bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of aplasia cutis congenita: A population‐based study in Europe
Authors: Coi Alessio , Barisic Ingeborg , Garne Ester , Pierini Anna , Addor Marie‐Claude , Aizpurua Atxega Amaia , Ballardini Elisa , Braz Paula , Broughan Jennifer M. , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , de Walle Hermien E. K. , Draper Elizabeth S. , Gatt Miriam , Häusler Martin , Kinsner‐Ovaskainen Agnieszka , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Lelong Nathalie , Luyt Karen , Mezzasalma Lorena , Mullaney Carmel , Nelen Vera , Odak Ljubica , O'Mahony Mary T. , Perthus Isabelle , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Rouget Florence , Schaub Bruno , Tucker David , Wellesley Diana , Wiśniewska Katarzyna , Yevtushok Lyubov , Santoro Michele
Published: October 2022

Background

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by localized or widespread absence of skin at birth, mainly affecting the scalp. Most information about ACC exists as individual case reports and medium‐sized studies.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of ACC, using data from a large European network of population‐based registries for congenital anomalies (EUROCAT).

Methods

Twenty‐eight EUROCAT population‐based registries in 16 European countries were involved. Poisson regression models were exploited to estimate the overall and live birth prevalence, to test time trends in prevalence between four 5‐year periods and to evaluate the impact of the change of coding for ACC from the unspecific ICD9‐BPA code to the specific ICD10 code. Proportions of ACC cases associated with other anomalies were reported.

Results

Five hundred cases were identified in the period 1998–2017 (prevalence: 5.10 per 100,000 births). Prevalence across 5‐year periods did not differ significantly and no significant differences were evident due to the change from ICD9 to ICD10 in ACC coding. Heterogeneity in prevalence was observed across registries. The scalp was the most common site for ACC (96.4%) and associated congenital anomalies were present in 33.8% of cases. Patau and Adams–Oliver syndromes were the most frequent among the associated chromosomal anomalies (88.3%) and the associated genetic syndromes (57.7%), respectively. 16% of cases were associated with limb anomalies and 15.4% with congenital heart defects. A family history of ACC was found in 2% of cases.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the only population‐based study on ACC. The EUROCAT methodologies provide reliable prevalence estimates and proportions of associated anomalies.
Liver abnormalities in celiac disease and response to gluten free diet: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jena Anuraag , Kumar‐M Praveen , Kumar Antriksh , Birda Chhagan Lal , Choudhury Arup , Kumar Naveen , Ramai Daryl , Facciorusso Antonio , Samanta Jayanta
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

Liver involvement in celiac disease (CeD) is known but its various etiologies and the effect of gluten free diet (GFD) on it is understudied.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline and Embase databases from date of inception to March 7, 2022, to look for studies reporting on CeD and liver abnormalities. Pooled proportion of CeD patients with deranged transaminases, etiologies of various other liver diseases with CeD and the response to GFD were estimated. Subgroup analyses based on the age group, geographic distribution and duration of GFD were also carried out.

Results

Total 42 studies (8976 patients) reported hyper‐transaminasemia in patients with celiac disease. The pooled proportion of patients with elevated transaminases was 21.42% (95% CI: 17.02–26.59, I2 = 94%) overall, with similar prevalence among adults (21.20%) and children (21.51%). The commonest etiology was celiac hepatitis at 49.23% (95% CI: 30.09–68.59, I2 = 87%). Compliance with GFD was noted in 90.27%. The proportion of CeD patients with liver abnormalities who showed response to GFD was 86.39% (95% CI: 80.04–90.95, I2 = 74%) overall.

Conclusion

Liver involvement was noted in 21.42% of CeD patients. Celiac hepatitis was reported in nearly half of them. Good compliance and response were noted with GFD.
A Model of QE, Reserve Demand, and the Money Multiplier
Authors: RYAN ELLEN , WHELAN KARL
Published: October 2022

Quantitative easing (QE) programs have driven unprecedented expansions in the supply of central bank reserves around the world over the past two decades, fundamentally changing the implementation of monetary policy. The collapse in money multipliers following QE episodes has often been interpreted as implying banks are happy to passively hold most of the reserves created by QE. This paper develops a simple microsimulation model of the banking sector that adapts the traditional money multiplier model and allows for bank reserve demand to be inferred from monetary aggregates. The model allows the use of unwanted reserves by banks to play out over time alongside QE purchases and incorporates both significantly higher reserve demand after 2008 and capital constraints. With these additions, the model explains the persistently lower money multipliers seen in the United States following QE, as well as the growth in commercial bank deposits. The model suggests the demand from banks for reserves has increased substantially since the introduction of QE but not to the point where banks are passively absorbing all newly created reserves.
How Powerful Is Unannounced, Sterilized Foreign Exchange Intervention?
Authors: NAEF ALAIN , WEBER JACOB P.
Published: October 2022

Though most central banks actively intervene on the foreign exchange market, the literature offers mixed evidence on their effectiveness: particularly for unannounced interventions. We use new, declassified data from the archives of the Bank of England and the institutional features of the Bretton Woods Era to estimate the effects of intervention on the exchange rate. We find that a purchase of pounds equivalent to 1% of the money supply causes a statistically significant, 4–5 basis point appreciation in the pound.
Exosomal hsa_circRNA_047733 integrated with clinical features for preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis risk in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Deng Qingrong , Chen Yujia , Lin Lisong , Lin Jing , Wang Huiying , Qiu Yu , Pan Lizhen , Zheng Xiaoyan , Wei Lihong , Wang Jing , Liu Fengqiong , He Baochang , Chen Fa
Published: October 2022

Background

To evaluate whether exosomal circRNAs could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for the accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients.

