bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I had no power whatsoever”: Graduate student survivors’ experiences disclosing sexual harassment to mandatory reporters
Authors: Cipriano Allison E. , Holland Kathryn J. , Rieger Agnes , O'Callaghan Erin
Published: December 2022

Many universities have implemented mandatory reporting policies requiring most employees to report sexual harassment to the Title IX office, even if the victim/survivor does not want them to. Such policies constrain survivor autonomy and are particularly relevant for graduate students, who work closely with designated mandated reporter employees. This study examined graduate student sexual harassment survivors’ experiences disclosing to mandatory reporters, including interactions with mandatory reporters and the outcomes of their reports. We conducted interviews with graduate student survivors whose experiences were reported to their university's Title IX office and analyzed data from the cases involving a mandated report. Using thematic analysis, we identified three themes: survivors lacked knowledge that they were disclosing to a mandatory reporter, mandatory reporters lacked knowledge about Title IX processes, and mandatory reporters provided support. When analyzing outcomes of mandated reports, most did not result in formal grievance procedures, and the few that were investigated and adjudicated did not result in meaningful sanctions. Accommodations were rarely used, because they were not offered, were not perceived as helpful, or their requests were denied. Findings suggest that the purported goals of mandatory reporting policies were not met and that polices should afford survivors more autonomy.
Role of hydrogen sulphide in physiological and pathological angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Xia , Jing Mi‐Rong , Cai Chun‐Bo , Zhu Shuai‐Gang , Zhang Chao‐Jing , Wang Qi‐Meng , Zhai Yuan‐Kun , Ji Xin‐Ying , Wu Dong‐Dong
Published: December 2022

The role of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in angiogenesis has been widely demonstrated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in H2S‐induced angiogenesis. H2S promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF via pro‐angiogenic signal transduction. The involved signalling pathways include the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, phosphoinositide‐3 kinase pathway, nitric oxide (NO) synthase/NO pathway, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. H2S has been shown to contribute to tumour angiogenesis, diabetic wound healing, angiogenesis in cardiac and cerebral ischaemic tissues, and physiological angiogenesis during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Furthermore, H2S can exert an anti‐angiogenic effect by inactivating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling or blocking the STAT3 pathway in tumours. Therefore, H2S plays a double‐edged sword role in the process of angiogenesis. The regulation of H2S production is a promising therapeutic approach for angiogenesis‐associated diseases. Novel H2S donors and/or inhibitors can be developed in the treatment of angiogenesis‐dependent diseases.
Recommended practices and ethical considerations for natural language processing‐assisted observational research: A scoping review
Authors: Fu Sunyang , Wang Liwei , Moon Sungrim , Zong Nansu , He Huan , Pejaver Vikas , Relevo Rose , Walden Anita , Haendel Melissa , Chute Christopher G. , Liu Hongfang
Published: December 2022

An increasing number of studies have reported using natural language processing (NLP) to assist observational research by extracting clinical information from electronic health records (EHRs). Currently, no standardized reporting guidelines for NLP‐assisted observational studies exist. The absence of detailed reporting guidelines may create ambiguity in the use of NLP‐derived content, knowledge gaps in the current research reporting practices, and reproducibility challenges. To address these issues, we conducted a scoping review of NLP‐assisted observational clinical studies and examined their reporting practices, focusing on NLP methodology and evaluation. Through our investigation, we discovered a high variation regarding the reporting practices, such as inconsistent use of references for measurement studies, variation in the reporting location (reference, appendix, and manuscript), and different granularity of NLP methodology and evaluation details. To promote the wide adoption and utilization of NLP solutions in clinical research, we outline several perspectives that align with the six principles released by the World Health Organization (WHO) that guide the ethical use of artificial intelligence for health.
Objective sleep characteristics and continuous glucose monitoring profiles of type 2 diabetes patients in real‐life settings
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zheng Yuchan , Tian Yixin , Yu Qian , Qin Lijun , Xu Kai , Sun Biao , Benedict Christian , Chen Baoyi , Wei Lijun , Tan Xiao
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate the association between objective sleep parameters and glycaemic variability determined by continous glucose monitoring (CGM) among patients with type 2 diabetes, given the significant role of sleep in glycaemic control.

Methods

In this study, CGM was carried out in 28 patients with T2D (aged 62.3 ± 4.8 years, 57% women). Sleep characteristics were assessed by actigraphy within the CGM period. CGM‐derived outcomes included glucose level, and percentages of time in range (TIR) and time above range (TAR) during the monitoring period. Associations between intraindividual night‐to‐night variations in sleep characteristics and overall CGM outcomes were analysed using linear regression. Associations between sleep characteristics during each night and time‐matched CGM outcomes were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 249 person‐days of CGM, coupled with 221 nights of sleep characteristics, were documented. Greater standard deviation (SD) of objective sleep duration (minutes) between measurement nights was associated with higher glucose level (coefficient 0.018 mmol/L [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.004, 0.033], P = 0.017), smaller proportion of TIR (% in observation period; coefficient −0.20% [95% CI −0.36, −0.03], P = 0.023), and greater proportion of TAR (coefficient 0.22% [95% CI 0.06, 0.39], P = 0.011). Later sleep midpoint (minutes from midnight) was associated with greater SD of glucose during the same sleep period (coefficient 0.002 minutes [95% CI 0.0001, 0.003], P = 0.037), longer nocturnal sleep duration was associated with smaller coefficient of variation of glucose level in the upcoming day (−0.015% [95% CI −0.03, −0.001], P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Objectively determined sleep duration and sleep midpoint, as well as their daily variability, are associated with CGM‐derived glucose profiles in T2D patients.
Normal values for superior vena cava flow in preterm neonates using a new echocardiographic approach
Authors: Riccardi Riccardo , Barone Giovanni , Iannotta Rossella , Prontera Giorgia , D'Andrea Vito , Vento Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Objective

