bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local adaptation to seasonal cues at the fronts of two parallel, climate‐induced butterfly range expansions
Authors: Ittonen Mats , Hagelin Alexandra , Wiklund Christer , Gotthard Karl
Published: August 2022

Climate change allows species to expand polewards, but non‐changing environmental features may limit expansions. Daylength is unaffected by climate and drives life cycle timing in many animals and plants. Because daylength varies over latitudes, poleward‐expanding populations must adapt to new daylength conditions. We studied local adaptation to daylength in the butterfly Lasiommata megera, which is expanding northwards along several routes in Europe. Using common garden laboratory experiments with controlled daylengths, we compared diapause induction between populations from the southern‐Swedish core range and recently established marginal populations from two independent expansion fronts in Sweden. Caterpillars from the northern populations entered diapause in clearly longer daylengths than those from southern populations, with the exception of caterpillars from one geographically isolated population. The northern populations have repeatedly and rapidly adapted to their local daylengths, indicating that the common use of daylength as seasonal cue need not strongly limit climate‐induced insect range expansions.
The building blocks of a supply chain management theory: Using factor market rivalry for supply chain theorizing
Authors: Ralston Peter M. , Schwieterman Matthew , Bell John E. , Ellram Lisa M.
Published: August 2022

As the supply chain discipline matures, opportunities emerge to develop or define theories that are specific to supply chain phenomenon. The current research specifies characteristics that we offer which comprise the building blocks of supply chain theory. These characteristics include the flows of material through a supply chain network, the temporal management of these material flows, the dyadic and triadic interactions of firms within the supply chain network, and the outward focus on supply chain management (SCM), in other words a supply chain orientation, of firms in a supply chain. Further, recognizing that supply chain theories must contain the previously identified characteristics, we offer Factor Market Rivalry (FMR) as a theory of SCM. FMR refers to intense battles for resource positions that are needed to manufacture, provide, or deliver firm products or services. We argue that FMR only occurs within supply chain phenomena. The piece concludes with a future research agenda based upon the practical implications of further developing FMR as a theory of SCM.
Are the inhibitory and faciliatory effects during retrieval of semantically related items present in amnestic mild cognitive impairment?
Authors: Serra Laura , Gabrielli Giulia Bechi , Di Domenico Carlotta , Del Bono Chiara , Marra Camillo , Lopiano Leonardo , Caltagirone Carlo , Bozzali Marco
Published: August 2022

Prefrontal functions subserve inhibition control for retrieval of semantically related items inducing forgetting 19 a‐MCI patients and 29 controls underwent neuropsychological evaluation and retrieval‐practice paradigm (RPP) to estimate baseline remember (BR), retrieval‐induced facilitation (FAC) and retrieval‐induced forgetting (RIF). A‐MCI patients underwent also 3 T‐MRI to assess relationship between regional grey matter (rGM) volumes and RPP indexes Behaviourally, RIF and FAC were both observed controls, while RIF only was observed in a‐MCI patients. In patients but not in controls, RIF was associated with cognitive efficiency and FAC with memory performance. Patients showed also associations between BR and rGM volumes in the precuneus, no association was found between rGM volumes and RIF and FAC. A‐MCI patients did not benefit from repeated practice during retrieval of studied items, which is likely due to their memory disorder. In contrast, patient cognitive efficiency would drive retrieval suppression of interfering stimuli.
“Generally, I live a lie”: Transgender consumer experiences and responses to symbolic violence
Authors: Duncan‐Shepherd Sophie , Hamilton Kathy
Published: August 2022

In this article, our focus is on how trans consumers experience symbolic violence to draw attention to inequalities that may otherwise remain hidden. Unlike overt acts of physical violence, symbolic violence is subtle and occurs routinely throughout the course of everyday life. We address the following research questions: how do trans consumers experience symbolic violence, what are their responses to this, and what impact does this have on their wellbeing? Our findings demonstrate that symbolic violence functions at sociocultural, interpersonal, and individual levels for trans consumers. We illustrate the tensions trans people encounter between conforming to cisgender hegemony and living an ‘authentic’ life. The subtle, naturalizing power and misrecognition of symbolic violence appears challenging for the wellbeing of transgender consumers. The lens of symbolic violence usefully informs and integrates with the consumer vulnerability perspective that has previously been used as a theoretical framework to understand transgender consumers' experiences.
Early and mid‐term outcomes of carotid angioplasty and stent placement in 579 patients
Authors: Borhani‐Haghighi Afshin , Hooshmandi Etrat , Zahediasl Farzaneh , Molavi Vardanjani Hossein , Rezaei Mahdiyeh , Rahimi‐Jaberi Abbas , Ashjazadeh Nahid , Petramfar Peyman , Ostovan Vahid Reza , Fadakar Nima , Poursadeghfard Maryam , Izadi Sadegh , Nazeri Masoumeh , Zafarmand Seyedeh Shaghayegh , Bayat Mahnaz , Salehi Mohammad Saied , Owjfard Maryam , Sedighi Behnaz , Iranmanesh Farhad , Shafiei Kaveh , Vakilian Alireza , Moghadam Ahmadi Amir , Nemati Reza , Rezaeian Jahromi Fatemeh , Jalalijahromi Maryam , Kashani Kaveh , Razmeh Saeed , Bahrehbar Mansour , Basir Marzieh , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) could be considered for preventing stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis. This study aimed to determine the incidence and the risk factors of the early and mid‐term complications associated with CAS.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from March 2011 to March 2019. Patients at high risk and standard risk for carotid endarterectomy were included. The primary composite outcome was defined as stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and death in the first 30 days after CAS. All‐cause mortality, vascular mortality, and stroke were investigated during mid‐term follow‐up.

