bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response characteristics of grassland ecosystem biomass to grazing intensity in China
Authors: Wang Yunying , Pei Weiwei , Cao Guangmin , Guo Xiaowei , Du Yangong
Published: September 2021

Grassland ecosystem functions are affected to a large extent by grazing activities. However, owing to the associated spatial heterogeneity, the influence of grazing intensity on grassland ecosystem biomass and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed data from 335 field data to clarify the response of grassland ecosystem biomass to grazing activities in China. We established that the size of the priming effect of grazing activities on total biomass, aboveground biomass and belowground biomass is −0.25 ± 0.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.42 to −0.07), −0.47 ± 0.05 (−0.57 to −0.37) and −0.18 ± 0.04 (−0.29 to −0.10), respectively. Grazing was found to significantly reduce both the biomass of grassland ecosystems (p < 0.01) and the average effect value of temperate, meadow and desert steppes with respect to vegetation type (p < 0.05). The descending order of the effects of grazing intensity on biomass was heavy, light and moderate, with light and heavy grazing significantly reducing grassland biomass (p < 0.01), whereas moderate grazing made a comparatively smaller contribution. Furthermore, explained heterogeneity analysis revealed that soil water content was positively associated with the effect size, and path analysis indicated that soil bulk density, precipitation and average annual temperature have a significant direct influence on the effect value (p < 0.05). Given the minimal impact of moderate grazing on biomass, we suggest that stocking at moderate densities could represent an effective approach for restoring degraded grasslands. Moreover, increasing soil water content could contribute to effectively reducing grazing‐related damage to the biomass of grassland ecosystems.
Aquifer Characterization and Uncertainty in Multi‐Frequency Oscillatory Flow Tests: Approach and Insights
Authors: Patterson Jeremy R. , Cardiff Michael
Published: September 2021

Characterizing aquifer properties and their associated uncertainty remains a fundamental challenge in hydrogeology. Recent studies demonstrate the use of oscillatory flow interference testing to characterize effective aquifer flow properties. These characterization efforts relate the relative amplitude and phase of an observation signal with a single frequency component to aquifer diffusivity and transmissivity. Here, we present a generalized workflow that relates extracted Fourier coefficients for observation signals with single and multiple frequency components to aquifer flow properties and their associated uncertainty. Through synthetic analytical modeling we show that multi‐frequency oscillatory flow interference testing adds information that improves inversion performance and decreases parameter uncertainty. We show increased observation signal length, sampling frequency, and pressure sensor accuracy all produce decreased parameter uncertainty. This work represents the first attempt we are aware of to quantify effective aquifer parameters and their associated uncertainty using multi‐frequency oscillatory flow interference testing.
Children's perspectives and experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic and UK public health measures
Authors: Thompson Jill , Spencer Grace , Curtis Penny
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had profound impacts on how we live our lives; yet, the implications for children and the effects on children's everyday lives have been relatively underacknowledged. Understanding children's views on COVID‐19 and related restrictions on their lives provides an important opportunity to understand how children have responded to the pandemic, including the impacts on their social and emotional well‐being.

Objective

This study explored the experiences and perspectives of children in relation to the COVID‐19 pandemic and related restrictions on everyday life.

Method

A qualitative study using semistructured online interviews with participatory drawings was undertaken between May and July 2020. Eighteen children from England and Wales, aged 7–11 years, participated in interviews.

Findings

Themes included children's reflections on (1) COVID‐19 as a deadly contagion; (2) fears and sadness and (3) social responsibility and opportunities to respond positively.

Conclusions

Young children offer insightful reflections on their experiences during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Children and young people's perspectives must be considered in future public health discourse.

Patient or Public Contribution

This work was informed by conversations with my own three primary school‐aged children and the children of friends. A formal Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group was not established due to the speed with which the project was undertaken. Any future research in this area would benefit from formal PPI in the design, methods and questions.
A laboratory study to assess the physical, mechanical, and 3‐D structural properties of nano‐apatite grafted glass fibre‐based endodontic posts
Authors: Khan Abdul S. , AlMaimouni Yara K. , Benrashed Mashael A. , Alyousef Nujood I. , Siddiqui Usama , Ahmad Niyaz , Ateeq Ijlal S. , Hakeem Abbas S.
Published: September 2021

Aim

To fabricate and characterize nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) grafted and non‐grafted glass fibre‐based endodontic posts.

