bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source into cardioembolic and non‐cardioembolic profile subgroups
Authors: Martin Max Christian , Sichtermann Thorsten , Schürmann Kolja , Habib Pardes , Wiesmann Martin , Schulz Jörg B. , Nikoubashman Omid , Pinho João , Reich Arno
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

It is currently thought that embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) has diverse underlying hidden etiologies, of which cardioembolism is one of the most important. The subgroup of patients with this etiology could theoretically benefit from oral anticoagulation, but it remains unclear if these patients can be correctly identified from other ESUS subgroups and which markers should be used. We aimed to determine whether a machine‐learning (ML) model could discriminate between ESUS patients with cardioembolic and those with non‐cardioembolic profiles using baseline demographic and laboratory variables.

Methods

Based on a prospective registry of consecutive ischemic stroke patients submitted to acute revascularization therapies, an ML model was trained using the age, sex and 11 selected baseline laboratory parameters of patients with known stroke etiology, with the aim of correctly identifying patients with cardioembolic and non‐cardioembolic etiologies. The resulting model was used to classify ESUS patients into those with cardioembolic and those with non‐cardioembolic profiles.

Results

The ML model was able to distinguish patients with known stroke etiology into cardioembolic or non‐cardioembolic profile groups with excellent accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82). When applied to ESUS patients, the model classified 40.3% as having cardioembolic profiles. ESUS patients with cardioembolic profiles were older, more frequently female, more frequently had hypertension, less frequently were active smokers, had higher CHA2DS2‐VASc (Congestive heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 [doubled], Diabetes, Stroke/transient ischemic attack [doubled], Vascular disease, Age 65–74, and Sex category) scores, and had more premature atrial complexes per hour.

Conclusions

An ML model based on baseline demographic and laboratory variables was able to classify ESUS patients into cardioembolic or non‐cardioembolic profile groups and predicted that 40% of the ESUS patients had a cardioembolic profile.
An evolutionary perspective on increasing net benefits to crops from symbiotic microbes
Authors: Denison R. Ford , Muller Katherine E.
Published: April 2022

Plant‐imposed, fitness‐reducing sanctions against less‐beneficial symbionts have been documented for rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and fig wasps. Although most of our examples are for rhizobia, we argue that the evolutionary persistence of mutualism in any symbiosis would require such sanctions, if there are multiple symbiont genotypes per host plant. We therefore discuss methods that could be used to develop and assess crops with stricter sanctions. These include methods to screen strains for greater mutualism as resources to identify crop genotypes that impose stronger selection for mutualism. Single‐strain experiments that measure costs as well as benefits have shown that diversion of resources by rhizobia can reduce nitrogen‐fixation efficiency (N per C) and that some legumes can increase this efficiency by manipulating their symbionts. Plants in the field always host multiple strains with possible synergistic interactions, so benefits from different strains might best be compared by regressing plant growth or yield on each strain's abundance in a mixture. However, results from this approach have not yet been published. To measure legacy effects of stronger sanctions on future crops, single‐genotype test crops could be planted in a field that recently had replicated plots with different genotypes of the sanction‐imposing crop. Enhancing agricultural benefits from symbiosis may require accepting tradeoffs that constrained past natural selection, including tradeoffs between current and future benefits.
Love in the time of COVID‐19: A systematic mapping review of empirical research on romantic relationships one year into the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Estlein Roi , Gewirtz‐Meydan Ateret , Opuda Eugenia
Published: April 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected nearly every area of daily life, including romantic relationships. With the pandemic still ongoing, this study reviewed the existing scholarly literature to document the status of empirical research on how COVID‐19 has affected couples during its first year. Studies were identified through searching five databases as well as sources of gray literature. Overall, 42 studies on committed romantic relationships during the first year of the pandemic were identified. The mapping process revealed four main themes: (1) relationship quality; (2) sexuality; (3) couple daily adjustment; and (4) intimate partner violence. The findings suggest that the way romantic relationships were affected by the pandemic depends on a variety of demographic, individual, and couple‐level factors. Implications include a call for both the development of evidence‐based interventions that consider the current findings and further research to continue exploring the clinical implications of future findings to promote healthy intimate relationships during the ongoing global pandemic.
Neglected side of romantic relationships among college students: Breakup initiators are at risk for depression
Authors: Akbari Mehdi , Kim Jichan J. , Seydavi Mohammad , Enright Robert D. , Mohammadkhani Shahram
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the mediating role of self‐compassion and self‐forgiveness among college students who initiated a romantic breakup.

Backgrounds

The focus of research on romantic relationship breakups is typically on the rejected partner, while the initiator (responsible or rejector) of the breakup is neglected. To fully understand the romantic relationship breakup, we must look at this event as a whole.

Method

College students across eight universities (N = 464) who sought treatment for depression at university psychological service centers after initiation of a romantic breakup were referred for possible inclusion in the research. Of these referred students, 347 (women = 68%, mean age = 22.62 ± 3.69 years, range: 18–35) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed a battery of questionnaires (Enright Self‐Forgiveness Inventory, Self‐Compassion Scale‐Short Form, Breakup Distress Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory—II). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the hypothesized mediation model.

