bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2021 Asia‐Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology clinical practice guideline for treatment of gout
Authors: Lorenzo Jose Paulo P. , Sollano Ma. Hanna Monica Z. , Salido Evelyn O. , Li‐Yu Julie , Tankeh‐Torres Sandra A. , Wulansari Manuaba Ida Ayu Ratih , Rahman Md Mujibur , Paul Binoy J. , Mok Mo Yin , De Silva Monika , Padhan Prasanta , Lim Ai Lee , Marcial Melvin , Vicera Jennifer Jeanne , Haq Syed Atiqul , Salman Sami , Liyanage Chiranthi K. , Keen Helen I. , Yew Kuang Cheng , Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Hellmi Rakhma Yanti , Chan Charlie E. , Louthrenoo Worawit
Published: December 2021

Background

Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in the Asia‐Pacific region and worldwide. This clinical practice guideline (CPG) aims to provide recommendations based on systematically obtained evidence and values and preferences tailored to the unique needs of patients with gout and hyperuricemia in Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East. The target users of these guidelines are general practitioners and specialists, including rheumatologists, in these regions.

Methods

Relevant clinical questions were formulated by the Steering Committee. Systematic reviews of evidence were done, and certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. A multi‐sectoral consensus panel formulated the final recommendations.

Results

The Asia‐Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Task Force developed this CPG for treatment of gout with 3 overarching principles and 22 recommendation statements that covered the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (2 statements), treatment of acute gout (4 statements), prophylaxis against gout flare when initiating urate‐lowering therapy (3 statements), urate‐lowering therapy (3 statements), treatment of chronic tophaceous gout (2 statements), treatment of complicated gout and non‐responders (2 statements), treatment of gout with moderate to severe renal impairment (1 statement), and non‐pharmacologic interventions (5 statements).

Conclusion

Recommendations for clinically relevant scenarios in the management of gout were formulated to guide physicians in administering individualized care.
Dissecting the IL‐6 pathway in cardiometabolic disease: A Mendelian randomization study on both IL6 and IL6R
Authors: Cupido Arjen J. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Natarajan Pradeep ,   CHARGE Inflammation Working Group, Ridker Paul M. , Hovingh G. Kees , Schmidt A. Floriaan
Published: December 2021

Aims

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). IL‐6 signalling perturbation through IL‐6 or IL‐6R blockade may have potential benefit on cardiovascular risk. It is unknown whether targeting either IL‐6 or IL‐6 receptor may result in similar effects on CVD and adverse events. We compared the anticipated effects of targeting IL‐6 and IL‐6 receptor on cardiometabolic risk and potential side effects.

Methods

We constructed four instruments: two main instruments with genetic variants in the IL6 and IL6R loci weighted for their association with CRP, and two after firstly filtering variants for their association with IL‐6 or IL‐6R expression. Analyses were performed for coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, type 2 diabetes (T2D), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), infection endpoints, and quantitative haematological, metabolic and anthropometric parameters.

Results

A 1 mg/L lower CRP by the IL6 instrument was associated with lower CAD (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77;0.96), AF and T2D risk. A 1 mg/L lower CRP by the IL6R instrument was associated with lower CAD (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86;0.95), any stroke and ischemic stroke, AF, RA risk and higher pneumonia risk. The eQTL‐filtered results were in concordance with the main results, but with wider confidence intervals.

Conclusions

IL‐6 signalling perturbation by either IL6 or IL6R genetic instruments is associated with a similar risk reduction for multiple cardiometabolic diseases, suggesting that both IL‐6 and IL‐6R are potential therapeutic targets to lower CVD. Moreover, IL‐6 rather than IL‐6R inhibition might have a more favourable pneumonia risk.
A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Supervision in Field Education: Reflective and Containment Space for Supervision Interns
Authors: Harel Galit
Published: December 2021

This paper describes two supervision groups of supervisor‐interns undergoing training as supervisors, based on psychoanalytic supervisory principles, within the academic setting of a school of social work. The author focuses on the challenge of creating reflective and containment space, given the importance of such space for the supervisor‐interns' learning and development in the context of the social construction of practice. Participants' descriptions, at their weekly supervision group meetings, of the supervisory process, are combined with vignettes and narratives of their experiences as supervisor‐interns. Those experiences, under the author's tutelage as supervision group leader, were analysed through mirroring and interpreting the unconscious conflicts of a presented patient, the supervisee−patient relationship, or the process in the supervisory situation itself through the stimulus of the unconscious of group members manifesting in the verbalization of ideas. The supervision groups enabled associative thinking and dreaming as participants processed unconscious experiences, unconscious identifications, and communications derived from clinical materials. The relevance of these processes to teaching and learning supervision is discussed, and their usefulness for conceptualizing professional growth and creativity is demonstrated.
Depositional and structural controls on a fault‐related dolostone formation (Maestrat Basin, E Spain)
Authors: Humphrey Elliot , Gomez‐Rivas Enrique , Martín‐Martín Juan Diego , Neilson Joyce , Salas Ramon , Guimerà Joan
Published: December 2021

