bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASTE Band 10 (787–950 GHz) heterodyne receiver: System description, commissioning, and science verification
Authors: Asayama Shin’ichiro , Kamazaki Takeshi , Ishii Shun , Ito Tetsuya , Fujii Yasunori , Iono Daisuke , Gonzalez Alvaro , Inata Motoko , Sakamoto Seiichi
Published: March 2022

We report the system description and results of the commissioning and science verification (CSV) of the Band 10 (787–950 GHz) heterodyne receiver for ASTE (Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment), a 10 m submillimeter telescope at the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) site in Chile. The new ASTE Band 10 receiver cartridge was refurbished from a prototype ALMA Band 10 receiver with SIS mixers employing high critical current density junctions. We installed the new receiver on ASTE and carried out its CSV. The best double-sideband (DSB) system noise temperature achieved on ASTE toward the zenith was ∼1500 K (PWV ∼ 0.5  mm). As a part of CSV activities, we performed science verification observations to demonstrate ASTE Band 10 capabilities to the community. Wide-field images were successfully obtained toward the well-studied OMC-1 region with both [C i](3P2–3P1) and 12CO(J = 7–6) lines. In addition, we partially carried out observations toward a super star cluster RCW 38, [C i](3P1–3P0), images of which were already obtained by ASTE. We demonstrated the capability of ASTE Band 10 observations toward bright and extended objects like giant molecular clouds.
Appraising the need for audiological assessment before autism spectrum disorder referral
Authors: Mishaal Ram A , Weikum Whitney M , Brooks Beth , Derry Karen , Lanphear Nancy E
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Mandatory audiological testing before autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment is common practice. Hearing impairment (HI) in the general paediatric population is estimated at 3%; however, hearing impairment prevalence among children with ASD is poorly established. Our objective was to determine which children referred for ASD assessment require preliminary audiological assessment.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of children (n=4,173; 0 to 19 years) referred to British Columbia’s Autism Assessment Network (2010 to 2014). We analyzed HI rate, risk factors, and timing of HI diagnosis relative to ASD referral.

Results

ASD was diagnosed in 53.4%. HI rates among ASD referrals was 3.3% and not significantly higher in children with ASD (ASD+; 3.5%) versus No-ASD (3.0%). No significant differences in HI severity or type were found, but more ASD+ females (5.5%) than ASD+ males (3.1%) had HI (P<0.05). Six HI risk factors were significant (problems with intellect, language, vision/eye, ear, genetic abnormalities, and prematurity) and HI was associated with more risk factors (P<0.01). Only 12 children (8.9%) were diagnosed with HI after ASD referral; all males 6 years or younger and only one had no risk factors. ASD+ children with HI were older at ASD referral than No-ASD (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Children with ASD have similar hearing impairment rates to those without ASD. HI may delay referral for ASD assessment. As most children were diagnosed with HI before ASD referral or had at least one risk factor, we suggest that routine testing for HI among ASD referrals should only be required for children with risk factors.
The Uptake and Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Online Program for Managing Chronic Pain before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shiner Christine T , Gardner Tania , Haskelberg Hila , Li Ian , Faux Steven G , Millard Michael , Mahoney Alison E J
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Societal and health system pressures associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated the burden of chronic pain and limited access to pain management services for many. Online multidisciplinary pain programs offer an effective and scalable treatment option, but have not been evaluated within the context of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the uptake and effectiveness of the Reboot Online chronic pain program before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analyses were conducted on routine service users of the Reboot Online program, comparing those who commenced the program during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–March 2021), to those prior to the pandemic (April 2017–March 2020). Outcomes included the number of course registrations; commencements; completion rates; and measures of pain severity, interference, self-efficacy, pain-related disability, and distress.

Results

Data from 2,585 course users were included (n = 1138 pre-COVID-19 and n = 1,447 during-COVID-19). There was a 287% increase in monthly course registrations during COVID-19, relative to previously. Users were younger, and more likely to reside in a metropolitan area during COVID-19, but initial symptom severity was comparable. Course adherence and effectiveness were similar before and during COVID-19, with moderate effect size improvements in clinical outcomes post-treatment (g = 0.23–0.55).

Discussion

Uptake of an online chronic pain management program substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program adherence and effectiveness were similar pre- and during-COVID. These findings support the effectiveness and scalability of online chronic pain management programs to meet increasing demand.
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN RADIOCESIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN WATERS OF THE NATSUI AND SAME RIVERS, SOUTH FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN FROM 2011 TO 2020
Authors: Nagao Seiya , Kanamori Masaki , Shimamura Akie , Morokado Toshiki , Putra D I P , Fujita Tomoki , Tomihara Seiichi , Ochiai Shinya
Published: March 2022

