bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Due to a National Initiative to Improve Preventive Services in Small Primary Care Practices
Authors: Lindner Stephan , Kottke Thomas , Balasubramanian Bijal , McConnell John , Marino Miguel , Cohen Deborah
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as heart failure and stroke has been the top cause of death for over 90 years. The beneficial effects of four simple treatment options ‐‐ aspirin prescription, blood pressure control, cholesterol management and smoking screening and cessation counseling (ABCS) ‐‐ in reducing mortality are well established. Yet, delivering the ABCS at optimal levels continues to be challenging for primary care practices, where the majority of patients receive care. In 2015, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) launched EvidenceNOW: Advancing Heart Health in Primary Care, a national, 110 million dollar initiative focused on providing external support interventions (e.g., practice facilitation or health information technology support) to 1500 small‐to‐medium sized primary care practices with over eight million patients. The research objective of this study was to estimate EvidenceNOW‐related reductions in the risk of experiencing an adverse CVD event.

Study Design

Study Design: We developed a new methodology to calculate CVD risk using (i) ABCS levels of EvidenceNOW practices; (ii) patient‐level information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); and (iii) information about CVD risk over a 10‐year period developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. We estimated 10‐year CVD risk at baseline, just before EvidenceNOW started, and reductions to risk due to EvidenceNOW‐related improvements in the ABCS.

Population Studied

Primary care practices participating in EvidenceNOW and NHANES study participants.

Principal Findings

The average 10‐year CVD risk at baseline was estimated to be 10.3 percent among patients of practices participating in the initiative. Improvements in the ABCS due to EvidenceNow reduced this risk by about 0.1 percentage points, or approximately 1.0 percent relative to baseline. Two patient populations had the biggest CVD risk reduction: those with hypertension and those with multiple comorbidities who have a high CVD risk. According to these estimates, EvidenceNOW prevented about 4000 CVD events at a cost of approximately $29,000 per event.

Conclusions

EvidenceNOW successfully reduced CVD events among patients of practices participating in the initiative, although overall reductions were small. Risk reductions were stronger for high‐risk patients, such as those with multiple comorbidities.

Implications for Policy or Practice

Preventive care efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease in primary care practices are cost effective even for a large patient population with moderate CVD risk and therefore should be implemented more widely. Targeting specific patient population can be a valuable policy to improve the health of high‐risk populations.

Primary Funding Source

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Mapping and Identifying Community Risk Factors for COVID‐19 Nursing Home Deaths
Authors: Wang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

Although emerging research has identified facility‐level or community‐level risk factors for nursing home COVID‐19 infection cases, little research has been conducted to understand the risk factors for nursing home COVID‐19 death rates. This study has two aims: 1) identify geographic clusters with high nursing home COVID‐19 death rates; 2) understand facility‐level and community‐level risk factors for facilities residing within the hot spots versus those not in the hot spots.

Study Design

This is a cross‐sectional research design. We utilized nursing home COVID data from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (as of November 13th, 2020) linked with Brown University's LTCfocus data and Nursing Home Compare, along with zip code‐level data from American Community Survey. Geospatial hot spot analysis (Getis‐Ord Gi*) was applied to identify statistically significant hot spots of COVID‐19 death rates in nursing homes. We compared facility‐level and community‐level factors associated with COVID death rates by performing multivariate regressions stratified by whether the nursing home was located in the hot spot area identified.

Population Studied

The sample included 15,341 nursing homes.

Principal Findings

322 zip code areas were identified as having a significantly high level of nursing home COVID death rates at the 95% confidence level. We found statistically significant clustering of COVID‐19 death rates in nursing homes in Northeastern United States (New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York), South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, and parts of Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. The hot spot areas tend to be communities with lower household income, higher household sizes, and higher unemployed rates. Regression results indicated common facility‐level risk factors as low total nursing staffing levels, high proportion of Medicaid residents, and low deficiency/quality ratings. Significant zip code‐level factors included household income, average household size, unemployed rate, and proportion of Hispanic residents. However, among nursing homes residing in hot spot zip code areas, total nursing staffing levels (β = −0.04, p < 0.001) and proportion of Medicaid residents (β = 0.03, p < 0.001) had greater effects on death rates.

Conclusions

Nursing homes located in communities of lower social‐economic status were hit the hardest in terms of having high death rates. Among nursing homes located in hot spot communities, nurse staffing and facility resources (i.e. proportion of Medicaid) play more critical roles in preventing further damage to residents.

