bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational outcomes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients following treatment with ranibizumab, panretinal laser photocoagulation or combination therapy – The non‐interventional second year follow‐up to the PRIDE study
Authors: Lang Gabriele E. , Stahl Andreas , Voegeler Jessica , Quiering Claudia , Zaremba Laureen , Lorenz Katrin , Spital Georg , Liakopoulos Sandra
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Ranibizumab monotherapy showed stronger effects on area of retinal neovascularization (NV) reduction while offering better visual acuity (VA) results than panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) monotherapy during the first 12 months of the PRIDE study. The second year of PRIDE was an observational, non‐interventional follow‐up, performed to evaluate long‐term anatomical and functional outcomes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients under real‐life conditions, prior to the approval of ranibizumab for PDR.

Methods

Seventy‐three PDR patients (28 from the ranibizumab group; 20 from the PRP group; 25 from the combination group) were included in the observational follow‐up phase and treated at the investigators discretion. Visual acuity (VA) measurements and retinal imaging were performed at Months 12, 18 and 24.

Results

Mean (± SD) NV area in the ranibizumab monotherapy and combination follow‐up groups increased from 3.16 ± 4.30 mm2 and 1.13 ± 2.78 mm2 at Month 12 to 6.09 ± 10.79 mm2 and 2.14 ± 4.41 mm2 at Month 18 and 10.00 ± 17.63 mm2 and 3.26 ± 7.05 mm2 at Month 24, respectively. In the PRP follow‐up group, NV area declined from 5.44 ± 14.55 mm2 at Month 12 to 1.22 ± 1.67 mm2 at Month 18, but increased again to 4.05 ± 11.66 mm2 at Month 24. During the observational phase, only 2 (6;8) patients in the ranibizumab (PRP;combination) follow‐up group were treated with anti‐VEGF medications, while 17 (6;10) patients received PRP laser therapy.

Conclusion

Discontinuation of ranibizumab treatment in PDR patients may result in an increase of NV area and VA loss. Tight monitoring of disease activity and continued treatment beyond the first year is needed to maintain disease control.
A retrospective observational study to evaluate the clinical outcomes and routine management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with idelalisib and rituximab in the UK and Ireland (RETRO‐idel)
Authors: Eyre Toby A. , Preston Gavin , Kagdi Huseini , Islam Amin , Nicholson Toby , Smith Harry W. , Cursley Adam P. , Ramroth Heribert , Xing Guan , Gu Lin , Rajakumaraswamy Nishanthan , Fegan Christopher
Published: June 2021

Idelalisib (IDL) is an oral first‐in‐class phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase delta (PI3Kδ) inhibitor approved for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) alongside rituximab (R) since 2014. However, little data exist on routine practice. The RETRO‐idel was a protocol‐led, retrospective study of 110 patients [n = 27 front‐line (1L)] who received IDL‐R. The primary end‐point was clinical overall response rate (ORR). The median (range) follow‐up of the whole cohort was 30·2 (0·1–51·9) months. The median (range) age was 72 (48–89) years. Tumour protein p53‐disruption was common [100% 1L, 32·5% relapsed/refractory (R/R)]. The best ORR (intention‐to‐treat) was 88·2% (1L 96·3%, R/R 85·5%). Overall, the median event‐free survival (mEFS) was 20·3 months and time‐to‐next treatment was 29·2 months. The mEFS for 1L patients was 18·7 months and R/R patients was 21·7 months. The 3‐year overall survival was 56·1% (95% confidence interval 45·7–65·3). IDL was discontinued in 87·3% (n = 96). More patients discontinued due to adverse events in the front‐line setting (1L 63·0% vs. R/R 44·6%) and due to progressive disease in R/R patients (20·5% vs. 3·7% in 1L). Lower respiratory tract infection/pneumonia were reported in 34·5% (Grade ≥3, 19·1%), diarrhoea in 30·9% (Grade ≥3, 6·4%), and colitis in 9·1% (Grade ≥3, 5·5%). Overall, these data describe clear efficacy for IDL‐R in routine practice. No new safety signals were identified, although careful management of known toxicities is required.
A novel multikinase inhibitor SKLB‐YTH‐60 ameliorates inflammation and fibrosis in bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis mouse models
Authors: Liu Hongyao , Wu Xiuli , Gan Cailing , Wang Liqun , Wang Guan , Yue Lin , Liu Zhihao , Wei Wei , Su Xingping , Zhang Qianyu , Tan Zui , Yao Yuqin , Ouyang Liang , Yu Luoting , Ye Tinghong
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is marked by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which participates in a variety of chronic diseases or injuries and seriously threatens human health. Due to the side effects of clinical drugs, there is still a need to develop novel and less toxic drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

SKLB‐YTH‐60 was developed through computer‐aided drug design, de novo synthesis and high‐throughput screening. We employed the bleomycin (BLM)‐induced lung fibrosis animal models and used TGF‐β1 to induce the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein expression of collagen I and the α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), E‐cadherin, p‐FGFR1, p‐PLCγ, p‐Smad2/3 and p‐Erk1/2 was detected by western blot.

