bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event‐free survival after radical prostatectomy according to prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography and European Association of Urology biochemical recurrence risk groups
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Chatfield Mark D. , Hruby George , Nandurkar Rohan , Roach Paul , Watts Jo Anne , Cusick Thomas , Kneebone Andrew , Eade Thomas , Ho Bao , Nguyen Andrew , Tang Colin , McCarthy Michael , Francis Roslyn , Stricker Phillip , Emmett Louise
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess European Association of Urology (EAU) risk groups for biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer relative to prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography (PSMA‐PET) status and oncological outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis of a study that incorporated PSMA‐PET for men with BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP) was undertaken. EAU risk groups were considered relative to clinical variables, PSMA‐PET findings, and deployment of salvage radiotherapy (SRT). The primary oncological outcome was event‐free survival (EFS) and this was analysed relative to clinical and imaging variables. An ‘event’ occurred if prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level rose >0.2 ng/mL above nadir or additional therapies were introduced.

Results

A total of 137 patients were included, most of whom had EAU high‐risk disease (76%) and/or low PSA levels (80% <0.5 ng/mL) at the time of PSMA‐PET. EAU risk group was not associated with regional nodal/distant metastasis on PSMA‐PET. Regional nodal/distant metastasis on PSMA PET (compared to negative/local recurrence: hazard ratio [HR] 2.2; P = 0.002) and SRT use (vs no SRT: HR 0.44; P = 0.004) were associated with EFS. EAU high‐risk status was not significantly associated with worse EFS (HR 1.7, P = 0.12) compared to EAU low‐risk status. Among patients who received SRT, both regional/distant metastasis on PSMA‐PET (HR 3.1; P < 0.001) and EAU high‐risk status (HR 2.9; P = 0.04) were independently associated with worse EFS, which was driven by patients in the EAU high‐risk group with regional/distant metastases (38%; HR 3.1, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with post‐RP BCR, PSMA‐PET findings and receipt of SRT predicted EFS. In patients receiving SRT, PSMA status combined with EAU risk grouping was most predictive of EFS. These findings suggest that the EAU risk groups could be improved with the addition of PSMA‐PET.
Local and landscape correlates of coccinellid species richness, abundance, and assemblage change along a rural–urban gradient in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Catzim Vannesa V. , Philpott Stacy M. , Hénaut Yann , García‐Arellano Anmi , Pérez‐Lachaud Gabriela
Published: April 2022

Coccinellids are important predators and provide important ecosystem services. The coccinellid fauna, drivers of assemblage composition, and species richness in the tropics are poorly known. We studied changes in species composition of coccinellids in domestic gardens along a rural‐urban gradient in southeastern Mexico and identified the local and landscape variables that determine abundance and species richness. We surveyed coccinellids through monthly visual surveys, yellow sticky and pan traps in nine domestic gardens, and measured local variables (flower and prey abundance, plant diversity, garden size, temperature, and relative humidity), and gathered information on landscape heterogeneity in buffers around gardens (0.05 km, 1 km, and 3 km radius). We collected 40 coccinellid morphospecies, including two exotic species: Chilocorus nigrita and Delphastus catalinae. Coccinellid species composition differed along the gradient. Assemblages did not exhibit a nested pattern; species turnover was the main contributor of observed beta diversity. Overall coccinellid abundance was highest in the suburban zone, while overall species richness was highest in the rural zone. Mean abundance and mean species richness did not vary significantly along the gradient. The gradient negatively affected coccinellid diversity; diversity was highest in the rural zone which harbored several exclusive species. At the local scale, coccinellid abundance and species richness correlated positively with prey abundance and temperature, and negatively with plant diversity. Urbanization filtered more than half the species in the community, yet urban gardens in southeastern Quintana Roo, especially those providing abundant prey, might assist coccinellid conservation.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
Unusual phenotype of acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy with ophthalmoplegia, and anti‐GD1a, ‐GD1b and ‐GM1 antibodies
Authors: Afrantou Theodora , Kimiskidis Vasilios , Lagoudaki Roza , Stardeli Thomai , Papaliagkas Vasileios , Zafeiridou Georgia , Thoma Giannoula , Aidoni Zoi , Grigoriadis Nikolaos
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a severe form of Guillain–Barré syndrome, which typically is not related to ocular palsy, and is pathologically associated with antibodies against GM1 and GD1a gangliosides.

Case presentation

We present a patient with a severe, drug‐resistant form of AMSAN with ophthalmoplegia related to antiganglioside (anti‐GD1a, ‐GD1b, ‐GM1) antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and with a poor long‐term outcome.