Methodology

Experimental glass fibre posts were fabricated using silanized nHA grafted (ex‐HA) and non‐grafted glass fibre (ex‐P) reinforced resins. The structural analysis and morphological patterns were analysed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. EverStick® glass fibre posts (eS) were used as a control group. The degree of conversion, flexural strength, and flexural modulus was investigated and the fractured structure was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. Root canals were prepared in human extracted teeth restored with experimental and control posts. The push‐out bond strength was evaluated with radicular dentine at days 7, 30, and 90, and the presence of voids at the interface were measured at day 1, 7, 30, and 90 with micro‐computed tomography. The Shapiro–Wilk test and one‐way ANOVA post‐hoc Tukey's test were performed. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

The SEM and FTIR confirmed the presence of a silane‐coupling agent on the glass fibres. The ex‐HA post had a significantly lower degree of conversion compared to the ex‐P post (p = .0008), but a significantly higher conversion than the eS post (p = .0014). The maximum flexural strength value was obtained with the ex‐HA post with an insignificant difference (p = .366) compared to ex‐P post and a significant difference (p = .029) compared to the eS post. The flexural modulus of ex‐HA, ex‐P, and eS posts were significantly different (p = .037). Similarly, the ex‐HA post had a significantly higher push‐out bond strength at days 7 and 30 (p = .037) compared to the ex‐P and eS posts. The volume of voids had a nonlinear behaviour amongst the groups with no significant difference between the posts.

Conclusion

The fabrication of the experimental posts was successful and the ex‐HA post had greater flexural strength and push‐out bond strength compared to the ex‐P post. The degree of conversion of the ex‐HA post was lower than the ex‐P and eS posts. The volume of voids of ex‐HA and ex‐P posts was lower than that of eS posts.
A systematic review of periungual eccrine neoplasms
Authors: Rao Elizabeth M. , Knackstedt Thomas J.
Published: September 2021

Eccrine tumors are a rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm originating from the sweat glands. The periungual region represents an uncommon localization for these neoplasms. We analyzed all published demographic, clinical, and treatment data on periungual eccrine tumors. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed of articles published prior to March 2021. Articles were included in the review if a full‐text English version was available. Of the surveyed literature, 27 full‐text case reports were included in the final analysis. Benign eccrine poroma and porocarcinoma were the most common tumor subtypes (nine and eight cases, respectively). Males were only affected by poroma and porocarcinoma, while females were affected by all tumor subtypes. The first toe was the most common lower extremity affected. Misdiagnosis led to delayed treatment in 25% of cases. As such, while periungual eccrine neoplasms are rare diagnoses, the nonspecific presentations of these growths raise concerns about misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Further research is needed related to sex‐differences in the epidemiology of these growths and into the prevalence of the first toe as a location. These tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis for nail unit afflictions.
Injustice impairs self‐regulation and affects food choice
Authors: Macedo Vera Margarida Cachapa , Correia Isabel , Prada Marília
Published: September 2021

Overweight and obesity are risk factors for a range of chronic diseases, many of them caused by excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and insufficient consumption of healthy foods. The present study aims to experimentally test the effect of being exposed to injustice on the intention to consume healthy and unhealthy foods, through self‐regulation. We predicted that injustice decreases self‐regulation which in turn increases the intention to consume unhealthy foods and decreases the intention to consume healthy foods. Undergraduate students (N = 175; 89% women; Mage = 24.28, SD = 7.36) were randomly exposed to a scenario describing an unjust or a just academic situation. In a subsequent allegedly unrelated task, participants were asked to indicate their intention to consume each of 26 food items (half depicting unhealthy foods and half healthy foods, random order) during the subsequent week. As expected, injustice decreased self‐regulation which in turn increased the intention to consume unhealthy foods and decreased the intention to consume healthy foods. These results highlight the central importance of justice perceptions in the study of consumption and contribute to frame it in the study of the consequences of economic inequalities for nutrition.
Morphological differentiation in a migratory bird across geographic gradients in mountains of southern Europe
Authors: García Javier , Arizaga Juan , Rodríguez José Ignacio , Alonso Daniel , Suárez‐Seoane Susana
Published: September 2021

Aim

In temperate mountain ranges, sharp spatial variations in habitat heterogeneity and climate provide a perfect study setup to assess genetic and phenotypic differentiation in bird populations. In this paper, we analysed morphological divergence patterns across geographical and environmental gradients, in correlation with genetic differentiation and geographical isolation, in the breeding grounds of a long‐distance migratory passerine.

Location

Northwestern Iberian mountains.

Taxon

The Iberian bluethroat,Luscina svecica azuricollis.

Methods

We collected a sample of 625 Iberian bluethroats across their whole breeding range to measure body weight and tarsus length, as well as wing length and pointedness. Morphological differentiation across geographical (latitude and elevation) and environmental (climate and vegetation) gradients was assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Additionally, the role of genetic distance and geographical isolation as drivers of morphological differentiation was evaluated with Mantel tests.

Results

Bird morphology varied significantly with latitude and elevation, but not with climate or vegetation. In the case of latitude, morphological differences in body size were contrary to Bergmann's rule statements. All biometric and morphometric variables diverged among localities. A similar trend was found for genetic clusters, except for wing shape. Body weight and wing length were both correlated with geographic distance, while only the former varied with genetic differentiation. The greatest genetic and phenotypic differentiation was detected in the southernmost mountain range, that holds the most geographically isolated genetic group.

