bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to dental care barriers and poor clinical oral health in Australian regional populations
Authors: Crocombe LA , Chrisopoulos S , Kapellas K , Brennan D , Luzzi L , Khan S
Published: June 2022

Background

This paper investigated the associations between oral health with behavioural, demographic, periodontitis risk, financial and access to dental care barriers and compared the results in three Australian regional areas.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Australian National Study of Adult Oral Health (2017–18). Oral health status was measured using DMFT‐score, and mean numbers of decayed, missing or filled teeth and periodontitis prevalence using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Periodontal Classification. The analysis included these dependent variables by three regional areas, seven socio‐demographic variables, two periodontal disease risk factors, two preventive dental behaviours, two barriers to dental care and three access to dental care variables.

Results

Of the 15,731 people interviewed, 5,022 were examined. There was no significant difference in periodontitis prevalence between the regions. All the socio‐demographic characteristics, periodontal disease risk factors and preventive dental behaviours were significantly associated with at least one of the dental caries indicators. In multivariable analysis, there was no significant association between regional location with any of the four clinical dental caries variables.

Conclusion

Poorer oral health outside major cities was associated with household income, education level, higher smoking, usual reason for and frequency of dental visiting.
Lower iron stores were associated with suboptimal gross motor scores in infants at 3–7 months
Authors: Ljungblad Ulf Wike , Tangeraas Trine , Paulsen Henriette , Lindberg Morten
Published: June 2022

Aim

To investigate associations between iron status and gross motor scores in infants aged 3–7 months.

Methods

In a prospective study, 252 infants aged 3–7 months were examined using the age‐standardised Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) prior to analysing iron status in 250 infants. Combined AIMS and ferritin results were assessed in 226 infants, whereas AIMS and reticulocyte haemoglobin (ret‐Hb) results were obtained for 61 infants. We used logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristics to analyse our data.

Results

With AIMS z‐score <10th percentile as outcome measure, optimal cut‐off value for ferritin was 51 μg/L (sensitivity 86%, specificity 81%) and 28 pg for ret‐Hb (sensitivity 86%, specificity 85%). The area under the curve for ferritin and ret‐Hb was 0.886 and 0.896, respectively (n = 61). Ferritin <51 μg/L predicted an AIMS z‐score <10th percentile in a logistic regression (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.5, p = 0.006, n = 226). Six of 14 (43%) infants with ret‐Hb <28 pg scored <10th percentile on AIMS compared to 1/47 (2.1%) infants with ret‐Hb ≥28 μg/L (Exact, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Reticulocyte haemoglobin of <28 pg and ferritin <51 μg/L were associated with suboptimal gross motor scores in infants 3–7 months.
Dispositional causes of burnout, satisfaction, and performance through the fear of COVID‐19 during times of pandemic
Authors: Raja Usman , Jahanzeb Sadia , Malik Muhammad Abdur Rahman , Baig Muhammad Usman Anwar
Published: June 2022

Rooted in research into personality, we propose that the Big Five traits would be related to fear of COVID‐19 (FOC), which in turn would lead to heightened job burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and decreased performance. Utilizing a three‐wave time‐lagged design, we collected our data from employees working in the United States and Canada (N = 300 × 3). We found good support for our hypotheses. Extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness had significant direct effects on FOC. Fear of COVID‐19 was positively related to job burnout and negatively related to job satisfaction and performance. Extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness had significant indirect effects on burnout, job satisfaction, and job performance via FOC. Hence, this study identifies a key mechanism, an individual's worry about losing their valuable resources (e.g. their health, and that of their family members and friends, etc.), through which selected dimensions of personality might affect employees' work outcomes. We discuss our findings and provide suggestions for future research in this domain.
Alcohol consumption and smoking in relation to psoriasis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Jiahe , Zhu Jiahao , Xu Huiqing , Zhou Dan , Elder James T. , Tsoi Lam C. , Patrick Matthew T. , Li Yingjun
Published: June 2022

Background

Alcohol consumption and smoking have been reported to be associated with psoriasis risk. However, a conclusion with high-quality evidence of causality could not be easily drawn from regular observational studies.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the causal associations of alcohol consumption and smoking with psoriasis.

Methods

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary-level data for alcohol consumption (N = 941 280), smoking initiation (N = 1 232 091), cigarettes per day (N = 337 334) and smoking cessation (N = 547 219) was obtained from the GSCAN consortium (Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use). The GWAS results for lifetime smoking (N = 462 690) were obtained from the UK Biobank samples. Summary statistics for psoriasis were obtained from a recent GWAS meta-analysis of eight cohorts comprising 19 032 cases and 286 769 controls and the FinnGen consortium, comprising 4510 cases and 212 242 controls. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was applied to compute the genetic correlation. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to determine casual direction using independent genetic variants that reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10–8).