Results

We found a strong association between breakup distress and depressive symptoms among romantic breakup initiators mediated by self‐compassion and self‐forgiveness. Self‐compassion influenced the mediating role of self‐forgiveness between breakup distress and depressive symptoms (R2 = 58%).

Conclusion and implications

The findings suggest that college students who initiate a romantic breakup are at risk for depression despite the reason for or time since the breakup. Thus, their suffering and pain need to be acknowledged. When initiators choose to be self‐compassionate after a breakup, it may promote self‐forgiveness as a path toward emotional healing.
Crack propagation mapping at component‐level fatigue testing by means of natural frequency tracking control
Authors: Neves Cunha Thiago , Rego Ronnie , Victor Júnior Marcus Henrique , Aun Fonseca Luiz , Cantisano Artur
Published: April 2022

Advancements seeking structural components' strength and weight reduction necessarily pass through fatigue testing. Understanding failure phenomena and crack evolution is a way of methodologically achieving such a goal. An own‐designed resonant fatigue test rig was used to study the behavior of three distinctly manufactured crankshaft batches. A control system and a resonant frequency estimator were developed to follow the overall stiffness reduction with crack advancement. The control algorithm followed the frequency decay to compensate for the input load. The control strategies were validated by finding the system's natural frequency at the beginning of the test and maintaining a constant nominal load. Fractographies made with failed and non‐failed specimens revealed the connection between the expected physical results and the natural frequency shift evolution. The implemented logic enables crack advancement tracking and failure determination. The developments here can be overflown to different resonance fatigue systems to characterize their endurance performance.
Relative abundance distribution and body size changes of two co‐occurring octopus species, Octopus americanus and Octopus maya, in a tropical upwelling area (south‐eastern Gulf of Mexico)
Authors: Avendaño Otilio , Otero Jaime , Velázquez‐Abunader Iván , Guerra Ángel
Published: April 2022

Production of octopus fisheries is highly variable typically due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions. Using data from four scientific research cruises conducted in 2016 and 2017, we studied the influence of the environment on the relative abundance and distribution of two co‐occurring octopus species, Octopus americanus (merobenthic) and O. maya (holobenthic), at the eastern part of the continental shelf of the Campeche Bank, a tropical upwelling area. By means of fitting hierarchical Bayesian spatio‐temporal models, we found that the relative abundance of both species decreased with depth and when salinity and temperature were higher. The residual spatial distribution showed that variability in space for both species differed between seasons. In summer, when upwelling conditions dominate, O. americanus was abundant at the eastern part of the continental shelf, while O. maya dominated in the north‐east and the coastal zone of Yucatan. In winter, when mixing conditions characterize the water column, O. americanus was abundant in coastal waters of Quintana Roo towards the north‐west, whereas O. maya occurred mostly to the north‐east. Additionally, the body weight of O. americanus decreased with depth, rocky bottoms and winter, while O. maya was smaller in shallower waters, sandy bottoms and summer. Overall, both species showed greater affinity for less saline and cooler waters, indicative of upwelling conditions. The spatial distribution differed between species and between sizes. We suggest that the ontogenetic differences would be associated with their distinct dispersal capacity during their early stages that would be under the influence of the Loop Current.
Planning for resilience: Incorporating scenario and model uncertainty and trade‐offs when prioritizing management of climate refugia
Authors: Chollett Iliana , Escovar‐Fadul Ximena , Schill Steven R. , Croquer Aldo , Dixon Adele M. , Beger Maria , Shaver Elizabeth , Pietsch McNulty Valerie , Wolff Nicholas H.
Published: April 2022

Climate change has become the greatest threat to the world's ecosystems. Locating and managing areas that contribute to the survival of key species under climate change is critical for the persistence of ecosystems in the future. Here, we identify ‘Climate Priority’ sites as coral reefs exposed to relatively low levels of climate stress that will be more likely to persist in the future. We present the first analysis of uncertainty in climate change scenarios and models, along with multiple objectives, in a marine spatial planning exercise and offer a comprehensive approach to incorporating uncertainty and trade‐offs in any ecosystem. We first described each site using environmental characteristics that are associated with a higher chance of persistence (larval connectivity, hurricane influence, and acute and chronic temperature conditions in the past and the future). Future temperature increases were assessed using downscaled data under four different climate scenarios (SSP1 2.6, SSP2 4.5, SSP3 7.0 and SSP5 8.5) and 57 model runs. We then prioritized sites for intervention (conservation, improved management or restoration) using robust decision‐making approaches that select sites that will have a benign climate under most climate scenarios and models. The modelling work is novel because it solves two important issues. (1) It considers trade‐offs between multiple planning objectives explicitly through Pareto analyses and (2) It makes use of all the uncertainty around future climate change. Priority intervention sites identified by the model were verified and refined through local stakeholder engagement including assessments of local threats, ecological conditions and government priorities. The workflow is presented for the Insular Caribbean and Florida, and at the national level for Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our approach allows managers to consider uncertainty and multiple objectives for climate‐smart spatial management in coral reefs or any ecosystem across the globe.
Revised terminal half‐life of nonacog alfa as derived from extended sampling data: A real‐world study involving 64 haemophilia B patients on nonacog alfa regular prophylaxis
Authors: Tardy Brigitte , Lambert Thierry , Chamouni Pierre , Montmartin Aurélie , Trossaert Marc , Claeyssens Ségolène , Berger Claire , Ardillon Laurent , Gay Valérie , Delavenne Xavier , Harroche Annie , Chelle Pierre
Published: April 2022