Results

YTH‐60 has obvious anti‐proliferative activity on fibroblasts and A549 cells. Moreover, YTH‐60 could impair the EMT of A549 cells and suppressed fibrosis by inhibiting FGFR and TGF‐β/Smad‐dependent pathways. Intraperitoneal administration of preventive YTH‐60 could significantly reduce the degree of fibrosis in mice and regulate the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. In addition, we observed that therapeutic YTH‐60 treatment attenuated fibrotic changes in mice during the period of fibrosis. Importantly, YTH‐60 has shown an acceptable oral bioavailability (F = 17.86%) and appropriate eliminated half‐life time (T1/2 = 8.03 hours).

Conclusions

Taken together, these preclinical evaluations suggested that YTH‐60 could be a promising drug candidate for treating IPF.
A new Tuskegee? Unethical human experimentation and Western neocolonialism in the mass circumcision of African men
Authors: Fish Max , Shahvisi Arianne , Gwaambuka Tatenda , Tangwa Godfrey B. , Ncayiyana Daniel , Earp Brian D.
Published: June 2021

Campaigns to circumcise millions of boys and men to reduce HIV transmission are being conducted throughout eastern and southern Africa, recommended by the World Health Organization and implemented by the United States government and Western NGOs. In the United States, proposals to mass‐circumcise African and African American men are longstanding, and have historically relied on racist beliefs and stereotypes. The present campaigns were started in haste, without adequate contextual research, and the manner in which they have been carried out implies troubling assumptions about culture, health, and sexuality in Africa, as well as a failure to properly consider the economic determinants of HIV prevalence. This critical appraisal examines the history and politics of these circumcision campaigns while highlighting the relevance of race and colonialism. It argues that the “circumcision solution” to African HIV epidemics has more to do with cultural imperialism than with sound health policy, and concludes that African communities need a means of robust representation within the regime.
Comparable efficacy and safety between LY2963016 insulin glargine and insulin glargine (Lantus®) in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes: A phase III, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Yan Xiang , Jiang Shan , Lou Ying , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: June 2021

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of LY2963016 insulin glargine (LY IGlar) with the reference product (Lantus®) insulin glargine (IGlar) in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and Methods

This phase III, prospective, multicentre, open‐label study enrolled patients with T1DM, age ≥18 years, with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤11.0%, who were randomized to LY IGlar (n = 137) or IGlar (n = 135) in combination with premeal insulin lispro for 24 weeks. The treatment targets were to achieve HbA1c <7% and preprandial capillary blood glucose 79‐126 mg/dl (4.4‐7.0 mmol/L), avoiding hypoglycaemia. The primary efficacy endpoint was testing the non‐inferiority of LY IGlar to IGlar by a margin of 0.4% using the mixed model repeated measure approach, as measured by changes in HbA1c levels from baseline to 24 weeks. Continuous laboratory measures were analysed using analysis of covariance. For categorical measures, Fisher's exact test was used.

Results

The least squares mean difference between treatments (LY IGlar – IGlar) in change from baseline was −0.12% (95% confidence interval −0.32%, 0.08%), meeting the non‐inferiority criteria. There were no clinically meaningful differences (p > .05) in other efficacy outcomes, including proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% and HbA1c ≤6.5%, self‐monitored blood glucose and insulin dose at week 24. Weight change, insulin antibodies and all adverse events including allergic reactions and hypoglycaemia, were also similar between the two treatment groups (all p > .05).

Conclusions

LY IGlar and IGlar had equivalent efficacy in glycaemic control and similar safety profiles in Chinese patients with T1DM, when used in combination with mealtime insulin lispro.
Efficient use of harvest data: a size‐class‐structured integrated population model for exploited populations
Authors: Gamelon Marlène , Nater Chloé R. , Baubet Éric , Besnard Aurélien , Touzot Laura , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Lebreton Jean‐Dominique , Gimenez Olivier
Published: June 2021

Many animal populations are subject to hunting or fishing in the wild. Detailed knowledge of demographic parameters (e.g. survival, reproduction) and temporal dynamics of such populations is crucial for sustainable management. Despite their relevance for management decisions, structure and size of exploited populations are often not known, and data limited. Recently, joint analysis of different types of demographic data, such as population counts, reproductive data and capture–mark–recapture data, within integrated population models (IPMs) has gained much popularity as it may allow estimating population size and structure, as well as key demographic rates, while fully accounting for uncertainty. IPMs built so far for exploited populations have typically been built as age‐structured population models. However, the age of harvested individuals is usually difficult and/or costly to assess and therefore often not available. Here, we introduce an IPM structured by body size classes, which allows making efficient use of data commonly available in exploited populations for which accurate information on age is often missing. The model jointly analyzes size‐at‐harvest data, capture–mark–recapture–recovery data and reproduction data from necropsies, and we illustrate its applicability in a case study involving heavily hunted wild boar. This species has increased in abundance over the last decades despite intense harvest, and the IPM analysis provides insights into the roles of natural mortality, body growth, maturation schedules and reproductive output in compensating for the loss of individuals to hunting. Early maturation and high reproductive output contributed to wild boar population persistence despite a strong hunting pressure. We thus demonstrate the potential of size‐class‐structured IPMs as tools to investigate the dynamics of exploited populations with limited information on age, and highlight both the applicability of this framework to other species and its potential for follow‐up analyses highly relevant to management.
Terrestrial activity patterns of the Lumholtz’s Tree‐Kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in a restored riparian habitat – Implications for its conservation
Authors: Heise‐Pavlov Sigrid , Semper Chelsea , Burchill Simon
Published: June 2021

