bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying differences in roadless areas in Canada based on global, national, and regional road datasets
Authors: Poley Lucy G. , Schuster Richard , Smith Wynet , Ray Justina C.
Published: February 2022

Roads are an overwhelming component of the global human footprint and their absence helps identify intact areas with high ecological value. Road‐free areas are decreasing globally, making accurate estimation of their location and size of great importance. Identification of such regions requires accurate data, but substantial variability exists in road network datasets created and maintained at different spatial scales. We compared estimates of road length, density, and roadless areas across Canada, which contains a high proportion of the world's remaining undisturbed and road‐free areas. Global‐ and national‐scale datasets included, on average, only 11%–14% of roads represented in regional‐scale data or volunteered geographic information (VGI), with the most pronounced differences in less‐developed areas. Regional‐scale datasets, with the lowest estimates of amount of roadless area and smallest mean roadless patch size, are likely the most complete road datasets but are not available for all jurisdictions, limiting their national‐scale utility. VGI provides a national‐scale alternative but still lacks many low‐use roads. Available global and national datasets have insufficient information for accurate assessments of roadless areas in Canada, which will require detailed, consistent subnational datasets assembled and maintained by each province and territory in a coordinated fashion to achieve national coverage.
That’s one small step for Japanese endoscopists, but one giant leap for the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society?
Authors: Takeuchi Yoji , Shichijo Satoki
Published: February 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by Y. Saito et al., p 144‐152 of the issue DEN 34:1.
Life history diversity in terrestrial animals is associated with metabolic response to seasonally fluctuating resources
Authors: Yanco Scott W. , Pierce Allison K. , Wunder Michael B.
Published: February 2022

Physiological and behavioral processes interact with environmental conditions to strongly influence organismal life history strategies which covary with latitude. However, few studies have articulated explicit linkages between metabolism and life history across latitudinal gradients. Interactions between metabolism and resource dynamics may give rise not only to patterns of variation in mean life history traits, but also to patterns in the ranges (diversity) of those traits across the same gradients. Here we show that the range of viable and realized metabolic/life history strategies covaries with the amplitude of seasonal resource fluctuations and, thus, latitude. Using a theoretical metabolic model we predicted that aseasonal environments support a greater diversity of life‐history strategies than those subject to strong seasonality, where only ‘fast' strategies were successful. We analyzed a global database of organismal metabolic parameters (estimated using a standard dynamic energy budget model) and found empirically derived evidence supporting our theoretical prediction that life history diversity negatively covaries with resource seasonality. These results comprise a novel framework for exploring covariation of life history with latitude at global scales, which may in turn help to explain other fundamental ecological patterns such as species diversity across gradients of seasonality.
Motor point stimulation induces more robust F‐waves than peripheral nerve stimulation
Authors: Kaneko Naotsugu , Fok Kai Lon , Nakazawa Kimitaka , Masani Kei
Published: February 2022

The F‐wave is a motor response induced by electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves via the antidromic firing of motor nerves, which reflects the motoneuron excitability. To induce F‐waves, transcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is used, which activates nerve branches via transcutaneous electrodes over the nerve branches. An alternative method to activate peripheral nerves, that is, motor point stimulation (MPS), which delivers electrical stimulation over the muscle belly, has not been used to induce F‐waves. In our previous studies, we observed that MPS induced F‐wave‐like responses, that is, motor responses at the latency of F‐waves at a supramaximal stimulation. Here, we further investigated the F‐wave‐like responses induced by MPS in comparison with PNS in the soleus muscle. Thirteen individuals participated in this study. We applied MPS and PNS on the participant's left soleus muscle. Using a monopolar double‐pulse stimulation, the amplitude of the second H‐reflex induced by PNS decreased, whereas the amplitude of the motor response at the F‐wave latency induced by MPS did not decrease. These results suggest that the motor response at the F‐wave latency induced by MPS was not an H‐reflex but an F‐wave. We also found that the F‐wave induced by MPS had a greater amplitude and higher persistence and caused less pain when compared with the F‐waves induced using PNS. We conclude that MPS evokes antidromic firing inducing F‐waves more consistently compared with PNS.
Outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells restore cerebral barrier function following ischaemic damage: The impact of NOX2 inhibition
Authors: Alwjwaj Mansour , Kadir Rais Reskiawan A. , Bayraktutan Ulvi
Published: February 2022

