bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of rosacea patients in Tohoku area of Japan: Retrospective study of 340 rosacea cases
Authors: Wada‐Irimada Moyuka , Yamamoto Haruka , Terui Hitoshi , Omori‐Shimada Ryoko , Yamazaki Emi , Kikuchi Katsuko , Aiba Setsuya , Yamasaki Kenshi
Published: February 2022

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with facial redness and acne‐like papules and pustules. The characteristics and background of rosacea patients in Japan have not been well documented. In this study, we retrospectively collected the medical information of rosacea patients, and investigated the background, complications, exacerbating factors, and status of allergy. Between January 2010 and December 2020, 431 cases were diagnosed as rosacea or rosacea‐like dermatitis. We selected 340 patients, in which we could confirm telangiectasia on facial skin. Females and males numbered 266 and 74, respectively. The average age of the first visit was 51.5 years, and the youngest and oldest were 11 and 88 years old. Among 340 cases, 323 had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, 97 papulopustular rosacea, 20 phymatous rosacea presenting as rhinophyma, and four had symptoms of ocular rosacea. The most common complication was hay fever (93 individuals, 27.4%), and 66 (19.4%) had a medical history of contact dermatitis. Temperature differences (141 individuals, 41.5%) were the most common exacerbating factor followed by sunlight exposure (60 individuals, 17.6%). Seventy‐eight individuals received allergen‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E tests, and IgE for cedar was the most frequently observed (46 individuals, 59.0%). High frequencies of IgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or D. farinae (33 individuals, 42.3%) and house dust I (31 individuals, 39.7%) suggested that environmental conditions at home would affect rosacea symptoms. Since the facial skin is exposed to environmental stimuli every moment, this retrospective observation suggested the importance of the daily lifestyle guidance as well as medical treatments.
Seven cases of contact dermatitis due to stearyl alcohol contained in topical medications
Authors: Nishioka Kazue , Koizumi Akiko , Takita Yuko
Published: February 2022

Stearyl alcohol is found in various cosmetics and topical medications and is regarded as safe. Allergic contact dermatitis is reported due to this chemical on rare occasions. We report seven cases, comprising three men and four women aged between 36 and 62 between the years 2013 to 2019, of allergic contact dermatitis due to the use of topical medication, where the patient showed a positive result to a patch test using stearyl alcohol. There were 10 topical medications that we considered to be the cause of this: three were from Oronine® H ointment, two from Eurax® cream, one from Eurax H cream, and four from topical antifungal medications. All these medications contained stearyl alcohol. Seven cases of patch tests with stearyl alcohol all showed positive results. Moreover, having done a patch test with cetyl alcohol, two out of three tests showed positive. When researching allergic contact dermatitis due to topical medications, it is important to test for allergy to stearyl alcohol as well as their main ingredients, because it is contained in numerous products and has the ability to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Reconceptualizing HRU Threshold Definition in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool
Authors: Femeena Pandara Valappil , Karki Ritesh , Cibin Raj , Sudheer K.P.
Published: February 2022

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model simulates a watershed by dividing it into subbasins which are further divided into hydrologic response units (HRUs). User‐defined area thresholds for land use, soil, and slope are often used when defining HRUs during model setup to improve computational efficiency by reducing the number of HRUs. This, however, results in loss of watershed biophysical information due to the reapportionment of HRUs that fail to exceed the threshold to other dominant HRUs. This study presents an improved HRU definition method that minimizes the loss of watershed biophysical information without considerably increasing the number of HRUs and lowering the user‐defined HRU thresholds. Comparison of land use and soil distribution showed that the new HRU model closely matched the no‐threshold full HRU model, unlike the default threshold SWAT model in which the landscape distribution characteristics were inadequately represented. Simulated hydrological and water quality variables, as well as model parameterization, were also better characterized when using the proposed HRU definition method when compared with the default SWAT model. The number of HRUs with the new method (934) was only slightly higher than the default threshold model (589) but considerably lower than the full HRU model (29,288). This new HRU definition method can help modelers perform computationally efficient modeling without compromising the accuracy of biophysical inputs to the model.
Posterior corneal vesicles are not associated with the genetic variants that cause posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy
Authors: Liskova Petra , Hafford‐Tear Nathaniel J. , Skalicka Pavlina , Malinka Frantisek , Jedlickova Jana , Ďuďáková Ľubica , Pontikos Nikolas , Davidson Alice E , Tuft Stephen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Posterior corneal vesicles (PCVs) have clinical features that are similar to posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). To help determine whether there is a shared genetic basis, we screened 38 individuals with PCVs for changes in the three genes identified as causative for PPCD.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients for this study. We examined all individuals clinically, with their first‐degree relatives when available. We used a combination of Sanger and exome sequencing to screen regulatory regions of OVOL2 and GRHL2, and the entire ZEB1 coding sequence.