Results

There were genetic correlations between smoking and psoriasis. MR revealed a causal effect of smoking initiation [odds ratio (OR) 1·46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·32–1·60, P = 6·24E-14], cigarettes per day (OR 1·38, 95% CI 1·13–1·67, P = 0·001) and lifetime smoking (OR 1·96, 95% CI 1·41–2·73, P = 7·32E-05) on psoriasis. Additionally, a suggestive causal effect of smoking cessation on psoriasis was observed (OR 1·39, 95% CI 1·07–1·79, P = 0·012). We found no causal relationship between alcohol consumption and psoriasis (P = 0·379). The reverse associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our findings provide causal evidence for the effects of smoking on psoriasis risk.

What is already known about this topic?  Alcohol consumption and smoking have been reported to be associated with psoriasis risk.Whether alcohol consumption and smoking have a causal effect on psoriasis risk remains unclear.

What does this study add?  This Mendelian randomization study shows a causal association between smoking, but not alcohol consumption, and the risk of developing psoriasis.Restricting smoking could be helpful in reducing the burden of psoriasis.
Long‐term surgical complications following pelvic exenteration: Operative management of the empty pelvis syndrome
Authors: Sutton Paul A. , Brown Kilian G. M. , Ebrahimi Nargus , Solomon Michael J. , Austin Kirk K. S. , Lee Peter J.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Pelvic exenteration (PE) has become the standard of care for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer. The high short‐term morbidity reported from this procedure is well established; however, longer term complications of such radical surgery and their management have not been fully addressed. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, indications and outcomes of long‐term (more than 90‐day) reoperative surgery in this group of patients, with a focus on the empty pelvis syndrome (EPS).

Methods

Clinical data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database, with additional data pertaining to indications, operative details and outcomes of reoperative surgery obtained from electronic medical records. Patients were excluded if reoperative surgery was endoscopic or radiologically guided, was for the investigation or treatment of recurrent disease, or was clearly unrelated to previous surgery.

Results

Of 716 patients who underwent PE, 75 (11%) required 101 reoperative abdominal or perineal procedures, 52 (51%) of which were in 40 (6%) patients for complications of EPS. This group were more likely to have undergone a total PE (65% vs. 43%; P < 0.01) with either major bony (70% vs. 50%; P < 0.01) and/or nerve (40% vs. 25%; P = 0.03) resections at index exenteration. The patho‐anatomy, surgical management and outcomes of these patients are described herein, considering separately complications of entero‐cutaneous fistula, entero‐perineal fistula, small bowel obstruction and local management of perineal wound complications.

Conclusion

Six per cent of PE patients will require re‐intervention for the management of EPS. Reliable strategies for preventing EPS remain elusive; however, surgical management is feasible with acceptable short‐term outcomes with the optimum strategy to be selected on an individual patient basis.
Too hot to hunt: Mechanistic predictions of thermal refuge from cat predation risk
Authors: Briscoe Natalie J. , McGregor Hugh , Roshier David , Carter Andrew , Wintle Brendan A. , Kearney Michael R.
Published: June 2022

Many threatened species depend on climatic microrefugia, but places with harsh climates for predators may also play a refugial role. Feral cats threaten many native species in arid Australia. Although cats can persist in regions with no free water, their abundance should depend on the availability of microclimates that protect them from harsh environmental conditions. We developed a biophysical model of feral cat heat stress and used it to explore how behavior and microhabitat features influence water requirements and activity. Tests of model predictions against fine‐scale GPS and microclimate data highlight the importance of refuges, particularly rabbit burrows. Continent‐wide simulations show large but temporally varying areas of the arid zone that would be lethal for cats without access to deep or shaded burrows. Our approach can identify locations that may act as natural refuges for native prey, and where habitat management strategies may be effective in controlling cat abundance.
Myocardial perfusion reserve in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and after direct‐acting antiviral treatment—a pilot study
Authors: Sølund Christina , Hasbak Philip , Knudsen Andreas , Kjaer Andreas , Lebech Anne M. , Weis Nina
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease which may be due to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction caused by the chronic infection. In this prospective pilot study, we assessed, for the first time among patients with CHC the myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) by Rubidium‐82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) before and after direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment and compared them with biomarkers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

We included 10 patients with CHC who received 8 or 12 weeks of DAA treatment. To obtain the MPR, a cardiac 82Rb PET/CT scan at rest and adenosine‐induced stress was performed at baseline and between 12 and 24 weeks post DAA treatment. Additionally, markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after DAA treatment.

Results

All 10 patients achieved cure and the median age was 50 (range: 40–62 years). The median MPR before treatment was 3.1 (range: 2.3–4.8) compared to 2.9 (range: 2.2–4.1) after DAA treatment p = 0.63. Also, cure after DAA treatment was not associated with an overall significant decrease in markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.

