bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes following endoscopic or video‐assisted retroperitoneal management of acute pancreatitis with large (>15 cm) walled‐off pancreatic necrosis: Retrospective, single tertiary center cohort study
Authors: Ebrahim Mohamed , Werge Mikkel Parsberg , Hadi Amer , Lahchich Mariam , Nagras Zainab Gassem , Lauritsen Morten Laksáfoss , Schmidt Palle Nordblad , Hansen Erik Feldager , Novovic Srdan , Karstensen John Gásdal
Published: March 2022

Objective

Acute pancreatitis with walled‐off necrosis (WON) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have evaluated outcomes in WON collections of limited size, while data about large WON with long‐term follow‐up are lacking. We aimed to report our experience in managing large WON.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2020, consecutive patients with large (>15 cm) WON were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients with chronic pancreatitis or an index intervention 90 days or more from the debut of symptoms were excluded. We registered clinical and technical outcomes following minimally invasive treatment in WON >15 cm. Follow‐up was a minimum of 1 year.

Results

Overall, 144 patients with WON >15 cm, with a median age of 60 (interquartile range [IQR] 49–69) years, were included. The median WON size was 19.2 cm (IQR 16.8–22.1). Most patients were treated with endoscopic transluminal drainage (93%). The median length of stay was 53 days (IQR 39–76) and 61 (42%) patients needed intensive care support during their hospital stay. As 143 patients (99%) were managed using endoscopic or video‐assisted retroperitoneal techniques, only one (0.7%) patient needed an open necrosectomy. Procedure‐related adverse events occurred in 10 (7%) patients. Overall, 24 patients (17%) died during admission, all due to multiorgan failure. The median follow‐up was 35 months (IQR 15–63.5). Complete resolution was achieved in all remaining patients.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive treatment of large WON is feasible, with a minimal need for surgery and acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.
Integrated metagenomics and metabolomics analysis illustrates the systemic impact of the gut microbiota on host metabolism after bariatric surgery
Authors: Han Yeyoung , Kim Gihyeon , Ahn Eunyong , Jung Sunhee , Jung Youngae , Kim Yunjae , Ha Eunyoung , Heo Yoonseok , Ryu Do Hyun , Park Hansoo , Hwang Geum‐Sook
Published: March 2022

Aim

To explore how bariatric surgery (BS) modified the obesity‐associated gut microbiome, the host metabolome, and their interactions in obese Korean patients.

Materials and Methods

Stool and fasting blood samples were obtained before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after BS from 52 patients enrolled in the Korean Obesity Surgical Treatment Study. We analysed the gut microbiome by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the serum metabolome, including bile acids, by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

Results

Stool metagenomics showed that 27 microbiota were enriched and 14 microbiota were reduced after BS, whereas the abundances and diversity of observed features were increased. The levels of branched‐chain amino acids and metabolites of energy metabolism in serum were decreased after surgery, whereas the levels of metabolites related to microbial metabolism, including dimethyl sulphone, glycine, and secondary bile acids, were increased in the serum samples. In addition, we found notable mutual associations among metabolites and gut microbiome changes attributed to BS.

Conclusions

Changes in the gut microbiome community and systemic levels of amino acids and sugars were directly derived from anatomical changes in the gastrointestinal tract after BS. We hypothesized that the observed increases in microbiome‐related serum metabolites were a result of complex and indirect changes derived from BS. Ethnic‐specific environmental or genetic factors could affect Korean‐specific postmetabolic modification in obese patients who undergo BS.
More than what they eat: uncoupled biophysical constraints underlie geographic patterns of herbivory
Authors: Lynn Joshua S. , Fridley Jason D. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: March 2022

Herbivory rates have classically been hypothesized to decrease from the tropics towards higher latitudes because the more benign abiotic conditions in tropical systems foster greater ecosystem complexity including greater intensity of biotic interactions. However, attempts to quantify latitudinal patterns of herbivory often fail to support this hypothesis. While biases have been offered as explanations for null results, here, we argue that framing the question of latitudinal variation in herbivory around nutrient and energetic constraints of insect herbivores and plants may provide mechanistic explanations of latitudinal herbivory patterns. As a case study, we focused on sodium as an uncoupled nutrient between herbivore and plant communities: sodium is a key limiting micronutrient for herbivore neural and muscular development while present at orders of magnitude lower concentrations in plants. We compared sodium deposition with latitude, mean annual temperature (MAT) and actual evapotranspiration (measure of primary productivity, AET) in their ability to predict consumed percentage leaf area from published datasets. Leaf percent herbivory increased with sodium deposition and MAT and decreased with latitude but was unrelated to AET. Sodium had comparable effect size and predictive ability to either MAT or latitude. Additionally, herbivory was highest in locales with both high sodium deposition and high MAT. Our hypothesis that geographic variation in herbivory is driven by an interaction of unrestrictive temperature environments (high MAT) and limiting nutrient supply to herbivores (high sodium deposition) was strongly supported. We propose that greater generality, predictability and theoretical development on geographic variation in herbivory will arise from a refocus on the biophysical constraints (e.g. productivity, micronutrient availability, leaf mass consumed) that ultimately control consumer interactions rather than latitude per se. This refocus is likely to open new hypotheses for the evolution of defense syndromes across plant populations and communities based on the specific geography of limiting nutrients.
Understanding the long‐term effects ofKeju: The case of entrepreneurship in China
Authors: Li Logan (Geng) , Wang Zhengwei
Published: March 2022

