bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral azacitidine modulates the bone marrow microenvironment in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in remission: A subanalysis from the QUAZAR AML‐001 trial
Authors: Menezes Daniel L. , See Wendy L. , Risueño Alberto , Tsai Kao Tai , Lee Jae K. , Ma Johnny , Khan Rida , Prebet Thomas , Skikne Barry , Beach C. L. , Thakurta Anjan , Gandhi Anita
Published: March 2023

Oral azacitidine (Oral‐AZA) maintenance therapy improved relapse‐free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) significantly versus placebo for AML patients in remission after intensive chemotherapy (IC) in the phase 3 QUAZAR AML‐001 study. Immune profiling was performed on the bone marrow (BM) at remission and on‐treatment in a subset of patients with the aim of identifying prognostic immune features and evaluating associations of on‐treatment immune effects by Oral‐AZA with clinical outcomes. Post‐IC, increased levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells and CD34 + CD117+ BM cells were prognostically favourable for RFS. CD3+ T‐cell counts were significantly prognostic for RFS in both treatment arms. At baseline, high expression of the PD‐L1 checkpoint marker was identified on a subset of CD34 + CD117+ BM cells; many of which were PD‐L2+. High co‐expression of T‐cell exhaustion markers PD‐1 and TIM‐3 was associated with inferior outcomes. Oral‐AZA augmented T‐cell numbers during early treatment, increased CD4+:CD8+ ratios and reversed T‐cell exhaustion. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified two patient subsets defined by T‐cell content and expression of T‐cell exhaustion markers that were enriched for MRD negativity. These results indicate that Oral‐AZA modulates T‐cell activity in the maintenance setting of AML, and these immune‐mediated responses are associated with clinical outcomes.
Müllerian mimicry among bees and wasps: a review of current knowledge and future avenues of research
Authors: Chatelain Paul , Elias Marianne , Fontaine Colin , Villemant Claire , Dajoz Isabelle , Perrard Adrien
Published: March 2023

Many bees and stinging wasps, or aculeates, exhibit striking colour patterns or conspicuous coloration, such as black and yellow stripes. Such coloration is often interpreted as an aposematic signal advertising aculeate defences: the venomous sting. Aposematism can lead to Müllerian mimicry, the convergence of signals among different species unpalatable to predators. Müllerian mimicry has been extensively studied, notably on Neotropical butterflies and poison frogs. However, although a very high number of aculeate species harbour putative aposematic signals, aculeates are under‐represented in mimicry studies. Here, we review the literature on mimicry rings that include bee and stinging wasp species. We report over a hundred described mimicry rings, involving a thousand species that belong to 19 aculeate families. These mimicry rings are found all throughout the world. Most importantly, we identify remaining knowledge gaps and unanswered questions related to the study of Müllerian mimicry in aculeates. Some of these questions are specific to aculeate models, such as the impact of sociality and of sexual dimorphism in defence levels on mimicry dynamics. Our review shows that aculeates may be one of the most diverse groups of organisms engaging in Müllerian mimicry and that the diversity of aculeate Müllerian mimetic interactions is currently under‐explored. Thus, aculeates represent a new and major model system to study the evolution of Müllerian mimicry. Finally, aculeates are important pollinators and the global decline of pollinating insects raises considerable concern. In this context, a better understanding of the impact of Müllerian mimicry on aculeate communities may help design strategies for pollinator conservation, thereby providing future directions for evolutionary research.
Flood risk mapping in southwestern Nova Scotia: Perceptions and concerns
Authors: Howard Samantha C. , Sherren Kate
Published: March 2023

Flood risk mapping allows for informed decision making regarding personal and community planning. Resistance to flood risk mapping can be driven by potential decline of property values. This paper explores resistance to flood risk mapping through the lens of climax thinking. Climax thinking is a novel theory guiding explorations of resistance to proposed land use changes. The aim of this study was to understand flood experiences, the presence of resistance to flood risk mapping, and whether climax thinking could help explain this resistance. To address this, surveys were administered to residents in the Nova Scotian towns of Liverpool and Bridgewater. We found that one third of respondents have experienced flooding, yet the majority have not seen a flood risk map, nor were they concerned about the potential impacts of flooding. Only one sixth of respondents exhibited resistance to flood risk mapping because of potential loss to property value. Dimensions of climax thinking were predictive of this resistance, specifically ignorance of an individual's own ability to adapt and inability to recognize the impact of their adaptation decisions on others, which together quadrupled the predictive power of the ordinal regression model. These insights can be applied to support the acceptance of flood risk mapping.
Effect of gamma irradiation on F1 generation and competitive ability of Phyllocnistis citrella and Ostrinia nubilalis, and evaluation of the sterile insect release ratio on plant infestation in field cages
Authors: Osouli Shiva , Atapour Maryam , Ahmadi Mehrdad
Published: March 2023

Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), are two key pests of young citrus and maize plants in Iran, respectively. In this study, the effects of sub‐sterilizing doses of gamma radiation (100–250 Gy for CLM, 90–180 Gy for ECB) on the biological and reproductive parameters of F1 progeny from irradiated males were determined. The results indicated that males irradiated at doses of ≥200 and ≥150 Gy produced highly sterile F1 descents for CLM and ECB, respectively. No adverse effects of radiation doses applied to males were observed on the F1 pupal emergence for both species, nor on the adult longevity of male and female ECB moths. However, the life span of CLM F1 male and female adults decreased with increasing doses. The sex ratio of emerged adults of F1 progeny from irradiated males was skewed towards males with increasing doses; the proportion of males to all emerged adults reached 0.52 and 0.54 at doses of 250 and 150 Gy for CLM and ECB, compared to 0.44 and 0.49 in the controls, respectively. The competitiveness index of irradiated and F1 males of both species fluctuated in acceptable ranges and in general F1 males were stronger competitors than their irradiated male parents. The results of the field cage experiments showed that the larval infestation in all cages including the released irradiated CLM and ECB moths decreased compared to the control treatment – the percentage of damaged leaves and stems in the cages with ratios of 20:1 and 7:1 irradiated‐to‐normal insects (highest ratios assayed) reached half and one‐third of the control for CLM and ECB, respectively.
Legal origins of corporate governance: Choice of law in Egypt, 1887–1914
Authors: Artunç Cihan
Published: March 2023

This paper revisits the classic question of legal origins: whether laws originating from common or civil law traditions are more effective in promoting governance rules with stronger shareholder and investor protection. But corporate governance cannot be easily disentangled from other sources that can influence firm outcomes. This paper disentangles these effects by assembling a new dataset of corporations in Egypt between 1887 and 1914. Egypt had an unusual system of incorporation. The main legal system was a close French transplant but entrepreneurs – Europeans and Egyptians alike – had the option of incorporating under any European law. This practice allowed extraordinary legal flexibility in choice of law, governance provisions, and board composition. The new findings show that companies incorporated under British law provided weaker shareholder protection than companies incorporated under French laws, especially in giving weaker voting rights to minority shareholders, preventing oversight over directors' borrowing powers, and limiting director rotation. These rules mattered for firm performance. Corporations with weaker investor protection had higher failure risk, were less profitable, and had lower firm value.
Board gender diversity and firm solvency: Evidence from Scandinavia
Authors: Garcia‐Blandon Josep , Argilés‐Bosch Josep Maria , Ravenda Diego
Published: March 2023

The implementation of a board gender quota in Norway in 2006 resulted in an extraordinary increase in the number of female directors over a short period of time. As a result, previous studies have used this unique scenario to examine the effects of appointing female directors on various corporate outcomes, such as the cost of debt. Extending this line of research, this study explores whether the appointment of female directors to the boardroom has a significant impact on a firm's solvency. The empirical analysis draws on a sample of firms from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and implements difference‐in‐differences estimations. The extant evidence is scarce and inconclusive and, more importantly, has been obtained without controlling for endogeneity. Our findings strongly suggest that the solvency of Norwegian firms did not change significantly after the appointment of a large number of female directors. This result is robust to a battery of sensitivity checks.
Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with prior aortic valve intervention: Characteristics, ablation and outcomes
Authors: Khalil Fouad , Toya Takumi , Ahmad Ali , Siontis Konstantinos C. , Mulpuru Siva K. , Del‐Carpio Munoz Freddy , Cha Yong‐Mei , Friedman Paul A. , Munger Thomas , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Killu Ammar M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Data regarding ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation in patients with aortic valve (AV) intervention (AVI) is limited. Catheter ablation (CA) can be challenging given perivalvular substrate in the setting of prosthetic valves. We sought to investigate the characteristics, safety, and outcomes of CA in patients with prior AVI and ventricular arrhythmias (VA).

Methods

We identified consecutive patients with prior AVI (replacement or repair) who underwent CA for VT or PVC between 2013 and 2018. We investigated the mechanism of arrhythmia, ablation approach, perioperative complications, and outcomes.