Implications for Policy or Practice

Policymakers should target resources to nursing homes in the hot spot areas identified, particularly nursing homes with low staffing and high Medicaid census in those areas.
Characteristics and dose‐effect relationship of clinical gamma‐hydroxybutyrate intoxication: A case series
Authors: Abid Madelaine , Kietzerow Jana , Iwersen‐Bergmann Stefanie , Schnitgerhans Tino , Andresen‐Streichert Hilke
Published: September 2021

Gamma‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdoses cause respiratory depression, coma, or even death. Symptoms and severity of poisoning depend on blood‐concentrations and individual factors such as tolerance. A retrospective case study was conducted, evaluating GHB intoxication cases. GHB‐concentrations in blood and urine were determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) along with, in part, via enzymatic assay. GHB‐concentrations, demographic data, and additional drug use, as well as specific clinical information, were evaluated. The correlation between GHB‐levels in blood and associated symptoms were examined. In total, 75 cases originating from the Emergency Departments (EDs) of Hamburg and surrounding hospitals were included. Fifty‐four of the patients (72%) were male. The mean GHB‐concentration in blood was 248 mg/L (range 21.5–1418 mg/L). Out of the group with detailed clinical information (n = 18), the comatose group (n = 10/18) showed a mean of 244 mg/L (range 136–403 mg/L), which was higher than that of the somnolent and awake patients. Of the comatose collective, 70% (n = 7) showed co‐use of one or more substances, with the additional use of cocaine being the most frequently detected (n = 5). In conclusion, a moderate dose‐effect relationship was observed, although, there was some overlap in dosage concentration levels of GHB in awake and comatose patients. In GHB‐intoxication cases, co‐use was common as were clinical effects such as acidosis, hypotension, and impact on the heart rate. Timely analytical determination of the GHB‐concentration in blood could support correct diagnosis of the cause of unconsciousness.
Phase I/II study of biweekly nab‐paclitaxel in patients with platinum‐pretreated non‐small cell lung cancer: NJLCG1402
Authors: Miyauchi Eisaku , Tanaka Hisashi , Nakamura Atsushi , Harada Toshiyuki , Nakagawa Taku , Morita Mami , Jingu Daisuke , Kuda Tomoya , Gamou Shunichi , Saito Ryota , Inoue Akira
Published: September 2021

Background

NJLCG1402 was a phase I/II trial investigating biweekly nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐PTX) in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The study included patients aged ≥20 years with previously treated NSCLC. Nab‐PTX (100–150 mg/m2) was administered biweekly in a 28‐day cycle. The phase I portion was performed to determine the recommended phase II dose of nab‐PTX. In the phase II portion, the primary endpoint was the objective response rate. Secondary endpoints were disease control rate, progression‐free survival, overall survival, and safety.

Results

A total of 15 patients received biweekly nab‐PTX (100–150 mg/m2) and 12 patients in phase II were treated with 150 mg/m2. In the phase I portion, 150 mg/m2 was determined as the recommended dose. Among those treated with 150 mg/m2, the objective response rate was 22%, and the median progression‐free and overall survival was 3.6 and 11.2 months, respectively. Adverse events grade ≥3 were observed in 39% of patients.

Conclusions

Biweekly nab‐PTX monotherapy was well tolerated and exhibited favorable antitumor activity in patients with previously treated NSCLC.
Time course of symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder with delayed expression: A systematic review
Authors: Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Jensen Johan Høy , Smid Geert E. , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Elklit Ask , Mors Ole , Videbech Poul
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that PTSD with delayed expression in some cases occurs without subthreshold PTSD symptoms above background levels bridging the gap between the traumatic exposure(s) and the clinical diagnosis.

Methods

We performed systematic searches of peer‐reviewed papers in English referenced in Pubmed, Embase, or PsycINFO and ascertained 34 prospective studies of PTSD symptom trajectories identified by latent class growth statistical modeling. Studies with delayed and low‐stable trajectories provided appropriate data for this study. We computed the difference between the delayed trajectory PTSD symptom sumscore and the low‐stable PTSD sumscore at the observed points in time after the traumatic event(s).

Results

In 29 study populations, the latent class growth analyses displayed delayed trajectories, and in these, we identified 110 data points (% PTSD sumscore difference/months since traumatic exposure). The median PTSD symptom sumscore was 25% higher during the initial 6 months among individuals in the delayed trajectory compared to those in low‐stable trajectory. From this level, the difference widened and reached a plateau of 40–50% higher. The variation was large, and the baseline participation rate and loss to follow‐up were exceeding 25% in the majority of the studies. Heterogeneity of populations, measures, and analyses precluded formal meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Delayed PTSD is preceded by PTSD symptoms during the first year in most cases. Still, few individuals may experience an asymptomatic delay. The results underpin the rationale for monitoring PTSD symptoms and may inform forensic assessments in that delayed PTSD without symptoms bridging the traumatic event is rare.
Assessing the temporal dynamics of Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in commercial soybean crops in North Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Juliana L. , Sarmento Renato A. , Pereira Poliana S. , Noleto Luciane R. , Reis Kayo H. B. , Pires Warly S. , Peluzio Joenes M. , Medeiros Juliana G. , Santos Abraão A. , Picanço Marcelo C.
Published: September 2021

Thrips are considered a secondary pest of soybean in Brazil, but high densities have been noticed since the last harvests (2017/18 and 2018/19), yet no study has provided an initial hypothesis regarding the causes of such events.