Conclusions

Rare cases of AMSAN with ophthalmoplegia are described in the literature. The present patient is a case of an unusual clinical phenotype of AMSAN, the characteristics of which warn of a serious clinical course that requires timely aggressive treatment.
Outcomes of corneal transplantation in Australia, in an era of lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Williams Keryn A. , Keane Miriam C.
Published: April 2022

Widespread adoption of modern lamellar procedures has altered the pattern of practice of corneal transplantation. Herein, we describe recent findings from the Australian Corneal Graft Registry and place these data into an international context. The total number of grafts reported to the Registry has doubled over the past decade. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is increasingly used for keratoconus, while endokeratoplasty has displaced penetrating keratoplasty for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. Graft survival and visual outcomes for modern lamellar procedures have shown improvement over time. First deep anterior lamellar and penetrating grafts for keratoconus show comparable survival and long‐term best‐corrected visual acuity is equivalent. Penetrating grafts for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy exhibit significantly better survival than do endokeratoplasties, largely because the latter undergo more early graft failures. However, visual rehabilitation is swifter in surviving endokeratoplasties. Significantly fewer recipients of a deep anterior lamellar graft or endokeratoplasty require spectacle or contact lens correction, compared with penetrating keratoplasty.
Alveolar ridge preservation with guided bone regeneration or socket seal technique. A randomised, single‐blind controlled clinical trial
Authors: MacBeth Neil D. , Donos Nikolaos , Mardas Nikos
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To compare radiographic bone changes, following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) using Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR), a Socket Seal (SS) technique or unassisted socket healing (Control).

Material and methods

Patients requiring a single rooted tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla, were randomly allocated into: GBR, SS and Control groups (n= 14/). Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images were recorded post‐extraction and at 4 months, the mid‐buccal and mid‐palatal alveolar ridge heights (BARH/PARH) were measured. The alveolar ridge width, cross‐sectional socket and alveolar‐process area changes, implant placement feasibility, requirement for bone augmentation and post‐surgical complications were also recorded.

Results

BARH and PARH was found to increase with the SS (0.65 mm ± 1.1/0.65 mm ± 1.42) techniques, stabilise with GBR (0.07 mm ± 0.83/0.86 mm ±1.37) and decrease in the Control (−0.52 mm ± 0.8/−0.43 mm ± 0.83). Statistically significance was found when comparing the GBR and SS BARH (p = .04/.005) and GBR PARH (p = .02) against the Control. GBR recorded the smallest reduction in alveolar ridge width (−2.17 mm ± 0.84), when compared to the Control (−2.3 mm ± 1.11) (p = .89). A mid‐socket cross‐sectional area reduction of 4% (−2.27 mm2 ± 11.89), 1% (−0.88 mm2 ± 15.48) and 13% (−6.93 mm2 ± 8.22) was found with GBR, SS and Control groups (GBR vs. Control p = .01). The equivalent alveolar process area reduction was 8% (−7.36 mm2 ± 10.45), 6% (−7 mm2 ± 18.97) and 11% (−11.32 mm2 ± 10.92). All groups supported implant placement, with bone dehiscence noted in 57% (n = 4), 64%(n = 7) and 85%(n = 12) of GBR, SS and Control cases (GBR vs. Control p = .03). GBR had a higher risk of swelling and mucosal colour change, with SS associated with graft sequestration and matrix breakdown.

Conclusion

GBR ARP was found to be more effective at reducing radiographic bone dimensional changes following tooth extraction.
Increased SPON1 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression by enhancing IL‐6 trans‐signalling
Authors: Huo Yanmiao , Yang Jian , Zheng Jiahao , Xu Dapeng , Yang Minwei , Tao Lingye , Yao Hongfei , Fu Xueliang , Yang Jianyu , Liu Dejun , Hua Rong , Zhang Junfeng , Sun Yongwei , Hu Lipeng , Liu Wei
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This study investigated the specific molecular mechanism and the roles of extracellular matrix protein Spondin 1 (SPON1) in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Materials and Methods

The expression pattern and clinical relevance of SPON1 was determined in GEO, Ren Ji and TCGA datasets, further validated by immunohistochemical staining and Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Loss and gain of function experiments were employed to investigate the cellular function of SPON1 in vitro. Gene set enrichment analysis, luciferase assay, immunofluorescence and Western blot and immunoprecipitation were applied to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Subcutaneous xenograft model was used to test the role of SPON1 in tumour growth and maintenance in vivo.

Results

SPON1 is significantly upregulated in PDAC tumour tissues and correlated with progression of PDAC. Loss and gain of function experiments showed that SPON1 promotes the growth and colony formation ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Combining bioinformatics assays and experimental signalling evidences, we found that SPON1 can enhance the IL‐6/JAK/STAT3 signalling. Mechanistically, SPON1 exerts its oncogenic roles in pancreatic cancer by maintaining IL‐6R trans‐signalling through stabilizing the interaction of soluble IL‐6R (sIL‐6R) and glycoprotein‐130 (gp130) in PDAC cells. Furthermore, SPON1 depletion greatly reduced the tumour burden, exerted positive effect with gemcitabine, prolonging PDAC mice overall survival.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that SPON1 expression is dramatically increased in PDAC and that SPON1 promotes tumorigenicity by activating the sIL‐6R/gp130/STAT3 axis. Collectively, our current work suggests SPON1 may be a potential therapy target for PDAC patient.
Fishers' tales—Impact of artisanal fisheries on threatened sharks and rays in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Alifa Bintha , Cavanagh Rachel D. , Spaet Julia L. Y.
Published: April 2022

