bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of non‐transplant biologics in solid organ transplant recipients: A practical review for the frontline clinician
Authors: Szczepanik Amanda , Choi David , Brady Beth , Chandran Mary Moss , Diamond Adam , Do Vincent , Fredrick Stacy , Kaiser Tiffany , Khalil Karen , Laub Melissa R. , Leino Abbie , Park Jeong M. , Pierce Dana , Rendulic TrisAnn , Wiegel Joshua J. , Fose Jillian , Jorgenson Margaret R.
Published: June 2022

Biologics have become the forefront of medicine for management of autoimmune conditions, leading to improved quality of life. Many autoimmune conditions occur in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and persist following transplant. However, the use of biologics in this patient population is not well studied, and questions arise related to risk of infection and adjustments to induction and maintenance immunosuppression. Guidelines have been published highlighting management strategies of biologics around the time of elective surgical procedures, but this is not always feasible in urgent situations, especially with deceased donor transplantation. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the use of these agents in solid organ transplant recipients, and specifically address induction and maintenance immunosuppression, as well as the need for alternative infective prevention strategies to create a practical reference for the frontline clinician, when faced with this complex clinical scenario.
Factors influencing superficial and deep vein thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy in varicose veins
Authors: Danneil Olivia , Dörler Martin , Stockfleth Eggert , Stücker Markus
Published: June 2022

Background

Side effects of foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins can include both deep (DVT) and superficial leg vein thrombosis (SVT). The risk factors that favor the development of SVT or DVT after foam sclerotherapy are still largely unclear. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to use a larger group of patients with thromboembolic complications to identify both patient‐related and procedure‐related risk factors for thromboembolic complications from foam sclerotherapy.

Patients and methods

A total of 170 patients who received foam sclerotherapy were examined. With reference to a cut‐off date, March 17th, 2020, the 85 most recent patients with thromboembolic complications (study group A) were included and compared to the most recent 85 patients without thromboembolic complications (control group B), after sclerotherapy with foamed sclerosant.

Results

Patients with a thromboembolic complication were more likely to have thrombophilia (11/85 vs. 3/85). The mean BMI values in group A (25.9 ± 5.1) were significantly lower than in group B (28.0 ± 7.2) (P = 0.034). Thromboembolic complications were more likely to appear after foam sclerotherapy on the lower leg (61/105) than on the thigh (1/13) (P < 0.001), particularly after dorsal than after ventral foam sclerotherapy (39 of 47 vs. 5 of 40, P < 0.001). Of the 39 thromboembolic complications on the dorsal lower leg, 23 were muscle vein thromboses.

Conclusion

The risk of muscle vein thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy is especially increased in slender patients with sclerosed, dorsal lower legs.
Prediabetes diagnosis is associated with the progression of coronary artery calcification: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
Authors: Choi In Young , Chang Yoosoo , Cho Yoosun , Kang Jeonggyu , Jung Hyun‐Suk , Wild Sarah H. , Byrne Christopher D. , Ryu Seungho
Published: June 2022

Aim

To investigate the associations between prediabetes defined by different diagnostic criteria and coronary artery calcification (CAC) and its progression over time.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 146 436 Korean adults without diabetes who underwent CAC estimation computed tomography (CT) during health examinations from 2011 to 2019. We used multinomial logistic regression models. The longitudinal study comprised 41 100 participants with at least one follow‐up cardiac CT and annual CAC progression rates and ratios were estimated. Prediabetes was categorized into three groups: isolated glucose prediabetes (fasting blood glucose [FBG] 100‐125 mg/dl, HbA1c < 5.7%), isolated HbA1c prediabetes (FBG < 100 mg/dl, HbA1c 5.7%‐6.4%) and prediabetes meeting both FBG and HbA1c criteria (FBG 100‐125 mg/dl, HbA1c 5.7%‐6.4%).

Results

After adjusting for covariates, the prevalence ratios (95% CI) for CAC scores of more than 100 comparing isolated glucose prediabetes, isolated HbA1c prediabetes and prediabetes fulfilling both criteria with those of normoglycaemia were 1.12 (0.99‐1.26), 1.24 (1.11‐1.39) and 1.31 (1.18‐1.45), respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted ratio (CIs) of annual CAC progression rates comparing the corresponding groups with the normoglycaemia group were 1.031 (1.023‐1.039), 1.025 (1.019‐1.032) and 1.054 (1.047‐1.062), respectively.