In order to determine the long-term impacts of radiocesium contamination on ecosystems in watersheds and coastal areas following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011, it was important to monitor the transport behavior of radiocesium from an early stage. In this study, conducted from July 2011 to October 2020, we carried out field research along the Natsui and Same rivers running through watersheds in the south of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, in which there had been a relatively low accumulation of radiocesium. We found that under normal flow conditions, the total (dissolved + particulate phase) activity of 137Cs decreased with increasing time following the accident. However, the water samples collected after rain events showed higher activity of up to 895 mBq l−1 with a higher percentage (>92% of total) of the particulate phase. These findings indicate that radiocesium deposited on the ground surface is predominantly transported in the particulate phase from watersheds to rivers via precipitation. The decontamination process, which was performed in the farmland during December 2014 to March 2015 and in forest during February 2013 to April 2014, was small effects of the transport of 137Cs. Under normal flow conditions, total 137Cs activity was largely determined by the suspended solids (SS) concentration and/or 137Cs concentration in the SS.
Longitudinal change in neural response to vocal emotion in adolescence
Authors: Morningstar Michele , Mattson Whitney I , Nelson Eric E
Published: March 2022

Adolescence is associated with maturation of function within neural networks supporting the processing of social information. Previous longitudinal studies have established developmental influences on youth’s neural response to facial displays of emotion. Given the increasing recognition of the importance of non-facial cues to social communication, we build on existing work by examining longitudinal change in neural response to vocal expressions of emotion in 8- to 19-year-old youth. Participants completed a vocal emotion recognition task at two timepoints (1 year apart) while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. The right inferior frontal gyrus, right dorsal striatum and right precentral gyrus showed decreases in activation to emotional voices across timepoints, which may reflect focalization of response in these areas. Activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex was positively associated with age but was stable across timepoints. In addition, the slope of change across visits varied as a function of participants’ age in the right temporo-parietal junction (TPJ): this pattern of activation across timepoints and age may reflect ongoing specialization of function across childhood and adolescence. Decreased activation in the striatum and TPJ across timepoints was associated with better emotion recognition accuracy. Findings suggest that specialization of function in social cognitive networks may support the growth of vocal emotion recognition skills across adolescence.
Making the Railways Pay: The Redevelopment of Euston Station, Labour and Conservative Visions of Public Sector Property Speculation in the 1960s and 1970s
Authors: Harrison Ewan
Published: March 2022

This article examines the redevelopment of Euston Station forecourt as a speculative development of offices designed by the prolific post-war commercial architectural practice R. Seifert & Partners from c.1970 to 1979. The article offers a reading of the development as a piece of state-encouraged, public-sector led property development. It uncovers the encouragement given by Harold Wilson’s Labour government to for-profit property developments on nationalized land and the simultaneous control of private sector office development by the same government. It reveals a consistent labourite vision of public sector property development.
Diversity of schizomids (Arachnida: Schizomida) revealed by new fossil genera and species from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber with implications for a Gondwanan origin of the Burma Terrane
Authors: De Francesco Magnussen Ilian , Müller Sandro P , Hammel Jörg U , Kotthoff Ulrich , Harms Danilo
Published: March 2022

Short-tailed whipscorpions are a small arachnid order with 379 described species from (sub)tropical regions of the world. The order has a fragmentary fossil record but has left a rich, albeit hitherto undocumented, fossil legacy in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmese amber or Burmite. Here, we review a large series of schizomids from this type of amber and propose four new genera for seven new species. In addition, we include a short revision of all schizomid genera based on 14 morphological characters. Although none of the fossils can be assigned to Recent genera, they resemble the modern fauna in general morphology and highlight relative morphological stasis in this arachnid order. The fossils show a general trend towards eye reduction, but some of the specimens retain corneate eyes. Comparative data suggest affinities of the fossils with the Recent Old World fauna rather than American relatives. Furthermore, the fossils provide evidence for a Gondwanan origin of the Burma Terrane. Overall, the data suggest a high diversity at both species and genus levels for Burmese amber schizomids. We discuss potential reasons for this richness that will probably necessitate the description of additional genera and species in future studies.
Expression of the Thaumatin-Like Protein-1 Gene (Bx-tlp-1) from Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Affects Terpene Metabolism in Pine Trees
Authors: Meng Fanli , Li Yongxia , Liu Zhenkai , Feng Yuqian , Wang Xuan , Zhang Xingyao
Published: March 2022