Methods

A combinative strategy of exosomal circRNAs microarray and qRT‐PCR verification was employed to dig LNM‐related circRNA signatures. Then, a dynamic nomogram was developed based on candidate circRNAs and preoperative clinical features and the calibration, discrimination, and clinical use of the nomogram were evaluated.

Results

According to the microarray, three circRNAs derived from the tumor were associated with preoperative LNM risk, including hsa_circRNA_047733, hsa_circRNA_024144 and hsa_circRNA_403472. The hsa_circRNA_047733 was further verified to be significantly downregulated in patients with LNM (+) as compared with those with LNM (−) (p = 0.007). Patients with the higher expression of hsa_circRNA_047733 showed a lower risk of LNM (multivariate‐adjusted OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.06–0.83). The bioinformatics prediction showed that hsa_circRNA_047733 might sponge miR‐4464/miR‐4748 to regulate RPS21 expression. A dynamic nomogram integrating exosomal hsa_circRNA_047733 with five clinicopathological characteristics (tumor site, leukocyte level, maximum tumor diameter, and LNM reported by MRI and preoperative biopsy differentiation) was developed. The model displayed an excellent discrimination ability (AUC = 0.868, 95%CI: 0.781–0.955) and great calibration. The decision curve revealed a higher net benefit superior to the baseline model at an 80% threshold probability.

Conclusion

The data provide preliminary evidence that exosomal hsa_circRNA_047733 might be a novel biomarker for the LNM of OSCC. The hsa_circRNA_047733‐based dynamic nomogram could serve as a convenient preoperative assessment tool to predict the risk of LNM for OSCC patients.
Oral epithelium response of electronic cigarette users to electronic cigarette
Authors: Reeve Gwendolyn S. , Rostami Mahboubeh R. , Reich Renee F. , Behrman David A. , Leopold Philip L. , Crystal Ronald G. , Strulovici‐Barel Yael
Published: October 2022

Background

Electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity, but there is only little information on their biologic effects on the oral epithelium, the initial site exposed to electronic cigarette smoke.

Methods

We assessed the oral epithelium response to electronic cigarettes by comparing the histology and RNA transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) of healthy electronic cigarette vapers to nonsmokers. mRNA was assessed based on: (1) genome‐wide; (2) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers versus nonsmokers; (3) immune and inflammatory‐related genes previously identified as dysregulated in the nasal epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers compared to nonsmokers; (4) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the small airway epithelium of nonsmokers following an acute exposure to electronic cigarette; and (5) genes related to the initial steps of COVID‐19 infection. In addition, miRNA was assessed genome‐wide. Comparisons were performed using analysis of variance, and Benajmini–Hochberg correctedp < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The histology of the epithelium, lamina propria and basal layer in electronic cigarette vapers appeared normal. Assessment of mRNA and miRNA, based on all gene lists, did not identify any genes significantly modified in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers in response to electronic cigarette use.

Conclusion

An average history of 2 years of vaping results in no detectable histologic or transcriptome abnormalities in the buccal mucosa.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of fissure sealants for caries prevention in children
Authors: Egil Edibe , Yaylali Emine
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of resin‐based and glass ionomer‐based fissure sealants compared with no intervention for children.

Methods

We developed a Markov‐based decision analytic model that simulated Turkish children from aged 6 to 15 years. Two types of costs were explored from the payers' perspective and the health care system perspectives. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of resin‐based and glass ionomer‐based fissure sealants was conducted to quantify their effectiveness using the number of caries prevented and the quality‐adjusted tooth years (QATYs). Costs and effectiveness measures were discounted at 3% per year.

Results

The most cost‐effective intervention was resin‐based fissure sealant, with an additional $5.34 per caries prevented and $1.86 per QATY gained compared with no treatment.

Conclusion

Fissure sealants particularly resin‐based sealants are cost‐effective for children in Turkey due to their low cost and highly preventive characteristics.
A phase 2, open‐label, randomized, multiple‐dose study evaluating Inarigivir in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yuen Man‐Fung , Chen Chi‐Yi , Liu Chun‐Jen , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Elkhashab Magdy , Coffin Carla S. , Kim Won , Greenbloom Susan , Ramji Alnoor , Lim Young S. , Kim Yoon J. , Fung Scott K. , Kim Dong J. , Jang Jeong‐Won , Lee Kwan Sik , Iyer Radhakrishnan P. , Macfarlane Chelsea , Jackson Kathy , Locarnini Stephen A. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Afdhal Nezam H.
Published: October 2022

Background/Aims

Novel agents acting against hepatitis B virus (HBV) are needed to improve HBsAg seroclearance or termed as ‘functional cure’. Inarigivir (retinoic acid‐inducible gene I agonist) has immunomodulatory and direct antiviral actions against HBV. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of Inarigivir for the treatment of HBV infection.