Results

We included 34 patients (88% men, mean age 64 ± 10.4 years, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 35.2 ± 15.0%) with prior AVI who underwent CA (22 VT; 12 PVC). LV access was obtained through trans‐septal approach in all patients except one patient who had percutaneous transapical access. One patient had combined retrograde aortic and trans‐septal approach. Scar‐related reentry was the dominant mechanism of induced VTs. Two patients had bundle branch reentry VTs. In the VT group, substrate mapping demonstrated heterogeneous scar that involved the peri‐AV area in 95%. Despite that, the site of successful ablation included the periaortic region only in 6 (27%) patients. In the PVC group, signal abnormalities consistent with scar in the periaortic area were noted in 4 (33%) patients. In 8 (67%) patients, the successful site of ablation was unrelated to the periaortic area. No procedure‐related complications occurred. The survival and recurrence‐free survival rate at 1 year tended to be lower in VT group than in PVC group (p = .06 and p = .05, respectively) with a 1‐year recurrence‐free survival rate of 52.8% and 91.7%, respectively. No arrhythmia‐related death was documented on long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusion

CA of VAs can be performed safely and effectively in patients with prior AVI.
Associations of HIV and iron status with gut microbiota composition, gut inflammation and gut integrity in South African school‐age children: a two‐way factorial case–control study
Authors: Goosen Charlene , Proost Sebastian , Baumgartner Jeannine , Mallick Kashish , Tito Raul Y. , Barnabas Shaun L. , Cotton Mark F. , Zimmermann Michael B. , Raes Jeroen , Blaauw Renée
Published: March 2023

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and iron deficiency (ID) affect many African children. Both HIV and iron status interact with gut microbiota composition and related biomarkers. The study's aim was to determine the associations of HIV and iron status with gut microbiota composition, gut inflammation and gut integrity in South African school‐age children.

Methods

In this two‐way factorial case–control study, 8‐ to 13‐year‐old children were enrolled into four groups based on their HIV and iron status: (1) With HIV (HIV+) and ID (n = 43), (2) HIV+ and iron‐sufficient nonanaemic (n = 41), (3) without HIV (HIV−) and ID (n = 44) and (4) HIV− and iron‐sufficient nonanaemic (n = 38). HIV+ children were virally suppressed (<50 HIV RNA copies/ml) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Microbial composition of faecal samples (16S rRNA sequencing) and markers of gut inflammation (faecal calprotectin) and gut integrity (plasma intestinal fatty acid–binding protein [I‐FABP]) were assessed.

Results

Faecal calprotectin was higher in ID versus iron‐sufficient nonanaemic children (p = 0.007). I‐FABP did not significantly differ by HIV or iron status. ART‐treated HIV (redundancy analysis [RDA] R2 = 0.009, p = 0.029) and age (RDA R2 = 0.013 p = 0.004) explained the variance in the gut microbiota across the four groups. Probabilistic models showed that the relative abundance of the butyrate‐producing genera Anaerostipes and Anaerotruncus was lower in ID versus iron‐sufficient children. Fusicatenibacter was lower in HIV+ and in ID children versus their respective counterparts. The prevalence of the inflammation‐associated genus Megamonas was 42% higher in children with both HIV and ID versus HIV− and iron‐sufficient nonanaemic counterparts.

Conclusions

In our sample of 8‐ to 13‐year‐old virally suppressed HIV+ and HIV− children with or without ID, ID was associated with increased gut inflammation and changes in the relative abundance of specific microbiota. Moreover, in HIV+ children, ID had a cumulative effect that further shifted the gut microbiota to an unfavourable composition.
Targeting translation: A review of preclinical animal models in the development of treatments for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: White Daniel , Abdulla Munawwar , Park Susanna B. , Goldstein David , Moalem‐Taylor Gila , Lees Justin G.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

The expanding use of chemotherapy in curative cancer treatment has simultaneously resulted in a substantial and growing cohort of cancer survivors with prolonged disability from chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is associated with several commonly prescribed chemotherapeutics, including taxanes, platinum‐based drugs, vinca alkaloids, bortezomib and thalidomide. These distinct classes of chemotherapeutics, with their varied neurotoxic mechanisms, often cause patients to suffer from a broad profile of neuropathic symptoms including chronic numbness, paraesthesia, loss of proprioception or vibration sensation and neuropathic pain. Decades of investigation by numerous research groups have provided substantial insights describing this disease. Despite these advances, there is currently no effective curative or preventative treatment option for CIPN and only the dual serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Duloxetine is recommended by clinical guidelines for the symptomatic treatment of painful CIPN.

Methods

In this review, we examine current preclinical models, with our analysis focused on translational relevance and value.

Results

Animal models have been pivotal in achieving a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CIPN. However, it has been challenging for researchers to develop appropriate preclinical models that are effective vehicles for the discovery of translatable treatment options.

Interpretation

Further development of preclinical models targeting translational relevance will promote value for preclinical outcomes in CIPN studies.
Evaluation of the normalgastrointestinaltract in cats using dual‐phasecomputed tomography
Authors: Holle H. M. , Ghilagaber G. , Drees R.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

In cats, although ultrasonography remains the preferred modality to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, computed tomographic (CT) examination of the abdomen is commonly performed. However, a normal description of the gastrointestinal tract is lacking. This study describes the conspicuity and contrast enhancement pattern of the normal gastrointestinal tract in cats using dual‐phase CT.