Background

Nonacog alfa, a standard half‐life recombinant factor IX (FIX), is used as a prophylactic treatment in severe haemophilia B (SHB) patients. Its half‐life determined in clinical studies involving a limited sampling (72 h) was shown to be rather short. In our clinical practice, we suspected that its half‐life could have been underestimated.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate nonacog alfa pharmacokinetics in real world clinical practice based on FIX levels in patients receiving prophylaxis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on patients with SHB receiving prophylaxis from eight centres across France. The terminal half‐life (THL), time to reach 5–2 IU/dl and FIX activity at 48, 72 and 96 h were derived by Bayesian estimations using NONMEM analysis.

Results and conclusions

Infusion data (n = 455) were collected from 64 patients with SHB. The median THL measured in 92 pharmacokinetic (PK) studies was 43.4 h. In 26 patients ≤12 years of age, 51 PK studies showed a median time to reach 5 IU/dl of FIX of 70.5 h and a median time to reach 2 IU/dl of 121.5 h. In 38 patients 13–75 years of age, 41 PK studies showed a median time to reach 5 IU/dl of FIX of 92.0 h and a median time to reach 2 IU/dl of 167.5 h. Extending the sampling beyond 72 h makes it possible to observe a plateau, with FIX remaining between 2 and 5 IU/dl for several days and shows that the THL of nonacog alfa might be longer than previously described.

Essentials

Nonacog alfa terminal half‐life (THL) in patients receiving regular prophylaxis was evaluated in clinical practice.

The median THL was estimated to be 36.9 h for patients aged .8–12 years.

The median THL was estimated to be 49.9 h for patients aged 13–75 years.

For patients aged ≤12 and >12 years, the median times to reach 5 IU/dl were 70.5 and 92 h, respectively; to reach 3 IU/dl, 95.5 and 131.5 h, respectively; to reach 2 IU/dl, 121.5 and 167.5 h, respectively.

We suggest that the half‐life of nonacog alfa might be longer than previously described in both younger and older patients.
Genetic assessment and climate modelling of the Iberian specialist butterfly Euchloe bazae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: Escuer Paula , Hinojosa Joan C. , Minguet‐Parramona Carla , Romo Helena , Munguira Miguel L. , Olivares Javier , Dincă Vlad , Talavera Gerard , Vila Roger
Published: April 2022

Although both positive (expansion of thermophilous species) and negative effects (retraction of cold‐adapted species) have been attributed to global warming, range shifts may be constrained by the ecological traits of species.

This can be especially true for highly specialised organisms like the Spanish Greenish Black‐tip (Euchloe bazae), an Iberian endemic specialist of semiarid steppes with a debated taxonomic and conservation status.

Here, we first seek to clarify the taxonomic status of this butterfly and its populations by using multilocus phylogenetic inference. Then, we update its distribution range and employ ecological niche modelling, combined with other sources of data, to re‐evaluate its conservation status.

Our results confirm E. bazae as a well‐differentiated species with one of the most restricted distribution ranges among the European butterflies.

We demonstrate that its two disjunct populations, regarded as subspecies, are genetically differentiated and should be treated as independent management units.

Climate models under two future emission scenarios suggest an increase of the area climatically suitable. However, the suitability of the areas currently occupied is estimated to decrease, meaning that rapid range shifts could be required for the survival of the species.

Given the presumably low dispersal capabilities of E. bazae, its current restricted distribution, high degree of population fragmentation (divided in two distant populations), low intrapopulation genetic variability, decline in extension and abundance, low densities, high yearly fluctuations, and numerous threats to its habitat, we consider that their populations are extremely fragile and we propose to consider it ‘Endangered’ [EN B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv); B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)].
Role of flow cytometry in evaluation of the cellular therapy products used in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rimac Vladimira , Bojanić Ines
Published: April 2022