Results

A total of 579 patients (618 CAS) were recruited (mean age: 71.52 years). Overall, 394 (68.40%), 211 (36.63%), 179 (31.07%), and 96 (16.72%) patients had hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or were cigarette smokers, respectively. Primary composite outcomes were observed in 2.59% of patients (1.55% stroke, 0.69% MI, and 1.72% death). Atrial fibrillation was a predictor of primary composite outcome in multivariate logistic regression (p = .048). The presence of total occlusion in the contralateral carotid artery was significantly associated with the risk of stroke in univariate logistic regression (p = .041). The patients were followed for a period ranging from 1 to 83 months. The overall survival rate for all‐cause mortality was 93.48% at 1 year, 77.24% at 5 years, and 52.92% at 8 years. All‐cause mortality was significantly higher among patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (p = .014).

Conclusion

CAS provides acceptable short‐term and mid‐term outcomes in a unique population of high‐ and standard‐surgical‐risk, symptomatic and asymptomatic, octogenarian, and nonoctogenarian patients.
Rethinking Nigerian geographical indications law
Authors: Oke Emmanuel Kolawole
Published: August 2022

This note makes the case that Nigeria needs to reconsider its legal framework for the protection of geographical indications. It is divided into three main parts. The first part focuses on the rules governing the protection of geographical indications at the international level. The second part examines the current legal framework for the protection of geographical indications in Nigeria. The second part of the note further highlights the gaps between the Nigerian legal framework and the international rules for the protection of geographical indications. The third part of the note explains how the gaps identified in the second part of the note can be closed. This note recommends that Nigeria should enact a sui generis law for the protection of geographical indications. This would enable geographical indications from Nigeria to be effectively protected both inside and outside the country.
Decreased initial compound muscle action potential amplitudes in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kojima Yuta , Shibuya Kazumoto , Uzawa Akiyuki , Kano Hiroki , Nakamura Keigo , Yasuda Manato , Suzuki Yo‐ichi , Tsuneyama Atsuko , Suichi Tomoki , Ozawa Yukiko , Misawa Sonoko , Noto Yu‐ichi , Mizuno Toshiki , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: August 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that amplitudes of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) elicited by single stimulation decrease by baseline neuromuscular blocking in myasthenia gravis (MG), and to examine correlation of CMAP amplitudes with baseline muscle weakness.

Methods

One hundred ninety‐four consecutive patients who underwent repetitive 3 Hz nerve stimulation tests (RNST) at our laboratory were included in the study. Of these, 109 patients were diagnosed as suffering from MG, and the remaining 85 with other disease served as the non‐MG controls. RNST was performed on the nasalis, trapezius, and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles. CMAP amplitudes elicited by the first stimulation were compared between the two groups. In MG patients, we studied the correlation of CMAP amplitudes with MG Foundation of America (MGFA) class, total scores of manual muscle testing (MMT), and 4th decrement (%) of RNST.

Results

Compound muscle action potential amplitudes in MG were significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.05 in all muscles tested). Decreases in CMAP amplitudes were more prominent in generalized than in ocular MG (p < 0.05), and in patients with MGFA III–V classes than in those with 0–II (p < 0.01 in the trapezius and ADM). CMAP amplitudes partially correlated with total MMT scores and MG‐ADL scale scores. Additionally, CMAP amplitudes elicited by the first stimulation correlated with the 4th decrement of RNST (p < 0.01 in all muscles tested).

