bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge vs. non‐bridging for lung transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Xiaolian , Bian Tao , Ye SuGao , Cai Peiquan , Yu Zhen , Zhu Jianrong , Zhang Wenxiong
Published: November 2020

Whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to lung transplantation (BTT) can achieve a similar survival to non‐BTT remains controversial. We conducted this meta‐analysis to compare the outcomes between ECMO BTT and non‐BTT to facilitate better clinical decision‐making. Seven databases were searched for eligible studies comparing ECMO BTT and non‐BTT. The primary endpoints included survival, intraoperative indicators, postoperative hospitalization indicators, and postoperative complications. Nineteen studies (involving 7061 participants) were included in the final analysis. The outcomes of overall survival, overall survival rate, graft survival rate, in‐hospital mortality, postoperative hospital days, postoperative intensive care unit days, postoperative ventilation time, blood transfusion volume, and postoperative complications were all better in the non‐BTT group. The total mortality in ECMO bridging was 23.03%, in which the top five causes of death were right heart failure (8.03%), multiple organ failure (7.03%), bleeding (not cranial) (4.67%), cranial bleeding (3.15%), and sepsis (2.90%). In summary, Non‐BTT is associated with better survival and fewer complications compared to BTT. When ECMO may be the only option, the patient and medical team need to realize the increased risk of ECMO by complications and survival.
The incidence, clinical outcome, and protective factors of mixed chimerism following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Xu Zheng‐Li , Cheng Yi‐Fei , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Han Ting‐Ting , Wang Feng‐Rong , Yan Chen‐Hua , Sun Yu‐Qian , Chen Yu‐Hong , Tang Fei‐Fei , Han Wei , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Xu Lan‐Ping
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aim of our study was to determine possible predictors and clinical course of mixed chimerism (MC) in aplastic anemia after transplantation.

Methods

A total of 207 transplants were obtained from haploidentical donors (HID) using busulfan (Bu), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) regimens, and 69 transplants from matched related donors (MRD) and 29 transplants from unrelated donors (URD) using Cy/ATG regimens were obtained.

Results

Incidences of MC were 1.93 ± 0.01%, 20.29 ± 0.01%, and 35.71 ± 0.01% in HID, MRD, and URD transplantation (p < .001). In multivariate analysis, incidence of MC was significantly higher in patients without adding Bu in conditioning (p < .001) and receiving a lower number of CD3 + cells in graft (p = .042). MC was associated with significantly lower II‐IV aGvHD (3.70% vs. 27.7%, p = .007), but higher secondary graft rejection rates (14.8% vs. 0.4%, p < .001) and poorer overall survival (72.7 ± 8.9% vs. 89.6 ± 2.0%, p = .011) than those of donor chimerism cohort.

Conclusions

Mixed chimerism was an unsettling status even in non‐malignancy. Haploidentical transplantation with more intense regimen by adding Bu to Cy and ATG was associated with reduced MC following HSCT for SAA. An intensified regimen should be explored in matched related or unrelated donors.
Pharmacoenhancement of Low Crizotinib Plasma Concentrations in Patients with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase‐Positive Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer using the CYP3A Inhibitor Cobicistat
Authors: Hohmann Nicolas , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Christopoulos Petros , Mikus Gerd , Blank Antje , Burhenne Jürgen , Thomas Michael , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: November 2020

The inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) crizotinib significantly increases survival in patients with ALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). When evaluating crizotinib pharmacokinetics (PKs) in patients taking the standard flat oral dose of 250 mg b.i.d., interindividual PK variability is substantial and patient survival is lower in the quartile with the lowest steady‐state trough plasma concentrations (Cmin,ss), suggesting that concentrations should be monitored and doses individualized. We investigated whether the CYP3A inhibitor cobicistat increases Cmin,ss of the CYP3A substrate crizotinib in patients with low exposure. Patients with ALK‐positive NSCLC of our outpatient clinic treated with crizotinib were enrolled in a phase I trial (EudraCT 2016‐002187‐14, DRKS00012360) if crizotinib Cmin,ss was below 310 ng/mL and treated with cobicistat for 14 days. Crizotinib plasma concentration profiles were established before and after a 14‐day co‐administration of cobicistat to construct the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve in the dosing interval from zero to 12 hours (AUC0–12). Patients were also monitored for adverse events by physical examination, laboratory tests, and 12‐lead echocardiogram. Enrolment was prematurely stopped because of the approval of alectinib, a next‐generation ALK‐inhibitor with superior efficacy. In the only patient enrolled, cobicistat increased Cmin,ss from 158 ng/mL (before cobicistat) to 308 ng/mL (day 8) and 417 ng/mL (day 14 on cobicistat), concurrently the AUC0–12 increased by 78% from 2,210 ng/mL*h to 3,925 ng/mL*h. Neither safety signals nor serious adverse events occurred. Pharmacoenhancement with cobicistat as an alternative for dose individualisation for patients with NSCLC with low crizotinib exposure appears to be safe and is cost‐effective and feasible.
Utility of YAP1 and NUT immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of porocarcinoma
Authors: Russell‐Goldman Eleanor , Hornick Jason L. , Hanna John
Published: November 2020

Background

Porocarcinoma is the malignant counterpart of poroma, a benign tumor derived from the eccrine or apocrine units. In contrast to poroma, porocarcinoma is rare and its diagnosis may be challenging. Recent work has identified YAP1‐associated gene fusions in most poromas, and a subset of porocarcinomas. These included YAP1‐MAML2 and YAP1‐NUTM1, the latter being enriched in porocarcinomas over poromas.

