bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological disruption of high‐order functional networks in cognitively preserved Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shang Song'an , Zhu Siying , Wu Jingtao , Xu Yao , Chen Lanlan , Dou Weiqiang , Yin Xindao , Chen Yu‐Chen , Shen Dejuan , Ye Jing
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study aimed to characterize the topological alterations and classification performance of high‐order functional connectivity (HOFC) networks in cognitively preserved patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), relative to low‐order FC (LOFC) networks.

Methods

The topological metrics of the constructed networks (LOFC and HOFC) obtained from fifty‐one cognitively normal patients with PD and 60 matched healthy control subjects were analyzed. The discriminative abilities were evaluated using machine learning approach.

Results

The HOFC networks in the PD group showed decreased segregation and integration. The normalized clustering coefficient and small‐worldness in the HOFC networks were correlated to motor performance. The altered nodal centralities (distributed in the precuneus, putamen, lingual gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, motor area, postcentral gyrus and inferior occipital gyrus) and intermodular FC (frontoparietal and visual networks, sensorimotor and subcortical networks) were specific to HOFC networks. Several highly connected nodes (thalamus, paracentral lobule, calcarine fissure and precuneus) and improved classification performance were found based on HOFC profiles.

Conclusion

This study identified disrupted topology of functional interactions at a high level with extensive alterations in topological properties and improved differentiation ability in patients with PD prior to clinical symptoms of cognitive impairment, providing complementary insights into complex neurodegeneration in PD.
Multiple dermatofibromas, associated clinical and histological characteristics: A systematic review
Authors: Seifi Golnoosh , Kalantari Yasamin , Etesami Ifa
Published: December 2022

Multiple dermatofibromas (DFs) are rare benign fibrohistiocytic lesions characterized by asymptomatic hyperpigmented nodules. Several diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are found to be associated with multiple DFs. Here, we designed a systematic review by an electronic search of PubMed and Embase databases to select case reports of multiple DFs (29 May 2021). From 2,145 initially found articles, 96 studies (106 cases) were included. We classified multiple DFs (>1 DF lesion) into four subtypes and separately investigated clinical characteristics of each one: multiple eruptive DFs (MEDFs) (n = 45), multiple (n = 41), multiple clustered DFs (MCDFs) (n = 18), and giant combined (n = 2). The patients’ mean age was 38.3 ± 14.7 years. The majority were female (61.3 %). The lesions were commonly on the trunk and extremities (36.8 %). MEDFs (n = 36) had the most rapid disease onset (2.0 ± 6.6 years). Immunosuppression induced by either HIV (10.3 %) and hematologic malignancy (9.4 %) or immunosuppressive drugs (23.4 %) along with SLE (19.8 %) were the most observed associations. However, 66.7 % of the MCDF patients were otherwise healthy individuals. As for disease management, surgery and follow‐up were the preferred options. Most of the cases showed neither resolution nor development of new lesions in follow‐up.
Medical error analysis in dermatology according to the reports of the North Rhine Medical Association from 2004 to 2018
Authors: Lehmann Lion , Appelbaum Sebastian , Ostermann Thomas , Weber Beate , Hofmann Silke C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Assessment of complaints addressed to the Expert Committee for Medical Malpractice Claims of the North Rhine Medical Association helps to identify quality assurance problems in dermatology.

Methods

333 dermatological reports (years 2004–2018) were allocated to three five‐year intervals in order to show changes of total number of reports and with regard to indications, types of care, defined diagnosis categories, and therapeutic interventions. Statistical analysis was mainly descriptive (SPSS 27). Representative cases are explained in more detail.

Results

The number of dermatological reports fell from 119 in the first to 92 reports in the last five‐year interval, along with a decline in treatment error rates (43 % and 29 %) despite an increasing number of procedures across disciplines. 104 reports dealt with (supposed) diagnostic errors, 156 with physical or pharmacological therapies, and 73 reports with surgery. The latter had a low treatment error rate (29 %).

Conclusions

In comparison to the number of dermatological treatments in Germany, patient allegations are raised only rarely indicating greater patient satisfaction and/or a lower risk potential in dermatology. Incorrect dosages or device settings, diagnostic errors, and deficits in obtaining informed consent are relevant sources of error as underlined by the presented case reports.
Prosodic modulations in child‐directed language and their impact on word learning
Authors: Shi Jinyu , Gu Yan , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: December 2022

Child‐directed language can support language learning, but how? We addressed two questions: (1) how caregivers prosodically modulated their speech as a function of word familiarity (known or unknown to the child) and accessibility of referent (visually present or absent from the immediate environment); (2) whether such modulations affect children's unknown word learning and vocabulary development. We used data from 38 English‐speaking caregivers (from the ECOLANG corpus) talking about toys (both known and unknown to their children aged 3–4 years) both when the toys are present and when absent. We analyzed prosodic dimensions (i.e., speaking rate, pitch and intensity) of caregivers’ productions of 6529 toy labels. We found that unknown labels were spoken with significantly slower speaking rate, wider pitch and intensity range than known labels, especially in the first mentions, suggesting that caregivers adjust their prosody based on children's lexical knowledge. Moreover, caregivers used slower speaking rate and larger intensity range to mark the first mentions of toys that were physically absent. After the first mentions, they talked about the referents louder with higher mean pitch when toys were present than when toys were absent. Crucially, caregivers’ mean pitch of unknown words and the degree of mean pitch modulation for unknown words relative to known words (pitch ratio) predicted children's immediate word learning and vocabulary size 1 year later. In conclusion, caregivers modify their prosody when the learning situation is more demanding for children, and these helpful modulations assist children in word learning.

