramus was associated with a higher prevalence of a distal FFRCT ≤.80 (odds ratio 7.0, 95% CI 1.2–40.1, p = .03). A proximal ramus diameter predicted distal FFRCT ≤.80 (cut‐off 2.1 mm, AUC .76, sensitivity 100%, specificity 52%, 95% CI .61–.90).

Conclusions

The presence of a large‐ramus artery may cause an FFRCT decline in no apparent CAD.
Reproduction and production in a social context: Group size, reproductive skew and increasing returns
Authors: Lee Ronald , Chu C. Y. Cyrus
Published: January 2023

Evolutionary success requires both production (acquisition of food, protection and warmth) and reproduction. We suggest that both may increase disproportionately as group size grows, reflecting ‘increasing returns’ or ‘group augmentation benefits’, raising fitness in groups that cooperate in production and limit reproduction to one or a few high fertility females supported by non‐reproductives, with high reproductive skew. In our optimisation theory both Allee effects (when individual fitness increases with group size or density) and reproductive skew arise when increasing returns determine optimal group size and proportion of reproductive females. Depending on which of food or maternal time is more important for reproduction, evolutionary trajectories of lineages may (1) reach a boundary constraint where only one female reproduces in a period (as with African wild dogs) or (2) reach a boundary where all females reproduce during their lifetimes but only during an early life stage (human menopause) or a late life stage (birds with non‐dispersing helpers), where stage length optimises the proportion of females that is reproductive at any time or (3) reach the intersection of these boundary constraints where a single reproductive female is fully specialised in reproduction (as with eusocial insects). We end with some testable hypotheses.
The structure and organisation of an Amazonian bird community remains little changed after nearly four decades in Manu National Park
Authors: Martínez Ari E. , Ponciano José M. , Gomez Juan P. , Valqui Thomas , Novoa Jorge , Antezana Mariamercedes , Biscarra Gabriela , Camerlenghi Ettore , Carnes Blaine H. , Huayanca Munarriz Renato , Parra Eliseo , Plummer Isabella M. , Fitzpatrick John W. , Robinson Scott K. , Socolar Jacob B. , Terborgh John
Published: January 2023

Documenting patterns of spatiotemporal change in hyper‐diverse communities remains a challenge for tropical ecology yet is increasingly urgent as some long‐term studies have shown major declines in bird communities in undisturbed sites. In 1982, Terborgh et al. quantified the structure and organisation of the bird community in a 97‐ha. plot in southeastern Peru. We revisited the same plot in 2018 using the same methodologies as the original study to evaluate community‐wide changes. Contrary to longitudinal studies of other neotropical bird communities (Tiputini, Manaus, and Panama), we found little change in community structure and organisation, with increases in 5, decreases in 2 and no change in 7 foraging guilds. This apparent stability suggests that large forest reserves such as the Manu National Park, possibly due to regional topographical influences on precipitation, still provide the conditions for establishing refugia from at least some of the effects of global change on bird communities.
Prevalence and clinical significance of increasing head height asymmetry as a measure of forelimb lameness in horses when trotting in a straight line after palmar digital nerve block
Authors: Kolding Susanne A. , Sørensen Johnny N. , Kramer Joanne , McCracken Megan J. , Reed Shannon K. , Keegan Kevin G.
Published: January 2023

Background

Some horses increase in forelimb lameness, measured as vertical head height asymmetry, or differences in maximums and minimums of head heights (HDmax, HDmin), after a palmar digital nerve (PDN) block. The prevalence of this finding, or what it means clinically, has not been reported in peer‐reviewed literature.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry after a PDN block and determine if this is associated with cause of forelimb lameness.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Head height asymmetry, normalised to expected vertical head displacement, from inertial‐sensor data collections of all horses evaluated for forelimb lameness while trotting in a straight line at two different clinics were screened for cases that had an initial PDN block and then another more proximal block in the same limb during the same lameness evaluation. Medical records of the screened cases (n = 213) were evaluated to determine the cause of lameness. Prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry was calculated. Differences in lameness amplitude between groups of cases that remained unchanged (Group 1), that increased (Group 2), and that decreased (Group 3) in head height asymmetry before and after the initial PDN block were compared (Kruskal‐Wallis). Determination of the location of the cause of lameness and final diagnoses of cases were compared between Group 1 and Group 2 (chi‐squared tests of independence).

