bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex and habitat differences in size and coloration of an amphibian's poison glands match differential predator pressures
Authors: ZAMORA‐CAMACHO Francisco Javier
Published: October 2021

Chemical defenses are frequently accompanied by salient color patterns actively avoided by predators, a phenomenon referred to as aposematism. However, the production of both chemical defenses and pigments is costly, and is thus expected to be reduced under mild predator pressure. In this work, I compared the size and coloration of parotoid glands (2 dorsal, external swollen structures that secrete toxins in toads) of male and female Epidalea calamita toads from agrosystems and from pine groves. I also quantified the predator attacks received by plasticine toad models, whose “parotoid glands” differed in size and color conspicuousness, exposed in each habitat. Predators avoided models with large and conspicuous parotoid glands, but models in agrosystems were more often attacked. Concerning actual toads, agrosystem and male individuals had larger parotoid glands, presumably implying greater production of chemical defenses than in pine grove and female conspecifics. These findings are aligned with previous research suggesting that both agrosystem toads and males in this system are subjected to a more intense predator pressure. Difference between parotoid gland and dorsum coloration was greater in agrosystem toads. A marked internal pattern could function as an aposematic signal, which could counteract increased predator pressure.
Chromosome‐level genome assemblies of two cotton‐melon aphid Aphis gossypii biotypes unveil mechanisms of host adaption
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Gao Xueke , Wang Li , Jiang Weili , Su Honghua , Jing Tianxing , Cui Jinjie , Zhang Lijuan , Yang Yizhong
Published: October 2021

The cotton‐melon aphid Aphis gossypii is a sap‐sucking insect that is considered a serious global pest. The species is distributed over a large geographical range and uses a wide variety of hosts, with some populations being specialized to attack different plant species. Here, we provide de novo chromosome‐level genome assemblies of a cotton specialist population (Hap1) and a cucurbit specialist population (Hap3). We achieved this by using a combination of third‐generation sequencing platforms, namely Illumina and Hi‐C sequencing technologies. We were able to anchor a total of 334.89 Mb (scaffold N50 of 89.13 Mb) and 359.95 Mb (scaffold N50 of 68.88 Mb) to four chromosomes for Hap1 and Hap3, respectively. Moreover, our results showed that the X‐chromosome of Hap3 (113.01 Mb) was significantly longer than that of Hap1 (100.26 Mb), with a high level of sequence conservation between the aphid species. We also report variation in the number of protein‐coding genes and repeat sequences between Hap1 and Hap3. In particular, olfactory and gustatory receptor genes underwent a high level of gene duplication and expansion events in A. gossypii, including between Hap1 and Hap3. Moreover, we identified two glutathione S‐transferase genes which underwent single gene duplications in Hap3, and tandem duplication and inversion events affecting the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase between Hap1 and Hap3, all of which include the CYP3 family. Our results illustrate the variance in the genomic composition of two specialized A. gossypii populations and provide a helpful resource for the study of aphid population evolution, host adaption and insecticide resistance.
Invertebrates for vertebrate biodiversity monitoring: Comparisons using three insect taxa as iDNA samplers
Authors: Massey Aimee L. , Bronzoni Roberta Vieira de Morais , da Silva David José Ferreira , Allen Jennifer M. , de Lázari Patrick Ricardo , dos Santos‐Filho Manoel , Canale Gustavo Rodrigues , Bernardo Christine Steiner São , Peres Carlos Augusto , Levi Taal
Published: October 2021

Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) is now widely used to build diversity profiles from DNA that has been shed by species into the environment. There is substantial interest in the expansion of eDNA approaches for improved detection of terrestrial vertebrates using invertebrate‐derived DNA (iDNA) in which hematophagous, sarcophagous, and coprophagous invertebrates sample vertebrate blood, carrion, or faeces. Here, we used metabarcoding and multiple iDNA samplers (carrion flies, sandflies, and mosquitos) collected from 39 forested sites in the southern Amazon to profile gamma and alpha diversity. Our main objectives were to (1) compare diversity found with iDNA to camera trapping, which is the conventional method of vertebrate diversity surveillance; and (2) compare each of the iDNA samplers to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and potential biases associated with each sampler. In total, we collected and analysed 1759 carrion flies, 48,686 sandflies, and 4776 mosquitos. Carrion flies revealed the greatest total vertebrate species richness at the landscape level, despite the least amount of sampling effort and the fewest number of individuals captured for metabarcoding, followed by sandflies. Camera traps had the highest median species richness at the site‐level but showed strong bias towards carnivore and ungulate species and missed much of the diversity described by iDNA methods. Mosquitos showed a strong feeding preference for humans as did sandflies for armadillos, thus presenting potential utility to further study related to host‐vector interactions.
Continuing professional development for anesthesiologists: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Petersen John A. , Bray Lucy , Østergaard Doris
Published: October 2021