Large‐scale deforestation and forest fragmentation in the tropical area of the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, Australia, have placed extensive strains on populations of many endemic species of this area, such as the Lumholtz’s Tree‐Kangaroo (LTK). Despite LTKs predominantly arboreal life and their ability to quickly colonize and adapt to restored forested habitats, little is known about their terrestrial activity patterns within these habitats which put them at risk to predation by canines and to roadkill when crossing nearby roads. Using motion‐sensing cameras, forest floor‐related activities of LTKs were recorded in a restored riparian rainforest habitat in relation to seasons and moon phases. The results show that LTKs exhibit a cathemeral activity pattern of forest floor‐related movements with a tendency towards crepuscular activity at dawn. While there was a significant association between the daytime recordings and the seasons with more activity during the days of the wet season, there was no association between the nighttime recordings and the seasons, as well as the moon phases. These results suggest that seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation, but potentially also in food quality, are likely to affect the frequency at which LTKs access the forest floor. Mitigating threats to LTKs in restored habitats should focus on facilitating terrestrial movements of LTKs, the control of feral dogs, enlarging and connecting available habitat, and educating drivers about peak times of LTK movements on the ground.
Genetic approaches to understand cellular responses to oxygen availability
Authors: Ortmann Brian M. , Nathan James A.
Published: June 2021

Oxygen‐sensing mechanisms have evolved to allow organisms to respond and adapt to oxygen availability. In metazoans, oxygen‐sensing is predominantly mediated by the hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs). These transcription factors are stabilised when oxygen is limiting, activating genes involved in angiogenesis, cell growth, pH regulation and metabolism to reset cell function and adapt to the cellular environment. However, the recognition that other cellular pathways and enzymes can also respond to changes in oxygen abundance provides further complexity. Dissecting this interplay of oxygen‐sensing mechanisms has been a key research goal. Here, we review how genetic approaches have contributed to our knowledge of oxygen‐sensing pathways which to date have been predominantly focused on the HIF pathway. We discuss how genetic studies have advanced the field and outline the implications and limitations of such approaches for the development of therapies targeting oxygen‐sensing mechanisms in human disease.
Natural killer cell effector functions in antiviral defense
Authors: Piersma Sytse J. , Brizić Ilija
Published: June 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the control of tumors and viral infections. They provide protection by producing cytokines and by directly lysing target cells. Both effector mechanisms have been identified to contribute to viral control, depending on the context of infection. Activation of NK cells depends on the integration of signals received by cytokine receptors and activation and inhibitory receptors recognizing ligands expressed by virus‐infected cells. While the control of viral infections by NK cells is well established, the signals perceived by NK cells and how these signals integrate to mediate optimal viral control have been focus of ongoing research. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on NK cell activation and integration of signals that lead to interferon gamma production and cytotoxicity in viral infections. We review NK cell interactions with viruses, with particular focus on murine cytomegalovirus studies, which helped elucidate crucial aspects of antiviral NK cell immunity.
A new hypothesis linking oxytocin to menstrual migraine
Authors: Bharadwaj Vimala N. , Porreca Frank , Cowan Robert P. , Kori Shashidhar , Silberstein Stephen D. , Yeomans David C.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To highlight the emerging understanding of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in modulating menstrual‐related migraine (MRM).

Background

MRM is highly debilitating and less responsive to therapy, and attacks are of longer duration than nonmenstrually related migraine. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying MRM is lacking.

Methods

We present a narrative literature review on the developing understanding of the role of OT and the OTR in MRM. Literature on MRM on PubMed/MEDLINE database including clinical trials and basic science publications was reviewed using specific keywords.

Results

OT is a cyclically released hypothalamic hormone/neurotransmitter that binds to the OTR resulting in inhibition of trigeminal neuronal excitability that can promote migraine pain including that of MRM. Estrogen regulates OT release as well as expression of the OTR. Coincident with menstruation, levels of both estrogen and OT decrease. Additionally, other serum biochemical factors, including magnesium and cholesterol, which positively modulate the affinity of OT for OTRs, both decrease during menstruation. Thus, during menstruation, multiple menstrually associated factors may lead to decreased circulating OT levels, decreased OT affinity for OTR, and decreased expression of the trigeminal OTR. Consistent with the view of migraine as a threshold disorder, these events may collectively result in decreased inhibition promoting lower thresholds for activation of meningeal trigeminal nociceptors and increasing the likelihood of an MRM attack.