Results

The PDN block increased head height asymmetry at a prevalence of 32.5% (95% CI = 24.5%–41.5%) and 13.8% (95% CI = 7.3%–22.9%), in clinic 1 and 2, respectively. Increasing head height asymmetry after an initial PDN block did not predict localization of the cause of forelimb lameness or specific diagnosis (p = 0.1), other than indicating that it is unlikely to be in the foot (p = 0.02).

Main limitations

Study samples consisted primarily of Warmbloods (clinic 1) and Quarter Horses (clinic 2). Analysis of blocking induced changes was limited to straight line trot only.

Conclusions

Increasing head height asymmetry after PDN block is common during forelimb lameness evaluations. Other than indicating that the cause of lameness is more proximal in the blocked forelimb, this does not help determine the final diagnosis.
Treatment of racehorse superficial digital flexor tendonitis: A comparison of stem cell treatments to controlled exercise rehabilitation in 213 cases
Authors: Salz Rachel O. , Elliott Christopher R. B. , Zuffa Tomas , Bennet Euan D. , Ahern Benjamin J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Overstrain of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a common Thoroughbred racehorse limb injury requiring treatment.

Objectives

To determine whether treatment of SDFT lesions in flat Thoroughbred racehorses with autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) or allogenic adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (A‐MSCs) is associated with improved likelihood of returning to racing, when compared to racehorses managed with a controlled exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) alone.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study combining clinical treatment records with race records.

Methods

A total of 213 Thoroughbred racehorses were identified. All were prescribed the same 12‐month CERP and 66 also received intralesional BM‐MSC and 17 A‐MSC treatment. Follow‐up was a minimum of 2 years after return to full race training. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between the treatments and the likelihood of returning to racing and completing five or more (C5+) races post‐injury.

Results

Compared to CERP alone, BM‐MSC treatment was associated with increased odds of returning to racing (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.55–6.81) and C5+ races post‐injury (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.32–5.33). Older age and increasing lesion length were associated with a reduced likelihood of returning to racing. Male sex and increased number of pre‐injury starts were associated with increased odds of returning to racing. There was no observed increased likelihood of return to racing or C5+ races associated with treatment with A‐MSCs compared to CERP alone.

Main limitations

Due to the retrospective nature of the study it was not possible to ascertain how strictly the CERP was followed. Due to the novelty of the method, the A‐MSC treatment group included a limited number of horses.

Conclusions

In the study population, intralesional BM‐MSC treatment was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of returning to racing and C5+ races post‐injury compared to CERP alone. Intralesional A‐MSC showed no significant association between treatment and the two investigated outcomes.
A frequency‐dependent high‐cycle fatigue damage model and its application in crack nucleation of marine riser from corrosion pits
Authors: Yin Zhiming , Li Zhong , Longchi Zhou , Wang Yichao , Huang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2023

Based on the continuum damage mechanics theory, a frequency‐dependent high‐cycle fatigue damage evolution model was established. According to the fatigue results of API X80 steel, the frequency‐dependent damage evolution parameters were regressed. Using the available riser mechanical model, the user subroutine of high‐cycle fatigue damage evolution was compiled, and the accelerating effect of corrosion pits on fatigue crack initiation of the marine riser was analyzed. The results show that a single corrosion pit at the surface can reduce crack nucleation life by more than 80%. In a double corrosion pits' case, the stress interference between pits significantly affects the crack nucleation. Circumferential double pits can produce a fatigue crack earlier than the single pit, but the effect of axial double pits is just the opposite. When the spacing reaches a certain distance, the stress interference disappears, and the crack nucleation life approaches that of a single pit case.
Rise of toxic cyanobacterial blooms is promoted by agricultural intensification in the basin of a large subtropical river of South America
Authors: Kruk Carla , Segura Angel , Piñeiro Gervasio , Baldassini Pablo , Pérez‐Becoña Laura , García‐Rodríguez Felipe , Perera Gonzalo , Piccini Claudia
Published: January 2023