Conclusions

CAC risk and CAC progression were consistently highest in individuals meeting both glucose and HbA1c criteria, while all three prediabetes types showed a significantly increased risk of CAC progression. Atherosclerosis risk reduction management is necessary for prediabetes, especially in patients meeting both criteria.
Pulmonary artery acceleration time in young children is determined by heart rate and transpulmonary gradient but not by pulmonary blood flow: A simultaneous echocardiography—cardiac catheterization study
Authors: Tai Christiana , Hsieh Anyir , Moon‐Grady Anita J. , Keller Roberta L. , Teitel David , Nawaytou Hythem M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) is considered useful for the non‐invasive evaluation of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PAAT is dependent on PAP, PVR, pulmonary artery compliance, stroke volume, and heart rate. Its relative dependency on these determinants may differ between young and older children, raising uncertainty regarding its utility in young children. We aim to identify the primary determinants of the PAAT in children less than 36 months undergoing cardiac catheterization and its utility for the diagnosis of elevated PVR.

Methods

We prospectively studied 42 children undergoing cardiac catheterization and simultaneous echocardiography. We determined the correlations of PAAT to the above‐mentioned determinants and evaluated receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for diagnosis of PVR indexed to body surface area (PVRi) ≥3 Wu*m2.

Results

Median age was 11.5 (IQR 5.2, 21.2) months. Moderate correlations were found between PAAT and mean PAP (R = ‐.66, p < .001), PVRi (R = ‐.54, p = .004), pulmonary artery compliance (R = .65, p < .001), transpulmonary gradient (R = ‐.67, p < .001), stroke volume (R = .61, p = .002), and heart rate (R = ‐.63, p < .001). In multivariate regression modeling, only transpulmonary gradient and heart rate were independent determinants of PAAT. PAAT ≤77 msec had acceptable utility for diagnosing PVRi ≥ 3 Wu*m2 (AUC .8 [.64, .95], n = 36), low sensitivity (59%), and excellent specificity (94%).

Conclusion

Transpulmonary gradient and heart rate, but not pulmonary blood flow, are important determinants of PAAT in children <36 months undergoing cardiac catheterization. PAAT has low sensitivity for diagnosing elevated PVRi, therefore, should not be solely relied upon in screening for elevated PVRi in young children.
Relationship between pancreatic iron overload, glucose metabolism and cardiac complications in sickle cell disease: An Italian multicentre study
Authors: Pistoia Laura , Meloni Antonella , Allò Massimo , Spasiano Anna , Messina Giuseppe , Sorrentino Francesco , Gamberini Maria Rita , Ermini Angela , Renne Stefania , Fina Priscilla , Peritore Giuseppe , Positano Vincenzo , Pepe Alessia , Cademartiri Filippo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Evidence about the cross‐talk between iron, glucose metabolism, and cardiac disease is increasing. We aimed to explore the link of pancreatic iron by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with glucose metabolism and cardiac complications (CC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.

Methods

We considered 70 SCD patients consecutively enrolled in the Extension‐Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network. Iron overload was quantified by R2* technique and biventricular function by cine images. Macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by late gadolinium enhancement technique. Glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

Patients with an altered glucose metabolism showed a significantly higher pancreas R2* than patients with normal glucose metabolism. Pancreatic siderosis emerged as a risk factor for the development of metabolic alterations (OddsRatio 8.25, 95%confidence intervals 1.51–45.1; p = .015). Global pancreas R2* values were directly correlated with mean serum ferritin levels and liver iron concentration. Global pancreas R2* was not significantly associated with global heart R2* and macroscopic myocardial fibrosis. Patients with history of CC showed a significantly higher global pancreas R2* than patients with no CC.

Conclusions

Our findings support the evaluation of pancreatic R2* by MRI in SCD patients to prevent the development of metabolic and cardiac disorders.
Invasive brown widow spiders disperse aerially under a broad range of environmental conditions
Authors: Mowery Monica A. , Lubin Yael , Segoli Michal
Published: June 2022

Spiders commonly disperse on silk lines as juveniles by means of rappelling or ballooning. These modes of dispersal, especially long‐distance dispersal via ballooning, can greatly increase the distance an individual can move and, at the population level, the speed of range expansion and likelihood of gene flow. Nevertheless, few studies have examined how spiders disperse under field conditions, and which environmental and meteorological conditions may affect their decision to disperse. We tested dispersal by spiderlings of the invasive brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) under field conditions in the Negev Desert of Israel. We documented pre‐dispersal (climbing and tiptoeing) and dispersal (short‐distance dispersal by rappelling and long‐distance dispersal by ballooning) behaviours during the day (n = 147 spiders) and night (n = 171 spiders), while recording wind speed, temperature and humidity. We found that spiders ballooned significantly more during the day (14.3%) compared with 1.8% of spiders ballooning at night. At night, spiders were more likely to disperse in conditions of higher wind speeds, lower temperature and higher humidity, whereas during the day, environmental factors were less predictive of dispersal behaviour. In addition, we found significant differences in the proportion of spiderlings showing pre‐dispersal and dispersal behaviour depending on family line. In conjunction with human‐mediated dispersal, ballooning and rappelling may be an important mechanism of range expansion in the brown widow spider. Understanding the environmental and genetic factors affecting dispersal may lead to better management of invasive species.
Parasite‐mediated sexual selection in a damselfly
Authors: Khan Md Kawsar , Herberstein Marie E.
Published: June 2022