Research Highlights

In naturalistic interactions, caregivers use slower speaking rate, wider pitch and intensity range when introducing new labels to 3–4‐year‐old children, especially in first mentions.

Compared to when toys are present, caregivers speak more slowly with larger intensity range to mark the first mentions of toys that are physically absent.

Mean pitch to mark word familiarity predicts children's immediate word learning and future vocabulary size.
Computer‐assisted removal of an ectopic tooth from the mandibular fossa through a mandibular condylectomy approach in a Comptois gelding
Authors: Greim Eloïse , de Preux Mathieu , Koch Christoph , Petruccione Ilaria , Klopfenstein Bregger Micael D. , van der Vekens Elke , Brünisholz Hervé
Published: December 2022

A 3‐year‐old Comptois gelding with a history of chronic fistulation at the base of the right ear was referred for the treatment of a unilateral ectopic tooth in the right temporal region. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) confirmed the presence of an ectopic tooth in the right mandibular fossa. The ectopic tooth was associated with a draining tract running through the zygomatic process of the right temporal bone. A total mandibular condylectomy provided a direct approach to the ectopic tooth, which was subsequently successfully removed. Long‐term follow‐up confirmed a satisfactory outcome despite the need for repeated debridement and persistence of a small draining tract 15 months postoperatively. Computer‐assisted surgery (CAS) provided precise anatomical intraoperative orientation for the condylectomy and subsequent removal of the ectopic tooth close to the calvarium. The use of CAS greatly facilitated surgery and minimised the risks of important collateral damage.
Interactions between oceanographic variables and population structure of the yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Western Central Atlantic
Authors: Nóbrega Marcelo Francisco , de Lira Marcelo Gomes , Oliveira Matheus Assis , Oliveira Jorge Eduardo Lins
Published: December 2022

Pelagic fish species, such as tunas, represent important resources for the fishing fleets of several countries. Identifying spatiotemporal distributions of abundance, structure of sizes, weights and influences of environmental variables is extremely important to promote sustainable catches and efficient management plans for fisheries stocks. This present study aimed to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution of Thunnus albacares, their relationships with oceanographic variables, as well as size and weight structure, and the proportions of life stages/phases in catches, mainly within the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Data were obtained on longline fleet catches; the sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll‐a (Chla) were measured in an area ranging from 42.2° to 24.8° W and 5.9° S to 8.8° N; the lunar cycle was also studied. Generalised Additive Models and spatial statistics techniques were used to model the effect of the variables on catch per unit effort (CPUE) and on length structure. The results indicate that the distribution, abundance and length structure of T. albacares are strongly associated with environmental (SST and Chla), temporal (year, months, seasons and moon phases) and spatial (latitude, longitude and hemisphere) variables. The comparison of catch sizes with the first length at maturity (L50) indicated that approximately half of the catches are on young specimens, showing great variation over the years, reaching 74.8% in 2012. These results show that providences should be taken focusing on mitigating young specimens' capture and the sustainable exploitation of tuna in the Atlantic. The patterns of CPUE and length strongly support the feeding and spawning migration hypotheses.
The clinical effect of botulinum toxin on pigmentation
Authors: Erdil Duygu , Manav Vildan , Türk Cemre B. , Kara Polat Asude , Koku Aksu Ayşe E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Botulinum toxin injection is a common cosmetic procedure often used to treat dynamic wrinkles, but it has also been observed to have a lightening effect on the skin. It is thought that this lightening effect develops due to muscle innervation blockage; however, the change in the amount of melanin levels has not been quantified.

Method

Thirty‐one patients who presented to the dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital for botulinum toxin injection for wrinkle treatment were included in the study. A standard dose of botulinum toxin was injected to each patient's forehead, glabellar, and crow's feet region, and then the melanin index (MI) was measured with the Mexameter® MX 18 (Courage + Khazaka Electronic, Köln).

Results

After botulinum toxin treatment, a statistically significant decrease was found in the forehead and upper face MI. The upper face total baseline MI was significantly lower in the Glogau 1 group than in the Glogau 2 group (P = 0.033). The forehead 15th day MI was significantly lower in the Glogau 1 group than in the Glogau 2, 3, and 4 groups (P = 0.030).