Discussion

Cure after DAA treatment in patients with CHC did not improve coronary microvascular function nor did it lead to a decrease in soluble markers of cardiovascular risk in the given time frame where the patients were followed. It should be noted, that MPR before DAA treatment was in the normal range. Considering the small sample size and short follow‐up time, further studies are warranted to determine if viral clearance has an effect on coronary microvascular function and endothelial dysfunction.
Effect of low‐intensity exercise with blood flow restriction during rest intervals on muscle function and perception
Authors: Tanaka Tsukasa , Kubota Atsushi , Nozu Shojiro , Ozaki Hayao , Kishimoto Kohei , Nishio Hirofumi , Takazawa Yuji
Published: June 2022

Purpose

We assessed the effects of low‐intensity exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) during rest intervals on recovery of muscle function and pain during exercise and rest intervals.

Methods

Participants were 10 males and study arms of the participants were randomly assigned into three conditions; low‐intensity exercise with BFR during rest intervals (rBFR), low‐intensity exercise with BFR during exercise (eBFR) and low‐intensity exercise only (EO). The exercise task was elbow flexion until repetition failure at 30% of 1 RM and cuff pressure was 120 mmHg. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and the muscle endurance (ME) were measured pre, post, 1, 24 and 48 h after the exercise. Pain during exercise and rest intervals were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale.

Results

MVIC and ME significantly decreased after exercise in all conditions. Pain during exercise was lower in rBFR (4.2 ± 2.9) (p = 0.007) and EO (4.4 ± 2.7) (p = 0.014) conditions compared to eBFR condition (6.7 ± 1.7), but the pain during rest intervals was more intense in rBFR condition (5.2 ± 1.6) compared to eBFR (1.5 ± 1.4) and EO (1.7 ± 1.2) conditions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We discovered that recovery of muscle function was the same as BFR during rest intervals and BFR during exercise. Also, our results suggested that BFR itself may cause the perception of pain. Future studies are thus required to investigate the optimal dosage focusing on the pressure volume and intensity used in BFR during intervals.
Implementation of physical activity interventions in a community‐based youth mental healthcare service: A case study of context, strategies, and outcomes
Authors: Czosnek Louise , Rosenbaum Simon , Rankin Nicole M. , Zopf Eva M. , Cormie Prue , Herbert Brittany , Richards Justin
Published: June 2022

Aims

Physical activity interventions are recommended for community‐based youth mental health services to prevent physical health disparities. Implementation is challenging, and studies focusing on the methods to achieve change are needed. This study aims to identify the context, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes that illustrate how physical activity interventions were implemented within an early intervention service in Australia.

Methods

A theoretically informed case study was undertaken. Data from a community‐based youth mental health service that delivers an early psychosis programme were collected between July and November 2020. Three data sources were accessed (1) interviews with service managers, mental health clinicians and exercise physiologists; (2) document review of organizational policies and procedures; and (3) survey using the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool. The implementation outcomes investigated were acceptability, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. Framework analysis was used, and a logic model developed guided by an established template, to interpret findings.

Results

Forty‐three contextual factors and 43 implementation strategies were identified. The data suggests that creating a new clinical team and auditing and feedback are critical for implementation. High levels of acceptability and sustainability were described, while fidelity of implementation was difficult to establish, and penetration was low.

Conclusions

The relationship between constructs suggests several mechanisms underpinned implementation. These include changing professional beliefs, establishing new organizational norms, augmenting existing work processes, and aligning physical activity with priorities of the mental healthcare system and existing work tasks. This case study provides direction for future health service planning of physical activity interventions in community‐based youth mental health service.
The changing role of perennial ryegrass in dairy pastures in northern Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rogers Mary‐Jane , Lawson Alister , Ho Christie , Kelly Kevin , Wales William , Jacobs Joseph
Published: June 2022

In the dairy region of northern Victoria, Australia, the performance of temperate perennial dairy pastures is often poor over summer due to a combination of high temperatures and limited water availability that can restrict dry matter production and plant survival. This review summarizes published and unpublished research on perennial ryegrass, mostly undertaken in the northern Victoria region over the past decade, to help determine its future role in this environment. It includes information from a series of field experiments or case studies where the effects of heat and restricted irrigation on the growth and nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass were examined. This research involved investigations on whether plant survival under the stressed experimental conditions could be influenced by plant genotype, irrigation, and grazing management strategies, as well as by the presence of endophyte. In conclusion, it was difficult to identify any irrigation, grazing management or plant genotype effect that consistently improved the performance of perennial ryegrass in the hot, dry summers of northern Victoria, Australia. The incidences of extreme heat events and low water availability in this region are increasing, and the role of C3 perennial grasses as major suppliers of feed for dairy cows is diminishing. A major focus for the dairy industry in this region is now to identify new farming systems and alternative species that may be better adapted to the climate environment than perennial ryegrass, as well as be capable of adapting to year‐to‐year variations in irrigation water supply.
Physicians' perceptions of patient participation and the involvement of family caregivers in the palliative care pathway
Authors: Tarberg Anett S. , Thronæs Morten , Landstad Bodil J. , Kvangarsnes Marit , Hole Torstein
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Patient participation is essential for quality palliative care, and physicians play a crucial role in promoting participation. This study explores physicians' perceptions of patients and family caregivers' involvement in the different phases of the palliative pathway and employs a qualitative design with thematic analysis and a hermeneutic approach.