Results

The median age at examination was 37.5 years (range 4.7–84.0 years), 20 (53%) were male and in 19 (50%) the PCVs were unilateral. Most individuals were discharged to optometric review, but five had follow‐up for a median of 12 years (range 5–13 years) with no evidence of progression. In cases with unilateral PCVs, there was statistically significant evidence that the change in the affected eye was associated with a lower endothelial cell density (p = 0.0003), greater central corneal thickness (p = 0.0277) and a steeper mean keratometry (p = 0.0034), but not with a higher keratometric astigmatism or a reduced LogMAR visual acuity. First‐degree relatives of 13 individuals were available for examination, and in 3 (23%), PCVs were identified. No possibly pathogenic variants were identified in the PPCD‐associated genes screened.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that PCVs share the same genetic background as PPCD. In contrast to PPCD, we confirm that PCVs is a mild, non‐progressive condition with no requirement for long‐term review. However, subsequent cataract surgery can lead to corneal oedema.
Association study between herpes zoster reporting and mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273)
Authors: Préta Laure‐Hélène , Contejean Adrien , Salvo Francesco , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Charlier Caroline , Chouchana Laurent
Published: February 2022

Several cases of herpes zoster (HZ) following mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination (BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273) have been reported, and the first epidemiological evidence suggests an increased risk. We used the worldwide pharmacovigilance database VigiBase to describe HZ cases following mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination. We performed disproportionality analyses (case/non‐case statistical approach) to assess the relative risk of HZ reporting in mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine recipients compared to influenza vaccine recipients and according to patient age. To 30 June 2021, of 716 928 reports with mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines, we found 7728 HZ cases. When compared to influenza vaccines, mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines were associated with a significantly higher reporting of HZ (reporting odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.8–2.1). Furthermore, we found a reduced risk of reporting HZ among under 40‐year‐old persons compared to older persons (reporting odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.36–0.41). Mild and infrequent HZ reactions may occur shortly after mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination, at higher frequency than reported with influenza vaccination, especially in patients over 40 years old. Further analyses are needed to confirm this risk.
Center variations in patient selection for simultaneous heart‐kidney transplantation
Authors: Shaw Brian I. , Samoylova Marya L. , Barbas Andrew S. , Cheng Xingxing S. , Lu Yee , McElroy Lisa M. , Sanoff Scott
Published: February 2022

There are no established regulations governing patient selection for simultaneous heart‐kidney (SHK) transplantation, creating the potential for significant center‐level variations in clinical practice.

Methods

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) file, we examined practice trends and variations in patient selection for SHK at the center level between January 1, 2004 and March 31, 2019.

Results

Overall, SHK is becoming more common with most centers performing heart transplants also performing SHK. Among patients who underwent heart transplant who were receiving dialysis, the rate of SHK varied from 22% to 86% at the center level. Among patients not on dialysis, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients receiving SHK varied between 19 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2. When adjusting for other factors, the odds of SHK varied 57‐fold between the highest and lowest SHK performing centers.

Conclusion

Variation in SHK at the center level suggests the need for national guidelines around the selection of patients for SHK.
Robustness of the rule‐learning effect in 7‐month‐old infants: A close, multicenter replication of Marcus et al. (1999)
Authors: Geambașu Andreea , Spit Sybren , van Renswoude Daan , Blom Elma , Fikkert Paula J.P.M. , Hunnius Sabine , Junge Caroline C.M.M. , Verhagen Josje , Visser Ingmar , Wijnen Frank , Levelt Clara C.
Published: February 2022

We conducted a close replication of the seminal work by Marcus and colleagues from 1999, which showed that after a brief auditory exposure phase, 7‐month‐old infants were able to learn and generalize a rule to novel syllables not previously present in the exposure phase. This work became the foundation for the theoretical framework by which we assume that infants are able to learn abstract representations and generalize linguistic rules. While some extensions on the original work have shown evidence of rule learning, the outcomes are mixed, and an exact replication of Marcus et al.'s study has thus far not been reported. A
recent meta‐analysis by Rabagliati and colleagues brings to light that the rule‐learning effect depends on stimulus type (e.g., meaningfulness, speech vs. nonspeech) and is not as robust as often assumed. In light of the theoretical importance of the issue at stake, it is appropriate and necessary to assess the replicability and robustness of Marcus et al.'s findings. Here we have undertaken a replication across four labs with a large sample of 7‐month‐old infants (N = 96), using the same exposure patterns (ABA and ABB), methodology (Headturn Preference Paradigm), and original stimuli. As in the original study, we tested the hypothesis that infants are able to learn abstract “algebraic” rules and apply them to novel input. Our results did not replicate the original findings: infants showed no difference in looking time between test patterns consistent or inconsistent with the familiarization pattern they were exposed to.
Musical groove shapes children's free dancing
Authors: Kragness Haley E. , Anderson Lucy , Chow Ester , Schmuckler Mark , Cirelli Laura K.
Published: February 2022