Disruption of blood–brain barrier (BBB), formed mainly by human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), constitutes the major cause of mortality following ischaemic stroke. This study investigates whether OECs (outgrowth endothelial cells) can restore BBB integrity and function following ischaemic damage and how inhibition of NOX2, a main source of vascular oxidative stress, affects the characteristics of BBB established with OECs and HBMECs in ischaemic settings. In vitro models of human BBB were constructed by co‐culture of pericytes and astrocytes with either OECs or HBMECs before exposure to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) alone or followed by reperfusion (OGD + R) in the absence or presence of NOX2 inhibitor, gp91ds‐tat. The function and integrity of BBB were assessed by measurements of paracellular flux of sodium fluorescein (NaF) and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), respectively. Treatment with OECs during OGD + R effectively restored BBB integrity and function. Compared to HBMECs, OECs possessed lower NADPH oxidase activity, superoxide anion levels and had greater total antioxidant capacity during OGD and OGD + R. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase during OGD and OGD + R restored the integrity and function of BBB established by HBMECs. This was evidenced by reductions in NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide anion levels. In contrast, treatment with gp91ds‐tat aggravated ischaemic injury‐induced BBB damage constructed by OECs. In conclusion, OECs are more resistant to ischaemic conditions and can effectively repair cerebral barrier following ischaemic damage. Suppression of oxidative stress through specific targeting of NOX2 requires close attention while using OECs as therapeutics.
Men as middle managers doing and undoing gender in organizations
Authors: Kelan Elisabeth K.
Published: February 2022

Although middle managers are often presumed to resist change in organizations, they can act as change drivers. This article shows how men as middle managers aim to act as change agents for gender equality through doing and undoing gender. Through practices such as bonding with women by objectifying them, being engaged in women‐focused initiatives and using gender equality to advance their own careers, men as middle managers aim to create gender equality but often reaffirm existing gender inequalities. However, men were more successful in moving towards gender equality when developing those who are different from themselves. The article contributes to understanding the complexities in analyzing and conceptualizing how men as middle managers are undoing gender by showing that many undoing gender practices can lead to a (re)doing of gender. However, only by engaging with those complexities can men in middle management positions become effective change agents for gender equality.
Peace geographies and the spatial turn in peace and conflict studies: Integrating parallel conversations through spatial practices
Authors: Macaspac Nerve V. , Moore Adam
Published: February 2022

Scholarship on the dynamics of peace and conflict is in the midst of a geographic renaissance. Within the discipline there is growing interest among political geographers in theorizing and exploring “geographies of peace”. At the same time, the interdisciplinary field of peace and conflict studies is experiencing a “spatial turn” whereby geographic ideas are increasingly engaged. This article provides an overview of these parallel conversations and proposes the concept ofspatial practicesas a framework for bringing them together. Elements of this framework can be seen within peace geographies and the spatial turn research, and they resonate with broader conversations taking place in the discipline of geography and beyond.
Effect of enhanced patient instructions onHelicobacter pylorieradication: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Ben‐Gang , Yan Xue‐Liang , Wan Lin‐Yan , Zhang Qing , Li Bo , Ai Yao‐Wei
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

To improveHelicobacter pylori(H.pylori) eradication rate, enhanced patient instructions (EPI) such as telephone‐based re‐education, short‐message service, and Wechat have been proposed with conflicting results. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effect of EPI onH.pylorieradication.

Methods

The PROSPERO registered number of this study is CRD42021278536. PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL database were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to September 2021. Meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effects model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to determine the robustness of theH.pylorieradication rate.

Results

Nine RCTs were included. Compared with patients receiving only regular instructions, patients received EPI showed significantly higherH.pylorieradication rate (n = 8 RCTs, ITT analysis: RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06–1.35; PP analysis: RR = 1.12, 95% CI:1.02–1.23) and better patient compliance (n = 8 RCTs, RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.39), as well as higher patient satisfaction (n = 3 RCTs, RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.14–1.76). However, there were no significant difference between groups in the incidence of total adverse events (n = 6 RCTs, RR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.40–1.08) and symptom relief rates (n = 2 RCTs, RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.89–1.54). The TSA result indicated that the effect was robust.

Conclusions

Evidence from our meta‐analysis shows that EPI intervention may be a promising strategy to improveH.pylorieradication rate, patient compliance, and patient satisfaction.
Physicochemical and functional properties of albumin, globulin and glutelin fractions of green lentil seed
Authors: Osemwota Etinosa C. , Alashi Adeola M. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: February 2022