Methods

A purposive sampling included physicians who worked in different phases of the palliative pathway. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 physicians in Norway between May and June 2020.

Results

Three main themes illustrate physicians' perceptions of patients' and family caregivers' involvement: (1) beneficence for the patient and the family caregivers in the early phase, (2) autonomy and shared decision‐making in the middle phase, and (3) family involvement in the terminal phase.

Conclusion

The physicians perceived bereavement conversations as essential, particularly if the pathway had been challenging. They also perceived patient participation and family caregivers' involvement as contextual. The results reveal that participation differs across the different phases of the palliative pathway. This type of knowledge should be included in the education of health‐care professionals. Future research should explore elements vital to successful patient participation and family involvement in the different phases of care.

Patient or Public Contributions

Family caregivers were involved in a previous study through individual interviews. The same interview guide used for the family caregivers was used when interviewing the physicians. The family caregivers' contribution led to nuanced questions in the interviews with the physicians, questions leaning on their stories told.
Empowering nurses through inclusive leadership to promote research capacity building: A James Lind Alliance priority setting Partnership in Community Nursing
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Jones Louise , Armitage Claire , Tomlinson Lee
Published: June 2022

Aims

This paper focuses on the benefits of inclusive leadership when undertaking a priority setting partnership in community nursing, through providing a collaborative and committed nurse‐led forum for initiating impactful changes, identifying evidence uncertainties and driving research capacity‐building initiatives.

Design

This is a Discussion paper. The project was undertaken between 2020 and 2021.

Data sources

This paper is based on shared reflections as 70@70 Senior Nurse Research Leaders and is supported by literature and theory. It draws on issues relating to collective leadership, stakeholder engagement, diversity, inclusivity and COVID‐19.

Implications for nursing

The James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership catalysed the development of a rigorous evidence‐base in community nursing. The collaborative opportunities, networks and connections developed with patients, carers, nursing leaders, policy makers and healthcare colleagues raised the profile of community nursing research. This will benefit nursing research, practice, education and patients in receipt of community nursing care. Collective buy in from national leaders in policy, education, funding and commissioning has secured a commitment that the evidence uncertainties will be funded.

Conclusion

Four key learnings emerged: collective leadership can ensure learning is embedded and sustained; developing an engaged stakeholder community to promote community nursing research is essential; a diverse membership ensures inclusivity and representation; and insights into the impact of COVID‐19 aid progress. The process increased research engagement and created capacity and capability‐building initiatives. This will help community nurses feel empowered to lead changes to practice. Sustained engagement and commitment are required to integrate research priorities into community nursing research, education and practice and to drive forward changes to commissioning and service delivery.

Impact

The study promoted research capacity building through inclusive leadership. This can increase community nurses' research engagement and career development and patient care quality and safety; this can incentivize funders and policy makers to prioritize community nursing research.
Needs and problems related to sociodemographic factors of informal caregiving of people with heart failure: A mixed methods study in three European countries
Authors: Durante Angela , Cuoco Angela , Boyne Josiane , Brawner Bridgette , Juarez‐Vela Raul , Stasi Serenella , Younas Ahtisham , Vellone Ercole
Published: June 2022

Aims

To explore caregivers' needs and problems in three European countries and associate the clusters of caregivers' needs with their sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

A qualitative focused mixed methods design was used.

Methods

In total, 52 caregivers of heart failure (HF) people were interviewed in three European countries between March 2017 and December 2018. Transcripts were analysed using the seven‐phase method of the exploratory multidimensional analysis according to Fraire with Reinert lexical classes findings were organized in dendrograms. Mayring's content analysis was also performed.

Results

Three clusters of caregivers were identified: spouses, adult children and non‐family members. Caregivers not only provide HF patients with vital unpaid support for their physical and emotional needs, but they are continually trying to cope with their social isolation and deteriorating health.

Conclusions

Informal caregiving emerged as a complex process influenced by various sociodemographic factors. Gender, relationship type and economic status are the important factors to be considered planning to develop approaches to address the needs of caregivers serving people with heart failure.

Impact

A comprehensive understanding of the nature of informal caregiving of individuals with heart failure, the complexity of the real‐world sociodemographic and cultural factors is warranted. The use of the EMDA method gave us the possibility of processing large masses of qualitative data through rapid, complex calculations. In detail, AATD allowed us to study in deep the significant fuzziness of what caregivers expressed and to analyse the content of the entire interviews and to produce global knowledge by using multi‐dimensional statistical methods to grasp the fundamental sense of the interviews, beyond the simple words.