Increasing fishing pressure has negatively impacted elasmobranch populations globally. Despite high levels of historical and current fishing pressure, the Bay of Bengal region remains data‐poor. Focusing on Bangladesh, we conducted a socio‐ecological study to characterize elasmobranch fisheries and evaluate their impact on threatened species. The results demonstrate that several globally threatened elasmobranch species are frequently captured, and some of them have experienced substantial population declines (e.g., wedgefishes, sawfishes, large carcharhinid sharks) over the past decade. A decrease in elasmobranch diversity, abundance, and size of caught specimens was also reported, which was attributed to increased fishing intensity, destructive practices (e.g., bottom trawling), and an accessible elasmobranch market. While catch and trade of more than 90 elasmobranchs are regulated under Bangladesh's law, non‐compliance is widespread. Likely causes include a dearth of awareness, practical alternative livelihoods, and technical facilities, and the complex nature of the fisheries. Encouraging and facilitating the engagement of fishers in science (data collection), local governance (policy‐making), and field implementation (bycatch mitigation) is vital. These interventions must be rooted in sustainable approaches and co‐designed with fishers, with appropriate training available. Development of this work through enhanced engagement with fishers has the potential to transform the elasmobranch fishery situation in Bangladesh and could be used as a model for data‐poor regions.
A randomized, cross‐over trial of metoprolol succinate formulations to evaluate PK and PD end points for therapeutic equivalence
Authors: Mosley Scott A. , Kim Sarah , El Rouby Nihal , Lingineni Karthik , Esteban Valvanera Vozmediano , Gong Yan , Chen Yiqing , Estores David , Feng Kairui , Kim Hyewon , Kinjo Minori , Langaee Taimour , Li Zhichuan , Schmidt Siegfried O. F. , Johnson Julie A. , Frye Reginald F. , Fang Lanyan (Lucy) , Zhao Liang , Binkley Philip F. , Schmidt Stephan , Cavallari Larisa H.
Published: April 2022

There are limited comparison data throughout the dosing interval for generic versus brand metoprolol extended‐release (ER) tablets. We compared the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics of brand name versus two generic formulations (drugs 1 and 2) of metoprolol ER tablets with different time to maximum concentration (Tmax) in adults with hypertension. Participants were randomized to equal drug doses (50–150 mg/day) administered in one of two sequences (brand‐drug1‐brand‐drug2 or brand‐drug2‐brand‐drug1) and completed 24‐h PK, digital heart rate (HR), ambulatory blood pressure (BP), and HR studies after taking each formulation for greater than or equal to 7 days. Metoprolol concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, with noncompartmental analysis performed to obtain PK parameters in Phoenix WinNonlin. Heart rate variability (HRV) low‐to‐high frequency ratio was determined per quartile over the 24‐h period. Thirty‐six participants completed studies with the brand name and at least one generic product. Among 30 participants on the 50 mg dose, the primary PK end points of area under the concentration‐time curve and Cmax were similar between products; Tmax was 6.1 ± 3.6 for the brand versus 3.5 ± 4.9 for drug 1 (p = 0.019) and 9.6 ± 3.2 for drug 2 (p < 0.001). Among all 36 participants, 24‐h BPs and HRs were similar between products. Mean 24‐h HRV low‐to‐high ratio was also similar for drug 1 (2.04 ± 1.35), drug 2 (1.86 ± 1.35), and brand (2.04 ± 1.77), but was more sustained over time for the brand versus drug 1 (drug × quartile interaction p = 0.017). Differences in Tmax between metoprolol ER products following repeated doses may have implications for drug effects on autonomic balance over the dosing interval.
Alveolar soft part sarcoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Singh Neha , Gupta Prajwala , Misra Sunayana , Ahuja Arvind , Jain Vijay Kumar
Published: April 2022

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rarely diagnosed tumour of deep soft tissue origin. This tumour is more common in adolescents and young adults and has a slowly progressive clinical course, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. It is highly vascular, can be confused with other entities like haemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations clinically and radiologically and is thus challenging to report on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Diagnosing the tumour is difficult on cytology, so knowledge of this entity and the differentials with its morphological mimics on cytology is required for timely diagnosis and early management of the patient. We report a case of ASPS in a young female who presented with a large, painless swelling in the thigh, diagnosed on cytology combined with ancillary testing with immunohistochemical markers.
Epidermotropism of inflammatory cells differentiates pyoderma gangrenosum from venous leg ulcers
Authors: Ronicke Moritz , Baur Andreas , Kirr Michael , Erdmann Michael , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia , Ostalecki Christian
Published: April 2022

Background and objectives

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative autoinflammatory disease, lacking distinct histopathological characteristics to differentiate from other ulcerating conditions, like venous leg ulcers. The objective of this study was therefore to find histopathological characteristics of pyoderma gangrenosum in a head‐to‐head comparison to venous leg ulcers.

Patients and methods

Eight tissue samples of pyoderma gangrenosum, twelve samples of venous leg ulcers and six samples of healthy skin were stained using an immunohistological multi antigen staining technology. The immune infiltrate and its spatial distribution were analyzed with contextual tissue cytometry software using fluorescence images.

Results

The dense epidermal presence of CD45RO+ memory T cells and the rarefication of CD1a+ Langerhans cells in the epidermis were defining markers for pyoderma gangrenosum, implicating an epidermal immune reaction. In addition, high numbers of CD11c+CD68+ pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages were detected in the dermis, significantly extending the numbers seen in venous leg ulcers.