We aimed to identify some of the factors related to Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) temporal dynamics in commercial soybean crops located in Tocantins (Northern Brazil).

We undertook evaluations during soybean vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages on 200 plants per field in each sampling date (n = 22). Our results indicated that the densities of F. schultzei were similar among fields and soybean phenological stages.

The density of thrips showed a significant negative relationship with rainfall, but it was not related to either air temperature, photoperiod, relative humidity, or wind speed.

The predators' density was less than 170 individuals (summing all assessments), and it was not associated with thrips density.

This study indicates rainfall as the leading factor associated with the temporal dynamics of F. schultzei in commercial soybean crops.
Decreased occurrence of endometriosis in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: Khan Khaleque N. , Fujishita Akira , Kitajima Michio , Ishimaru Tadayuki , Ogawa Kanae , Koshiba Akemi , Mori Taisuke , Kitawaki Jo
Published: September 2021

Problem

Despite abundant reports on the risk role of uterine outflow tract obstruction in endometriosis, information on the occurrence of endometriosis in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection causing fallopian tube obstruction is unknown. We investigated the role of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with or without fallopian tubal patency in the occurrence of endometriosis.

Methods

This is a retrospective case‐controlled cohort study with 539 women who had laparoscopic surgery for several indications during the period between January, 2003 and June, 2010. Women with ectopic pregnancy, uterine anomaly, chromosomal abnormality, primary amenorrhea, and perimenopausal women were excluded. Endometriosis was diagnosed by laparoscopic inspection and confirmed by histopathology. Tubal patency was diagnosed by HSG or laparoscopic chromopertubation test. Presence of chlamydia infection was examined by RT‐PCR and serological test.

Results

Two‐hundred and seven women were enrolled. Eighty‐six (41.5%) women had chlamydia infection. Tubal patency and occurrence of endometriosis were significantly decreased among women with chlamydia infection comparing to women without it (P = .005 and P = .0008, respectively). Even among women with patent tube, laparoscopic detection of endometriosis was significantly decreased in chlamydia infected comparing to non‐infected women (P = .02). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that previous history of chlamydia infection significantly decreased the occurrence of endometriosis, and was independent of age, menstrual status, parity and tubal patency (odds ratio .44; 95% confidence interval .24–.80; P = .007).

Conclusion

A decreased occurrence of peritoneal endometriosis was observed in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The possible impairment of retrograde menstrual flow by chlamydia‐infected tubal damage may decrease the risk of endometriosis.
Perceptions of organizational politics: A restricted nonlinearity perspective of its effects on job satisfaction and performance
Authors: Ellen B. Parker , Maher Liam P. , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Ferris Gerald R. , Kiewitz Christian
Published: September 2021

This study examined a restricted nonlinearity perspective of the relationship between perceptions of organizational politics (POPs) and work outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction and job performance), dependent upon the level of employee loyalty. Consistent with prior work, we conceptualized POPs as a demand that can have positive effects on job satisfaction and performance, up to certain levels, before negative effects are observed as levels of POPs continue to increase to more extreme levels. Drawing upon the transactional theory of stress, we then argued that this relationship would hold for more loyal employees. However, we hypothesized that these relationships would take a more linear and negative form for less loyal employees. Data analyses of a sample of 177 financial services employees offered mixed support for our hypotheses, replicating prior work that showed a nonlinear, inverse‐U‐shaped relationship between POPs and job satisfaction, and demonstrating an inverted U‐shaped relationship between POPs and both satisfaction and performance for more loyal employees, but not for less loyal employees. We discuss contributions to theory and research, limitations, directions for future research, and practical implications.
Multiple drivers of Late Holocene paraglacial sediment reworking in Ireland
Authors: Knight Jasper
Published: September 2021

On the east coast of Ireland, glacigenic sediments and landforms reflect both phases of late Devensian ice retreat, and postglacial slope readjustment under a paraglacial process regime. These different phases of landscape development are commonly difficult to identify in the absence of geomorphological, sedimentary and dating evidence for the style, magnitude and timing of postglacial landscape change. Here, sediments and radiocarbon dates on raised coastal sediments adjacent to a prominent retreat moraine of the late Devensian Irish ice sheet provide evidence for one such extended phase of paraglacial sediment reworking, in the 8th and 10th centuries CE. The timing of this phase of sediment reworking provides evidence for climatic deterioration during the European late Dark Ages/early Medieval Warm Period, and is consistent with evidence across northwest Europe for enhanced landscape geomorphic change at this time. From this evidence it is inferred that landscape morphological change dominantly reflects climatic rather than anthropogenic forcing, although the latter cannot be wholly discounted. Further, this evidence highlights the sensitivity to Holocene climate forcing of coastal paraglacial systems that contain abundant glacigenic sediment supply.
Identification and molecular analysis of 17 novel variants of hydroxymethylbilane synthase in Chinese patients with acute intermittent porphyria
Authors: Hu Yuanxiang , Li Weihao , Kang Ninglin , Ma Liyan , Teng Qing , Mo Guiling , Wu Jiahong , Wang Xinyang , Bi Renjie , Zhang Songyun
Published: September 2021