Main conclusion

Evidence suggests that the strong morphological differentiation observed in the Iberian breeding bluethroat across geographical gradients results from the combination of unambiguous deterministic forces, such as ecological selection mechanisms, and other factors, such as geographical isolation, that can be either deterministic, stochastic or both, all acting at different scales.
Niche divergence among closely related taxa provides insight on evolutionary patterns of ticks
Authors: Cuervo Pablo Fernando , Flores Fernando Sebastián , Venzal José Manuel , Nava Santiago
Published: September 2021

Aim

Understanding the degree to which closely related taxa diverge in their niche traits could provide insight on their evolutionary patterns, as well as shed some light on the mechanisms underpinning broad‐scale biogeographic patterns. The evolution of ticks was thought to be driven by hosts. However, recent evidence suggests that tick evolution is more likely to be driven by habitat conditions. The Amblyomma maculatum group of ticks provides a good example to test the former, as its incipient speciation raises the possibility of a very rapid adaptation to slightly different environments.

Location

The Americas.

Taxa

Ticks from the Amblyomma maculatum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) group (A. tigrinum, A. triste s.s., A. maculatum s.s. and two intermediate morphs).

Methods

We addressed the question of whether the differentiation of taxa within this group results from ecological factors, either maintaining a similar ecological niche (conservatism) or by occupying distinct niches (divergence). We analysed the distribution of each tick morphotype with ecological niche models. Next, we explored the question of whether these closely related taxa inhabit environments that are more different or more similar than expected by comparing niche overlap in environmental space.

Results

We found evidence for niche differentiation, showing that the members of the Amblyomma maculatum group exist in and respond to aspects of different environments, leading to geographical variation.

Main conclusions

The analysis of the ecological niches of the Amblyomma maculatum group of ticks indicates niche conservatism for the pairs A. tigrinum—A. maculatum s.s. and A. triste s.s.—A. maculatum s.s, traditionally associated to allopatric speciation; while incipient niche divergence is suggested for the remaining comparisons. These findings add additional evidence to the study of the evolution of ticks, giving support to the hypothesis of habitat conditions driving the evolution of taxa with no strict host specificity.
Species–area relationship and small‐island effect of vascular plant diversity in a young volcanic archipelago
Authors: Chiarucci Alessandro , Guarino Riccardo , Pasta Salvatore , Rosa Alfonso La , Cascio Pietro Lo , Médail Frédéric , Pavon Daniel , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Zannini Piero
Published: September 2021

Aims

Aeolian islands form an active volcanic archipelago. By using updated vascular plant checklists for islands and islets, we tested four hypotheses: (i) Island species–area relationship (ISAR) of alien species has lower c‐ and higher z‐values than native species, (ii) islands with active volcanoes have lower species richness than expected for native and alien species, (iii) ISAR of native species shows lower c‐ and higher z‐values than ISARs of Mediterranean land bridge archipelagos and (iv) species richness of smaller islets is independent of area.

Location

Aeolian Archipelago, Mediterranean Basin.

Taxon

Vascular plants, identified and named according to the Flora of Italy (Pignatti et al., 2017–2019).

Methods

Checklists of native and alien plant species were obtained for eight islands and 24 islets. ISARs were fitted by the Arrhenius power function () and used to test the first two hypotheses. The third hypothesis was tested by comparing ISAR of Aeolian Archipelago to those from other central and eastern Mediterranean archipelagos. The fourth hypothesis was tested by fitting models defining the presence and limit of the small‐island effect.

Results

The checklists included 894 species—749 native and 145 alien. ISARs fitted well for native and alien species and resulted in typical values of c and z parameters. The first and second hypotheses were supported by model fitting. The third hypothesis was not confirmed by the comparison of the ISAR of the Aeolian Archipelago with other archipelagos. The small‐island effect predicted by the fourth hypothesis was supported using S versus LogA for both native and alien species, while for native species it was supported also using the log transformation of the Arrhenius model.

Main conclusions

We reported a first comprehensive analysis of plant species richness in the unique Aeolian Archipelago, verifying typical ISARs, no peculiarity with respect to land bridge archipelagos and a somewhat unclear signal for the small‐island effect.
Association of pulsatile stress in childhood with subclinical renal damage in adults: A 30‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Liao Yueyuan , Chu Chao , Wang Yang , Zheng Wenling , Ma Qiong , Hu Jiawen , Yan Yu , Yang Jun , Yang Ruihai , Wang Keke , Yuan Yue , Chen Chen , Sun Yue , Wu Yuliang , Mu Jianjun
Published: September 2021