Sexual selection can improve population fitness and purge deleterious mutation from the gene pool by promoting condition‐dependent mate selection. One ecological factor that reduces individual condition is parasitism. Parasitism tends to increase hosts' mutation load and likely indicates inferior host genetic quality. Parasite‐mediated selection, therefore, should favour the mating success of parasite‐resistant individuals over parasitised individuals. We tested this hypothesis in male Agriocnemis pygmaea damselflies, which are parasitised by Arrenurus water mites. We calculated frequency (i.e. the proportion of parasitism) and intensity (i.e. the number of parasites per parasitised individual) of parasitism in free‐flying males and males in copula in seven natural populations. We predicted that males observed mating will be less likely to be parasitised than expected based on the frequency of parasitism in the population. We further predicted that parasite intensity would be lower in males caught in copula than single males. We found that parasitised males were significantly less likely to be found in copula than non‐parasitised males, independent of their occurrence frequency. However, there was no difference in the average parasite load between males captured in copula or free‐flying males. Our study shows that in addition to natural selection, sexual selection is a strong agent against parasitism and implies that it could promote local adaptation to counteract parasite driven extinction risks.
Blue‐tailed skinks have predation‐dependent threat discrimination
Authors: Kong Alyssa Y. , Man Lauren , Suan Kaylie A. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: June 2022

The extent to which prey respond to predation risk may depend upon the level of threat it perceives. A prey's perception of a threat can also be influenced by the background levels of predatory threat in the environment. Many animals also rely on visual cues to discriminate threat and assess risk. Eyes, in particular, are known to elicit an aversive response in prey. However, there is a lack of the literature about what salient physical features of a predator's gaze triggers aversion in prey, especially reptilian prey. We capitalized on the putatively aversive effects of eyes to better understand the influence of average background threat on risk perception. We approached blue‐tailed skinks (Emoia impar) with four different treatments: a blank control and three experimental treatments (two circular eyes, two squares, and one big circle) to test whether eye shape or number induced a greater aversive response in prey measured by the time allocated to key activities, as well as by flight initiation distance (FID) in locations of high and low background threat. Skinks discriminated more between treatments at low risk than in high risk situations by varying their behavior in response to treatments only in low‐risk scenarios, but this did not translate into differences in FID. Our results suggest that in high‐risk situations, the cost to discriminate is higher than at low risk. Although we can assume our treatments were not perceived as eyes due to a lack of discrimination toward the two circle treatment, detectability and more specifically diameter of stimuli are the most salient to skinks. While skinks are able to detect subtle differences in visual stimuli, this does not affect their overall fear response. Remarkably, skinks, a species not hunted by humans, have the ability to discriminate subtle features about them, a finding that is seen in other species and requires more study.
Fracture mechanisms of sodium silicate glasses
Authors: Rimsza Jessica M. , Jones Reese E.
Published: June 2022

Reactive classical molecular dynamics simulations of sodium silicate glasses, xNa2O–(100 − x)SiO2 (x = 10–30), under quasi‐static loading, were performed for the analysis of molecular scale fracture mechanisms. Mechanical properties of the sodium silicate glasses were consistent with experimentally reported values, and the amount of crack propagation varied with reported fracture toughness values. The most crack propagation occurred in NS20 systems (20‐mol% Na2O) compared with the other simulated compositions. Dissipation via two mechanisms, the first through sodium migration as a lower activation energy process and the second through structural rearrangement as a higher activation energy process, was calculated and accounted for the energy that was not stored elastically or associated with the formation of new fracture surfaces. A correlation between crack propagation and energy dissipation was identified, with systems with higher crack propagation exhibiting less energy dissipation. Sodium silicate glass compositions with lower energy dissipation also exhibited the most sodium movement and structural rearrangement within 10 Å of the crack tip during loading. Therefore, high sodium mobility near the crack tip may enable energy dissipation without requiring formation of structural defects. Therefore, the varying mobilities of the network modifiers near crack tips influence the brittleness and the crack growth rate of modified amorphous oxide systems.
Solubility and swelling of soils from native starch
Authors: Schmidt Carolin , Brunner Meike , Berger Christiane , Zahn Susann , Rohm Harald
Published: June 2022

