bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved cognitive impairments by silencing DMP1 via enhancing the proliferation of neural progenitor cell in Alzheimer‐like mice
Authors: Zhao Huimin , Wei Jie , Du Yanan , Chen Peipei , Liu Xiaoquan , Liu Haochen ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is age‐related progressive neurological dysfunction. Limited clinical benefits for current treatments indicate an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Previous transcriptomic analysis showed that DMP1 expression level was increased in AD model animals whereas it can induce cell‐cycle arrest in several cell lines. However, whether the cell‐cycle arrest of neural progenitor cell induced by DMP1 affects cognitive function in Alzheimer‐like mice still remains unknown. The objective of our study is to explore the issue. We found that DMP1 is correlated with cognitive function based on the clinical genomic analysis of ADNI database. The negative role of DMP1 on neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation was revealed by silencing and overexpressing DMP1 in vitro. Furthermore, silencing DMP1 could increase the number of NPCs and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer‐like mice, through decreasing P53 and P21 levels, which suggested that DMP1‐induced cell‐cycle arrest could influence cognitive function.
Mapping the future for research in emergency medicine palliative care: A research roadmap
Authors: Aaronson Emily L. , Wright Rebecca J. , Ritchie Christine S. , Grudzen Corita R. , Ankuda Claire K. , Bowman Jason K. , Kuntz Joanne G. , Ouchi Kei , George Naomi , Jubanyik Karen , Bright Leah E. , Bickel Kathleen , Isaacs Eric , Petrillo Laura A. , Carpenter Christopher , Goett Rebecca , LaPointe Lauren , Owens Darrell , Manfredi Rita , Quest Tammie
Published: April 2022

Background

The intersection of emergency medicine (EM) and palliative care (PC) has been recognized as an essential area of focus, with evidence suggesting that increased integration improves outcomes. This has resulted in increased research in EM PC. No current framework exists to help guide investigation and innovation.

Objective

The objective was to convene a working group to develop a roadmap that would help provide focus and prioritization for future research.

Methods

Participants were identified based on clinical, operation, policy, and research expertise in both EM and PC and spanned physician, nursing, social work, and patient perspectives. The research roadmap setting process consisted of three distinct phases that were time staggered over 12 months and facilitated through three live video convenings, asynchronous input via an online document, and a series of smaller video convenings of work groups focused on specific topics.

Results

Gaps in the literature were identified and informed the four key areas for future research. Consensus was reached on these domains and the associated research questions in each domain to help guide future study. The key domains included work focused on the value imperative for PC in the emergency setting, models of care delivery, disparities, and measurement of impact and efficacy. Additionally, the group identified key methodological considerations for doing work at the intersection of EM and PC.

Conclusions

There are several key domains and associated questions that can help guide future research in ED PC. Focus on these areas, and answering these questions, offers the potential to improve the emergency care of patients with PC needs.
Weight gain in infancy and markers of cardiometabolic health in young adulthood
Authors: Nummela Saga Rebecca , Salo Pia , Pahkala Katja , Raitakari Olli T. , Viikari Jorma , Rönnemaa Tapani , Jula Antti , Rovio Suvi P. , Niinikoski Harri
Published: April 2022

Aim

We studied whether repeatedly measured weight gain from birth up to age 2 years associated with cardiometabolic health in young adulthood.

Methods

Using the data collected in the longitudinal Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project, we investigated in 454 healthy subjects how early weight gain in six age intervals (birth to 7 months, 7–13 months, 13–18 months, 18–24 months, and birth to 13 and 24 months) associated with measures of cardiometabolic health at age 20 years. Linear regression analyses were controlled for (1) child's sex, intervention/control group, gestational age, baseline weight and change in length for each interval, and (2) parents’ education, mother's weight before pregnancy, height and weight gain during pregnancy, and father's body mass index at the 7‐month visit.

Results

Weight gain after the first year of life associated directly, when adjusted for traits of the child and parents, with systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index at age 20 years. In the fully adjusted analyses, weight gain from birth to 1 year and to 2 years of age associated inversely with insulin and insulin resistance. We found no association between early growth and diastolic blood pressure or serum lipids.

Conclusion

Early weight gain during first 2 years of life may predict later markers of cardiometabolic health.
Associations between prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and pregnancy outcomes in women with twin pregnancies: A five‐year prospective study
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Lan Yehui , Shao Hailing , Peng Lingli , Chen Ruyang , Yu Huijun , Hua Ying
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this project was to investigate the relationship between prepregnancy body mass index (ppBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and pregnancy outcomes in women with twin pregnancies.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 369 women with dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies was recruited from 2016 to 2020. According to ppBMI using Chinese BMI classifications, they were categorized into the underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal (BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2), and overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) groups. In each ppBMI group, they were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of the complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and small for gestational age (SGA). The outcomes including GDM, HDP, and SGA were compared among three ppBMI groups, and the associations of GWG with these outcomes within each ppBMI category were analyzed.