Conclusions

The histopathological differences found between pyoderma gangrenosum and venous leg ulcer can be used to distinguish between the two diseases and thus provide an important aid for the rapid initiation of adequate therapy. In addition, our data hint at an antigen‐driven process in the epidermis, possibly involving CD1a+ Langerhans cells.
Evaluation and management of esophageal varices by through‐the‐scope endoscopic Doppler probe method
Authors: Shiratori Yasutoshi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Okuyama Shuhei , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Ikeya Takashi , Okada Syuichi , Fukuda Katsuyuki , Rateb George
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Objective assessments of esophageal varices (EVs) are inadequate. The recurrence of variceal bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is associated with residual blood flow underlying EVL or incomplete treatment of a perforating vein by EVL. We aimed to assess our novel through‐the‐scope endoscopic Doppler probe method (DOP) for the evaluation and management of EVs.

Methods

This study included 20 patients (54 varices) with a history of esophageal variceal rupture from June 2019 to May 2021 who underwent DOP at a tertiary hospital. Variceal velocities were compared based on the size and endoscopic variceal findings. Additionally, we performed EVL assisted by DOP (EVL + DOP) in nine patients.

Results

Doppler imaging of EVs was observed in all 20 patients. The velocity of varices was significantly higher in EVs with a larger size, greater form, blue color, and red color sign positive. Perforating veins connecting to the EVs were identified in six out of nine patients who underwent EVL + DOP. Eight out of nine patients underwent repeat EVL. Repeat EVL was performed until the variceal velocity reached absent. No recurrence of variceal bleeding occurred during the follow‐up period (mean 8.7 ± 3.2 months). No adverse events associated with DOP were observed.

Conclusion

The evaluation of EVs using DOP is feasible and accurate. EV velocities are related to the variceal size, form, blue color, and red color sign. EVL + DOP may be a more reliable treatment for EVs. Further large‐scale, long‐term comparative studies are warranted.
Mirror movements after bimanual intensive therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Araneda Rodrigo , Herman Enimie , Delcour Louis , Klöcker Anne , Saussez Geoffroy , Paradis Julie , Ebner‐Karestinos Daniela , Bleyenheuft Yannick
Published: April 2022

Aim

To investigate potential changes in mirror movements after Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT‐ILE) training in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Thirty‐one children with unilateral CP (mean age 9 years 4 months, SD 4 years 3 months; range 5 years 4 months–17 years 3 months; 14 females, 17 males) were randomized to either a control or treatment group. After allocation, children were assessed three times: before (T1, baseline) and after (T2) a 2‐week interval and again at 3 months after T1 (T3) as follow‐up. Between T1 and T2, the treatment group received 90 hours of HABIT‐ILE training, while the control group continued their customary treatment. Mirror movements were assessed in all children using the Woods and Teuber Scale, as well as the Assisting Hand Assessment, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Results

Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a significant decrease in mirror movements in the more‐affected (mean difference = 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51–1.42; p < 0.001) and less‐affected (mean difference = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.37–1.0; p < 0.001) hands of children after HABIT‐ILE; these improvements were maintained at the 3‐month follow‐up. Moreover, the mirror movement changes observed at the second assessment (T2) were inversely correlated with changes in the assessment of activities of daily living, especially in the less‐affected hand.

Interpretation

HABIT‐ILE decreased the intensity of mirror movements in a group of children with CP. Furthermore, mirror movement changes were associated with bimanual performance and activities of daily living in these children.

What this paper adds

The intensity of mirror movements decreased in both hands after 2 weeks of Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT‐ILE) training.

Mirror movement changes were maintained at the 3‐month follow‐up after HABIT‐ILE.

Mirror movement changes were associated with improvements in bimanual performance and activities of daily living.
The Alliance for Healthier Communities as a Learning Health System for primary care: A qualitative analysis in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Nash Danielle M. , Brown Judith Belle , Thorpe Cathy , Rayner Jennifer , Zwarenstein Merrick
Published: April 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

A learning health system model can be used to efficiently evaluate and incorporate evidence‐based care into practice. However, there is a paucity of evidence describing key organizational attributes needed to ensure a successful learning health system within primary care. We interviewed stakeholders for a primary care learning health system in Ontario, Canada (the Alliance for Healthier Communities) to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Method

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using individual semistructured interviews with Alliance stakeholders between December 2019 and March 2020. The Alliance delivers community‐governed primary healthcare through 109 organizations including Community Health Centres (CHCs). All CHC staff within the Alliance were invited to participate. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. We performed a thematic analysis using a team approach.

Results

We interviewed 29 participants across six CHCs, including Executive Directors, managers, healthcare providers and data support staff. We observed three foundational elements necessary for a successful learning health system within primary care: shared organizational goals and culture, data quality and resources. Building on this foundation, people are needed to drive the learning health system, and this is conditional on their level of engagement. The main factors motivating staff member's engagement with the learning health system included their drive to help improve patient care, focusing on initiatives of personal interest and understanding the purpose of different initiatives. Areas for improvement were identified such as the ability to extract and use data to inform changes in real‐time, better engagement and protected time for providers to do improvement work, and more staff dedicated to data extraction and analysis.