We show that contemporary differences in entrepreneurship within China can be traced back toKeju, a civil service examination system for selecting state bureaucracy in the age of monarchy. Combining current individual‐level survey data with historical prefecture‐level data on the density ofJinshi(the highest qualification inKeju) during the Ming–Qing period, we find that individuals in prefectures with highJinshidensity exhibit a lower probability of participation in entrepreneurial activities today. Evidence from a range of identification methods suggests that the relationship is robust and causal. We also argue that theKejutradition could influence entrepreneurship through its effect on individuals' propensity to work for the state and risk aversion. Finally, we show that persistence is lower in prefectures with higher political violence during the Cultural Revolution and economic openness presently.
The voice of radio in the battle for equal rights: Evidence from the U.S. South
Authors: Bernini Andrea
Published: March 2022

Although the 1960s race riots have gone down in history as America's most violent and destructive ethnic civil disturbances, a consensus on the factors able to explain their insurgence is yet to be found. Using a novel data set on the universe of radio stations airing Black‐appeal programming, the effect of the media on riots is found to be sizable and statistically significant. A marginal (1%) increase in signal reception from these stations is estimated to lead to a 2.4% and 4.1% rise in the mean levels of the frequency and intensity of riots, respectively. Several mechanisms behind this result are considered, with the quantity, quality, and length of exposure to radio programming all being decisive factors.
N‐(benzylidene)‐2‐((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)diazenyl)benzohydrazides (1‐2) (NCHDH and NTHDH) attenuate DMBA‐induced breast cancer via Nrf2/NF‐κB/apoptosis signaling
Authors: Khan Ashrafullah , Khan Adnan , Shal Bushra , Aziz Abdul , Ahmed Muhammad Naeem , Khan Salman
Published: March 2022

The present study investigated the effect of the N‐(benzylidene)‐2‐((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)diazenyl)benzohydrazides (1‐2) (NCHDH and NTHDH) against breast cancer using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The NCHDH and NTHDH significantly inhibited the growth of the MCF‐7 cells using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The NCHDH and NTHDH treatment significantly inhibited the tumor size, tumor weight, and tumor volume, while it enhanced the survival and tumor free survival rate following 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)‐induced breast cancer. The NCHDH and NTHDH markedly attenuated the oxidative stress markers and induced the antioxidant level. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed significant reduction in the inflammatory cytokines production compared with the DMBA control. The NCHDH and NTHDH treatment significantly improved the histological features using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining, Masson's trichrome, PAS (periodic acid Schiff), and Toluidine blue staining compared with the DMBA‐induced group. The NCHDH and NTHDH treatment improved the hematological and serological parameters following DMBA‐induced breast tumor compared with DMBA‐induced group. Furthermore, the NCHDH and NTHDH treatment significantly enhanced the antioxidants signaling proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). The NCHDH and NTHDH enhanced the inhibitor of NF‐κB (IκB) level, while it attenuated the NF‐κB level. Similarly, the NCHDH and NTHDH showed marked increase in the apoptosis proteins such as Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, and Bcl‐2 Associated X‐protein (Bax), while it inhibited the B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) expression. In conclusion, the NCHDH and NTHDH significantly improved the DMBA‐induced breast cancer via attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
Global and local modeling for inter‐wire fretting in multi‐wire copper conductors
Authors: Poon Chun Ting , Barrett Richard A. , Leen Seán B.
Published: March 2022

Submarine power cables (SPC) are vulnerable to fretting, wear, and fatigue due to the dynamic environment, particularly at end connectors and junctions or other discontinuities, such as seabed features. This paper presents a finite element methodology for global and local analysis of fretting between copper conductors in multi‐strand cables. The salient inter‐wire fretting variables, such as relative slip and contact pressure, almost impossible to measure experimentally, are identified here via the three‐dimensional, global multi‐wire model, which includes frictional contact and large deformation effects. Local 2D and 3D representative models, typical of laboratory‐scale fretting test configurations, are adopted, with fretting boundary conditions derived from the global model fretting variables, for detailed micro‐scale resolution of fretting contact. A critical‐plane, multiaxial fretting‐fatigue life methodology is implemented to quantify fretting‐fatigue life. The effects of lay angle, contact size, wire diameter, friction, and slip are investigated. It is shown that, in general, increasing lay angle, contact size, wire diameter, and friction lead to reduced life. A key novel contribution of the paper is identification of the fretting fatigue relationships between representative local 2D (Hertzian) and 3D (crossed cylinder) modeling, via matching contact pressure, and global multi‐wire contacts. A rationalization of the relative contact size effects associated with transverse‐ and longitudinal‐type contacts in such applications is also presented.
REVOLUTIONARY SPECTATORSHIP AND SUBALTERNITY: FOUCAULT IN IRAN
Authors: SCHULTZ DANIEL J.
Published: March 2022