A partial deficiency of the heme biosynthetic enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) leads to acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a severe neurovisceral, autosomal dominant disorder with low penetrance. Even though in‐depth investigations of the HMBS variants have been carried out by researchers in Britain, France, Russia, and Sweden, this area remains uninvestigated in China owing to the rarity and lack of clinical understanding of the disease. In this study, 78 unrelated AIP patients revealed 48 different HMBS variants, of which 17 were novel. These included 22 missense variants, 9 splicings, 5 nonsense variants, 10 small deletions, 1 repeat insertion, and 1 complex deletion–insertion variant. The variant c.673C > T, found in 10 unrelated patients, was the most frequent variant, followed by the variant c.517C > T, found in 7 unrelated patients. We performed western blotting and immunofluorescence staining with four novel variants (c.653G > A, c.597dupC, c.726‐727del, and c.1045_1046delAA) to detect the expression levels of mutant HMBSs. The results showed a variant‐mediated decrease in the mutant‐HMBS level, suggesting that the variant resulted in impaired gene product functions. Moreover, the in vitro functional verification in this study provided PS3_moderate evidence for American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) to grade the pathogenicity of novel variants in AIP.
Flexible constraint hierarchy during the visual encoding of tool‐object interactions
Authors: Bayani Kristel Yu Tiamco , Natraj Nikhilesh , Gale Mary Kate , Temples Danielle , Atawala Neel , Wheaton Lewis A.
Published: September 2021

Tools and objects are associated with numerous action possibilities that are reduced depending on the task‐related internal and external constraints presented to the observer. Action hierarchies propose that goals represent higher levels of the hierarchy while kinematic patterns represent lower levels of the hierarchy. Prior work suggests that tool‐object perception is heavily influenced by grasp and action context. The current study sought to evaluate whether the presence of action hierarchy can be perceptually identified using eye tracking during tool‐object observation. We hypothesize that gaze patterns will reveal a perceptual hierarchy based on the observed task context and grasp constraints. Participants viewed tool‐objects scenes with two types of constraints: task‐context and grasp constraints. Task‐context constraints consisted of correct (e.g., frying pan‐spatula) and incorrect tool‐object pairings (e.g., stapler‐spatula). Grasp constraints involved modified tool orientations, which requires participants to understand how initially awkward grasp postures can help achieve the task. The visual scene contained three areas of interests (AOIs): the object, the functional tool‐end (e.g., spoon handle) and the manipulative tool‐end (e.g., spoon bowl). Results revealed two distinct processes based on stimuli constraints. Goal‐oriented encoding, the attentional bias towards the object and manipulative tool‐end, was demonstrated when grasp did not lead to meaningful tool‐use. In images where grasp postures were critical to action performance, attentional bias was primarily between the object and functional tool‐end, which suggests means‐related encoding of the graspable properties of the object. This study expands from previous work and demonstrates a flexible constraint hierarchy depending on the observed task constraints.
Parenting in times of refuge: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Eltanamly Hend , Leijten Patty , van Rooij Floor , Overbeek Geertjan
Published: September 2021