Methods

We studied YAP1 C‐terminus and NUT immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 12 porocarcinomas, 10 poromas, 10 squamous cell carcinomas, and 6 hidradenocarcinomas.

Results

Seven of 12 (58%) porocarcinomas showed loss of YAP1 C‐terminus expression, consistent with a YAP1 fusion. Of these seven, five showed NUT positivity, implying the presence of the YAP1‐NUTM1 fusion. One of 12 (8%) cases showed NUT positivity, but retention of YAP1 C‐terminus expression, consistent with a non‐YAP1 NUT‐associated fusion. Eight of 10 (80%) poromas showed loss of YAP1 C‐terminus expression and negative NUT staining, consistent with non‐NUT YAP1 fusions. All squamous cell carcinomas and hidradenocarcinomas retained YAP1 C‐terminus expression and were negative for NUT.

Conclusion

YAP1 C‐terminus and NUT immunohistochemistry may be helpful in the diagnosis of porocarcinoma, with the combination of YAP1 C‐terminus loss and NUT positivity being particularly informative.
Impact of alcohol on mortality in Eastern Europe: Trends and policy responses
Authors: Jasilionis Domantas , Leon David A. , Pechholdová Markéta
Published: November 2020

Within the global context, Eastern Europe has been repeatedly identified as the area with the highest levels of alcohol‐related health harms. Although the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, and the Soviet Union collapsed soon afterwards, alcohol‐related mortality in Eastern Europe remains far higher than in Western Europe. However, despite the high burden of alcohol harm and mortality in Eastern Europe, with the partial exception of Russia, relatively little is known about the country‐specific impact of alcohol on health and mortality and the various policy responses to it. In response to this, an international symposium was held in Vilnius, Lithuania in June 2017 entitled Persisting burden of alcohol in Central and Eastern Europe: recent evidence and measurement issues. This special section of Drug and Alcohol Review is based on a selection of the papers presented at this symposium, providing for the first time a broad overview of the problem of alcohol‐related mortality in a diverse range of Eastern European countries linked to a description and analysis of alcohol control initiatives that have been developed. While there is strong evidence of the influence of history, culture and education across European countries having a profound and persistent effect on differences in drinking patterns and preferences, there is, nevertheless, evidence that effective policy responses have been mounted in a range of countries.
Evaluating intraspecific variation in insect trait analysis
Authors: Gentile Giorgio , Bonelli Simona , Riva Federico
Published: November 2020

Intraspecific variation plays important roles in ecology and evolution. Yet, information on how species and populations vary remains scarce, particularly for insects and regarding functional traits. This lack of knowledge can be problematic in trait‐based ecology because traditional approaches assume negligible intraspecific variation, even for analyses that assess highly variable taxa.

We measured 291 Arctic fritillary butterflies (Boloria chariclea) to assess the intraspecific variation in one population of this species, evaluating (i) how wingspan of Arctic fritillaries varies in relation to the other species of its community, and (ii) how well wingspan, a measure of body size, predicts weight, a measure of body mass.

Wingspan of Arctic fritillaries varied between 2.62 and 4.07 cm, with the 95% interval range, including ∼33% (14/42) of the species in the community, and ∼30% (84/279) of the butterflies of Canada. The relationship between wingspan and weight was significant (βwingspan = 0.002, SE = 0.0008, P < 0.001), but relatively weak (R2adj = 0.31, F2,288 = 67.82, P < 0.001).

We discuss our findings in relation to the assumption of species homogeneity and the use of proxies in the analysis of species traits, complementing our case study with simulations to illustrate how intraspecific and interspecific variation interact in determining when traditional trait analyses are robust. We suggest entomologists interested in trait analyses should critically evaluate how intraspecific variation could affect their inference, especially when evaluating species that are highly sexually dimorphic, phenotypically plastic, and/or distributed across broad environmental and spatial clines.
Altered sensorimotor fMRI directed connectivity in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Goelman Gadi , Dan Rotem , Růžička Filip , Bezdicek Ondrej , Jech Robert
Published: November 2020