Conclusion

Compound muscle action potential amplitudes are reduced in MG, presumably by baseline neuromuscular transmission block, and could reflect persistent muscle weakness, rather than fatigue, in MG patients.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*03:606 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Wojciechowski Elodie , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: August 2022

HLA‐C*03:606 differs from HLA‐C*03:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 276 in exon 5.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*03:613 allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Jacob Valentine , Desoutter Judith , Guillaume Nicolas
Published: August 2022

HLA‐C*03:613 differs from HLA‐C*03:02:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 190 in exon 4.
Development of Online Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Unknowns: Active Learning for Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Courses
Authors: Donner Linsey , Imhoff Marnie
Published: August 2022

Microbiology laboratory classes allow students to make connections between theoretical concepts and clinical practice through experiential learning. In the past, most laboratory sessions were taught in-person, on-site.
Using a One Health Assignment as a Final Project in a Microbiology Course
Authors: Huddleston Jennifer R.
Published: August 2022

The One Health initiative is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to understand the balance between the human, animal, environmental domains and how each affects the health of the others. A One Health project is presented here that can be used as a final formative and summative assignment for undergraduate students enrolled in a microbiology course.
A Two-Component-System-Governed Regulon That Includes a β-Lactamase Gene is Responsive to Cell Envelope Disturbance
Authors: Lee Dongju , Park Jongwook , Yi Hyojeong , Cho Kwang-Hwi , Kim Heenam Stanley
Published: August 2022

β-lactam antibiotics are the most frequently used drugs to treat infectious diseases. Although the production of β-lactamases by bacteria is the main cause of treatments being compromised, much of the gene regulation mechanism governing the levels of these enzymes has not been fully explored.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Isolates of the Bacillus cereus Group Isolated from Pet Reptiles
Authors: Skóra Milena , Zając Magdalena , Kwit Renata , Skarżyńska Magdalena , Pasim Paulina , Mikos-Wojewoda Emilia , Bomba Arkadiusz , Giza Aleksandra , Chesneau Olivier , Hendriksen Rene S. , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: August 2022

Bacteria of the
Bacillus cereus
group are Gram-positive rods and are widespread in nature, but little information is currently available about their presence in reptiles. Here, we report draft genome sequences of six
Bacillus
isolates belonging to three species, namely,
Bacillus cereus
,
Bacillus paranthracis
, and
Bacillus toyonensis
, isolated from pet reptiles in Poland.
Proteome of the Wood Decay Fungus Fomitopsis pinicola Is Altered by Substrate
Authors: Sabat Grzegorz , Ahrendt Steven , Wu Baojun , Gaskell Jill , Held Benjamin W. , Toapanta Cristina , Vuong Thu V. , Lipzen Anna , Zhang Jiwei , Schilling Jonathan S. , Master Emma , Grigoriev Igor V. , Blanchette Robert A. , Hibbett David S. , Bhatnagar Jennifer , Cullen Daniel
Published: August 2022

The brown rot fungus
Fomitopsis pinicola
efficiently depolymerizes wood cellulose via the combined activities of oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes. Mass spectrometric analyses of culture filtrates identified specific proteins, many of which were differentially regulated in response to substrate composition.
The Effect of Elbow and Forearm Position on the Resisted Wrist Extension Test and Incidence of Sensory Disturbance of the Superficial Radial Nerve in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: SATAKE Hiroshi , NAGANUMA Yasushi , HONMA Ryusuke , SHIBUYA Junichiro , MARUYAMA Masahiro , TAKAGI Michiaki
Published: August 2022

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of elbow and forearm position on the resisted wrist extension test (RWET) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. We also looked at the incidence of associated sensory disturbance of the superficial radial nerve (SRN) and the effect of treatment of lateral epicondylitis on sensory disturbance.

Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients (68 limbs) with lateral epicondylitis and an equal number of age and gender matched volunteers were investigated. Patients with lateral epicondylitis were subdivided into two groups based on history of corticosteroid injection. We performed the RWET in four limb positions namely elbow extended and forearm pronated (EP), elbow flexed and forearm pronated (FP), elbow extended and forearm supinated (ES), elbow flexed and forearm supinated (FS). Sensory disturbance in the SRN was assessed using a Wartenberg pin wheel.

Results: The positivity rate of the RWET was significantly higher in the EP position (100%) compared to the FP (66%), ES (62%) and the FS (24%) positions in limbs with lateral epicondylitis. The RWET was positive only in one subject in the EP position in the control group (1.5%). Sensory disturbance in the SRN territory was present in 63.2% of limbs and only two subjects (2.9%) in the control group. The incidence of sensory disturbance was significantly higher (74.5% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.05) in patients who did not have a corticosteroid injection.

Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of the RWET is better when it is performed with the elbow in extension with the forearm pronated (EP); 63.2% of limbs with lateral epicondylitis were noted to have an associated sensory disturbance of the SRN and a corticosteroid injection seems to decrease the incidence of sensory disturbances.