Recently, a novel approach to imaging Superior Vena Cava (SVC) flow has been presented, showing better repeatability and better agreement with MRI‐derived SVC flow measures. The objective was to establish normal values of SVC flow with the novel approach in the first 48 h of life.

Study Design

This was a prospective, observational study. All infants with gestational age (GA) less than 31 weeks were eligible. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed at 5, 12, 24, 48 h of postnatal life. A subgroup of uncomplicated infants was studied to define a normal range for SVC flow.

Results

Forty‐five infants were enrolled. We estimated normative values in a subgroup of 31 uncomplicated infants. The median SVC flow significantly increases from 83 ml/kg/min at 5 h of life to 153 ml/kg/min at 48 h (p < .001).

Conclusion

Using the novel approach we derived normal values of SVC flow in a cohort of uncomplicated preterm population at high risk for developing IVH.
The APOE4 effect: structural brain differences in Alzheimer's disease according to the age at symptom onset
Authors: Forno Gonzalo , Contador Jose , Pérez‐Millan Agnès , Guillen Nuria , Falgàs Neus , Sarto Jordi , Tort‐Merino Adrià , Castellví Magdalena , Bosch Beatriz , Fernández‐Villullas Guadalupe , Balasa Mircea , Antonell Anna , Sala‐ Llonch Roser , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Hornberger Michael , Lladó Albert
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

How the APOE genotype can differentially affect cortical and subcortical memory structures in biomarker‐confirmed early‐onset (EOAD) and late‐onset (LOAD) Alzheimer's disease (AD) was assessed.

Method

Eighty‐seven cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker‐confirmed AD patients were classified according to their APOE genotype and age at onset. 28 were EOAD APOE4 carriers (+EOAD), 21 EOAD APOE4 non‐carriers (–EOAD), 23 LOAD APOE4 carriers (+LOAD) and 15 LOAD APOE4 non‐carriers (–LOAD). Grey matter (GM) volume differences were analyzed using voxel‐based morphometry in Papez circuit regions. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the relation between GM volume loss and cognition.

Results

Significantly more mammillary body atrophy in +EOAD compared to –EOAD is reported. The medial temporal and posterior cingulate cortex showed less GM in +LOAD compared to –LOAD. Medial temporal GM volume loss was also found in +EOAD compared to –LOAD. With an exception for +EOAD, medial temporal GM was strongly associated with episodic memory in the three groups, whilst posterior cingulate cortex GM volume was more related with visuospatial abilities. Visuospatial abilities and episodic memory were also associated with the anterior thalamic nucleus in –LOAD.

Conclusions

Our results show that the APOE genotype has a significant effect on GM integrity as a function of age of disease onset. Specifically, whilst LOAD APOE4 genotype is mostly associated with increased medial temporal and parietal atrophy compared to –LOAD, for EOAD APOE4 might have a more specific effect on subcortical (mammillary body) structures. The findings suggest that APOE genotype needs to be taken into account when classifying patients by age at onset.
Clinical outcomes of delayed mechanical thrombectomy: Descriptive analysis and development of a screening tool
Authors: Berry‐Noronha Alexander , Myall Daniel , Hong Jae Beom , Collecutt Wayne , Krauss Martin , Fink John , Weggery Susan , Chatterjee Animesh , Bartholomew Sam , Smith Mark , Le Heron Campbell , Busby Wendy , Brew Stefan , Barber Peter Alan , Wu Teddy Y. , Wilson Duncan
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

Limited data guide the selection of patients with large vessel occlusion ischaemic stroke who may benefit from referral to a distant tertiary centre for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to characterize this population, describe clinical outcomes and develop a screening system to identify patients most likely to benfit from delayed mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Methods

We undertook a retrospective cohort analysis enrolling patients transferred from regional sites to one of two MT comprehensive stroke units with a time from non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the brain to reperfusion of 4 h or more. We describe Alberta Stroke Programme Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in our patients and compare these patients to those in extended‐time‐window trials. Lastly, we developed and validated a scoring model to help clinicians identify appropriate patients based on variables associated with poor outcomes.

Results

We included 563 patients, 46% of whom received thrombolysis; the median (interquartile range [IQR]) ASPECTS was 8 (7–10) and the median (IQR) NIHSS score was 16 (11–20). The median (IQR) symptom to mechanical reperfusion time was 390 (300–580) min. Eight patients (1%) had a symptomatic haemorrhage. We achieved good clinical outcome (defined as mRS score ≤2) in 299 patients (54%). Age, diabetes, NIHSS score and ASPECTS were used to create a weighted scoring system with a validated area under the curve of 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.74–0.92).