Dopamine depletion in the axons of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients precedes depletion in cell bodies thus proposing that macroscopic connectivity can be used to understand disease mechanism. A novel multivariate functional connectivity analysis, based on high order coherence among four fMRI BOLD signals was applied on resting‐state fMRI data of controls and PD patients (OFF and ON medication states) and unidirectional multiple‐region pathways in the sensorimotor system were identified. Pathways were classified as “preserved” (unaffected by the disease), “damaged” (not observed in patients) and “corrected” (observed in controls and in PD‐ON state). The majority of all pathways were feedforward, most of them with the pattern “S1→M1→SMA.” Of these pathways, 67% were “damaged,” 28% “preserved,” and 5% “corrected.” Prefrontal cortex (PFC) afferent and efferent pathways that corresponded to goal directed and habitual activities corresponded to recurrent circuits. Eighty‐one percent of habitual afferent had internal cue (i.e., M1→S1→), of them 79% were “damaged” and the rest “preserved.” All goal‐directed afferent had external cue (i.e., S1→M1→) with third “damaged,” third “preserved,” and third “corrected.” Corrected pathways were initiated in the dorsolateral PFC. Reduced connectivity of the SMA and PFC resulted from reduced sensorimotor afferent to these regions. Reduced sensorimotor internal cues to the PFC resulted with reduced habitual processes. Levodopa effects were for pathways that started in region reach with dopamine receptors. This methodology can enrich understudying of PD mechanisms in other (e.g., the default mode network) systems.
Shared internal models for feedforward and feedback control of arm dynamics in non‐human primates
Authors: Maeda Rodrigo S. , Kersten Rhonda , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: November 2020

Previous work has shown that humans account for and learn novel properties or the arm's dynamics, and that such learning causes changes in both the predictive (i.e., feedforward) control of reaching and reflex (i.e., feedback) responses to mechanical perturbations. Here we show that similar observations hold in old‐world monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Two monkeys were trained to use an exoskeleton to perform a single‐joint elbow reaching and to respond to mechanical perturbations that created pure elbow motion. Both of these tasks engaged robust shoulder muscle activity as required to account for the torques that typically arise at the shoulder when the forearm rotates around the elbow joint (i.e., intersegmental dynamics). We altered these intersegmental arm dynamics by having the monkeys generate the same elbow movements with the shoulder joint either free to rotate, as normal, or fixed by the robotic manipulandum, which eliminates the shoulder torques caused by forearm rotation. After fixing the shoulder joint, we found a systematic reduction in shoulder muscle activity. In addition, after releasing the shoulder joint again, we found evidence of kinematic aftereffects (i.e., reach errors) in the direction predicted if failing to compensate for normal arm dynamics. We also tested whether such learning transfers to feedback responses evoked by mechanical perturbations and found a reduction in shoulder feedback responses, as appropriate for these altered arm intersegmental dynamics. Demonstrating this learning and transfer in non‐human primates will allow the investigation of the neural mechanisms involved in feedforward and feedback control of the arm's dynamics.
Landscape modification and nutrient‐driven instability at a distance
Authors: McCann Kevin S. , Cazelles Kevin , MacDougall Andrew S. , Fussmann Gregor F. , Bieg Carling , Cristescu Melania , Fryxell John M. , Gellner Gabriel , Lapointe Brian , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: November 2020

Almost 50 years ago, Michael Rosenzweig pointed out that nutrient addition can destabilise food webs, leading to loss of species and reduced ecosystem function through the paradox of enrichment. Around the same time, David Tilman demonstrated that increased nutrient loading would also be expected to cause competitive exclusion leading to deleterious changes in food web diversity. While both concepts have greatly illuminated general diversity‐stability theory, we currently lack a coherent framework to predict how nutrients influence food web stability across a landscape. This is a vitally important gap in our understanding, given mounting evidence of serious ecological disruption arising from anthropogenic displacement of resources and organisms. Here, we combine contemporary theory on food webs and meta‐ecosystems to show that nutrient additions are indeed expected to drive loss in stability and function in human‐impacted regions. Our models suggest that destabilisation is more likely to be caused by the complete loss of an equilibrium due to edible plant species being competitively excluded. In highly modified landscapes, spatial nutrient transport theory suggests that such instabilities can be amplified over vast distances from the sites of nutrient addition. Consistent with this theoretical synthesis, the empirical frequency of these distant propagating ecosystem imbalances appears to be growing. This synthesis of theory and empirical data suggests that human modification of the Earth is strongly connecting distantly separated ecosystems, causing rapid, expansive and costly nutrient‐driven instabilities over vast areas of the planet. Similar to existing food web theory, the corollary to this spatial nutrient theory is that slowing down spatial nutrient pathways can be a potent means of stabilising degraded ecosystems.
Starting a new anti‐seizure medication in drug‐resistant epilepsy: Add‐on or substitute?
Authors: Janmohamed Mubeen , Lawn Nicholas , Spilsbury Katrina , Chan Josephine , Dunne John
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Randomized studies in drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) typically involve addition of a new anti‐seizure medication (ASM). However, in clinical practice, if the patient is already taking multiple ASMs, then substitution of one of the current ASMs commonly occurs, despite little evidence supporting this approach.

