bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Displaced by climate and disaster‐induced relocations: experiences of cascading displacement in Fiji and the Philippines
Authors: Johnson Karlee , Mortensen Sofie , Gueguen‐Teil Cannelle , Torre Andreea R.
Published: January 2021

Disasters and climate‐related risks displace millions of people each year. Planned relocation is one strategy used to address displacement. However, little attention has been paid to the secondary impacts of planned relocations, and how they influence the risk, vulnerability, and well‐being of other groups, particularly people who live on the land selected for relocation sites, or in neighbouring areas. This paper explores how current and potential planned relocations in Fiji and the Philippines redistribute vulnerabilities to non‐target communities that previously lived on, or alongside, relocation site land. The notion of cascading displacement is introduced to illustrate a serious consequence of planned relocations in which insecurity and displacement are recreated and perpetuated due to a failure to consider the needs of non‐target groups that are directly disadvantaged by relocation processes. Insights from this paper may be used to inform future relocation policy and practice to achieve more equitable and sustainable outcomes for all involved.
Work situation and prospects of recently graduated dentists in the Netherlands
Authors: den Boer Joost C. L. , van den Bosch Luuk J. , van Dam Brigitte A. F. M. , Bruers Josef J. M.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Dentists who have graduated recently from a Dutch dental school work mainly in the Netherlands, where collaboration and differentiation are relevant factors. Furthermore, the Netherlands face regional undersupplies of dentists. The objective of this study was to describe choices and aims of recently graduated dentists for the near future.

Materials and Methods

An invitation for the web questionnaire was sent by e‐mail to 945 dentists who had graduated from a Dutch dental school between 2013 and 2017, of whom 230 (24.3%) participated in the survey.

Results

Approximately three quarters (77%) of the recently graduated dentists worked as a general dentist in a practice of some else, primarily in urban areas. The choice for a practice was affected by location, earnings, and the opportunity to gain experience. Furthermore, the career choices were affected most by the desired length of the working week and financial security. The narrow majority (53%) of the recently graduated dentists believed that in 5 years they will be practice owner; 49% expected to be a differentiated dentist. Furthermore, 41% believed they will work in a smaller municipality.

Discussion

Although recently graduated dentists seem receptive to work in smaller municipalities, the peripheral regions are conceivably less appealing. Practice ownership conceivably is an option for the near future for a narrow majority of the recently graduated dentists.

Conclusion

Recently graduated dentists have different preferences regarding their work situation in 5 years.
A frequency‐domain approach for damage detection in welded structures
Authors: Ronchei Camilla , Vantadori Sabrina , Carpinteri Andrea , Iturrioz Ignacio , Rodrigues Roberto Issopo , Scorza Daniela , Zanichelli Andrea
Published: January 2021

The goal of the present paper is to apply a multiaxial fatigue criterion, formulated in frequency‐domain, to welded components. In particular, the proposed procedure requires (i) to evaluate the stress field at the so‐called hotspot and (ii) to compute the fatigue damage. A case study, represented by fillet‐welded tubular T‐joints under random loading, is examined to assess the validity of the above procedure in estimating the crack nucleation position. Finally, the above theoretical results are also compared with those derived by means of a similar procedure, which has recently been proposed by some of the present authors, but formulated in time‐domain.
Regional disparity in extinction risk: Comparison of disjunct plant genera between eastern Asia and eastern North America
Authors: Song Houjuan , Ordonez Alejandro , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Qian Hong , Yin Xue , Mao Lingfeng , Deng Tao , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2021

Climate and land cover changes are increasing threats to biodiversity globally. However, potentially varying biotic sensitivity is a major source of uncertainty for translating environmental changes to extinction risks. To reduce this uncertainty, we assessed how extinction risks will be affected by future human‐driven environmental changes, focusing on 554 species from 52 disjunct plant genera between eastern Asia (EAS) and eastern North America (ENA) to control for differences in environmental sensitivity at the genus level. Species distribution models were used to estimate and compare the vulnerability of species in disjunct genera between the two regions under two climate and land cover change scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) in the 2070s, allowing to assess the effects of differences in climate and land cover pressures. Compared with ENA, stronger pressures from climate and land cover changes along with smaller range sizes in EAS translate into a larger number and proportion of species in disjunct genera becoming threatened by the 2070s. These regional differences are more pronounced under a best‐case climate scenario (RCP2.6), illustrating that strong climate change (RCP8.5) may override any regional buffer capacities. The main variables determining extinction risks differed between the two continental regions, with annual temperature range and cropland expansion being important in EAS, and annual precipitation being important in ENA. These results suggest that disparities in regional exposure to anthropogenic environmental changes may cause congeneric species with relatively similar sensitivity to have different future risks of extinction. Moreover, the findings highlight the context‐specific nature of anthropogenic effects on biodiversity and the importance of making region‐specific policies for conservation and restoration in response to the intensifying global changes.
Integrated sustainable process for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from lignocellulosic waste by purple phototrophic bacteria
Authors: Allegue Luis D. , Ventura María , Melero Juan A. , Puyol Daniel
Published: January 2021

Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) showed an enormous potential for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production using the hydrolysate from lignocellulosic waste as feedstock. Thermal hydrolysis pretreatment was carried out at three different temperatures (120, 150, and 180°C) aiming to improve the biodegradability of the lignocellulosic waste. After this pretreatment, two streams are collected: a solid and a liquid fraction. The anaerobic digestion process of the pretreated solid fraction at 180°C increased its biodegradability extent by 31% compared to the untreated biomass, yielding 210 ± 10 L CH4 kg−1 VS even when the liquid fraction was removed. On the photoheterotrophic of the liquid fraction, PPB were able to remove up to 55% of COD during batch operation, showing peaks of PHA production yield up to 21 wt.%. The treatment of the liquid fraction obtained at high temperatures (T ˃ 120°C) reduces biomass growth and COD consumption efficiency, and thus potential productivity, with no effect over the specific activity and the biomass yield, indicating growth limitation by lack of nutrients (N and P). A preliminary economical assessment indicates suitable economic viability based on an energetic autarchy process. This study pioneered a PPB‐based biorefinery for PHA production from lignocellulosic residues and aligned within the bioeconomy strategy of the European Union.
The Impacts of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) on Omission Error
Authors: Ye Xiang , Rogerson Peter
Published: January 2021

An omission error occurs when independent variables are missing from a regression model. When individual observations are not available, the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) appears with spatially aggregated data sets. Both omission error and the MAUP can occur simultaneously in regression analyses. In particular, the MAUP causes the bias due to an omission error to be less predictable for linear regression models, and it distorts bias differently with different spatial configurations. This article analyses the impacts of the MAUP on omission error and shows that the expectation of coefficient estimates at the aggregate level can be decomposed into three parts: the true coefficient, individual‐level bias, and aggregate‐level bias. The findings fill the gap between empirical studies in geography and theoretical results in econometrics, and show that the traditional approaches to the MAUP, such as reporting analyses from multiple spatial configurations, are unhelpful in identifying the correct coefficients.
Medical consumerism in the UK, from ‘citizen’s challenge’ to the ‘managed consumer’—A symbol without meaning?
Authors: Iliffe Steve , Manthorpe Jill
Published: January 2021

Background

In Britain's National Health Service (NHS), medical consumerism is disliked by many doctors but managed by NHS leaders. Managed consumers have choices about treatment options, but are expected to help contain costs, improve quality of care, take part in clinical research and advocacy, and increase productivity. There are so many meanings for medical consumerism that it can be categorized, in post‐structuralist terms, as a ‘symbol without meaning’, but meanings are plentiful in the NHS.

Policy expectations

Choices made by discriminating consumers were expected to improve the quality of medical care for all. Extending choice to the many, and not restricting options to the few, would allow gains from choices to accumulate, so that choice would sustain social solidarity. Managed consumerism would in theory, therefore, instil reasonable choices and responsible behaviours in a moralized citizenry, across the nation. The advocates of New Labour's espousal of medical consumerism expected the accumulative effects of customer choices to challenge professional and occupational power, erode the medical model of health and illness, constrain professional judgements, and open the NHS to new ways of working. Almost all their expectations have been thwarted, so far.

Conclusions

Managed consumerism is far from being a meaningless symbol. This discussion paper explores the territory of managed consumerism and suggests realistic ways to make it more effective in shaping the NHS.

Patient & Public Contribution

We developed the arguments in this discussion paper with insights provided by a lay expert (see Acknowledgements) with experience of consumerism in both public sector management and a disease‐related charity.
Virological response and resistance profile in highly treatment‐experienced HIV‐1‐infected patients switching to dolutegravir plus boosted darunavir in clinical practice
Authors: Armenia Daniele , Bouba Yagai , Gagliardini Roberta , Fabeni Lavinia , Borghi Vanni , Berno Giulia , Vergori Alessandra , Cicalini Stefania , Mussini Cristina , Antinori Andrea , Ceccherini‐Silberstein Francesca , Perno Carlo Federico , Santoro Maria Mercedes
Published: January 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the virological response and resistance profile in combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)‐experienced HIV‐1‐infected patients starting a dual therapy with dolutegravir (DTG) and boosted darunavir (bDRV) for the first time.

Methods

Survival analyses were used to evaluate virological success (VS) and virological rebound (VR) in viraemic and virologically suppressed patients, respectively. Major resistance mutations (MRMs) and genotypic susceptibility score (GSS) were evaluated at baseline and after switch.