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are globally increasing with negative effects on aquatic ecosystems, water use and human health. Blooms' main driving forces are eutrophication, dam construction, urban waste, replacement of natural vegetation with croplands and climate change and variability. The relative effects of each driver have not still been properly addressed, particularly in large river basins. Here, we performed a historical analysis of cyanobacterial abundance in a large and important ecosystem of South America (Uruguay river, ca 1900 km long, 365,000 km2 basin). We evaluated the interannual relationships between cyanobacterial abundance and land use change, river flow, urban sewage, temperature and precipitation from 1963 to the present. Our results indicated an exponential increase in cyanobacterial abundance during the last two decades, congruent with an increase in phosphorus concentration. A sharp shift in the cyanobacterial abundance rate of increase after the year 2000 was identified, resulting in abundance levels above public health alert since 2010. Path analyses showed a strong positive correlation between cyanobacteria and cropland area at the entire catchment level, while precipitation, temperature and water flow effects were negligible. Present results help to identify high nutrient input agricultural practices and nutrient enrichment as the main factors driving toxic bloom formation. These practices are already exerting severe effects on both aquatic ecosystems and human health and projections suggest these trends will be intensified in the future. To avoid further water degradation and health risk for future generations, a large‐scale (transboundary) change in agricultural management towards agroecological practices will be required.
Survival and cognitive deterioration in elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Miyazaki Sayaka , Kitamura Mineaki , Hayashida Masatoshi , Tamaki Akira , Tomura Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Kosei , Nishino Tomoya , Funakoshi Satoshi
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to elucidate the 5‐year changes in the cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis and its association with survival and related factors.

Methods

Cognitive function in patients aged ≥65 years undergoing hemodialysis at the Nagasaki Renal Center was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) in 2016. Patients were subsequently classified into normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and suspected dementia groups according to their scores; MMSE was conducted at 30 and 60 months thereafter. The patients were followed until 2021. The association between survival and patient backgrounds was analyzed.

Results

Of the 181 patients, 168 completed follow‐up and were classified into normal (n = 71, 42.3%), MCI (n = 44, 26.1%), and suspected dementia (n = 53, 31.5%) groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, female sex, and geriatric nutritional risk index were associated with MMSE scores <24. The 5‐year survival rates were 60.6%, 40.9%, and 22.6% in the normal, MCI and suspected dementia groups, respectively. With some exceptions, MMSE results tended to decline during the observation period. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; P = 0.007), dialysis vintage (HR, 0.96; P = 0.04), male sex (HR, 1.77; P = 0.02), geriatric nutritional risk index (HR, 0.94; P < 0.001) and MMSE score (HR, 0.96; P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for patient survival.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis was associated with age and nutritional status. Patients with cognitive impairment had a poor prognosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 111–116.
Association between COVID‐19 and consistent mask wearing during contact with others outside the household—A nested case–control analysis, November 2020–October 2021
Authors: Tjaden Ashley H. , Edelstein Sharon L. , Ahmed Naheed , Calamari Lydia , Dantuluri Keerti L. , Gibbs Michael , Hinkelman Amy , Mongraw‐Chaffin Morgana , Sanders John W. , Saydah Sharon , Plumb Ian D. ,   the COVID‐19 Community Research Partnership Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background

Face masks have been recommended to reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. However, evidence of the individual benefit of face masks remains limited, including by vaccination status.

Methods

As part of the COVID‐19 Community Research Partnership cohort study, we performed a nested case–control analysis to assess the association between self‐reported consistent mask use during contact with others outside the household and subsequent odds of symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (COVID‐19) during November 2020–October 2021. Using conditional logistic regression, we compared 359 case‐participants to 3544 control‐participants who were matched by date, adjusting for enrollment site, age group, sex, race/ethnicity, urban/rural county classification, and healthcare worker occupation.

