bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with primary gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Chuan Xin , Yu Xin Zhe , Zhang Shi Lei , Wang Jie , Wang Jian
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Primary gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas (GB‐NEC) are malignant neoplasms that remained to be studied. In this study we aimed to summarize their clinicopathological characteristics, effective treatment and prognostic factors for patients with GB‐NEC.

Methods

Patients with GB‐NEC admitted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital and Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University from October 2012 to August 2020 were enrolled. Clinicopathological characteristics of our patients and those reported in previous studies were recorded. The Kaplan‐Meier method and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used for survival analysis.

Results

Altogether 15 patients from our hospitals and 47 patients from previous studies were included. A total of 55 patients who underwent surgical resection, including R0 and non‐R0 resection, had significantly longer overall survival compared with the other seven patients. A univariate analysis indicated that patients aged 60 years or older, with jaundice, carcinoid syndrome, non‐R0 resection, and advanced stage were associated with worse survival. A multivariate analysis showed that patients aged 60 years or older, carcinoid syndrome and non‐R0 resection, but not lymphadenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, were independently related to reduced survival.

Conclusions

R0 resection should be the first‐line treatment for GB‐NEC. Older age, carcinoid syndrome and non‐R0 resection are independently associated with reduced survival after surgical resection.
Extensive sequence divergence between the reference genomes of two zebrafish strains, Tuebingen and AB
Authors: Deng Yu , Qian Yuting , Meng Minghui , Jiang Haifeng , Dong Yang , Fang Chengchi , He Shunping , Yang Liandong
Published: February 2022

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most widely used model organisms for studying vertebrate gene function and human disease, given the 70% conserved protein‐coding genes between zebrafish and human. Two of the most common laboratory zebrafish strains are Tuebingen and AB. Despite the fact that the zebrafish reference genome is derived from the Tuebingen strain, the AB strain is still widely used although a high‐quality genome comparable to Tuebingen is lacking. Here, we report a 1.40‐Gb representative de novo genome assembly of the AB strain (DrAB1), with contig N50 length of 21 Mb, by integrating Illumina short‐read sequencing, Nanopore long‐read sequencing and HiC‐based chromatin mapping. Compared with the published zebrafish Zv11 reference genome (GRCz11), this genome assembly shows considerable improvements in both contiguity and completeness. In addition, substantial structural differences and extensive sequence divergence of unprecedented resolution have been uncovered, especially with respect to 9,029,929 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 2,376,812 InDels, 32,623 insertions, 22,089 deletions and 220 inversions, which constitute ~2.6% of the DrAB1 genome. Many of these variants may have potential functional effects on phenotype, which should be considered in further experimental designs. Consequently, our study provides additional genomic resources and a high‐resolution structural variation map based on whole‐genome alignment for the zebrafish community, which could also be an indispensable reference genome from a model species in future research on fish phylogenetic genomics, comparative genomics and adaptive evolution.
The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions at reducing the frequency of alcohol and drug use in parents: findings of a Cochrane Review and meta‐analyses
Authors: McGovern Ruth , Newham James , Addison Michelle , Hickman Matt , Kaner Eileen
Published: February 2022

Background and aim

Parental substance use is a major public health and safeguarding concern. There have been a number of trials examining interventions targeting this risk factor. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions at reducing parental substance use.

Design

We used systematic methods to identify trials; pooling data using a random‐effects model. Moderator analyses examined influence of parent gender, presence of child in treatment and intervention type.

Setting

No restrictions on setting.

Participants

Substance using parents of children below the age of 21 years.

Interventions

Psychosocial interventions including those that targeted drug and alcohol use only, and drug and alcohol use in combination with associated issues.

Measurements

Frequency of alcohol use and frequency of drug use.

Findings

We included eight unique studies with a total of 703 participants. Psychosocial interventions were more effective at reducing the frequency of parental alcohol use than comparison conditions at 6‐month [standardized mean difference (SMD) = – 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.51 to −0.13, P = 0.001] and 12‐month follow‐up (SMD = –0.25, 95% CI = –0.47 to −0.03, P = 0.02) and frequency of parental drug use at 12 months only (SMD = –0.21, 95% CI = –0.41 to −0.01, P = 0.04). Integrated interventions which combined both parenting and substance use targeted components were effective at reducing the frequency of alcohol use (6 months: SMD = –0.56, 95% CI = –0.96 to −0.016, P = 0.006; 12 months: SMD = –0.42, 95% CI = –0.82 to −0.03, P = 0.04) and drug use (6 months: SMD = –0.39, 95% CI = –0.75 to −0.03, P = 0.04; 12 months: SMD = –0.43, 95% CI = –0.80 to −0.07, P = 0.02). Interventions targeting only substance use or parenting skills were not effective at reducing frequency of alcohol or drug use at either time‐point.