Fault‐related dolomitisation is responsible for the development of numerous hydrocarbon reservoirs hosted in diagenetically‐altered carbonates and is therefore critical to hydrocarbon exploration, subsurface storage (i.e. CO2), the formation of associated mineralisation (i.e. MVT‐deposits) and for understanding the key controls on subsurface fluid flow. Multiple dolomitised outcrop analogues have been characterised in recent years, but uncertainty still remains as to the controls on dolomitisation in terms of dolostone geobody size and geometries, their distribution and how they impact reservoir quality. Late Tithonian shallow‐marine carbonates at Serra Esparreguera in the Maestrat Basin (E. Spain) were partially dolomitised on the seismic scale, resulting in a spectrum of geobodies with varying degrees of spatial connectivity. Dolostone predominantly replaces Polpís Fm wackestones and packstones, and bioclastic grainstones of the Bovalar Fm. Dolostone geobodies transition through vertical stratigraphy from being massive and spatially extensive to localised stratabound bodies as textural heterogeneity increases. Irregular dolostone geometries occur in the Polpís Fm, which is texturally homogenous relative to the overlying Bovalar Fm, cross‐cutting bedding in areas with high abundance of faults. Faults occur adjacent to dolostone and constrain its lateral extent across the outcrop. Dolomitisation fronts are typically sharp with morphologies affected by small‐scale faults and bedding‐parallel stylolites. Dolomitisation occurred under burial conditions and dolostones were later overprinted by phases of calcite and saddle dolomite cementation. The spatial distribution of dolostone is strongly influenced by the depositional heterogeneity and faults, while smaller structures (i.e. metre‐scale fractures and stylolites) and bedding surfaces controlled the dolomitisation front geometry. Dolostone geobodies at Serra Esparreguera provide new insights into the structural, depositional and diagenetic controls on dolomitisation at a seismic scale, which can be used as a predictive guide to improve the understanding of carbonate reservoirs with complex paragenetic histories.
Supradetachment basins in necking domains of rifted margins: Insights from the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Muñoz‐Barrera Jhon M. , Rotevatn Atle , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Henstra Gijs , Kristensen Thomas B.
Published: December 2021

Supradetachment basins at passive rifted margins are a key witness of major‐continental extension, and they may preserve a record from which the amount and rates of extension and metamorphic core complex exhumation may be reconstructed. These basins have mainly been recognised in back‐arc and orogenic collapse settings, with few examples from rifted margins. Using 2D and 3D seismic reflection, wellbore, and gravity anomaly data, we here characterise the three‐dimensional structural and tectonosedimentary evolution of a spoon‐shaped supradetachment basin that was formed in the necking domain of a rifted margin, at the southern limit of the Møre and Vøring segments of the Norwegian rifted margin. The basin, with an areal extent of ca. 2400 km2, and a landward‐rotated syn‐tectonic succession up to ca. 30 km thick (true stratigraphic thickness), is separated from footwall continental margin core complex basement culminations by major large‐offset (>30 km) normal fault complexes characterised by a cross‐sectional geometry whereby an upper, steeper part of the fault gives way to a low‐angle detachment fault at depth. These fault complexes are associated with a tectonic thinning of the continental crust to ca. 11 km, compared with a crustal thickness of ca. 27 km in the proximal domain. The basin is filled by a succession of pre‐, syn‐ and post‐tectonic deposits, that accumulated over time as the basin evolved over a series of rift‐ and detachment faulting events. The 30 km thick syn‐tectonic succession reflects deposition during two separate rifting events, which are disconnected by deposits reflecting a relative short period of tectonic quiescence. The results are discussed in light of examples of supradetachment basins on other rifted margins globally, as well as in the context of the evolution of the Norwegian margin overall.
Iguratimod reduces panel reactive antibody in high mismatched renal transplant recipients: One single‐center experience
Authors: Feng Dengyuan , Huang Zhengkai , Chen Hao , Tao Jun , Gao Xiang , Liu Jiawen , Sun Li , Wang Zijie , Han Zhijian , Ju Xiaobing , Tan Ruoyun , Gu Min
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod (IGU) for reducing panel reactive antibody (PRA) in high‐mismatched renal transplant recipients.

Methods

Eligible recipients positive for PRAs who received or did not receive IGU treatment were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed, collected, and analyzed statistically the clinical data of the recipients.