Methods

Longitudinal prospective study of seizure outcome after commencing a previously untried ASM in patients with DRE. Multivariable time‐to‐event and logistic regression models were used to evaluate outcomes by whether the new ASM was introduced by addition or substitution.

Results

A total of 816 ASM changes in 436 adult patients with DRE between 2010 and 2018 were analyzed. The new ASM was added on 407 (50.1%) occasions and substituted on 409 (49.9%). Mean patient follow‐up was 3.2 years. Substitution was more likely if the new ASM was enzyme‐inducing or in patients with a greater number of concurrent ASMs. ASM add‐on was more likely if a γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist was introduced or if the patient had previously trialed a higher number of ASMs. The rate of discontinuation due to lack of tolerability was similar between the add‐on and substitution groups. No difference between the add‐on and substitution ASM introduction strategies was observed for the primary outcome of ≥50% seizure reduction at 12 months.

Significance

Adding or substituting a new ASM in DRE has the same influence on seizure outcomes. The findings confirm that ASM alterations in DRE can be individualized according to concurrent ASM therapy and patient characteristics.
Using multiple sources during reintroduction of a locally extinct population benefits survival and reproduction of an endangered freshwater fish
Authors: Lutz Maiko L. , Tonkin Zeb , Yen Jian D.L. , Johnson Glen , Ingram Brett A. , Sharley Joanne , Lyon Jarod , Chapple David G. , Sunnucks Paul , Pavlova Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Through using different sources, population reintroductions can create genetically diverse populations at low risk of harmful inbreeding and well equipped for adaptation to future environments. Genetic variation from one source can mask locally nonoptimal alleles from another, thereby enhancing adaptive potential and population persistence. We assessed the outcomes in survival, growth and reproduction of using two differentiated sources (genetically diverse Yarra and moderately diverse Dartmouth) for translocations and stocking to reintroduce the endangered Australian freshwater Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica into the Ovens River. For stocking, same‐ and different‐population parents (“cross‐types”) were used during hatchery production. Genetic samples and data on individual fish were collected over three years of monitoring the Ovens. We genetically assigned Ovens fish to their broodstock parents and tested whether cross‐type and genetic dissimilarity between parents are associated with offspring survival, and whether cross‐type and parental dissimilarity or individual genetic diversity are associated with somatic growth rates of stocked fish. We genetically identified translocated fish and assessed local recruit ancestry. Of 296 Ovens fish, 31.1% were inferred to be stocked, 1.3% translocated and 67.6% locally born. Cross‐type strongly predicted survival of stocked offspring: those with two Yarra parents had the highest survival, followed by offspring with two‐population, then Dartmouth, ancestry. Of the Ovens recruits, 59.5% had Yarra, 33.5% two‐population and 7.0% Dartmouth ancestry, despite 67% of stocked and 98% of translocated fish originating from Dartmouth. Offspring with two Yarra parents grew faster than offspring of Dartmouth or two‐population ancestry. Although Dartmouth fish appear to be less fit in the Ovens compared to Yarra fish, possibly due to deleterious variation or genetic or plastic maladaptation, they contribute to the reintroduced population through local interbreeding with Yarra fish and relatively high survival of stocked offspring of two‐population ancestry. Thus, combining compatible stocks is likely to benefit restoration of other wildlife populations.
Changes in the faecal bacterial microbiota during hospitalisation of horses with colic and the effect of different causes of colic
Authors: Stewart Holly L. , Pitta Dipti , Indugu Nagaraju , Vecchiarelli Bonnie , Hennessy Meagan L. , Engiles Julie B. , Southwood Louise L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Previous studies have identified alterations in the faecal microbiota of horses with colic; however, further work is needed to interpret these findings.

Objectives

To compare the faecal microbiota of horses presenting for colic at hospital admission, day 1 and day 3/discharge and with different colic duration and lesion locations.

Study design

Prospective observational clinical study.

Methods

Faecal samples were collected from 17 colic cases at hospital admission, on day 1 and on day 3 post‐admission or at the time of hospital discharge if prior to 72 hours. Faecal samples were extracted for genomic DNA, PCR‐amplified, sequenced and analysed using QIIME. Species richness and Shannon diversity (alpha diversity) were estimated. The extent of the relationship between bacterial communities (beta diversity) was quantified using pairwise UniFrac distances, visualised using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and statistically analysed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). The relative abundance of bacterial populations at the different time points and in different types of colic was compared using ANCOM.

Results

There was a decrease in species richness from admission to day 3/hospital discharge (P < .05), and a lower species richness (P = .005) and Shannon diversity (P = .02) in horses with colic ≥60 h compared to <60 h. Based on PCoA and PERMANOVA, there was a significant difference in bacterial community composition for horses with different colic duration (P = .001) and lesion location (P = .006). Several differences in bacterial phyla and genera were observed at different time points and with different types of colic.

Main limitations

Relatively low numbers and a diverse population of horses.

