bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patch test results with the European baseline series, 2019/20—Joint European results of the ESSCA and the EBS working groups of the ESCD, and the GEIDAC
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Wilkinson S. Mark , Aerts Olivier , Bauer Andrea , Borrego Leopoldo , Brans Richard , Buhl Timo , Dickel Heinrich , Dugonik Aleksandra , Filon Francesca Larese , Garcìa Pedro Mercader , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Patruno Cataldo , Pesonen Maria , Pónyai Györgyi , Rustemeyer Thomas , Schubert Steffen , Schuttelaar Marie‐L. A. , Simon Dagmar , Stingeni Luca , Valiukevičienė Skaidra , Weisshaar Elke , Werfel Thomas , Gonçalo Margarida ,   for the ESSCA and EBS ESCD working groups, and the GEIDAC
Published: June 2022

Background

Continual analyses of patch test results with the European baseline series (EBS) serve both contact allergy surveillance and auditing the value of included allergens.

Objectives

To present results of current EBS patch testing, obtained in 53 departments in 13 European countries during 2019 and 2020.

Methods

Anonymised or pseudonymised individual data and partly aggregated data on demographic/clinical characteristics and patch test rest results with the EBS were prospectively collected and centrally pooled and analysed.

Results

In 2019 and 2020, 22 581 patients were patch tested with the EBS. Sensitization to nickel remained most common (19.8 [19.2–20.4]% positivity [95% confidence interval]). Fragrance mix I and Myroxylon pereirae yielded very similar results with 6.80 (6.43–7.19)% and 6.62 (6.25–7.00)% positivity, respectively. Formaldehyde at 2% aq. yielded almost one percentage point more positive reactions than 1% concentration (2.49 [2.16–2.85]% vs. 1.59 [1.33–1.88]); methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and MI alone up to around 5% positives. Among the new additions, propolis was most commonly positive (3.48 [3.16–3.82]%), followed by 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2.32 [2.0–2.68]%).

Conclusion

Ongoing surveillance on the prevalence of contact sensitization contributes to an up‐to‐date baseline series containing the most frequent and/or relevant contact sensitizers for routine patch testing in Europe.
What Can Cognitive Science Do for People?
Authors: Prather Richard W. , Benitez Viridiana L. , Brooks Lauren Kendall , Dancy Christopher L. , Dilworth‐Bart Janean , Dutra Natalia B. , Faison M. Omar , Figueroa Megan , Holden LaTasha R. , Johnson Cameron , Medrano Josh , Miller‐Cotto Dana , Matthews Percival G. , Manly Jennifer J. , Thomas Ayanna K.
Published: June 2022

The critical question for cognitive scientists is what does cognitive science do, if anything, for people? Cognitive science is primarily concerned with human cognition but has fallen short in continuously and critically assessing the who in human cognition. This complacency in a world where white supremacist and patriarchal structures leave cognitive science in the unfortunate position of potentially supporting those structures. We take it that many cognitive scientists operate on the assumption that the study of human cognition is both interesting and important. We want to invoke that importance to note that cognitive scientists must continue to work to show how the field is useful to all of humanity and reflects a humanity that is not white by default. We wonder how much the field has done, and can do, to show that it is useful not only in the sense that we might make connections with researchers in other fields, win grants and write papers, even of the highest quality, but useful in some material way to the billions of non‐cognitive scientists across the globe.
Safeguarding human–wildlife cooperation
Authors: van der Wal Jessica E. M. , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Uomini Natalie T. , Cantor Mauricio , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Afan Anap I. , Attwood Mairenn C. , Amphaeris Jenny , Balasani Fatima , Begg Colleen M. , Blair Cameron J. , Bronstein Judith L. , Buanachique Iahaia O. , Cuthill Rion R. T. , Das Jewel , Deb Apurba , Dixit Tanmay , Dlamini Gcina S. , Dounias Edmond , Gedi Isa I. , Gruber Martin , Hoffmann Lilian S. , Holzlehner Tobias , Isack Hussein A. , Laltaika Eliupendo A. , Lloyd‐Jones David J. , Lund Jess , Machado Alexandre M. S. , Mahadevan L. , Moreno Ignacio B. , Nwaogu Chima J. , Pereira Valdomiro L. , Pierotti Raymond , Rucunua Seliano A. , dos Santos Wilson F. , Serpa Nathalia , Smith Brian D. , Tolkova Irina , Tun Tint , Valle‐Pereira João V. S. , Wood Brian M. , Wrangham Richard W. , Cram Dominic L.
Published: June 2022

Human–wildlife cooperation occurs when humans and free‐living wild animals actively coordinate their behavior to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. These interactions provide important benefits to both the human and wildlife communities involved, have wider impacts on the local ecosystem, and represent a unique intersection of human and animal cultures. The remaining active forms are human–honeyguide and human–dolphin cooperation, but these are at risk of joining several inactive forms (including human–wolf and human–orca cooperation). Human–wildlife cooperation faces a unique set of conservation challenges, as it requires multiple components—a motivated human and wildlife partner, a suitable environment, and compatible interspecies knowledge—which face threats from ecological and cultural changes. To safeguard human–wildlife cooperation, we recommend: (i) establishing ethically sound conservation strategies together with the participating human communities; (ii) conserving opportunities for human and wildlife participation; (iii) protecting suitable environments; (iv) facilitating cultural transmission of traditional knowledge; (v) accessibly archiving Indigenous and scientific knowledge; and (vi) conducting long‐term empirical studies to better understand these interactions and identify threats. Tailored safeguarding plans are therefore necessary to protect these diverse and irreplaceable interactions. Broadly, our review highlights that efforts to conserve biological and cultural diversity should carefully consider interactions between human and animal cultures.