Background

Regulators increasingly use formalized programs that are based on continuing professional development (CPD) activities to ensure that physicians are fit to practice. There is convincing evidence regarding the positive effects of CPD activities on performance and patient outcomes. However, there is limited available studies, investigating its effect in anesthesia, specifically. Moreover, although there exists considerable evidence linking specific CPD activities to improved performance, only few studies have investigated the effect of combinations of activities, or formalized systems, as a whole. Consequently, to address this uncertainty regarding the impact of CPD activities, within anesthesiology, this systematic review aims to establish which activities anesthesiologists are engaged in and their impact on clinical competence and subsequent patient outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of the current literature regarding CPD for fully qualified anesthesiologists will be undertaken. Characteristics of the included studies will be summarized descriptively, and the screening process will be outlined using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis flow diagram. Given the diverse methods adopted within medical education research, it is anticipated that there will be significant heterogeneity between the included studies and therefore, a meta‐analysis will not be possible and a narrative synthesis approach will be usd. The outcomes of interest include type of CPD learning activity and/or assessment method anesthesiologists are engaged in; and their effectiveness, either as standalone activities or as part of formalized systems.

Conclusion

The aim of the study was to give an overview of the breadth and nature of CPD activities, and their effects on fully qualified anesthesiologists' clinical competences and patient outcomes.
Effect of a resin‐modified calcium silicate cement on inflammatory cell infiltration and reparative dentin formation after pulpotomy in rat molars
Authors: Edanami Naoki , Ibn Belal Razi Saifullah , Yoshiba Kunihiko , Yoshiba Nagako , Ohkura Naoto , Takenaka Shoji , Noiri Yuichiro
Published: October 2021

Resin monomers and polymerisation initiators have been shown to be cytotoxic for pulp cells and to disturb odontoblast differentiation. This study aimed to compare the effect of a resin‐modified calcium silicate cement (TheraCal LC; TC) and a resin‐free calcium silicate cement (ProRoot MTA; PR) on pulpal healing after pulpotomy. Pulpotomy was performed on the maxillary first molars of 8‐week‐old rats using either PR or TC. After 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days, pulpal responses were assessed by micro‐computed tomography, haematoxylin–eosin staining and immunostaining against CD68, which is a pan‐macrophage marker. The results showed that pulpotomy with TC induced persistent infiltration of inflammatory cells, including CD68‐positive macrophages, and delayed the formation of reparative dentin as compared with that with PR, although both materials allowed pulpal healing over the long term. Therefore, resin‐modified TC was not as biocompatible nor bioinductive as resin‐free PR when applied on the healthy pulp of rat molars.
Association between adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio and heart rate variability in new‐onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Tongjian , Chen Mingxian , Wang Meng , Wang Zhuo , Wang Songyun , Hu He , Ma Kezhong , Jiang Hong
Published: October 2021

Background

The adiponectin‐to‐leptin (A/L) ratio has been identified as a potential surrogate biomarker for metabolic disorders. However, it remains unknown whether the serum A/L ratio is associated with heart rate variability in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

For this retrospective study, we included consecutive patients who underwent 24‐h long‐range electrocardiogram examination in our center for paroxysmal AF. The results of echocardiography, heart rate variability tests, and blood tests were also retrieved. Multivariate line regression analysis was performed to evaluate identify factors independently associated with heart rate variability.

Results

Among the 85 included patients with paroxysmal AF, the median A/L ratio was 1.71. Univariate analysis indicated that patients with a low A/L ratio (<1.71, n = 42) had a lower high‐frequency (HF) power and a higher hs‐CRP level, low‐frequency (LF) power, and LF/HF ratio than those with a high A/L ratio (≥1.71, n = 43). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the serum leptin concentration was independently and positively associated with LF (β = 0.175, p = .028), while the serum adiponectin concentration was independently and positively associated with HF (β = 0.321, p = .001). Moreover, the A/L ratio was independently and negatively associated with the LF/HF ratio (β = −0.276, p = .007).

Conclusions

The A/L ratio was independently and negatively associated with the LF/HF ratio in patients with new‐onset paroxysmal AF.
Profile of minor neurological findings after perinatal asphyxia
Authors: Tuiskula Anna , Metsäranta Marjo , Toiviainen‐Salo Sanna , Vanhatalo Sampsa , Haataja Leena
Published: October 2021

Aim

To characterise the spectrum of findings in sequential neurological examinations, general movements (GM) assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of infants with perinatal asphyxia.

Methods

The prospective cohort study of term infants with perinatal asphyxia treated at Helsinki University Hospital's neonatal units in 2016–2020 used Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) and brain MRI at 2 weeks and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and GM assessment at 3 months of age.

Results

Analysis included 50 infants: 33 displaying perinatal asphyxia without hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), seven with HIE1 and 10 with HIE2. Of the infants with atypical HNNE findings, 24/25 perinatal asphyxia without HIE cases, 5/6 HIE1 cases and all 10 HIE2 cases showed atypical findings in the HINE. The HINE identified atypical spontaneous movements significantly more often in infants with white matter T2 hyperintensity.

