bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
7-Methylxanthine Influences the Behavior of ADORA2A-DRD2 Heterodimers in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Fan Yuzhuo , Li Jiarui , Huang Lvzhen , Wang Kai , Zhao Mingwei
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The goal of this study was to investigate the presence of ADORA2A-DRD2 heterodimers in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells; determine if 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist which was used to control myopia progression, can influence the behavior of RPE cells through the ADORA2A-DRD2 receptor pathway; and assess the changes in the expression of signaling molecules during cellular signal transduction. Methods: Human RPE cells were cultured in vitro in the presence or absence of 7-MX. Cell proliferation was evaluated with the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and necrosis rates were determined by annexin V–FITC/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation were used to examine the protein expression and colocalization of ADORA2A and DRD2 in RPE cells. ADORA2A and DRD2 were knocked down with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Changes in the protein expression of ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK 1/2), which are signaling molecules downstream of dopamine receptors, were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results: Immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation showed that ADORA2A and DRD2 were colocalized in RPE cells. The expression of ADORA2A in RPE cells was inhibited by treatment with 50 µmol/L 7-MX for 48 h, and the expression of DRD2, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 was increased after treatment with 50 µmol/L 7-MX for 48 h. After siRNA-mediated knockdown of DRD2 in RPE cells and further treatment with 50 µmol/L 7-MX for 48 h, the expression of DRD2 was nearly restored to the level observed in the native control. At the experimental concentrations, 7-MX and siRNAs did not affect the proliferation or apoptosis of human RPE cells. Conclusions: ADORA2A and DRD2 heterodimers were present in RPE cells. 7-MX may affect the behaviors of RPE cells through the ADORA2A-DRD2 receptor pathway. 7-MX is an inhibitor of ADORA2A receptors that can prevent inhibition of the DRD2 receptor pathway and increase DRD2 receptor pathway activity. This phenomenon may explain the mechanism of action through which 7-MX can control myopia progression.
The Effect of Pre-Thyroidectomy Calcitriol Prophylaxis on Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia in Children
Authors: Vendrig Lisanne M. , Mooij Christiaan F. , Derikx Joep P.M. , Fischer Johannes C. , van Trotsenburg A.S. Paul , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Transient or persistent hypoparathyroidism is one of the most well-known complications of total thyroidectomy and may lead to symptomatic hypocalcaemia. In children, treatment of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia usually consists of postoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. In 2013, we implemented prophylactic pre-thyroidectomy calcitriol supplementation for all children undergoing total thyroidectomy at the Amsterdam UMC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this prophylactic calcitriol supplementation in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in children. Methods: In a retrospective case study, we included all children (age <18 years), who underwent a total or completion thyroidectomy in the Amsterdam UMC, between 2000 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups, patients with preoperative calcitriol supplementation and those without (controls). Hypocalcaemia was defined as total serum calcium concentration of <2.0 mmol/L. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of hypocalcaemia in the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention within the first 72 h after surgery, and length of hospitalization. Results: A total of 51 patients were included; 26 with calcitriol prophylaxis and 25 controls. There was no significant difference in occurrence of hypocalcaemia (17/26 prophylaxis group; 18/25 control group). Median postoperative calcium concentrations in the first 72 h were significantly higher in the group with prophylaxis at 30–35 h (2.26 vs. 2.01 mmol/L) and 36–41 h (2.17 vs. 1.92 mmol/L). Occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention, and length of hospitalization were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Calcitriol prophylaxis resulted in somewhat higher postoperative calcium concentrations but did not reduce the occurrence of hypocalcaemia or affect clinical outcome measures such as occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia and length of postoperative hospitalization.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases: What Are the Critical Questions?
Authors: Logroscino Giancarlo , Urso Daniele , Savica Rodolfo
Published: June 2022

The field of neurodegenerative diseases is a major challenge faced by public health and is still in need of robust preventive measures and disease-modifying treatments. Population-based studies can offer the framework in the context of primary and secondary prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The epidemiology of neurodegenerative disorders in the last decades has focused on descriptive studies mainly based on the use of clinical criteria. However, clinical definition is basically insufficient both to well-characterize different phenotypes and to make an early diagnosis. Descriptive epidemiology needs a new framework to update the area of neurodegenerative research, based on the advancement of both clinical and biological diagnostic criteria and the urgency for an early diagnosis of the disease. In here, we address the present and future of population-based studies in neurodegenerative disorders and discuss the shift of paradigms in the diagnosis of disease and disease definition. We further debate the changes in biomarker implementation models and type of biomarkers used in population-based studies. Descriptive epidemiology of neurodegenerative disorders is rapidly evolving. These implementations will improve the future design and outcome of population-based studies and policy-making in public health intervention.
Diurnal Variations in Natriuretic Peptide Levels: Clinical Implications for the Diagnosis of Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Breidthardt Tobias , van Doorn William P.T.M. , van der Linden Noreen , Diebold Matthias , Wussler Desiree , Danier Isabelle , Zimmermann Tobias , Shrestha Samyut , Kozhuharov Nikola , Belkin Maria , Porta Caroline , Strebel Ivo , Michou Eleni , Gualandro Danielle M. , Nowak Albina , Meex S.J.R. , Mueller Christian
Published: June 2022

Background:

Current guidelines recommend interpreting concentrations of NPs (natriuretic peptides) irrespective of the time of presentation to the emergency department. We hypothesized that diurnal variations in NP concentration may affect their diagnostic accuracy for acute heart failure.