Results

Overall, 130 patients [62 (47.7%) viraemic; 68 (52.3%) virologically suppressed] were retrospectively analysed. At the moment of switch, 81.5% accumulated one or more MRM [protease inhibitor (PI), 35.7%; nucleoside(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), 77.5%; non‐NRTI, 69.0%; integrase inhibitor (INI), 10.1%), but 77.7% harboured strains fully susceptible to DTG + bDRV. In viraemic patients, the overall probability of VS by 12 months of treatment was 91.7%. In virologically suppressed patients, the overall probability of VR was 10.5% by 24 months after therapy start. Patients with previous time under virological suppression ≤ 6 months showed a higher VR probability compared with others (37.5% vs. 6.7%, P < 0.002). Among 13 non‐responding patients for whom a genotypic resistance test result at failure was available, only two (15.4%) accumulated further resistance in integrase (Y143C/H/R; S147G and N155H) and protease (V32I, L33F, I54L).

Conclusions

In highly treatment‐experienced patients, the use of dual therapy based on DTG + bDRV appears to be a very good regimen for switch therapy, with a high rate of virological control in both viraemic and virologically suppressed patients. Among non‐responding patients, the selection of further resistance is a rare event.
Quantitative proteomic analysis in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis
Authors: Loureiro C. , Buzalaf M. A. R. , Moraes F. R. N. , Ventura T. M. O. , Pelá V. T. , Pessan J. P. , Jacinto R. C.
Published: January 2021

Aim

To quantitatively and qualitatively compare the host proteomic profile in samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AP) using nano‐liquid chromatography–electron spray tandem mass spectrometry.

Methodology

Samples were obtained from 18 patients with radiographically evident AP, divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (nine per group) according to clinical characteristics. After sample collection, protein extraction, purification and quantification of the samples were performed, which were analysed by reverse‐phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis was performed by Protein Lynx Global Service software. Differences in expression of proteins between the groups were calculated using the Monte Carlo algorithm, considering P < 0.05 for down‐regulated proteins and 1 − P > 0.95 for up‐regulated proteins. Proteins were identified with the embedded ion accounting algorithm in the software and a search of the Homo sapiens UniProt database.

Results

A total of 853 individual human proteins were identified. In the quantitative analysis, common proteins to both groups accounted for 143 proteins. Differences in expression between groups resulted in 51 up‐regulated proteins (1 − P > 0.95) in the symptomatic group, including alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, protein S100‐A8, myeloperoxidase, peroxiredoxin and lactotransferrin. This group also had 43 down‐regulated proteins (P < 0.05), comprising immunoglobulin, neutrophil defensin, pyruvate kinase and alpha‐enolase. The qualitative analysis considered only the exclusive proteins of each group. For the symptomatic group, 318 complete proteins and 29 fragments were identified, such as dedicator of cytokinesis protein, intersectin, prostaglandin, phospholipase DDHD2 and superoxide dismutase. For the asymptomatic group, 326 complete proteins and 37 fragments were identified, including azurocidin, C‐reactive protein, collagen alpha, cathepsin, heat shock and laminin.

Conclusions

Quantitative differences in the expression of common proteins in cases of symptomatic and asymptomatic AP were found, which were mostly related to host immune response in both groups. Exclusive proteins in the symptomatic group were mainly related to the host response to the presence of viruses in endodontic infections, oxidative stress and proteolytic enzymes. The results provide a basis for a better understanding of cellular and molecular pathways involved in AP, establishing specific proteomic profiles for symptomatic and asymptomatic conditions.
Observational study of the incidence and factors associated with patient readmission from home‐based care under the Hospital in the Home programme
Authors: Lim Andy K. H. , De Silva Maneesha L. , Wang Rene S. H. , Nicholson Angus J. , Rogers Benjamin A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Hospital in the Home (HITH) provides home‐based care by hospital staff, which reduces inpatient length of stay and promotes a better quality of life. The frequency and precipitants for readmission from HITH back to the acute inpatient service are currently poorly defined.

Aims

To determine the incidence of hospital readmissions and risk factors for readmissions in a HITH programme of a large hospital network.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to a large HITH service within a hospital network in Victoria, Australia, from 1 July to 30 September 2017. We used logistic regression to determine if patient characteristics or specific clinical factors were associated with hospital readmission.

Results

In a cohort of 605 patients under HITH, 72 were readmitted (incidence 11.9%). The median duration under HITH prior to readmission was 7 days (interquartile range, 3–23 days). Most readmissions were due to treatment failure, an associated complication or new clinical problem. In the univariable analysis, older age, direct admission from the emergency department (ED), recent intensive care admission, high Charlson comorbidity index, advanced chronic kidney disease, negative pressure wound therapy and use of antihypertensives were factors associated with readmission. In the multivariable analysis, the variables independently associated with readmissions were the Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio, OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08–1.25) and referrals from the ED (OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06–0.58).

