bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of recombinant Histoplasma capsulatum 100‐kilodalton antigen in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis among HIV/AIDS patients: Antigenuria and antibodies detection
Authors: Toscanini María A. , Laboccetta Carolina Rodríguez , Videla Garrido Agustín , Posse Gladys B. , Capece Paula , Valdez Ruth M. , Chacón Yone A. , González Maglio Daniel , Nusblat Alejandro D. , Cuestas María L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Diagnosing progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is still challenging in many countries where this disease is highly endemic. Definitive diagnosis is established by culture and/or by cytology/histopathology but both procedures have limited sensitivity and cultures are time‐consuming. Antibodies detection by immunodiffusion has a low sensitivity in immunocompromised individuals. Commercially available antigen detection assays have high sensitivity in PDH cases; however, they are expensive and only performed in few laboratories.

Aims

To describe the potential use of a novel ELISA for antibodies testing and a dot blot assay for antigen testing for diagnosing PDH using the recombinant 100 kDa protein of Histoplasma capsulatum (Hcp100) and their polyclonal antibodies as novel reagents, respectively.

Methods

Serum and urine samples from a cohort of patients with HIV/AIDS and proven PDH were studied for the detection of anti‐Hcp100 antibodies by ELISA and Hcp100 antigen by dot blot, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and cross‐reactions with other diseases were estimated for each assay and compared with those obtained using histoplasmin (HMN) as a reagent for antibodies detection by ELISA and immunodiffusion, and using a commercial antigenuria test.

Results

Antibodies detection by the Hcp100 ELISA demonstrated 78.6% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity, versus 85.7% sensitivity and 81.0% specificity for the HMN ELISA and 26.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the immunodiffusion assay. Antigen detection by the Hcp100 dot blot demonstrated 89.3% sensitivity and 97.0% specificity versus 82.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for the commercial test.

Conclusion

The immunoassays described herein based on Hcp100 would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing PDH.
Cross‐sectional Gravity Models, PPML Estimation, and the Bias Correction of the Two‐Way Cluster‐Robust Standard Errors*
Authors: Pfaffermayr Michael
Published: April 2023

In cross‐section gravity models the two‐way cluster‐robust standard errors of the Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimates tend to be considerably downward biased. However, two‐way clustering can be avoided if intra‐cluster correlation is induced by country‐specific trade shocks with uniform pass through (equi‐correlation) and the gravity model includes exporter and importer country fixed effects. In this case the pseudo‐within‐transformation of the PPML estimator projects out the corresponding components of the disturbances. In Monte Carlo simulations the Pustejovsky and Tipton (2018) bias correction for independent disturbances (i.e. ignoring clustering) reveals just a small downward bias of the estimated standard errors and confidence intervals with nearly correct coverage rates. Under deviations from equi‐correlation the bias is somewhat larger, but still comparable to the bias of the cluster‐robust standard errors with Pustejovsky and Tipton (2018) bias correction.
Evaluation of the relationship between condylar bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures: A CBCT study
Authors: Paknahad Maryam , Barzegar Zahra , Mohaghegh Mina
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between degenerative bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, two groups were evaluated. The case group included 35 patients (34.91 ± 12.40 mean age) with clinical signs and symptoms of TMD according to the Helkimo Index. The control group included 35 samples (37.89 ± 10.89 mean age) without signs and symptoms of TMD. Degenerative bone changes including flattening, erosion, osteophyte, sclerosis, and pseudocyst were evaluated in CBCT images. The severity of degenerative bone changes was categorized into four groups; G0 (no degenerative changes), G1 (one degenerative change—mild), G2 (two degenerative changes—moderate), and G3 (three or more degenerative changes—severe). Grey Value (GV) was measured in CBCT images to determine condylar bone density. The relationship between the severity of degenerative bone changes and bone density was assessed using the One‐Way ANOVA test.

Results

The frequency of osteophyte and sclerosis was significantly higher in the TMD patient group than in the control group. Grade 1 and Grade 2 changes in the TMD patient group were significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The mean Grey Value in patients was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The GV was significantly correlated with the severity of degenerative changes in both groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The degenerative changes were significantly associated with bone density (GV). Therefore, TMJ arthritis can cause changes in bone density.
Dental practice to dental hospital referrals—upgraded to urgent suspected cancer pathways: A three year service review
Authors: Timmis W. H. D. , Simms M. L. , Atkin P. A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Inappropriate General Dental Practitioner (GDP) patient referrals may delay cancer diagnoses, increasing the risk of late‐stage presentation. Urgent suspected cancer (USC) referrals from GDPs are reviewed swiftly by clinicians. Non‐USC referrals may wait up to a week before being reviewed by clinicians.

Aims and objectives

To investigate upgraded‐to‐USC GDP referrals to a University Dental Hospital (UDH) following the establishment of the pan‐Wales electronic referral management system (e‐RMS) in 2019. To examine reasons for their upgrade to the USC pathway, and to assess diagnostic outcomes, diagnostic delay and compliance with The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) referral recommendations.