The pulsatile stress in the microcirculation may contribute to development or progression of chronic kidney disease. However, there is no prospective data confirming whether pulsatile stress in early life affect renal function in middle age. The authors performed a longitudinal analysis of 1738 participants aged 6–15 years at baseline, an ongoing Adolescent Prospective Cohort with a follow‐up of 30 years. The authors evaluated the association between pulsatile stress in childhood and adult subclinical renal damage (SRD), adjusting for related covariates. Pulsatile stress was calculated as resting heart rate × pulse pressure. Renal function was assessed with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR). The results showed that pulsatile stress in childhood was associated with adult SRD (Relative Risk, 1.43; p = .032), and the predictive value of combined pulse pressure and heart rate for SRD was higher than either of them alone. The high pulsatile stress in childhood increased the risk of adult SRD in males (RR, 1.92; p = .003), but this association was not found in females (RR, 0.91; p = .729). Further, the participants were categorized into four groups on the basis of pulsatile stress status in childhood and adulthood. Male patients with high pulsatile stress during childhood but normal pulsatile stress as adults still had an increased risk of SRD (RR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.18–3.54), while female patients did not (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.46–1.99). The study demonstrated that high pulsatile stress in childhood significantly increased the risk of adult SRD, especially in males. Adequate control of pulse pressure and heart rate from childhood, in the long‐term, is very important for preventing kidney damage.
Effects of different salinity on the transcriptome and antibiotic resistance of two Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from Penaeus vannamei cultured in seawater and freshwater ponds
Authors: Ma Rongrong , Wang Yuan , Huang Liang , Zhao Shu , Li Letian , Yin Menghe , Fang Wenhong
Published: September 2021

The transcriptome and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from Penaeus vannamei cultured in seawater (strain HN1)and freshwater (strain SH1) ponds were studied at different salinity (2‰ and 20‰). At different salinity, 623 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) significantly upregulated and 1,559 DEGs significantly downregulated in SH1. In HN1, 466 DEGs significantly upregulated and 1,930 DEGs significantly downregulated, indicating high salinity can lead to the downregulation of most genes. In KEGG analysis, the expression of DEGs annotated to starch and sucrose metabolism pathway was higher at 2‰ salinity than at 20‰ salinity in HN1 and SH1, implying salinity affected bacterial growth mainly through this pathway. In the enrichment analysis of upregulated DEGs, two pathways (Valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation, and Butanoate metabolism) were significantly enriched at different salinity. Antibiotic‐susceptibility test discovered that SH1 isolated from P. vannamei cultured in freshwater was resistant to multiple drugs, including kanamycin, gentamicin, medemycin, and azithromycin, at a salinity of 2‰, whereas at 20‰ salinity, SH1 was not resistant to the drugs. The HN1 strain isolated from P. vannamei cultured in mariculture was resistant to polymyxin B and clindamycin at 20‰ salinity. Whereas, HN1 was intermediately susceptible to these two antibiotics at 2‰ salinity. These results indicate that the drug resistance of bacteria was affected by salinity. Furthermore, beta‐lactam resistance was significantly enriched in SH1 at different salinity, and the inhibition zone of penicillin G was consistent with the results of a beta‐lactam resistance pathway.
Combination of ultrasonic waves and dielectric barrier discharge plasma for the viable reduction in human norovirus while retaining the quality of raw sea squirt
Authors: Kim Ji Yoon , Jeon Eun Bi , Song Min Gyu , Ha Kwang Soo , Jeong Sang Hyeon , Jung Yeoun Joong , Park Shin Young
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the combined effects of ultrasonic waves treatment (UW; 44 kHz, 200 W for 30 and 60 min) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment (DP; 1.1 kV, 43 kHz, 1.5 L/min N2 for 10, 30, and 60 min) on the viable reduction of human norovirus (HNV) GII. 4 in fresh sea squirt. The HNV was detected by RT‐PCR with propidium monoazide/sarkosyl to distinguish infectious viruses from their noninfectious counterparts. Compared with UW alone (0.41–0.60 log), DP alone (0.48–1.24 log) reduced the HNV to a greater extent; additionally, the HNV was significantly reduced by increasing the combined treatment time. The UW 60 min + DP 60 min achieved a 1.97 log reduction. The pH and Hunter colors were not found to differ significantly between the separate and combined treatment.

Practical Applications

Our findings indicate that combined ultrasonic waves and DBD plasma treatment could serve as a potential nonthermal method for application to seafood for the reduction of human norovirus (HNV). The UW 60 min + DP 60 min may offer effective nonthermal combined treatment to reduce viable HNV GII. 4 without affecting the food quality.
The effectiveness of nutrition interventions in improving frailty and its associated constructs related to malnutrition and functional decline among community‐dwelling older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Khor Phay Yean , Vearing Rebecca M. , Charlton Karen E.
Published: September 2021

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions on frailty and factors related to frailty, including malnutrition, sarcopenia and functional ability, among community dwelling older adults. A secondary aim was to synthesise current clinical guidelines for the identification and management of frailty, and then identify whether they aligned with the findings of the literature review.

Methods

A systematic literature review was undertaken using four electronic databases to identify randomised controlled clinical trials that assessed the effect of nutrition interventions on frailty and outcomes related to frailty in community‐dwelling older adults (PROSPERO #CRD42017069094). The quality of the included studies was appraised. A rapid review was conducted using the Google Scholar database to identify existing clinical recommendations relating to the second aim.