Conclusion

Our study shows, in highly selected patients, that delayed MT many hours after baseline NCCT is associated with good clinical outcomes. However, older patients with diabetes, high NIHSS score and low ASPECTS may not benefit from transfer to a hub centre many hours away for MT in this model of care.
Using landscape genomics to delineate future adaptive potential for climate change in the Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus)
Authors: Maier Paul A. , Vandergast Amy G. , Bohonak Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

An essential goal in conservation biology is delineating population units that maximize the probability of species persisting into the future and adapting to future environmental change. However, future‐facing conservation concerns are often addressed using retrospective patterns that could be irrelevant. We recommend a novel landscape genomics framework for delineating future “Geminate Evolutionary Units” (GEUs) in a focal species: (1) identify loci under environmental selection, (2) model and map adaptive conservation units that may spawn future lineages, (3) forecast relative selection pressures on each future lineage, and (4) estimate their fitness and likelihood of persistence using geo‐genomic simulations. Using this process, we delineated conservation units for the Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus), a U.S. federally threatened species that is highly vulnerable to climate change. We used a genome‐wide dataset, redundancy analysis, and Bayesian association methods to identify 24 candidate loci responding to climatic selection (R2ranging from 0.09 to 0.52), after controlling for demographic structure. Candidate loci included genes such as MAP3K5, involved in cellular response to environmental change. We then forecasted future genomic response to climate change using the multivariate machine learning algorithm Gradient Forests. Based on all available evidence, we found three GEUs in Yosemite National Park, reflecting contrasting adaptive optima: YF‐North (high winter snowpack with moderate summer rainfall), YF‐East (low to moderate snowpack with high summer rainfall), and YF‐Low‐Elevation (low snowpack and rainfall). Simulations under the RCP 8.5 climate change scenario suggest that the species will decline by 29% over 90 years, but the highly diverse YF‐East lineage will be least impacted for two reasons: (1) geographically it will be sheltered from the largest climatic selection pressures, and (2) its standing genetic diversity will promote a faster adaptive response. Our approach provides a comprehensive strategy for protecting imperiled non‐model species with genomic data alone and has wide applicability to other declining species.
Pathophysiology of exertional heat illness in the Thoroughbred racehorse: Broadening perspective to include an exercise‐induced gastrointestinal syndrome in which endotoxaemia and systemic inflammation may contribute to the condition
Authors: Brownlow Meg A. , Mizzi James Xavier
Published: December 2022

The traditional approach to exertional heat illness (EHI) is based on the premise that external heat is the trigger and sole driver of the condition. During the last few decades, many researchers have suggested that climatic heat alone does not fully explain the pathophysiology of EHI, and a second pathway has been proposed which focuses on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The causal agent of EHI in Thoroughbred racehorses is the strenuous exercise of racing. The generation of metabolic heat is prodigious and can cause direct injury to the GIT. The associated redistribution of cardiac output to working muscles is most likely to subject the GIT to substantial hypo‐perfusion and if horses race under hot/humid conditions impairing thermoregulation this may exacerbate intestinal hyperthermia. Evidence in human athletes shows that the combination of intestinal hyperthermia and reduced blood flow causes a breakdown in the integrity of the mucosal barrier and leads to increased intestinal permeability, allowing leakage of endotoxin into the central circulation. Normally, protective immune mechanisms clear elevated endotoxin levels, but if there is immune dysfunction and the concentration of endotoxin exceeds a certain threshold, a systemic inflammatory response triggers a cytokine cascade with serious downstream consequences. It is argued that the cytokine inflammatory cascade, rather than core body hyperthermia contributes to the clinical progression of EHI when endotoxaemia is dominant. The authors have presented the current state of knowledge for human subjects and cited studies in racehorses which suggest its relevance. Acknowledgement of the gastrointestinal inflammatory pathway for EHI is important because it provides track veterinarians with a different perspective on prevention and treatment.
ER export signals mediate plasma membrane localization of transmembrane protein TMEM72
Authors: Ding Jiangli , Matsumiya Tomoh , Miki Yasuo , Hayakari Ryo , Shiba Yuko , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Imaizumi Tadaatsu
Published: December 2022

Transmembrane protein 72 (TMEM72) is involved in normal kidney development and tumorigenesis in renal cell carcinoma. However, the function of TMEM72 has not been experimentally examined; therefore, the role of TMEM72 is incompletely understood. In this study, we initially demonstrated that TMEM72 has four transmembrane domains (TMDs) and a long C‐terminal tail. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TMEM72 is localized on the plasma membrane but not on the outer mitochondrial membrane. Experiments performed with a series of TMEM72 deletion mutants and an evaluation of the unfolded protein response indicated that these TMDs are needed for proper protein folding or assembly. In contrast, domain‐specific replacement analysis indicated the essential role of the C‐terminal region of TMEM72 in protein transport. Spatial colocalization and immunoprecipitation assays showed that the proximal C‐terminal region is responsible for anterograde protein transport. An amino acid sequence analysis and an immunocytochemical evaluation revealed that KRKKRKAAPEVLA, which corresponds to amino acid positions 132–144 in TMEM72, participates in efficient cellular transport. The motifs 132KRKKRK137 and 139APEVLA144 are associated with COPII and are considered to cooperate with membrane trafficking. Because efficient membrane trafficking is crucial for cells to maintain normal function, our data may contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of membrane trafficking‐associated diseases, particularly renal carcinoma and chronic kidney disease.
Smallholder farms have and can store more carbon than previously estimated
Authors: Ewing Patrick M. , Tu Xinyi , Runck Bryan C. , Nord Alison , Chikowo Regis , Snapp Sieglinde S.
Published: December 2022