Discussion

Botulinum toxin application to healthy skin for wrinkle treatment can cause facial skin lightening by reducing MI. It was also remarkable that this decrease was more pronounced in the forehead, which is a region that is particularly vulnerable to sun exposure, compared to other regions. Younger people, who are included in the Glogau type 1 group, may benefit more from this lightening effect.
Segmentation juridique et colonialisme en Afrique subsaharienne: l'informalité comme héritage d'une norme du travail basée sur l'exploitation
Authors: FECHNER Heiner
Published: December 2022

Les marchés du travail de l'Afrique subsaharienne se caractérisent par une répartition asymétrique des hommes et des femmes entre secteurs formel et informel, imputable à une segmentation juridique fondée sur la race et le genre héritée des régimes coloniaux qui régissaient, notamment, le travail. Comprendre la segmentation des marchés du travail dans les contextes postcoloniaux, ou tenter de la surmonter, suppose de rechercher dans les institutions coloniales les origines de la marchandisation du travail. Celle‐ci découle d'une norme coloniale du travail basée sur l'exploitation, centrée sur les travailleurs africains masculins au service d'employeurs européens et excluant ou marginalisant les femmes et le travail domestique.
Unveiling surface stability and oxygen diffusion of rare‐earth zirconate pyrochlores by density functional theory
Authors: Zhao Juanli , Ching Wai‐Yim , Lai Mengling , Fan Yun , Li Jiancheng , Li Yiran , Li Wenxian , Liu Bin
Published: December 2022

The surface structures, bond variations, and segregation of oxygen vacancies play crucial roles in the structural stability and functionality of nanocrystalline rare‐earth zirconate pyrochlores. In this work, the stabilities of (1 0 0), (1 1 0), and (1 1 1) surfaces of pyrochlore A2Zr2O7 (A = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, or Gd) are investigated by first‐principles calculations. Surface reconstruction occurs on (1 1 0) surface with a transition of ZrO6 octahedron to ZrO4 tetrahedron, leading to their large relaxation energies. In combination with the small amount of broken bonds during the surface formation process, the (1 1 0) surfaces are identified having the lowest surface formation energies than the (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) surfaces. Moreover, the reconstructed (1 1 0) surface has characteristics of the segregation of oxygen vacancies. The surface oxygen vacancies have the low migration barriers (<1.2 eV), which are comparable with those in bulk and ensure the long‐distance diffusion of oxygen vacancies in A2Zr2O7. These discoveries provide fundamental insight to the surface structure and related oxygen vacancy behavior, which are expected to guide the optimization of the surface related properties for nanocrystalline rare‐earth zirconates.
Nondestructive detection of insect foreign bodies in finished tea products using THz‐TDS combination of baseline correction and variable selection algorithms
Authors: Sun Xudong , Xu Chao , Li Jiajun , Xie Dongfu , Gong Zhiyuan , Fu Wei , Wang Xinpeng
Published: December 2022

Current technology of x‐ray imaging detects hard foreign bodies (metal)effectively and extends to plastic, however, soft foreign bodies regarded as undetectable to x‐ray imaging is still a challenge for food safety. Terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) combined with baseline correction and variable selection were employed to discriminate insect foreign bodies in finished tea products. Compared with THz‐TDS absorption coefficient, the accuracy was improved from 88.6% to 97.7% by the use of THz‐TDS time‐domain signals combined with adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares (AirPLS) and Monte Carlo uninformative variable elimination (MC‐UVE) algorithms. Conversely, variable selection algorithms failed to improve the performance of partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA) model. The results suggested it was feasible to detect insect foreign bodies mixed in the finished tea products using THz time‐domain signals combined with baseline correction and variable selection algorithms. This work provided an alternative method for low‐density food foreign bodies detection using THz‐TDS technology.

Practical applications

THz time‐domain signals directly applied to calibrate and predict during insect foreign bodies detection without consideration of additional parameter of sample thickness. THz‐TDS system could fix to the tea packaging line for foreign bodies detection and control.
Validation of an Artificial Intelligence driven framework to automatically detect red flag symptoms in screening for rare diseases in electronic health records: hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy as a key example
Authors: Hens Dries , Wyers Lore , Claeys Kristl G.
Published: December 2022

Rare life‐threatening conditions, such as multisystemic hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) polyneuropathy, are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed late in the disease course, although early diagnosis is crucial for treatment success. Red flag symptoms have been identified, but manual screening of multidisciplinary medical records on this set of symptoms is time‐consuming. This study aimed to validate a Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithm to perform such a search in an automated manner, in order to improve early diagnosis and treatment. A novel state‐of‐the‐art NLP procedure was applied to extract red flag symptoms from patients' electronic medical records and to select patients at risk for ATTRv polyneuropathy for further clinical review. Accuracy of the algorithm was assessed through comparison with a manual standard on a random sample of 300 patients. Out of a retrospective sample of 1015 patients, the NLP algorithm yielded 128 patients with three or more red flag symptoms of which 69 patients were considered eligible for genetic testing after clinical review. High accuracy was found in the detection of red flag symptoms, with F1 scores between 0.88 and 0.98. A relative increase of 48.6% in genetic testing, to identify patients with a rare disease earlier, was demonstrated. An NLP algorithm, after clinical validation, offers a valid and accurate tool to detect red flag symptoms in medical records across multiple disciplines, supporting better screening for patients with rare diseases. This opens the door to further NLP applications, facilitating rapid diagnosis and early treatment of rare diseases.
Aesthetic considerations when treating the Latin American patient: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series
Authors: Fabi Sabrina Guillen , Hernandez Claudia , Montes José Raúl , Cotofana Sebastian , Dayan Steve
Published: December 2022