In this article, I offer a novel reading of Michel Foucault's Iranian writings and probe their unexplored linkages with longstanding historiographical debates. I argue that these writings run headlong into the conceptual aporias of political modernity by contesting the assumed parallelism between consciousness and history and between subjects of history and history as Subject. I take up this problem through the double frame of revolutionary spectatorship and subalternity. In the first instance, I analyze Kant's contradictory reflections on the French Revolution and Marx and Engel's response to the (failed) revolutions of 1848 to show how uprisings are made to conform to a theory of the subject. In the second instance, in conversation with subaltern studies (Guha, Chakrabarty, and Spivak), I focus on the problem of representing the revolutionary subject or insurgent consciousness. Foucault's Iranian writings problematize the particular way the revolutionary subject (the person who rises up [se lève], in Foucault's vocabulary) is represented, or historiographically phrased. I argue that the confounding factor in this phrasing, the hard object that resists integration, is religion. I build a set of relays between genres of writing—philosophical journalism, philosophy of history, and subaltern historiography—that are subtended by this problem of incommensurability in order to illustrate the double bind of phrasing a religious subject in revolt. Across these heterogeneous conceptual grammars of historical analysis, I track “religion” and the “colonial” as différends in relation to what counts as a subject of history or history as Subject, and I show how religious and colonial phrasings (of history and subjectivity) find themselves in a position that has lost the capacity to claim a position.
Synergistic denitrification and phosphorus removal performance of a biofilm-microflocculation system and its microbial community variations: A pilot-scale study for a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Jiang Zhuwu , Yang Longbin , Yu Hai , Hou Lian , Shen Jyunhong
Published: March 2022

Aims

For upgrading and reconstructing a municipal wastewater treatment plant, a biofilm-microflocculation filter system was designed and established towards synergistic improvement of denitrification and phosphorus removal from the secondary effluent.

Methods and Results

The establishment of the biofilm-microflocculation filter system underwent several processes, including sludge inoculation, biofilm formation and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) addition as flocculating agent. Microbial community analysis indicated that the dominant denitrification bacteria of the biofilm filter were in the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Hydrogenophaga and Dechloromonas. On the basis of the initiation of filter system under optimal parameters such as C/N ratio of 5.3, hydraulic retention time of 1.06 h and PAC of 5 mg L−1, approximately 75% COD, 80% TN and 75% TP could be effectively removed to satisfy discharge standards. Comparing the variations of microbial community structure at the genus level during the operating period of the filter system, it was found that the relative abundance of denitrification bacteria merely shifted from 53.14% to 48.76%, demonstrating that the effect of PAC addition on the main micro-organisms is marginal.

Conclusions

From the above results, it can be verified that the established biofilm-microflocculation filter system has practical and reliable performance for simultaneous biological denitrification and phosphorus removal.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provides a reference method for improving the advanced treatment of wastewater plant secondary effluent.
Insights into gut microbiota communities of Poecilobdella manillensis, a prevalent Asian medicinal leech
Authors: Meng Fanming , Liu Zichao , Sun Jianwei , Kong Dejun , Wang Yuxin , Tong Xiangrong , Cao Yanru , Bi Xiaoxu
Published: March 2022

Aims

Medicinal leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) are fresh water ectoparasitic species which have been applied as traditional therapy. However, gut microbiota could bring high risks of opportunistic infections after leeching and arouses great interests. Here, gut bacterial and fungal communities of an Asian prevalent leech Poecilobdella manillensis were characterized and analysed through culture-independent sequencing.

Methods and Results

With high coverage in 18 samples (>0.999), a more complicated community was apparent after comparing with previous leech studies. A total of 779/939 OTUs of bacteria and fungi were detected from leech guts. The bacterial community was dominated by the phylum Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes. Genera Mucinivorans and Fretibacterium accounted mostly at the genus level, and genus Aeromonas showed an extremely low abundance (2.02%) on average. The fungal community was dominated by the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. At the genus level, the dominant OTUs included Mortierella, Geminibasidium and Fusarium. The analysis of core taxa included those above dominant genera and some low-abundance genera (>1%). The functional annotation of the bacterial community showed a close correlation with metabolism (34.8 ± 0.6%). Some fungal species were predicted as opportunistic human pathogens including Fusarium and Chaetomiaceae.

Conclusions

The present study provides fundamental rationales for further studies of such issues as bacteria-fungi-host interactions, host fitness, potential pathogens, and infecting risks after leeching. It shall facilitate in-depth explorations on the safe utilization of leech therapy.