The drive to move to music is evident across a variety of contexts, from the simple urge to tap our toe to a song on the radio, to massive crowds dancing in time at a rock concert. Though seemingly effortless, beat synchronization is difficult to master and children are often poor beat synchronizers. Nevertheless, auditory‐motor integration is fundamental for many daily processes, such as speech. A topic that has been relatively understudied concerns how stimulus properties affect young children's movement in responses to auditory stimuli. In the present study, we examined how musical groove (adult‐rated desire to move) affected 3.0‐ to 6.9‐year‐old children's free dancing in the comfort of their home (n = 78). In the high groove conditions, children danced more and with more energy compared to the low groove conditions. Moreover, in the high groove condition, children's movement tempos corresponded better with the tempos of the music. Results point to early childhood sensitivity to the musical features that motivate adults to move to music. High groove music may therefore prove especially effective at facilitating early auditory‐motor integration. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/vli0‐6N12Ts.
Organizing male infertility: Masculinities and fertility treatment
Authors: Cervi Lucia , Knights David
Published: February 2022

This paper explores how organizations within the fertility treatment sector in the UK discursively construct (cis) male infertility and whether, in so doing, they reinforce or reproduce prevailing institutionalized discourses and practices of masculinity. We seek to address the gender disparity in contemporary understandings of reproductive health in Organization Studies (OS) where women's experience of infertility and its impact is well researched, but only occasionally does this extend to issues of male infertility. Specifically, we build on existing literature in the social sciences and OS on male infertility and expand it by investigating the organizations that treat fertility issues. We examine and discuss how they may inadvertently contribute to this neglect, by reflecting and reproducing the masculine norms that surround male infertility. We employ a thematic analysis to examine texts produced by organizations involved in the fertility sector and find that male infertility is discussed and presented through three intersecting lenses: (a) a hegemonic masculinization of infertility; (b) male infertility as an othering experience; and (c) disembodied masculinity. We highlight how these gendered organizational narratives (re)produce prevailing norms and practices of masculinity, and how an organizational shift within the sector needs to take place if substantial changes toward more caring, relational, and collective approaches to gender and reproductive health are to be achieved.
Women who host: An intersectional critique of rentier capitalism on AirBnB
Authors: Maier George , Gilchrist Kate R.
Published: February 2022

Scholarship on AirBnB has often brought critical focus to the advancement of rentier capitalism and gentrification through the sharing economy. In this article we draw upon in‐depth interviews with women in London who host their shared living space on AirBnB, to present meaningful empirical examples of women utilizing the platform as a way of surviving. Often, women in our research turned to AirBnB after facing exclusion from traditional labor markets, based on gender, age and/or disability. Others relied on AirBnB to meet their own housing needs, for instance: subletting their own bed to meet rent payments. Rather than departing from a critical class analysis, we instead hope to nuance understandings of rentierism on AirBnB by focusing on these women as complex intersectional subjects of capitalism. While many hosts fall clearly into the category of rentier capitalists, making money through property ownership, the lived realities of hosting were often more complex. We therefore use these women's lived experiences to complicate understandings of class subjectivity in the “sharing economy”, drawing upon an intersectional perspective to showcase women who are hosting in order to subsist.
Deep genome‐wide phylogeographic structure indicates cryptic diversity in the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius)
Authors: Schweizer Manuel , Tang Qindong , Burri Reto , Drovetski Sergei V. , Robles Hugo , Zyskowski Kristof , Aghayan Sargis , Rakovic Marko , Pasinelli Gilberto
Published: February 2022

Deep phylogeographic structure in mitochondrial DNA not reflected in morphological variation has been uncovered in a number of species over the past few decades. However, inferred phylogeographic structure based solely on mitochondrial DNA can be misleading and might not reflect the true history of evolutionary lineages. Consequently, such cases should be further investigated based on genome‐wide data. One of these examples is provided by the Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocoptes medius, a non‐migratory habitat specialist associated with old deciduous forests of the Western Palaearctic. It displays strong genetic divergence in mitochondrial DNA between Asian and European populations despite there being only slight variation in morphology between them. Here, we found a clear genomic divergence between Asian and European populations that is consistent with mitochondrial divergence patterns. As revealed by isolation by distance analyses, this differentiation in two lineages was not merely an effect of geography. Genomic population structure indicates that both the Asian and European lineages might each have been separated in more than one refugium during the last glacial maximum. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker might represent a case of cryptic diversity throughout its distribution range, as has been previously found for other taxa across the tree of life. However, we also found footprints of gene flow from the Asian into the European populations, suggesting at least limited introgression upon secondary contact. The processes and mechanisms that might prevent lineage fusion between the morphologically cryptic but genetically divergent lineages of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker need to be further investigated especially in the area of potential secondary contact.
Clinical application of an algorithm to screen for malignant cells in body fluids using an automated hematology analyzer
Authors: Cho Ha‐eun , Kim Young Jin , Cho Sun Young , Park Tae Sung , Park Kyung Sun
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The detection of malignant cells in body fluids (BF) with an automated hematology analyzer has been proposed as an alternative to morphological examination owing to its various advantages; however, its limitations have also been highlighted. In this study, we devised a practical algorithm to screen for malignant cells in BFs using an automated hematology analyzer.