Methods:

In a secondary analysis of a multicenter diagnostic study enrolling patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the emergency department and using central adjudication of the final diagnosis by 2 independent cardiologists, the diagnostic accuracy for acute heart failure of BNP (B-type NP), NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type NP), and MR-proANP (midregional pro-atrial NP) was compared among 1577 daytime presenters versus 908 evening/nighttime presenters. In a validation study, the presence of a diurnal rhythm in BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations was examined by hourly measurements in 44 stable individuals.

Results:

Among patients adjudicated to have acute heart failure, BNP, NT-proBNP, and MR-proANP concentrations were comparable among daytime versus evening/nighttime presenters (all
P
=nonsignificant). Contrastingly, among patients adjudicated to have other causes of dyspnea, evening/nighttime presenters had lower BNP (median, 44 [18–110] versus 74 [27–168] ng/L;
P
<0.01) and NT-proBNP (median, 212 [72–581] versus 297 [102–902] ng/L;
P
<0.01) concentrations versus daytime presenters. This resulted in higher diagnostic accuracy as quantified by the area under the curve of BNP and NT-proBNP among evening/nighttime presenters (0.97 [95% CI, 0.95–0.98] and 0.95 [95% CI, 0.93–0.96] versus 0.94 [95% CI, 0.92–0.95] and 0.91 [95% CI, 0.90–0.93]) among daytime presenters (both
P
<0.01). These differences were not observed for MR-proANP. Diurnal variation of BNP and NT-proBNP with lower evening/nighttime concentration was confirmed in 44 stable individuals (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

BNP and NT-proBNP, but not MR-proANP, exhibit a diurnal rhythm that results in even higher diagnostic accuracy among evening/nighttime presenters versus daytime presenters.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT01831115, NCT02091427, and NCT02210897.
Cardiogenic Shock From Heart Failure Versus Acute Myocardial Infarction: Clinical Characteristics, Hospital Course, and 1-Year Outcomes
Authors: Sinha Shashank S. , Rosner Carolyn M. , Tehrani Behnam N. , Maini Aneel , Truesdell Alexander G. , Lee Seiyon Ben , Bagchi Pramita , Cameron James , Damluji Abdulla A. , Desai Mehul , Desai Shashank S. , Epps Kelly C. , deFilippi Christopher , Flanagan M. Casey , Genovese Leonard , Moukhachen Hala , Park James J. , Psotka Mitchell A. , Raja Anika , Shah Palak , Sherwood Matthew W. , Singh Ramesh , Tang Daniel , Young Karl D. , Welch Timothy , O’Connor Christopher M. , Batchelor Wayne B.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Little is known about clinical characteristics, hospital course, and longitudinal outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) related to heart failure (HF-CS) compared to acute myocardial infarction (AMI; CS related to AMI [AMI-CS]).

Methods:

We examined in-hospital and 1-year outcomes of 520 (219 AMI-CS, 301 HF-CS) consecutive patients with CS (January 3, 2017–December 31, 2019) in a single-center registry.

Results:

Mean age was 61.5±13.5 years, 71% were male, 22% were Black patients, and 63% had chronic kidney disease. The HF-CS cohort was younger (58.5 versus 65.6 years,
P
<0.001), had fewer cardiac arrests (15.9% versus 35.2%,
P
<0.001), less vasopressor utilization (61.8% versus 82.2%,
P
<0.001), higher pulmonary artery pulsatility index (2.14 versus 1.51,
P
<0.01), lower cardiac power output (0.64 versus 0.77 W,
P
<0.01) and higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (25.4 versus 22.2 mm Hg,
P
<0.001) than patients with AMI-CS. Patients with HF-CS received less temporary mechanical circulatory support (34.9% versus 76.3%
P
<0.001) and experienced lower rates of major bleeding (17.3% versus 26.0%,
P=
0.02) and in-hospital mortality (23.9% versus 39.3%,
P
<0.001). Postdischarge, 133 AMI-CS and 229 patients with HF-CS experienced similar rates of 30-day readmission (19.5% versus 24.5%,
P
=0.30) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (23.3% versus 28.8%,
P
=0.45). Patients with HF-CS had lower 1-year mortality (n=123, 42.6%) compared to the patients with AMI-CS (n=110, 52.9%,
P
=0.03). Cumulative 1-year mortality was also lower in patients with HF-CS (log-rank test,
P
=0.04).