Significance and Impact of Study

Present paper is the first-ever exploration on microbiota of a prevalent Asian medicinal leech based on culture-independent technical. And it is also the first report of gut fungi community of medicinal leech. The diversity and composition of bacteria in P. manillensis was far different from that of the European leech. The main components and core OTUs indicate a particular gut environment of medicinal leech. Unknown bacterial and fungal species were also recovered from leech gut.
Testing of candidate probiotics to prevent dental caries induced by Streptococcus mutans in a mouse model
Authors: Culp David J. , Hull William , Schultz Alexander C. , Bryant Ashley S. , Lizarraga Claudia A. , Dupuis Madeline R. , Chakraborty Brinta , Lee Kyulim , Burne Robert A.
Published: March 2022

Aims

We evaluated two species of human oral commensal streptococci in protection against dental caries induced by Streptococcus mutans.

Methods and Results

Candidate probiotics, Streptococcus sp. A12, Streptococcus sanguinis BCC23 and an arginine deiminase mutant of BCC23 (∆arcADS) were tested for their ability to reduce S. mutans-induced caries in an established mouse model. Mice were colonized with a probiotic, challenged with S. mutans, then intermittently reinoculated with a probiotic strain. Oral colonization of each strain and autochthonous bacteria was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Both BCC23 strains, but not A12, were associated with markedly reduced sulcal caries, persistently colonized mucosal and dental biofilms, and significantly lowered S. mutans counts. All three strains enhanced mucosal colonization of autochthonous bacteria. In a follow-up experiment, when S. mutans was established first, dental and mucosal colonization of S. mutans was unaltered by a subsequent challenge with either BCC23 strain. Results between BCC23 and BCC23 ∆arcADS were equivalent.

Conclusions

BCC23 is a potential probiotic to treat patients at high caries risk. Its effectiveness is independent of ADS activity, but initial dental cleaning to enhance establishment in dental biofilms may be required.

Significance and Impact of the Study

In vivo testing of candidate probiotics is highly informative, as effectiveness is not always reflected by genotype or in vitro behaviours
Evaluation of the in vitro susceptibility of Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi to tiamulin using minimum inhibitory concentration tests
Authors: Irgang Rute , Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben
Published: March 2022

Tenacibaculosis caused by Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi is the third most important bacterial fish infection affecting the Chilean salmon industry. Losses to this disease are most frequently controlled by treatments with florfenicol and oxytetracycline. However, recent tenacibaculosis outbreaks were controlled through the extra‐label, oral administration of tiamulin, resulting in high treatment efficiency. In this study, we present an analysis of susceptibility patterns of 32 T. dicentrarchi isolates and the type strain CECT 7612T to tiamulin by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) according to the procedures recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute, but fixing incubation temperature to the more appropriate for the growth of T. dicentrarchi (18 ºC). The MICs of the T. dicentrarchi isolates were unimodally distributed (0.06–1.0 µg/ml range), while the CECT 7612T strain presented an MIC of 0.5 μg/ml. Calculations using Normalized Resistance Interpretation provided epidemiological cut‐off values of ≤1.0 µg/ml, with the 33 T. dicentrarchi classified as wild type. In Chile, tiamulin is authorized for use in other livestock species, but application in salmonids is extra‐label. Our presented in vitro results suggest that tiamulin is a viable alternative to florfenicol, specifically as tiamulin requires comparatively lower concentrations to inhibit T. dicentrarchi. Considering that tiamulin is also exclusively for veterinary use, is classified as “least important” by the World Health Organization and has not resulted in the development of bacterial resistance, pharmaceutical companies should be requested to register tiamulin and provide alternative antimicrobial treatments for the salmonid industry.
On Liquidity Shocks and Asset Prices
Authors: GUERRON‐QUINTANA PABLO A. , JINNAI RYO
Published: March 2022

In models of financial frictions, stock market booms tend to follow adverse liquidity shocks. This finding is clearly at odds with the data. We demonstrate that this counterfactual result is specific to real business cycle models with exogenous growth. Once we allow for both endogenous productivity and growth, this puzzling price dynamic easily disappears. Intuitively, the gloomy economic‐growth outlook following an adverse liquidity shock generates a predictable and negative long‐run component in dividend growth, leading to the collapse of equity prices.
Multi‐organ/disseminated echinococcosis in children: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Çay Ümmühan , Alabaz Derya , Ö Gündeşlioglu Özlem , Tutuş Kamuran , K Çil Merve , Pehlivan Umur A
Published: March 2022

Aim

Echinococcosis with multi‐organ/disseminated involvement is rare in childhood. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics and prognosis in paediatric patients with echinococcosis having multiorgan/disseminated involvement.

Method

We evaluated retrospectively children with echinococcosis with involvement of three or more organs.

Results

Thirteen patients were included in the study. The median age was 120 (range 71–189) months. Three (23%) were diagnosed incidentally. Abdominal pain was seen in 5 (38.4%) patients, vomiting in 4 (30.7%), headache in 3 (23%), cough in 2 (15.3%), groin pain in 1 (7.6%), 1 (7.6%) had jaundice and 1 (7.6%) had fever. The median duration of complaints was 48 (0–140) days. The most common tripartite organ was 38.4% (5/13) liver, lung and spleen. Isolated abdominal dissemination was detected in two patients. Two patients had multi‐organ involvement and multiple cysts with dissemination. Cyst rupture was observed in three of the patients; recurrent urinary tract infection, hydroureteronephrosis, secondary peritonitis with intra‐abdominal abscess, and biliary tract fistula were each observed in one patient. Relapse developed in 3 (23%) patients.