Level of Evidence: Level II (Diagnostic)
Compression of Intercalary Bone Graft Used in Fusion of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint after Failed Arthroplasty
Authors: SANT Kurstein N. , McNAB Ian
Published: August 2022

Fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) after failed arthroplasty may be challenging in view of bone loss at the ends of the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx. This might require the use of a structural bone graft to fill the defect and avoid shortening of the digit. Although several methods have been described for primary PIPJ fusion, none of these methods addresses bone loss at this joint. We use a tricortical iliac crest bone graft fashioned to provide the required angulation at the fusion site. A dorsal plate is used to fix the fusion mass and obliquely placed screws provide sequential compression at both ends of the bone graft. We have performed this technique safely in three patients with no complications.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Staged Reconstruction of Chronic Constriction of Thumb Caused by a Stuck Ring – A Case Report
Authors: LAD Parag B. , TANPURE Sanket , GHANGHURDE Bipin , HABBU Rohan
Published: August 2022

We report the management of a 45-year-old man with a ring stuck in his dominant thumb for 3 weeks causing vascular and neural compromise and deep-seated infection. Previous reports have described rings embedded in the digits, though we were not able to find any reports of such rings causing ischaemia. We performed staged reconstruction to salvage the thumb. The thumb viability was confirmed after ring removal and the infection was treated as per culture sensitivity report. Both digital nerves were reconstructed with sural nerve graft and the circumferential soft tissue defect was covered with bilobed first dorsal metacarpal artery flap from index and middle finger. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient had useful function of the thumb with well-settled donor site on index and middle finger.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Software warranty
Authors: Blumenthal Richard
Published: August 2022

The previous
Thinking Like a Lawyer Column
, which I'm not, reminded me of an example I use when teaching dynamic semantics, as part of a Principles of Programming Languages course. Namely, I have purchased several guitars during my life and they all came with a warranty similar to the following,

"Your new Gibson instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original retail purchaser...".
O labirinto do bigue-bangue
Authors: Souza Dheyne
Published: August 2022

Poema de ConfiguraçõesDheyne Souza.
Daytime sleepiness in elementary school students: the role of sleep quality and chronotype
Authors: Anacleto Tâmile Stella , Borgio João Guilherme Fiorani , Louzada Fernando Mazzilli
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE To investigate the occurrence of daytime sleepiness and associated sleep factors in a sample of elementary school students who attended school in the afternoon schedule. METHODS Sleep data from 363 Brazilian public school students (12.78 ± 1.36 years, 206 girls) were obtained by applying questionnaires in classrooms. All subjects attended school in the afternoon schedule, with classes starting between 1:00 and 1:20 p.m. Daytime sleepiness was assessed by the pediatric daytime sleepiness scale; sleep quality, by the mini-sleep questionnaire; and sleep patterns and chronotypes, by the Munich chronotype questionnaire. Scores equal to or greater than 15 pediatric daytime sleepiness scale points were considered as excessive daytime sleepiness. The predictive power of sleep variables on daytime sleepiness was evaluated by a multiple linear regression. RESULTS The subjects in the sample had an average time in bed greater than nine hours both on school days and on weekends. Nevertheless, 52.1% had an average pediatric daytime sleepiness scale score equal to or greater than 15 points, indicative of excessive daytime sleepiness. As for their quality of sleep, 41.1% had a very altered sleep. We observed, by a multiple linear regression, that quality of sleep (β = 0.417), chronotype (β = 0.174), mid-sleep on school days (β = 0.138), and time in bed (β = - 0.091) were all significant in predicting daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSION This study showed the occurrence of excessive daytime sleepiness in non-sleep deprived students who attended school in the afternoon. The worst quality of sleep and eveningness had a greater predictive power on daytime sleepiness than time in bed. Therefore, we must consider other factors in addition to sleep duration when planning interventions for daytime sleepiness.
Lithium and Stroke Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Stroke Models in Rodents and Human Data
Authors: Almeida Osvaldo P. , Singulani Monique P. , Ford Andrew H. , Hackett Maree L. , Etherton-Beer Christopher , Flicker Leon , Hankey Graeme J. , De Paula Vanessa J.R. , Penteado Camila T. , Forlenza Orestes V.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Lithium has neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke, but benefits in humans remain uncertain. This article aims to systematically review the available evidence of the neuroprotective and regenerative effects of lithium in animal models of stroke, as well as in observational and trial stroke studies in humans.

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO for preclinical and clinical studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted from observational studies.

Results:

From 1625 retrieved studies, 42 were included in the systematic review. Of those, we identified 36 rodent models of stroke using preinsult or postinsult treatment with lithium, and 6 studies were conducted in human samples, of which 4 could be meta-analyzed. The review of animal models was stratified according to the type of stroke and outcomes. Human data were subdivided into observational and intervention studies. Treatment of rodents with lithium was associated with smaller stroke volumes, decreased apoptosis, and improved poststroke function. In humans, exposure to lithium was associated with a lower risk of stroke among adults with bipolar disorder in 2 of 4 studies. Two small trials showed equivocal clinical benefits of lithium poststroke.