Methods

A total of 558 BF samples, including 232 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and 326 non‐CSF samples, were consecutively collected. Thereafter, the results obtained using the BF mode of Sysmex XN‐350 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) were compared with the cytological diagnosis. A cutoff was also established to screen for malignant cells using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on the final clinical judgment.

Results

The automated hematology analyzer showed a moderate correlation or good agreement with the existing cytological diagnosis. Further, of the ROC curves for detecting malignant cells, the absolute value of highly fluorescent cells on BF (HF‐BF) in total body fluids showed the highest area under the curve (0.85 [95% confidence interval 0.82–88], p < .0001, Youden index >7×106/L, sensitivity 93%, and specificity 65%).

Conclusion

An automated hematology analyzer could function as a complement to cytological examination. We propose a practical and comprehensive algorithm for cytological examination that requires low‐ and high‐resolution microscopy based on the absolute value of HF‐BF in BF samples suspected of malignancy. This algorithm can more usefully detect malignant cells while taking advantage of the automated analyzer and cytological examination.
The Ethics of Killing in a Pandemic: Unintentional Virus Transmission, Reciprocal Risk Imposition, and Standards of Blame
Authors: Davis Jeremy
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 global pandemic has shone a light on several important ethical questions, ranging from fairness in resource allocation to the ethical justification of government mandates. In addition to these institutional issues, there are also several ethical questions that arise at the interpersonal level. This article focuses on several of these issues. In particular, I argue that, despite the insistence in public health messaging that avoiding infecting others constitutes ‘saving lives’, virus transmission that results in death constitutes an act of killing. Whether this killing is wrongful depends on several factors. I consider one intuitively plausible view – namely, that in many cases, killing via unintentional transmission is not wrongful, because the parties in question have implicitly waived their rights against this harm, often via reciprocal‐risk imposition. I argue that this view is mistaken, but that its central insight can be better captured by identifying the appropriate standards of blame that we ought to apply during a pandemic. I conclude by showing how these conclusions can be fruitfully applied to certain institutional questions, such as helping to justify restrictive government mandates.
A wearable cardioverter defibrillator with a low false alarm rate
Authors: Poole Jeanne E. , Gleva Marye J. , Birgersdotter‐Green Ulrika , Branch Kelley R. H. , Doshi Rahul N. , Salam Tariq , Crawford Thomas C. , Willcox Mark E. , Sridhar Arun M. , Mikdadi Ghiath , Beinart Sean C. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Russo Andrea M , Rowbotham Ron K. , Sullivan Joseph , Gustavson Laura M. , Kivilaid Kaisa
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is indicated in appropriate patients to reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death. Challenges for patients wearing a WCD have been frequent false shock alarms primarily due to electrocardiogram noise and wear discomfort. The objective of this study was to test a contemporary WCD designed for reduced false shock alarms and improved comfort.

Methods

One hundred and thirty patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and an active implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were fitted with the ASSURE WCD (Kestra Medical Technologies) and followed for 30 days. WCD detection was enabled and shock alarm markers recorded, but shocks and shock alarms were disabled. All WCD episodes and ICD ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) episodes were adjudicated. The primary endpoint was the false‐positive shock alarm rate with a performance goal of 1 every 3.4 days (0.29 per patient‐day).

Results

Of 163 WCD episodes, 4 were VT/VF and 159 non‐VT/VF (121 rhythms with noise, 32 uncertain with noise, 6 atrial flutter without noise). Only three false‐positive shock alarm markers were recorded; one false‐positive shock alarm every 1333 patient‐days (0.00075 per patient‐day, 95% confidence interval: 0.00015–0.00361; p < .001). No ICD recorded VT/VF episodes meeting WCD detection criteria (≥170 bpm for ≥20 s) were missed by the WCD during 3501 patient‐days of use. Median wear was 31.0 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0) and median daily use 23.0 h (IQR 1.7). Adverse events were mostly mild: skin irritation (19.4%) and musculoskeletal discomfort (8.5%).