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is increasingly targeted as a key strategy in climate change mitigation and improved ecosystem resiliency. Agricultural land, a dominant global land use, provides substantial challenges and opportunities for global carbon sequestration. Despite this, global estimates of soil carbon sequestration potential often exclude agricultural land and estimates are coarse for regions in the Global South. To address these discrepancies and improve estimates, we develop a hybrid, data‐augmented database approach to better estimate the magnitude of SOC sequestration potential of agricultural soils. With high‐resolution (30 m) soil maps of Africa developed by the International Soils Database (iSDA) and Malawi as a case study, we create a national adjustment using site‐specific soil data retrieved from 1160 agricultural fields. We use a benchmark approach to estimate the amount of SOC Malawian agricultural soils can sequester, accounting for edaphic and climatic conditions, and calculate the resulting carbon gap. Field measurements of SOC stocks and sequestration potentials were consistently larger than iSDA predictions, with an average carbon gap of 4.42 ± 0.23 Mg C ha−1 to a depth of 20 cm, with some areas exceeding 10 Mg C ha−1. Augmenting iSDA predictions with field data also improved sensitivity to identify areas with high SOC sequestration potential by 6%—areas that may benefit from improved management practices. Overall, we estimate that 6.8 million ha of surface soil suitable for agriculture in Malawi has the potential to store 274 ± 14 Tg SOC. Our approach illustrates how ground truthing efforts remain essential to reduce errors in continent‐wide soil carbon predictions for local and regional use. This work begins efforts needed across regions to develop soil carbon benchmarks that inform policies and identify high‐impact areas in the effort to increase SOC globally.
Occupational hazards among dental hygienists: Risk level assessment of scaling work
Authors: Park Bo‐Young , Chung Won‐Gyun , Lim Do‐Seon , Mun So‐Jung , Han Sun‐Young , Noh Hiejin
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to classifyoccupationalhazards of ultrasonic scaling by factor and to identify the distribution ofoccupationalrisk levels of the study participants according tooccupational hazards. In addition, the relationship between the general characteristics of dental hygienists and theoccupationalrisk level of scaling was investigated.

Methods

This study was conducted on 237 dental hygienists. Exposure frequency and the degree of work loss were investigated on a five‐point scale for each of the 15 occupational hazards of scaling.

Results

Among occupational hazards, the proportion of high‐risk individuals for biological hazards (32.9%) was the highest. Dental clinics (33.6%) were found to have a higher proportion of high‐risk individuals than dental hospitals (16.5%) (p < 0.05). The proportion of high‐risk individuals was higher in the absence of an infection control coordinator (33.9%) (p < 0.05) and infection control education in the preceding 2 years (28.6%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

To create a safe dental work environment, appropriate measures according to the risk level and measurement of occupational risk should be discussed.
La relation entre le droit et la segmentation sexuée du marché du travail
Authors: FUDGE Judy , MUNDLAK Guy
Published: December 2022

Les auteurs résument les grandes conclusions de la recherche sur la relation entre droit du travail et genre. Ils distinguent différentes fonctions de la législation: créer des institutions du marché du travail, organiser leur fonctionnement, remédier à leurs effets pervers, les faire évoluer. Deux modèles, partiellement définis par le droit (et axés respectivement sur la relation de travail classique et sur l'emploi formel) induisent une segmentation sexuée, parfois renforcée, paradoxalement, par les dispositions introduites pour y remédier. Pour sortir de l'impasse, les auteurs recommandent d'évoluer vers des règles universelles, mais suffisamment souples pour répondre aux besoins de femmes et d'hommes aux profils divers.
Hydroxylherderite (Ca2Be2P2O8(OH)2) stability under extreme conditions (up to 750°C/100 GPa)
Authors: Gorelova Liudmila , Vereshchagin Oleg , Aslandukov Andrey , Aslandukova Alena , Spiridonova Dar'ya , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria , Kasatkin Anatoly , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: December 2022

Hydroxylherderite, Ca2Be2P2O8(OH)2, is among the most common beryllophosphates in nature and could play a substantial role in Be geochemical cycle. Hydroxylherderite P–T stability and crystal structure behavior were studied under extreme conditions (up to 750°C/100 GPa) using in situ single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The mineral demonstrated high stability under high‐pressure conditions (up to ∼100 GPa) without any phase transitions. Under high‐temperature conditions, it was stable up to about 700°C, when it decomposed with the formation of fluorapatite Ca5(PO4)3F and hurlbutite CaBe2P2O8. The beryllophosphate member of the gadolinite supergroup is the most stable mineral (material) under high‐pressure conditions, compared to aluminum‐, boro‐ and beryllosilicates.
An approach to help differentiate postinfarct scar from borderzone tissue using Ripple Mapping during ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Khanra Dibbendhu , Calvert Peter , Hughes Susan , Waktare Johan , Modi Simon , Hall Mark , Todd Derick , Mahida Saagar , Gupta Dhiraj , Luther Vishal
Published: December 2022

Background

Ventricular scar is traditionally highlighted on a bipolar voltage (BiVolt) map in areas of myocardium <0.50 mV. We describe an alternative approach using Ripple Mapping (RM) superimposed onto a BiVolt map to differentiate postinfarct scar from conducting borderzone (BZ) during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation.

Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients (left ventricular ejection fraction 30 ± 7%) underwent endocardial left ventricle pentaray mapping (median 5148 points) and ablation targeting areas of late Ripple activation. BiVolt maps were studied offline at initial voltage of 0.50–0.50 mV to binarize the color display (red and purple). RMs were superimposed, and the BiVolt limits were sequentially reduced until only areas devoid of Ripple bars appeared red, defined as RM‐scar. The surrounding area supporting conducting Ripple wavefronts in tissue <0.50 mV defined the RM‐BZ.

Results

RM‐scar was significantly smaller than the traditional 0.50 mV cutoff (median 4% vs. 12% shell area, p < .001). 65 ± 16% of tissue <0.50 mV supported Ripple activation within the RM‐BZ. The mean BiVolt threshold that differentiated RM‐scar from BZ tissue was 0.22 ± 0.07 mV, though this ranged widely (from 0.12 to 0.35 mV). In this study, septal infarcts (7/15) were associated with more rapid VTs (282 vs. 347 ms, p = .001), and had a greater proportion of RM‐BZ to RM‐scar (median ratio 3.2 vs. 1.2, p = .013) with faster RM‐BZ conduction speed (0.72 vs. 0.34 m/s, p = .001). Conversely, scars that supported hemodynamically stable sustained VT (6/15) were slower (367 ± 38 ms), had a smaller proportion of RM‐BZ to RM‐scar (median ratio 1.2 vs. 3.2, p = .059), and slower RM‐BZ conduction speed (0.36 vs. 0.63 m/s, p = .036). RM guided ablation collocated within 66 ± 20% of RM‐BZ, most concentrated around the RM‐scar perimeter, with significant VT reduction (median 4.0 episodes preablation vs. 0 post, p < .001) at 11 ± 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

Postinfarct scars appear significantly smaller than traditional 0.50 mV cut‐offs suggest, with voltage thresholds unique to each patient.
Up‐regulation of the human‐specific CHRFAM7A gene protects against renal fibrosis in mice with obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Bingru , Zhang Yudian , Dang Xitong , Li Bowen , Wang Hui , Gong Shu , Li Siwen , Meng Fanyin , Xing Juan , Li Tian , He Longfei , Zou Ping , Wan Ying
Published: December 2022

Renal fibrosis is a major factor in the progression of chronic kidney diseases. Obstructive nephropathy is a common cause of renal fibrosis, which is also accompanied by inflammation. To explore the effect of human‐specific CHRFAM7A expression, an inflammation‐related gene, on renal fibrosis during obstructive nephropathy, we studied CHRFAM7A transgenic mice and wild type mice that underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) injury. Transgenic overexpression of CHRFAM7A gene inhibited UUO‐induced renal fibrosis, which was demonstrated by decreased fibrotic gene expression and collagen deposition. Furthermore, kidneys from transgenic mice had reduced TGF‐β1 and Smad2/3 expression following UUO compared with those from wild type mice with UUO. In addition, the overexpression of CHRFAM7A decreased release of inflammatory cytokines in the kidneys of UUO‐injured mice. In vitro, the overexpression of CHRFAM7A inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced increase in expression of fibrosis‐related genes in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2 cells). Additionally, up‐regulated expression of CHRFAM7A in HK‐2 cells decreased TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited activation f TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathways. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that overexpression of the human‐specific CHRFAM7A gene can reduce UUO‐induced renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway to reduce inflammatory reactions and EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells.
The interaction between obesity and visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Yanping Wu , Gao Xuefen , Cheng Yizun , Liu Mi , Liao Siyu , Zhou Jing , Hao Jiaming , Jiang Gemeng , Lu Yixuan , Qu Tianyao , Qin Bin , Cheng Yan
Published: December 2022

Obesity has been a worldwide problem associated with numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It may also play a role in visceral hypersensitivity, contributing to irritable bowel syndrome. (i) Adipose tissue secretes various inflammatory mediators, causing intestinal hyperpermeability and nerve endings activation. (ii) Obesity and gastrointestinal microbiota could affect each other, and microbial metabolites can increase sensitivity of the colon. (iii) Vitamin D deficiency contributes to both fat accumulation and disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier. (iv) Brain‐gut axis may be another bridge from obesity to visceral hypersensitivity.
Post COVID‐19 condition diagnosis: A population‐based cohort study of occurrence, associated factors, and healthcare use by severity of acute infection
Authors: Hedberg Pontus , Granath Fredrik , Bruchfeld Judith , Askling Johan , Sjöholm Daniel , Fored Michael , Färnert Anna , Naucler Pontus
Published: December 2022

Background

The occurrence and healthcare use trajectory of post COVID‐19 condition (PCC) is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate these aspects in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive individuals with and without a PCC diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of adults in Stockholm, Sweden, with a verified infection from 1 March 2020 to 31 July 2021, stratified by the severity of the acute infection. The outcome was a PCC diagnosis registered any time 90–360 days after a positive test. We performed Cox regression models to assess baseline characteristics associated with the PCC diagnosis. Individuals diagnosed with PCC were then propensity‐score matched to individuals without a diagnosis to assess healthcare use beyond the acute infection.