Results

The search strategy identified 13 studies. Multifactorial interventions with nutritional education and protein‐energy supplementation improved frailty stratus and physical performance in 75% and 58% of studies, respectively. Weight and nutritional status improved in 80% of studies that used oral nutritional support. The recommended process for clinical management of frailty involves screening, followed by full assessment using validated instruments and the development of a comprehensive management plan with a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusions

Multifactorial interventions were found to be more effective than nutrition intervention alone for improving frailty and physical performance. Protein‐energy supplementation tended to be effective only in malnourished older adults. The results were inconclusive for the use of micronutrient supplementation for frailty and outcomes related to frailty. Existing clinical guidelines are aligned with the evidence recommending comprehensive interventions to improve frailty.
Amalgamation of the Ryoke and Sanbagawa metamorphic belts at the subduction interface: New insights from the Kashio mylonite along the Median Tectonic Line, Nagano, Japan
Authors: Nakamura Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Kazuhiro , Takahashi Yutaka , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi
Published: September 2021

We present a detailed petrological, structural and geochronological study of the mylonitic Ryoke metamorphic rocks within the granitic mylonite (Kashio mylonite) and Sanbagawa metamorphic rocks along the Median Tectonic Line (MTL), Japan. Located in the Oshika area of the Chubu District, the Kashio mylonite is one of the few geologic units that can be used to determine detailed pressure–temperature–time–deformation (P–T–t–D) paths during mylonitization because it occurs as many small tectonic blocks of mylonitic metasediment. Detailed petrological analysis coupled with conventional thermobarometry and P–T pseudosection modelling give estimated peak P–T conditions (M1a) of 650–790°C at 4.6–5.6 kbar for the Ryoke metamorphic rocks. The gneissose Ryoke granitoids were emplaced subhorizontally at around 685–710°C and 4.6–5.8 kbar, after peak metamorphism. The Kashio shear zone developed immediately after the last igneous activity at ca. 71 Ma, and two stages of mylonitization (stages D1 and D2) can be identified from microstructural observations. The retrograde P–T conditions (M1b) recorded in the Kashio mylonite exhibit a systematic change in temperature from 710°C to 450°C at 5.2–2.6 kbar with decreasing distance from the MTL. By contrast, highly deformed mylonites with zoned garnets demonstrate a striking increase in pressure from 4.0 to 8.3 kbar with decreasing temperature from 590°C to 450°C after low‐P/T‐type metamorphism. Such a temperature range indicating isothermal compression is consistent with deformation temperatures of stage D1 determined from quartz microstructures and quartz c‐axis fabric opening‐angle deformation thermometer. Moreover, the timing of the two mylonitization episodes during retrograde metamorphism are estimated to be 69–67 and 66–64 Ma, respectively, with a high cooling rate of ~34°C/Ma using the revised time–temperature relationship of the host Ryoke granitoids. The rapid change in tectonic setting with strain localization occurred during the brief period between 69 and 64 Ma. Our field and petrological observations imply that a thick D1 mylonite zone was formed by rapid subsidence (≥10 km) with cooling of the hangingwall rocks from the middle crust to the subduction interface. It is considered that the underplating of exhumed high‐P/T‐type metamorphic rocks led to further cooling between hangingwall and footwall rocks and the formation of a narrow D2 mylonite zone, which served as an old plate boundary. Thus, low and high‐P/T‐type metamorphic belts had already been amalgamated as paired metamorphic belts beneath the brittle–ductile transition of the subduction zone before exhumation. The rapid cooling of hangingwall rocks at the subduction interface is proposed to play an essential role in the thermal overprinting of exhumed high‐P/T‐type metamorphic rocks.
Reproductive prognosis of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: Retrospective review of 16 cases with amenorrhea
Authors: Oride Aki , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Okada Hiroe , Kyo Satoru
Published: September 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the general characteristics, menstruation status, and fertility outcomes of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH).

Methods

We evaluated 16 patients with HH who visited our institution between April 2012 and March 2016 with a complaint of amenorrhea.

Results

Four (25%) patients had primary amenorrhea and the remaining 12 (75%) cases had secondary amenorrhea. Among the patients with primary amenorrhea, weight loss was considered to be the underlying cause in one (25%) patient, whereas the remaining three (75%) cases were idiopathic HH. Among HH cases with secondary amenorrhea, six (50%) developed amenorrhea following weight loss, whereas the remaining six cases were of unknown etiology. Among the 16 patients with HH, we observed the sporadic restart of the menstrual cycle in four (25%) women during follow‐up. Infertility treatment was administered to nine patients with HH who wished to become pregnant. Clomiphene citrate was effective in four patients with secondary amenorrhea and induced follicular development. Seven of nine patients with HH (77.8%) became pregnant following infertility treatment. In some cases of HH, the serum levels of gonadotropin increased sporadically during follow‐up, regardless of the recovery of menstruation. We followed one patient with HH for more than 20 years. Although her gonadotropin levels were generally low and sometimes fluctuated without spontaneous menstruation, they increased dramatically to menopausal levels at 50 years of age. However, they again decreased to hypogonadotropic levels.