Results

COVID‐19 was associated with not consistently wearing a mask (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.14, 1.95]). Compared with persons ≥14 days after mRNA vaccination who also reported always wearing a mask, COVID‐19 was associated with being unvaccinated (aOR 5.94; 95% CI [3.04, 11.62]), not wearing a mask (aOR 1.62; 95% CI [1.07, 2.47]), or both unvaccinated and not wearing a mask (aOR 9.07; 95% CI [4.81, 17.09]).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that consistent mask wearing can complement vaccination to reduce the risk of COVID‐19.
Social positioning matters: A socialized affordance perspective ofmHealthin India
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Zheng Yingqin
Published: January 2023

Existing research on technology affordance rarely considers the role of social structures in shaping the interaction between human actors and technology. In this paper, we draw upon the concept of social positioning to explore how socialized affordances of technology adoption, as well as their impact in work and social life, are shaped by the social positions that human actors occupy within multiple social structures. We do so by examining the adoption of mHealth devices by community health workers in India. The study generates theoretical implications for research on affordances of technology and social structures by integrating social positioning of actors in the analysis of a digital practice, and enriching IS research by incorporating the broader social arrangements and power relations.
Exploration of barriers to screening for domestic violence in the perinatal period using an ecological framework
Authors: Usanov Christina , Keedle Hazel , Peters Kath , O'Reilly Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Aims

To explore Australian healthcare providers' perspectives on factors that influence disclosure and domestic violence screening through the lens of Heise's (1998) integrated ecological framework.

Design

This paper reports the findings that were part of a sequential mixed methods study with survey data informing interview questions. Participants for interviews were recruited after expressing an interest after completing surveys, as well as via snowball sampling.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken in 2017 with 12 practicing healthcare providers delivering care to women in the perinatal period in Greater Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six‐step thematic approach.

Findings

The findings were framed within Heise's integrated ecological framework under four main themes. The main themes were ‘Ontogenic: Factors preventing women from disclosing’; ‘Microsystem: Factors preventing healthcare providers from asking’; ‘Exosystem: Organizational structures not conducive to screening’; and ‘Macrosystem: Cultural attitudes and socioeconomic influences affecting screening’.

Conclusion

Organizational policies are needed for better systems of reminding healthcare providers to enquire for domestic and family violence and mandating this within their practices. Mandatory domestic and family violence education and training that is suitable for the time constraints and learning needs of the healthcare provider is recommended for all healthcare providers caring for perinatal women. Further research is needed in addressing culturally specific barriers for healthcare providers to enquire about domestic and family violence in a culturally appropriate way.

Public and Patient Engagement and Involvement in Research (PPEI)

No Patient or Public Contribution was embedded into the research reported in this paper as this research was specifically exploring healthcare providers’ perspectives on domestic violence screening within their own practice experience.
How to Argue about Solar Geoengineering
Authors: Clark Britta
Published: January 2023

Should high‐income countries engage in solar geoengineering research and possible deployment? On the assumption that the speed of the energy transition will be insufficient to abate catastrophic climate impacts, research into solar geoengineering begins to look like a technically and socially feasible route to mitigate such impacts. But on the assumption that a rapid and relatively just energy transition is still within the realm of political possibility, research into solar geoengineering looks more like an ideological tool designed to divert time and resources from less risky climate solutions. At the heart of debates over solar geoengineering, then, is disagreement over what political actors can be expected to do in the future. In this article, I argue that both objectors to and proponents of solar geoengineering research often make background assumptions regarding expected future actions that are either (a) inaccurate or (b) inconsistent. I propose an account of expected future actions that avoids these problems and sketch what the debate over solar geoengineering looks like with these assumptions in place.
The transition zone in Hirschsprung's bowel contains abnormal hybrid ganglia with characteristics of extrinsic nerves
Authors: Smith Megan , Chhabra Sumita , Shukla Rajeev , Kenny Simon , Almond Sarah , Edgar David , Wilm Bettina
Published: January 2023