Conclusions:

Patients with HF-CS were younger, and despite lower cardiac power output and higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, less likely to receive vasopressors or temporary mechanical circulatory support. Although patients with HF-CS had lower in-hospital and 1-year mortality, both cohorts experienced similarly high rates of postdischarge major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and 30-day readmission, highlighting that both cohorts warrant careful long-term follow-up.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03378739.
Transcatheter Recanalization of Atretic Pulmonary Veins in Infants and Children
Authors: Patel Jay D. , Mandhani Mansi , Gray Rosemary , Pettus Joelle , McCracken Courtney E. , Thomas Amanda , Bauser-Heaton Holly , Kim Dennis W. , Petit Christopher J.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Pulmonary vein stenosis is a progressive disease associated with a high rate of mortality in children. If left untreated, myofibroblastic proliferation can lead to pulmonary vein atresia (PVA). In our experience, transcatheter recanalization has emerged as a favorable interventional option. We sought to determine the acute success rate of recanalization of atretic pulmonary veins and mid-term outcomes of individual veins after recanalization.

Methods:

We reviewed all patients with PVA at our institution between 2008 and 2020 diagnosed by either catheterization or cardiac computed tomography. All veins with successful recanalization were reviewed and procedural success rate and patency rate were noted. Competing risk analysis was performed to demonstrate outcomes of individual atretic veins longitudinally.

Results:

Between 2008 and 2020, our institution diagnosed and treated 131 patients with pulmonary vein stenosis. Of these, 61 patients developed atresia of at least one pulmonary vein. In total, there were 97 atretic pulmonary veins within this group. Successful recanalization was accomplished in 47/97 (48.5%) atretic veins. No atretic pulmonary veins were successfully recanalized before 2012. The majority of veins were recanalized between 2017 and 2020—39/56 (70%). The most common intervention after recanalization was drug-eluting stent placement. At 2-year follow-up 42.6% of recanalized veins (20.6% of all atretic veins) remained patent with a median of 4 reinterventions per person.

Conclusions:

Transcatheter recanalization of PVA can result in successful reestablishment of flow to affected pulmonary veins in many cases. Drug-eluting stent implantation was the most common intervention performed immediately post-recanalization. Vein patency was maintained in 42.6% of patients at 2-year follow-up from recanalization with appropriate surveillance and reintervention. Overall, only a small portion of atretic pulmonary veins underwent successful recanalization with maintained vessel patency at follow-up. Irrespective of successful recanalization, there was no detectable survival difference between the more recently treated PVA cohort and non-PVA cohort.
One-Year Health Status Outcomes Following Early Invasive and Noninvasive Treatment in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Angraal Suveen , Hejjaji Vittal , Tang Yuanyuan , Gosch Kensey L. , Patel Manesh R. , Heyligers Jan , White Christopher J. , Tutein Nolthenius Rudolf , Mena-Hurtado Carlos , Aronow Herbert D. , Moneta Gregory L. , Fitridge Robert , Soukas Peter A. , Abbott J. Dawn , Secemsky Eric A. , Spertus John A. , Smolderen Kim G.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Lifestyle changes and medications are recommended as the first line of treatment for claudication, with revascularization considered for treatment-resistant symptoms, based on patients’ preferences. Real-world evidence comparing health status outcomes of early invasive with noninvasive management strategies is lacking.

Methods:

In the international multicenter prospective observational PORTRAIT (Patient-Centered Outcomes Related to Treatment Practices in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Investigating Trajectories) registry, disease-specific health status was assessed by the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire in patients with new-onset or worsening claudication at presentation and 3, 6, and 12 months later. One-year health status trajectories were compared by early revascularization versus noninvasive management on a propensity-matched sample using hierarchical generalized linear models for repeated measures adjusted for baseline health status.

Results:

In a propensity-matched sample of 1000 patients (67.4±9.3 years, 62.8% male, and 82.4% White), 297 (29.7%) underwent early revascularization and 703 (70.3%) were managed noninvasively. Over 1 year of follow-up, patients who underwent early invasive management reported significantly higher health status than patients managed noninvasively (interaction term for time and treatment strategy;
P
<0.001 for all Peripheral Artery Questionnaire domains). The average 1-year change in Peripheral Artery Questionnaire summary scores was 30.8±25.2 in those undergoing early invasive, compared with 16.7±23.4 in those treated noninvasively (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients with claudication undergoing early invasive treatment had greater health status improvements over the course of 1 year than those treated noninvasively. These data can be used to support shared decision-making with patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01419080.
Transcatheter Myotomy to Relieve Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: The Septal Scoring Along the Midline Endocardium Procedure in Animals
Authors: Khan Jaffar M. , Bruce Christopher G. , Greenbaum Adam B. , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Jaimes Andrea E. , Schenke William H. , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Seemann Felicia , Herzka Daniel A. , Rogers Toby , Eckhaus Michael A. , Campbell-Washburn Adrienne , Guyton Robert A. , Lederman Robert J.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction complicates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Septal reduction therapies including surgical myectomy and alcohol septal ablation are limited by surgical morbidity or coronary anatomy and high pacemaker rates, respectively. We developed a novel transcatheter procedure, mimicking surgical myotomy, called Septal Scoring Along the Midline Endocardium (SESAME).