Conclusion

In this cohort, most infants with perinatal asphyxia, with or without HIE, presented atypical neurological findings in sequential examinations. The profile of neurological findings for children with perinatal asphyxia without HIE resembled that of children with HIE. White matter T2 hyperintensity was associated with atypical spontaneous movements in the HINE and was a frequent MRI finding also in perinatal asphyxia without HIE.
Laparoscopic trans‐hiatal approach in a rare case of double giant epiphrenic diverticula: A case report
Authors: Wangkulangkul Piyanun , Laohawiriyakamol Suphawat , Chewatanakornkul Siripong
Published: October 2021

The transthoracic approach for esophageal diverticulectomy saves dissection but limits the amount of antireflux surgery that can be done. However, the laparoscopic trans‐hiatal approach usually limits access to large diverticula located at the mid‐thoracic level. We describe a 67‐year‐old Thai man who had two giant epiphrenic diverticula (ED) (11 × 7.6 cm and 3.2 × 3.4 cm). The highest part of the fundus of the larger ED was 12.6 cm above the hiatus. Preoperative esophageal manometry and an upper gastrointestinal study showed no obvious features of motility disorder. In addition, the clinical evaluation of the esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic trans‐hiatal esophageal diverticulectomy with intraoperative assessment by endoscopy was carried out. A partial wrap using Dor fundoplication was constructed without myotomy. There were no postoperative related complications. We believe that tailor‐made operations in unusual cases can be safe using combined techniques to reduce postoperative morbidity.
Truth and diversion: Self and other‐regarding lies in dementia care
Authors: Tieu Matthew
Published: October 2021

When a person with dementia (PwD) makes a specific request or behaves in a particular way that is inappropriate or dangerous and based on a false understanding of reality, there is a particular technique that caregivers may use to try and manage the situation. The technique is known as ‘diversion’ and it works by affirming the false beliefs and behaviour of a PwD and creating the false impression that their specific request will be fulfilled. It may take the form of an explicit lie or any other communicative response or provision of care that either explicitly or tacitly affirms their false beliefs. It therefore raises the same kind of ethical issues as when lying (or not telling the truth) is done for so called ‘therapeutic’ purposes. The main type of argument used to justify this so called ‘therapeutic lying’ is that it is primarily aimed at benefiting the patient rather than the liar. The same kind of argument can be made for diversion, which is that it is primarily aimed at benefiting the PwD by aiming to ensure their safety and well‐being. I argue that insofar as diversion is practiced in this way, it is consistent with the idea of ‘person‐centred care’ (PCC) and can be ethically justified on those grounds. Therefore, however, we must be wary of situations where diversion is not practiced in this way, where it is primarily aimed at benefiting caregivers or care providers, and thus inconsistent with PCC.
Long‐term molecular differences between resilient and susceptible mice after a single traumatic exposure
Authors: Pascual Cuadrado Diego , Todorov Hristo , Lerner Raissa , Islami Larglinda , Bindila Laura , Gerber Susanne , Lutz Beat
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disorder induced by trauma, resulting in severe long‐term impairments of an individual's mental health. PTSD does not develop in every individual and, thus, some individuals are more resilient. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate these processes.

Experimental Approach

We used a single‐trauma PTSD model in mice to induce long‐term maladaptive behaviours and profiled the mice 4 weeks after trauma into resilient or susceptible individuals. The classification of phenotype was based on individual responses in different behavioural experiments. We analysed microbiome, circulating endocannabinoids, and long‐term changes in brain phospholipid and transcript levels.

Key Results

We found many molecular differences between resilient and susceptible individuals across multiple molecular domains, including lipidome, transcriptome and gut microbiome. Some differences were stable even several weeks after the trauma, indicating the long‐term impact of traumatic stimuli on the organism's physiology. Furthermore, the integration of these multilayered molecular data revealed that resilient and susceptible individuals have very distinct molecular signatures across various physiological systems.

Conclusion and Implications

Trauma induced individual‐specific behavioural responses that, in combination with a longitudinal characterisation of mice, could be used to identify distinct sub‐phenotypes within the trauma‐exposed group. These groups differed significantly not only in their behaviour but also in specific molecular aspects across a variety of tissues and brain regions. This approach may reveal new targets and predictive biomarkers for the pharmacological treatment and prognosis of stress‐related disorders.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on New discoveries and perspectives in mental and pain disorders. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.17/issuetoc
Clinical and immunological evaluation of cat‐allergic asthmatics living with or without a cat
Authors: Wambre Erik R. , Farrington Mary , Bajzik Veronique , DeBerg Hannah A. , Ruddy Marcella , DeVeaux Michelle , Meier Pretty , Robinson David , Cantor Matt , Huang Chengrui , Orengo Jamie M. , Wang Claire Q. , Radin Allen
Published: October 2021

Background

Characterising the clinical and immunological impact of daily cat exposure in cat‐allergic subjects with asthma who live with cats (WC) and those who do not (WoC) may provide understanding of the drivers of the allergic response.

