bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Children's visual impairment and visual care related to socioeconomic status in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Vila‐Vidal Núria , Guisasola Laura , Rius Anna , Alonso Jordi , Tresserras Ricard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of visual impairment and visual care practices and its association with socioeconomic conditions in the infant population in Catalonia.MethodsThe Catalan Institute of Statistics provided a random sample of 0 to 14‐year‐old non‐institutionalized children whose parents were interviewed in a continuous health survey from 2011 to 2015 in Catalonia. A multistage stratified and random sampling procedure considering age, sex, county and town was followed.All results have been weighted according to the sample design and are presented as the proportion of the condition with its 95% confidence limits. Chi‐square tests were performed to evaluate the association between categorical variables. To study the association of visual care with independent variables, a multiple logistic regression model was used.ResultsIn 0 to 14‐year‐old children, a 12.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] [11.8–13.9]) prevalence of correctable visual impairment was observed. The prevalence of non‐correctable visual impairment was 0.9% (95% CI [0.6–1.2]). Non‐correctable visual impairment was more prevalent in families with lower education levels, manual professions or unemployed.Of children without visual impairment, 13,5% (95% CI:12.3–14.6) visited a visual care professional in the last 12 months while this proportion was 67.4% (95% CI [63.3–71.5]) among those with correctable visual impairment. When parents have a university degree or non‐manual professions, a higher level of visual care was observed. In children with correctable visual impairment, visual reviews were more frequent when parents are employed in a non‐manual profession.ConclusionsFor the first time, indicators related to visual impairment in children in Catalonia have been recorded. There is an association between lower socioeconomic status and having non‐correctable visual impairment, and conversely, having correctable visual impairment was significantly associated with employed parents. More visual care is associated with higher socioeconomic status.
Sex‐specific associations of asthma acquisition with changes in DNA methylation during adolescence
Authors: Patel Rutu , Solatikia Farnaz , Zhang Hongmei , Wolde Alemayehu , Kadalayil Latha , Karmaus Wilfried , Ewart Susan , Arathimos Ryan , Relton Caroline , Ring Susan , Henderson Alexander John , Arshad Syed Hasan , Holloway John W. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryBackgroundUnderlying biological mechanisms involved in sex differences in asthma status changes from pre‐ to post‐adolescence are unclear. DNA methylation (DNAm) has been shown to be associated with the risk of asthma.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that asthma acquisition from pre‐ to post‐adolescence was associated with changes in DNAm during this period at asthma‐associated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) sites and such an association was sex‐specific.MethodsSubjects from the Isle of Wight birth cohort (IOWBC) with DNAm in blood at ages 10 and 18 years (n = 124 females, 151 males) were studied. Using a training‐testing approach, epigenome‐wide CpGs associated with asthma were identified. Logistic regression was used to examine sex‐specific associations of DNAm changes with asthma acquisition between ages 10 and 18 at asthma‐associated CpGs. The ALSPAC birth cohort was used for independent replication. To assess functional relevance of identified CpGs, association of DNAm with gene expression in blood was assessed.ResultsWe identified 535 CpGs potentially associated with asthma. Significant interaction effects of DNAm changes and sex on asthma acquisition in adolescence were found at 13 of the 535 CpGs in IOWBC (P‐values <1.0 × 10−3). In the replication cohort, consistent interaction effects were observed at 10 of the 13 CpGs. At 7 of these 10 CpGs, opposite DNAm changes across adolescence were observed between sexes in both cohorts. In both cohorts, cg20891917, located on IFRD1 linked to asthma, shows strong sex‐specific effects on asthma transition (P‐values <.01 in both cohorts).Conclusion and clinical relevanceGender reversal in asthma acquisition is associated with opposite changes in DNAm (males vs females) from pre‐ to post‐adolescence at asthma‐associated CpGs. These CpGs are potential biomarkers of sex‐specific asthma acquisition in adolescence.
Utilization of intensive behavioural treatment for obesity in patients with diabetes
Authors: Kraschnewski Jennifer , Yeh Hsin‐Chieh , Francis Erica , Kong Lan , Lehman Erik , Rovito Stephanie , Poger Jennifer , Bryce Cindy 
Published: November 2020

SummaryObesity is a leading public health concern. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented a healthcare procedure code for intensive behavioural therapy (IBT) in 2012 to facilitate payment for addressing obesity in primary care settings, followed by universal coverage by insurers for all adults. Our objective was to understand utilization of IBT from 2009 to 2017 in patients with a diabetes diagnosis. Leveraging electronic health record data from the PaTH Clinical Data Research Network (CDRN), a partnership of six health systems, utilization of IBT was summarized at a yearly basis. The trend of IBT prevalence was examined for patients with diabetes by gender, race, age (>=65 vs <65) and rurality. A total of 205, 913 patients were included. While utilization of IBT is low (0.24% in 2017), use of IBT increased among patients with commercial insurance and Medicaid (codes S9449 and S9470) in 2011, and among patients with Medicare (code G0447) in 2012. IBT users tended to be less than 65 years of age, female, non‐White (Black or Hispanic), and reside in urban areas. Overall, use of IBT in patients with diabetes remains low. Future work is necessary to understand the impact of IBT and, if effective, how to increase use within primary care.
