bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic analysis of quality management in agri-food supply chains: a hierarchy of capabilities perspective
Authors: Zhong Jianlan , Cheng Han , Chen Xiaowei , Jia Fu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review the literature on quality management in agri-food supply chains (SCs) and propose an integrated conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review that analyses 93 papers in peer-reviewed academic journals published from 1996 to November 2021 is conducted. A conceptual model is advanced.

Findings

Based on a hierarchy of capabilities perspective, the authors develop an integrated conceptual framework in which SC quality (SCQ) management practices promote three levels of SC dynamic capabilities, which in turn lead to agri-food SCQ performance.

Originality/value

The authors propose a hierarchy of capabilities perspective of quality management in agri-food SCs and develop a conceptual framework. Furthermore, a number of propositions based on dynamic capabilities and the review findings are provided. Four future research directions are presented.
Early‐life adversity predicts performance and fitness in a wild social carnivore
Authors: Gicquel Morgane , East Marion L. , Hofer Heribert , Benhaiem Sarah
Published: August 2022

Studies on humans indicate that encountering multiple sources of adversity in childhood increases the risk of poor long‐term health and premature death. Far less is known about cumulative effects of adversity during early life in wildlife.

Focusing on the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta, a social mammal with small litters, extensive maternal care, slow development and access to resources determined by social rank, we determined the contribution of ecological, maternal, social and demographic factors during early life on performance and fitness, and tested whether the impact of early‐life adversity is cumulative.

Using longitudinal data from 666 female hyenas in the Serengeti National Park, we determined the early growth rate, survival to adulthood, age at first reproduction (AFR), lifetime reproductive success (LRS) and longevity. We fitted multivariate models in which we tested the effects of environmental factors on these performance measures. We then constructed a cumulative adversity index and fitted models to test the effect of this index on each performance measure. Finally, the value of cumulative adversity models was tested by comparing them to multivariate and single‐effect models in which the effect of each environmental factor was considered separately.

High maternal rank decreased the AFR of daughters. Singleton and dominant cubs had higher growth rate than subordinate cubs, and singletons also had a higher survival chance to adulthood than subordinates. Daughters of prime age mothers had a higher growth rate, longevity and LRS. Little and heavy rainfall decreased survival to adulthood. Increasing numbers of lactating female clan members decreased growth rate, survival to adulthood and LRS. Cumulative adversity negatively affected short‐term performance and LRS. Multivariate models outperformed cumulative adversity and single‐effect models for all measures except for AFR and longevity, for which single‐effect models performed better.

Our results suggest that in some wildlife populations the combination of specific conditions in early life may matter more than the accumulation of adverse conditions as such.
Can deterrence persist? Long‐term evidence from a randomized experiment in street lighting
Authors: Mitre‐Becerril David , Tahamont Sarah , Lerner Jason , Chalfin Aaron
Published: August 2022

Research summary

For centuries and even millenia, street lighting has been among the most ubiquitous capital investments that societies have made in public safety. Recent research by Chalfin et al. (2021)—the first randomized experiment that studies the effect of street lighting on public safety—demonstrated that a tactical street lighting intervention in New York City's public housing developments led to a 36% reduction in serious criminal activity during nighttime hours in the 6 months after the new lights were rolled out. But do the effects endure? In this study, we examine the longer‐term effects of the same street lighting intervention using 3 years of outcome data. We show that the effects of the lighting intervention persist over time. Critically, the intervention reduced crime without eventually leading to a larger number of arrests.

Policy implications

As street lighting requires a large up‐front capital investment, the attractiveness of enhanced lighting to policy makers depends critically on whether its public safety benefits will be long lasting. These findings provide some assurance that the impact of street lighting can endure beyond their initial installation. Because the lighting intervention reduced crime without increasing the number of arrests, it did not reduce crime by widening the net of the criminal justice system.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of the new oncological drug durvalumab in Italian patients with stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Pasello Giulia , Schiavon Marco , De Luca Giuseppe , Rivera Michele , Cozzolino Claudia , De Polo Anna , Scioni Manuela , Bortolami Alberto , Baldo Vincenzo , Conte PierFranco
Published: August 2022

Background

The monoclonal antibody durvalumab, an immune‐checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) antiprogrammed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), is available for unresectable stage III NSCLC patients as consolidation therapy following induction chemoradiotherapy, with very promising overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survial (PFS) results in registration trials. The purpose of this study was to provide policymakers with an estimate of the cost‐effectiveness of durvalumab in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The study developed a Markov model covering a 5‐year period to compare costs and outcomes of treating PD‐L1 positive patients with or without durvalumab. We conducted a series of sensitivity analyses (Tornado analysis and Monte Carlo simulation) by varying some parameters to assess the robustness of our model and identify the parameters with the greatest impact on cost‐effectiveness.

Results

Prior to the release of durvalumab, the management of NSCLC over a 5‐year period cost €33 317 per patient, with an average life expectancy of 2.01 years. After the introduction of the drug, this increased to €37 317 per patient, with an average life expectancy of 2.13 years. Treatment with durvalumab led to an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €35 526 per year. OS is the variable that contributes the most to the variability of the ICER.