Conclusion

Echinococcosis is a very slow growing and complex parasitic disease that affects many organs and tissues. In our study, eosinophilia, recurrence, and complications were seen at a higher rate in paediatric patients with multiorgan involvement, who required repetitive surgeries and long‐term medical treatment. However, there are scanty data on risk factors, optimum treatment and prognosis.
Tracking representationalism and olfaction
Authors: Skrzypulec Błażej
Published: March 2022

While philosophers of perception develop representational theories of olfactory experiences, there are doubts regarding whether features of olfactory perception can be accommodated within the representationalist framework. In particular, it is argued that the function of olfaction is not to represent stimuli but rather to evaluate it. The article claims that the major representational accounts of olfaction have problems in accommodating the evaluative aspects of olfactory phenomenology. However, an alternative position, named ‘olfactory evaluativism’, is proposed which is free of these problems and may serve as a foundation for further developments of representational approach to olfactory experiences.
Medicarpin confers powdery mildew resistance in Medicago truncatula and activates the salicylic acid signalling pathway
Authors: Gupta Arunima , Awasthi Pallavi , Sharma Neha , Parveen Sajiya , Vats Ravi P. , Singh Nirpendra , Kumar Yashwant , Goel Atul , Chandran Divya
Published: March 2022

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by the obligate biotrophic fungal pathogen Erysiphe pisi is an economically important disease of legumes. Legumes are rich in isoflavonoids, a class of secondary metabolites whose role in PM resistance is ambiguous. Here we show that the pterocarpan medicarpin accumulates at fungal infection sites, as analysed by fluorescein‐tagged medicarpin, and provides penetration and post‐penetration resistance against E. pisi in Medicago truncatula in part through the activation of the salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway. Comparative gene expression and metabolite analyses revealed an early induction of isoflavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation of the defence phytohormones SA and jasmonic acid (JA) in the highly resistant M. truncatula genotype A17 but not in moderately susceptible R108 in response to PM infection. Pretreatment of R108 leaves with medicarpin increased SA levels, SA‐associated gene expression, and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide at PM infection sites, and reduced fungal penetration and colony formation. Strong parallels in the levels of medicarpin and SA, but not JA, were observed on medicarpin/SA treatment pre‐ or post‐PM infection. Collectively, our results suggest that medicarpin and SA may act in concert to restrict E. pisi growth, providing new insights into the metabolic and signalling pathways required for PM resistance in legumes.
A simple theory for the mesopredator release effect: when does an apex predator protect their shared prey from a mesopredator?
Authors: Takimoto Gaku , Nishijima Shota
Published: March 2022

Predation plays a variety of important roles in structuring ecological communities. The mesopredator release effect occurs when the removal of an apex predator increases the density of a mesopredator, which in turn reduces the density of their shared prey. The mesopredator release effect can pose significant challenges for predator management and biodiversity conservation. Although several mathematical models have proposed specific circumstances that induce the mesopredator release effect, no theory has yet provided general conditions for this effect. Here, we propose a simple mathematical model to clarify the general conditions that induce the mesopredator release effect. The model predicts that the mesopredator release effect will occur when 1) the carrying capacity of the mesopredator exceeds a certain threshold, and 2) the top–down effect of the apex predator is larger on the mesopredator than on their shared prey. These conditions unify those from previous models and match the existing empirical examples. The simplicity of our theory may be useful for developing system‐specific guidelines to control the mesopredator release effect in various ecosystems.
Coping with seasonality: dynamics of adult body mass and survival in an alpine hibernator
Authors: Carrier Béatrice , Hamel Sandra , Garel Mathieu , Côté Steeve D.
Published: March 2022

Alpine mammals are highly vulnerable to current and projected climate change because they are confined to a certain elevation range. Physiological and behavioural adaptations in burrowing species, such as finding shelter in burrows when the summer conditions are unfavorable and hibernating in winter during the stressful period of resource shortage, could partly buffer the negative impacts of these forecasted changes. We studied the links between environmental factors and annual variations in adult mass and survival over 14 years in hoary marmots. We hypothesized that annual variation in seasonal environmental factors determines individual mass and survival through direct effects on food quality and availability, expecting greater survival when marmots reach higher mass before hibernation. We found that harsh winters decreased mass at emergence from hibernation by 47% compared with mild winters. Nonetheless, adult marmots had a greater mass gain in summers following harsh winters and reached a similar mass at the end of the summer compared with summers following mild winters. This suggests individuals can adopt a resource allocation strategy that allows maximizing summer mass gain to survive hibernation. Earlier springs also increased summer mass gain by 15 g day−1, and tended to increase apparent adult survival by 23%, compared with late springs. While these findings suggest a warming climate could have positive effects on summer mass gain and survival, survival also tended to decrease by 24% in summers with more precipitation. This suggests the forecasted changes in precipitation extremes could also trigger considerable negative effects on the demography of burrowing species in the long term. Our study shows that, although burrowing and hibernating behaviours could buffer responses to environmental changes, these behaviours are not an indefectible shield against climate change.
Predictors of hematoma as a complication in pediatric kidney biopsies
Authors: Nagata Hiroko , Tamura Hiroshi , Hidaka Yuko , Ikeda Tokunori , Nakazato Hitoshi
Published: March 2022

Background

Kidney biopsies are crucial in the diagnosis of kidney diseases but they carry the risk of various complications, most commonly hematoma. Here we tried to identify the predictors of hematomas as a complication of kidney biopsies and we constructed an algorithm to stratify the risk.