Patients/Methods

80 treatment‐naïve patients were randomized in 4 ascending dose cohorts to receive 12 weeks of Inarigivir 25, 50, 100, 200 mg or placebo in a ratio of 4:1. All patients were then given tenofovir for another 12 weeks.

Results

Least squares (LS) mean reductions in HBV DNA from baseline increased with higher doses of Inarigivir (0.6116 in 25 mg and 1.5774 in 200 mg groups vs. 0.0352 in placebo group) (95% CI 0.9518–0.2011 and 1.921–1.1634 respectively). LS mean changes in HBV RNA and HBsAg from baseline ranged from −0.3856 to −0.5794 versus −0.1474 and −0.0956 to −0.1818 versus +0.0026 in Inarigivir‐treated versus placebo groups respectively. During the tenofovir‐treated period, LS mean reductions in HBsAg in the Inarigivir‐treated groups ranged from 0.1709 to 0.3529 versus 0.1984 in the placebo group. Inarigivir‐treated groups showed mean reductions in ALT from baseline between 23.3 and 33.8 versus 0.7 U/L in the placebo group. Treatment‐emergent adverse events related to Inarigivir and placebo occurred in 4.7% and 6.3% patients respectively.

Conclusions

Twelve‐week Inarigivir up to 200 mg dose was associated with a reduction of HBV DNA, HBV RNA and antigen levels. A trend for greater HBsAg reduction was observed in Inarigivir pre‐treated patients after switching to tenofovir.
Common microgeographical selection patterns revealed in four European conifers
Authors: Scotti Ivan , Lalagüe Hadrien , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Ruiz Daniels Rose , Grivet Delphine , Lefevre François , Cubry Philippe , Fady Bruno , González‐Martínez Santiago C. , Roig Anne , Lesur‐Kupin Isabelle , Bagnoli Francesca , Guerin Vanina , Plomion Christophe , Rozenberg Philippe , Vendramin Giovanni G.
Published: October 2022

Microgeographical adaptation occurs when the effects of directional selection persist despite gene flow. Traits and genetic loci under selection can then show adaptive divergence, against the backdrop of little differentiation at other traits or loci. How common such events are and how strong the selection is that underlies them remain open questions. Here, we discovered and analysed microgeographical patterns of genomic divergence in four European and Mediterranean conifers with widely differing life‐history traits and ecological requirements (Abies alba MIll., Cedrus atlantica [Endl.] Manetti, Pinus halepensis Mill. and Pinus pinaster Aiton) by screening pairs from geographically close forest stands sampled along steep ecological gradients. We inferred patterns of genomic divergence by applying a combination of divergence outlier detection methods, demographic modelling, Approximate Bayesian Computation inferences and genomic annotation to genomic data. Surprisingly for such small geographical scales, we showed that selection is strong in all species but generally affects different loci in each. A clear signature of selection was systematically detected on a fraction of the genome, of the order of 0.1%–1% of the loci depending on the species. The novel modelling method we designed for estimating selection coefficients showed that the microgeographical selection coefficient scaled by population size (Ns) was 2–30. Our results convincingly suggest that selection maintains within‐population diversity at microgeographical scales in spatially heterogeneous environments. Such genetic diversity is likely to be a major reservoir of adaptive potential, helping populations to adapt under fluctuating environmental conditions.
As ‘synapses’ become ‘protoplasmic kisses’: Symmetry across clinical reasoning and poetry
Authors: Bleakley Alan , Neilson Shane
Published: October 2022

Context

We argue that biomedicine at root is not primarily instrumental, but shares aesthetic, ethical and political values with poetry. Yet an instrumentalist bias in medical pedagogy can lead to frustration of biomedicine's potential. Such unfulfilled potential is exposed when making a comparison with poetry, a knowledge system that expressly engages a range of value systems. How then to recover biomedical language's riches for medical education's gain?

Methods

We combine scientific and artistic approaches by positing a common frame to which both medicine and poetry can aspire: the ‘high‐water mark’ of language. Poetry's language is complex, intensive and connotative—concerned with mood, ambiguity, metaphor and embodiment. Biomedicine potentially engages with such linguistic complexities, particularly in metaphor production, yet persistently falls away from this high‐water mark of language, reducing connotative language to denotation or literal meanings. We describe such instances of frustrated potential as ‘trying to accelerate with the brake on’. This paradoxical state has become habitual in medical education. The resultant lack of productive metaphor insulates pedagogy from mood, separating it from the vernacular as a specialist tongue that ensures identification with the medical community of practice. Such language can alienate both patients and poets for the same reason: it is less human than technical.