Conclusions

We identified key components needed to establish a learning health system in primary care. Similar primary care organizations in Canada and elsewhere can use these insights to guide their development as learning health systems.
Actions Speak Louder than Words, Particularly in the East: How Taiwanese Followers Perceive Leaders’ Promotion of Ethical Actions Differently from Followers in the States
Authors: Wang An‐Chih , Chen Yanyu , Wang Sheng‐Bin , Lin Yi‐Chieh , Tseng Chuan‐Yu
Published: April 2022

Although Western theories suggest that ethical leaders should incorporate role modelling with ethical guidance to effectively promote ethical actions, we argue that, in Taiwan, a non‐Western setting influenced by Taoism, ‘say less, do more’ may be more appropriate. Mean comparisons, based on a latent profile analysis, indicate that, in our Taiwanese sample, leaders high in role modelling and low in ethical guidance receive at least as high a moral evaluation as that of those high in both. Findings from the United States sample, in contrast, suggest that the latter receive the highest. In a follow‐up scenario experiment, we find that, for Taiwanese respondents, leaders’ ethical guidance is negatively associated with perceived leader humility but positively associated with follower depletion and that the ‘say less, do more’ condition obtains the highest perceived leader humility and lowest expected depletion. In contrast, for US respondents, ethical guidance is unrelated to the two outcomes. Accordingly, not only the ideal content but also the ‘best’ enactment of ethical leadership varies across cultures.
Relationship between histological tumor margins and magnetic resonance imaging signal intensities in brain neoplasia of dogs
Authors: Johnson Philippa J. , Rivard Benjamin C. , Wood Jonathan H. , DiRubio Mattisen L. , Henry Joshua G. , Miller Andrew D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Intracranial neoplasia is relatively common in dogs and stereotactic radiotherapy, surgical debulking, or both, are the most successful treatment approaches. A key component of treatment planning involves delineating tumor margin on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. How MRI signal intensity alterations relate to histological tumor margins is unknown.

Objectives

Directly compare histological brain sections to MRI sequence images and determine which sequence alteration best correlates with tumor margins.

Animals

Five dogs with glioma, 4 dogs with histiocytic sarcoma, and 3 dogs with meningioma.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Histological brain sections were registered to in vivo MRI scan images obtained within 7 days of necropsy. Margins of signal intensity alterations (T2‐weighted, fluid‐attenuating inversion recovery [FLAIR], T1‐weighted and contrast enhancement) were compared directly to solid tumor and surgical margins identified on histology. Jacquard similarity metrics (JSM) and cross‐sectional areas were calculated.

Results

In glioma cases, margins drawn around T2‐weighted hyperintensity were most similar to surgical margins (JSM, 0.66 ± 0.17) when compared to other sequences. In both meningioma (JSM, 0.57 ± 0.21) and histiocytic sarcoma (JSM, 0.75 ± 0.11) margins of contrast enhancement were most similar to surgical margins.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Signal intensities correspond to tumor margins for different tumor types and facilitate surgical and radiation therapy planning using MRI images.
Child stunting starts in utero: Growth trajectories and determinants in Ugandan infants
Authors: Namirembe Grace , Ghosh Shibani , Ausman Lynne M. , Shrestha Robin , Zaharia Sonia , Bashaasha Bernard , Kabunga Nassul , Agaba Edgar , Mezzano Julieta , Webb Patrick
Published: April 2022

Childhood stunting remains a public health burden worldwide. Although many studies have examined early life and in‐utero risk factors; most have been observational and have used analytic techniques that make inferences limited to population means, thereby obscuring important within‐group variations. This study addressed that important gap. Using data from a birth cohort of Ugandan infants (n = 4528), we applied group‐based trajectory modelling to assess diverse patterns of growth among children from birth to 1‐year old. A multinomial regression model was conducted to understand the relationship between risk factors and observed patterns across groups. We found that the onset of stunting occurred before birth and followed four distinct growth patterns: chronically stunted (Group 1), recovery (Group 2), borderline stunted (Group 3) and normal (Group 4). The average length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ) at birth was −2.6, −3.9, −0.6 and 0.5 for Groups 1–4, respectively. Although both Groups 1 and 2 were stunted at birth, stunting persisted in Group 1 while children in Group 2 recovered by the fourth month. Group 3 exhibited mild stunting while Group 4 was normal. Wasting and underweight were observed in all groups, with the highest prevalence of underweight in Group 1. Wasting gradually increased among children born already stunted (Groups 1 and 2). This showed the importance of distinguishing children by their growth patterns rather than aggregating them and only comparing population averages against global growth standards. The design of nutrition interventions should consider the differential factors and potential for growth gains relative to different risks within each group.
Social determinants related toCOVID‐19 infection
Authors: Kim Seol Bin , Jeong Ihn Sook
Published: April 2022

This study was aimed at identifying the social determinants related to COVID‐19 infection in South Korea. This secondary analysis used data from the 2020 Community Health Survey, a nationwide sample taken to understand the health status of Korean residents. The participants were 220 970 adults 19 years of age or older. COVID‐19‐related social determinants were age, education level, marital status, household income, hypertension, eating habits, social support, and regional income. The risk of COVID‐19 infection increased in those who were under 40 years, were high school graduates or higher, were single, had a household income over US$ 4166.7, ate breakfast 5–7 times a week, had three or more helpers during COVID‐19, and lived in a region with above‐average income. Hypertension reduced the risk of COVID‐19 infection. In conclusion, adults with high socioeconomic activity showed a high risk for COVID‐19 infection, which was assumed to include only adults living in residential housing in the community. Further studies are required to include adults living in long‐term care or communal living facilities, known to be frequently infected with the corona virus.
Overexpression of NDR1 leads to pathogen resistance at elevated temperatures
Authors: Samaradivakara Saroopa P. , Chen Huan , Lu Yi‐Ju , Li Pai , Kim Yongsig , Tsuda Kenichi , Mine Akira , Day Brad
Published: April 2022