Materials and Methods

Pre‐ and dual‐phase postcontrast (early scan at 30 seconds and late scan mean at 84 seconds) abdominal CT exams of 39 cats without history, clinical signs or diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease were reviewed. The gastrointestinal tract was examined for conspicuity and enhancement pattern using commercially available viewing software (Osirix, v.6.5.2), and diameters of 16 gastrointestinal segments were recorded and compared with published radiographic and ultrasonographic reference values.

Results

Of the 624 gastrointestinal segments, 530 (84.9%) were identified on precontrast studies and 545 (87.3%) segments on postcontrast studies. Of the gastrointestinal wall segments, 257 (41.2%) were identified on precontrast studies and 314 (50.3%) on postcontrast studies. Gastrointestinal segment diameters correlated well with published normal values, whereas wall thickness measurements usually were smaller compared with sonographic normal values. Early mucosal surface enhancement was frequently seen in the gastric cardia and fundus and ileocolic junction, and a mainly transmural wall enhancement in other gastrointestinal segments.

Clinical Significance

Dual‐phase CT allows for the identification of gastrointestinal tract segments and walls in cats. Contrast enhancement improves conspicuity and demonstrates wall layering in the cardia, fundus and ileocolic junction.
Lower urinary tract symptoms are elevated with depression in Japanese women
Authors: Ninomiya Sahoko , Kawahara Takashi , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Ito Hiroki , Makiyama Kazuhide , Uemura Hiroji
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Depression might worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but the correlation is still disputed. This study examined the influence of depression on LUTS in Japanese women.

Methods

This study used a web‐based questionnaire to evaluate the mental status of depression and LUTS. The mental status of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology‐Japanese version (QIDS‐J), and LUTS was assessed based on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and responses to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form.

Results

A total of 4151 of 5400 (76.9%) women responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 48.3 ± 13.8 years. The OABSS gradually increased with the QIDS‐J score. The incidence of overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) also increased along with the QIDS‐J score. In the younger age group (20–39 years old), the risks of OAB and UUI were higher than in the elderly group (7.42 for OAB and 7.44 for UUI).

Conclusions

This study revealed that worsening of LUTS was correlated with depression.
Development of the generic Community Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling Package
Authors: Rudert Christiane , Koniz‐Booher Peggy , Lung'aho Mary , Stone‐Jimenez Maryanne , Arts Maaike , Bégin France
Published: March 2023

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) promotion is a key component in the set of high impact interventions to improve nutrition. The literature provides evidence of the positive impact of IYCF promotion through various platforms, including communities. In 2009, UNICEF and WHO agreed that a global, “generic” IYCF package of resources and tools to plan, implement, and monitor community‐based IYCF programmes and to build skills of community‐based workers was needed. In 2010, the UNICEF Community Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling Package was finalized and field tested under a strategic collaboration between UNICEF New York and Nutrition Policy and Practice and the Center for Human Services/University Research Company. The Package includes 11 tools to guide adaptation of the materials, the design, planning, and implementation of IYCF programmes and the training, monitoring, supervision, and mentoring of community workers, using an interactive and experiential adult learning approach. The Package was rolled out from 2011 onwards and by 2017 was implemented in 87 countries. In 2013, UNICEF and the United States Agency for International Development‐funded Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally project started planning the evaluation, and a study site was selected in Nigeria to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of the Package on IYCF practices, knowledge, and worker skills. This article describes the need for and development of the Package, its content and approach to skills building, as well as its current implementation. Finally, it makes the case for the evaluation of the Package, which is covered in the other papers in the Supplement in relation to the Nigeria evaluation.
Parallel host shifts in a bacterial plant pathogen suggest independent genetic solutions
Authors: Donegan Monica A. , Coletta‐Filho Helvécio D. , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: March 2023

While there are documented host shifts in many bacterial plant pathogens, the genetic foundation of host shifts is largely unknown. Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial pathogen found in over 600 host plant species. Two parallel host shifts occurred—in Brazil and Italy—in which X. fastidiosa adapted to infect olive trees, whereas related strains infected coffee. Using 10 novel whole‐genome sequences from an olive‐infecting population in Brazil, we investigated whether these olive‐infecting strains diverged from closely related coffee‐infecting strains. Several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, many derived from recombination events, and gene gain and loss events separated olive‐infecting strains from coffee‐infecting strains in this clade. The olive‐specific variation suggests that this event was a host jump with genetic isolation between coffee‐ and olive‐infecting X. fastidiosa populations. Next, we investigated the hypothesis of genetic convergence in the host shift from coffee to olive in both populations (Brazil and Italy). Each clade had multiple mutations and gene gain and loss events unique to olive, yet no overlap between clades. Using a genome‐wide association study technique, we did not find any plausible candidates for convergence. Overall, this work suggests that the two populations adapted to infect olive trees through independent genetic solutions.
What can anarchism do for nursing?
Authors: Martin Patrick , Laurin Annie‐Claude
Published: March 2023