Pine wilt disease is a major forest disease worldwide, including in China, where it has severely damaged pine forest ecosystems, and the pathogen is pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). The thaumatin-like protein-1 gene (Bx-tlp-1) is a key gene associated with B. xylophilus pathogenicity, which is also responsive to α-pinene. In this study, an examination of Pinus massoniana seedlings infected by B. xylophilus revealed that monoterpene (sesquiterpene) levels peaked on days 15 and 27 (days 18 and 27). Meanwhile, P. massoniana Pm-tlp expression levels were high on days 3, 12, and 27, which were consistent with the expression of key enzymes genes in the terpene biosynthesis pathway. The functional similarity of B. xylophilus Bx-TLP-1 and P. massoniana Pm-TLP suggests Bx-TLP-1 and Pm-TLP may have similar roles in P. massoniana. There was also no secondary accumulation of terpenes in P. massoniana seedlings during B. xylophilus treated with dsRNA targeting Bx-tlp-1 (dsTLP1) infections, reflecting the decreased pathogenicity of B. xylophilus and the delayed disease progression in pine trees. And the results of micro-CT showed that the degree of cavitation for the trees inoculated with Bx-TLP-1 (0.3811 mm3) was greater than that for the trees inoculated with dsTLP1 PWNs (0.1204 mm3) on day 15 after inoculation. Results from this study indicated that B. xylophilus Bx-tlp-1 gene may induce the upregulated expression of related genes encoding enzymes in the terpene synthesis pathway of P. massoniana, resulting in the accumulation of terpenes, which also provided an insight to investigate the B. xylophilus pathogenicity in the future.
Evaluating Nurses’ Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Dirgar Ezgi , Tosun Betül , Dokumuş Hakan , Bülbül Tuba
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate nurses’ knowledge on pressure injury (PI) prevention.

METHODS

Four hundred six nurses in Turkey participated in this descriptive study between January and February 2020. Participants completed an information form and the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI). The PUPKAI contains 26 items across six themes: (1) development, (2) classification and observation, (3) risk assessment, (4) nutrition, (5) interventions to reduce the amount of pressure/rupture, and (6) interventions to reduce the duration of pressure/rupture.

RESULTS

The mean age of the nurses was 26.93 ± 6.72 years. The mean total PUPKAI score was 11.80 ± 3.28. Almost all participants (91.6%) had insufficient knowledge on PI prevention. Male nurses scored higher on themes 1 and 2 than female nurses (P = .046, P = .029, respectively). Nurses with a postgraduate degree scored higher in total and on themes 2, 3, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .006, P = .011, P = .044, P = .029, respectively), and nurses with more than 10 years of service scored higher in total and on themes 4, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .002, P = .001, P = .026, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The nurses who participated in this study do not have enough knowledge on PI prevention.
The Three-Dimensional Structure of Porcine Bladder Scaffolds Alters the Biology of Murine Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Liu Qinxin , Wu Mengfan , Karvar Mehran , Aoki Shimpo , Endo Yori , Hamaguchi Ryoko , Ma Chenhao , Matar Dany Y. , Orgill Dennis P. , Panayi Adriana C.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the various three-dimensional structures of bioscaffolds affect wound healing by investigating the efficacy of different porcine-derived urinary bladder matrix (UBM) structures in treating murine diabetic wound healing.

METHODS

The authors studied three different UBM structures: particulate (pUBM), one-layer freeze-dried sheet (fdUBM), and three-layer laminated sheet (lmUBM). Scanning electron microscopy images of the structures were used to calculate a wound-exposed surface-area-to-volume ratio. A 1.0 × 1.0-cm full-thickness dorsal wound was excised on 90 db/db mice. Mice were either untreated (blank, n = 15), treated with one UBM structure (pUBM, n = 15; fdUBM, n = 15; lmUBM, n = 15), or treated with a combination of either the one- or three-layer sheet over the particulate matrix (fdUBM + pUBM, n = 15; lmUBM + pUBM, n = 15). The authors obtained macroscopic images of the wounds and harvested tissues for analyses at multiple time points.

RESULTS

The surface area available to interact with the wound was highest in the pUBM group and lowest in the lmUBM group. Greater wound bed thickness was noted in the fdUBM, fdUBM + pUBM, and lmUBM groups compared with the blank group. Cellular proliferation was significantly higher in the fdUBM and fdUBM + pUBM groups than in the blank group. The lmUBM + pUBM group had the highest collagen deposition. The pUBM group induced significantly higher leukocyte infiltration compared with the lmUBM, lmUBM + pUBM, and blank groups. Microvessel density was highest in the fdUBM + pUBM group. Significant differences in the wound closure rate were noted between the blank group and the fdUBM and fdUBM + pUBM groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of the three UBM bioscaffold structures highlighted differences in the wound-exposed surface area. Variations in wound healing effects, including collagen deposition, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis, were identified, with combinations of the structures displaying synergistic effects. This study serves as a platform for future scaffold design and offers promising evidence of the benefits of combining various structures of scaffolds.
Quality of Life and Its Influencing Factors in Chinese Patients with Chronic Wounds
Authors: Li Siqing , Xie Minyi , Luo Wenxin , Zhou Qing , Li Caifei , Liu Yuan , Hu Ailing
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

To explore the factors influencing quality of life in patients with chronic wounds.

METHODS

A total of 138 patients with chronic wounds were included and completed the Chinese version of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire after researchers assessed their wound severity.