Defatted lentil seed flour proteins were separated into their constituent albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB) and glutelin (GLT) fractions followed by determination of their structural and functional properties. The GLB fraction demonstrated superior solubility (84%–100%) at acidic and alkaline pH values when compared to the lower values for ALB and GLT. Amino acid composition analysis showed lower contents of hydrophobic and sulphur‐containing residues for GLB. However, GLB had the highest in vitro protein digestibility, which may be due to lower contents of rigid secondary structure fractions like the β‐sheet and β‐turns. In contrast, water and oil holding capacities as well as gelling ability were better for GLT and ALB than GLB. The GLT fraction formed very poor emulsions at pH 3 and 5 but emulsification was significantly (p < 0.05) improved (smaller oil droplets) at pH 7 and 9. Foaming capacity was strongest for GLB, especially at pH 5, 7 and 9 where increase in protein concentration had a negative effect on foam formation. Overall, the protein type and pH of the environment had stronger effects on emulsion and foaming properties than the protein concentration.
Performance testing of four automated coagulation analyzers in a university hospital setting with focus on global coagulation assays
Authors: Scherer‐Burić Regina A. , Lesser‐Wetzold Kornelia , Nagel Dorothea , Weigand Michael , Spannagl Michael , Teupser Daniel , Bruegel Mathias
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Several automated coagulation analyzers are available for laboratory use. In a university hospital central laboratory, we compared four different instruments. The results for global coagulation assays are presented here.

Methods

ACL TOP 750 CTS (Instrumentation Laboratory), Atellica COAG 360 (COAG 360), BCS XP (both Siemens Healthineers), and cobas t 711 (Roche Diagnostics) were compared. For inter‐instrument comparison, five basic coagulation parameters were analyzed in 476 patient plasma samples. Additional assessments included precision testing using commercial control samples and plasma pools, analysis time for a defined set of samples, sample capacity testing, minimum required sample volumes, and detection quality for hemolytic, icteric, or lipemic (HIL) interferences.

Results

Good concordance between different instruments was evident from Bland–Altman plots and comparison of data from each instrument with the overall median (τ≥0.8). Shortest analysis times were found for BCS XP and COAG 360, COAG 360 revealed highest sample capacity. Observed required sample volumes were broadly in line with manufacturer specifications and varied according to instrument configurations. HIL detection differed between instruments and was best with ACL TOP 750 CTS.

Conclusion

The four analyzers showed similarly high levels of concordance, although some variations were apparent. The most significant differences between the instruments were found in analysis times and sample capacity. Analyzer capabilities must be considered when selecting laboratory equipment and defining algorithms for clinical practice.
mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine effectiveness against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a prospective community cohort, rural Wisconsin, November 2020 to December 2021
Authors: McLean Huong Q. , McClure David L. , King Jennifer P. , Meece Jennifer K. , Pattinson David , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Rolfes Melissa A. , Belongia Edward A.
Published: February 2022

Reduced COVID‐19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) has been observed with increasing predominance of SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Two‐dose VE against laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (symptomatic and asymptomatic) was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models with time‐varying vaccination status in a prospective rural community cohort of 1266 participants aged ≥12 years. Between November 3, 2020 and December 7, 2021, VE was 56% for mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines overall, 65% for Moderna, and 50% for Pfizer‐BioNTech. VE when Delta predominated (June to December 2021) was 54% for mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines overall, 59% for Moderna, and 52% for Pfizer‐BioNTech.
Microbial health risks associated with rotavirus and enteric bacteria in River Ala in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Olalemi Adewale Oluwasogo , Akinwumi Iseoluwa Moses
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study was carried out to determine the microbial health risks associated with surface water commonly used for bathing, drinking, domestic and irrigational activities in Akure, Nigeria.

Methods and Results

Water samples were collected from the river from March to June, 2018. The load of enteric bacteria, somatic coliphages and rotavirus in the water samples was determined using culture-based methods and molecular technique. The physicochemical characteristics of the water samples were determined using standard methods. The risks of rotavirus, Salmonella and Shigella infections resulting from ingestion of the water from the river, were estimated using dose–response model. Redundancy analysis revealed that the levels of E. coli and Salmonella were highly associated with salinity and turbidity. The risks of infection associated with rotavirus (3.3 × 10−3) were higher than those associated with Salmonella (1.3 × 10−4) and Shigella (1.3 × 10−3), and were all above the WHO acceptable risk limit (10−4).

Conclusion

Accidental or intentional ingestion of water from the river may pose potential risks of gastrointestinal illness to humans.

Significance and Impact of study

Quantitative microbial risk assessment is essential in establishing adequate water management practices that must be strictly followed in order to protect human health.
International comparison of impurities mixing and accumulation in steel scrap
Authors: Panasiuk Daryna , Daigo Ichiro , Hoshino Takeo , Hayashi Hideo , Yamasue Eiji , Tran Duc Huy , Sprecher Benjamin , Shi Feng , Shatokha Volodymyr
Published: February 2022