Please see AfricanHoneyguides.com/abstract‐translations for Kiswahili and Portuguese translations of the abstract.
Effects of frequency and season of fire on a metapopulation of an imperiled butterfly in a longleaf pine forest
Authors: Jue Dean K. , Merwin Andrew C. , Jue Sally Short , McElveen Dave , Inouye Brian D.
Published: June 2022

Maintaining fire‐dependent habitat for species of conservation concern often requires a balancing act between the short‐term costs of direct mortality caused by fires and the long‐term benefits of ensuring high‐quality habitat. To reduce risk to threatened populations, land managers may need to adjust the frequency with which they burn sites and, likely, mitigate the short‐term costs of prescribed fires by not burning during a species' life stages that may be especially sensitive to fires. Few, if any, studies have investigated burn regimes for butterflies in longleaf pine forests—a once dominant habitat in the southeast United States—despite a long history and frequent usage of prescribed burns in these ecosystems. We surveyed a recently discovered metapopulation of frosted elfin (Callophrys irus) butterflies residing in longleaf pine forest over seven years at sites across nine management units with differing fire return intervals and fire seasonalities. We observed dramatic population declines after burns, with no adults observed at some sites in subsequent years. Our analyses demonstrate that populations may need at least three to 4 years to recover, and that burns in the spring, when frosted elfin eggs and larvae are found on hostplants, should be avoided if possible. In fact, our model suggests that the largest spring‐burned sites have fewer than 20% of the adult elfins the year following a fire than do sites burned in other seasons. Land managers seeking to conserve frosted elfins and other butterflies with similar life histories may need to burn at times of the year that reduce direct mortality and with fire return intervals that are longer than the one‐ to two‐year intervals recommended by some for maximizing the diversity of the herbaceous understory in longleaf pine forests.
Pre‐transplant immune cell function assay as a predictor of early cardiac allograft rejection
Authors: Maidman Samuel D. , Gidea Claudia , Reyentovich Alex , Rao Shaline , Saraon Tajinderpal , Kadosh Bernard S. , Narula Navneet , Carillo Julius , Smith Deane , Moazami Nader , Katz Stuart , Goldberg Randal I.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

ImmuKnow, an immune cell function assay that quantifies overall immune system activity can assist in post‐transplant immunosuppression adjustment. However, the utility of pre‐transplant ImmuKnow results representing a patient's baseline immune system activity is unknown. This study sought to assess if pre‐transplant ImmuKnow results are predictive of rejection at the time of first biopsy in our cardiac transplant population.

Methods

This is a single center, retrospective observational study of consecutive patients from January 1, 2018 to October 1, 2020 who underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation at NYU Langone Health. Patients were excluded if a pre‐transplant ImmuKnow assay was not performed. ImmuKnow results were categorized according to clinical interpretation ranges (low, moderate, and high activity), and patients were divided into two groups: a low activity group versus a combined moderate‐high activity group. Pre‐transplant clinical characteristics, induction immunosuppression use, early postoperative tacrolimus levels, and first endomyocardial biopsy results were collected for all patients. Rates of clinically significant early rejection (defined as rejection ≥ 1R/1B) were compared between pre‐transplant ImmuKnow groups.

Results

Of 110 patients who underwent cardiac transplant, 81 had pre‐transplant ImmuKnow results. The low ImmuKnow activity group was comprised of 15 patients, and 66 patients were in the combined moderate‐high group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Early rejection occurred in 0 (0%) patients with low pre‐transplant ImmuKnow levels. Among the moderate‐ high pre‐transplant ImmuKnow group, 16 (24.2%) patients experienced early rejection (P = .033). The mean ImmuKnow level in the non‐rejection group was the 364.9 ng/ml of ATP compared to 499.3 ng/ml of ATP for those with rejection (P = .020).