Methodology

Upgraded‐to‐USC e‐Referrals were reviewed and cross‐referenced against the electronic patient management system and patient files to assess waiting times from referral date to first appointment. Each e‐Referral was reviewed to determine the reason for upgrade to a USC referral. Patient outcomes and diagnoses were also examined.

Results

83 patient records were identified. Upgraded e‐Referrals accounted for 18.6% of all USC e‐Referrals. The majority of upgraded e‐Referrals (66.3%) were upgraded because they included words describing key malignancy features. Malignant and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) accounted for 3.8% and 17.5% of diagnostic outcomes respectively. Overall, 18.8% of upgraded‐to‐USC e‐Referrals did not meet the NICE guideline requirement of having a first appointment within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of malignancies is fundamental in improving oral cancer survival outcomes. Some GDPs' clinical judgement and referral pathway choice needs improvement. Reinforcing GDP education in regard to USC referrals will likely reduce inappropriate referrals.
Cost‐effectiveness of omalizumab for the treatment of severe pediatric allergic asthma—Results of a real‐life study in Spain
Authors: Nieto‐Cid María , Garriga‐Baraut Teresa , Plaza‐Martín Ana Mª. , Tortajada‐Girbés Miguel , Torres‐Borrego Javier , Lozano‐Blasco Jaime , Moreno‐Galarraga Laura , del Mar Folqué‐Giménez Mª. , Bosque‐García Montse , Gaboli Mirella , López‐Neyra Alejandro , Rivas‐Juesas Cristina , Caballero‐Rabasco Mª. Araceli , Freixa‐Benavente Andrea , Valdesoiro‐Navarrete Laura , de Mir‐Messa Inés , Ballester‐Asensio Esther , Penín‐Antón María , Romero‐García Raquel , Navarro‐Morón Juan , Valenzuela‐Soria Alfredo , Sánchez‐Mateos Mercedes , Batlles‐Garrido José , Sanz‐Santiago Verónica , de Atauri Álvaro Gimeno‐Díaz , Andrés‐Martín Anselmo , Campos‐Alonso Elena , Gómez‐Pastrana David , Vázquez‐Rodríguez Elena , Martínez‐Pardo Luz , del Río‐Camacho Genoveva , Mazón‐Ramos Ángel , Nieto‐García Antonio
Published: April 2023

Background

Severe pediatric allergic asthma (SPAA) induces a huge economic burden in terms of direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The use of omalizumab for the treatment of these patients has produced a significant improvement in several clinical outcomes, but at the same time, the cost for the management of the disease has also increased. The aim of this report was to evaluate whether the use of omalizumab is cost‐effective.

Methods

A sample of 426 children with SPAA from the ANCHORS (Asthma iN CHildren: Omalizumab in Real‐life in Spain) study was used to calculate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the avoidance of moderate‐to‐severe exacerbations (MSE) and also for the improvement in childhood Asthma Control Test (c‐ACT) or the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5). We retrospectively collected data on health encounters and drug consumption before and up to 6 years after the beginning of the treatment with omalizumab.

Results

The ICER per avoided MSE was €2107 after 1 year, and it consistently decreased to €656 in those followed up to 6 years. Similarly, the ICER for the minimally important difference in control tests showed a decrease from €2059 to €380 per each 0.5 points of improvement in ACQ5 and from €3141 to €2322 per each 3 points improvement in c‐ACT, at years 1 and 6, respectively.

Conclusion

The use of OMZ is a cost‐effective option for most children with uncontrolled SPAA, especially those who have frequent exacerbations; the costs are progressively reduced in successive years of treatment.
Discrimination in the clinical diagnosis between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls using eye movement and cognitive functions
Authors: Okazaki Kosuke , Miura Kenichiro , Matsumoto Junya , Hasegawa Naomi , Fujimoto Michiko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Makinodan Manabu , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: April 2023

Aim

Eye movements and cognitive functions are significantly impaired in patients with schizophrenia. The authors aimed to develop promising clinical diagnostic markers that fit practical digital health applications in psychiatry using eye movement and cognitive function data from 1254 healthy individuals and 336 patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to confirm net performance of eye movements and cognitive functions scored using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition, and Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised. The authors then examined the discrimination performance of pairs containing an eye movement and a cognitive function measure to search the pairs that would be effective in practical application for the discrimination according to the diagnostic criterion between the groups.

Results

Multivariate analyses confirmed that eye movements and cognitive functions were effective modalities for discriminating between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. The discriminant analyses of the pairs demonstrated that seven eye movement measures and seven scores from cognitive function tests showed high discrimination performance when paired with one measure from the other modality. Moreover, seven pairs of digit‐symbol coding or symbol‐search and eye movement measures had high and robust discrimination performance.