Conclusions

Older age and greater comorbidity increased the odds of readmission, but patients from the ED were low risk compared to inpatient referrals.
Associations of anemia with stroke, bleeding, and mortality in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tu Samuel J. , Hanna‐Rivero Nicole , Elliott Adrian D. , Clarke Nicholas , Huang Sonia , Pitman Bradley M. , Gallagher Celine , Linz Dominik , Mahajan Rajiv , Lau Dennis H. , Sanders Prashanthan , Wong Christopher X.
Published: January 2021

Background

Anemia frequently coexists with atrial fibrillation (AF) and has been variably associated with worse outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to comprehensively assess the effect of anemia on mortality, stroke/systemic thromboembolism, and bleeding events in patients with AF.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception until May 2020. Studies examining associations of anemia with the above outcomes in AF patients were included, and maximally adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) meta‐analysed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020171113.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies involving 365 484 patients (41% female, mean age 74.7 years) were included. The average study follow‐up ranged from 0.2 to 4.0 years, and the prevalence of anemia was 16%. Anemia was associated with a 78% increase in all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–2.20), 60% increase in cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.17–2.19), 134% increase in noncardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.58–3.47) 15% increase in stroke/systemic thromboembolism (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01–1.31), 78% increase in major bleeding (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.54–2.05), and 77% increase in gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.23–2.55). Sensitivity analyses including studies that reported odds ratios did not result in any material change.

Conclusion

Anemia is a frequently observed comorbidity in patients with AF, and is associated with an increased risk of all‐cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality, stroke/systemic thromboembolism, and major and gastrointestinal bleeding. Future studies are required to explore the causes of anemia in AF, and whether investigation and treatment may be clinically beneficial in affected individuals.
Pocket resolution in regenerative treatment of intrabony defects with papilla preservation techniques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Aimetti Mario , Fratini Adriano , Manavella Valeria , Giraudi Marta , Citterio Filippo , Ferrarotti Francesco , Mariani Giulia Maria , Cairo Francesco , Baima Giacomo , Romano Federica
Published: January 2021

Aim

To systematically assess the clinical performance of different approaches for periodontal regeneration of intrabony defects in terms of pocket resolution compared to access surgery with papilla preservation techniques (PPTs).

Material and Methods

Systematic literature searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL up to April 2020 to identify RCTs on regenerative treatment [guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with or without biomaterials] of intrabony defects using PPTs. Results were expressed as weighted mean percentages (WMP) or risk ratios of pocket resolution at 12 months (considering both final PD ≤ 3 mm and ≤4 mm).

Results

A total of 12 RCTs were included. Based on a final PD ≤ 3 mm or PD ≤ 4 mm, the WMP of pocket resolution was 61.4% and 92.1%, respectively. EMD and GTR obtained comparable results. Pairwise meta‐analysis identified a greater probability of achieving pocket resolution for GTR compared to PPTs. The number needed to treat for GTR to obtain one extra intrabony defect achieving PD ≤ 3 mm or PD ≤ 4 mm over PPTs was 2 and 4, respectively.

Conclusion

Regenerative surgery represents a viable approach to obtain final PD ≤ 4 mm in the short‐term.
Lesion‐directed screening to optimize skin cancer detection in dermatology practice: an observational study
Authors: Mylle S. , Verhaeghe E. , Van Coile L. , Van de Maele B. , Hoorens I. , Brochez L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Early detection of skin cancer is still a major challenge in dermatology practice today. While surveillance programs are offered to high‐risk patients, systematic total‐body examination (TBE) in the general population is not cost‐effective. In the past, we demonstrated that a lesion‐directed screening (LDS) in the general population delivered similar detection rates to TBE and was less time‐consuming.

Objectives

To study whether a lesion‐directed early‐access consultation can optimize skin cancer detection in dermatology practice.

Methods

In this observational study, we offered an early‐access consultation in patients contacting the dermatology department concerning 1 or 2 lesions of concern meeting predefined criteria.

Results

342 persons were seen at the dermatology department after triage by phone. Skin cancer detection rate was 13.2% (4.1% for melanoma). If advised/referred by a doctor skin cancer detection rate was 23.6% (9% for melanoma). With a history of skin cancer, detection rate was 24.3% (4.3% for melanoma). In patients with no referral and a negative history of skin cancer, detection rate was 7.7% (1.7% for melanoma), which is at least triple the rates reported by population‐based screening programs. In patients in whom the index lesion was benign, worry of having skin cancer had decreased significantly by the end of the consultation. Additional total‐body examination in these patients had low additional detection rate (0.5%) and a high number of unnecessary excisions (number needed to excise 13).

Conclusions

An early‐access dermatology consultation for LDS after triage by phone resulted in high overall skin cancer and melanoma detection rates. Our data indicate that performing TBE is especially useful if the index lesion is suspicious. In addition to surveillance programs in high‐risk patients, LDS may be a way to optimize skin cancer detection in the general population and use available time more efficiently in daily dermatology practice.
Network meta‐analysis of biologic treatments for psoriasis using absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index values ≤1, 2, 3 or 5 derived from a statistical conversion method
Authors: Mrowietz U. , Warren R.B. , Leonardi C.L. , Saure D. , Petto H. , Hartz S. , Dossenbach M. , Reich K.
Published: January 2021

Background

In practice, the goal of treatment for patients with psoriasis is to achieve almost clear or clear skin and maintain disease control, regardless of baseline disease severity. However, identifying absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) values for new treatment goals is challenging, as most clinical trials report relative PASI 50, 75, 90 or 100 improvements but rarely absolute PASI values achieved.