The aganglionic bowel in short‐segment Hirschsprung's disease is characterized both by the absence of enteric ganglia and the presence of extrinsic thickened nerve bundles (TNBs). The relationship between the TNBs and the loss of enteric ganglia is unknown. Previous studies have described decreasing numbers of ganglia with increasing density of TNBs within the transition zone (TZ) between ganglionic and aganglionic gut, and there is some evidence of spatial contact between them in this region. To determine the cellular interactions involved, we have analysed the expression of perineurial markers of TNBs and enteric ganglionic markers for both neural cells and their ensheathing telocytes across four cranio‐caudal segments consisting of most proximal ganglionic to most distal aganglionic from pull‐through resected colon. We show that in the TZ, enteric ganglia are abnormal, being surrounded by perineurium cells characteristic of TNBs. Furthermore, short processes of ganglionic neurons extend caudally towards the aganglionic region, where telocytes in the TNB are located between the perineurium and nerve fibres into which they project telopodes. Thus, enteric ganglia within the TZ have abnormal structural characteristics, the cellular relationships of which are shared by the TNBs. These findings will help towards elucidation of the cellular mechanisms involved in the aetiology of Hirschsprung's disease.
The association between respiratory diseases and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Molina Ana , Huck Olivier , Herrera David , Montero Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Aim

To evaluate (1) whether periodontitis has an influence on the prevalence/incidence of respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], asthma, community‐acquired pneumonia [CAP], obstructive sleep apnoea [OSA] and COVID‐19), and (2) what is the impact of periodontal therapy on the onset or progression of respiratory diseases.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was performed on Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases up to October 2021, to identify studies answering the PECOS and PICOS questions.

Results

Seventy‐five articles were selected. Meta‐analyses identified statistically significant associations of periodontitis with COPD (nstudies = 12, odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.16; 1.42], p < .001), and OSA (ns = 6, OR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.21; 2.25], p = .001), but not for asthma (ns = 9, OR = 1.53, 95% CI [0.82; 2.86], p = .181). For acute conditions, two studies were found for CAP, while for COVID‐19, significant associations were found for the need of assisted ventilation (ns = 2, OR = 6.24, 95% CI [2.78; 13.99], p < .001) and COVID‐related mortality (ns = 3, OR = 2.26, 95% CI [1.36, 3.77], p = .002). Only four intervention studies were found, showing positive effects of periodontal treatment on COPD, asthma and CAP.

Conclusions

A positive association between periodontitis and COPD, OSA and COVID‐19 complications has been found, while there is a lack of intervention studies.
Atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier–Degos disease) in children and adolescents—A cross–sectional study and literature review
Authors: Zouboulis Christos C. , Kaleta Katarzyna P. , Broniatowska Elżbieta , Jarienė Vaiva , Nikolakis Georgios
Published: January 2023

Background

Atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier–Degos disease, Degos disease) is a rare thrombo‐obliterative microangiopathy of unknown pathogenesis. It usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. However, it can occur at any age. The condition is considered uncommon in children.

Objective

Clinical characterization of paediatric patients with atrophic papulosis.

Methods

Single‐centre prospective cohort study with data derived from the international Degos Disease Registry collected between 2000 and 2021.

Results

Among 96 registered patients with atrophic papulosis fulfilling the criteria, 19 were aged 0 to completed 17 years at the time of onset. The median age at the time of onset was 5 years, ranging from 0 to 1 years for girls to 8 years for boys. In contrast to adult patients (male‐to‐female ratio 1:2.2), there was a male predominance in paediatric patients with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.7:1. Systemic involvement, in particular gastrointestinal, central nervous system and cardiac, was more frequent in children than in adult patients. There were no statistically significant differences between family history, multisystem involvement, mortality and median survival time in the two groups.

Conclusions

Atrophic papulosis has some distinct features in the paediatric population. It presents an important and still under‐recognized problem. Therefore, it is mandatory to pay attention to the typical skin lesions in combination with neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms in order to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Multispectral optoacoustic tomography to differentiate between lymph node metastases and coronavirus‐19 vaccine‐associated lymphadenopathy
Authors: Placke Jan‐Malte , Mertens Delphine , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Chorti Eleftheria , Schadendorf Dirk , Ugurel Selma , Roesch Alexander , Stoffels Ingo , Klode Joachim
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Worldwide mass vaccination for COVID‐19 started in late 2020. COVID‐19 vaccines cause benign hypermetabolic lymphadenopathies. Clinical stratification between vaccine‐associated benign lymphadenopathies and malignant lymphadenopathies through ultrasound, MRI or FDG PET‐CT is not feasible. This leads to unnecessary lymph node biopsies, excisions and even radical lymph node dissections. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary surgeries, we assessed whether noninvasive multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) enables a better differentiation between benign and malignant lymphadenopathies.

