bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in a peri‐urban butterfly assemblage over 80 years near Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Braby Michael F , Williams Matthew R , Douglas Fabian , Beardsell Campbell , Crosby David F
Published: January 2021

Although changes, particularly declines, in Australian terrestrial insects and other invertebrates have long been suspected and well‐documented for some species, the magnitude, rate and spatial extent of decline remain unclear. Here we use a combination of alternative, qualitative approaches (expert opinion, historical records and temporal replication of surveys) to standardised monitoring and mapping programs to investigate the extent of change of a peri‐urban butterfly assemblage. This assemblage, comprising 52 species, of which 46 are residents or seasonal immigrants, was studied at three spatial scales (local ~0.01 km2, intermediate ~9 km2 and regional ~100 km2) in the Eltham district near Melbourne based on presence/absence data over the past 40 (1981–2020) and 80 years (1941–2020). We then consider the causal factors or drivers that have led to changes, and we explore the timing and ecological patterns underpinning extirpations. Long‐term records reveal substantial changes (mostly decline) in composition and species richness of the 46 breeding species at all spatial scales and time frames analysed. Although the magnitude and rate of decline were higher at the smaller, local to intermediate scales (29–43% decline over 40 years, loss rate of 0.20–0.25 species/year) compared with the larger, regional scale (26% decline over 80 years, loss rate of 0.15 species/year), extirpations at the larger scale were more alarming because they are indicative of widespread population collapse. Declines in relative abundance and occupancy were also recorded at the intermediate and regional spatial scales. Further decline (extinction debt) is anticipated for several ecological specialists currently known from very few sites. Historical extirpations mostly involved obligate myrmecophilous lycaenids and appear to have been largely driven by a combination of urbanisation (habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation) and vegetation encroachment. More recent extirpations consist mainly of grass‐feeding and mistletoe‐feeding specialists and are more worrying because they have predominantly occurred within the past 20–30 years. An interaction of urbanisation (tree canopy death and decline of mistletoes and their host trees from ecosystem dysfunction) and climate change (water stress and heat waves) are considered to be the most likely drivers for these ecological guilds.
Geissospermum argenteum (Angiosperma: Apocynaceae): a reservoir of parasitoids of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in an upland forest in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Sousa Maria do Socorro Miranda , dos Santos Jhulie Emille Veloso , de Toledo José Julio , Nava Dori Edson , Adaime Ricardo
Published: January 2021

This work aimed to assess the potential of Geissospermum argenteum Woodson (Apocynaceae) as a reservoir of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) parasitoids (Hymenoptera) in an upland forest in Brazil.

The study was conducted in a remnant of primary upland forest, in which were distributed 10 plots (0.5 ha each). All individuals of G. argenteum with diameters greater than 5 cm at a height of 1.3 m were inventoried. Two trees per plot were selected to assess the total production of fruit. Collectors were installed under the canopy projection of each tree. The fruits were counted and weighed in the field and were transported to the laboratory, to determine the dry mass. Samples of fruits were collected to investigate their infestation by fruit flies and percentage of parasitism.

A total of 394 specimens of G. argenteum were identified in the 5 ha investigated area, of which only 126 produced fruits during the 12 months of the assessment. Production ranged from 59 to 2478 fruits per plant (0.59 and 19.73 kg of fresh mass, respectively). Fifty‐nine fruit samples were collected from 44 plants, from which 7703 puparia were obtained. Only Anastrepha atrigona Hendel emerged from the puparia. The mean infestation rate was 554.9 puparia/kg of fruit (0.4–1628.6 puparia/kg). Four species of parasitoids were obtained, with mean percentage of parasitism of 2.27% (0.23–9.01%).

Our results show that G. argenteum is a reservoir of fruit fly parasitoids, highlighting the importance of its conservation in native habitats, as well as its multiplication in areas close to commercial orchards.
Large intestine in pheasant (phasianus colchicus) and see‐see partridge (ammoperdix griseogularis). A comparative morphological and histological study
Authors: PourhajiMotab Jalil , Rasouli Babak
Published: January 2021

Anatomical and histological studies of the large intestine in birds are essential for necropsy and histopathological examinations. On the other hand, large intestine plays a critical role in the immune system and absorption. The present study's objective was to provide information about the morphological, morphometric and histological characteristics of the large intestine in see‐see partridges (Ammoperdix griseogularis) and pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). These two members of the Galliformes order are found in large areas of Iran. In this study, ten male see‐see partridges and ten male pheasants were randomly selected. Also, the histological studies were carried out on tissue specimens using haematoxylin for staining. In both species, the cecum was visible as two large tubes at the beginning of the rectum. The cecum and rectum's outer surfaces were flat and had no sacculation in both of the birds. Histologically, intestinal villi in all the large intestine parts and increase their height from the base to the apex is remarkable. The muscularis mucosae was distinct, and lymph nodes and Liberkuhn glands were found in all parts of the large intestine, approximately. It can be concluded that the morphology of the large intestine is very similar to the other avian species, but there are more differences in the histological features. These structural features are in full accordance with the bird's habits and diet.
Characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes of patients requiring aeromedical retrieval for pregnancy, compared to non‐retrieved metropolitan cohorts
Authors: Gardiner Fergus W. , Richardson Alice , Roxburgh Carly , Gillam Marianne , Churilov Leonid , McCuaig Ruth , Carter Sean , Arthur Christopher , Wong Cynthia , Morton Adam , Callaway Leonie , Lust Karin , Davidson Sarah J. , Foxcroft Katie , Oates Kiri , Zhang Lucy , Jayawardane Sahani , Coleman Mathew , Peek Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Limited access to obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) services in rural and remote Australia is believed to contribute to suboptimal birth outcomes.