Cellular therapy nowadays includes various products from haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood to more complex adoptive immune therapy for the treatment of malignant diseases, and gene therapy for inherited immune deficiencies. Broader utilization of cellular therapy requires extensive quality testing of these products that should fulfil the same requirements regarding composition, purity, and potency nevertheless they are manufactured in various centres. Technical improvements of the flow cytometers accompanied by the increased number of available reagents and fluorochromes used to conjugate monoclonal antibodies, enable detailed and precise insight into the function of the immune system and other areas of cell biology, and allows cell evaluation based on size, shape, and morphology or assessment of cell surface markers, as well as cell purity and viability, which greatly contributes to the development and progress of the cell therapy. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the current use and challenges of flow cytometry analysis in quality assessment of cellular therapy products, with regard to basic principles of determining HSC and leukocyte subpopulation, assessment of cells viability and quality of thawed cryopreserved HSC as well as the importance of validation and quality control of flow cytometry methods according to good laboratory practice.
From stress to resistance: Challenging the capitalist underpinnings of mental unhealth in work and organizations
Authors: Thanem Torkild , Elraz Hadar
Published: April 2022

The worldwide spread of work‐related mental unhealth suggests that this is a major problem affecting organizations and employees on a global scale. In this paper, we therefore provide a thematic review of the literatures that address this issue in management and organization studies (MOS) and related fields. While these literatures examine how employee mental health is affected by organizational and occupational structures and managed by organizations and employees, they have paid relatively little attention to the capitalist labour relations which underpin the unhealthy conditions of contemporary working life. They have paid even less attention to how these conditions may be resisted. To help future scholarship in MOS challenge this state of affairs, we draw on some of the most basic but central notions of exploitation, alienation and resistance in classic and current critiques of capitalism, optimistic that this may help strengthen the field's capacity to confront mental unhealth in settings of work and organization.
Mystery of blackwater fever from an Australian perspective
Authors: Shanks G. Dennis
Published: April 2022

Blackwater fever is a haemolytic syndrome associated with malaria that coincided with the use of quinine chemoprophylaxis. Once quinine was no longer chronically used to prevent malaria, blackwater fever largely disappeared and its aetiology remains poorly understood. Blackwater fever is representative of classical tropical medicine and its history was reflected in Australia's colonial development of Papua New Guinea particularly as reported in the Australian medical literature.
Can insomnia be fatal? An Australian case of fatal familial insomnia
Authors: Habteslassie Daniel , McMahon Marcus , Wimaleswaran Hari
Published: April 2022

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a rare prion disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. Currently, there is only one published case study of FFI in Australia. FFI is universally fatal, with the disease duration ranging from 8 to 72 months. Clinically, it manifests with disordered sleep–wake cycle, dysautonomia, motor disturbances and neuropsychiatric disorders. We describe a case of FFI detailing the investigative process, including the importance of sleep assessment and polysomnography in obtaining a diagnosis.
Patient‐initiated follow up as a means of reducing pressures in secondary care
Authors: Chhatwal Karanjot , Deighton Alexander J.
Published: April 2022

Outpatient services, largely dedicated to routine follow up, have been under increasing pressure in recent years. The growing and ageing UK population has been a large driver of this pressure, requiring a significant increase in annual outpatient appointments. Many of these appointments, however, may be guided by organisational, rather than clinical need, and as a result, some evidence indicates patient attendance rates have fallen, demonstrating a need for more effective, patient‐centred care models. One such model, patient‐initiated follow up (PIFU) has shown significant promise, empowering patients while simultaneously reducing appointment numbers and increasing attendance rates. However, for PIFU to be implemented nationwide several key considerations must be made to ensure patients are appropriately engaged, and supported, in directing their own care.
cGAS modulates cytokine secretion and bacterial burdens by altering the release of mitochondrial DNA in pseudomonas pulmonary infection
Authors: Wang Biao , Zhou Chuanmin , Wu Qun , Lin Ping , Pu Qinqin , Qin Shugang , Gao Pan , Wang Zhihan , Liu Yingying , Arel Jacob , Chen Yanjiong , Chen Teng , Wu Min
Published: April 2022

Cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS) is essential for fighting against viruses and bacteria, but how cGAS is involved in host immune response remains largely elusive. Here, we uncover the crucial role of cGAS in host immunity based on a Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection model. cGAS−/− mice showed more heavy bacterial burdens and serious lung injury accompanied with exorbitant proinflammatory cytokines than wild‐type mice. cGAS deficiency caused an accumulation of mitochondrial DNA in the cytoplasm, which, in turn, induced excessive secretion of proinflammatory factors by activating inflammasome and TLR9 signalling. Mechanistically, cGAS deficiency inhibited the recruitment of LC3 by reducing the binding capacity of TBK‐1 to p62, leading to impaired mitophagy and augmented release of mitochondrial DNA. Importantly, cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA also acted as a feedback signal that induced the activation of cGAS. Altogether, these findings identify protective and homeostasis functions of cGAS against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, adding significant insight into the pathogenesis of bacterial infectious diseases.
A clash of cultures: The governance and valuation effects of corporate cultural distance
Authors: Ferris Stephen P. , Jayaraman Narayanan , Zhang Tim
Published: April 2022