Methods

Clinical and immunological characteristics (skin prick test, spirometry, symptom assessments, immunological markers) were compared between asthmatic subjects WC (n = 10) and WoC (n = 9).

Results

WC subjects had greater use of long‐acting beta agonists (p < .05) and high‐potency corticosteroids. No differences were observed in lung function, nasal and ocular symptoms, or asthma control between the groups. Cat dander‐ and Fel d 1‐specific IgG4 concentrations were higher in WC than WoC subjects (both p < .05). Total IgE and cat dander‐, Fel d 1‐ and Fel d 7‐specific IgE concentrations were similar, but Fel d 4‐sIgE was higher in WC subjects (p < .05) versus WoC. Basophil sensitivity to cat dander extract and Fel d 1 was lower in WC versus WoC subjects (p < .05) and correlated with higher IgG4 concentrations (r = 0.63; p = .009). Fel d 1‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses polarised toward Th2A responses in WC versus WoC subjects; Fel d 1‐specific IgE correlated with surface expression of CRTH2 and CD200R (both p ≤ .05).

Conclusion

Immunological differences observed in WC versus WoC did not reflect clinical tolerance with natural cat exposure. The ability to live with a cat despite allergy could be driven by higher preventative medication use. This study may support design of novel therapeutics for allergy management.
Identifying the effects of bullying victimization on schooling
Authors: Nikolaou Dimitrios
Published: October 2021

I estimate whether bullying leads to worse academic outcomes for bullied students, exploiting state‐year differences in anti‐bullying laws, and within‐law heterogeneity that provide variation in the probability of bullying victimization. Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, I show that bullying increases the probability of skipping classes and dropping out of high school, and it decreases grade point average by up to 5%. Heterogeneity analysis shows that physical bullying imposes a greater burden on males, though females are relatively more sensitive to nonphysical bullying. These negative effects persist into adulthood as high school bullying decreases college performance and college graduation.
Assessing and managing visual impairment in disabled children: a new priority
Authors: Bowman Richard
Published: October 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Muhit et al. on pages 209–219 of this issue.
‘We’re all on the same team’. Perspectives on the future of artificial pancreas systems by adults in Australia with type 1 diabetes using open‐source technologies: A qualitative study
Authors: Schipp Jasmine , Skinner Timothy C. , Holloway Edith , Scibilia Renza , Langstrup Henriette , Speight Jane , Hendrieckx Christel
Published: October 2021

Aims

An emerging group of people with type 1 diabetes are not waiting for commercial solutions, choosing to manage their condition with open‐source artificial pancreas systems (APS). Our aim was to explore their perspectives on the future of APS.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted (in Australia, October 2018 to January 2019) with 23 adults with type 1 diabetes currently using open‐source APS. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Participants described five key features of open‐source APS they value: compatibility, user‐led design, customisability, ability to evolve faster and community‐driven. They attributed the success of the open‐source APS movement to benefits they derive from these features: choice, solutions that meet their needs, ownership, staying one step ahead and real‐time support. They expressed hope that future commercial products and healthcare would benefit from their learnings and from collaboration with the open‐source APS community.

Conclusions

Participants believed that there will always be a place for the open‐source community. It will continue to build on and advance commercial products, respond to user needs, offering a higher degree of control and customisation than afforded by commercial products and generating optimism for the future. Participants desired that future commercial diabetes technologies would be inspired by the open‐source community and developed collaboratively with people with diabetes.
Investor learning and mutual fund flows
Authors: Huang Jennifer , Wei Kelsey D. , Yan Hong
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates how volatility of performance affects the sensitivity of mutual fund flows to past performance, and examines how investor learning may contribute to this effect. We illustrate theoretically that when sophisticated investors learn from past fund performance to form their posterior expectations of managerial ability, the flow‐performance sensitivity should be weaker for funds with more volatile past performance. Moreover, the dampening effect of performance volatility on the flow‐performance sensitivity should be stronger for funds attracting more sophisticated investors. We provide supporting evidence for this investor learning hypothesis using mutual fund flows and demonstrate variations in the volatility dampening effect across funds with differing levels of sophistication among investors, such as load versus no‐load, high‐expense versus low‐expense, retail versus institutional, and star versus nonstar funds.
Snow modulates winter energy use and cold exposure across an elevation gradient in a montane ectotherm
Authors: Roberts Kevin T. , Rank Nathan E. , Dahlhoff Elizabeth P. , Stillman Jonathon H. , Williams Caroline M.
Published: October 2021