RESULTS

The mean scores of physical symptoms and everyday living, social life, and well-being on the Chinese version of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule were 55.65 ± 15.82, 52.69 ± 16.46, and 40.75 ± 13.82, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that depression, coping style, and education level were the primary factors, explaining 51.7% of the variance in physical symptoms and everyday living. Depression and coping style explained 49.6% of the variance in social life. Anxiety and primary disease explained 36.2% of the variance in well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors influencing quality of life for these Chinese patients with chronic wounds included education level, primary disease, anxiety, depression, and coping style. Speaking with patients about living with a chronic wound and their potential for healing, understanding their fears about significant changes to their life, and encouraging them to accept such changes can be important for patients and their recovery.
Dietary acid load and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Bahrami Alireza , Khalesi Saman , Ghafouri-Taleghani Fatemeh , Alibeyk Sepide , Hajigholam- Saryazdi Maryam , Haghighi Shirin , Hejazi Ehsan
Published: March 2022

Aims

Recent evidence suggests the link between adherence to an acidogenic diet and the risk of some types of cancers, such as colorectal and breast cancers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association between dietary acid load and cancer risk.

Data search and synthesis

Online databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Scholar Google and ISI web of sciences) were searched between January 1990 and May 2021. The risk ratio (RR) was extracted from eligible studies and random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled RR of studies. Nine studies (three cohorts, six case–control) were included. Higher dietary acid load scores [including potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP)] were associated with the increased risk of cancer [RRPRAL, 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27–2.46; n = 8; RRNEAP, 1.58, 95% CI: 1.20–2.09, n = 7). Dose-response analysis suggested that a 20-score increase in dietary PRAL and NEAP was associated with 27 and 8% higher risk of cancer, respectively (RRPRAL, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.60; nonlinearity P = 0.12; RRNEAP, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.13, nonlinearity P = 0.06). A significant positive relationship between dietary PRAL and risk of cancer was only observed in the subgroup of women. Associations were significant in both men and women for dietary NEAP. Subgroup analyses based on cancer type were only possible for breast cancer. There was no significant association between dietary acid load (PRAL and NEAP) and breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

Our analysis showed that high adherence to an acidogenic diet is associated with an increased risk of cancer. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019146460.
Radiological HEPA Filter 10-year Lifetime Evaluation in Research Facilities
Authors: Barnett J. Matthew , Bliss Mary , Schrank Kobe R. , Edwards Hunter Z. , Brown David M. , McDonald Kent M. , Cooley Scott K.
Published: March 2022

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are widely employed by nuclear facilities to remove radiological particulate matter from their effluent exhaust streams. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationships between the 10-y HEPA filter lifetime deployment and its other performance indicators. This 10-y-long endeavor to collect and analyze data regarding the service life of HEPA filters at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory began in 2010. A set of HEPA filters was selected, and the filters have been surveyed and analyzed at least annually to verify compliance with permit conditions. The study suggests the frequency of filter replacement should be based on the actual operational requirements, such as fume hood face velocity and/or efficiency test results, instead of on the prescribed filter “age limit” of 10 y from the date of manufacture (e.g., birth date) when operating under dry conditions. The study has now been completed, and over the past decade, all the HEPA filters have been replaced due to either technical issues as listed in this report or the previously recommended filter “age limit” of 10 y as prescribed by the oversight bodies. Experimentally determined failure rates are also determined from the data set and can be used to estimate the chances of HEPA filters surviving 15, 20, or even 30 y.
Telehealth
Authors: Hills Zoi P. , Cruz Rachel , Neufeld Jonathan , DeVany Mary
Published: March 2022

Modern telehealth has existed since the second half of the 20th century and has recently been gaining wider attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides an overview of historical milestones in the development of telehealth, including various ways that individuals and organizations have innovated in the field, and regulatory milestones that have aided the proliferation of telehealth in the United States. The second half of the article provides a broad overview of the pros and cons of telehealth, focusing on both individual- and system-level effects. Given the increasing interest in telehealth—among consumers, healthcare providers, and mainstream technology giants—telehealth is likely to continue to be an important tool for healthcare delivery for the foreseeable future.
Inclusion of physical activity in nurse practitioner programs: A national perspective
Authors: Falcon Ashley , Vermeesch Amber , Stoutenberg Mark , Sampson Emma , Bender-Stephanski Meg , Webb Willow , Woo Yerin
Published: March 2022

Background:

Physical activity (PA) provides a multitude of health benefits, creating an avenue for disease prevention and management. Health care providers play a crucial role in helping patients become more active, yet little is known about the preparation of primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) to aid in this effort.

Purpose:

To examine the amount and type of PA training offered in primary care NP programs in the United States.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study design was used. Eligible programs' websites were reviewed, and an online survey of program leaders assessed details regarding the inclusion of PA training, barriers, and future plans.