Background

The Hispanic/Latin American population is the fastest growing non‐Caucasian group in the United States. Within this group, demand for aesthetic procedures is on the rise. High ethnic variability among these patients influences treatment approaches and patient priorities. Understanding these ethnic differences is central to providing optimal care.

Aims

To discuss similarities and differences in anatomy and treatment preferences of Hispanic/Latin American patients both within the United States and internationally and explore how these differences may influence or inform aesthetic practices.

Patients/Methods

In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a 6‐part, international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021 to May 16, 2022. In this roundtable, held in Medellin, Columbia, expert clinicians from across Latin America and the United States were invited to contribute and share best practices.

Results

The results of the second roundtable in the series, the Latin American Patient, are described here. A special emphasis is placed on procedures that address the most commonly encountered concerns in these patients.

Conclusions

Hispanic and Latino patients represent a broad demographic with unique anatomical features, aesthetic preferences, and treatment priorities. Clinicians should consider these differences when treating this patient population.
Brain 18F‐FDG‐PET and an optimized cingulate island ratio to differentiate Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Woyk Katharina , Sahlmann Carsten Oliver , Hansen Niels , Timäus Charles , Müller Sebastian Johannes , Khadhraoui Eya , Wiltfang Jens , Lange Claudia , Bouter Caroline
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

The diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is challenging due to various clinical presentations and clinical and neuropathological features that overlap with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The use of 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET (18F‐FDG‐PET) can be limited due to similar patterns in DLB and AD. However, metabolism in the posterior cingulate cortex is known to be relatively preserved in DLB and visual assessment of the “cingulate island sign” became a helpful tool in the analysis of 18F‐FDG‐PET. The aim of this study was the evaluation of visual and semiquantitative 18F‐FDG‐PET analyses in the diagnosis of DLB and the differentiation to AD as well as its relation to other dementia biomarkers.

Methods

This retrospective study comprises 81 patients with a clinical diagnosis of DLB or AD that underwent 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT. PET scans were analyzed visually and semiquantitatively and results were compared to clinical data, cerebrospinal fluid results, dopamine transporter scintigraphy, and 18F‐Florbetaben‐PET. Furthermore, different cingulate island ratios were calculated to analyze their diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Visual assessment of 18F‐FDG‐PET showed an accuracy of 62%‐77% in differentiating between DLB and AD. Standard uptake values were significantly lower in the primary visual cortex and the lateral occipital cortex of DLB patients compared to AD patients. The cingulate island ratio was significantly higher in the DLB group compared to the AD group and the ratio posterior cingulate cortex to visual cortex plus lateral occipital cortex showed the highest diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between DLB and AD at 81%.

Conclusions

Semiquantitative 18F‐FDG‐PET imaging and especially the use of an optimized cingulate island ratio are valuable tools to differentiate between DLB and AD.
Diets of infants and young children in two counties of Kenya: Key drivers and barriers to improvement
Authors: Kimiywe Judith , Craig Hope , Agyapong Abigail , Thorne‐Lyman Andrew , Matsisa Patrick , Kiige Laura , Codjia Patrick , Rudert Christiane , Katua Stacy , Wambu Rose , Samburu Betty , Kamudoni Penjani , Chimanya Kudakwashe , Nordhagen Stella
Published: December 2022

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are influenced by many context‐specific factors related to local food systems as well as social and cultural practices. Understanding these local contextual perspectives is essential for designing effective programs and policies. This paper uses focused ethnographic study methods to examine challenges experienced by mothers related to IYCF in two counties in Kenya, a country with considerable heterogeneity in agriculture, food systems, and cultures. A two‐phase qualitative study was undertaken in each of Kilifi County and West Pokot County, entailing interviews and rating activities with mothers, health workers, and vendors. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, translated into English, coded, and analysed by topic. Results show low levels of dietary diversity in both counties; in West Pokot, the level of adequate meal frequency is also low. Core foods in young child diets included maize porridge and family foods such as ugali (stiff maize porridge), vegetables, beans, fish, and plantains. Food safety, acceptability, and acquisition ease were the main drivers of food choice. Mothers generally felt that all core foods fed to young children are healthy and safe, but there was more variability regarding child acceptance, acquisition ease, cost, and convenience. Common barriers to feeding nutrient‐dense foods to children included child illness, economic constraints, and limited knowledge of modification strategies, skills, or tools to make the foods suitable for young children. Potential actions to address these barriers include sharing information on child‐appropriate recipes; raising awareness on local, affordable nutrient‐dense foods; and improving WASH practices to reduce illness frequency.
“Here is ‘true Christianity’”: Peace movements contesting hegemonic nationalism of the Lutheran Church in Finland 1919–1932
Authors: Ojajärvi Rony
Published: December 2022