This qualitative study sheds light on how the different phases of refuge and resettlement shape parents’ perceptions of their parenting. We used in‐depth interviews to examine parents’ accounts of how war and refuge gave rise to different stressors, and how these in turn shaped parenting. We interviewed 27 Syrian refugee parents recently settled in the Netherlands (16 families) twice, using a grounded theory approach. We distinguished five phases of refuge, namely prewar, war, flight, displacement, and resettlement. During flight and displacement, stressors associated with financial and material losses appeared to induce parental empathy for children's suffering, which seemed to increase parental leniency. Stressors emerging from family separation during displacement, however, were reported to burden parents and to lead to uncertainty, which seemed to compromise parental warmth and sensitive discipline. While narratives suggest that families reacted in similar ways during the phases of war, flight, and displacement, differences seemed to emerge during the resettlement phase. Some parents stated that in resettlement, they experienced post‐traumatic growth (e.g., increased compassion for their children) and were more autonomy supporting than before the war. Other parents seemed to struggle with accepting and supporting their children's emotions and appeared to resort more readily to parental control. Our findings suggest that emotional exhaustion plays a key role in how parents viewed their parenting changed during refuge, and that individual differences in parents’ abilities to recover from emotional exhaustion played a key role in shaping parenting in resettlement.
Thermochemistry of stoichiometric rare earth oxyfluorides REOF
Authors: Yang Shuhao , Anderko Andre , Riman Richard E. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Rare earth oxyfluorides (REOF) have potential applications in luminescent devices and energy storage and are important for synthesis and properties of RE‐doped oxyfluoride glasses. This study evaluates the thermodynamic properties of stoichiometric REOF with varying RE (RE = La, Nd, Gd, Ho, Y, and Yb) elements using high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry and investigates the phase transitions of YbOF by differential scanning calorimetry. The formation enthalpies from binary oxides and fluorides are exothermic and become less exothermic with the decrease of ionic radius of RE3+, showing that REOF compounds are energetically stable relative to equal molar mixtures of RE2O3 and REF3 and the RE–O interactions contribute to most of their thermodynamic stabilities. Different from REOF with large RE ions (La–Er and Y) having the rhombohedral phase, REOF with small cations (e.g., Yb) possesses the monoclinic structure as the more energetically stable phase at room temperature. However, the slow transition between the monoclinic and cubic phases easily generates the rhombohedral phase, which is favored by kinetics.
Identification of metabolism‐associated molecular subtype in ovarian cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Wu Aoshen , Wang Xing , Liu Yunhe , Xu Yiang , Liu Gang , Liu Lei
Published: September 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynaecological cancer with genomic complexity and extensive heterogeneity. This study aimed to characterize the molecular features of OC based on the gene expression profile of 2752 previously characterized metabolism‐relevant genes and provide new strategies to improve the clinical status of patients with OC. Finally, three molecular subtypes (C1, C2 and C3) were identified. The C2 subtype displayed the worst prognosis, upregulated immune‐cell infiltration status and expression level of immune checkpoint genes, lower burden of copy number gains and losses and suboptimal response to targeted drug bevacizumab. The C1 subtype showed downregulated immune‐cell infiltration status and expression level of immune checkpoint genes, the lowest incidence of BRCA mutation and optimal response to targeted drug bevacizumab. The C3 subtype had an intermediate immune status, the highest incidence of BRCA mutation and a secondary optimal response to bevacizumab. Gene signatures of C1 and C2 subtypes with an opposite expression level were mainly enriched in proteolysis and immune‐related biological process. The C3 subtype was mainly enriched in the T cell‐related biological process. The prognostic and immune status of subtypes were validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, which was predicted with a 45‐gene classifier. These findings might improve the understanding of the diversity and therapeutic strategies for OC.
Impaired non‐canonical transforming growth factor‐β signalling prevents profibrotic phenotypes in cultured peptidylarginine deiminase 4‐deficient murine cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Akboua Hanane , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Keser Ugur , Wahlers Thorsten , Paunel‐Görgülü Adnana
Published: September 2021

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) becomes rapidly activated in the infarcted heart. Hence, TGF‐β‐mediated persistent activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and exaggerated fibrotic responses may result in adverse cardiac remodelling and heart failure. Additionally, peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) was described to be implicated in organ fibrosis. Here, we investigated the impact of PAD4 on CF function and myofibroblast transdifferentiation in vitro. The expression of fibrosis‐related genes was largely similar in cultured WT and PAD4‐/‐ CFs of passage 3, although collagen III was reduced in PAD4‐/‐ CFs. Exposure to TGF‐β inhibited proliferation and increased contractile activity and migration of WT CFs, but not of PAD4‐/‐ CFs. However, under baseline conditions, PAD4−/− CFs showed comparable functional characteristics as TGF‐β‐stimulated WT CFs. Although the SMAD‐dependent TGF‐β pathway was not disturbed in PAD4‐/‐ CFs, TGF‐β failed to activate protein kinase B (Akt) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in these cells. Similar results were obtained in WT CFs treated with the PAD4 inhibitor Cl‐amidine. Abrogated Akt activation was associated with diminished levels of phosphorylated, inactive glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β). Consequently, PAD4‐/‐ CFs did not upregulate collagen I and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression after TGF‐β treatment. Thus, PAD4 is substantially involved in the regulation of non‐canonical TGF‐β signalling and may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of adverse cardiac remodelling.
Nerve biopsy in acquired neuropathies
Authors: Sommer Claudia , Carroll Antonia S , Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa , Ort Nora , Sobue Gen , Vucic Steve , Spies Judith M , Doppler Kathrin , Kiernan Matthew C
Published: September 2021

A diagnosis of neuropathy can typically be determined through clinical assessment and focused investigation. With technological advances, including significant progress in genomics, the role of nerve biopsy has receded over recent years. However, making a specific and, in some cases, tissue‐based diagnosis is essential across a wide array of potentially treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies. When laboratory investigations do not suggest a definitive diagnosis, nerve biopsy remains the final step to ascertain the etiology of the disease. The present review highlights the utility of nerve biopsy in confirming a diagnosis, while further illustrating the importance of a tissue‐based diagnosis in relation to treatment strategies, particularly when linked to long‐term immunosuppressive therapies,
Temporary hair loss after injection of hyaluronic acid filler
Authors: van den Elzen Helga , Schelke Leonie , Velthuis Peter
Published: September 2021

Background

Compromised blood flow after filler injection is generally thought to result from intra‐arterial obstruction.