Conclusion

Patients with low pre‐transplant ImmuKnow levels had lower risk of early rejection when compared with patients with moderate or high levels. Our study suggests a possible utility in performing pre‐transplant ImmuKnow to identify patients at‐risk for early rejection who may benefit from intensified upfront immunosuppression as well as to recognize those where slower calcineurin inhibitor initiation may be appropriate.
Recent advances and clinical pharmacology aspects of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T‐cellular therapy development
Authors: Kast Johannes , Nozohouri Saeideh , Zhou Di , Yago Marc R. , Chen Po‐Wei , Ahamadi Malidi , Dutta Sandeep , Upreti Vijay V.
Published: June 2022

Advances in immuno‐oncology have provided a variety of novel therapeutics that harness the innate immune system to identify and destroy neoplastic cells. It is noteworthy that acceptable safety profiles accompany the development of these targeted therapies, which result in efficacious cancer treatment with higher survival rates and lower toxicities. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) has shown promising results in inducing sustainable remissions in patients suffering from refractory diseases. Two main types of ACT include engineered Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell receptor (TCR) T cells. The application of these immuno‐therapies in the last few years has been successful and has demonstrated a safe and rapid treatment regimen for solid and non‐solid tumors. The current review presents an insight into the clinical pharmacology aspects of immuno‐therapies, especially CAR‐T cells. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of TCR and CAR‐T cell immunotherapy with particular focus on the structure of CAR‐T cells, the effects and toxicities associated with these therapies in clinical trials, risk mitigation strategies, dose selection approaches, and cellular kinetics. Finally, the quantitative approaches and modeling techniques used in the development of CAR‐T cell therapies are described.
Obesity‐associated metabolites in relation to type 2 diabetes risk: A prospective nested case‐control study of the CARRS cohort
Authors: Ali Mohammed K. , Kadir M. Masood , Gujral Unjali P. , Fatima Syeda Sadia , Iqbal Romaina , Sun Yan V. , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Ahmad Shafqat
Published: June 2022

Aims

To determine whether obesity‐associated metabolites are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk among South Asians.

Materials and Methods

Serum‐based nuclear magnetic resonance imaging metabolomics data were generated from two South Asian population‐based prospective cohorts from Karachi, Pakistan: CARRS1 (N = 4017) and CARRS2 (N = 4802). Participants in both cohorts were followed up for 5 years and incident T2DM was ascertained. A nested case‐control study approach was developed to select participants from CARRS1 (Ncases = 197 and Ncontrols = 195) and CARRS2 (Ncases = 194 and Ncontrols = 200), respectively. First, we investigated the association of 224 metabolites with general obesity based on body mass index and with central obesity based on waist‐hip ratio, and then the top obesity‐associated metabolites were studied in relation to incident T2DM.

Results

In a combined sample of the CARRS1 and CARRS2 cohorts, out of 224 metabolites, 12 were associated with general obesity and, of these, one was associated with incident T2DM. Fifteen out of 224 metabolites were associated with central obesity and, of these, 10 were associated with incident T2DM. The higher level of total cholesterol in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) was associated with reduced T2DM risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53, 0.86; P = 1.2 × 10−3), while higher cholesterol esters in large very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles were associated with increased T2DM risk (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.40, 2.58; P = 3.5 × 10−5).

Conclusion

Total cholesterol in HDL and cholesterol esters in large VLDL particles may be an important biomarker in the identification of early development of obesity‐associated T2DM risk among South Asian adults.
Cognitive functioning, cerebrospinal fluid Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and cerebral glucose metabolism in late‐onset epilepsy of unknown aetiology: A prospective study
Authors: Fernandes Mariana , Manfredi Natalia , Aluisantonio Lavinia , Franchini Flaminia , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Izzi Francesca , Di Santo Simona , Schillaci Orazio , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Placidi Fabio , Liguori Claudio
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is increasing, being more common in older adults, with more than 20% of late‐onset cases with unknown aetiology (LOEU). Although epilepsy was associated with cognitive impairment, few studies evaluated the trajectories of cognitive decline in patients with LOEU. The present study aimed at assessing biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with LOEU and evaluating their cognitive performance for 12 months. For this study, 55 patients diagnosed with LOEU and 21 controls were included. Participants underwent cognitive evaluation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker analysis (ß‐amyloid42, tau proteins) before starting anti‐seizure medication and then repeated the cognitive evaluation at the 12‐month follow‐up. A subgroup of LOEU patients and controls also performed 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) before starting anti‐seizure medication. At baseline, LOEU patients showed lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, worse cognitive performance in several domains, lower β‐amyloid42 and higher tau proteins CSF levels than controls. Significantly reduced glucose consumption was observed in the right posterior cingulate cortex and left praecuneus areas in LOEU patients than controls, and this finding correlated with memory impairment. In the longitudinal analysis, a significant decrease in MMSE and an increase in verbal fluency scores were found in LOEU patients. These findings evidence that LOEU patients have a significant cognitive impairment, and alteration of cerebral glucose consumption and CSF AD biomarkers than controls. Moreover, they showed a progressive global cognitive decline at follow‐up, although verbal fluency was preserved. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiological aspects of LOEU and its association with AD.
Recombinant human erythropoietin upregulates PPARγ through the PI3K/Akt pathway to protect neurons in rats subjected to oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Huqing , Chen Ming , Zhang Tao , Gao Zhen , Gong Yu , Yu Xiaorui , Wu Haiqin
Published: June 2022