This article analyses how Finnish hegemonic nationalism was contested by peace movements in Finland from 1919 to 1932. First and foremost, Finnish peace movements contested hegemonic Lutheran‐patriotic discourses, which they perceived to have been maintained especially by the Lutheran Church of Finland. Thus, hegemonic Lutheran‐patriotic discourses were contested by peace movements through three church‐related discursive contexts: (1) biblical‐doctrinal interpretations, (2) Christian revivalism and (3) churches' peace ecumenism. Results of this article imply that contesting happened especially through religious discourses, which considered a nationalist state church idolatrous. Peace activists depicted themselves as true Christians and patriots, arguing that peace ecumenical cooperation with them and other churches enabled state churches to renounce hegemonic nationalism. Based on these results, I suggest that when hegemonic nationalism is intertwined strongly with Christianity and the state church, nationalism is challenged through questioning its alleged Christian basis.
Enhanced recovery after gynecological surgery: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cao SuFen , Zhang YuQiang , Lin BaiLang , Chen JiaCheng , Chen XiaoJing , Zhuang ChunYu
Published: December 2022

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach designed to improve perioperative outcomes for patients. This meta‐analysis aimed to identify and elaborate on the efficacy of this protocol in women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to December 2021. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. There was a significant reduction in the length of stay, the time to first flatus and first defecation, complications, and readmission rates in patients undergoing enhanced recovery after surgery when compared to routine care. The rate of discharge on the first postoperative day significantly increased in patients from the enhanced recovery group. There was no significant difference in the surgery time and blood loss. In conclusion, the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol might have a positive effect on patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. However, there is still heterogeneity between the included studies, and we need more research to draw reliable conclusions that enhanced recovery after surgery is favorable.
Parameter allocation approach for runoff simulation in an arid catchment using the KINEROS2 hydrological model
Authors: Ghonchepour Diba , Bahremand Abdolreza , Kinar Nicholas
Published: December 2022

The KINEROS2 model was utilized for runoff simulation in the Dehgin catchment situated in the Hormozgan province of Iran. A parameter allocation procedure was used in lieu of parameter optimization. After parameter allocation, the model was able to adequately simulate hydrographs associated with high‐magnitude peak discharge events with the efficiency values between 0.011–0.83 for Nash–Sutcliffe and 0.36–0.98 for Kling–Gupta, but the model did not accurately simulate hydrographs corresponding to low‐magnitude peak discharge events. Although calibration after parameter allocation improved model performance with respect to the simulation of low‐magnitude discharge events, numerical values of the hydraulic conductivity and net capillary pressure as the most sensitive model parameters did not agree with parameters known to be reasonable in the region. So that the value of hydraulic conductivity was decreased from 61 to 55 mm/h in channels and from 3.7 to 1.7 mm/h in planes. The new values are physically reasonable but are not approximately the same as physical values associated with the regional and environmental context of the Dehgin catchment. In this case, the values of the evaluation criteria were obtained between −2.5 and 0.78 for Nash–Sutcliffe and 0.17 and 0.98 for Kling–Gupta. The results of using the HydroPSO package in R to automated calibration of the model, with the value of Nash–Sutcliffe between −0.63 and 0.43, indicated that autocalibration without intelligent and deliberate selection of parameters cannot accurately represent hydrological processes, and therefore should be avoided. Also, the results show that an understanding of the catchment environmental conditions and appropriate allocation of parameters is initially more effective as a first step of the modeling process and thereby contributes to a first‐order characterization of environmental conditions in the catchment.
International pediatric transplant association (IPTA) guidance on developing and/or expanding pediatric solid organ transplantation programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Vo Hanh D. , Mackie Fiona , McCulloch Mignon , Reding Raymond ,   the IPTA Outreach Committee
Published: December 2022

Pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a preferred treatment for medically suitable children with end‐stage organ failure. Still, many of them have no access to transplantation owing to socioeconomic constraints or lack of transplant facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). Establishing pediatric SOT programs in LMIC offers children the opportunities to receive transplant care in more familiar home environments as well as help curtail transplant tourism and improve transplant outcomes as pediatric transplantation would be performed ethically and legally. The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) is a professional organization aiming to promote safe, ethical, and high‐quality pediatric transplantation worldwide. This society paper describes major obstacles to pediatric SOT in LMIC and provides guidance on developing and/or expanding pediatric SOT programs in such countries. We also summarize available resources from the IPTA Outreach Program to help establish and support pediatric SOT programs in LMIC.
What explains variation in representation in the public sector? Predicting the presence of female officers in U.S. College Police Departments
Authors: Rutherford Amanda , Mee Emily
Published: December 2022