Conclusions

Using the example of clinical reasoning and attendant diagnostic work, we show that reductions from the connotative to the denotative not only mask but also contradict the complexity of implicit, embedded and distributed cognitive structures, creating a tension that medical education consistently fails to either resolve or draw upon as a resource. Further, poetry too has a complex set of implicit rules and formative structures that shape composition. These structures show symmetry, correspondence or even isomorphism with medical cognition, where both can aspire to activity that is aesthetically rich, intense and cognitively elegant.
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi mediate the response of ombrotrophic peatlands to fertilization: a modeling study
Authors: Shao Siya , Wu Jianghua , He Hongxing , Moore Tim R. , Bubier Jill , Larmola Tuula , Juutinen Sari , Roulet Nigel T.
Published: October 2022

Ericaceous shrubs adapt to the nutrient‐poor conditions in ombrotrophic peatlands by forming symbiotic associations with ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) fungi. Increased nutrient availability may diminish the role of ERM pathways in shrub nutrient uptake, consequently altering the biogeochemical cycling within bogs.

To explore the significance of ERM fungi in ombrotrophic peatlands, we developed the model MWMmic (a peat cohort‐based biogeochemical model) into MWMmic‐NP by explicitly incorporating plant‐soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling and ERM fungi processes. The new model was applied to simulate the biogeochemical cycles in the Mer Bleue (MB) bog in Ontario, Canada, and their responses to fertilization.

MWMmic_NP reproduced the carbon(C)–N–P cycles and vegetation dynamics observed in the MB bog, and their responses to fertilization. Our simulations showed that fertilization increased shrub biomass by reducing the C allocation to ERM fungi, subsequently suppressing the growth of underlying Sphagnum mosses, and decreasing the peatland C sequestration. Our species removal simulation further demonstrated that ERM fungi were key to maintaining the shrub–moss coexistence and C sink function of bogs.

Our results suggest that ERM fungi play a significant role in the biogeochemical cycles in ombrotrophic peatlands and should be considered in future modeling efforts.
Electrochemical sensors for oral biofilm–biomaterials interface characterization: A review
Authors: Koley Dipankar
Published: October 2022

Important processes related to the interaction of the oral microbiome with the tooth surface happen directly at the interface. For example, the chemical microenvironment that exists at the interface of microbial biofilms and the native tooth structure is directly involved in caries development. Consequentially, a critical understanding of this interface and its chemical microenvironment would provide novel avenues in caries prevention, including secondary caries that often occurs at the interface of the dental biofilm, tooth structure, and dental material. Electrochemical sensors are a unique quantitative tool and have the inherent advantages of miniaturization, stability, and selectivity. That makes the electrochemical sensors ideal tools for studying these critical biofilm microenvironments with high precision. This review highlights the development and applications of several novel electrochemical sensors such as pH, Ca2+, and hydrogen peroxide sensors as scanning electrochemical microscope probes in addition to flexible pH wire sensors for real‐time bacterial biofilm‐dental surface and dental materials interface studies.
Cross‐cultural differences in depression between White British and South Asians: Causal attributions, stigma by association, discriminatory potential
Authors: Birtel Michèle D. , Mitchell Briana L.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Numerous facets of public and internalized mental illness stigma have been established. This study focuses on the stigma of being associated with someone with depression and cultural differences between a Western and an Eastern culture. The aim was to compare White British and South Asians living in the United Kingdom regarding their causal explanations for depression, stigma towards people with depression and stigma by association.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

White British and South Asians (N = 137) in the United Kingdom completed a survey measuring attributions about the aetiology of depression, discriminatory potential towards people with depression and stigma by association.

Results

Results revealed that South Asians attributed greater supernatural, moral and psychosocial causes to depression, while White British endorsed greater biological beliefs. South Asians reported a greater discriminatory potential towards people with depression (lower willingness for closeness, greater desire for social distance) than White British. They also indicated greater affective, cognitive and behavioural stigma by association. Stigma by association mediated the relationship between cultural group and willingness for closeness as well as desire for social distance. Perceived dangerousness was a mediator for willingness for closeness.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a greater consideration of the role of culture in the understanding of mental health is important to combat stigma towards individuals with depression and those close to them across Western and Eastern cultures.
Prospective Evaluation of the Fungitell® (1→3) Beta‐D‐Glucan Assay as a Diagnostic Tool for Invasive Fungal Disease in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Otto William R. , Dvorak Christopher C. , Boge Craig L. K. , Ostrosky‐Zeichner Luis , Esbenshade Adam J. , Nieder Michael L. , Alexander Sarah , Steinbach William J. , Dang Ha , Villaluna Doojduen , Chen Lu , Skeens Micah , Zaoutis Theoklis E. , Sung Lillian , Fisher Brian T.
Published: October 2022

Background

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality for hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Non‐invasive biomarkers, such as the beta‐D‐glucan assay, may improve the diagnosis of IFD. The objective was to define the utility of surveillance testing using Fungitell® beta‐D‐glucan (BDG) assay in children receiving antifungal prophylaxis in the immediate post‐HCT period.

Methods

Weekly surveillance blood testing with the Fungitell® BDG assay was performed during the early post‐HCT period in the context of a randomized trial of children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing allogeneic HCT allocated to triazole or caspofungin prophylaxis. Positivity was defined at the manufacturer cutoff of 80 pg/ml. IFD was adjudicated using blinded central reviewers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the Fungitell® BDG assay for the outcome of proven or probable IFD.