Results:

Data extracted from 1,067 NP program websites revealed that 81.7% of websites (n = 264) with course descriptions contained one or more general health promotion keywords, whereas only 0.6% (n = 2) included a PA-specific keyword. Two-hundred institutions (53.2%) completed the program leader survey, of which 45.0% reported no inclusion of PA training. Among institutions providing PA training, 82.2% (n = 88) and 55.1% (n = 59) reported the inclusion of aerobic activity and strength training recommendations, respectively. Forty-one institutions (46.1%) felt that their institution prepared students to effectively counsel patients on starting a PA program.

Conclusions:

Although some NP programs include PA content, most provide no or less-than-adequate PA training.

Implications for practice:

The current state of PA training in NP programs may hinder health promotion and disease prevention efforts. Programs should dedicate sufficient time and attention to preparing future NPs to promote PA behaviors. A multifaceted, multistakeholder approach is needed to facilitate widespread adoption of PA inclusion.
Disseminated Gonorrhea Presenting as Liver Abscess in a Patient With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Kim Jani M. , Pervaiz Sarah , Sivasubramanian Geetha
Published: March 2022

Infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health concern. Occasionally, gonococcal infections may disseminate and cause clinical syndromes, such as arthritis, tenosynovitis, and skin lesions. Here, we report a very rare presentation of a liver abscess due to N. gonorrhoeae in a 29-year-old woman with sickle cell disease without prior genitourinary complaints. The patient was successfully treated using drainage and antimicrobial therapy. Evaluation did not reveal any inherited defects in complement deficiency. It is possible that the underlying immune defects from sickle cell disease and unknown bacterial virulence factors could have contributed to this dissemination. Further research is needed to understand the immunopathogenesis of disseminated gonococcal infections, and efforts to screen and prevent primary infections are ongoing.
Estimating the Association Between Public Health Spending and Sexually Transmitted Disease Rates in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lim Sungwon , Pintye Jillian , Seong Hohyun , Bekemeier Betty
Published: March 2022

Public health spending is important for managing increases in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. Although previous studies suggest that a beneficial link exists between public health spending and changes in STD rates, there have been no systematic reviews synthesizing existing evidence regarding the association for STDs at the population level. The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence from studies that assessed the associations between general and STD-specific public health spending and STD rates. We conducted a systematic review using Ovid-Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EconLit for relevant studies that examined the association between public health spending and gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and chancroid rates following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 5 articles (2 regarding general public health spending and 3 regarding STD-specific public health spending) met our inclusion criteria. There was a significant decrease in gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and chancroid rates associated with increased public health spending. We also found that STD-specific public health spending has a greater effect on STD rates compared with general public health spending. Our review provides evidence that increases in general and STD-specific public health spending are associated with a reduction of STD rates. Such research regarding estimates of the impact of STD prevention spending can help policy makers identify priority funding areas and inform health resource allocation decisions.
Methylation Profiling Improves the Care of Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients
Authors: Jamshidi Pouya , McCord Matthew , Horbinski Craig , Jennings Lawrence , Santana dos Santos Lucas , Fudyma Iga Alicja , DeCuypere Michael , Yap Kai Lee , Rathbun Pamela , Wadhwani Nitin
Published: March 2022

We describe a pediatric patient with an intra-axial tumor; histopathologic examination of the resected specimen was unable to establish a precise diagnosis. While the initial targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel was also nondiagnostic, genomic DNA methylation profiling indicated that the tumor was an astroblastoma, MN1-altered. A more comprehensive NGS panel was then run, which confirmed an MN1-BEND2 fusion. This case displays the limitations and pitfalls of a histological and immunohistochemical-based diagnosis in a case of an infrequently encountered pediatric brain tumor. Furthermore, it highlights the growing need for performing DNA methylation, paired with a comprehensive NGS panel, to ensure an accurate diagnosis in modern surgical neuropathology.
Standardized Letters of Recommendation in Plastic Surgery: The Impact of Gender and Race
Authors: Reghunathan Meera , Carbullido Mary Kristine , Blum Jessica , Wong Serena , Gosman Amanda A.
Published: March 2022

Background:

In the last few decades, standardized letters of recommendation have seen increasing popularity among various medical specialties and have been shown to demonstrate score inflation and gender bias in some select specialties. Through analysis of standardized letter of recommendation scoring patterns, this study evaluated the impact of race and gender on performance in standardized letters of recommendation and provides suggestions for programs to optimally interpret standardized letters of recommendation and minimize bias when writing letters of recommendation.

Methods:

Available standardized letters of recommendation were those from interviewed applicants to the integrated plastic surgery program between 2015 and 2018 (82 total applicants) and all applicants in the year of 2019 (241 total applicants). Various standardized letters of recommendation component scores were analyzed by demographics of both applicants and letter writers, including descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, t testing, and Fleiss kappa for interrater reliability using SPSS software (IBM, Armonk, N.Y.).