Results

Twin‐pregnant women with overweight and obesity were at increased risks of HDP (aOR = 4.417 [95% CI = 1.826–9.415]) and SGA (2.288 [1.102–4.751]), whereas underweight women were prone to deliver SGA newborns (2.466 [1.157–5.254]). Women with GDM gained less weight during pregnancy than those without GDM within each ppBMI category. For overweight and obese women, greater GWG increased the incidence of HDP (1.235 [1.016–1.500]) and decreased the risk of SGA (0.818 [0.702–0.953]).

Conclusions

Both ppBMI and GWG in twin‐pregnant women were strongly associated with HDP and SGA, but not GDM.
Debate: Child and adolescent mental health professionals have a responsibility to diagnose Personality Disorder
Authors: Kingsley David
Published: April 2022

In the United Kingdom, mental health professionals have been historically reluctant to diagnose Personality Disorder in young people over many decades, and there is little evidence that much has changed. However, there are consequences to this reluctance. Personality Disorders in young people are absent from national prevalence studies and research is sparse, as a lack of diagnosed patients makes it hard to recruit for studies. Consequently, national policy‐makers lack an awareness of the scale of the problem and the focus on service provision to address it. Deliberate misdiagnosis of Personality Disorder due to professionals’ unwillingness to use the diagnosis is not only unethical but can also cause harm as it stops young people from receiving the evidence‐based interventions and support that they require. Young people and families often experience reassurance and relief when they receive an accurate diagnosis. Professionals need to reconsider whether their reluctance to diagnose is in their patients’ best interests.
SGLBP: Subgraph‐based Local Binary Patterns for Feature Extraction on Point Clouds
Authors: Guo Bao , Zhang Yuhe , Gao Jian , Li Chunhui , Hu Yao
Published: April 2022

Extraction for points that can outline the shape of a point cloud is an important task for point cloud processing in various applications. The topology information of the neighbourhood of a point usually contains sufficient information for detecting features, which is fully considered in this study. Therefore, a novel method for extracting feature points based on the topology information is proposed. First, an improved ‐shape technique is introduced, generating two graphs for potential feature detection and neighbourhood description, respectively. Local binary pattern (LBP) is then applied to the subgraphs, thus subgraph‐based local binary patterns (SGLBPs) are generated for encoding the topology of the neighbourhoods of points, which helps to remove non‐feature points from potential feature points. The proposed method can directly process raw point clouds and needs no prior surface reconstruction or geometric invariants computation; furthermore, the proposed method detects feature points by analysing the topologies of the neighbourhoods of points, consequently promoting the effectiveness for tiny features and the robustness to noises and non‐uniformly sampling patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance.
Child well‐being in early childhood education and care during COVID‐19: Child sensitivity in small, fixed groups
Authors: Koch Anette Boye
Published: April 2022

The article explores child well‐being in Danish early childhood education and care (ECEC) during the time of COVID‐19. A phased reopening of Denmark occurred in spring 2020 under strict health guidelines. Two ECEC institutions were followed first‐hand to observe the impact of the pandemic on pedagogy and child well‐being. Observations and interviews were conducted with follow‐up interviews and an online survey a year later. The findings suggest that the pandemic caused pedagogues to work in a more child‐sensitive way with elevated staff/child ratios and children in small, fixed groups; however, child well‐being was not negatively affected, despite the acute situation
Impact of serial measurements of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion on mortality and morbidity after heart transplantation
Authors: Vishram‐Nielsen Julie K. K. , Nelson Lærke M. , Fan Chun‐Po , Foroutan Farid , Gustafsson Finn , Billia Filio , Ross Heather J. , Alba Ana Carolina
Published: April 2022

The impact of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on long‐term post‐HTx outcomes remains uncertain. We assessed the impact of serial measurements of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) on post‐HTx mortality and morbidity. This two‐center retrospective cohort study included consecutive adult HTx recipients (2000–2017). We used multivariable extended hazard regression models to evaluate the association between TAPSE and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), entered as time‐dependent variables, and all‐cause mortality, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), acute cellular rejection (ACR), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). TAPSE was modelled using cubic splines. We included 485 HTx recipients (9461 TAPSE measurements), median (25th‐ 75th percentile) 19 (10–27) mm; median age was 52 (41–59) years, and 71.3% were male. During a follow‐up of 6.7 (3.0–10.8) years, 92 patients died, 225 had ACR >2R, 234 CAV, and 91 CKD. By multivariable analysis, for each 1‐mm decrease in patients with a TAPSE value <15mm, mortality increased by 22% (P<.001). For the average HTx recipient with a TAPSE of 15mm, 10mm, and 6mm, 1‐year mortality was 3%, 7%, and 17%, and 5‐year mortality was 8%, 20%, and 43%, respectively. Reduced TAPSE was significantly associated with increased CAV but notACR and CKD. A decrease in TAPSE below 15mm represents clinically significant graft dysfunction, warranting close monitoring.
Cross‐functional integration skills: Are business schools delivering what organizations need?
Authors: D'Souza Derrick E. , Bement Danuse , Cory Kenneth
Published: April 2022