Conclusions

The microbiota change from hospital admission to day 3/discharge in horses with colic and horses with colic ≥60 h and large colon lesions have a distinct bacterial population compared to horses with colic <60 h and small intestinal lesions.
A long‐term study of sinoscopic treatment of equine paranasal sinus disease: 155 cases (2012–2019)
Authors: Dixon Padraic M. , Kennedy Rebekah , Poll Kirsty , Barakzai Safia , Reardon Richard J. M.
Published: November 2020

Background

There is little objective information concerning the intra‐ and post‐operative complications or the long‐term outcome of sinoscopic treatment of equine sinus disorders.

Objectives

To document the long‐term outcome, including intra‐operative complications, reasons for treatment failure and other complications, in horses undergoing standing sinoscopic treatment of sinus disorders.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

Records of sinus disease cases presented to The University of Edinburgh Veterinary School between January 2012 and July 2019 were reviewed. Follow‐up information was obtained from clinical records and a telephone questionnaire.

Results

Long‐term follow up for 155 cases treated sinoscopically showed that 108/155 (69.7%) fully responded to their initial treatment. Concurrent intranasal lesions were identified in 37.4% of cases. Sinusotomy was later required in 10 cases to improve surgical access or sinonasal drainage. Reasons for failure to fully respond to the initial treatment (n = 47) included: intra‐sinus bone sequestra (n = 9), inspissated exudate (n = 6) or insects (n = 2); similar material and/or infected conchal bullae in the middle meatus (n = 7); persistent oro‐maxillary fistulae (n = 4), misdiagnosed dental apical infections (n = 4); impaired sinonasal drainage (n = 4), progressive ethmoid haematoma regrowth (n = 3) and undiagnosed causes (n = 5). Further treatment of 43 of these cases (67% as outpatients) showed 34/43 cases fully responding to their second treatment. Only 4/155 cases (2.6%) required sinonasal fenestration. In the long term, 149/155 cases (96.1%) showed full and 2/155 cases (1.3%) showed partial improvement. Sinoscopy portal wound infection occurred in nine cases.

Main limitations

The length of time between treatment and obtaining follow‐up information in some cases. Advances in knowledge and techniques over the duration of the study.

Conclusions

Sinoscopic treatment is a minimally‐invasive technique causing minimal morbidity and was successful in 96.1% of cases. Meticulous care should be taken to ensure that bony sequestrae and inspissated exudate are fully removed from the sinuses and nasal cavity during sinoscopic treatments.
Is the spread of the alien water boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Hemiptera, Corixidae) aided by zoochory and drought resistant eggs?
Authors: Carbonell José Antonio , Céspedes Vanessa , Green Andy J.
Published: November 2020

Desiccation resistance is a key trait determining the distribution of aquatic insects, their potential for overland dispersal, and survival during drought periods in temporary waterbodies, as well as the spread of invasive species. Passive dispersal by waterbirds is considered to be a key process favouring the spread of invasive species and is more likely to occur for insects with eggs that are resistant to desiccation or gut passage.

We investigated the hypothesis that the eggs of the alien boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis are resistant to desiccation and digestion and thus able to disperse via waterbirds.

We conducted experiments to test for egg resistance to desiccation in still air and under moving air conditions, to simulate bird flight. Oviposition on greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) legs and wetland plants was tested in the laboratory and in the field. Resistance of eggs to simulated gut passage was studied, as was the viability of eggs recovered from Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) droppings in the field.

Only a fraction of eggs hatched after 8 hr of exposure to still air at 15°C (4% of exposed eggs), and after 2 hr exposure to air flow conditions at 20°C (8%). Oviposition on flamingo legs was confirmed in the laboratory but not in the field. However, oviposition rates were higher on plant stems than on flamingo legs. Digestion simulations showed very low resistance to chemical treatment and no resistance to scarification, and eggs recovered from coot droppings did not hatch.

Our experiments demonstrated that T. v. verticalis cannot be considered to have eggs resistant to desiccation or gut passage. However, the dispersal of eggs on legs of flamingos or other waterbirds may occur as rare events. This epizoochory of eggs could potentially contribute to the expansion and gene flow of T. v. verticalis around the Mediterranean region.
Methane emissions respond to soil temperature in convergent patterns but divergent sensitivities across wetlands along altitude
Authors: Zhu Dan , Wu Ning , Bhattarai Nabin , Oli Krishna Prasad , Chen Huai , Rawat Gopal Singh , Rashid Irfan , Dhakal Maheshwar , Joshi Srijana , Tian Jianqing , Zhu Qiu’an , Chaudhary Sunita , Tshering Kuenzang
Published: November 2020