The accumulation of impurities in the recycling of steel impacts the quality of secondary steel. Understanding impurity levels is crucial in the context of the proliferation of circular economy policies, expected high recycling rates, and growth of scrap consumption. By assuming the accumulation of impurities to be equal worldwide, the understanding of the extent and variation of the mixing and accumulation was limited in previous studies, and the factors influencing those variations were not considered. This is a first cross‐national comparison of impurity accumulation in recycled steel. In this study, the copper, tin, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum content was analyzed in over 500 samples of electric arc furnace rebars from China, Japan, Vietnam, Ukraine, and the Netherlands (representing northwestern Europe) with an optical emission spectrometer. The impurity content in rebars represents the content of impurities accumulated in steel scrap in the countries studied. The measured content of impurities was then used to determine the factors influencing the accumulation of those impurities. It was revealed that the recycling technology, the presence of a market for recovered metals, the quality of the material input, steelmaking practices, and the management of byproducts derived from a legislative or economic context played a role in the impurities content. By communicating on scrap chemical content, the collaboration between the recycling and steel industries could be enhanced in terms of matching the demand and supply and facilitating an increase in the scrap share in steelmaking.
Evolutionary stability inferred for a free ranging lizard with sex‐reversal
Authors: Wild Kristoffer H. , Roe John H. , Schwanz Lisa , Georges Arthur , Sarre Stephen D.
Published: February 2022

The sex of vertebrates is typically determined genetically, but reptile sex can also be determined by developmental temperature. In some reptiles, temperature interacts with genotype to reverse sex, potentially leading to transitions from a chromosomal to a temperature‐dependent sex determining system. Transitions between such systems in nature are accelerated depending on the frequency and fitness of sex‐reversed individuals. The Central Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps, exhibits female heterogamety (ZZ/ZW) but can have its sex reversed from ZZ male to ZZ female by high incubation temperatures. The species exhibits sex‐reversal in the wild and it has been suggested that climate change and fitness of sex‐reversed individuals could be increasing the frequency of reversal within the species range. Transitions to temperature‐dependent sex determination require low levels of dispersal and high (>50%) rates of sex‐reversal. Here, we combine genotype‐by‐sequencing, identification of phenotypic and chromosomal sex, exhaustive field surveys, and radio telemetry to examine levels of genetic structure, rates of sex‐reversal, movement, space use, and survival of P. vitticeps in a location previously identified as a hot spot for sex‐reversal. We find that the species exhibits low levels of population structure (FST ~0.001) and a modest (~17%) rate of sex‐reversal, and that sex‐reversed and nonsex‐reversed females have similar survival and behavioural characteristics to each other. Overall, our data indicate this system is evolutionary stable, although we do not rule out the prospect of a more gradual transition in sex‐determining mechanisms in the future in a more fragmented landscape and as global temperatures increase.
Grounding interventionism: Conceptual and epistemological challenges
Authors: Bryant Amanda
Published: February 2022

Philosophers have recently highlighted substantial affinities between causation and grounding, which have inclined some to import the conceptual and formal resources of causal interventionism into the metaphysics of grounding. The prospect ofgrounding interventionismraises two important questions: What exactly are grounding interventions, and why should we think they enable knowledge of grounding? This paper approaches these questions by examining how causal interventionists have addressed (or might address) analogous questions and then comparing the available options for grounding interventionism. The paper argues that grounding interventions must be understood in worldly terms, as adding something to or deleting something from the roster of entities, or making some fact obtain or fail to obtain. It considers three bases for counterfactual assessment: imagination, structural equation models, and background theory. The paper concludes that grounding interventionism requires firmer epistemological foundations, without which the interventionist’s epistemology of grounding is incomplete and ineffectually rationalist.
The effects of whey proteins, their peptides and amino acids on vascular function
Authors: Price Drew , Jackson Kim G. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Givens David Ian
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a significant and growing burden on global health services, and it is now accepted that impairment of vascular function represents a major preliminary step in the development of CVD. There is considerable interest in identifying both causal factors of impaired vascular function, as well as related nutritional factors that may lower the risk of developing CVD, and food‐derived bioactive peptides and amino acids have emerged as one such area. Dairy foods contain two groups of proteins, whey proteins and caseins, which represent a rich source of bioactive peptides that are released during food processing and/or digestion. These peptides have a number of physiological activities including the potential to reduce blood pressure. Research, including acute and longer‐term randomised controlled trials, animal models and in vitro models has demonstrated the potential impact of dairy proteins on vascular function. The purpose of this paper is to narratively review the evidence, primarily from randomised controlled trials, examining the effects of whey proteins, their peptides and amino acids on vascular function and related issues including blood pressure. In addition, it will explore the potential underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. It concludes that there is increasing evidence that whey proteins, and notably the bioactive peptides and amino acids released during their digestion, can have beneficial effects on aspects of vascular function and thus contribute to CVD risk reduction. It also highlights a number of beneficial effects of whey proteins including those on blood pressure, arterial stiffness, nitric oxide production and inflammation.
COVID‐19 pandemic and food poverty conversations: Social network analysis of Twitter data
Authors: Eskandari Fatemeh , Lake Amelia A. , Butler Mark
Published: February 2022