Value of photo assessment in late patch test readings—A multicenter study from six European patch test clinics
Authors: Yüksel Yasemin T. , Sedeh Farnam B. , Brans Richard , Svedman Cecilia , Paulsen Evy , Gimenéz‐Arnau Ana , Foti Caterina , Agner Tove ,   The EECDRG
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is recommended that patch test readings include a day (D)7 reading. Substitution of the D7 reading with a photo may be a valid option.ObjectivesTo compare the sensitivity of digital photos at D7 to clinical readings, to assess the number of positive reactions appearing at D7 only (late reactions), and after D7 only (delayed reactions).MethodsPatients patch tested in six European clinics were instructed to forward photos of the patch test reactions to the respective clinics at D7 (before attending the clinic) and at D21. Only allergens in the baseline series or TRUE Test were included in the data analysis.ResultsTwo hundred ninety‐three of 629 patients had a total of 599 positive reactions, with 6.3% occurring at D7 only. When substituting the D7 reading with a photo (90% submitted), 26.3% of late reactions were missed and nine false‐positive reactions were found. Delayed reactions were detected in four patients at D21 (65.3% submitted).ConclusionOur data show that if the D7 reading is not performed, 6.3% of positive reactions from the baseline series would be missed, and if substituting the D7 reading by digital photo, 26.3% late reactions would be missed. Delayed reactions seemed rare.
949. ALOE HOROMBENSIS
Authors: Rakotoarisoa Solofo E. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe type variety of Aloe horombensis J.‐P. Castillon (Asphodelaceae) is poorly known. It is represented from a few specimens collected more than 80 years ago. Despite its attractive pink flowers, it is not common in cultivation which may be due to its rarity. It is described and illustrated here, with information about its habitat, phenology, cultivation and finally conservation status. An overview of genus Aloe and its position in the family the family Asphodelaceae are given.
959. BREXIA MADAGASCARIENSIS
Authors: Corcoran Marcella , Dequiret Solène , Pickering Thomas E.M. , Cable Stuart 
Published: November 2020

SummaryBrexia madagascariensis (Lam.) Ker Gawl is native in East Madagascar. There are at least 25 known subpopulations growing mostly in humid forest (IUCN 2020), particularly in remnant patches of coastal forest. It was listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red Lists in 2007; however, continuing pressure on forests and potential taxonomic changes may require this to be reviewed. Madagascar has very high deforestation rates, primarily caused by logging and widespread shifting cultivation. Germination and cultivation for in‐situ and ex‐situ conservation are easily achievable and this small tree is ideal for education and display in botanic gardens. The leaves of juvenile plants are long and spiny, while the adult leaves tend to be more rounded and lack the spines.
Variability of isotopic partitioning between sympatric brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) in the Loue River (France)
Authors: Frossard Victor , Vagnon Chloé , Rossignon Christian , Caudron Arnaud 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTrophic partitioning, defining how individuals or populations differ in their resource use, is expected to promote coexistence of sympatric species by reducing resource overlap. We used stable isotope measurements (δ13C and δ15N) to address niche characteristics (δ13C and δ15N ranges, isotope convex hull and standard ellipse areas, mean nearest neighbour distances and trophic positions) and trophic partitioning of sympatric brown trout (Salmo trutta,n = 110) and European grayling (Thymallus thymallus,n = 63) in two sampling locations of a French river. Aquatic resources predominantly fuelled both species, yet both terrestrial resources (TER) and trophic positions (TP) were higher for trout (~36 ± 13% TER, 3.6 ± 0.7 TP) than grayling (~26 ± 9% TER, 2.7 ± 0.6 TP) supporting difference in their trophic niches. Isotope analyses showed that trout had a larger isotope niche than grayling suggesting more opportunistic trophic behaviour. Their isotopic overlapping was higher at the upstream site (isotopic nestedness = 0.8 ± 0.1) than that at the downstream site (isotopic nestedness = 0.4 ± 0.2). Euclidian distances of stable isotopes and TP for the two species increased with salmonid size, while aquatic resource use decreased with salmonid size. These results demonstrate an increase in isotopic niche partitioning and change in trophic attributes with ontogeny. Our study showed that despite relying on similar resources, these two sympatric salmonids exhibited clear trophic differences that were amplified with ontogeny. The consideration of fish ontogenetic dietary shift would hence be a determinant driver of the trophic niche partitioning for these sympatric salmonids.