Patients and Methods

All patients were vaccinated for COVID‐19. We used MSOT to image deoxy‐ and oxyhaemoglobin levels in lymph nodes of tumour patients to assess metastatic status. MSOT imaging results were compared with standard ultrasound and pathological lymph node analysis. We also evaluated the influences of gender, age and time between vaccination and MSOT measurement of lymph nodes on the measured deoxy‐ and oxyhaemoglobin levels in patients with reactive lymph node changes.

Results

Multispectral optoacoustic tomography was able to identify cancer‐free lymph nodes in vivo without a single false negative (33 total lymph nodes), with 100% sensitivity and 50% specificity. A statistically significant higher deoxyhaemoglobin content was detected in patients with tumour manifestations in the lymph node (p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference concerning oxyhaemoglobin (p = 0.65). Age, sex and time between vaccination and MSOT measurement had statistically non‐significant impact on deoxy‐ and oxyhaemoglobin levels in patients with reactive lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Here, we show that MSOT measurement is an advantageous clinical approach to differentiate between vaccine‐associated benign lymphadenopathy and malignant lymph node metastases based on the deoxygenation level in lymph nodes.
A nationwide 104 weeks real‐world study of dupilumab in adults with atopic dermatitis: Ineffectiveness in head‐and‐neck dermatitis
Authors: Vittrup Ida , Krogh Niels Steen , Larsen Henrik Hedegaard Pliess , Elberling Jesper , Skov Lone , Ibler Kristina Sophie , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Mortz Charlotte G. , Bach Rasmus Overgaard , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Dalager Maiken Glud , Egeberg Alexander , Agner Tove , Deleuran Mette , Vestergaard Christian , Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan
Published: January 2023

Background

Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of new systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) after approval is important. There are few published data exceeding 52‐week therapy with dupilumab.

Objectives

To examine the safety, effectiveness and drug survival of dupilumab in a Danish nationwide cohort with moderate‐to‐severe AD up to 104 weeks exposure.

Methods

We included 347 adult patients with AD who were treated with dupilumab and registered in the SCRATCH registry during 2017–2022.

Results

At all visits, we observed improvement in AD severity measured by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) [median (IQR)]. EASI score at baseline was 18.0 (10.6–25.2), at week 4: 6.5 (3.5–11.6), at week 16: 3.7 (1.2–6.2), at week 52: 2.0 (0.8–3.6), at week 104: 1.7 (0.8–3.8). While drug survival was high (week 52: 90%; week 104: 86%), AD in the head‐and‐neck area remained present in most patients at high levels; proportion with head‐and‐neck AD at baseline was 76% and 68% at week 104. 35% of patients reported any AE. Conjunctivitis was the most frequent (25% of all patients) and median time to first registration of conjunctivitis was 201 days.

Conclusions

While 2‐year drug survival was 86%, dupilumab was unable to effectively treat AD in the head‐and‐neck area, and conjunctivitis was found in 25% of patients.
Characteristics of pruritus in various clinical variants of psoriasis: Final report of the binational, multicentre, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jaworecka Kamila , Kwiatkowska Dominika , Marek‐Józefowicz Luiza , Tamer Funda , Stefaniak Aleksandra , Szczegielniak Magdalena , Chojnacka‐Purpurowicz Joanna , Gulekon Ayla , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Narbutt Joanna , Owczarczyk‐Saczonek Agnieszka , Reich Adam
Published: January 2023

Background

Pruritus, which is the most frequent subjective symptom of psoriasis, may cause significant discomfort, embarrassment and even interfere with patients normal daily activities. However, the perception of itch in various psoriasis subtypes remains unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate and to characterize pruritus in different clinical variants of psoriasis.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, binational, multicentre study included 295 subjects suffering from nine different clinical subtypes of psoriasis: large‐plaque psoriasis (n = 45), nummular psoriasis (n = 32), guttate psoriasis (n = 31), scalp psoriasis (n = 32), inverse psoriasis (n = 23), erythrodermic psoriasis (n = 33), palmoplantar psoriasis vulgaris (n = 33), palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (n = 42) and generalized pustular psoriasis (n = 23). Measures included sociodemographic and anthropometric data, detailed pruritus characteristics including but not limited to pruritus intensity, frequency and extend, as well as psoriasis severity.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of pruritus in each clinical variant of psoriasis was similar and quite high, reaching up to 100% in some disease subtypes (i.e., nummular psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis). Psoriasis severity correlated with pruritus intensity in scalp psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis. The age, duration of psoriasis and BMI did not interfere with the intensity of itch.