Conclusions:

Animal models of stroke show consistent biological and functional evidence of benefits associated with lithium treatment, whereas human evidence remains sparse and inconclusive. The potential role of lithium in poststroke recovery is yet to be adequately tested in humans.
Identification of two new QTLs of maize (Zea mays L.) underlying kernel row number using the HNAU-NAM1 population
Authors: Fei Xiaohong , Wang Yifei , Zheng Yunxiao , Shen Xiaomeng , E Lizhu , Ding Junqiang , Lai Jinsheng , Song Weibin , Zhao Haiming
Published: August 2022

Background

Maize kernel row number (KRN) is one of the most important yield traits and has changed greatly during maize domestication and selection. Elucidating the genetic basis of KRN will be helpful to improve grain yield in maize.

Results

Here, we measured KRN in four environments using a nested association mapping (NAM) population named HNAU-NAM1 with 1,617 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that were derived from 12 maize inbred lines with a common parent, GEMS41. Then, five consensus quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributing on four chromosomes were identified in at least three environments along with the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values by the joint linkage mapping (JLM) method. These QTLs were further validated by the separate linkage mapping (SLM) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods. Three KRN genes cloned through the QTL assay were found in three of the five consensus QTLs, includingqKRN1.1,qKRN2.1andqKRN4.1. Two new QTLs of KRN,qKRN4.2andqKRN9.1,were also identified. On the basis of public RNA-seq and genome annotation data, five genes highly expressed in ear tissue were considered candidate genes contributing to KRN.

Conclusions

This study carried out a comprehensive analysis of the genetic architecture of KRN by using a new NAM population under multiple environments. The present results provide solid information for understanding the genetic components underlying KRN and candidate genes inqKRN4.2andqKRN9.1. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely linked toqKRN4.2andqKRN9.1could be used to improve inbred yield during molecular breeding in maize.
Clinical characteristics and proteome modifications in two Charcot-Marie-Tooth families with the AARS1 Arg326Trp mutation
Authors: Høyer Helle , Busk Øyvind L. , Esbensen Q. Ying. , Røsby Oddveig , Hilmarsen Hilde T. , Russell Michael B. , Nyman Tuula A. , Braathen Geir J. , Nilsen Hilde L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases are ubiquitously-expressed enzymes that attach amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. Mutations in several genes encoding aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases, have been associated with peripheral neuropathy, i.e. AARS1, GARS1, HARS1, YARS1 and WARS1. The pathogenic mechanism underlying AARS1-related neuropathy is not known.

Methods

From 2012 onward, all probands presenting at Telemark Hospital (Skien, Norway) with peripheral neuropathy were screened for variants in AARS1 using an “in-house” next-generation sequencing panel. DNA from patient’s family members was examined by Sanger sequencing. Blood from affected family members and healthy controls were used for quantification of AARS1 mRNA and alanine. Proteomic analyses were conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from four affected family members and five healthy controls.

Results

Seventeen individuals in two Norwegian families affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) were characterized in this study. The heterozygous NM_001605.2:c.976C > T p.(Arg326Trp) AARS1 mutation was identified in ten affected family members. All living carriers had a mild to severe length-dependent sensorimotor neuropathy. Three deceased obligate carriers aged 74–98 were reported to be unaffected, but were not examined in the clinic. Proteomic studies in PBMC from four affected individuals suggest an effect on the immune system mediated by components of a systemic response to chronic injury and inflammation. Furthermore, altered expression of proteins linked to mitochondrial function/dysfunction was observed. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange using identifier PXD023842.

Conclusion

This study describes clinical and neurophysiological features linked to the p.(Arg326Trp) variant of AARS1 in CMT-affected members of two Norwegian families. Proteomic analyses based on of PBMC from four CMT-affected individuals suggest that involvement of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to AARS1 variant-associated peripheral neuropathy.
Six-year prognosis of anxiety and depression caseness and their comorbidity in a prospective population-based adult sample
Authors: Stålner Olivia , Nordin Steven , Madison Guy
Published: August 2022

Background

Anxiety and depression are amongst the most prevalent mental health problems. Their pattern of comorbidity may inform about their etiology and effective treatment, but such research is sparse. Here, we document long-term prognosis of affective caseness (high probability of being a clinical case) of anxiety and depression, their comorbidity, and a no-caseness condition at three time-points across six years, and identify the most common prognoses of these four conditions.

Methods

Longitudinal population-based data were collected from 1,837 participants in 2010, 2013 and 2016. Based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale they formed the four groups of anxiety, depression and comorbidity caseness, and no caseness at baseline.