Objective

Our objective was to illustrate a statistical conversion method that was developed to derive absolute PASI values from available clinical trial data on relative PASI improvements. The results of network meta‐analyses (NMAs) based on these derived data were then compared with those of NMAs based on the corresponding relative PASI improvement data for selected biologics for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods

The PASI statistical conversion method was applied to relative PASI improvement data for 11 biologic treatment regimens and placebo at 12 weeks using data from 50 published studies. The respective proportions of patients reaching absolute PASI values ≤1, 2, 3 or 5 were then calculated. Frequentist NMAs (Rücker method) were subsequently used to compare efficacy results across relative and absolute PASI data.

Results

The ranking of included treatment regimens for patients achieving absolute PASI 0 to 8 was aligned with results for relative PASI scores (from 100 to 60) at end of induction therapy. Across the range of PASI scores considered, the most effective treatment regimens based on both absolute and relative PASI NMAs were brodalumab 210 mg every 2 weeks and ixekizumab 80 mg every 2 weeks, followed by guselkumab 100 mg every 8 weeks and risankizumab 150 mg every 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Data generated using this mathematical model will be useful to inform ongoing scientific discussions on treatment goals in the absence of primary absolute PASI data for all available treatments for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.
Stratum corneum markers of innate and T helper cell‐related immunity and their relation to the disease severity in Croatian patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Jurakic Toncic R. , Jakasa I. , Sun Y. , Hurault G. , Ljubojevic Hadzavdic S. , Tanaka R. J. , Pavicic B. , Balic A. , Zuzul K. , Petkovic M. , Kezic S. , Marinovic B.
Published: January 2021

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) presents with the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes within and between various populations. Recent study showed low frequency of filaggrin loss‐of‐function (FLG LOF) mutations in Croatian AD patients. At present, there are no data on biomarkers of immune response in Croatian AD patients that might be useful in the selection and monitoring of novel immune therapies.

Objectives

To investigate levels of cytokines of various signature in the stratum corneum (SC) collected from lesional and non‐lesional skin of AD patients and healthy controls and to evaluate their relationship with the severity of disease and skin barrier function.

Methods

SC samples were collected from 100 adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD and 50 healthy controls. The levels of 21 cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay. We conducted machine learning analysis to assess whether a small number of cytokine measurements can discriminate between healthy controls and AD patients and can predict AD severity (SCORAD).

Results

The SC levels of thirteen cytokines representing innate immunity, Th‐1, Th‐2 and Th‐17/22 immune response showed significant differences between healthy and AD skin. Our analysis demonstrated that as few as three cytokines measured in lesional skin can discriminate healthy controls and AD with an accuracy of 99% and that the predictive models for SCORAD did not achieve a high accuracy. Cytokine levels were highly correlated with the levels of filaggrin degradation products and skin barrier function.

Conclusions

Stratum corneum analysis revealed aberrant levels of cytokines representing innate immunity, Th‐1‐, Th‐2‐ and Th‐17/22‐mediated immune response in Croatian AD patients. Increased Th‐2 cytokines and their strong association with natural moisturizing factor (NMF) can explain low NMF levels despite of low frequency of FLG LOF mutations in Croatian population. Predictive models for SCORAD identified cytokines associated with SCORAD but warrants further investigation.
Red mark syndrome (RMS) in farmed rainbow trout: First report of outbreaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Galeotti Marco , Volpatti Donatella , Byadgi Omkar , Beraldo Paola , Orioles Massimo , Sarti Massimo , Ciulli Sara , Magi Gian Enrico
Published: January 2021

Red mark syndrome (RMS) is a non‐lethal inflammatory skin disorder spreading in farmed adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and reported worldwide. The aetiology is still uncertain, but positive correlation was found between Midichloria‐like organism and RMS‐affected fish. Here, we describe the first cases of RMS in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The outbreaks under study occurred in two intensive farms during the late winter and spring of 2020. Affected fish showed signs of disease ascribable to RMS, confirmed by pathological and molecular examination.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated grna gene knockout leads to neurodevelopmental defects and motor behavior changes in zebrafish
Authors: Zhu Jiuling , Xu Huimin , Song Hui , Li Xiang , Wang Ning , Zhao Junli , Zheng Xiaojing , Kim Kwang‐Youn , Zhang Hui , Mao Qinwen , Xia Haibin
Published: January 2021

Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted glycoprotein with multiple biological functions in early embryogenesis, anti‐inflammation, and neurodegeneration. A good model for the functional study of PGRN is the zebrafish with knockdown or knockout of grn, the gene encoding PGRN. Morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) and zinc finger nucleases have been used to generate zebrafish grn models, yet they have shown inconsistent phenotypes due to either the neurotoxicity of the MOs or possible genetic compensation responses during gene editing. In this study, we generated stable grna (one of the major grn homologues of zebrafish) knockout zebrafish by using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing. A grna sgRNA was designed to target the similar repeated sequence shared by exon 13, exon 15, and exon 19 in zebrafish. The F1 generation with the frameshift mutation of + 4 bp (the addition of 4 bp to exon15), which causes a premature termination, was obtained and subjected to morphological and behavioral evaluation. The grna knockout zebrafish showed neurodevelopmental defects, including spinal motor neurons with shorter axons, decreased sensory hair cells, thinning of the outer nuclear layer and thickening of the inner nuclear layer of the retina, decreased expression of rhodopsin in the cone cells, and motor behavior changes. Moreover, the phenotypes of grna knockout zebrafish could be rescued with the Tol2 system carrying the grna gene. The grna knockout zebrafish model generated in this study provides a useful tool to study PGRN function and has potential for high‐throughput drug screening for disease therapy.

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Dermatological signs in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Sarac Gulbahar , Ozcan Kubra Nur , Baskiran Adil , Cenk Hulya , Sarac Mehmet , Sener Serpil , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: January 2021

Background

In recent years, the number of liver transplantations for advanced‐stage liver diseases has considerably increased and the patients have a wide range of dermatologic manifestations.

Aim

This study aims to reveal cutaneous, mucosal, and nail lesions in liver transplant recipients in quite large patient series.

Patients/Methods

The study included 520 patients in the Inonu University Liver Transplantation Institute. New and followed‐up patients attended to the study between May and October 2019. The patients were examined by a dermatologist, and their data were recorded.

Results

The study included 163 female and 357 male patients with the main age of 44.20 ± 18.18 (range: 1‐83 years), and 465 livers (89.4%) were taken from live donors, while 54 livers (10.4%) were taken from cadavers. A total of 314 (60.4%) patients had dermatophyte infections, 174 (33.4%) patients had pathological nail changes, and 427 (82.1%) patients had oral mucosal lesions. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) developed in 9 (1.73%) patients after the transplantation, and 5 patients died of GVHD. Four patients had cutaneous malignancies.

Conclusions

Tumoral and nontumoral dermatological diseases may be encountered following the transplantation depending on underlying liver disease, immunosuppressive treatment, the graft itself, or any primary cutaneous disease. Liver transplantation recipients require a multidisciplinary clinical approach, and dermatological care must be an integral part of this approach.
Ampicillin pharmacokinetics in azotemic and healthy dogs
Authors: Monaghan Kelly N. , Labato Mary Anna , Papich Mark G.
Published: January 2021

Background

Little is known about effects of factors such as kidney disease, affecting ampicillin pharmacokinetics in dogs.

Objectives

Determine the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin after a single intravenous dose in healthy and azotemic dogs.

Animals

Nine dogs presenting with acute kidney injury and 10 healthy dogs.

Methods

This was a prospective study. An ampicillin dose of 22.2 mg/kg (mean dose) was administered once intravenously. Blood samples were obtained at timed intervals (just before administration, 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours), analyzed using high‐pressure liquid chromatography followed by pharmacokinetic analysis of the plasma drug concentrations.

Results

Peak ampicillin concentration (mcg/mL; 97.07 (36.1) vs 21.3 (50.26)), P<.001 (geometric mean (coefficient of variation, CV%)), half‐life (hours; 5.86 (56.55) vs 0.97 (115.3)), P<.001) and AUC (h × mcg/mL; 731.04 (83.75) vs 33.57 (53.68)), P<.001) were greater in azotemic dogs than in healthy dogs. Azotemic dogs also had significantly lower clearance (30.06 (84.19) vs 655.03 (53.67); mL/kg h, P < .001) and volume of distribution (253.95 (30.14) vs 916.93 (135.24); mL/kg, P <.001) compared to healthy dogs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Increased drug concentrations and slower clearance of ampicillin in azotemic dogs could have clinical importance in contributing to antibiotic associated morbidity requiring indicating the need to adjust ampicillin dosing in dogs with decreased kidney function.
Diagnosis of obesity based on body composition‐associated health risks—Time for a change in paradigm
Authors: Bosy‐Westphal Anja , Müller Manfred J.
Published: January 2021

Traditional diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity are based on excessive fat storage due to a chronically positive energy balance characterized by body mass index (BMI). Quantitative and qualitative analysis of lean and adipose tissue compartments by body composition analysis reveals that characterization of obesity as “overfat” does not facilitate a comprehensive understanding of obesity‐associated health risk. Instead of being related to fat mass, body composition characteristics underlying BMI‐associated prognosis may depend (i) on accelerated growth by a gain in lean mass or fat‐free mass (FFM) in children with early BMI rebound or adolescents with early puberty; (ii) on a low muscle mass in aging, associated chronic disease, or severe illness; and (iii) on impaired adipose tissue expandability with respect to cardiometabolic risk. It is therefore time to call the adipocentric paradigm of obesity into question and to avoid the use of BMI and body fat percentage. By contrast, obesity should be seen in face of a limited FFM/muscle mass together with a limited capacity of fat storage.
Institutional Grammar 2.0: A specification for encoding and analyzing institutional design
Authors: Frantz Christopher K. , Siddiki Saba
Published: January 2021