We find that the cultural distance between the CEO and a firm's directors increases the sensitivity of CEO turnover and compensation to performance while enhancing shareholder value. This effect is concentrated in the cultural distance between the CEO and independent directors. More culturally distant CEOs adopt less risky financial and operating policies. To establish causality, we use the sudden exit of directors as a source of exogenous change in cultural distance. Overall, our results suggest that cultural distance increases information collection costs. This causes the board to monitor with increased rigor and to rely on “hard” information to assess CEO performance.
Review of threats to the Pacific seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) in Peru
Authors: Alfaro‐Shigueto Joanna , Alfaro‐Cordova Eliana , Mangel Jeffrey C.
Published: April 2022

Illegal wildlife trade has been identified as a major source of global commerce of seahorses. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora listed the genus Hippocampus in Appendix II in 2004, when several countries that commercialized these species also banned transactions through domestic legislation, Peru being one of them. Nevertheless, since the 2004 ban was decreed in Peru, transactions have continued, including international commerce, as well confiscations of illegal seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) products. The authors reviewed three official government sources for information on seahorse trade in Peru, identifying differences in the reporting of the two agencies that monitor exports and imports of seahorses, likely due to non‐standardized use of product categorization codes (Partidas Arancelarias). Confiscations reported by one of the agencies confirmed that illegal trade continued despite the ban and in similar amounts of what was exported by Peru before the ban (1053 kg confiscated in 2019 vs. 1460 kg exported in 2004, an estimated 437,888 and 607,067 seahorses, respectively). This review highlights gaps in seahorse conservation in Peru, which include research gaps (e.g., taxonomy, biology and use of habitats) as well as the identification of fisheries impact and improvements in by‐catch reporting. This review also highlights areas for possible improvement in international trade (e.g., standardized descriptions of Partidas) that ultimately would allow the country to follow the Convention for Illegal Trade of Endangered Species regulations for seahorses.
Factors affecting year‐class strength and growth of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in impounded lakes as revealed by otolith chronologies
Authors: Perry Robert C. , Casselman John M.
Published: April 2022

Recruitment and growth rates for lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) inhabiting the Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador, Canada, were influenced by facets of its creation and the temporal variability in water levels associated with its operation. Filling of the reservoir between 1971 and 1974 created a concurrent increase in lake whitefish recruitment above long‐term averages. In addition, recruitment was influenced by winter drawdown levels: higher water levels during February enhanced recruitment, accounting for an additional 10% of the long‐term variation in recruitment. Using otolith increments as a growth index, the authors determined that growth was influenced by reservoir creation. Growth rates during the initial period of flooding (1971–1975) exceeded long‐term averages and were greater than those in any other 5‐year period between 1965 and 1995. Growth rate increases were attributed to a simultaneous zooplankton bloom. After exceptional growth, lake whitefish showed a period (1976–1980) when growth rates decreased. The authors developed a quantitative technique using otoliths as an index to establish chronologies of fish growth rates. The index can be used to quantify and assess the impacts of reservoir hydrology on fish populations.
Reply to: Comment on: Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chin , Fang Ching‐Ju , Chen Chia‐Te , Ko Nai‐Ying , Chang Ying‐Ju
Published: April 2022

This letter comments on the letter by Kailimi Li.
Combination of epidermal keratinocyte–melanocyte cells suspension and microneedling: Safe surgical approach in vitiligo
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Nouri Maryam , Alavi Shiva , Sadatiseyedmahaleh Ashrafalsadat , Razzaghi Zahra , Khodaverdi Darian Ebrahim , Afzali Hamideh , Mahmoudbeyk Mona , Behrangi Elham , Nikkhah Nahid , Peyrovan Aisan , Zare Sona
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Vitiligo is a skin disease that is associated with impaired skin immune systems and pigment degradation in skin melanocyte cells. Despite the significant impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients, treatment of the disease using an effective method such as the transplantation of uncultivated melanocytes was considered by researchers around the world. The goal of this research was to use microneedling to transplant epidermal keratinocyte–melanocyte cells suspension for the treatment of vitiligo patients.

Methods

In this study, 15 male and female vitiligo in face region patients aged 18–45 years were studied. In this study, melanocyte–keratinocyte cells suspension was sprayed. Patients underwent microneedling treatment after spraying the cells. Before and after transplantation, patients were biometrically examined, and the quantity of pigmentation and changes in the transplanted region were documented. Statistical software was used to examine the results.

Results

The color difference between the lesion area and normal skin in one, two, and six months after treatment with cell suspension was significantly reduced compared with before treatment (by 48.95%). Moreover, the amount of melanin was significantly increased 6 months after treatment compared with before treatment (129.8 ± 4.16 vs. 195.2 ± 3.54, p = 0.000). A significant decrease in skin brightness in the skin of the lesion area was observed compared with normal skin, 6 months after treatment compared with before treatment (43.7 ± 1.44 vs. 27.9 ± 1.24, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Epidermal keratinocyte–melanocyte cells suspension in combination with microneedling could be considered as an effective treatment of vitiligo.
Effect of diet change in healthy dogs with subclinical cardiac biomarker or echocardiographic abnormalities
Authors: Haimovitz Dana , Vereb Michelle , Freeman Lisa , Goldberg Robert , Lessard Darleen , Rush John , Adin Darcy
Published: April 2022

Background

A recent study showed higher high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) concentrations in healthy dogs eating grain‐free (GF) compared to those eating grain‐inclusive (GI) diets.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Healthy dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities eating GF diets at baseline will show improvements in cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic variables after diet change, whereas healthy dogs eating GI diets at baseline will not improve.