Conclusion

The ASSURE WCD demonstrated a low false‐positive shock alarm rate, low patient‐reported discomfort, and no serious adverse events.
Transcriptomic profile investigations highlight a putative role for NUDT16 in sepsis
Authors: Huang Susie Shih Yin , Rinchai Darawan , Toufiq Mohammed , Kabeer Basirudeen Syed Ahamed , Roelands Jessica , Hendrickx Wouter , Boughorbel Sabri , Bedognetti Davide , Van Panhuys Nicholas , Chaussabel Damien , Garand Mathieu
Published: February 2022

Sepsis is an aberrant systemic inflammatory response mediated by the acute activation of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are important contributors to the innate immune response that controls the infection, but harbour the risk of collateral tissue damage such as thrombosis and organ dysfunction. A better understanding of the modulations of cellular processes in neutrophils and other blood cells during sepsis is needed and can be initiated via transcriptomic profile investigations. To that point, the growing repertoire of publicly accessible transcriptomic datasets serves as a valuable resource for discovering and/or assessing the robustness of biomarkers. We employed systematic literature mining, reductionist approach to gene expression profile and empirical in vitro work to highlight the role of a Nudix hydrolase family member, NUDT16, in sepsis. The relevance and implication of the expression of NUDT16 under septic conditions and the putative functional roles of this enzyme are discussed.
Pregnancy outcomes of rare autosomal trisomies results in non‐invasive prenatal screening: clinical follow‐up data from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Lin Ying , Hu Ping , Li Hang , Luo Chunyu , Liang Dong , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: February 2022

This study was performed to assess the association between detection of rare autosomal trisomies (RATs) by non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed women with high‐risk RATs results from January 2014 to December 2020. The women's clinical information was collected, and their pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of women with low‐risk results. In total, 151 (0.24%) RATs results were reported among 62,752 NIPS examinations. Sixty‐five women chose to undergo amniocentesis for confirmation, which revealed 3 cases of true fetal mosaicism for RATs and a positive predictive value of 4.6% (3/65). Among the 139 women with available outcomes, 26 (18.7%) had a preterm birth, 10 (7.2%) underwent pregnancy termination because of fetal defects and 5 (3.6%) had miscarriages. Interestingly, compared with the control group, pregnancies in which NIPS revealed trisomy 16 (T16), T22, T9 and T2 were at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, miscarriage and ultrasound abnormalities. However, the risk of adverse outcomes was comparable between the control group and pregnancies with positive results of T7, T3, T8 and T20. In summary, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher in women with specific RATs‐positive NIPS results. Pregnancies with T16, T22, T9 and T2 results, even if false‐positive, should be considered high‐risk pregnancies.
Prenatal exposure to air pollution and maternal stress predict infant individual differences in reactivity and regulation and socioemotional development
Authors: Liu Ran , DeSerisy Mariah , Fox Nathan A. , Herbstman Julie B. , Rauh Virginia A. , Beebe Beatrice , Margolis Amy E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Humans are ubiquitously exposed to air pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Although most studies of prenatal exposures have focused on psychopathology in childhood or adolescence, the effects of air pollutants on early emerging individual differences in reactivity and regulation are of growing concern. Our study is the first to report effects of prenatal exposure to PAH and maternal stress on infant reactivity and regulation.

Methods

Participants included 153 infants (74 girls and 79 boys). Prenatal exposure to PAH was measured via personal air monitoring during the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal perceived stress was measured via self‐report. We assessed infant orienting/regulation (OR), surgency (SE), and negative affectivity (NA) at 4 months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire. We measured infant socioemotional outcomes at 12 months using the Brief Infant‐Toddler Social & Emotional Assessment Questionnaire.

Results

Infants with higher prenatal PAH exposure and of mothers with higher stress had lower OR at 4 months, which predicted lower competence at 12 months. Infants with higher prenatal PAH exposure had lower SE at 4 months, which predicted more behavioral problems at 12 months. Prenatal exposure to PAH had no effects on infant NA at 4 months, although NA was associated with greater behavioral problems at 12 months.

Conclusions

Infant reactivity and regulation, as early makers of child psychopathology, can facilitate timely and targeted screening and possibly prevention of disorders caused, in part, by environmental pollution. A multifaceted approach to improve environmental quality and reduce psychosocial stress is necessary to improve the developmental outcomes of children and most specially children from disadvantaged communities that disproportionately experience these environmental exposures.
Channel catfish virus ORF25 and ORF63 genes are essential for viral replication in vitro
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Hao Kai , Li Shuxin , Meng Lihui , Chen Hongxun , Wei Fucheng , Yu Fei , Xu Jing , Zhao Zhe
Published: February 2022