Results

The three-year associations show that it was most common to recover when being an anxiety, depression or comorbidity caseness (36.8 − 59.4%), and when not being a caseness to remain so (89.2%). It was also rather common to remain in the same caseness condition after three years (18.7 − 39.1%). In comorbidity it was more likely to recover from depression (21.1%) than from anxiety (5.4%), and being no caseness it was more likely to develop anxiety (5.9%) than depression (1.7%). The most common six-year prognoses were recovering from the affective caseness conditions at 3-year follow-up (YFU), and remain recovered at 6-YFU, and as no caseness to remain so across the six years. The second most common prognoses in the affective conditions were to remain as caseness at both 3-YFU and 6-YFU, and in no caseness to remain so at 3-YFU, but develop anxiety at 6-YFU.

Conclusions

The results suggest that only 37 − 60% of individuals in the general population with high probability of being a clinical case with anxiety, depression, and their comorbidity will recover within a three-year period, and that it is rather common to remain with these affective conditions after 6 years. These poor prognoses, for comorbidity in particular, highlight the need for intensified alertness of their prevalence and enabling treatment in the general population.
Nutritional status in female patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and its association with disease severity
Authors: Takayama Yumi , Kitajima Takamasa , Honda Noritsugu , Sakane Naoki , Yumen Yukina , Fukui Motonari , Nagai Narumi
Published: August 2022

Background

In women, slender body habitus has been reported to be one of the predisposing factors underlying the development and poor prognosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD). Given the lack of nutritional data contributing to treatment strategies, we aimed to clarify the nutritional status of female patients with NTM-LD and its association with disease severity.

Methods

In this single-center observational study, we enrolled 81 female outpatients with NTM-LD. Data on healthy women of similar ages were selected from our previous survey data and categorized as controls. First, we compared anthropometric and dietary survey data between patients and controls. Second, after the patients were categorized into relatively mild (mild, n = 40) and relatively severe groups (severe, n = 41) based on pulmonary X-ray-image finding scores, body composition, nutritional intake, and biochemical markers were compared between the groups. To identify nutritional factors associated with disease severity, logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with NTM-LD had significantly lower energy intake, body mass index, body fat, and skeletal muscle mass (all p < 0.001). Compared with the mild group, the severe group had significantly lower skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.037), albumin (p = 0.029), transthyretin (prealbumin) (p = 0.002), retinol-binding protein (p = 0.011), and hemoglobin (p = 0.001); however, no between-group differences were observed in energy or nutrient intake. Logistic analyses revealed that transthyretin (p = 0.025) and hemoglobin (p = 0.003) levels were independent factors associated with disease severity.

Conclusions

This is the first study to comprehensively report the association between NTM-LD severity and nutritional status, including body composition, nutrient intake, and biomarkers. The results suggest that initiating nutritional therapy from the mild stage of the disease to prevent undernutrition is warranted.
An online parenting intervention to prevent affective disorders in high-risk adolescents: the PIPA trial protocol
Authors: Connor C. , Yap M. B. H. , Warwick J. , Birchwood M. , De Valliere N , Madan J. , Melvin G. A. , Padfield E. , Patterson P. , Petrou S. , Raynes K. , Stewart-Brown S. , Thompson A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Adolescent depression can place a young person at high risk of recurrence and a range of psychosocial and vocational impairments in adult life, highlighting the importance of early recognition and prevention. Parents/carers are well placed to notice changes in their child’s emotional wellbeing which may indicate risk, and there is increasing evidence that modifiable factors exist within the family system that may help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in an adolescent. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the online personalised ‘Partners in Parenting’ programme developed in Australia, focused on improving parenting skills, knowledge and awareness, showed that it helped reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents who had elevated symptom levels at baseline. We have adapted this programme and will conduct an RCT in a UK setting.

Methods

In total, 433 family dyads (parents/carers and children aged 11–15) will be recruited through schools, social media and parenting/family groups in the UK. Following completion of screening measures of their adolescent’s depressive symptoms, parents/carers of those with elevated scores will be randomised to receive either the online personalised parenting programme or a series of online factsheets about adolescent development and wellbeing. The primary objective will be to test whether the personalised parenting intervention reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents deemed at high risk, using the parent-reported Short Mood & Feelings Questionnaire. Follow-up assessments will be undertaken at 6 and 15 months and a process evaluation will examine context, implementation and impact of the intervention. An economic evaluation will also be incorporated with cost-effectiveness of the parenting intervention expressed in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained.

Discussion

Half of mental health problems emerge before mid-adolescence and approximately three-quarters by mid-20s, highlighting the need for effective preventative strategies. However, few early interventions are family focused and delivered online. We aim to conduct a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded RCT of the online personalised ‘Partners in Parenting’ programme, proven effective in Australia, targeting adolescents at risk of depression to evaluate its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and usability in a UK setting.