Aims

To test this hypothesis.

Patient

A case presented with the clinical picture of reduced arterial blood flow after hyaluronic acid filler injection in the temporal region and subsequent hair loss.

Method

Clinical and ultrasound (US) assessments as well as ultrasound guided hyaluronidase injection were performed.

Result

Blood flow was restored and hair loss proved to be temporary.

Conclusion

There are many arguments to conclude that the problem did not result from intra‐arterial occlusion, but rather from outside compression of the artery.
The Unmarked Whiteness of Brazilian Linguistics: From Black‐as‐Theme to Black‐as‐Life
Authors: Nascimento Gabriel , Windle Joel
Published: September 2021

The racist ideology of traditional, ruling‐class Brazilian nationalism, which denies the existence of racial divisions, is inherently anti‐Black. For example, in 2020 the Federal Government of Brazil revoked affirmative action programs for graduate degrees in universities. These anti‐black ideologies also influence linguistics in Brazil. In the twenty‐first century, one of the high‐profile representatives of this initiative is the Educated Urban Linguistic Norm Project that chose the urban speaker, who is mostly white, as the norm for all the speakers. Similarly, a series of daily online lectures hosted by ABRALIN, the national professional association for linguistics, beginning in May 2020, was without Black Brazilian speakers over the first month and a half of the schedule. In this work we seek to provoke discussions towards rethinking the role of whiteness in Brazilian linguistics moving from the Black‐as‐theme to Black‐as‐life framework.
Hepatitis C reinfection by treatment pathway among people who inject drugs in Tayside, Scotland
Authors: Caven Madeleine , Baiano Cassandra X. , Robinson Emma M. , Stephens Brian , Macpherson Iain , Dillon John F.
Published: September 2021

The efficacy of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) provides an excellent opportunity to scale up HCV diagnosis and treatment, achieving the WHO target of HCV elimination by 2030. However, HCV reinfection among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains a concern and may impede elimination efforts. We assessed reinfection rates among PWID across six specialized treatment pathways, following DAA‐based and interferon‐based therapies in Tayside, Scotland. Data were collected retrospectively for every treatment episode that resulted in a sustained viral response (SVR) after undergoing treatment. Reinfection rates were calculated for each treatment pathway: hospital outpatient clinic; community pharmacy; drug treatment outreach; prison clinic; nurse‐led outreach clinic; and injection equipment provision site. Reinfection is defined as a positive RNA test result after SVR. Incidences of reinfection are expressed in 100 person‐years (PYs). In total, 916 treatment episodes met selection criteria. Of these, 100 reinfections were identified, generating an overall reinfection rate of 5.27 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.36–6.38). The hospital outpatient clinic had the lowest reinfection incidence (1.81 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 1.11–2.93), with the injection equipment provision site treatment pathway having the highest reinfection incidence (19.89 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 14.91–26.54). The incidence of reinfection among those treated with interferon‐based therapies and those treated with DAA‐based therapies was 4.93 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 3.97–6.11) and 7.17 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.75–10.82), respectively. Specialized treatment pathways in Tayside yield varying reinfection incidence rates, with different subpopulations of patients at varying risk of reinfection post‐SVR. Results suggest that resources should be targeted at the injection equipment provision site pathway in order to reduce the incidence of reinfection and achieve elimination targets. The study found comparable rates of reinfection following interferon‐based and DAA‐based therapies, providing support for widening access to treatment services.
Comparison of effectiveness between modified transvaginal mesh surgery and vaginal pessary treatment in patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Kinjo Manami , Tanba Mitsuko , Masuda Kazuki , Nakamura Yu , Tanbo Mitsuhiro , Fukuhara Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of modified transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery and vaginal pessary in patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 130 patients with symptomatic POP treated with either modified TVM (n = 62) or vaginal pessary (n = 68). To evaluate the prolapse, lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual symptoms and prolapse‐related quality of life (QOL) were assessed using the prolapse QOL questionnaire. All questionnaires were completed before treatment and 1 year after the treatment.

Results

One year after the treatment, the prolapse and voiding symptoms and all prolapse‐related QOL domains, except for the personal relationships and sleep/energy, were significantly improved in the pessary group. The prolapse, urinary storage, voiding, bowel, and sexual symptoms and all QOL domains significantly improved in the modified‐TVM group.