Conclusion

Seven pairs of an eye movement and a cognitive function measure were effective, robust, and less time‐consuming in assisting with clinical diagnosis by categorizing healthy individuals or patients with schizophrenia. These findings may help develop an objective auxiliary diagnosis method working even on portable devices, which facilitates the consistency of diagnosis, earlier intervention, and shared decision‐making.
Myeloid sarcoma in a newborn: A rare manifestation of congenital acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mullen Brooke , Sabet Kazuhiro , Jacobs Shana , Calleroz Amanda Theresa , Habeshian Kaiane Anoush , Cheng Jinjun
Published: April 2023

Cutaneous myeloid sarcoma is rarely present prior to the diagnosis of congenital acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the former is typically diagnosed with or after the leukemia. We report a 2‐day‐old male born with multiple cutaneous red to violaceous nodules. Histopathologic and immunohistochemistry findings from a skin nodule were suspicious for myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy was initially negative for aberrant blasts; however, at age 4 months, AML with a KMT2A gene rearrangement was identified via bone marrow biopsy.
Non‐syndromic hypotrichosis: A report of two novel variants in the LSS gene
Authors: El Hakim Joelle , Mehawej Cybel , Chouery Eliane , Megarbane Andre , El‐Feghaly Jinia , El Khoury Jinane
Published: April 2023

To date, more than 15 genes have been linked to syndromic and non‐syndromic hypotrichosis, among which the LSS gene encoding lanosterol synthase was recently linked to autosomal recessive isolated hypotrichosis. Here we report the case of a 6‐year‐old girl born to non‐consanguineous Iraqi parents and presenting with sparse lanugo hair since birth on the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Whole exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing allowed the detection of two novel compound heterozygous variants in LSS (p.Ile323Thr and p.Gly600Val). Reporting and investigating further cases with LSS variants might help establishing a better genotype–phenotype correlation.
Pooling the evidence: A review of swimming and atopic dermatitis
Authors: O'Connor Cathal , McCarthy Siobhan , Murphy Michelle
Published: April 2023

Swimming is an excellent form of aerobic exercise and is an essential life skill. Many children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are advised not to swim because of concerns about negative impacts on their skin disease, and some children with AD do not swim because they are self‐conscious about the appearance of their skin. We aimed to perform a narrative review of the available literature on swimming and AD and scientifically analyze the potential impact of all components of swimming in AD—water, skin barrier, swimming gear, and exercise. Studies examined the impact of swimming on the skin barrier and the relative contraindications to swimming. Constituents of water which may affect AD include hardness, pH, temperature, antiseptics, and other chemicals. Potential interventions to reduce damage included emollient application, special swim gear, and showering post‐submersion. The benefits of swimming as a form of exercise in AD included reduced sweating, cardiorespiratory fitness, and maintenance of healthy weight. Drawbacks of swimming as a form of exercise in AD included the limited benefit on bone mineral density. Future research should examine the impact of swimming on flares of AD using noninvasive biomarkers as well as clinical severity assessment and assess the role for different types of emollient as an intervention for optimal eczema control. This review highlights gaps in the scientific literature on swimming and AD and provides evidence‐based guidance on interventions to minimize deleterious effects on skincare and maximize opportunities for children with AD to swim.
222 nm Far‐UVC from filtered Krypton‐Chloride excimer lamps does not cause eye irritation when deployed in a simulated office environment
Authors: Kousha Obaid , O'Mahoney Paul , Hammond Robert , Wood Kenneth , Eadie Ewan
Published: April 2023

Far‐UVC, from filtered Krypton‐Chloride lamps, is promising for reducing airborne transmission of disease. While significant research has been undertaken to investigate skin safety of these lamps, less work has been undertaken on eye safety. There is limited data on human eye safety or discomfort from the deployment of this germicidal technology. In this pilot study, immediate and delayed eye discomfort were assessed in a simulated office environment with deployment of Krypton‐Chloride lamps, located on the ceiling and directed downwards into the occupied room. Discomfort was assessed immediately postexposure and several days after exposure using validated, Standard Patient Evaluation Eye Dryness (SPEED) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires. Our results show no significant eye discomfort or adverse effects from the deployment of Far‐UVC in this simulated office environment, even when lamps were operated continuously with participants receiving head exposures of up to 50 mJ cm−2. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in bacteria and fungi of 52% was observed. Far‐UVC in this simulated office environment did not cause any clinically significant eye discomfort and was effective at reducing pathogens in the room. These results contribute an important step to further investigation of the interaction of Far‐UVC with the human eye.
Tetraacetyl riboflavin derivative mediates caspase 3/7 activation via MAPK in A431 cells upon blue light influence
Authors: Buniowska Izabela , Wronski Norbert , Insinska‐Rak Małgorzata , Sikorski Marek , Wolnicka‐Glubisz Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