Results

A total of 80 recipients were included for further analysis. After IGU was administered for 9 months, no significant difference was found in the change rates of donor specific antibodies between two groups. Meanwhile, the reduction in the PRAs in the IGU group was greater than that in the non‐IGU group in anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and class II, anti‐HLA class I, anti‐HLA class II, anti‐HLA A, and anti‐HLA DR antibodies. However, no differences were found in the anti‐HLA B, anti‐HLA Cw, anti‐HLA DP, and anti‐HLA DQ antibodies between the two groups. No serious adverse events were reported, and the incidence of adverse events was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

PRA levels in high‐mismatched renal transplant recipients were significantly reduced after the administration of IGU. The high safety of IGU was also determined.
Sectarian relations from below: The case study of the Druze in Lebanon
Authors: Wahab Hadi
Published: December 2021

What factors are relevant for explaining why and how sectarian relations are driven from below? To answer this question, the present article builds on the sectarianism literature and scholarship by taking the Druze minority as a case study. It examines a new trend that emerged among the Druze in 2020–21: sect‐centric anthems. One can draw on two occurrences that triggered the rise of such anthems: First, the sect‐coded 11 May clashes which occurred between Hezbollah (Shi‘a) and the Druze in 2008. Second, the sect‐coded civil war in Syria and the confrontations that ensued, namely, the attacks against Druze areas by Sunni jihadist groups. For our purposes, this article argues that sectarian mobilization through these anthems has been driven from below and the fear from the sectarian “other” has amplified because of recent menaces against the Druze. Accordingly, the article contextualizes these sect‐centric songs which focused on the interplay between two main factors: Druze historiography and tacit polemic against the sectarian “other.”
Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the development of infective endocarditis in patients with significant mitral stenosis
Authors: Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Chew Nicholas WS , Sim Meng Ying , Liong Tze Sian , Li Tony Yi‐Wei , Leow Ryan , Sia Ching‐Hui , Loh Poay Huan , Wong Raymond CC , Yeo Tiong‐Cheng , Poh Kian Keong , Kong William KF
Published: December 2021

Background

: Infective endocarditis (IE) confers significant mortality and morbidity in patients with underlying mitral stenosis (MS), with both diseased native valves and after valvular procedures.

Purpose

: We examined the clinical and echocardiographic parameters in association with the development of IE on patients with significant MS.

Methods

: A total of 478 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of significant mitral stenosis (mitral valve area <1.5 cm2) were included. Patients were grouped into those with or without IE on at least 5 years of follow‐up. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic profile and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

: IE was observed in 4.4% (n = 21) of the cohort. These patients were younger (45.3 ± 14.6 vs. 53.2 ± 15.5 years, p = 0.022) at the time of MS diagnosis. NT‐proBNP was higher in patients who developed IE (13529 ± 12230 vs. 4381 ± 5875 pg/ml, p < 0.001), with larger left atrial diameter (54.4 ± 10.1 vs. 49.9 ± 9.5 mm, p = 0.040) and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP, 62.3 ± 17.2 vs. 47.2 ± 16.5 mmHg, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in terms of MS severity, other concomitant valvulopathies, or etiology (rheumatic or degenerative) of MS. Patients who smoked had higher incidence of IE (33.3% vs. 14.2%, log‐rank 7.27, p = 0.007). After adjusting for age, valve procedure and PASP, patients who smoked remained at elevated risk of IE (adjusted hazards ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.18–7.56, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

: IE occurs in a proportion of patients with MS. Smoking, younger age of diagnosis of MS as well as dilated left atria with elevated PASP may be associated with an elevated risk of this complication.
Small intestinal intussusception in horses: Multicentre retrospective report on 26 cases (2009‐2020)
Authors: Haddad R. , Corraretti G. , Simon O. , Mair T. , Sutton A. G. , Kelmer G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Intussusception is an infrequent cause of equine colic, most commonly encountered in young horses. This condition occurs due to abnormalities of motility and frequently includes the caecum.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to review the cases of equine small intestinal (SI) intussusception excluding those with caecal involvement.

Study design

Case series, analytical retrospective study.

Methods

Medical records of all horses that had SI intussusception, not involving the caecum, from three equine clinics between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed. Information obtained included: clinical parameters, surgical or necropsy findings, complications and outcome. The Mann‐WhitneyUtest was used to compare the outcome and complications with various parameters. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare short‐term survival with categorical variables. Significance was set atp ≤ 0.05.

Results

Twenty‐six horses met the inclusion criteria. Median age of horses was 9 months (interquartile range 2.8 months–6.5 years). Relevant history included diarrhoea and general anaesthesia. Twenty‐two out of 26 horses were diagnosed during surgery and 4 at necropsy. During surgery, 5 horses were subjected to euthanasia, 9 underwent manual reduction and 8 underwent resection and anastomosis. The postoperative complication rate was high at 47% and included ileus, diarrhoea and colic. The prognosis decreased when the involved segment was longer (p = 0.032), lactate levels were higher (p = 0.024) and reflux was present before admission (p = 0.024). Of all horses, 53% survived to discharge and 92% of these survived for >1 year post‐operatively (one case was lost to follow‐up).

Main limitation

The retrospective nature of the study and the low number of cases included.