Conclusions

Both the modified TVM surgery and vaginal pessary effectively treated prolapse and voiding symptoms and improved most of the prolapse‐related QOL domains. Modified TVM surgery was more effective in improving urinary storage, bowel, and sexual symptoms than the pessary treatment. Modified TVM seemed to position the organs more correctly to improve bladder, bowel, and sexual function than pessary insertion.
Child growth faltering dynamics in food insecure districts in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Hirvonen Kalle , Wolle Abdulazize , Laillou Arnaud , Vinci Vincenzo , Chitekwe Stanley , Baye Kaleab
Published: September 2021

Child undernutrition disproportionally affects children in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In Ethiopia, both wasting and stunting are serious public health concerns, with high human and economic costs. Understanding the dynamics in ponderal and linear growth faltering is critical to inform the design of innovative interventions that can prevent both wasting and stunting in poor and complex settings. Using two longitudinal studies conducted in 2017 and 2019 in four highland regions of Ethiopia, we evaluated the dynamics and drivers of child growth faltering in children 6–23 months of age (N = 5003). Child wasting prevalence peaked during the first 6 months of life, whereas stunting increased significantly after 6 months of age. Male sex, child illnesses (i.e., diarrhoea or fever) and low consumption of fruits and vegetables were associated with higher odds of acute undernutrition (P < 0.05). The consumption of animal source foods (ASF) was associated with increases (β: 95% CI) in weight‐for‐length Z‐score (WLZ; 0.12: 0.0002; 0.242), whereas fruit or vegetables consumption was associated with increases in midupper arm circumference (MUAC; 0.11 cm: 0.003; 0.209). Only consumption of ASF was the statistically significant predictor of future linear growth (0.14: 0.029; 0.251). Distinct trends in WLZ and MUAC were observed by child sex and age. Improving diet quality through improved nutrition knowledge and increased access and affordability of ASFs, along with effective infection prevention/control measures could prevent both child wasting and stunting concurrently.
Finicky transfer learning—A method of pruning convolutional neural networks for cracks classification on edge devices
Authors: Żarski Mateusz , Wójcik Bartosz , Książek Kamil , Miszczak Jarosław Adam
Published: September 2021

High demand for computational power significantly limits the possibility of using modern deep learning methods in the environments where one has to deal with devices limited by the performance and the energy constraints. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel method of combining the pruning and the transfer learning (TL) techniques for the purpose of delivering solid accuracy while simultaneously lowering the demand for energy and computing power. This method is referred to as finicky TL as it is finicky during the process of selecting filters from a pretrained feature extractor to compose a sparser architecture. The proposed filter selection process is based on an original approach utilizing the Jaccard similarity coefficient calculated between the activation maps and the masks obtained by semantic segmentation. This enables the use of convolutional neural networks, trained previously on a large generic dataset, in a crack classification task. The presented method significantly lowers the inference time while maintaining or even slightly increasing the classification accuracy, enabling real‐time operation on single‐board computers.
Are sensory experiences contingently representational? A critical notice of David Papineau's The Metaphysics of Sensory Experience
Authors: Gow Laura
Published: September 2021

David Papineau develops a new argument against representationalism, centering on the idea that sensory experiences are essentially representational on this view. He defends his own “qualitative view” according to which sensory experiences are only contingently representational. I discuss his main argument against essentialist representationalism and then provide two challenges for his positive account. First, Papineau's theory faces a dilemma when it comes to explaining the contents of our perceptual beliefs in situations where the conscious character of sensory experience comes apart from what it represents. Second, we may need to abandon the idea that sensory experiences are assessable for veridicality.
Distribution and abundance of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) over the French Mediterranean continental shelf
Authors: Labach Hélène , Azzinari Caroline , Barbier Maxime , Cesarini Cathy , Daniel Boris , David Léa , Dhermain Frank , Di‐Méglio Nathalie , Guichard Benjamin , Jourdan Julie , Lauret Valentin , Robert Nicolas , Roul Marine , Tomasi Nicolas , Gimenez Olivier
Published: September 2021

The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) subpopulation in the Mediterranean is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This species is strictly protected in France and the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) is required under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). However, little information is available about the structure and dynamics of bottlenose dolphins in French Mediterranean waters. We collected photo‐identification data over the whole French Mediterranean continental shelf year‐round between 2013 and 2015. We sighted 151 groups of bottlenose dolphins allowing the individual photo‐identification of 766 animals. The encounter rate distribution showed the presence of bottlenose dolphins over the whole continental shelf year‐round. We estimated for the first time, using capture‐recapture methods, the size of this bottlenose dolphin population at 2,350 individuals, 95% credible interval [1,827, 3,135]. Our results were used in support of the designation of a new dedicated SAC in the Gulf of Lion and provide a baseline for the bottlenose dolphin monitoring in the French Mediterranean waters in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Strigolactone biosynthesis catalyzed by cytochrome P450 and sulfotransferase in sorghum
Authors: Yoda Akiyoshi , Mori Narumi , Akiyama Kohki , Kikuchi Mayu , Xie Xiaonan , Miura Kenji , Yoneyama Kaori , Sato‐Izawa Kanna , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Yoneyama Koichi , Nelson David C. , Nomura Takahito
Published: September 2021

Root parasitic plants such as Striga, Orobanche, and Phelipanche spp. cause serious damage to crop production world‐wide. Deletion of the Low Germination Stimulant 1 (LGS1) gene gives a Striga‐resistance trait in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The LGS1 gene encodes a sulfotransferase‐like protein, but its function has not been elucidated.