Results:

No scoring category had an average score below the eighty-fifth percentile. Male letter writers scored male applicants significantly higher in Overall, Conscientiousness, Self-Initiative, and Academic Performance components, whereas female letter writers scored female applicants higher in Communication and Overall components. In the 2019 cohort, applicants of a minority race received lower scores on average in nine out of 10 categories, a difference that was significant in the Team Player category.

Conclusions:

Score inflation pervades standardized letters of recommendation scoring in plastic surgery. Work must be done by letter writers to help mitigate racial and gender biases that influence recommendations for resident selection in plastic surgery.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Comparison of Institutional Experience and the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons Registry
Authors: Steele Andrew W. , Miller Nathan F. , Wallace Sean J. , Hume Keith M. , Sommers Catherine A. , Simmons Christopher J. , Murphy Robert X.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory dermatologic condition occurring most commonly in areas with large numbers of apocrine sweat glands. Surgical excision and wound reconstruction are indicated for severe or refractory disease. This study aims to explore institutional reconstructive outcomes following hidradenitis suppurativa excision and compare these to the nationally recognized Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS) database to determine best-practice guidelines.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all patients with surgically treated hidradenitis suppurativa from January of 2004 to January of 2016 was performed. Data on patient characteristics, reconstructive methods, and outcomes were collected. Outcomes for each reconstructive method were analyzed and associations between reconstruction and complications were determined. These results were compared to TOPS data.

Results:

A total of 382 operative sites for 101 individual patients were reviewed. Overall complication rates were 80, 68.3, and 59.6 percent for simple, intermediate, and complex closure, respectively; 68.3 percent for adjacent soft-tissue rearrangement; and 100 percent for split-thickness skin grafts and perforator flaps. Statistical significance was identified between superficial wound dehiscence and adjacent tissue rearrangement compared to intermediate and complex closure (p = 0.0132). TOPS data revealed similar wound breakdown rates for primary closure methods but much lower rates with negative-pressure wound therapy, split-thickness skin grafts, and muscle flaps.

Conclusions:

Primary closure techniques for hidradenitis suppurativa wound reconstruction possess high complication rates, whereas improved outcomes are observed with negative-pressure wound therapy, split-thickness skin grafts, and muscle flaps. The correlation in outcomes between our experience and that reported in the TOPS database provides a level of validation to this national database.
Body Feminization Combining Large-Volume Fat Grafting and Gluteal Implants
Authors: del Vecchio Daniel , Bravo Miguel G. , Mandlik Veronika , Aslani Alexander
Published: March 2022

Background:

With the increase in popularity of fat transfer to the buttocks in body contouring surgery, new patient subsets are emerging. The gender confirmation patient has specific characteristics that must be addressed to achieve the best outcomes.

Methods:

The authors performed an observational prospective study including 36 consecutive patients who underwent body feminization as a gender affirming operation using large-volume fat transplantation with or without gluteal implants.

Results:

Thirty-six consecutive male-to-female transgender patients have undergone large-volume fat transplantation to the buttocks performed by the authors, between July of 2016 and January of 2019. In 12 of these 36 cases, large-volume fat grafting was supplemented by intramuscular placement of silicone implants. The mean waist-to-hip ratio before surgery was 1.11, and this improved to 0.81 after surgery (fat transfer–only group, 0.88; fat transfer plus implants group, 0.75).

Conclusions:

The transgender patient is a unique patient requiring a specific set of surgeon’s skills and intraoperative strategies to achieve good outcomes. Composite solutions with both implants and lipofilling lead to better outcomes in terms of waist-to-hip ratio in these patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
The Potential Mediating Effects of Inflammation on the Association Between Type D Personality and Coronary Plaque Vulnerability in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: Yi Huijie , Li Ling , Wang Yini , Tao Hui , Yu Xi , Yu Bo , Gao Xueqin , Lin Ping
Published: March 2022

Objective

Type D personality involves the interaction between negative affectivity with social inhibition and has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and coronary plaque vulnerability. However, the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between type D personality and coronary plaque vulnerability remain indeterminate. The present study examined the potential mediating effects of inflammation biomarkers on the association between type D personality and coronary plaque vulnerability in patients with CAD.

Methods

A total of 347 patients (mean [standard deviation] age = 56.6 [11.2] years; 29.3% women) with CAD who had culprit coronary plaques were examined for type D personality. The inflammation biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) were evaluated. Each individual inflammation biomarker was standardized using z scores to calculate inflammation standardized sumscores. Plaque vulnerability of culprit lesions was measured in vivo using optical coherence tomography.

Results

The presence of type D personality (38%) was associated with TNF-α, IL-6, and inflammation standardized sumscores (t = 2.74, Cohen d = 0.32, p = .006; t = 4.03, Cohen d = 0.44, p ≤. 001; t = 4.16, Cohen d = 0.11, p = .001, respectively). In addition, the standardized inflammation sumscore was a mediator of the relationship between type D personality and lipid-rich plaques (effect sizes = 0.12, 95% confidence interval = 0.007–0.286, p = .064) and plaque rupture vulnerability (effect sizes = 0.16, 95% confidence interval = 0.043–0.365, p = .024). Analysis of continuous type D scores revealed that TNF-α, IL-6, and inflammation standardized sumscores also mediate the relationship between the primary effect of negative affectivity and plaque vulnerability.