Conclusions

Small intestinal intussusception was diagnosed in horses of a variety of breeds and ages. Alterations of motility can predispose to intussusception, not only due to hypermotility (diarrhoea), but also due to hypomotility (anaesthesia). Prognosis for hospital discharge was fair; however, following hospital discharge, the long‐term survival rate is high and complications are rare.
Rejuvenation and restoration measures foster specialised and threatened carabid beetle species in montane heathland ecosystems
Authors: Fartmann Thomas , Drung Marco , Freienstein Max
Published: December 2021

Montane heathlands are among the most threatened semi‐natural ecosystems across Central Europe. Nevertheless, empirical studies on the effects of rejuvenation and restoration of montane heathlands have been scarce thus far.

The aim of our study was to analyse the long‐term effects of heathland rejuvenation and restoration on carabid beetle assemblages. Our study took place in the Rothaar Mountains, one of the most important strongholds of montane heathlands in Central Europe. We considered four different successional stages: (i) early‐successional heathlands as a result of rejuvenation measures (EARLY), (ii) restored heathlands (RESTORED), (iii) late‐successional heathlands (LATE) and (iv) windthrows (WIND).

Our study revealed that the composition of carabid beetle assemblages differed across the gradient. From the earlier to the later stages, beetle biomass, richness of macropterous, threatened and heathland species decreased, whereas moisture and shading indicator values increased. The number of indicator species peaked in EARLY and RESTORED. Solely brachypterous species had the highest species richness in the later seral stages.

Overall, rejuvenation and restoration measures fostered specialised and threatened carabid beetle species of montane heathlands. In contrast, carabid beetle assemblages of the two later and dense successional stages consisted mainly of non‐threatened habitat generalists. Vegetation structure and the interrelated microclimate are assumed to be the key drivers of assemblage composition.

For the long‐term conservation of montane heathlands and their specialised carabid beetle assemblages, we recommend rejuvenation by sod cutting and choppering in a mosaic‐like manner and at intervals that clearly exceed more than two decades.
Editorial Perspective: How Sir Michael Rutter revolutionised our understanding of human development: An introduction to a systematic Digest of his life’s work
Authors: Stevenson Jim
Published: December 2021

Professor Sir Michael Rutter died on 23 October 2021. He had made an unparalleled and profound contribution to the science underpinning our understanding of the origins and development of psychopathology in children and young people. The unique combination of reforming motivations, intellectual curiosity and commitment to hypothesis‐driven science that made this possible are discussed in the editorial for this issue (Sonuga‐Barke, Fearon & Scott, 2022). I have recently compiled a systematic and comprehensive Digest of his life’s work – 546 journal papers and 52 books published [https://doi.org/10.13056/acamh.13072]. This Editorial Perspective will summarise some highlights of the main areas of his many scientific achievements.
Heart rate‐corrected QT interval: A novel diagnostic biomarker for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Jiang Ai‐jun , Gu Heng , Feng Zhan‐rong , Ding Ying , Xu Xiao‐hua , Yin Guo‐ping , Zhang Wen‐li , Shen Zi‐yang , Li Qian
Published: December 2021

Aims/Introduction

To explore the relationship between heart rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and whether QTc interval has diagnostic utility for DPN beyond nerve conduction velocity.

Materials and Methods

A total of 965 patients with diabetes, including 473 patients with DPN and 492 patients without DPN, underwent standard 12‐lead electrocardiography and detailed assessments of peripheral neuropathy.

Results

Patients with DPN had longer QTc intervals than those without. Among participants, from the first to fourth quartile of QTc interval, the proportion of patients with DPN appreciably increased and the nerve conduction velocity obviously decreased (P for trend <0.001). The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that prolonged QTc interval was closely associated with increased risk of DPN (univariable odds ratio 1.112, 95% confidence interval 1.097–1.127, P < 0.001; multivariable odds ratio 1.118, 95% confidence interval 1.099–1.137, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the diagnosis of DPN showed a greater area under the curve for QTc interval of 0.894 than the median nerve motor conduction velocity of 0.691, median nerve sensory conduction velocity of 0.664 and peroneal nerve motor conduction velocity of 0.692. The optimal cut‐off point of QTc interval for DPN was 428.5 ms with sensitivity of 0.715 and specificity of 0.920 (P < 0.001). The combination of QTc interval and nerve conduction testing increased the area under the curve for the diagnosis of DPN (from 0.736 to 0.916; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

QTc interval with 428.5 ms has more reliable diagnostic utility for DPN than nerve conduction velocity, and prolonged QTc interval is closely associated with an increased risk of DPN.
Processes and outcomes of an emotion‐focused family therapy two‐chair intervention for transforming problematic parenting patterns
Authors: Sabey Allen K. , Stillar Amanda , Lafrance Adele
Published: December 2021

Emotion‐focused family therapy (EFFT) is a therapy model which includes a two‐chair intervention aimed at facilitating awareness and an interruption of problematic patterns of parenting as well as a reconnection to healthy caregiving instincts. The present study employed a task analysis to examine the process of this intervention with parents in a therapeutic setting and report on preliminary outcomes. Four trained EFFT therapists conducted chair work interventions with four parents (total of 16) and parents completed questionnaires directly following the intervention. Results indicated that most parents experienced significant emotional resolution of their love‐based fears and an increase in confidence in supporting their children struggling with mental health issues. Use of the intervention in clinical settings is an effective and efficient way to support parents in responding to their children's mental health challenges.
VitaminB6levels do not correlate with severity of neuropathy in chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy
Authors: Stewart Sarah L. , Thomas Simone , Höke Erol , Simpson David , Singleton J. Robinson , Höke Ahmet
Published: December 2021