Aims

To describe the characteristics of pregnancy aeromedical transfers, in‐hospital outcomes, and patient access to O&G services, as compared to whole of Australia data.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cohort study of women who required aeromedical retrieval for pregnancy‐related issues between the 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017.

Results

Hospital outcome data were collected on 2171 (65.2%) mothers and 2438 (100.0%) babies. The leading retrieval reason was threatened preterm labour and delivery (n = 883; 40.7%). Most patients were retrieved from rural and remote areas (n = 2224; 93.0%). Retrieved patients were significantly younger (28.0 vs 30.0 years, 95% CI 27.7–28.3), more likely to be overweight or obese (52.2% vs 45.1%, 95% CI 47.5–56.9) and to have smoked during their pregnancy (14.0% vs 9.9%, 95% CI 12.5–15.5) compared to Australian pregnant women overall. Over one‐third of transferred women gave birth by Caesarean section (n = 812; 37.4%); the median gestational age at birth was 33.0 (95% CI 32.7–33.3) weeks. Early gestation is associated with low birth weights (median = 2579.5 g; 95% CI 2536.1–2622.9), neonatal resuscitation (35.4%, 95% CI 33.5–37.3), and special care nursery admission (41.2%, 95% CI 39.3–43.2). There were 42 (1.7%, 95% CI 1.2–2.2) stillbirths, which was significantly higher than seen Australia‐wide (n = 6441; 0.7%).

Conclusion

This study found that pregnant women retrieved by the Royal Flying Doctor Service were younger, with higher rates of obesity and smoking.
The use of artificial intelligence and robotics in regional anaesthesia
Authors: McKendrick M. , Yang S. , McLeod G. A.
Published: January 2021

The current fourth industrial revolution is a distinct technological era characterised by the blurring of physics, computing and biology. The driver of change is data, powered by artificial intelligence. The UK National Health Service Topol Report embraced this digital revolution and emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence to the health service. Application of artificial intelligence within regional anaesthesia, however, remains limited. An example of the use of a convoluted neural network applied to visual detection of nerves on ultrasound images is described. New technologies that may impact on regional anaesthesia include robotics and artificial sensing. Robotics in anaesthesia falls into three categories. The first, used commonly, is pharmaceutical, typified by target‐controlled anaesthesia using electroencephalography within a feedback loop. Other types include mechanical robots that provide precision and dexterity better than humans, and cognitive robots that act as decision support systems. It is likely that the latter technology will expand considerably over the next decades and provide an autopilot for anaesthesia. Technical robotics will focus on the development of accurate sensors for training that incorporate visual and motion metrics. These will be incorporated into augmented reality and visual reality environments that will provide training at home or the office on life‐like simulators. Real‐time feedback will be offered that stimulates and rewards performance. In discussing the scope, applications, limitations and barriers to adoption of these technologies, we aimed to stimulate discussion towards a framework for the optimal application of current and emerging technologies in regional anaesthesia.
“In Front of the World”: Translating Beatriz Nascimento
Authors: Smith Christen , Davies Archie , Gomes Bethânia
Published: January 2021

This collection translates some of the work of the influential Black Brazilian thinker and activist Beatriz Nascimento (1942–1995) for the first time into English, in collaboration with her only daughter, Bethânia Gomes. Historian, poet, theorist and organiser, Beatriz Nascimento was a key figure in Brazil’s Black Movement until her untimely death in 1995. She dangerously wrote at the height of Brazil’s Military Dictatorship (1964–1985), and theorised extensively on the Black condition in Brazil; the unique experience of Black women; and quilombos—Brazilian maroon societies that she imagined as spaces of both historical and contemporary fugitivity. Following Alex Ratts, this introduction outlines her contribution to radical geography, in particular Black geographies, territoriality and embodiment. It also positions Nascimento within the trans‐Atlantic Black radical tradition. We present two of Nascimento’s essays in translation here. The first, “The Concept of Quilombo and Black Cultural Resistance”, introduces a crucial strand of her scholarly work, on the history and socio‐political significance of quilombos (maroon communities). The second, “For a (New) Existential and Physical Territory”, shows Nascimento in a different mood: philosophical, reflective and iconoclastic. In addition, two of her poems—“Dream” and “Sun and Blue”—are also translated here for the first time.
Time spent outdoors through childhood and adolescence – assessed by 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration – and risk of myopia at 20 years
Authors: Lingham Gareth , Mackey David A. , Zhu Kun , Lucas Robyn M. , Black Lucinda J. , Oddy Wendy H. , Holt Patrick , Walsh John P. , Sanfilippo Paul G. , Chan She Ping‐Delfos Wendy , Yazar Seyhan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between time spent outdoors, at particular ages in childhood and adolescence, and myopia status in young adulthood using serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration as a biomarker of time spent outdoors.