Conclusions

The study observed that durvalumab is a cost‐effective treatment option for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.
Longitudinal trajectories of marijuana use in tobacco products among young adult Texas college students from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Hinds Josephine T. , Marti C. Nathan , Pasch Keryn E. , Loukas Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Aims

To measure longitudinal trajectories of marijuana use in four tobacco/nicotine products (hand‐rolled cigarettes/spliffs, cigars/blunts, hookah, and e‐cigarettes) among young adult Texas college students from 2015 to 2019.

Design

This study used six consecutive waves of data from the marketing and promotions across colleges in Texas project (Project M‐PACT), a longitudinal study of the tobacco behaviors of young adult college students. The first four waves were collected every 6 months (fall 2015‐spring 2017), and the final two waves were conducted yearly (spring 2018 and 2019). Growth curve models measured trajectories of marijuana use in tobacco products across the 3.5‐year period.

Setting and Participants

A total of 4857 young adults from 24 colleges in the largest metropolitan areas of Texas, United States (Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio): mean age = 21.0, SD = 2.3; 64.2% assigned female; 36.1% non‐Hispanic white, 31.0% Hispanic, and 33.0% other or combination race/ethnicity.

Measurements

Participants completed online surveys assessing their past 6‐month use of marijuana in four tobacco products of interest (spliffs, blunts, hookah, and e‐cigarettes) and socio‐demographic variables (sex, race/ethnicity, age, 2‐year/4‐year college attendance, and sexual and gender minority identity).

Findings

Observed vaping marijuana in e‐cigarettes approximately doubled between the spring of 2015 and the spring of 2019, from 11.8% to 23.9% following a quadratic time trend (linear OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73–0.97, quadratic OR = 1.18, CI = 1.13–1.22). This same time period saw a quadratic decline in using marijuana in hookah (P < 0.001) and no changes in using hand‐rolled cigarettes/spliffs or cigars/blunts for marijuana delivery.

Conclusions

The popularity of nicotine e‐cigarettes appears to be expanding the avenues for marijuana delivery among young adults in Texas, United States.
Autoimmune hepatitis and metabolic syndrome‐associated disease development: a U.S. cohort study
Authors: Jalal Muhammad I. , Brahmbhatt Mihir , Green Kelsey , Weinberg Ethan M. , Lammert Craig , Bittermann Therese
Published: August 2022

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may coexist with metabolic syndrome‐associated diseases (MSADs) given patients' inherent need for corticosteroid therapy, as well as general population trends.

Aim

To examine the impact of MSAD risk factors on AIH or its treatment, and vice versa

Methods

This was a multi‐centre retrospective cohort study of 552 patients with AIH diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2019. Data relating to demographic factors, laboratory values, AIH medications and MSADs were collected at diagnosis and at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up. Statistical relationships were analysed and reported.

Results

We included 552 patients in the study cohort (median age 50 years, 76.1% female). All MSADs, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and a gain of BMI ≥3 kg/m2, increased within the AIH cohort over time. Initial treatment regimen impacted de novo diabetes but not other MSAD development. AIH biochemical remission was less frequent at 3 years post‐diagnosis among patients with ≥1 MSAD. The incidence of new MSADs could be predicted by baseline factors in certain cases.

Conclusion

In the largest US‐based cohort of patients newly diagnosed with AIH, there was a considerable burden of pre‐existing and de novo MSADs that may affect AIH treatment outcomes. Identifying those at highest risk of co‐morbid MSADs allows for an individualised approach to management to reduce its long‐term sequelae in patients with AIH.
Case report: Salicylate intoxication can present with a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis depending on method used for measuring chloride
Authors: Buisman Laura , Riphagen Ineke J. , Kwant Marieke , Themmen Margo D. , Bouma Marjan , Bethlehem Carina
Published: August 2022

Severe salicylate intoxication usually presents with a high anion gap metabolic acidosis. We describe a patient with severe salicylate intoxication who presented with a surprisingly normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Initial salicylate level was 594 mg/L (therapeutic range 50–300 mg/L). In this case, the anion gap was normal due to a falsely elevated chloride concentration measured using a direct ion‐selective electrode (ISE; ABL90‐flex). Since earlier case reports have shown that salicylate ions can interfere with chloride measurement using different ISEs, available samples were reanalysed using an indirect ISE (Roche Cobas 8000), in which salicylate levels up to 1000 mg/L were found to cause no significant interference. With this method, chloride concentration was found to be 115 instead of 122 mmol/L, leading to the expected elevated anion gap. We performed a spike experiment to investigate the impact of different salicylate levels and bicarbonate concentrations on the measured chloride concentration for both methods. This experiment showed that the difference between chloride concentrations was mainly explained by interference with bicarbonate. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this possible interference, since a high anion gap metabolic acidosis can be a clue to suspect salicylate poisoning and early recognition and appropriate treatment is important. The patient was successfully treated with haemodialysis and no rebound toxicity was observed.
Changes in diaphragm contractility in cigarette smoking‐exposed and smoking cessation rats are associated with alterations in mitochondrial morphology and homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Shi Xiaoqian , Sheng Haiyan , Hu Yuhan , Pang Baosen , Ma Yingmin , Jin Jiawei
Published: August 2022