Methods

The present report retrospectively reviewed 118 pediatric percutaneous kidney biopsies of native kidneys in 102 children (59 females) with the median age of 9 years (range: 1–19 years) at Kumamoto University Hospital between August 2008 and October 2019. We defined hematoma size using the hematoma index: the short axis of the hematoma/major axis of the kidney on ultrasonography. The inclusion criteria for a hematoma as a complication of a kidney biopsy were hematoma index ≥0.1 and the presence of concomitant, post‐kidney biopsy fever or flank pain.

Results

Eight patients presented with a hematoma as a complication. All had hematoma index ≥0.1 and age ≥6 years. On univariate logistic analysis, these patients had a larger hemoglobin (Hgb) decrease on post‐biopsy day 1, which was unrelated to a Hgb decrease 2 h after the biopsy, than the patients with no hematoma. All eight patients with a hematoma presented with a fever or flank pain on post‐biopsy days 5 to 7, underscoring the need to observe patients with decreased Hgb carefully for about 1 week after a biopsy.

Conclusion

Predictors of hematoma as a complication in children after a kidney biopsy were hematoma index ≥0.1, age >6 years, and Hgb decrease ≥15% on post‐biopsy day 1.
Achieving high maturation and cannulation rates of radial‐cephalic arteriovenous fistulas with VasQ™ device
Authors: Shahverdyan Robert , Hentschel Dirk M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hemodialysis is the predominant treatment modality for chronic kidney disease, with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) being considered to be the preferred type of long‐term vascular access. Implantation of the external anastomotic VasQ™ support device during AVF creation has been suggested to improve the functional outcomes of AVFs. In the current study, we report the clinical outcomes when using the device with radial‐cephalic AVF (RCAVF) creation in a large cohort over 3 years.

Methods

One hundred fifty RCAVFs were created between June 2018 and August 2021 with implantation of VasQ™. Time to maturation, cannulation characteristics, and assisted (AP) and secondary patency (SP) rates were analyzed.

Results

In this predominantly male (68%), median 64 years old cohort, 150 VasQ™ devices were implanted. Physiological maturation was achieved in 142/150 (95%) and was unassisted in 133/150 (89%). Of those, 129 matured within 1 month and four additional AVFs within 165 days. Eight AVFs achieved maturation following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and one required surgical patch angioplasty. The median time from creation to first successful cannulation in dialysis patients was 41 days. AP at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months was 89%, 81%, 78%, 73%, and 73%, and SP was 94%, 87%, 86%, 84%, and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions

Consistent use of the VasQ™ device in RCAVF creation demonstrates excellent AVF maturation and patency rates with very low frequency of assisted maturation and interventions for maintenance. The VasQ™ device appears a suitable aid in increasing the creation of functional RCAVFs.
The Screen for Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury: Development and initial validation among veterans with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Halverson Tate F. , Patel Tapan A. , Mann Adam J. D. , Evans Mariah K. , Gratz Kim L. , Beckham Jean C. , Calhoun Patrick S. , Kimbrel Nathan A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is associated with significant impairment and is a robust predictor of suicidal ideation, attempts, and death by suicide; however, the present lack of a brief screening instrument for NSSI coupled with consistent underidentification of NSSI in male adults has led to concerning rates of missed identification of NSSI.

Methods

The Screen for Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury (SNSI) is a brief, 10‐item screen designed to identify individuals currently engaging in NSSI with an emphasis on behaviors more frequently endorsed by male adults. The present study examined the development and validation of the SNSI.

Results

In a sample of veterans (N = 124) with complex psychiatric presentations, SNSI scores demonstrated good internal consistency and strong construct validity with area under the curve (AUC) estimates of 0.85–0.93 for the identification of NSSI disorder. SNSI scores also demonstrated good convergent (rs 0.59–0.90) and external validity (rs = 0.25–0.42), and excellent predictive validity identifying future NSSI Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior disorder (AUC = 0.88) and NSSI behaviors (AUC = 0.90). Importantly, SNSI performance was not affected by participants’ race, sex assigned at birth, or age.