Animals

Twenty healthy dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities (12 Golden Retrievers, 5 Doberman Pinschers, 3 Miniature Schnauzers).

Methods

This prospective study included dogs with increased hs‐cTnI or N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations, or echocardiographic abnormalities. Mixed modeling was used to evaluate echocardiographic, hs‐cTnI, and NT‐proBNP differences between groups (GF or GI diet at baseline) over time (1 y after diet change).

Results

Ten GF and 10 GI dogs were evaluated. There were statistically significant time: group interactions for hs‐cTnI (P = .02) and normalized left ventricular internal systolic diameter (LVIDsN; P = .02), with GF dogs showing larger decreases in these variables than GI dogs. Median (range) hs‐cTnI (ng/mL) for GF dogs was 0.141 (0.012‐0.224) at baseline and 0.092 (0.044‐0.137) at 1 y, and for GI dogs was 0.051 (0.016‐0.195) at baseline and 0.060 (0.022‐0.280) at 1 y. Median LVIDsN for GF dogs was 1.01 (0.70‐1.30) at baseline and 0.87 (0.79‐1.24) at 1 y, and for GI dogs was 1.05 (0.84‐1.21) at baseline and 1.10 (0.85‐1.28) at 1 y.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Decreased hs‐cTnI and LVIDsN in GF dogs after diet change supports reversibility of these subclinical myocardial abnormalities.
Acute phase protein response and changes in lipoprotein particle size in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Behling‐Kelly Erica , Haak Carol E. , Carney Patrick , Waffle Jessica , Eaton Kelly , Goggs Robert
Published: April 2022

Background

Improved methodology to measure acute phase proteins and determination of lipoprotein particle‐size distribution (PSD) could be clinically useful in dogs with systemic inflammatory processes.

Objectives

Evaluate an immunoturbidometric assay for serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipoprotein PSD in dogs with sepsis, nonseptic systemic inflammation, and in healthy controls. Correlate dyslipidemic changes with SAA and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations.

Animals

Twenty‐five dogs with sepsis, 15 dogs with nonseptic systemic inflammation, and 22 healthy controls.

Methods

Prospective, case‐control study. Variables included SAA, CRP, and electrophoretic subfractionation of high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL). Continuous variables were compared using ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis tests with linear regression or Spearman's rank correlation used to assess relationships between variables.

Results

Median SAA and CRP concentrations were greater in dogs with sepsis (SAA 460 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 886 mg/L; CRP 133.2 mg/L, IQR 91.6 mg/L) and nonseptic inflammation (SAA 201 mg/L, IQR 436 mg/L; CRP 91.1 mg/L, IQR 88.6 mg/L) compared to healthy dogs (SAA 0.0 mg/L, IQR 0.0 mg/L; CRP 4.9 mg/L, IQR 0.0 mg/L) P < .0001. A cutoff of >677.5 mg/L SAA was 43.2% sensitive and 92.3% specific for sepsis. Low‐density lipoprotein was higher in dogs with sepsis 29.6%, (mean, SD 14.6) compared to 14.4% (mean, SD 5.6) of all lipoproteins in healthy controls (P = .005). High‐density lipoprotein was not associated with CRP but was negatively correlated with SAA (rs −0.47, P < .0001). Subfractions of LDL and HDL differed between groups (all P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Measurement of SAA using the immunoturbidometric assay evaluated in this study and lipoprotein PSD in dogs with inflammation might help distinguish septic from nonseptic causes of inflammation.
Successful control of Candida auris transmission in a German COVID‐19 intensive care unit
Authors: Hinrichs Carl , Wiese‐Posselt Miriam , Graf Barbara , Geffers Christine , Weikert Beate , Enghard Philipp , Aldejohann Alexander , Schrauder Annette , Knaust Andreas , Eckardt Kai‐Uwe , Gastmeier Petra , Kurzai Oliver
Published: April 2022

Background

Candida auris a frequently multidrug‐resistant yeast species that poses a global health threat due to its high potential for hospital outbreaks. While C. auris has become endemic in parts of Asia and Africa, transmissions have so far rarely been reported in Western Europe except for Great Britain and Spain. We describe the first documented patient‐to‐patient transmission of C. auris in Germany in a COVID‐19 intensive care unit (ICU) and infection control measures implemented to prevent further spread of the pathogen.

Methods

Identification of C. auris was performed by MALDI‐TOF and confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out. We conducted repeated cross‐sectional examinations for the presence of C. auris in the patients of the affected ICU and investigated possible routes of transmission.