The effects of cigarette smoking (CS) cessation on the diaphragm are unknown, as are the CS‐induced diaphragmatic mitochondrial changes. We examined the changes in diaphragm contractility, as well as alterations in mitochondrial morphology, function and homoeostasis during CS exposure and after cessation. Rats were randomly divided into CS exposure and CS cessation groups: 3‐month CS (S3), 6‐month CS (S6), 6‐month CS followed by 3‐month cessation (S6N3). The changes in the diaphragm were investigated, including contractile properties, the ultrastructure, mitochondrial function and the expression of markers of mitochondrial homoeostasis. CS caused irreversible histological disruption and functional depression in the lungs, along with significantly declines in diaphragmatic contractility and more severely in extensor digitorum longus muscular contractility. Such declines were recovered after 3‐month CS cessation. CS exposure disrupted the diaphragmatic mitochondrial morphology and function (S6), which was significantly alleviated in the S6N3 group. The mitochondrial homoeostasis was depressed (S6), as indicated by the downregulation of Pink1 and Mfn1. Interestingly, the Mfn1 level was recovered after smoking cessation (S6N3). In conclusion, smoking cessation eased CS‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and mitochondrial deregulation, which are likely associated with deregulated mitochondrial homoeostasis.
Implementing evidence-based strategies to optimize the journey of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Tzellos Thrasyvoulos
Published: August 2022

Linked Article:  Ring et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:523–530.
Do siblings influence one another? Unpacking processes that occur during sibling conflict
Authors: Borairi Sahar , Plamondon Andre , Rodrigues Michelle , Sokolovic Nina , Perlman Michal , Jenkins Jennifer
Published: August 2022

This study examined the extent to which 205 sibling dyads influenced each other during conflict. Data were collected between 2013 to 2015. The sample included 5.9% Black, 15.1% South Asian, 15.1% East Asian, and 63.8% White children. Older siblings were between 7–13 years old (Female = 109) and younger siblings were 5–9 years old (Female = 99). Siblings' conflict resolution was analyzed using dynamic structural equation modeling. Modeling fluctuations in moment‐to‐moment data (20‐s intervals) allowed for a close approximation of causal influence. Older and younger siblings were found to influence one another. Younger sisters were more constructive than younger brothers, especially in sister–sister dyads. Sibling age gap predicted inertia in older siblings. Socialization processes within sibling relationships are discussed.
Hidradenitis‐suppurativa‐bedingte Kosten, ein Plädoyer für Aufmerksamkeit: eine systematische Literaturübersicht
Authors: Tsentemeidou Aikaterini , Sotiriou Elena , Ioannides Dimitrios , Vakirlis Efstratios
Published: August 2022

Die Daten zu Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)‐bedingten Kosten sind begrenzt und inhomogen. Sie sind jedoch erheblich. Wir führten eine systematische Sichtung der Literaturberichte durch, in denen finanzielle Daten über jeden Gesundheitsbereich oder andere Ausgaben dokumentiert wurden, die durch HS und/oder HS‐bedingte Auswirkungen auf Beschäftigung, Einkommen und persönliches wirtschaftliche Entwicklung entstanden sind (indirekte Kosten). Dafür wurden drei elektronische Datenbanken durchsucht (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect und die Cochrane Library –letzte Suche: 14. September 2021). Alle Kosten wurden inflationsbereinigt (2022) und in US‐Dollar umgerechnet. Es wurden 23 Artikel eingeschlossen (18 Krankheitskostenstudien, 4 Beobachtungsstudien und 1 Fallserie), in denen ökonomische Daten von 77.287 HS‐Patienten erfasst wurden. Die durch HS entstandenen durchschnittlichen jährlichen Kosten pro Patient reichten von 258 $ bis 8.078 $. Diese Zahl erhöhte sich bei chirurgischen Eingriffen, Krankheitsprogression, Antibiotika‐Versagen und bestimmten Begleitkrankheiten. Der kostspieligste Faktor war die stationäre Versorgung, gefolgt von ambulanter und Notfallversorgung. Signifikante Unterschiede wurden zwischen den USA und den übrigen untersuchten Ländern beobachtet. Im Vergleich zu Psoriasis‐Patienten waren Krankenhausaufenthalte bei HS wahrscheinlicher, länger und kostspieliger, während die weniger kostspielige ambulante Versorgung bei HS‐Patienten verringert war. Das Vermeiden der Krankheitsprogression durch frühzeitige Diagnose und Optimierung der ambulanten dermatologischen Versorgung könnte HS‐bedinge Ausgaben reduzieren.
Effect of renin‐angiotensin system antihypertensive medication use on cognitive function in diabetes mellitus with obesity or overweight: An ancillary study to the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial
Authors: Wharton Whitney , Anderson Andrea , Hayden Kathleen M. , Carmichael Owen T , Clark Jeanne M , Luchsinger José A. , Espeland Mark , Yasar Sevil
Published: August 2022

Aim

To determine whether antihypertensive medication (AHM) acting through the renin angiotensin system (RAS‐AHM), compared with other AHM, can mitigate effects on cognitive function and risk for impairment in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