Conclusion

The SNSI is an efficient screen to identify patients engaging in NSSI who are likely to benefit from more comprehensive assessment and treatment programs.
Cytologic features of reactive fibroplasia in cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions of dogs: A retrospective study
Authors: Masserdotti Carlo , Drigo Michele
Published: March 2022

Background

Determining reactive fibroplasia from primary neoplastic proliferation can be difficult using the cytologic features of spindle cells.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe qualitative features of benign reactive spindle cells and provide a diagnostic tool to distinguish between fibroplasia and soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods

Cytologic samples from cutaneous lesions with histopathologically confirmed fibroplasia were reviewed and compared with cytologic samples from confirmed low‐grade soft tissue sarcomas. The samples were obtained from the Archive of the Laboratorio Veterinario Bresciano (Brescia; Italy).

Results

A total of 25 cytologic samples retrieved from the database fit the selection criteria. For comparison, 25 cytologic samples of histopathologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas with secondary inflammation were obtained and reviewed from the same database. A low number of singularly distributed spindle cells with mild features of atypia and a high ratio of inflammatory to spindle cells was observed in confirmed cases of fibroplasia.

Conclusions

Low cellularity, individualized spindle cells, and an increased inflammatory‐to‐spindle cell ratio were more indicative of fibroplasia than sarcoma.
International Society of Blood Transfusion survey of experiences of blood banks and transfusion services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Burnouf Thierry , Wood Erica M. , Devine Dana V. , Oreh Adaeze , Apelseth Torunn Oveland , Goel Ruchika , Bloch Evan M. , van Den Berg Karin , Getshen Mahrukh , Louw Vernon , Ang Ai Leen , Lee Cheuk Kwong , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Stramer Susan L. , Vassallo Ralph , Schulze Torsten J. , Patidar Gopal Kumar , Pandey Hem Chandra , Dubey Rounak , Badawi Maha , Hindawi Salwa , Meshi Abdullah , Matsushita Tadashi , Sorrentino Enrico , Grubovic Rastvorceva Rada M. , Bazin Renée , Vermeulen Marion , Nahirniak Susan , Tsang Hamilton C. , Vrielink Hans , Triyono Teguh , Addas‐Carvalho Marcelo , Hećimović Ana , Torres Oscar W. , Mutindu Samclide M. , Bengtsson Jesper , Dominguez Diego , Sayedahmed Ahmed , Hanisa Musa Rozi , Gautam Bipul , Herczenik Eszter , So‐Osman Cynthia ,   the ISBT COVID‐19 Convalescent Plasma Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has impacted blood systems worldwide. Challenges included maintaining blood supplies and initiating the collection and use of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP). Sharing information on the challenges can help improve blood collection and utilization.

Materials and Methods

A survey questionnaire was distributed to International Society of Blood Transfusion members in 95 countries. We recorded respondents' demographic information, impacts on the blood supply, CCP collection and use, transfusion demands and operational challenges.

Results

Eighty‐two responses from 42 countries, including 24 low‐ and middle‐income countries, were analysed. Participants worked in national (26.8%) and regional (26.8%) blood establishments and hospital‐based (42.7%) institutions. CCP collection and transfusion were reported by 63% and 36.6% of respondents, respectively. Decreases in blood donations occurred in 70.6% of collecting facilities. Despite safety measures and recruitment strategies, donor fear and refusal of institutions to host blood drives were major contributing factors. Almost half of respondents working at transfusion medicine services were from large hospitals with over 10,000 red cell transfusions per year, and 76.8% of those hospitals experienced blood shortages. Practices varied in accepting donors for blood or CCP donations after a history of COVID‐19 infection, CCP transfusion, or vaccination. Operational challenges included loss of staff, increased workloads and delays in reagent supplies. Almost half of the institutions modified their disaster plans during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by blood systems during the COVID‐19 pandemic highlight the need for guidance, harmonization, and strengthening of the preparedness and the capacity of blood systems against future infectious threats.
Comparing the emergence of Echinochloa crus‐galli populations in different locations. Part I: Variations in emergence timing and behaviour of two populations
Authors: Royo‐Esnal Aritz , Onofri Andrea , Loddo Donato , Necajeva Jevgenija , Jensen Peter K. , Economou Garifalia , Taab Alireza , Synowiec Agnieszka , Calha Isabel M. , Andersson Lars , Uludag Ahmet , Uremis Ilhan , Murdoch Alistair J. , Tørresen Kirsten S.
Published: March 2022

Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv. is one of the most important weeds. It is distributed worldwide and has adapted to diverse habitats and climatic conditions. This study aimed to compare the emergence patterns of two populations of E. crus‐galli from different environments at 11 locations across Europe and the Middle East. Seeds of the two populations were collected from maize in Italy and from spring barley in Norway and were then buried in soil in autumn 2015. In the spring of 2016, the soil was disturbed around the usual seedbed preparation date in each location and emergence was recorded. The soil was again disturbed a year later and emergence was recorded for a second season. Total emergence, the times of onset, end and to 50% emergence and the period between 25% and 75% of emergence were analysed by two‐way ANOVA and principal components analysis. The Italian population showed a higher emergence than the Norwegian population in Southern locations, while the ranking was reversed in Northern locations. In almost all locations, a tendency to emerge earlier was recorded for the Norwegian population, but the periods from 25% to 75% emergence were similar for both populations. Total emergence, and the times of onset and end of emergence seemed to be mainly under genotypic (plus maternal) control, suggesting there were different temperature thresholds for seedling emergence in each population. Conversely, the duration of emergence seemed to be mainly under environmental control. This research confirms the high variability between populations and suggests the need to continue identifying key characteristics for the development of efficient models for seedling emergence in specific climates and/or latitudes.
Stability of Hydrogen Turbopump Rotor Shaft Axially Self-Balanced
Authors: Martin Seive , Jean-Michel Nguyen Duc , Fonteyn Patrice
Published: March 2022