Trial registration {2a}

ISRCTN63358736. Registered 18 September 2019.
Innovative Aspects of Structural and Factor Analysis of Enterprise Personnel Movement
Authors: Milyaeva L.
Published: August 2022

The article outlines the reasons for the increasing need for quantitative analysis of personnel structural changes; the indicators traditionally used to measure the movement of the enterprise's labor force are analyzed. Attention is drawn to the formal nature of structural analysis of the personnel of the enterprise, which is limited by comparing the proportional values of the parameters of the base and analyzed periods; emphasis is placed on the need to develop methodological tools adequate to the realities of time. The article critically analyzes the shift-fraction (shift-components) method, widely used at the regional level; the fundamental possibility of its application at the level of economic entities is justified under certain (boundary) conditions. The central place in the work is devoted to the justification of the innovative concept of structural-factor analysis of the movement of personnel of the enterprise, associated with the division of the cumulative structural change into two components (own change and third-party change), with the factor analysis of the own structural change, with the diagnosis of the type of effect and the depth of displacement exerted by the third-party structural change. The procedure for development of the Summary Results Map of Structural and Factor Analysis of Personnel Movement of the Enterprise is presented and illustrated on a conditional example; directions of its use in personnel management practice are indicated.
Trends in Female Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Coherence across Data Sources
Authors: Jeffers Kristen , Esteve Albert
Published: August 2022

Educational expansion and the closing of gender gaps in education are key objectives in national and international policy agendas. Monitoring progress towards these goals requires comparable data across countries and over time. The availability of international census and survey microdata allows for cross-national comparisons of education participation and completion. However, we lack systematic analyses of how trends vary across data sources and of the extent to which these data sources offer a consistent account of progress in education. In this paper, we examine coherence in estimates of educational attainment among women aged 25 to 29 in 75 countries across the three main repositories of international population microdata: IPUMS International, the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). Coherence analysis of 535 census and survey observations from 1960 to 2017 shows high levels of consistency overall but also identifies observations misaligned with trends. Results provide practical information to the research community about the validity of comparative investigations using three important data sources for demographic studies. The data also serve as benchmarks for assessing the quality of education information obtained in data sources not included in our analysis and the trend alignment of future estimates.
Cardiac manifestations of multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Nowakowska Izabela , Osiejewska Aleksandra , Grądzik Anna , Mikut Karolina , Kudan Małgorzata , Wojtachnio Dominika , Bartoszewicz Jakub , Gorajek Anna
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose:

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in children and adolescents is an excessive inflammatory response syndrome after storage of COVID-19, which can lead to serious complications. The course of the disease may vary from mild to requiring intensive therapy. In our review, we try to draw attention to the importance of cardiological complications and present the currently used treatment. In medical professionals vigilant should be increased in order to early recognize this disease, and to be alert to the need for early cardiological evaluation and follow-up.

Description of the state of knowledge:

MIS can cause myocardial dysfunction, shock, coronary artery lesions, pericardial effusion, valvulitis, and electrophysiological abnormalities. Patients may require intensive medical care, careful fluid therapy, the use of pressor amines and, in rare cases, extra corporeal membranę oxygenation (ECMO). Coronary aneurysms are the most important long-term complication of MIS. They occur in up to 25% of patients. Most abnormalities are retreated within 2-3 months. MIS has a good prognosis with a mortality rate of 2%.

Summary:

Cardiac complications, although serious, rarely require urgent intervention. Patients with diagnosed dilatation of the coronary arteries or aneurysm require intensive medical review in the initial period of recovery. The control must include a medical examination, ECG, ECHO and evaluation of markers of myocardial damage. Patients who have undergone MIS should be released from physical education for at least 6 weeks or until the changes in the coronary arteries disappear. The lesions resolve spontaneously in 2-3 months in most patients and do not recur, suggesting the possibility of waiving long-term patient follow-up.
Environmental sustainability in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Phoon Kar May , Afzal Irrum , Sochart David H. , Asopa Vipin , Gikas Panagiotis , Kader Deiary
Published: August 2022

Aims

In the UK, the NHS generates an estimated 25 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (4% to 5% of the nation’s total carbon emissions) and produces over 500,000 tonnes of waste annually. There is limited evidence demonstrating the principles of sustainability and its benefits within orthopaedic surgery. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the environmental impact of orthopaedic surgery and the environmentally sustainable initiatives undertaken to address this. The secondary aim of this study was to describe the barriers to making sustainable changes within orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

A literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed libraries using two domains of terms: “orthopaedic surgery” and “environmental sustainability”.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included in the final analysis. All papers studied the environmental impact of orthopaedic surgery in one of three areas: waste management, resource consumption, and carbon emissions. Waste segregation was a prevalent issue and described by nine studies, with up to 74.4% of hazardous waste being generated. Of this, six studies reported recycling waste and up to 43.9% of waste per procedure was recyclable. Large joint arthroplasties generated the highest amount of recyclable waste per procedure. Three studies investigated carbon emissions from intraoperative consumables, sterilization methods, and through the use of telemedicine. One study investigated water wastage and demonstrated that simple changes to practice can reduce water consumption by up to 63%. The two most common barriers to implementing environmentally sustainable changes identified across the studies was a lack of appropriate infrastructure and lack of education and training.

