Category: Nevin Manimala

Ecol Lett. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/ele.13863. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Globalisation has facilitated the spread of alien species, and some of them have significant impacts on biodiversity and human societies. It is commonly thought that biological invasions have accelerated continuously over the last centuries, following increasing global trade. However, the world experienced two distinct waves of globalisation (~1820-1914, 1960-present), and it remains unclear whether these two waves have influenced invasion dynamics of many species. To test this, we built a statistical model that accounted for temporal variations in sampling effort. We found that insect and plant invasion rates did not continuously increase over the past centuries but greatly fluctuated following the two globalisation waves. Our findings challenge the idea of a continuous acceleration of alien species introductions and highlight the association between temporal variations in trade openness and biological invasion dynamics. More generally, this emphasises the urgency of better understanding the subtleties of socio-economic drivers to improve predictions of future invasions.

PMID:34420251 | DOI:10.1111/ele.13863

Equine Vet J. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/evj.13497. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral fragmentation of the proximal phalanx (DPP1 fragment) is a common finding in the racehorse. Whilst radiographic assessment has been reported to lack diagnostic sensitivity, ultrasonographic examination has been documented to be extremely sensitive for identification of bone fragments in the metacarpophalangeal joint.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography as an imaging modality for diagnosis of DPP1 fragmentation and to compare it with radiography in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: Medical records (radiographs and ultrasonographic examinations) of 56 Thoroughbred racehorses in training (average age 26.4 months [SD ± 5.9]) with a history of forelimb fetlock joint effusion and arthroscopically confirmed DPP1 fragmentation were evaluated. Inter-observer agreement was calculated between 3 blinded reviewers for both ultrasonographic and radiographic findings. Median values were used for statistical analyses. Ultrasonographic and radiographic identification of DPP1 fragmentation was considered correct if in agreement with arthroscopic findings. The McNemar test was used to compare correct proportions between radiography and ultrasonography. Analyses were performed to evaluate correct identification of presence of fragment(s), location of fragment(s), and presence and location of fragment(s) within the joints, with values P<0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Eighty-one fetlock joints from 56 Thoroughbreds were evaluated. In total, 99 individual DPP1 fragments were confirmed arthroscopically. Ultrasonography was shown to have high levels of sensitivity (94%, 95% CI 89-99%) and specificity (97%, 95% CI 92-100%) for identification of DPP1 fragments, with transverse ultrasonographic images being more sensitive than sagittal ultrasonography (p=0.001). Ultrasonography was also shown in this population to have significantly greater sensitivity than radiography (47%, 95% CI 37-56%) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is an extremely sensitive and specific imaging modality for evaluation of DPP1 fragmentation, with transverse ultrasonographic imaging being the most sensitive technique. Radiographic evaluation was less sensitive than ultrasonography in this study.

PMID:34420230 | DOI:10.1111/evj.13497

Skin Res Technol. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/srt.13086. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Deep-learning algorithms (DLAs) have been used in artificial intelligence aided ultrasonography diagnosis of thyroid and breast lesions. However, its use has not been described in the case of dermatologic ultrasound lesions. Our purpose was to train a DLA to discriminate benign form malignant lesions in dermatologic ultrasound images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We trained a prebuilt neural network architecture (EfficientNet B4) in a commercial artificial intelligence platform (Peltarion, Stockholm, Sweden) with 235 color Doppler images of both benign and malignant ultrasound images of 235 excised and histologically confirmed skin lesions (84.3% training, 15.7% validation). An additional 35 test images were used for testing the algorithm discrimination for correct benign/malignant diagnosis. One dermatologist with more than 5 years of experience in dermatologic ultrasound blindly evaluated the same 35 test images for malignancy or benignity.

RESULTS: EfficientNet B4 trained dermatologic ultrasound algorithm sensitivity; specificity; predictive positive values, and predicted negative values for validation algorithm were 0.8, 0.86, 0.86, and 0.8, respectively for malignancy diagnosis. When tested with 35 previously unevaluated images sets, the algorithm´s accuracy for correct benign/malignant diagnosis was 77.1%, not statistically significantly different from the dermatologist’s evaluation (74.1%).

CONCLUSION: An adequately trained algorithm, even with a limited number of images, is at least as accurate as a dermatologic-ultrasound experienced dermatologist in the evaluation of benignity/malignancy of ultrasound skin tumor images devoid of clinical data.

PMID:34420233 | DOI:10.1111/srt.13086

Int Endod J. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/iej.13615. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To analyse the contents and thermal behavior of several brands of contemporary gutta-percha points due to the variable nature of the components of gutta-percha, and the impact they can have on the physical properties of this unique material during canal filling.