An acetylated riboflavin derivative, 3‐methyl‐tetraacetyl riboflavin (3MeTARF), is a compound with high photostability and photophysical properties similar to riboflavin, including the ability to photogenerate singlet oxygen. In the present study, we compared the effects of irradiation on A431 cancer cells with blue LED light (438 nm) in the presence of 3MeTARF and riboflavin on MAPK phosphorylation, apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activation and PARP cleavage. We observed that photogenerated oxidative stress in this reaction activates MAPK by increasing phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins. Preincubation of cells with inhibitors specific for phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins (SB203580, SP600125), respectively, results in decreased caspase 3/7 activation and PARP cleavage. We showed that the tetraacetyl derivative more effectively activates MAPK and skin cancer cell death compared to riboflavin. These data, together with results of our previous study, support the hypothesis that 3MeTARF, of riboflavin, might be more useful and desirable as a compound for use in photodynamic oxidation processes, including its therapeutic potential.
Counterfactual skepticism is (just) skepticism
Authors: Boylan David
Published: April 2023

Counterfactual skepticism says that most ordinary counterfactuals are false. While few endorse counterfactual skepticism, the precise costs of the view are disputed and not generally well‐understood. I have two aims in this paper. My first and primary aim is to establish, on grounds acceptable to all parties, that counterfactual skepticism is not benign. I argue it leads to significant skepticism about the future: if counterfactual skepticism is true, then we can have only very limited knowledge about the future. I give three arguments to this conclusion, taking as premises principles connecting knowledge of indicative conditionals to knowledge of disjunctions; and principles linking knowledge of indicative conditionals to knowledge of counterfactual conditionals.

My second aim is to examine the consequences for non‐skeptical theories. My arguments indicate that not only are many ordinary counterfactuals true, but that we also know them. How can this be reconciled with the very real tension between counterfactuals and chance? I consider two solutions, one purely epistemic and one contextualist. Together they suggest something like contextualism about knowledge is required to fully resolve the skeptical threat.
Ethics without numbers
Authors: Nebel Jacob M.
Published: April 2023

This paper develops and explores a new framework for theorizing about the measurement and aggregation of well‐being. It is a qualitative variation on the framework of social welfare functionals developed by Amartya Sen. In Sen's framework, a social or overall betterness ordering is assigned to each profile of real‐valued utility functions. In the qualitative framework developed here, numerical utilities are replaced by the properties they are supposed to represent. This makes it possible to characterize the measurability and interpersonal comparability of well‐being directly, without the use of restrictive invariance conditions, and to distinguish between real changes in well‐being and merely representational changes in the unit of measurement. The qualitative framework is shown to have important implications for a range of issues in axiology and social choice theory, including the characterization of welfarism, axiomatic derivations of utilitarianism, the meaningfulness of prioritarianism, the informational requirements of variable‐population ethics, the impossibility theorems of Arrow and others, and the metaphysics of value.
Sensitivity of seed germination to water stress in high‐altitude populations of a threatened palm species
Authors: dos Santos A. S. , Braz M. I. G. , dos Santos de Barros C. , de Cássia Quitete Portela R. , de Mattos E. A.
Published: April 2023

Divergence in seed germination patterns among populations of the same species is important for understanding plant responses to environmental gradients and potential plant sensitivity to climate change. In order to test responses to flooding and decreasing water potentials, over 3 years we germinated and grew seeds from three habitats of Euterpe edulis Mart. occurring along an altitudinal gradient.

Seed germination and root growth were evaluated under different water availability treatments: control, flood, −0.4 MPa, −0.8 MPa, in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, and in the final year of the experiment (2014) at −1.0 MPa and −1.5 MPa.

Seeds from the montane habitat did not germinate in the flooding treatment. Seed germination of all three habitats decreased in the −1.5 MPa treatment and the montane habitat had lowest germination in this treatment. Time required for half of the seeds to germinate increased up to −0.8 MPa. Seeds from montane habitats germinated more slowly in all treatments. The only difference in seed germination synchrony was an increase in the submontane population under the flooding treatment. However, synchrony decreased at the lowest water potentials. Roots of the montane population were more vigorous in most treatments, except at −0.8 MPa.

The unusual ability of these seeds to germinate at low water potentials might be related to early seed germination at the onset of the rainy season, which potentially decreases seed predation pressure. Seeds of the montane population were more sensitive to both types of water stress. A predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme high rainfall or drought events may predispose early stages of this population to adverse factors that might negatively affect population viability with elevational in future climate change scenarios.
Cooling of porcine semen in an extender supplemented with carvacrol
Authors: Restrepo Giovanni , Zapata Kelly , Colorado Paola , Rojano Benjamín
Published: April 2023