The channel catfish virus (CCV) is a lethal pathogen to aquatic animals that can provoke severe haemorrhagic disease in juvenile channel catfish. Although the CCV genome has been fully sequenced, the molecular mechanisms of CCV infection and pathogenesis are less well known. Genomic DNA replication is a necessary and key event for the CCV life cycle. In this study, the impacts of the putative helicase and primase encoded by viral ORF25 and ORF63 on CCV genome replication and infection were evaluated in channel catfish ovary (CCO) cells. The results showed that the number of CCV genome copies was decreased significantly in virus‐infected CCO cells after knockdown of ORF25 and ORF63 using RNA interference. In contrast, the overexpression of ORF25 and ORF63 led to slight increase in the number of virus genome copies. Consistent with the above results, the present results also showed that the expressions of CCV true‐late genes which strictly depend on viral DNA replication, were significantly increased or repressed by overexpression or RNA interference targeting viral ORF25 and ORF63 genes in virus‐infected CCO cells. In addition, knockdown of ORF25 and ORF63 remarkably inhibited CCV‐induced cytopathic effects and decreased progeny virus titres in CCO cells. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy observation of CCO cells infected with CCV accompanied by siRNA targeting the viral ORF25 and ORF63 genes showed that the number of virus particles was remarkably reduced. Taken together, these results indicated that ORF25 and ORF63 are essential for regulating CCV genome replication and CCV‐induced infection. Our findings will provide an understanding of the replication mechanisms of CCV and contribute to the development of antiviral strategies for controlling CCV infection in channel catfish culture.
Outcomes for upper gastrointestinal bleeding during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Toronto area
Authors: Khan Rishad , Saha Sudipta , Gimpaya Nikko , Bansal Rishi , Scaffidi Michael A , Razak Fahad , Verma Amol A , Grover Samir C
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Changes to endoscopy service availability during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have affected management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the pandemic on UGIB outcomes in the Toronto area in Canada.

Methods

We described all adults admitted to general medicine wards or intensive care units at six hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga, Canada, with UGIB during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (March 1 to June 30, 2020) and compared them with a historical cohort (March 1 to June 30, 2018 and 2019). We compared clinical outcomes (in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, 30‐day readmission, intensive care utilization, receipt of endoscopy, persistent bleeding, receipt of second endoscopy, and need for angiographic or surgical intervention) using multivariable regression models, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and severity of clinical presentation.

Results

There were 82.5 and 215.5 admissions per month for UGIB during the COVID‐19 and control periods, respectively. There were no baseline differences between groups for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, or severity of bleeding. Patients in the COVID‐19 group did not have significantly different unadjusted (3.9% vs 4.2%, P = 0.983) or adjusted mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25–1.48, P = 0.322). Patients in COVID‐19 group were less likely to receive endoscopy for UGIB in the unadjusted (61.8% vs 71.0%, P = 0.003) and adjusted (adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49–0.84, P < 0.01) models. There were no differences between groups for other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

While patients admitted for UGIB during the first wave of the pandemic were less likely to receive endoscopy, this had no impact on mortality or any secondary outcomes.
Study of interleukin‐1 beta expression in acne vulgaris and acne scars
Authors: ElAttar Yasmina , Mourad Basma , Alngomy Hebat‐Allah , Shams El Deen Aliaa , Ismail Mayada
Published: February 2022

Background

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease that mostly heals by scarring. Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) is a proinflammatory cytokine, suggested to play a key role in acne pathogenesis.

Objective

To study the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of IL1β in acne vulgaris and acne scars to evaluate its possible role in their pathogenesis and to study the relation between the expression of IL1β and the clinicopathological parameters.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on sixty subjects (twenty patients with acne vulgaris and twenty patients with acne scars), and twenty healthy volunteers as controls. Skin biopsies were taken from patients and controls for routine histopathological examination with hematoxylin and eosin stain and IHC staining of IL‐1β.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in expression of IL‐1β in acne vulgaris compared with post‐acne scars and controls, (p < 0.001) for both. IL‐1β expression was significantly positively correlated with both clinical severity of acne vulgaris (p = 0.022) and severity of histopathological inflammation (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Interleukin‐1β expression was associated with acne vulgaris and post‐acne scars with significant positive correlation to clinical and histopathological severity of acne vulgaris. Thus, IL‐1β could be a key player cytokine in acne pathogenesis, its severity and development of post‐acne scars.
Why is generation MZ passionate about good consumption of K‐cosmetics amid the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Lee Jinkyung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: February 2022

Background

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is putting millions at risk in more and more countries, making it a serious public health threat worldwide. Under such circumstances, “Untact” and “Streaming Life” are emerging as major trends in the recent service industry, and the beauty lives commerce market is expanding centering on mobile shopping in Republic of Korea.

Objectives

This study descriptively investigated changes in the needs of beauty and cosmetics industry consumers for good consumption of the MZ generation after COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This review paper is a literature review, and a narrative review approach has been used for this study. A total of 300 to 400 references were selected using representative journal search websites such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate, and RISS, of which a total of 39 papers were selected in the final stage based on 2009 to 2021.

