bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of leflunomide in the treatment of palindromic rheumatism
Authors: Sadri Maryam , Esalatmanesh Kamal , Khabbazi Alireza 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of treatment in palindromic rheumatism (PR) is to control the attacks and prevent disease evolution to chronic arthritis. Conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) including antimalarial and methotrexate cannot control attacks in all patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we assessed the efficacy of leflunomide in patients with PR who had an inadequate response to DMARDs. In this study, patients who had a diagnosis of PR and were treated with leflunomide because of active disease despite treatment with csDMARDs for at least 6 months were included. Remission was defined as no attacks for 3 months and prednisolone dose ≤5 mg/d. Leflunomide treatment failure was defined as failure to achieve remission, the need to add other DMARDs for controlling attacks and disease progression to chronic arthritis during treatment with leflunomide.ResultsTen cases with active disease despite treatment with hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate and low‐dose prednisolone treated with leflunomide were included in the study. During the 12.6 ± 7.5 months of treatment with leflunomide, the frequency of attacks significantly decreased. Complete and partial remission were achieved in 90% of patients.ConclusionOur results indicate that leflunomide controls PR attacks and it might be a new option for patients with PR.
Risk of non‐fatal suicide attempt in individuals with substance use disorder: the roles of aggregate genetic liability and environmental exposures in a Swedish population‐based cohort
Authors: Lannoy Séverine , Ohlsson Henrik , Stephenson Mallory , Kendler Kenneth S. , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Edwards Alexis C. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSubstance use disorder (SUD) is related to widespread adverse consequences, including higher suicidality. Shared genetic liability has been demonstrated between SUD and suicidality. Here, we measured the factors that contribute to increased risk of non‐fatal suicide attempt among individuals with SUD by focusing upon aggregate genetic risks and both childhood and past‐year environmental factors.DesignLongitudinal study. Family genetic risk scores and environmental factors (childhood, aged from 0 to 15 years, and the year preceding SUD registration) were used to predict the relative risk of non‐fatal suicide attempt using Cox proportional hazards models. Additional analyses employed a co‐relative design, accounting for genetic factors and shared familial environment, to test for potential causality.Setting and participantsBased on longitudinal Swedish registry data, 228 617 individuals with SUD registrations from 1991 to 2015 were included.MeasurementsSUD and suicide attempts were identified using medical records (International Classification of Diseases codes). SUD was also identified using pharmacy and criminal registries.FindingsIn multivariable analyses that jointly accounted for all the selected potential predictors, individuals with SUD were at higher risk for non‐fatal suicide attempt if they had experienced a parental death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30, 1.93], were female (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.49, 1.57), had low educational attainment (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.55), received social welfare (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.25) or had lived in a non‐intact family (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.14). In co‐relative analyses, low education was supported as a possible causal factor for suicide attempt. Aggregate genetic risks interacted with low education and being raised in a non‐intact family, with increased prevalence of suicide attempt in people with high genetic risks and unfavorable environmental exposures.ConclusionsAggregate genetic liability, childhood environmental experiences and specific socio‐economic indicators are important risk factors for non‐fatal suicide attempt among individuals with substance use disorder.
Patterns and metacommunity processes of epiphytic bromeliad assemblages along a coastal‐inland gradient in a subtropical Brazilian geographic corridor
Authors: Fávero Alessandro A. , Büneker Henrique M. , Waechter Jorge L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMetacommunity ecology investigates how drivers of regional and local scales cause compositional variation in a network of communities potentially linked by dispersal. We examined the metacommunity structure of epiphytic bromeliad assemblages along a coastal‐inland gradient in a subtropical geographic corridor extending from the Atlantic coast to near the Uruguay River, in the central depression of Rio Grande do Sul State, in southernmost Brazil. We surveyed floristic and environmental data on a sequence of 71 testimonial hills. We used elements of metacommunity structure to identify metacommunity patterns (i.e. random, checkerboard, nested, Clementsian, Gleasonian, evenly spaced and quasi‐structured). We ran a canonical correspondence analysis to evaluate how coastal‐inland gradient influenced species distribution. Finally, we employed variation partitioning to determine archetype‐based metacommunity structuring processes (i.e. species sorting, neutral dynamics, patch dynamics and mass effects). We found that temperature‐ and moisture‐based gradients generated environmental heterogeneity that established species filtering, determining the formation of cohesive groups of epiphytic bromeliads with coincidentally occurring boundaries (i.e. quasi‐Clementsian structure). As a result, we identified four metacommunity structures embedded along the coastal‐inland gradient: In the eastern and east‐central metacommunities, species distributions were idiosyncratic due to individual species' responses to environmental gradients (i.e. quasi‐Gleasonian structure), and in the western and west‐central metacommunities, we observed Clementsian and Gleasonian structures, respectively. Habitat heterogeneity and dispersal sufficiency (i.e. species sorting archetype) were the foremost drivers establishing metacommunity structures. Ultimately, and surprisingly, in the east‐central metacommunity, we detected source‐sink dynamics among the testimonial hills (i.e. mass effects archetype). Our findings suggest that epiphytic bromeliad assemblages are linked to a gradient‐driven pattern with moderate heterogeneity (i.e. low turnover) and identify four embedded metacommunity structures. Moreover, they indicate that the species sorting archetype best represents the processes of establishing metacommunity structures.