Methods

Participants of the Raine Study Generation 2 cohort had 25(OH)D concentrations measured at the 6‐, 14‐, 17‐ and 20‐year follow‐ups. Participants underwent cycloplegic autorefraction at age 20 years, and myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent −0.50 dioptres or more myopic. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between risk of myopia at age 20 years and age‐specific 25(OH)D concentrations. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to analyse trajectory of 25(OH)D concentrations from 6 to 20 years.

Results

After adjusting for sex, race, parental myopia, body mass index and studying status, myopia at 20 years was associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration at 20 years (per 10 nmol/L decrease, odds ratio (aOR)=1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18) and a low vitamin D status [25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L] at 17 years (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.76) and 20 years (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.56), compared to those without low vitamin D status. There were no associations between 25(OH)D at younger ages and myopia. Individuals who were myopic at 20 years had a 25(OH)D concentration trajectory that declined, relative to non‐myopic peers, with increasing age. Differences in 25(OH)D trajectory between individuals with and without myopia were greater among non‐Caucasians compared to Caucasians.

Conclusions

Myopia in young adulthood was most strongly associated with recent 25(OH)D concentrations, a marker of time spent outdoors.
Nd:YAG capsulotomy is not a risk factor for retinal detachment after phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Authors: Elbaz Uri , Hakkala Laura , Hecht Idan , Achiron Asaf , Gershoni Assaf , Tuuminen Raimo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the cumulative incidence and risk factors of pseudophakic retinal detachment (PRD) following phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Methods

Cataract surgeries performed between the years 2007 and 2016 at the Ophthalmology Unit of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland, were included. The cumulative incidence of PRD was estimated through Kaplan–Meier analysis. Patient mortality was incorporated as one of the censoring events. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate potential risk factors, including age, gender, intraocular lens (IOL) power and previous neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy.

Results

A total of 17 688 eyes of 12 003 patients were included. The mean patient age at surgery was 75.2 ± 9.1 years with 63.5% females (n = 11 228). During the mean follow‐up time of 4.3 ± 2.7 years, 83 laterality‐matched PRDs were registered (incidence 0.11% per year). Univariate analyses showed that age (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.92–0.95), male gender (HR 3.99; 95% CI 2.52–6.33) and IOL power (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.83–0.90) were significantly associated with PRD (p < 0.001 for all) and remained significant in a multivariate analysis. Neither univariate (HR 1.45; 95% CI 0.82–2.54, p = 0.201) nor multivariate (HR 1.03; 95%CI 0.57–1.88, p = 0.919) analyses showed any association between Nd:YAG capsulotomy and PRD.

Conclusions

Male gender, low IOL power and younger age were confirmed as risk factors for PRD after phacoemulsification surgery. Real‐world evidence suggests that Nd:YAG capsulotomy does not increase the risk for PRD.
Role of somatic mutations and chromosomal aberrations in the prognosis of uveal melanoma in a Spanish patient cohort
Authors: Silva‐Rodríguez Paula , Bande Manuel , Fernández‐Díaz Daniel , Lago‐Baameiro Nerea , Pardo María , José Blanco‐Teijeiro María , Domínguez Fernando , Loidi Lourdes , Piñeiro Antonio
Published: January 2021

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM) has a high tendency to cause liver metastases. Metastatic disease is fatal, with a low survival rate. There are two large groups of UMs that, according to their risk of metastatic disease, can be divided into risk subgroups based on histopathological, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics. The presence of somatic mutations in certain genes may explain the origin and prognosis of these tumours.

Methods

Forty‐six UM samples previously classified as high or low metastatic risk according to chromosome 3 copy number status were tested for somatic mutations. A multi‐gene targeting strategy was adopted, and sequencing was performed using AmpliSeq technology.

Results

Mutations were found in all major UM‐related genes.BAP1mutations confer an increased risk of metastases in high‐risk tumours; thus, this gene acts as a strong prognostic predictor in UM. The presence of somatic mutations inLZTS1did not show significant differences in the risk of metastases.

Conclusions

This result supports the idea that exploring mutations and copy number variations in UM provides insights into patient outcomes. Genetic tests allow the determination of accurate personalized molecular profiles with a fundamental prognostic purpose.
Characterization of painted beehive panels: Slovenian unique folk art creativity*
Authors: Retko K. , Legan L. , Kavčič M. , Ropret P.
Published: January 2021

Painted beehive panels are representative examples of folk art specific and unique to Slovenia. Although without precedence in European ethnographic art, not much attention has been given in the past to the artists’ materials involved in the creation of these paintings. This study, which included three different panels (dating from the beginning of the 19th to the second half of the 20th centuries), was focused on material characterization using Raman and Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectroscopy (non‐, minimally invasive and invasive). The analyses showed that many of the examined paint layers were composed of historically commonly available colouring agents, although less traditional ones were also detected on individual panels. Additionally, the research suggests that lipids are the main or even the sole component of the paints’ binder. This evidence corresponds fairly well with written texts of the 20th century.
A grounded theory of type 2 diabetes prevention and risk perception
Authors: Vaja Ishfaq , Umeh Kanayo F. , Abayomi Julie C. , Patel Tasneem , Newson Lisa
Published: January 2021

Objective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention programmes should target high‐risk groups. Previous research has highlighted minimal engagement in such services from South Asian (SA) people. Given SA's elevated risk of T2D, there is a need to understand their perceptions, risks, and beliefs about T2D.