The addition of antioxidants in boar semen is an alternative to mitigate the reduction of sperm quality during preservation. To evaluate the effect of carvacrol on cooling of boar semen. Fifteen ejaculates from five boars were extended in MR‐A® with 0, 5, 10, 15, 15, 20, 25 and 30 μM of carvacrol (C) and were cooled for 5 days at 16°C. Sperm motility and kinetics were evaluated with computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA). At 0 and 96 h, membrane functionality was determined by hypoosmotic test; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by spectrofluorimetry and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ¥M) by flow cytometry. Linear models, regression analysis and comparison of means by Duncan test, were conducted. The addition of carvacrol did not influence sperm motility, but at low concentrations decreased ROS production, whereas 30 μM C reduced the membrane functionality and 25 μM C decreased Δ¥M. In addition, regression coefficients showed that C produced a lower rate of decrease in different parameters of sperm motility and kinetics. During cooling there is a reduction in sperm quality due to the excessive production of ROS, generating oxidative stress and affecting cell permeability and functionality. In this study, it was possible to demonstrate the protective activity of C as a molecule capable of neutralizing free radicals. In addition, it has been proposed that C is also capable of reducing peroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. Carvacrol can mitigate the reduction of boar semen quality during the storage period under cooling conditions. Likewise, it can reduce ROS production and modulate the mitochondrial activity of porcine sperm.
Advisory opinions on climate change: Some preliminary questions
Authors: Bodansky Daniel
Published: April 2023

The recent requests for advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Inter‐American Court of Human Rights are understandable, given the slow pace of the climate change negotiations. But are they a good idea? Will an advisory opinion by an international tribunal be likely to strengthen the international response to climate change and, if so, in what ways? Will it complement or compete with the United Nations climate change negotiations? What are the risks, both to the negotiations and to the court's own legitimacy, and do the potential benefits of an advisory opinion justify these risks? To what extent should international climate change law be developed through negotiations or adjudication, by States or by courts? Before jumping on the advisory opinion bandwagon, this article poses some questions to consider.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health—An international study
Authors: Mustuloğlu Şeyma , Özler Cansu Özsin , Tekçiçek Meryem Uzamış , Arslan Selen Serel
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health care.

Methodology and Results

An 11‐question and 37‐statement survey inquiring the clinicians' descriptive information, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health was administered via Google forms. A total of 234 dysphagia clinicians responded on behalf of themselves. The findings showed that 41.5% (n = 97) of the clinicians had a high level of knowledge about oral health. There was a significant relationship between the level of oral health knowledge and the clinicians' oral health education (p < .05). A percentage of 6.4 (n = 15) of the clinicians had a high level of attitude toward oral health. Oral health education status of clinicians and their profession was significantly related to the attitude toward oral health (p < .05). Most of the clinicians (44.0%, n = 103) had low behavior level. The level of behavior was significantly associated with status of receiving oral health education, their professions, duration of experience, and institution (p < .05).

Conclusions

The study showed that clinicians exhibit moderate mean knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors scores, and these states are significantly associated with oral health education. This can serve as a stimulus for clinicians caring for dysphagia patients to receive oral health education during their university education.
Work‐based feedback conversations with GP teachers
Authors: Sturman Nancy Jennifer , MItchell Benjamin , Jennings Warren , Kelly Michaela , O'Reilly Joanne Margaret , King David
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Feedback may play out in the general practice workplace less usefully than anticipated by educators. We investigated work‐based feedback conversations about directly observed student tasks embedded in the supervisor's clinical consultations with patients.

Methods

Feedback conversations between GP teachers and medical students and subsequent student reflections were audio‐recorded. Student and GP teacher focus groups were also conducted and transcribed professionally. An iterative, qualitative descriptive analysis integrating all transcripts was undertaken. Findings are discussed under the descriptive categories of feedback structure, content and perceived value.

Results

Twenty feedback conversations (total duration of 85 min) between five GP teachers, nine students and 20 student reflections (total duration of 58 min) were analysed. GP teachers actively engaged students in reflection and used balancing scripts and soft correction strategies. Students appeared to have some difficulty steering feedback conversations, which focused more on general skills than case‐specific content knowledge. The recorded conversations were fragments of ongoing, in‐practice teaching and learning, explicit and implicit. Student reflections suggested that they were able to grasp learning points effectively and identify room for growth. Praise and positive self‐feedback appeared to reassure students, particularly when they were disappointed by their performances.