Results

A total of 51 patients (out of 290 patients in the parent trial) contributed blood specimens. In total, 278 specimens were evaluated. Specificity was 80.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75.6%–85.3%), and NPV was over 99% (95% CI: 86.8%–99.9%). However, there were no true positive results, resulting in sensitivity of 0% (95% CI: 0.0%–84.2%) and PPV of 0% (95% CI: 0.0%–6.7%).

Conclusions

Fungitell® BDG screening is of limited utility in diagnosing IFD in the post‐HCT period, mainly due to high false‐positive rates. Fungitell® BDG surveillance testing should not be performed in children during the early post‐HCT period while receiving antifungal prophylaxis as the pretest probability for IFD is low.
Construction and application of tuberculosis medical and nursing integration cooperation model
Authors: Zhang Jin , Hu Xiao‐Ying , Ye Hong , Fan Xiu‐Qiu , Lai Dong‐Mei
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the clinical effect of the tuberculosis (TB) doctor–nurse integration management model

Methods

This study is a retrospective historical cohort study. The clinical data of 180 patients with TB in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. In a control group, 90 cases were treated with the traditional medical care model. An observation group of 90 cases received clinical diagnoses, treatments, and nursing under a doctor–nurse integration management model. Comparative analyses between the two groups were conducted on various aspects, including the awareness level of TB prevention and control, medication compliance and patient satisfaction. Comparisons between the two groups were evaluated using independent‐sample t‐tests or Chi‐squared tests

Results

Compared with the control group, the knowledge awareness levels of TB prevention and medication compliance in the observation group were significantly higher (p < .05). The appointment waiting times and hospitalization times in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .05). The total average satisfaction score of the patients in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < .05). Compared with the control group, the patients in the observation group were significantly more satisfied with their nursing methods, operating techniques, psychological techniques, service attitudes, and ward management (p < .05). In addition, in the observation group, medical–nursing relationships and doctor–patient communication were better than in the control group; additionally, the satisfaction of doctors with nursing work was also higher than in the control group, which was a statistically significant difference (p < .05)

Conclusion

The implementation of an integrated medical–nursing cooperation model for TB will help increase the awareness of health knowledge in patients with TB, improve patient medication compliance and enhance patient satisfaction.
The distinctive role of membrane fibrinogen‐like protein 2 in the liver stage of rodent malaria infections
Authors: Jiao Shiming , Tan Nie , Zhu Chengyu , Fu Yong , Zhang Kun , Ding Yan , Xu Wenyue
Published: October 2022

Viral infection often induce the expression of murine fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (mFGL2) triggering immune coagulation, which causes severe liver pathogenesis via increased fibrin deposition and thrombosis in the microvasculature. We aimed to investigate the role of mFGL2 in the liver stage of malaria infections. We reveal that infection with malaria sporozoites also induces increased expression of mFGL2 and that this expression is primarily located within the liver Kupffer and endothelial cells. In addition, we report that inhibition of FGL2 has no significant effect on immune coagulation but increases the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the livers of infected mice. Interestingly, FGL2 deficiency had no significant impact on the development of liver stage malaria parasites or the pathogenesis of the infected liver. In contrast to viral infections, we conclude that mFGL2 does not contribute to either parasite development or liver pathology during these infections, revealing the unique features of this protein in liver‐stage malaria infections.
Supply diversification under random yield: The impact of price postponement
Authors: Dong Lingxiu , Xiao Guang , Yang Nan
Published: October 2022

Supply diversification and pricing are two common mechanisms for dealing with supply yield uncertainty. This paper characterizes a firm's pricing and sourcing decisions under supply yield uncertainty, and studies the interplay between the two mechanisms. We compare the optimal sourcing decisions under two distinct pricing schemes: (1) ex ante pricing—the firm simultaneously makes the sales price and sourcing decisions before production takes place; (2) responsive pricing—the pricing decision is postponed until after the production yield realization. Although the firm is better off with responsive pricing, the effect of price postponement on the optimal sourcing decision and the firm's need for supply diversification varies and is influenced by factors such as unit procurement cost, supply portfolio, and supply reliability. For the case of one unreliable supplier, we show that responsive pricing mitigates the overage and underage risks imposed by yield uncertainty, and results in a lower optimal order quantity than that under ex ante pricing when the procurement cost is low, and a higher quantity otherwise. For the case of two unreliable suppliers, we show that responsive pricing promotes supply diversification when the sole‐sourced supplier's reliability is low, and discourages when it is high. By contrast, when the sole‐sourced supplier's reliability is moderate, responsive pricing promotes supply diversification when its unit procurement cost is low and discourages otherwise. The composition of supply portfolio also has a fundamental impact on such strategic interplay: When the supply portfolio consists of one unreliable and one reliable supplier, diversified sourcing is never optimal under ex ante pricing, but may be optimal under responsive pricing. Thus, responsive pricing promotes dual sourcing in this setting. We also conduct comprehensive numerical experiments to both confirm the robustness of the main results and derive additional insights.
Infections following rejection therapies in kidney and liver transplant recipients
Authors: Gupta Simran , Gea‐Banacloche Juan , Me Hay‐Me , Chascsa David M. H. , Heilman Raymond L. , Budhiraja Pooja , Yaman Reena N. , Vikram Holenarasipur R. , Zhang Nan , Joseph Anna M. , Kodali Lavanya
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Infections are known complications of solid‐organ transplant. Treatment for rejection may increase risk of infection. We aimed to study frequency of infection and identify the risk factors for infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) (liver and kidney) recipients treated for rejection.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all liver and kidney transplant recipients treated for rejection at our institution from 2014 to 2020. We collected information on episodes of acute rejection in the first year of transplant and infections within 6 months following rejection treatment.