Results

An E‐commerce packaging production and use have grown steadily in recent years as online purchases increase. As a result, the impact on the environment has also increased. Humanity faces climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and/or destruction of air, soil, water, and ecosystems. The climate and environmental crisis will be one of the greatest challenges in human history. This review paper conducted a comprehensive study on the good consumption of MZ generation for K‐Cosmetics in COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

This review clearly identifies the needs of consumers in the beauty and cosmetics industry for good consumption of the MZ generation for K‐beauty in COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, it is expected to be used as an important marketing material in the global cosmetics market by confirming new changes in the Korean cosmetic market, which is the center of K‐Beauty and K‐Cosmetics.
Efficacy of feeding a diet containing a high concentration of mixed fiber sources for management of acute large bowel diarrhea in dogs in shelters
Authors: Lappin Michael R. , Zug Amy , Hovenga Claire , Gagne Jason , Cross Emily
Published: February 2022

Background

Use of diets with increased concentrations of dietary fiber is thought to be beneficial in the management of dogs with large bowel diarrhea.

Objective

To determine whether feeding a diet with high concentrations of soluble and insoluble fiber to dogs with acute colitis would be superior to feeding a diet with typical fiber levels.

Animals

A total of 52 dogs with acute signs of large bowel diarrhea housed in an animal shelter were entered into the study; 11 dogs per diet completed the protocol.

Methods

In this randomized, prospective study, dogs with a fecal score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 and signs of acute colitis were fed a high fiber diet (4.54% soluble; 15.16% insoluble fiber) or a standard diet (0.6% soluble; 5.33% insoluble fiber) and fecal scores compared over the course of the study with significance defined asP < .05.

Results

All dogs fed the high fiber diet (11/11; 100%) had a fecal score <5 on the day of adoption or day 9, which was statistically different (P < .04) than dogs fed the standard diet (6/11 dogs; 55%; 95% CI: 23‐83). The proportions of stools with a fecal score >4 were greater (P = .0001) in the dogs fed the standard diet (29/48 samples; 60%; 95% CI: 45‐74) compared to the high fiber diet (8/50 samples; 16%; 95% CI: 7‐29).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The results support feeding the high fiber diet described herein to dogs with acute large bowel diarrhea.
Population structure in Neotropical plants: Integrating pollination biology, topography and climatic niches
Authors: Dellinger Agnes S. , Paun Ovidiu , Baar Juliane , Temsch Eva M. , Fernández‐Fernández Diana , Schönenberger Jürg
Published: February 2022

Animal pollinators mediate gene flow among plant populations, but in contrast to well‐studied topographic and (Pleistocene) environmental isolating barriers, their impact on population genetic differentiation remains largely unexplored. Comparing how these multifarious factors drive microevolutionary histories is, however, crucial for better resolving macroevolutionary patterns of plant diversification. Here we combined genomic analyses with landscape genetics and niche modelling across six related Neotropical plant species (424 individuals across 33 localities) differing in pollination strategy to test the hypothesis that highly mobile (vertebrate) pollinators more effectively link isolated localities than less mobile (bee) pollinators. We found consistently higher genetic differentiation (FST) among localities of bee‐ than vertebrate‐pollinated species with increasing geographical distance, topographic barriers and historical climatic instability. High admixture among montane populations further suggested relative climatic stability of Neotropical montane forests during the Pleistocene. Overall, our results indicate that pollinators may differentially impact the potential for allopatric speciation, thereby critically influencing diversification histories at macroevolutionary scales.
Effect of Orthogeriatric Co‐Management on Geriatric Hip Fractures in China
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Ming‐hui , Zhu Shi‐wen , Zhang Ping , Wang Geng , Wang Man‐yi , Wu Xin‐bao
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Although geriatric hip fracture is a serious public health problem in China, the result of orthogeriatric co‐management (OGC) is rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of OGC in Chinese patients aged ≥65 years.

Methods

In this single‐centre, pre‐post intervention, retrospective study, traditional orthopaedic care (TOC) was used until OGC was implemented in May 2015, a multidisciplinary team was organized, and clinical protocol was designed. Consecutive hip fracture patients who were ≥65 years and injured within 3 weeks were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, fracture patterns, surgical procedure, time to surgery, length of hospital stay, inpatient complications, and in‐hospital mortality were extracted and examined. At 1‐year after surgery, data on patients' mobility and mortality were collected. The time to surgery, incidence of inpatient complications, mortality and functional outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in sex, fracture type, and surgical pattern between OGC (n = 434) and TOC (n = 452) groups. Patients in OGC group were significantly older (P < 0.001) and had a higher age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (P < 0.001). However, waiting time between admission and operation was significantly lower in OGC group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mortality rate at the time of the patient being in‐hospital and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Although 1‐year mortality was higher in OGC group (P = 0.036), Cox regression analysis showed no significant correlation of OGC with 1‐year mortality. There was no significant difference in pre‐injury mobility and 1‐year follow‐up mobility assessed by Parker score. Only approximately half of the patients in both groups completely returned to their pre‐injury mobility level.