This secondary analysis of the randomized controlled Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) study included 712 community‐dwelling participants who were followed over 15 years. Logistic regression was used to relate RAS‐AHM use to cognitive impairment, and linear regression was used to relate RAS‐AHM use to domain‐specific cognitive function after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 563 individuals reported RAS‐AHM use and 149 reported other‐AHM use during the study. RAS‐AHM users have college or higher education (53%), had higher baseline glycated haemoglobin (57 mmol/mol), and reported higher diabetes medication use (86%), while other‐AHM users were more likely to be White (72%), obese (25%) and to have cardiovascular history (19%). RAS‐AHM use was not associated with a reduced risk of dementia compared with other‐AHM use. We did observe better executive function (Trail Making Test, part B, P < 0.04), processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test, P < 0.004), verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test‐delayed recall, P < 0.005), and composite score (P < 0.008) among RAS‐AHM users compared with other‐AHM users.

Conclusion

In this sample of adults with T2DM, free of dementia at baseline, we observed a slower decline in processing speed, executive function, verbal memory, and composite score among RAS‐AHM users.
Course‐based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) as a pathway to diversify science
Authors: Duboue Erik R. , Kowalko Johanna E. , Keene Alex C.
Published: August 2022

There is widespread recognition of the need to increase research opportunities in biomedical science for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. Here, we describe the implementation of team‐based science combined with intensive mentoring to conduct a large‐scale project examining the evolution of behavior. This system can be widely applied in other areas of STEM to promote research‐intensive opportunities in STEM fields and to promote diversity in science.
Within‐individual leaf allometry and the evolution of leaf morphology: A multilevel analysis of leaf allometry in temperateViburnum(Adoxaceae) species
Authors: Strelin Marina M. , Diggle Pamela K.
Published: August 2022

A critical issue in evolutionary biology is understanding the relationship between macroevolutionary patterns of diversity and the origin of variation at the organismal level. Among‐individual allometry, the relationship between the size and shape of a structure among organisms at a fixed developmental stage, is often similar to evolutionary allometry, the relationship between the size and shape of a structure among populations or species, and the genetic and developmental process that underlie allometric relationships at both levels are thought to influence evolutionary diversification. Metameric organisms present an additional level of allometry: the relationship between the size and shape of structures within individuals. We propose that within‐individual allometry is also related to evolutionary diversification among metameric organisms. We explore this idea in temperate deciduousViburnum(Adoxaceae) species that bear two types of leaves, that is, preformed and neoformed leaves, with contrasting patterns of development. Examination of within‐individual, among‐individual, among‐population, and among‐species allometry of leaf shape in both leaf types showed that the slopes of all allometric relationships were significantly different from isometry, and their sign was consistent across allometric hierarchies. Although the allometric slope of preformed leaves was constant across allometry levels, the allometric slope of neoformed leaves became increasingly steeper. We suggest that allometric variation underlying evolutionary diversification in metameric organisms may manifest among individuals and also among their repeated structures. Moreover, structures with contrasting patterns of development within metameric organisms can experience different degrees of developmental constraint, and this can in turn affect morphological diversification.
Strategies to identify causal common genetic variants and corresponding effector genes for paediatric obesity
Authors: Littleton Sheridan H. , Grant Struan F. A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Childhood obesity rates are on the rise, but there are currently no effective therapies available to slow or halt their progression. Although environmental and lifestyle factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis, childhood obesity is considered a complex disorder with a clear genetic component. Intense genome‐wide association study (GWAS) efforts through large‐scale collaborations have enabled the discovery of genetic loci robustly associated with childhood obesity beyond the classic FTO locus. That said, GWAS itself does not pinpoint the actual underlying causal effector genes, but rather just yields association signals in the genome.

Objective

This review aims to outline what has been elucidated thus far on the genetic aetiology of commong childhood obesity and to describe strategies to identify and validate both causal common genetic variants and their corresponding effector genes.

Results

Relevant cell types for molecular studies can be identified by gene set enrichment analysis and considering known biology of obesity‐related physiological processes. Putatively causal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can be identified by several methods including statistical fine mapping and ‘assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing’ (ATAC‐seq). Variant to gene mapping can then nominate effector genes likely regulated by cis‐regulatory elements harbouring putatively causal SNPs. A SNP's cis‐regulatory activity can be functionally validated by several in vitro methods including luciferase assay and CRISPR approaches. These CRISPR approaches can also be used to investigate how dysregulatn of effector genes may confer obesity risk.