Conclusion

Psychosocial interventions should target both parenting and substance use in an integrated intervention.
Quantity versus quality: A balance between egg and clutch size among Australian amphibians in relation to other life‐history variables
Authors: Gould John , Beranek Chad , Valdez Jose , Mahony Michael
Published: February 2022

Due to resource limitations and physical constraints of the reproducing female, a trade‐off must be made between the number of eggs she produces and their size per clutch. This generally results in an inverse relationship between egg and clutch size, which has been found repeatedly across animal groups. Few studies have investigated this relationship with respect to selection pressures, environmental variables and other life‐history traits. We aimed to test current hypotheses regarding the trade‐off between egg and clutch size among the three Australian Anuran families (Hylidae, Myobatrachidae and Microhylidae). Specifically, we used a comparative phylogenetic approach to look at the influence of environmental selection pressures (egg‐laying location, environment persistence and bioregion) and life‐history traits (female body size, egg development type, parental care level, breeding period and temporal breeding pattern) on this trade‐off. As expected, a strong inverse relationship was found between egg and clutch size. Smaller clutches of larger eggs tended to be produced by species with smaller female sizes that (i) oviposit terrestrially and arboreally compared with aquatically, (ii) have prolonged compared with explosive breeding periods, (iii) directly develop compared with having a feeding tadpole stage and (iv) exhibit high compared with low levels of parental care. These findings show that the shift towards producing larger eggs in smaller clutches is associated with the transition away from the ancestral amphibian reproductive pattern. We highlight how the balance made when provisioning finite resources to egg within a clutch differs between species that have evolved diverse life histories, providing a framework for future examinations of the trade‐off between egg and clutch sizes among anurans.
The enigma: Decision‐making to transfer residents to the emergency department; communication and care delivery between emergency department staff and residential aged care facilities' nurses
Authors: Gurung Apil , Romeo Michele , Clark Sean , Hocking Julia , Dhollande Shannon , Broadbent Marc
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the experience of nurses involved in decision‐making to transfer residents from a residential aged care facility (RACF) to their local hospital emergency department. This paper reports on the findings of the second phase of a two‐phase study.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews with 19 aged care nurses were conducted. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was carried out.

Results

The analysis revealed five major themes that influenced decision‐making in relation to the transfer of a resident from the residential aged care facility to the emergency department: conflict with key stakeholders; knowledge and experience; policy and process; stakeholder perception; and recognition and support.

Conclusions

Robust outreach programs, support from other health‐care professionals, and improving interdisciplinary understanding and communication between aged care nurses, paramedics and the emergency department would be advantageous to ensure effective care delivery and decision‐making.
Survey of Raspberry Leaf Tea in pregnancy
Authors: Farnaghi Soheil , Braniff Kathleen
Published: February 2022

Background

Raspberry leaf tea (RLT) is a traditional herb purported to help with many pregnancy‐related outcomes including reducing the duration of labour. No experimental data exist to support these claims.

Aims

This study aims to determine how common use and knowledge of RLT are during pregnancy. It also aims to explore whether it would be possible to recruit women for a trial of raspberry leaf in the future.

Materials and Methods

Postnatal women were asked to fill in a survey about their use of RLT during pregnancy, and their knowledge of its purported benefits. They were asked whether they would consider being part of a randomised controlled trial of raspberry leaf in the future.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐one women completed the survey. Of these, 88 (73%) were aware of herbal tea use in pregnancy and 46 (38%) reported using raspberry leaf during pregnancy. Of all women surveyed, 79% indicated they would be happy to participate in a trial of RLT in pregnancy if they were asked.

Conclusions

Despite no scientific evidence of the efficacy of RLT in pregnancy, 38% of women surveyed used it during pregnancy. Further studies are required to determine whether the claims made about RLT are correct. Clinicians should base their advice on available evidence.
Preserved renal function during long‐term follow‐up in children with chronic liver disease
Authors: Berg Ulla B. , Häbel Henrike , Németh Antal
Published: February 2022

Aim

We have previously found well‐maintained renal function in children with new‐onset chronic liver disease. In this study, we investigated their renal function during long‐term follow‐up of the disease.

Methods

In a study of 289 children with chronic liver disease, renal function was investigated as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured as clearance of inulin or iohexol. Yearly change in GFR was calculated based on a linear mixed model. The data were analysed with regard to different subgroups of liver disease and with regard to the outcome.

Results

The initially well‐preserved renal function remained so in most patients during the observation period, even in children with progressive liver disease leading to decompensation. The greatest fall in GFR occurred in patients with initial hyperfiltration. Cholestasis seemed to have a nephroprotective effect.

Conclusion

Chronic liver disease in childhood seems to have less impact on renal function than believed earlier, at least as long as the liver function remains compensated. Regular renal check‐ups remain an essential tool for optimal patient care. Hyperfiltration seems to predict decline in renal function. Otherwise no further reliable prognostic markers were found in patients whose liver disease was not decompensated.
Market structure and exchange rate pass‐through in the Turkish manufacturing industry: Evidence from sectoral data
Authors: Kal Süleyman Hilmi , Çiftçi Muhsin
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the impact of market share on exchange rate pass‐through to Turkish manufacturing sector prices using four‐digit industry level disaggregate data. Our findings provide evidence that exchange rate pass‐through in the manufacturing sector has an asymmetric U‐shape with respect to market share, implying that highly competitive and concentrated industries pass‐through exchange rate movements in both directions (appreciation and depreciation) to local producer prices more than moderately concentrated sectors. However, when directional asymmetries of exchange rate movements are added to the models, results become more revealing, that is, highly monopolized industries pass‐through exchange rate depreciation at higher rates than highly competitive industries. We also find that the size of the exchange rate movement has an impact on the asymmetry and the curvature of the U‐shaped Exchange Rate Pass‐Through (ERPT) curve with respect to the market share.
CENPF as an independent prognostic and metastasis biomarker corresponding to CD4+ memory T cells in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Li Mengzhi , Zhao Jingling , Yang Ronghua , Cai Ruizhao , Liu Xusheng , Xie Julin , Shu Bin , Qi Shaohai
Published: February 2022

Owing to recent advances in immunotherapies, the overall survival of patients with skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has increased; however, the 5‐year survival rate of metastatic patients remains poor. Skin cutaneous melanoma—upregulated genes were screened via analysis of differentially expressed genes (GSE3189 and GSE46517), and metastasis‐related oncogenes were identified via weighted gene coexpression network analysis of the GSE46517 dataset. As confirmed by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, we found highly expressed centromere protein F (CENPF) in SKCM and its metastases. Immunostaining of human melanoma tissues demonstrated high CENPF expression. According to the Kaplan‐Meier survival curve log‐rank test, receiver‐operating characteristic curve, and univariate and multivariate analyses, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database suggested CENPF be a typical independent predictor of SKCM. The CIBERSORT algorithm classified the types of the immune cells from GSE46517 and showed higher proportion of CD4+ memory‐activated T cells in metastatic melanoma. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis of TCGA data confirmed the correlation between CENPF and activated CD4+ T cells. Centromere protein F was positively correlated with tumor mutational burden and CD4+ memory T cell markers (interleukin [IL]‐23A, CD28, and CD62L), negatively associated with memory T cell maintenance factors (IL‐7 and IL‐15) by correlation analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence showed high coexpression of CENPF and IL23A, CD4 in melanoma. Upregulated CENPF might lead to premature depletion of CD4+ memory T cells and immunosuppression. Nomogram indicated CENPF clinical predictive value for 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, and 7‐year melanoma overall survival. Therefore, CENPF plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of melanoma and can be an effective therapeutic target.
Towards more active parenting: Trends in parental mediation of children’s internet use in European countries
Authors: Kalmus Veronika , Sukk Marit , Soo Kadri
Published: February 2022

This study aimed at exploring trends in parental mediation that have unravelled over eight years’ time in 12 European countries. Relying on the EU Kids Online survey, the study focused on 11–16‐year‐old children's perceptions of parental mediation strategies and the main changes therein between the data collection waves of 2010 and 2018. The analysis demonstrated that active mediation has seen a significant increase in several European countries. While cross‐cultural disparities remain large, restrictive mediation has decreased, indicating that the focus of parental strategies is moving away from setting rules and restrictions towards guiding children in their internet use.
Contested Meanings of Urban Heritage in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam‐Knott Sonia
Published: February 2022

Confrontations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and civil society regarding the demolition of historical sites across the city have been occurring since the mid‐2000s. These clashes have been interpreted as the consequence of exclusionary heritage governance practices; postcolonial identity anxieties; and popular dissatisfaction toward economic injustices in the city. This essay argues that heritage mobilizations also arise from the competing meanings and expectations the SAR government and civil society have attached to notions of “urban heritage,” especially in relation to urban liveability discourses. Using documentary and ethnographic data, this essay provides an overview of Hong Kong’s heritage landscape before examining approaches by both government and civil society toward heritage conservation—reflecting their respective understandings as to what urban heritage entails for urban life. This essay finds the SAR government position heritage as being secondary to urban redevelopment, a means of establishing urban liveability in economic terms. In contrast, civil society actors frame heritage as integral to redevelopment, producing a liveable city through enriching social conviviality. By delineating the disparate ways urban heritage is valued in Hong Kong, this essay offers broader insights on the conflict regarding how present and future urban life is envisioned in Asian cities.
Results of patch testing in acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP): A literature review
Authors: de Groot Anton C.
Published: February 2022

The literature on positive patch‐test results in acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is reviewed. Ninety‐three drugs were identified that have together caused 259 positive patch tests in 248 patients with AGEP. The drug classes causing the highest number of reactions are beta‐lactam antibiotics (25.9%), other antibiotics (20.8%), iodinated contrast media (7.3%), and corticosteroids (5.4%), together accounting for nearly 60% of all reactions. The highest number of reactions to individual drugs was to amoxicillin (n = 36), followed by pristinamycin (n = 25), diltiazem (n = 14), amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (n = 13), clindamycin (n = 11), and iomeprol (n = 8); 59 of the 93 drugs each caused a single case only. The “Top‐10” drugs together caused over 50% of all reactions. The sensitivity of patch testing (percentage of positive reactions) in patients with AGEP is largely unknown, but may generally be ~50%, which also applies to pristinamycin. Patch testing in AGEP appears to be safe, although mild recurrence of AGEP skin symptoms or other rashes may occur occasionally. Clinical aspects of AGEP, including epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiology, clinical features, histology, treatment, and prognosis are briefly presented, as are diagnosing the disease and identifying the culprit drugs with patch tests, intradermal tests, in vitro tests, and challenge tests.
Performance of Deaf Participants in an Abstract Visual Grammar Learning Task at Multiple Formal Levels: Evaluating the Auditory Scaffolding Hypothesis
Authors: Giustolisi Beatrice , Martin Jordan S , Westphal‐Fitch Gesche , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Cecchetto Carlo
Published: February 2022

Previous research has hypothesized that human sequential processing may be dependent upon hearing experience (the “auditory scaffolding hypothesis”), predicting that sequential rule learning abilities should be hindered by congenital deafness. To test this hypothesis, we compared deaf signer and hearing individuals’ ability to acquire rules of different computational complexity in a visual artificial grammar learning task using sequential stimuli. As a group, deaf participants succeeded at all levels of the task; Bayesian analysis indicates that they successfully acquired each of several target grammars at ascending levels of the formal language hierarchy. Overall, these results do not support the auditory scaffolding hypothesis. However, age‐ and education‐matched hearing participants did outperform deaf participants in two out of three tested grammars. We suggest that this difference may be related to verbal recoding strategies in the two groups. Any verbal recoding strategies used by the deaf signers would be less effective because they would have to use the same visual channel required for the experimental task.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0083756 promotes intervertebral disc degeneration by sponging miR‐558 and regulating TREM1 expression
Authors: Du Xianfa , Chen Shunlun , Cui Haitao , Huang Yuming , Wang Jianru , Liu Hui , Li Zemin , Liang Chunxiang , Zheng Zhaomin , Wang Hua
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of low back pain. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to exert vital functions in IVDD. However, the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0083756 in the development of IVDD remain unclear.

Materials and methods

RT‐qPCR was performed to detect expressions of hsa_circ_0083756, miR‐558 and TREM1 in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and cells. CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, RT‐qPCR and WB were used to clarify the roles of hsa_circ_0083756 in NP cells proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Bioinformatics analyses, dual‐luciferase reporter gene experiment, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and FISH assay were performed to predict and verify the targeting relationship between hsa_circ_0083756 and miR‐558, as well as that between miR‐558 and TREM1. Ultimately, the effect of hsa_circ_0083756 on IVDD was tested through anterior disc‐puncture IVDD animal model in rats.

Results

hsa_circ_0083756 was upregulated in degenerative NP tissues and cells. In vitro loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function studies suggested that hsa_circ_0083756 knockdown promoted, whereas hsa_circ_0083756 overexpression inhibited NP cells proliferation and ECM formation. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0083756 acted as a sponge of miR‐558 and subsequently promoted the expression of TREM1. Furthermore, in vivo study indicated that silencing of hsa_circ_0083756 could alleviate IVDD in rats.

Conclusions

hsa_circ_0083756 promoted IVDD via targeting the miR‐558/TREM1 axis, and hsa_circ_0083756 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IVDD.
Novel approach to complete anastomotic obstruction after hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Ueda Michio , Maeda Shin
Published: February 2022

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Antegrade transpapillary biliary stent placement via endosonography‐guided choledochoduodenostomy for treatment of recurrent cholangitis
Authors: van Wanrooij Roy L. J. , Voermans Rogier P. , Fockens Paul
Published: February 2022

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Ethical issues raised by uterus transplantation: A report from the People's Republic of China
Authors: Gao Yiqi , Xue Tao , Chen Biliang , Yang Hong , Wei Li
Published: February 2022

The recent advances in assisted reproductive technology, such as hormonal stimulation, IVF, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have made it possible to circumvent many causes of male and female factor infertility. However, uterine infertility is still considered an ‘‘unconditionally infertile’’ condition. Owing to the continued advances in organ transplantation, microvascular anastomosis techniques, and immunosuppressive medicine, the transplantation of organs is no longer restricted to the ones necessary for continued life. Quality‐of‐life enhancing types of transplantation, such as uterine transplantation, in recent years, have also entered the clinical arena. This undoubtedly brings new hope to such women, but also creates ethical challenges. Selection of the donor, the impact on the recipient and offspring, as well as challenges to moral and social norms are issues that cannot be ignored. In the present review, the ethical issues of transplantation of the uterus will be discussed in light of recent progress in the procedure.
RUSSELL REVIEW Are plant roots only “in” soil or are they “of” it? Roots, soil formation and function
Authors: Gregory Peter J.
Published: February 2022