Discussion

Formal ‘set‐piece’ feedback conversations may be a useful opportunity to explicitly surface and/or reinforce previous ‘in‐practice’ reflection and feedback using a systematic structure. They may also reassure and encourage students and foster positive educational alliances. Students value in‐practice and on‐practice feedback but may prefer more control of the latter conversations.
Changes in religious attitudes and behaviors of Euro‐Turk students with theology education
Authors: Demir Zekiye , Toprak A. Ömer
Published: April 2023

This paper studied a new dimension of international students, who are citizens of another country but came back to Turkey for religious education where their parents or grandparents are citizens. Did a five‐year religious education process based on the main sources of Islam lead to a change in these students' religious attitudes and behaviors, and if yes to what extent did these changes occur? A panel survey is conducted on these students in pre‐education and post‐education periods to answer this question. Without ignoring the effect of the social environment outside of education on religious attitudes, we found that students exhibit a more tolerant, nonstrict attitude toward both their coreligionists and those who have negative attitudes toward their religion. Additionally, in parallel with the deepening of religious knowledge, a questioning and critical perspective was formed with a decrease in superstitions. We found that the attitude change in female students was generally higher than that of male students.
Cowpox to COVID: History of vaccination in the immunocompromised host
Authors: Schaenman Joanna , Avery Robin
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of vaccination to prevent infection has a long history, starting in the 1700s with Jenner. New innovations have led to improvements in the safety and efficacy of vaccines, from live attenuated viruses to subunit vaccines, to RNA‐based vaccination for SARS‐CoV‐2. Despite this progress, however, solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients on immunosuppression demonstrate an impaired vaccine response compared with healthy controls. This issue is important given the increased vulnerability to infection in immunocompromised patients, especially in the setting of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on key topics in vaccination with significant clinical impact on SOT patients.

Results

Prior to COVID‐19, a large amount of data has been published demonstrating impaired humoral and T‐cell responses to multiple vaccinations targeting influenza, hepatitis B, VZV, and Pneumococcus. Poor immunogenicity can be addressed through the use of adjuvants to boost the immune response, even in the setting of senescence related to age or immunosuppression. New vaccines provide hope for preventing infection due to hepatitis C and Cytomegalovirus, and to the emerging infection, monkeypox. The data on the impact of the COVID‐19 vaccine in SOT patients is reviewed, with a focus on seroconversion, antibody titer, and antigen‐specific T cells. Factors associated with impaired response, including mycophenolate, are described.

Conclusion

The history of vaccination demonstrates how scientific breakthroughs can be applied to clinical challenges. New approaches using adjuvants, strategic antigen selection, and RNA‐based vaccines offer the potential to improve immune response in SOT recipients. Future innovations are needed to better protect the vulnerable immunocompromised host.
Mutation and sequencing‐based cloning and functional studies of a rust resistance gene in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: Shamimuzzaman Md , Ma Guojia , Underwood William , Qi Lili
Published: April 2023

Rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia helianthi Schwein., is one of the most devastating diseases of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), affecting global production. The rust R gene R11 in sunflower line HA‐R9 shows broad‐spectrum resistance to P. helianthi virulent races and was previously mapped to an interval on sunflower chromosome 13 encompassing three candidate genes annotated in the XRQr1.0 reference genome assembly. In the current study, we combined ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis with targeted region capture and PacBio long‐read sequencing to clone the R11 gene. Sequencing of a 60‐kb region spanning the R11 locus from the R11‐HA‐R9 rust‐resistant line and three EMS‐induced susceptible mutants facilitated the identification of R11 and definition of induced mutations. The R11 gene is predicted to have a single 3996‐bp open reading frame and encodes a protein of 1331 amino acids with CC‐NBS‐LRR domains typical of genes conferring plant resistance to biotrophic pathogens. Point mutations identified in the R11 rust‐susceptible mutants resulted in premature stop codons, consistent with loss of function leading to rust susceptibility. Additional functional studies using comparative RNA sequencing of the resistant line R11‐HA‐R9 and R11‐susceptible mutants revealed substantial differences in gene expression patterns associated with R11‐mediated resistance at 7 days post‐inoculation with rust, and uncovered the potential roles of terpenoid biosynthesis and metabolism in sunflower rust resistance.
Regulation of plant carbon assimilation metabolism by post‐translational modifications
Authors: Balparda Manuel , Bouzid Maroua , Martinez María del Pilar , Zheng Ke , Schwarzländer Markus , Maurino Veronica G.
Published: April 2023

The flexibility of plant growth, development and stress responses is choreographed by an intricate network of signaling cascades and genetic programs. However, it is metabolism that ultimately executes these programs through the selective delivery of specific building blocks and energy. Photosynthetic carbon fixation is the central pillar of the plant metabolic network, the functioning of which is conditioned by environmental fluctuations. Hence, regulation of carbon assimilation metabolism must be particularly versatile and rapid to maintain efficiency and avoid dysfunction. While changes in gene expression can adjust the global inventory and abundance of relevant proteins, their specific characteristics are dynamically altered at the post‐translational level. Here we highlight studies that show the extent of the regulatory impact by post‐translational modification (PTM) on carbon assimilation metabolism. We focus on examples for which there has been empirical evidence of functional changes associated with a PTM, rather than just the occurrence of PTMs at specific sites in proteins, as regularly detected in proteomic studies. The examples indicate that we are only at the beginning of deciphering the PTM‐based regulatory network that operates in plant cells. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that targeted exploitation of PTM engineering has the potential to control the metabolic flux landscape as a prerequisite for increasing crop yields, modifying metabolite composition, optimizing stress tolerance, and even executing novel growth and developmental programs.
Metabolic effects of radiation on red blood cells from cold stored whole blood
Authors: Becerra Sandra C. , Christy Barbara A. , Herzig Maryanne C. , Bynum James A. , Darlington Daniel N.
Published: April 2023