Snow insulates the soil from air temperature, decreasing winter cold stress and altering energy use for organisms that overwinter in the soil. As climate change alters snowpack and air temperatures, it is critical to account for the role of snow in modulating vulnerability to winter climate change. Along elevational gradients in snowy mountains, snow cover increases but air temperature decreases, and it is unknown how these opposing gradients impact performance and fitness of organisms overwintering in the soil. We developed experimentally validated ecophysiological models of cold and energy stress over the past decade for the montane leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, along five replicated elevational transects in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Cold stress peaks at mid‐elevations, while high elevations are buffered by persistent snow cover, even in dry years. While protective against cold, snow increases energy stress for overwintering beetles, particularly at low elevations, potentially leading to mortality or energetic tradeoffs. Declining snowpack will predominantly impact mid‐elevation populations by increasing cold exposure, while high elevation habitats may provide refugia as drier winters become more common.
Landscape composition and life‐history traits influence bat movement and space use: Analysis of 30 years of published telemetry data
Authors: Laforge Alexis , Archaux Frédéric , Coulon Aurélie , Sirami Clélia , Froidevaux Jérémy , Gouix Nicolas , Ladet Sylvie , Martin Hilaire , Barré Kevin , Roemer Charlotte , Claireau Fabien , Kerbiriou Christian , Barbaro Luc
Published: October 2021

Aim

Animal movement determines home range patterns, which in turn affect individual fitness, population dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Using temperate bats, a group of particular conservation concern, we investigated how morphological traits, habitat specialization and environmental variables affect home range sizes and daily foraging movements, using a compilation of 30 years of published bat telemetry data.

Location

Northern America and Europe.

Time period

1988–2016.

Major taxa studied

Bats.

Methods

We compiled data on home range size and mean daily distance between roosts and foraging areas at both colony and individual levels from 166 studies of 3,129 radiotracked individuals of 49 bat species. We calculated multi‐scale habitat composition and configuration in the surrounding landscapes of the 165 studied roosts. Using mixed models, we examined the effects of habitat availability and spatial arrangement on bat movements, while accounting for body mass, aspect ratio, wing loading and habitat specialization.

Results

We found a significant effect of landscape composition on home range size and mean daily distance at both colony and individual levels. On average, home ranges were up to 42% smaller in the most habitat‐diversified landscapes while mean daily distances were up to 30% shorter in the most forested landscapes. Bat home range size significantly increased with body mass, wing aspect ratio and wing loading, and decreased with habitat specialization.

Main conclusions

Promoting bat movements through the landscape surrounding roosts at large spatial scales is crucial for bat conservation. Forest loss and overall landscape homogenization lead temperate bats to fly further to meet their ecological requirements, by increasing home range sizes and daily foraging distances. Both processes might be more detrimental for smaller, habitat‐specialized bats, less able to travel increasingly longer distances to meet their diverse needs.
Doing involvement: A qualitative study exploring the ‘work’ of involvement enacted by older people and their carers during transition from hospital to home
Authors: Hardicre Natasha , Murray Jenni , Shannon Rosie , Sheard Laura , Birks Yvonne , Hughes Lesley , Cracknell Alison , Lawton Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Context

Being involved in one's care is prioritised within UK healthcare policy to improve care quality and safety. However, research suggests that many older people struggle with this.

Design

We present focused ethnographic research exploring older peoples' involvement in healthcare from hospital to home.

Results

We propose that being involved in care is a dynamic form of labour, which we call ‘involvement work’ (IW). In hospital, many patients ‘entrust’ IW to others; indeed, when desired, maintaining control, or being actively involved, was challenging. Patient and professionals' expectations, alongside hospital processes, promoted delegation; staff frequently did IW on patients' behalf. Many people wanted to resume IW postdischarge, but struggled because they were out of practice.

Discussion

Preference and capacity for involvement was dynamic, fluctuating over time, according to context and resource accessibility. The challenges of resuming IW were frequently underestimated by patients and care providers, increasing dependence on others post‐discharge and negatively affecting peoples' sense and experience of (in)dependence.

Conclusions

A balance needs to be struck between respecting peoples' desire/capacity for non‐involvement in hospital while recognising that ‘delegating’ IW can be detrimental. Increasing involvement will require patient and staff roles to be reframed, though this must be done acknowledging the limits of patient desire, capability,and resources. Hospital work should be (re)organised to maximise involvement where possible and desired.

Patient/Public Contribution

Our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Panel contributed to research design, especially developing interview guides and patient‐facing documentation. Patients were key participants within the study; it is their experiences represented.
Experiences of and attitudes to lifestyle modification for the management of multiple sclerosis: A qualitative analysis of free‐text survey data
Authors: Neate Sandra L. , Donald Angela , Jelinek George A. , Nag Nupur
Published: October 2021

Background

Growing evidence suggests a role of lifestyle modification in improved health outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS); however, perspectives of pwMS who engage in lifestyle modification are lacking.

Objective

We explored perspectives of pwMS regarding the modification of lifestyle‐related risk factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) for disease management to understand attitudes to and experiences of lifestyle modification as part of self‐management from a patient perspective.