Conclusions

Pruritus is highly prevalent in each clinical variant of psoriasis. However, the sensation of itch is very individual, difficult to universally describe even in the same subtype.
Jackson trap efficiency capturing Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus cucurbitae with male lures with and without insecticides
Authors: Manoukis Nicholas C. , Leathers Jason , Beucke Kyle , Carvalho Lori A. F. N.
Published: January 2023

Jackson traps baited with male lures with or without insecticides are essential components of surveillance and monitoring programmes against pest tephritid fruit flies. The ability of a trap to capture a fly that enters, sometimes termed ‘trap efficiency’, is dependent on many factors including the trap/lure/toxicant combination. We tested the effects of three important components of Jackson traps on efficiency of capture of two important fruit fly species, using the ‘standard’ (i.e. as they are used in the state‐wide surveillance programme in California) and alternative setups: Insecticide (Naled, DDVP or None), type of adhesive on the sticky panel (Seabright Laboratories Stickem Special Regular or Stickem Special HiTack) and use of a single or combination male lure (Methyl eugenol and/or cuelure). Experiments were conducted in large outdoor carousel olfactometers with known numbers of Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus cucurbitae and by trapping wild populations of the same two species. Lures were aged out to eight weeks to develop a comprehensive dataset on trap efficiency of the various combinations. Results indicate that the current liquid lure/naled combinations on cotton wicks used in California for surveillance of these flies can be effectively replaced by plastic polymer plugs for the lure and pre‐packaged DDVP strips with no loss of trap efficiency for eight weeks of use or longer. The ‘high tack’ adhesive showed no advantage over the current standard against these flies, and both have low efficiency when used without an insecticide in the trap. Combination lure + DDVP varied when compared to the current standard liquid lure + naled: Olfactometer assays showed similar efficiency between them for B. dorsalis, but higher efficiency for the wafer against Z. cucurbitae. Field result showed similar or slightly higher performance of the wafer compared with the standard for B. dorsalis, but a much lower catch of Z. cucurbitae.
Comparison of droplet digital PCR and real‐time quantitative PCR for quantitative detection of the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in the water environment
Authors: Hu Guangran , Huang Ke , Zhou Weitian , Wang Runqiu , Zhao Weishan , Zou Hong , Li Wenxiang , Wu Shangong , Li Ming , Wang Guitang
Published: January 2023

Ichthyophthiriasis, caused by the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich), is considered one of the most harmful diseases affecting freshwater fish globally. It can cause mass mortalities of fish in intensive farming systems. In such systems, it is thus necessary to detect and quantify the number of Ich in the water so that control measures can be implemented before Ichthyophthiriasis breaks out. In recent years, molecular diagnostic methods have become increasingly important in aquaculture. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) have become robust assays for detecting pathogens. In this study, a set of specific primers and a TaqMan‐minor groove binder probe targeting the small‐subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) of Ich were developed. They were used in qPCR and ddPCR assays to compare the performance of these two different methods in quantitatively detecting Ich. After optimizing the reaction conditions, both qPCR and ddPCR assays were found to have high linearity and quantitative correlations for standard plasmid DNA. When used for the detection of Ich eDNA in water samples, the qPCR assay had a wider detection range, making it a suitable method to screen for the prevalence of Ichthyophthiriasis. However, the ddPCR approach had higher sensitivity, which would help provide advance notice of the disease in complex water environmental samples.
Can a small island nation build resilience? The significance of resource‐use patterns and socio‐metabolic risks in The Bahamas
Authors: Martin del Campo Francisco , Singh Simron Jit , Fishman Tomer , Thomas Adelle , Noll Dominik , Drescher Michael
Published: January 2023