Methods:

SESAME was performed in 5 naive pigs and 5 pigs with percutaneous aortic banding–induced left ventricular hypertrophy. Fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography guided the procedures. Coronary guiding catheters and guidewires were used to mechanically enter the basal interventricular septum. Imparting a tip bend to the guidewire enabled intramyocardial navigation with multiple
df
. The guidewire trajectory determined the geometry of SESAME myotomy. The myocardium was lacerated using transcatheter electrosurgery. Cardiac function and tissue characteristics were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance at baseline, postprocedure, and at 7- or 30-day follow-up.

Results:

SESAME myotomy along the intended trajectory was achieved in all animals. The myocardium splayed after laceration, increasing left ventricular outflow tract area (753 to 854 mm
2
,
P
=0.008). Two naive pigs developed ventricular septal defects due to excessively deep lacerations in thin baseline septa. No hypertrophy model pig, with increased septal thickness and left ventricular mass compared with naive pigs, developed ventricular septal defects. One animal developed left axis deviation on ECG but no higher conduction block was seen in any animal. Coronary artery branches were intact on angiography with no infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance late gadolinium imaging. Cardiac magnetic resonance chamber volumes, function, flow, and global strain were preserved. No myocardial edema was evident on cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping.

Conclusions:

This preclinical study demonstrated feasibility of SESAME, a novel transcatheter myotomy to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This percutaneous procedure using available devices, with a safe surgical precedent, is readily translatable into patients.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With and Without Intravascular Ultrasound for Patients With Complex Lesions: Utilization, Mortality, and Target Vessel Revascularization
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Zhong Ye , Reddy Pavan , Jacobs Alice K. , Ling Frederick S.K. , King III Spencer B. , Berger Peter B. , Venditti Ferdinand J. , Walford Gary , Tamis-Holland Jacqueline
Published: June 2022

Background:

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has several benefits during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), including more accurate vessel sizing, improved stent expansion, and better strut apposition. Prior clinical trials have demonstrated a reduction in cardiac events when IVUS is used. However, there is limited information about the utilization of IVUS and the outcomes of IVUS-guided versus angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex lesions in a contemporary population-based setting.

Methods:

New York’s PCI registry was used to identify 44 305 patients with complex lesions (lesions that complicate stenting or that require multiple stents) undergoing PCI with and without IVUS guidance and discharged between December 1, 2013 and November 30, 2018. Trends and inter-hospital variation in IVUS use were examined. Risk-adjusted mortality and target vessel revascularization were compared.

Results:

A total of 6174 (13.9%) PCI patients underwent IVUS-guided PCI. The median follow-up period was 2.5 years. The percent of patients with complex lesions who underwent IVUS-guided PCI rose from 13.4% in 2014 to 16.5% in 2018 (
P
<0.0001 for trend), with the main increases occurring in the last 2 years of the period. Only 31 of 66 hospitals in the study used IVUS for >5% of their study patients. IVUS-guided PCI patients experienced significantly lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=0.89 [0.79–0.98] after adjustment using a Cox proportional hazards model, and HR=0.88 [0.78–0.99] for propensity-matched patients). We also found that IVUS-guided PCI patients had a lower rate of target vessel revascularization (adjusted hazard ratio=0.88 [0.80–0.97]) after adjusting using Cox proportional hazards with competing risk of mortality and after propensity matching (0.88 [0.79–0.99]).

Conclusions:

Utilization of IVUS for complex lesions has increased but contemporary rates remain low, and there are large inter-hospital variations. The use of IVUS for complex lesions was associated with lower risk of medium-term mortality and target vessel revascularization.
Cardiopulmonary Consequences of Vaping in Adolescents: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Wold Loren E. , Tarran Robert , Crotty Alexander Laura E. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Kheradmand Farrah , St. Helen Gideon , Wu Joseph C. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Hypertension; and Stroke Council
Published: June 2022

Although the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved e-cigarettes as a cessation aid, industry has at times positioned their products in that way for adults trying to quit traditional cigarettes; however, their novelty and customizability have driven them into the hands of unintended users, particularly adolescents. Most new users of e-cigarette products have never smoked traditional cigarettes; therefore, understanding the respiratory and cardiovascular consequences of e-cigarette use has become of increasing interest to the research community. Most studies have been performed on adult e-cigarette users, but the majority of these study participants are either former traditional smokers or smokers who have used e-cigarettes to switch from traditional smoking. Therefore, the respiratory and cardiovascular consequences in this population are not attributable to e-cigarette use alone. Preclinical studies have been used to study the effects of naive e-cigarette use on various organ systems; however, almost all of these studies have used adult animals, which makes translation of health effects to adolescents problematic. Given that inhalation of any foreign substance can have effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, a more holistic understanding of the pathways involved in toxicity could help to guide researchers to novel therapeutic treatment strategies. The goals of this scientific statement are to provide salient background information on the cardiopulmonary consequences of e-cigarette use (vaping) in adolescents, to guide therapeutic and preventive strategies and future research directions, and to inform public policymakers on the risks, both short and long term, of vaping.
INFluence of Revascularization Attempts on Clinical Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy Patients and its Economic BURDEN
Authors: Alderson Jack , Herlihy Darragh , Hegarty Aidan , Brennan Paul , Power Sarah , O'Hare Alan , Crockett Matthew , Tong Cindy , Galvain Thibaut , Kocaman Mesut , Ehm Alexandra , Thornton John
Published: June 2022