Design

This study aimed to assess T2D risk perception within a community sample of SA people using Grounded Theory methodology. Specifically, health beliefs were assessed, and we explored how these beliefs affected their T2D risk perceptions.

Method

Twenty SA participants (mean age = 38 years) without a diagnosis of T2D were recruited from community and religious settings across the North West of England. In line with grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park: Sage Publications), data collection and analysis coincided.

Results

The superordinate category of Culturally Situated Risk Perception incorporated a complex psychological understanding of the formation of T2D risk perception, which takes into account the social, cultural, and community‐based environmental factors. This superordinate category was explained via two core categories (1) Diminished Responsibility, informed by sub‐categories of Destiny and Heredity, and (2) Influencing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours, informed by sub‐categories of Socio‐cultural and Environmental.

Conclusion

This study investigated risk perception of T2D within the SA community. When considering health prevention in the context of an individual’s culture, we need to consider the social context in which they live. Failure to acknowledge the cultural‐situated T2D risk perception relevant to health promotion and illness messages may account for the issues identified with health care engagement in the SA population.
Progression to prediabetes or diabetes in young Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Choi Young Min , Hwang Kyu Ri , Oh So Hee , Lee Dayong , Chae Soo Jin , Yoon Sang Ho , Kim Jin Ju
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate changes in glycaemic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Patients

Women with PCOS who underwent baseline and follow‐up screening tests for diabetes (n = 262). Four patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at baseline and 6 patients who were taking drugs at the final follow‐up were excluded.

Measurements

Changes in glycaemic classification based on fasting glucose, haemoglobin A1c and oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

The median length of follow‐up was 2.9 years. The mean age and body mass index in the normoglycaemia group (n = 202) were 23.0 years and 21.6 kg/m2, while it was 23.6 years and 22.9 kg/m2 in the prediabetes group (n = 50). In the normoglycaemia group, 38 (18.8%) and 2 (1.0%) developed prediabetes and T2DM, respectively. In the prediabetes group, 22 (44.0%) remained in the same category, 6 (12.0%) developed T2DM, while 22 (44.0%) achieved normoglycaemia. The incidence rate of T2DM was 9.3 per 1,000 person‐years, which was significantly higher than that of the female population of similar age, and the incidence was higher in women with fasting glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/L at baseline than in women with < 5.6 mmol/L.

Conclusions

About 20% of normoglycaemic women had developed prediabetes or T2DM after a median time of 2.9 years. Meanwhile, nearly half of prediabetes women achieved normoglycaemia. Higher baseline fasting glucose levels were associated with an increased incidence of T2DM. Our results are the first to evaluate glycaemic status changes using all three parameters in patients with PCOS.
Associations between number of siblings, birth order, eating rate and adiposity in children and adults
Authors: Potter Christina , Gibson E. Leigh , Ferriday Danielle , Griggs Rebecca L. , Coxon Christle , Crossman Margot , Norbury Ray , Rogers Peter J. , Brunstrom Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2021

Eating quickly is associated with eating larger amounts at mealtimes and faster eaters tend to have a higher BMI. Evidence suggests that sibling structure influences the development of childhood eating behaviours. We hypothesized that number of siblings and birth order might play a role in the development of eating rate. In two UK studies, children in Bristol (n = 132; Study 1) and adults and children in London (adults n = 552, children n = 256; Study 2) reported their eating rate, number of siblings, and birth order. A BMI measurement was obtained and in Study 2 waist circumference was recorded. Ordered logistic regression was used to examine effects of sibling structure on eating rate and linear regression assessed effects of eating rate on BMI. Faster eating was associated with higher BMI and a larger waist, in children and adults (ps < .01). In Study 1, first‐born children were twice as likely to eat faster compared to children who were not first‐born (P < .04). In Study 2, only‐child adults reported eating slower than adults who were not first‐born (P < .003). Additionally, higher number of siblings was associated with faster eating rate in children from Bristol (P < .05), but not in children from London. London adults without siblings ate slower than those with two or more (P = .01), but having one sibling was associated with eating faster than having two or more (P = .01). These findings reveal how birth order and number of siblings might influence eating rate. Exploring these relationships through direct observation would be beneficial in future studies.
Optimizing discharge decision‐making in colorectal surgery: a prospective cohort study of discharge practices in a recently implemented enhanced recovery pathway
Authors: Caminsky Natasha G. , Hamad Doulia , He Billy Haitian , Zhao Kaiqiong , Al Mahroos Mohammed , Feldman Liane S. , Lee Lawrence , Boutros Marylise , Fiore Julio F.
Published: January 2021

Aim

The objectives of this project were (1) to compare time to readiness for discharge by set criteria and actual length of stay (LOS) in a newly implemented colorectal enhanced recovery pathway and (2) to identify reasons for delayed hospital discharge.