Conclusion

As the pathophysiology varied widely among patients, the etiologic factors underlying HH might also vary.
The influence process of sarcopenia on female cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yu‐Xuan , Xia Wen‐Wen , Liu Wen‐Ya
Published: September 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is one of the early pathological manifestations of cancer cachexia. This change in quality and function has a general and special impact on the prognosis of many types of tumors. However, there are few studies to evaluate the overall impact of sarcopenia on the prognosis of gynecological tumors in sufficient follow‐up period.

Methods

This study systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, and MEDLINE databases for related studies and related references since April 15, 2021. The 1‐year, 5‐year overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed by Stata 14.0.(CRD 42021236036).

Results

A total of 23 observational studies involving 3495 female patients were included in the analysis, with an average prevalence of 46.9% (38.5%–55.3%). Meta‐analysis showed that the 1‐year OS (RR: 1.60, 95% CI = [1.04, 2.46]) of patients with sarcopenia was significantly lower than that of patients without sarcopenia, and then this effect gradually decreased. The results showed that sarcopenia was an independent predictor of OS (HR: 1.78, 95% CI = [1.38, 2.30]) and PFS (HR: 1.32, 95% CI = [1.02, 1.70]) in gynecological cancer patients. Subgroup analysis showed that sarcopenia was significant in Asian population (HR: 1.93, 95% CI = [1.18, 3.17]) and cervical cancer patients (HR: 5.07, 95% CI = [2.82, 9.56]).

Conclusion

The survival and recurrence outcome of patients with sarcopenia independently related to surgery, and its impact is very obvious in the short term. In addition, Asian participants with sarcopenia face a greater risk of death than Western participants.
An emerging method in evaluation of reduced fetal movements using cerebroplacental ratio: A prospective case–control study
Authors: Inukollu Pranadeep Reddy , Sulthana Samiya , Solipuram Divya , Kunamneni Srividya , Kothagadi Aravind Reddy
Published: September 2021

Aim

Nearly half of the patients with stillbirths experience reduced fetal movements (RFM) in the preceding week. The standardized evaluation will help reduce stillbirths. Placental dysfunction is the underlying pathophysiology for RFM and low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). We attempted to determine the application of CPR in evaluation of RFM.

Methods

A prospective case–control study with 100 patients each of cases and controls were studied at a tertiary care hospital. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA‐PI), umbilical artery PI (UA‐PI), and CPR were calculated as multiples of median (MoM) in patients presenting with RFM after 30 weeks and their matched controls and followed up. CPR values of various gestation ranges and single versus multiple episodes of RFM were analyzed.

Results

Compared to controls, women with RFM showed a significantly low MCA PI MoM (0.94 vs 1.4; p = 0.00008) and low CPR MoM (1.48 vs 1.6; p = 0.015). Women with multiple RFM episodes had lower CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.5; p < 0.00001) compared to single episode RFM. Multiple RFM episode patients had low MCA PI MoM (1.3 vs 1.4; p = 0.0038) and low CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.6; p < 0.00001) compared to controls. There was a significantly low CPR in 32–34 weeks (1.35 vs 1.81; p = 0.004) and 36–38 weeks subgroups (1.39 vs 1.58; p = 0.002). No significant difference in birthweight centiles or AGA versus SGA categories between cases and controls was noted questioning current guidelines where ultrasound evaluation is done for RFM patients with FGR.

Conclusion

Incorporation of routine CPR measurements can standardize evaluation of RFM patients, especially those with AGA to pick up patients at risk of poor outcome and bring down stillbirth rates.
Longitudinal Study of Dental Implants in HIV−Positive Patients
Authors: Neumeier Toni Tien , Reddy Michael , Geurs Nicolaas , Hill Jeff , Neumeier Harold
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study compared the clinical outcome of dental implants and their implant‐supported restorations over a 3‐year period involving patients both positive and negative for the human immunodeficiency virus.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients testing positive for the human immunodeficiency virus were recruited for this study. Twenty‐one negative control patients were also selected, for a total of forty one patients. Diagnostic impressions were collected and cone beam computed tomography images were obtained. Implant size and positioning were planned using cone beam computed tomography software. Two stage or single surgery was performed as determined by the surgeon (periodontist). After a 6‐month healing period, definitive impressions were fabricated using polyvinyl siloxane impression material. Implant stability quotient values were obtained at the time of surgery and placement of the restoration. Screw‐retained custom titanium abutments were designed, milled, and placed with 25 N·cm torque using a calibrated torque controller. Porcelain fused‐to‐metal complete coverage restorations were then cemented with elastomeric resin implant cement. Implants and restorations were assessed at 6‐month intervals over a period of 3 years for stability, peri‐implant health, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Over the 3‐year period, 25 of 42 implants placed in the negative control group were assessed, and 17 of 27 implants placed in the positive control group were evaluated. The overall patient retention rate was 77%. At the 3‐year follow up, restorations examined were fully functional and causing no pain. Overall implant retention within the positive group was 96%. Implant retention within the negative control group was 100%. No differences were noted between groups for bone loss based on statistical tests.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this clinical investigation, the presence of human immunodeficiency virus per se was not a contraindication to dental treatment with implant‐supported restorations.
Which Children Use School‐Based Health Services as a Primary Source of Care?*
Authors: Habiyaremye Marie A. , Clary Kathryn , Morris Hannah , Tumin Dmitry , Crotty Jennifer
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

School‐based health centers (SBHCs) offer primary and preventive health care for children and adolescents. Using nationally representative data, we aimed to examine which child and family characteristics are associated with using school‐based health care providers as the primary source of health care, and whether care received from these providers met the criteria for a medical home.