Among the global coordinated patterns in soil temperature and methane emission from wetlands, a declining trend of optimal soil temperature for methane emissions from low to high latitudes has been witnessed, while the corresponding trend along the altitudinal gradient has not yet been investigated. We therefore selected two natural wetlands located at contrasting climatic zones from foothill and mountainside of Nepal Himalayas, to test: (1) whether the optimal temperature for methane emissions decreases from low to high altitude, and (2) whether there is a difference in temperature sensitivity of methane emissions from those wetlands. We found significant spatial and temporal variation of methane emissions between the two wetlands and seasons. Soil temperature was the dominant driver for seasonal variation in methane emissions from both wetlands, though its effect was perplexed by the level of standing water, aquatic plants, and dissolved organic carbon, particularly in the deep water area. When integrative comparison was conducted by adding the existing data from wetlands of diverse altitudes, and the latitude‐for‐altitude effect was taken into account, we found the baseline soil temperatures decrease whilst the altitude rises with respect to a rapid increase in methane emission from all wetlands, however, remarkably higher sensitivity of methane emissions to soil temperature (apparent Q10) was found in mid‐altitude wetland. We provide the first evidence of an apparent decline in optimal temperature for methane emissions with increasing elevation. These findings suggest a convergent pattern of methane emissions with respect to seasonal temperature shifts from wetlands along altitudinal gradient, while a divergent pattern in temperature sensitivities exhibits a single peak in mid‐altitude.
Production without medicalisation: Risk practices and disease in Bangladesh aquaculture
Authors: Hinchliffe Steve , Butcher Andrea , Rahman Muhammad Meezanur , Guilder James , Tyler Charles , Verner‐Jeffreys David
Published: November 2020

Improved biosecurity and livestock disease control measures in low resource settings are often regarded as beneficial for agricultural productivity, rural incomes, global health, and sustainability. In this paper we present data from a study of shrimp and prawn aquaculture in Bangladesh to argue that this relationship is not as straightforward as it would seem. Analysing quantitative and qualitative data from a multi‐method field study involving 300 “missing middle” farmers, we demonstrate the importance of socio‐economic and ecological conditions to any disease management strategy. We describe how a technical programme to introduce “disease‐free” seed faltered partly as a result of the farmers' tendency to offset disease and livelihood risks by frequently re‐stocking their ponds. Changes to seed provision were accompanied by calls to alter farmers' livestock production practices. Paradoxically, these changes exposed farmers to more intense risks, potentially locking them into unsustainable disease management practices. The analysis emphasises that vernacular farming practices should be considered as key assets rather than barriers to disease management strategies, and that closer attention be paid to value chain and other risks as drivers of unsustainable practices.
Infrastructure of mobility: navigating borders, cities and markets
Authors: HWANG MARIA CECILIA
Published: November 2020

In this article, which is based on research conducted in Hong Kong from 2010 to 2013, and again in 2018, I analyse the region‐bound circulation of independent women sex workers from the Philippines across the Asian global cities of Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau. Migrating as visa‐free tourists, they maintain a valid immigration status and maximize their income in the informal economy by adopting a step‐down transient mobility pattern characterized by a downward hierarchical circulation to multiple city‐states and country destinations. As I show, their multinational migration is produced and structured through the instrumentalization of a mobility infrastructure constituted by a regime of visa‐free circulation, transportation developments, commercialized migration services, and social networks. In this article, I attempt to extend the contemporary analysis of unauthorized migration by moving away from the prevailing focus on incorporation and settlement and towards an examination of the logics and mechanics of migration flows that occur outside state‐sanctioned channels.
Efficacy of direct pulp capping for management of cariously exposed pulps in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cushley S. , Duncan H. F. , Lappin M. J. , Chua P. , Elamin A. D. , Clarke M. , El‐Karim I. A.
Published: November 2020

Background

The outcome of vital pulp treatment after carious pulp exposure is multifactorial and related to the procedure, biomaterial and pre‐operative pulpal diagnosis.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis determining the outcome of direct pulp capping (DPC) in mature permanent teeth with a cariously exposed pulp and a clinical diagnosis of reversible pulpitis, and ascertain whether the capping material influences the outcome.

Methods

Sources: MEDLINE Ovid‐SP, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase and Web of Science until April 2020. Inclusion: Prospective, retrospective cohort studies and randomized trials investigating DPC outcome or comparing different capping materials after carious pulp exposure. Exclusion: Primary teeth, mechanical, traumatic or not specified pulp exposure, teeth with irreversible pulpitis or no pulpal diagnosis. Risk of bias assessed using Cochrane and modified Downs and Black quality assessment checklist. Meta‐analysis on combined clinical/radiographic outcome was performed using a random effect model. Success was defined as absence of signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis, apical periodontitis or loss of pulp vitality.

Results

Quality assessment highlighted four non‐randomized studies to be of fair and five of poor quality. Four randomized trials had a high risk of bias. The pooled success rate differed based on material and follow‐up. Calcium hydroxide success rate was 74% at 6‐months, 65% at 1‐year, 59% at 2–3 years and 56% at 4–5 years. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) success was 91%, 86%, 84% and 81% at the same time points. Biodentine success was 96% at 6‐months, 86% at 1 year and 86% at 2–3 years. The meta‐analysis revealed MTA had better success than calcium hydroxide at 1‐year (OR 2.66, 95% CI; 1.46‐ 4.84, P = 0.001) and 2‐ to 3‐year follow‐up (OR 2.21, 95% CI; 1.42–3.44, P = 0.0004). There was no difference between MTA and Biodentine.