This novel and mixed‐method study investigated food poverty conversations at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown on the social media platform Twitter. NodeXL Pro software was used to collect tweets using the terms ‘food’ and ‘poverty’ in any order somewhere in a tweet sent on selected days between April 5 and May 23, 2020. The data obtained from NodeXL Pro were cleaned. Social network analysis tools were used to analyse and visualise our data. Using this method, sentiment‐related words (positive or negative words), the top (the most mentioned) 10 hashtags, top words and top word pairs were identified. The patterns of word pairs communicated in our network were visualised based on each word pair's frequency. This also enabled us to carry out a content analysis to create coding of the word pairs’ data. A total of 81 249 tweets were identified that contained the terms ‘food’ and ‘poverty’. Our findings revealed that individuals’ tweets overwhelmingly contained views about the increase in hunger, food poverty and food insecurity due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Twitter users perceived that when the pandemic measures began, many food‐secure families were pushed into food insecurity due to a rapid rise in unemployment and rising poverty due to the quarantine and stay‐at‐home instructions in place at the time. They also addressed the sharp rise in food poverty being driven by panic buying, food shortages, food affordability and disruptions in food supply and food systems. Our analysis of this data suggests that to mitigate food poverty or to prevent a ‘hunger pandemic’ for future pandemic emergencies, comprehensive and longer term policy responses and economic supports are needed to strengthen the resilience of food systems. However, the highlighted limitations of this study must be considered.
The use of autorefractors using the image‐size principle in determining on‐axis and off‐axis refraction. Part 3: Theoretical effect of pupil misalignment on peripheral refraction for the Grand‐Seiko Autorefractor
Authors: Atchison David A
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To determine, through simulations, the effect of lateral misalignment of the Grand‐Seiko WR‐5100K autorefractor on peripheral refraction.

Methods

Using a Navarro schematic eye, into‐ and out‐of‐the eye raytracing was done for a Grand‐Seiko autorefractor simulation. For comparison, conventional out‐of‐the eye raytracing simulated the use of a Hartman‐Shack aberrometer. Peripheral refractions were determined out to ±40° along the horizontal visual field with lateral misalignments up to ±1 mm.

Results

The effects are high, and greater when misalignment and the visual field are in opposite directions than when they are in the same direction. For example, 1 mm nasal misalignment causes mean sphere errors of −2.7 D and +1.3 D at 30° temporal field and 30° nasal field, respectively. These effects are approximately twice those occurring in a previous experimental study. Effects are small with the Hartmann‐Shack simulation, with mean sphere errors not exceeding 0.03 D with 1 mm instrument misalignment.

Conclusion

Misalignment of the Grand‐Seiko WR‐5100K autorefractor is predicted to cause considerable errors in peripheral refraction. The simulation produces about twice the errors found in an experimental study, and the reason for this is unknown.
A Comparative Analysis of Femoral Neck System and Three Cannulated Screws Fixation in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures: A Six‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Zhang Ya‐zhong , Lin Yan , Li Chao , Yue Xi‐jun , Li Gao‐yu , Wang Bin , Wang Yun‐qing , Zhu Zi‐qiang
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the efficacies of Femoral Neck System (FNS) and the three cannulated screws fixation (3CS) as therapeutic options for femoral neck fractures.

Method

This was a retrospective study involving 69 patients (26 males and 43 females; mean age of 54.9 years (range, 28–66 years)) subjected to either FNS or 3CS for femoral neck fracture therapy. These patients were treated in our hospital from October 2019 to May 2020. Patient follow up was done at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. During the short‐term (6 months) follow‐up period, surgical procedures for the two groups and incidences of complications were analyzed. Perioperative parameters were recorded and analyzed. Postoperative hip joint functions were measured and compared using the Harris score. The assessed perioperative parameters included surgical time, hemoglobin loss, fluoroscopy duration, hospitalization length and hospitalization cost. The main complications at last follow‐up (6 months) included varus tilting, femoral neck shortness, and implant removal.

Results

Differences in the number of patients, age, Garden type of fracture and time from injury to surgery between the two groups were not significant (P > 0.05). With regards to perioperative parameters, compared to 3CS, FNS treatment performed better in surgical time (60.00 ± 12.44 vs 76.81 ± 13.10 min, P = 0.000), blood loss (13.67 ± 8.02 vs 16.58 ± 4.16 g/L, P = 0.059) and fluoroscopy time (39.73 ± 9.57 vs 58.14 ± 9.15 s, P = 0.000). Differences in hospitalization length and cost between the groups were not significant (P > 0.05). During the whole follow‐up period, all patients did not exhibit dysfunction, pulmonary embolism or even death as a result of long‐term immobilization of affected limbs. Surgical incisions for all patients healed well without infections. During the 6‐month follow‐up period, the FNS group exhibited a higher Harris score (84.61 ± 3.42 vs 78.67 ± 3.72, p = 0.000). In addition, treatment‐associated complications (FNS vs 3CS) included femoral neck varus tilt (3.03% vs 11.11%), femoral neck shortness (6.06% vs 13.89%), and implant removal (0% vs. 13.89%). Implant removal rate for the FNS group was significantly less than that of the 3CS group (P = 0.026). Differences in incidences of femoral neck varus tilt (P = 0.196) and femoral neck shortness (P = 0.282) between the two groups were not significant. However, the difference in number was significant (FNS group was less).