Practitioner surveys suggest that despite well‐intentioned efforts, undergraduate business programs could better equip students with “soft skills.” This research study focuses on the soft skills associated with cross‐functional integration (CFI), where skill gaps are believed to exist but have not been confirmed. As the first study to specifically characterize and measure CFI skills, we argue that even in the best‐case scenario, a small CFI‐skills gap could persist, and that the primary goal of business programs is to minimize, not eliminate, the gap. We assert that an instrument that measures CFI skills on three dimensions (cross‐functional collaboration, cross‐functional coordination, and cross‐functional communication) provides a critical starting point in the identification and management of the CFI skills gap. We adapt and validate such an instrument, test it with a sample of 160 business students and 160 hiring managers, and find statistically significant gaps at the construct and dimensional level. However, the magnitude of the gaps is not large, suggesting that business schools may be doing a good job of managing the CFI skills gap. Our assessment instrument is a valuable tool for companies that wish to diagnose and address CFI skills challenges.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 in female and male patients with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Arefin Samsul , Hernandez Leah , Ward Liam J. , Schwarz Angelina ,   GOING‐FWD Collaborators, Barany Peter , Stenvinkel Peter , Kublickiene Karolina
Published: April 2022

Background

Individuals with chronic kidney disease are affected by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) due to multiple comorbidities and altered immune system. The first step of the infection process is the binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 with angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, followed by its priming by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). We hypothesized that circulating soluble ACE2 levels, as well as the expressions of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the microvasculature, are increased in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Methods

A total of 210 participants were enrolled, representing 80 ESKD patients and 73 non‐CKD controls for soluble ACE2, and 31 ESKD and 26 non‐CKD controls for vasculature and fat tissue bioassays. We have assessed ACE2 expression in blood using ELISA and in tissue using immunofluorescence.

Results

Soluble ACE2 levels were higher in ESKD patients compared to controls; however, there is no sex difference observed. In ESKD and controls, soluble ACE2 positively correlated with Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), respectively. Similarly, ACE2 tissue expression in the vasculature was higher in ESKD patients; moreover, this higher ACE2 expression was observed only in male ESKD patients. In addition, TMPRSS2 expression was observed in vessels from males and females but showed no sex difference. The expression of ACE2 receptor was higher in ESKD patients on ACE‐inhibitor/angiotensin blocker treatment.

Conclusion

ESKD is associated with increased ACE2 levels in the circulation and pronounced in male vasculature; however, further studies are warranted to assess possible sex differences on specific treatment regime(s) for different comorbidities present in ESKD.
Marine rove beetles in a low‐salinity lake: Cafius pectoralis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) prey on beach hopper in brackish water
Authors: Hayashi Masakazu
Published: April 2022

A marine rove beetle, Cafius pectoralis (Boheman, 1858), inhabits the coast and is found in seaweed washed ashore on sandy beaches. This species also inhabits Lake Shinji, a brackish lake with low‐salinity, but there is no seaweed or kelp flies in this lake. Cafius pectoralis prefers to prey on beach hoppers, and many hoppers live in Lake Shinji. One rove beetle and one beach hopper were placed together in a container for 24 h. As a control, beach hoppers were placed in similar containers alone for 24 h. While the beach hoppers that were alone all survived, those with rove beetles were all dead after 24 h. Consequently, it is speculated that the beetles feed on beach hoppers and that they have become habituated to the brackish lake.
A Resist‐Accept‐Direct decision‐support tool for walleye Sander vitreus (Mitchill) management in Wisconsin
Authors: Dassow Colin J. , Latzka Alex W. , Lynch Abigail J. , Sass Greg G. , Tingley Ralph W. , Paukert Craig P.
Published: April 2022

Large‐scale modelling and prediction provide insight into general influences of climate change on inland recreational fisheries; however, small‐scale dynamics and local expertise will be key in developing explicit goals for managing recreational fisheries as the climate changes. The resist‐accept‐direct (RAD) framework encompasses the entire decision space managers consider when addressing climate influences in their local system, but to decide whether to resist, accept or direct, managers need tools to understand how specific waterbodies will be influenced by climate change. Here, a decision‐support tool was developed and applied to the walleye recreational fishery in Wisconsin, USA as an example of how to link the RAD framework to real‐world management of a large recreational fishery. The tool and broadscale results described here, indicating a widespread shift away from resist strategies by mid‐century, can be used by managers to inform decisions about whether to resist, accept, or direct for specific walleye populations.
High‐resolution mapping of the global silicate weathering carbon sink and its long‐term changes
Authors: Li Chaojun , Bai Xiaoyong , Tan Qiu , Luo Guangjie , Wu Luhua , Chen Fei , Xi Huipeng , Luo Xuling , Ran Chen , Chen Huan , Zhang Sirui , Liu Min , Gong Suhua , Xiong Lian , Song Fengjiao , Xiao Biqin , Du Chaochao
Published: April 2022

Climatic and non‐climatic factors affect the chemical weathering of silicate rocks, which in turn affects the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere on a long‐term scale. However, the coupling effects of these factors prevent us from clearly understanding of the global weathering carbon sink of silicate rocks. Here, using the improved first‐order model with correlated factors and non‐parametric methods, we produced spatiotemporal data sets (0.25° × 0.25°) of the global silicate weathering carbon‐sink flux (SCSFα) under different scenarios (SSPs) in present (1950–2014) and future (2015–2100) periods based on the Global River Chemistry Database and CMIP6 data sets. Then, we analyzed and identified the key regions in space where climatic and non‐climatic factors affect the SCSFα. We found that the total SCSFα was 155.80 ± 90 Tg C yr−1 in present period, which was expected to increase by 18.90 ± 11 Tg C yr−1 (12.13%) by the end of this century. Although the SCSFα in more than half of the world was showing an upward trend, about 43% of the regions were still showing a clear downward trend, especially under the SSP2‐4.5 scenario. Among the main factors related to this, the relative contribution rate of runoff to the global SCSFα was close to 1/3 (32.11%), and the main control regions of runoff and precipitation factors in space accounted for about 49% of the area. There was a significant negative partial correlation between leaf area index and silicate weathering carbon sink flux due to the difference between the vegetation types. We have emphasized quantitative analysis the sensitivity of SCSFα to critical factors on a spatial grid scale, which is valuable for understanding the role of silicate chemical weathering in the global carbon cycle.
Influence of frailty on patient global assessment in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Suzuki Mochihito , Asai Shuji , Sobue Yasumori , Ohashi Yoshifumi , Koshima Hiroshi , Okui Nobuyuki , Ishikawa Hisato , Takahashi Nobunori , Terabe Kenya , Kishimoto Kenji , Hattori Kyosuke , Imagama Shiro , Kojima Toshihisa
Published: April 2022

Aim

Patient Global Assessment (PtGA; range 0–10 cm) is an important indicator of clinical outcomes, including physical function, in self‐assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Frailty is a concept that encompasses not only physical, but also mental, psychological and social vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of frailty on PtGA in patients with RA.

Methods

Among 581 patients with RA who completed a questionnaire survey on frailty between June and August 2020, 559 who completed the Kihon Checklist (KCL; a 25‐item questionnaire with seven domains) were included. The proportion of patients with PtGA ≤1 was compared between the frailty (KCL score ≥8), pre‐frailty (KCL score 4–7) and robust (KCL score 0–3) groups. Factors associated with PtGA ≤1 were examined using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 559 patients, 221 (39.5%) had frailty. The proportion of patients with PtGA ≤1 was significantly lower in the frailty group (33.9%) than in the robust (65.4%, P < 0.001) and pre‐frailty (55.7%, P < 0.001) groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that frailty (vs robust, OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22–0.69), as well as disease duration and tender joint count, were factors independently associated with PtGA ≤1. When each domain of the KCL was examined, activities of daily living, physical strength, isolation and depressive mood were factors associated with PtGA ≤1.

Conclusion

Frailty affects PtGA in patients with RA. As frailty impacts the physical, mental and social vulnerability aspects of PtGA, a multifaceted approach, including inflammation suppression, is required to improve PtGA in patients with RA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 399–404.
Spalling degradation of Cr2O3‐Al2O3‐ZrO2 refractories for coal‐water slurry gasifier linings: Role of phosphate
Authors: Sun Honggang , Li Hongxia , Geng Keming , Zhao Shixian , Du Yihao , Yan Shuangzhi
Published: April 2022

Two kinds of high chromia bricks with and without phosphate as gasifier linings were postmortem analyzed during their whole service life. The effect of phosphate on the microstructure and phase composition of refractory sections was analyzed. The dense phosphate enrichment layer was observed between the slag penetration layer and the virgin layer, which was considered to reduce the damage of gasifier lining caused by spalling. Phosphate could decompose and migrate slowly under suitable temperature gradient existing in the bricks in service, which would result in the densification of the microstructure earlier than slag penetration. The phosphate in high chromia bricks reduced frequency of spalling due to penetration, which would lead to the lower early wear rate and longer lifetime.
Sintering and characterization of aluminum titanate ceramics with enhanced thermomechanical properties
Authors: Huang Xuehui , Song Xiaozhan , Yang Na , Chang Yu
Published: April 2022

Aluminum titanate (Al2TiO5) was synthesized from Al2O3‐TiO2 system by solid‐phase reaction with additives of light magnesium carbonate and SiO2, incorporating with silicon carbide (SiC) particle. The influence of additives on the phase composition, microstructure configuration, sintering, and thermomechanical properties of the developed materials was investigated. The experimental results illustrated that the utilization of additives with applicable contents was conducive to the development of complex microstructures. The microstructures characterized by microcracks matrix together with interlocked grains were identified. The samples incorporating SiC and SiO2 simultaneously displayed exceptional densification properties and microstructure as a result of a SiO2 liquid phase accelerating SiC oxidation. Meanwhile, high flexural strength (41.51 MPa) and low thermal expansion coefficient of 0.485 × 10−6 K−1 (RT‐1000 °C) were detected, encouraging refractory applications with high thermomechanical solicitations.
Fabrication of highly bioactive zirconia ceramics via grain‐boundary activation for dental implants
Authors: Zhang Wenmin , Ke Jinhuan , Qian Guowen , Ye Jiandong
Published: April 2022

Yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP) ceramics with outstanding mechanical properties and aesthetic origins are expected to be used in dental implant applications. However, tetragonal zirconia ceramics are not bioactive, which affect the osseointegration and reliability as dental implant materials. Herein, in this study, Y‐TZP ceramics were modified by grain‐boundary activation via coating a bioactive glass (BG) sol with different content on the crystal surfaces of zirconia powder and followed by being gelled, dried, granulated, low‐temperature treated, molded and sintered at 1450°C for 3 h in air. The effects of BG content on the morphology, phase compositions, mechanical properties, in vitro mineralization ability and cell biological properties of the bioactivity modified Y‐TZP ceramics were evaluated. The BG additive did not affect the tetragonal–monoclinic phase transformation of ZrO2. However, the addition of BG decreased the flexural strength of the modified Y‐TZP ceramics compared to that of Y‐TZP. The in vitro mineralization results showed that a homogeneous apatite layer was produced on the surface of the Y‐TZP ceramics when they were immersed in the simulated body fluid for 21 days. The cell response results indicated that the bioactive surface modification of Y‐TZP ceramics could promote cell adhesion, propagation and osteogenic differentiation performance. Thus, our research results suggest that the highly bioactive Y‐TZP ceramics could be a potential candidate for dental implant material.
N‐α‐Acetyltransferase 10 inhibits invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulating Pirh2‐p53 signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Fazhan , Zheng Jun , Yang Jie , Luo Ting , Xu Jiang , Yang Yongyong , Gu Yongqing , Zeng Yan
Published: April 2022

N‐α‐Acetyltransferase 10 (NAA10) was reported to be involved in tumour invasion and metastasis in several of tumours. However, the role and mechanism of NAA10‐mediated invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains undetermined. Herein, our study showed that NAA10 inhibits cell migration and invasion in vitro and attenuates the xenograft tumorigenesis in nude mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that there is a physical interaction between NAA10 and RelA/p65 in OSCC cells, thereby preventing RelA/p65‐mediated transcriptional activation of Pirh2. Consequently, inhibition of Pirh2 increased p53 level and suppressed the expression of p53 downstream targets, matrix metalloprotein‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9. Therefore, NAA10 may function as a tumour metastasis suppressor in the progression of OSCC by targeting Pirh2‐p53 axis and might be a prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for OSCC.
Prevalence and characterization of treatment‐refractory psoriasis and super‐responders to biologic treatment: a nationwide study
Authors: Loft N. , Egeberg A. , Rasmussen M.K. , Bryld L.E. , Nissen C.V. , Dam T.N. , Ajgeiy K.K. , Iversen L. , Skov L.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Treatment with biologics often leads to clearance of psoriasis. However, some patients do repeatedly fail to respond and/or lose an achieved response (treatment refractory) to the biologic, whereas other patients achieve excellent response to one biologic and remain clear of psoriasis for several years (super‐responders).

Objective

To identify and characterize patients with treatment refractory psoriasis and patients who are super‐responders to biologic treatment.

Material and methods

Patients registered in DERMBIO between January 2007 and November 2019 were included. Patients were categorized as being treatment refractory if they had had treatment failure to ≥3 biologics targeting ≥2 different pathways. Super‐responders were patients treated with their first biologic for minimum 5 years without an absolute psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) > 3 between 6 months and 5 years of treatment. All remaining patients from DERMBIO served as comparators.

Results

In total, 3280 patients were included with a mean age of 45.0 years. 1221 (37%) of the patients were females. Of the included patients, 214 (6.5%) were categorized as treatment refractory and 207 (6.3%) were categorized as super‐responders. Treatment refractory patients had higher mean body weight (100.6 kg vs. 90.6 kg, P < 0.0001) and higher mean BMI (32.2 vs. 29.4, P < 0.0001) compared with the rest of patients in DERMBIO. Super‐responders had higher socioeconomic status and fewer comorbidities compared with the comparator group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A small proportion of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics are either super‐responders or treatment refractory. Treatment refractory patients have higher body weight, whereas super‐responders have fewer comorbidities and higher socioeconomic status.
Palmoplantar pustulosis and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau: demographic and clinical comparative study in a large multicentre cohort
Authors: Assan F. , Husson B. , Hegazy S. , Seneschal J. , Aubin F. , Mahé E. , Jullien D. , Sbidian E. , D'Incan M. , Conrad C. , Brenaut E. , Girard C. , Richard M.A. , Bachelez H. , Viguier M. ,   “Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis” de la Société Française de Dermatologie
Published: April 2022

Background

Acral pustular disease within the pustular psoriasis/psoriasis‐like spectrum mainly includes palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH). Scarce data argue for a distinction between these two entities, but no study has compared the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of ACH and PPP.

Objectives

We aimed to perform a comparative description of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of PPP and ACH in a multicentre retrospective cohort.

Methods

In this multicentre national retrospective cohort study, we compared the epidemiological characteristics, comorbidities and psoriasis characteristics of patients with PPP and ACH.

Results

A total of 234 patients were included: 203 (87%) with PPP, 18 (8%) with ACH and 13 (6%) with both, according to 2017 ERASPEN criteria. As compared with ACH, PPP was associated with female sex, smoking activity and higher median BMI (P = 0.01, P = 0.02 and P = 0.05 respectively). A family background of psoriasis was more frequent in PPP than ACH. Age of onset of palmoplantar disease was similar between PPP and ACH patients, median age 44 and 48 years respectively. Peripheral joint inflammatory involvement was the only rheumatic disease associated with ACH. The association with another psoriasis type was similar in PPP and ACH (57.6% and 61.1% respectively).

Conclusion

Our study confirms in a large PPP cohort the predominance of females and a high prevalence of smoking and elevated body mass index but also shows an association of these features in PPP as compared with ACH. In addition, it highlights peripheral arthritis as the only arthritis endotype associated with ACH. Increased knowledge of the immunogenetic backgrounds underlying these two entities is warranted to better stratify pustular psoriasis or psoriasis‐like entities for precision medicine.
Risk stratification and cost‐effectiveness analysis of adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Liao Min‐Tsun , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Tsai Hsiao‐En , Wu Jo‐Hsuan , Caffrey James L. , Lin Jou‐Wei , Wang Chih‐Hsien , Yu Hsi‐Yu , Chen Yih‐Sharng
Published: April 2022

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

A more effective allocation of critical care resources is important as the cost of intensive care increases. A model has been developed to predict the probability of in‐hospital death among patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA) were performed regarding the relationship between hospitalization expenses and predicted survival outcomes.

Methods

Adult patients who received ECMO in a medical center in Taiwan (2005–2016) were included. A logistic regression model was applied to a spectrum of clinical measures obtained before and during ECMO institutions to identify the risk variables for in‐hospital mortality. CEA were reported as a predictive risk in quintiles and defined as the cost of each quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY). The distribution of the cost‐effectiveness ratio (CER) was measured by the ellipse and acceptability curve methods.

Results

A total of 919 patients (659 males, mean age: 53.7 years) were enrolled. Ten variables emerged as significant predictors of in‐hospital death. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.79). In‐hospital and total follow‐up times were 40,366 and 660,205 person‐days, respectively. The total in‐hospital expense was $31,818,701 USD and the total effectiveness was 1687.3 QALY. For the lowest to the highest risk quintile, the mean mortality risks were 0.30, 0.48, 0.61, 0.75, and 0.88, and mean adjusted CER were $24,230, $43,042, $54,929, $84,973, and $149,095 per QALY, respectively.

Conclusions

The efficient allocation of limited and costly resources is most important when one is forced to decide between groups of critically ill patients. The current analyses of ECMO outcomes should assist in identifying candidates with the greatest prospect for survival while avoiding futile treatments.
A multilayer soil approach for seepage process analysis in earthen levees
Authors: Bonaccorsi Bianca , Moramarco Tommaso , Noto Leonardo Valerio , Barbetta Silvia
Published: April 2022

The analysis of seepage through earthen levees is fundamental to investigate the levee safety condition, since that the seepage phenomenon can often lead to piping causing the collapse of the levee (Saghaee et al., 2012). This work proposes a new approach for identifying the location of the saturation line through the earthen levee by using a multilayer soil approach that assumes the levee body and the levee foundation as two different layers, characterized by using a different hydraulic conductivity parameter. The main purpose is to investigate the difference in the predicted saturation line identified through the proposed method and the one based on the single layer analytical solution of the seepage flow suggested by Marchi (1961). On comparison of the saturation lines provided by two different approaches, the ratio between the river water head and the groundwater thickness or depth increases; allowing the determination of a ratio threshold above which the Marchi equation should no longer be applied. The proposed multilayer (levee and foundation) soil approach is also used to assess the seepage vulnerability of the methodology proposed by Barbetta et al. (2017). The results show that the differences between the seepage vulnerabilities evaluated using the multilayer approach and the single layer method are quite low. Although notably, significant modifications of the seepage probability are observed when the distance between the ground level and the groundwater table changes.
Magnetic resonance imaging metrics and the predictability of adverse outcomes in on‐treatment Asian chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hui Rex Wan‐Hin , Chiu Keith Wan‐Hang , Mak Lung Yi , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Fung James , Yuen Man‐Fung , Seto Wai‐Kay
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Liver fibrosis and steatosis are important factors affecting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disease outcome. Multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the liver measures fibroinflammation, fat, and iron through iron‐corrected T1 relaxation time (cT1), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and T2*‐weighted imaging, respectively. We assessed the utility of MR metrics for prognostication in CHB.

Methods

Chronic hepatitis B patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogs with advanced fibrosis documented by vibration‐controlled transient elastography were recruited. Paired multiparametric MR liver and transient elastography were performed at baseline and after at least 2 years. Adverse outcomes including death, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver decompensation were monitored.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐two patients (mean age 60.3 ± 8.5 years; 76.0% male) were recruited. Eight patients (4.2%) developed HCC after 11.6 (8.8–22.8) months, and increased baseline liver iron independently predicted HCC (hazard ratio 2.329 [1.030–5.266]; P = 0.042). Liver MR metrics were not predictive of death or hepatic decompensation. Among 150 patients with follow‐up liver MR at 30.3 (25.2–35.6) months, longitudinal liver PDFF increase was associated with liver cT1 increase (odds ratio 1.571 [1.217–2.029]; P = 0.001). Ninety patients received simultaneous multiparametric MR pancreas during the follow‐up MR. Pancreatic PDFF correlated with liver PDFF (r = 0.501, P < 0.001), while pancreatic T1 had no correlation with liver cT1 (r = −0.092, P = 0.479). Pancreatic T1 and PDFF were not associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Among CHB patients with advanced disease, liver iron level on MR predicts HCC. Multiparametric MR can also simultaneously assess the pancreas and the liver. Multiparametric MR should be further studied as a one‐stop option for monitoring and prognosticating CHB.
Maternal cell contamination in embryonic chromosome analysis of missed abortions
Authors: Ouchi Nozomi , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Kasano Sayuri , Yokote Ryoko , Yonezawa Mirei , Kurashina Ryuhei , Ichikawa Tomoko , Kawabata Ikuno , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Suzuki Shunji
Published: April 2022

Aim

The fetal sample used for embryonic chromosome analysis is often contaminated with maternal cells, making it difficult to evaluate the fetal chromosomes. We examined on the rate of maternal cell contamination and its relationship with maternal information in the embryonic chromosome analysis of missed abortions using the Giemsabanding method.

Methods

Chromosome analysis was performed in 200 cases of delayed miscarriages in first trimester between July 1, 2000 and May 31, 2019. Chorionic villi were collected and were analyzed using the Giemsa banding method. Among the 20 cells for which chromosomal examination was performed, cells wherein 46,XX chromosomes were found together with normal male karyotype or abnormal chromosomes were defined as maternal cell contamination.

Results

Of the 200 cases analyzed, 136 had abnormal chromosomes. The normal female karyotype (n = 52) was four times more prevalent than the normal male karyotype (n = 12). Maternal cell contamination was seen in 15.4% of the abnormal chromosome cases and 8.3% of the normal male karyotype cases. There was no significant difference in the gestational age between the contaminated and noncontaminated groups at the time of miscarriage diagnosis. However, miscarriage before fetal heartbeat confirmation was significantly associated with higher maternal cell contamination.

Conclusion

We found maternal cell contamination in 15% of all the cases. Moreover, in many cases of the normal female karyotype, it was suspected that only maternal chromosomes were cultured. When performing embryonic chromosome analysis in recurrent miscarriages, we should pay attention to maternal cell contamination and interpret the results accordingly.
A new biomarker neuropeptide Y and bioinformatics analysis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Feng Fan , Xu Di , Shao Yong
Published: April 2022

Aim

To explore the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and bioinformatics characteristics of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Methods

Gene chip data of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were searched from the GEO database with bioinformatics method, and GSE46157 gene chip was downloaded. Differentially expressed genes in normal pregnant placenta tissue and ICP pregnant placenta tissue (bile acid concentration > 40 μmol/L) were screened by GEO2R. Functional annotation (GO) and pathway analysis (KEGG) were performed with DAVID. STRING online database and Cytoscape software were used for protein interaction network analysis. Maternal serum NPY level of 63 cases of ICP pregnant women and 20 normal pregnant women were investigated by ELISA.

Results

After screening 3896 differential genes and protein interaction, the top 14 hub genes were selected with nine up‐regulated and five down‐regulated genes. ICP patients were divided into three subgroups according to serum TBA and ALT levels. Maternal serum NPY levels of pregnant women in ICP subgroups 1, 2, and 3 were significantly higher than those in the normal pregnant women. The number of premature births, meconium‐staining amniotic fluid, neonatal asphyxia, and NICU admission was significantly higher in the ICP subgroup 1 than in the ICP subgroups 2 and 3, and than in the normal pregnant women.

Conclusion

This study indicates that many differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways are involved in the pathophysiological procedure of ICP. NPY could be a new biomarker of ICP.
The personality meta‐trait of stability and carotid artery atherosclerosis
Authors: Ringwald Whitney R. , Kaurin Aleksandra , DuPont Caitlin M. , Gianaros Peter J. , Marsland Anna L. , Muldoon Matthew F. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Manuck Stephen B.
Published: April 2022

Background

Several personality traits increase the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Because many of these traits are correlated, their associations with disease risk could reflect shared variance, rather than unique contributions of each trait. We examined a higher‐order personality trait of Stability as related to preclinical atherosclerosis and tested whether any such relationship might be explained by correlated variation in cardiometabolic risk factors.

Method

Among 798 community volunteers, lower‐order traits of Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were modeled as latent variables (from self‐ and informant ratings) and used to estimate the second‐order factor, Stability. Cardiometabolic risk was similarly modeled from indicators of glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, and lipids. Carotid artery atherosclerosis was measured as intima‐media thickness (IMT) by duplex ultrasonography.

Result

A structural equation model incorporating direct and indirect effects showed lower Stability associated with greater IMT, and this relationship was accounted for by the indirect pathway via cardiometabolic risk. Secondary analyses showed that: (1) Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were unrelated to IMT independent of Stability; and (2) Stability predicted variation in IMT when estimated from informant‐, but not self‐rated, traits.

Conclusion

Personality traits may associate with atherosclerotic burden through their shared, rather than unique, variance, as reflected in Stability.
Buyer abusive behavior and supplier welfare: An empirical study of truck owner–operators
Authors: Kim Seongtae , Chae Sangho , Wagner Stephan M. , Miller Jason W.
Published: April 2022

The increase in stakeholder pressure for responsible business draws closer public scrutiny when buyers use their power advantage illegitimately to exploit weaker suppliers. In this study, we develop the novel concept ofbuyer abusive behavior(BAB) and examine BABs exerted by buyers of trucking services against truck owner–operators as their suppliers. This focus is timely given the recent emergence of online platform businesses where precarious work and associated worker abuse are prevalent. Building on the theory of power imbalance and risk‐taking behavior, we elaborate on how BAB can jeopardize supplier welfare that comprises performance and safety. The analysis of the data pertaining to 260 owner–operators in South Korea shows that contract‐unrelated BAB (e.g., buyer's request for money and valuables) harms supplier performance and supplier safety while contract‐related BAB (e.g., buyer's unfair subcontract price decision) does not. Furthermore, the positive relationship between supplier performance and supplier safety is attenuated by contract‐related BAB but reinforced by contract‐unrelated BAB. We contribute to the growing body of the literature on decent work by exposing BAB as a major detriment to supplier worker welfare and laying the groundwork for the development of theories on power abuse and working conditions in multi‐tiered subcontracting work environments.
Acceptability of an interstage home monitoring mobile application for caregivers of children with single ventricle physiology: Toward technology‐integrated family management
Authors: Blair Lisa , Vergales Jeffrey , Peregoy Leslie , Seegal Hallie , Keim‐Malpass Jessica
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Infants with single ventricle physiology experience numerous vulnerable transitions, and the interstage period for shunt‐dependent children represents the time of highest risk for morbidity and mortality. Data exchange, physiological monitoring, and communication between clinicians and caregivers through interstage home monitoring are critical. The purpose of this study is to report on the acceptability of a technology‐enhanced home monitoring mobile application for interstage family management of children with single ventricle physiology.

Design and Methods

This study employed a qualitative descriptive study design and recruited caregivers that were part of a broader quality improvement project where they were beta users of a mobile health application specifically developed for the interstage home monitoring time period.

Results

Eleven caregivers were enrolled in this study that was a part of the early phases of beta testing the mobile application from a human‐centered design perspective. In general, the participants had a favorable sentiment toward the technology‐integrated family management aspects that the mobile application allowed for during the interstage process. The acceptability findings can be organized through the following themes: time needed for mobile application, family as integrated members of care team, connectedness and confidence, and resolving technical issues.

Conclusions

Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of this technology from the perspective of family/caregivers is a critical component of human‐centered design. The integration of technology‐facilitated communication shows immense promise for patient populations undergoing vulnerable transitions in care. Future study is needed to determine the role mobile applications have in improved clinical outcomes, enhanced provider clinical‐decision support, and family engagement in care.
Rare liver diseases are not rare in China
Authors: Lv Tingting , Jia Jidong
Published: April 2022

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are a group of diseases that affect a relatively small number of people. Low incidence rates, atypical symptoms, imperfect diagnosis criteria and few treatment options impose medical, psychological and financial stress on the local healthcare system. The spectrum of liver diseases in China has changed in the past decades due to successful control of once highly prevalent viral hepatitis B and C. Furthermore, the increased awareness and improved availability of specific laboratory tests have also facilitated the diagnosis of rare diseases such as autoimmune, cholestatic and genetic liver diseases. Finally, considering the huge population, the total number of many rare liver diseases in China is not as rare as once deemed. In this mini‐review article, we will outline the current clinical and epidemiological profiles of some rare liver diseases that are no longer rare in China.