Conclusion

Uncovering the causative genes related to GWAS signals and elucidating their functional contributions to paediatric obesity with these strategies will deepen our understanding of this disease and serve better treatment outcomes.
A novel strategy for the fabrication of AlN–AlON refractories: Nitrogen gas pressure sintering of Al4O4C
Authors: Yu Chao , Zheng Yongxiang , Xing Guangchao , Ding Jun , Zhu Hongxi , Wang Zhoufu , Deng Chengji , Di Jinghui
Published: August 2022

A novel strategy was exploited for the fabrication of AlN–AlON refractories via nitrogen gas pressure sintering of Al4O4C. The phase transformation and microstructure evolution during the reaction at 1600–1800°C were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that the high N2 pressure was essential for the effective nitridation. The in situ generated AlN–AlON refractories had a homogeneous local chemical composition, and the (101) plane of AlN and the (222) lattice plane of Al5O6N were bonded at their grain boundary with no amorphous phase. The as‐fabricated AlN–AlON refractories treated at 1700°C by a 20 atm nitrogen pressure exhibited an optimum bending strength of 111.10 MPa, combining an apparent porosity of 20% with a low bulk density of 1.97 g/cm3. The diffusion of the generated oxygen led to an increase in the apparent porosity and decrease in the bulk density at 1800°C. Furthermore, the fabrication mechanism of AlN–AlON refractories under the nitrogen gas‐pressure was discussed.
Investment–cash flow sensitivity and investor protection
Authors: Kabbach‐de‐Castro Luiz Ricardo , Martins Henrique Castro , Schiehll Eduardo , Terra Paulo Renato Soares
Published: August 2022

We examine the role of country‐level legal investor protection (i.e., shareholder and creditor protection) on firm investment–cash flow sensitivity (ICFS). Using underexplored research data on investor protection across 21 countries and working with a conservative empirical design, we extend prior literature on the relation between investor protection and ICFS and provide new evidence on how these country‐level attributes interact to explain a firm's ICFS. We find that either the strong legal protection of minority shareholders or the strong legal protection of creditors reduces the sensitivity of investment to internal cash flow. However, in countries with strong levels of both minority shareholder and creditor protection, ICFS increases. Our results remain robust after controlling for several alternative explanations. The results support the argument that overregulation arises when policymakers increase investor protection at levels that lead firms to avoid external sources of finance, hampering firm investment. Our findings suggest that countries face a regulatory trade‐off such that increasing investor protection (either shareholder or creditors protection) enhances financial markets efficiency, but excessive regulation can indeed lead to financial markets inefficiencies.
Local CEOs, career concerns and voluntary disclosure
Authors: Hu Yaqin
Published: August 2022

I study whether the management guidance provided by local chief executive officers (CEOs) differs from the guidance provided by nonlocal CEOs. The geographic preferences of the CEOs lead to segmented executive labor markets, which impose higher relocation costs and give rise to lower job mobility. I find that local CEOs, who grew up in the same states where the firm headquarters are located, provide fewer items in guidance and less frequent guidance than nonlocal CEOs. I also show that local CEOs have greater asymmetric withholding of bad news relative to good news and that they increase their disclosure during economic downturns in their home states. Collectively, these findings suggest that the geographically segmented CEO labor markets play an important role in the disclosure choices of CEOs.
Corporate investment and stock market valuation
Authors: Liao Shushu , Errico Marco
Published: August 2022

We study the driving forces behind the positive association observed between corporate investment and stock market valuation, and how they interact with managerial equity incentives and informativeness of investment. We build a dynamic model where managers use investment choices to influence investors' opinions about firms' future prospects and increase the market valuation. The incentives to manipulate the valuation processes increase with managerial equity incentives and informativeness of investment. Our empirical findings support the model's predictions that the tendency of using investment to boost market valuation is stronger when managerial stock ownership is high or when earnings quality is low (i.e., there is strong reliance on investment for information).
Endolift laser as new non‐surgical technique for nose remodeling
Authors: Lotfi Elaheh , Ahramiyanpour Najmeh , Khosravi Somayeh , Salehi Bahareh , Gröne Dirk
Published: August 2022

Background

In the last few years, facial rejuvenation has moved to less invasive or non‐surgical techniques because their effects are visible immediately after the treatment, they have shorter recovery time and less pain and patients can go back to their normal life on the same day. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is very difficult to master. The main goal of rhinoplasty is anatomical preservation. One of novel technique for nose remodeling is laser therapy. In this study, the authors evaluate the efficacy of the endolift laser as a technique for nose remodeling.

Methods

A total of eight patients were enrolled and were submitted to endolift laser therapy. The outcomes were measured by photography, three blind board‐certified dermatologists assessment, and patients satisfaction.

Results

Our results showed that endolift Laser as non‐surgical nose remodeling technique is a safe and effective method. Clinical assessment of the physician showed a significant improvement at 6‐months follow‐up. Also, the patient satisfaction rate was higher in the enrolled participates. Also, no severe side effect was reported.