Conclusions

Inflammation activation is a potential mediator of the association between type D personality and plaque vulnerability. The negative affectivity component of type D personality might be particularly relevant to the inflammatory aspects of plaque vulnerability.
Synergistic Associations of Depressive Symptoms and Executive Functions With Longitudinal Trajectories of Diabetes Biomarkers Among Urban-Dwelling Adults Without Diabetes
Authors: Khambaty Tasneem , Leibel Daniel K. , Katzel Leslie I. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. , Waldstein Shari R.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Depressive symptoms and executive functions (EFs) have recently emerged as novel risk factors for type 2 diabetes, but it is unknown if these factors interact to influence diabetes pathophysiology across the life span. We examined the synergistic associations of depressive symptoms and EFs with longitudinal trajectories of diabetes diagnostic criteria among middle-aged and older adults without diabetes.

Methods

Participants were 1257 African American and White, urban-dwelling adults from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study who were assessed up to three times over a 13-year period (2004–2017). At baseline, participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression scale and measures of EFs—Trail Making Test Part B, verbal fluency, and Digit Span Backward—for a composite EFs score, and provided blood samples at each follow-up for glycated hemoglobin and fasting serum glucose.

Results

A total of 155 and 220 individuals developed diabetes or prediabetes at wave 3 and wave 4, respectively. Linear mixed-effects regression models adjusting for sociodemographic factors, diabetes risk factors, and antidepressant medications revealed significant three-way interactions of Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression, EFs, and age on change in glycated hemoglobin (b = −0.0001, p = .005) and in fasting serum glucose (b = −0.0004, p < .001), such that among individuals with lower but not higher EFs, elevated depressive symptoms were associated with steeper age-related increases in diabetes biomarkers over time.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and lower EFs may interactively accelerate trajectories of key diagnostic criteria, thereby increasing the risk for earlier diabetes incidence. Identifying individuals in this high-risk group may be an important clinical priority for earlier intervention, which has the promise of preventing or delaying this debilitating disease.
A Pilot Study of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Improve HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Persistence Among Black/African American Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Goedel William C. , Coats Cassandra Sutten , Chan Philip A. , Sims-Gomillia Courtney E. , Brock James B. , Ward Lori M. , Mena Leandro A. , Nunn Amy S.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Suboptimal HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care outcomes among Black/African American men who have sex with men (MSM) limits its population-level effects on HIV incidence. We conducted a pilot study of a brief patient navigation intervention aimed at improving PrEP initiation and persistence among Black/African American MSM in the Southern United States.

Setting:

Community health center in Jackson, MS.

Methods:

We recruited 60 Black/African American MSM aged 18–34 years who were newly prescribed PrEP. Participants were randomized to receive the clinic's current standard of care or an intervention condition including a single patient navigation session to discuss and address perceived barriers to initiating and maintaining access to PrEP and biweekly check-ins. Participants were followed over 6 months using survey assessments, medical chart review, and pharmacy purchase records to ascertain PrEP initiation and persistence.

Results:

Participants in the intervention condition were more likely to pick up their initial PrEP prescription [RR: 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 1.97], be retained in PrEP care at 3 months (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.59) and 6 months (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.64 to 2.93), and have access to PrEP medications greater than 80% of all study days based on pharmacy fill records (RR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.50 to 5.98).

Conclusion:

A brief patient navigation intervention demonstrated proof-of-concept in improving PrEP initiation and persistence among Black/African American MSM in the Southern United States.
Are plant and animal sex chromosomes really all that different?
Authors: Mank Judith E.
Published: March 2022

Sex chromosomes in plants have often been contrasted with those in animals with the goal of identifying key differences that can be used to elucidate fundamental evolutionary properties. For example, the often homomorphic sex chromosomes in plants have been compared to the highly divergent systems in some animal model systems, such as birds,
Drosophila
and therian mammals, with many hypotheses offered to explain the apparent dissimilarities, including the younger age of plant sex chromosomes, the lesser prevalence of sexual dimorphism, or the greater extent of haploid selection. Furthermore, many plant sex chromosomes lack complete sex chromosome dosage compensation observed in some animals, including therian mammals,
Drosophila,
some poeciliids, and
Anolis
, and plant dosage compensation, where it exists, appears to be incomplete. Even the canonical theoretical models of sex chromosome formation differ somewhat between plants and animals. However, the highly divergent sex chromosomes observed in some animal groups are actually the exception, not the norm, and many animal clades are far more similar to plants in their sex chromosome patterns. This begs the question of how different are plant and animal sex chromosomes, and which of the many unique properties of plants would be expected to affect sex chromosome evolution differently than animals? In fact, plant and animal sex chromosomes exhibit more similarities than differences, and it is not at all clear that they differ in terms of sexual conflict, dosage compensation, or even degree of divergence. Overall, the largest difference between these two groups is the greater potential for haploid selection in plants compared to animals. This may act to accelerate the expansion of the non-recombining region at the same time that it maintains gene function within it.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants’.
Recombination landscape dimorphism and sex chromosome evolution in the dioecious plant
Rumex hastatulus
Authors: Rifkin Joanna L. , Hnatovska Solomiya , Yuan Meng , Sacchi Bianca M. , Choudhury Baharul I. , Gong Yunchen , Rastas Pasi , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wright Stephen I.
Published: March 2022