Since the profile of strigolactones (SLs) that induce seed germination in root parasitic plants is altered in the lgs1 mutant, LGS1 is thought to be an SL biosynthetic enzyme. In order to clarify the enzymatic function of LGS1, we looked for candidate SL substrates that accumulate in the lgs1 mutants and performed in vivo and in vitro metabolism experiments.

We found the SL precursor 18‐hydroxycarlactonoic acid (18‐OH‐CLA) is a substrate for LGS1. CYP711A cytochrome P450 enzymes (SbMAX1 proteins) in sorghum produce 18‐OH‐CLA. When LGS1 and SbMAX1 coding sequences were co‐expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana with the upstream SL biosynthesis genes from sorghum, the canonical SLs 5‐deoxystrigol and 4‐deoxyorobanchol were produced.

This finding showed that LGS1 in sorghum uses a sulfo group to catalyze leaving of a hydroxyl group and cyclization of 18‐OH‐CLA. A similar SL biosynthetic pathway has not been found in other plant species.
Fine‐scale spatial associations between functional traits and tree growth
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Velázquez Eduardo
Published: September 2021

The effective use of functional traits to explain species coexistence has been hindered by the scarce use of demographic variables, such as growth, with the association between functional traits and growth often assumed rather than tested. In this study, using spatial point‐pattern analyses, we spatially related three functional traits linked to plant competitive ability (maximum tree height [HMAX], leaf mass per area [LMA] and wood density [WD]) to tree growth rates (basal area increment [BAI10] and growth efficiency [GE]) in a stem‐mapped plot of a temperate rainforest in southern Chile. With this, we tested the competition‐trait similarity and the competition‐trait hierarchy hypotheses, and further assessed the relationship between functional trait values' spatial distribution and growth rate. We used spatial point‐pattern analyses, in particular, pair‐wise spatial association patterns, the Schlather's I index and mark variograms associated to specific null models to infer spatial correlations among individuals of several species with different traits and growth values. First, we found spatial similarity in trees' functional traits on a fine‐scale, a result supporting the competition‐trait hierarchy hypothesis. Second, while the HMAX and LMA specific values of the focal tree were spatially positively correlated with their neighbours' growth rates, the WD of the focal tree had a negative spatial correlation with its neighbours' growth rates. We also found a positive spatial autocorrelation among HMAX, LMA and WD at a fine‐scale; neighbouring trees tended to have similar values. In agreement with our a priori statements, we infer that HMAX and LMA provide a competitive tolerance, while WD of the focal tree has a competitive effect on its immediate neighbours. As such, we have demonstrated that functional traits mediate species interactions, which is a step forward in predictive community ecology, thus we can further our understanding regarding how traits mediate community assembly and species coexistence.
Correlation Analysis for Selection of Microtitanium Plates with Different Specifications for Use in a Cervical Vertebral Dome Expansion Laminoplasty
Authors: Zhou Run‐tian , Zhao Xiao‐feng , Zhao Yi‐bo , Lu Xiang‐dong , Fan Zhi‐feng , Qi De‐tai , Wang Xiao‐nan , Jin Yuan‐zhang , Zhao Bin
Published: September 2021

Objective

To analyze correlations between the selection of microtitanium plates with different specifications for use in a cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty.

Methods

Sixteen patients that underwent the cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty with a cervical spinal stenosis angioplasty procedure for treatment of their cervical spinal cords were recruited at our hospital. From February 2017 to September 2018, medical records confirmed that all patients underwent cervical CT and MRI tests pre‐ and postsurgery. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal, changes in the cross‐sectional area of the spinal canal, and the pre‐ and postsurgery distance of the cervical spinal cord after applying microtitanium plates with different lengths were measured by Mimics version 17.0 software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). A statistical regression and correlation analysis of relevant specification parameters of the microtitanium plate was then studied.

Results

As the size of the microtitanium plate increased, we found that the cross‐sectional area of cervical spinal canal and distance between the descendants of the lamina and the distance of cervical spinal cord concordantly increased, and these data changes linearly. The regression equation associated with sagittal diameter, cross‐sectional area, and posterior movement distance of the cervical spinal cord was obtained.

Conclusion

According to the correlation analysis of imaging data changes, the regression equation was obtained to guide the selection of microtitanium plates with appropriate specifications in a cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty.