bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of non‐syndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in a Middle‐Eastern population
Authors: Mohamad Janan , Samuelov Liat , Malchin Natalia , Rabinowitz Tom , Assaf Sari , Malki Liron , Malovitski Kiril , Israeli Shirli , Grafi‐Cohen Meital , Bitterman‐Deutsch Ora , Molho‐Pessach Vered , Cohen‐Barak Eran , Bach Gideon , Garty Ben Zion , Bergman Reuven , Harel Avikam , Nanda Arti , Lestringant Giles G. , McGrath John , Shalev Stavit , Shomron Noam , Mashiah Jacob , Eskin‐Schwartz Marina , Sprecher Eli , Sarig Ofer
Published: March 2021

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a rare and heterogeneous skin cornification disorder presenting with generalized scaling and varying degrees of erythema. Clinical manifestations range from lamellar ichthyosis (LI), congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE) through the most severe form of ARCI, Harlequin ichthyosis (HI). We used homozygosity mapping, whole‐exome and direct sequencing to delineate the relative distribution of pathogenic variants as well as identify genotype‐phenotype correlations in a cohort of 62 Middle Eastern families with ARCI of various ethnic backgrounds. Pathogenic variants were identified in most ARCI‐associated genes including TGM1 (21%), CYP4F22 (18%), ALOX12B (14%), ABCA12 (10%), ALOXE3 (6%), NIPAL4 (5%), PNPLA1 (3%), LIPN (2%) and SDR9C7 (2%). In 19% of cases, no mutation was identified. Our cohort revealed a higher prevalence of CYP4F22 and ABCA12 pathogenic variants and a lower prevalence of TGM1 and NIPAL4 variants, as compared to data obtained in other regions of the world. Most variants (89%) in ALOX12B were associated with CIE and were the most common cause of ARCI among patients of Muslim origin (26%). Palmoplantar keratoderma associated with fissures was exclusively a result of pathogenic variants in TGM1. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort study of ARCI in the Middle‐Eastern population reported to date. Our data demonstrate the importance of population‐tailored mutation screening strategies and shed light upon specific genotype‐phenotype correlations.
Neutrosophic game pricing methods with risk aversion for pricing of data products
Authors: Luo Suizhi , Xing Lining
Published: March 2021

With the progressive development of satellite image data products, their pricing strategies become more and more important for enterprises to earn profits. The objective of this study is to explore several game pricing methods with risk aversion for pricing of data products in neutrosophic environments. First, to reflect the uncertainty of problem parameters, the idea of neutrosophic variables is adopted. With the aid of neutrosophic variables, the truth, indeterminacy and falsity degrees of players can be intuitively and conveniently obtained. Subsequently, considering the risk aversion of decision makers, the optimistic value theory is introduced into neutrosophic variables for calculating the optimistic value of player's profits. Then, different pricing models are constructed under the Bertrand and Stackelberg game scenarios, respectively. After deriving the corresponding equilibrium equations, some numerical instances are provided to testify the feasibility of our methods. Furthermore, the influences of dissimilar market power structures are examined. Finally, the effects of seven problem parameters and players' confidence levels on pricing results are investigated through sensitivity analyses. The results show that the proposed methods are practicable and can offer guidance for the pricing decision of data products.
A century of social wasp occupancy trends from natural history collections: spatiotemporal resolutions have little effect on model performance
Authors: Jönsson Galina M. , Broad Gavin R. , Sumner Seirian , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: March 2021

The current dearth of long‐term insect population trends is a major obstacle to conservation. Occupancy models have been proposed as a solution, but it remains unclear whether they can yield long‐term trends from natural history collections, since specimen records are normally very sparse. A common approach for sparse data is to coarsen its spatial and/or temporal resolution, although coarsening risks violating model assumptions.

We (i) test whether occupancy trends of three social wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae) species – the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and the European hornet (Vespa crabro) – have changed in England between 1900 and 2016, and (ii) test the effect of spatiotemporal resolution on the performance of occupancy models using very sparse data. All models are based on an integrated dataset of occurrence records and natural history collection specimen records.

We show that occupancy models can yield long‐term species‐specific trends from very sparse natural history collection specimens. We present the first quantitative trends for three Vespinae species in England over 116 years. Vespula vulgaris and V. germanica show stable trends over the time series, whilst V. crabro's occupancy decreased from 1950 to 1970 and increased since 1970. Moreover, we show that spatiotemporal resolution has little effect on model performance, although coarsening the spatial grain is an appropriate method for achieving enough records to estimate long‐term changes.

With the increasing availability of biological records, the model formulation used here has the potential to provide novel insights by making use of natural history collections' unique specimen assemblages.
Making sense of (mis)matched frames of reference: A dynamic cognitive theory of (in)stability in HR practices
Authors: Budd John W. , Pohler Dionne , Huang Wei
Published: March 2021

By returning to an old insight that frames of reference influence action, we theorize that actors’ frames influence their desired HR practices, and these practices will be stable if managers and employees share similar frames. When actors’ frames are mismatched, however, HR practices can violate employee expectations and trigger a sensemaking process, potentially leading to framing contests and conflict. We hypothesize predicted patterns of conflict and expected outcomes depending on the nature of the mismatched frames. Allowing for mismatched frames uniquely highlights the importance of recognizing managers’ and employees’ frames for understanding HR outcomes and conflicts observed in practice.
A game of information security investment considering security insurance and complementary information assets
Authors: Qian Xiaofei , Yang Wujuan , Pei Jun , Liu Xinbao , Pardalos Panos M.
Published: March 2021

Considering information security insurance, this paper investigates an information security investment game between two firms with complementary information assets. Each firm's information security investment and expected profit in Nash equilibrium (i.e., firms make decisions individually) and social optimum (i.e., firms make decisions jointly) are analyzed through rigorous theoretical analyses and numerical examples. We find that making decisions jointly will make the two firms as a whole obtain more profits than when they make decisions alone, whereas this does not mean that each firm will benefit from the joint decision‐making process. Our results show that a firm yields a smaller expected profit in the joint decision game than the individual decision game under some conditions. In addition, the impacts of a higher insurance price and a higher investment efficiency on a firm's information security investment and expected profit are explored. The results indicate that, for a single firm, a higher insurance price does not necessarily result in smaller profit, and a higher investment efficiency does not always lead to larger profit. Then we design a compensation‐based contract to coordinate the two firms’ information security investments when they make decisions individually. The contract will make the two firms achieve social optimum and ensure that each firm yields more profits than firms without the contract. Finally, we extend our research by setting the insurance amount as a decision variable to verify the above analyses.
LUCAT1 as an oncogene in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by targeting miR‐375 expression
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Qibao , Zhong Bo , Gong Zuode
Published: March 2021

Emerging studies suggested that lncRNAs play a crucial molecular role in cancer development and progression. LncRNA LUCAT1 has been proved as oncogenic molecular in lung cancer, glioma, osteosarcoma, renal carcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, its roles and function mechanisms in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) are still unknown. We showed that the expression of LUCAT1 was up‐regulated in the TSCC cells and tissues and the higher LUCAT1 expression was associated with the poor overall survival (OS). Knockdown expression of LUCAT1 suppressed TSCC cell proliferation, cycle and migration. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐375 overexpression inhibited the luciferase activity of LUCAT1 wild‐type and knockdown LUCAT1 promoted the miR‐375 expression in TSCC cell. Furthermore, we indicated that miR‐375 expression was down‐regulated in the TSCC cell lines and tissues and the lower expression of miR‐375 was associated with poor OS. The expression of miR‐375 was inversely correlated with LUCAT1 expression in the TSCC tissues. Knockdown LUCAT1 promoted TSCC cell proliferation, cell cycle and migration partly through regulating miR‐375 expression. In summary, this study suggested the tumorigenic effect of lncRNA LUCAT1 in TSCC cells by targeting miR‐375 expression.
RAGE: A potential therapeutic target during FGF1 treatment of diabetes‐mediated liver injury
Authors: Zheng Peipei , Tang Zonghao , Xiong Jun , Wang Beini , Xu Jingyu , Chen Lulu , Cai Shufang , Wu Chengbiao , Ye Libing , Xu Ke , Chen Zimiao , Wu Yanqing , Xiao Jian
Published: March 2021

As a serious metabolic disease, diabetes causes series of complications that seriously endanger human health. The liver is a key organ for metabolizing glucose and lipids, which substantially contributes to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Exogenous fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) has a great potential for the treatment of diabetes. Receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a receptor for advanced glycation end products that involved in the development of diabetes‐triggered complications. Previous study has demonstrated that FGF1 significantly ameliorates diabetes‐mediated liver damage (DMLD). However, whether RAGE is involved in this process is still unknown. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected db/db mice with 0.5 mg/kg FGF1. We confirmed that FGF1 treatment not only significantly ameliorates diabetes‐induced elevated apoptosis in the liver, but also attenuates diabetes‐induced inflammation, then contributes to ameliorate liver dysfunction. Moreover, we found that diabetes triggers the elevated RAGE in hepatocytes, and FGF1 treatment blocks it, suggesting that RAGE may be a key target during FGF1 treatment of diabetes‐induced liver injury. Thus, we further confirmed the role of RAGE in FGF1 treatment of AML12 cells under high glucose condition. We found that D‐ribose, a RAGE agonist, reverses the protective role of FGF1 in AML12 cells. These findings suggest that FGF1 ameliorates diabetes‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis and elevated inflammation via suppressing RAGE pathway. These results suggest that RAGE may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DMLD.
Dynamic changes in metabolic health status in Chinese adults: Multiple population‐based surveys in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yang Yihui , Li Yanyun , Pei Jianfeng , Cheng Minna , Xu Wanghong , Shi Yan
Published: March 2021

Aims/introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has been increasing worldwide. The secular change in MS components, however, remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the dynamic change in metabolic health status in Chinese adults.

Materials and methods

Three population‐based surveys using multistage stratified sampling were performed in Chinese aged 35–74 years in Shanghai in 2002–2003 (n = 12,302), 2009 (n = 7,400), and 2017 (n = 19,023). MS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian‐Americans. Generalized Estimating Equations and Cochran‐Armitage Trend Test was used to assess the prevalence trend over the years.

Results

The prevalence of MS doubled in Chinese adults over the period (P for trend < 0.001). The largest increase occurred in younger men. Among MS components, the prevalence of high waist‐circumference (HWC), high blood glucose (HBG) and high blood pressure (HBP) increased in all subjects, whereas the prevalence of high triglycerides (HTG) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LHC) increased in men but decreased in women. The increase in HBP contributed most to elevated MS, followed by HBG and HWC, resulting in the HBP‐HBG‐HWC the most common cluster of MS components. Metabolically unhealthy overweight also grew over the period.

Conclusions

Metabolic health status has been exacerbating in Chinese adults and may increase burden of non‐communicable diseases.
Curative value of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for submucosally invasive colorectal cancer
Authors: Fukuda Hiromu , Takeuchi Yoji , Shoji Ayaka , Miyake Muneaki , Matsueda Katsunori , Inoue Takahiro , Waki Kotaro , Shimamoto Yusaku , Kono Mitsuhiro , Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Nakahira Hiroko , Matsuura Noriko , Shichijo Satoki , Maekawa Akira , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Occasionally, colorectal tumors without characteristics of deep submucosal invasion are found to be invasive upon pathological evaluation after endoscopic resection (ER). Because the resection depth for underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has not been clarified, we evaluated the feasibility of UEMR for pathologically invasive colorectal cancer (pT1‐CRC).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated data on the backgrounds and outcomes of patients with pT1‐CRC who underwent UEMR between January 2014 and June 2019 at our institute. As a reference standard, the backgrounds and outcomes of pT1‐CRCs that had undergone conventional EMR (CEMR) were also investigated.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (median age, 68 years [range, 32–88 years]; 22 men [71%]) were treated with UEMR. Median lesion size was 17 mm (range, 6–50 mm). The endoscopic complete resection rate was 100%. The overall en bloc resection rate was 77%, and the VM0, HM0, and R0 resection rates were 81%, 58%, and 55%, respectively. In cases of pT1a (invasion <1000 μm)‐CRC (n = 14), the en bloc, VM0, and R0 resection rates were 92%, 100%, and 71%, respectively. Seventeen patients (five with risk factors for lymph node metastasis and 12 without) were followed up, and no local recurrence and distant metastasis were observed during the follow‐up period (median follow‐up period, 18 months [range, 6–62 months]) after UEMR. The outcomes of UEMR seemed to be comparable with those of CEMR (n = 32).

Conclusions

The VM0 rate of UEMR for pT1‐CRC, especially for pT1a‐CRC, without characteristics of deep submucosal invasion seems feasible.
The nutritional management of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A national survey of dietitians
Authors: White Sean , Zarotti Nicolò , Beever Daniel , Bradburn Mike , Norman Paul , Coates Elizabeth , Stavroulakis Theocharis , White David , McGeachan Alexander , Williams Isobel , Hackney Gemma , Halliday Vanessa , McDermott Christopher ,   The HighCALS group
Published: March 2021

Background

People living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) face many challenges with respect to taking adequate nutrition. Growing evidence links weight loss with negative prognostic outcomes. We aimed to explore the practice of dietitians in the UK with regard to the nutritional management of ALS.

Methods

A national online survey was disseminated via professional groups, social media and newsletters to UK healthcare professionals between September and November 2018. The survey examined the nutritional management of ALS. Dietitian responses are reported in the present study.

Results

In total, 130 dietitians responded to the survey. Two‐thirds reported that ALS comprised less than 20% of their total patient caseload. Forty‐two percent reported that nutritional screening took place in their organisation. One‐half of dietitians reported that patients were referred for dietetic assessment at ‘about the right time’, although 44% reported referrals were made too late. The majority (83%) of dietitians used resting energy expenditure predictive equations not validated in ALS. When setting weight goals, dietitians reported most frequently recommending weight maintenance if the patient’s body mass index was 18.5–25 kg m−2 (72%), 25–30 kg m−2 (98%), and > 30 kg m−2 (79%). In addition, 43% reported that people with ALS were not weighed sufficiently frequently.

Conclusions

Although the importance of early nutritional assessment is recognised, the timeliness of dietetic input and on‐going monitoring of nutritional status in ALS care might not currently be ideal. Dietitians report using energy requirement predictive equations and setting weight goals that may not promote positive outcomes. Further research is required to understand the optimal nutritional management of ALS.
Characterisation of worn WC tool using STEM‐EDS aided by principal component analysis
Authors: Lazar Isac , Lindvall Rebecka , Lenrick Filip , Bushlya Volodymyr , Ek Martin
Published: March 2021

Interdiffusion and chemical reactions contribute to tool wear in metal machining. Increased understanding of these processes, through characterisation of worn tools, can facilitate design of more resilient materials through chemical and diffusional passivation. However, the unknown reaction conditions, the large number of elements, and the formation of interspersed phases makes for a complex analysis. Here, we demonstrate the use of scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy for characterising the interaction layer between a titanium alloy and a cemented carbide tool. Principal component analysis is used to find chemical correlations and help separate signals from embedded phases. Crucially, we evaluate the required X‐ray count statistics from simulated spectrum images and theory prior to the experiment. We find no indications of intermediate phases between the original WC and the metallic W interaction layer. Furthermore, we find enrichment of minor constituents in the titanium alloy closest to the tool which alter the solubility of out‐diffusing species, suggesting strong interrelations between the diffusion processes.
Myofascial Pelvic Pain: An Overlooked and Treatable Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Ross Vanessa , Detterman Carly , Hallisey Anastasia
Published: March 2021

Myofascial pelvic pain is a common, nonarticular musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points in the lower abdominal wall and/or pelvic floor muscles. Myofascial pelvic pain is involved in an estimated 22% to 94% of cases of chronic pelvic pain, which is one of the most common gynecologic conditions in the United States. Myofascial pelvic pain may exist independently or in conjunction with disorders such as vaginismus, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis and is frequently a causative factor in sexual pain or dyspareunia. This article reviews the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment options for myofascial pelvic pain, with a particular focus on trigger point injections. Increased recognition and treatment of this commonly overlooked diagnosis has the potential to improve care and outcomes for many patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain.
89% Vichy mineralizing water with hyaluronic acid is a well‐tolerated adjunct treatment that helps restore skin barrier function in dry skin‐related inflammatory dermatoses and post‐procedure skin care: A Canadian study
Authors: Hong Chih‐Ho , Schachter Jordana , Sutton Allison B. , Salsberg Jennifer M. , Li Monica K. , Humphrey Shannon D. , Dayeh Nour R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Minéral 89 (M89), comprised of 89% Vichy mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid, has been formulated to help strengthen and restore skin barrier.

Aim

Assess tolerance and efficacy of M89 in post‐esthetic procedures and dry skin‐related facial dermatoses.

Method

Adults post‐esthetic procedure or presenting with inflammatory dermatoses (47 subjects; mean age 40.9 ± 13.2 years; any Fitzpatrick or skin phototype), applied M89 for 4 weeks, once or twice daily, as an adjuvant treatment. Information on clinical signs and subject‐reported symptoms, skin characteristics, tolerance, and subject and investigator satisfaction were collected.

Results

Following 4 weeks of M89 use, significant decreases with complete resolution of erythema (27.6%), desquamation (29.8%), irritation (32%), and skin dehydration (35.8%), as compared to baseline signs and symptoms, were observed. Overall grading improvements for erythema (84.8%; p < 0.001), desquamation (91.7%; %; p < 0.003), irritation (91.7%; %; p < 0.015), and skin hydration (46.2%; p < 0.015) were noted. There was no significant improvement in papules and pustules. Evaluation of subjective signs demonstrated significant decreases in skin sensations such as burning (−73%; p < 0.0001), itching (−71%; p < 0.0001), stinging‐tingling (−66.7%; p < 0.0001), as well as in skin dryness (−60%; p < 0.0001). M89 texture was rated very pleasant by 90% of patients. Investigators assessed M89 tolerance to be either good or very good (93%), and satisfactory or highly satisfactory impact on patient's skin (91.5%).

Conclusion

M89 is a highly tolerable adjuvant treatment that significantly improved clinical signs and symptoms related to a compromised skin barrier in various facial dermatoses and post‐aesthetic procedures.
Initial Development of a Situation‐based Measure of Emerging Adults’ Social Competence in their Same‐gender Friendships
Authors: Kirmayer Miriam H. , Khullar Thomas H. , Dirks Melanie A.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the development of a situation‐based tool to assess emerging adults’ social competence with same‐gender friends, providing information about (1) challenges occurring in these relationships, (2) the behaviors used to manage these situations, and (3) the perceived effectiveness of these strategies. Undergraduates (N = 747; 409 women; Mage = 20.16, SD = 1.43) participated in five studies. Transgressions, conflicts of interest, and support situations emerged as key challenges, and emerging adults reported using aggressive, assertive, avoidant, and apologizing behaviors to manage these situations. In general, apologizing and assertive behaviors were judged more effective than aggressive or avoidant behaviors. Results yielded the Inventory of Friendship Challenges for Emerging Adults (IFCEA), which showed expected associations with measures of interpersonal behavior.
Growth of the harmful alga,Prymnesium parvum(Prymnesiophyceae), after gradual and abrupt increases in salinity
Authors: Richardson Emily T. , Patiño Reynaldo
Published: March 2021

Prymnesium parvumis a euryhaline, toxin‐producing microalga. Although its abundance in inland waters and growth potential in the laboratory is reduced at high salinity (>20), the ability of inland strains to adjust their growth after long‐term residence in high salinity is uncertain. An inland strain ofP. parvummaintained at salinity of 5 in modified artificial seawater medium (ASM‐5) was subjected to the following treatments over five sequential batch culture rounds: ASM‐5 (control); modified ASM at salinity of 30, raised with NaCl; modified ASM at salinity incrementally increased to 30 with NaCl; and Instant Ocean®at salinity of 30 (IO‐30). Exponential growth rate (r) was reduced when salinity was increased from 5 to 30 in ASM but returned to control values during the second round. When salinity was incrementally increased, a reduction inrstill occurred when salinity reached 25‐30. Maximum density was reduced at salinity of 30 in ASM upon abrupt transfer or incremental increase, and compensation did not occur. Growth performance in IO‐30 was comparable to control values. In conclusion, (i) long‐term compensation for acute inhibitory effects of high salinity occurred forrbut not maximum density, (ii) incremental increases in salinity did not prevent growth inhibition, suggesting the existence of a salinity threshold of 25–30 for onset of salinity stress, and (iii) the presence of a seawater‐like salt mixture prevented growth inhibition by high salinity. These findings provide new insights onP. parvum's long‐term ability to adjust its growth in environments of different salinity and ionic composition.
Local tissue effects and peri‐implant bone healing induced by implant surface treatment: an in vivo study in the sheep
Authors: Rousseau Nicolas , Msolli Inès , Chabrand Patrick , Destainville Arnaud , Richart Olivier , Milan Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess, through biological analysis, the local effects and osseointegration of dental implants incorporating surface micro/nanofeatures compared with implants of identical design without surface treatment.

Background

Known to impact bone cell behavior, surface chemical and topography modifications target improved osseointegration and long‐term success of dental implants. Very few studies assess the performance of implants presenting both micro‐ and nanofeatures in vivo on the animal models used in preclinical studies for medical device certification.

Methods

Implant surfaces were characterized in terms of topography and surface chemical composition. After 4 weeks and 13 weeks of implantation in sheep femoral condyles, forty implants were evaluated through micro‐computed tomography, histopathologic, and histomorphometric analyses.

Results

No local adverse effects were observed around implants. Histomorphometric analyses showed significantly higher bone‐to‐implant contact in the coronal region of the surface‐treated implant at week 4 and week 13, respectively, was 79.3 ± 11.2% and 86.4 ± 6.7%, compared with the untreated implants (68.3 ± 8.8% and 74.8 ± 13%). Micro‐computed tomography analyses revealed that healing patterns differed between coronal and apical regions, with higher coronal bone‐to‐implant contact at week 13. Histopathologic results showed, at week 13, bone healing around the surface‐treated implant with undistinguishable defect margins, while the untreated implant still presented bone condensation and traces of the initial drill defect.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the surface‐treated implant not only shows no deleterious effects on local tissues but also promotes faster bone healing around the implant.
Going with the cognitive (load theory) flow
Authors: Sewell Justin L.
Published: March 2021

The author discusses how cognitive load theory can inform conceptualization and future studies of cognitive flow within healthcare settings.
Three‐dimensional microvascular network reconstruction from in vivo images with adaptation of the regional inhomogeneity in the signal‐to‐noise ratio
Authors: Sugashi Takuma , Yuki Hiroya , Niizawa Tomoya , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Kanno Iwao , Masamoto Kazuto
Published: March 2021

Objective

Quantification of angiographic images with two‐photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (2PLSM) relies on proper segmentation of the vascular images. However, the images contain inhomogeneities in the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) arising from regional effects of light scattering and absorption. The present study developed a semiautomated quantification method for volume images of 2PLSM angiography by adjusting the binarization threshold according to local SNR along the vessel centerlines.

Methods

A phantom model made with fluorescent microbeads was used to incorporate a region‐dependent binarization threshold.

Results

The recommended SNR for imaging was found to be 4.2–10.6 that provide the true size of imaged objects if the binarization threshold was fixed at 50% of SNR. However, angiographic images in the mouse cortex showed variable SNR up to 45 over the depths. To minimize the errors caused by variable SNR and a spatial extent of the imaged objects in an axial direction, the microvascular networks were three‐dimensionally reconstructed based on the cross‐sectional diameters measured along the vessel centerline from the XY‐plane images with adapted binarization threshold. The arterial volume was relatively constant over depths of 0–500 µm, and the capillary volume (1.7% relative to the scanned volume) showed the larger volumes than the artery (0.8%) and vein (0.6%).

Conclusions

The present methods allow consistent segmentation of microvasculature by adapting the local inhomogeneity in the SNR, which will be useful for quantitative comparison of the microvascular networks, such as under disease conditions where SNR in the 2PLSM images varies over space and time.
Analgesic Effects of Ultrasound‐Guided Iliohypogastric/Ilioinguinal Nerve Block Combined with Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block in Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Qiuru , Yang Yong , Yang Zhouyuan , Hu Yunlian , Zhao Xin , Chen Changjun , Kang Pengde
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks (LFCNB) and iliohypogastric/ilioinguinal nerve blocks (IHINB) on postoperative pain and functional outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) via the direct anterior approach (DAA).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing THA via the DAA between January 2019 and November 2019 were stratified into two groups based on their date of admission. Sixty‐seven patients received LFCNB and IHINB along with periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) (nerve block group), and 75 patients received PIA alone (control group). The outcomes included postoperative morphine consumption, postoperative pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the QoR‐15 score, and functional recovery measured as quadriceps strength, time to first straight leg rise, daily ambulation distance, and duration of hospitalization. The Oxford hip score and the UCLA activity level rating were assessed at 1 and 3 months after surgery. In addition, postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were also compared based on the type of incision used during surgery (traditional longitudinal or “bikini” incision).

Results

Patients in the nerve block group showed significantly lower postoperative morphine consumption, lower resting VAS scores within 12 h postoperatively, lower VAS scores during motion within 24 h postoperatively, and better QoR‐15 scores on postoperative day 1. These patients also showed significantly better functional recovery during hospitalization. At 1‐month and 3‐month outpatient follow up, the two groups showed no significant differences in Oxford hip score or UCLA activity level rating. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications. Similar results were observed when patients were stratified by type of incision, except that the duration of hospitalization was similar.

Conclusion

Compared to PIA alone, a combination of LFCNB and IHINB along with PIA can improve early pain relief, reduce morphine consumption, and accelerate functional recovery, without increasing complications after THA via the DAA.
Stepwise approach for visualization and reconstruction of pulmonary valve with intracardiac echocardiography
Authors: De Sensi Francesco , Addonisio Luigi , Miracapillo Gennaro , Breschi Marco , Cresti Alberto , Limbruno Ugo
Published: March 2021

Ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) arising from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) are the most common type of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients without structural heart disease. Radiofrequency ablation is now the gold standard of treatment in this setting due to high efficacy rates and optimal safety profile. During the last few years, the pulmonary valve (PV) and the pulmonary artery (PA) have attracted much attention as reliable sites of origin of RVOT‐type arrhythmias. In the mean while intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) has undoubtedly improved our understanding of the cardiac anatomy. Aim of this paper is to provide an illustrated step‐by‐step guide on how to use ICE with the CARTOSOUND module to visualize and reconstruct 3D shell of the RV, the PV, as well of other contiguous anatomical structures (i.e., the aortic valve and coronary arteries) to perform aware and safe ablation in this region.
Internet‐based psychological therapies: A qualitative study of National Health Service commissioners and managers views
Authors: Simon Natalie , Ploszajski Matt , Lewis Catrin , Smallman Kim , Roberts Neil P. , Kitchiner Neil J. , Brookes‐Howell Lucy , Bisson Jonathan I.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To explore in‐depth the views on Internet‐based psychological therapies and their implementation from the perspective of National Health Service (NHS) commissioners and managers.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Method

Ten NHS commissioners and managers participated in a semi‐structured, co‐produced interview. Each transcribed interview was double‐coded and thematically analysed using The Framework Method.

Results

Interviews generated three main themes. (1) Capacity issues across psychological therapy services create barriers to face‐to‐face therapies, and Internet‐based interventions offer a solution. (2) Despite reservations, there is growing acceptance of Internet‐based therapies. Different ways of connecting with patients are required, and Internet‐based treatments are accessible and empowering treatment options, with guided self‐help (GSH) preferred. Internet‐based interventions may however exclude some individuals and be a threat to the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner. (3) Successful roll‐out of Internet‐based interventions would be facilitated by a strong empirical‐ or practice‐based evidence, a national coordinated approach and timely training and supervision. Barriers to the roll‐out include digital intervention set‐up costs and delays due to NHS inflexibility.

Conclusions

The study highlights factors influencing access to Internet‐based therapies, important given the rapid evolution of e‐therapies, and particularly timely given increasing use of remote therapies due to COVID‐19 restrictions. Interviewees were open to Internet‐based approaches, particularly GSH interventions, so long as they do not compromise on therapy quality. Interviewees acknowledged implementation may be challenging, and recommendations were offered.

Practitioner points

There is a shift in practice and increasingly positive views from NHS staff around remote psychological therapies and different ways of connecting with patients, particularly since the COVID‐19 pandemic.

There is a strong preference for Internet‐based psychological interventions that are guided and that include built‐in outcome measures co‐produced with service users.

There is a need to raise awareness of the growing evidence base for Internet‐based psychological therapies, including research examining therapeutic alliance across Internet‐based and face‐to‐face therapies.

Challenges implementing Internet‐based psychological therapies include therapist resistance to changing working practices in general, and inflexibility of the NHS, and national, coordinated implementation efforts are encouraged.
Pharyngomalacia diagnosed by laryngo‐tracheo‐bronchoscopy in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Wasa Masanori , Hasegawa Hisaya , Yamada Yosuke , Mizogami Masae , Kitamura Rei
Published: March 2021

Background

Flexible fiber‐optic laryngo‐tracheo‐bronchoscopy has become widely performed in infants and neonates since the introduction of thin flexible fiberscopes. Laryngomalacia is the most common airway disease in infants causing stridor. Pharyngomalacia, termed pharyngeal occlusion during inspiration, was the second most common airway disease found in our hospital in patients that underwent laryngo‐tracheo‐bronchoscopy, but the incidence, patient characteristics, and natural course have not been reported in large numbers in Japan.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of medical records on patients admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit during the neonatal period diagnosed with pharyngomalacia between April 2009 and November 2018. Patient characteristics, concurrent airway diseases, comorbidities, and treatment were reviewed.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were diagnosed with pharyngomalacia. The median gestational age was 37.1 weeks, and the median birthweight was 2,552 g. Patients were diagnosed at a median age of 29 days, and cure was achieved at a median age of 4 months. Twenty‐eight patients had concurrent airway diseases, laryngomalacia being the most common. Continuous positive airway pressure or high flow nasal cannula was used in 34 patients.

Conclusions

In patients with pharyngomalacia, half were born preterm, and more than half had concurrent airway diseases. The onset and diagnosis were made within the first month of life in more than half of the patients, and resolution was seen mostly within the first 6 months of life. Whenever a patient is suspected of having an airway disease, the pharyngeal space should be carefully observed to diagnose pharyngomalacia.
A comparison of the usefulness of nuclear beta‐catenin in the diagnosis of desmoid‐type fibromatosis among commonly used anti‐beta‐catenin antibodies
Authors: Yamada Yosuke , Hirata Masahiro , Sakamoto Akio , Noguchi Takashi , Ito Kan , Nishida Yoshihiro , Matsuda Shuichi , Haga Hironori
Published: March 2021

Desmoid‐type fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive but non‐metastatic (myo)fibroblastic neoplasm. A hallmark of the tumor is nuclear positivity for beta‐catenin in immunohistochemistry due mostly to CTNNB1 mutations. However, a recent study has reported that even beta‐catenin ‘nuclear‐negative’ DFs can harbor CTNNB1 mutations and that the positive ratio of nuclear beta‐catenin in DF is different among antibodies. Here, we reviewed soft tissue lesions for which the possibility of DF was considered and compared the sensitivity and specificity of nuclear beta‐catenin for the diagnosis of DF among commonly used anti‐beta‐catenin antibodies, i.e., clone beta‐catenin 1, 17C2 and 14. We analyzed 26 cases of DF, 28 cases of benign fibroblastic lesions, and 27 cases of other soft tissue tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of nuclear beta‐catenin for the diagnosis of DF were different among antibodies; 54% and 98% in clone beta‐catenin 1, 85% and 84% in 17C2, and 96% and 62% in 14. IHC of LEF1 showed comparable results with IHC of beta‐catenin, with a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 76%. Additionally, when beta‐catenin 1 was used, DFs showed characteristic dotted cytoplasmic staining, often appearing as rings. Our results might be helpful for making a correct diagnosis of DF.
Functional role of piRNAs in animal models and its prospects in aquaculture
Authors: Lite Christy , Sridhar Vasisht Varsh , Sriram Swati , Juliet Melita , Arshad Aziz , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: March 2021

The recent advances in the field of aquaculture over the last decade has helped the cultured‐fish industry production sector to identify problems and choose the best approaches to achieve high‐volume production. Understanding the emerging roles of non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) in the regulation of fish physiology and health will assist in gaining knowledge on the possible applications of ncRNAs for the advancement of aquaculture. There is information available on the practical considerations of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification and ncRNAs, such as microRNA in aquaculture, for both fish and shellfish. Among the non‐coding RNAs, PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) is 24–31 bp long transcripts, which is primarily involved in silencing the germline transposons. Besides, the burgeoning reports and studies establish piRNAs' role in various aspects of biology. Till date, there are no reviews that summarize the recent findings available on piRNAs in animal models, especially on piRNAs biogenesis and biological action. To gain a better understanding and get an overview on the process of piRNA genesis among the different animals, this work reviews the literature available on the processes of piRNA biogenesis in animal models with special reference to aquatic animal model zebrafish. This review also presents a short discussion and prospects of piRNA’s application in relevance to the aquaculture industry.
How do education resources respond to the quality of local governance in Africa?
Authors: Konte Maty
Published: March 2021

We empirically investigate the extent to which weak local governance such as corruption, lack of effectiveness, and responsiveness in local government offices in Africa affects the likelihood that citizens experience educational resource challenges in their local public schools. We consider the challenges of lack of textbooks, poor school facilities, expensive school fees, teacher absenteeism, overcrowded classrooms, and poor teaching quality. Our perception‐based indicators of local governance are measured at the regional/provincial level, the smallest geographical location in our pooled Afrobarometer data set across 33 African countries. We find that local government officials' corrupt behaviors and ineffectiveness increase the local inhabitants' probability of experiencing challenges in their local public schools, even after controlling for government expenditure on education. The cross‐region analysis with instrumental variables reports that a one‐point increase in the percentage of citizens who perceived their local government officials as corrupt yields an increase that ranges between 0.4 and 0.9 in the percentage of people who face poor human or physical school resources in their local public schools. These values range between 0.2 and 0.4 for a one‐point percentage increase in the measure of local government ineffectiveness.
Watching Together: Local Media and Rural Civic Engagement*
Authors: Thompson Jack
Published: March 2021

Civic engagement involves active participation in political and nonpolitical contexts in one's community. Research consistently demonstrates that sociodemographic factors, neighborhood context, community size, and media use are all important antecedents of robust civic engagement. This paper focuses on the intersection between these latter two factors. My paper draws on multiple streams of research in the rural sociology and communication literature to develop a theoretical framework where rural individuals' use of local media promotes greater civic engagement. Using data from the 2018 Local News Survey, results show that the use of local newspapers and online news websites for local news and information leads to a higher probability of participation in local activities and local groups in one's community. However, results also show that getting local news and information from traditional formats such as local TV stations may no longer be associated with an increased probability of being an active citizen in rural communities.
Characterization of skin aging through high‐frequency ultrasound imaging as a technique for evaluating the effectiveness of anti‐aging products and procedures: A review
Authors: Vergilio Mariane Massufero , Vasques Louise Idalgo , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci
Published: March 2021

Introduction

High‐frequency ultrasound skin imaging analysis (HFUS) is a non‐invasive technique that allows a unique approach to the analysis of skin aging, as well as in evaluating the effectiveness of dermatological and cosmetic products, especially for skin rejuvenation.

Objective

To describe the impact of skin aging and different anti‐aging strategies from the perspective of high‐frequency ultrasound.

Methods

A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the skin features from different points of view such as gender (male and female), age (young skin and mature skin), and ethnicity, in addition to individual variations between body regions and daily variations.

Results

Some studies also evaluated the impact of cosmetic treatments and esthetic procedures in the skin. Parameters such as dermal thickness, echogenicity, skin texture, and subepidermal low‐echogenic band (SLEB) were analyzed. It can be concluded that there is a trend, although not unanimous in the consequences of aging on the skin, being different between men and women, plus the individual nuances resulted from each one's lifestyle and exposure to the sun.

Conclusion

As for the technique, it is concluded that high‐frequency ultrasound is an important evaluative alternative for dermatological studies and the effectiveness of anti‐aging products and treatments.
A remote access mixed reality teaching ward round
Authors: Bala Laksha , Kinross James , Martin Guy , Koizia Louis J. , Kooner Angad S. , Shimshon Gideon J. , Hurkxkens Thomas J. , Pratt Philip J. , Sam Amir H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Heterogeneous access to clinical learning opportunities and inconsistency in teaching is a common source of dissatisfaction among medical students. This was exacerbated during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with limited exposure to patients for clinical teaching.

Methods

We conducted a proof‐of‐concept study at a London teaching hospital using mixed reality (MR) technology (HoloLens2™) to deliver a remote access teaching ward round.

Results

Students unanimously agreed that use of this technology was enjoyable and provided teaching that was otherwise inaccessible. The majority of participants gave positive feedback on the MR (holographic) content used (n = 8 out of 11) and agreed they could interact with and have their questions answered by the clinician leading the ward round (n = 9). Quantitative and free text feedback from students, patients and faculty members demonstrated that this is a feasible, acceptable and effective method for delivery of clinical education.

Discussion

We have used this technology in a novel way to transform the delivery of medical education and enable consistent access to high‐quality teaching. This can now be integrated across the curriculum and will include remote access to specialist clinics and surgery. A library of bespoke MR educational resources will be created for future generations of medical students and doctors to use on an international scale.
Pedagogical cliff‐jumping
Authors: Robert William
Published: March 2021

This article chronicles how Introduction to the Study of Religion has become my favorite course to teach. In it, I narrate my process of pedagogical reinvention and syllabus redesign. Framed by professional and personal backstories, I share my pedagogical desires, list some pedagogical cues I took, and articulate pedagogical decisions and associated wagers. (Along the way, I draw on a range of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and pedagogical materials as guides.) Then I tell how my Intro course realized these elements in its design and its execution. By doing so, I make a case for taking pedagogical risks and for reinventing Intro courses as performative responses to the practical and disciplinary question “how might we study religion?”