Results

Among 204,805 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive individuals, the proportion receiving a PCC diagnosis was 1% among individuals not hospitalized for their COVID‐19 infection, 6% among hospitalized, and 32% among intensive care unit (ICU)–treated individuals. The most common new‐onset symptom diagnosis codes among individuals with a PCC diagnosis were fatigue (29%) among nonhospitalized and dyspnea among both hospitalized (25%) and ICU‐treated (41%) individuals. Female sex was associated with a PCC diagnosis among nonhospitalized and hospitalized individuals, with interactions between age and sex. Previous mental health disorders and asthma were associated with a PCC diagnosis among nonhospitalized and hospitalized individuals. Among individuals with a PCC diagnosis, the monthly proportion with outpatient care was substantially elevated up to 1 year after acute infection compared to before, with substantial proportions of this care attributed to PCC‐related care.

Conclusion

The differential association of age, sex, comorbidities, and healthcare use with the severity of the acute infection indicates different trajectories and phenotypes of PCC, with incomplete resolution 1 year after infection.
The prognostic value of delta‐lactate in critically ill children
Authors: Rocha Ana C , Chagas Joana B , Andrade Joana V , Pinto Carla , Oliveira Guiomar , Dias Andrea S , Carvalho Leonor
Published: December 2022

Aim

This study aimed to test delta‐lactate (ΔL) as a short‐term risk stratification method in critically ill children.

Methods

An exploratory study of patients admitted to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) was conducted. ΔL was calculated as the difference between the maximum lactate concentrations on Days 1 and 2. According to the ΔL cutoff, two groups were considered: low mortality risk (LMR) – ΔL ≥ 0.05 mmol/L – and high mortality risk (HMR) – ΔL < 0.05 mmol/L.

Results

Mortality, both during PICU stay and at 28 days, was statistically associated with elevated serum lactate on D1 and D2, per se. For the 93 cases with elevated lactate on Day 1, and a ΔL cutoff of 0.05 mmol/L, the area under the ROC curve was 0.698 (95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.93). HMR patients scored higher PIM3, were not discharged home until 28 days, counted fewer ventilation‐free days and needed renal replacement therapy more often.

Conclusion

Elevated lactate levels at admission, as well as applying the optimal cutoff for ΔL, allowed to predict short‐term mortality: if an increase or minimal decrease in lactate maximum levels occurred from D1 to D2, death was almost eight times more probable. In critically ill children, delta‐lactate predicts short‐term outcome.
Effects of low‐dust forages on dust exposure, airway cytology, and plasma omega‐3 concentrations in Thoroughbred racehorses: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Olave Carla J. , Ivester Kathleen M. , Couetil Laurent L. , Burgess John , Park Jae Hong , Mukhopadhyay Abhijit
Published: December 2022

Background

Racehorses commonly develop evidence of mild asthma in response to dust exposure. Diets deficient in omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω‐3) might exacerbate this response.

Hypothesis

To compare dust exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology, and plasma Ω‐3 and specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPM) concentrations amongst racehorses fed dry hay, steamed hay, and haylage.

Animals

Forty‐three Thoroughbred racehorses.

Methods

Prospective clinical trial. Horses were randomly assigned to be fed dry hay, steamed hay, or haylage for 6 weeks. Measures of exposure to dust in the breathing zone were obtained twice. At baseline, week‐3, and week‐6, BALF cytology was examined. Plasma lipid profiles and plasma SPM concentrations were examined at baseline and week 6. Generalized linear mixed models examined the effect of forage upon dust exposure, BALF cytology, Ω‐3, and SPM concentrations.

Results

Respirable dust was significantly higher for horses fed hay (least‐square mean ± s.e.m. 0.081 ± 0.007 mg/m3) when compared with steamed hay (0.056 ± 0.005 mg/m3, P = .01) or haylage (0.053 ± 0.005 mg/m3, P < .01). At week 6, BALF neutrophil proportions in horses eating haylage (3.0% ± 0.6%) were significantly lower compared with baseline (5.1 ± 0.7, P = .04) and horses eating hay (6.3% ± 0.8%, P < .01). Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratios were higher in horses eating haylage for 6 weeks (0.51 ± 0.07) when compared with baseline (0.34 ± 0.05, P < .01) and horses eating steamed (0.24 ± 0.02, P < .01) or dry hay (0.25 ± 0.03, P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Steamed hay and haylage reduce dust exposure compared with dry hay, but only haylage increased the ratio of anti‐inflammatory to pro‐inflammatory lipids while reducing BAL neutrophil proportions within 6 weeks.
Wearable, noninvasive, pulsed shortwave (radiofrequency) therapy for analgesia and opioid sparing following outpatient surgery: A proof‐of‐concept case series
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M. , Said Engy T. , Gabriel Rodney A. , Curran Brian P. , Swisher Matthew W. , Jacobsen Garth R. , Wallace Anne M. , Doucet Jay , Adams Laura M. , Ventro George J. , Abdullah Baharin , Finneran John J.
Published: December 2022

Background

It is often difficult to concurrently provide adequate analgesia while minimizing opioid requirements following ambulatory surgery. Nonthermal, pulsed shortwave (radiofrequency) fields are a noninvasive treatment used as an adjunct analgesic and wound healing therapy. The devices may be placed by nursing staff in less than a minute, are relatively inexpensive and readily available, theoretically provide analgesia for nearly any anatomic location, and have no systemic side effects—patients cannot detect any sensations from the devices—or significant risks. Here we present a case series to demonstrate the use of pulsed, electromagnetic field devices for outpatient herniorrhaphy and breast surgery.