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that clinical and economic benefits of treatment with mechanical thrombectomy vary by level of reperfusion achieved, and the number of passes required to achieve revascularization. This study aimed to investigate theINFluence of revascularizationAttempts onClinical outcomes of mechanicalThrombectomy and the economicBURDEN (INFACT BURDEN)in Ireland using single center real‐world data from the Irish National Thrombectomy Service database.

Methods

Primary clinical outcomes were reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b‐3 or <2b) and functional outcome (90‐day modified Rankin Scale ≤2 or modified Rankin Scale >2) among patients treated with 1–3 passes compared with ≥4 passes. Multivariable generalized linear models examined the association between number of passes with outcomes, with adjustment for covariates that may affect outcomes (eg, age, pre‐procedure modified Rankin Scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture). A 90‐day decision‐tree and Markov model with a 5‐year time horizon evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy from the Irish public healthcare payer perspective.

Results

Eight hundred twenty three patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with patients in the ≥4 passes group, patients in the 1–3 passes group achieved a significantly higher rate of successful reperfusion (94% versus 78%, odds ratio [OR], 4.7;P<0.001) and a higher rate of functional independence (49% versus 33%, OR, 2.0;P<0.001). Patients in the 1–3 passes group had a shorter time from onset to reperfusion, lower incidence of procedural complications, including distal emboli into non‐involved territory and intra‐procedure rupture, as well as lower 90‐day mortality. The cost‐effectiveness analysis demonstrated that patients successfully revascularized in 1–3 passes had 0.19 additional QALYs and lower costs (€3328; $3800) such that 1–3 passes was dominant compared with ≥4 passes over a 5‐year time horizon.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that the number of passes has a significant effect on both clinical outcomes and health care costs.
True Few-Shot Learning with Prompts—A Real-World Perspective
Authors: Schick Timo , Schütze Hinrich
Published: June 2022

Prompt-based approaches excel at few-shot learning. However, Perez et al. (2021) recently cast doubt on their performance as they had difficulty getting good results in a “true” few-shot setting in which prompts and hyperparameters cannot be tuned on a dev set. In view of this, we conduct an extensive study of Pet, a method that combines textual instructions with example-based finetuning. We show that, if correctly configured, Pet performs strongly in true few-shot settings without a dev set. Crucial for this strong performance is a number of design choices, including Pet’s ability to intelligently handle multiple prompts. We put our findings to a real-world test by running Pet on RAFT, a benchmark of tasks taken from realistic NLP applications for which no labeled dev or test sets are available. Pet achieves a new state of the art on RAFT and performs close to non-expert humans for 7 out of 11 tasks. These results demonstrate that prompt-based learners can successfully be applied in true few-shot settings and underpin our belief that learning from instructions will play an important role on the path towards human-like few-shot learning capabilities.
Children’s Right to Participate: The Lundy Model Applied to Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Correia Nadine , Aguiar Cecília , The participa Consortium
Published: June 2022

Children have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them, and to have them considered and given due weight. Children’s participation is most meaningful when rooted in children’s everyday lives, and its promotion should be encouraged from the youngest ages, especially in early childhood education and care (ecec). In this paper we apply the Lundy model of participation, widely used in policy, practice and professional development initiatives, to the ecec context. Based on examples provided by ecec professionals from Belgium, Greece, Poland, and Portugal, we illustrate the implementation of the elements of space, voice, audience and influence, proposed by the Lundy model. We also discuss the interrelations among these elements and the need for organisational and contextual support to enhance children’s participation. This paper adds to existing literature, highlighting theoretical and practical issues associated with the promotion of children’s right to participate in ecec.
Humboldtia ponmudiana (Fabaceae-Detarioideae), a new species from Kerala, India
Authors: SANTHOSH KUMAR ETTICKAL SUKUMARAN , SHAREEF SAINUDEEN MUHAMMED , VIKRAMAN RAMACHANDRAKURUP RAJ
Published: June 2022

Humboldtia ponmudiana (Fabaceae-Detarioideae), a new species from Kerala, is described here with photographs.  It is closely similar to H. decurrens, but differs in having black coloured bark, densely brown tomentose young shoots, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate leaflets, sessile or subsessile flowers, large broadly ovate eglandular bracts, connate to middle bracteoles, 1-4 ovuled ovaries and silky tomentose pods with long beak. The IUCN conservation status, ecology, distribution along with a key to the species for the identification of the genus is also provided.
A new nomenclatural change in Atraphaxis (Polygonaceae)
Authors: YURTSEVA OLGA V. , GOVAERTS RAFAËL
Published: June 2022