Conclusion

The endolift laser technique is practicable, effective, and safe method for non‐surgical nose job and has no major complication.
Recent advancement of imaging strategies of the lymphatic system: Answer to the decades old questions
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Roy Sukanya , Chakraborty Sanjukta
Published: August 2022

The role of the lymphatic system in maintaining tissue homeostasis and a number of different pathophysiological conditions has been well established. The complex and delicate structure of the lymphatics along with the limitations of conventional imaging techniques make lymphatic imaging particularly difficult. Thus, in‐depth high‐resolution imaging of lymphatic system is key to understanding the progression of lymphatic diseases and cancer metastases and would greatly benefit clinical decisions. In recent years, the advancement of imaging technologies and development of new tracers suitable for clinical applications has enabled imaging of the lymphatic system in both clinical and pre‐clinical settings. In this current review, we have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of different modern techniques such as near infra‐red spectroscopy (NIRS), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence optical imaging, that has significantly impacted research in this field and has led to in‐depth insights into progression of pathological states. This review also highlights the use of current imaging technologies, and tracers specific for immune cell markers to identify and track the immune cells in the lymphatic system that would help understand disease progression and remission in immune therapy regimen.
Japanese case of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2Z with severe retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Nomura Emi , Tadokoro Koh , Sasaki Ryo , Nakata Yumi , Nakano Yumiko , Yunoki Taijun , Takemoto Mami , Morihara Ryuta , Ando Masahiro , Takashima Hiroshi , Yamashita Toru
Published: August 2022

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2Z (CMT2Z) shows highly variable clinical features. We report the first Japanese CMT2Z patient with a c.754C>T (p.R252W) substitution of the MORC2 gene, complicating severe retinitis pigmentosa. The MORC2 mutants were involved in a decrease in cell survival through induction of apoptosis. Thus, the MORC2 mutation might be involved in the degeneration of photoreceptors and the development of retinitis pigmentosa.
Facial asymmetry in children with either unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis or positional posterior plagiocephaly
Authors: Nevaste‐Boldt Tuuli , Saarikko Anne , Kaprio Laura , Leikola Junnu , Kiukkonen Anu
Published: August 2022

Background

In unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis (ULC), the posteriorly situated lambdoid suture of the cranial vault fuses prematurely. Positional posterior plagiocephaly (PPP) causes flattening of the posterior side of the head, either through external forces or through underlying differences in brain development. Both conditions cause occipital flattening of the head, but the aetiology is different.

Materials and Methods

Eight ULC children were compared with 16 sex‐ and age‐matched PPP children. 3D computer tomography scans of all 24 children were analysed with Dolphin imaging software. The location and symmetry of the temporomandibular joint (Co), and the symmetry of the maxillary anterior nasal spine (ANS) and the mandibular symphysis (Pgn) were analysed. Furthermore, the mandibular bone (Co–Pgn) length, corpus length, ramus height, positional changes in the external acoustic meatus (PoL) and the distance from the orbital margin to the articular fossa were measured.

Results

In all eight ULC children, the Co was anteriorly displaced on the affected side compared with the unaffected side. In all ULC and PPP children, the ANS, which is considered the bony maxillary midpoint, was shifted towards the affected side. In all ULC children, the mandibular bone (Co–Pgn) was shorter on the affected side. The PoL was antero‐inferiorly positioned in all ULC children on the affected side compared with the unaffected side.

Conclusions

Our results show that both types of posterior plagiocephaly are associated with an asymmetric position of the Co and asymmetry of the mandible and maxilla. Facial asymmetry was more frequently seen in ULC than PPP children.
Towards a standardisation of reading charts: Font effects on reading performance—Times New Roman with serifs versus the sans serif font Helvetica
Authors: Daxer Barbara , Radner Wolfgang , Radner Michael , Benesch Thomas , Ettl Armin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose was to compare systematically the legibility of a font without serifs (Helvetica) and one with serifs (Times New Roman).

Methods

Three paragraphs that were equal in the number of words, syllables, characters, difficulty and reading length were printed at equal size, with equal spacing between the lines and equal layout (paperback style), in either the sans serif typeface Helvetica Neue T1 55 Roman (Adobe) or the serif typeface Times New Roman PS Roman (Adobe). They were also printed in newspaper format in the serif font. The paragraphs were presented in random order (Latin square design) to 36 participants between 18 and 38 years of age (wearing their best‐corrected visual acuity). Reading duration was measured with a stopwatch. Reading time, reading speed and the number of reading errors were compared.

Results

For the paperback layout, no significant difference in reading time (p = 0.50) or reading speed (p = 0.56) was found between the two fonts. The correlation between the two fonts was high for both reading time and speed (r = 0.93). The mean number of reading errors was the same (0.31 ± 0.58 errors/text) for both fonts. There was a significant difference in reading time and speed between the paperback and the newspaper layout.

Conclusion

The legibility of Helvetica and Times New Roman is similar when investigated under equivalent conditions. Thus, these two font types can be used as interchangeable standard typefaces.
Pedicle Morphology of Lower Thoracic and Lumbar Spine in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphosis: A Comparison with Fracture Patients
Authors: Huang Ji‐chen , Xuan Wen‐bin , Qian Bang‐ping , Qiu Yong , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Zhu Ze‐zhang
Published: August 2022

Objective

The pedicle morphology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)‐related thoracolumbar kyphosis patients may be different from that of individuals with normal spine due to the ectopic ossification and kyphotic deformity. However, there was no literature analyzing the pedicle morphology of AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the pedicle morphology of lower thoracic and lumbar spine (T9‐L5) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)‐related thoracolumbar kyphosis patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis (AS group) and the patients with spinal or rib fracture (fracture group) who underwent CT scans of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine between February 2017 and September 2018 was performed. Patients with spinal tumor, spinal tuberculosis, severe degenerative spinal diseases including degenerative scoliosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerative spinal stenosis or history of previous spine surgery, or AS patients with pseudarthrosis which influenced the measurement of pedicle parameters were excluded. The measured parameters on CT images included transverse pedicle angle (TPA), transverse pedicle width (TPW), chord length (CL), pedicle length (PL), and sagittal pedicle angle (SPA). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the agreement of radiographic parameters between observers. The independent sample t test was applied for the comparison of pedicle parameters between the two groups. The gender distribution between the two groups were compared using the Fisher's exact test.