In vitro cell experiments have suggested that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation exert protective effects on neurons. This study observed the learning and memory ability, antioxidant capacity and the ratio of apoptotic cells after rhEPO intervention and investigated the relationship among rhEPO, PI3K/Akt and PPARγ in the anti‐neural oxidative stress injury process in vivo. The results showed that rhEPO significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats subjected to oxidative stress, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of cells, and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Then, the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways were inhibited, and TUNEL staining were used to observe the changes in the effect of rhEPO. After the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways were inhibited, the effect of rhEPO on rats subjected to oxidative stress was significantly weakened, suggesting that both the PI3K/Akt and PPARγ pathways are involved in the process by which rhEPO protects neurons. Finally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the changes in PI3K/Akt and PPARγ signalling proteins in the neurons after the rhEPO intervention and to explore the relationship among the three. The results showed that rhEPO significantly increased the levels of the p‐Akt and PPARγ proteins and the level of the PPARγ protein in the nucleus, indicating that the PI3K/Akt pathway was located upstream of and regulates PPARγ. In conclusion, this study suggested that rhEPO activates the PI3K/Akt to upregulate PPARγ, enhance the cellular antioxidant capacity, and protect neurons in rats subjected to oxidative stress.
Postoperative exercising endoscopy of the equine upper respiratory tract
Authors: Barakzai Safia Z.
Published: June 2022

Investigation of horses that continue to make noise or perform poorly after upper respiratory surgery is greatly enhanced by postoperative exercising endoscopy in most cases. This review paper discusses dynamic abnormalities of the equine upper respiratory tract that occur after the most commonly performed upper respiratory tract surgeries.
Melanocortin‐1 receptor influence in equine opioid sensitivity
Authors: Bacon Elouise K. , Donnelly Callum G. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Finno Carrie J. , Velie Brandon D.
Published: June 2022

Individual variation in opioid sensitivity can have a profound impact on the safety and efficacy of equine veterinary treatments, with the ability to adequately manage equine pain in a clinical setting currently limited. This review aims to explore the overlap between biological mechanisms associated with opioid metabolism and those mechanisms associated with coat colour in horses as has been documented in humans, with particular focus on the melanocortin‐1 receptor(MC1R) gene. In the future, the use of theMC1Rcoat colour genotype could help to indicate variable opioid sensitivities thereby greatly improving the use of opioids in clinical settings. TheMC1Rgene has a well‐established role in melanogenesis and pigment switching, but involvement in the pain‐modulating periaqueductal grey (PAG) descending pathway and in immune responses, both of which contain opioid receptors, has also been suggested in humans. However, this relationship between opioid metabolism and the connection to the three knownMC1Rvariants (EE, Eeand Eea) in horses is yet to be explored.
A reexamination of factor momentum: How strong is it?
Authors: Fan Minyou , Li Youwei , Liao Ming , Liu Jiadong
Published: June 2022

Recent studies show that most financial market anomalies exhibit a momentum effect. Based on two datasets, (i) an original 22‐factor sample and (ii) a more comprehensive 187‐factor sample, we find that factor momentum effect is weak at the individual factor level. In both samples, only about 22%– 27% of the factors exhibit strong return continuation and dominate the factor momentum portfolio while the remaining factors do not. The factor momentum strategies do not outperform the corresponding long‐only strategies in either sample. The choice of factors affects the ability of factor momentum to explain individual stock momentum.
Kinetics and mechanisms of cyanobacterially induced precipitation of magnesium silicate
Authors: Lamérand Céline , Shirokova Liudmila S. , Petit Mathis , Bénézeth Pascale , Rols Jean‐Luc , Pokrovsky Oleg S.
Published: June 2022

The biomineralization of CO2, in the form of carbonate minerals, is considered as one of the efficient solutions of atmospheric CO2 removal, allowing stable and sustainable storage of this greenhouse gas. Cyanobacteria are among the most powerful microorganisms capable of precipitating carbonate minerals, both in the present and in the past. In the modern environments, high Si concentration during geoengineering biomineralization could occur due to dissolution of Mg‐bearing primary silicates such as olivine. However, most of experimental studies aimed to understand the formation of these carbonates were performed in Si‐poor solutions. Thus, experimental characterizations of the nature, rate, and stoichiometry of precipitated minerals in Si‐rich solutions in the presence of bacteria are lacking. The present study attempted to reproduce, in controlled laboratory experiments, the processes of biomineralization in a carbonate‐ and Mg‐bearing medium having high Si concentrations (2–4 mM, which is below the saturation with respect to amorphous silica). These experiments have been carried out in the presence of three contrasting cyanobacteria: Synechococcus sp., Chroococcidiopsis sp. and Aphanothece clathrata in order to characterize the rate of formation, stoichiometry and mineralogical nature of precipitates. The results demonstrated significant role of cyanobacteria in the precipitation of carbonate and silicate minerals by increasing the pH of the medium during photosynthesis. Magnesium precipitation rates measured between 50 and 150 h of reaction time ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mmol h−1 gdry1 and decreased (Synechococcus sp. and Chroococcidiopsis sp.) or increased (A. clathrata) with an increase in the Si:Mg ratio in solution. The abiotic instantaneous rates of Mg and Si removal from alkaline solutions were similar to those in the presence of cyanobacteria at the same pH value suggesting that photosynthetically induced pH rise was the main factor of mineral formation. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic observations and associated analyses identified an amorphous magnesium silicate together with hydrous Mg carbonates (hydromagnesite). The formation of carbonate solid phase at high Mg: Si ratios indicated the potential for the removal of inorganic carbon at pH > 10. The difference in the degree of C removal between different species was primarily linked to different degree of pH rise during photosynthesis. Taken together, the results obtained in this study allowed an efficient reproduction of combined magnesium hydroxo‐carbonates and hydrous silicates precipitation under cyanobacterial activity, suitable for geoengineering of biologically controlled CO2 sequestration in Si‐Mg‐carbonate‐bearing solutions.
Feasibility of a best–worst scaling exercise to set priorities for autism research
Authors: Davis Scott A. , Howard Kirsten , Ellis Alan R. , Jonas Daniel E. , Carey Timothy S. , Morrissey Joseph P. , Thomas Kathleen C.
Published: June 2022