Conclusion

FNS treatment is associated with a smaller surgical trauma, stronger stability, and reductions in post‐operative complication incidences, therefore, it is a potential therapeutic option for femoral neck fractures.
Clinical impact of left bundle branch area pacing in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and mid‐range ejection fraction
Authors: Okubo Yousaku , Miyamoto Shogo , Uotani Yukimi , Ikeuchi Yoshihiro , Miyauchi Shunsuke , Okamura Sho , Tokuyama Takehito , Nakano Yukiko
Published: February 2022

Background

Recently, conduction system pacing, including His bundle and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), has emerged as an alternative pacing procedure for right ventricular (RV) pacing. The current study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of LBBAP and conventional RV midseptal pacing (RVMSP) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with midrange ejection (HFmrEF) requiring frequency RV pacing due to atrioventricular block (AVB).

Methods

A total of 89 patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF requiring RV pacing due to symptomatic AVB were enrolled between September 2018 and April 2021, among whom 43 and 46 underwent LBBAP and RVMSP, respectively.

Results

No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups. The LBBAP group had a significantly shorter paced‐QRS duration and paced left ventricular activation time (LVAT) compared to the RVMSP group (123.4 ± 10.4 ms vs. 152.3 ± 12.3 ms,p < .001 and 68.3 ± 10.0 ms vs. 95.2 ± 12.3 ms,p < .001, respectively). The LBBAP group had significantly lower N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels at the 6‐month follow‐up compared to the RVMSP group [459.6 pg/ml (240.4–678.7) vs. 972.7 pg/ml (629.5–1315.9),p = .01]. More patients in the LBBAP group exhibited a significant improvement in NT‐proBNP, defined as a > 50% decreased from baseline levels.

Conclusion

LBBAP maintains physiological ventricular activation and contributes to greater improvement in NT‐proBNP value 6 months after implantation in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF compared to RVMSP.
m6A‐mediated regulation of crop development and stress responses
Authors: Zhou Leilei , Gao Guangtong , Tang Renkun , Wang Weihao , Wang Yuying , Tian Shiping , Qin Guozheng
Published: February 2022

Dynamic chemical modifications in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) constitute an essential layer of gene regulation, among which N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) was unveiled to be the most abundant. m6A functionally modulates important biological processes in various mammals and plants through the regulation of mRNA metabolism, mainly mRNA degradation and translation efficiency. Physiological functions of m6A methylation are diversified and affected by intricate sequence contexts and m6A machineries. A number of studies have dissected the functional roles and the underlying mechanisms of m6A modifications in regulating plant development and stress responses. Recently, it was demonstrated that the human FTO‐mediated plant m6A removal caused dramatic yield increases in rice and potato, indicating that modulation of m6A methylation could be an efficient strategy for crop improvement. In this review, we summarize the current progress concerning the m6A‐mediated regulation of crop development and stress responses, and provide an outlook on the potential application of m6A epitranscriptome in the future improvement of crops.
The pediatric dermatology psychosocial screen: Promoting psychosocial coping and early identification of mental illness in pediatric dermatology patients
Authors: Zambare Wini V. , Tocci Elizabeth , Sideridis Georgios , Wilhelm Sabine , Keuthen Nancy , Fogler Jason , Lee Margaret S.
Published: February 2022

Background/Objectives

The psychosocial impact of pediatric skin conditions can be difficult to assess accurately. There is currently no way to formally screen and provide stepped care specifically for psychosocial dysfunction or mental illness during dermatology clinics. The Psychosocial Screening Tool for Pediatric Dermatology (PDPS) was designed to identify patients in need of psychosocial support and to promote multidisciplinary care.

Methods

The PDPS was studied at Boston Children's Hospital outpatient dermatology clinics. A pilot study was conducted with 16 participants to assess language and applicability. The validation study included 105 participants aged 8–19 years. Participants completed the PDPS, the Children's Depression Index 2 Short (CDI‐2 Short), and three subscales of the Behavior Assessment System for Children 2 (BASC‐2) to assess content validity. Model fit from confirmatory factor analysis was evaluated using the root‐mean‐square error of approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Tucker‐Lewis Index (TLI).