Public affairs scholars have contributed rich insights on the role and outcomes of institutions in policy and administrative settings. They have offered numerous empirical studies of these topics, alongside concepts and theories that can be leveraged in their assessment. But there remains a relative dearth in attention to approaches that can be used to support rigorous assessments of institutional design itself—those that support reliable and nuanced representations of institutional structure and meaning. The Institutional Grammar (IG) is one such approach that has gained in prominence over the last decade. Existing applications validate the IG's utility toward rigorous assessments of institutional design, and highlight the IG's value in operationalizing concepts relevant in policy and administration scholarship. We build on existing IG research by presenting a revised specification IG 2.0 for encoding and analyzing institutional design that responds to representational necessities and analytical opportunities within and beyond policy and administrative domains.
Clinical assessment of upper airway and its complications in Hunter syndrome
Authors: Iijima Masatoshi , Hirano Daishi , Yokoi Kentaro , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Fujiwara Masako , Ida Hiroyuki , Oishi Kimihiko
Published: January 2021

Background

Hunter syndrome (HS) is an X‐linked, recessive, lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, iduronate sulfatase (IDS). It is characterized by multisystem accumulations of glycosaminoglycans and upper airway obstruction is one of the major causes of death. While the current disease severity classifications for HS are mainly based on the degree of neurocognitive impairment, its association with the level of upper airway obstruction has not been assessed.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of HS patients who were followed at the Jikei University School of Medicine was performed. Association between the degree of airway obstruction and the currently used disease severity scores was evaluated.

Results

We identified eight HS patients and they were enrolled in the study. The Modified Mallampati classification (MMC) score, used to predict difficulties for oropharyngeal procedures, was significantly correlated with the HS severity. It was also correlated with the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI). No significant correlation between IDS enzymatic activity and the severity of HS disease was identified.

Conclusions

Variable clinical expressivities exist in HS, but the risk of respiratory complications is likely to be associated with disease severity, assessed by the previously recognized neurocognitive function‐based severity scoring systems. MMC can be a simple supplementary tool to evaluate disease severity as well as predict difficulties for oropharyngeal procedures and respiratory function complications in HS, such as sleep apnea.
Evaluation of Acute Reactions on Mouse Skin Irradiated with 222 and 235 nm UV‐C
Authors: Yamano Nozomi , Kunisada Makoto , Nishiaki‐Sawada Aiko , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Igarashi Tatsushi , Nishigori Chikako
Published: January 2021

Biological response and DNA damage following irradiation with shorter wavelengths in the UV‐C range were evaluated to investigate the safety at three wavelengths because of the recent emergence of germicidal equipment emitting short‐wavelength UV‐C for various purposes, including medical uses. To estimate an acceptable safety dose for human skin in the UV‐C range, especially short UV‐C, we studied the biological effects of 207, 222 and 235 nm UV‐C using albino hairless mice and evaluated the inflammatory reactions in the skin. To explore an appropriate indicator to evaluate the biological response, we employed determination of the minimal perceptible response dose (MPRD), by which any subtle cutaneous response; erythema, edema and scale could be observed by visual inspection. Erythema was rarely observed, but edema and scale formation were evident for short UV‐C wavelengths. The MPRD at 207, 222 and 235 nm was determined to be > 15, 15 and 2.0 kJ m−2, respectively. These values could be thresholds and indicators for possible safety assessments. Our data suggest that the current human exposure limits for short UV‐C wavelengths below 254 nm are overly restrictive and should be reconsidered for future disinfection lamps with short UV‐C wavelengths.
The role of alternative oxidase in plant hypersensitive response
Authors: Suleman M. , Ma M. , Ge G. , Hua D. , Li H.
Published: January 2021

The innate immune system of plants is crucial in defining the fate of a plant cell during plant–pathogen interactions. This response is often accompanied by a hypersensitive reaction leading to the death of a plant cell and restricted pathogen growth. Plant mitochondria, in this case, play a key role by maintaining a balance between cell respiration and reactive oxygen species formation. One of the key features of the hypersensitive response is the shift of the normal plant respiratory pathway to a special ‘alternative’ pathway. Plants contain an enzyme, alternative oxidase, for maintaining metabolic homeostasis of the cell. This energy dissipating respiration provides a branch in normal respiration by using ubiquinone to form water and heat, thus maintaining the energy status of the cell. Alternative oxidase is thought to minimize production of reactive oxygen species and can also function in ‘anti‐apoptotic’ machinery in plant cells. In this mini review, we briefly describe the alternative respiratory pathway and explain the role of alternative oxidase in important cellular processes, such as programmed cell death and the hypersensitive response.
Evaluating the internal consistency of subtraction‐based and residualized difference scores: Considerations for psychometric reliability analyses of event‐related potentials
Authors: Clayson Peter E. , Baldwin Scott A. , Larson Michael J.
Published: January 2021