Background

The preferences of autism stakeholders regarding the top priorities for future autism research are largely unknown.

Objective

This study had two objectives: First, to examine what autism stakeholders think new research investments should be and the attributes of investment that they consider important, and second, to explore the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of two prioritization exercises among autism stakeholders regarding their priorities for future research in autism.

Design

This was  a prospective stakeholder‐engaged iterative study consisting of best–worst scaling (BWS) and direct prioritization exercise.

Setting and Participants

A national snowball sample of 219 stakeholders was included: adults with autism, caregivers, service providers and researchers.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes measures were attributes that participants value in future research investments, and priority research investments for future research.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen participants completed the exercises, of whom 11% were adults with autism, 58% were parents/family members, 37% were service providers and 21% were researchers. Among stakeholders, the BWS exercises were easier to understand than the direct prioritization, less frequently skipped and yielded more consistent results. The proportion of children with autism affected by the research was the most important attribute for all types of stakeholders. The top three priorities among future research investments were (1) evidence on which child, family and intervention characteristics lead to the best/worst outcomes; (2) evidence on how changes in one area of a child's life are related to changes in other areas; and (3) evidence on dietary interventions. Priorities were similar for all stakeholder types.

Conclusions

The values and priorities examined here provide a road map for investigators and funders to pursue autism research that matters to stakeholders.

Patient or Public Contribution

Stakeholders completed a BWS and direct prioritization exercise to inform us about their priorities for future autism research.
The impact of product characteristics and innovativeness on the benefits of collaboration
Authors: Hacardiaux Thomas , Tancrez Jean‐Sébastien , Defryn Christof , Verdonck Lotte
Published: June 2022

Horizontal collaboration is a promising avenue to improve the efficiency of logistical operations. However, the benefits strongly depend on the degree of fit between partners. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the partners' product characteristics on those benefits, focusing on their innovativeness. Companies supplying functional versus innovative products have different requirements in supply chain efficiency and responsiveness, which impacts the benefits that can be reached with a given partner. To assess the collaborative benefits, we use a location–inventory model accounting for the partners' individual interests and the costs revealing the responsiveness level of the supply chain (facilities, transportation, cycle inventory, safety stocks and stock‐outs). The model offers a set of Pareto‐optimal solutions balancing the partners' costs to support the selection and negotiation process. Finally, we perform numerical experiments in which the partners supply products with identical or different levels of innovativeness and with various demand volumes, leading to valuable managerial insights on the impact of product characteristics on collaborative benefits.
The development of artificial intelligence in education: A review in context
Authors: Pham Son T. H. , Sampson Pauline M.
Published: June 2022

Background

In fact, most schools around the world are not well equipped to have discussions and keep current on the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in many aspects of society and economy. They either ignore this conversation, or simply criticize technology, but these resistances are not stopping wide spread of various types of AI projects in schools, mainly driven by corporations, and fueled by incentives that might not match well with long term educational objectives of student success, diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Objectives

The overall purpose is to address the rising gap between the ultrafast development of AI and the meticulous technological application of education, and to suggest the important bridge of building technological leadership in teacher preparation to get ready for the grow of AI in education.

Methods

The contextual review examines the field of AI development in education through three lenses: conceptual context, practice context, and research context.

Results and Conclusions

The paper provides educators and policy makers an overall background of the phenomenon of AI in education. The study has revealed there is an urgent need for research and development in teacher preparation as well as in the philosophy of technology in education to bridge the gap between AI and education.
Oral fat tolerance testing identifies abnormal pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance in individuals with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Liu Lifang , Hou Xiaoyu , Song An , Guan Yunpeng , Tian Peipei , Wang Chao , Ren Luping , Tang Yong , Gao Ling , Xing Xiaoping , Song Guangyao
Published: June 2022

Aims/Introduction

Insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function are affected by lipid metabolism disorders, even before the onset of type 2 diabetes. People are in the postprandial state most of the time. Therefore, identifying postprandial hyperlipemia is important. This study aimed to assess patients with abnormalities in lipid metabolism, but with normal glucose tolerance, using oral fat tolerance testing (OFTT) to identify defects in insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function.