Conclusion

Environmental sustainability in orthopaedic surgery is a growing area with a wide potential for meaningful change. Further research to cumulatively study the carbon footprint of orthopaedic surgery and the wider impact of environmentally sustainable changes is necessary. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):628–640.
iPiDA-LTR: Identifying piwi-interacting RNA-disease associations based on Learning to Rank
Authors: Zhang Wenxiang , Hou Jialu , Liu Bin
Published: August 2022

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are regarded as drug targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases. However, biological experiments cost substantial time and resources, and the existing computational methods only focus on identifying missing associations between known piRNAs and diseases. With the fast development of biological experiments, more and more piRNAs are detected. Therefore, the identification of piRNA-disease associations of newly detected piRNAs has significant theoretical value and practical significance on pathogenesis of diseases. In this study, the iPiDA-LTR predictor is proposed to identify associations between piRNAs and diseases based on Learning to Rank. The iPiDA-LTR predictor not only identifies the missing associations between known piRNAs and diseases, but also detects diseases associated with newly detected piRNAs. Experimental results demonstrate that iPiDA-LTR effectively predicts piRNA-disease associations outperforming the other related methods.
An artificial intelligence model to identify snakes from across the world: Opportunities and challenges for global health and herpetology
Authors: Bolon Isabelle , Picek Lukáš , Durso Andrew M. , Alcoba Gabriel , Chappuis François , Ruiz de Castañeda Rafael
Published: August 2022

Background

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that kills an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 people and disables another 400,000 globally every year. The World Health Organization aims to halve this burden by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need to close the data gap in snake ecology and snakebite epidemiology and give healthcare providers up-to-date knowledge and access to better diagnostic tools. An essential first step is to improve the capacity to identify biting snakes taxonomically. The existence of AI-based identification tools for other animals offers an innovative opportunity to apply machine learning to snake identification and snakebite envenoming, a life-threatening situation.

Methodology

We developed an AI model based on Vision Transformer, a recent neural network architecture, and a comprehensive snake photo dataset of 386,006 training photos covering 198 venomous and 574 non-venomous snake species from 188 countries. We gathered photos from online biodiversity platforms (iNaturalist and HerpMapper) and a photo-sharing site (Flickr).

Principal findings

The model macro-averaged F1 score, which reflects the species-wise performance as averaging performance for each species, is 92.2%. The accuracy on a species and genus level is 96.0% and 99.0%, respectively. The average accuracy per country is 94.2%. The model accurately classifies selected venomous and non-venomous lookalike species from Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this model’s taxonomic and geographic coverage and performance are unprecedented. This model could provide high-speed and low-cost snake identification to support snakebite victims and healthcare providers in low-resource settings, as well as zoologists, conservationists, and nature lovers from across the world.
Test combination to detect latent Leishmania infection: A prevalence study in a newly endemic area for L. infantum, northeastern Italy
Authors: De Pascali Alessandra Mistral , Todeschini Renato , Baiocchi Simone , Ortalli Margherita , Attard Luciano , Ibarra-Meneses Ana Victoria , Carrillo Eugenia , Varani Stefania
Published: August 2022

Background

Most people infected with Leishmania remain asymptomatic, which is a common element that may promote the resurgence of clinically evident leishmaniasis in individuals with impaired cell-mediated immune responses. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted assay to identify asymptomatic infection. This cross-sectional study focuses on the employment of three methods targeting different features of the parasitic infection to be used in combination for the screening of latent leishmaniasis in a newly endemic area of northeastern Italy.

Methodology/principal findings

The selected methods included highly sensitive Real-Time PCR for detection of parasitic kinetoplast (k)DNA in peripheral blood, Western Blot (WB) for detection of specific IgG, and Whole Blood stimulation Assay (WBA) to evaluate the anti-leishmanial T-cell response by quantifying the production of IL-2 after stimulation of patients’ blood with Leishmania specific antigens. Among 145 individuals living in a municipality of the Bologna province, northeastern Italy, recruited and screened for Leishmania infection, 23 subjects tested positive (15.9%) to one or more tests. Positive serology was the most common marker of latent leishmaniasis (15/145, 10%), followed by the detection of specific cell-mediated response (12/145, 8%), while only few individuals (6/145, 4%) harbored parasitic DNA in the blood.

Conclusions/significance

Combining different tests substantially increased the yield of positivity in detecting latent Leishmania infection. The test combination that we employed in this study appears to be effective to accurately identify latent leishmaniasis in an endemic area.