Results

We identified 257 transplant patients treated for rejection. One hundred twelve (43.6%) developed infections, with a total of 226 infections. Urinary tracts infections were the most common, 72 (31.9%), followed by cytomegalovirus viremia in 37 (16.4%), bacteremia in 24 (10.6%), and BK virus in 14 (6.2%). Female sex (p = .047), elevated neutrophil count at rejection (p = .002), and increased number of rejection episodes (p = .022) were predictors of infection in kidney and simultaneous liver‐kidney recipients. No specific type of induction or rejection therapy was identified as a risk factor for infection, likely due to the prophylaxis protocols at our institution. Infection post rejection treatment was associated with higher graft loss (p = .021) and mortality (p = .031) in kidney transplant recipients.

Conclusions

Infections are common complications after treatment of SOT rejection. Female gender, higher neutrophil at time of rejection, and increased numbers of rejection episodes were predictors of infections after rejection in simultaneous liver‐kidney and kidney transplant patients. Infections were predictors of graft loss at 6 months and mortality at any point in follow‐up in kidney transplant patients.

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Biological variation of biochemical analytes determined at 8‐week intervals for 1 year in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Smith Stephanie M. , Carney Patrick C. , Prieto Jennifer M. , Miller Meredith L. , Randolph John F. , Farace Giosi , Peterson Sarah , Bilbrough Graham , Peterson Mark E.
Published: October 2022

Background

Biological variation helps determine whether population‐based or subject‐based reference intervals are more appropriate to assess changes in serial analytical values. Previous studies have investigated the biological variation of biochemical analytes weekly or with variable frequency over 5‐14 weeks in cats, but none have considered biological variation at less frequent intervals over 1 year.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the long‐term biological variation of 19 biochemical analytes in clinically healthy cats.

Methods

A prospective, observational study in which 15 clinically healthy, client‐owned cats were sampled for serum biochemical analyses every 8 weeks for 1 year. Frozen serum samples were single‐batch analyzed. Restricted maximum likelihood estimation was used to determine the coefficients of variation (CV), describing variation within each cat, between cats, and the analytical variation. These CVs were used to determine the indices of individuality and reference change values (RCVs).

Results

Albumin, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and globulin had high indices of individuality, indicating that they are best evaluated by RCVs. Phosphorus, potassium, chloride, sodium, symmetric dimethylarginine, and total CO2 had low indices of individuality, indicating that population‐based reference intervals are appropriate. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, and total protein had intermediate indices of individuality, indicating that RCVs may provide additional insight into the interpretation of analyte measurements beyond the population‐based reference intervals.

Conclusions

For many analytes, the biological variation detected was similar to that reported in prior studies. Clinicians should consider the biological variation of analytes to best interpret clinically relevant changes in serial analyte measurements.
Performance of Professional Courses In Botswana: A Tutor Perspective
Authors: E Munjeyi, , T.A Nenguke
Published: October 2022

Globally, the performance of learners in professional courses is not pleasing at all. This paper aims at evaluating the performance of learners in ACCA and BICA qualifications in Botswana from a tutor’s perspective. A structured questionnaire was administered to 45 respondents purposively (judgmentally) sampled from universities in Gaborone Botswana. This paper established that learner’s attitude was viewed as the major factor contributing to poor performance in professional courses in Botswana. This paper recommends that training providers were urged to amend their academic entry requirements to professional.
The Four-dimensional Value of Mao Zedong Thought
Authors: Chenxi Wang
Published: October 2022

Mao Zedong Thought was born in the revolutionary war period, and under specific background, it guided and led China to a semi-colonial and semi- feudal society to a novel democratic and socialist society. Maoism is the theoretical innovation and development of the Marxism–Leninism in China. It is the theoretical principle, objective reality and experience summary of the Chinese revolution and construction that has been practiced. Under the background of the new period, Mao Zedong Thought still has important practical significance and implication of the Times. To learn Mao Zedong Thought should also be interpreted from the four dimensions of historical values, theoretical value, practicable value and time value.
Automated Digitization of Three-Dimensional Structures Using AprilTag and Solid Geometry-Library in matlab
Authors: Zhang Dingzhi , Pancheri Felix , Rehekampff Christoph , Sun Yilun , Lueth Tim C.
Published: October 2022