Method

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 73 adult patients (age 67 ± 14 years, 56% men, 51% laparoscopic, 13% stoma creation) undergoing elective colorectal surgery in a university hospital with a recently implemented recovery pathway (<2 years). Time to readiness for discharge (oral intake, flatus, pain control, ability to walk, and no complications) was compared to actual LOS using a correlation‐adjusted log‐rank test. The treating team was interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to identify reasons for patients remaining in hospital after discharge criteria (DC) were achieved.

Results

Median LOS was 6 (4–8) days and median time to readiness for discharge was 5 (3–8) days (P < 0.001). Twenty‐eight patients (37%) remained in hospital after DC were achieved. Although some delayed discharges were medically justified (e.g., workup [13%] or treatment of complications not captured by DC [2.6%]), unnecessary hospital stays were common (e.g., perceived need for observation [16%], or patients not willing to be discharged [11%]).

Conclusions

Unnecessary hospital stays were common within a recently implemented enhanced recovery pathway and represent a target for quality improvement. Efforts should be directed at optimizing patient education regarding discharge expectations, early consultation of the discharge planning team and improving discharge decision‐making using standardized DC.
The relationships between serum heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein and right ventricular echocardiographic indices in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Avesta Leili , Aslani Mohammad Reza , Parham Parastoo , Sadeghieh‐Ahari Saeid , Ghobadi Hassan
Published: January 2021

Background

Heart‐type Fatty Acid‐Binding Protein (H‐FABP) has been used in the diagnosis of myocardial damage. In this study, we assessed the relationships between serum H‐FABP as a marker of cardiac injury and right ventricle (RV) echocardiographic indices in patients with stable COPD.

Materials and methods

In this case‐control study, 84 participants were investigated (50 COPD patients and 34 healthy subjects). After obtaining consent, 3 mL of fasting whole blood sample was collected from each of the participants to test their serum H‐FABP. Echocardiography was performed on all participants by cardiologists.

Results

Serum H‐FABP was found to be significantly correlated with smoking history (P < 0.01), Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure (S‐PAP), RV Wall Thickness (RV‐WT), and Tricuspid annulus posts systolic excursion (TAPSE) (P < 0.01 for all). RV Basal Diameter (RV‐BD), RV Mid Diameter (RV‐MD), and Fractional area change percentage (FAC%) were not observed to have any correlation with serum H‐FABP. Also, the comparative analysis showed statistically significant differences between mean RV‐MD (P < 0.001), RV‐BD, FAC%, S‐PAP, RV‐WT (P < 0.001), and TAPSE (P < 0.05) of patients at different GOLD stages. There was a significant correlation between the adjusted serum level of H‐FABP and the airflow limitation based on FEV1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The correlation between serum H‐FABP and RV echocardiographic indices such as S‐PAP, RV‐WT, and TAPSE, can be related to RV function in COPD patients. Moreover, RV echocardiographic indices are significantly correlated with the severity of COPD as classified in various GOLD stages.
Postfledging dispersal of red‐fronted parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) from a fenced mainland sanctuary
Authors: Irwin Ellen T. , Kikillus K. Heidy , Gray Richard S. , Empson Raewyn A. , Nelson Nicola J.
Published: January 2021

Translocations are an important tool for conserving species at risk of extinction from a range of threats. However, an understanding of the life history of many threatened species prior to translocation is often lacking despite being critical for translocation success. For example, dispersal away from the release site in the years following a translocation—particularly when a protected release site is surrounded by unmanaged habitat—can result in failure to establish a self‐sustaining population; successful translocation practice must therefore include an understanding of a species' dispersal patterns. We examined the postfledging dispersal of 22 juveniles reared from a population of red‐fronted parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae), or kākāriki, translocated to a mainland sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand, 6 years prior. The translocation was one of the first of this species to mainland New Zealand and presented several unknowns, in particular whether a population would establish in a sanctuary bordered both by contiguous forest as well as suburban areas. Juvenile kākāriki were radio‐tracked and their location recorded once a day, 5 days per week, for 6 months or until the transmitter battery was exhausted. Approximately one‐third of radio‐tracked juveniles that dispersed outside the sanctuary were killed by predators. Kākāriki postfledging dispersal beyond the sanctuary was male‐biased, possibly driven by inbreeding avoidance, and distance dispersed decreased with increasing body condition. As species are increasingly being translocated back to mainland New Zealand, information gained in this study helps to fill a fundamental knowledge gap regarding dispersal behavior in a mainland context.
Serum procalcitonin as a biomarker for differentiating between infectious and non‐infectious fever after pancreas transplantation
Authors: Shim Ye Eun , Shin Sung , Ko Youngmin , Kim Dong Hyun , Lim Seong Jun , Jung Joo Hee , Kwon Hyunwook , Kim Young Hoon , Kim Sung‐Han , Lee Sang‐Oh , Han Duck Jong
Published: January 2021