N/A
Two new species of Crepidotus (Crepidotaceae) from China
Authors: ZHANG PENG , GE YUPENG , BAU TOLGOR
Published: June 2022

Crepidotus herbaceus and C. ulmicola, found on herbaceous plants and bark, respectively, are described as new species. A remarkably minute, white, tomentose pileus and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, almost smooth or finely ornamented basidiospores distinguish the two species from other members of Crepidotus. The habitats of the two species (on bark of Ulmus trees and on leaves and stems of living herbaceous plants) are unusual in this nearly saprophytic fungal genus. Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses based on ITS rDNA confirmed the distinctiveness of these two new species. Full descriptions, scanning electron micrographs of basidiospores, and morphological illustrations are provided.
Three new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Authors: FERNANDES THIAGO , GIARETTA AUGUSTO , SOBRAL MARCOS , DA COSTA SOUZA MARCELO , ALVARENGA BRAGA JOÃO MARCELO
Published: June 2022

Three new species of Eugenia from the Atlantic rainforest of southeastern Brazil are here described, illustrated and compared with morphologically similar species. Additionally, a distribution map is provided and preliminary conservation statuses are proposed. Eugenia cabofriana can be recognized by its tomentose young shoots and leaves, fasciculiform inflorescences, tomentose pedicels and ovary, and glabrous calyx. Eugenia longimitra is remarkably distinctive due to its auxotelic and racemiform inflorescences, and flower buds with a rostrate apiculum, which at anthesis opens often through a calyptra or sometimes by irregular longitudinal tearing in two halves. Eugenia pachypoda can be recognized mainly by its leaves with adaxially biconvex midvein, petioles absent or up to 2 mm long, leaf bases obtuse or cordiform, pedicels corky and detaching in thin, longitudinal plates, and flower buds with the calyx visibly less pilose than the ovary.
Vanilla andina (Vanilloideae, Orchidaceae), a new species of the membranaceous-leaved group from Peru and Ecuador
Authors: DAMIÁN ALEXANDER , GARZÓN HENRY X. , BAQUERO LUIS , JIMÉNEZ MARCO M. , VÉLEZ-ABARCA LEISBERTH , ITURRALDE GABRIEL A. , MITIDIERI NICOLE , OLORTEGUI SERGIO , CAMERON KENNETH M.
Published: June 2022

Vanilla andina, a new species belonging to subgen. Vanilla, is described and illustrated based on living material from Peru and Ecuador. The new species is similar to V. armoriquensis but can be easily distinguished by the prominent parallel callus, longitudinal narrow keels that extend above the middle of the lip and broadly obtuse to emarginate midlobe with crispate margins.
Social Dominance, Sexual Double Standards, and Violence Against Women in Tight and Loose Cultures
Authors: Jamshed Nida , Stewart Andrew L. , Overstreet Nicole M.
Published: June 2022

Sexual double standards are associated with adverse consequences for women, including violence. However, little research examines sexual double standards across cultures that vary in tight or loose sexuality norms. Therefore, using social dominance theory, this study examined sexual double standards and violence against women in the United States of America (U.S., a loose culture) and Pakistan (a tight culture). We hypothesized that social dominance orientation is associated with violence against women via endorsement of sexual double standards for both the U.S. and Pakistan. We recruited 315 people in total from the U.S. ( N = 169; women = 56.3%; Mage = 29 ± 5.6 years) and Pakistan ( N = 138; women = 73%; Mage = 26 ± 5.3 years). After establishing measurement invariance for our measures, we used structural equation modeling to analyze our theoretical model in two cultural settings. Multigroup path models found support for social dominance theory’s proposition that people higher on social dominance orientation justify violence against women through their endorsement of sexual double standards in both countries, above and beyond more general attitudes toward women (i.e., ambivalent sexism). We also found that the processes (i.e., social dominance and sexual double standards) supporting violence against women are similar in the two countries. A sexual double standard is found to be strong predictor of justification of violence even after controlling for gender, ambivalent sexism, and cultural tightness/looseness for both countries. Discussion focusses on a sexual double standard may be a risk factor for violence against women in different parts of the world.
Examining Interactions Across Instructional Tiers: Do Features of Tier 1 Predict Student Responsiveness to Tier 2 Mathematics Intervention?
Authors: Sutherland Marah , Lesner Taylor , Kosty Derek , Lussier Cayla , Smolkowski Keith , Turtura Jessica , Doabler Christian T. , Clarke Ben
Published: June 2022