Conclusion

Trigeminal OTR may thus be a novel target for the development of MRM therapeutics.
Superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor and PRDM10‐rearranged soft tissue tumor are overlapping entities: a comprehensive study of 20 cases
Authors: Perret Raul , Michal Michael , Carr Richard A , Velasco Valérie , Švajdler Marian , Karanian Marie , Meurgey Alexandra , Paindavoine Sandrine , Soubeyran Isabelle , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Boidot Romain , Charon‐Barra Céline , Geneste Damien , Weingertner Noelle , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Baud Jessica , Le Loarer François
Published: June 2021

Aims

Superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor (SCD34FT) and PRDM10‐rearranged soft tissue tumor (PRDM10‐STT) are rare mesenchymal tumors. These lesions have clinicopathological similarities, but their relationship remains controversial. This study aimed to characterise a series of cases of SCD34FT and PRDM10‐STT.

Methods and results

Ten lesions each of SCD34FT and PRDM10‐STT were studied using immunohistochemistry, array‐comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH), RNA sequencing and exome sequencing. Tumors mainly occurred in young adults, were generally small (< 5 cm) and arose predominantly in the superficial soft tissues of the lower extremities. Follow‐up data were available in 15 cases (SCD34FT, n = 7, median 16 months; PRDM10‐STT, n = 8, median 14 months), local recurrences occurred in four cases (SCD34FT, two of 10; PRDM10‐STT, two of 10), while no distant spread was documented. Morphologically, tumors were relatively well‐circumscribed and composed of sheets and fascicles of spindle and pleomorphic cells showing low mitotic activity (< 1/mm²) without necrosis. Other findings included: granular cell change, lipoblast‐like cells, ectatic blood vessels with fibrinous material, myxoid stromal changes, metaplastic bone and increased mitotic activity (> 1/mm²). All tumors diffusely expressed CD34, while pan‐keratin and desmin were commonly seen focally. SynCAM3 was diffusely expressed in 12 cases (SCD34FT, n = 5; PRDM10‐STT, n = 7), independently of fusion status. aCGH profiles were ‘flat’ (PRDM10‐STT, n = 4; SCD34FT, n = 2) and exome sequencing showed no recurrent pathogenic mutations (PRDM10‐STT, n = 2; SCD34FT, n = 4). Overall, the only morphological features seen exclusively in PRDM10‐STT were myxoid stromal changes (three of 10) and metaplastic bone (two of 10).

Conclusion

We expand the current knowledge on PRDM10‐STT and SCD34FT and provide additional evidence for considering them as overlapping entities.
Conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis for the detection of calreticulin mutations in BCR‐ABL1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Zakaria Nur Atikah , Rosle Norfifiana Alisa , Siti Asmaa Mat Jusoh , Aziee Sudin , Haiyuni Mohd Yassim , Samat Nurul Ameera , Husin Azlan , Hassan Rosline , Ramli Marini , Mohamed Yusoff Shafini , Ibrahim Ibrahim Khidir , Al‐Jamal Hamid Ali Nagi , Johan Muhammad Farid
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Calreticulin (CALR) mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have been reported to be key markers in the molecular diagnosis, particularly in patients lacking JAK2 V617F mutation. In most current reports, CALR mutations were analysed by either allele‐specific PCR (AS‐PCR), or the more expensive quantitative real‐time PCR, pyrosequencing and next‐generation sequencing. Hence, we report the use of an alternative method, the conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) for the detection of CALR mutations in BCR‐ABL1‐negative MPN patients.

Methods

Forty BCR‐ABL1‐negative MPN patients’ DNA: 19 polycythemia vera (PV), 7 essential thrombocytosis (ET) and 14 primary myelofibrosis (PMF), were screened for CALR mutations by CSGE. PCR primers were designed to amplify sequences spanning between exons 8 and 9 to target the mutation hotspots in CALR. Amplicons displaying abnormal CSGE profiles by electrophoresis were directly sequenced, and results were analysed by BioEdit Sequence Alignment Editor v7.2.6. CSGE results were compared with AS‐PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

CSGE identified 4 types of mutations; 2 PMF patients with either CALR type 1 (c.1099_1150del52) or type 2 (c.1155_1156insTTGTC), 1 ET patient with nucleotide deletion (c.1121delA) and insertion (c.1190insA) and 1 PV patient with p.K368del (c.1102_1104delAAG) and insertion (c.1135insA) inframe mutations. Three patients have an altered KDEL motif at the C‐terminal of CALR protein. In comparison, AS‐PCR only able to detect two PMF patients with mutations, either type 1 and type 2.

Conclusion

CSGE is inexpensive, sensitive and reliable alternative method for the detection of CALR mutations in BCR‐ABL1‐negative MPN patients.
A qualitative study of the needs of older adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: McCausland Darragh , Guerin Suzanne , Tyrrell Janette , Donohoe Clare , O'Donoghue Isabelle , Dodd Philip
Published: June 2021

Background

Research indicates that adults with intellectual disabilities are living longer. However, there is limited research on how this affects health and care needs.

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the health and social care needs of older adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland using multiple informants.