A study of the phenotypic variability and disease progression in Laing myopathy through the evaluation of muscle imaging
Authors: Muelas Nuria , Frasquet Marina , Más‐Estellés Fernando , Martí Pilar , Martínez‐Vicente Laura , Sevilla Teresa , Azorín Inmaculada , Poyatos‐García Javier , Argente‐Escrig Herminia , Vílchez Roger , Vázquez‐Costa Juan F. , Bataller Luis , Vilchez Juan J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLaing myopathy is characterized by broad clinical and pathological variability. They are limited in number and protocol of study. We aimed to delineate muscle imaging profiles and validate imaging analysis as an outcome measure.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohort study. Data from clinical, functional and semi‐quantitative muscle imaging (60 magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and six computed tomography scans) were studied. Hierarchical analysis, graphic heatmap representation and correlation between imaging and clinical data using Bayesian statistics were carried out.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 42 patients from 13 families harbouring five MYH7 mutations. The cohort had a wide range of ages, age at onset, disease duration, and myopathy extension and Gardner‐Medwin and Walton (GMW) functional scores. Intramuscular fat was evident in all but two asymptomatic/pauci‐symptomatic patients. Anterior leg compartment muscles were the only affected muscles in 12% of the patients. Widespread extension to the thigh, hip, paravertebral and calf muscles and, less frequently, the scapulohumeral muscles was commonly observed, depicting distinct patterns and rates of progression. Foot muscles were involved in 40% of patients, evolving in parallel to other regions with absence of a disto‐proximal gradient. Whole cumulative imaging score, ranging from 0 to 2.9 out of 4, was associated with disease duration and with myopathy extension and GMW scales. Follow‐up MRI studies in 24 patients showed significant score progression at a variable rate.ConclusionsWe confirmed that the anterior leg compartment is systematically affected in Laing myopathy and may represent the only manifestation of this disorder. However, widespread muscle involvement in preferential but variable and not distance‐dependent patterns was frequently observed. Imaging score analysis is useful to categorize patients and to follow disease progression over time.
Short‐term responses of freshwater mussels to floods in a southwestern U.S.A. river estimated using mark–recapture sampling
Authors: Sotola V. Alex , Sullivan Kyle T. , Littrell Brad M. , Martin Noland H. , Stich Daniel S. , Bonner Timothy H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Floods can directly affect riverine organisms by displacing them, and population‐level responses to floods can vary depending on flood magnitude and organism mobility. Benthic organisms can resist displacement until substrates become unstable, whereas mobile organisms are generally more resilient. Freshwater mussels are benthic organisms with low mobility, and there is limited research on their population‐level responses to floods. This study provides novel insights to population‐level responses of mussels to large floods (>500 m3/s).

Population dynamics (i.e. abundance, survival, and site fidelity) and sampling efficiency (i.e. detection probability) were estimated in a robust design framework for four freshwater mussel species (Cyclonaias petrina, Cyclonaias pustulosa, Amblema plicata, and Tritogonia verrucosa) from 2017 to 2019 at two sites (upper and lower sites) within riffle habitats in the Colorado River, Texas, U.S.A. Individuals of each species were affixed with shellfish tags, with C. petrina and C. pustulosa individuals also being affixed with passive integrated transponder tags. Changes in population dynamics related to the flood event at each site were directly tested. During sampling, a major flood occurred at each of the two study sites; the floods differed in magnitude but were in the 99th percentile of historical flows at their respective gages.

There were site‐ and species‐specific differences in estimated abundances, survival, and site fidelity during periods with the floods. Estimated abundances of C. petrina, C. pustulosa, and T. verrucosa were reduced 40–78% by the lesser flood magnitude (1,283 m3/s) at the upper site. Estimated abundances of C. petrina, C. pustulosa, and A. plicata were reduced 93–95% by the greater flood magnitude (4,332 m3/s) at the lower site. There was a reduction in survival of C. petrina at the upper site, while initially high survival at the lower site was reduced during the interval with the flood for all species. Finally, there was a reduction in site fidelity of C. pustulosa at the lower site.

Floods reduced the abundance of all species within riffle habitats at the two sites. Large floods, therefore, affect population dynamics of mussels, but the fate of the displaced mussels is unknown, and with limited inference, reach‐scale effects are unknown. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge about responses of aquatic organisms to large floods, although quantification of recolonisation and fate of displaced mussels are needed to fully understand long‐term effects of large floods on mussel communities.