Resource‐use patterns may entail systemic risks and cascade effects, which consequently inhibit the ability to deliver socioeconomic services. Identifying resource‐use patterns exhibiting systemic risks and reshaping their combinations is a potential lever in realizing the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and resource‐secure system. Using an island context to assess the quantity and composition of resource throughput enables a more comprehensive analysis of these risks. This article presents the first mass‐balance account of socio‐metabolic flows for The Bahamas in 2018, to identify socio‐metabolic risks and cascading effects. Socio‐metabolic risks are systemic risks related to critical resource availability, material circulation integrity, and (in)equities in cost and benefit distributions. We utilize the economy‐wide material flow accounting framework to map the material flow patterns across the economy. In 2018, annual direct material input was estimated at 9.4 t/cap/yr, of which 60% were imports. High masses of waste (1.4 t/cap/yr) remained unrecovered due to the lack of recycling. Total domestic extraction (DE) were dominated by non‐metallic minerals with more than 80%, while marine biomass makes up barely 1% of total DE. Due to its linear, undiversified metabolism, and heavy imports dependency, the system is susceptible to socio‐metabolic risks and cascading effects including low levels of self‐sufficiency, high vulnerability to shocks, commodity price fluctuations, threats to sensitive ecosystems, health impacts, and economic losses, among others. A holistic resource management strategy and nature‐based solutions that consider the trade‐offs and synergies between different resource‐use patterns are critical when exploring potential plans for metabolic risk reduction.
Until death do us part? In‐depth insights into Dutch consumers’ considerations about product lifetimes and lifetime extension
Authors: van den Berge Renske , Magnier Lise , Mugge Ruth
Published: January 2023

Long‐lasting electronic products contribute to a sustainable society; however, both expected and actual lifetimes are in decline. This research provides in‐depth insights into consumers’ considerations about product lifetimes, barriers to extending lifetimes, and responses to a product lifetime label. Results of interviews (n = 22) with Dutch consumers suggest a positive view on long‐lasting products. Nevertheless, their products’ value depreciated during their lifetimes. Consumers consider themselves unable to estimate how long products should last, which can be detrimental as low expectations tend to negatively influence actual lifetimes. Also, use intensity and consumers’ care(less) behavior influence the lifetime. To extend product lifetimes, consumers often disregard the option of repairing malfunctioning products. They have limited knowledge and ability, and believe repair provides poor value for money. Lifetime extension can also be hindered by market‐related factors, such as convenient replacement services, new technological developments, and (attractive) deals. We suggest a product lifetime label should contain relevant and reliable information; furthermore, we recommend including (extended) warranty information. When information about repairability is included, potential negative responses should be considered. Finally, raising awareness about the environmental impact of short‐lived products via a label may have a positive effect but requires more research attention.
Developing Regenerate: A circular economy engagement tool for the assessment of new and existing buildings
Authors: Gillott Charles , Mihkelson Will , Lanau Maud , Cheshire Dave , Densley Tingley Danielle
Published: January 2023

The transition toward a circular economy (CE) is key in decarbonizing the built environment. Despite this, knowledge of—and engagement with—CE philosophies remains limited within the construction industry. Discussion with practitioners reveals this to be contributed to by a lack of clarity regarding CE principles, with numerous organizations recommending implementation of differing and sometimes conflicting principles. In addition, a systematic assessment of how building designs consider CE is made difficult by the multiple design areas required to be considered and the large amount of design data required to do so. The absence of a systematic CE assessment causes a lack of comparability across designs, preventing benchmarking of CE practices in building design at present. This paper details the development of Regenerate, a CE engagement tool for the assessment of new and existing buildings, established in an effort to overcome the aforementioned barriers to the adoption of CE within the construction sector. A CE design workflow for the built environment is proposed, comprising four overarching circularity principles (Design for Adaptability; Design for Deconstructability; Circular Material Selection; Resource Efficiency) and contributing design actions. In addition to engaging stakeholders by enabling the assessment of building designs, the tool retrieves key data for further research. Information on completed design actions as well as recycling and waste metrics is collected to facilitate future CE benchmarking. “Bill of materials” data (i.e., material quantities) is also compiled, with this being key in material stock modeling research and embodied carbon benchmarking.