Three clusters were identified in the samples, including spouses, adult children and non‐family members. This study demonstrated that some sociodemographic characteristics could lead to everyday needs. Therefore, these demographic characteristics should be considered in developing targeted interventions. The research was conducted in Europe, but the technique shown can be replicated everywhere. The findings not only impact nursing but can be extended to all those stakeholders who concur with a public health educational mission.

Patient or Public Contribution

Carers were involved in this study after the discharge of their loved ones or at the time of the outpatient visit. They were involved after they had been observed in their dynamics of involvement in caring of the familiars or friends with heart failure.
Integrative skincare trial of intense pulsed light followed by the phyto‐corrective mask, phyto‐corrective gel, and resveratrol BE for decreasing post‐procedure downtime and improving procedure outcomes in patients with rosacea
Authors: Barbarino Sheila C. , Bucay Vivian W. , Cohen Joel L. , Gold Michael H.
Published: June 2022

Background

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of varying severity that can significantly impact patient quality of life. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is an established treatment for rosacea‐associated telangiectasia, inflammation, and erythema.

This study assessed whether application of a phyto‐corrective mask, gel, and resveratrol antioxidant serum after IPL treatment can improve outcomes and reduce procedure‐related adverse effects.

Methods

In a prospective, open‐label, split‐face, 3‐month study, 10 subjects with moderate‐to‐severe facial rosacea underwent IPL treatment on both sides of the face. The following were applied to the right side of the face only: phyto‐corrective mask once weekly starting immediately after IPL; phyto‐corrective gel twice daily; and resveratrol antioxidant treatment at night. Both sides of the face were treated with sunscreen. Subjects were assessed on Day 1, 1 and 3 months after IPL by three, independent evaluators using the 5‐point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All subjects rated skin redness, hydration, and overall improvement on Day 1 and completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire at the 1‐ and 3‐month visits.

Results

Ten women were enrolled, aged 44–72 years old, with moderate (n = 6) to severe (n = 4) rosacea. IPL was effective at reducing symptoms with rosacea classified as absent in five women and mild in five at the final 3‐month visit. GAIS scores also revealed improvements on both sides of the face, but the skincare treated side showed continuous improvement over 3 months with all patients remaining at least “Improved”, whereas there appeared to be a waning effect after 1 month with IPL alone. On Day 1 after IPL, all women reported less redness, improved hydration, and improved skin appearance on the right side of the face. Patient satisfaction was consistently rated higher on the right side of the face.

Conclusion

Application of a phyto‐corrective mask, gel, and resveratrol antioxidant serum may complement IPL treatment for rosacea by enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing procedure‐related symptoms.
Dismantling the master's house: Decolonizing “Rigor” in psychological scholarship
Authors: Abo‐Zena Mona M. , Jones Keith , Mattis Jacqueline
Published: June 2022

The purported goal of social science research is to develop approaches and applications to the psychological study of social issues that allow us to know, accurately and inclusively, the lived experiences of all human beings. However, our current theoretical and methodological tools, while perceived as “objective,” were founded on ahistorical and context‐eliminating perspectives that privilege research designs and analytic strategies that reflect biased racial reasoning with roots in European colonial knowledge formations. By analyzing how the language of “rigor” is deployed within specific instances of social science research, we assert that it is conceptualized and operationalized to maintain a Eurocentric worldview and conception of the “human.” In exploring the ways that the language of “rigor” furthers a European conception of knowledge production as normative, this manuscript provides a critical analysis that seeks to redress ongoing epistemic colonial violence by decolonizing a key term in psychological scholarship.
Paramyrothecium foliicola causes crown dry rot of melon (Cucumis melo) in Iran
Authors: Sabahi Fatemeh , Mirtalebi Maryam , Banihashemi Zia
Published: June 2022

In spring 2018, melon (Cucumis melo L.) plants with wilting of the leaves and dry rot of the crowns were observed in Dashti county, Bushehr province, southern Iran. Nine fungal isolates were recovered from the symptomatic crowns. Based on the morphological characteristics and DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal RNA gene, the fungus was identified as Paramyrothecium foliicola L. Lombard and Crous. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed on melon under greenhouse conditions to fulfil the Koch's postulates. Host range determination showed except for pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.), several other cucurbit crops exhibited high disease incidence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of crown dry rot of melon caused by P. foliicola in Iran.
Probing the leak pathway: Live‐cell imaging of macromolecule passage through epithelia
Authors: Richter Jan F. , Hildner Markus , Mrowka Ralf , Schmauder Ralf
Published: June 2022