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) toxicity is known to cause a length‐dependent, sensory predominant axonal polyneuropathy. There is debate regarding the threshold at which intake levels can cause neurological symptoms through pyridoxine toxicity. We asked if elevated plasma vitamin B6 levels were related to outcome measures in a well‐characterized cohort of patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP). We included 261 patients enrolled in the Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry who had a complete dataset including a plasma vitamin B6 value. Patients with vitamin B6 deficiency (0‐4.9 μg/L) were excluded. We performed a chi‐square test for independence and analyzed the logistic relation of elevated plasma B6 level to nerve conduction studies (NCS), neurological examination findings, and patient‐reported symptoms controlling for age and time elapsed since neuropathy symptom onset. Plasma B6 level was not related to neuropathy severity. There was no logistic relation of elevated plasma B6 level to NCS results, examination features including toe strength, vibration sense, and deep tendon reflexes, or patient‐reported numbness or pain intensity. This study suggests that moderately elevated plasma B6 levels, even in the 100 to 200 μg/L range, are not associated with significantly worse neuropathy signs or symptoms. Although standard supplementation of B6 does not appear to have a major negative affect on CIAP, this study does not directly answer whether stopping supplementation will have a beneficial effect. Very few patients in the study had vitamin B6 levels >300 μg/L, suggesting that screening for vitamin B6 toxicity may be left to the discretion of the physician.
Placental transcriptome sequencing combined with bioinformatics predicts potential genes and circular RNAs associated with hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome
Authors: Deng Lingjie , Lu Yebin , Yang Dongmei , Yang Fang , Ruan Heyun , Wei Changqiang , Lai Ketong , Pang Lihong
Published: December 2021

Aim

Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS) is the most severe form of α‐thalassemia. Histological alternations can be observed in placenta, but placental transcriptome profile and circular RNAs have not been studied in this disease. The aim of this study was to define the placental transcriptional changes and find relevant circular RNAs in BHFS.

Methods

We performed high‐throughput RNA sequencing to detect placental samples from fetuses affected by BHFS (n = 5) and normal fetuses (NF, n = 5), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and Sanger sequencing to validate the differentially expressed circRNAs and their potentially related miRNAs (BHFS, n = 22; NF, n = 11). Bioinformatics methods were performed for further analysis.

Results

Our results showed 152 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 112 circRNAs, and 45 microRNAs that were differentially expressed. DEGs were found to be involved in Gene Ontology terms related to gas transport, cell adhesion, oxidative stress, organ development, hemopoiesis, and others. RT‐qPCR results showed that hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 were upregulated (p < 0.05). The competing endogenous RNA and co‐expression networks showed that hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 were connected with 3 miRNAs and some DEGs, including cell adhesion genes (e.g., CLDN19), hemoglobin related genes (e.g., SOX6 and HBZ) and angiogenesis related genes (e.g., EPHB2). Downregulations of hsa‐miR‐1299 and hsa‐miR‐625‐5p in ceRNA network were also validated by RT‐qPCR. Gene set enrichment analysis results for the two circRNAs showed that some gene sets associated with cell adhesion, hematopoietic system and apoptosis were significantly enriched.

Conclusions

Our study characterized the placental transcriptome of BHFS. The circRNAs hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 in placenta may be relevant to BHFS.
Virtual Planning and Rapid 3D Prototyping Surgical Guide for Anterior Crown Lengthening Surgery: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Lin Yu‐Chun , Danielak Michael , Van Minh , Lee Du‐Hyeong , Kim Hyeongil , Arany Praveen R.
Published: December 2021

Progress with additive 3D printing is revolutionizing biomaterial manufacturing, including clinical dentistry and prosthodontics. Among the several 3D additive printing technologies, stereolithography is very popular as it utilizes light‐activated resin for precise resolution. A simplified digital technique was used to fabricate two designs of a surgical guide for crown lengthening. Two cases are presented that utilized digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) files obtained with computed tomography (CT) imaging and processed using four CAD software (Blue Sky Plan, Exocad, Meshmixer and 3D Slicer). The final models were converted to standard tessellation (STL) files and the guides were 3D printed with an additive stereolithography (SLA) printer. The first case was fabricated with a bone model from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data, and the second case was generated with intraoral and wax‐up scans alone. Both methods appear to be equally effective compared to using a conventional method of guide frabication. However, proximal bone reduction was a concern with both designs. Digitally fabricated 3D printed surgical guide for crown lengthening has merit and a practical design is needed for future clinical validation.
A NEW OIL SEEPAGE IN THE OMAN MOUNTAINS AND ITS GEOLOGICAL, GEOCHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM SYSTEMS CONTEXT
Authors: Al Kindi Mohammed , Al‐Ghammari Mohammed , Heward Alan , Taylor Paul , Siavalas George
Published: December 2021