Design

Participants were ≥18 years and English speaking who responded to a free‐text open‐ended question in the Health Outcomes and Lifestyle In a Sample of pwMS (HOLISM), an international online survey. Responses were analysed utilizing inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Under the exploration of lifestyle modification, themes describing the experiences and attitudes of participants included practical challenges and physical and psychological barriers, enablers of change and experienced outcomes. Although participants reported some practical and psychological challenges to adoption and maintenance of lifestyle behaviours, many expressed an ability to gain control of MS through engagement with lifestyle behaviours and the development of hope and optimism that accompanied this sense of control, at times leading to a sense of personal transformation.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the challenges experienced by pwMS in adopting lifestyle modifications for disease management as well as the positive benefits from following healthy lifestyle behaviours. Our findings may form the basis of more focussed qualitative explorations of the experiences and outcomes of lifestyle modification in MS in the future.

Patient Contribution

Consenting pwMS completed a survey capturing data on demographics, clinical course, lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes.
Functional yeast starter cultures for cocoa fermentation
Authors: Díaz-Muñoz Cristian , De Vuyst Luc
Published: October 2021

The quest to develop a performant starter culture mixture to be applied in cocoa fermentation processes started in the 20th century, aiming at achieving high-quality, reproducible chocolates with improved organoleptic properties. Since then, different yeasts have been proposed as candidate starter cultures, as this microbial group plays a key role during fermentation of the cocoa pulp-bean mass. Yeast starter culture-initiated fermentation trials have been performed worldwide through the equatorial zone and the effects of yeast inoculation have been analysed as a function of the cocoa variety (Forastero, Trinitario and hybrids) and fermentation method (farm-, small- and micro-scale) through the application of physicochemical, microbiological and chemical techniques. A thorough screening of candidate yeast starter culture strains is sometimes done to obtain the best performing strains to steer the cocoa fermentation process and/or to enhance specific features, such as pectinolysis, ethanol production, citrate assimilation and flavour production. Besides their effects during cocoa fermentation, a significant influence of the starter culture mixture applied is often found on the cocoa liquors and/or chocolates produced thereof. Thus, starter culture-initiated cocoa fermentation processes constitute a suitable strategy to elaborate improved flavourful chocolate products.
Enhanced disclosure of credit derivatives, information asymmetry and credit risk
Authors: Zhao Qiuhong
Published: October 2021

This study examines the extent to which enhanced disclosure of credit derivatives [Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 133‐1] reduces information asymmetry and credit derivative sellers who experience a decrease in information asymmetry. I find that bid‐ask spread for credit derivative sellers with positive net protection is reduced in the post‐period, whereas that of sellers with negative net protection and the control groups is not. These results are consistent with the conjecture that market participants use enhanced disclosure to confirm or correct previous expectations about sellers’ credit risk. In addition, results in high versus low institutional groups suggest that bid‐ask spreads reduce in both groups but reduce more in the high institutional group in the post‐period, possibly due to information environment differences. Finally, I investigate the information content of two credit derivative exposure measures: maximum payment amount and fair value. Consistent with McAnally (1996), I find that the maximum payment amount is credit risk‐relevant. Thus, enhanced disclosure facilitates monitoring risk concentration and evaluating credit risk, thereby contributing to the stabilization of capital markets prior to regulation of the credit default swap (CDS) market.
Analysis of association between MALAT1 haplotype and the severity of normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG)
Authors: Yue Jin‐liang , Zheng Shu‐feng
Published: October 2021

MALAT1, which is disorderly expressed in the growth, invasion, migration and cancer cell apoptosis, was shown to be associated with normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG), a type of optic neuropathy. The haplotype in MALAT1 affects its expression and is correlated with human diseases like normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG). However, the underlying detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to analyse the association between MALAT1 haplotype and the severity of NTG in a molecular level. Quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA and luciferase assays were performed to establish the underlying signalling pathways. RNFL thickness, RA and C/D ratio were calculated for NTG patients. Accordingly, GGGT haplotype was demonstrated to be associated with a decreased risk of NTG. The MALAT1 level in serum of NTG patients carrying GGGT haplotype was significantly decreased compared with NTG patients carrying other haplotypes, along with elevated miR‐1 expression and diminished IL‐6 expression. NTG patients carrying GGGT haplotype had thicker RNFL and RA, but a smaller C/D ratio. Sequence analysis found potential target sites of miR‐1 on MALAT1 and IL‐6, and luciferase assay confirmed the inhibitory effect of miR‐1 on MALAT1 and IL‐6 expression. Meanwhile, MALAT1 also down‐regulated miR‐1 expression and consequently up‐regulated IL‐6 expression. This study presented evidence for a regulatory network containing MALAT1, miR‐1 and IL‐6, and further demonstrated the effect of MALAT1 haplotype on the risk and severity of NTG.
Associations between metabolic biomarkers and localized stage II/III periodontitis in young adults: The CHIEF Oral Health study
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Zhe , Su Fang‐Ying , Cheng Wan‐Chien , Huang Ren‐Yeong , Lin Yen‐Po , Lin Gen‐Min
Published: October 2021

Aim

To investigate the associations between metabolic risk factors and periodontitis in young adults.