Background

The risk of military and civilian radiation exposure is increasing, and determining the effects of exposure is a high priority. Irradiation of the nearby blood supply after a nuclear event may impede mobilization of blood products for resuscitation at a time of great need. RBCs are administered to patients with trauma and hemorrhage to transport and deliver oxygen and avoid tissue hypoxia. Here we determine the effects of ionizing radiation on the energy metabolome of RBCs isolated from cold stored whole blood to determine if their stability is compromised by radiation exposure.

Study Design and Methods

Whole blood from healthy volunteers was subjected to 0, 25, or 75 Gy of X‐irradiation, and stored at 4°C. RBCs were isolated from stored WB at 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. The levels of extracted Krebs cycle intermediates, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides, and phosphorylated derivatives of adenosine and guanosine were determined by tandem mass spectroscopy.

Results

Irradiation at either 25Gy or 75Gy had no significant effect on any parameter measured compared to control (0Gy). However, there was a significant change over time in storage for ATP, GDP, and guanosine.

Discussion

Irradiation at doses up to 75Gy had no effect on the energy metabolome of RBCs prepared from blood stored at 4°C for up to 21 days, suggesting that the RBC energy metabolome is not affected by radiation exposure and the blood can still be used for resuscitation in trauma patients.
Prevalence and outcome of lens capsule disruption in routine canine cataract surgery: A retrospective study of 520 eyes (2012–2019)
Authors: Andrews Amy L. M. M. , Kafarnik Christiane , Fischer Maria‐Christine
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and surgical outcome of lens capsule disruption (LCD) in dogs undergoing cataract removal.

Animals studied

Medical records of 924 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification were analyzed retrospectively.

Procedures

Routine cataract surgeries with or without LCD were included. Any LCD other than routine anterior capsulorhexis was defined as LCD and classified according to location and etiology. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for maintaining vision, implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), and enucleation.

Results

In total, 520 eyes were included. A LCD occurred in 145 eyes (27.8%; 145/520) and affected the posterior (85.5%; 124/145), anterior (6.2%; 9/145), and equatorial lens capsule (4.8%; 7/145) and at multiple locations (3.4%; 5/145). The etiology of the LCD was spontaneous preoperative in 41 eyes (28.3%; 41/145), accidental intraoperative in 57 eyes (39.3%; 57/145), and planned in 47 eyes (32.4%; 47/145). Disruption did not increase the odds of enucleation (OR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–3.67;p = .36). The presence of LCD significantly increased the risk of losing vision 1 year post‐operatively (OR = 8.17, 95% CI 1.41–84.93;p = .007) associated with retinal detachment. However, this was not present at 2 years follow‐up or in PCCC cases at any time point. An IOL was implanted in 108 eyes (108/145; 75.2%) with LCD and in 45/47 (95.7%) eyes with a PCCC.

Conclusion

Increased surgeon awareness of possible intraoperative, accidental LCDs is important, as LCDs were relatively common and associated with increased odds for vision loss after 1 year in the present study. A prospective study investigating the causes of intraoperative, accidental LCD is warranted.
Epidemiology and clinical significance of canine distichiasis: A retrospective study of 291 cases
Authors: Jondeau C. , Gounon M. , Bourguet A. , Chahory S.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the epidemiological factors and clinical significance of canine distichiasis.

Animals studied

Two hundred and ninety‐one client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study of medical records for canine patients diagnosed with distichiasis between 2010 and 2019 in an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breed, sex, skull conformation, coat type, age at the time of diagnosis, reason for presentation, clinical examination findings, and affected eyelid(s) were reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of distichiasis was 5.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9–6.1) in the population of dogs presented to an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breeds with the highest prevalence were English bulldogs (35.2%, 95% CI: 26.7–43.7) and American cocker spaniels (19.4%, 95% CI: 8.3–30.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in brachycephalic dogs (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.8–14.0) than in non‐brachycephalic dogs (4.6%, 95% CI: 4.0–5.3) and in short‐haired dogs (8.2%, 95% CI: 6.8–9.6) than in dogs with other coat types (5.3%, 95% CI: 4.5–6.1). Most dogs were affected bilaterally (63.6%, 95% CI: 58.0–69.1). Among dogs with clinical signs, 39.0% (95% CI: 26.5–51.4) exhibited corneal ulceration, including superficial ulcers (28.8%, 95% CI: 17.3–40.4) and deep stromal ulcers (10.2%, 95% CI: 2.5–17.8). Distichiasis was non‐irritating in 85.0% (95% CI: 80.6–89.4) of affected dogs.