Laboratory biomarkers that can differentiate non‐infectious fever from infectious fever after pancreas transplantation have yet to be discovered. Non‐infectious fever was defined as the presence of fever (>38.3°C) in the absence of a documented clinical diagnosis of infection or a positive culture. Among 184 consecutive recipients, a total of 91 recipients developed fever within 1‐month post‐transplant, of whom 46 had infectious fever and 45 had non‐infectious fever at our center between August 2014 and July 2019. The onset of fever was earlier in the non‐infectious fever group (14.4 ± 3.7 post‐transplant days) compared with the infectious fever group (16.5 ± 5.8 post‐transplant days; p = .033). Multivariate analysis showed that serum procalcitonin at the peak of fever could significantly differentiate infectious fever from non‐infectious fever (OR 53.378, 95% CI: 6.819‐417.802, p < .001). The area under the curve for differentiating between the two groups was 0.853 (95% CI, 0.780‐0.926) for procalcitonin and 0.667 (95% CI, 0.549‐0.785) for CRP. The best cutoff values of serum procalcitonin and CRP were 0.405 ng/ml (sensitivity, 77.1%; specificity, 80.8%) and 7.355 mg/dl (sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 67.3%), respectively. Serum procalcitonin may be useful for differentiating non‐infectious fever from infectious fever after pancreas transplantation.
Using administrative health data to estimate prevalence and mortality rates of alcohol and other substance‐related disorders for surveillance purposes
Authors: Huỳnh Christophe , Kisely Steve , Rochette Louis , Pelletier Éric , Jutras‐Aswad Didier , Larocque Alexandre , Fleury Marie‐Josée , Lesage Alain
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Administrative health databases (AHD) are critical to guide health service management and can inform the whole spectrum of substance‐related disorders (SRD). This study estimates prevalence and mortality rates of SRD in administrative health databases.

Methods

The Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System consists of linked AHD. Analyses were performed on data of all Quebec residents aged 12 and over and eligible for health‐care coverage using the International Classification of Diseases (ninth or tenth revision) for case identification. Mortality rate ratios stratified by causes of death were obtained to calculate an excess of mortality.

Results

Since 2001–2002, the annual age‐adjusted prevalence rate of diagnosed overall SRD remained stable (8.6 per 1000 in 2017–2018). In any given year, the annual prevalence rate was significantly higher in males; adolescents had the lowest rate, while adults 65 years and older the highest. The annual 2017–2018 rate was 2.1 per 1000 for alcohol‐induced disorder, 1.9 for other drug‐induced disorder, 0.7 for alcohol intoxication and 0.6 for other drug intoxications. Cumulative rate of any diagnosis related to alcohol was 32 per 1000 females and 53 per 1000 males (2001–2018), and 33 per 1000 females and 49 per 1000 males for any diagnosis related to other drugs. There was an excess of all‐cause mortality among individuals with SRD compared to the general population.

Discussion and Conclusions

AHD can complement epidemiological surveys in monitoring SRD jurisdiction‐wide. Surveillance of services utilisation and interventions, coupled with health outcomes like mortality, could be useful in guiding health services planning.
When leadership traits meet historic success: Hassan Rouhani and the nuclear deal of 2015
Authors: Dinler Müberra , Balcı Ali
Published: January 2021

This study aims to show how dispositional characters of political leaders are affected by situational developments during the time‐in‐office. Although newly emerging literature of leadership traits demonstrate that significant events alter leaders’ traits, they mainly focus on the measurement of shocking events on dispositional features, leaving the effect of achievements underexplored. The Iranian nuclear deal of 2015 is one of the most significant successes in the last decade of world politics. Gambling his political career on nuclear talks by promising the Iranian people to solve Iran's decades‐long isolation, President Hassan Rouhani played a momentous role in negotiating the deal. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was globally recognized as a success of Rouhani's leadership. Using the Leadership Trait Analysis (LTA), this article will show the role of Rouhani's personality in the realization of the historic nuclear deal and measure the effect of such a success on Rouhani's leadership traits.
Epidemiology of maxillofacial soft tissue injuries in an oral emergency department in Beijing: A two‐year retrospective study
Authors: Guo Hua‐Qiu , Yang Xue , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Li Shuo , Ji Ai‐Ping , Bai Jie
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

Maxillofacial soft tissue injuries (STIs) may differ in epidemiological characteristics from other maxillofacial injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of maxillofacial STIs in a public oral emergency department in Beijing, China, from 2017 to 2018.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, 5949 patients with maxillofacial STIs and complete medical records were evaluated. Gender, age, etiology, visit date and time, interval between accident and treatment, anatomic injury site, treatment modality, and the number of associated maxillofacial bone fractures or tooth injuries were analyzed.