The cleaning of food processing plants is essential for ensuring compliance with quality and hygiene standards. Properties of food‐borne soils such as solubility and swelling are relevant and provide information concerning their cleanability. In the context of cleaning processes in food industry, the aim of this study was to determine the impact that different cleaning fluids exhibit on the solubility and swelling behaviour of soils consisting of amylose‐ rich native maize, wheat, rice or potato starch or amylopectin rich native waxy maize starch. For this purpose, a process for the preparation of starch pastepowder, mimicking starch soils, was developed. After swelling in water or 20 g kg−1 NaOH at 25 or 55 °C, the solubility and the water binding capacity (WBC) of the starch powders were determined. The solubility of amylose rich starch paste powders was significantly higher in NaOH, whereas amylopectin rich waxy maize starch paste powder dissolved significantly better in water. The use of NaOH resulted in a significant decrease of the WBC of most starches. While a higher solubility and WBC was found for wet maize starch soils (starch paste) than for dried maize starch soils (starch paste powder), solubility and swelling of waxy maize starch soils were not affected by the residual moisture.
‘A Mark of Perfection:’ Receiving and Perfection in Aquinas’s Trinitarian Theology
Authors: Higgins Michael Joseph
Published: June 2022

In the last three decades, some Thomists have argued that receiving is a pure perfection, others that it is a transcendental, and others that it is neither. All agree, however, that Aquinas himself holds that it is neither a pure perfection nor a transcendental. I argue here that, while Aquinas does not number receiving among the pure perfections or the transcendentals, he comes closer to doing so than has been acknowledged, and – at least in one respect – he even associates reception more radically with perfection than do any of the more recent champions of receptivity.
Walking and cycling for health: A multi‐group analysis of path models between genders
Authors: Yen Hsin‐Yen , Liao Yung , Huang Wen‐Hsin
Published: June 2022

Aims

Walking and cycling are beneficial for urban adults' health. Transport and recreation are modifiable domains of major physical activity resources. The purposes of this study were to explore associations among psychological and environmental factors, walking and cycling behaviours and quality of life by developing a path model and comparing gender differences.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Participants were community‐dwelling healthy urban adults aged 20–65 years. Data were collected between September 2019 and June 2020 by self‐reported questionnaires, including health beliefs, the neighbourhood environment, walking and cycling behaviours and the World Health Organization Quality‐of‐Life Scale. An ANCOVA, chi‐squared tests, partial least squares‐path model and a multi‐group analysis were performed for statistical analyses.

Results

In total, 1294 valid responses were received, which included 41.27% men and 58.73% women. Men had lower walking behaviours and better self‐efficacy than women. The developed path model indicated an acceptable model fit. Significant path coefficients were found among psychological and environmental factors, walking and cycling behaviours and quality of life. The path model between men and women found no significant differences in any path coefficients. Significant path coefficients of environmental factors with cycling behaviour and of walking behaviour with quality of life were found in men but not in women.

Conclusion

Improving individuals' health beliefs, self‐efficacy and perceived walkability and cyclability is a beneficial strategy for promoting physical activity. Walking and cycling behaviours are recommended to improve the quality of life of urban adult populations.

Impacts

What problem did the study address?

A large proportion of urban adult populations still have insufficient physical activity globally. It is essential that implications from an overall perspective of psychological and environmental factors and their interactions be integrated to develop efficient strategies for promoting physical activity and quality of life.

What were the main findings?

The developed path model with an acceptable model fit found that psychological and environmental factors were important in explaining urban adults' walking and cycling behaviours and quality of life. Differences were not found between men's and women's path models.

Where and on whom will the research have impact?

Improving urban adults' psychological and environmental factors might be an efficient strategy for promoting sufficient physical activity. Men's low engagement in walking behaviours should garner increased attention. Providing equal opportunities for both genders to engage in walking and cycling behaviours are recommended for health promotion in urban regions.
From training to education: Understanding and responding to the resuscitation education issues with ideas and theory
Authors: Thompson James
Published: June 2022

Background

Alongside medical science, educational efficiency and local implementation have been identified as the three leading themes that influence cardiac arrest survival outcomes. Where the medical science domain continues to inform the contemporary evidence for the optimal practice, the remaining two education themes continue to face criticism linked to the poor sustainability of clinician resuscitation skills, with a rapid decay in abilities often evident soon after training and certification. The European Resuscitation Council recently reasserted the importance of programmes to reflect educational best practices and learning theory.

Discussion

This paper discusses a selection of key contemporary theoretical themes, which directly relate to several specific ongoing education concerns.