A minor natural oil seepage is described from an unlikely setting in the Oman Mountains. The host rocks are fractured pelagic limestones of the lower member of the Triassic – Lower Jurassic Matbat Formation of the Hamrat Duru Group in the lower part of the allochthonous Hawasina Complex. This paper summarises Oman's established oil families and documents previously recorded oil seepages as context for describing the new seepage, its geochemistry, and possible source rock. The seep oil is different to those known from Oman's oil fields and probably derived from a poor quality, Mesozoic clastic source rock containing a mix of terrigenous and marine organic matter. The most likely source appears to be the Toarcian turbiditic upper member of the Matbat Formation, equivalent to the clastic Mafraq Formation of the Arabian Platform. The occurrence of source rocks in the allochthonous sediments of the NeoTethyan Hawasina Basin has been suspected previously, though their commercial significance remains to be established.
Nonclassical autophagy activation pathways are essential for production of infectious Influenza A virus in vitro
Authors: Bell Tisza A. S. , Velappan Nileena , Gleasner Cheryl D. , Xie Gang , Starkenburg Shawn R. , Waldo Geoffrey , Banerjee Shounak , Micheva‐Viteva Sofiya N.
Published: December 2021

Autophagy is a critical mechanism deployed by eukaryotic cells in response to stress, including viral infection, to boost the innate antimicrobial responses. However, an increasing number of pathogens hijack the autophagic machinery to facilitate their own replication. Influenza A virus (IAV), responsible for several global pandemics, has an intricate dependence on autophagy for successful replication in mammalian cells. To elucidate key chokepoints in the host stress responses facilitating IAV replication, we constructed a meta‐transcriptome of IAV and host gene expression dynamics during early (1–3 hpi), mid (4–6 hpi), and late (8–12 hpi) stages of the viral replication cycle at two multiplicities of infection (MOI): 1 and 5. We supplemented the global transcriptome study with phosphoproteomic analysis of stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) signaling in lung carcinoma (predominantly used as an in vitro model of IAV replication) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells. We report significant differences in the activation profiles of autophagy regulating genes upon IAV infection at the two MOI as well as divergent dependence on ULK1 signaling within the normal and cancer cells. Regardless of the cell model, JNK‐Thr187 signaling was crucial for the production of infectious viral particles.
Hybrid Challenges in the PRC's Novel Public Opinion Warfare*
Authors: Chung Youngjune
Published: December 2021

This study examines the cultural preference formation of China's “wolf warrior” statecraft in relation to Maoist unorthodox warfighting experiences of “public opinion warfare” (yulunzhan). Relying on authoritative texts from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) agencies, with supporting interviews of Chinese scholars, six strands of public opinion warfare are conceptualized as fundamental for understanding the wolf warrior statecraft as a function of the PRC's broader strategic intention to influence the attitudes, behaviors, and decisions of target entities. The study presents novel perspectives for understanding China's global information operations using hybrid means and the gray zone security challenges facing the rules‐based international order. The aim is to encourage the study of Chinese public opinion warfare strategies as a more salient area of inquiry and add to knowledge production in the fields of Chinese foreign policy and global international relations (IR) studies.
Why is the Silk Road Economic Belt not a New Strategy? A Three‐Factor Analysis in the Context of Central Asia
Authors: Chen Xiaopeng , Qin Qi , Mo Haifeng
Published: December 2021

The current scholarly discussion concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seeks to connect the investment activities on the ground with its strategic objectives, and attributes their mismatch to subnational factors or third‐party interventions. Few scholars question the fundamental conceptualization of the BRI as a new grand strategy. First, this paper argues that China has not dictated the Central Asian development agenda, nor has it demonstrated a strong capability for institutional innovation. It then adopts the foreign policy analysis approach to trace the regional, international, and domestic factors shaping the content of the BRI. In particular, this paper finds out that the BRI reveals Beijing's strong consistency in economy‐driven diplomacy while recalculating the interests and risks of participation in economic globalization. The BRI should not be interpreted as a new concrete strategy to challenge the existing world order.
Security Threats and Investment: North Korean Threats and the South Korean Stock Market
Authors: Son Byunghwan , Moon Chungshik
Published: December 2021

Do external security threats shy away from foreign investors? While classical political economy theories focusing on property rights protection posit that security threats undercut financial inflows, recent empirical studies report rather mixed evidence. We add to this body of research by investigating the effect of North Korean military provocation on financial inflows in South Korean stock markets. We contend that (i) foreign investors favor conservative over liberal governments, and (ii) investors have learned over time that North Korean threats lead to electoral gains for the conservative party. Our time series analysis of the monthly Korean stock market data in the post‐liberalization period (2000–2018) reveals that North Korean threats led to increases in capital inflows if these threats were made under liberal governments or in the period before parliamentary elections.
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus associated with an 11 megabase 3p deletion
Authors: Castle Alison M. R. , Ramien Michele L. , Kanigsberg Nordau , El Demellawy Dina , McGowan‐Jordan Jean , Beaulieu Bergeron Melanie , Armour Christine M.
Published: December 2021

Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare eccrine hamartoma; the etiology is incompletely understood. A patient presented with congenital, widespread PEODDN. Clinical assessment, histopathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic investigations on affected cells were pursued. Histopathology confirmed PEODDN, and chromosomal microarray on affected tissues identified a mosaic 3p26.3p25.3 deletion in affected tissues. This 11Mb deletion encompasses 47 OMIM genes. We propose that this and other chromosomal deletions may be implicated in some cases of PEODDN, suggesting locus heterogeneity and underscoring the importance of incorporating cytogenetic and molecular investigations into the multidisciplinary care of individuals with suspected mosaic genetic skin disorders.
Effect of Different Energy Densities of 915 nm Low Power Laser on the Biological Behavior of Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells In Vitro
Authors: Sadatmansouri Saeed , Agahikesheh Bahar , Karimi Mohammadreza , Etemadi Ardavan , Saberi Sogol
Published: December 2021

Photobiomodulation is recognized as an effective method for adjunct therapy in periodontal treatments. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effects of different energy densities of 915 nm diode laser on the viability and viability capacity of human gingival fibroblast cells. Cell samples were examined in five groups, including four irradiation groups with low‐level diode laser 915 nm, 1, 2, 3, 4 J cm−2 and a control group (no Laser irradiation). Cell viability and viability were measured 1, 3 and 5 days after irradiation by MTT and DAPI assay. Statistical differences between groups at any time were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and a post hoc Turkey’s test. The cell viability and viability capacity increased on the third day at an energy density of 3 J cm−2; (P‐value = 0.007) and the fifth day at energy densities of 2, 3 and 4 J cm−2 was recorded compared with the control group (P‐value = 0.000). Also, a significant decrease in the viability and viability of irradiated cells with an energy density of 1 J cm−2 was found (P‐value = 0.033). According to our results, Photobiomodulation with 915 nm diode laser has a positive stimulating effect on the viability and viability capacity of human gingival fibroblast cells.
Ultraviolet B Irradiation Alters the Level and miR Contents of Exosomes Released by Keratinocytes in Diabetic Condition
Authors: Wang Jinju , Pothana Kartheek , Chen Shuzhen , Sawant Harshal , Travers Jeffrey B. , Bihl Ji , Chen Yanfang
Published: December 2021

Ultraviolet B (UVB) stimulates the generation of extracellular vesicles, which elicit systemic effects. Here, we studied whether UVB affects the release and microRNA (miR) content of keratinocyte exosomes (EXs) in diabetic conditions. In vitro, we examined the UVB effects on affecting EX release from keratinocyte HaCaT cells (HaCaT‐EX) pretreated with high glucose. HaCaT‐EX functions were evaluated on Schwann cells (SCs). In vivo, UVB‐induced miR change in skin EXs of diabetic db/db mice was analyzed. The miRs of interest were validated in HaCaT‐EXs. We found that: (1) UVB promoted HaCaT‐EX generation in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners; 100 and 1800 J m−2 of UVB had the most prominent effect and were selected as effective low‐ and high‐fluence UVB in vitro. (2) A total of 13 miRs were differentially expressed >3‐fold in skin EXs in UVB‐treated db/db mice; miR‐126 was the most up‐regulated by low‐fluence UVB. (3) Functional studies revealed that the SC viability was improved by low‐fluence UVB HaCaT‐EXs, while worsened by high‐fluence UVB HaCaT‐EXs. (4) MiR‐126 inhibitor attenuated the effects induced by low‐fluence UVB HaCaT‐EXs. Our data have demonstrated that low‐ and high‐fluence UVBs promote HaCaT‐EX generation but differentially affect exosomal miR levels and functions under diabetic conditions.
Concurrent semantic priming and lexical interference for close semantic relations in blocked‐cyclic picture naming: Electrophysiological signatures
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Pei , Kuhlen Anna K. , Melinger Alissa , Aristei Sabrina , Abdel Rahman Rasha
Published: December 2021