Roots are near‐ubiquitous components of soils globally but have often been regarded as separate from the soil rather than a substantial factor in determining what soil is and how it functions. The start of rapid soil formation commenced about 400 million years ago with the emergence of vascular plants and the evolution of roots and associated microbes. Roots and associated microorganisms contribute significantly to soil formation by altering rocks and soil minerals through a variety of biogeochemical processes and supply carbon to a depth that can have long residence times. Living root inputs of carbon via rhizodeposits are more efficient than shoot and root litter inputs in forming slow‐cycling, mineral‐associated soil organic carbon pools. The current functionality of soils in providing food and fuel and fibres, supplying plant nutrients, filtering water and flood regulation, and disease suppression are all dependent on the activities of plant roots. Roots are actively communicating and collaborating with other organisms for mutual benefit, and the signals underlying this modulation of the rhizosphere microbiome are being identified. In this review I examine how plant roots (an organ not an organism) affect soil formation and function and conclude that, from several perspectives, roots are not just “in” soil but “of” it and that definitions of soil should recognise this. A possible definition is: “Soils are altered surficial rock or sediment, composed of organic matter, minerals, fluids, and organisms whose formation and functionality are influenced by biogeochemical weathering and interactions of these components with plant roots.”

Highlights

Paleoclimatic and paleosoil research shows the key role of roots and mycorrhiza in soil formation.

Deep roots and living root inputs are substantial contributors to long‐term C storage.

Root/microbe signalling facilitates mutualistic symbioses, nutrient uptake and disease suppression.

Definitions of soil should explicitly include roots as an important component of the soil system.
Revisiting the components of Macroscelidea social systems: Evidence for variable social organization, including pair‐living, but not for a monogamous mating system
Authors: Olivier Charlotte‐Anaïs , Jaeggi Adrian V. , Hayes Loren D. , Schradin Carsten
Published: February 2022

Elephant‐shrews (Macroscelidea) have long been considered the only mammalian order to be completely monogamous, based on observations of their pair‐living social organization. We reviewed primary studies on the four components of social systems (social organization, mating system, social structure, and care system) in elephant‐shrews to evaluate whether they truly are monogamous. To identify gaps in our knowledge of their social system, we reviewed evidence for a pair‐living social organization, mate fidelity (mating system), pair bonds (social structure), and biparental care (care system). Field data were available for eight species and seven were often pair‐living. However, these seven species exhibited intra‐specific variation in social organization; two of these species were also solitary living, two species were also group‐living, and the remaining three species were both solitary and group‐living. The eighth species was exclusively solitary. We reconstructed the ancestral social organization of Macroscelidea using Bayesian phylogenetic mixed‐effects models and found that variable social organization, rather than exclusive pair‐living, was the most likely ancestral state, though there was high uncertainty. No socio‐ecological factors (body size, population density, and habitat) predicted a specific social organization. Observations of mating have been rare, such that no firm statements can be made. However, one unpublished study indicated high levels of extra‐pair paternity. Regarding social structure, there was no evidence of pair‐bonding, but there was evidence of mate guarding. Only maternal care has been observed, with females having very short nursing bouts. Evidence suggests that despite having often a pair‐living form of social organization, Macroscelidea should not be described as a monogamous order, as little or no evidence supports that designation, nor are they exclusively pair‐living (social organization) and we urge further field studies on Macroscelidea social systems.
Rhodococcus equifoal pneumonia: Update on epidemiology, immunity, treatment and prevention
Authors: Bordin Angela I. , Huber Laura , Sanz Macarena G. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: February 2022

Pneumonia in foals caused by the bacteriumRhodococcus equihas a worldwide distribution and is a common cause of disease and death for foals. The purpose of this narrative review was to summarise recent developments pertaining to the epidemiology, immune responses, treatment, and prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia of foals. Screening tests have been used to implement earlier detection and treatment of foals with presumed subclinicalR. equipneumonia to reduce mortality and severity of disease. Unfortunately, this practice has been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial‐resistantR. equiin North America. Correlates of protective immunity forR. equiinfections of foals remain elusive, but recent evidence indicates that innate immune responses are important both for mediating killing and orchestrating adaptive immune responses. A macrolide antimicrobial in combination with rifampin remains the recommended treatment for foals withR. equipneumonia. Great need exists to identify which antimicrobial combination is most effective for treating foals withR. equipneumonia and to limit emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant strains. In the absence of an effective vaccine againstR. equi, passive immunisation remains the only commercially available method for effectively reducing the incidence ofR. equipneumonia. Because passive immunisation is expensive, labour‐intensive and carries risks for foals, great need exists to develop alternative approaches for passive and active immunisation.
Greek dental students’ perceptions of treating older patients
Authors: Ioannidou Kyriaki , Kalyva Daphne , Basdeki Eirini I. , Tranoulis Ioannis , Kossioni Anastassia E.
Published: February 2022

Background and aim

The oral problems of the older population are largely undertreated because of various barriers, including negative perceptions and ageist stereotypes, among care providers. The aim of this study was to record the perceptions of Greek dental students of treating older patients.