The notion of mutual aid, which Peter Kropotkin introduced in the 19th century, goes against the logic of competition as a natural condition, and instead shows how mutual aid is a more important factor to consider for the survival and flourishing of a group. The best cooperation strategies allow organisms to adapt to different types of changes in their environment—and we have witnessed a lot of these changes since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This propensity towards cooperation is not a foreign concept, despite how it seems to be overshadowed by individualism in Western societies. These reflections then lead us to believe it is possible to apply the anarchist philosophical principle of mutual aid to our social organizations, rather than giving priority, again and again, to competition and professional hierarchies, especially in healthcare systems, and particularly in hospitals were the majority of nurses work. For us, anarchist philosophical precepts, including but not limited to mutual aid, can be the key to a more adequate functioning of healthcare institutions. Anarchism can help to imagine the first steps needed to take to gradually move away from ideologies that encourage competition, professional hierarchies, and illegitimate authority. In this paper, we will first explore some anarchist philosophical precepts before turning to mutual aid as it is currently conceptualised, then highlight several concrete ways it is visible in nursing, as well as ways it can be applied in hospitals, and healthcare systems.
Adjusting fungicide treatment programmes when resistance is developing: The case of spot‐form net‐blotch in Western Australia
Authors: van den Bosch Frank , Zerihun Ayalsew , Poole Nick , Thomas Geoff , Lopez‐Ruiz Francisco J.
Published: March 2023

We use the case of spot‐form net‐blotch (SFNB) and azole fungicides in Western Australia to investigate the financial implications of a switch from fungicide A, to which high resistance is developing, to a more expensive fungicide B, to which less resistance has developed. This is done using a budget calculation coupled with an epidemiological model. The model calculates the total financial cost of disease as the sum of the expense of the fungicide treatment programme and the cost of disease‐induced yield loss. The optimal treatment programme is that which minimizes the total cost of disease. We show that when the pathogen population is dominated by wild‐type strains, propiconazole is the fungicide minimizing the cost of disease. The number of applications and optimal dose depend on the potential yield of the field under consideration. When the pathogen population is dominated by a strain highly resistant to propiconazole, the use of this fungicide will not give a positive financial return. In this case the azole mixture, prothioconazole + tebuconazole is more cost effective. The pathogen strains with medium resistance to propiconazole have little effect on the optimal treatment programme compared to the wild type. We also use the model to calculate, depending on the potential yield and on whether an effective seed treatment is used, the frequency of the highly resistant strains at which the switch from the use of propiconazole to the use of prothioconazole + tebuconazole is economically justified.
Recentralization and the long‐lasting effect of campaign‐style enforcement: From the perspective of authority allocation
Authors: Dong Di , Ran Rong , Liu Bingsheng , Zhang Jinfeng , Song Chengcheng , Wang Jing
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses whether the effect of campaign‐style enforcement can surpass the short term from the perspective of authority allocation. Based on the theory of authority allocation, we establish an explanatory framework for the impact of authority allocation on the effect of campaign‐style enforcement. We argue that, through authority allocation, the central government has both formal authority and real authority, which helps to extend the effect of campaign‐style enforcement beyond the short term. We empirically studied the regulatory compliance in China's environmental administrative talk from 2014 to 2016. Statistical findings supported by robustness checks confirm our theoretical hypotheses. Further analysis shows that campaign‐style enforcement can be more effective when local officials have longer tenure, higher levels of education, or older age. Our paper shows that authority recentralization on specific issues can bridge the conflict of policy goals between central and local governments, prolonging the effect of campaign‐style enforcement.
Transcriptomic and methylomic analyses provide insights into the molecular mechanism and prediction of heterosis in rice
Authors: Fu Chongyun , Ma Ce , Zhu Manshan , Liu Wuge , Ma Xiaozhi , Li Jinhua , Liao Yilong , Liu Dilin , Gu Xiaofeng , Wang Haiyang , Wang Feng
Published: March 2023