In the present study, we employed event‐related brain potentials to investigate the effects of semantic similarity on different planning stages during language production. We manipulated semantic similarity by controlling feature overlap within taxonomical hierarchies. In a blocked‐cyclic naming task, participants named pictures in repeated cycles, blocked in semantically close, distant, or unrelated conditions. Only closely related items, but not distantly related items, induced semantic blocking effects. In the first presentation cycle, naming was facilitated, and amplitude modulations in the N1 component around 140–180 ms post‐stimulus onset predicted this behavioral facilitation. In contrast, in later cycles, naming was delayed, and a negative‐going posterior amplitude modulation around 250–350 ms post‐stimulus onset predicted this interference. These findings indicate easier object recognition or identification underlying initial facilitation and increased difficulties during lexical selection. The N1 modulation was reduced but persisted in later cycles in which interference dominated, and the posterior negativity was also present in cycle 1 in which facilitation dominated, demonstrating concurrent effects of conceptual priming and lexical interference in all naming cycles. Our assumptions about the functional role these two opposing forces play in producing semantic context effects are further supported by the finding that the joint modulation of these two ERPs on naming latency exclusively emerged when naming closely related, but not unrelated items. The current findings demonstrate that close relations, but not distant taxonomic relations, induce stronger semantic blocking effects, and that temporally overlapping electrophysiological signatures reflect a trade‐off between facilitatory priming and interfering lexical competition.
Viruses, friends, and foes: The case of Torque Teno Virus and the net state of immunosuppression
Authors: Redondo Natalia , Navarro David , Aguado José María , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario
Published: December 2021

New reliable biomarkers are needed to improve individual risk assessment for post‐transplant infection, acute graft rejection and other immune‐related complications after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). One promising strategy relies on the monitoring of replication kinetics of virome components as functional surrogate for the net state of immunosuppression. Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a small, non‐enveloped, circular, single‐stranded DNA anellovirus with no attributable pathological effects. A major component of the human blood virome, TTV exhibits various features that facilitate its application as immune biomarker: high prevalence rates, nearly ubiquitous distribution, stable viral loads with little intra‐individual variability, insensitivity to antiviral drugs, and availability of commercial PCR assays for DNA quantification. The present review summarizes the available studies supporting the use of post‐transplant TTV viremia to predict patient and graft outcomes after SOT and allo‐HSCT. Taken together, this evidence suggests that high or increasing TTV DNA levels precede the occurrence of infectious complications in the SOT setting, whereas low or decreasing viral loads are associated with the development of acute rejection. The interpretation in allo‐HSCT recipients is further complicated by complex interplay with the underlying disease, conditioning regimen, and timing of recovery of lymphocyte counts, although TTV kinetics may act as a marker of immunological reconstitution at the early post‐transplant period. The standardization of PCR methods and reporting units for TTV DNAemia and the results from ongoing interventional trials evaluating a TTV load‐guided strategy to adjust immunosuppressive therapy are achievements expected in the coming years.
Breakthrough COVID‐19 after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients: An analysis of symptomatic cases and monoclonal antibody therapy
Authors: Yetmar Zachary A. , Bhaimia Eric , Bierle Dennis M. , Ganesh Ravindra , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at increased risk for complications from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Little is known regarding clinical course and outcomes of breakthrough COVID‐19 in the fully vaccinated SOT population. We sought to describe our cohort of SOT recipients who developed symptomatic breakthrough COVID‐19 after full vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of SOT recipients diagnosed with COVID‐19 at least 14 days after completing SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Patients were analyzed according to those presenting with mild‐to‐moderate and severe COVID‐19, respectively. We described presenting characteristics, COVID‐19 therapy, and analyzed outcomes including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Results

Thirty‐five patients met inclusion criteria. These had a mean age of 60.8 years and kidney transplant was the most common SOT type. Five patients presented with severe COVID‐19 at diagnosis, all requiring hospitalization without ICU admission. From the 30 patients who presented with mild‐to‐moderate infection, 28 received casirivimab–imdevimab. Four of these 28 (14.3%) had an ED visit, with one requiring hospital admission (3.4%). No patients required ICU admission.

Conclusion

Breakthrough COVID‐19 may occur in SOT recipients after full vaccination, though they appear to have acceptable outcomes. Anti‐spike monoclonal antibody therapy for eligible SOT patients may have mitigated clinical progression and improved the outcomes. Further study with large cohorts is warranted.
Mapping the empirical evidence on patient involvement interventions in patients with end-stage kidney disease making end-of-life care decisions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Buur Louise Engelbrecht , Finderup Jeanette , Søndergaard Henning , Kannegaard Michell , Madsen Jens Kristian , Bekker Hilary Louise
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to investigate and map existing empirical evidence on patient involvement interventions helping patients with end-stage kidney disease to make end-of-life care decisions about kidney services.

Introduction:

Patients with end-stage kidney disease have a high disease burden and mortality rate. Despite this, kidney services differ in how they offer and integrate end-of-life care, if it is offered at all. Some countries have established advance care planning protocols to encourage patient involvement when offering end-of-life care options as part of end-stage kidney disease care. However, there is a limited understanding of the components of patient involvement interventions designed to support patients with end-stage kidney disease making decisions about end-of-life care.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will consider studies on patient involvement interventions concerning end-of-life care decisions for patients with end-stage kidney disease. A broad definition of patient involvement interventions will be used. Studies on interventions that do not involve patients or relatives will be excluded. The review will focus on interventions applied to kidney health care and other services, such as community-based health care.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL will be searched. The literature will be screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis will be conducted through relational analysis investigating patient involvement interventions and relevant information in line with the review objective and questions. Data will be extracted and listed in the data extraction instruments, accompanied by a narrative summary describing how the results relate to the review objective.