Discussion

These results were based on poor methodological quality studies. The effect size for of MTA vs Ca(OH)2, although modest, was consistent with narrow CI.

Conclusions

Low‐quality evidence suggests a high success rate for direct pulp capping in teeth with cariously exposed pulps with better long‐term outcomes for MTA and Biodentine compared with calcium hydroxide.
Physico‐chemical and sensory properties of chips produced using different lupin (Lupinus albus L.) flour formulations and cooking methods
Authors: Özcan Mehmet Musa , İpek Duygu , Ghafoor Kashif , Al Juhaimi Fahad , Uslu Nurhan , Babiker Elfadil E. , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Alsawmahi Omer N.
Published: November 2020

Development of novel snack foods is an important area of research, and different ingredients are being tested to develop and process new formulations. In this study, lupin chips prepared using different formulations (hulled lupin, whole lupin, wheat and corn flours) were cooked using baking and frying, and changes in the sensory and colour parameters, acrylamide contents, fat absorption, peroxide number and p‐anisidine values of the final products were studied. Lupin flour significantly changed p‐anisidine value of chips. Addition of lupin flour and cooking methods affected the colour, fat absorption and peroxide values. Significant differences in chemical properties of chips made from whole and hulled lupin flours were also observed. Acrylamide was not detected in all the formulations studied. The lupin chips have increased brightness (L*), no acrylamides, reduced peroxide and p‐anisidine values and acceptable sensory quality; hence, this ingredient is recommendable for use in snack foods.
Using bifactor models to identify faking on Big Five questionnaires
Authors: Hendy Nhung , Krammer Georg , Schermer Julie Aitken , Biderman Michael D.
Published: November 2020

To identify faking, bifactor models were applied to Big Five personality data in three studies of laboratory and applicant samples using within‐subjects designs. The models were applied to homogenous data sets from separate honest, instructed faking, applicant conditions, and to simulated applicant data sets containing random individual responses from honest and faking conditions. Factor scores from the general factor in a bifactor model were found to be most highly related to response condition in both types of data sets. Domain factor scores from the faking conditions were found less affected by faking in measurement of Big Five domains than summated scale scores across studies. We conclude that bifactor models are efficacious in assessing the Big Five domains while controlling for faking.
Prepared to fake? The relationship between applicants’ job interview preparation and faking
Authors: Schudlik Kevin , Reinhard Marc‐André , Müller Patrick
Published: November 2020

Multiple frameworks and models postulate an effect of job interview preparation on faking. Two studies were conducted to examine if applicants’ interview preparation is correlated with higher faking. Besides analyzing the general extent of preparation, we also distinguished between different preparation categories. In Study 1 (N = 237), a presented preparation video led to higher intentions on image protection but did not increase overall faking intentions. Study 2 (N = 206) focused on past preparation and impression management (IM). The total time spent on preparation was positively correlated with faking. Applicants’ preparation via online videos and professional interview preparation was correlated with higher deceptive and honest IM. Preparation via online videos was additionally correlated with a higher perceived interview difficulty.
Determination of stress, depression and burnout levels of front‐line nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Murat Merve , Köse Selmin , Savaşer Sevim
Published: November 2020

All healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are affected psychosocially due to reasons such as uncertainty and work intensity experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this descriptive study, it was aimed to determine the stress, depression and burnout levels of front‐line nurses. Data were obtained from 705 nurses who worked at hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic between May and July 2020, using a Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory. The data collection tools were sent online to nurse managers, requesting front‐line nurses to answer the forms and scales. The nurses were mostly women and had bachelor’s degrees, single and worked as nurses for between 1 and 10 years. They had high levels of stress and burnout and moderate depression. Those who were younger and had fewer years of work experience felt inadequate about nursing care and had higher levels of stress and burnout. More burnout was detected in nurses who had a positive COVID‐19 test and did not want to work voluntarily during the pandemic. The authors suggest that preventive and promotive interventions in mental health should be planned and implemented to improve the mental health and maintain the well‐being of front‐line nurses during the pandemic, and to prepare nurses who may work during pandemics in the future.
A road map for designing and reporting clinical trials in paediatric dentistry
Authors: Araujo Mariana Pinheiro , Al‐Yaseen Waraf , Innes Nicola Patricia
Published: November 2020

Background

Unless clinical trials are well‐designed, there is a risk that they will not be usable to improve patient care.

Aim

This paper discusses some factors important in designing clinical trials in paediatric dentistry. It uses the prevention and management of dental caries in children as the lens through which to look at these.

Findings

Amongst the factors to consider are clear research questions and objectives; appropriate outcomes and outcome measures; sample size calculation and the level of randomisation; methods for random allocation; and operator/assessor training. Experts in trial design including statisticians and a trialist should be consulted early in the design process. The aspects of trial design unique to cariology trials such as ‘clustering’ of data items, mixed dentition issues and those related to trials involving children (communication, consent etc) should be considered. Comprehensive reporting of trial results is essential.