High-quality Tier 1 instruction is frequently conceptualized as the “foundation” for other tiers of intervention within multitiered systems of support (MTSS) models. However, the vast majority of Tier 2 intervention studies do not account for Tier 1 variables when examining intervention effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine Tier 1 predictors, or “quality indicators,” of differential responsiveness to Tier 2 mathematics intervention. Data were drawn from a large-scale data set where all teachers taught the Early Learning in Mathematics (Tier 1) core program across the academic year, and a subset of students were selected for the ROOTS (Tier 2) mathematics intervention. We examined the following Tier 1 variables: (a) classroom-level mathematics gains, (b) Tier 1 fidelity of implementation, (c) Tier 1 classroom management and instructional support, and (d) class size. Response to Tier 2 intervention was not significantly predicted by any of the Tier 1 variables examined; however, the pattern of Hedges’ g effect sizes suggested that students with higher quality of Tier 1 instruction tended to benefit less from the Tier 2 ROOTS intervention. Results are discussed in the context of implications for research and practice.
Utilizing a combined hospital and criminal justice database to identify risk factors for repeat firearm injury or violent-crime arrest among firearm victims
Authors: Reitz Alexandra C.W. , Hawk Shila René , Schwimmer Henry D. , Hanna Tarek , Payne Diane E.S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Identifying firearm victims with the greatest risk of repeat-firearm exposure and offering interventions has the potential to disrupt recurrent violence. This study explored risk factors associated with repeat violence among survivors of intentional firearm injury in a unique clinical and criminal justice (CJ) dataset. Methods: This study analyzed a retrospective cohort (n = 4058) of persons injured by nonfatal intentional firearm violence from 2013 to 2016 in one metropolitan area. Data were collected from a single level I trauma center, city police records, and state CJ databases from 1948 to 2019. The primary outcome of interest was another firearm injury or violent-crime arrest (defined as a violent or firearm felony offense). Results: Among 4058 nonfatal intentional firearm victims, 1202 (29.6%) individuals had a repeat-firearm injury or violent-crime arrest. In a bivariate analysis, history of mental, physical, and/or emotional abuse (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.86), mental health diagnosis (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.51–2.35), or illegal substance use (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 2.48–3.32) was associated with increased risk of repeat-firearm injury or violent-crime arrest. Prior felony arrest (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 3.19–4.24), prior incarceration (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 3.04–4.56), prior firearm charge (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 3.33–4.96), and suspected gang membership (OR, 8.69; 95% CI, 6.14–12.32) demonstrated the greatest association with significant repeat violence. Conclusions: Thirty percent of those who experienced an intentional firearm injury were found to have a repeat-firearm injury or violent-crime arrest multi-disciplinary interventions that address the complex needs of a CJ-involved population are needed to mitigate significant repeat violence.
Examining the Factor Structure of an Adapted Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Sample of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Brief Report
Authors: Stal Julia , Ramirez Cynthia N. , Huh Jimi , Tobin Jessica , Kim Yoonji , Miller Kimberly A. , Milam Joel E.
Published: June 2022

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) represents positive changes following a trauma, crisis, and/or psychologically distressing event. Experiencing cancer can serve as a traumatic event for patients, resulting in life changes among survivors. Various PTG measures have been used to assess post-cancer change among childhood cancer survivors (CCS), but few have been evaluated for use in this population. This study examined the factor structure of an adapted, 11-item version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) among CCS. A randomly selected subgroup of participants ( N = 332) was selected from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (mean age of 26.5 years at time of survey, mean age at diagnosis of 12 years, primarily male [53.6%], and Hispanic [51.5%]). Participants indicated the degree to which they experienced positive, negative, or no change in their life because of their cancer experience. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified two factors: Appreciation of New Possibilities and Spiritual Change. The adapted, 11-item PTGI was deemed appropriate for use among CCS. Additional research is needed to confirm the use of the two-factor model with confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample. Future research on PTG among CCS can consider spiritual change as a potential independent factor.
From Homeland-Mother to Azhong-Brother: a qualitative study of nation anthropomorphism among Chinese youths
Authors: Dong Yujie , Wu Yuheng , Wu Fang , Mou Yi , Ivanov Alex
Published: June 2022

Nation anthropomorphism refers to the symbol and the symbolization process in which human-like characteristics are metaphorically attributed to a nation. In China, the Homeland-Mother ( zuguomuqin) is a widely accepted anthropomorphic image representing the nation. However, a brotherly national image named Azhong-Brother ( azhonggege) derived from subcultures was created and went viral on social media platforms with fierce controversy since 2019. Based on 23 in-depth interviews with China’s young netizens of wide variations, this study explored the differences between these two symbols, Chinese youths’ identification with the nation through the symbols, and their identity negotiation amid the controversy surrounding the image of Azhong-Brother. We discussed the symbolic contestation between traditional hegemonic and emergent soft masculinities within Azhong-Brother, the instrumental and sentimental national attachment associated with Homeland-Mother and Azhong-Brother, and the conflicts arising from the negotiation of multiple identities in relation to Azhong-Brother.
Unmanaged Transparency in a Digital Society: Swiss army knife or double-edged sword?
Authors: Reischauer Georg , Ringel Leopold
Published: June 2022