Materials and methods

An anonymous written questionnaire including two open‐ended questions about the positive and negative issues when treating older patients was administered to clinical dental students. A content analysis was conducted to identify the main themes.

Results

A total of 135 students responded to the questionnaire (response rate 88.23%). Five key themes were identified for the facilitating factors and six for the barriers/challenging factors. The facilitating factors of treating older people were the promotion of the patients’ health and quality of life, the good interaction and communication with older patients, the dentist's intrinsic reward treating older people, the positive feedback from the patients and the improvement of professional dental competences when treating complex cases. The barriers included communication and cooperation problems, treatment challenges related to disease and disability, patients’ negative beliefs about oral health, barriers to accessing dental care, complex and time‐consuming treatment plans, and communication and cooperation problems with the patients’ carers.

Conclusion

A range of facilitating and challenging factors influence dental students’ perceptions of treating older patients. More research is necessary on the methods that will enhance their geriatric knowledge and skills, help them overcome the challenges they detected and improve their attitudes and behaviours towards treating older patients.
Simple screening models for cognitive impairment in community settings: The IRIDE Cohort Study
Authors: Abe Takumi , Kitamura Akihiko , Yamashita Mari , Kim Hunkyung , Obuchi Shuichi P. , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Awata Shuichi , Toba Kenji ,   IRIDE Cohort Study investigators
Published: February 2022

Aim

Community settings often need simple screening, rather than detailed tests, to identify cognitive impairment. This study aimed to develop models to screen older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods

This study used data from the Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia Cohort Study and included 5830 older adults. Individuals were considered cognitively impaired if their Mini‐Mental State Examination score was less than 24. Three screening models were developed: the simple model (age, sex, and education), the base model comprising 13 candidate variables available in the questionnaire, and the enhanced model, where grip strength and gait speed were added to the base model. We performed binary logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination (P < 0.1 for retention in the model) to develop each model. Then, we calculated integer scores from coefficients to develop score‐based models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate discrimination.

Results

Participants with cognitive impairment accounted for 4.0% (n = 233) of the total. The score‐based simple model comprised three variables (AUC = 0.72, sensitivity: 72%, specificity: 61%). The score‐based base model included nine variables (AUC = 0.76, sensitivity: 70%, specificity: 67%). The score‐based enhanced model comprised eight variables, including grip strength and gait speed (AUC = 0.79, sensitivity: 73%, specificity: 70%).

Conclusions

This study developed three screening models with acceptable discriminant validity for cognitive impairment. These models comprised simple questionnaire‐based items and common physical performance measurements. These models could enable screening of older adults suspected of cognitive impairment without the need to conduct cognitive tests in community settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 292–297.
ERNST TOLLER'S FILM PROJECTS
Authors: Schönfeld Christiane
Published: February 2022

This article examines Ernst Toller's ambivalent relationship to film as a medium and to cinema as a place of mass entertainment. It focuses particularly on Toller's own film projects and his hope for cinema as an effective contributor to the public sphere, while tracing his time in Hollywood as an exile from Nazi Germany. Toller had two film scenarios in his luggage when he moved to New York – ‘Betsy James’ (later entitled ‘Lola Montez’ and, finally, ‘Heavenly Sinner’) and ‘Der Weg nach Indien’ – but neither project came to fruition. Based on surviving manuscripts, newspaper articles and Toller's correspondence with other exiles in the US and friends abroad (such as the leader of the Indian independence movement Jawaharlal Nehru and the Irish writer Denis Johnston), this article pieces together his engagement with the medium and the industry, and highlights film as an integral aspect of Toller's work in exile.
The vaccinia‐based Sementis Copenhagen Vector coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine induces broad and durable cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Eldi Preethi , Cooper Tamara H , Prow Natalie A , Liu Liang , Heinemann Gary K , Zhang Voueleng J , Trinidad Abigail D , Guzman‐Genuino Ruth Marian , Wulff Peter , Hobbs Leanne M , Diener Kerrilyn R , Hayball John D
Published: February 2022