METHODOLOGY: Six brands of gutta-percha were investigated: Conform Fit ^TM Gutta-Percha Points for ProTaper Gold^® (PTG) (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA), ProTaper^® Universal Gutta-Percha Points (PTU) (Dentsply Sirona), Autofit ^TM Feathered Tip Gutta Percha (Kerr, Brea, CA, USA), Mtwo^® Gutta-Percha (VDW, Munich, Germany), Gutta Percha Root Canal Points (GC) (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), Gutta-Percha Points ISO Color-Coded (ISO) (Dentsply Sirona). The organic and inorganic fractions of gutta-percha points were separated by quantitative chemical analysis. Thermal conductivity was detected using a laser flash method. In addition, thermal behavior of gutta-percha in response to temperature variations was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were applied for comparisons amongst groups for chemical compositions and temperature obtained from DSC. The associations between compositions and thermal conductivity were determined using simple linear regression. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: There were significant difference in the inorganic fractions of the gutta-percha points in percentage by weight amongst the groups (P < 0.05). PTG had the lowest thermal conductivity (0.42 W/m・K). A positive correlation was observed between the percentage of inorganic fraction and thermal conductivity (r = 0.95). The initial phase changing temperature and peak temperature measured by DSC were significantly different when the β-form transformed to α-form (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found during the α-form to the amorphous phase transition (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: hemical compositions and initial phase changing temperature by DSC varied according to the various brands of gutta-percha points. Conform Fit ^TM gutta-percha had the lowest percentage of inorganic fraction and thermal conductivity amongst these six brands of gutta-percha. Thermal conductivity had the strongest positive correlation with the percentage of inorganic components and zinc, while there was a negative correlation to the amount (ratio) of gutta-percha.

PMID:34420210 | DOI:10.1111/iej.13615

Int Endod J. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/iej.13614. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effects of butyric acid (BA), a metabolic product generated by pulp and root canal pathogens, on the viability and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) production of endothelial cells, which are crucial to angiogenesis and pulpal/periapical wound healing.

METHODOLOGY: Endothelial cells were exposed to butyrate with/without inhibitors. Cell viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated using an MTT assay, PI/Annexin V, and DCF fluorescence flow cytometry, respectively. RNA and protein expression was determined using a polymerase chain reaction assay and Western blotting or immunofluorescent staining. Soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The quantitative results were expressed as Mean ± standard error (SE) of the mean. The data were analyzed using a paired Student t-test where necessary. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference between groups.

RESULTS: Butyrate (>4 mM) inhibited cell viability and induced cellular apoptosis and necrosis. It inhibited cyclin B1 but stimulated p21 and p27 expression. Butyrate stimulated ROS production and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression as well as activating the Ac-H3, p-ATM, p-ATR, p-Chk1, p-Chk2, p-p38, and p-Akt expression of endothelial cells. Butyrate stimulated ICAM-1 mRNA/protein expression and significant sICAM-1 production (p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase, 5z-7oxozeaenol, SB203580, and compound C (p<0.05), but not ZnPP, CGK733, AZD7762, or LY294002 attenuated butyrate cytotoxicity to endothelial cells. Notably, little effect on butyrate-stimulated sICAM-1 secretion was found. Valproic acid, phenylbutyrate, and trichostatin (three histone deacetylase inhibitors) significantly induced sICAM-1 production (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: BA inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, stimulated ROS and HO-1 production, and increased ICAM-1 mRNA expression and protein synthesis in endothelial cells. Cell viability affected by BA was diminished by some inhibitors; however, the increased sICAM-1 secretion by BA was not affected by any of the tested inhibitors. These results facilitate understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of pulpal/periapical diseases.

PMID:34420220 | DOI:10.1111/iej.13614

Eur Geriatr Med. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1007/s41999-021-00556-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although home continues to be the place from which the majority of patients are admitted, less than one third of patients are Discharged Directly Home (DDH) following hip fracture. Once ready for discharge, DDH as opposed to Discharge to an Alternative Location (DAL), i.e., community care, rehabilitation facility or long-term care, is a high priority for patients and clinicians alike. Not only is DDH integral to the quality of life of patients, it is also an essential driver of the socioeconomic cost of hip fracture care.

METHODS: We analysed 21,819 cases in the Irish Hip Fracture Database from 2013 to 2019. Descriptive and analytical statistics were conducted.

RESULTS: 29% (n = 6476) of patients were DDH during the study period. On multivariate analysis, the odds of DDH decreased as age increased (OR 0.28, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.24-0.34). Patients who were independently mobile prior to fracture were 47% more likely to be DDH (OR 1.47, p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.29-1.68). Those mobilised early post operatively were 24% more likely to be DDH (OR 1.24, p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.06-1.45). Patients who waited > 72 h prior to surgery were 30% less likely to be DDH (OR 0.70, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.56-0.88).