Facing increasing demands for transparency, more and more organizations have embraced managed forms of information disclosure that rely on digital technologies. However, when doing so, they tend to create an idealized self-presentation for their audiences. Aggravated by these attempts to undermine ‘true openness’, calls for a ‘hands-off’ approach to information disclosure – also known as unmanaged transparency – have grown louder. Following this development, the paper conceptualizes organizations as sites of managed and unmanaged transparency practices and asks how these practices shape audience support and are affected by audiences. Empirically, we study a German political party from 2011 to 2017. Audiences initially supported the party’s commitment to unmanaged transparency but soon withdrew their support. Members in executive positions reacted by enacting multiple managed transparency practices to change the party’s negative public image. These efforts, however, were futile, and the party could not regain audience support. We theorize this dynamic in a framework that draws attention to the impact of (un)managed transparency and the organizational environment on audience support. Overall, our study suggests that unmanaged transparency in a digital society is more like a double-edged sword rather than a Swiss army knife: organizations might profit from its positive effects on the audience’s support, but they also make themselves vulnerable by the high level of dissonance they put on display.
Postoperative Pneumolabyrinth Following the Middle Cranial Fossa Approach for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Repair, 2014‐2020
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ho , Lum Meachelle , Kaur Taranjit , Yang Isaac , Gopen Quinton S.
Published: June 2022

Objective

The present study investigates risk factors and clinical outcomes of postoperative pneumolabyrinth following the middle cranial fossa approach for superior semicircular canal dehiscence repair, a complication that has not been documented previously.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary/quaternary care referral center.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 332 middle cranial fossa procedures from 2014 to 2020 at a tertiary/quaternary care institution. Upon identifying pneumolabyrinth cases from postoperative computed tomography temporal bone scans, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to explore demographic and clinical factors that were independently linked to this complication. We also compared the rates of postoperative symptoms among patients with different grades of pneumolabyrinth.

Results

We identified 41 (12.3%) pneumolabyrinth cases. Patients with older age, higher preoperative pure tone average, and frank dehiscence were at higher risk for pneumolabyrinth. Furthermore, patients with pneumolabyrinth reported significantly higher rates of postoperative dizziness and exhibited significantly greater pure tone average and air‐bone gap postoperatively as compared with patients without pneumolabyrinth. Finally, higher‐grade pneumolabyrinth was associated with increased rates of postoperative hearing loss, and grade III pneumolabyrinth was associated with higher rates of postoperative tinnitus vs grade I and II cases.

Conclusion

Pneumolabyrinth following the middle cranial fossa approach was associated with poor clinical outcomes, including dizziness and auditory impairment. Old age, high preoperative pure tone average, and frank dehiscence were risk factors for this complication. The highlighted parameters may be important to note when considering this approach as a treatment option and while monitoring postoperative recovery.
Starting a New Residency—The Early Years
Authors: Stanisce Luke
Published: June 2022

The social dimensions of residency are as essential as the scientific ones, particularly when starting a new program. Privileged to be the first‐ever trainee in a newly accredited residency program, this reflection details the particulars defining my experience. In an attempt to balance humility with accomplishment, the following offers unique observation and insight on the many aspects we all share in training, in the aim of contributing something meaningful to them.
Re-Interpreting West Germany’s Ecological Revolution: Environmental Politics, Grassroots Activism, and Democracy in the Long 1970s
Authors: Milder Stephen
Published: June 2022

In looking at the ways in which the relationship between environmental matters and the political developed and changed in West Germany during the long 1970s, this article re-interprets the ‘ecological revolution’ that occurred at that time and rethinks the trajectory of German environmentalism. To get at the politicization of environmental concerns in the 1970s, the article compares two narratives: the ‘technocratic invention’ of environmental politics by government officials, and the career of grassroots anti-nuclear activism. It shows that though these two trends developed in relationship with one another, their protagonists increasingly came to speak past one other. Not only did they begin to understand environmental problems in different ways, they also drew different conclusions about where environmental matters were to be debated, and what ought to be done in order to resolve environmental concerns. By describing these developments and the approaches to environmental politics they brought forth, the article reconceives the ecological revolution as an extended period when conflicting interpretations of environmental affairs underpinned competing approaches to politics as such. While government officials sought to make the environment part of standard political praxis, grassroots activists used environmental concerns as a wedge to push open a wider debate about popular participation within parliamentary democracy. The long confrontation between these two perspectives gave way, during the 1980s, to an environmentalism that was not only level-headed and consensual, but also a seminal concern of German politics.
Potential role of HBV DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Wang Fen , Ma Haiyang , Lv Shujuan
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the potential role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The activity and HBV seropositivity rates of patients with SLE and RA were determined. The proportions of T cell subgroups were detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The apoptosis of T cell subgroups was detected after peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with HBV DNA.

Results

The HBV infection rate was higher in patients with RA than in patients with SLE. Current or previous HBV infection was more common among patients with inactive SLE than among those with active SLE. Conversely, previous or current HBV infection was more common among patients with active RA than among those with inactive RA. CD4−CD8high T cell counts were higher among patients with active SLE than in those with inactive SLE. However, CD4−CD8high T cell counts were lower in patients with active RA patients than in those with inactive RA. HBV DNA increased the apoptosis of CD4−CD8high T cells.

Conclusion

HBV DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis appears to play different roles in SLE and RA.