Reccomendations

Beyond questioning the effectiveness of current conventions to achieve sustainable knowledge and skills for the long term, it is suggested that common approaches may not be sufficient to prepare clinicians or certify competency for the complexities of these future events and that a major pedagogical shift may be required to teaching and assessment.
Evidence of Závora Bay as a critical site for reef manta rays, Mobula alfredi, in southern Mozambique
Authors: Carpenter Michelle , Cullain Nakia , Venables Stephanie Kathleen , Tibiriçá Yara , Griffiths Charles , Marshall Andrea Denise
Published: June 2022

The largest known reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) population in Africa has been monitored for more than 20 years at several locations on the coast of the Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique. Nonetheless, before this study, little had been reported on the population dynamics of M. alfredi from Závora, a remote bay in the region. Photographic mark‐recapture was used to investigate the size and structure of M. alfredi that aggregate at “Red Sands,” a reef cleaning station in Závora Bay. An 11 year photographic data set was used to identify 583 M. alfredi individuals between 2010 and 2021. More than half of M. alfredi individuals were resighted at least once, with most encounters (up to 18 for one individual) occurring during the peak sighting period in July–November each year. An even sex ratio was observed, 44% females and 50% males, with no significant difference in resightings between the sexes. Pollock's robust design population models were used to estimate annual abundance, emigration, annual apparent survival and capture probability at Red Sands from July to November over a 6 year period (2016–2021). Abundance estimates varied year to year, ranging from 35 (95% c.i. [30, 45]) up to 233 (95% c.i. [224, 249]) M. alfredi individuals. Given the seasonal affinity of M. alfredi observed at Red Sands, this study highlights the importance of understanding fine‐scale site use within the larger home range of this population to develop local management strategies.
Dynamic deconvolution and identification of independent autoregressive sources
Authors: Gourieroux Christian , Jasiak Joann
Published: June 2022

We consider a multi‐variate system , where the unobserved components are independent AR(1) processes and the number of sources is greater than the number of observed outputs. We show that the mixing matrix , the AR(1) coefficients and distributions of can be identified (up to scale factors of ), which solves the dynamic deconvolution problem. The proof is constructive and allows us to introduce simple consistent estimators of all unknown scalar and functional parameters of the model. The approach is illustrated by an estimation and identification of the dynamics of unobserved short‐ and long‐run components in a time series. Applications to causal models with structural innovations are also discussed, such as the identification in error‐in‐variables models and causal mediation models.
Estimation of the variance function in structural break autoregressive models with non‐stationary and explosive segments
Authors: Harvey David I. , Leybourne Stephen J. , Zu Yang
Published: June 2022

In this article, we consider estimating the innovation variance function when the conditional mean model is characterised by a structural break autoregressive model, which exhibits multiple unit root, explosive and stationary collapse segments, allowing for behaviour often seen in financial data where bubble and crash episodes are present. Estimating the variance function normally proceeds in two steps: estimating the conditional mean model, then using the residuals to estimate the variance function. In this article, a non‐parametric approach is proposed to estimate the complicated parametric conditional mean model in the first step. The approach turns out to provide a convenient solution to the problem and achieve robustness to any structural break features in the conditional mean model without the need of estimating them parametrically. In the second step, kernel‐smoothed squares of the truncated first‐step residuals are shown to consistently estimate the variance function. In Monte Carlo simulations, we show that our proposed method performs very well in the presence of explosive and stationary collapse segments compared with the popular rolling standard deviation estimator that is commonly used in economics and finance. As an empirical illustration of our new approach, we apply the volatility estimator to recent Bitcoin data.
Eating behaviors in children with Down syndrome: Results of a home‐use test
Authors: Ross Carolyn F. , Bernhard Charles Benjamin , Surette Victoria , Hasted Anne , Wakeling Ian , Smith‐Simpson Sarah
Published: June 2022

Children with Down syndrome (DS) display a disproportionate number of health challenges, including feeding and swallowing difficulties and food texture sensitivities. To start addressing food texture challenges early in life, the aim of this research was to understand mealtime behaviors and identify preferred food textures of children with DS. Children (aged 11 to 58 months) with DS (n = 111) and without (typically developing, TD; n = 107) participated in a home use test evaluating snack products of varying textures. Parents recorded their children's reactions to each food product; a panel of trained coders coded videos for mealtime behaviors. Children were also identified as food texture sensitive (TS) or non‐texture sensitive (NTS). Results showed that age, TS, the presence of a DS diagnosis and the TS*DS interaction influenced the child's behaviors to the food products. Children with DS were more likely to increase distance from the food, mouth/suck on the food, and less likely to chew/much on the food compared to children TD. Children with DS also ate significantly less than typically developing children. Similar mealtime behaviors were observed between the children with TD/<30 months of age and children with DS regardless of age (p < .05). While children with DS/TS had a higher disposition for the dissolvable texture, along with products that were salty and cheesy, children with DS/NTS had a greater tolerance for more textures in general, including crunchy and grainy. Overall, this research identified mealtime behaviors in children with DS, determined overall disposition of children with DS to foods of differences sensory properties, and demonstrated the influence of TS on a child's disposition to a food. This research will be extended to develop acceptable and innovative food products for children with DS/TS.
Genome‐wide footprints in the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) unveil a new domestication pattern of a fruit tree in the Mediterranean
Authors: Baumel Alex , Nieto Feliner Gonzalo , Médail Frédéric , La Malfa Stefano , Di Guardo Mario , Bou Dagher Kharrat Magda , Lakhal‐Mirleau Fatma , Frelon Valentine , Ouahmane Lahcen , Diadema Katia , Sanguin Hervé , Viruel Juan
Published: June 2022