Heterosis has been widely used in multiple crops. However, the molecular mechanism and prediction of heterosis remains elusive. We generated five F1 hybrids [four showing better‐parent heterosis (BPH) and one showing mid‐parent heterosis], and performed the transcriptomic and methylomic analyses to identify the candidate genes for BPH and explore the molecular mechanism of heterosis and the potential predictors for heterosis. Transcriptomic results showed that most of the differentially expressed genes shared in the four better‐parent hybrids were significantly enriched into the terms of molecular function, and the additive and dominant effects played crucial roles for BPH. DNA methylation level, especially in CG context, significantly and positively correlated with grain yield per plant. The ratios of differentially methylated regions in CG context in exons to transcription start sites between the parents exhibited significantly negative correlation with the heterosis levels of their hybrids, as was further confirmed in 24 pairwise comparisons of other rice lines, implying that this ratio could be a feasible predictor for heterosis level, and this ratio of less than 5 between parents in early growth stages might be a critical index for judging that their F1 hybrids would show BPH. Additionally, we identified some important genes showing differential expression and methylation, such as OsDCL2, Pi5, DTH2, DTH8, Hd1 and GLW7 in the four better‐parent hybrids as the candidate genes for BPH. Our findings helped shed more light on the molecular mechanism and heterosis prediction.
MRI appearance of multiple displaced osteochondritis dissecans cartilage fragments in the bicipital tendon sheath of a juvenile dog
Authors: Tirillini Francesca , Villedieu Erika , Bilmont Alexis , Casado Bregon David , Carrera Ines
Published: March 2023

A 1‐year‐old Bernese Mountain dog presented with an acute onset of left thoracic limb lameness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left shoulder was performed, showing a subchondral bone defect in the caudomedial aspect of the humeral head. In addition, several round hypointense structures were visible in the biceps tendon sheath. A left shoulder arthroscopy was performed, which confirmed an osteochondritic lesion. Exploration of the biceps tendon sheath via a small open approach allowed retrieval of the fragments, which likely migrated from the joint. Histopathology confirmed the structures to be multiple osteochondritic fragments.
Systematic Assessment of the Two-Step, One-Way Coupled Method for Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Papafilippou Nikolaos , Chishty Muhammad Aqib , Gebart Rikard
Published: March 2023

This paper assesses the validity of the Two-Step, One-Way (TSOW) coupled method for computational fluid dynamics, which splits a complicated geometry into an upstream and a downstream part. The problem is solved in two steps: first, the upstream part using approximate downstream boundary conditions, followed by a solution of the downstream flow where the inlet boundary conditions are extracted from the upstream solution. The method is based on two assumptions: first, the solution for the upstream part should be identical in the common domain to a complete solution. Second, the solution for the downstream part should be identical in the common domain to a complete solution. The resulting agreement between the upstream solution and the full solution was excellent, except in the vicinity of the outflow boundary. For the assessment of the second assumption, the downstream flow was simulated with two sets of boundary conditions, one that was extracted from the full simulation, and one that came from the upstream part solution. The two solutions in the downstream geometry with slightly different boundary conditions agreed excellently with each other but exhibited small differences from the full solution. Overall, the difference to the full solution is judged to be acceptable for many engineering design situations. The solution time for the TSOW method was about 23 h faster than the full solution, which took about 85 h on the same hardware. For additional design iterations, where the same upstream geometry can be used, a 30-h gain would be obtained for each step.
Experimental Investigations of Centrifugal Compressor Surge Noise
Authors: Zhao Ben , Zhou Teng , Yang Ce
Published: March 2023

Surge is a crucial problem for achieving a good working range of centrifugal compressor and power cycle safety. Effective and early detection of the surge is essential to avoid its onset. In this paper, experiments measuring the pressure and acoustic signals have been conducted to investigate the surge. The compressor prototype used in this study consists of an impeller wheel with backward blades, a vaneless diffuser, and a downstream discharge volute. The compressor prototype was instrumented with steady pressure and temperature sensors to characterize the performance map, a fast dynamic pressure sensor to measure the surge-induced pressure fluctuation, and 13 microphones to record the acoustic pressure on the inlet duct wall and in the far field. The transient experimental data were analyzed in time and frequency domains. The noise related to surge is identified as a chord sound from multiple sources that radiate acoustic impulse synchronously at the compression system surge frequency (below 10 Hz in the current experiment). A previously rarely discussed surge inception is identified from the acoustic spectrogram within the frequency range of 30–85 Hz, but not reflected by the pressure signal, in which an increase of the sound pressure level (SPL) is detected before the mass flow rate achieves the surge point. The mechanism is that the pressure fluctuation corresponding to the inception is too weak, within the detecting range of microphones that measures acoustic signals, and lower than the bottom limit of the commonly used dynamic pressure sensors. It suggests that acoustic measurement may have advantages in surge inception detection and prediction.
Roughness-Resolved Large-Eddy Simulation of Additive Manufacturing-Like Channel Flows
Authors: Meynet Serge , Barge Alexis , Moureau Vincent , Balarac Guillaume , Lartigue Ghislain , Hadjadj Abdellah
Published: March 2023