Result

There were 3831 males and 2118 females (ratio 1.81:1). Patients younger than 10 years were the most frequently seen group (44.2%). Among adults, 20‐ to 29‐years‐old (16.2%) was the most prominent age group. The month of May (11.8%) had the highest incidence of maxillofacial STIs, and February (4.5%) had the lowest incidence. The average number of daily visits was significantly higher on holidays than on workdays. Of the 5949 patients, 45.9% attended at night, 2021 patients had dental trauma, and 31 had jaw fractures. The lips were the most common site of STIs, followed by the chin and gingiva. Lip and gingival STIs were more common in the 0‐ to 10‐years‐old group. Chin STIs were more common in the 20‐ to 39‐years‐old group. A fall was the leading cause of injury, especially in patients younger than 10 years and older than 70 years. Approximately 56.7% of the falls resulted in injuries to the lower one‐third of the face. Sports injuries were more common among 10‐ to 29‐years‐old individuals.

Conclusion

STIs of the maxillofacial region were most likely to occur at night, in May and during holidays. Males, children younger than 10 years and 20‐ to 29‐years‐old adults were high‐risk populations. Most maxillofacial STIs involved the lips, and one‐third of the patients had dental trauma.
A 3‐Year retrospective study of traumatic dental Injuries to the primary dentition
Authors: Özgür Beste , Ünverdi Gizem Erbaş , Güngör Hamdi Cem , McTigue Dennis J. , Casamassimo Paul S.
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in the primary dentition are a significant public health problem, which has been neglected worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, limited studies address this injury. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and treatment modalities of TDIs affecting primary teeth, along with accompanying medical co‐morbidities and attendance at follow‐up appointments.

Material and Methods

This retrospective analysis included all TDIs affecting primary teeth from January 2014 to January 2017. Data abstraction included demographics, time lapse prior to arrival at hospital, trauma etiology, classification of TDIs, soft tissue and supporting bone injuries, medical co‐morbidities, emergency treatment, follow‐up appointments and prognosis.

Results

Records of 283 children with 536 traumatized primary teeth were reviewed. The median age was 2 years and the maxillary right central incisor (35.1%) was the most frequently injured tooth. Almost half the patients, 46.3%, sought treatment after 24 h. Periodontal tissue injuries (97.2%) predominated TDIs for which fall accidents (82.0%) were the most encountered cause. Most patients (177/283) had accompanying soft tissue/supporting bone injuries and 67.2% had multiple traumatized teeth. Seventy percent of the patients were examined only or were prescribed medication. Survival time following TDIs was unknown in 67.7% of traumatized teeth due to non‐attendance at follow‐up appointments. Most patients (55.1%) did not attend the follow‐up appointments.

Conclusions

TDIs occurred in the primary dentition with the predominance of periodontal tissue injuries. When TDI was the presenting problem to hospital, accompanying systemic injury was rare. Treatment modalities were mostly limited to examination or extraction. The follow‐up appointments were poorly attended.
Looking within: Interoceptive sensibility in young adults with psychotic‐like experiences
Authors: Barbato Mariapaola , Arora Teresa , Al Hemeiri Shaikha , AlJassmi Maryam A.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Interoception is the ability to sense internal bodily changes and research indicates that it may play a role in the development of mental illness. In recent years, preliminary evidence has shown that interoception is impaired in people with psychosis. Interoceptive sensibility, a meta‐cognitive aspect of interoception, has never been studied across the psychosis continuum. The present study aimed at assessing interoceptive sensibility in youth with psychotic‐like experiences.

Method

We invited a sample of young adults (N = 609; age 19–21 years) to complete an online survey that included a measure of interoceptive sensibility (the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness‐2) and the Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences‐Positive Scale −15 (CAPE‐P15). Using the recommended cutoff for the CAPE‐P15, the overall sample was divided into two groups (high/low risk for psychosis).

Results

Significant group differences were observed in several dimensions of interoceptive sensibility. A logistic regression analysis indicated that scores in the subscales of Not‐Distracting, Not‐Worrying, Attention‐Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Body Listening, and Trusting significantly predicted increased risk for psychosis.

Conclusion

Abnormal interoceptive sensibility may be a vulnerability marker for psychosis. These results, however, await further validation from additional comprehensive, longitudinal studies. Enhanced interoceptive sensibility has been reported following contemplative training, thus creating opportunities for future interventions to delay or prevent psychotic illness.
Fire frequency, state change and hysteresis in tallgrass prairie
Authors: Collins Scott L. , Nippert Jesse B. , Blair John M. , Briggs John M. , Blackmore Pamela , Ratajczak Zak
Published: January 2021

Hysteresis is a fundamental characteristic of alternative stable state theory, yet evidence of hysteresis is rare. In mesic grasslands, fire frequency regulates transition from grass‐ to shrub‐dominated system states. It is uncertain, however, if increasing fire frequency can reverse shrub expansion, or if grass‐shrub dynamics exhibit hysteresis. We implemented annual burning in two infrequently burned grasslands and ceased burning in two grasslands burned annually. With annual fires, grassland composition converged on that of long‐term annually burned vegetation due to rapid recovery of grass cover, although shrubs persisted. When annual burning ceased, shrub cover increased, but community composition did not converge with a long‐term infrequently burned reference site because of stochastic and lagged dispersal by shrubs, reflecting hysteresis. Our results demonstrated that annual burning can slow, but not reverse, shrub encroachment. In addition, reversing fire frequencies resulted in hysteresis because vegetation trajectories from grassland to shrubland differed from those of shrubland to grassland.
Systemic detectability of dexamethasone and prednisolone after eye drop application in horses
Authors: Stucki Michael , Voegel Clarissa D. , Binz Tina M. , Kraemer Thomas , Lavaud Arnold , Voelter Katrin
Published: January 2021