METHODS

Using data from the 2016‐2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), we analyzed children's usual source of care (school‐based provider, doctor's office or clinic, other location, or none), and whether they received care meeting medical home criteria.

RESULTS

Based on a sample of 64,710 children, 0.5% identified school‐based providers as their primary source of health care. Children who were older, uninsured, or living in the Northeast were significantly more likely to report school‐based providers as their usual source of care. Children whose usual source of care was a school‐based provider were less likely to receive care meeting medical home criteria than children who usually received care at a doctor's office.

CONCLUSIONS

While SBHCs improve access to care, our findings indicate potential challenges with establishing a medical home for children who usually receive health care from a school‐based provider.
Effects of zearalenone on liver development, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors of prepubertal gilts
Authors: Wu Fengyang , Cui Jia , Yang Xinyu , Chen Baojiang
Published: September 2021

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a kind of mycotoxin that pose great threat to the liver of human and livestock due to its toxicity to eukaryotic cells, however, its toxicity mechanism on prepubertal gilts liver development and function is not known. The study aimed to examine the effects of ZEA on liver development, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors of prepubertal gilts. Forty‐eight prepubertal gilts (Landrace ×Yorkshire) were randomly divided into four groups: three treatment (T1, T2 and T3) groups and a control group. Prepubertal gilts in the control group were fed with basal diet, and those in T1, T2 and T3 groups were fed with basal diets supplemented with low, medium and high doses (200 μg/kg, 800 μg/kg and 1,600 μg/kg, respectively) of ZEA during the experiment period. The results showed that diets supplemented with ZEA significantly increased the activity of alanine aminotransferase of serum in the T3 group (p < 0.05). Besides, compared to the control group, the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, the content of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha of liver in the T3 group and the relative expression level of manganese‐superoxide dismutase mRNA of liver in the T2 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). We also performed correlation analysis among caecal microorganisms and antioxidant enzyme activities and inflammatory factor concentrations of liver. In conclusion, diets supplemented with ZEA has no obvious effect on liver development, but it can cause liver damage.
Differences in proteomic profiles between yak and three cattle strains provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying high‐altitude adaptation
Authors: Xin Jin‐Wei , Chai Zhi‐Xin , Zhang Cheng‐Fu , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Yong , Cao Han‐Wen , YangJi Cidan , Chen Xiao‐Ying , Jiang Hui , Zhong Jin‐Cheng , Ji Qiu‐Mei
Published: September 2021

Yaks display unique properties of the lung and heart, enabling their adaptation to high‐altitude environments, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. In the present study, the proteome differences in lung and heart tissues were compared between yak (Bos grunniens) and three cattle strains (Bos taurus, Holstein, Sanjiang and Tibetan cattle) using the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra/data‐independent acquisition (SWATH/DIA) proteomic method. In total, 51,755 peptides and 7215 proteins were identified. In the lung tissue, there were 162, 310 and 118 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) in Tibetan, Holstein and Sanjiang cattle compared to yak respectively. In the heart tissue, there were 71, 57 and 78 DAPs in Tibetan, Holstein and Sanjiang cattle compared to yak respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the DAPs were enriched for the retinol metabolism and toll‐like receptor categories in lung tissue. The changes in these two pathways may regulate hypoxia‐induced factor and immune function in yaks. Moreover, DAPs in heart tissues were enriched for cardiac muscle contraction, Huntington's disease, chemical carcinogenesis and drug metabolism‐cytochrome P450. Further exploration indicated that yaks may alter cardiac function through regulation of type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and Ca2+‐release channels. The present results are useful to further develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying adaptation of animals to high‐altitude conditions.
Randomized Community Trial Comparing Telephone versus Clinic‐Based Behavioral Health Counseling for People Living with HIV in a Rural Setting
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Katner Harold , Eaton Lisa A. , Hill Marnie , Ewing Wendy , Kalichman Moira O.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To test the efficacy of a theory‐based behavioral intervention delivered via telephone versus clinic‐based counseling to improve HIV outcomes and reduce alcohol consumption for people at‐risk for treatment failure in a rural setting.

Methods

Patients receiving HIV care (N = 240) were randomized using a computer‐generated scheme to one of three conditions: (a) telephone behavioral health counseling, (b) clinic‐based behavioral health counseling, or (c) attention control nutrition education. Behavioral counseling was delivered by either a community nurse or a paraprofessional patient navigator, with differences examined. Participants were followed for 12 months to assess medication adherence using unannounced pill counts and alcohol use measured by electronic daily text message assessments, and 18 months for HIV viral load and retention in care extracted from medical records.