Controlling the vibration levels of turbopump rotor shafts is a key feature for the reliability of space engines. Turbopump components are exposed to high static and dynamic stress levels, and therefore are particularly sensitive to high-cycle fatigues. Among the numerous dynamic excitations that affect the turbopump, self-induced instabilities are the most critical ones because of the exponential growth rate of vibration levels. These flutter-like phenomena may account for rotor shaft instabilities of turbopumps designed with an axial balancing system (ABS). Such a system is necessary to avoid heavy static loads on bearings and is commonly used in high power turbopumps in the space industry. It consists of a fluid cavity located in the back of a centrifugal compressor. Instabilities induced by the ABS have been studied within the framework of a research and technology program using a reduced scale hydrogen turbopump demonstrator called TPtech. This paper focuses on experimental and numerical analysis of rotor instabilities induced by the ABS. A coupled dynamic model of the rotor shaft and the ABS cavity is presented. It shows instabilities of the rigid rotor axial mode, but also of an axisymmetric rotor mode. This result is consistent with the data acquired during TPtech test campaign. The instability mechanism is complex as it involves the rotor modes, the flow in the ABS cavity, and its acoustic modes. Therefore, TPtech tests performed in representative conditions are valuable. They have permitted tool validation and have provided design rules to prevent occurrence of such phenomena.
A comparison of self-reported health status and perceptual responses toward environmental noise in rural, suburban, and urban regions in Canada
Authors: Michaud David S. , Marro Leonora , Denning Allison , Shackleton Shelley , Toutant Nicolas , McNamee James P.
Published: March 2022

Health Canada, in collaboration with Advanis, conducted the Canadian Perspectives on Environmental Noise Survey (CPENS) to investigate expectations and attitudes toward environmental noise in rural and non-rural Canada. The CPENS, a 26-item questionnaire, was completed online by 6647 randomly selected Canadians, age 18 y and older between April and May 2021. The prevalence of reporting their area as often or always calm, quiet, and relaxing was 76.8%, 64%, and 48.4% in rural/remote, suburban, and urban, respectively. A high expectation of quiet was less prevalent yet followed the same pattern: rural/remote (58.2%), suburban (37.4%), and urban (21.8%). Self-reported health status and noise sensitivity were unrelated to geographic region. A high magnitude of non-specific sleep disturbance over the previous 12 months was reported by 7.8% overall; highest among urban dwellers (9.8%), followed by suburban (7.2%) and rural/remote (5.5%) dwellers (p < 0.01). High annoyance toward road traffic noise was 8.5% overall, and significantly higher in urban (10.5%), relative to suburban (7.9%) and rural/remote (6.6%) areas (p < 0.0001). Annoyance toward noise from rail, aircraft, mining, industry, marine activity, construction, wind turbines, and landscaping equipment is reported. The analysis also explores potential differences between Indigenous Peoples of Canada and non-Indigenous Canadians in their attitudes and expectations toward environmental noise.
Effects of Long-Haul Travel and the Olympic Games on Heart-Rate Variability in Rugby Sevens Medalists
Authors: Flatt Andrew A. , Howells Daniel
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To report the impact of long-haul travel and the Olympic tournament on heart-rate variability and subjective well-being in a rugby sevens team. Methods: Players (N = 12 men) recorded daily root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) and brief subjective well-being assessments before and throughout the Olympic tournament. Following a 7-day baseline involving a tournament simulation, 2 flights were taken to Brazil (20-h travel and 4-h time gain) on day 1. Matches occurred on days 13 to 15. Undefeated, the team advanced to the gold-medal final. Team staff used a combination of proactive and reactive strategies to support training adaptations, mitigate negative effects of travel, and facilitate recovery from competition. Results: Peak LnRMSSD values from the preceding preparatory period were observed at baseline. Perceived recovery was impaired on day 1 following tournament simulation (P < .05). Lower and less stable LnRMSSD trends were observed in players within the first week following long-haul travel (P < .05), evident primarily in nonstarters (effect size = unclear to very large) versus starters (effect size = unclear). Status markers were subsequently maintained at baseline or improved prior to the tournament and were minimally affected by competition (P > .05). Changes in LnRMSSD were associated (P < .05) with changes in perceived recovery (day 14, ρ = .64) and sleep quality (day 15, ρ = .69) during the tournament. Conclusions: Attentiveness to player health and well-being throughout preparation, travel, and the Olympic tournament potentially mitigated decrements in status markers, thereby reducing potential for fatigue or stress-related performance impairment.