Materials and methods

The study included 1123 participants, aged 19–40 years, in Taiwan. Metabolic syndrome components were defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Localized periodontitis was graded to healthy (n = 828) and stage II/III (n = 295) according to the 2017 criteria of the World Workshop. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for sex, age, betel nut consumption, and smoking were used to determine the associations.

Results

Greater waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and serum uric acid were associated with higher localized stage II/III periodontitis risk [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04 (1.02–1.05), 1.004 (1.002–1.006), and 1.10 (1.00–1.21), respectively]. There were no associations for total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, and blood pressure. There was a non‐linear association between fasting glucose and localized stage II/III periodontitis, where the turning point was 105 mg/dl [OR: 0.97 (0.95–0.99) and 1.06 (1.00–1.13) when the levels were <105 and ≥105 mg/dl, respectively].

Conclusions

The risks of localized stage II/III periodontitis vary with metabolic components, in which waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and serum uric acid are the risk factors, whereas plasma glucose shows a non‐linear relationship in young adults.
Effect of Schneiderian membrane integrity on bone formation in sinus augmentation: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Paik Jeong‐Won , Cha Jae‐Kook , Song Young Woo , Thoma Daniel S. , Jung Ronald E. , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: October 2021

Aim

To assess the effect of Schneiderian membrane (SM) perforation on bone formation by applying a particulate deproteinized bovine bone mineral (PBBM).

Materials and methods

Bilateral sinus augmentation was performed in eight rabbits. The same amount of PBBM was placed at a sinus where the SM was intentionally perforated for the perforation group (standardized to 3 mm diameter) and the other sinus with an intact SM that served as the intact group. At 12 weeks, all animals were euthanized for radiographic and histomorphometric analyses.

Results

The area of the newly formed bone in the perforation group was significantly less than that in the intact group (18.7% and 25.5%, respectively, p = .028). The newly formed bone in the area close to the perforated SM was significantly less than that in the intact group (18.7% and 26.1%, respectively, p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the total augmented area (p = .234) and the total augmented volume (p = .382) between the two groups.

Conclusion

SM perforation had an adverse effect on new bone formation, predominantly close to the area of membrane perforation. However, no significant difference was found in the total augmented volume between the SM perforation and the intact groups.
Solar dryer performance simulation: Experimental and numerical study
Authors: Mehdipour Ramin , Ghaffari Ali
Published: October 2021

In this study, effect of solar irradiation and suction head on an indirect cabinet solar dryer performance is investigated experimentally and numerically. In this regard, a specific experimental apparatus consisting a collector, heaters and adjustable chimney is fabricated to measure the air flow velocity and temperature at collector outlet in various irradiance (300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1,000 W/m2) and chimney height (1.85, 2.05, 2.25, and 2.55 m). In addition to the above abilities of experimental setup, more accurate thermal and hydraulic results are achieved. The obtained results are useful to the field since there are many defects in available simulations of collector. Some of the defects concerns incomplete prediction of thermal losses to the environment, ignoring secondary flows and vortices formed by velocity increment through the collector, etc. In the present study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used for modeling the drying chamber utilizing the pressure jump method and simulating the mass transfer phenomenon by a heat source. The results for the studied case (grape as to‐be‐dried product) as an example, show that the solar irradiation augmentation leads to the temperature and velocity increment while the suction head increment leads to an increasing‐decreasing behavior for the temperature. It is also demonstrated that by increasing the solar irradiation from 300 to 1,000 W/m2, the thermal efficiency of the collector and drying chamber increase from 42.92% to 64.31% and 10.08% to 15.15% respectively and the drying time of grapes reduces from 216 hr to 143 hr.

Practical Applications

The present study experimentally and numerically investigates a solar dryer for the specific application of grape drying although it can be applied for drying a wide types of fruits. The experimental part of the accomplished research is similar with solar chimney in a way that the present experimental results can be used for solar chimneys too. Based on the obtained results, the drying time as well as the air flow has been improved by applying the suggested drying method.
Association between sleep characteristics, ideal cardiovascular health, and systemic inflammation, NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Cash Rebecca E. , Crowe Remle P. , Goldberg Scott A. , Patrick Casey , Wells‐Whitworth L. Michael , Barger Laura K. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: October 2021