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic perpetuated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants has highlighted the continued need for broadly protective vaccines that elicit robust and durable protection. Here, the vaccinia virus‐based, replication‐defective Sementis Copenhagen Vector (SCV) was used to develop a first‐generation COVID‐19 vaccine encoding the spike glycoprotein (SCV‐S). Vaccination of mice rapidly induced polyfunctional CD8 T cells with cytotoxic activity and robust type 1 T helper‐biased, spike‐specific antibodies, which are significantly increased following a second vaccination, and contained neutralizing activity against the alpha and beta variants of concern. Longitudinal studies indicated that neutralizing antibody activity was maintained up to 9 months after vaccination in both young and middle‐aged mice, with durable immune memory evident even in the presence of pre‐existing vector immunity. Therefore, SCV‐S vaccination has a positive immunogenicity profile, with potential to expand protection generated by current vaccines in a heterologous boost format and presents a solid basis for second‐generation SCV‐based COVID‐19 vaccine candidates incorporating additional SARS‐CoV‐2 immunogens.
Interplay of poverty, remittances and human capital development: Panel evidence from selected Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Aregbeshola Rafiu Adewale
Published: February 2022

The positive effects of remittances on various macroeconomic indicators have been documented in literature. While a few studies investigated these effects on poverty alleviation, a few others have focused on access to technology and education. However, most of the studies deploy single indicator, while a few others concentrated on specific countries. This study improves on literature by deploying composite index, to examine the effects of remittances on human capital development in selected 18 African countries. The study found that remittances improve the joint measures of human capital development, and its effects on access to education were meaningful. The study thus suggests optimal utilisation of remittances and fiscal stabilisation to leverage the effects of remittances in improving quality of lives in the recipient countries.
Automated information extraction from free‐text medical documents for stroke key performance indicators: a pilot study
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Gluck Sam , Koblar Simon , Jannes Jim , Kleinig Timothy
Published: February 2022

Automated information extraction might be able to assist with the collection of stroke key performance indicators (KPI). The feasibility of using natural language processing for classification‐based KPI and datetime field extraction was assessed. Using free‐text discharge summaries, random forest models achieved high levels of performance in classification tasks (area under the receiver operator curve 0.95–1.00). The datetime field extraction method was successful in 29 of 43 (67.4%) cases. Further studies are indicated.
Is there a ‘weekend effect’ on mortality among hospitalised patients in an internal medicine ward? A retrospective study
Authors: Lavie Inbar , Lavie Michael , Dayan Ofek , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Yahav Dafna , Kozlovski Dror , Avni Tomer
Published: February 2022

Background

Previous studies demonstrated a ‘weekend effect’ and a ‘night effect’ of increased mortality among patients admitted during weekends or night shifts, presumably due to understaffing.

Aims

To examine whether death during hospitalisation follows a similar effect regardless of admission time.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study among deceased patients hospitalised in the internal medicine wing of a tertiary medical centre in Israel, between 2019 and 2020. Demographic and medical data were retrieved from electronic medical charts. Causes of death were specifically categorised. We applied statistical models to test for differences in mortality using incidence rate ratio (IRR) according to the day, time and cause of death.

Results

One thousand, two hundred and seventy‐eight deceased patients were included. All‐cause mortality was similar between weekends and weekdays. When sepsis was the cause of death, higher IRR were demonstrated on Fridays in comparison with weekdays (IRR 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.9; P < 0.05). Other causes of death were not consistent with a ‘weekend effect’. Mortality during night shifts was higher in comparison with the afternoon (IRR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3–4.7) and similar to the morning (IRR 1; 95% CI 0.9–1.2).

Conclusion

Our study did not find a pattern of ‘weekend effect’ or ‘night effect’ on all‐cause mortality among hospitalised patients in internal medicine wards. Our findings suggest that perhaps specifically death from sepsis, and not all‐cause mortality, can be used as a surrogate for the measurement of understaffing or quality of care in the internal ward.
Short‐ and long‐term consequences of collaboration between Northern European Red dairy and dual‐purpose cattle
Authors: Schmidtmann Christin , Slagboom Margot , Sørensen Anders Christian , Hinrichs Dirk , Thaller Georg , Kargo Morten
Published: February 2022