Results

The index patient had been transferred to Germany from a hospital in Northern Africa and was found to be colonised with C. auris. The contact patient developed C. auris sepsis. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures included strict isolation of the two C. auris patients and regular screening of non‐affected patients. No further case occurred during the subsequent weeks. Reusable blades used in video laryngoscope‐guided intubation were considered as the most likely vehicle of transmission.

Conclusions

In view of its high risk of transmission, vigilance regarding C. auris colonisation in patients referred from endemic countries is crucial. Strict and immediate IPC measures may have the potential to prevent C. auris outbreaks.
Self‐efficacy and social support as mediators of mental health among abused women
Authors: Sapkota Diksha , Baird Kathleen , Anderson Debra , Saito Amornrat , Seib Charrlotte
Published: April 2022

Supportive counseling and facilitated referrals to support organizations have shown positive effects on mental health and coping with domestic and family violence. However, the reasons why and how such effects are significant remain unknown. The current paper used data from a randomized controlled trial of a psychosocial intervention implemented in Nepal among 140 abused pregnant women. The hypothesized mediating effects of self‐efficacy and social support on mental health and quality of life of abused pregnant women were tested using serial mediation analyses. Significance of parameter estimates and bias‐corrected 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the indirect effects were generated using bootstrapping. The postintervention changes in self‐efficacy and social support were found to have significant mediating effects on the relationship between the intervention and changes in both mental health and quality of life of participants post intervention. The positive effects on outcomes were seen at follow‐up as well, though to a lesser extent. Further interventions should focus on enhancing abused women's self‐efficacy and social support to ensure their positive mental health and better lives.
Cortistatin attenuates titanium particle–induced osteolysis through regulation of TNFR1–ROS–caspase‐3 signaling in osteoblasts
Authors: Cao Jiankang , Ma Xiaojie , Liu Long , Zhang Gaorui , Wu Yawei , Fu Yu , Gong Ao , Yang Zhongbo , Zhao Yunpeng , Zhang Lei , Li Yuhua
Published: April 2022

Aseptic loosening is a major complication of prosthetic joint surgery and is associated with impaired osteoblast homeostasis. Cortistatin (CST) is a neuropeptide that protects against inflammatory conditions. In this study, we found that expression of CST was diminished in patients with prosthetic joint loosening and in titanium (Ti) particle–induced animal models. A Ti particle–induced calvarial osteolysis model was established in wild‐type and CST gene knockout mice; CST deficiency enhanced, while exogenously added CST attenuated, the severity of Ti particle–mediated osteolysis. CST protected against inflammation as well as apoptosis and maintained the osteogenic function of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts upon stimulation with Ti particles. Furthermore, CST antagonized reactive oxygen species production and suppressed caspase‐3–associated apoptosis mediated by Ti particles in osteoblasts. Additionally, CST protects against Ti particle–induced osteolysis through tumor necrosis factor receptor 1. Taken together, CST might provide a therapeutic strategy for wear debris–induced inflammatory osteolysis.
Biomechanical asymmetries differ between autograft types during unplanned change of direction after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Miles Joshua J. , McGuigan Polly M. , King Enda , Daniels Katherine A. J.
Published: April 2022

Nine months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, athletes who undergo surgery using a bone‐patellar‐tendon‐bone (BPTB) autograft demonstrate higher loading asymmetries during vertical jumping than those with a hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. These asymmetries may transfer into sporting movements with a greater ACL injury risk. The aim of this study was to compare between‐limb asymmetries in knee mechanics and task performance during an unplanned 90° change‐of‐direction (CoD) task in male field sport athletes reconstructed with BPTB or HT autografts. Seventy‐eight male multidirectional field sport athletes with either a BPTB (n = 39) or HT (n = 39) autograft completed maximal unplanned CoD trials in a three‐dimensional motion capture laboratory at approximately 9 months post‐surgery. A mixed‐model 2x2 ANOVA (autograft type x limb) was used to compare variables related to ACL injury risk (e.g., internal knee moments) and performance (e.g., completion time) between autografts and limbs. Statistical parametric mapping was used for a waveform comparison throughout stance, supplemented with a discrete point analyses of peak knee moments and performance variables. Interaction effects were found at the knee joint, with BPTB demonstrating greater asymmetries than HT in knee extension moment (p < 0.001); resultant ground reaction force (p < 0.001); peak knee external rotation moment (p = 0.04); and knee adduction (p = 0.05), medial rotation (p < 0.001), and flexion (p < 0.001) angles. No differences were found between autografts for any performance variable. BPTB demonstrated greater lower‐limb biomechanical asymmetries than HT during CoD, which may influence knee loading and longer‐term outcomes and should thus be targeted during rehabilitation prior to return to play.
Understanding advantaged groups' opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies: The role of perceived threat
Authors: Iyer Aarti
Published: April 2022