The rapid development of digitization and 3D printing is creating an ever-increasing demand for methods for the automated generation of 3D models from real components. Thanks to the progress and widespread use of computer vision, it is now possible to merge classical engineering tasks with image processing techniques. Computer-aided design can therefore be automated using information from image data. In this study, we present a novel method for automated digitization of 3D structures using AprilTag fiducial system and Solid Geometry Library. The proposed design process is implemented in matlab. AprilTags are used to realize 3D coordinate measurements to digitally capture the 3D dimensions of real components. Based on these data, 3D replica models are generated with the Solid Geometry Library toolbox, which enables the automated design of 3D surface models in matlab. The mathematical background of this procedure is described. The capability of the proposed method is demonstrated on 3D structures composed of components with fixed cross sections and fundamental 3D structures such as prisms, cylinders, and spheres. Further improvements in the coordinate measurement process using AprilTag and further implementation in matlab can extend the functionality for the digitization of more complex 3D structures.
Bubble Dynamics and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Flow Boiling in a Single Pentagonal Rib Channel
Authors: Zhou Zhenlin , Wang Shuang , He Jing , Ke Hanbing , Lin Mei , Wang Qiuwang
Published: October 2022

Two-phase flow boiling is the preferred method for efficient heat dissipation in electronic equipment, so the bubble dynamics and heat transfer characteristics of flow boiling in a single pentagonal rib channel are numerically analyzed by the volume of fluid (VOF) model. Three typical rib structures are obtained, whose block ratios are 0.4, 0.75, and 0.25, and the corresponding length-diameter ratios are 1.72, 0.59, and 12.70, respectively. The Reynolds number is 14,000 and 28,000. The heat flux is set from 50 to 150 kW/m2. The results show that the starting position of the bubble is at the cone and sides of the rib, and its moving direction is related to the configuration of the rib, the heat flux, and fluid velocity. Additionally, the bubbles are shedding at the corner of the rib, and the short rib does not appear to be the vortex shedding phenomenon. The wall temperature and temperature fluctuation increase with the increase of heat flux and with the decrease of fluid velocity. The heat transfer coefficient decreases with the increase of heat flux and with the decrease of fluid velocity. The short rib channel has a higher heat transfer coefficient, approximately 14% and 50% higher than that of the median and long rib channels, respectively. Compared with the single-phase flow, the main frequency of the lift coefficient increases with the increase of the fluid velocity while decreasing with the increase of heat flux. The main frequency of the median rib without harmonic signal keeps constant, and that for long rib decreases by 38%. The study of the instantaneous characteristics of bubble growth in pentagonal rib channels is instructive to the efficient heat dissipation in electronic equipment.
Shape Optimization for Temperature Regulation in Extrusion Dies Using Microstructures
Authors: Zwar Jacques , Elber Gershon , Elgeti Stefanie
Published: October 2022

Plastic profile extrusion—a manufacturing process for continuous profiles with fixed cross section—requires a complex and iterative design process to prevent deformations and residual stresses in the final product. The central task is to ensure a uniform material velocity at the outlet. To this end, not only the geometry of the flow decisively influences the quality of the outflow but also the temperature profile along the flow channel wall. It is exactly here that this work contributes by presenting a novel design approach for extrusion dies that will allow for optimal temperature profiles. The core of this approach is the composition of the extrusion die through microstructures. The optimal shape and distribution of these microstructures is determined via shape optimization. The corresponding optimization procedure is the main topic of this article. Special emphasis is placed on the definition of a suitable, low-dimensional shape parameterization. The proposed design-framework is then applied to two numerical test cases with varying complexity.
Comprehensive Verification and Validation of a CFD Analysis
Authors: Amaral Tiago , Rentschler Manuel , Vaz Guilherme , Baltazar João
Published: October 2022

Wave energy converters (WECs) are designed to operate near the resonance region, being excited at or close to its natural frequencies. Therefore, they are strongly affected by the interaction with waves, motion and mooring restraints. Floating WECs, such as point absorbers, present small dimensions in relation to the wave length, being typically subjected to large amplitude motions. An oscillating floating vertical cylinder is a simple representative geometry of WECs and component of many different floating structures. Over the past years it has been addressed in multiple studies revealing several difficulties.

The pitch and heave free decay responses of a floating vertical cylinder will be studied throughout this paper. The present case was based on an experiment and subject of different CFD validation studies. Both have found significant discrepancies regarding the damping and natural period of the system, specially for the pitch motion. Throughout this work a rigorous verification study was performed, with special focus on the iterative convergence and discretisation errors relative to the hydrodynamic damping coefficients. Moreover, the main phenomena contributing to the hydrodynamic damping of the system were identified. Furthermore, the results were further compared with an experimental investigation.
Surface waves and crustal structure on Mars
Authors: Kim D. , Banerdt W. B. , Ceylan S. , Giardini D. , Lekić V. , Lognonné P. , Beghein C. , Beucler É. , Carrasco S. , Charalambous C. , Clinton J. , Drilleau M. , Durán C. , Golombek M. , Joshi R. , Khan A. , Knapmeyer-Endrun B. , Li J. , Maguire R. , Pike W. T. , Samuel H. , Schimmel M. , Schmerr N. C. , Stähler S. C. , Stutzmann E. , Wieczorek M. , Xu Z. , Batov A. , Bozdag E. , Dahmen N. , Davis P. , Gudkova T. , Horleston A. , Huang Q. , Kawamura T. , King S. D. , McLennan S. M. , Nimmo F. , Plasman M. , Plesa A. C. , Stepanova I. E. , Weidner E. , Zenhäusern G. , Daubar I. J. , Fernando B. , Garcia R. F. , Posiolova L. V. , Panning M. P.
Published: October 2022