Scholars and practitioners regularly call for higher levels of representation for marginalized groups in public agencies, and representative bureaucracy research commonly boasts the effects of representation on clientele perceptions and performance outcomes. Before the consequences of representation can be fully assessed, it is important to consider the mechanisms that shape the extent to which minority groups are present in an agency. We use data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Report and the U.S. Department of Education to examine what factors influence female representation in 142 College Police Departments (CPDs) within public, 4‐year institutions of higher education, an epicenter of debate regarding gender‐based violence, between 2014 and 2018. We find that few organizational characteristics consistently predict female representation. Our interpretations of such findings are informed by interviews with female CPD officers and consideration of whether female representation has any association with outcomes regarding sexual assault and rape.
Nurse–doctor co‐teaching: A path towards interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Piper‐Vallillo Emily , Zambrotta Marina E. , Shields Helen M. , Pelletier Stephen R. , Ramani Subha
Published: December 2022

Background

Nurse–doctor collaborations are essential for team‐based patient care. Although there are increasing calls for interprofessional education, teaching and learning together is rare. In 2019, we designed a Nurse–Doctor Co‐Teaching pilot programme to provide an opportunity for nurses and doctors to co‐teach junior doctors and nurses. We aimed to explore the experiences of the co‐teachers and understand their perceptions of teaching together. The study was conducted through the lens of positioning theory.

Methods

We held an hour‐long focus group discussion and follow‐up one‐on‐one interviews with nurses and doctors who participated as co‐teachers. Conversations were audio‐video recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. The Partners Institutional Review Board approved this study.

Results

Three nurses and four doctors participated in the focus group conversation, and four nurses and two doctors participated in individual interviews. Participant narratives provided insight into shifts in hospital culture that would be necessary to promote effective interprofessional learning and collaboration: (1) break down professional silos, (2) invite the nursing perspective, (3) flatten professional hierarchies, and (4) recognise nurses as clinical teachers.

Conclusion

Nurses and doctors felt they shared a collegial and equal partnership as co‐teachers. But this relationship was not typical of their daily clinical roles. Institutional barriers presented challenges to collaboration on the hospital floor and nursing participation in teaching. Successful interprofessional education may require culture and policy shifts that formally recognise nurses as valuable clinical teachers.
Acute COG complex inactivation unveiled its immediate impact on Golgi and illuminated the nature of intra‐Golgi recycling vesicles
Authors: Sumya Farhana Taher , Pokrovskaya Irina D. , D'Souza Zinia , Lupashin Vladimir V.
Published: December 2022

Conserved Oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex controls Golgi trafficking and glycosylation, but the precise COG mechanism is unknown. The auxin‐inducible acute degradation system was employed to investigate initial defects resulting from COG dysfunction. We found that acute COG inactivation caused a massive accumulation of COG‐dependent (CCD) vesicles that carry the bulk of Golgi enzymes and resident proteins. v‐SNAREs (GS15, GS28) and v‐tethers (giantin, golgin84, and TMF1) were relocalized into CCD vesicles, while t‐SNAREs (STX5, YKT6), t‐tethers (GM130, p115), and most of Rab proteins remained Golgi‐associated. Airyscan microscopy and velocity gradient analysis revealed that different Golgi residents are segregated into different populations of CCD vesicles. Acute COG depletion significantly affected three Golgi‐based vesicular coats—COPI, AP1, and GGA, suggesting that COG uniquely orchestrates tethering of multiple types of intra‐Golgi CCD vesicles produced by different coat machineries. This study provided the first detailed view of primary cellular defects associated with COG dysfunction in human cells.
Comparison of six microscopic methods and two operators for estimation of white and red blood cells in canine urine sediment
Authors: Giraldi Marco , Tagliasacchi Filippo , Paltrinieri Saverio , Vitiello Tiziana , Rossetti Paola , Scarpa Paola
Published: December 2022

Background

Little information is currently available about the analytical variability of urinalysis.

Objective

We aimed to compare results obtained by two operators using six microscopic methods in the quantification of urinary leukocytes (WBC) and erythrocytes (RBC).

Methods

Forty urine samples (10 mL) were centrifuged (450g, 5 minutes) and resuspended in 0.5 mL of supernatant. Two operators with different expertise in urinalysis interpreted sediment results using the six methods, obtained by combining the use of microscope slides (Slide) or counting chambers (Chamber) with three different techniques: bright‐field (BF) microscopy, phase‐contrast (PC) microscopy, and stained sediment (SS) evaluations. The mean WBC and RBC counts from 10 fields (Slide) or squares (Chamber) observed at 400× were used to calculate the difference and agreement between operators and methods. We also estimated the concordance between methods in classifying microhematuric or pyuric samples.

Results

Operator 2 counted significantly lower WBC counts using Slide+BF (P = 0.009) and Slide+PC (P = 0.001) than Operator 1, whereas no inter‐operator differences were recorded for RBC counts. The concordance between the operators ranged from “good” to “very good.” No differences or biases were found for WBC counts among the methods, and concordances were “good” to “very good”; proportional biases were found for RBC counts between Slide+BF vs Slide+SS and Slide+PC vs Slide+SS. Concordance measurements for RBC counts ranged from “good” to “very good.”