Findings

There was evidence for telephone and office‐based counseling demonstrating greater medication adherence than the control condition but only in the short term. Clinic‐based behavioral counseling significantly reduced alcohol use to a greater degree than telephone counseling and the control condition. There were no other differences between conditions. There were also no discernable differences between counseling delivered by the community nurse and the patient navigator.

Conclusions

Telephone and clinic‐based counseling demonstrated improved medication adherence in the short term, while clinic‐based counseling demonstrated reductions in alcohol use. The modest outcomes suggest that intensive intervention strategies are needed for patients that clinicians identify as at‐risk for treatment discontinuation and treatment failure.
Kinetics of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen in patients with rheumatic disease and chronic hepatitis B receiving biologic agents
Authors: Koutsianas Christos , Hadziyannis Emilia , Thomas Konstantinos , Deutsch Melanie , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

The effect of biologic treatment on quantitative Hepatitis B surface Antigen (qHBsAg) levels and HBsAg clearance in rheumatic patients with chronic HBV infection has not been well studied. We prospectively followed rheumatic patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV infection (n = 28) treated with biologics and oral antivirals, categorized into patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, group A n = 13) and chronic HBV infection (group B n = 15) and matched them to appropriate non‐rheumatic controls. qHBsAg kinetics were serially measured and compared between groups. No HBV reactivation (HBVr) was recorded during the 108.25 patient‐year follow‐up. Among patients with CHB, the annual rapid qHBsAg decline (i.e. decline >0.5 log10 IU/mL/year) as well as HBsAg clearance did not differ between rheumatic patients [n = 4 (32.7%), n = 1 (7.7%)] and controls [n = 6 (28.4%), p = .726 and n = 2 (7.7%), p = .818, respectively]. In contrast, there was a slower annual qHBsAg decline in rheumatic patients with chronic HBV compared to non‐rheumatic controls (−0.04 vs −0.13 log10 IU/mL at year 1, p = .019) with no cases of rapid qHBsAg decline or HBsAg clearance in rheumatic patients (0%) compared to a cumulative incidence of 24% and a rate of 20%, respectively in controls. In biologic‐treated rheumatic patients with HBeAg‐negative HBV receiving antiviral prophylaxis, there was slower qHBsAg decline, lower cumulative rates of rapid qHBsAg decline and HBsAg clearance compared to non‐rheumatic controls.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of three dose rates of morphine sulfate following single intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration in the goat
Authors: Gordon Emma , Dirikolu Levent , Liu Chin‐Chi , Ulanov Alexander V. , Li Zhong , Welborn Matt , Armstrong Chance , Vallotton Danielle , Keeton Sarah , Camlic Sarah , Scully Clare M.
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles of morphine in goats following a single dose administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously at 0.1 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, and 0.4 mg/kg. Study population included eight healthy adult goats in a randomized cross‐over study. Serial plasma samples were collected and morphine was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data fit a two‐compartment model following intravenous administration and a non‐compartmental model following both intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Plasma elimination half‐life was 2.88 ± 1.13 h (0.1 mg/kg), 2.30 ± 0.49 h (0.25 mg/kg), and 2.67 ± 0.82 h (0.4 mg/kg) following IV morphine. Intramuscular Cmax values were 13.4 ± 2.77 ng/ml (0.1 mg/kg), 34 ± 11.50 ng/ml (0.25 mg/kg), and 68.9 ± 24.5 ng/ml (0.4 mg/kg). Intramuscular Tmax f(h) or IM dosing (in hrs) was 0.19 ± 0.14 (0.1 mg/kg), 0.24 ± 0.24 (0.25 mg/kg), and 0.21 ± 0.24 (0.4 mg/kg). Subcutaneous Cmax values were 9.88 ± 3.31 ng/ml (0.1 mg/kg), 28.5 ± 11.6 ng/ml (0.25 mg/kg), and 39.4 ± 14.3 ng/ml (0.4 mg/kg). Subcutaneous Tmax (h) values for SC dosing were 0.36 ± 0.21 (0.1 mg/kg), 0.31 ± 0.17 (0.25 mg/kg), and 0.4 ± 0.13 (0.4 mg/kg). Intramuscular bioavailability values were 153.77 ± 12.60% (0.4 mg/kg), 104.8 ± 25.12% (0.25 mg/kg), and 100.7 ± 29.57% (0.1 mg/kg). Subcutaneous bioavailability values were 130.58 ± 19.07% (0.4 mg/kg), 116.6 ± 27.03% (0.25 mg/kg), and 111.6 ± 23.24% (0.1 mg/kg).

No adverse effects were observed. Assuming plasma concentration required to induce analgesia is 16 ± 9 ng/ml in goats, as demonstrated in humans, it is suggested to administer morphine intramuscularly at 0.4 mg/kg every 3–4 h or SC every 2–3 h. This is a speculative conclusion therefore further studies evaluating pharmacodynamics and plasma analgesic threshold in goats is recommended.