Whole exome sequencing identifies the potential for genetic rescue in iconic and critically endangered Panamanian harlequin frogs
Authors: Byrne Allison Q. , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L. , Voyles Jamie , Bi Ke , Ibáñez Roberto , Rosenblum Erica Bree 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAvoiding extinction in a rapidly changing environment often relies on a species’ ability to quickly adapt in the face of extreme selective pressures. In Panamá, two closely related harlequin frog species (Atelopus varius and Atelopus zeteki) are threatened with extinction due to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Once thought to be nearly extirpated from Panamá, A. varius have recently been rediscovered in multiple localities across their historical range; however, A. zeteki are possibly extinct in the wild. By leveraging a unique collection of 186 Atelopus tissue samples collected before and after the Bd outbreak in Panama, we describe the genetics of persistence for these species on the brink of extinction. We sequenced the transcriptome and developed an exome‐capture assay to sequence the coding regions of the Atelopus genome. Using these genetic data, we evaluate the population genetic structure of historical A. varius and A. zeteki populations, describe changes in genetic diversity over time, assess the relationship between contemporary and historical individuals, and test the hypothesis that some A. varius populations have rapidly evolved to resist or tolerate Bd infection. We found a significant decrease in genetic diversity in contemporary (compared to historical) A. varius populations. We did not find strong evidence of directional allele frequency change or selection for Bd resistance genes, but we uncovered a set of candidate genes that warrant further study. Additionally, we found preliminary evidence of recent migration and gene flow in one of the largest persisting A. varius populations in Panamá, suggesting the potential for genetic rescue in this system. Finally, we propose that previous conservation units should be modified, as clear genetic breaks do not exist beyond the local population level. Our data lay the groundwork for genetically informed conservation and advance our understanding of how imperiled species might be rescued from extinction.
Impact of prior and projected climate change on US Lyme disease incidence
Authors: Couper Lisa I. , MacDonald Andrew J. , Mordecai Erin A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLyme disease is the most common vector‐borne disease in temperate zones and a growing public health threat in the United States (US). The life cycles of the tick vectors and spirochete pathogen are highly sensitive to climate, but determining the impact of climate change on Lyme disease burden has been challenging due to the complex ecology of the disease and the presence of multiple, interacting drivers of transmission. Here we incorporated 18 years of annual, county‐level Lyme disease case data in a panel data statistical model to investigate prior effects of climate variation on disease incidence while controlling for other putative drivers. We then used these climate–disease relationships to project Lyme disease cases using CMIP5 global climate models and two potential climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We find that interannual variation in Lyme disease incidence is associated with climate variation in all US regions encompassing the range of the primary vector species. In all regions, the climate predictors explained less of the variation in Lyme disease incidence than unobserved county‐level heterogeneity, but the strongest climate–disease association detected was between warming annual temperatures and increasing incidence in the Northeast. Lyme disease projections indicate that cases in the Northeast will increase significantly by 2050 (23,619 ± 21,607 additional cases), but only under RCP8.5, and with large uncertainty around this projected increase. Significant case changes are not projected for any other region under either climate scenario. The results demonstrate a regionally variable and nuanced relationship between climate change and Lyme disease, indicating possible nonlinear responses of vector ticks and transmission dynamics to projected climate change. Moreover, our results highlight the need for improved preparedness and public health interventions in endemic regions to minimize the impact of further climate change‐induced increases in Lyme disease burden.
Objective and subjective rapid frailty screening tools in people with HIV
Authors: Beanland A , Alagaratnam J , Goffe C , Bailey A , Dosekun O , Petersen C , Ayap W , Garvey LJ , Walsh J , Mackie NE , Winston A 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesAs people with HIV (PWH) age, the prevalence of frailty increases. Rapid screening tests to identify frailty within HIV outpatient settings are required to identify at‐risk individuals. We undertook a service evaluation to assess three short frailty assessments in PWH.MethodsWe assessed two objective [gait speed (GS), timed‐up‐and‐go test (TUGT)] and one subjective [the self‐reported health questionnaire (SRH)] frailty screening tools in PWH aged > 40 years attending a single HIV outpatient department. Factors associated with positive frailty screening tests (defined as GS < 0.8 m/s, TUGT ≥ 10 s and SRH score < 6) were assessed using logistic regression models.Ethical considerationsThis was a service evaluation and was approved as a service evaluation by the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust HIV clinical research committee (February 2020). All participants were given verbal information and were able to terminate the screening tests at any time.ResultsOf 84 PWH approached, 80 individuals completed all screening tests (median age = 56 years, range: 40–80) with a positive frailty screening prevalence in 19%, 33% and 20% for GS, TUGT and SRH, respectively. All tests were considered acceptable to participants. Factors statistically significantly associated with frailty included age (GS and TUGT), detectable HIV RNA (TUGT), number of comorbidities (GS and TUGT), presence of polypharmacy (GS and TUGT) and total number of concomitant medication (GS and SRH).ConclusionsRates of positive screening tests for frailty are dependent on screening tool used, with all three tools being acceptable to participants. Objective measures of frailty screening (GS and TUGT) are more closely associated with clinical parameters than is a subjective measure of frailty screening (SRH).