Abiotic and biotic environments influence a myriad of plant‐related processes, including growth, development, and the establishment and maintenance of interaction(s) with microbes. In the case of the latter, elevated temperature has been shown to be a key factor that underpins host resistance and pathogen virulence.

In this study, we elucidate a role for Arabidopsis NON‐RACE‐SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE1 (NDR1) by exploiting effector‐triggered immunity to define the regulation of plant host immunity in response to both pathogen infection and elevated temperature.

We generated time‐series RNA sequencing data of WT Col‐0, an NDR1 overexpression line, and ndr1 and ics1‐2 mutant plants under elevated temperature. Not surprisingly, the NDR1‐overexpression line showed genotype‐specific gene expression changes related to defense response and immune system function.

The results described herein support a role for NDR1 in maintaining cell signaling during simultaneous exposure to elevated temperature and avirulent pathogen stressors.
Trait ecology of startup plants
Authors: Westoby Mark , Schrader Julian , Falster Daniel
Published: April 2022

Startup plants include seedlings and basal and epicormic resprouts. It has long been held that startups have different strategies from adult plants, but theory for what trait differences to expect is limited and not yet quantitatively tested. Three applicable concepts are analogous to human startup firms, R‐shift, and trait‐growth theory. All three suggest startups should be built with lower construction costs than established plants. This appears to be almost always true in terms of leaf mass per area (LMA), though many comparisons are complicated by the startups growing in lower light. Trait‐growth theory predicts LMA should increase progressively with height or total leaf area, driven by higher conductive‐pathway costs associated with each unit leaf area, and by greater reward from slowing leaf turnover. Basal resprouts often have somewhat higher LMA than seedlings, but possibly this is simply because they are larger. A number of eminently testable questions are identified. Prospects are good for a theoretically cogent and field‐tested body of knowledge about plant startups.
Inter‐annual and inter‐species tree growth explained by phenology of xylogenesis
Authors: Chen Yizhao , Rademacher Tim , Fonti Patrick , Eckes‐Shephard Annemarie H. , LeMoine James M. , Fonti Marina V. , Richardson Andrew D. , Friend Andrew D.
Published: April 2022

Wood formation determines major long‐term carbon (C) accumulation in trees and therefore provides a crucial ecosystem service in mitigating climate change. Nevertheless, we lack understanding of how species with contrasting wood anatomical types differ with respect to phenology and environmental controls on wood formation.

In this study, we investigated the seasonality and rates of radial growth and their relationships with climatic factors, and the seasonal variations of stem nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in three species with contrasting wood anatomical types (red oak: ring‐porous; red maple: diffuse‐porous; white pine: coniferous) in a temperate mixed forest during 2017–2019.

We found that the high ring width variability observed in both red oak and red maple was caused more by changes in growth duration than growth rate. Seasonal radial growth patterns did not vary following transient environmental factors for all three species. Both angiosperm species showed higher concentrations and lower inter‐annual fluctuations of NSC than the coniferous species.

Inter‐annual variability of ring width varied by species with contrasting wood anatomical types. Due to the high dependence of annual ring width on growth duration, our study highlights the critical importance of xylem formation phenology for understanding and modelling the dynamics of wood formation.
Association between objectively measured physical activity of parents and children: The 2015 Pelotas birth cohort
Authors: Ricardo Luiza Isnardi Cardoso , Hallal Pedro , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Oliveira Ricardo Santos , Blumenberg Cauane , Tornquist Debora , Tornquist Luciana , Barros Fernando , Crochemore‐Silva Inácio
Published: April 2022

Objective

The present study aims to verify the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA) of parents and child in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort, a population‐based Brazilian birth cohort.

Methods

The main exposures were paternal moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) collected when children were 1‐year of age, and maternal MVPA when children were 2‐years. The outcome was children's overall PA (ENMO in mg) at 4‐years of age. PA was measured using wrist‐worn ActiGraph accelerometers during seven complete days. Potential confounders were maternal age, maternal and paternal education, and household asset index. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using linear regressions.

Results

Our analytical sample comprised 1326 children with valid accelerometer data and with both parents. Mean child PA was 48.1 mg, being higher among boys compared with girls (Boys: 50 mg, 95% CI: 49.1; 50.9; Girls: 46 mg, 95% CI: 45.2; 46.8). Children's PA at 4 years was positively associated with maternal MVPA at age 2 years (p < 0.001) and paternal MVPA at age 1 year (p < 0.001). A child with both parents in the highest tertile of unbouted MVPA presented higher overall PA (p = 0.001). Similar results were found for boys; however, for girls, paternal unbouted MVPA was not associated with overall PA.