Results

Proper model fit and criterion validity were demonstrated through positively correlating the PDPS and the CDI‐2 Short (CFI = 0.972, TLI = 0.969, RMSEA 5.3%) and BASC‐2 subscales (RMSEA = 7.2%, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.969). Patient resilience was positively correlated with higher scores in each psychosocial domain.

Conclusions

The PDPS is an effective screening tool for resilience versus need for early behavioral/mental health intervention in dermatology patients aged 8–19. The PDPS identifies psychosocial dysfunction and problems patients may not disclose otherwise (bullying, self‐harm, social supports, neurodermatitis, and body dysmorphic disorder). Additionally, patients can directly indicate interest in various psychosocial health resources on the PDPS, guiding practitioners in providing comprehensive care.
Evaluating the impact of a community health worker (Promotora de Salud) program on attitudes and beliefs regarding atopic dermatitis among Spanish‐speaking Latin‐American caregivers
Authors: Joseph Adrienne K. , Chen Henry W. , Hassan Youssef Sara , Limmer Emily E. , Eifert Faye , Dominguez Arturo R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Community health workers (CHWs), or promotora de salud, have an important role in healthcare education and advocacy in the Latin American community. We aimed to determine the impact of a promotora de salud program on attitudes and beliefs regarding AD management among Latin American caregivers of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

Methods

This is a sub‐study of an ongoing randomized, investigator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial. Mann‐Whitney U tests compared questionnaire responses in the standard education group to the promotora group.

Results

Caregivers in the promotora group were more likely to state that they knew how to apply wet wraps and use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) baths at 1 month (wet wraps p = .027, bleach baths p = .005) and 3 months (wet wraps p = .005, bleach baths p < .001) demonstrating greater self‐efficacy, defined as an individual's belief in their capacity to execute a certain behavior to achieve a desired outcome, compared with the standard education group.

Conclusions

Culturally competent and language concordant educational interventions may improve confidence in utilizing wet wraps and bleach baths among Latin‐American caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis, which may improve AD outcomes in the Latin‐American community.
When is synchronous telehealth acceptable for pediatric dermatology?
Authors: Kohn Lucinda L. , Pickett Kaci , Day Jennifer A. , Torres‐Zegarra Carla , Plost Grant , Gurnee Emily , Prok Lori , Olson Christina A. , Manson Spero M. , Bruckner Anna L.
Published: February 2022

Background/Objectives

We evaluated the acceptance of synchronous (live video) telehealth for pediatric dermatology.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐center study of patient and dermatologist surveys paired at the encounter level for telehealth encounters with Children's Hospital Colorado Pediatric Dermatology Clinic between 21 April 2020 and 22 May 2020.

Results

Dermatologists were most receptive to a telehealth encounter for isotretinoin monitoring (96.6%) and non‐isotretinoin acne (89.5%). In contrast, 71.8% and 58.8% of patients surveyed were open to telehealth for isotretinoin encounters and non‐isotretinoin acne encounters, respectively. There was no significant correlation between patient and dermatologist satisfaction regarding a telehealth encounter (r = 0.09, CI [−0.09, 0.26], p = .34) or between patient and dermatologist preference for telehealth encounter (r = 0.07, CI [−0.11, 0.25] p = .46). Dermatologists reported needing a photo to aid their physical examination in 38/363 (10.7%) of encounters and preferred in‐person examinations when an encounter would have benefitted from laboratories, procedures, dermatoscopic examination, examination by palpation, and accurate weights in infants.

Conclusions

Synchronous, live‐video telehealth is an effective method of healthcare delivery in certain situations for pediatric dermatology, but it does not replace in‐person encounters. Families and dermatologists have different perceptions about its acceptance.
Atypical purpura and other features associated with unfavorable outcomes of IgA vasculitis (Henoch–Schönlein purpura) in children: A retrospective study
Authors: Carmona‐Cruz Silvia Angélica , Durán‐McKinster Lourdes Carola , García‐Romero María Teresa
Published: February 2022

The prognosis of IgA vasculitis (also known as Henoch–Schönlein purpura) is determined by renal or other organ involvement. We conducted a retrospective study to identify the initial features of 106 children with IgA vasculitis and their association with unfavorable outcomes. Location of purpura above the waist and an altered urinalysis at diagnosis predicted a more aggressive course of disease.
A novel pathogenic variant in the corneodesmosin gene causing generalized inflammatory peeling skin syndrome with marked eosinophilia and trichorrhexis invaginata
Authors: Gordon Helen , Yap Patrick , Hsiao Kuang‐Chih , Watson Michael , Purvis Diana
Published: February 2022