Conclusion

There are many readily available resources and tools to help the researcher design a trial of good quality that will yield results useful to the research community and beyond, to those who will implement the findings and ultimately those who will benefit from them.
Is chronotype profile a risk indicator for caries in children and adolescents in sub‐urban Nigeria?
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , El Tantawi Maha , Oginni Olakunle , Arowolo Olaniyi
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the association between chronotype and the prevalence of caries among in‐school pupils aged 6‐ to 16‐year‐old residing in a sub‐urban area in Nigeria. We hypothesize that in‐school pupils who are evening chronotypes will have significantly higher prevalence of caries than those who are intermediate or morning chronotypes.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a dataset collected in 2019 from 1502 children aged 6‐ to 16‐year‐old attending private and public primary and secondary schools in Ife Central Local Government Area, Nigeria. The dependent variable was caries prevalence. The explanatory variable was participants’ chronotype profile (morning, intermediate, and evening). The confounding variables were caries risk factors (socio‐economic status, age at last birthday, sex, use of fluoridated toothpaste, frequency of consumption of refined carbohydrates, and oral hygiene status). Poisson regression analysis was conducted.

Results

Data of 1001 (66.6%) students were retrieved. Of these, 59 (5.9%) had caries, 42 (4.2%) were evening type, 526 (52.5%) were intermediate type, and 433 (43.3%) were morning type. There was no significant association between chronotype and the prevalence of caries though children who were intermediate type (APR = 0.83; 95%CI: 0.41‐1.66) and morning type (APR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.27‐1.18) were less likely to have caries than were those who were evening type.

Conclusion

The children and adolescents’ chronotype was not a significant risk indicator for caries in the study population.
Do network centrality measures predict dental outcomes of Indigenous children over time?
Authors: Soares Gustavo Hermes , Santiago Pedro Henrique Ribeiro , Biazevic Maria Gabriela Haye , Michel‐Crosato Edgard , Jamieson Lisa
Published: November 2020

Background

Centrality measures identify items that are central to a network, which may inform potential targets for oral interventions.

Aim

We tested whether centrality measures in a cross‐sectional network of mothers’ baseline factors are able to predict the association with children's dental outcomes at age 5 years.

Design

A network approach was applied to longitudinal data from a randomised controlled trial of dental caries prevention delivered to 448 women pregnant with an Indigenous child in South Australia. Central items were identified at baseline using three centrality measures (strength, betweenness, and closeness). Centrality values of mothers’ outcomes were regressed with their predictive values to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years.

Results

Items of oral health self‐efficacy and oral health literacy were central to mothers’ baseline network. Strength at baseline explained 51% and 45% of items’ predictive values to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years, respectively. Adjusted and unadjusted values of node strength for the children's oral health network were highly correlated.

Conclusion

Strength at baseline successfully identified mothers’ items with greater importance to dental caries experience and dental service utilisation at child age 5 years.
Characterisation of anterior open bite in primary school‐aged children: A preliminary study with artificial neural network analysis
Authors: Tanny Liyana , Huang Boyen , Shaweesh Ashraf , Currie Geoffrey
Published: November 2020

Background

Non‐nutritive sucking habits, bottle feeding, and facial hyperdivergency have been suggested as the influencing factors of anterior open bite (AOB). There was inconsistent reporting of prevalence and a gap of knowledge in the literature.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AOB in 7‐ to 12‐year‐olds, with a special interest to characterise the determinants of this malocclusion.

Design

A sample of 203 children aged 7 to 12 years were selected from a primary school in regional Australia. The legal guardian of each child completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Data were assessed using methods of univariate statistics and neural analysis.

Results

The prevalence of AOB and thumb sucking was 24.1% and 23.2%, respectively. AOB was associated with the habit (correlation = 0.754) and duration (correlation = 0.574) of thumb sucking. Age, gender, birth order, feeding modality, sleep patterns, history of orthodontic treatment and tonsil, adenoid or grommet surgery, and parents’ level of education were not related to AOB (correlation absolute value ≤ 0.474).

Conclusions

Thumb sucking, specifically for prolonged duration, increases the risk of development of AOB. Cessation of thumb sucking habits should be encouraged at an early age to avoid the development of AOB.
The Effects of Teachers’ Unions on the Gender Pay Gap among U.S. Public School Teachers
Authors: Han Eunice S.
Published: November 2020

This study examines the effect of teachers’ unions on the gender pay gap among teachers under various legal environments, using nationally representative district–teacher matched data. To identify union effects, I employ propensity score matching, considering both contractual status and teacher union density in each district as a treatment. I find that teachers’ unions significantly reduce the gender pay gap, and the union effects vary by legal environment. I also find that unions reduce teacher attrition for female teachers, but not for male teachers, thereby decreasing the gender pay gap by helping female teachers accumulate experience.