In studies of event‐related brain potentials (ERPs), difference scores between conditions in a task are frequently used to isolate neural activity for use as a dependent or independent variable. Adequate score reliability is a prerequisite for studies examining relationships between ERPs and external correlates, but there is no extensive treatment on the suitability of the various available approaches to estimating difference score reliability that focus on ERP research. In the present study, we provide formulas from classical test theory and generalizability theory for estimating the internal consistency of subtraction‐based and residualized difference scores. These formulas are then applied to error‐related negativity (ERN) and reward positivity (RewP) difference scores from the same sample of 117 participants. Analyses demonstrate that ERN difference scores can be reliable, which supports their use in studies of individual differences. However, RewP difference scores yielded poor reliability due to the high correlation between the constituent reward and non‐reward ERPs. Findings emphasize that difference score reliability largely depends on the internal consistency of constituent scores and the correlation between those scores. Furthermore, generalizability theory yields more suitable estimates of internal consistency for subtraction‐based difference scores than classical test theory. We conclude that ERP difference scores can show adequate reliability and be useful for isolating neural activity in studies of individual differences.
The effect of regulation‐driven trade barriers and governance quality on export entrepreneurship
Authors: Munemo Jonathan
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the impact of regulation‐driven trade barriers on export entrepreneurship in a panel of 60 countries between 2006 and 2014. The paper finds robust evidence that unfavorable trade regulations significantly reduce export entry rate and export entry density (two critical measures of export entrepreneurship) by increasing the time and cost associated with documentary and customs compliance procedures. These findings support the hypothesis that less conducive business regulations are an important domestic supply constraint which impedes export entrepreneurship by increasing trade costs. In addition, the paper finds that the magnitude of the negative relationship between export entrepreneurship and regulation‐driven trade barriers is significantly more pronounced in countries with poor governance quality. Two measures of governance quality (i.e., political stability and rule of law) are shown to be relatively more significant in aiding favorable trade regulations that promote export entrepreneurship. Furthermore, a reduction in regulation‐driven trade barriers has a positive impact on net entry rate and survival rates of first‐, second‐ and third‐year exporters, and high‐quality governance institutions significantly increase the magnitude of this positive relationship.
Mixed Convection in Pipe and Duct Flows With Strong Magnetic Fields
Authors: Zikanov Oleg , Belyaev Ivan , Listratov Yaroslav , Frick Peter , Razuvanov Nikita , Sviridov Valentin
Published: January 2021

An imposed strong magnetic field suppresses turbulence and profoundly changes the nature of the flow of an electrically conducting fluid. We consider this effect for the case of mixed convection flows in pipes and ducts, in which unique regimes characterized by extreme temperature gradients and high-amplitude fluctuations (the so-called magnetoconvective fluctuations) have been recently discovered. The configuration is directly relevant to the design of the liquid-metal components of future nuclear fusion reactors. This review presents the general picture of the flow transformation emerging from the recent studies, illustrates the key known facts, and outlines the remaining open questions. Implications for fusion reactor technology and novel experimental and numerical methods are also discussed.
Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloys With Nano-Treated Filler
Authors: Murali Narayanan , Sokoluk Maximilian , Yao Gongcheng , Pan Shuaihang , De Rosa Igor , Li Xiaochun
Published: January 2021

Arc welding of dissimilar aluminum alloys is in high demand in industry but often challenging in practice. Dissonant material properties between the base metals often lead to solidification cracking in the weld metal upon cooling. Here, we report a nano-treatment approach that infuses TiC nanoparticles into filler material mimicking commercial ER5183 to successfully join dissimilar systems of AA2024 + AA5083 and AA2024 + AA7075 with the gas-tungsten arc welding process. Welded specimens were free of hot cracking, and microstructural studies revealed globular, refined grains smaller than 20 µm in the weld metals of both systems. Mechanical properties of both systems were examined with microhardness and tensile testing, and they showed sound behavior in their as-welded conditions. Nano-treatment therefore presents a new way to reliably weld dissimilar systems that are traditionally considered unweldable.
An Adversarial Agent-Based Design Method Using Stochastic Stackelberg Game Conditions
Authors: Rismiller Sean C. , Cagan Jonathan , McComb Christopher
Published: January 2021

Products must often endure challenging conditions while fulfilling their intended functions. Game-theoretic methods can readily create a wide variety of these conditions to consider when creating designs. This work introduces Cognitively Inspired Adversarial Agents (CIAAs) that use a Stackelberg game format to generate designs resistant to these conditions. These agents are used to generate designs while considering a multidimensional attack. Designs are produced under these adversarial conditions and compared to others generated without considering adversaries to confirm the agents’ performance. The agents create designs able to withstand multiple combined conditions.