bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of hand eczema in the elderly: Cross‐sectional findings from the German AugUR study
Authors: Drewitz Karl Philipp , Stark Klaus J. , Zimmermann Martina E. , Heid Iris M. , Apfelbacher Christian J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundHand eczema (HE) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by a genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. There is a lack of population‐based studies on skin diseases in the elderly.ObjectivesOur aim was to estimate the frequency of HE in the elderly to determine its burden of disease in this particular population.MethodsWe analyzed data from the research platform AugUR, a study on chronic diseases in the elderly (n = 1133, ages 70‐95 years, mean age 77.6, 45.1% women). Raw frequencies were estimated using self‐reports on physician‐diagnosed HE from a standardized personal interview. Frequencies were standardized to the Bavarian population weighted by gender and 5‐year age‐groups.ResultsIn our sample 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6‐4.3) of the paticipants reported to ever have been diagnosed with HE. Among those 57% were male. After standardization, the frequency was estimated at 2.8% (95% CI 1.9‐3.9). There were no differences between male and female participants.ConclusionsCompared to other studies on lifetime frequency of HE, our estimates seem to be remarkably lower. More in‐depth studies with validated diagnoses are warranted to precisely estimate the burden of HE in the elderly.
Genesis of change: Substance use treatment for forensic patients with mental health concerns
Authors: McFadden Daniel , Prior Katrina , Miles Helen , Hemraj Sunny , Barrett Emma L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSubstance use disorders are highly prevalent among forensic patients. They are associated with many challenges for patients with these problems, including their ability to rehabilitate and successfully move through secure forensic mental health services, as well as increasing risk for recidivism. Traditionally, forensic services have been more adept at focusing on and treating the primary mental health diagnosis alone and have been less likely to prioritise this co‐occurring patient need. Opportunities exist to foster effective treatment strategies for substance use disorders, and past research has produced positive outcomes among forensic patients in studies in both Australia and the UK to navigate a new course for patients with these problems. By providing empirically validated, co‐produced and culturally competent treatment responses, forensic patients living with substance use disorders will have the opportunity to significantly improve their wellbeing and progress through the system. They will also be more prepared and equipped to face challenges upon discharge into the community, including increased availability of alcohol and other drugs, social stigma and barriers to employment. Moreover, by prioritising effective substance use treatment programs during inpatient rehabilitation, services can reduce the levels of post‐discharge recidivism.
The use of comics to promote health awareness: A template using nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Alemany‐Pagès Mireia , Azul Anabela Marisa , Ramalho‐Santos João 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major threat to public health systems worldwide on account of its widespread prevalence and increasing incidence. More effective tools to raise awareness and increase health communication are therefore needed. Comics may constitute an effective language for this purpose, given the permanence, adaptability and ability of this form of communication to convey complex information, using both visual components and the creation of narrative involvement, thus promoting both awareness and health‐conscious behaviours. Importantly, this process requires careful preparation in terms of selecting both the key biomedical concepts to be conveyed, as well as a graphical style and appropriate characters and a narrative arc with which a target audience can identify with. Here we provide a brief introduction to the use of comics in health communication and propose a possible roadmap for the development of comic‐based tools for diverse conditions, using the context of NAFLD.
Chronosequence of morphological change in a stream fish following impoundment
Authors: Haas Travis C. , Derryberry Graham , Heins David C. , Blum Michael J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Water impoundment is among the most prevalent and potent forms of anthropogenic environmental modification worldwide. Flow modification can drive morphological changes in riverine species that persist after dam closure, but little is known about the tempo and trajectory of phenotypic responses to impoundment.

Through geometric morphometric analysis of natural history collections from behind Claiborne Lock and Dam (i.e. in Claiborne Lake reservoir) and nearby Chilatchee Creek (Alabama River Basin, Alabama, U.S.A.), we reconstructed multidecadal chronosequences of morphological change in a stream fish (Cyprinella venusta Girard) to characterise phenotypic responses to impoundment and unrestricted flow. We then conducted cross‐correlation analysis of hydrological and morphological time series to determine whether morphological responses to impoundment are consistent with expected outcomes of evolution, phenotypic plasticity, or some combination thereof.

We found evidence of marked phenotypic change shortly after impoundment. Within a year of dam closure, individuals from Claiborne Lake exhibited a reduction in head size, an increase in body depth, and a decline in the length of the dorsal fin base, with further responses becoming apparent c. 6 years thereafter. The morphology of individuals from the nearby stream consistently differed from individuals in the reservoir. We found that fish from Chilatchee Creek exhibited gradual directional shifts and morphological fluctuations over time, which differed from patterns of change observed in C. venusta from Claiborne Lake. There also were indications of multidecadal lags at both sites, probably reflecting common responses to periodic climatic variation that were mitigated by site‐specific differences in physiography and ecology.