Conclusion

Overall, our results showed a positive impact of maternal and parental PA over 4‐year‐old children acceleration. These findings could be valuable when planning evidence‐based interventions and policies to promote PA in young children, providing a broader perspective over the role of parents over children's behavior.
Knock‐down of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 3 negatively impacts growth, productivity, and responses to salt stress in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: de la Osa Clara , Pérez‐López Jesús , Feria Ana‐Belén , Baena Guillermo , Marino Daniel , Coleto Inmaculada , Pérez‐Montaño Francisco , Gandullo Jacinto , Echevarría Cristina , García‐Mauriño Sofía , Monreal José A.
Published: April 2022

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a carboxylating enzyme with important roles in plant metabolism. Most studies in C4 plants have focused on photosynthetic PEPC, but less is known about non‐photosynthetic PEPC isozymes, especially with respect to their physiological functions. In this work, we analyzed the precise roles of the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) PPC3 isozyme by the use of knock‐down lines with the SbPPC3 gene silenced (Ppc3 lines). Ppc3 plants showed reduced stomatal conductance and plant size, a delay in flowering time, and reduced seed production. In addition, silenced plants accumulated stress indicators such as Asn, citrate, malate, and sucrose in roots and showed higher citrate synthase activity, even in control conditions. Salinity further affected stomatal conductance and yield and had a deeper impact on central metabolism in silenced plants compared to wild type, more notably in roots, with Ppc3 plants showing higher nitrate reductase and NADH‐glutamate synthase activity in roots and the accumulation of molecules with a higher N/C ratio. Taken together, our results show that although SbPPC3 is predominantly a root protein, its absence causes deep changes in plant physiology and metabolism in roots and leaves, negatively affecting maximal stomatal opening, growth, productivity, and stress responses in sorghum plants. The consequences of SbPPC3 silencing suggest that this protein, and maybe orthologs in other plants, could be an important target to improve plant growth, productivity, and resistance to salt stress and other stresses where non‐photosynthetic PEPCs may be implicated.
Using digital RNA counting to establish flow cytometry diagnostic criteria for subtypes of CD34+ canine acute leukaemia
Authors: Harris R. Adam , Rout Emily D. , Yoshimoto Janna A. , Avery Paul R. , Avery Anne C.
Published: May 2022

Canine acute leukaemia is a heterogeneous neoplasm with multiple phenotypes. Criteria to subtype acute leukaemia by flow cytometry have not been validated. The goal of this study was to develop a panel of antibodies and objective antigen expression criteria for the assignment of lymphoid or myeloid lineage by flow cytometry. We isolated mRNA from the blood of 45 CD34+ acute leukaemia cases and measured expression of 43 genes that represent lymphoid and myeloid lineages using NanoString technology. We determined differentially expressed genes between major groups identified by unsupervised hierarchical clustering. We then evaluated the expression of antigens by flow cytometry to determine if cases could be assigned to a lineage. Two groups were identified by gene expression. Group 1/LYMPH overexpressed lymphoid‐associated genes (ex. DNTT) and had a higher percentage of CD5 + CD3‐ cells by flow cytometry. Group 2/MYELO overexpressed myeloid‐associated genes (ex. ANPEP/CD13) and had a higher percentage of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII)‐ CD14+ and/or CD18 + CD4‐ cells. We proposed that >12.5% CD5 + CD3‐ cells in the blood was indicative of lymphoid lineage, and > 3.0% CD14 + MHCII‐ cells or > 18% CD18 + MHCII‐CD4‐ cells was indicative of myeloid lineage. 15/15 cases that met the proposed criteria for acute lymphocytic leukaemia were in LYMPH group and 12/15 cases that met the proposed criteria for acute myeloid leukaemia were in MYELO group. The majority of CD34+ cases that did not meet either immunophenotyping lineage criterion (12/13) clustered within the LYMPH group. In conclusion, currently available antibodies can be useful for determining canine acute leukaemia subtypes.
Establishment of biochemical reference values for backyard chickens in Colorado (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Kaiser Justin C. , Reider Heather , Pabilonia Kristy L. , Moore A Russell
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous literature pertaining to biochemical RIs of domestic chickens has primarily focused on commercial production flocks and not backyard birds.

Objective

We aimed to establish biochemistry RIs for privately‐owned backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) using reference laboratory equipment.

Methods

Samples were collected from 123 presumably healthy adult chickens between 2017 and 2019 from 22 different flocks in Colorado. Heparinized blood was obtained, and a biochemistry profile was evaluated, including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorous, uric acid, AST, CK, glucose, cholesterol, and total protein. Reference values were created according to current American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology recommendations.

Results

Differences in measurand intervals compared with previous literature were found for sodium, calcium, total protein, potassium, phosphorus, uric acid, and glucose. Hens were found to have higher median calcium (17.9 mg/dL vs 11.2 mg/dL [P = .0001]), total protein (5.2 g/dL vs 4.8 g/dL [P = .0046]), and potassium (3.80 mEq/L vs 3.48 mEq/L [P = .0267]) concentrations, as well as lower sodium (155 mEq/L vs 158 mEq/L [P = .0046]) concentrations, calculated osmolalities (310 mOsm/kg vs 314 mOsm/kg [P = .0249]), and AST (165 U/L vs 194 U/L [P = .0121]) activities, than roosters. Seasonal variation was found between summer and winter samples for median sodium (144 mEq/L vs 148 mEq/L [P = .0008]), chloride (111.8 mEq/L vs 113.5 mEq/L [P = .0033]) concentrations, calculated osmolalities (306 mOsm/kg vs 311 mOsm/kg [P = <.0001]), and AST (185 U/L vs 159 U/L [P = .0053]) and CK (1098 U/L vs 770 U/L [P = .0007]) activities.