Materials and Methods

We included 248 volunteers with normal glucose tolerance who underwent OFTT. They were divided into three groups in accordance with their fasting and 4‐h postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Their lipid concentrations during OFTT were compared. The disposition index (DI) was applied to estimate β‐cell function, and the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISIM) was used to assess insulin sensitivity. We used multiple linear regression analysis to estimate the relationships of fasting and postprandial TG concentrations with β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity .

Results

The changes in TG concentrations during OFTT were more marked than those in low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol or total cholesterol concentrations. As lipid metabolism deteriorated, the ISIM and the DI gradually decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fasting and 4‐h postprandial TG concentrations affected LnISIM and LnDI.

Conclusions

In individuals with normal glucose tolerance, β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity gradually decrease with a deterioration in the lipid profile. Not only fasting TG, but also postprandial TG concentrations are independent risk factors for impaired β‐cell function and insulin resistance.
Slower growth of farmed eels stocked into rivers with higher wild eel density
Authors: Wakiya Ryoshiro , Itakura Hikaru , Hirae Tatsumu , Igari Tadamitsu , Manabe Miyuki , Matsuya Noriaki , Miyata Katsushi , Sakata Masayuki K. , Minamoto Toshifumi , Yada Takashi , Kaifu Kenzo
Published: June 2022

Farmed anguillid eels are frequently stocked into natural fresh waters to enhance eel resources, but little is known about what happens to these eels or their interactions with wild eels after stocking. A recent study observed a depressed survival and growth rate of farmed Japanese eels when they were reared with wild eels, which indicated that wild eels might interfere with the survival and growth of farmed‐and‐stocked eels through intraspecific competition. To contribute to improving eel stocking efficiency, the growth of farmed‐and‐stocked Japanese eels was compared among four rivers with different wild eel densities using mark‐and‐recapture studies. Based on the 2‐year recapture survey after stocking, it was found that the density of the farmed‐and‐stocked eels was not significantly different among rivers. The daily growth rates of farmed‐and‐stocked eels in the rivers with lower wild eel density were significantly higher than those of the eels stocked into the rivers with higher wild eel density. The farmed‐and‐stocked eels moved significantly greater distances downstream than wild eels that showed sedentary behaviour. This and previous studies indicate that significant questions remain about the effectiveness of stocking farmed eels into water bodies where naturally recruited wild eels are present.
VA nursing home compare metrics as an indicator of skilled nursing facility quality for veterans
Authors: Manges Kirstin A. , Medvedeva Elina , Ersek Mary , Burke Robert E.
Published: June 2022

Background

The Veterans Administration (VA) provides several post‐acute care (PAC) options for Veterans, including VA‐owned nursing homes (called Community Living Centers, CLCs). In 2016, the VA released CLC Compare star ratings to support decision‐making. However, the relationship between CLC Compare star ratings and Veterans CLC post‐acute outcomes is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective observational study using national VA and Medicare data for Veterans discharged to a CLC for PAC. We used a multivariate regression model with hospital random effects to examine the association between CLC Compare overall star ratings and PAC outcomes while controlling for patient, facility, and hospital factors. Our sample included Veteran enrollees age 65+ who were community‐dwelling, experienced a hospitalization, and were discharged to a CLC in 2016–2017. PAC outcomes included 30‐day unplanned hospital readmission, 30‐day mortality, 100‐day successful community discharge, and a secondary composite outcome of unplanned readmission or death within 30‐days of the hospital discharge.

Results

Of the 25,107 CLC admissions, 4088 (16.3%) experienced an unplanned readmission, 4069 (16.2%) died within 30‐days of hospital discharge, and 12,093 (48.2%) had a successful 100‐day community discharge. Admission to a lower‐quality (1‐star) facility was associated with lower odds of successful community discharge (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.66, 0.91) and higher odds of a combined endpoint of 30‐day mortality and readmission (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.09, 1.49), compared to 5‐star facilities. However, outcomes were not consistently different between 5‐star and 2, 3, or 4‐star facilities. Star ratings were not associated with individual readmission or mortality outcomes when considered separately.

Conclusion

These findings suggest comparisons of 1‐star and 5‐star CLCs may provide meaningful information for Veterans making decisions about post‐acute care. Identifying ways to alter the star ratings so they are differentially associated with outcomes meaningful to Veterans at each level is essential. We found that 1‐star facilities had higher rates of 30‐day unplanned hospital readmission/death, and lower rates of 100‐day successful community discharges compared to 5‐star facilities. Yet, like past work on CMS Nursing Home Compare ratings, these relationships were found to be inconsistent or not meaningful across all star levels. CLC Compare may provide useful information for discharge and organizational planning, with some limitations.
Social and community inclusion outcomes for adults with autism with and without intellectual disability in Australia
Authors: Cameron L. A. , Tonge B. J. , Howlin P. , Einfeld S. L. , Stancliffe R. J. , Gray K. M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Research suggests that adults with autism tend to have poor outcomes. Outcomes have mostly been defined using summary outcome ratings, with less focus on specific outcomes such as employment, living situation, social satisfaction, loneliness, and friendships. This study aimed to explore social and community outcomes, including employment, education, living arrangements, friendships, and social satisfaction, for autistic adults with and without intellectual disability.