Conclusion

This study reports the largest cohort of canine distichiasis to date. In a large proportion of dogs, distichiasis was a non‐irritating condition. However, brachycephalic breeds, especially English bulldogs, were the most frequently and severely affected.
The case for the therapeutic use of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in xenotransplantation
Authors: Maenaka Akihiro , Kinoshita Kohei , Hara Hidetaka , Cooper David K. C.
Published: April 2023

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the systems that are necessary to maintain cell homeostasis, such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation. mTOR inhibitors (mTOR‐Is) are utilized as immunosuppressants and anti‐cancer drugs. In organ allotransplantation, current regimens infrequently include an mTOR‐I, which are positioned more commonly as alternative immunosuppressants. In clinical allotransplantation, long‐term efficacy has been established, but there is a significant incidence of adverse events, for example, inhibition of wound healing, buccal ulceration, anemia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and thrombocytopenia, some of which are dose‐dependent. mTOR‐Is have properties that may be especially beneficial in xenotransplantation. These include suppression of T cell proliferation, increases in the number of T regulatory cells, inhibition of pig graft growth, and anti‐inflammatory, anti‐viral, and anti‐cancer effects. We here review the potential benefits and risks of mTOR‐Is in xenotransplantation and suggest that the benefits exceed the adverse effects.
Impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on antimicrobial use in companion animals in an academic veterinary hospital in North Carolina
Authors: Jolley Ashlan , Love William , Frey Erin , Lanzas Cristina
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens reduces the effectiveness of these drugs in both human and veterinary medicine, making judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) an important strategy for its control. The COVID‐19 pandemic modified operations in both human and veterinary healthcare delivery, potentially impacting AMU. The goal of this research is to quantify how antimicrobial drug prescribing practices for companion animals in an academic veterinary hospital changed during the pandemic. A retrospective study was performed using prescribing data for dogs and cats collected from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU‐CVM) pharmacy, which included prescriptions from both the specialty referral hospital and primary care services. Records (n = 31,769) for 34 antimicrobial drugs from 2019–2020—before and during the pandemic‐related measures at the NCSU‐CVM—were compared. The prescribed antimicrobials' importance was categorized using the FDA's Guidance for Industry (GFI #152), classifying drugs according to medical importance in humans. A proportional odds model was used to estimate the probability of more important antimicrobials being administered in patients seen during the pandemic versus before (i.e., critically important vs. highly important vs. important). Rates of AMU per week and per patient visit were also compared. During the pandemic, cumulative antimicrobials prescribed per week were significantly decreased in most services for dogs. Weekly rates for Highly Important antimicrobials were also significantly lower in dogs. For important and critically important antimicrobials, rates per week were significantly decreased in various services overall. Rates of antimicrobial administration per patient visit were significantly increased for Highly Important drugs. Patients in the internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery services received significantly more important antimicrobials during the pandemic than before, while cardiology patients received significantly less. These results suggest that the pandemic significantly impacted prescribing practices of antimicrobials for companion animals in this study.
Simplicial descent for Chekanov–Eliashberg dg‐algebras
Authors: Asplund Johan
Published: April 2023

We introduce a type of surgery decomposition of Weinstein manifolds that we callsimplicial decompositions. The main result of this paper is that the Chekanov–Eliashberg dg‐algebra of the attaching spheres of a Weinstein manifold satisfies a descent (cosheaf) property with respect to a simplicial decomposition. Simplicial decompositions generalize the notion of Weinstein connected sum and we show that there is a one‐to‐one correspondence (up to Weinstein homotopy) between simplicial decompositions and so‐called good sectorial covers. As an application, we explicitly compute the Chekanov–Eliashberg dg‐algebra of the Legendrian attaching spheres of a plumbing of copies of cotangent bundles of spheres of dimension at least three according to any plumbing quiver. We show by explicit computation that this Chekanov–Eliashberg dg‐algebra is quasi‐isomorphic to the Ginzburg dg‐algebra of the plumbing quiver.
Neural control of coronary artery blood flow by non‐adrenergic and non‐cholinergic mechanisms
Authors: Shanks Julia , Thomson Stian , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: April 2023

Blood flow through the coronary vasculature is essential to maintain myocardial function. As the metabolic demand of the heart increases, so does blood flow through the coronary arteries in a dynamic and adaptive manner. Several mechanisms, including local metabolic factors, mechanical forces and autonomic neural control, regulate coronary artery blood flow. To date, neural control has predominantly focused on the classical neurotransmitters of noradrenaline and acetylcholine. However, autonomic nerves, sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory, release a variety of neurotransmitters that can directly affect the coronary vasculature. Reduced or altered coronary blood flow and autonomic imbalance are hallmarks of most cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of autonomic non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic cotransmitters in coronary blood flow regulation is fundamental to furthering our understanding of this vital system and developing novel targeted therapies.