Epithelia compartmentalize multicellular organisms and provide interfacing between the inside and outside. Apart from regulating the exchange of solutes, uptake of nutrients, and excretion of waste products, their major function is to prevent uncontrolled access of foreign material to immune‐competent compartments. Progress in understanding this barrier function toward larger solutes and its possible defects, as can be seen in a variety of diseases, is largely hampered by a lack of methods to spatiotemporally resolve transepithelial passage of macromolecules. Using different cell culture epithelia, we applied biotinylated dextran tracers carrying an acceptor fluorophore. These bind to cell‐adherent avidin carrying donor fluorophore at the basolateral membranes of single‐layered epithelial sheets. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was applied to living epithelia in order to image apical‐to‐basolateral tracer passage as a Förster resonance energy transfer signal of the fluorescent dextran–avidin pair over time. Stimulated macromolecule passage using barrier‐perturbing agents proved its effectiveness for the leak imaging method presented herein. Over hours of imaging, spontaneous leaks were rare, occurring transiently on the scale of minutes and for the most part associated with rearranging cell junctions. The discussed approach to leak imaging is expected to promote the understanding of epithelial barriers, particularly, the nature and dynamics of the epithelial cell leak pathway.
Applying classification and regression tree analysis to identify risks of developing sarcopenia in the older population
Authors: Nguyen Nga Thi Thuy , Vu Huyen Thi Thanh , Hu Huey Lan , Lin Kuan Chia , Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Huang Hui Chuan
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Variations in the risk factors for sarcopenia can lead to differences in the likelihood of developing sarcopenia among older adults; however, few studies have explored the interactions among the risk factors. This study examined the interactions among risk factors and identified a discriminative pathway for groups at risk of sarcopenia in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between July and August 2019 to recruit 200 older adults from an outpatient department of a hospital providing care for older people. Data on various risk factors, namely demographics (age, gender, education, comorbidities, and body mass index [BMI]), dietary habits (weekly consumption of milk, coffee, and meat), lifestyle behaviours (vitamin D supplementation, smoking, drinking, and physical activity), and depression symptoms were collected. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. A classification and regression tree (CART) model was used to examine interactions among these factors and identify groups at risk of sarcopenia.

Findings

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 38.5%. The CART model identified two end groups at differential risks of sarcopenia, with a minimum of one and a maximum of three risk factors. In the first group, low BMI (<18.5 kg/m2) was a predominant risk factor for sarcopenia among older people. In the second group, older adults with a normal BMI, aged ≥68 years, and without a regular walking habit had a higher probability of developing sarcopenia than did their counterparts.

Conclusions

The interactive effects among older age, BMI, and walking may cause different probabilities of developing sarcopenia in the older population.

Implications for practice

Older adults with a low or normal BMI but without a regular walking habit could be a predominant risk group for sarcopenia. The appropriate maintenance of body weight and regular walking activity is suggested to prevent sarcopenia in community‐dwelling older adults.
Association between axial length elongation and spherical equivalent progression in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Liu Shang , He Xiangui , Wang Jingjing , Du Linlin , Xie Hui , Yang Jinliuxing , Liu Kun , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun , Chen Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

It is generally believed that a 1‐mm axial length (AL) elongation of the eye corresponds to a −3.00 D spherical equivalent (SE) progression, but this is disputed.

Purpose

To investigate the association between AL elongation and SE progression among children and adolescents.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 710 children and adolescents aged 6–16 years was included. Ophthalmic examinations, including cycloplegic SE, AL and corneal curvature, were performed at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up. The ratio of SE change (ΔSE) to AL change (ΔAL) (ΔSE/ΔAL) was calculated, and its association with age and refractive status was explored using a general linear model.

Results

Among all participants, 396 (55.77%) were male, with 265 (37.32%) myopes at baseline. The average 1‐year ΔSE and ΔAL were 0.61 ± 0.40 D and 0.33 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. Both ΔSE and ΔAL gradually decreased with age (p < 0.001). In the general linear model analyses, age and refractive status were independently associated with ΔSE/ΔAL after adjustment for covariates (age:  = 0.04, p < 0.05; myopia vs nonmyopia:  = 0.28, p < 0.05). Based on the developed formula ΔSE/ΔAL = 1.74 + 0.05*age (for myopes), mean ΔSE/ΔAL in myopes increased from 2.06 D/mm in the 6‐year‐olds to 2.59 D/mm in the 16‐year‐olds. In nonmyopes, ΔSE/ΔAL = 1.33 + 0.05*age, and the ratio increased from 1.65 D/mm in the 6‐year‐olds to 2.18 D/mm in the 16‐year‐olds.

Conclusions

The ratio of ΔSE/ΔAL varied with age and refractive status in children and adolescents. The age‐specific ΔSE/ΔAL could be used to estimate SE progression through the actual AL change.
Long‐term outcome of adenosine‐induced atrial fibrillation after atrial fibrillation ablation: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Ishimura Masayuki , Yamamoto Masashi , Himi Toshiharu , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: June 2022

Background

Nonpulmonary vein (non‐PV) foci, in addition to pulmonary vein (PV), are considered important in initiating atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective

This study investigates the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a method for inducing non‐PV ectopy.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 1388 patients with AF (728 with paroxysmal AF, 650 with nonparoxysmal AF) who underwent catheter ablation. To confirm dormant PV conductions and non‐PV foci, 20 or 40 mg ATP was administered intravenously at the end of the procedure.