Results

A total of 1444 pedicles of 53 AS‐related thoracolumbar kyphosis patients and 30 patients with fracture were analyzed. TPA was significantly smaller in AS group (p < 0.05). Significantly larger TPW was found in AS group in the lumbar spine (p < 0.05). TPW ≥ 7.5 mm was observed in 95.3%–98.1% of the pedicles at the levels of L3‐L5 in AS group. The CL and PL were significantly larger in AS group at the levels of T9‐L5 (p < 0.05). The CL ≥ 50 mm was found in 84.0%–96.2% of the pedicles in mid‐to‐lower lumbar spine in AS group. Significantly smaller SPA was found in AS group at the levels from L3 to L5 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pedicle screws with relatively large diameter of 7.5 mm and length of 50 mm could be used in mid‐to‐lower lumbar spine in the majority of AS‐related thoracolumbar kyphosis patients. Also, the insertion angle of pedicle screws in both the transverse and sagittal plane should be appropriately reduced in these patients. This study may help surgeons select the pedicle screws of appropriate size in AS patients.
Integrated Aerodynamic and Structural Blade Shape Optimization of Axial Turbines Operating With Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Blended With Dopants
Authors: Abdeldayem Abdelrahman S. , White Martin T. , Paggini Andrea , Ruggiero Marco , Sayma Abdulnaser I.
Published: August 2022

Within this study, the blade shape of a large-scale axial turbine operating with sCO2 blended with dopants is optimized using an integrated aerodynamic-structural three-dimensional (3D) numerical model, whereby the optimization aims at maximizing the aerodynamic efficiency whilst meeting a set of stress constraints to ensure safe operation. Specifically, three candidate mixtures are considered, namely, CO2 blended with titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), hexafluorobenzene (C6F6), or sulfur dioxide (SO2), where the selected blends and boundary conditions are defined by the EU project, SCARABEUS. A single passage axial turbine numerical model is setup and applied to the first stage of a large-scale multistage axial turbine design. The aerodynamic performance is simulated using a 3D steady-state viscous computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model while the blade stress distribution is obtained from a static structural finite element analysis simulation (FEA). A genetic algorithm is used to optimize parameters defining the blade angle and thickness distributions along the chord line while a surrogate model is used to provide fast and reliable model predictions during optimization using a genetic aggregation response surface. The uncertainty of the surrogate model, represented by the difference between the surrogate model results and the CFD/FEA model results, is evaluated using a set of verification points and is found to be less than 0.3% for aerodynamic efficiency and 1% for both the mass-flow rate and the maximum equivalent stresses. The comparison between the final optimized blade cross section has shown some common trends in optimizing the blade design by decreasing the stator and rotor trailing edge thickness, increasing the stator thickness near the trailing edge, and decreasing the rotor thickness near the trailing edge and decreasing the rotor outlet angle. Further investigations of the loss breakdown of the optimized and reference blade designs are presented to highlight the role of the optimization process in reducing aerodynamic losses. It has been noted that the performance improvement achieved through shape optimization is mainly due to decreasing the endwall losses with both the stator and rotor passages.
Hydrothermal Performance Maximisation and Entropy Generation Minimisation of Different Perforated Pinned Heat Sink Designs for Electronic Cooling
Authors: Khalil Wissam H. , Azzawi Itimad D. J. , Al-Damook Amer , Alkasmoul Fahad S.
Published: August 2022

To quantify the benefits of reducing entropy production and improving hydrothermal performance with varied thermal air characteristics through different perforated heat sinks, a numerical study was conducted. Various numbers of circular perforations are studied from 0 perforations to 5 perforations. In addition, perforation configuration is considered, such as circular (3CP), square (3SP), elliptic (3EP), and triangular (3TP) perforated pinned heat sinks, as well as three slotted pinned heat sinks (SPHSs) (3S, 6S, and 10S) and four notched pinned heat sinks (NPHSs) (3S, 6S, and 10S) (2.5 N, 5 N, 7.5 N, and 10 N). The numerical results showed that the 5-circular perforations heat sink model (5CP) generates the minimum entropy generation and the maximum hydrothermal performance (HTP), around 17% and 1.2, respectively compared to the zero-perforation model, while the circular perforated pinned heat sink (3CP) model produces the maximum reduction in entropy generation, generally around 13% with moderated HTP of 1.1. Moreover, when comparing slotted and notched pinned heat sinks, the 10S slotted and 10 N notched pinned heat sinks achieve 1.45 of HTP.
A BRET Ca
2+
sensor enables high-throughput screening in the presence of background fluorescence
Authors: Cumberbatch Derrick , Mori Tetsuya , Yang Jie , Mi Dehui , Vinson Paige , Weaver C. David , Johnson Carl Hirschie
Published: August 2022