Full‐field and multifocal electroretinogram in non‐diabetic controls and diabetics with and without retinopathy
Authors: Ba‐Ali Shakoor , Larsen Michael , Andersen Henrik Ullits , Lund‐Andersen Henrik 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo compare retinal function assessed by full‐field electroretinography (ffERG) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in diabetes without retinopathy, diabetes with moderate non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and in the absence of diabetes.MethodsScotopic and photopic ffERG and mfERG was made in non‐fasting volunteers, including 26 diabetic participants without retinopathy, 22 diabetic participants with moderate NPDR and 22 participants without diabetes using full International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision protocols.ResultsOf the ffERG responses, significant deviation (p ≤ 0.05, corrected for multiple sampling and other relevant confounders) from the non‐diabetic participants was seen in the diabetic participants only for the OP1‐OP3 oscillatory amplitudes and the OP2 implicit time. This finding was independent of whether retinopathy was present or not. For the mfERG, minor amplitude or implicit time deviations were found for a small number of rings (R2, R4 and R5). Receiver of operating characteristic analysis showed that the single most prominent abnormality of the ffERG in diabetes, regardless of whether retinopathy was present or not, was the OP2 implicit time (area under the curve ≥ 0.80).ConclusionThis bi‐modal study of electroretinographic characteristics found that the most prominent anomaly associated with diabetes was a prolongation of the implicit time of the OP2 of the scotopic ffERG, while the most prominent added effect of non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy was a further prolongation of the OP2 implicit time. Although the variation in ERG characteristics is far too large for diagnostic purposes, the close association of the oscillatory potentials with the amacrine cells of the retina indicate that their function is particularly sensitive to diabetes.
Loneliness and depressive symptoms differ by sexual orientation and gender identity during physical distancing measures in response to COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Herrmann Wolfram J. , Oeser Philip , Buspavanich Pichit , Lech Sonia , Berger Maximilian , Gellert Paul 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, physical distancing measures to prevent transmission of the virus have been implemented. The effect of physical distancing measures on loneliness especially for vulnerable groups remained unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate loneliness in relation with depressive symptoms among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, inter, asexual, and queer (LGBT) persons compared with cis‐heterosexual persons during the pandemic. We conducted an online survey during the first two waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany. The survey contained self‐categorizations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, questions on loneliness, social contacts, depressive symptoms, and healthcare. Descriptive and regression analysis and propensity score matching across cohorts was conducted using R; 2641 participants took part in first wave of the survey and 4143 participants in the second wave. The proportion of lonely people was higher in the second wave compared with the first wave. LGBT persons were more lonely than cis‐heterosexual persons. In both waves, being LGBT was associated with depressive symptoms, but loneliness mediated the effect, even when adjusting for social contacts. Psychologists and other practitioners should be aware that LGBT clients might have an increased risk for loneliness and depressive symptoms and of the potential burden of the pandemic measures.
Transanal total mesorectal excision for treating a lower rectal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: A case report
Authors: Narihiro Satoshi , Teramura Koichi , Kitaguchi Daichi , Ikeda Koji , Hasegawa Hiro , Tsukada Yuichiro , Nishizawa Yuji , Ito Masaaki 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRectal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are extremely rare, with no reports of their preoperative diagnosis. A 17‐year‐old woman who presented with low‐grade fever, repeated diarrhea, constipation, and a 1‐month history of anal pain was referred to our hospital. Rectal examination revealed a palpable hard mass with a smooth surface at the posterior wall 4 cm from the anal verge. Colonoscopy revealed a 4.0‐cm submucosal tumor in the upper edge of the anal canal. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5.0 × 4.0 cm‐sized well‐defined tumor contacting the rectum. Computed tomography‐guided biopsy was performed, and an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor was diagnosed. There have been no reports of surgery for a rectal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor using transanal total mesorectal excision. We preoperatively diagnosed the patient with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the lower rectum and achieved anorectal preservation and curative resection with transanal total mesorectal excision, providing good view of the deep pelvis.