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that impoundment can elicit punctuated responses attributable to within‐generational phenotypic change and rapid evolution over as few as two generations. Our findings also indicate that hydrological variation in unrestricted streams can elicit pronounced shifts in body shape, suggesting that space‐for‐time substitutions may not effectively capture the nature of responses to flow modification. Additional investigations based on more extensive and complete chronosequences would further illustrate the value of natural history collections and offer more insight into the mechanistic basis of biotic responses to environmental change.
Regionwide temporal gradients of carbon allocation allow for shoot growth and latewood formation in boreal black spruce
Authors: Buttò Valentina , Khare Siddhartha , Drolet Guillaume , Sylvain Jean‐Daniel , Gennaretti Fabio , Deslauriers Annie , Morin Hubert , Rossi Sergio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimIn boreal ecosystems, phenological events display seasonal patterns. These patterns allow for the development of tissues during the short time window available for growth in cold climates. Primary and secondary growth, two expensive processes for plants, are supposedly modulated in time to optimize allocation of carbon to bud and woody tissues. We aimed to assess the phenology of primary and secondary meristems, testing their relationship over the closed black spruce stands of the commercially exploited forest region in Quebec, Canada.LocationQuebec, Canada.Time period2002–2016.Major taxa studiedGymnospermae.MethodsWe combined weekly scaled field observations with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time series of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to extract timings of photosynthesis and meristem growth in five black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] stands located along a latitudinal gradient and to assess their relationship. We then tested empirical models based on geographical position and seasonal temperatures to predict wood phenology (i.e., the onset and ending of earlywood and latewood formation), and compared its spatial patterns with existing predictions of bud phenology for the same study area.ResultsPhotosynthesis started at the beginning of May, 3 weeks before bud reactivation and the onset of wood growth. Latewood formation started in mid‐July, after shoot elongation was completed. For wood phenology models, the residual standard error ranged from 1 week to 12 days. Growth dynamics spatialized across the boreal forest of Quebec varied with the transition between the subarctic and humid continental climate.Main conclusionsShoot elongation and latewood formation were temporally separated, providing evidence of a trade‐off in structural carbon allocation between primary and secondary growth in trees. Spatial patterns of wood phenology predicted for the black spruce polygons are consistent with spatial patterns of bud phenology, demonstrating synchronized temporal dynamics of meristems at the regional scale.
The effects of adding nano‐alumina filler on the properties of polymer‐derived SiC coating
Authors: Yousefi Majid , Ghatee Mojtaba , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Ghaderi Seyed Hadi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, SiC coating was prepared using the polymer‐derived ceramic method; then the effect of nano‐alumina as a filler material was studied. First of all, polycarbosilane(PCS) was dissolved in xylene; after that, different amounts of nano‐alumina particles were added to the solution. The coating was deposited on the alumina substrate using the dip‐coating method; this was followed by sintering at 1200℃. The phase content and microstructure of the samples were studied by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope methods, respectively. Nanohardness, Young's modulus, and coating adhesion were investigated by a nanoindentation method. The sheet resistance was evaluated using the four‐point probe technique; also, the wear resistance of the coating was studied by applying the pin‐on‐disk method. It was found that the addition of the nano‐alumina filler up to 20 wt% drastically improved the adhesion and wear resistance of the SiC coating.
A potential trackable bone filler: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Kargar nigje Ali , Salimi Esmaeil , Molaei Mohammad Jafar , Ghatee Mojtaba 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study reported the synthesis of fluorescent hydroxyapatite/alginate/carbon quantum dots (HA/Alg/CQDs) nanocomposites via the co‐precipitation technique. The N‐doped CQDs as a new class of fluorescent materials were prepared by the citric acid pyrolysis method, with an average size around 4 nm. Physical, chemical, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. The PL spectroscopy data verified the favorable in vitro luminescent emission of the HA/Alg/CQDs nanocomposites in comparison with HA/Alg and HA samples. The XRD patterns of the prepared samples confirmed the formation of crystalline HA in all composites, possessing a Ca/P ratio around 1.5 as obtained by EDX elemental analysis. The FESEM analysis exhibited HA nanoplates that homogeneously distributed throughout the alginate matrix. Therefore, the synthesized nanocomposites could be regarded as potential trackable drug carriers for hard tissue engineering applications.