In the last decade, progresses in additive manufacturing (AM) have paved the way for optimized heat exchangers whose disruptive design will heavily rely on predictive numerical simulations. However, due to typical roughness induced by AM, current wall models used in steady and unsteady 3D Navier–Stokes simulations do not take into account such characteristics. For the development and assessment of novel wall models for AM, a high-fidelity roughness-resolved large-eddy simulation (RRLES) database is built. This article describes the numerical setup and the methodology used for conducting RRLES, from surface generation to postprocessing. In addition, three different cases representing two printing directions plus a streamwise and spanwise isotropic case are investigated. While the roughness distributions are the same in the three cases, the effective slope (ES) is very different, and the impact of this parameter on turbulence and heat transfer is analyzed at different Reynolds numbers.
Pressure Drop Prediction Model of the Gas-Liquid Stratified Flow Development Section in the Horizontal Pipeline
Authors: Zhang Fenna , Zhang Yingying , Li Jia , Zhu Hongying , Zhang Jian , Qi Yaoguang
Published: March 2023

The gas phase accelerating beyond the liquid phase caused by gas-liquid slippage cannot be ignored in short horizontal pipelines with undulation and inflow, and there is no method to calculate it. Therefore, a pressure drop prediction model for variable liquid holdup was developed in this paper. The theoretical model calculation results were validated using computational fluid dynamics. The effectiveness of the pressure drop prediction model has been demonstrated. The various pressure drop, liquid holdup, and development length laws were then examined. The findings indicate that: the pressure drop in the developed section of stratified flow is not only the friction pressure drop but also the acceleration pressure drop; the length of the stratified flow development section and pipeline pressure drop are more easily affected by the flowrate than the liquid holdup in the pipe inlet. Using the relevant data from coalbed methane horizontal wells as an example, the L/D of the development section is approximately 40–85 when the inlet flowrate is 0.8–1 m/s, and the inlet liquid holdup is 0.3–0.5. The pressure drop characteristics in the gas-liquid stratified flow development section are obviously different from those in the stable section. The development of a pressure drop prediction model for the stratified flow development section lays the theoretical groundwork for the investigation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in horizontal pipelines with short or undulating and inflow conditions.
Experiments With Sea Spray Icing: Investigation of Icing Rates
Authors: Deshpande Sujay , Sæterdal Ane , Sundsbø Per-Arne
Published: March 2023

Sea spray icing on ships and marine structures depends on a complex correlation between metocean parameters and vessel characteristics. Sea spray icing rates have mostly been investigated and given as a function of general metocean parameters. The existing models suffer from the lack of experimental data. More experimental data are required for better prediction models and understanding of the icing process. This article presents results from a comprehensive cold laboratory study of the dependence and trends of sea spray icing rates related to eight parameters. Experiments were performed simulating sea spray from a nozzle toward a vertical surface in the freezing environment. This study presents 20 unique tests structured into eight experiments, each of which focuses on change in icing rates due to one independent variable. Results showed that the sea spray rate dependence of the investigated parameters complies with the existing knowledge; however, preliminary analysis points out various unintentional covariates for most experiments that call for further investigations. This is the greatest number of variables tested in one set of experiments to date and serves as valuable sea spray icing data experimental data—a limitation for the evaluation of previous models that pointed out the lack of enough icing measurements in this field of research.
Evaluation and subsequent treatment for superficial peroneal entrapment and hypertrophic scar using high-resolution ultrasound
Authors: Kuo Chia-Yu , Wei Kuo-Chang
Published: March 2023

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Intramural ectopic pregnancy at 21 weeks of gestation
Authors: Wei Yuting , Wang Jin , Luo Hong
Published: March 2023

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In situ analysis of nucleation reactions during TiCl4/H2O atomic layer deposition on SiO2 and H-terminated Si surfaces treated with a silane small molecule inhibitor
Authors: Clerix Jan-Willem J. , Dianat Golnaz , Delabie Annelies , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: March 2023

Small-molecule inhibitors have recently been introduced for passivation during area-selective deposition (ASD). Small silanes like (N,N-dimethylamino)trimethylsilane (DMATMS) selectively react with −OH sites on SiO2 to form a less reactive –OSi(CH3)3 terminated surface. The –OSi(CH3)3 surface termination can inhibit many atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes, including TiCl4/H2O ALD. However, the mechanisms by which ALD is inhibited and by which selectivity is eventually lost are not well understood. This study uses in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to probe the adsorption of DMATMS on SiO2 and the subsequent reactions when the passivated surface is exposed to TiCl4/H2O ALD. The chemisorption of DMATMS on isolated –OH groups on SiO2 is shown to inhibit the reaction with TiCl4. Further, we find that starting with an inherently inhibiting H-terminated Si surface, DMATMS can also react with residual –OH groups and reduce the extent of nucleation. Finally, using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, the effectiveness of DMATMS passivation on SiO2 and H-terminated Si is quantified during extended ALD cycle numbers. The insight into the mechanisms of passivation by DMATMS and passivation loss can enable the rational design of highly selective ASD processes by carefully matching compatible surfaces, passivating agents, and ALD precursors.
Transfer of the Integrative and Conjugative Element ICE
St3
of Streptococcus thermophilus in Physiological Conditions Mimicking the Human Digestive Ecosystem
Authors: Herviou Pauline , Balvay Aurélie , Bellet Deborah , Bobet Sophie , Maudet Claire , Staub Johan , Alric Monique , Leblond-Bourget Nathalie , Delorme Christine , Rabot Sylvie , Denis Sylvain , Payot Sophie
Published: March 2023