There is conflicting evidence regarding the associations between sleep deprivation and inflammatory biomarkers indicative of cardiovascular disease risk, such as high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). The association between sleep habits and hsCRP was quantified in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States and mediation by ideal cardiovascular health metrics was explored. A cross‐sectional analysis of cardiovascular disease‐free participants aged 20–79 years from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted. The primary exposures were self‐reported sleep duration, sleep debt (difference between the average weekday and weekend sleep duration), and ideal cardiovascular health (11–14 points). The primary outcome was hsCRP (high‐risk ≥ 3.0 mg/L). Multivariable robust Poisson models were used to estimate prevalence ratios after multiple imputation. A subgroup analysis of shift workers was also conducted. Of 4027 participants included (mean age 46 years; 52% female; 41% shift workers), the prevalence of sleeping <6 h on weekdays was 9%, with 40% sleeping ≥9 h on weekends. One‐quarter had a high (≥2 h) sleep debt, 82% had poor cardiovascular health, and 34% had high‐risk hsCRP. There were no significant associations between weekday sleep duration or sleep debt with high‐risk hsCRP, even among shift workers. Mediation analysis was not conducted. Ideal cardiovascular health was associated with a lower prevalence of high‐risk hsCRP (prevalence ratios, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.48–0.75). The lack of significant associations suggests a complex interrelationship of hsCRP with factors beyond sleep duration. Examination of populations at highest risk of chronic sleep deprivation could help to elucidate the association with systemic inflammation‐related outcomes.
Evaluation of a flash glucose monitoring system in nondiabetic dogs with rapidly changing blood glucose concentrations
Authors: Howard Leigh A. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Jeffery Nicholas , Washburn Shannon E. , Patterson Carly A.
Published: October 2021

Background

A flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS; FreeStyle Libre) is useful for monitoring hypoglycemic dogs with diabetes.

Objective

To assess the utility of this FGMS in dogs with induced hypoglycemia and rapid fluctuations in blood glucose (BG) concentrations.

Animals

Twenty‐four apparently healthy research (n = 10) and teaching (n = 14) dogs.

Methods

Prospective, observational study performed in tandem with a teaching laboratory. Regular insulin was administered to dogs and resulting hypoglycemia was corrected. Before insulin administration and every 10 minutes over a 90‐minute period, serial measurements of interstitial glucose (IG) with FGMS and BG with a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) and clinical chemistry analyzer concentrations were made. Portable blood glucose meter and FGMS readings were compared to that of the clinical chemistry analyzer. Analytical and clinical accuracy were assessed using ISO 15197:2013 criteria, including Parkes error grid analysis.

Results

The proportions of readings in the low BG range (BG <100 mg/dL) for which the test method measurement was within ±15 mg/dL of the reference BG for the PBGM and FGMS were 81.7% (161/197) and 39.1% (72/184), respectively. The proportions of readings for the PBGM and FGMS, which were not likely to affect clinical outcome according to Parkes error grid analysis, were 97.9% (233/238) and 80.1% (177/221), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In this model, there was limited agreement between the FGMS and reference standard BG measurements. The FGMS (measuring IG concentrations) was compared to peripheral BG concentrations, not brain‐tissue glucose concentrations, and failed to reliably detect hypoglycemia.
Chondroblastoma in the Children Treated with Intralesional Curettage and Bone Grafting: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Local Recurrence
Authors: Huang Cong , Lü Xue‐min , Fu Gang , Yang Zheng
Published: October 2021

Objective

To review the outcomes of surgical management in the pediatric patients with extremity chondroblastoma. Especially the risk factors of recurrence and growth disorder. And discuss a potential method to decrease the rate of growth disorder by preventing the premature physeal closure.

Methods

Fifteen girls and twenty‐seven boys aged from two to 14 years (mean, 11 years) with histologically proven chondroblastoma, who presented from January 2011 to June 2018 at our Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, radiographic images, histological findings, treatment, functional outcomes, and local recurrence rate were analyzed. Surgical treatment included complete curettage of the tumor and the walls of the lesion followed by bone grafting, No adjuvant methods were used. Recurrence was defined as a return of symptoms and an expansion radiolucency at the operated site. It was confirmed by the histopathological analysis. When recurrence was diagnosed, the medical data were analyzed to detect the effect of different factors on local recurrence. Functional outcome was measured according to Sailhan's functional criteria, designed to provide a standardized method of assessing pediatric chondroblastoma patient postoperatively.

Results

The proximal part of the femur was the most frequently involved site. All the patients had at least 24 months of follow‐up; mean duration was 30 months (range, 24–60 months). The local recurrence rate was 9.5%. Three resolved after repeat surgeries without further recurrence, one had a second recurrence and received another more aggressive curettage. Local recurrence of chondroblastoma was associated with age (P < 0.05), while not associated with sex, tumor location, the radiological character of the lesion or the grafting method (P > 0.05). No pulmonary metastasis was noted at latest follow‐up. Five patients suffered from premature closure of physis due to physis injury. Thirty‐one patients (73.8%) had a good outcome, and all returned to normal unrestricted activities. Six patients (14.3%) had a fair outcome due to occasional pain, asymmetric range of motion, or radiographic joint changes without arthritis. And five patients (11.9%) had a poor outcome because of chronic pain, loss of joint motion impairing normal life activities, or a limb‐length discrepancy and limp.

Conclusions

Aggressive curettage and bone grafting resulted in local control and good outcomes in most pediatric patients. Being less than 12 years of age was the risk factor for recurrence. For those growing patients, premature physeal closure was observed after the curettage, interpositional technique with PMMA would be a good choice for prevention.