There is growing evidence from diverse taxa for sex differences in the genomic landscape of recombination, but the causes and consequences of these differences remain poorly understood. Strong recombination landscape dimorphism between the sexes could have important implications for the dynamics of sex chromosome evolution because low recombination in the heterogametic sex can favour the spread of sexually antagonistic alleles. Here, we present a sex-specific linkage map and revised genome assembly of
Rumex hastatulus
and provide the first evidence and characterization of sex differences in recombination landscape in a dioecious plant. We present data on significant sex differences in recombination, with regions of very low recombination in males covering over half of the genome. This pattern is evident on both sex chromosomes and autosomes, suggesting that pre-existing differences in recombination may have contributed to sex chromosome formation and divergence. Our analysis of segregation distortion suggests that haploid selection due to pollen competition occurs disproportionately in regions with low male recombination. We hypothesize that sex differences in the recombination landscape have contributed to the formation of a large heteromorphic pair of sex chromosomes in
R. hastatulus
, but more comparative analyses of recombination will be important to investigate this hypothesis further.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants’.
Evolution of the sex-determining region inGinkgo biloba
Authors: Gong Wei , Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: March 2022

Sex chromosomes or sex-determining regions (SDR) have been discovered in many dioecious plant species, including the iconic ‘living fossil'Ginkgo biloba, though the location and size of the SDR inG. bilobaremain contradictory. Here we resolve these controversies and analyse the evolution of the SDR in this species. Based on transcriptome sequencing data from four genetic crosses we reconstruct male- and female-specific genetic maps and locate the SDR to the middle of chromosome 2. Integration of the genetic maps with the genome sequence reveals that recombination in and around the SDR is suppressed in a region of about 50 Mb in both males and females. However, occasional recombination does occur except a small, less than 5 Mb long region that does not recombine in males. Based on synonymous divergence between homologous X- and Y-linked genes in this region, we infer that theGinkgoSDR is fairly old—at least of Cretaceous origin. The analysis of substitution rates and gene expression reveals only slight Y-degeneration. These results are consistent with findings in other dioecious plants with homomorphic sex chromosomes, where the SDR is typically small and evolves in a region with pre-existing reduced recombination, surrounded by long actively recombining pseudoautosomal regions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants’.
Pseudomonas germanica sp. nov., isolated from Iris germanica rhizomes
Authors: Atanasov Kostadin Evgeniev , Galbis David Miñana , Gallego Julia , Serpico Annabel , Bosch Montserrat , Altabella Teresa , Ferrer Albert
Published: March 2022

Through bacterial plant–endophyte extraction from rhizomes of Iris germanica plant, a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive gammaproteobacterial strain, referred to as FIT28T, was isolated. FIT28T shows vigorous growth on nutrient rich media within the temperature range of 4–35 °C, with optimal growth at 28 °C, a wide pH tolerance from pH 5 to 11, and salt tolerance up to 6 % (w/v) NaCl. Colonies are white-yellow and quickly become mucoid. The results of analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain within the genus

Pseudomonas

, and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using 16S rRNA, rpoB, gyrB and rpoD concatenated sequences revealed that the closest relatives of FIT28T are

Pseudomonas zeae

OE48.2T, '

Pseudomonas crudilactis

' UCMA 17988,

Pseudomonas tensinigenes

ZA5.3T,

Pseudomonas helmanticensis

OHA11T,

Pseudomonas baetica

a390T,

Pseudomonas iridis

P42T,

Pseudomonas atagonensis

PS14T and

Pseudomonas koreensis

Ps 9-14T, within the

Pseudomonas koreensis

subgroup of the

Pseudomonas fluorescens

lineage. The genome size of FIT28T is about 6.7 Mb with 59.09 mol% DNA G+C content. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values calculated from the genomic sequences of FIT28T, and the closely related

P. zeae

OE48.2T are 95.23 and 63.4 %, respectively. Biochemical, metabolic and chemotaxonomic studies further support our proposal that Pseudomonas germanica sp. nov., should be considered a novel species of the genus

Pseudomonas

. Hence, the type strain FIT28T (=LMG 32353T=DSM 112698T) has been deposited in public cell-type culture centres.