Intense research efforts over the last two decades have renewed our understanding of plant phylogeography and domestication in the Mediterranean basin. Here we aim to investigate the evolutionary history and the origin of domestication of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which has been cultivated for millennia for food and fodder. We used >1000 microsatellite genotypes to delimit seven carob evolutionary units (CEUs). We investigated genome‐wide diversity and evolutionary patterns of the CEUs with 3557 single nucleotide polymorphisms generated by restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). To address the complex wild vs. cultivated status of sampled trees, we classified 56 sampled populations across the Mediterranean basin as wild, seminatural or cultivated. Nuclear and cytoplasmic loci were identified from RADseq data and separated for analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of these genomic‐wide data allowed us to resolve west‐to‐east expansions from a single long‐term refugium probably located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near the Atlantic coast. Our findings support multiple origins of domestication with a low impact on the genetic diversity at range‐wide level. The carob was mostly domesticated from locally selected wild genotypes and scattered long‐distance westward dispersals of domesticated varieties by humans, concomitant with major historical migrations by Romans, Greeks and Arabs. Ex situ efforts to preserve carob genetic resources should prioritize accessions from both western and eastern populations, with emphasis on the most differentiated CEUs situated in southwest Morocco, south Spain and eastern Mediterranean. Our study highlights the relevance of wild and seminatural habitats in the conservation of genetic resources for cultivated trees.
A leadless pacemaker matched with a vasovagal syncope: how long can it last?
Authors: ElRefai Mohamed , Menexi Christina , Abouelasaad Mohamed , Nettey Diana , Roberts Paul R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Guidelines recommend that cardiac pacing should be considered in patients suffering from frequent vasovagal syncopal (VVS) episodes. Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers (LP) in cardioinhibitory vasovagal populations specifically, rendering them a reasonable alternative to transvenous pacing in these patients. However, due to the paucity of data on extraction and the number of concomitant LPs that can be safely implanted, there are concerns regarding LPs’ battery longevity, especially in younger patients who may require decades of pacing therapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the first 100 LPs implanted at a tertiary cardiac centre in the UK. Demographical data and device parameters at implant and follow‐ups were obtained from the hospital's medical records. The battery life of the LPs in the VVS patients was compared to that of patients with other pacing indications.

Results

Ninety patients were included in the analysis. 14 patients (15.6%) had VVS, and 76 patients (84.4%) had other indications for pacing. Mean ages were 34 ± 13 years and 62 ± 20 years for the VVS and the other group, respectively. The estimated total battery life was 15.22 ± 0.35 and 13.65 ± 2.97 years in the VVS and the other indications group respectively (p = .04). There were no complications in the VVS group.

Conclusion

LPs provide a promising treatment for patients with vasovagal syncope with reassuring battery performance at the short/intermediate term. Further longer‐term follow‐up data are needed to identify the true battery potential in this patient cohort.
The cross‐sectional, longitudinal, and transitional associations between perceived support and suicidal ideation and behavior in late adolescence and emerging adulthood: Adjacent‐category logit models
Authors: Nestor Bridget A. , Liu Qimin , Tran Tiffany , Cole David A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) are prevalent in late adolescence and emerging adulthood. Prior research has identified perceived support as a correlate of SI and SA. Less is known, though, about the role of perceived support in differentiating among suicidal outcomes and between the incremental escalation of suicidal outcomes from SI to SA to serious suicide attempts (SSA).

Method

Using ordinal regression, we used Wave 1 and 2 data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 4500; 53% female; Mage = 16.6; 12% Hispanic) to examine cross‐sectional, longitudinal, and transitional models of perceived support and suicidality.

Results

Cross‐sectional results indicated that youths with higher perceived support were less likely to have suicidal ideation. Longitudinal results showed that youths with higher perceived support at Wave 1 were less likely to have suicidal ideation or serious suicide attempts at Wave 2. Transitional model results revealed that higher perceived support at Wave 1 was negatively associated with escalation in suicidal outcomes from Wave 1 to 2.