Results

The ATP test induced AF in 36 of 1388 (2.6%) patients, in whom two (6%) had ectopy arising from the both atria, 15 (42%) from the right atrium (RA), and five (14%) from left atrium (LA). Because of a lack of reproducibility, the accurate location of non‐PV foci was unidentified in the remaining 11 (31%) patients. Additional radiofrequency ablation to non‐PV foci induced ATP administration was not performed in 34 patients. Among all 1388 patients, 64 were assigned to the ATP‐AF(+) and ATP‐AF(–) groups using a propensity score matching analysis (32 patients in each group). During the follow‐up period, recurrent AF was observed in 9 of 32 (28%) patients in the ATP‐AF(+) group and in 10 of 32 (31%) patients in the ATP‐AF(–) group (log‐rank p = .84, hazard ratio 0.91 [95% confidence interval 0.36–2.27]). In the univariate analysis, AF induction by ATP test was not predictive of AF recurrence (p = .78).

Conclusion

ATP‐induced AF was not associated with AF recurrence in the distant period.
It Takes a Village: Childcare and Women's Paid Employment in India
Authors: Gautham Leila
Published: June 2022

Why is maternal employment higher in rural than in urban India? Among the relevant supply‐side factors, previous research has emphasized that rural work is more compatible with childcare. Results from the Indian Time Use Survey of 2019 show that hours of active maternal childcare are only slightly lower in rural areas, but the temporal and spatial flexibility of paid employment is much greater, making it easier for mothers to accommodate childcare responsibilities. In particular, rural women's work affords them greater access to flexible hours and the ability to work in close proximity to the home. Consequently, the negative effects of motherhood on employment are significantly greater for urban women than for rural women. This finding cannot be explained by rural–urban differences in household structure or resource constraints. These results redirect attention from average levels of time use towards a more nuanced analysis of sequence, timing, and opportunities for joint production or multitasking.
Determining the level of cervical radiculopathy: Agreement between visual inspection of pain drawings and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Marco Barbero , Evans David , Symonds Natasia , Peolsson Anneli , Coppieters Michel W. , Jull Gwendolen , Löfgren Håkan , Zsigmond Peter , Falla Deborah
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Pain drawings are commonly used in the clinical assessment of people with cervical radiculopathy. This study aimed to assess (1) the agreement of clinical interpretation of pain drawings and MRI findings in identifying the affected level of cervical radiculopathy, (2) the agreement of these predictions based on the pain drawing among four clinicians from two different professions (i.e., physiotherapy and surgery) and (3) the topographical pain distribution of people presenting with cervical radiculopathy (C4–C7).

Methods

Ninety‐eight pain drawings were obtained from a baseline assessment of participants in a randomized clinical trial, in which single‐level cervical radiculopathy was determined using MRI. Four experienced clinicians independently rated each pain drawing, attributing the pain distribution to a single nerve root (C4–C7). A post hoc analysis was performed to assess agreement.

Outcome measures

Percentage agreement and kappa values were used to assess the level of agreement. Topographic pain frequency maps were created for each cervical radiculopathy level as determined by MRI.

Results

The radiculopathy level determined from the pain drawings showed poor overall agreement with MRI (mean = 35.7%, K = −0.007 to 0.139). The inter‐clinician agreement ranged from fair to moderate (K = 0.212–0.446). Topographic frequency maps revealed that pain distributions were widespread and overlapped markedly between patients presenting with different levels cervical radiculopathy.

Conclusion

This study revealed a lack of agreement between the segmental level affected determined from the patient's pain drawing and the affected level as identified on MRI. The large overlap of pain and non‐dermatomal distribution of pain reported by patients likely contributed to this result.
Gypsum endemics accumulate excess nutrients in leaves as a potential constitutive strategy to grow in grazed extreme soils
Authors: Cera Andreu , Montserrat‐Martí Gabriel , Drenovsky Rebecca E. , Ourry Alain , Brunel‐Muguet Sophie , Palacio Sara
Published: June 2022