Conclusions

All methods yielded good reproducibility among operators, although stained SS evaluations allowed better identification of WBC by the inexperienced operator. However, we suspected that the SS preparations affected RBC counts. All other methods yielded reproducible WBC and RBC counts.
Subcellular diversity of Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes: distinct functions, mechanisms and targets
Authors: Marchal Gerard A. , Remme Carol Ann
Published: December 2022

In cardiomyocytes, the rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential is mediated by the α‐subunit of the cardiac voltage‐gated Na+ channel (NaV1.5), encoded by the gene SCN5A. This ion channel allows positively charged Na+ ions to enter the cardiomyocyte, resulting in the fast upstroke of the action potential and is therefore crucial for cardiac excitability and electrical propagation. This essential role is underscored by the fact that dysfunctional NaV1.5 is associated with high risk for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, development of therapeutic interventions regulating NaV1.5 has been limited due to the complexity of NaV1.5 structure and function and its diverse roles within the cardiomyocyte. In particular, research from the last decade has provided us with increased knowledge on the subcellular distribution of NaV1.5 as well as the proteins which it interacts with in distinct cardiomyocyte microdomains. We here review these insights, detailing the potential role of NaV1.5 within subcellular domains as well as its dysfunction in the setting of arrhythmia disorders. We furthermore provide an overview of current knowledge on the pathways involved in (microdomain‐specific) trafficking of NaV1.5, and their potential as novel targets. Unravelling the complexity of NaV1.5 (dys)function may ultimately facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing lethal arrhythmias. This is not only of importance for pathophysiological conditions where sodium current is specifically decreased within certain subcellular regions, such as in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but also for other acquired and inherited disorders associated with NaV1.5.

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Long, stitch-free slot waveguide with s-bend tapered couplers for IR-sensing applications using electron beam lithography
Authors: Demessie Yallew Henock , Jágerská Jana , Greve Martin M.
Published: December 2022

We use the fixed beam moving stage (FBMS) electron beam lithography technique to pattern a 10 mm long slot waveguide with s-bend tapered double-tip couplers. The fabrication method solves two major limitations of the FBMS mode, namely, the requirement for fixed-width structures and the incidence of stage placement drift for patterns involving elements of different widths. This has been achieved by fracturing the outline of the structure into fixed-width elements of gradually increasing width and creating intermediate overlap areas between the elements to mitigate the stage placement drifts.
Training Practices of Football Players During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown Worldwide
Authors: Washif Jad Adrian , Mujika Iñigo , DeLang Matthew D. , Brito João , Dellal Alexandre , Haugen Thomas , Hassanmirzaei Bahar , Wong Del P. , Farooq Abdulaziz , Dönmez Gürhan , Kim Kwang Joon , Duque Juan David Peña , MacMillan Lewis , Matsunaga Ryo , Rabbani Alireza , Romdhani Mohamed , Tabben Montassar , Zerguini Yacine , Zmijewski Piotr , Pyne David B. , Chamari Karim
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 lockdown challenged the training options of athletes worldwide, including players from the most popular sport globally, football/soccer. Purpose: The authors explored the training practices of football players worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: Football players (N = 2482, 30% professional, 22% semipro, and 48% amateur) completed an online survey (May–July 2020) on their training practices before versus during lockdown (March–June 2020). Questions were related to training frequency and session duration, as well as training knowledge and attitudes. Results: Before lockdown, more professional (87%) than semipro (67%) and amateur (65%) players trained ≥5 sessions/wk, but this proportion decreased during the lockdown to 55%, 35%, and 42%, respectively. Players (80%–87%) trained ≥60 minutes before lockdown, but this proportion decreased to 45% in professionals, 43% in amateurs, and 36% in semipros during lockdown. At home, more than two-thirds of players had training space (73%) and equipment (66%) for cardiorespiratory training, while availability of equipment for technical and strength training was <50% during lockdown. Interactions between coach/trainer and player were more frequent (ie, daily) among professional (27%) than amateur (11%) and semipro (17%) players. Training load monitoring, albeit limited, was mostly performed by fitness coaches, more so with professionals (35%) than amateurs (13%) and semipros (17%). The players’ training knowledge and attitudes/beliefs toward training were relatively modest (50%–59%). Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected training practices of football players worldwide, especially amateurs and semipros, for example, in training frequency, duration, intensity, technical, recovery, and other fitness training and coaching-related aspects. During lockdown-like situations, players should be monitored closely and provided appropriate support to facilitate their training.
Mouse α-Defensins: Structural and Functional Analysis of the 17 Cryptdin Isoforms Identified from a Single Jejunal Crypt
Authors: Wang Qingxia , Yang Yilin , Luo Gan , Zhou Yang , Tolbert William D. , Pazgier Marzena , Liao Chongbing , Lu Wuyuan
Published: December 2022