Conclusion

We discuss findings in the context of theories of suicide and discuss implications for suicide risk identification, intervention, and prevention efforts in late adolescence and emerging adulthood.
Parameters of epicentral status
Authors: Schneider Edgar W.
Published: June 2022

The present paper offers a fundamental discussion of constituent parameters and relevant issues associated with the concepts of pluricentricity and epicentres. It proposes an explicit division into a weak reading, highlighting the co‐existence of national varieties of languages, and a strong one, focusing on influence exerted by some varieties on others. Parameters which constitute epicentres include size and speaker numbers, geographical proximity, intensity of mutual relations, directionality of influence, and attitudinal factors. Methodologically, a fully convincing documentation of epicentral influence would call for diachronic data from both varieties in question, an investigation of detailed usage conditions of forms compared, and a plausible account of the potential for contact – though for now this seems very difficult to achieve. It is suggested that the perspective taken should not only encompass standard varieties and that the weak version of pluricentricity has strong roots in language attitudes and perception rather than production.
Safety and efficacy of treating post‐burn pathological scars with extracorporeal shock wave therapy: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Yang Yanhui , Kang Jingwen , Jiang Tianyu , Schmitz Christoph , Weng Changshui , Zhang Li
Published: June 2022

The clinical application of shockwave therapy has expanded to the treatment of pathological scars. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy on post‐burn pathological scars compared to comprehensive rehabilitation therapy alone. The randomised controlled trials of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for post‐burn pathological scars published in English and Chinese languages before October 2021 were included. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected articles were assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's ‘risk of bias’ tool. RevMan software was applied for data analysis. This is the first systematic review and meta‐analysis considering the effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on post‐burn pathological scars. And nine randomised controlled trials involving 422 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis results showed that, compared with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy alone, extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy was more effective in relieving pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−0.87 to −0.31], p < 0.0001) and pruritus related to pathological scars (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI: [−1.25 to −0.63], p = 0.004), improving scars' appearance (SMD = −1.78, 95% CI: [−3.37 to −0.19], p = 0.03) and elasticity (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: [0.29–0.21], p < 0.00001), decreasing scars thickness (SMD = −0.13, 95% CI: [−0.25 to −0.01], p = 0.04) and promoting the maturation status of scars (SMD = −2.86, 95% CI: [−3.96 to −1.76], p < 0.00001). There were no reported serious adverse events during and after extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the included studies. Available data preliminarily suggested that the combination of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy had better therapeutic effect on post‐burn pathological scars than comprehensive rehabilitation therapy alone, without obvious side effects. However, further clinical well‐controlled randomised controlled trials are needed. Systematic review registration ID: PROSPERO CRD42022297573.
Computational Elucidation of Mechanical Degradation in NMC Cathodes: Impact on Cell Performance
Authors: Barai Pallab
Published: June 2022

Next-generation lithium ion batteries are expected to demonstrate superior energy and power density with longer cycle life for successful electrification of the automobile, aviation, and marine industries. Adoption of lithium metal anodes with solid electrolytes can help to achieve that goal given that the dendrite-related issues are solved eventually. Another possibility is to use Ni-rich high-capacity NMC cathode materials with liquid and/or solid electrolytes, which presently experiences rapid capacity fade while charged to higher voltages. Several mechanical and chemical degradation mechanisms are active within these NMC-based cathode particles. Recent experimental research activities attempted to correlate the mechanical damage with the capacity fade experienced by Ni-rich LiNixMnyCozO2 (x+y+z = 1) (NMC) cathodes. A computational framework is developed in this study capable of quantifying the evolution of inter primary particle and cathode/electrolyte interfacial fracture experienced by the poly- and single-crystalline NMC cathodes during charge/discharge operation. Influences of mechanical degradation on the overall cell capacity, while operating with liquid and/or solid electrolytes, are successfully characterized. Decreasing the size of the cathode primary particles, or the size of the single-crystalline cathodes, can mitigate the overall mechanical degradation, and subsequent capacity fade, experienced by NMC cathodes. The developed theoretical methodology can help the engineers and scientists to better understand the mechanical degradation mechanism prevalent in Ni-rich NMC cathodes and build superior lithium ion-based energy storage devices for the application in next-generation devices.
Reconstitution of Mycobacterium marinum Nonhomologous DNA End Joining Pathway in
Leishmania
Authors: Zhang Wen-Wei , Wright Douglas G. , Harrison Lynn , Matlashewski Greg
Published: June 2022

Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is the most efficient double-stranded DNA break (DSB) repair pathway in mammalian cells. In contrast, the protozoan parasite
Leishmania
has no functional NHEJ pathway but retains the core NHEJ factors of Ku70 and Ku80 proteins.
Change in covid-19 risk over time following vaccination with CoronaVac: test negative case-control study
Authors: Hitchings Matt D T , Ranzani Otavio T , Lind Margaret L , Dorion Murilo , D’Agostini Tatiana Lang , de Paula Regiane Cardoso , de Paula Olivia Ferreira Pereira , de Moura Villela Edlaine Faria , Scaramuzzini Torres Mario Sergio , de Oliveira Silvano Barbosa , Schulz Wade , Almiron Maria , Said Rodrigo , de Oliveira Roberto Dias , Vieira da Silva Patricia , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes , Gorinchteyn Jean Carlo , Dean Natalie E , Andrews Jason R , Cummings Derek A T , Ko Albert I , Croda Julio
Published: June 2022

Objective

To estimate the change in odds of covid-19 over time following primary series completion of the inactivated whole virus vaccine CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech) in São Paulo State, Brazil.