Prevalence of drug allergy in South Australia
Authors: Yuson Carlo , Shakib Sepehr , Smith William 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDrug allergy is commonly reported in patient notes and electronic health records. The prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy in the general Australian population has not previously been studied.AimsTo investigate the prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy in the general adult population in South Australia.MethodsWe surveyed a representative sample of the South Australian adult population regarding their own perception of drug allergy, including drug type and severity, as well as the use of medical alert devices. Data were weighted to correspond to age and sex of the South Australian population.ResultsTwenty‐two percent of adults in South Australia consider themselves allergic to one or more drugs: 9.3% declared themselves to be allergic to penicillin, 5% to an antibiotic other than penicillin and 13% to one or more antibiotics. Drug allergy and penicillin allergy was significantly more prevalent in females and increased with age. Thirteen percent of those with an antibiotic allergy reported a severe reaction, of whom 27% wore a medical notification device. Of those allergic to penicillin, 75% had their index reaction more than 10 years ago and did not report severe features.ConclusionSelf‐reported drug allergy is common in the general population, as it is in medical clinic and hospital populations. The majority of those reporting penicillin allergy would be considered low‐risk and suitable for de‐labelling procedures.
Governing Migration through Multi‐Level Governance? City Networks in Europe and the United States*
Authors: Caponio Tiziana 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCity networks (CNs) are often enthusiastically regarded as key actors in processes of Europeanization and multi‐level governance (MLG) policy‐making in Europe and beyond. However, systematic research on highly contentious issues like migration is still scarce. Building on an understanding of MLG as a specific mode or instance of policy‐making, in this article I seek to understand why and how CNs engage in MLG‐like policy‐making on a typical issue of state sovereignty. I apply the causal process‐tracing method to analyse the genesis and policy actions undertaken in the last two decades by two migration CNs in different multi‐level political settings: the Eurocities Working Group on Migration and Integration (WGM&I) in the EU and Welcoming America (WA) in the US. The results show that, notwithstanding the differences in the institutional settings, in both contexts instances of MLG policy‐making have taken place in the shadow of the will of the national governments, which remain fundamental gate‐keepers even in the EU supranational polity, where the European Commission has been particularly active in supporting migration CNs' initiatives.
Age, growth and maturity for two highly targeted jack species: Caranx ignobilis and Caranx melampygus
Authors: Pardee Cassandra , Wiley John , Springer Sarah 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study provides growth rate, longevity and maturity estimates for the two important species of jack in Hawaiʻi: ulua aukea/giant trevally Caranx ignobilis and omilu/bluefin trevally Caranx melampygus. Maximum observed ages for C. ignobilis and C. melampygus were 31 years and 24 years, respectively. Combined sex von Bertalanffy growth parameter values for C. ignobilis and C. melampygus were as follows: L∞ = 1064 mm and K = 0.18 year−1; and L∞ = 718 mm and K = 0.20 year−1, respectively. Female size at maturity was significantly greater than males for both C. ignobilis and C. melampygus. Size and age at maturity for C. ignobilis was 594 mm and 4.4 years for females and 465 mm and 2.8 years for males. Size and age at maturity for C. melampygus was 372 mm and 4.1 years for females and 329 mm and 2.9 years for males. This study provides the first robust demographic data for both of these highly prized and ecologically important predatory species in Hawaiʻi, which can be used for future assessments or management.
Kinetics of CD4‐1+ lymphocytes in brown trout after exposure to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
Authors: Ashfaq Hassan , Soliman Hatem , Fajmann Sabine , Sexl Veronika , El‐Matbouli Mansour , Saleh Mona 
Published: June 2021

AbstractT‐helper cells express CD4 as a co‐receptor that binds to major histocompatibility complex class II to synchronize the immune response against upcoming threats via mediating several cytokines. We have previously reported the presence of CD4 homologues in brown trout. The study of cellular immune responses in brown trout is limited by the availability of specific antibodies. We here describe the generation of a polyclonal antibody against CD4‐1 that allows for the investigation of CD4+ cells. We used this novel tool to study CD4+ cells in different tissues during viral haemorrhagic septicaemia infection (VHSV) using flow cytometric technique. Flow cytometric analyses revealed an enhanced level of surface CD4‐1 expression in the infected group in major lymphoid organs and in the intestine. These results suggest an important role for the T‐helper cells within the immune response against viruses, comparable to the immune response in higher vertebrates.