The intrinsic fluorescence of samples confounds the use of fluorescence-based sensors. This is of particular concern in high-throughput screening (HTS) applications using large chemical libraries containing intrinsically fluorescent compounds. To overcome this problem, we developed a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) Ca
2+
sensor, CalfluxCTN. We demonstrated that it reliably reported changes in intracellular Ca
2+
concentrations evoked by an agonist and an antagonist of the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M
1
(hM
1
R) even in the presence of the fluorescent compound fluorescein, which interfered with a standard fluorescent HTS sensor (Fluo-8). In an HTS using a chemical library containing fluorescent compounds, CalfluxCTN accurately identified agonists and antagonists that were missed or miscategorized using Fluo-8. Moreover, we showed that a luciferase substrate that becomes activated only when inside cells generated long-lasting BRET signals in HTS, enabling results to be reliably compared among replicate samples for hours. Thus, the use of a self-luminescent sensor instead of a fluorescent sensor could facilitate the complete screening of chemical libraries in a high-throughput context and enable analysis of autofluorescent samples in many different applications.
A Glycosylated RBD Protein Induces Enhanced Neutralizing Antibodies against Omicron and Other Variants with Improved Protection against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Shi Juan , Zheng Jian , Tai Wanbo , Verma Abhishek K. , Zhang Xiujuan , Geng Qibin , Wang Gang , Guan Xiaoqing , Malisheni Moffat M. , Odle Abby E. , Zhang Wei , Li Fang , Perlman Stanley , Du Lanying
Published: August 2022

Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have shown increased transmissibility, calling for a need to develop effective vaccines with broadly neutralizing activity against multiple variants. This study identified a non-neutralizing epitope on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and further shielded it with a glycan probe.
XAF1 Protects Host against Emerging RNA Viruses by Stabilizing IRF1-Dependent Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Han Yu , Bai Xue , Liu Siying , Zhu Jingfei , Zhang Fan , Xie Lifen , Liu Guodi , Jiang Xiaohui , Zhang Mingchao , Huang Yingkang , Wang Jingfeng , Li Dapei , Zhang Huiying , He Yuanqing , He Sudan , Xia Yu , Xu Xiulong , Xu Feng , Ma Feng
Published: August 2022

Rapid and robust induction of antiviral genes is essential for the host to clear the invaded viruses. In addition to the IRF3/7-IFN-I-STAT1 signaling axis, the XAF1-IRF1 positive feedback loop synergistically or independently drives the transcription of antiviral genes.
The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans
Authors: Kakar Anant , Sastré-Velásquez Luis Enrique , Hess Michael , Galgóczy László , Papp Csaba , Holzknecht Jeanett , Romanelli Alessandra , Váradi Györgyi , Malanovic Nermina , Marx Florentine
Published: August 2022

Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen
C. albicans
are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals.
Coccidioidomycosis in Northern Arizona: an Investigation of the Host, Pathogen, and Environment Using a Disease Triangle Approach
Authors: Mead Heather L. , Kollath Daniel R. , Teixeira Marcus de Melo , Roe Chandler C. , Plude Carmel , Nandurkar Nivedita , Donohoo Chelsea , O'Connor Brettania L. W. , Terriquez Joel , Keim Paul , Barker Bridget M.
Published: August 2022

Our work is the first description of the Valley fever disease triangle in Northern Arizona, which addresses the host, the pathogen, and the environmental source in the region. Our data suggest that the prevalence of diagnosed cases rose in 2019 in this region, and some severe cases necessitate hospitalization.
In Vitro
Selective Combinatory Effect of Ciprofloxacin with Nitroxoline, Sanguinarine, and Zinc Pyrithione against Diarrhea-Causing and Gut Beneficial Bacteria
Authors: Osei-Owusu Hayford , Kudera Tomas , Strakova Marie , Rondevaldova Johana , Skrivanova Eva , Novy Pavel , Kokoska Ladislav
Published: August 2022

Diarrheal infections, which are commonly treated by antibiotics, are still responsible for over 4 to 5 million cases of human deaths annually. Moreover, the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance and its negative effect on beneficial bacteria (e.g.,
Bifidobacteria
) of the gut microbial community are another problem.
Phage Resistance Evolution Induces the Sensitivity of Specific Antibiotics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Xuan Guanhua , Lin Hong , Kong Jiuna , Wang Jingxue
Published: August 2022

Bacteria frequently encounter the selection pressure from both antibiotics and lytic phages. Little is known about the evolutionary interactions between antibiotics and phages.
Comparison of the APAS Independence Automated Plate Reader System with the Manual Standard of Care for Processing Urine Culture Specimens
Authors: Chiu Megan , Kuo Peiting , Lecrone Khrissa , Garcia Andrew , Chen Ruohui , Quach Natalie E. , Tu Xin M. , Pride David T.
Published: August 2022

Urine cultures are among the highest-volume tests performed in clinical microbiology facilities and require considerable manual labor to perform. We compared the results of our manual SOC workflow with that of the APAS Independence system, which provides automated image interpretation and sorting of urine culture plates based on growth.