In Northern European countries, a great variety of Red cattle populations exists which can be broadly categorized in two groups: specialized dairy and dual‐purpose breeds. Collaboration between these breeds (i.e. the exchange of sires across breeds) can be beneficial but is limited so far. The aim of this study was to demonstrate and evaluate consequences of collaboration between Red breeds using stochastic simulations. Two breeding lines (dairy type and dual purpose) were simulated. As a special aspect of this study, differences in genetic levels of breeding traits (milk production, beef production, mastitis resistance, fertility, feed efficiency) have been taken into account. Various scenarios were investigated where across‐breed selection was either restricted or allowed and with different correlations between breeding goals in the two lines. The results of this study were influenced by the different genetic levels in breeding traits only in the first years of simulation. In the long run, the breed differences did not affect the degree of collaboration between lines. When the correlation between breeding goals was close to unity, the selection of external bulls was highly beneficial in terms of genetic gain and total monetary gain. Additionally, the lowest rate of inbreeding was found in that case. With decreasing correlations between environments, degree of cooperation between lines rapidly terminated and lines operated individually. In last years of simulation, cooperation was only found when the correlation between breeding goals was close to unity. From a long‐term perspective, the exchange of breeding sires across lines also caused negative effects. In the dual‐purpose line, deterioration of genetic gain in mastitis resistance and fertility was observed. Additionally, breeding lines genetically converged, which decreased genetic diversity. Collectively, short‐term benefits and long‐term negative effects have to be reconciled if collaboration between Red breeds in Northern Europe is to be pursued.
A mean‐field game approach to equilibrium pricing in solar renewable energy certificate markets
Authors: Shrivats Arvind V. , Firoozi Dena , Jaimungal Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) markets are a market‐based system that incentivizes solar energy generation. A regulatory body overseeing load serving entities imposes a lower bound on the amount of energy each regulated firm must generate via solar means, providing them with a tradeable certificate for each MWh generated. Firms seek to navigate the market optimally by modulating their SREC generation and trading rates. As such, the SREC market can be viewed as a stochastic game, where agents interact through the SREC price. We study this stochastic game by solving the mean‐field game (MFG) limit with subpopulations of heterogeneous agents. Market participants optimize costs accounting for trading frictions, cost of generation, nonlinear noncompliance costs, and generation uncertainty. Moreover, we endogenize SREC price through market clearing. We characterize firms' optimal controls as the solution of McKean–Vlasov (MV) forward‐backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) and determine the equilibrium SREC price. We establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution to this MV‐FBSDE, and prove that the MFG strategies form an ‐Nash equilibrium for the finite player game. Finally, we develop a numerical scheme for solving the MV‐FBSDEs and conduct a simulation study.
Experimental functional shift–induced osteoarthritis‐like changes at the TMJ and altered integrin expression in a rat model
Authors: Zou Yuchun , Cai Senxin , Lin Hanyu , Cai Jingwen , Zheng Da‐Li , Lu You‐Guang , Xu Linyu
Published: February 2022

Mandibular deviation affects the biomechanical environment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and causes thinning of cartilage on the deviated side. We aimed to evaluate, using a rat model, the effect of mandibular functional deviation on the TMJ in relation to the functional roles of integrin β family members. The effects of experimental functional deviation on the TMJ of 6‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley female rats, randomly assigned to control (n = 42) and experimental groups (n = 42), were evaluated at 3 days and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks by histological staining, immunofluorescence, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and micro‐computed tomography. The results showed that the experimental functional shift changed the shape of condyles, thinned the cartilage, and increased the proportion of the hypertrophic layer on the deviated sides of condyles. In addition, the extracellular matrix of the condyle cartilage exhibited degradation at 1 week and subchondral trabecular bone was lost at 4 and 8 weeks. Osteoarthritis (OA)‐like changes occurred in the left and right condyles of rats in the experimental group and were aggravated over time. Integrin β family expression, especially integrin β2, was altered from week 1, possibly related to the OA‐like changes. These data may provide insight into the onset of TMJ OA.
ALDH3A1 overexpression in OSCC inhibits inflammation via phospho‐Ser727 at STAT3 in tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Wang Boyuan , He Ying , Wang Bin , Li Jing , Qin Lizheng
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Cancer‐related inflammation (CRI) significantly increases the difficulty of treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and remains a major treatment challenge. Our objective was to determine whether tumor ALDH3A1 could attenuate OSCC tumorigenesis by inhibiting tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) that promoted CRI.

Materials and Methods

ALDH3A1 in Cal27 cells was overexpressed, and the tumor‐conditioned medium (TCM) was collected. We induced THP‐1 cells with TCM and recombinant human IL‐6. The phosphorylation of STAT3 and the TLR4/TRAF6/TBK1 cascade reaction in TAMs was analyzed using Western blotting, and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production was measured using a MitoSox kit. A tumorigenicity assay was performed to examine the tumor volume and weight, and the expression of CD68, CD11b, IL‐6, Ki67, and CD31 was analyzed via immunohistochemistry.

Results

ALDH3A1 attenuated STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 rapidly and mtROS production earlier in TAMs via inhibiting TLR4/TRAF6/TBK1 cascade reaction. MtROS reduction inhibited IL‐1β and IL‐8 secretions by NLRP3/caspase‐1/IL‐1β/IL‐8 pathway. Meanwhile, the inhibition of pro‐tumor phenotypes of TAMs, tumor proliferation, and tumor angiogenesis during the process was proved in vivo.

Conclusion

ALDH3A1 was associated closely with CRI and inhibited CRI regulated by TAMs. This finding may achieve clinical transformation and open new therapeutic options for targeting CRI regulated by TAMs.