We detected surface waves from two meteorite impacts on Mars. By measuring group velocity dispersion along the impact-lander path, we obtained a direct constraint on crustal structure away from the InSight lander. The crust north of the equatorial dichotomy had a shear wave velocity of approximately 3.2 kilometers per second in the 5- to 30-kilometer depth range, with little depth variation. This implies a higher crustal density than inferred beneath the lander, suggesting either compositional differences or reduced porosity in the volcanic areas traversed by the surface waves. The lower velocities and the crustal layering observed beneath the landing site down to a 10-kilometer depth are not a global feature. Structural variations revealed by surface waves hold implications for models of the formation and thickness of the martian crust.
Stereochemical editing logic powered by the epimerization of unactivated tertiary stereocenters
Authors: Zhang Yu-An , Palani Vignesh , Seim Alexander E. , Wang Yong , Wang Kathleen J. , Wendlandt Alison E.
Published: October 2022

The stereoselective synthesis of complex targets requires the precise orchestration of chemical transformations that simultaneously establish the connectivity and spatial orientation of desired bonds. In this work, we describe a complementary paradigm for the synthesis of chiral molecules and their isomers, which tunes the three-dimensional structure of a molecule at a late stage. Key to the success of this strategy is the development of a mild and highly general photocatalytic method composed of decatungstate polyanion and disulfide cocatalysts, which enable the interconversion of unactivated tertiary stereogenic centers that were previously configurationally fixed. We showcase the versatility of this method—and the implementation of stereoediting logic—by the rapid construction of chiral scaffolds that would be challenging to access using existing tools and by the late-stage stereoediting of complex targets.
Bursts in skull evolution weakened with time
Authors: Santana Sharlene E. , Grossnickle David M.
Published: October 2022

The skull shapes of mammals diversified more rapidly early in their history
Tales of Tutankhamun
The Complete Tutankhamun
Nicholas Reeves
Thames & Hudson, 2023. 464 pp.
The Story of Tutankhamun
Garry J. Shaw
Yale University Press, 2023. 208 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: October 2022

A pair of authors set out to humanize the enigmatic pharaoh 100 years after his tomb’s discovery
Credibility at stake in Sweden
Authors: Österblom Henrik , Blasiak Robert
Published: October 2022

Swedens legacy as a global leader in the push to put climate and the environment at the heart of government decision-making may have come to an end on 18 October 2022. The first casualty of the countrys new right-wing government was the Ministry of the Environment, eliminated on Day 1. A key question is the extent to which this change derails progress made toward building a sustainable nation and world.
In Science Journals
Authors: Gagné Michel R. , Stern Peter , Vignieri Sacha , Jiang Di , Yeston Jake , Grocholski Brent , Malo Courtney S. , Foley John F. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Ray L. Bryan , Erkes Dan A. , Morrison Trudy
Published: October 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
New sodium isotope challenges theories of exotic atomic nuclei
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: October 2022

How exploding stars forge elements could be harder to trace
A big step toward mirror-image ribosomes
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: October 2022

Synthetic protein factories could one day make durable drugs the body can’t break down
Sequential Transmission of Influenza Viruses in Ferrets Does Not Enhance Infectivity and Does Not Predict Transmissibility in Humans
Authors: Sutton Troy C. , Lamirande Elaine W. , Patel Devanshi R. , Johnson Katherine E. E. , Czako Rita , Ghedin Elodie , Lee Raphael T. C. , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Subbarao Kanta
Published: October 2022

Airborne transmission in ferrets is used to gauge the pandemic potential of emerging influenza viruses; however, some emerging influenza viruses that transmit between ferrets do not spread between humans. Therefore, we evaluated sequential rounds of airborne transmission in ferrets as a strategy to enhance the predictive accuracy of the ferret model.
The Trisubstituted Isoxazole MMV688766 Exerts Broad-Spectrum Activity against Drug-Resistant Fungal Pathogens through Inhibition of Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Puumala Emily , Zaslaver Olga , Chen Amy , Duncan Dustin , Fogal Meea , Shapiro Rebecca S. , Mazhab-Jafari Mohammad T. , Whitesell Luke , Montenegro-Burke J. Rafael , Robbins Nicole , Cowen Leah E.
Published: October 2022

As widespread antimicrobial resistance threatens to propel the world into a postantibiotic era, there is a pressing need to identify mechanistically distinct antimicrobial agents. This is of particular concern when considering the limited arsenal of drugs available to treat fungal infections, coupled with the emergence of highly drug-resistant fungal pathogens, including
Candida auris
.