Background

Equine sport agencies list steroids as prohibited substances for competing horses.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate if the controlled substances dexamethasone and prednisolone are detectable in equine serum and urine samples during and after treatment with eye drops and if this can generate a positive doping test.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study cohort included 11 horses. One eye of the horses was treated with either dexamethasone (Maxitrol®0.1%, n = 5 eyes) or prednisolone (Pred forte®1%, n = 6 eyes) eye drops 3 times daily for 14 days. Dexamethasone and prednisolone concentrations were determined in serum and urine at day 0 (negative control), 1, 7, 14, 15, 17 and 21 using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Blood samples were collected within 2 hours post application. Urine samples were collected during spontaneous urination.

Results

All serum samples (range: 0.7‐43 ng/mL, mean 2.1 ng/mL) and urine samples (range 1.2‐5 ng/mL, mean 0.8 ng/mL) showed measurable amounts of dexamethasone during the course of treatment. Concentrations in both serum and urine samples were below limit of detection (LOD) 24 hours after the last dexamethasone treatment (day 15). All serum samples (range 1.1‐32.5 ng/mL, mean 6.4 ng/mL) and urine samples (range 3.7‐19 ng/mL, mean 4.6 ng/mL) were positive for prednisolone during treatment. Urine samples were below LOD on day 15; serum samples on day 21.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone and prednisolone eye drops can induce detectable drug levels in serum and urine samples of horses after a 14‐day treatment plan. This can lead to a positive doping result. All samples tested negative (below LOD of the analytical method) for dexamethasone one day and for prednisolone one week after treatment cessation.
Plasma lipidome of healthy and Rhodococcus equi‐infected foals over time
Authors: Sanclemente Jorge L. , Rivera‐Velez Sol Maiam , Dasgupta Nairanjana , Horohov David W. , Wood Paul L. , Sanz Macarena G.
Published: January 2021

Background

Many foals that develop thoracic ultrasonographic lesions as a result of Rhodococcus equi infection heal on their own. However, most of these foals receive antimicrobials because foals at risk of developing clinical pneumonia cannot be identified. Untargeted lipidomics is useful to identify candidate biomarkers.

Objectives

(a) To describe the changes that occur in foal lipidomics as a result of ageing (birth to 8 weeks) and (b) To compare these results with those observed in foals after experimental infection with R. equi.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Healthy newborn foals (n = 9) were challenged with R. equi intratracheally the first week of life. Foals were treated with antimicrobials if they developed clinical pneumonia (n = 4, “clinical group”) or were closely monitored if they showed no signs of disease (n = 5 “subclinical group”). An unchallenged group (n = 4) was also included. All foals were free of disease (transtracheal wash fluid evaluation and culture as well as thoracic ultrasonography) by 8 weeks of life. Plasma lipidomics was determined by LC‐MS weekly for the study duration (8 weeks).

Results

Both ageing and experimental infection altered the foal's plasma lipidome as demonstrated by multivariate statistical analysis. The intensities of 31 lipids were altered by ageing and 12 by infection (P < .05). Furthermore, nine lipids changed by more than twofold between clinical and subclinical groups.

Main limitations

The number of foals is limited. Foals were experimentally challenged with R. equi.

Conclusions

Ageing and R. equi infection induced changes in the plasma lipidome of foals. These experimental results provide the background for future work in the discovery of earlier biomarkers of R. equi pneumonia. Early identification of foals at risk of developing clinical pneumonia is key in order to decrease antimicrobial use and development of antimicrobial resistance.
Classification of cardiac disorders using 1D local ternary patterns based on pulse plethysmograph signals
Authors: Aziz Sumair , Awais Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Umar , Iqtidar Khushbakht , Qamar Usman
Published: January 2021

Heart diseases are a major cause of human casualties each year. An accurate and efficient diagnosis is essential to minimize their risk. This paper presents a system for the classification of multiple cardiac disorders based on pulse plethysmographic (PuPG) signal analysis. In particular, the work focuses on the detection and classification of ischemic and rheumatic heart diseases using proposed 1D local ternary patterns of PuPG signals. The proposed methodology is applied on a self‐collected dataset consisting of 250 PuPG signals from 50 normal/healthy subjects, 140 signals from 28 ischemic patients, and 180 signals from 36 rheumatic patients. The effectiveness of proposed feature descriptors to precisely represent different classes of data is verified by several classifiers namely K‐nearest neighbours (KNN), support vector machines (SVM), and decision tree (DT) with 10‐fold cross‐validation. The proposed methodology achieves the best detection performance with 99% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 98% specificity using an SVM classifier with cubic kernel. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed method is more accurate and reliable as compared to several existing works on cardiac disorders classification.