Extreme soils often have mineral nutrient imbalances compared to plant nutritional requirements and co‐occur in open areas where grazers thrive. Thus, plants must respond to both constraints, which can affect nutrient concentrations in all plant organs. Gypsum soil provides an excellent model system to study adaptations to extreme soils under current grazing practices as it harbours two groups of plant species that differ in their tolerance to gypsum soils and foliar composition. However, nutrient concentrations in organs other than leaves, and their individual responses to simulated herbivory, are still unknown in gypsum plants. We studied plant biomass, root mass ratio and nutrient partitioning among different organs (leaves, stems, coarse roots, fine roots) in five gypsum endemics and five generalists cultivated in gypsum and calcareous soils and subjected to different levels of simulated browsing. Gypsum endemics tended to have higher elemental concentration in leaves, stems and coarse roots than generalist species in both soil types, whereas both groups tended to show similar high concentrations in fine roots. This behaviour was especially clear with sulphur (S), which is found in excess in gypsum soils, and which endemics accumulated in leaves as sulphate (>50% of S). Moreover, plants subjected to clipping, regardless of their affinity to gypsum, were unable to compensate for biomass losses and showed similar elemental composition to unclipped plants. The accumulation of excess mineral nutrients by endemic species in aboveground organs may be a constitutive nutritional strategy in extreme soils and is potentially playing an anti‐herbivore role in grazed gypsum outcrops.
Association between suicide attempt and previous healthcare utilization among homeless youth
Authors: Sakai‐Bizmark Rie , Kumamaru Hiraku , Estevez Dennys , Bedel Lauren E. M. , Marr Emily H. , Mena Laurie A. , Kaplan Mark S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prior emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization and subsequent suicide attempt among homeless youth aged 10–17 years old.

Methods

With New York statewide databases, a case–control design was conducted. Cases and controls were homeless patients with an ED visit or hospitalization due to suicide attempt (cases) or appendicitis (controls) between April and December. We examined ED and inpatient records for 90 days prior to the visit for suicide attempt or appendicitis. The primary exposure variable was prior healthcare utilization for any reason other than the following four reasons: mental health disorder, substance use, self‐harm, and other injuries. Multivariable logistic regression models, with year fixed effect and hospital random effect, were used.

Results

A total of 335 cases and 742 controls were identified. Cases had lower odds of prior healthcare utilization for any reason other than the four reasons listed above. (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 0.53, p‐value = 0.03).

Conclusions

The association between prior healthcare utilization and decreased risk of suicide attempt among homeless youth may be due to comprehensive care provided during healthcare utilization. It may also reflect the presence of a social network that provided a protective effect.
A deep learning method for creating globally applicable population estimates from sentinel data
Authors: Fibæk Casper Samsø , Keßler Carsten , Arsanjani Jamal Jokar , Trillo Marcia Luz
Published: June 2022

Recent research has shown promising results for estimating structural area, volume, and population from Sentinel 1 and 2 data at a 10 by 10‐m spatial resolution. These studies were, however, conducted in homogeneous countries in Northern Europe. This study presents a deep learning methodology for population estimation in areas geographically distinct from Northern Europe. The two case study areas are Ghana and Egypt's Mediterranean coast, with supplementary ground truth data collected from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Palestine, and Israel. This study aims to answer the question: How can we use Deep Learning to map structural area and type to derive population estimates for Ghana and Egypt based on Sentinel data? At 10 by 10‐m resolution, the accuracy of the presented area predictions is similar to the Google Open Buildings dataset. An intercomparison of the presented population predictions is made with global state‐of‐the‐art spatial population estimates, and the results are promising, with the proposed methodology showing comparable or better results than the state‐of‐the‐art for the study areas.
Safety and value of pretransplant antibiotic allergy delabeling in a quaternary transplant center
Authors: Gorsline Chelsea A. , Afghan Abaseen K. , Stone Cosby A. , Phillips Elizabeth J. , Satyanarayana Gowri
Published: June 2022

Background

Self‐reported antibiotic allergies, also known as antibiotic allergy labels, are common and may lead to worse patient outcomes. Within immunocompromized patients, antibiotic allergy labels can lead to inappropriate use of antimicrobials and may limit options for prophylactic and therapeutic options in the posttransplant period. While antibiotic allergy delabeling is considered an important aspect of antibiotic stewardship protocols, evidence and awareness of its application in transplant recipients is limited.

Methods

We describe our experience with an antibiotic allergy delabeling intervention in the pretransplant evaluation period and its impact on posttransplant antimicrobial utilization. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with an antibiotic allergy label who underwent evaluation for solid organ or stem cell transplantation between 2015 and 2020. Patients included in this analysis were those who completed pretransplant antibiotic allergy delabeling through our Drug Allergy Clinic and were retained in care for 6 months after transplant.

Results

Twenty‐six of 27 patients underwent pretransplant antibiotic allergy delabeling and safely received the delabeled antibiotic posttransplant. There were no reported side effects to the delabeled antibiotic within 6 months posttransplant. Specific examination of sulfonamide (sulfa)‐antibiotic delabeling showed cost savings of $254 to $2910 per patient in the posttransplant period compared to the use of alternative antibiotics for prophylaxis protocol.

Conclusion

Antibiotic allergy delabeling prior to transplant is safe, is of high value, and should be considered in the pretransplant evaluation period. More resources are needed for the development of delabeling guidelines and support for broad implementation of pretransplant antibiotic allergy delabeling programs.

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