To combat social inequality, organizations develop and implement initiatives that seek to improve the status of disadvantaged groups (e.g., women, racial/ethnic minority groups). Such diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are controversial, because people disagree about whether they are necessary and what their (positive and negative) consequences may be. Opposition can be particularly fierce from people who belong to advantaged groups that benefit from the status quo (e.g., men, racial/ethnic majority groups). Given the power wielded by advantaged groups, their opposition can undermine the successful implementation of DEI policies, thus resulting in continued inequality, wasted resources, and potential for tension in the organization. In this paper, I draw on theory and research to consider three types of threat that can explain advantaged groups' opposition to DEI policies: (1) resource threat, or concern about losing access to outcomes and opportunities; (2) symbolic threat, or concern about the introduction of new values, culture, and expectations; and (3) ingroup morality threat, or concern about their group's role in perpetuating inequality. I review strategies identified by the literature to mitigate these threats, and discuss their potential negative consequences. The final section takes stock of the literature and considers directions for future research.
A Continuum Over Tube With Variable Stiffness for Transrectal NOTES
Authors: Li Jinhua , Zhang Lan , Xing Yuan , Liu Rui
Published: April 2022

The continuum over tube applied to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) should be flexible during insertion and provide sufficient stiffness upon arrival at the lesion. In order to satisfy these two properties, a variable stiffness continuum over tube was proposed. The over tube realizes stiffness variation through the heating and cooling of filling materials. Polyethylene glycol, cocoa butter, and gallium metal are selected as filling materials. Several experiments were designed to test its rigid and response characteristic, and suitable material was selected. The risk management test was carried out, and the frequency and risk level of the risk point were recorded. According to experimental data, the polyethylene glycol and gallium show better variable stiffness performance, with the 20 times stiffness variation range, and polyethylene glycol was selected as suitable materials for its low cost and nontoxic characteristic. The average heating time and cooling time of polyethylene glycol-filled over tube are 52.3 s and 36 s, respectively. Moreover, three kinds of high-frequency risk points including smoke, thread ejection, and uneven distribution of the material were found, and corresponding design improvement and use principle are proposed. The proposed continuum over tube can satisfy the requirement of colorectal NOTES for flexibility and stiffness of instruments, and the safety of the instrument can be improved by controlling high-frequency risk points with relevant methods.
Heat Transfer Past a Rotationally Oscillating Circular Cylinder in Linear Shear Flow
Authors: Kumar Atendra , Ray Rajendra K. , Mittal H. V. R.
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the unsteady, two-dimensional flow and heat transfer past a rotationally oscillating circular cylinder in linear shear flow. A higher order compact (HOC) finite difference scheme is used to solve the governing Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the energy equation on a nonuniform grid in polar coordinates. The hydrodynamic and thermal features of the flow are mainly influenced by the shear rate (K), Reynolds number (Re), Prandtl number (Pr), and the cylinder oscillation parameters, i.e., oscillation amplitude (αm), the frequency ratio (fr). The simulations are performed for Re=100,Pr=0.5−1.0, 0.0≤K≤0.15, and 0.5≤αm≤2.0. The numerical scheme is validated with the existing literature studies. Partial and full vortex suppression is observed for certain values of shear parameter K. The connection between heat transfer and vortex shedding phenomenon is examined where a pronounced increase in the heat transfer is observed for certain values of oscillation parameter, relative to the nonshear flow case.
Compartmentalized dendritic plasticity during associative learning
Authors: d’Aquin Simon , Szonyi Andras , Mahn Mathias , Krabbe Sabine , Gründemann Jan , Lüthi Andreas
Published: April 2022

Experience-dependent changes in behavior are mediated by long-term functional modifications in brain circuits. Activity-dependent plasticity of synaptic input is a major underlying cellular process. Although we have a detailed understanding of synaptic and dendritic plasticity in vitro, little is known about the functional and plastic properties of active dendrites in behaving animals. Using deep brain two-photon Ca
2+
imaging, we investigated how sensory responses in amygdala principal neurons develop upon classical fear conditioning, a form of associative learning. Fear conditioning induced differential plasticity in dendrites and somas regulated by compartment-specific inhibition. Our results indicate that learning-induced plasticity can be uncoupled between soma and dendrites, reflecting distinct synaptic and microcircuit-level mechanisms that increase the computational capacity of amygdala circuits.
Epithelial monitoring through ligand-receptor segregation ensures malignant cell elimination
Authors: de Vreede Geert , Gerlach Stephan U. , Bilder David
Published: April 2022

Animals have evolved mechanisms, such as cell competition, to remove dangerous or nonfunctional cells from a tissue. Tumor necrosis factor signaling can eliminate clonal malignancies from
Drosophila
imaginal epithelia, but why this pathway is activated in tumor cells but not normal tissue is unknown. We show that the ligand that drives elimination is present in basolateral circulation but remains latent because it is spatially segregated from its apically localized receptor. Polarity defects associated with malignant transformation cause receptor mislocalization, allowing ligand binding and subsequent apoptotic signaling. This process occurs irrespective of the neighboring cells’ genotype and is thus distinct from cell competition. Related phenomena at epithelial wound sites are required for efficient repair. This mechanism of polarized compartmentalization of ligand and receptor can generally monitor epithelial integrity to promote tissue homeostasis.