Methods

Data were gathered from a sample of 20 adults aged 50 years or older (Mean = 59.1, SD = 5.9, range = 50–72; 11 female). The sample included individuals with mild (n = 7), moderate (n = 10) and severe/profound (n = 3) intellectual disabilities. Additional data from keyworkers (n = 19) and family carers (n = 15) provided a more complete understanding of needs.

Results

Results revealed some areas of agreement and difference between adults with intellectual disability and their carers regarding the social care, employment, retirement, physical and mental health needs of this population.

Conclusions

The findings of this study have potential implications for the provision of high‐quality services for older adults with intellectual disabilities.
ProVoc: An app to train vocabulary depth in order to foster children's reading comprehension
Authors: Potocki Anna , Chailleux Mathilde , Gimenes Manuel , Pylouster Jean
Published: June 2021

Many studies have demonstrated the crucial role of vocabulary in predicting reading performance in general. More recent work has indicated that one particular facet of vocabulary (its depth) is more closely related to language comprehension, especially inferential comprehension. On this basis, we developed a training application to specifically improve vocabulary depth. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a mobile application designed to improve vocabulary depth. The effectiveness of this training was examined on 3rd and 4th grade children's vocabulary (breadth and depth), decoding and comprehension performances. A randomized waiting‐list control paradigm was used in which an experimental group first received the intervention during the first 4 weeks (between pretest and post‐test1), thereafter, a waiting control group received the training for the next 4 weeks (between postest1 and posttest2). Results showed that the developed application led to significant improvements in terms of vocabulary depth performance, as well as a significant transfer effect to reading comprehension. However, we did not observe such a beneficial effect on either vocabulary breadth or written word identification. These results are discussed in terms of the links between vocabulary depth and comprehension, and the opportunities the app presents for remedying language comprehension deficits in children.
Hand grip strength before and after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. , Pérez Pedro , Recalde Bettsy Y. , Costa Aldo F. , Sedler Mark J.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and decreased hand grip strength (HGS).

Design

Longitudinal population‐based study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling older adults (aged ≥60 years) living in a rural Ecuadorian village struck by the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.

Participants

Of 282 enrolled individuals, 254 (90%) finished the study.

Measurements

HGS was measured 3 months before (January 2020) and 9 months after the introduction of the virus into the population (January 2021). SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing was performed in two rounds: in May–June (early) and September–November (late), 2020. An independent association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and HGS decline was assessed by fitting linear mixed models for longitudinal data. Changes in HGS scores in SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive subjects, according to the time elapsed since seroconversion, were compared with those who remained seronegative.

Results

Overall, 149 (59%) individuals became seropositive for SARS‐CoV‐2. The mean HGS (in kg) was 25.3 ± 8.3 at baseline and 23.7 ± 8.1 at follow‐up (p = 0.028), with 140 individuals having >5% HGS decline between both measurements. The follow‐up HGS measurement decreased by 1.72 kg in seropositive individuals, and by 0.57 kg in their seronegative counterparts (p < 0.001). SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive individuals were 2.27 times more likely (95% CI: 1.33–3.87) to have a lower HGS measurement at the time of follow‐up than those who remained seronegative. When compared with seronegative subjects, seropositive patients with early seroconversion were 3.41 times (95% CI: 1.73–6.74) more likely to have >5% HGS decline at the time of the follow‐up than those with later, i.e., more recent, infections.

Conclusions

This study shows an independent deleterious impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on HGS that is more marked among individuals with infections that occurred more than 8 months before follow‐up HGS. Results suggest the possibility of chronic damage to skeletal muscles by SARS‐CoV‐2.
Poetic representations of migration narratives: A process of writing nearby
Authors: Ahlgren Katrin
Published: June 2021

This article proposes an alternative and reflexive practice for representing migration narratives, referred to as a process of writing nearby. It is informed by ethnography of communication and performance‐based theory (i.e. ethnopoetics and poetic inquiry) and provides a theoretically grounded approach, using mimetic configuration, so as to challenge more conventional methods of ethnographical writing. The outcome is presented in the form of poetic narrative suites; the example included here is based on data from a longitudinal linguistic ethnography. The article argues for the use of poetics as a way of calling for the activation of the reader's imagination, represent multisensorial experiences, illuminate linguistic resourcefulness and illustrate alternative models of speakerhood. Thus, it contributes to the developing field of arts‐based research in sociolinguistics by critically engaging with the notion of voice, and by outlining a creative method for handling the limitations of textual representation.
Does having children affect women's oral health? A longitudinal study
Authors: Morelli Emma L. , Broadbent Jonathan M. , Knight Ellie T. , Leichter Jonathan W. , Thomson W. Murray
Published: June 2021

Background

Many believe women's oral health deteriorates as a result of having children. If so, such associations should exist among women but not among men. The aims of this study were to investigate whether number of children is associated with experience of dental disease and tooth loss among both men and women and to examine whether this association is affected by other variables of interest.

Methods

This study used data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development study, a longitudinal study of 1037 individuals (48.4% female) born from April 1972 to March 1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand, who have been examined repeatedly from birth to age 45 years.