The human gut microbiota plays a key role in maintaining normal host physiology and health, but its homeostasis is fragile. During their transit in the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria conveyed by food can exchange genes with resident bacteria.
Phaeochromocytoma in a patient with a Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome phenotype
Authors: Alkundi Alamin , Momoh Rabiu
Published: March 2023

A case of phaeochromocytoma in a female patient in her 50s with phenotypical expressions for the rare Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is presented. Whether this is an incidental finding or that there is a composite relationship between these two entities remains to be fully described. Less than 10 cases reporting likely association of BHD syndrome with adrenal tumours have been reported in the literature to date.
Barriers to contraceptive use among secondary school adolescents in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a formative qualitative study
Authors: Wondimagegne Yohanness Addisu , Debelew Gurmesa Tura , Koricha Zewdie Birhanu
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess barriers to contraceptive use among secondary school adolescents in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia, in 2021.

Design

A grounded theory approach to the qualitative study was conducted between December 2020 and April 2021 in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia.

Setting

The study was conducted in two urban and four rural schools, in Gedeo zone; Gedeo zone is one of the 14 zones in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region of Ethiopia.

Participants

The study involved 24 in-depth interviews with secondary school adolescents and 28 key informants. The interviews were conducted with students, school counsellors, Kebele youth association coordinators, zonal child, adolescent, and youth officers, health workers, and non-governmental organisation workers.

Results

The findings were organised into four major themes that influence contraceptive use; these include; (1) Individual-related barriers such as knowledge, fear and psychosocial development. (2) Community-related barriers encompass fear of rumours, family pressure, social and cultural norms, economic vulnerability, and religious beliefs. (3) Health service-related barriers include the lack of adolescent-responsive health services, health workers' behaviour, and fear of health workers. Furthermore, (4) The school and service integration barrier was identified.

Conclusions

Adolescents' contraceptive use was affected by various barriers ranging from individual to multisectorial levels. Adolescents note various barriers to using contraception and that, without contraception, sexual activity can lead to an increased risk for unintended pregnancy and its associated health risks.
Factors associated with higher quality of clinical practice guidelines and their recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of depression: a systematic review
Authors: Gabriel Franciele Cordeiro , de Melo Daniela Oliveira , Stein Airton Tetelbom , Fontes-Mota Géssica Caroline Henrique , dos Santos Itamires Benício , Rodrigues Camila da Silva , Rodrigues Mônica Cristiane , Ribeiro Tatiane Bomfim , Fráguas Renério , Florez Ivan D , Telles-Correia Diogo , Ribeiro Eliane
Published: March 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the pharmacological treatment of depression along with their recommendations and factors associated with higher quality.

Design

We conducted a systematic review that included CPGs for the pharmacological treatment of depression in adults.

Data sources

We searched for publications from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2021, in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, BVS and 12 other databases and guideline repositories.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included CPGs containing recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of depression in adults at outpatient care setting, regardless of whether it met the U.S. National Academy of Medicine criteria, or not. If a CPG included recommendations for both children and adults, they were considered. No language restriction was applied.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction was also conducted independently and in duplicate, a process that was validated in a previous project. The quality of the CPGs and their recommendations were assessed by three independent reviewers using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) and Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-Recommendations Excellence (AGREE-REX). A CPG was considered to be of high quality if AGREE II Domain 3 was ≥60%; while their recommendations were considered high if AGREE-REX Domain 1 was ≥60%.

Results

Seventeen out of 63 (27%) CPGs were classified as high quality, while 7 (11.1%) had high-quality recommendations. The factors associated with higher-scoring CPGs and recommendations in the multiple linear regression analyses were ‘Handling of conflicts of interest’, ‘Multiprofessional team’ and ‘Type of institution’. ‘Inclusion of patient representative in the team’ was also associated with higher-quality recommendations.

Conclusions

The involvement of professionals from diverse backgrounds, the handling of conflicts of interest, and the inclusion of patients’ perspectives should be prioritised by developers aiming for high-quality CPGs for the treatment of depression.