Lower incidence of COVID‐19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with non‐gut selective biologic therapy
Authors: Ardizzone Sandro , Ferretti Francesca , Monico Maria Camilla , Carvalhas Gabrielli Anna Maria , Carmagnola Stefania , Bezzio Cristina , Saibeni Simone , Bosani Matteo , Caprioli Flavio , Mazza Stefano , Casini Valentina , Cortelezzi Claudio Camillo , Parravicini Marco , Cassinotti Andrea , Cosimo Paola , Indriolo Amedeo , Di Sabatino Antonio , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Pastorelli Luca , Conforti Francesco , Ricci Chiara , Sarzi‐Puttini Piercarlo , Vecchi Maurizio , Maconi Giovanni 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimSince the outbreak of COVID‐19, concerns have been raised as to whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients under biologic therapy may be more susceptible to the disease. This study aimed to determine the incidence and outcomes of COVID‐19 in a large cohort of IBD patients on biologic therapy.MethodsThis observational retrospective multicenter study collected data about COVID‐19 in IBD patients on biologic therapy in Italy, between February and May 2020. The main end‐points were (i) to assess both the cumulative incidence and clinical outcome of COVID‐19, according to different biologic agents and (ii) to compare them with the general population and a cohort IBD patients undergoing non‐biologic therapies.ResultsAmong 1816 IBD patients, the cumulative incidence of COVID‐19 was 3.9 per 1000 (7/1816) with a 57% hospitalization rate and a 29% case‐fatality rate. The class of biologic agents was the only risk factor of developing COVID‐19 (P = 0.01). Non‐gut selective agents were associated with a lower incidence of COVID‐19 cases, related symptoms, and hospitalization (P < 0.05). Compared with the general population of Lombardy, an overall lower incidence of COVID‐19 was observed (3.9 vs 8.5 per 1000, P = 0.03). Compared with 565 IBD patients on non‐biologic therapies, a lower rate of COVID‐19 symptoms was observed in our cohort (7.5% vs 18%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with the general population, IBD patients on biologic therapy are not exposed to a higher risk of COVID‐19. Non‐gut selective agents are associated with a lower incidence of symptomatic disease, supporting the decision of maintaining the ongoing treatment.
Contribution of upregulated aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis to metabolic dysregulation in gastric cancer
Authors: Gao Xiaoling , Guo Rui , Li Yonghong , Kang Guolan , Wu Yu , Cheng Jia , Jia Jing , Wang Wanxia , Li Zhenhao , Wang Anqi , Xu Hui , Jia Yanjuan , Li Yuanting , Qi Xiaoming , Wei Zhenhong , Wei Chaojun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimMetabolic reprogramming is characterized by dysregulated levels of metabolites and metabolic enzymes. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic data analysis can help to elucidate changes in the levels of metabolites and metabolic enzymes, screen the core metabolic pathways, and develop novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.MethodsHere, the metabolome of gastric cancer tissues was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were integrated with the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry data to identify the common dysregulated gastric cancer‐specific metabolic pathways. Additionally, the protein expression and clinical significance of key metabolic enzymes were examined using a gastric cancer tissue array.ResultsMetabolomic analysis of 16 gastric cancer tissues revealed that among the 15 dysregulated metabolomic pathways, the aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway in the gastric tissues was markedly upregulated relative to that in the adjacent noncancerous tissues, which was consistent with the results of transcriptome analysis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that among the key regulators in the aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway, the expression levels of threonyl‐tRNA synthetase (TARS) and phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase (FARSB) were correlated with tumor grade and poor survival, respectively. Additionally, gastric tissue array data analysis indicated that TARS and FARSB were upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and were correlated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway is upregulated in gastric cancer and both TARS and FARSB play key roles in the progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, a novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer was proposed that involves targeting the aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway.
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on gastroenterologists in Southeast Asia: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Ong John , Ong Andrew Ming Liang , Ong Sharon , Xin Xiaohui , Lee Yeong Yeh , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , De Lusong Mark Anthony , Makmun Dadang , Chong Vui Heng , Ho Shiaw Hooi , Lim Wanyen , Ong David , Dan Yock Young , Khor Christopher 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has impacted gastroenterology practices worldwide; however, its protracted effects within Southeast Asia were unknown. The primary aim of the study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on clinical demands including burnout among gastroenterologists within the region. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for burnout and determine regional stressors.MethodsThis was a mixed‐methods study. Gastroenterologists were surveyed electronically between September 1 and December 7, 2020, via gastroenterology and endoscopy societies of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The 22‐item Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Human Services Survey (MBI‐HSS) was used to detect burnout. Quantitative data were non‐parametric; non‐parametric methods were used for statistical comparisons. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for burnout. Content analysis method was used to analyze qualitative data. Ethical approval was obtained.ResultsA total of 73.0% reported that they were still significantly affected by the pandemic. Of these, 40.5% reported increased workload and 59.5% decreased workload. Statistically significant differences in weekly working hours, endoscopy, and inpatient volumes were present. No differences were observed in outpatient volumes, likely because of telemedicine. Burnout was common; however, 50.1% of gastroenterologists were unaware of or did not have access to mental health support. This, as well as depression, being a trainee, and public sector work, increased burnout risk significantly.ConclusionThe effects of the pandemic are multifaceted, and burnout is common among Southeast Asian gastroenterologists. Safeguards for mental health are suboptimal, and improvements are urgently needed.