Method

Eighty‐four adults with autism (mean age 34.2 years, SD = 4.5; 67% with co‐occurring intellectual disability), recruited as children and adolescents, participated in the current study. Adult social and community inclusion outcomes were explored through interview and questionnaire, both parent/carer‐report and self‐report.

Results

Participants predominantly lived with family or in supported accommodation, did not pursue higher education, and mostly participated in day activity programmes. Most had limited friendships as reported by parents/carers; however, self‐report data (n = 28) indicated that adults were largely satisfied with their social relationships. Overall outcome was poor for 57%, and good/very good for 34%. Adults with intellectual disability generally had poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

Autistic adults encountered numerous difficulties in leading an independent life. Adults with co‐occurring intellectual disability were most likely to experience difficulties; however, outcomes ranged from poor to very good for adults without intellectual disability. Discrepancies in parent/carer‐report and self‐reported experiences of friendships highlight the need to ensure individual experiences are captured in addition to parent/carer‐report. Appropriate resources and programmes are crucial for adults with autism to support them to have the choice to live independently.
Exploration of potential lipid biomarkers for age‐induced hair graying by lipidomic analyses of hair shaft roots with follicular tissue attached
Authors: Ma Yuchen , He Congfen
Published: June 2022

Background

Age‐induced hair graying (AIHG)is one of the visual hallmarks of aging, but its biological mechanism remains unclear. Changes in the hair‐follicle lipid profiles associated with AIHG have not been defined.

Objectives

To define the differences in the hair follicle lipid profiles of female black and gray/white hair follicles.

Methods

The lipid profile of hair follicles was determined by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS). Multivariate data analysis was used to determine changes in the lipid profiles in hair follicle roots.

Results

We identified the different lipids in hair follicle roots between black hair (HB) and white hair (HW) and analyzed the key lipids that contribute to the development of HW. The results showed that the total lipid content of the HW was significantly reduced. There were significant differences in sphingolipid content, with HB higher than HW. Two subclasses, glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and galactosylceramide, were significantly different. GlcCer, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid levels were higher in the HB group. The sphingolipid metabolism involved in GlcCer(d18:1/24:1[15Z]) is a statistically significant lipid metabolic pathway.

Conclusion

Five major individual lipid candidates are involved in the production of AIHG. GlcCer shows a significant reduction in HW and is a potential target for further research into AIHG.
No place like home – Or is there? Extended transformational potential of nursing homes during vital conjunctures
Authors: Leino Henna M. , Hurmerinta Leila , Sandberg Birgitta , Menzfeld Mira
Published: June 2022

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study is to explore how the concept of ‘feeling at home’ manifests in nursing home environments and influences the transformational potential of such homes—servicescapes where customers experience vital conjunctures.

Background

Recent research on places highlights the potential of service venues as places that can promote well‐being. Nursing homes bridge the concepts of ‘home’ and a service with transformational aspirations. Moving to a nursing home can be regarded as a vital conjuncture, yet despite the resultant mixed emotions, nursing homes can generate positive changes and meaningful relations.

Design; Methods

A qualitative field study with ethnographic features was conducted in two Finnish nursing homes. The data consist of observations and 64 semi‐structured interviews. COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results

‘Feeling at home’ is built on: (1) artefacts and surroundings, (2) functions and activities and (3) relationality and atmosphere. A home‐like experience related to each category is important in enabling customers to feel at home, thus assisting in dealing with the vital conjuncture, but the transformative power of nursing homes is linked most closely to respectful, kind attendance of the others and a positive atmosphere.

Conclusions

The roles of nurses and a homely servicescape are essential in dealing with residents' vital conjunctures, whether those residents employ resistance or adjustment coping methods. Positive transformations that evoke residents' re‐balancing and well‐being are enabled in nursing homes that support residents' important relationships, identity, safety and self‐efficacy. This positive transformation also aids family members with their associated vital conjunctures, thus multiplying the service's transformational potential.

Patient or public contribution

Service users and caregivers were involved in the design and conduct of the data in this study.

Relevance to clinical practice

Creating a homely atmosphere in nursing homes fosters not only residents' but also family members' re‐balancing and well‐being.
A Bayesian adaptive algorithm (QUEST) to estimate olfactory threshold in hyposmic patients
Authors: D'Alessandro Andrea , Grigorescu Oana , Höchenberger Richard , Ohla Kathrin , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The sense of smell is important as a warning system, in social communication and in guiding food intake. Impairment is common, and cases are increasing following COVID‐19. Olfactory dysfunction may lead to decreased quality of life. There are several established ways to assess olfaction including the “Sniffin’ Sticks” which are a validated test for healthy and diseased populations.