Results

Data were available for 437 women and 431 men. Those with low educational attainment were more likely to have more children and began having children earlier in life. Having more children was associated with experiencing more dental caries and tooth loss by age 45, but this association was dependent on the age at which the children were had. Those entering parenthood earlier in life (by age 26) had poorer dental health than those entering parenthood later in life, or those without children. There was no association between number of children and periodontal attachment loss (PAL). Low educational attainment, poor plaque control, never routine dental attendance, and smoking (for PAL) were associated with PAL, caries experience, and tooth loss.

Conclusions

Social factors associated with both the timing of reproductive patterns and health behaviors influence the risk of dental disease and its management.
It is like ‘judging a book by its cover’: An exploration of the lived experiences of Black African mental health nurses in England
Authors: Tuffour Isaac
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of perceived prejudices faced in England by Black African mental health nurses. Purposive sampling was used to identify five nurses from sub‐Saharan Africa. They were interviewed using face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings were reported under two superordinate themes: Judging a book by its cover and opportunities. The findings showed that Black African nurses experience deep‐rooted discrimination and marginalisation. Aside from that, because of their ethnicity and the fact that they speak English as a second language, they face discrimination and have difficulty achieving leadership roles. These findings provide key stakeholders, such as nursing trade unions and professional associations, as well as NHS employers, with the opportunity to act to counter hegemony in the NHS and recognise that discriminatory and racially related barriers hinder Black African nurses from reaching their full professional potential.
The puzzle of cross‐modal shape experience
Authors: Green E. J.
Published: June 2021

Thepuzzle of cross‐modal shape experienceis the puzzle of reconciling the apparent differences between our visual and haptic experiences of shape with their apparent similarities. This paper proposes that we can resolve the cross‐modal puzzle by reflecting on another puzzle. Thepuzzle of perspectival characterchallenges us to reconcile the variability of shape experience through shifts in perspective with its constancy. An attractive approach to the latter puzzle holds that shape experience is complex, involving bothperspectivalaspects andconstantaspects. I argue here that parallel distinctions between perspectival and constant aspects of shape experience arise in sight and touch, and that perspectival aspects are modality‐specific while at least some constant aspects are constitutively multisensory. I then address a powerful challenge to the idea that aspects of spatial phenomenology are shared cross‐modally.
Bird pollination syndrome is the plant's adaptation to ornithophily, but nectarivorous birds are not so selective
Authors: Chmel Kryštof , Ewome Francis Luma , Gómez Guillermo Uceda , Klomberg Yannick , Mertens Jan E. J. , Tropek Robert , Janeček Štěpán
Published: June 2021

Many tropical plants are pollinated by birds and several bird phylogenetical lineages have specialised to a nectar diet. The long‐assumed, intimate ecological and evolutionary relationship between ornithophilous plants and phenotypically specialised nectarivorous birds has nevertheless been questioned in recent decades, where such plant–pollinator interactions have been shown to be highly generalised.

In our study, we analysed two extensive interaction datasets: bird–flower and insect–flower interactions, both collected on Mt Cameroon, west‐central Africa. We tested if: 1) insects and birds interact with distinct groups of plants; 2) plants with a typical set of ornithophilous floral traits (i.e. bird pollination syndrome) interact mainly with birds; 3) birds favour plants with bird pollination syndrome and; 4) if and how the individual floral traits and plant level nectar production predict bird visitation.

Bird‐visited plants were typically also visited by insects, while approximately half of the plants were visited by insects only. We confirmed the validity of the bird pollination syndrome hypothesis, as plants with bird‐pollination syndrome traits were visited by birds at a higher rate and mostly hosted a lower frequency of visiting insects. However, these ornithophilous plants were not more attractive than the other plants for nectar‐feeding birds. Nectar production per plant individual was a better predictor of bird visitation than any other floral trait traditionally related to the bird pollination syndrome. Our study thus demonstrated the highly asymmetrical relationship between ornithophilous plants and nectarivorous birds.
Fruits, frugivores, and the evolution of phytochemical diversity
Authors: Whitehead Susan R. , Schneider Gerald F. , Dybzinski Ray , Nelson Annika S. , Gelambi Mariana , Jos Elsa , Beckman Noelle G.
Published: June 2021

Plants produce an enormous diversity of secondary metabolites, but the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain this diversity are still unclear. The interaction diversity hypothesis suggests that complex chemical phenotypes are maintained because different metabolites benefit plants in different pairwise interactions with a diversity of other organisms. In this synthesis, we extend the interaction diversity hypothesis to consider that fruits, as potential hotspots of interactions with both antagonists and mutualists, are likely important incubators of phytochemical diversity. We provide a case study focused on the Neotropical shrub Piper reticulatum that demonstrates: 1) secondary metabolites in fruits have complex and cascading effects for shaping the outcome of both mutualistic and antagonistic fruit–frugivore interactions, and; 2) fruits can harbor substantially higher levels of phytochemical diversity than leaves, even though leaves have been the primary focus of plant chemical ecology research for decades. We then suggest a number of research priorities for integrating chemical ecology with fruit–frugivore interaction research and make specific, testable predictions for patterns that should emerge if fruit interaction diversity has helped shape phytochemical diversity. Testing these predictions in a range of systems will provide new insight into the mechanisms driving frugivory and seed dispersal and shape an improved, whole‐plant perspective on plant chemical trait evolution.
Practical Chemical Actinometry—A Review
Authors: Rabani Joseph , Mamane Hadas , Pousty Dana , Bolton James R.
Published: June 2021