Design

Test negative case-control study.

Setting

Community testing for covid-19 in São Paulo State, Brazil.

Participants

Adults aged ≥18 years who were residents of São Paulo state, had received two doses of CoronaVac, did not have a laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination, and underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 from 17 January to 14 December 2021. Cases were matched to test negative controls by age (in 5 year bands), municipality of residence, healthcare worker status, and epidemiological week of RT-PCR test.

Main outcome measures

RT-PCR confirmed symptomatic covid-19 and associated hospital admissions and deaths. Conditional logistic regression was adjusted for sex, number of covid-19 associated comorbidities, race, and previous acute respiratory illness.

Results

From 202 741 eligible people, 52 170 cases with symptomatic covid-19 and 69 115 test negative controls with covid-19 symptoms were formed into 43 257 matched sets. Adjusted odds ratios of symptomatic covid-19 increased with time since completion of the vaccination series. The increase in odds was greater in younger people and among healthcare workers, although sensitivity analyses suggested that this was in part due to bias. In addition, the adjusted odds ratios of covid-19 related hospital admission or death significantly increased with time compared with the odds 14-41 days after series completion: from 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.51) at 70-97 days up to 1.94 (1.41 to 2.67) from 182 days onwards.

Conclusions

Significant increases in the risk of moderate and severe covid-19 outcomes occurred three months after primary vaccination with CoronaVac among people aged 65 and older. These findings provide supportive evidence for the implementation of vaccine boosters in these populations who received this inactivated vaccine. Studies of waning should include analyses designed to uncover common biases.
Creation of a nationwide breastfeeding policy for surgical residents: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ziolkowski Natalia , Rogowsky Larissa , Innis Julia , Grant Buechner Angela , Springall Elena , Dengler Jana
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Breast feeding is recommended for the first year of a baby’s life due to numerous benefits for both the child and mother. After returning from maternity leave, surgical trainees face extensive barriers to breast feeding and tend to terminate breast feeding earlier than guideline recommendations. The aim of this scoping review is to assess existing breastfeeding policies for surgical trainees at the national level including postgraduate medical education offices, provincial resident unions and individual surgical programmes.

Methods and analysis

A modified Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework will be used. Specifically, (1) identifying the research question/s and (2) relevant studies from electronic databases and grey literature, (3) identifying and (4) selecting studies with independent verification, and (5) collating, summarising, and reporting data while having ongoing consultation between experts throughout the process. Experts will include a lactation consultant (AGB), a human resource leader (JI), a health information specialist (ES), two independent coders (NZ, LR) and a board-certified surgeon (JD). This work will take place as of December 2020 and be carried out to completion in 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be sought for this scoping review. Research findings will be disseminated through publications, presentations and meetings with relevant stakeholders.
Latent class cluster analysis of knowledge on acute myocardial infarction in community residents: a cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Yin , Ma Jing , Zhang Nan , Xiao Jian-yong , Wang Ji-xiang , Li Xiao-wei , Wang Jing , Zhang Yan , Gao Ming-dong , Zhang Xu , Wang Yuan , Wang Jing-xian , Xu Shi-bo , Gao Jing
Published: June 2022

Objective

Public knowledge of early onset symptoms and risk factors (RF) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is very important for prevention, recurrence and guide medical seeking behaviours. This study aimed to identify clusters of knowledge on symptoms and RFs of AMI, compare characteristics and the awareness of the need for prompt treatment.

Design

Multistage stratified sampling was used in this cross-sectional study. Latent GOLD Statistical Package was used to identify and classify the respondent subtypes of the knowledge on AMI symptoms or modifiable RFs. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors that predicted high knowledge membership.

Participants

A structured questionnaire was used to interview 4200 community residents aged over 35 in China. 4122 valid questionnaires were recovered.

Results

For AMI symptoms and RFs, the knowledge levels were classified into two or three distinct clusters, respectively. 62.7% (Symptom High Knowledge Cluster) and 39.5% (RF High Knowledge Cluster) of the respondents were able to identify most of the symptoms and modifiable RFs. Respondents who were highly educated, had higher monthly household income, were insured, had regular physical examinations, had a disease history of AMI RFs, had AMI history in immediate family member or acquaintance or had received public education on AMI were observed to have higher probability of knowledge on symptoms and RFs. There was significant difference in awareness of the prompt treatment in case of AMI occurs among different clusters. ‘Calling an ambulance’ was the most popular option in response of seeing others presenting symptoms of AMI.

Conclusions

A moderate or relatively low knowledge on AMI symptoms and modifiable RFs was observed in our study. Identification of Knowledge Clusters could be a way to detect specific targeted groups with low knowledge of AMI, which may facilitate health education, further reduce the prehospital delay in China and improve patient outcomes.