Case Report

Following moderately painful ambulatory umbilical (n = 3) and inguinal (n = 2) hernia repair as well as bilateral breast surgery (n = 2), patients had taped over their surgical incision(s) 1 or 2 noninvasive, wearable, disposable, pulsed shortwave therapy devices (RecoveryRx, BioElectronics Corporation, Frederick, Maryland) which functioned continuously for 30 days. Average resting pain scores measured on the 0–10 numeric rating scale were a median of 0 during the entire treatment period. Six patients avoided opioid use entirely, while the remaining individual required only 5 mg of oxycodone during the first postoperative day.

Conclusions

These cases demonstrate that the ambulatory use of pulsed shortwave devices is feasible and may be an effective analgesic, possibly obviating opioid requirements following outpatient herniorrhaphy and breast surgery. Considering the lack of any side effects, adverse events, and misuse/dependence/diversion potential, further study with a randomized, controlled trial appears warranted.
No general pathological significance of aphantasia: An evaluation based on criteria for mental disorders
Authors: Monzel Merlin , Vetterlein Annabel , Reuter Martin
Published: December 2022

As awareness of the phenomenon of aphantasia (= lack of voluntary imagery) has increased in recent years, many psychotherapists ponder its clinical implications. The present study investigates whether aphantasia meets the criteria for mental disorders, i.e. statistical rarity, impairment in activities of daily living, violation of social norms and inappropriate behavior and personal distress. Prevalence of aphantasia was determined meta‐analytically based on 3,543 participants. An international sample of 156 participants with aphantasia (58.3% male; Mage = 35.23) and 131 controls (65.6% male; Mage = 28.88) was assessed with the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Everyday Memory Performance and the Aphantasia Distress Questionnaire, as well as measures of depression, anxiety and well‐being. The prevalence of aphantasia was estimated at 3.5 to 4.8%. Participants with aphantasia scored significantly lower than controls on every day and autobiographical memory, but not on theory of mind. A subgroup of 34.7% of participants with aphantasia reported distress significantly associated with lower well‐being and high levels of anxiety and depression. The level of distress increased with poorer performance in autobiographical memory and theory of mind. Although aphantasia meets the criterion of statistical rarity, the impact on activities of daily living and personal distress is too weak to justify a classification as a mental disorder. In a subgroup, however, distress can reach clinically relevant levels. In individual cases, it is therefore advisable to conduct a psychological assessment, for example by means of the Aphantasia Distress Questionnaire.
Struggle for Transdisciplinary Moments: Building Partnerships for Resettlement
Authors: Blakeman Haley , Simms Jessica R. Z. , Waller Helen L. , Jenkins Pam , Cass Katherine
Published: December 2022

The effects of climate change are both acute and chronic, leaving many communities in a perpetual state of uncertainty. For others, there is no such uncertainty—their communities will soon be uninhabitable. Some levels of government have begun to recognize and slowly respond to communities facing the possibilities of relocation. This paper considers the impact of transdisciplinary thinking and collaborative moments in the planning phase of one of the few community‐scale managed retreat attempts in the United States. In January 2016, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the state of Louisiana $48.3 million to plan, design, and implement a structured and scalable resettlement with former and current residents of Isle de Jean Charles. The paper uses data from surveys and interviews with the practitioner team, fieldnotes, review of published reports, and a sample of more than 400 media accounts. Our analysis highlights how developing a transdisciplinary process may render a new understanding to the tasks and meanings of planning resettlements in the future.
Statistics and clinical trials: It's all about the design
Authors: Porkess Sheuli
Published: December 2022

This article explains the basic ideas and practical challenges in clinical trials of new medicines to show the practical application of statistics in the real‐world. The article explores the key considerations for the objectives and design of clinical trials and how these relate to the statistical investigation process. The article also includes examples of practical exercises for students.
Difference between SARS‐CoV‐2, seasonal coronavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus infection in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Mendoza Maria A. , Motoa Gabriel , Raja Mohammed A. , Frattaroli Paola , Fernandez Anmary , Anjan Shweta , Courel Steve C. , Natori Akina , O'Brien Cristopher B. , Phancao Anita , Sinha Neeraj , Vianna Rodrigo , Loebe Mathias , Ciancio Gaetano , Simkins Jacques , Abbo Lilian , Guerra Giselle , Natori Yoichiro
Published: December 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has been raging since the end of 2019 and has shown worse outcomes in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The clinical differences as well as outcomes between respiratory viruses have not been well defined in this population.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of adult SOT recipients with nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage PCR positive for either SARS‐CoV‐2, seasonal coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza virus from January 2017 to October 2020. The follow up period was 3 months. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 377 recipients including 157 SARS‐CoV‐2, 70 seasonal coronavirus, 50 RSV and 100 influenza infections were identified. The most common transplanted organ was kidney 224/377 (59.4%). Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was found in 210/377 (55.7%) and the risk factors identified with multivariable analysis were SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, steroid use, and older age. Co‐ and secondary infections were seen in 77/377 (20.4%) recipients with bacterial pathogens as dominant. Hospital admission was seen in 266/377 (67.7%) recipients without significant statistical difference among viruses, however, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and mortality were higher with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In the multivariable model, the risk factors for mortality were SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and older age.