Actinometers are physical or chemical systems that can be employed to determine photon fluxes. Chemical actinometers are photochemical systems with known quantum yields that can be employed to determine accurate photon fluxes for specific photochemical reactions. This review explores in detail several practical chemical actinometers (ferrioxalate, iodide–iodate, uranyl oxalate, nitrate, uridine, hydrogen peroxide and several actinometers for the vacuum ultraviolet). Each actinometer is described with recommended conditions for its use.
Fatigue influence on inhibitory control: Cardiovascular and performance findings elucidate the role of restraint intensity
Authors: Mlynski Christopher , Reza Ariel , Whitted Melissa , Cox Caytlin , Garsea Anne , Wright Rex A.
Published: June 2021

Various papers have detailed an analysis of behavioral restraint that provides suggestions regarding fatigue influence on inhibitory control. A well‐known limited resource model by Baumeister suggests that fatigue should directly impair it. By contrast, the behavioral restraint analysis suggests—first—that fatigue might affect control indirectly by impacting the intensity of restraint. Second, fatigue should impair control consistently only when it leads people to withhold restraint effort. We evaluated these suggestions in an experiment that presented participants a task designed to induce low‐ or high‐ mental fatigue and then challenged them to maintain a neutral facial expression while watching a more‐ or less emotionally evocative film clip. As expected, cardiovascular assessments during the facial restraint period revealed interactional response patterns indicative of opposing fatigue influence on restraint intensity under low‐ as compared to high‐evocativeness conditions. Also as expected, fatigue combined with evocativeness to produce a three versus one pattern of inhibitory control operationalized in terms of the duration of non‐neutral facial displays. Control failure increased with evocativeness only when fatigue was high and increased with fatigue only when evocativeness was high. Findings support the restraint analysis suggestions, extend results from previous research, and bear out the promise of the restraint analysis for advancing understanding of inhibitory control.
Examining Organizational Narratives: Public Appeals of Morality, Emotions, and Medical Logic in the Case of Sex Work for Disabled Clients*
Authors: Geiss Carley , Egner Justine E.
Published: June 2021

This study examines public narratives of sex work organizations that specifically serve disabled clientele. We utilize virtual data from two organizational online presences, including featured client and worker testimonials, a related documentary film, and audience commentary. Our analysis illuminates (1) the organizational characterizations of disabled clients as deserving and in need of sex services, (2) depictions of sex workers as moral, medical practitioners, and (3) plots and moral lessons that legitimate organizational services through medical logic. We argue that while such storytelling has the potential to persuade audiences through cultural appeals to morality, emotion, and medical logic, it simultaneously stigmatizes disabled people while constructing moral hierarchies of sex workers.
Soul‐Switching and the Immateriality of Human Nature: On an Argument Reported by Razi
Authors: Fatoorchi Pirooz
Published: June 2021

This article deals with an argument reported by Razi (d. 1210) that attempted to undermine the immaterialist position about human nature. After some introductory remarks and explanation of the conceptual background, the article analyses the structure of the argument, with special attention to the idea of soul‐switching.’ Some comparisons are made between the argument reported by Razi and a number of arguments from modern and contemporary eras of philosophy. One section is devoted to the critique of the argument and its conceptual basis. This article shows that the argument reported by Razi is a methodological antecedent of a family of contemporary epistemological arguments against substance dualism. It is also shown that discussion of the argument could be useful to highlight a weakness in some, but not all, versions of immaterialism about human nature.
High prevalence of weakDtype 42 in a large‐scaleRHDgenotyping program in the province ofQuebec (Canada)
Authors: Leiva‐Torres Gabriel André , Chevrier Marie‐Claire , Constanzo‐Yanez Jessica , Lewin Antoine , Lavoie Josée , Laganière Josée , Baillargeon Nadia , Trépanier Patrick , Robitaille Nancy
Published: June 2021

Background

The determination of the RhD phenotype is crucial to avoid alloimmunization, especially in childbearing women. Following the 2015 recommendation from the Work Group onRHDGenotyping, a large‐scaleRHDgenotyping program was implemented in the province of Quebec (Canada) and offered to women ≤45 years old with a serological weak D or discordant results. Since weak D type 42 was previously shown to be prevalent among French Canadians, genotyping for that variant was also performed. Our aim was to report the prevalence of the weak D alleles in the province of Quebec.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective study of 2105 women with serological weak D referred to Hema‐Quebec's immunohematology reference laboratory (IRL) between June 2016 and May 2020 was conducted. Results from the serological tests performed by the referring hospital were compiled andRHDwere genotyped.