CONCLUSION: The authors identified patient characteristics that increased the likelihood of DDH, i.e., younger patients independently mobile prior to fracture, who received timely surgery and early post-operative mobilisation. The Irish Hip Fracture Standards (IHFS) incorporate 2 out the 3 modifiable factors identified, which reinforces the importance of the IHFS in improving patient outcomes.

PMID:34420192 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-021-00556-7

Biometrics. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1111/biom.13539. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34420208 | DOI:10.1111/biom.13539

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2021 Aug 21. doi: 10.1007/s10554-021-02251-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Data regarding vessel healing by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) or everolimus-eluting metallic stent (EES) implantation in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is scarce. We compared OCT findings after BRS or EES implantation in patients with AMI enrolled in a randomized trial.

METHODS: In ISAR-Absorb MI, AMI patients were randomized to BRS or EES implantation, with 6-8 month angiographic follow-up. This analysis includes patients who underwent OCT during surveillance angiography. Tissue characterization was done using grey-scale signal intensity analysis. The association between OCT findings and target lesion failure (TLF) at 2 years was investigated.

RESULTS: OCT was analyzed in 103 patients (2237 frames, 19,827 struts) at a median of 216 days post-implantation. Of these, 70 were treated with BRS versus 32 with EES. Pre-(92.8 vs. 68.7%, p = 0.002) and post-dilation (51.4 vs. 12.5%, p < 0.001) were more common in BRS as compared to EES. Strut coverage was higher in BRS vs. EES (97.5% vs. 90.9%, p < 0.001). Mean neointimal thickness was comparable in both groups [85.5 (61.9, 124.1) vs. 69.5 (32.7, 127.5) µm, respectively, p = 0.20]. Mature neointimal regions were numerically more common in BRS (43.0% vs. 24.6%; p = 0.35); this difference was statistically significant in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients (40.9% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.03). At two-years, 8 (7.8%) patients experienced TLF. Mean neointimal area [0.61 (0.21, 1.33) vs. 0.41 (0.11, 0.75) mm², p = 0.03] and mean neointimal coverage [106.1 (65.2, 214.8) vs. 80.5 (53.5, 122.1) µm, p < 0.01] were higher, with comparable tissue maturity, in lesions with versus without TLF.

CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients who underwent OCT surveillance 6-8 months after coronary intervention for AMI with differing implantation characteristics depending on the device type used, vessel healing was more advanced in BRS compared with EES, particularly in the STEMI subgroup.

PMID:34420177 | DOI:10.1007/s10554-021-02251-x

Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1007/s10654-021-00795-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The cardiovascular risk equations for diabetes patients from New Zealand and Chinese electronic health records (CREDENCE) study is a unique prospectively designed investigation of cardiovascular risk in two large contemporary cohorts of people with type 2 diabetes from New Zealand (NZ) and China. The study was designed to derive equivalent cardiovascular risk prediction equations in a developed and a developing country, using the same epidemiological and statistical methodology. Two similar cohorts of people with type 2 diabetes were identified from large general population studies in China and New Zealand, which had been generated from longitudinal electronic health record systems. The CREDENCE study aims to determine whether cardiovascular risk prediction equations derived in patients with type 2 diabetes in a developed country are applicable in a developing country, and vice versa, by deriving and validating equivalent diabetes-specific cardiovascular risk prediction models from the two countries. Baseline data in CREDENCE was collected from October 2004 in New Zealand and from January 2010 in China. In the first stage of CREDENCE, a total of 93,207 patients (46,649 from NZ and 46,558 from China) were followed until December 31st 2018. Median follow-up was 7.0 years (New Zealand) and 5.7 years (China). There were 5926 (7.7% fatal) CVD events in the New Zealand cohort and 3650 (8.8% fatal) in the Chinese cohort. The research results have implications for policy makers, clinicians and the public and will facilitate personalised management of cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes worldwide.

PMID:34420154 | DOI:10.1007/s10654-021-00795-9

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Aug 22. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-16059-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With China already committing to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, green development is urgent. It is necessary to clarify the driving mechanism of green development to design the path of green development scientifically. From the internal perspective of the green development system, this paper divides the green development power into external power and internal power. The external power is the political pressure formed by the public’s green demands. The internal power is the endogenous power of green development transformed by the political promotion willingness of local government leaders. The research shows that (1) the green demands from the public and the accompanying political pressure can form the driving force of green development. (2) The political promotion intention has not been transformed into the endogenous driving force to promote green development in the research period. (3) The external driving force of public appeal is closely related to economic development, income and consumption levels, and education. This paper enriches the research literatures on the driving mechanism of green development and provides theoretical and practical exploration for the driving path of green development.

PMID:34420168 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-16059-8