Conclusion

OGC significantly shortens time to surgery for geriatric hip fractures compared with TOC. However, there is no significant effect on mortality rate within 1 year and functional status at 1 year of follow‐up.
The histone deacetylase inhibitor OBP‐801 has in vitro/in vivo anti‐neuroblastoma activity
Authors: Kaneda Daisuke , Iehara Tomoko , Kikuchi Ken , Sugimoto Yohei , Nakagawa Norio , Yagyu Shigeki , Miyachi Mitsuru , Konishi Eiichi , Sakai Toshiyuki , Hosoi Hajime
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma have a poor prognosis; new therapeutic agents are therefore required. We investigated the antitumor effects of OBP‐801, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, its underlying mechanism, and its potential as a therapeutic agent for patients with neuroblastoma.

Methods

The study included five human neuroblastoma cell lines: IMR32, GOTO, KP‐N‐RTBM, SK‐N‐AS, and SH‐SY5Y. We investigated cell proliferation, cell cycle status, protein expression patterns, and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells after OBP‐801 treatment in vitro. Cell survival rate and cell cycle were analyzed using the WST‐8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis was detected using annexin V staining, and the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins was investigated by western blotting. The antitumor activity of OBP‐801 was examined in an in vivo xenograft mouse model.

Results

Dose–effect curve analysis showed that the mean half‐maximal inhibitory concentration value was 5.5 ± 5.9 nM for the MYCN‐amplified cell lines (IMR32, GOTO, and KP‐N‐RTBM) and 3.1 ± 0.7 nM for the MYCN‐nonamplified cell lines (SK‐N‐AS and SH‐SY5Y). OBP‐801 inhibited cell proliferation and growth in all the cell lines. It induced G2/M phase arrest through the p21 (CDKN1A) pathway, increasing histone H3 levels and, subsequently, apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells. OBP‐801 suppressed the growth of neuroblastoma cells in the mouse xenograft model.

Conclusions

Overall, OBP‐801 induces M‐phase arrest and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells via mitotic catastrophe. Our results indicate that OBP‐801 is a promising therapeutic agent with fewer adverse effects for patients with neuroblastoma.
Comparative profiles of the cuticular chemicals and transpiration barrier properties in various organs of Chinese flowering cabbage and Chinese kale
Authors: Huang Hua , Hu Ying , Wang Ling , Li Fengjun , Shan Youxia , Lian Qiaoqiao , Jiang Yueming
Published: February 2022

Plant cuticle as hydrophobic barrier covers almost all aerial plant organs. Herein the cuticular chemical components and the transpiration of various organs of Chinese flowering cabbage (CFC) and Chinese kale (CK) were comprehensively characterized. Numerous species‐ and organ‐specific differences in morphological, chemical, and physiological levels were found. The various organs were relatively smooth in surface for CFC but glaucous with hollow tube‐ and plate‐type crystals for CK. The chemical composition of cuticular waxes were very‐long chain n‐alkanes, ketones, secondary alcohols with a prominent carbon chain of C29 in CK, primary alcohols dominated by C26, and aldehydes prominently C30 in CFC. Cutin monomers accumulated with similar levels as waxes and were dominated by α,ω‐dicarboxylic acids and fatty acids without added groups. The minimum water conductance differed considerably among species and various organs ranging between 8.9 × 10−5 (CK leaf) and 3.7 × 10−4 m s−1 (CFC leaf petiole). These differences in transpiration properties were proposed to be largely related to the cuticular chemicals in various organs and species. The presented results provide further insights to link the transpiration barrier functions with surface characteristics and cuticular chemicals.
Bentham’s Public Utilitarianism and Its Jurisprudential Significance
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: February 2022

One of the ways by which Gerald Postema’sBentham and the Common Law Traditionrevolutionized the study of Bentham’s jurisprudence was by challenging the idea, made popular by Hart (both in his jurisprudential work and his interpretation of Bentham), that the study of law in general is normatively neutral. Against this view, Postema argued that one must understand Bentham’s views on law and jurisprudence in relation to his utilitarianism. At the time of publishing the book, Bentham went very much against the grain, but this view has since gained considerable support. In my paper I seek to refine it. As I see it, Bentham did not think of utilitarianism as a moral theory. Rather, he is best understood as advancing utilitarianism as a public philosophy—anendfor the legislator, and only indirectly applicable for individuals in their everyday lives. This makes Bentham’s utilitarianism tied to his legal philosophy in an even deeper sense than Postema suggested. Law is not there to imitate and help enforce an already existing utilitarian morality that tells people (independently of the law) what they should do. Instead, we should think of law as a mechanism (or a technology) for generating normative guidelines (where those do not otherwise exist). The effect of this is to reverse the familiar way of understanding the relationship between law and morality.