Results

Most patients presented at least one serological result ≤2+ before being referred to Hema‐Quebec. Weak D type 42 was the most prevalent variant, representing 17.5% (368/2105) of all individuals tested. Only 15.3% (323/2105) of patients were weak D type 1, 3.3% (69/2105) were type 2, and 8.6% (180/2105) were type 3. Weak D type 42 is highly expressed in regions with low immigration rate and known for their founder effect.

Conclusion

OurRHDgenotyping program allowed for a better management of weak D. The province of Quebec presents a uniqueRHDgenotype distribution. We confirmed that weak D type 42 is associated with a founder effect found in Caucasian French Canadians.
A case of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphocytic leukaemia with type I CD36 deficiency
Authors: Matsui Marina , Kajiwara Koichi , Tsukada Masao , Iwama Kanichi , Yamada Kazunari , Kodo Hideki , Seto Katsuya , Tonami Kaoru , Ando Moe , Matsuhashi Mika , Watanabe‐Okochi Naoko , Tsuno Nelson Hirokazu , Kozai Yasuji
Published: June 2021

Background

CD36 is a glycoprotein expressed on platelets and monocytes of the blood. There are two types of CD36 deficiency, type I and type II. Individuals with type I‐deficiency do not express CD36 in any cell type and can produce the CD36 antibody, which causes pathological conditions, such as fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) and platelet transfusion refractory (PTR), through antigenic exposure via transfusion or pregnancy.

Case presentation

We experienced a case of Philadelphia‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with PTR. In addition to the CD36 antibody, multiple‐specificity HLA antibodies were present in the patient's plasma, requiring transfusion of HLA‐compatible and CD36‐negative platelets (PC‐HLA). Since the number of donors was limited, it was necessary to set‐up a blood transfusion schedule so that hyper‐fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine and doxorubicin therapy (hyper‐CVAD) and ponatinib combination chemotherapy could be safely administered to achieve molecular remission. Rituximab administration resulted in reduced levels of both CD36 antibody and HLA antibody. Given the expression of CD36 on haematopoietic stem cells and the limited availability of CD36‐negative PC‐HLA, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was not considered to be an option.

Conclusion

If CD36‐negative, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell donors are unable to be found, the indications for HSCT in patients with type I CD36‐deficiency should be carefully weighed. In the present case, molecular remission has been able to be maintained to the present day after completion of a two‐year maintenance regimen.
Qualifying coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma donors in Israel
Authors: Izak Marina , Gendelman Veronica , Bransburg‐Zabary Sharron , Stoyanov Evgeniy , Gat Roni , Cohen Daniel , Chen Jacob , Maor Yasmin , Benov Avi , Lev Boaz , Zimhony Oren , Shinar Eilat
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Passive immunization using investigational COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is a promising therapeutic strategy and could improve outcome if transfused early and contain high levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. We report the management of a national CCP collection and distribution program in Israel.

Materials and Methods

From 1 April 2020 to 15 January 2021, 4020 volunteer donors donated 5221 CCP units and 837 (20.8%) donors donated more than once. Anti‐nucleocapsid IgG antibodies were determined using chemiluminescent immunoassay method (Abbott). A statistical model based on repeated IgG tests in sequential donations was created to predict the time of antibody decline below sample/cut‐off (S/CO) level of 4.0.

Results

Ninety‐six percent of CCP donors suffered a mild disease or were asymptomatic. Older donors had higher antibody levels. Higher antibody levels (S/CO ≥4) were detected in 35.2% of the donors. Low positive (S/CO ≥1.4–3.99) were found in 37%, and 27.8% had undetectable antibodies (S/CO ≤1.4). The model predicted decrease antibody thresholds of 0.55%/day since the first CCP donation, providing guidance for the effective timing of future collections from donors with high antibody levels.

Conclusions

An efficient CCP collection and distribution program was achieved, based on performing initial and repeated plasma collections, preferably from donors with higher antibody levels, and only antibody‐rich units were supplied for therapeutic use. The inventory met the quantity and quality standards of the authorities, enabled to respond to the growing demand of the medical system and provide a product that may contribute to improve prognosis in patients with COVID‐19.
Mechanical Enhancement of Graded Nanoporous Structure
Authors: He Lijie , Abdolrahim Niaz
Published: June 2021

Inspired by the development of strong and ductile composite and gradient materials over the past decade, here, we report the investigation of a graded nanoporous (NP) structure utilizing molecular dynamics simulations. The structure is generated by inducing a gradient scaling parameter in a Gaussian random field model. It has a large ligament/pore size toward the core and a small ligament/pore size toward the surface. The redistribution of stress and strain under tensile loading is then scrutinized and compared between the functional graded NP structure and two conventional NP structures with identical relative density but constant ligament size. During loading, the thick ligaments in the gradient structure yield at high stress, leading to the entire structure's high mechanical strength. The thin ligaments help the structure accommodate significant plastic strain by promoting uniform deformation. Both parts of the gradient structure worked collectively and resulted in the structure exhibiting a synergy of excellent strength and good deformability.