Generalized inflammatory peeling skin syndrome (PSS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by loss‐of‐function disease‐causing variants of the corneodesmosin gene (CDSN), resulting in excessive shedding of the superficial layers of the epidermis. We describe a case of generalized inflammatory PSS in an infant, presenting at day two of life with ichthyosiform erythroderma and superficial peeling of the skin. Hair microscopy showed trichorrhexis invaginata. Normal amounts of skin LEKT1, a product of SPINK5 on immunohistochemical staining excluded a diagnosis of Netherton syndrome. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous novel complete CDSN deletion, estimated 4.6 kb in size, supporting the diagnosis of generalized inflammatory PSS.
Follicular keratosis of the face in pediatric patients of color
Authors: Grullon Karina , Ashi Shaymaa A. , Shea Christopher R. , Ruiz de Luzuriaga Arlene M. , Stein Sarah L. , Rosenblatt Adena E.
Published: February 2022

Background/Objectives

Follicular keratosis (FK) is a poorly understood disorder presenting with multiple, grouped hyperkeratotic follicular papules typically affecting the chin or jawline. This study describes the clinical presentation, histopathology, management, and outcomes of a series of pediatric patients of color with FK of the face, thought to be related to rubbing or friction on the skin.

Methods

Retrospective review of 20 pediatric patients with FK of the face who presented to our pediatric dermatology practice between April 2019 and October 2021.

Results

Twenty patients (mean age 12.1 years, 13 females), all self‐identified as Black/African American, were included. All presented with an initially asymptomatic, hyperpigmented patch containing multiple hyperkeratotic follicular papules, located on the cheek, chin, upper lip, and/or jawline. Five patients endorsed a history of rubbing the site. Nine patients had onset of the lesions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Treatments included topical vitamin D analogs, corticosteroids, and/or retinoids. Topical vitamin D analogs and retinoids improved the texture and hyperpigmentation of the follicular lesions in only four patients, while topical corticosteroids had no effect. Histopathological examination of two patients revealed multiple dilated follicles containing keratinized material and associated with a sparse dermal inflammatory infiltrate in one patient and granulomatous inflammation within the dermis in the other.

Conclusions

In our cohort of pediatric patients with FK, patients of color were preferentially affected, and all cases were associated with hyperpigmentation. Some patients presented during the COVID‐19 pandemic suggesting that friction from facial mask wearing may have induced or exacerbated this uncommon condition.
Why emerging supply chain technologies initially disappoint: Blockchain, IoT, and AI
Authors: Sodhi ManMohan S. , Seyedghorban Zahra , Tahernejad Hossein , Samson Danny
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we explore why users’ experiences with emerging supply chain technologies comprise inflated expectations followed by disappointment in the early stages of adoption, as per the Gartner Hype Cycle. We used “affordance theory” to study how managers perceive emerging technologies to explain their adoption experience. Affordance theory indicates that perceived benefits—and goals and constraints—depend on the interaction between technology and the users, not on the technology alone. First, we used the literature for two purposes: first, to obtain characteristics of blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) as emerging technologies; and second, to itemize generic goals, affordances, and constraints in adopting any supply chain technology. Next, we asked 400+ supply chain managers to select those affordances, constraints, and goals that they viewed as pertinent to their organizations’ supply chains for whichever of these three technologies they were implementing. Finally, we compared the responses across technologies for individual respondents (who selected more than one technology) and within the pool of respondents. We found that respondents who selected more than one technology made distinct selections individually for the different technologies relevant to them. The pooled responses across all respondents, however, prioritized the aggregated goals, affordances, and constraints in the same way, regardless of the technology, the organization, or the network features of the supply chain. Overall, it appears that the characteristics of the technology do not inform user expectations at the early stages of adoption. This initial disconnect—between characteristics and expectation—may explain the “inflated expectations” followed by the early “trough of disappointment” with emerging technologies in the Gartner Hype Cycle, as users focus on obtaining the same benefits for the supply chain from any new emerging technology. Only subsequent shared experiences can lead to the long “slope of enlightenment.”
Political instability and youths unemployment in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Fomba Kamga Benjamin , Talla Fokam Dieu Ne Dort , Ningaye Paul
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of political instability on youths unemployment in sub‐Saharan Africa. Particular interest is devoted to the channels through which political instability affects youths unemployment. The empirical analysis covers a sample of 23 countries for the period 2000–2016. To better characterize the labor market framework in sub‐Saharan Africa, the empirical analysis incorporates the impact of political instability on youths underemployment and labor underutilization. Using panel data techniques, the results show that political instability increases youths unemployment, underemployment, and labor underutilization in sub‐Saharan Africa. The main transmission channels identified are foreign direct investment, domestic investment, gross domestic product, government spending, human capital, and labor market flexibility. The findings confirm the investigated hypothesis. As the main policy implication, policymakers in sub‐Saharan Africa should resolve political instability as a priority toward addressing youths unemployment.