Mouse α-defensins, better known as cryptdins, are host protective antimicrobial peptides produced in the intestinal crypt by Paneth cells. To date, more than 20 cryptdin mRNAs have been identified from mouse small intestine, of which the first six cryptdins (Crp1 to Crp6) have been isolated and characterized at the peptide level.
Draft Genome Sequences of Probiotic Candidate Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis Isolated from Fermented Milk “
Laban
”
Authors: Mashraqi Abdullah , Eshetea Behailu B. , Eribo Broderick
Published: December 2022

Lactic acid bacteria are a major component of dairy products, especially species belonging to the genus
Lactobacillus
. This study reports the whole-genome sequence of
Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis
isolated from
laban
, indigenous fermented milk of Saudi Arabia. The genome sequence is 3,023,618 bp long, has 179 contigs, and has a G+C content of 53.3%.
Characterization and Spatial Mapping of the Human Gut Metasecretome
Authors: Velez-Cortes Florencia , Wang Harris
Published: December 2022

Bacterially secreted proteins are necessary for the proper functioning of bacterial cells and communities. Secreted proteins provide bacterial cells with the ability to harvest resources from the exterior, import these resources into the cell, and signal to other bacteria.
An Elemental Diet Enriched in Amino Acids Alters the Gut Microbial Community and Prevents Colonic Mucus Degradation in Mice with Colitis
Authors: Zhang Bowei , Zhao Congying , Zhang Xuejiao , Li Xiang , Zhang Yunhui , Liu Xiaoxia , Yin Jia , Li Xinyang , Wang Jin , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly increasing and has become a global burden. Several specific amino acids have been shown to benefit mucosal healing and colitis remission.
Growing teratoma syndrome: a surgical conundrum
Authors: Verma Pallavi , Rajaram Shalini , Kottayasamy seenivasagam Raj Kumar , Phulware Ravi Hari
Published: December 2022

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a tumour growth, which contains mature teratomatous elements during or after chemotherapy for malignant germ cell tumours. Surgery is the only potential treatment option for GTS because these growing teratomas are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Extensive surgeries may be needed in GTS with multivisceral resections to achieve no residual disease status. This report presents a case of GTS treated with multiple surgical resections in a woman with malignant immature teratoma ovary in her early thirties; she is disease free after 1 year of treatment.
Total knee replacement in a transtibial amputee
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed , Allan Douglas , Davies Peter Samuel Edward , Dalgleish Stephen
Published: December 2022

We present the case of a man in his 60s with a transtibial amputation (TTA) undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) for symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). It is unusual to develop OA in the ipsilateral knee to TTA; and while it is postulated that this is because patients preferentially load their unaffected limb to protect the TTA-sided knee, there is also the ability to offload specific knee compartments through prosthetic adjustment. When planning TKR in such patients, it is important to consider several technical challenges in order to prevent a poor outcome. The literature is sparse with evidence to guide decision-making, and this case report and literature review aims to summarise our preoperative planning and intraoperative technique, which ultimately resulted in a good outcome.
Task-sharing with lay counsellors to deliver a stepped care intervention to improve depression, antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral suppression in people living with HIV: a study protocol for the TENDAI randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abas Melanie , Mangezi Walter , Nyamayaro Primrose , Jopling Rebecca , Bere Tarisai , McKetchnie Samantha M , Goldsmith Kimberley , Fitch Calvin , Saruchera Emily , Muronzie Thabani , Gudyanga Denford , Barrett Barbara M , Chibanda Dixon , Hakim James , Safren Steven A , O’Cleirigh Conall
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main cause of viral non-suppression and its risk is increased by depression. In countries with high burden of HIV, there is a lack of trained professionals to deliver depression treatments. This paper describes the protocol for a 2-arm parallel group superiority 1:1 randomised controlled trial, to test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the TENDAI stepped care task-shifted intervention for depression, ART non-adherence and HIV viral suppression delivered by lay interventionists.

Methods and analysis

Two hundred and ninety people living with HIV aged ≥18 years with probable depression (Patient Health Questionnaire=>10) and viral non-suppression (≥ 1000 HIV copies/mL) are being recruited from HIV clinics in towns in Zimbabwe. The intervention group will receive a culturally adapted 6-session psychological treatment, Problem-Solving Therapy for Adherence and Depression (PST-AD), including problem-solving therapy, positive activity scheduling, skills to cope with stress and poor sleep and content to target barriers to non-adherence to ART. Participants whose score on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 remains ≥10, and/or falls by less than 5 points, step up to a nurse evaluation for possible antidepressant medication. The control group receives usual care for viral non-suppression, consisting of three sessions of adherence counselling from existing clinic staff, and enhanced usual care for depression in line with the WHO Mental Health Gap intervention guide. The primary outcome is viral suppression (<1000 HIV copies/mL) at 12 months post-randomisation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study and its tools were approved by MRCZ/A/2390 in Zimbabwe and RESCM-18/19–5580 in the UK. Study findings will be shared through the community advisory group, conferences and open access publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04018391.