A two‐decade review of butane toxicity as a substance of abuse
Authors: Vahabzadeh Maryam , Mégarbane Bruno 
Published: June 2022

AbstractButane, an aliphatic hydrocarbon with explosive and flammable properties, is widely misused especially by young people. Acting as an asphyxiant gas, butane mainly targets the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. We aimed to review butane‐attributed toxicities due to its harmful use or misuse reported in a two‐decade period. We searched English‐language publications reporting butane toxicities from 2000 up to 2021 and collected data on age, gender, route and source of exposure, country of origin, clinical presentation and outcome. Among 54 butane's harmful use/misuse cases identified in the literature, there were 11 survivors successfully discharged from the hospital. Patients were predominantly males with a mean age ± SD of 23 ± 13 years. The main route of exposure was inhalation. Manifestations were mainly cardiac and neurological. Majority of the cases were reported from Europe and Japan. To conclude, butane exposure is at risk of severe central nervous system and cardiac toxicities, which may result in a fatal outcome. Therefore, in the event of a sudden or suspicious death in a young individual, our findings suggest that butane's harmful use/misuse should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis.
Motivational development in times of campus closure: Longitudinal trends in undergraduate students' need satisfaction and intrinsic learning motivation
Authors: Janke Stefan , Messerer Laura A. S. , Daumiller Martin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsHigher education systems around the world have enforced campus closures to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic. Such measures may threaten students' basic psychological needs for relatedness, competence and autonomy, and the development of intrinsic learning motivation. Little is known about whether the implementation of campus closures yielded negative developmental patterns for these motivational variables. We aim to close this research gap.SampleWe investigated developmental patterns in longitudinal data spanning the first four semesters of undergraduate students in two cohorts at one German university starting in 2013 and 2019 (cohort 1: normal study conditions; cohort 2: affected by campus closure). We used propensity score modelling to ensure comparability between both cohorts resulting in a sample of 435 students each (total n = 870 students).MethodWe estimated conditional latent growth curve models (LGCM) to investigate developmental trends in need satisfaction and intrinsic learning motivation across the students' first four semesters and how these trends differed between the two cohorts.ResultsThe results indicated a more maladaptive development of motivational variables for students of cohort 2 compared to students of cohort 1. More specifically, we found negative developmental trends following the implementation of campus closures for competence, relatedness and intrinsic learning motivation.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of considering side effects for students' psychological functioning when discussing the implementation or renewal of campus closures. It seems important to find ways to carefully reopen higher education institutions while also minimizing further risks for students and faculty.
Physical activity predicts task‐related behaviour, affect and tiredness in the primary school classroom: A within‐person experiment
Authors: Heemskerk Christina , Strand Steve , Malmberg Lars‐Erik 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimWe investigated the dose–response relationship between acute physical activity (PA) intensity during physical education (PE) lessons (dose), and task behaviour and learning experiences in the classroom after PE (response), and mediation effects of acute PA on‐task behaviour via learning experiences.MethodA total of 78 children (Mage = 9.30 years; 43 females) took part. Participants reported learning experiences (tiredness, positive and negative affect) during one afternoon per week for 6 weeks. Their task behaviour was observed (on‐task, active off‐task and passive off‐task) during two classroom lessons. Between the classroom lessons, they took part in a PE lesson, with experimentally induced PA intensity (low, medium and high). Accelerometers were worn for 24 h leading up to and during every intervention afternoon. Participants completed self‐reports three times per classroom lesson, both before and after PE. Intra‐ and interindividual differences in PA, task behaviour and learning experiences were analysed with multilevel structural equation models.ResultsModerate PA directly increased on‐task behaviour and reduced passive off‐task behaviour, whereas light PA increased active off‐task behaviour and reduced on‐task behaviour. We found no direct effects of vigorous PA or mediated effects of any PA intensity on‐task‐related behaviour. However, a greater positive affect during PE indirectly led to more on‐task and less passive off‐task behaviour. Regularly active children reported less tiredness in the classroom.ConclusionPE lessons can increase on‐task behaviour and reduce both passive and active off‐task behaviours. Positive affect and tiredness are indirectly involved in the impact of PA on task‐related behaviour. The greatest benefits were found for moderate PA and for PE lessons, which left children feeling positive. Moreover, regular participation in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA leads children to feel less tired during school lessons.