Conclusions

This study presents biochemical reference values for backyard chickens in Colorado that can be a basis for evaluations in similar settings.
Participação Social no Licenciamento Ambiental Federal de Usinas Hidrelétricas
Authors: Cirne Mariana Barbosa , Fernandes Isabella Maria Martins , Gama Filipe Cordeiro Pimentel da
Published: April 2022

A audiência pública dos licenciamentos ambientais propicia o debate sobre os seus impactos, podendo contribuir com uma decisão política mais legítima e transparente. Corroborando com este objetivo, esta pesquisa avaliou o impacto das audiências públicas realizadas pelo Ibama nos licenciamentos ambientais federais de usinas hidrelétricas com licenças prévias concedidas no período de 2000 a 2018. As perguntas desta pesquisa foram: Quem participa destas audiências? Qual dimensão do desenvolvimento sustentável predominou nas perguntas destas audiências? Essa participação foi acolhida pelo Ibama nas condicionantes estabelecidas nos licenciamentos? Caso exista um déficit democrático, como seria possível incrementar a efetividade dessa participação social? Para respondê-las, foi desenvolvida pesquisa por meio de revisão bibliográfica, conjugada com pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa dos processos administrativos de licenciamento. Foi realizada uma revisão normativa e bibliográfica sobre o licenciamento ambiental e a participação social, seguida da análise das audiências públicas de 14 processos de licenciamento ambientais de hidrelétricas. A análise das 3260 perguntas identificou um papel equivalente entre pessoas físicas e jurídicas. A dimensão de desenvolvimento sustentável predominante foi a institucional, revelando ser a audiência pública um espaço predominantemente de informação da população, muito mais do que de consideração das contribuições populares. Em quatro processos a participação foi efetiva; ensejou mudanças nas condicionantes. Conhecer tais experiências pode contribuir para incrementar a efetividade dessa participação (mais de uma audiência no local, estimula a participação das universidades). Os resultados endossam a importância das audiências públicas nos licenciamentos para a concretização do direito ao meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado.
Origens Filosóficas e Jurídicas da Educação como Direito Público Subjetivo
Authors: Rohling Marcos
Published: April 2022

Este trabalho tem por finalidade investigar as origens filosóficas e jurídicas da educação como direito público subjetivo, concepção esposada pela CRFB/88 e demais legislações educacionais hodiernas como forma de responsabilização do Estado pela oferta educacional e pela obrigatoriedade escolar. A ideia básica do texto é a da compreensão histórica da visão segunda a qual ao Estado incumbe o oferecimento da educação, de forma a se diminuir as desigualdades sociais, no tocante às oportunidades educacionais. Neste ínterim, a investigação se articula em três partes: inicialmente, apresenta-se a educação na ordem constitucional de 1988 como um direito público subjetivo de natureza social; em seguida, avança-se mais decisivamente nas origens dessa concepção desde as teorias liberais do Séc. XVII, passando por Gerber, Ihering até chegar em Jellinek; finalmente, na terceira parte, contempla-se o desenvolvimento dessa concepção no Brasil, especialmente, por Pontes de Miranda na década de 1930.
Tutela e Trabalho de Menores Libertos em Pe´ríodo de Transição (1871-1886)
Authors: Rangel Alan
Published: April 2022

Este breve estudo, fundado em achado de pesquisa, tenta correlacionar tutela e trabalho com o processo de transição da escravidão para a liberdade na segunda metade do século XIX. Pretende demonstrar que neste período de transição, tutela e trabalho aparecem conectados para fomentar novos vínculos de dependência para além da escravidão, e o exemplo dos menores libertos um caso específico.
A Atuação do Ministério Público na Defesa do Meio Ambiente:
Authors: Rubén Sandoval Vázquez Francisco , Marques ´Clarissa , Alves Guimarães Anne Gabriele
Published: April 2022

Os megaempreendimentos no Brasil costumam ser operacionalizados pelas confluências entre agentes públicos e privados, além de destacarem-se pelos altos impactos socioambientais. Esse modelo de desenvolvimento gera contradições na medida em que fortalece as elites envolvidas nas operações consorciadas em detrimento dos benefícios que deveria promover aos grupos sociais mais vulneráveis. Neste cenário, destacamos a experiência ainda não finalizada, apesar de ter sido iniciada há 13 anos, do Projeto brasileiro conhecido como “Transposição do Rio São Francisco” e seus impactos ambientais e sociais ao longo das diversas etapas. A pesquisa busca questionar se o Ministério Público tem o dever de acompanhar os impactos socioambientais decorrentes de grandes projetos de infraestrutura. O problema de pesquisa foi construído a partir da experiência do “Projeto TransVERgente”, desenvolvido com a participação de 6 pesquisadores, além de um grupo de 27 alunos.