Methods

The odor threshold is traditionally determined using a single staircase procedure, with narrow or wide step. We investigated a Bayesian adaptive algorithm (QUEST) to estimate olfactory threshold in a hyposmic population compared with a healthy control group. Thresholds were measured using the three procedures in two sessions (Test and Retest).

Results

All the tested methods showed considerable overlap in both groups: there was a positive correlation between the QUEST procedure and classic staircase method (r = 0.88), and high test–retest reliability for all three methods used (Sniffin’ Sticks narrow: r = 0.81; Sniffin’ Sticks wide: r = 0.95; QUEST: r = 0.80).

Conclusions

Results from these approaches exhibit considerable overlap with all of them being suitable for clinical use. An advantage of the QUEST method can be the defined number of trials needed to determine an odor threshold.
The Relationship Between Early Classroom Activities and English Language Learners’ Later Math Problem‐Solving Performance: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Swanson H. Lee , Kong Jennifer , Li Jui‐Teng , Petcu Stefania D.
Published: June 2022

This exploratory study determined the relationship between math instructional activities in Wave (year) 1 and English language learner (ELL) children's math problem‐solving performance in Wave (year) 2. The math performance of ELL children (N = 291) in Grades 1, 2, and 3 was tested in two testing waves. Two major findings emerged. First, strategy instruction, peer interaction, and explicit instruction in Wave 1 uniquely predicted English problem‐solving scores in Wave 2 independent of grade level, vocabulary, calculation, and problem‐solving at Wave 1. Second, the frequency of explicit instruction and peer interactions was significantly related to the odds of predicting ELL children at risk for math disabilities. The results are discussed within the context‐specific instructional activities that were positively related to later math outcomes.
Role of hair follicles in the pathogenesis of arsenical‐induced cutaneous damage
Authors: Srivastava Ritesh K. , Wang Yong , Khan Jasim , Muzaffar Suhail , Lee Madison B. , Weng Zhiping , Croutch Claire , Agarwal Anupam , Deshane Jessy , Athar Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Arsenical vesicants cause skin inflammation, blistering, and pain. The lack of appropriate animal models causes difficulty in defining their molecular pathogenesis. Here, Ptch1+/–/C57BL/6 mice were employed to investigate the pathobiology of the arsenicals lewisite and phenylarsine oxide (PAO). Following lewisite or PAO challenge (24 h), the skin of animals becomes grayish‐white, thick, leathery, and wrinkled with increased bi‐fold thickness, Draize score, and necrotic patches. In histopathology, infiltrating leukocytes (macrophages and neutrophils), epidermal–dermal separation, edema, apoptotic cells, and disruption of tight and adherens junction proteins can be visualized. PCR arrays and nanoString analyses showed significant increases in cytokines/chemokines and other proinflammatory mediators. As hair follicles (HFs), which provide an immune‐privileged environment, may affect immune cell trafficking and consequent inflammatory responses, we compared the pathogenesis of these chemicals in this model to that in Ptch1+/–/SKH‐1 hairless mice. Ptch1+/–/SKH‐1 mice have rudimentary, whereas Ptch1+/–/C57BL/6 mice have well‐developed HFs. Although no significant differences were observed in qualitative inflammatory responses between the two strains, levels of cytokines/chemokines differed. Importantly, the mechanism of inflammation was identical; both reactive oxygen species induction and consequent activation of unfolded protein response signaling were similar. These data reveal that the acute molecular pathogenesis of arsenicals in these two murine models is similar.
Electrical stimulation through conductive scaffolds for cardiomyocyte tissue engineering: Systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Scott Louie , Elídóttir Katrín , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Jurewicz Izabela , Lewis Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Electrical conductivity is of great significance to cardiac tissue engineering and permits the use of electrical stimulation in mimicking cardiac pacing. The development of biomaterials for tissue engineering can incorporate physical properties that are uncommon to standard cell culture and can facilitate improved cardiomyocyte function. In this review, the PICOT question asks, “How has the application of external electrical stimulation in conductive scaffolds for tissue engineering affected cardiomyocyte behavior in in vitro cell culture?” The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines, with predetermined inclusion and quality appraisal criteria, were used to assess publications from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results revealed carbon nanotubes to be the most common conductive agent in biomaterials and rodent‐sourced cell types as the most common cardiomyocytes used. To assess cardiomyocytes, immunofluorescence was used most often, utilizing proteins, such as connexin 43, cardiac α‐actinin, and cardiac troponins. It was determined that the modal average stimulation protocol comprised 1–3 V square biphasic 50‐ms pulses at 1 Hz, applied toward the end of cell culture. The addition of electrical stimulation to in vitro culture has exemplified it as a powerful tool for cardiac tissue engineering and brings researchers closer to creating optimal artificial cardiac tissue constructs.