Disposable and reusable instruments in dental health practice: A comparison of cost factors in a public provider organization in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Sowa P. Marcin , Fooken Jonas , McGowan Kelly , Birch Stephen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesChoosing between reusable instruments (RIs) and disposable instruments (DIs) for dental care provision requires a careful consideration of costs and their contributing factors, alongside other choice criteria. This study aimed to assess the current use of instruments in the West Moreton Oral Health Service (WMOHS) in Queensland, Australia, with a broader goal of informing future practice in this and comparable organizations.MethodsA cost model was developed reflecting costs arising from procurement, reprocessing and disposal, depending on the RI and DI composition of instrumentation. The current practice in WMOHS was compared to modular (RI‐only and DI‐only) strategies by considering four standard instrument sets (examination, simple extraction, surgical extraction, restoration) and the annual use of instruments in the organization at large. The use of resources (water, electricity) and emissions (waste) were quantified for each strategy. The robustness of findings was explored across a range of scenarios that involved varying instrument prices, lifespans, factors impacting on the cost of reprocessing (labour, water, energy), the cost of waste disposal and couriering.ResultsAt the organization level, the current mix of instruments (A$1.28 m per year) was 4% more costly than the lower cost, RI‐only alternative (A$1.23 m). However, with lower DI prices or higher labour costs current practice would become the lowest cost option. Results for specific instrument sets varied by service type. DI‐only offered the lowest cost option for oral examinations (A$6.29), and the current practice of mixed instrumentation for simple extractions (A$16.56). RI‐only sets were less costly in more resource intensive procedures such as surgical extractions (A$40.19) and restorations (A$43.83). In terms of environmental impacts, the use of instruments based on current practice required 37% of water and energy use of an RI‐only alternative and generated 36% waste of the DI‐only alternative.ConclusionsReusable instruments are generally less costly than DIs, but for specific instrument sets the outcome depends on the type of procedure. In some circumstances, mixed instrumentation can provide the lowest cost alternative. While the WMOHS instrument mix used in current practice does not minimize cost for the provider, it may be justified in light of operational risks, logistics and uncertainty regarding cost factors.
Defining performance thresholds for effective management of biodiversity within protected areas
Authors: Hilton Mairi , Cook Carly N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPerformance thresholds are an important tool for determining successful conservation outcomes. They provide an objective means of defining good ecological condition and have been endorsed as an essential part of best practice in protected area (PA) management within the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Standard. With a growing number of PAs attaining Green List status globally, thresholds developed by PAs on the Green List present an excellent resource with which to identify the attributes of well‐defined performance thresholds. We examined 349 thresholds associated with PAs on the Green List to determine whether they were specific and measurable (i.e., factors recognized as essential for setting well‐defined targets). We assessed whether thresholds were defined quantitatively and whether definitions included ambiguous terms (e.g., stable numbers). We identified six different ways thresholds were expressed and found that many thresholds were expressed as management objectives, rather than ecological condition thresholds, although this trend improved over time. Approximately one‐half of the performance thresholds lacked the necessary specificity to delineate successful outcomes. Our results enabled us to develop a checklist of information required to set robust performance thresholds. Recommendations include that thresholds should be quantitatively defined, including quantitative estimates of the limits of acceptable change (LAC) around the target condition. To ensure transparency, a rationale and associated evidence should be provided to support the threshold and the LAC. When accompanied by a rationale and quantitative estimate of the current condition of the value, unambiguously defined thresholds with a quantitative LAC provide an objective means of demonstrating that successful conservation outcomes have been achieved. These recommendations will help conservation managers apply the Green List Standard and improve the measurement of conservation outcomes more broadly.
Testing the Relationship between Word Length, Frequency, and Predictability Based on the German Reference Corpus
Authors: Koplenig Alexander , Kupietz Marc , Wolfer Sascha 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn a recent article, Meylan and Griffiths (Meylan & Griffiths, 2021, henceforth, M&G) focus their attention on the significant methodological challenges that can arise when using large‐scale linguistic corpora. To this end, M&G revisit a well‐known result of Piantadosi, Tily, and Gibson (2011, henceforth, PT&G) who argue that average information content is a better predictor of word length than word frequency. We applaud M&G who conducted a very important study that should be read by any researcher interested in working with large‐scale corpora. The fact that M&G mostly failed to find clear evidence in favor of PT&G's main finding motivated us to test PT&G's idea on a subset of the largest archive of German language texts designed for linguistic research, the German Reference Corpus consisting of ∼43 billion words. We only find very little support for the primary data point reported by PT&G.
The essence of soil biodiversity
Authors: Byrne Loren B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSoil ecologists and conservationists should focus on raising people's awareness of the essence of soil biodiversity: its complex ecological webs and emergent ecosystem services that support aboveground life and human well‐being. Conservation and communication efforts regarding soil biodiversity must consider local‐scale ecological contexts and different audiences. Engaging educational and outreach materials and methods should be prioritized to advance preservation of soil systems and their biodiversity.