Conclusions

We found higher incidence of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among SARS‐CoV‐2 infected recipients. Older age was found to be the risk factor for lower respiratory tract infection and mortality for SARS‐CoV‐2, coronaviruses, RSV and influenza virus groups.

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Conceptualising multispecies collaboration: Work, animal labour, and Nature‐based Solutions
Authors: Welden E. A.
Published: December 2022

Tracing the story of beaver restoration across California, this paper investigates the emerging discourse of ‘working with nature’ through the lens of animal work and labour, exploring possibilities for, multispecies collaboration. At the intersection of animal geographies, environmental anthropology, and geographies of conservation, this paper finds three concurrent modes of working with beaver: beaver as labourer, beaver as coworker, and beaver as community. Beaver as labourer emerges as a mode where beavers go from material resource to low‐wage labourer, their liveliness predicated on their ability to be working for humans. Beaver as coworker transitions beavers from labourers to workers, respected for their skills as ecosystem engineers to be working with. Beaver as community emerges as a mode in which beavers and humans live with each other as kin, amidst wider multispecies assemblages. This mode sets the foundation to theorise the concept of multispecies collaboration, a term often used in the literature without definition. This paper explores the concept through theories of animal work and labour, challenging the premise of work altogether, while situating multispecies collaboration as an in‐between, a both/and space of working and living with ‘nature’. This paper serves as an reflection on the ways in which humans ‘work with nature’, in a time where various nonhumans are being made to be ‘workers’. It presents and analyses these relations, ruminates on implications for governance of these multispecies spaces, and develops the concept of multispecies collaboration as a critical consideration for Nature‐based Solutions.
On the distribution of rational points on ramified covers of abelian varieties
Authors: Corvaja Pietro , Demeio Julian Lawrence , Javanpeykar Ariyan , Lombardo Davide , Zannier Umberto
Published: December 2022

We prove new results on the distribution of rational points on ramified covers of abelian varieties over finitely generated fields $k$ of characteristic zero. For example, given a ramified cover $\pi : X \to A$, where $A$ is an abelian variety over $k$ with a dense set of $k$-rational points, we prove that there is a finite-index coset $C \subset A(k)$ such that $\pi (X(k))$ is disjoint from $C$. Our results do not seem to be in the range of other methods available at present; they confirm predictions coming from Lang's conjectures on rational points, and also go in the direction of an issue raised by Serre regarding possible applications to the inverse Galois problem. Finally, the conclusions of our work may be seen as a sharp version of Hilbert's irreducibility theorem for abelian varieties.
Additive Manufacturing of Electronic Patterns for Harsh Environments
Authors: Delavault Nicolas , Lacondemine Tanguy , Kalmar Rémy , Fendler Manuel , Achache Sofiane , Sanchette Frederic
Published: December 2022

The last decade has seen emerged numeric transition in industry, bringing new building blocks: Internet of Things (IoT) and additive manufacturing. A whole big new challenge was born based on sensors integration with the capability to bring intelligence into objects leveraging on additive manufacturing topological optimization, and thus operating in harsh environment thanks to efficient packaging. This work presents a new way to create 3D printed electronic patterns, based on Paste Extrusion Modeling (also called Direct Ink Writing) to extrude a superposition of insulator and conductive inorganic materials. Their raw compositions were characterized through EDS and XRD and compared to their datasheets. The obtained patterns show great electrical behavior under mechanical oscillation, opening possibilities for strain measurement.
Liquid Cooling Practice on Meta’s AI Training Platform
Authors: Chen Cheng , Mithani Noman , Jin Tiffany , Guo Allen
Published: December 2022

Due to continuous growth of AI accelerator chip power and heat flux, implementation of advanced cooling technologies for AI platforms seems to be inevitable for hyper scale users. Liquid cooling is one of the relatively more mature category of advanced cooling technologies, and has been adopted in a variety of forms across industry. However, not all liquid cooling solutions are able to deliver high performance with reasonable cost and efficiency. In addition, it’s not straightforward to arrive at proper balance of performance, reliability, serviceability, and scalability for a product, and prepare the facility accordingly to align with long term strategy.

In this presentation, we will introduce a passive cold plate loop solution (Tide 1.0), based on Meta’s AI training platform (Zion) with eight Open Accelerator Modules (OAM). It reflects the design considerations on performance and serviceability. Thermal simulation and optimization studies will be presented. The solution was tested on dummy thermal test vehicles and real functional system, along with cooling capability forecast. Results showed a good match between simulation, TTV test and real system test. The resulting performance demonstrated strong use case of liquid cooling solutions on upcoming AI platforms.